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

Chapter 66 Mountain Moon and Gentle Breeze, Drunk

The mountain tiger demon, having offered up the spirit wine, must have had something in mind.

Sure enough, he spoke to Xuanqing in a low voice at that moment.

“Brother Xuanqing, to tell you the truth, I was originally a clueless white-browed tiger in this mountain. Thirty years ago, I was blessed by the heavens and ate a strange fruit on a cliff. Since then, my intelligence has gradually opened up, and I have come to know the vastness of the world and the mystery of the Dao.”

Over the years, I have only known how to breathe in the moonlight and absorb a little bit of essence, but my progress has been as slow and agonizing as an old ox pulling a broken cart.

However, once one's spiritual wisdom is awakened and one can glimpse the path to the Great Dao, it is like a long-awaited rain after a drought. One's heart is filled with longing for the Dao and yearns day and night for guidance from a wise master so that one can hear the true Dharma!

Today, I am fortunate to have met a Daoist brother who is a true cultivator of the Dao. I humbly request that you, Daoist brother, have the compassion to bestow upon me an introductory method of Qi cultivation and breathing techniques, so that you may guide me on the right path!
The spirits of the mountains and fields will never forget this kindness and virtue!

After speaking, he placed his hand on his chest, bowed slightly, and lowered his posture considerably.

Qi Yun understood immediately: Just as he thought! The fine wine and rare fruits, the lavish hospitality, were all for this invitation.

This tiger demon was shrewd and understood the principle that "when you offer a gift, you must have something in mind."

Xuanqing put down his wine cup, stroked his beard, and pondered for a moment. His face showed no displeasure, but rather an understanding smile: "I admire your sincere desire to seek the Dao, Lord Shan. However, the Daoist lineage of the Five Viscera Observation is not easily passed on. I dare not reveal even a trace of it to anyone who is not a disciple of the Observation."

These are the rules of the sect; we hope the mountain lord will understand.

Upon hearing this, the mountain lord showed no disappointment in his eyes, but instead a glint of shrewdness flashed in them, and he hurriedly said, "Brother Dao, you misunderstand!"
How dare I covet the secrets that your esteemed temple keeps secret?

"I only ask that if you, fellow Daoist, possess any less important Qi-refining methods outside of established traditions, regardless of their level, you could guide me onto the right path and help me discern the workings of Qi. That would already be an immense favor!"

Xuan Qing smiled and said, "In that case, there really is a way."

Three years ago, I, a humble Taoist priest, slew a 'Five Poisons Venerable' who was causing havoc in the region deep in the Hundred Thousand Mountains of Lingnan.

Among his belongings, a scroll of "Hundred Meridians Guiding Technique" was obtained.

This method is neither Taoist nor Buddhist; it is a heretical and unorthodox approach that involves refining one's own essence and blood, guiding internal energy to strengthen the body and prolong life. Although it cannot be considered a superior or orthodox path, it is a complete system, balanced and peaceful, and does not involve evil spirits.

Guiding the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into the body, regulating the hundred meridians, and nourishing the primordial essence is just right for someone like the Mountain Lord, who has a strong physique and abundant primordial essence.

If you, Lord Shan, do not find this technique crude, this humble Taoist priest is willing to bestow it upon you.

Overjoyed, the mountain lord abruptly stood up and bowed deeply to Xuanqing: "Brother Dao's great kindness! I am deeply grateful!"

This technique may be insignificant to you, but to me it is a ladder to heaven! I am deeply grateful! His voice was loud and clear, making the stone platform vibrate, which showed how excited he was.

Xuan Qing accepted the greeting with a smile, then pointed his fingers like a sword, a faint light flickering from the fingertips. He casually shaved off a flat stone slab, about a foot square and an inch thick, from the edge of the stone table.

Using fingers as a pen and stone as paper, the fingertips glide across the hard stone slab as if cutting tofu with a sharp blade, with stone chips falling down in a soft, clear "hissing" sound.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a piece of calligraphy in tiny characters was carved all over the stone slab, the characters vigorous and deeply embedded in the stone.

Xuanqing pushed the stone slab in front of the Mountain Lord: "Mountain Lord, please take a look."

The mountain spirit, as if it had found a treasure, held the stone slab in both hands, brought it close to the moonlight, its tiger eyes wide open, gazing at it with rapt attention, murmuring to itself, sometimes frowning, sometimes suddenly realizing, finally letting out a long, satisfied sigh: "Wonderful! Wonderful indeed! It truly is a method that directly points to the root of Qi! Thank you, fellow Daoist!"

