370: Chapter 305: Persuading with Reason: Taoist Disputes Resolved

At the core of the Floating Island of Light, crystal clusters stood in abundance, and the soft, constant radiance emitted by the Fragments of Eternal Light illuminated the area like daylight.

Two elite teams faced off in the air, a hundred paces apart. The air (or rather, the Spiritual Qi medium) seemed to solidify as invisible Auras collided and surged between the two sides, stirring the surrounding pale purple Innate Spiritual Qi and the pale green "Pseudo-Innate Domain."

On the side of the Primordial Team, the leading Wu Race warrior stood nearly three meters tall, his bronze skin covered in blood-red war patterns and his muscles knotted like dragons. The bronze halberd he held emitted a heart-palpitating savage Evil Qi. He grinned, revealing stark white teeth, his eyes burning with Battle Intent: "Interesting, to think you could find another way in this world to create such a 'little nest.' However, no matter how good the fluff looks, you still have to speak with your fists! You over there, state your names. I, Wu Xing, do not slay nameless nobodies!"

The Daoist boy beside him lightly flicked his fly-whisk, looking every bit the immortal, yet his eyes were sharp as swords and his voice was clear: "Xuan Cheng, a third-generation Disciple of Yuxu Palace. Fellow Daoist, your methods are novel; to be able to use Acquired methods to simulate a few traces of Innate Dao Rhyme is truly no easy feat. But our paths differ, and there is a hierarchy to techniques. This battle shall serve perfectly to validate my Primordial Great Dao."

The several Yao Race warriors and Yellow Turban Strongmen did not speak, but their Auras erupted—some with Demonic Qi reaching the heavens, others as heavy and solid as mountains. Clearly, they were all battle-hardened elites.

On the Xinghai University side, Su Yueyao stood at the front, her moon-like radiance flowing, her cold countenance appearing even more exquisite under the reflection of the Eternal Light. She did not respond to the provocation, merely casting her gaze toward the ships in the rear.

Bronzebeard’s beard and hair bristled as he gripped his warhammer tightly. The dark gold light of the Texture of Force flowed over his body, countering the remaining 20% suppression as he growled in a low voice, "Fairy Yue Yao, let us take the lead! We'll show these stuck-up fellows a taste of our hammers!"

Wen Yuan held a book in his hands, protected by Vast Righteous Qi. His brow furrowed slightly as he rapidly analyzed the rules and characteristics of the opposing lineup: "The Wu Race focuses on blood, qi, and the Physical Body, making them berserk in close combat; the Daoist boy should be a Spell Cultivator, manipulating Spiritual Qi and rules; the Yao Race possesses traits of both, while the Yellow Turban Strongmen seem to be Daoist Protectors, possessing infinite strength and being empowered by Spiritual Qi. Their coordination is seamless, and they have the home-field advantage of Innate Spiritual Qi. A direct confrontation is indeed an inferior strategy."

Just as the tension reached its peak and a clash was imminent, a calm and clear voice came through the Xinghai University team's communication. Simultaneously, it was transmitted into the field and toward the Green Jade Flying Boat through a strange fluctuation that seemed to act directly on the level of rules:

"Fellow Daoist Qing Weizi, Fellow Daoists Wu Xing and Xuan Cheng, please wait before you strike."

The owner of the voice was, of course, Lin Zhou. He did not appear within the team, still standing before the porthole of the ship in the rear, but his will already enveloped the entire field.

"Hmm?" Wu Xing's brow knitted as he pointed his bronze halberd toward the ship. "Why hide your head and show your tail? If you want to fight, then fight. What's with all the chatter!"

Xuan Cheng's eyes flickered slightly, and he lightly waved his fly-whisk, signaling Wu Xing to stay calm, as he looked toward the ship: "What advice does Fellow Daoist Lin have?"

On the Green Jade Flying Boat, Qing Weizi also cast an indifferent gaze.

Lin Zhou's voice was neither hurried nor slow, carrying a strange soothing and rational power: "Today's meeting was originally brought about by these 'Fragments of Eternal Light.' However, the treasures of heaven and earth belong to the virtuous, but they also require destiny. To meet with blades and spears so rashly, even if a victor is decided, will inevitably damage our relations and might even harm these precious crystals. It could even trigger a wider conflict, which would not be a good outcome for either side."

