Chapter 1, The Sloppy Daoist (Part Four)
The old Taoist priest, seeing how clever Jiao Fei was, felt quite pleased and said: "You are able to discern some peculiarities about me among the crowd, which shows that your insight and attentiveness are commendable. However, cultivating the Tao is an extremely arduous endeavor. If you cannot endure, you might as well return home at this moment. This set of incantations is a form of compensation for the hardships you faced on your journey today. This black water technique, when cultivated to its utmost, allows one to command the flow of water throughout the world at will, manipulating snow, mist, frost, and the rain and dew according to one's desires."
The old Taoist chuckled softly, not pressing for further questions, allowing Jiao Fei to thoroughly contemplate the incantation of the Black Water True Method. It seemed the old Taoist was also reluctant to continue on the journey, so he sat down beside him with his eyes closed in meditation. Although Jiao Fei felt hungry, he had no choice but to comply. He slowly pondered the incantation of the Black Water True Method, attempting to stimulate the energy within his body. After more than half an hour had passed, although he did not feel any flow of energy, he unexpectedly regained a vibrant spirit, and even his hunger seemed to have lessened.
These four major sects each have their own representative figures, namely the Ten Ancestors of the Daoist School, the Five Emperors of the Demon Sect, the Four Great Holy Monks of Buddhism, and the Nine Great Loose Immortals. Among these top figures, many have not stepped into the mortal realm for thousands or even hundreds of years. Among them, the Blue Plow Daoist is one of the disciples personally taught by the North Dipper Emperor of the Demon Sect
The old Taoist smiled faintly and said, "It is not so easy to become my disciple in the Blue Plow sect. You are not yet considered one of my students. To enter my door, you must first prove that you are diligent enough. Seeing you so fatigued, I will first impart to you a formula that can enhance your physical constitution, so that you will not fear the hardships of the journey."
The Blue Plow Daoist contemplated thus, and then entered a meditative state on his own, shortly transcending the material world.
The Blue Plow Daoist arrived in Chang'an due to the grand ceremony scheduled in half a month. It is said that the current Emperor Li Ying is celebrating his centenary birthday and has specifically invited eminent Buddhist and Daoist masters from across the realm to Chang'an to hold a Water and Land Assembly. Furthermore, he has requested these masters to pray to the heavens for an extension of his life by another decade.
However, the true wise individuals are often found practicing in the deep mountains and ancient caves, where they may sit in meditation for hundreds or even thousands of years. They pay little attention to the rise and fall of dynasties, as those seeking the secret of longevity have no time to concern themselves with such matters. At this moment, those hurrying towards Chang'an are mostly charlatans with little real power, merely indulging in a life of eating and drinking.
Jiao Fei followed the Blue Plow Daoist, but chaos erupted in Baishi Town. His parents pleaded with the townspeople to search the nearby areas for any signs of danger, yet they found nothing. Jiao Fei's parents were deeply saddened, believing that he had met with misfortune. They went to Widow Lin's house to withdraw from the engagement, but to their surprise, Lin Xiaolian refused to agree, stating: "Although I am just an ordinary girl, I understand that marriage is a significant matter. How can it be treated so hastily? If Jiao Fei returns in a few years, how will I have the face to live on?"
Jiao Fei has never left Baishi Town even a step, and some of his knowledge comes merely from books. If he had any understanding, he would know the origins of the Blue Plow Daoist.
In ancient times, people feared the calamities of heaven and earth, as well as the cycles of birth, aging, illness, and death. Consequently, they pondered deeply on the path to transcend the myriad troubles of the mortal world. Through the wisdom and experiences of countless sages, the path of cultivation was ultimately developed.
