Dao Qi Wu Zang Guan Guan: I became a Daoist Master in the 1990s

Chapter 114, 749 Offerings, Master of the Five Organs

Just as Song Dingqian was gathering his strength, preparing to pounce on Qi Yun with overwhelming force.

"Old Song!" Zhong Weiguo, who had been silent all along, suddenly made a move, as fast as lightning, and firmly grabbed Song Dingqian's thick arm, which was shrouded in black energy.

"I'm in charge of this; you're just assisting me!"

Song Dingqian's movements faltered, his surging aura seemingly blocked by an invisible dam, fluctuating violently a few times before finally letting out a cold snort. He slowly withdrew his terrifying black aura and blood energy, taking a step back, but his eyes remained fixed on Qi Yun, as if he were watching prey.

Zhong Weiguo released his grip, his cold, hard expression softening slightly.

He pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, took one out, and gestured to Qi Yun: "Want one?"

Qi Yun glanced at the cigarette and shook his head: "Being a member of the Taoist sect, I've given it up."

“It’s good that you’ve quit.” Zhong Weiguo nodded in agreement, calmly putting the cigarette pack away, his tone becoming more peaceful.

"Old Song has this bad temper; he's quick to anger. Don't take it personally."

The unique nature of the work at Bureau 749 dictates that we inevitably act directly and even domineeringly, a fact that the bureau itself is well aware of, and which is indeed not good.

I will report this to headquarters later and request that we strengthen our work ethic.

He changed the subject, looking at Qi Yun with a candid gaze: "I learned about the case you were working on in detail on the way here."

Zhang Biao and his gang were a malignant tumor that had been entrenched in the mountain city for many years, their evil deeds were heinous, and they deserved to die. To say that we've rid the people of a scourge isn't an exaggeration. Killing them is no big deal.

"749 is a legitimate state institution, not a gang, and it adheres to rules and regulations."

If you wish to withdraw, that is certainly possible; simply follow the appropriate procedures.

Zhong Weiguo continued, his tone becoming increasingly earnest, "However, your mysterious disappearance from the heavily guarded headquarters dormitory, without leaving any trace, concerns the headquarters' bottom line of security, as well as your personal safety."

The entire bureau took it very seriously and invited many experts and skilled people to investigate, but all of them found nothing.

If you are truly in a dangerous situation beyond your control, the bureau will do everything in its power to rescue you.

For both public and private reasons, this matter must be thoroughly investigated.

"If you were in Qi Yun's shoes, could you have simply ignored this whole thing?"

As Qi Yun listened to Zhong Weiguo's words, which were both gentle and firm, and reasonable, the icy coldness on her face melted a little.

He had to admit that what the other party said made sense, especially the last sentence. Putting himself in their shoes, he probably wouldn't have taken it lightly either.

He sighed softly and said, "Captain Zhong, I am not an unreasonable person."

When I previously clashed with that female member of your team, I said that I had no intention of being enemies with 749.

However, my disappearance does indeed involve the core secrets of my sect's lineage, and I truly cannot reveal even a fraction of it to outsiders.

“The lineage of a master?” A look of understanding flashed in Zhong Weiguo’s eyes. He raised his hand and gestured to Master Gongyang beside him. “I understand your concerns.”

But you may not know that your situation is not an isolated case.

In recent years, there have been occasional instances in China of hidden lineages reappearing in the world.

The state's attitude towards this is one of respect and protection. As long as those who inherit this art form abide by the law and do not harm society through it, the state will never forcibly interfere or demand anything from them.

He pointed to Master Gongyang: "Then tell me about the Qingyang Palace where Master Gongyang is located."

Its palace master, by chance, resumed the orthodox lineage of the long-extinct Qingyang Palace. Now, not only has the mountain gate reopened and incense offerings flourish, but the palace master himself is one of the most respected deities in our bureau, and has an equal cooperative relationship with 749.

Master Gongyang stepped forward at the opportune moment, bowed again, and said in a gentle yet persuasive voice: "May the Heavenly Venerable grant boundless blessings. Captain Zhong's words are quite true."

Fellow Daoist Qi Yun, observing your actions—slaying demons and protecting the people—is the orthodox style of our Daoist sect, and is aligned with the 749 Bureau's mission of maintaining world peace and handling abnormal events.

It is truly regrettable that this misunderstanding arose solely due to the secrecy surrounding the lineage of the Dharma and the differences in institutional structures.

"I am accompanying you on this journey at the request of the Xuan Yi Alliance, to mediate and resolve this rift between the two sides."

He paused slightly, then continued, "Cooperating with 749 is not about being dependent on them."

The authorities show great respect for the offerings, impose very few restrictions, and actually provide many conveniences.

For example, the most important thing is to help the lineage be passed down. The bureau can contribute funds and efforts to help select auspicious sites, build or repair temples and monasteries, and continue the incense offerings.

