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

Just as Li Yuan summoned the Thunder God in the fields outside the village, the sky and earth changed color and sweet rain poured down.

On a path several miles from the village.

A young Taoist priest, dressed in a gray robe, with a slender build and appearing to be in his early twenties, was walking briskly under the increasingly gloomy sky.

He had an ordinary face, but he possessed a calm demeanor. His eyes, in particular, seemed to hold a hidden brilliance when they opened and closed, and when he looked around, they often carried a hint of inquiry and contemplation.

It's as if it's constantly calculating and pondering some profound truth about the universe.

This person is none other than the future third among the "Thirty-Six Thieves"...

Furthermore, within the twenty-four sections of Tongtian Valley left by the Ziyang Zhenren (Zhang Boduan), he comprehended the astonishing technique "Feng Hou Qi Men"...

Wudang Zhou Sheng!

Zhou Sheng's trip was undertaken on the orders of his master and also out of personal curiosity, to go to the Daluo Palace on Mianshan Mountain.

The reason lies in the profound sigh uttered by the Wudang Sect Leader upon returning to the mountain last month, seven days after discussing Dao with Li Yuan:

"No supernatural powers are visible, but the countenance of the Dao is evident. The place where this child stands has already entered another world."

This statement caused quite a stir among the upper echelons of Wudang.

The sect leader must possess such cultivation and vision to receive such praise from him.

And it explicitly points out "another world".

This is no ordinary praise for a younger generation.

It practically elevated that young Daoist to a level where he could discuss Dao with the world's most outstanding figures.

Zhou Sheng has always been fascinated by the art of divination and numerology, and is particularly obsessed with the essence of Tao.

Upon hearing this, I was both shocked and filled with intense curiosity and a desire to verify it.

Does such a person really exist in the world?

What exactly does its "Dao Rong" look like?

What kind of realm is this so-called "other world"?

He then volunteered.

I came to pay my respects under the pretext of returning an old copy of a letter exchanged between the Daluo Palace and Wudang in their early years.

In reality, they harbored the desire to witness it firsthand and even seek confirmation from others.

When I arrived here, I only noticed that the celestial phenomena were unusual, with the heat and the hidden energy of thunder stirring. I thought it was just a common omens of summer thunderstorms.

Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, the sudden change in the weather was so dramatic and rapid that it completely exceeded the scope of natural changes!

Boom—!

The dark clouds rolled in from the direction of the distant village, instantly obscuring the clear sky.

The deep, muffled thunder, containing a trace of majestic heavenly power, captivated even a cultivator like him.

The fiery white lightning bolts within the clouds moved as if alive, their trajectories subtly following a profound rhythm...

None of this happened naturally!

Zhou Sheng suddenly stopped in his tracks, abruptly looked up, and gazed at the center of the strange phenomenon.

Rain began to fall, wetting his gray robe and face.

He was completely oblivious, his eyes filled only with horror and disbelief.

"This is... the Thunder Department's Righteous Law?"

"Summon heaven and earth to regulate the wind and rain!"

Zhou Sheng gasped in a low voice, his voice barely audible amidst the increasingly heavy rain.

"Such an aura, such power, is definitely not an ordinary rain-making technique using talismans!"

"Who is the caster?"

"When did such a high-ranking official emerge in the Great Luo Palace, capable of directly wielding the authority of the Thunder Department?"

Startled, Zhou Sheng almost instinctively raised his right hand, his thumb rapidly calculating on the knuckles of his other four fingers.

He closed his eyes slightly, his mind sinking into sensing the energy of heaven and earth, and the causal relationships between them.

Wudang has a long and rich history, and is particularly skilled in internal alchemy and the principles of divination.

Zhou Sheng possessed exceptional talent in this field, though he did not reach the level of profound understanding of the universe that he later achieved with "Feng Hou Qi Men".

But at this moment, sensing this dramatic change in the world that is so close at hand and caused by human intervention, and tracing its origin, is not difficult.

Rain dripped from Zhou Sheng's fingertips, but his brows furrowed more and more, and his fingers moved faster and faster in their calculations.

In the darkness, there was a vast, pure, and indescribably lofty "Daoist charm".

Like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, it is clearly visible amidst the ripples of the natural world.

And the source of that charm completely overlaps with the core area where thunderclouds gather and sweet rain falls.

What shocked Zhou Sheng even more was...

When he tried to deduce the origin of this "Taoist rhyme" using divination techniques.

The divination indicated a direction that was faintly intertwined with the name he was on his way to find the Daluo Palace in Mianshan!

