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

Chapter 172 Establishing the Lineage, Causal Connection
As dawn broke, Mount Qingcheng was still shrouded in a thin layer of mist.

Qi Yun changed into a brand-new dark blue Taoist robe, with cloud patterns embroidered on the hem, the stitches were fine and dense, and he exuded a calm and dignified demeanor.

Song Wan stood half a step behind him, dressed in a well-fitting business suit, looking capable, and was quietly confirming the procedures for Qi Yun.

As Qi Yun's secretary, she was the actual organizer of this grand ceremony.

"Master, the guest convoy has arrived at the foot of the mountain one after another," Song Wan said in a low voice.

Qi Yun nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the winding mountain road.

The first to arrive were several black sedans.

The car door opened, and Zhong Weiguo stepped out first. He remained as composed as ever, wearing a crisp Zhongshan suit and with sharp eyes. Zhao Yue and Chen Ruyi followed behind him.

As soon as Zhao Yue got out of the car, he looked around curiously. When he saw Qi Yun, his eyes lit up and he grinned as if to greet her, but Chen Ruyi next to him stopped him with a look.

Chen Ruyi was still dressed in that smart leather outfit, which accentuated her graceful figure. She nodded slightly to Qi Yun, her eyes filled with a hint of scrutiny and barely perceptible amazement.

"Captain Zhong, Brother Zhao, Sister Chen, you must be tired from your journey."

Qi Yun stepped forward a few paces, cupped his hands in greeting, and spoke in a calm tone.

Zhong Weiguo smiled and shook Qi Yun's hand firmly: "Master Qi, congratulations! The completion of Youxian Palace and the restoration of the Five Organs Sect's lineage are momentous events!"

He looked Qi Yun up and down and said with emotion, "Every time I see you, you seem different."

Zhao Yue then came closer and chuckled, "Master Qi, you've chosen a really good spot!"
Qingcheng Mountain, the most secluded place under heaven, what a wonderful place! If I ever can't make it in 749, I'll come and work as a gatekeeper for you, sir. Please take me in then!

"You're welcome anytime," Qi Yun said with a smile.

Chen Ruyi simply replied, "Congratulations."

Immediately afterwards, the car from the Shancheng branch arrived.

Song Dingqian got out of the carriage. "Abbot Qi, congratulations!"

He then looked at Song Wan behind Qi Yun and nodded to her.

Li Fang, who was following behind him, said enthusiastically: "Master Qi, congratulations on the restoration of the Northern Emperor's lineage! From now on, our Mountain City branch will be relying on your help!"

As he spoke, he winked at Song Wan.

Just then, a fragrant breeze wafted by, and Captain Liu Lan from the Chuancheng Branch walked over with a smile.

"Abbot Qi, congratulations! We'll be neighbors from now on, we should get to know each other better!"

While everyone was exchanging pleasantries, another group of vehicles arrived.

Next up were the council members of the Xuan Yi Alliance.

The council members of the major lineages did not gather together for various reasons; only the three families of Qingyang Palace, Baiyun Temple, and Dalin Temple came!

The Palace Master of Qingyang Palace, Jiusong Zhenren, whom Qi Yun had been unable to wait for, finally appeared.

He was dressed in purple robes and wore a lotus crown. His face was serene and ancient, and his eyes were clear, conveying a sense of peace that seemed to have seen through the ways of the world.

The disciple, Master Gongyang, followed closely behind. Upon seeing Qi Yun, he respectfully bowed and said, "Master Qi."

Master Jiusong smiled and bowed to Qi Yun: "May the Heavenly Venerable grant you boundless blessings. Abbot Qi, I was unaware of your visit last time, as I was traveling abroad. I was truly impolite and hope you will forgive me. The completion of your esteemed temple today is a grand event for the Xuanmen sect, a cause for celebration."

Qi Yun returned the greeting solemnly: "The presence of the Palace Master of Jiusong Palace is an honor to our humble abode."

On the other side, Abbot Yunqing of Baiyun Temple also arrived.

