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

The misty waves of Dongting Lake gradually recede into the distance.

Li Yuan left Yueyang Post Station and headed south.

The closer you get to the heart of Hunan and Hubei, the more beautiful the scenery becomes, with clear waters, beautiful mountains and rivers, and a wealth of culture.

However, Li Yuan's mind was clear and detached from worldly affairs. The magnificent landscapes and worldly prosperity were all like fleeting clouds in his eyes.

Only the mysterious pull of fate and the faint lines of cause and effect in the future reflected a different trajectory in the mirror of his heart.

They traveled for another two days, until this afternoon.

Li Yuan arrived at a small riverside town called "Qingxi Town".

The town is small, but quite elegant.

A clear stream flows through the town, with weeping willows planted on both banks. In early summer, the willow branches are like smoke, the stream murmurs, and the white walls and black tiles are reflected, creating a unique charm of Jiangnan.

Pedestrians stroll leisurely through the town, and the vendors' calls carry the soft, gentle tone characteristic of a water town, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Li Yuan paused briefly at the town entrance, his gaze sweeping over the babbling brook and swaying willows. Instead of entering the town directly, he turned towards a low hill not far outside the town.

Although the mountain was not high, it was covered with lush trees, and the eaves of a small Taoist temple could be vaguely seen on the top of the mountain.

He sensed something in his heart, as if the air here was pure and refreshing, and he felt he had a chance to rest here for a while.

As you slowly ascend the stone steps, the Taoist temple gradually comes into full view.

The gate is somewhat old, and the plaque above it reads "Qingfeng Temple".

The brushstrokes are slender and delicate, showing the marks of time, clearly indicating a secluded and quiet temple.

The gate was ajar, and the courtyard was quiet except for the rustling of leaves in the wind and the occasional chirping of birds.

Just as Li Yuan was about to knock on the door, he suddenly heard a slightly excited, yet forcefully suppressed, young voice coming from inside the temple:

"Master! You often taught your disciple that the Tao follows nature, and the essence of cultivation lies in understanding one's own mind and nature, and cultivating both mind and body."

"But in the world of supernatural beings today, which sect or faction isn't researching even more powerful techniques and spells?"

"Even those prestigious sects secretly compete to see whose younger generation of disciples is more outstanding."

"The Lu family's grand banquet is imminent, and I heard even that young celestial master from Longhu Mountain is going!"

"This disciple...Although I am dull-witted, I still wish to go out and see the world, to witness the talents of the world, and to test my own knowledge."

"Does this also go against one's moral principles?"

Another aged and peaceful voice slowly rang out, carrying a calm acceptance of the ways of the world:

"Mingxin, you're attached to appearances."

"To see the world and all living beings is indeed a path of spiritual practice."

"However, if the mind is bound by comparison and victory or defeat, what one sees is not the true world, and what one encounters is not the true sentient beings; they are merely illusions projected by the delusions in one's mind."

"The Celestial Master's Mansion of Longhu Mountain has a thousand-year-old heritage and profound cultural foundation. That young Celestial Master Zhang Zhiwei is a rare talent that appears only once in a century."

"It is said that he has mastered the true teachings of thunder magic, and his brilliance is unmatched among his peers."

"When you go to see him, do you want to 'see' his Way, or do you want to 'compare' his Dharma?"

The young Taoist priest, addressed as "Mingxin," seemed speechless for a moment before whispering:

"Disciple...disciple is simply unwilling."

"Our Qingfeng Temple lineage also has its unique traditions, so why do we always choose to retreat from the world and cultivate in seclusion, remaining unknown?"

"Are we Taoists destined to only chant scriptures and meditate in this remote mountain temple, helplessly watching the world change outside?"

The old Taoist priest sighed softly: "The world is ever-changing; whether it is a calamity or a blessing in disguise remains to be seen."

"Our Qingfeng Temple tradition emphasizes cultivating one's nature and preserving one's true self, rather than competing for short-term gains."

"Calm down and recite the 'Chang Qing Jing Jing' a hundred times, carefully savoring the meaning of 'True constancy responds to things, true constancy attains nature'."

