Under One Person: I Have a Billion Taoist Gods Within Me

"The Celestial Master of Zhengyi Mountain, accompanied by his disciple Zhang Zhiwei, has arrived at—"

This announcement was like a boulder thrown into the already rippling lake, instantly creating countless ripples both inside and outside the Chengxin Water Pavilion.

The quiet conversations and polite exchanges that had been taking place in the waterside pavilion seemed to be paused by an invisible force.

All eyes turned to the entrance of the winding corridor, and even through the carved windows of the waterside pavilion, as if they wanted to see the magnificent entrance of the Lu family mansion.

The Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain!

Zhang Zhiwei!

These two names carry immense weight in the world of extraordinary individuals, no matter where they are placed, enough to quell all the noise.

The Celestial Master's Mansion has been the leading force in Taoism for a thousand years, commanding the Zhengyi sect and commanding great power throughout the world.

The contemporary Celestial Master possesses profound cultivation and is highly respected for his virtue. He is also recognized as one of the most revered figures in the world of supernatural beings, and few can rival his status.

Zhang Zhiwei, the young master personally taught by the Celestial Master and renowned throughout the world, is the most dazzling, and also the most awe-inspiring, among the younger generation of supernatural beings in recent years.

His extraordinary talent, formidable strength, and dazzling brilliance have long surpassed the scope of "young talents".

In the waterside pavilion.

Whether it was Wang Wang, Lü Jian, and Zhuge Yunting, leaders of their respective schools, or high-ranking Taoist masters such as Yun Shu, Chong He, and Ming Zhen...

Even the outstanding younger generation, such as Lü Ren, and even the more unconventional Lü Ci and Wang Ai, subconsciously restrained their aura at this moment.

Bai Ling's beautiful eyes flickered, revealing a hint of focused interest.

Guan Xiugu held her daughter's small hand tightly, and little Guan Shihua seemed to sense the unusual atmosphere and quieted down.

Only Li Yuan remained seated quietly in the center of the waterside pavilion, his expression calm and undisturbed, as if the greeting had nothing to do with him.

He even calmly picked up the teapot and poured himself half a cup of slightly cooled tea.

The tea was a clear, greenish-blue, reflecting his clear and peaceful eyes.

Inside the interior, the phantom images of the myriad gods in the Great Luo Palace remained serene and unchanged.

However, his perception of external energy is clearer and more acute than anyone else's.

He "senseed" it.

A radiant aura of pure Yang energy, as majestic and dignified as the rising sun yet restrained and seemingly capable of melting all things, emanated from the direction of the Lu residence's main gate.

The purity, refinement, and power of that Qi far exceeded the imagination of ordinary cultivators.

It also carries a domineering and natural air of "it was born this way" and "it should be this way".

And beside that "Great Sun".

There is another, even deeper and more vast aura, like the one that bears all things and grows ever more majestic and profound with the passage of time, like Mother Earth, silently nourishing, guiding, and embracing that "Great Sun".

Li Yuan knew that it was Zhang Jingqing, the current Celestial Master of the Celestial Master's Mansion of Longhu Mountain.

Compared to when he discussed Taoism in the Hunyuan Hall of the Daluo Palace several years ago, his aura seemed to have gained a greater sense of worldly wisdom and profundity.

For a moment, the pavilion and its surroundings were completely silent.

All eyes were focused on the entrance to the corridor. Even the koi in the pond seemed to sense some kind of invisible pressure, sinking to the bottom and ceasing to bubble.

In this breathless, expectant waiting...

Two figures calmly stepped out of the shaded corridor and onto the waterfront platform bathed in the morning light.

The first one was an unusually tall old Taoist priest.

He wore an indigo-blue Taoist robe with cloud patterns, its style simple and unadorned. It had faded slightly from washing, yet remained spotless. His face was ruddy, and his beard and hair were meticulously combed.

What is most striking are his eyes, gentle and peaceful, as if they hold two bottomless pools of clear spring water. His gaze is not sharp or oppressive, yet it seems to be able to see through people's hearts.

As he walked, the wide sleeves of his robe swayed gently in the wind, exuding an air of nonchalance and a majestic presence that seemed to govern all things and follow the natural way.

It is Zhang Jingqing, the contemporary Zhengyi Master of Longhu Mountain.

About half a step behind the Celestial Master, there was a young Taoist priest with a tall and upright figure, slightly taller than the Celestial Master.

He looked to be no more than twenty years old, with a handsome and dashing face, broad brow bones, and a high, straight nose. His eyes, in particular, were excessively bright and clear, and his gaze held an inner radiance.

His lips habitually curled up slightly, exuding a seemingly easygoing yet actually domineering composure and confidence.

He wore an ordinary gray-white cotton Taoist robe and common Shifang shoes. His attire was extremely simple, but his unique spirit made him stand out.

This is the man already known as the "Little Celestial Master," the future supreme being, the Celestial Master, the Guaranteed Winner—

Zhang Zhiwei!

The master and disciple did not deliberately release any aura as soon as they appeared.

