Both brothers were overjoyed upon receiving the spell manuals, especially Li Zhuo, whose excitement was plain for everyone to see. Eager to attain immortality at once and perform all sorts of miraculous feats like moving mountains and draining seas, he immediately set about practicing the spell according to the manual's instructions. To his dismay, however, things did not go as planned. No matter how Li Zhuo chanted the incantation or tried to circulate the inner energy through his meridians, the heat that should have transformed into flame never appeared. This dealt a heavy blow to Li Zhuo.
Li Qiu smiled faintly, knowing that the greatest taboos in cultivation are distraction and rushing for quick results. The Daoist path relies on tranquility, non-action, and following the natural flow of things; the more impatient one is, the harder it is to achieve success.
He walked over, patted Li Zhuo on the shoulder, and said, "Second Brother, do not be impatient. You must not become arrogant over a single success, nor lose your spirit over a few setbacks. Go back and carefully reflect on what you felt during your first attempt at channeling your energy before you try casting the spell again."
Chapter 36