Shen Lian's present situation was actually quite similar to the time where he visualized the Mastery of Senses. Both happened in a lonesome and empty darkness with Shangqing Daoist Master appearing alone. There was one difference, however. This was the first time under those circumstances that a 'me' appeared.
After going through a despair which had no way out despite the great effort, Shen Lian was not dispirited. Rather, he quickly scrutinized himself with the words of Shangqing Daoist Master.
Even though he suffered a crushing defeat in his grudge against Daoist Master, so much so that he experienced the dullest of despair in his life, there were some things which anyone in the world would regard as extremely precious. That would be his genuine experience of death. With that experience, he gained many precious things. As long as he continued to live, it would be a treasure of Buddha's law that would be endlessly reaped throughout his life.