Taoist priests in the supernatural world

The highest heavens.

Clouds and mist swirled, and a fierce wind howled.

Layers of white clouds rolled like the sea, sometimes gathering and sometimes dispersing, torn into countless strands by the strong winds of the high sky.

To mortals, this place is empty and desolate, with nothing but swirling clouds.

If a cultivator were to stand here, they would be able to see a dense network of lightning and countless rays of golden light deep within the clouds.

Under the lightning, the outline of the palace could be vaguely seen.

The palace was not made of physical bricks and tiles, but rather formed by the condensation of thunder, talismans, incense, and the divine will of successive Celestial Masters.

Sometimes real, sometimes unreal.

This place is located above Longhu Mountain.

The disciples of Longhu Mountain and the Celestial Masters of all generations referred to it as the Divine Firmament Thunder Palace Daoist Temple.

In Taoism, a Taoist temple originally referred to a place where immortals cultivated themselves.

After a Taoist priest ascends to heaven in broad daylight, he can extend his lifespan here and continue his cultivation.

Some Taoist priests, after their death, are personally summoned by the Lord of the Dharma Realm to remain in the Taoist temple as souls, becoming Dharma Protectors, Thunder Generals, or Merit Officers.

They are no longer truly living people in the mortal world, but they are not ordinary ghosts either.

They prolong their lives with incense offerings and preserve themselves in the Dharma realm.

In Buddhism, it is called the Dharmadhatu.

The so-called Dharma realm refers to the essence, origin, and entirety of all dharmas.

The Shenxiao Thunder Palace is the source of the thunder magic of the Longhu Mountain lineage.

Whenever disciples of Longhu Mountain open an altar to perform rituals and invoke the Thunder Department, a wisp of divine intent connects with this place when the talismans are lit.

Without the support of this realm, many thunder spells would be greatly reduced in power.

Within the Dharma realm, thunder roared.

The light of five thunderbolts spread in all directions, outlining illusory palaces.

Between the palaces, golden-armored thunder generals patrolled.

There were also Taoist priests with semi-transparent figures bowing their heads and chanting scriptures to maintain the operation of the Dharma realm.

Thunder occasionally boomed in the void.

Each time thunder rumbled, the entire Shenxiao Thunder Palace would tremble slightly.

Inside the largest palace, a purple-robed celestial master sat cross-legged.

This person has skin as white as jade, his body is covered with thunder patterns, and his eyes are azure blue.

Between the opening and closing of his eyes, it seemed as if lightning was flowing deep within his pupils.

He was a Celestial Master who ascended to heaven at Longhu Mountain in the late Ming Dynasty.

He has been in charge of the Divine Firmament Thunder Palace for over three hundred years.

Three hundred years of erosion by lightning energy had long since completely assimilated his physical body.

He and this Divine Firmament Thunder Palace Taoist temple have almost become one.

When the Lei family prospered, he became powerful.

With the decline of the Lei family, it was difficult for him to survive for long.

The Celestial Master Shenxiao gazed at the magnificent palace and then at the few disciples in the temple, his eyes filled with deep worry.

Three hundred years.

Three hundred years.

For the past three hundred years, he has struggled to maintain this world and preserve the foundation of Longhu Mountain's lineage in the mortal realm.

Recently, he has clearly felt that his lifespan is about to end.

What's more troublesome is that no new Celestial Master has ascended to heaven in broad daylight to take over his duties.

A temple cannot be without a presiding master.

The source of thunder magic in Longhu Mountain cannot be left unguarded.

If this continues, Longhu Mountain's status will inevitably plummet.

The lower realm's lineage will also decline.

Amidst the lightning, a Taoist priest with a semi-transparent body knelt before the Celestial Master of the Divine Firmament.

This person was dressed in an old-fashioned Taoist robe, and tiny arcs of electricity were wrapped around his soul.

"Lord Lei, your disciple has ascertained that Huang Bai is the culprit who killed the Celestial Master and stole the Yangping Capital Merit Seal back then."

"Should the Lord descend to the mortal realm and kill this person?"

Inside the palace, thunder rumbled low.

The Celestial Master Shenxiao remained silent for a moment, then finally gave a bitter laugh.

"It is said that Huang Bai has already attained the cultivation to ascend to heaven in broad daylight."

"If this person were within the temple grounds, I would have a thousand ways to turn him to ashes."

"But what if we could escape this world..."

As he said this, he looked down at his palms, which were covered with lightning patterns.

Between his fingers, tiny sparks of lightning kept escaping.

"What threat could an elderly person, whose vital energy is waning and whose lifespan is nearing its end, possibly pose?"

The semi-transparent Taoist priest lowered his head and remained silent.

He still felt resentful, but he also knew that Lei Zhu was telling the truth.