"Let's go up and down, fellow Tianhuo..."

"The Great Possession (大有) of the Fire element... changes at the ninth line in the fifth position..."

Zhou Sheng murmured the divination text, then suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze flashing with a sharp light, and there was no longer any doubt in his eyes.

"It's him! It must be him!"

"A born Taoist! Li Yuan!"

All the rumors and the sect leader's sighs found their most direct and shocking interpretation at this moment!

No supernatural powers are visible?

Is this astonishing ability to summon wind and rain and command the thunder god not a supernatural power?

However, the sect leader's statement that "no supernatural powers are seen" probably means that he usually keeps a low profile.

Once manifested, it is the "Form of the Dao" that points directly to the origin of the Great Dao and is almost an authority!

The last trace of doubt in Zhou Sheng's heart, which had arisen from the rumors—that "perhaps they were exaggerated"—was gone...

Before this thunderstorm, witnessed by heaven and earth, everything vanished in an instant, transforming into a sense of awe and urgency akin to a pilgrimage.

Without further hesitation, he didn't even bother to straighten his rain-soaked robes.

With a sudden movement, he used a movement technique to reverse the cheering and jumping crowd of villagers rushing towards the edge of the field.

They rushed towards the village, towards the center of the energy field!

The rain soaked the roads, making them muddy.

But Zhou Sheng moved with light steps, skimming the water, his gray robe leaving trails of afterimages in the rain.

This demonstrates a high level of skill in Wudang lightness techniques.

Passing through the village entrance and running through the narrow alleyways, the view of the fields ahead came into view.

Amidst the torrential rain, many villagers knelt on the edge of the fields and kowtowed in prayer.

On the other side of the rain curtain, a pale figure was walking unhurriedly towards the edge of the village.

The man's moon-white Taoist robe hung down unharmed in the raging wind and rain; the rainwater slid off naturally as it approached his body, leaving not a single strand wet.

His steps were unhurried, as if he were not walking in a muddy field, but strolling in a serene fairyland.

With a refined and handsome face and gentle, peaceful eyes, even after unleashing his earth-shattering power to command thunder, he showed no trace of arrogance or ferocity.

Only the harmonious and unified spirit of this rain, this wind, and this newborn, moist atmosphere of heaven and earth.

It was Li Yuan.

Zhou Sheng suddenly stopped, standing several feet away. Rain dripped down his chin, and his chest rose and fell slightly from running and excitement.

His gaze was fixed on the pale figure, sensing the profound aura emanating from the other person, which seemed ordinary yet as if it were one with the entire rain-soaked world.

The last bit of uncertainty in my heart also completely disappeared.

Zhou Sheng subconsciously took a deep breath, suppressed his turbulent emotions, straightened his soaked gray robe, and took a few steps forward.

On the muddy ridge of the field, facing Li Yuan, he solemnly performed a deep Taoist kowtow.

His voice trembled slightly with excitement, yet it pierced the sound of rain with crystal clarity:

"Zhou Sheng of Wudang pays respects to Daoist Liyuan!"

Li Yuan had already sensed something when Zhou Sheng rushed into the village and his energy surged.

Upon seeing the gray-robed Taoist priest arrive in the rain, he was excited and respectfully bowed, introducing himself as the Sage of Wudang.

The "Mirror of the Dao" in his heart, which reflects cause and effect and sees the future, rippled slightly.

Zhou Sheng...

Zhou Sheng of Wudang.

This name represents more than just the future Thirty-Six Thieves who comprehend the "Feng Hou Qi Men".

It is also a crucial "node" in an invisible network, capable of influencing the changing landscape of the supernatural world for decades to come.

The Jia Shen Rebellion, the Thirty-Six Bandits, the Eight Extraordinary Skills...

Li Yuan was fully aware of these torrents and secrets destined to sweep across the world.

He was determined to enter the world, to support his small boat amidst the turmoil and calamities, and even to try to guide the tributaries.

Therefore, one cannot simply be a bystander, nor can one rely solely on one's own transcendent power.

He needs "hands" and "eyes".

It is necessary to plant the "cause" in those key figures and events that aligns with the Great Way and can be subtly influenced by their thoughts.

And Zhou Sheng, without a doubt, is part of this turbulent future game.

A crucial "chess piece," one whose every move can affect the whole situation.

His future enlightenment of "Feng Hou Qi Men" will allow him to seize the pattern of heaven and earth, manipulate the changes of time and space, and create his own pattern within a small space.

It can be considered the ultimate manifestation of the arts of divination and occultism.