The courtyard fell silent, save for the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves.

Li Yuan stood outside the door, overhearing the conversation, and understood what was going on.

This Taoist priest in the small temple had lofty ambitions, but was confined to his small place. He was filled with longing for the upcoming grand gathering of extraordinary people, but also felt unwilling to accept his own and the temple's "unknown" status.

Furthermore, they harbored a desire to compare themselves to their peers, such as Zhang Zhiwei, who were as brilliant as he was.

This is a stage that many young practitioners go through, and it is also a mental hurdle before entering the world.

He did not knock on the door immediately, but stood quietly for a moment. Only when the young Taoist priest in the courtyard seemed to begin chanting scriptures in a low voice did he raise his hand and gently knock on the mottled wooden door with his knuckles.

"May the Heavenly Venerable grant boundless blessings."

"The wandering Taoist priest, Li Yuan, passed by Bao Guan and wished to ask for a bowl of clean water to rest for a while. I wonder if you could do me this favor?"

His voice was calm and clear, neither too loud nor too soft, and it entered the temple just in time.

The chanting stopped.

A moment later, the gate creaked open.

A young Taoist priest, about eighteen or nineteen years old, with a still somewhat childish face but a furrowed brow, appeared behind the door. His Taoist robe was washed until it was somewhat faded; it was Mingxin.

He saw a young Taoist priest with an extraordinary demeanor, dressed in a spotless white robe, standing outside the door.

He was taken aback at first, then composed himself, having been agitated during his argument with his master, and bowed respectfully, saying:

"Greetings, Taoist priest. Please come in."

Li Yuan returned the greeting and entered the temple.

The temple was indeed simple, with a small courtyard and a three-bay main hall enshrining the statues of the Three Pure Ones. Although the incense offerings were not abundant, it was kept very clean.

An elderly Taoist priest with white hair and beard and a gaunt face emerged from the side hall. His gaze fell upon Li Yuan, paused slightly, then returned to its calm expression. He bowed and said:

"I am a humble Taoist priest named Qingxu, and I am honored to be the abbot of this temple."

"Fellow Daoist, you have come from afar with great difficulty. Mingxin, go and brew some tea."

"Yes, Master," Mingxin replied and left.

The old Taoist Qingxu led Li Yuan to sit down on a stone bench in the courtyard. He carefully examined Li Yuan again, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

He had been cultivating for decades, and although he was confined to a small temple and his cultivation was not top-notch, his eyesight was still sharp.

The young Taoist priest before them possessed a harmonious and transparent aura, seemingly one with the natural energy of the courtyard and the surrounding mountains and forests, without any distinction between them.

What alarmed him even more was that, although the other party was right in front of him, he had a vague feeling of seeing through a fog and not being able to truly grasp their depth.

It was as if all that could be seen was a fleeting shadow, its true form hidden behind some lofty Daoist aura.

"Fellow Daoist, your demeanor is extraordinary. May I ask which immortal mountain you cultivate on?" Old Daoist Qingxu asked tentatively.

"I am Li Yuan, and I come from the Daluo Palace of Mianshan Mountain," Li Yuan said frankly.

"The Great Luo Palace?" The old Taoist Qingxu's body trembled slightly, and his eyes showed even greater surprise.

He was naturally familiar with the name of Mianshan Daluo Palace; it was truly the number one Taoist temple in the world, holding a prestigious position.

And the name "Li Yuan"...

He vaguely seemed to have heard some mysterious rumors, but they were too ethereal to believe.

Seeing it with my own eyes now, I realize that the rumors may not be untrue.

At this moment, Mingxin brought out tea in a rough porcelain teacup. The tea was a bluish-green color, and it was wild tea from the mountains.

He put down his teacup and stood aside, but his gaze couldn't help but curiously observe Li Yuan.

Li Yuan thanked him, took a small sip, and praised:

"The tea has a refreshing and clean taste, with the natural flavor of the mountains and fields. It's a good tea."

The old Daoist Qingxu composed himself and asked, "Fellow Daoist Liyuan, are you going to a banquet at the Lu family's residence?"

