Return to the Underworld (2)
nking I was the object of my grandfather's special affection, until that day when I was sent to the cellar, I realized I was a sacrificial offering.Grandpa is a complex person whose life is a legend,...Qingyun Guan is an old Taoist temple with a history of over two hundred years.
This place has imperial grants, the entire Taoist temple although small, every brick, every tile, every doorway, all subtly tell of its glorious status.
Because this is the leading school of Taoism in the north, even the venerable Daoist Master Guhong, a prominent figure, once served as the leader of the sect.
Before the rise of the Situ family, it was the solitary Honghong Zhenren who led "Dao" and its ilk.
Now this highly respected Taoist priest is nearing his hundredth birthday. In the circle, he has the status of "Old Immortal." When we see this Old Immortal, we bow deeply to show our respect.
"Fusheng Wuliang Tianzun, Old Immortal, we are the juniors of the Mu family…"
As soon as my brother opened his mouth, the old Taoist sitting cross-legged on the mat chuckled softly: "Don't call me a god, or you'll ruin my cultivation..."
What should it be called then An old Taoist priest A solitary Crane Immortal
"Just call me the lonely wanderer, Gu Hongzi. Don't make things difficult for yourself, a name is just a label after all." He said with a spirited smile.
At a single glance, I knew this old Taoist priest was a genuine "practitioner," his eyes devoid of any murky light.
In face reading, the brows represent character, and the eyes represent the heart. When looking at a person's nature, the brows and eyes are the most important aspects to consider.
The most direct expression of good and evil, right and wrong is in the eyebrows and eyes.
Daoism encompasses myriad techniques, including divination with the "mountain robe" and fortune-telling. Cultivators of Daoism more or less understand some basic principles.
The old Taoist priest had clear and profound eyes, without any complicated or heavy expressions.
In the practice of fortune-telling with clothing patterns, it is said that heaven has the sun and moon, and humans have two eyes. Humans use their eyes to see all things in heaven and earth and the myriad aspects of all beings. A kind heart produces a kind gaze, while an evil heart produces an evil one.
Dull eyes must belong to foolish people, and dim ones to a life of decline. This old Taoist, despite his long years, has keen eyesight and hearing, his eyes clear and bright. Just this alone makes us both unconsciously respect him.
"That...is Senior Gū Hóngzi" My brother scratched his nose and smiled. "We're new here and haven't had a chance to pay our respects to each of the masters. We hope Senior will bear with us."
Gu Hongzi, the Daoist master, looked at least twenty or thirty years younger than his actual age. This Qingyun Daoist Temple was still managed by him personally. He had two close disciples by his side, one a dry Daoist and the other a Kun Daoist, both seemingly in their forties.
Their cultivation levels were clearly insufficient. From the moment we entered, displeasure flashed in their eyes.
"You all know you didn't pay respects at the mountain gate, right I hear that in your south, the Mu and Shen families are quite famous, managing to defeat the Situ family Now you've traveled thousands of miles to enter the capital... Could the rumors be true Are you here to replace the Situ family"
My brother smiled and said, "Friend, we came to visit Old Master Gu Hongzi, not to discuss gossip. The entertainment industry is full of rumors; if you like to hear them, I'll chat with you alone later Gossiping can also be a way of cultivating oneself, it refines the mind and prevents envy, jealousy and hatred, which are violations of the precepts."
"You—" Kun furrowed his brows, about to retort, but was glared at by Gan beside him and silently swallowed his words.
I was afraid that Lao Dao, the hermit, would misunderstand, so I tugged at my brother's sleeve and motioned for him to temper his anger a little.
Guhongzi Lao Dao smiled at us, seeming to find it very amusing.
"That... old senior, we'd like to come and pay our respects at the mountain gate, and also borrow the use of the Grand Heavenly Emperor Qinghua Temple... I need to recite prayers, which may take some time, a few days at least, up to three or five days. During this period, I will need to close the temple... I wonder if it would be possible" I earnestly looked towards the old Daoist, Gu Hongzi.