Its essence has touched upon the level of "rules", making it one of the most mysterious and unpredictable of the Eight Extraordinary Skills.

Its influence was so profound and its reach so wide that it even, to some extent, altered the landscape and balance of power in the world of supernatural beings for decades to come.

If only we could have been there when Zhou Sheng was still exploring and his heart was still pure and simple.

To forge a connection, or even to offer some guidance, so that their future path does not deviate completely.

It may become a tool for dealing with future catastrophes, or even for restraining certain unspeakable entities.

An unexpected and brilliant move.

It is not that Zhou Sheng is seen as a tool, but rather that the opportunities he possesses, the extraordinary skills he will comprehend, and the vortex he is drawn into are all at the core of the turmoil that will last for decades to come.

This is a strategic move that follows the prevailing trend.

Just as a stargazer observes the trajectory of stars and sets up a lighthouse at the intersection in advance.

What he sought in Liyuan was not for his own selfish gain, but for the preservation of the Daoist tradition and to save all living beings from calamity.

If even a small effort can influence those who are burdened with great fortune and karmic connections to move towards a brighter future, it would be an immeasurable act of merit.

In the blink of an eye, Li Yuan had already made up his mind.

His gaze toward Zhou Sheng held a deeper meaning that transcended the current time and space and was difficult to articulate.

He immediately stopped and stood in the rain, his gaze falling on Zhou Sheng, clear and gentle, and naturally accepted the bow.

Then, Li Yuan also returned the half-bow with one hand in a palm-up gesture, his voice calm:

"May the Heavenly Venerable grant boundless blessings."

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, there's no need for such formalities."

"In the midst of wind and rain, there is no need for such formalities."

The rain pattered as the two stood on the edge of the field.

One is as white as a fairy, untouched by a single raindrop, serene and composed;

One of them, his gray robe soaked with sweat, his eyes burning with respect, conveyed an undisguised thirst for knowledge and awe.

The surrounding villagers saw that another Taoist priest had arrived and treated Immortal Liyuan with great respect.

But intimidated by the "miracle" just now and the rain curtain in front of them, they dared not go forward to disturb them, and only watched from a distance.

Li Yuan's gaze lingered slightly on Zhou Sheng's face, which still held surprise and inquiry, and he understood the other party's intentions.

But he didn't point it out, his tone was as casual as if he were talking about everyday things:

"Fellow Daoist Zhou has come a long way and must be tired. The wind and rain are fierce. Why don't you come with me to the eaves in front to take shelter for a while and have a chat?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Sheng quickly replied, "How could I trouble you, Daoist? It was my presumption."

Although he said this, he had already followed Li Yuan in footsteps.

Li Yuan's calm attitude subtly eased much of his tension and restraint.

The two walked to the wide eaves of an abandoned mill at the entrance of the village. Although simple, it was enough to shelter them from the rain.

Rainwater trickled down the thatched eaves like a beaded curtain, separating the inside from the outside into two worlds.

Li Yuan did not bring up the rain-praying ceremony he had just performed, nor did he adopt a profound demeanor. He simply asked as if they were ordinary fellow Daoists meeting:

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, have you come to Mianshan on the orders of the Wudang Sect Leader?"

"Last month, I had a great discussion with the sect leader. His demeanor is still vivid in my mind."

Seeing that Li Yuan had taken the initiative to mention the sect leader, and that his tone was respectful and natural, Zhou Sheng felt even more favorably disposed towards him, and respectfully replied:

"Reply to Daozi, it is indeed related to the instructions of the sect leader."

"After the True Man returned to the mountain from the Great Luo Palace, he praised Daozi highly, mentioning 'another world,' which made us disciples yearn for it."

"I was ordered to return the old letter, but I also have my own selfish desires. I hope to have the opportunity to personally hear the teachings of the Master and resolve the doubts in my heart."

Zhou Sheng spoke sincerely, his eyes were clear, and he had a pure heart seeking the Dao.

Li Yuan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across Zhou Sheng's face, seemingly able to penetrate his appearance and see the extraordinary persistence and talent he possessed in the depths of his soul regarding "reason" and "scope".

This talent may not have fully blossomed yet, but its foundation is already evident, like a rough gem waiting to be polished.

"I dare not presume to offer my instruction," Li Yuan said calmly.

"Where the Way exists, there the teacher exists."

"The sect leader's cultivation is profound and his virtue matches that of heaven and earth. His words about 'another world' are merely using the stones from other mountains to reflect the fact that our paths are different."