He was an old Taoist priest with a ruddy complexion and a perpetually smiling expression. He wore a blue Taoist robe and appeared very easygoing. He was accompanied by a female Taoist priest, whom Qi Yun had already read about. She was the other party's female disciple, Lin Xiaoyu, who was only sixteen years old this year!
Following behind Yun Qing, he looked around with the curiosity of a child. When he saw that Qi Yun was not much older than himself, he was even more surprised.

"Master Qi, I've long admired you! I've always thought you were a promising young man, and meeting you today confirms that your reputation is well-deserved!" Master Yunqing laughed heartily.

Finally, an old monk arrived, wearing a bright red robe embroidered with gold thread. He had a ruddy complexion, long, snow-white eyebrows, and held a string of ebony prayer beads in his hand. He was the abbot of Dalin Temple, whose Dharma name was Liaokong.

Behind him followed a tall, resolute-looking middle-aged disciple, whose Dharma name was "Huishan".

Master Liaokong clasped his hands together and said in a booming voice, "Amitabha."

Abbot Qi, congratulations on the completion of the temple. Although Buddhism and Taoism differ, they lead to the same goal; let us join hands in this grand undertaking.

Qi Yun returned the greeting with equal respect: "It is an honor to have Master Liaokong come."

When the guests had almost all arrived, a seemingly ordinary black sedan with a special license plate quietly pulled up.

An elderly man, dressed in a dark Zhongshan suit, with his hair neatly combed and looking energetic, came downstairs accompanied by his secretary.

Zhong Weiguo and the others immediately straightened up and went to meet them.

"Boss, you've arrived," Zhong Weiguo said in a low voice.

This is Liu Zhenhua, one of the deputy directors of the 749 General Bureau.

He is a powerful veteran in the bureau.

He looked like an ordinary, kind old man, but his eyes were deep and he exuded an aura of authority without being angry.

"Such an important matter, how could I not come to pay a visit?"

Liu Zhenhua smiled and shook hands with Zhong Weiguo, then turned his gaze to Qi Yun and extended his hand, "This must be Abbot Qi Yun, right? A young and outstanding man, full of potential!"

I am Liu Zhenhua, and I am here on behalf of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television to extend my congratulations to you!

"Director Liu, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come." Qi Yun shook hands with him neither humbly nor arrogantly.

Everyone has arrived, and the auspicious time has come.

Guided by Song Wan, the group slowly made their way up the clean stone steps to the Youxian Palace at the top of the mountain.

Ancient trees tower along the way, a gentle breeze caresses your face, and the occasional clear birdsong adds to the ethereal beauty of the mountains.

The main hall of Youxian Palace features flying eaves and bracket sets, creating a magnificent and imposing structure.

Above the palace gate hangs a plaque with three gilded characters, "Youxian Palace," which gleams in the morning light.

Inside the hall, the statues of the Three Pure Ones stood solemnly, and fresh flowers and fruits were offered on the incense table, while the eternal flame flickered.

The ceremony was presided over by Master Gongyang.

He performed the rituals of walking on the dipper, burned incense and offered prayers; his voice was clear and melodious, penetrating every corner of the hall.

Whether they were members of Bureau 749 or cultivators from the Xuan Yi Alliance, everyone present remained calm and composed, immersed in the solemn atmosphere.

"Now, Qi Yun, the abbot of the Five Organs Temple of the Youxian Palace, has been appointed by Heaven to re-establish the Northern Emperor's Dharma lineage in Qingcheng and promote the righteous Dharma..."

After the prayers are finished, the most important part is the incense offering.

As the abbot, Qi Yun was the first to step forward.

He washed his hands, burned incense, raised three sticks of incense above his head, and bowed three times to the statues of the Three Pure Ones, his expression solemn and devout.

He then carefully inserted the incense stick into the huge incense burner, and wisps of smoke rose straight up like a line.

Following this, Minister Liu Zhenhua and Group Leader Zhong Weiguo, representing Bureau 749, stepped forward to offer incense. Then, the three directors of the Xuan Yi Alliance—Master Jiu Song, Master Yun Qing, and Master Liao Kong—stepped forward in turn to burn incense and kowtow according to their respective traditions.

