Be a proper Taoist priest in The Condor Heroes

Chapter 63 Zhengyi Sect Shangqing Temple

The warm spring breeze swept across the mountains and fields, and the sprouting grass and trees exuded a fresh fragrance. Occasionally, caravans of merchants would pass by on the official road, and the wheels would roll over the bluestone slabs with a steady sound.

After traveling for about two hours, a small town built against the mountain gradually came into view. The main street, paved with bluestone slabs, ran through the entire town, with taverns, teahouses, general stores, and grain shops lined up on both sides. Peddlers carrying goods on shoulder poles and porters leading mules and horses were everywhere.

Craftsmen dressed in short clothes shuttled back and forth, their shouts and laughter mingling together. Although it was a small mountain town, it was exceptionally lively and prosperous because it guarded the north-south trade route.

This small town is called Qingxi Town. It is a necessary stop for merchants traveling between the north and south. Although it lacks the grandeur of a large city, it is peaceful and prosperous, making it a rare place of safety in a chaotic world.

As you walk to the west side of the town, a Taoist temple is nestled among ancient cypress trees. The temple gate is half-closed, and the three ancient seal characters "Shangqing Temple" are engraved on the mottled wooden plaque. Although there is no gilding or painting, the strokes are vigorous and exude the simplicity of time.

Although the Taoist temple was small, it was kept very clean and tidy. The green tiles were intact, the white walls were spotless, and the orchids in the courtyard were faintly visible. It was clearly a quiet place for spiritual practice that had been maintained by a person who cultivated himself for many years.

Su Yan stopped in front of the temple, his gaze sweeping over the temple's layout. He immediately understood that this was a Taoist temple of the Zhengyi School with a history of over a hundred years. Although it was not a place of great religious activity, it possessed the tranquility of a hermit's cultivation.

Whether in my past life or this life, I have some understanding of the two major schools of Taoism.

The Quanzhen School originated in the north and was founded by Grandmaster Wang Chongyang. Its core practice center is located in Zhongnan Mountain. Disciples are ordained and live in temples, with their hair tied up and wearing crowns. Their clothing is strict and regulated, mainly in the colors of blue and green. They do not marry or eat meat. They emphasize the dual cultivation of internal alchemy and martial arts, and their techniques combine strength and gentleness. It is widely spread in the north and is the most famous Taoist school in the martial arts world. Today, it is even revered as the orthodox sect of Xuanmen.

The Zhengyi School originated from Zhang Daoling, the Celestial Master of the Eastern Han Dynasty. It flourished in the Central Plains and towns and villages of Jiangnan. Taoist priests could practice at home, marry and eat vegetarian food. Their clothing was loose and casual, mostly plain-colored casual clothes. They did not pay attention to crowns and hats. Their main focus was on talismans, fasting, and praying for blessings and disaster relief. Their martial arts were deeply hidden and mainly used for self-defense. Although they were widespread among the people, they rarely showed their prowess in the martial arts world.

"Master, this Taoist temple is so peaceful, much more comfortable than the inn in town."

Su Ye tugged at Su Yan's sleeve and whispered.

Su Yan nodded slightly and gently knocked on the temple gate.

With a creak, the wooden door opened, and an old Taoist priest slowly walked out of the hall.

The old Taoist priest wore a Zhuangzi turban, a black soft turban that was lower in the front and higher in the back, with a small jade inlaid in the hat, which was the iconic headdress of the Zhengyi sect; he wore a straight-collared, front-opening blue long gown, which was more fitted than the Quanzhen Taoist robe, with slightly narrower sleeves, and was casual and without strict rules in his daily life, and was obviously a Zhengyi Taoist priest who lived and practiced in a temple.

Upon seeing this attire, Su Ye's eyes were filled with curiosity. She quietly tugged at Su Yan's sleeve and whispered.

"Master, this Taoist priest's hat and clothes are completely different from ours."

Su Yan nodded slightly and explained in a low voice that only the two of them could hear.

"I, a member of the Quanzhen sect, am a monk who practices pure cultivation. My headdress is a Hunyuan scarf, and my Taoist robe can only be a cross-collar with a diagonal opening. My shoes and socks must be neat and cannot be changed at will. This Taoist priest belongs to the Zhengyi sect. He wears a Zhuangzi scarf on his head every day, and his Taoist robe can be either a front opening or a diagonal opening. The two sects have different cultivation rules, so their clothing is naturally very different."

As they spoke, Su Yan stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"This junior, Su Yan of the Quanzhen School, is passing through this place with his disciples and wishes to rest in the temple for the night. We hope that the Daoist Master will grant our request."