But the profound and majestic aura that naturally flowed from the orthodox Taoist tradition and the oldest heritage instantly submerged the entire platform like an invisible tide, even seeping into the waterside pavilion.

Celestial Master Zhang Jingqing's gentle gaze swept over the people in the waterside pavilion, a warm smile on his face.

He first nodded slightly to Wang Wang and Lü Jian, his tone calm and composed, without any sense of condescension, yet naturally conveying a sense of superiority:

"Patriarch Wang, Patriarch Lü, how have you been?"

"We are deeply honored by the arrival of the Celestial Master! We have failed to greet you properly!" Wang Wang and Lü Jian quickly rose, bowed deeply, and were extremely respectful.

The Celestial Master then looked at Zhuge Yunting: "Mr. Zhuge, the clouds are clear and peaceful; it seems your cultivation has improved again."

Zhuge Yunting quickly returned the greeting: "Master, you flatter me. My light is but a firefly's; how dare I compete with the bright moon?"

Then, the Celestial Master's gaze swept over the three Taoist priests: Quanzhen Yunshu, Wudang Chonghe, and Maoshan Mingzhen. He greeted them all with smiles and addressed each other as "fellow Daoists," creating a harmonious atmosphere.

The three Taoist priests were also very respectful; no one dared to show the slightest disrespect to this leader of the Taoist sect.

Finally, the Celestial Master's gaze fell upon Bai Ling, and a knowing glint flashed deep within his gentle eyes.

He had long sensed the vast and ancient spiritual radiance emanating from this stunningly beautiful woman in red, a radiance that was beyond human comprehension.

That was the unique aura of the immortals from beyond the Great Wall, and their cultivation was extremely profound.

The Celestial Master didn't reveal anything, but simply nodded slightly again in Bai Ling's direction, performing a Daoist greeting as an equal, his voice gentle:

"May the Heavenly Venerable grant boundless blessings."

"Fellow Daoist, your cultivation has been long and pure, your spiritual light shines brightly, and your Daoist practice is profound. You are a guest from afar, and this old Daoist greets you."

He saw through Bai Ling's background at a glance, but showed no surprise or scrutiny, as if he had just met a fellow cultivator who had achieved success.

Facing this righteous celestial master, the leader of the Taoist sect, Bai Ling also set aside some of her casualness, rose and gave a graceful bow, her ethereal figure and clear, melodious voice:

"With the Celestial Master before me, Bai Ling pays her respects."

"The Celestial Master's insightful eyes and boundless magnanimity are truly captivating."

Her attitude was neither humble nor arrogant, showing respect for this leader of the Taoist sect while maintaining the transcendence of a thousand-year-old immortal.

The Celestial Master nodded with a smile, his gaze finally settling on the moon-white figure sitting quietly in the center of the waterside pavilion, a figure as still as an abyss.

From the moment Zhang Zhiwei stepped onto the platform, his gaze never left Li Yuan.

While the Celestial Master exchanged pleasantries with the others, he stood quietly to the side, the faint smile on his lips unchanged.

His eyes, however, were clear and focused on Li Yuan, scrutinizing him from head to toe, making no attempt to hide his curiosity.

His scrutiny was neither like Lü Ci's sharp and defiant examination, nor like Lü Ren's awe-inspiring probing, nor the ordinary person's initial impression of surprise or curiosity.

It was a gaze that was almost purely "observational," carrying an extremely keen insight.

In Zhang Zhiwei's perception, Li Yuan's existence was very "strange".

It's not weak, nor is it ridiculously strong; at least on the surface, it doesn't have that oppressive feeling.

Rather, it is a kind of "harmony".

The ultimate harmony is achieved by seamlessly blending with everything around it—the shimmering water, the air, the gentle breeze, and even the faint sounds of people in the distance—making them inseparable.

He sat there, as if he were the "original state" of that space, any more would be excessive, any less would be insufficient.

What Zhang Zhiwei found even more interesting was that there was no trace of "cultivation" on Li Yuan's body.

It doesn't mean he has no cultivation.

Rather, it refers to the fact that he does not possess the sharp, profound, or obscure "Qi" that ordinary cultivators exhibit, nor does he display any characteristic aura of any sect's cultivation techniques.

He was like an ordinary mortal, yet he was by no means an ordinary person.

This contradictory yet unified feeling made Zhang Zhiwei's interest grow stronger.

"No supernatural powers are seen, but the countenance of the Dao is revealed; the place where they stand has already entered another world."

Zhang Zhiwei couldn't help but recall the Wudang sect leader's evaluation, and then sighed inwardly, the meaning in his eyes seeming to deepen slightly.

"As expected of a born prodigy..."

This was the first time he had ever met someone like this.

At this moment, the Celestial Master slowly walked to the eaves of the waterside pavilion, stopping about three steps away from Li Yuan's seat.

Zhang Zhiwei naturally followed and stood half a step behind his master.

"May the Heavenly Venerable grant boundless blessings."

When Celestial Master Zhang Jingqing looked at Li Yuan, the gentle and peaceful look in her eyes seemed to have calmed down, turning into a deeper clarity.