Wu Xing sneered: "If you're scared, just say so! Why all the indirect talk!"

Lin Zhou remained unmoved and continued: "I see that you, the Fellow Daoists of the Primordial, inherit from the ancient times and follow the principle of Tao Follows Nature. Your goal is nothing more than to validate the Great Dao and pursue transcendence. Although my Xinghai University is founded on Acquired civilization, the Hundred Schools of Thought are also an exploration of the principles of heaven, human relations, and the Universe. Since we are destined to meet today, why not change the method? We can determine superiority while also Discussing the Dao. It won't damage our relations—wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"Change the method?" Xuan Cheng showed a look of interest. "What does Fellow Daoist Lin have in mind?"

"Discussing the Dao." Lin Zhou uttered these words, clear and firm.

"Discussing the Dao?" Not only the Primordial Team, but even the Xinghai University side—except for Su Yueyao, who was lost in thought—Bronzebeard, Wen Yuan, and the others were also slightly stunned. They were prepared for a fight to the death, yet their captain suddenly wanted to "reason" with them?

"Precisely." Lin Zhou's voice carried an unquestionable steadiness. "As deities, our power originates from rules, and rules originate from our understanding and application of the 'Dao.' You, the Primordial Daoists, hold the Innate Dao, while we hold the Way of Acquired Civilization. Why not take this Opportunity to sit and Discussing the Dao, articulating our respective understandings of it? We can clash with words to validate the superiority, inferiority, similarities, and differences of our paths. The winner shall receive seventy percent of the crystals here, and the loser shall take thirty percent. In this way, we can see the truth of our paths while avoiding the calamity of battle, and even better, promote each other's comprehension of the Great Dao. Wouldn't that be killing three birds with one stone?"

These words were logically clear and high-minded, instantly elevating a potential bloody struggle to the level of a "Contention of the Great Daos." Especially the final point about "promoting each other's comprehension," which held significant appeal for any Cultivator pursuing the Great Dao.

Wu Xing grew impatient and was about to object when he was interrupted by Qing Weizi's indifferent voice: "Discussing the Dao... that is indeed interesting."

Qing Weizi's gaze was as calm as a deep well as he looked toward the ship where Lin Zhou was: "For Fellow Daoist Lin to be able to comprehend and manifest that 'Near-Dao Domain' despite being a Lesser Divinity is already extraordinary. Now you even propose a debate on the Dao; it seems you have quite some confidence in your own path. However..." His tone shifted slightly, "The true essence of the Dao is profound and mysterious, and cannot be fully described by a war of words. Furthermore, our Primordial Dao originates from the Innate and points directly to the Origin, while the Acquired Dao is complex and diverse, mostly consisting of minor branches. Fellow Daoist Lin, are you certain you want to use your weakness to attack my strength?"

His words still carried that arrogance born of inheritance and a natural disdain for the Acquired Dao.

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhou was not angered but instead smiled slightly. His voice was transmitted through the rules, carrying a unique sense of inclusiveness and confidence: "Fellow Daoist Qing Weizi, you are mistaken. The Innate Dao is indeed lofty and points directly to the source. However, as the Universe evolves and all things flourish, Acquired civilization has also been generated under these heavenly rules through countless hardships, the collision of wisdom, and the testing of practice. Its Dao may be complex, but it is all-encompassing, close to reality, and contains infinite possibilities and vitality. Have you not heard that 'the Dao produced the One, the One produced the Two, the Two produced the Three, and the Three produced all things'? The Innate is the 'One,' and the Acquired is 'all things.' Although all things are numerous, they all contain the nature of the Dao. If one can organize all things and trace them back to their source, they might not necessarily fail to touch the profound truth of that 'One.' Conversely, if one only obsesses over the 'One' and despises 'all things,' would they not lose the full picture of the Great Dao's evolution?"

These words, citing classics and possessing clear logic, went straight to the core. They placed Acquired civilization at the level of "all things" in the Universe's evolution, pointed out that it also contained "Dao nature," and proposed the path of "organizing all things to return to the source," faintly standing in opposition to the Innate "clinging to the One."