The old Taoist priest looked them over and immediately recognized their Quanzhen attire: Hunyuan headscarves, diagonally-fastened robes, and neatly made Shifang shoes, exuding an air of authority that was distinctly different from his own Zhengyi ordinary clothes.

"Since we are fellow practitioners of Taoism, please feel free to rest."

The old Taoist priest led the two into the temple. The bluestone path in the courtyard was swept clean and spotless. The main hall enshrined the statues of the Three Pure Ones. Although the offering table was simple, it was polished to a shine, and the incense burner still had a faint scent of sandalwood.

In the corner of the main hall, there were several bundles of firewood, and in the corner of the wall, there were several pots of wildflowers and plants. Although there was no exquisite furnishing, it exuded the elegance of a person who cultivates himself in seclusion.

Su Yan sat down on a stone bench in the courtyard, bowed slightly, and asked the question directly.

"Master, you have been cultivating here in seclusion for many years. I wonder if you have ever seen a strange snake? This snake is surrounded by golden light, has a fleshy growth on its head, and moves as swiftly as the wind. It is called the Bodhi Curved Snake."

The old Taoist stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and slowly shook his head.

"I have lived in seclusion here for decades and have never seen such a strange snake. Although there are many snakes and insects in these deep mountains, none are of such a strange and unusual form. I'm afraid you two will have to explore deeper into the mountains."

Su Yan nodded slightly upon hearing this, feeling a pang of regret, but also understanding that it was within his expectations. The Bodhi Serpent was naturally hidden around the Sword Tomb, making it difficult to find in ordinary mountains and fields. He clasped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"Thank you for telling me the truth, Master. I was being presumptuous."

It's alright.

The old Taoist waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the rolling western mountains outside the courtyard, and gave a deep reminder.

"However, the deep forests and valleys of the Western Mountains are treacherous, filled with miasma, and teeming with wild beasts. If you two insist on venturing deeper, you must be extra careful and not venture into danger rashly."

"I will always remember your kindness, Master."

"9

Su Yan solemnly cupped his hands, grateful for the old Taoist's reminder. He already knew the deep mountains were dangerous, and he had been cautious every step of the way during this exploration. With this advice, he was even more prepared.

Seeing that Su Yan was calm and polite, unlike the impetuous people of the martial arts world, the old Taoist priest had a bit more approval in his eyes, but he said no more. He turned around and slowly walked to the offering table in the main hall, raised his hand to wipe away the dust on the offering table, and slowly and methodically arranged the fruits and offerings. His movements were relaxed and unhurried, showing the indifference of a hermit.

After the old Taoist turned around to arrange the offerings, Su Ye leaned close to Su Yan and asked in a low voice.

"Brother Yan, what is the Zhengyi Sect? I've never heard of it."

Su Yan explained to Su Ye in a low voice, deliberately avoiding obscure Taoist terminology and using the simplest and most straightforward language.

"The Taoism in the world is now mainly divided into two sects. We are the Quanzhen sect, while this Taoist priest belongs to the Zhengyi sect. Quanzhen emphasizes pure cultivation and precepts, and advocates asceticism for monks and nuns. Zhengyi, on the other hand, allows people to marry and have children, eat meat and drink alcohol, but they can practice talismans, fasting and rituals, and help people in need."

You can usually see them a lot in the south, so you rarely see them.

Su Ye nodded, seemingly understanding, and leaned on the stone table, watching the old Taoist priest in the courtyard, her heart filled with curiosity. She watched the old priest slowly arranging the offerings, his movements gentle and unhurried, unlike the hurried pace of the town's vendors or the sharpness of her master practicing swordsmanship. She felt that everything in this Taoist temple was slow and reassuring.

Su Yan smiled as he looked at his disciple's curious expression.

As night deepened, the hustle and bustle of the town gradually faded away, leaving only the sounds of wind and insects in Shangqing Temple, a scene of tranquility and peace. The old Taoist priest brought two bowls of coarse tea and some fruit, placing them in front of the two.

"The mountains and fields are quiet and peaceful, but there's nothing of value to be had. Please make do with this to quench your thirst."

"Thank you, senior."

Su Yan stood up and took the tea. The tea was fragrant and refreshing, and smooth and warm to the throat, clearly a new tea from the mountains.

Not eating after noon doesn't mean not eating at all; it simply means eating fruits and vegetables to fill one's stomach. Although the Quanzhen Sect's dining hall also serves meals in the evening, these are only for some martial arts practitioners. After all, they need proper nutrition to strengthen their bodies through martial arts training.

Su Ye sipped her tea, watching the sky gradually darken outside the window, feeling a sense of peace.