His smile deepened, but it was no longer the warm, elder-like smile he gave to others; instead, it was a serious expression of appreciation and inquiry, almost like that of an equal.

"Your Daoist wisdom is indeed becoming more and more harmonious and perfect, almost flawless."

"Even though I am far away in Longhu Mountain, I often feel a gentle breeze on my face, as if I have some kind of feeling. I know that my young friend must have made some progress."

The warmth of these words and the high praise they conveyed caused a great shock to everyone in the waterside pavilion except Bai Ling, including family heads such as Wang Wang and Lü Jian, and high-ranking officials such as Yun Shu, Chong He, and Ming Zhen!

What is the identity of a Celestial Master?

He even stated that Li Yuan's Daoist charm was "perfect and flawless," and even said that he "often felt a gentle breeze on his face, as if he had some kind of feeling!"

This is no longer a simple compliment.

Instead, he placed Li Yuan in an extremely high position, someone who could discuss the Dao with him and sense each other's presence!

Li Yuan had already risen calmly, and at this moment he bowed to the Celestial Master, his movements simple and natural, yet seemingly in harmony with the Dao:

"Disciple Li Yuan greets the Celestial Master."

"Since parting ways at the Hunyuan Hall, the Celestial Master's aura has become as deep as the sea, and his Dao foundation as solid as a mountain, which is truly admirable."

His tone was calm and his response was appropriate.

He accepted the Celestial Master's affection while maintaining his own detachment.

The Celestial Master chuckled and offered a gesture of support: "Between you and me, there's no need for such formalities."

"Your question in the Hunyuan Hall that day still echoes in my ears, it is thought-provoking."

His gaze was profound, as if piercing through time and returning to the hall where the Dao was discussed for three days in the Great Luo Palace.

"If that greatest calamity cloud is meant to destroy all laws and all those who understand how to cultivate their minds... should we first unleash thunderous magic, or first calm our minds?"

"This question may seem childish, but it actually points directly to the fundamental dilemma that has plagued our Taoist school for thousands of years: the conflict between 'leaving the world' and 'engaging with the world,' between 'cultivating oneself' and 'helping others.'"

"Since then, the old Taoist priest has often thought about it and has also discussed it with many senior masters in the sect, from which he has benefited greatly."

"Young friend, have you found your answer yet?"

"Or... is this descent from the mountain related to this question?"

Li Yuan remained silent for a moment, his gaze seemingly piercing through the carved beams and painted rafters of the waterside pavilion, casting it towards the more distant future where war was about to break out.

He spoke slowly, his voice still calm, but now carrying an unwavering resolve:

"The question at that time stemmed from the child's glimpse of a possible dead end amidst the struggle between Taoism and the mind."

"Now that I think about it, the answer may not lie in the choice between 'first' and 'later'."

"Thunder magic is used in practice, tranquility is the essence."

"The essence and function are of the same origin; why forcibly separate them?"

"If the tribulation clouds truly intend to destroy the Dharma and annihilate the mind, then it will be the time of death for the Daoist lineage, and the time when all living beings are in dire straits."

"At that time, calming the mind was not for escaping the world, but for maintaining a clear mind and not being misled by external demons; thunder magic was not only for exterminating evil, but also a sharp blade to protect the people and safeguard the Dao."

"Therefore, the answer may be—to wield the power of thunder and lightning with a pure and untainted mind."

"If the mind remains unmoved, the source of the Dharma will never cease; wherever the Dharma reaches, the light of the mind will shine eternally."

"This is not an expedient measure, but rather the natural manifestation of the essence and function of the Dao in dire circumstances."

"If it really comes to that point, then meditation and helping the world are essentially the same thing."

He paused, looked at the Celestial Master, his gaze clear and firm:

"This humble Taoist priest has come down the mountain this time to travel through the mortal world, observe the talents of the world, and attend the banquet of the Lu family. This question has indeed been lingering in my mind."

"In this bustling world, amidst the convergence of various forces, I seek the path to practice 'unity of mind and method' and 'non-duality of essence and function'."

"I also want to see if any of the extraordinary people in this world, among the younger generation, can stand together as the backbone of the world during the calamities of the future."

These words not only answered the Celestial Master's question, but also clarified his purpose and aspirations in descending the mountain.

It connects personal cultivation with the preservation of the Taoist tradition and the well-being of all people.

With a grand vision and extraordinary demeanor.

After listening, the Celestial Master remained silent for a long time, his eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and sigh, before finally letting out a long sigh:

"Good! Great good!"

"Your views are no longer those of a naive child, but rather possess the spirit and wisdom of a person who carries the weight of the world."

"With a pure and untainted heart, wield the power of thunder and lightning..."

"These words resonate deeply with me."

"It seems that you have not only seen it, but have also firmly established yourself within it."

After praising.

The Celestial Master turned to the side, then looked at Zhang Zhiwei, who had been standing quietly beside him, his gaze fixed intently on Li Yuan. A complex expression of helplessness and pride appeared on his face as he spoke gently:

"Come, young friend Li Yuan, although you two have been friends for a long time, you have never had the chance to meet in person."

"This is my good-for-nothing disciple, Zhang Zhiwei."