The other two stewards both responded, “Alright!”

“The assessment begins. A cultivator must be well-versed in the seven volumes of scripture. Let me test you.” The steward, an old Daoist, said calmly, “Which seven volumes have you studied thoroughly?”

“I have studied nine volumes in depth. Please feel free to examine me.” Edward Clark then listed the nine volumes one by one.

“What is the content of Chapter 2 in Volume 7?” The old Daoist steward asked at random.

“…At the drifting of five clouds, the colorful luan returns; from afar, the golden boy is seen bringing the imperial edict. In the palace, rain and dew fall abundantly; the prime minister reverently bows at the immortal steps…” At this moment, the true text stirred in his heart, and he recited fluently, the words flowing smoothly.

“What is the content of Chapter 11 in Volume 5?” This time, another steward asked, as a precaution against cheating.

“…By imperial decree, brilliance shines upon the Purple Tenuity; the golden palace rises swiftly as if flying. All directions heed the order and submit; the three realms hear the news and look up in reverence…” Edward Clark recited without hesitation.

The stewards asked a few more questions, all of which he answered fluently. They exchanged glances, showing faint satisfaction.

“Our Daoist sect has ten thousand volumes of true scriptures, each with its own focus. Some contain subtle words of the Great Dao, others are comprehensive. What is tested is comprehension. I will give you half of this Dan Yun Method Record to read. After half an hour, explain it to us.” The old Daoist steward spoke, then casually pulled a thin half-volume Daoist book from the bookshelf behind him—it was indeed the Dan Yun Method Record—and placed it before Edward Clark. “Explain it. Explain as much as you can!”

On this bookshelf, all were half-volumes of Daoist books, a thousand in total, drawn at random.

Edward Clark rose to receive it and replied, “Yes!”

To interpret Daoist scriptures, one must have a certain foundation and coordinate with one’s own vital energy to discern the depth. It requires not only knowledge but also innate comprehension and careful deduction to gain insight.

Edward Clark walked to the table, sat down, and carefully read through the Dan Yun Method Record. He flipped through more than ten pages and found that it was only slightly advanced Daoist technique.

Of course, if it were a supreme Daoist text, how could Qingyang Dao Palace allow ordinary disciples to view it at will? Besides, for an assessment, it could not be too difficult.

Edward Clark focused his mind slightly. The turtle shell emitted another beam of clear light, instantly absorbing the text he read and transforming it into a mass of cloud qi. This cloud qi flowed and gradually condensed, but only formed half a character.

Though it was only half a character, as soon as he touched it, the profound meaning flowed forth. However, half a character could not last long; after a moment, with a “boom,” it dissipated like smoke.

Edward Clark was unconcerned. He deliberately spent another quarter of an hour reading before smiling slightly, taking up the inkstone, and silently grinding ink. Soon, the ink was ready, rich and glossy.

Edward Clark dipped his brush in ink, spread out the paper, weighed it down with a paperweight, and began to write swiftly. Occasionally, he would pause and silently look at the content in the Dan Yun Method Record.

The three stewards saw how smoothly he wrote and all became solemn, silently amazed.

It is known that interpreting Daoist texts is a taxing task; often, one must ponder for a long time over just a few lines. Now, to write so smoothly—does he truly possess such wisdom?

After half an hour, Edward Clark stood up and bowed to the three stewards. “I have finished. May I ask which steward will review it?”

One steward came over, picked up the paper, and said to Edward Clark, “I will preside over this round.”

He glanced at it and could not help but praise, “Excellent calligraphy!”

After that, he read silently. After four or five lines, he was surprised; as he continued, his surprise deepened. Finally, he looked directly at Edward Clark, speechless in astonishment.

This half-volume of the Dan Yun Method Record is only an introductory lesson for beginner disciples—not difficult, but not something outsiders can interpret at will. Yet this interpretation was clear and thorough; though not perfect in every aspect, it was meticulous and detailed. And this was only half a volume!

To gain such insight from half a volume—the steward now looked at Edward Clark with new eyes.

“Congratulations, young friend. You have passed the Daoist scripture interpretation round. I will write my evaluation and let the remaining two stewards assess you. I will observe as a witness.”

Edward Clark bowed in thanks. “Thank you, steward.”

At this time, the other two stewards also read the paper and exchanged glances. One stood up and said to Edward Clark, “Interpreting scriptures is mentally exhausting. Very well, you may go rest for today. Return here tomorrow morning for the next assessment.”

He then called out, “Clara, take this guest to Lianxin Pavilion to rest. Bring him here at the hour of Chen tomorrow morning.”

A Daoist acolyte ran in, bowed deeply to the three stewards, and replied, “Yes, I will obey!”

He then said to Edward Clark, “Fellow Daoist, please follow me!”

Chapter 10: Thoughts

The old Daoist steward watched Edward Clark leave, stood quietly in place, and after a moment said to a steward in a blue robe, “Senior brother, what do you think of Edward Clark?”

“His aptitude, foundation, and fortune have yet to be examined in detail, but his comprehension is excellent,” the steward replied, clearly understanding the old Daoist’s meaning.

Besides managing the affairs of the palace, Daoist stewards are also responsible for recruiting disciples of outstanding aptitude and comprehension from across the land, to ensure the Daoist lineage endures for all ages.

After a long silence, the last steward waved his hand and said, “You two junior brothers, do not harbor any thoughts. Though people of superior comprehension are rare, they are not few. Progress in the Dao requires not only aptitude and fortune, but also diligence and perseverance. There is no need to discuss this further for now.”

“Yes! We will follow senior brother’s arrangements!”

This steward held a high position. With his decision, the other two dropped the matter.