The Lord of the Dharma Realm resides within the Dharma Realm, and naturally possesses boundless power.

Once you leave the Dharma Realm, you will be suppressed by the mortal world.

Moreover, the Thunder Lord's lifespan is nearing its end, making it unsuitable for him to forcibly descend to the mortal realm.

Shenxiao Celestial Master continued:

"Back then, the Celestial Master sided with the barbarians and harmed his fellow Chinese people; he deserved to die."

"Even if Huang Bai is killed, it will not change the new dynasty's animosity towards Longhu Mountain."

"The most urgent task is not revenge, but to repair relations with Huang Bai and the new dynasty."

The Celestial Master Shenxiao saw the future of Longhu Mountain.

Since the establishment of the new dynasty, the reputation of the two treacherous families, "Kong in the North and Zhang in the South," has long been deeply ingrained in people's minds.

One is a descendant of a sage.

One is a family of Taoist masters.

It should have been the face of Chinese culture, education, and religion.

Ironically, in times of chaos, they were the first to kneel down and the most adept at currying favor with the barbarians.

With the rise of public opinion in the new dynasty, Longhu Mountain's reputation almost plummeted.

Many lineages that were affiliated with Longhu Mountain have also changed their allegiance and joined the Huaxia Prayer Association.

If it doesn't repair its image and show enough sincerity in repentance, Longhu Mountain might really collapse.

If this were during the heyday of Longhu Mountain, the Celestial Master Shenxiao would naturally have been able to descend to the mortal realm and interfere with the authorities.

Things are different now; Longhu Mountain is no longer the only dominant force.

Countless factions are waiting for the new dynasty to issue an order so they can openly devour the last remaining treasures of Longhu Mountain.

The Celestial Master of the Divine Firmament slowly closed his eyes, and after a moment, he spoke:

"I will personally attend the magical duel on the fifteenth of August."

"In any case, we'll make a decision later."

The semi-transparent Taoist bowed his head and accepted the order.

"Yes."

……

Beneath the boundless Yin Earth.

A hazy gray sky enveloped the surroundings.

A golden, talisman-encased city stands deep within the Yin Earth.

The city's four high walls were all made of stacked talismans.

On the wall, countless cinnabar runes flowed slowly, resisting the omnipresent evil spirits, yin winds, and malevolent energy in the yin earth.

This is the Yin Earth Dharma Realm of Maoshan.

Unlike the Thunder Palace of Longhu Mountain, which is located high in the clouds, the Yin Earth Dharma Realm of Maoshan is located underground and has a deeper connection with the underworld, ghost realm, and netherworld lineage.

Its Dharma realm is not in the heavens, but deep in the underworld, which is in line with the foundation of the Dharma lineage.

Meanwhile, a heated discussion was also taking place within the underworld of Maoshan.

Above the Yin Earth Dharma Realm, a huge Primordial Eight Trigrams hangs.

The Bagua slowly rotated, illuminating a golden talismanic light.

Below the very center of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) stands a tall altar.

The altar is not dedicated to any deity.

It is a living, breathing person.

The man was bathed in golden light, sitting cross-legged, his aura ancient and profound.

He no longer possessed much of the aura of flesh and blood, yet he was not a ghost either.

It looks like a living person, yet also like a deity.

Like Longhu Mountain, the number of Taoist priests who ascended to immortality in broad daylight at Maoshan Mountain has also reached a point of transition.

The patriarchs of the Dharma realm are nearing the end of their lives, yet new ascendants have yet to arrive.

At this moment, an old Taoist priest with white hair and beard sat cross-legged in front of the courtyard and spoke:

"My eldest disciple possesses formidable lightning magic, and his cultivation is close to ascending to immortality in broad daylight."

"This time, I'm afraid I'll become famous all over the world."

The eldest disciple he mentioned was naturally Shi Jian.

Although Shi Jian is known for his strong personality, protectiveness, and domineering nature, in terms of spiritual attainment, he is indeed the person from the Maoshan sect who is closest to ascending to immortality in the daytime.

Another person said:

"President Huang Bai is known as the Taoist who destroys nations, and he is on good terms with the ruler of the new dynasty. His cultivation level is probably not to be underestimated."

The old Taoist priest, with his white hair and beard, snorted coldly.

"So what? Maoshan Kung Fu is the best in the world."

The other voice was more composed.

"No matter what, try to avoid any casualties."

"One is the head of the Maoshan sect, and the other is the president of the All-China Taoist Association."

"If someone is really killed, it will be difficult to explain to both sides."

Within the Maoshan Buddhist community, there was a great deal of discussion.

This is no longer just a contest between two Taoist priests, but a clash between the old lineage of Maoshan and the new order of the Huaxia Prayer Association.

