Deep in an ancient and serene mountain range lies endless mystery and tranquility. Here, there is a young man named Li Yun. He harbors deep curiosity and longing for Taoist thought. In this noisy and tumultuous world, Li Yun is eager to find that place of inner peace and the true meaning of life.

 

One day, Li Yun heard by chance that in that distant mountain range, there is a legendary reclusive Taoist master. This news was like a pebble dropped into the lake of his heart, stirring up ripples. Without hesitation, he decided to embark on the long journey of searching for this master, filled with anticipation, hoping to obtain precious revelations about Taoist enlightenment from this mysterious master and light a lamp for his life's journey.

 

Li Yun shouldered his simple backpack, which carried his hopes and longings. He took firm steps and walked slowly along the winding mountain path. Along the way, the magnificent mountain scenery unfolded before his eyes like a painting scroll. The clear stream flowed gurglingly, making pleasant sounds, as if telling the story of nature. Birds sang cheerfully on the branches, their songs clear and melodious, like sounds of nature. These natural beauties stirred an inexplicable emotion in his heart. He seemed to feel the heartbeat and breath of nature.

 

After several days of arduous trekking, Li Yun finally found the simple thatched cottage where the master lived in seclusion. The master had snow-white hair, and his hair fluttered gently in the breeze, as if the traces of time had settled here. However, his eyes were clear and profound, like a tranquil lake or a bright star, as if able to see through the essence of all things in the world. Li Yun was filled with respect. He respectfully bowed deeply to the master and said with sincerity and expectation in his voice, "Master, I have been constantly searching for the method of Taoist enlightenment but have always been unable to find the way in. Please give me some guidance and lead me on the bright path of enlightenment."

 

The master smiled faintly. That smile was like warm sunlight, instantly dispelling the confusion in Li Yun's heart. He said slowly, "The Way is everywhere. Look at these mountains and rivers. They are majestic and magnificent, containing the power and wisdom of nature. Look at these flowers, birds, fish, and insects. They are lively and vivid, showing the wonders and diversity of life. The Way that can be spoken of is not the eternal Way. Enlightenment cannot be taught through words. Instead, you need to feel nature and the pulse of life with your heart. Only when you truly become one with nature can you understand the true meaning of the Way."

 

Li Yun nodded as if understanding yet not fully understanding, and his heart fell into deep thought. The master then continued, "Yin and yang are mutually generated, and everything has its balance. Just like the alternation of day and night and the cycle of heat and cold. In life, you must learn to follow the changes of nature and not be attached to momentary gains and losses. When you can view the changes of all things in the world with a peaceful mindset, you will be one step closer to the Way."

 

In the following days, Li Yun stayed by the master's side and worked and meditated in the mountains with him. They rose with the sun and rested at sunset, feeling the rhythm and rhyme of nature. Li Yun began to feel every sunrise and sunset with his heart. The gorgeous morning glow and the warm sunset seemed to be telling the passage of time and the cycle of life. Every breeze that blew was like nature's caress, bringing comfort to his soul. Every blooming flower was like a miracle of life, making him feel the beauty and fragility of life.

 

One day, Li Yun sat alone by the stream and quietly watched the fish swimming in the water. Those fish swam freely, as if performing the agility and freedom of life. Suddenly, a wonderful feeling welled up in his heart, as if he had become one with everything around him. He could feel the breath of the mountains, the heartbeat of the stream, and the songs of the birds. At this moment, he understood the true meaning of what the master said, "The Way is everywhere."

 

From then on, Li Yun returned to the secular world with his new understanding of the Way. He was no longer troubled by worldly worries but faced everything in life with a peaceful and indifferent heart. There was more tranquility and firmness in his eyes, as if the noise of the world could not shake his inner peace. He also shared his insights with the people around him, hoping that more people could find inner peace and strength in Taoist thought and embark on this beautiful journey of seeking enlightenment together.