He looked at me thoughtfully and asked, "Young Master Mu, have you already become a disciple of the Azure Emperor"
I nodded and said, "While it's called taking refuge, it's actually due to the great compassion of Emperor Qinghua. I have some requests I wish to present... so I need to retreat for prayer."
Master Gu Hongzi nodded slightly and said, "Since we are fellow cultivators, this poor Daoist is naturally willing to open the gates wide for you... Go down and arrange this matter. Close yourselves in the hall for five days."
He said to the two disciples beside him.
The Taoist priest had a look of servility, while the other Taoist seemed unconvinced.
I know why she's disgruntled—she probably thinks we only rose so quickly because we're clinging to the Lin family's coattails.
As soon as she stepped out of the small courtyard, she turned back and asked, “Since you two have come to borrow land from our Qingyun View, shouldn’t you follow the rules Pay respects to the Three Purities and Six Emperors first, then pay respects to the ancestors of our sect throughout history”
My older brother nodded and said, "That's natural. Since we are new here, it is proper to pay our respects to the host. However, my younger sister has an urgent matter to attend to and is short on time. As you are both seniors and hosts, please bear with us. I will go pay my respects, while my sister attends to her important business."
That Kunda laughed: "Indeed, you are the successor of the Shen family. We have long admired your reputation. We hear that in the south, there is a notorious Kunda from the Shen family known as 'Shen Family Tyrant'"
"Besides, Young Master Mu's reputation is renowned throughout the circle. It is said that few people in the current industry dare to vie for supremacy with the Mu family. This is not only because Young Master Mu is astute and insightful, but also because Miss Mu has a husband who is extraordinary..."
Let's be straight with each other: I heard you two came to the capital for the position of special advisor, replacing the Situ family Hmph, besides my master, who else is qualified for this role
"However, Master is indifferent to fame and fortune. You two should weigh in your own hearts. You can either become special consultants or take over the position of the next generation of Zongjiao Committee members from the Si family. It's up to you! But don't order us around like we are your servants, you don't have the audacity, do you To even come here and ask to use our place... Hmph, it is only because Master is merciful. If it were up to me, I would have chased you out long ago!" she said indignantly.
"Little sister! Say less." The Taoist priest scolded in a low voice, then turned to me and said: "Fellow Daoist, let this poor Dao take you to the main hall first. Let your elder brother go and complete the ceremony. There's no need to be so constrained by formalities."
I smiled and said, "Thank you, Master."
I knew the snakes in Beijing had never liked us, but she was the first to say it so bluntly!
With a mix of apprehension and reverence, I closed the doors to the main hall. The celestial statue was imposingly majestic. I hastily knelt on the meditation cushion and began reciting the Pure Heart Sutra.
Repeat it over and over until you calm down.
With utmost sincerity, I surrender myself to your guidance...
Every sutra should be recited with such a devout attitude.
A white light gradually arose from the lotus platform, creating a scene that blurred the lines between fantasy and reality. It evoked a sense of familiarity within me.
How long has it been
Since Jiang Qiyun entrusted me with Qian Chongxue, I often find myself reminiscing about the early days.
At that time, he didn't appear often, and I secretly hoped he would suddenly appear behind me, lowering his eyes and calling out my name in a cold and aloof voice, "Mu Xiaoqiao."
Even if it starts unpleasant, my heart still anticipates his tenderness.
Is this a weakness that is unique to women
Even in pain, I can't help but tremble.
She might also find herself wanting this "husband" to be kinder and more gentle towards her.
Love, hate, joy, sorrow, greed, anger, delusion, desire - all are in his hands.unlike any I've ever encountered.The change came like a storm.It wasn't until then that I realized the meaning of downfall. It only takes a night, an hour, or even a moment to bring everything crashin...