Grandpa Lu was celebrating his birthday and invited many extraordinary people from all over the world. Although the Taoist Master Qingxu did not attend, he had heard about it.

"That's right." Li Yuan nodded.

Upon hearing this, Mingxin's eyes lit up immediately, and she blurted out, "Is the Daoist also going to the Lu family?"

"Then...did you see the young Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized he had spoken out of turn and stole a glance at his master.

The old Taoist priest Qingxu frowned slightly, but did not reprimand him.

Li Yuan looked at Ming Xin with gentle eyes: "If fate allows, we will meet again."

When Mingxin's gaze fell upon her, her heart inexplicably calmed down. The restlessness born of longing and comparison seemed to subside somewhat, but doubts remained:

"Master...you say that those who cultivate should, like us, live in seclusion in the mountains, experiencing the great Dao of nature?"

"Should I enter the world to gain experience, compete with the world's talents, and prove my path in the struggle?"

He was still young at heart and couldn't help but ask the question that was bothering him, without caring whether it was abrupt or not.

The old Taoist priest sighed softly and did not stop him.

They clearly wanted to hear what this extraordinary young Daoist from the Great Luo Palace had to say.

Li Yuan put down his teacup, not answering directly, but instead looking up at an ancient locust tree with lush branches in the courtyard, and said slowly:

"Look at this locust tree, growing in the mountains and fields, enduring rain and wind, adapting to the four seasons; this is its 'pure cultivation'."

"However, its roots penetrate deep into the earth, its branches and leaves stretch towards the sky, absorbing water and soil nutrients, receiving sunlight and rain, and interacting with bees, butterflies and birds. This is also its 'entering the world'."

"Cultivation and practice are inherently one; why force a separation?"

He paused, his gaze shifting to Mingxin, his voice calm yet cutting to the heart of the matter:

"The key lies in where your 'heart' is."

"If your heart is in the mountains and fields, even if you are in the bustling city, you can remain untouched by the dust and quietly observe all things."

"If one's mind is preoccupied with comparing victory and defeat, even if one lives alone deep in the mountains, there will still be swords and shadows in one's heart, making it difficult to find peace."

"That young Celestial Master from Longhu Mountain, with his sharp edge and unparalleled talent among his peers, is an outward manifestation of his 'Tao,' and also an inevitable path for him."

"But at the extreme of 'sharpness,' does it harm both oneself and others, or does it dispel illusions and reveal the truth?"

"Is the title of 'invincible' a test of one's resolve or a breeding ground for arrogance? It all depends on the shift in one's mind."

"If you see him but only his 'sharpness' and admire his 'name,' you have already fallen into a low level. What you see is not the real person, but your own delusions."

Mingxin was stunned, carefully considering these words.

The old Taoist priest Qingxu's eyes lit up, and he nodded slightly.

Li Yuan continued, "The Qingfeng Temple's tradition has its own unique wonders."

"Cultivating one's nature and preserving one's true self is not about fear or avoidance, but about building a foundation."

"If one's temperament is unstable and one's foundation is not solid, even if one possesses a thousand kinds of skills and immense strength, it is like building a tower on sand, which will collapse when it encounters a wind."

"Your teacher asked you to recite the 'Qingjing Jing' (Classic of Purity and Tranquility) and to comprehend 'True Constancy Responding to Things,' which is to make you understand this mind first."

"When the mind is like a clear mirror, reflecting all things without being obstructed, then when one enters the world, what one sees and feels will be real, and what one learns and does will not go against one's nature or lose one's way."

His tone remained calm throughout, yet every word was like a clear spring, washing away the fog and anxiety in Mingxin's heart.

Mingxin felt a cool sensation flowing into the top of his head, and many of his past entanglements suddenly became clear.

Yes.

He was only thinking about going out to compete and make a name for himself, but he had not even fully grasped the essence of his own heritage, and his temperament was unstable.

Even if they were to go out, they would likely find, as Master Liyuan said, that what they saw was not the truth, only causing them more trouble, and they might even go astray.

