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

Chapter 193 The Thieves' Guild, Lotus Flower Dharma Assembly

Outside the temple, although the rain had subsided somewhat, it was still a dense, continuous drizzle, pounding against the broken tiles and rafters, forming thin streams that dripped from the leaks in the eaves, splashing tiny water droplets on the muddy ground inside the doorway.

The river breeze, passing through the open temple gate, brought the unique fishy smell of the Han River, stirring the bonfire and making it flicker. It stretched and blurred the shadows of the three people inside the temple, casting them onto the mottled and eroded walls, like a flowing mural.

The Taoist who had killed the evil cultivator landed lightly, his movements devoid of any trace of human skill, and the rain had not even dampened a single corner of his clothes.

He sheathed his sword with a backhand motion, and the crimson-gold divine flames suddenly vanished as if they had never appeared, leaving only an ancient longsword slung over his back.

He patted the bright red lacquered gourd at his waist, then laughed loudly, his voice like clear jade striking stone, breaking the stagnant atmosphere in the temple:
"Gentlemen, the rainy night is long, the unpleasant guest has been eliminated, and sitting here is no fun."

"This humble Taoist priest still has a few drops of cloudy wine in his gourd, which can dispel cold and dampness and enhance our conversation. I wonder if he would do me the honor of sharing a cup with me?"

His smile was carefree, his eyes were clear, and he possessed a captivating air of composure.

Seeing this, the young man with the sword relaxed his tense shoulders and back slightly, and put his hand down from the hilt of the sword.

He clasped his hands in return, his voice hoarse but filled with gratitude and generosity: "Thank you, Daoist Master, for your help in vanquishing the evil! If it weren't for your thunderous sword strike, this demon would have almost escaped."

"I am Qin Xiao, a close aide to the Prefect of Xiangyang, and I have been ordered to investigate the disappearances along the Han River. I will remember your kindness, Daoist Master!"

His gaze swept over the vermilion gourd, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "I'm feeling quite chilly right now. How could I refuse the Daoist's kind offer?"

The middle-aged Taoist priest standing to the side also stood up, raised one palm to his chest, and performed a Taoist bow. His surprise and doubt subsided, and his expression turned solemn and respectful: "May the Heavenly Venerable grant you boundless blessings."

I am Zhang Daoyun, a disciple of Qingwei Temple on Nanping Mountain.

"Your cultivation is profound, Master. Your sword vanquishes evil spirits; I admire you greatly. But I wonder... how should I address you, Master?"

His gaze fell on Qi Yun's face, with a hint of barely perceptible inquiry.

Upon hearing the name "Zhang Daoyun," a barely perceptible ripple flickered in the depths of Qi Yun's eyes, like a pebble dropped into an ancient well.

The Taoist priest before him still had a touch of youthful innocence in his features, but possessed an upright demeanor, making him completely different from the malevolent and vengeful ghost he had encountered in later generations.

A thousand emotions welled up in his heart, but he simply smiled calmly and said, "I am Qi Yun, a recluse from the mountains and fields, just passing through this place on my travels."

"It's fate that we've met; there's no need for you two to stand on ceremony."

He untied the gourd and pulled out the wooden stopper.

Instantly, a clear and fragrant aroma of wine wafted out, not strong or pungent, but rather blended with the mountain clouds and the fragrance of herbs. In this damp and cold dilapidated temple, it was particularly refreshing, even suppressing the smoky smell of the firewood.

Qi Yun took a sip first, then flicked his wrist, and the vermilion gourd flew steadily toward Qin Xiao in an arc.

Qin Xiao didn't stand on ceremony and said, "Thank you, Daoist!" He reached out and took the gourd, feeling its warmth in his hand.

He tilted his head back and took a big gulp. As the wine went down his throat, he initially felt a warm current flow straight to his dantian, dispelling the chill in his body and reaching every part of his body, which invigorated him.

"Excellent wine!" Qin Xiao exclaimed, a glint of light in his eyes. "It's mellow and robust, with a lingering effect. Could it be... the famous wine of Mianyun County, 'Yunxia Brew'?"

Qi Yun smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying: "Brother, you have good insight."

Qin Xiao handed the gourd to Zhang Daoyun.

Zhang Daoyun hesitated for a moment, then accepted the gift with both hands, saying, "I am bound by the precepts of my sect, and dare not say more. I hope you will not take offense, Daoist Master!"

After speaking, he carefully took a small sip and savored it.

The gourd returned to Qi Yun's hands. The three sat down again around the campfire. After this exchange of drinks, the awkwardness and wariness they felt when fighting together quietly melted away, and the atmosphere eased.

The flickering firelight illuminated the faces of the three people.

Qi Yun's gaze swept over Zhang Daoyun's young yet already composed face, and the strange feeling in his heart became clearer.

He asked casually, "Fellow Daoist Zhang, you are so young, yet your cultivation is already quite remarkable. Is this your first time descending the mountain for training?"

Zhang Daoyun replied, "To answer your question, it is indeed my first time descending the mountain on my master's orders."