On the Green Jade Flying Boat, a slight ripple appeared for the first time on Qing Weizi's indifferent face. The crimson-clad girl and the blue-robed woman beside him also showed expressions of thought. Xuan Cheng's eyes lit up even more as he muttered to himself, "The Dao produced all things... all things contain the Dao... these words... seem to make some sense."

Lin Zhou struck while the iron was hot: "Furthermore, Discussing the Dao is not for the sake of temporary verbal victory, nor is it simply to compare the heights of our paths' Origins. It is to demonstrate the depth of our understanding, the breadth of our application, and the potential for development of the 'Dao' through the clash of words and ideas. Although my Xinghai University is founded on the Acquired, the Hundred Schools of Thought each have their own emphasis: the Order of the School of Confucianism, the rules of the School of Legalism, the creation of the School of Mohism, the strategy of the School of Military, the nature of the School of Taoism, the Foundation of the School of Agriculture, the vitality of the School of Medicine... they blend with each other to form their own system. Perhaps they can provide another perspective for the Primordial Daoists to examine heaven and earth and practice the Great Dao."

He paused and then spoke sincerely: "I wonder if Fellow Daoist Qing Weizi is willing to give us an Opportunity to demonstrate this 'Way of Acquired Civilization'? And also give the Primordial Daoists an Opportunity to 'observe the Dao of all things'? With a three-day limit, we shall sit and Discussing the Dao on this floating island. What do you say?"

Qing Weizi fell silent. The crimson-clad girl beside him couldn't help but send a voice transmission: "Senior Brother, this sounds a bit interesting! It's more fun than just fighting! Are we afraid we won't be able to out-debate them?"

The blue-robed woman also nodded slightly: "This person's words are well-reasoned and his bearing is extraordinary. The 'Acquired civilization system' he mentioned might truly have some unique aspects. A debate would not necessarily be without benefit for broadening our horizons and validating what we have learned. Moreover, it can avoid unnecessary conflict and preserve our strength for the subsequent competition."

Xuan Cheng even bowed directly: "Senior Brother Qing Wei, I am willing to represent our Primordial Daoist Sect to debate with this person! Let's see if his Acquired Dao can show a few sparks of brilliance before our Innate Great Dao!"

Qing Weizi's gaze swept over everyone, then he took a deep look toward Lin Zhou's ship and that stable "Pseudo-Innate Domain," finally nodding slowly: "Very well. We shall do as Fellow Daoist Lin says. With a three-day limit, we shall Discussing the Dao here. On the Primordial side, Junior Brother Xuan Cheng will be the main debater, while Wu Xing, Chi Lian, You Lan, and the other Disciples will listen and assist. The winner gets seventy percent of the crystals, and the loser takes thirty percent. During the debate, neither side may resort to force in any form; violators will be declared the losers."

"Agreed," Lin Zhou replied, feeling a sense of relief in his heart. The stage for the debate was set!

Soon, both sides reached an agreement. In a relatively flat area of the core floating island where the crystal clusters were sparse, both sides constructed simple prayer mats and stone platforms with their magic power. On the Xinghai University side, Lin Zhou finally appeared in person, serving as the main debater alongside Su Yueyao and Wen Yuan, while Bronzebeard and the others from the elite team served as listening Protectors. On the Primordial side, Xuan Cheng sat in the main seat, and Qing Weizi actually descended in his Dharma body to listen alongside Chi Lian and You Lan, while Wu Xing, the Yao Race, and the Yellow Turban Strongmen stood guard on the periphery.

The debate officially began.

On the first day, they discussed "The Essence of the Dao."

Xuan Cheng was the first to speak, articulating the Primordial Innate Great Dao: "The Dao is born before heaven and earth; it is independent and unchanging, operating everywhere without fail, and is the mother of heaven and earth. The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth; the named is the mother of all things. We Primordial Cultivators perceive the Innate One Qi, observe the operation of the Heavenly Dao, and absorb Spiritual Qi into our bodies. We refine essence into qi, refine qi into spirit, refine spirit to return to emptiness, and unite with the Dao of Heaven. This is the orthodox path that points directly to the source and emulates the Innate." After he finished speaking, the Innate Spiritual Qi naturally flowed around him, faintly resonating with the surrounding heaven and earth, manifesting a state of quietude, non-action, and Tao Follows Nature, filled with Dao rhyme.