Their movements were slow and graceful, as if connected to the surrounding world.

Finally, the accompanying personnel offered incense in turn.

Throughout the entire process, the main hall was completely silent, with only the melodious Taoist music and chanting echoing through it, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere that touched everyone present. The ceremony concluded perfectly the moment the last incense stick was inserted into the incense burner.

Qi Yun stood in the main seat and suddenly felt the pale golden causal mark deep between his eyebrows tremble slightly.

An indescribable sense of mystery welled up in my heart.

It was as if an invisible, thick, and resilient line had been completely solidified and perfected at this moment, connecting him more deeply with this palace and temple, with Qingcheng Mountain beneath his feet, and even with the wider world.

A sense of groundedness arises from the feeling of "being rooted here and having a continuous tradition." At the same time, it seems that more complex and intertwined causal relationships are quietly emerging because of this ceremony, pointing towards the future.

This feeling was fleeting, yet incredibly clear.

After the ceremony, most of the guests were guided by Song Wan to visit Youxian Palace or have a vegetarian meal.

Qi Yun, Liu Zhenhua, and the three Xuan Yi Alliance directors entered the quiet room in the inner courtyard of the Five Organs Temple.

The interior is decorated in a simple and elegant style, with a wooden tea table in the center and wisps of steam rising from several celadon teacups, emitting a delicate fragrance.

Liu Zhenhua spoke first, his tone gentle yet getting straight to the point: "Abbot Qi, congratulations again on the reconstruction of your temple."

There are two reasons for my visit. Firstly, to formally confirm whether the Five Viscera Observation School truly inherits the lineage of the Northern Emperor.

Qi Yun nodded: "Indeed, it is the lineage of the Northern Emperor."

Everyone present nodded slightly upon hearing this.

The Northern Emperor faction is known for its strict laws and the practice of summoning spirits and deities. Qi Yun's previous actions were decisive and ruthless, which was indeed in line with this lineage.

Liu Zhenhua's expression grew serious as he continued, "That's good. The second thing is that I want to take this opportunity to give Abbot Qi a deeper understanding of the Xuan Yi Alliance and the current situation."

He paused briefly, his voice lowering slightly: "There is a secret that Abbot Qi may not know."

Before the founding of the nation, this land had suffered from a century of war, and the resentment and malevolent energy had accumulated to a very deep level.

The founding leaders, with their foresight, knew that to establish a new nation, they must first appease the souls of the people.

Therefore, before the founding ceremony, a secret "Luotian Grand Ritual" was held to deliver the souls of the deceased, dispel malevolent energy, and appease the earth's veins.

"After that grand ceremony, the country was revitalized and the nation prospered."

It can be said that the establishment of the new nation also owes a debt of merit and sacrifice to the members of our Xuanmen sect. The cooperative relationship between Bureau 749 and the Xuanyi Alliance is rooted in this.

“However, the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease,” he said, his tone turning somber. “The remnants of those cult organizations that were defeated back then have not been eradicated.”

Some fled overseas, while many others settled in Hong Kong Island.

With Hong Kong's return to China imminent, negotiations have entered a crucial stage.

Liu Zhenhua said solemnly: "Previously, the General Administration and Xuan Yi Alliance decided in the last meeting to form a delegation to go to Hong Kong Island in the next round of negotiations."

In addition to the negotiators on the surface, a capable team is needed to investigate the current situation of the remaining cults entrenched on Hong Kong Island in advance, assess the risks, and prepare for the response after the handover.

This team needs a fellow Daoist from the Xuan Yi Alliance to be in charge, but since the other Daoist sects all have important matters to attend to, they can only be selected from among the council members.

What are your thoughts?

During the meeting, in a quiet pavilion halfway up Qingcheng Mountain, Song Dingqian found Song Wan, who was looking down at the schedule.

"Wanwan." His voice was a little hoarse.

Song Wan paused slightly and turned around: "Dad. Is something the matter?"

Song Dingqian stepped forward, leaned against a pavilion pillar, and said somewhat awkwardly, "It's nothing, I just... came to see you. You must have had a hard time lately."