If Shi Jian wins, Maoshan's reputation will soar.

If Huang and Bai win, the Huaxia Blessing Association will be able to take advantage of the situation to gather all the Taoist sects in the world.

On the surface, this power struggle is about the position of president.

What they are actually fighting for is the right to speak in the future of the spiritual practice community.

……

Besides.

Numerous cultivation sects, large and small, including the Lushan Sect, Meishan Sect, Liuren Sect, and Huaguang Sect, have also responded.

Because everyone knows that.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the landscape of the cultivation world may change.

Xiangxi.

Deep in the mountains and forests, wisps of dark mist hang in the air.

The mountain road was rugged, and the weeds were knee-high.

Ancient trees towered on both sides, their canopies blocking the moonlight and casting only dappled shadows on the ground.

"When a spirit travels, the living should avoid them!"

Jingle Bell……

In the still of the night, the sound of copper bells pierced the mountain forest.

A Taoist priest, carrying an oil lamp and ringing a bell, was leading more than ten zombies slowly along the mountain path.

The zombie had a yellow talisman stuck to its forehead, its arms outstretched, and it hopped forward to the sound of a bell.

The Taoist priest was none other than Master Four Eyes.

A night breeze blew, and the shadows of the trees swayed.

Just then, there was a loud thud.

A paper crane flew in from afar and landed on the shoulder of Master Si Mu.

Master Simu stopped and reached out to take the paper crane.

The paper crane landed in the palm of the hand and immediately transformed into a talisman.

He looked down and immediately raised an eyebrow.

"what?"

"Is the eldest disciple having a magical duel with Master Huang? And it's on the fifteenth of August, in Yuezhou City?"

Master Simu immediately perked up.

"Interesting, I'll have to see this for myself."

After he finished speaking, he glanced at the zombies behind him and clicked his tongue.

"Oh, right, I also need to inform Chizuru."

Master Simu took out a talisman and folded it into the shape of a paper crane with nimble fingers.

He closed his eyes and focused his mind, silently reciting Chizuru's name and appearance.

The next moment, the paper crane flapped its wings and flew up, disappearing into the night sky.

The paper crane flew for an unknown amount of time before finally landing in a deep, secluded cave.

The cave was filled with a chilling atmosphere.

A pale-faced man with eerie green eyes sat cross-legged inside.

He possessed both the aura of a human and the aura of a corpse.

Life and death mingled, creating an eerie yet powerful aura.

This person is none other than the famous Immortal Mage among the common people.

The paper crane landed in front of him and transformed into a talisman.

Qianhe opened her eyes, her dark green pupils twitching slightly.

"Master Huang..."

"Senior Brother..."

He remained silent for a moment, then suddenly his figure flashed.

His entire body transformed into a cloud of green mist and disappeared into the cave.

……

A battle of magic has stirred up all the major cultivation sects in China.

This is the first grand gathering of the spiritual community since the establishment of the new dynasty.

Even people from overseas spiritual communities made a special trip to Guangzhou to attend the ceremony.

Whether openly or covertly, they all turned their attention to Guangdong.

Because everyone knows that after years of silence, the land of China is finally about to reveal the true potential of the cultivation world.

On the special train heading south to Guangdong.

The train was heavily guarded along the route.

Squads of soldiers stood guard on both sides of the railway, and there were vigilant posts at every station along the route.

Plainclothes officers were also patrolling inside the carriages.

Ordinary people didn't know who was on the train; they only knew that this special train was of extremely high standard and traveled without any obstacles.

Inside the train carriage, Hong Wen and his disciple Hong Wu sat facing each other.

The speeding train stretched the scenery outside the window into thin lines.

Hong Wen put down the telegram in his hand and smiled:

"This battle of magic has caused quite a stir. It's a good opportunity to let all countries see the power of the Chinese cultivation world."

Hongwu nodded and said:

"Exactly, I think that through this battle of magic, the Huaxia Blessing Association might be able to absorb some Taoist priests from different factions."

"Nowadays, legal traditions are loose in different regions, and rules are not uniform."

"If we can take this opportunity to integrate them, it will be much more convenient in the future, whether it is disaster relief, exorcism, or cooperating with local security."

Hong Wen thought for a moment and nodded.

"Yes, I will allocate special funds to raise the status of Dharma Masters and, incidentally, establish a new order in the spiritual community."

As he said this, his gaze became more serious.

"Although we primarily promote science."

"But we can't neglect metaphysics either."

Science is the primary goal of national development.

But Hong Wen also understood that supernatural and bizarre phenomena were real.

If we reject metaphysics because we don't understand it, and allow it to spread among the people or even be studied and used abroad, won't China fall behind again and be attacked again?

Since ghosts and spirits truly exist, we cannot pretend we can't see them.