This is an opportunity that countless independent cultivators have dreamed of.

Today, many lineages of Buddhism and Taoism have partnered with 749 to form the "Xuanyi Alliance," supporting and helping each other.

Several current Buddhist and Taoist leaders have even jointly signed the "Golden Code" with the state, explicitly guaranteeing the independence and rights of each sect's lineage. I, this humble Taoist, am here today representing the Xuan Yi Alliance, willing to introduce and vouch for you, fellow Daoist. You can rest assured, fellow Daoist, that cooperation is not about annexation, but about mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

Qi Yun listened quietly, a slight ripple stirring in his heart.

He had been exploring the cultivation world alone and knew very little. Only now did he learn about the existence of the "Mysterious Alliance" and the "Golden Code".

If what the other party said is true, cooperating with 749 as a worshipper, enjoying autonomy, and also helping with the inheritance sounds like the best choice at present.

Seeing that Qi Yun was interested, Zhong Weiguo pressed on, saying, "Since Master Gongyang is representing the Xuan Yi Alliance as witness, we are not unreasonable."

Today you only need to answer a few key questions. These involve the core secrets of your sect's heritage, which you can say frankly if you cannot reveal them, or you can skip them.

This way, we fulfill our duties while respecting your privacy. Is that alright with you?

Qi Yun pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over Zhong Weiguo's honest face, Gongyang Daoist's gentle eyes, and Song Dingqian, who, though still displeased, had stopped making a scene. Finally, he nodded: "Alright."

Zhong Weiguo's expression turned serious, and he began to inquire:
"Was this mysterious disappearance a one-off event? Will it happen again in the future?"

Is the disappearance directly related to your continuation of the Five Organs Theory lineage?

"Will the process of disappearance and reappearance cause any potential harm or lingering impact on the place where it occurred?"

"The Five Viscera Theory is not recorded in any existing archives. Could you briefly explain its origins and schools of thought? If it involves secrets, you may not answer."

Are you the only contemporary inheritor of the Five Organs Theory?

Qi Yun pondered for a moment, then answered each question in turn:

"The matter of disappearance cannot be answered."

"It's related to inheritance."

"It will not leave any harmful legacy to the present world."

"The lineage is passed down through a single lineage, and its origins are ancient and cannot be elaborated upon here."

"As far as I know, I am the only one who has inherited the Five Organs Theory!"

Zhong Weiguo listened attentively, exchanged a glance with Master Gongyang, and saw the other nod slightly, so he understood.

A smile appeared on his face, and he said seriously, "In that case, the question has been answered."

As per your request, your departure from the 749 Bureau's non-staff personnel list is effective immediately.

His tone shifted, becoming more formal and solemn: "Now, I, Zhong Weiguo, representing the 749th Bureau of the State, formally extend an invitation to Your Excellency, Qi Yun, the current abbot of the Five Organs Temple:
We cordially invite you to serve as our 'offerer' as an independent heir!

Before Qi Yun could ask any questions, he began to explain in detail:
"You will have a high degree of autonomy in your offerings. The Bureau will select a site in China based on your choice and fund the construction of the Five Organs Temple to help you establish your lineage and pass on your incense offerings. This is the greatest honor you can receive."

The bureau allocates a fixed amount of funds for offerings each year to ensure the daily expenses of the Taoist temple.

They have freedom of movement on ordinary days and will only provide assistance as appropriate when our bureau encounters difficult or unusual events and issues a request for support. They have the right to refuse twice a year without conditions.

Each act of assistance will be recorded as a merit based on the difficulty of the event and the contribution made.

Merit points can be used to exchange for secret manuals and rare materials collected within the bureau, or to apply for access to certain top-secret files.

As a worshipper, one automatically acquires the corresponding privileges.

If you were to handle Zhang Biao's gang this time, you would only need to file a case with the bureau afterwards.

When handling related incidents, they also have the authority to request the cooperation and assistance of local branch personnel.

At the same time, you will automatically become a member of the 'Xuanyi Alliance,' protected by the 'Golden Code,' and able to communicate with other Buddhist and Taoist lineages.

Zhong Weiguo looked at Qi Yun sincerely: "If you agree, this agreement will take effect immediately without any complicated procedures."

The reputation of Bureau 749 and the authority of its "Golden Code" are the guarantees.

After hearing this, Qi Yun had no more doubts.

The conditions offered by the other party were extremely generous, greatly solving the fundamental problem of his establishment and inheritance in this world, and respecting his independence.

Considering that I am the sole inheritor of the Five Viscera Theory and bear the responsibility of continuing the orthodox tradition, cooperating with such official forces would be far more beneficial than harmful.

He raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the three people in front of him before finally settling on Zhong Weiguo's face, and he slowly nodded.

"Alright. I accept this agreement."

(End of this chapter)