"It's just work, nothing special," Song Wan said calmly.

Song Dingqian rubbed his hands together and sighed, "I know, I was wrong before. I was too stubborn and always wanted to protect you, but I didn't consider your feelings... I put too much pressure on you."

Song Wan was surprised that her father would suddenly say these things, and fell silent for a moment.

Her gaze swept across the thin mist swirling in the mountains, and she said softly, "In a few days... it will be the anniversary of Mom's death."

Song Dingqian was taken aback upon hearing this, a hint of pain flashing in his eyes, his voice growing even lower: "Yes... I'm planning to go see her. You... if you can spare the time, shall we go together?"

Song Wan felt a slight sting in her nose, lowered her head, and softly hummed in agreement.

Song Dingqian seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and his tone softened considerably: "Master Qi is an upright and capable person. It would be good for you to follow him, learn from him, and gain more experience."

However… one must be careful in all matters and keep a watchful eye.”

"I know," Song Wan replied softly. "Dad, you should smoke less and take care of your health."

A mountain breeze swept by, and the long-lost reconciliation between father and daughter gently drifted away with the clouds and mist.

Meanwhile, during the meeting, Master Jiusong volunteered to take on the mission to go to Hong Kong Island.

After the meeting, Qi Yun discussed and exchanged ideas with everyone, and benefited greatly from the discussion.

Soon after, Zhong Weiguo, Zhao Yue, and Chen Ruyi also came looking for him.

Zhao Yue laughed and shouted that he wanted to see the statue he had carved with his own eyes, but Zhong Weiguo stopped him with a look.

Zhong Weiguo mainly reconfirmed the contact information, while Chen Ruyi remained largely silent, only offering a sincere apology for the previous incident.

Liu Lan also took the opportunity to chat with Qi Yun for a few minutes, and warmly invited him to visit the Chuancheng branch when he had time.

For the next two days, the Qingcheng Mountain was filled with distinguished guests, who either exchanged ideas and discussed philosophy or enjoyed the mountain scenery together, creating a harmonious and warm atmosphere.

As the host, Qi Yun was busy greeting and seeing off people, but he also got to know many like-minded people and gained a deeper understanding of Bureau 749 and Xuan Yi Alliance.

On the fourth day, the ceremony came to a successful conclusion, and the guests departed one after another.

At the mountain gate, Qi Yun and Song Wan stood side by side to see each other off.

Before leaving, Liu Zhenhua specifically instructed Daoist Jiusong: "We will depart for Hong Kong Island in three days. Please arrive in Beijing in advance!"

Master Jiusong nodded in agreement, then turned to Qi Yun with a smile and said, "Master Qi, the doors of the Qingyang Palace Scripture Pavilion are always open for you."

Master Yunqing smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Master Qi is a promising young man. Please visit me more often in the future!"

Master Liaokong clasped his hands together and said in a calm voice, "Amitabha, benefactor Qi, until we meet again."

Song Dingqian walked up to Qi Yun and said solemnly, "Abbot Qi, I'll have to trouble you to take care of my daughter." He then looked at Song Wan, his lips moved, but he only whispered, "Wanwan, remember... to come home when you have time."

Li Fang, Liu Lan, and other branch office leaders also bid farewell to each other.

The convoy traveled further and further along the winding mountain road, eventually disappearing into the lush green mountains.

After the hustle and bustle, Qingcheng Mountain returns to its tranquility.

Sunlight streamed down, making the "Youxian Palace" plaque gleam.

Qi Yun, his Taoist robe fluttering in the mountain breeze, stood quietly gazing into the distance.

Song Wan stood beside him and after a moment inquired about the daily management of the Taoist temple.

Qi Yun said calmly, "Youxian Palace is merely a scenic spot for gathering incense offerings; the Five Organs Temple is the core of the lineage. You are in charge of arranging all matters concerning Youxian Palace."

Song Wan nodded in agreement, already beginning to plan the specifics in her mind.

Just as she was deep in thought, Qi Yun suddenly asked, "How has your cultivation progressed these past few days, given your busy schedule with construction and the grand ceremony?"

(End of this chapter)