We need to use scientific methods to organize metaphysics.

"Once Master Huang wins the magic contest, he can then pacify all the Taoist priests in the land."

……

There are many different opinions from the outside world.

Some people believe that the Yellow and White teams will win.

Some people believe that Shi Jian will win.

After all, one of them was the head of the Taoist Association of the World, Huang Tian, ​​the Taoist who destroyed the country.

One is Shi Jian, the head of Maoshan Sect and a master of thunder magic.

No matter how you look at it, this is a once-in-a-century event in the cultivation world.

In teahouses and taverns, people recounted the two men's deeds in fantastical terms.

Some say that when Huang Bai struck the Qing Mausoleum with a thunderbolt, the Heavenly Temple manifested its divine power, frightening all the ghosts and spirits in the city to flee.

Some say that Shi Jian's Lightning Thunder Fist is the best in the world, and that he once killed a hundred ghosts in one night, with the thunderous sound reverberating for miles around.

In contrast to the uproar outside, the mortuary was surprisingly calm.

A stone statue has been erected at the entrance of the mortuary.

The stone statue looks like Wencai.

His face was filled with fear and confusion, and his mouth was slightly open, as if he wanted to shout "Master, save me!"

Starting yesterday, Huang Bai completed his punishment of Wen Cai.

He combined the Pangu Corpse Moss with his literary talent, and then used the Alchemy technique to transform it into a body that was half gold and half stone.

The exterior was then covered with a layer of concrete.

Ultimately, it became what it is today, resembling a stone statue.

For the next thirty years, he would stand at the entrance of the mortuary, enduring wind and sun.

This can be seen as a warning to those who come and go.

Uncle Nine would pause for a moment every time he passed by the stone statue.

He also knew that if he didn't let Wencai truly suffer a great hardship, this apprentice would eventually kill him and others.

Inside the Corpse-Raising Hall.

Rows of coffins stood silently.

The air was thick with yin energy, and talismans were scattered everywhere.

Several oil lamps hung on the wall, their light casting heavy shadows on the coffin.

Shi Shaojian was tied to a pillar next to him.

His physical body had been placed under a restriction by Huang Bai, and his soul was also locked by the residual magic power of the Vajra whisk.

Qiu Sheng was holding a rice bowl, feeding him with a look of impatience.

"Don't move. If you don't eat, you won't eat at all."

Shi Shaojian struggled and cursed angrily:

"Let me go! My father won't let you get away with this!"

Qiu Sheng sneered and said, "Your father? Your father only has a few days left to live. Do you really think everyone is afraid of him?"

Shi Shaojian was so angry that his face turned ashen.

Because the soul does not return to its proper place for a long time, the physical body is prone to decay.

Shi Jian was worried that something might happen to his son's physical body, so he sent the physical body over as well.

They will take their son back after the magic duel on the fifteenth of August.

A corner of the ancestral hall.

Huang Bai sat cross-legged, practicing breathing exercises.

There were several sheets of paper in front of him.

There were also cinnabar, a talisman brush, and a small stove next to it.

There was a small flame in the furnace, but it was steady as a bean.

Uncle Nine, however, was getting restless.

He looked at Huang Bai and earnestly reminded him:

"Fellow Daoist, the senior brother's cultivation level may not be as high as yours, but his techniques are extremely powerful."

"Lei Fa aside, his wooden stake technique can injure people from several miles away."

"If you're not familiar with it, you can easily suffer losses."

Huang Bai listened quietly.

Uncle Nine continued:

"In addition, he can also use the technique of parting the clouds to cover the moon and obscure the celestial phenomena, and he can also summon a hundred ghosts to parade at night."

"He has extensive experience in combat, and he acts decisively without hesitation."

Uncle Nine's expression turned solemn as he spoke.

"In conclusion, Your Excellency should exercise caution."

Huang Bai slowly opened his eyes.

"Okay, I understand."

Shi Jian is indeed a strong man.

Its combat strength is probably on par with, or even slightly superior to, that of the two Zou brothers.

After all, Shi Jian's thunder magic was extremely powerful.

Once the Lightning Thunder Fist is unleashed, it is difficult for an ordinary mage to withstand it head-on.

The wooden stake technique is strange and difficult to defend against.

Furthermore, given the profound foundation of the Maoshan lineage, no one knows how many other tricks Shi Jian is hiding.

However, this person has a fatal flaw in his character.

Victory can be achieved by focusing on this aspect.

Huang Bai spread out the paper, picked up his pen, and wrote down the content of the contest.

The pen tip touches the paper.

Lines of text slowly emerged.

Since Shi Jian wants to fight openly and fairly in front of Heaven, Earth, Man, Ghosts and Gods, then Huang Bai will give him a fair and square duel.