Yan Zhou said, "Then we have to start by discussing the principles of the Book of Changes! When Fuxi drew the first line and opened up the world, it was to make men in a matriarchal society take responsibility. But later, it ended up benefiting both gentlemen and scoundrels! And women were made to suffer! That's why Laozi spoke of the Way and then sought to break from it. The old sage feared that people would exploit his teachings about the Way and turn them into a sword for killing! Do you understand?"
Ming Jing smiled. "I understand!"
Yan Zhou said, "Actually, all the various schools of thought are interpreting the Book of Changes. Confucius approached it from the human way, while Laozi approached it from the way of Heaven! Even what the Buddhist scriptures say is much the same as the Book of Changes! But our Book of Changes dates back to ancient times, while Shakyamuni lived in the same era as those two sages! And what happened to Laozi after he left the pass remains a mystery. Some say he headed toward the Tarim Basin and delivered a destined person, helping them attain perfect enlightenment! That means someone with the mind of unsurpassed, complete, and perfect awakening! Others say he never left the pass. There is plenty of debate!"
Ming Jing said, "For the sake of all living beings, they made life hard for themselves, yet found joy in it!"
This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.