"I only followed a group of suspicious individuals, suspected to be remnants of the 'Thieves' Sect,' and ended up here, only to encounter this strange affair on the Han River and Brother Qin." "The Thieves' Sect!" Qi Yun gently stroked the warm gourd with his fingertips. "I am currently in the mountains and do not know anything about this Thieves' Sect. I hope you can enlighten me!"

Zhang Daoyun immediately responded, "This humble Taoist is only following the advice of my elders."

I've heard that this sect originated from a group of Qi cultivators from the previous dynasty who went astray, neglecting self-cultivation and specializing in theft.

They skillfully employ the evil arts of "using objects to represent forms" and "stealing souls with shadows," often disguising themselves as peddlers, boatmen, or actors, mingling in the marketplace to capture people's souls and refine them into "puppets" under their control. They may also steal others' official careers, fortunes, or even... attempt to seize the earth's dragon energy.

Zhang Daoyun's expression was solemn. "This evil art is strange and difficult to guard against. It was rampant thirty years ago, incurring the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people. It was eventually wiped out by the joint efforts of Buddhism and Taoism. We thought it had been eradicated long ago, but unexpectedly, some remnants have resurfaced."

The methods used by the group I was chasing were remarkably similar to those of the thieves described in ancient texts.

Qin Xiao slapped his thigh hard, making a loud "smack" that made the firelight tremble: "That's right! No wonder strange things have been happening in the territory since the governor was too busy with government affairs to perform the ancient ritual of worshipping the Dragon King of the Han River when he first took office!"

Looking back now, it must have been this group of evil people who were secretly causing trouble, using the names of gods and monsters to commit murder, robbery, and theft of fortune!

The Dragon King's wrath is nothing but a smokescreen!

The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed, and anger appeared on his face.

Qi Yun pondered for a moment, then said, "When I was in Mianyun County, I heard that Xiangyang Prefecture was going to hold a Buddhist festival?"

Qin Xiao hurriedly replied, "That's right. Three days later, the Jinshan Temple will preside over the 'Lotus Dharma Assembly' in Xiangyang Prefecture, inviting monks and Taoists to participate, supposedly to pacify the river and bring peace to the region."

In retrospect, the timing of this Dharma assembly seems rather coincidental.

His brows were furrowed, clearly indicating that he too had doubts about the ceremony.

Zhang Daoyun interjected, "Jinshan Temple is a well-known and orthodox Buddhist temple in Jingchu, with a thriving incense offering."

However, this religious ceremony was held hastily and was strongly promoted by the government. Whether there are other hidden motives behind it, or whether it is related to the Thieves' Guild or this strange phenomenon on the Han River, requires careful investigation.

"Lotus Flower Dharma Assembly... Jinshan Temple..."

Qi Yun repeated softly, his gaze fixed on the boundless darkness outside the temple gate, as if he could pierce through the rain curtain and see the ancient city of Xiangyang and the surging Han River.

The gourd was passed around among the three people again, the aroma of wine mingling with the rain and smoke from the firewood, lingering in the desolate, dilapidated temple.

Qin Xiao, being a boisterous man, became more talkative after a few drinks, recounting in detail the many bizarre disappearances that had occurred recently along the Han River. His detailed accounts clearly showed that he had done a lot of hard work investigating them.

Zhang Daoyun then added from the side, analyzing the possible traces left by evil magic and how to break it from a Taoist perspective.

Qi Yun mostly listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a few words.

Outside the temple, the sounds of wind and rain gradually subsided, with only the continuous roar of the rushing river echoing faintly, which further highlighted the crackling of the bonfire and the intimate conversations inside the temple.

Although the three had different identities and purposes, they felt a sense of camaraderie and mutual appreciation for each other as they worked together to punish the wicked and shared a pot of wine in this deserted temple on a rainy night.

Looking at Zhang Daoyun, who was speaking eloquently and with a righteous heart, and thinking of his tragic end in later generations, where he died and became a vengeful ghost, Qi Yun couldn't help but sigh at the cruel twist of fate. However, one thought became more and more firm: since they had met again in this life before everything had happened, he must not let this old friend repeat the same mistakes.

The gourd was gradually emptying, but the conversation was not yet over.

Finally, Qi Yun finished the last drop of wine in the gourd, stood up and said, "The matter here is settled. I wish to travel to Xiangyang Prefecture to see what the 'Lotus Dharma Assembly' is all about. What are your plans, gentlemen?"

Qin Xiao immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute and said resolutely, "I am on duty and will return to Xiangyang to report back and thoroughly investigate the Thieves' Guild! I am willing to accompany you, Daoist!"

Zhang Daoyun also rose and bowed: "The clues I have been following also point to Xiangyang. I am willing to go with you two to investigate this matter together and bring peace to the people."

“Alright!” Qi Yun nodded. “In that case, we shall travel together.”

Once it's slightly brighter, we will set off for Xiangyang.

With the agreement made, the three of them said no more and each found a slightly dry place to rest and wait.

Qi Yun's gaze swept over Zhang Daoyun's profile again, his eyes closed in rest, and he silently thought:
"In this life, I, the humble Taoist, will not allow you to fall into the netherworld again."

(End of this chapter)