He carefully put the stone slab away.

After that, Xuanqing and Shanjun, fueled by wine, began to discuss the path of cultivation.

Qi Yun listened attentively and benefited greatly.

From the conversation, he learned that the cultivation of these mountain spirits was far more difficult than that of humans.

Demons are born with strong physiques, vigorous blood and energy, and lifespans that far exceed those of ordinary people. They also have the opportunity to awaken various innate supernatural abilities.

However, its drawbacks are also very significant: awakening one's spiritual intelligence is an extremely rare opportunity; the path of cultivation is shrouded in mystery, lacking systematic guidance, relying entirely on instinct to explore, resulting in extremely slow progress. Furthermore, one is highly susceptible to the ferocious and savage nature within one's bloodline, and if one's will is not firm, one is very likely to fall into evil ways, indulging in bloodlust and killing, thus accumulating negative karma.

Xuanqing spoke earnestly, pointing out the key point: "Mountain Lord, now that you have embarked on the path of cultivation and yearn for immortality, you should know that the word 'karma' is like a shadow following you."

Killing and harming living beings, especially slaughtering intelligent creatures, results in the heaviest karmic retribution.

Being burdened by karma not only hinders spiritual practice but also invites heavenly calamities and human disasters, with death and spiritual decay imminent.

Remember, remember! "

Shan Jun's expression turned solemn, and he said seriously, "Brother Dao's golden words are as resounding as thunder!"
To be honest, when I first gained my spiritual intelligence, I was also unruly and caused harm to others.

Fortunately, after subduing the scholar's ghost, I learned that he had been well-read in his previous life and often advised me with the principles of sages and the doctrine of cause and effect.

For the past ten years, I have long since restrained my subordinates from easily taking lives, and have instead retreated to the deep mountains to cultivate myself, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon and eating the spiritual fruits of the mountains.

"Brother Dao's words of enlightenment have awakened me; I must be even more mindful of my original intentions, avoid karmic debts, and strive for the Great Dao!"

As Qi Yun listened, his opinion of the tiger demon rose even higher.

He took small sips of the spiritual wine as instructed, feeling the warm current washing over and nourishing his body.

After three cups of Amber Dew, the overwhelming and gentle warmth completely overwhelmed my senses.

My internal organs felt incredibly comfortable, as if they were soaking in a hot spring; my muscles and bones felt relaxed; and my eyelids felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

Overwhelmed by intoxication, he could no longer hold on and collapsed onto the cold stone table, falling into a deep sleep.

In the hazy light, I seemed to hear the Mountain Lord's hearty laughter and Uncle Xuanqing's smiling whispers.

After an unknown amount of time, Qi Yun slowly woke up to the rhythmic shaking.

Beneath me was a familiar warmth and firmness, and in my ears was a clear and melodious "ding-a-ling... ding-a-ling..." sound.

He opened his eyes and found himself lying on the broad back of that blue donkey.

As dawn broke, a milky white morning mist, like a veil, enveloped the ancient official road, entwining the half-withered branches and leaves of the old trees along the roadside.

The tips of the grass blades are covered with glistening autumn frost, which refracts into tiny rainbows in the dim morning light.

The air was crisp and moist, carrying the scents of earth, fallen leaves, and a faint frost. Inhaling it invigorated the spirit.

The outlines of distant mountains are faintly visible in the thin mist, serene and vast.

The donkey's hooves clattered on the frosty official road, making a crisp "tap-tap" sound, the only rhythm in this tranquil morning.

I felt no hangover headache or discomfort at all; instead, I felt completely relaxed and light, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from my body.

My internal organs felt warm and full of unprecedented vitality. With a slight thought, I felt that the essence contained in my internal organs was more than twice as strong as before the banquet!

The nourishing power of that spirit wine was terrifyingly potent.

"Are you sober now?" Xuan Qing's gentle, smiling voice came from ahead.

He led the donkey by the rope, the hem of his gray-blue Taoist robe dampened by the morning mist and stained with bits of grass and mud, yet it did not diminish his dashing demeanor.

Qi Yun quickly straightened up, his face slightly embarrassed: "Uncle-Master! This disciple...this disciple was drunk all night, I'm so sorry to have troubled you, Uncle-Master! That wine...was really strong!"

Xuan Qing turned around, a relieved smile in his eyes: "One night? You were drunk for a whole day and two nights!"
Jiujiang City is not far ahead.

(End of this chapter)