Lin Zhou responded calmly, combining Taoist thought with the principles of civilization: "What you say is absolutely correct, Fellow Daoist. The 'Dao' is indeed the Origin of all things, profound and difficult to describe. However, in my view, although the Dao is formless, it manifests in the operation of all things. The sun, moon, and stars, the Reincarnation of the four seasons, the growth and decay of vegetation, and the myriad states of human life are all manifestations of the 'Dao'. My Acquired Way of Civilization does not disregard the Origin, but rather summarizes and explores the common 'Principles' and 'Order' behind these diverse phenomena. For instance, the Confucian 'Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Trust' are 'Principles' of harmonious coexistence summarized from human society; the Legalist 'Law, Technique, and Authority' are the 'Order' of operational governance explored from group management. These 'Principles' and this 'Order' are also manifestations of the 'Dao' at specific levels. Our cultivation is to 'investigate things to extend knowledge,' approaching the Origin of the Great Dao step by step by understanding the principles of all things."

He invoked a phantom of the river of civilization (not fully unfolded, only manifesting its Concept). Within the river, images of the sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers, agriculture, crafts, schools, and Laws emerged, demonstrating the principle that "the Dao is in all things." "Therefore, my Dao does not exclude all things but embraces them, understands them, and draws wisdom from them, ultimately aiming to reach the realm of 'Unity of Heaven and Man' and 'Tao Follows Nature.' This path may appear winding, but its Foundation is solid and all-encompassing, making it better suited to the infinite variables of the Universe's evolution."

Xuan Cheng was initially dismissive, believing the Acquired Dao to be too complex and trivial, deviating from the quiet essence of the Great Dao. However, as Lin Zhou cited classics (skillfully blending Taoist classics with the words of the Hundred Schools) and combined them with examples to explain the viewpoints of "the Dao is in the vessel" and "the principle is in the matter" in simple terms, he gradually fell into deep thought. Especially when Lin Zhou mentioned that "the Innate Dao is like the peak of a high mountain, while the Acquired Dao is like the path at the foot of the mountain; though the path has many detours, every step is firm, and the scenery along the way represents different aspects of the Great Dao," a glimmer of realization flashed in Xuan Cheng's eyes.

Qing Weizi listened with eyes closed the entire time, expressionless, but the Aura around him fluctuated slightly, clearly showing he was also thinking seriously.

The first day of Discussing the Dao ended without a clear winner, but the Xinghai University side's clear and well-founded arguments clearly left a deep impression on the Primordial group. Xuan Cheng, in particular, looked at Lin Zhou with less contempt and more curiosity.

On the second day, they debated "The Argument Between Acquired and Innate."

Xuan Cheng asked again, pointing directly to the core: "Fellow Daoist Lin said that the Acquired Dao can also lead to the Great Dao. However, Acquired Spiritual Qi is mixed and its rules are complex; Cultivators are easily lost within it. How can it compare to the purity of our Innate Spiritual Qi, which points directly to the essence of the Great Dao? Furthermore, Acquired civilizations fight incessantly and are filled with desires. How can they nurture a pure Dao Heart?"

This question was sharp, pointing directly at the "disadvantages" of the Acquired cultivation environment and Heart-Nature.

Lin Zhou was well-prepared and smiled faintly: "What you worry about is indeed the key. The Acquired environment does have its flaws. However, in my Dao, there are also ways to deal with them. First is 'Selection' and 'Refinement'." He pointed to his side's "Pseudo-Innate Domain." "As I did before, using the techniques of the School of Agriculture to improve the environment and the enlightenment tea tree to purify Spiritual Qi is to 'refine' away the impurities and take the essence, infinitely approaching Innate quality. This is 'man's will conquering heaven,' using wisdom to make up for environmental deficiencies."

"Second is 'Heart' and 'Action'." His gaze swept over Wen Yuan, Su Yueyao, and the others. "Although Acquired civilization is diverse, the core of our Hundred Schools of Thought lies in 'cultivating the heart' and 'practice.' the School of Confucianism cultivates a 'Benevolent Heart' and a 'Sincere Heart' to nurture Vast Righteous Qi; the School of Taoism seeks a 'Quiet Heart' and a 'Natural Heart' to align with the Heavenly Dao; the School of Legalism maintains a 'Public Heart' and a 'Self-Disciplined Heart' to clarify Order... All these methods are meant to temper a crystal-clear 'Dao Heart' that is unmoved by external things in this turbulent world. Once this heart is formed, even in a muddy world, it is like a lotus flower emerging from the mud unsullied. Furthermore, by realizing the Great Dao through practice, what is gained is more profound and stable."