Among them, according to different schools of thought, they are further divided into four major sects. The first is the Xuanmen Daoist school. This sect is based on the principles of Taiji, the Five Elements, the Eight Trigrams, the Nine Palaces, and the He Luo star chart, connecting the vital energies of heaven and earth as its foundation, cultivating boundless methods, riding on smoke and mist, commanding cloud energies, and achieving a state of carefree freedom. The second is the Shenzong Demon Sect. This sect aims to pursue the powers of ancient gods and demons. It advocates for nature, does not distinguish between good and evil, acts freely, and is unrestrained. The third is the Shijia Buddhist school. This sect believes that the physical body is the precious vessel for transcending the world. It does not seek externally but naturally possesses a treasure containing endless energy. Born in this world, it helps others and oneself, promotes kindness, and refrains from harming life. The fourth is the Pángmén Zájia, where people categorize practitioners who do not fit into the three main schools. The theories of the Pángmén Zájia are complex, and the methods of cultivation are diverse, exhausting all thoughts.
Throughout the journey, Jiao Fei diligently practiced the Black Water True Method, and surprisingly, he has made some progress, being able to condense a faint mist in the palm of his hand, freely controlling it to float and swirl within a radius of about one foot.
Accompanied by the Blue Plow Daoist, they traveled hastily for more than a month, and Jiao Fei finally set foot on the land of Chang'an
As Jiao Fei was about to fall to the ground, the old Taoist suddenly asked, "Since you wish to take me as your master, do you know the origins of the old Taoist?"
Jiao Fei also asked his master why they had come to Chang'an, but the Blue Plow Daoist did not answer him, only saying that he would know in due time. Although Jiao Fei was puzzled in his heart, he did not dare to ask further and instead practiced the Black Water True Method diligently every day
If you can withstand the trial and master the true art of the Black Water, you will be qualified to inherit my legacy. If you cannot endure this trial, then what you have learned will be sufficient for you to strive for wealth and honor in this mortal world, and that will be considered a fortunate encounter with me
Since the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, Chang'an has served as the capital. Although this city has inherited the architecture of previous dynasties, it has undergone two major renovations, expanding its scale by more than ten times. It has subtly become the most magnificent city in the world, with its wealth and luxury unmatched anywhere else.
The old Taoist priest said nothing about his origins, only imparting a set of incantations to Jiao Fei. This incantation consists of merely over a thousand characters, yet the principles contained within are profoundly intricate. Although the old Taoist explained it in great detail, Jiao Fei could not fully comprehend it. Fortunately, he was not only exceptionally intelligent but also had an excellent memory. Without the old Taoist needing to repeat it two or three times, he had already memorized the incantation thoroughly.
Jiao Fei felt so exhausted that he wanted to break his limbs. Having not eaten breakfast, his front and back were already pressed together from hunger. Upon hearing the old Taoist ask, he replied with little energy, "I do not know, I hope Master can explain!"
Jiao Fei has been on the road for so long, enduring numerous hardships. To say that he does not feel regret in his heart would be a lie. However, he possesses a certain resilience and is unwilling to back down at this moment. He repeatedly insists, "I am not afraid of hardship!"
Although he was resting with his eyes closed, Daoist Lan Li was fully aware of Jiao Fei's changes. The first time he passed through Baishi Town, Jiao Fei had already seen through his intentions, which made Daoist Lan Li pay considerable attention. The next day, when Jiao Fei left the town to seek him out, Daoist Lan Li suddenly felt a stir in his heart and had the thought of accepting a disciple. The first test for entering the sect was this Black Water True Method
Widow Lin indulged this girl greatly, allowing her to make her own decisions even in such significant matters. Jiao Fei's parents were very pleased with Xiao Lian's purity, and a hint of desire was stirred within them, leading them to abandon the idea of breaking off the engagement.
It is important to understand that the lifespan of life is governed by heaven. Even emperors and high-ranking officials, who hold power over the world and possess immense wealth, cannot simply extend their lifespan at will. This prayer gathering is, moreover, a grand event for both Buddhism and Taoism in the present day, attracting countless wandering immortals, monks, practitioners, and sorcerers to participate in this significant occasion.