"Fellow Daoist Zhou is well-versed in the principles of the I Ching and is deeply knowledgeable in numerology. He should know that 'the way can bring all things together without omission.' The Way has no high or low, but there are differences in perception."

He paused, as if speaking casually.

His gaze, however, seemed to have a deeper meaning as he looked at the misty rain curtain outside the eaves, and at the sky behind the rain curtain where thunder had just gathered and the clouds had not yet completely dispersed:

"For example, just now, the heavens and earth were blocked by the malevolent energy of drought demons, just like the meridians in the human body are blocked."

"Thunder is the pivot of heaven and earth, the essence of yang energy."

"By using appropriate methods, draw out a point of true yang, break through the blockage, and then clouds will move and rain will fall, and all things will take shape."

"This is not about forcibly seizing nature's bounty, but rather about following the natural order, adapting to local conditions, and regulating the balance of Yin and Yang."

He did not directly explain how he cast the spell, but instead conveyed the principle through metaphors of heaven and earth.

These words were both a response to Fang's question and an implicit explanation of "following the natural way" and "adapting to circumstances."

It also subtly points to a higher level of "structure" and "regulation".

Zhou Sheng was deeply shaken upon hearing this.

In just a few words, Li Yuan casually categorized such earth-shattering methods as summoning thunder and praying for rain as "the common sense of regulating yin and yang."

It further points out the key point of "following the timing of Heaven and adapting to local conditions".

This perfectly aligns with the essence of "harmony between man and nature" and "following the natural way" in the Wudang Taoist practices he cultivated.

Yet it seems to be expressing itself from a more grand and essential level.

In particular, the phrase "draw out a bit of its true yang and break through its blockage" is combined with the manifestation of the true meaning of the Thunder Department that I just witnessed.

This gave him a vague yet exhilarating new understanding of the application of "power" and "rules".

"Follow the natural order, adapt to the local conditions... regulate yin and yang..."

Zhou Sheng murmured repeatedly, his eyes growing increasingly thoughtful.

He vaguely sensed that Li Yuan's words seemed to be not only about the Daoist teachings, but also about a kind of "reason" and "measure" for dealing with worldly affairs.

Li Yuan took in Zhou Sheng's changing expression and knew that he had been moved.

This is called "making a move".

It is not about forcibly instilling knowledge, but about gently touching the string in the other person's heart that concerns their future path when their desire for the Way is at its strongest and the opportunity is just right.

Today, plant a seed of the Taoist thought of "following the will of Heaven and responding to the needs of people" and "adjusting the overall situation".

In the future, when he comprehends "Feng Hou Qi Men" and is deeply embroiled in chaos...

Perhaps then one can gain a little more clarity and a chance to deviate from the original trajectory of fate.

He changed the subject slightly, continuing as if in casual conversation:

"How is Wudang Mountain doing lately?"

"Is the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree in front of Zixiao Palace still flourishing this year?"

Zhou Sheng was taken aback, not expecting Li Yuan to ask about such specific details, but he immediately answered respectfully:

"Thank you for your concern, Daozi. Everything is well at Wudang."

"That ancient ginkgo tree is growing very vigorously this spring, lush and verdant. The headmaster often lectures on the Yin Fu under it."

"The Yin Fu... When Heaven unleashes its killing intent, stars shift and constellations change; when Earth unleashes its killing intent, dragons and snakes rise from the land; when Man unleashes his killing intent, Heaven and Earth are overturned."

Li Yuan softly recited the famous lines, his gaze seemingly piercing through the heavy rain curtain to see into a more distant time and space, his tone carrying a faint sigh.

"The killing intent of Heaven, Earth, and Man ultimately comes down to the word 'mechanism'."

"Recognize the opportunity, grasp the opportunity, utilize the opportunity, and even... create the opportunity."

"The Wudang tradition places particular emphasis on this path."

"Fellow Daoist Zhou is well-versed in divination and his sensitivity to 'mechanisms' must be extraordinary."

These words, which seemed like ordinary reminiscing and philosophical discussions, sounded like a thunderclap to Zhou Sheng!

The word "opportunity" is the core of his current practice and contemplation!

His fascination with Qimen Dunjia divination was an attempt to unravel the complex phenomena of the universe.

Grasp the "pivot" that determines good and bad fortune, cause and effect, in the unseen realm.

Li Yuan's words, though seemingly casual, accurately revealed what he sought in his heart, and even subtly pointed to a higher level.

Not only can we seize existing opportunities, but we can also create new ones.

Zhou Sheng was deeply shocked, and his gaze toward Li Yuan became even more awe-inspiring.