He further elaborated: "As for the desire for conflict, this is the nature of living beings, present in both the Innate and Acquired. My Dao does not shy away from desire and competition, but advocates guiding and regulating them through 'Propriety,' 'Law,' 'Virtue,' and 'Wisdom,' transforming them into the driving force for the advancement of civilization. For example, the wisdom of the School of Military is used to stop wars, the strictness of the School of Legalism is used to quell chaos, and the ingenuity of the School of Mohism is used to benefit the people. Turning disadvantages into advantages is also the wonder of the Great Dao's evolution."

Xuan Cheng's eyes flashed as he listened, especially regarding the arguments on "refining the environment" and "heart cultivation methods," which vaguely resonated with certain secret techniques of the Primordial world, but from a more novel and specific perspective. Qing Weizi also opened his eyes slightly, glancing at Lin Zhou, then at the phantom of the "Pseudo-Innate Domain" and the enlightenment tea tree, a very faint trace of appreciation flickering in the depths of his indifferent eyes.

After the second day of discussion, Xuan Cheng no longer had his initial overbearing Aura. Instead, he began to actively ask about certain details, such as the specific principles of the School of Agriculture's environmental improvement and the differences between Confucian Qi nurturing and Taoist Qi Refining. The atmosphere of the discussion gradually shifted from confrontation to exchange.

On the third day, the topic was "The Unity of the Great Dao and the Future of Civilization."

Lin Zhou took the initiative to guide the topic, proposing: "The Innate Dao and the Acquired path may seem like different routes, but their ultimate goal is perhaps both to explore the ultimate truth of the Universe and pursue the transcendence and sublimation of life and civilization. Fellow Daoists of the Primordial world pursue harmony with the Heavens and individual transcendence. My Acquired civilization focuses more on the continuation, development, and sublimation of the 'civilization as a whole.' For instance, the ultimate ideal of our Way of the Hundred Schools is to build a Great Unity world where 'the elderly are cared for until their end, the able-bodied are employed, the young are nurtured, and the widowed, orphaned, lonely, disabled, and sick are all supported.' In this process, we continuously improve the entire civilization's cognition and adaptability to the Universe, eventually perhaps exploring that path of transcendence as a 'civilization' whole."

He painted a blueprint: "Individual strength may have limits, but the power of collective wisdom and Legacy is infinite. The accumulation of knowledge, the collision of ideas, and the innovation of technology across generations will eventually converge into a ladder leading to the truth. This path may be long, but it carries more hope and possibility."

Xuan Cheng listened with fascination. Having cultivated Taoist Spells since childhood, he pursued personal transcendence and had never considered the Great Dao from the perspective of a "civilization as a whole." Lin Zhou's words opened a new door for him. He even began to wonder what changes would occur if the Innate Dao of the Primordial world were combined with this Concept of civilization that emphasizes Legacy, collaboration, and development.

Qing Weizi finally spoke, his voice still indifferent but with a bit less detachment: "Fellow Daoist Lin's discourse is refreshingly new. The Acquired Dao indeed has its merits, especially emphasizing human initiative and the Legacy of wisdom. However, the Great Dao is simple, and the Innate is the Foundation. Your path must ultimately return to the source."

Lin Zhou bowed: "What you say is absolutely correct, Fellow Daoist. My Dao also seeks to return to the source, just through a different path. The Innate and Acquired may run parallel without conflict and learn from each other. For example, the wonders of this Innate Spiritual Qi have benefited me greatly."

The three-day period ended, and the discussion concluded.

There were no heated verbal conflicts, no competition of Spells and Divine Abilities, only the clash of ideas and the collision of wisdom. But everyone could feel that the Xinghai University side, especially Lin Zhou, had earned respect through his profound understanding of the Hundred Schools of Thought, clear logic, and his unique path that embraced all things and emphasized Legacy and practice.

