The Great Way to Truth, Starting from Jiazi Laodao

Chapter 257 Returning to the Pursuit of Truth, Respected by All Four Counties

A streak of light shot out at lightning speed.

Xuanming was eager to return home and traveled at full speed, day and night, covering millions of miles in just a few days.

Upon returning to Fengyang County, his agitated aura vanished, and he landed outside the city.

Each step covered ten zhang, heading straight for Floating Cloud Mountain.

He could hear the conversations of passersby from time to time, the content of which was varied. Whenever he came across information about Fuyun Mountain and Qiuzhen Temple, he would pay some attention.

Today, Mount Fuyun is the number one mountain in the four prefectures, and its fame is known throughout the northern border of the Great Xuan. The Qiuzhen Temple is not a top-tier Dao lineage but is better than a top-tier Dao lineage. Now it only lacks a title.

The Taiyi Salvation God, the Gouchen War God, and the Central Yellow Horn God, who plucked the Great Divine Fruit, were worshipped together by the four prefectures.

Each branch of Taoism established its own temple, and its popularity among the people soared, with its incense offerings second only to those of Wuliang Daozu and Xuanming.

That's right, under the Xuanming.

He was also jointly worshipped by the Taoist lineages of the four prefectures and regarded as the leader of the Taoist sect in the north. The name of the Great True Lord was deeply rooted in people's hearts.

As he strode forward, the closer he got to Mount Fuyun, the more otherworldly his aura became. The dust of the mortal world vanished, leaving only a heart devoted to the Dao, a heart that remained true to its original purpose, and a heart that yearned to return home.

Xuanming paid attention as he passed through Fuyun County.

Today, this county town, surrounded by three mountains, has a population of over one million. It boasts numerous pavilions and towers, attracting merchants, ordinary people, and even many high-ranking officials and dignitaries.

Its level of prosperity was second only to that of the county seat.

The whole city followed the will of the people and each went about their business.

At the foot of Fuyun Mountain, an old Taoist priest with white hair stood tall.

Looking at the magnificent, towering mountain before him, he took a deep breath and began to climb.

The moment my toes touched the soil of the main vein of Fuyun Mountain, the mountains and rivers seemed to have a spirit, and the earth's veins seemed to sense it, and I was instantly excited.

Auspicious clouds stretch for thousands of miles in the sky, and countless ribbons of auspicious light adorn the sky.

The wood element flourishes, hundreds of flowers bloom in the cold spring, and the vegetation on the mountains recovers early, sprouting new green shoots.

Willows sway gently, peach blossoms bloom in abundance.

The Endless Wood blazed fiercely, and the spiritual roots and herbs vied to release their fragrance, creating a vibrant scene.

Rare birds and exotic animals were bustling about, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere.

The cry of cranes rang out, and the spirit cranes raised by Junior Brother Xuan Kong, along with their offspring, flapped their wings and cried joyfully, circling and dancing.

In the river, the sound of a dragon's roar resounded, and a fish-dragon soared into the sky, accompanied by a manta ray, revealing an auspicious scene.

Inside the temple, the roar of a tortoise echoed, reigning supreme in the wishing well... The mascot tortoise moved, crawling down the mountain.

The statues of deities enshrined in the various temples shone brightly, and the worshippers were both surprised and apprehensive, asking the four generations of sages who guarded the temples.

“Only when my master returns to the mountain can such strange phenomena occur.”

The fourth generation of immortals beamed with joy.

Upon hearing this, everyone became excited.

The fourth generation of immortals had many senior masters.

There could only be one person who could make him so overjoyed and cause such extraordinary phenomena throughout Floating Cloud Mountain:
Xuanming Great True Lord!
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The Great True Lord Xuanming has returned to the mountain.

Senior Brother Xuanming is back.

Master Xuanming has returned.

Uncle-Master Xuanming has returned to the temple.

Master Xuanming returned from his travels.

The news spread, exciting the worshippers and delighting the Taoist priests.

The cry of a deer rang out, and the spirit deer Changshou came galloping over. He hadn't seen it for four years, and he missed it terribly.

The black swallow on his shoulder flapped its wings and darted away, joyfully reuniting with the spirit deer. Changshou called out to Xuanming, then turned and followed the black swallow into the depths of the forest.

Xuanming: ...

With a whooshing sound, Li Zizai arrived.

He traveled for two years and then returned to the mountains to cultivate himself for two years.

In just four years, he advanced another level and became a True Person of the Innate Realm, his strength surpassing that of the Seeking Truth Temple.

He is already the second person from Fuyun Mountain.

"Welcome back to the mountain, Master."