At the same time, a strong impulse surged up.

He couldn't wait to immediately voice all his doubts about his cultivation and seek guidance from this Daoist who seemed to know everything.

Li Yuan, however, seemed oblivious to Zhou Sheng's urgency. His gaze shifted to the gradually diminishing rain and the fields beginning to revive within it, and he said slowly:

"Heaven and earth possess great beauty but do not speak of it; the four seasons have clear laws but do not discuss them; all things have inherent principles but do not explain them."

"However, only by observing, feeling, reflecting, and comprehending it can one approach the Way."

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, on your trip, you might as well take a good look at the clear sky after the rain and how all things are growing."

"Some truths are not found in scriptures, but in the continuous cycle of life."

His words had a double meaning, referring both to the present situation and pointing out Zhou Sheng's future path.

The key to understanding "Feng Hou Qi Men" lies in the ultimate insight and application of the principles of "generation, restraint, transformation" and "unending cycle" in the universe and time.

Zhou Sheng was startled, as if he had grasped something, but it was as if he was looking through a thin veil and couldn't see it clearly.

But the feeling of being subtly guided by a master and having the fog cleared was incredibly clear.

He took a deep breath of the moist air, fragrant with the scent of earth, and solemnly said:

"Zhou Sheng...remember the teachings of the Daoist Master!"

Li Yuan nodded slightly and said no more.

Some seeds, once sown gently, will naturally take root and sprout in time.

Today's meeting and a few words of guidance have left an imprint on Zhou Sheng's heart and forged a special bond.

In the coming year of Jia Shen, no matter how the situation changes, this predestined connection may become a variable that influences Zhou Sheng's choices and even affects the overall structure of Qimen Dunjia.

He looked at Zhou Sheng's young and inquisitive face, and silently thought to himself:

Thirty-six thieves...Eight extraordinary skills...

He naturally could not and was unable to remain uninvolved in this upheaval that swept the world.

Zhou Sheng will be an important pawn that he quietly placed during that turmoil.

The rain gradually subsided, and sunlight peeked through the gaps in the clouds.

Li Yuan finally said to Zhou Sheng, "I have other matters to attend to and need to travel to Xiangchu."

"Since Fellow Daoist Zhou wishes to go to the Great Luo Palace, you may keep this thought in mind and go there yourself."

"The teachers and elders in the palace will all treat you well."

His words implied that Zhou Sheng could represent him in making the recommendation, which was yet another act of goodwill.

Zhou Sheng was deeply grateful and bowed deeply again, saying, "Thank you, Daozi!"

"Zhou Sheng will definitely go to the palace to pay his respects."

"Wishing you a safe and healthy journey, Daozi!"

Li Yuan didn't linger any longer. He smiled slightly, turned around, and continued walking towards the road outside the village.

The moon-white figure appeared even more serene and transcendent in the fresh, moist air after the rain.

Zhou Sheng stood there, gazing at the direction Li Yuan had gone for a long time, until the figure disappeared at the end of the road.

He touched the old document in his pocket that was intended to be sent to the Daluo Palace.

Recalling the profound meaning contained in Li Yuan's few words and the earth-shattering thunderstorm, his heart was filled with turmoil.

"No supernatural powers are seen, but the Daoist essence is revealed... another world..."

Zhou Sheng repeated the sect leader's words in a low voice, his eyes growing brighter and brighter.

"Only today do I understand the true meaning of these words!"

"Li Yuan Daozi..."

"Just how far did you see?"

He turned and looked towards Mianshan Mountain, his heart filled with unprecedented anticipation for the upcoming trip to Daluo Palace.

What Zhou Sheng didn't know was that today's encounter in the rain and the few words exchanged had already planted a seed with a special mark deep in his heart.

It will quietly emerge at some crucial moment in the future, influencing him and even the fate of many others.

Li Yuan walked with a leisurely pace on the gradually drying road.

Smoke rose again from the village chimneys behind us, mingling with the freshness after the rain, creating a peaceful scene.

He knew that the first step of his plan had already quietly begun, stepping into the mortal world.

The banquet hosted by the Lu family in Hunan and Hubei was a well-known affair;

The seeds of karmic connection sown along the way, such as those sown by Zhou Sheng, are hidden threads leading to the future.

The interplay of light and shadow is what forms the game of chess.

Li Yuan looked up and gazed southward; in the land of Xiang and Chu, storms were about to gather.

When he makes a move, he never considers immediate gains or losses, but waits for the opportune moment.

The chessboard of heaven and earth reveals its wonders.