The old Taoist priest Qingxu rose and bowed solemnly to Li Yuan:

"Fellow Daoist's few words pointed directly to the essence of cultivation, enlightening this stubborn disciple and greatly benefiting this poor Daoist."

"Daozi of the Great Luo Palace truly lives up to his reputation."

Li Yuan rose and returned the greeting: "Master, you are too kind. These are just some humble opinions; I hope they can be of some help to your disciple."

Mingxin completely suppressed her previous restlessness and resentment, and bowed respectfully, saying:

"Thank you for your guidance, Daoist Liyuan!"

"Disciple...disciple understands."

"I will certainly follow my master's teachings, devote myself to reciting scriptures and cultivating my mind, and no longer be unrealistic."

Li Yuan nodded slightly, his eyes showing a hint of approval.

This child is not inherently bad; he is just young and impetuous and lacks guidance.

If today's words can calm them down and help them solidify their foundation, they may very well be able to forge their own path in the future.

This can be considered a small act of kindness he casually made.

After sitting in the temple for a while and drinking his tea, Li Yuan got up to take his leave.

The old Taoist priest Qingxu and Mingxin escorted him to the temple gate and thanked him repeatedly.

Li Yuan walked down the stone steps and looked back. The small Taoist temple was nestled among the green trees, still peaceful.

He remained calm and continued on his way.

For him, enlightenment was simply something he did as he went along, as natural as brushing dust off his clothes.

But this chance encounter and a few words may have planted a different seed in the heart of a young Taoist priest, influencing his future path.

He kept walking, his direction remained unchanged.

Leaving Qingxi Town, the population grows denser and the roads become wider and smoother.

After traveling for another half day, dusk began to fall.

The outline of a rather large town came into view ahead.

The houses stretch out in a row, and the population is thriving. In the distance, one can see wisps of smoke rising from chimneys and the first lights of lamps, exuding a warm vitality in the darkening sky.

An ancient-style archway stands at the entrance to the town.

The inscription reads "Qingshui Town" in bold and vigorous strokes.

This place is already in the Hunan-Hubei region, but it is still about a day's journey from Tanzhou City, where the Lu family is located.

Li Yuan followed the crowd into the city.

The city streets are wide, lined with shops, and bustling with pedestrians.

He was still dressed in that moon-white Taoist robe, which should have made him stand out in the crowd.

Strangely, the pedestrians around him seemed to ignore him, or simply glanced at him without lingering.

This is the result of his intentional restraint of his energy and integration into the environment.

It is not an illusion, but a natural manifestation of a state of being akin to "mingling with the world."

After searching for a while, we found a small but clean inn at the west end of the town, named "Yuelai".

He requested a quiet superior room facing the street, and the innkeeper, seeing his distinguished bearing, was quite attentive to him.

After settling his luggage, Li Yuan went downstairs for a vegetarian meal.

Several tables of guests were already inside the inn, mostly traveling merchants or local gentry, enjoying a few small dishes, drinking local rice wine, and chatting loudly.

Li Yuan chose an empty table in the corner, sat down, ordered a bowl of vegetarian noodles and a pot of tea, and drank by himself.

However, the surrounding chatter naturally reached their ears and settled in their hearts.

At first, it was mostly local gossip and business dealings.

Before long, he noticed a conversation at a nearby table between several well-dressed people who seemed to be prominent figures in the town.

"If we're talking about the most exciting thing in our Qingshui Town lately, it has to be the Mei family."

A middle-aged, overweight man with a mustache took a sip of his drink and spoke with great enthusiasm.

"That's right!" a thin man wearing a melon-shaped hat chimed in.

"Today is the birthday of Miss Jin Feng, the daughter of the Mei family."

"Master Mei only has this one precious daughter, he cherishes her like the apple of his eye, and this time he has really gone to great lengths to make her."

"We specially sent someone from 'Hongshibu,' which is eighty miles away, to invite Master Xia, who is famous far and wide."

"They're setting up a stage for a theatrical performance tonight at the Mei Family Garden. They say they want the whole town to enjoy it together, and we ordinary folks can go outside the garden and listen!"