Xuan Cheng the Daoist boy stood up and gave Lin Zhou a solemn salute: "Fellow Daoist Lin, I have benefited immensely from these three days of discussion. I deeply agree with your statement that 'Acquired civilization can also lead to the Heavenly Dao.' Although our Primordial Dao points directly to the Origin, we are indeed inferior in the principles of the evolution of all things and the Legacy of civilization. Today I finally know that the Great Dao is vast and cannot be exhausted by a single path."

He turned to look at Qing Weizi: "Senior Brother Qing Wei, this battle... I believe the Dao of Xinghai University is unique and has infinite potential. Since it is difficult to determine a winner in this discussion, why don't we... split this 'Eternal Light Crystal' equally to show that the paths of both sides have their own strengths?"

Qing Weizi looked deeply at Lin Zhou, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly nodded: "Very well. We shall do as Junior Brother Xuan Cheng suggests. Both sides will take fifty percent of the crystals here."

As soon as these words were spoken, the people from Xinghai University felt a sense of relief, followed by a surge of pride. An equal split! This meant that the Honghuang Academy recognized their strength and principles! This was even more significant than winning seventy percent through a hard fight!

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Qing Weizi and Fellow Daoist Xuan Cheng," Lin Zhou also returned the salute solemnly.

Just as both sides were preparing to collect the crystals, Xuan Cheng suddenly took a step forward. With a flip of his palm, a tiny, almost imperceptible wisp of pale purple mist condensed at his fingertips, radiating a mysterious and extremely noble Aura!

"Fellow Daoist Lin," Xuan Cheng handed this wisp of purple Qi to Lin Zhou with a sincere expression, "this is a wisp of [Innate Violet Qi (Weak)] that I absorbed by chance during my Revered Master's lecture. It contains a trace of the most fundamental Innate creative Opportunity. Although it is extremely thin, it may be of small help in comprehending the Great Dao, purifying your Origin, or improving the quality of your Divine Power. Your talent and discourse have won my admiration. I give this to you as a token of my respect, and I hope you can go further on this Acquired path."

[Innate Violet Qi (Weak)]!

The legendary supreme primordial Qi left over from the creation of the Primordial world! Even if it was just a weak wisp, its value far exceeded that of ordinary treasures! For any deity, it was a supreme treasure!

Lin Zhou was shaken; he hadn't expected the other party to give such a generous gift! He could see the pure admiration and intention to make friends in Xuan Cheng's eyes, which was by no means hypocritical.

After a moment of hesitation, Lin Zhou did not refuse and solemnly accepted the wisp of purple Qi: "I humbly accept your generous gift, Fellow Daoist Xuan Cheng. I will keep this kindness in my heart. I hope that in the future, there will be more opportunities for the Innate and Acquired paths to exchange and validate each other."

The purple Qi entered Lin Zhou's palm and vanished instantly. However, Lin Zhou could feel a gentle yet supreme primordial Aura quietly merging into his Godhead and Fire of Civilization, bringing about an indescribable and wonderful change.

Qing Weizi did not stop this, only saying faintly: "Since the agreement is made, let everyone proceed with their tasks." With that, his figure dissipated, returning to the Green Jade Flying Boat.

Wu Xing scratched his head. Although he felt it wasn't satisfying without a fight, since his Senior Brother had decided, he could only mutter and put away his weapon. Chi Lian and You Lan nodded slightly to Lin Zhou and the others, and also led their people to begin collecting the crystals.

On the Xinghai University side, everyone had smiles on their faces. Subduing the enemy without fighting, and even gaining respect and a generous gift—this was undoubtedly a perfect diplomatic victory!

"Collect the crystals immediately, and stay safe," Lin Zhou ordered, while also sending a telepathic message to Su Yueyao, Li Mo, and the others. "Quickly analyze the data of the Innate Violet Qi, but do not refine it easily; we must find a safe time. The harvest from this discussion far exceeds expectations."

Su Yueyao looked at Lin Zhou, a soft smile rippling in her cold eyes as she said softly, "You always manage to surprise people."

Lin Zhou smiled back, looking at the Eternal Light Crystals being collected, and then at the Green Jade Flying Boat hidden in the mist in the distance.

Settling disputes through discussion, and forging bonds through purple Qi.

Way of Civilization had just begun to show its brilliance, and it had already earned a place on this top-tier stage of the Universe.

The road ahead is long, but more and more are walking the path together. This battle is enough.