Li Zizai bowed his head in high spirits.

Master and disciple were reunited. Xuanming was equally happy, stroking his beard and smiling. He continued climbing the mountain, with Li Zizai following behind.

The sound of something cutting through the air continued incessantly. Footsteps followed one after another.

The three generations of immortals, led by Xuanxu, arrived, all with smiles on their faces and bowing respectfully.

"Congratulations on returning home, senior brother."

The fourth generation of immortals followed closely behind.

"Congratulations on your return home, Uncle-Master."

The Taoist priests of the Five Dynasties bowed in unison.

"Congratulations on returning home, Grandmaster Uncle."

The word "home" brings peace of mind to Xuanming.

His white hair flew in the wind as he laughed loudly, raised his hand in a gesture of respect, and solemnly returned the greeting: "Thank you all for welcoming me. This old Taoist priest is deeply honored."

At this moment, he truly felt at peace.

Home is where my heart finds peace.

The Taoist priests, both young and old, all smiled and followed Xuanming all the way to the foot of Zangdao Peak, where the fifth-generation Taoist priests and the fourth-generation True Man dispersed.

At the Daoist Temple, the lush and verdant pine trees swayed gently without any wind, as if greeting Xuanming.

The latter stroked his beard, smiled, and nodded.

The three generations of immortals took their seats.

Li Zi cleverly served tea, then hid to the side to minimize his presence, while listening intently.

After taking a sip of spiritual tea, the three generations of masters began to talk, recounting their experiences over the years and the changes in Floating Cloud Mountain and Seeking Truth Temple.

Xuanming also recounted his seven-year travels, including his experience as a guest of the Taiping Sect.

A welcome, a conversation, a call to go home, a few cups of tea—the estrangement between the brothers after many years of separation dissipates, and their deep affection grows stronger and more sincere with the passage of time.

We chatted from midday until sunset, saying everything that needed to be said and reminiscing about the past.

The three generations of immortals, including Xuanxu, dispersed.

Li Zizai also silently withdrew.

Xuanming lay on his long-unused bed, his mind relaxed, and he fell into a deep sleep. Outside the courtyard, the pine trees swayed, sending forth their sweet fragrance.

Sensing the familiar presence, he slept even more soundly, and a wailing sound echoed in his dream. His second disciple, Xiao Mengmo, appeared in his dream, and Xuanming smiled, imparting his teachings in the dream.

Even because he was dreaming, where anything was possible, he created heaven and earth in his dream, built the underworld, and made time and space unique. He also beat up the Great Xuan Emperor in his dream, making him cry for his parents, and even resurrected the fallen warriors of the Divine Path Great Wall in his dream...

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The next morning, the sun shone brightly.

Xuanming was still asleep, fast asleep and deep in his dreams.

Li Zizai sneaked in, drew two pictures of sleeping immortals, and then secretly slipped away, heading straight down the mountain.

A painting given to my family as a treasure to ward off evil spirits.

A painting of the Ancestral Hall sent to Jianhu Palace.

He became the grandmaster uncle of Jianhu Palace.

After rescuing Yan Jiu with his master, he learned the true identity of the Peach Blossom Sword God. The Sword Lake Palace treated him and his master as honored guests and even placed their portraits in the Ancestral Hall for worship.

Now that I've become a senior, I should naturally pay more attention.

This painting is very realistic, and it carries a trace of Master's spirit. There's no need for Sword Lake Palace not to recognize Master when they meet in the future.

Xuanming slept for three days and three nights.

He didn't wake up until the fourth day.

He stood up with a refreshed expression, facing east, and soon a purple sun appeared in the sky above the academy.

His white hair fluttered slightly, and Xuanming opened his mouth to eat the sun.

For the next two weeks, he wandered around Fuyun Mountain, relaxing his mind and body, enjoying a carefree life.

His return brought a complete transformation to the entire concept of seeking truth.

Half a month later, Xuanming summoned Xuanxu and other three generations of immortals. Under their witness, he formally accepted Li Zizai as his disciple and, according to the four generations, gave him the name Changyizi.

"Yi means ease and freedom. Your teacher hopes that you can live a carefree and peaceful life, and seek the Dao in peace."

Li Zizai was excited and offered the tea with both hands.

"This disciple thanks Master for bestowing upon me this Daoist name. I will dedicate myself to cultivation in the future and attain true freedom and enlightenment."

Xuanming was satisfied. He took the teacup, took a sip, and ordered Li Zizai to stand up behind him. He nodded and smiled at his fellow disciples who were offering their congratulations. After Li Zizai sat down again, he took out something.

(End of this chapter)