"Master Xia? Is that the Master Xia who is known as the 'Number One Voice of Xiangbei', who can sing any play perfectly and even bring the dead back to life?" another person asked in surprise.

"Who else could it be but him!" the man in the melon-shaped hat exclaimed in admiration.

"Two years ago at the town's temple fair, I was fortunate enough to hear Master Xia perform 'The Single-Sword Meeting'."

"Good heavens, Guan Yu's imposing and menacing aura is palpable even across the stage! He's truly a master actor!"

"Watching his performances isn't like watching a play; it's more like witnessing ancient heroes come to life!"

Li Yuan paused slightly in his hand holding the teacup.

The Mei family? Miss Jin Feng? Master Xia?

Mei Jinfeng...

Could it be the future Granny Jin Feng, who revered the Quanxing Sect Leader Wugensheng like a saint and pursued him relentlessly throughout her life?

This "Master Xia," whose skills were rumored to be miraculous, could sing so vividly and realistically that audiences felt as if they were actually there...

This is no longer just a matter of superb skill; it subtly touches upon the realm of immersing oneself in the performance with divine inspiration.

A highly skilled opera singer surnamed Xia...

Is there any connection between Xia Liuqing, the eccentric member of the Quanxing sect who has mastered the "God Mask" technique to perfection and is known as the "Fierce Fellow"?

Just as I was pondering this, I heard the people at that table continue their discussion.

"Master Mei really went all out this time; I heard he even got Master Xia involved, and the optical instrument cost this much!"

The fat man held up three fingers, which drew a chorus of gasps.

"Loving your daughter is priceless; nothing can buy your heart's desire," sighed the man in the melon-shaped hat.

"It's just a pity that Master Xia's amazing skills were wasted."

"Have you heard? Master Xia's only son seems to have looked down on his father's profession of opera since he was a child, thinking it's low-class and has no future."

"A few years ago, in order not to learn opera or inherit this craft, he actually shaved his head and caused a huge fight with his family."

"He shaved his head?" someone asked curiously.

"Yes, everyone in the neighborhood says that the boy is very stubborn and would rather die than wear a theatrical costume or paint his face."

"Tsk tsk, with Master Xia's amazing skills, I'm afraid the lineage will be lost..."

He shaved his head!

A knowing glint flashed in Li Yuan's eyes.

If it was just speculation before, then hearing the words "shaved his head" made me realize something.

He was almost certain that Master Xia's son was the future Xia Liuqing!

So, Mei Jinfeng... Xia Liuqing...

Their future interactions, especially Xia Liuqing's complex and unspeakable feelings and pursuit of Mei Jinfeng.

Could it be that its origin lies in this grand opera performance celebrating Mei Jinfeng's birthday?

One is a wealthy heiress, the other is the rebellious son of a theatrical troupe leader. They seem worlds apart, but their destinies are intertwined for the first time.

Perhaps it all began in this town of Qingshui, and in this play.

As Li Yuan's thoughts raced, many hazy fragments of the future seemed to become clearer at this moment.

Why did Granny Jin Feng worship Wu Gensheng so much?

Why was Xia Liuqing so obsessed with Mei Jinfeng?

His obsessive personality and his extreme pursuit of "role-playing" and "immersion"...

Is it related to the contradictory environment of rebelling against his father in his youth, yet being deeply immersed in the atmosphere of traditional opera?

All of this is still undercurrents and has not yet been revealed.

Both Mei Jinfeng and Xia Liuqing will be figures closely intertwined with Quanxing and Wugensheng in the future.

Today, I happened to hear his name in Qingshui Town, just like when I met Zhou Sheng on the road before.

These are all waves of "fate" that happen to splash up in the long river of destiny, yet secretly align with a certain trajectory.

Li Yuan's mind is as clear as a mirror, reflecting cause and effect.

He was determined to enter the world and make his move in order to deal with the catastrophe and upheaval that would sweep through the world of supernatural beings in the future.

This seemingly insignificant "connection" might become a subtle entry point that pulls the hidden thread of the future Quanxing sect, and even touches key figures like Wugensheng.