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

Once the mind is made up.

Li Yuan got up, pushed open the door, and silently blended into the night of the town.

Following the lingering sounds of traditional music and the direction of the lights, I walked with a leisurely pace.

Before long, they arrived outside a high-walled compound in the east of the town.

This is the Mei residence. A moon gate on the side is open, leading to an exquisite garden, which is now brightly lit and bustling with people.

A stage was erected in the center of the garden. Although it was not grand, it was decorated with colorful silks and illuminated by lights, creating a festive and lively atmosphere.

Some benches were set up in the open space in front of the stage, and they were filled with invited or prominent guests from the town.

Further out, a large crowd of ordinary people, men, women, and children, had gathered, standing on tiptoe to get a better look. They were all excited.

Li Yuan did not squeeze into the crowd, but stood quietly under an ancient osmanthus tree with lush branches and leaves next to the garden gate.

This position allows you to see the stage clearly, yet you're hidden in the shadows, avoiding drawing attention.

His gaze first swept across the garden, and besides the stage, he naturally noticed the main seats in the front row...

A young girl dressed in brocade, adorned with pearl flowers in her hair, with a beautiful face but a slightly aloof air.

He was being accompanied by a well-off middle-aged man while watching the play.

The girl's eyes were bright as she watched the play on stage, but she didn't seem to be completely immersed in it, occasionally glancing up at the night sky.

With a thoughtful calmness rarely seen at his age.

This must be the birthday celebrant today, Mei Jinfeng.

And beside a pillar in the corridor not far from her.

A young man with a shiny bald head, dressed in coarse cloth shorts, and completely out of place in this luxurious garden, was leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed, but his eyes kept glancing in Mei Jinfeng's direction.

The boy's eyes and brows held a defiant and untamed stubbornness.

It was none other than Xia Liuqing.

His mind was clearly not on the stage; he was more focused on the Miss Mei.

Occasionally, when no one is looking, she will try to move closer or adjust her posture, as if trying to get the other person's attention.

But his awkward yet feigned indifference was crystal clear to Li Yuan.

He couldn't help but smile to himself, and his gaze returned to the stage.

The play "The Single-Sword Meeting" is being performed on stage.

The gongs and drums clanged loudly, and the strings played a stirring tune.

The actor playing Guan Yu was a man in his fifties with a slightly yellowish complexion but bright, piercing eyes.

He wore a green scholar's helmet, a green python robe, and held a Green Dragon Crescent Blade. His long beard flowed freely, and he exuded an imposing aura.

Upon its first appearance, its imposing figure exuded an aura of unyielding heroism, as deep as a still pool and as imposing as a mountain.

"Bravo!" A cheer immediately erupted from the audience.

Master Xia truly lives up to his reputation.

When he began to sing, his voice was booming, yet every word was clear and resonant, penetrating straight to the heart.

It wasn't just that his voice was loud; rather, it seemed to be infused with vitality and spirit.

The performance vividly portrays Guan Yu's heroic spirit and caution in attending the meeting alone and treating thousands of enemy troops as nothing.

Every move, every frown, every glance is not only similar in form, but also full of spirit and energy.

When ordinary actors portray Guan Gong, they often emphasize his majesty and bravery.

However, beneath the domineering aura of looking down on all others, Master Xia's performance concealed a sense of aloofness and pathos, a willingness to do what is impossible despite knowing it is impossible.

It is clearly structured and deeply moving.

Li Yuan could clearly see that Master Xia's body did indeed have a trace of extremely faint but pure "Qi" that flowed naturally with his singing, recitation, acting and fighting.

This "qi" is fully integrated into the performance, creating a wonderful resonance and attraction with the rhythm of the opera, the emotions of the characters, and even the emotions of the audience.

This is what is known as "immersing oneself in the role through one's own spirit".

It is no longer a simple skill, but rather a unique method of "spiritual practice".

By playing, experiencing, and conveying the images of heroes and deities that embody the beliefs and emotions of all beings, one can refine one's own spirit.

It can even subtly communicate with a kind of "spirit" in the collective consciousness.

No wonder the audience felt that Master Xia could "become whoever he played".

This is because it has touched the edge of spiritual influence and energy perception.

At the climax of the play, Guan Yu and Lu Su sat facing each other, while Zhou Cang performed a sword dance.

Master Xia, who plays Guan Gong, stares wide-eyed and holds his sword, singing, "Why are the soldiers making such a racket? Don't treat me like someone surnamed Qiao."

He pushed that domineering yet subtly sharp aura to its peak.

The audience held their breath, as if they were truly at that perilous banquet in Jiangdong.

Even Mei Jinfeng, who had been somewhat absent-minded, was drawn in and leaned forward slightly.

Xia Liuqing, standing by the corridor, saw Mei Jinfeng engrossed in watching the play and seemed to have forgotten to offer her any flattery.

Her gaze was involuntarily drawn to her father's superb performance, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

It is both a subconscious acceptance of her father's skills and a stubborn insistence on rejecting the profession.

However, at this very moment...

Master Xia, who was fully immersed in the role and completely absorbed in the performance, suddenly felt a stirring in his heart!

It was as if an indescribable, vast, profound, yet gentle gaze was emanating from somewhere below the stage.

That "gaze" carried no pressure, yet it seemed to penetrate all the shells of his performance.

It gets straight to the "true meaning" of his immersion in the role.

It even resonated with a higher level of the subtle "spirit" that he was trying to communicate with and borrow!

Subconsciously, his gaze followed his senses and suddenly swept towards the shadows under the ancient osmanthus tree at the garden gate.

Upon seeing this, Master Xia was terrified, as if struck by lightning!

In a daze.

He seemed to see not a young Taoist priest standing quietly watching a play.

Behind that pale white figure, there seemed to be layers upon layers of majestic and imposing sacred phantoms, appearing and disappearing alternately!

He saw the menacing aura of Yuchi Gong, the door god, with a face as black as charcoal and holding a steel whip!

I saw the dignified and upright spirit of Qin Shubao, clad in golden armor and yellow robes, protected by double maces!

I saw the green robe, long beard, red face, and phoenix eyes of Guan Yu, the eternally loyal and majestic Guan Sheng Di Jun!

Furthermore, we saw the commanding figure of Li Jing, the Marshal of Heaven, wearing a hat with three mountains and flying phoenixes and holding a golden pagoda!

It was as if one could glimpse the awe-inspiring power of Wen Zhong, the Heavenly Venerable of the Nine Heavens Responding to the Origin of Thunder and Universal Transformation, who was in charge of the thunder!

These are all sublime images that he has tried to understand, portray, and approach throughout his decades-long stage career!

He devoted his entire life to merely trying to grasp a fraction of the spirit and essence of opera, hoping to achieve a semblance of its form and spirit.

At this moment, behind the calm gaze of the young Taoist priest under the tree.

These sacred beings, whom he could only look up to and emulate, seemed to stand quietly with a reality and completeness beyond imagination.

Yet it harmoniously blends into that moon-white figure, becoming part of the background that it naturally exudes!

This is not an illusion.

Rather, it is a profound and shocking impact that goes straight to the soul, concerning the "essence of existence"!

"Clang—!"

Master Xia, who was holding the Azure Dragon Blade prop in his hand, lost his composure and his energy became slightly disordered, causing it to slip from his grasp and hit the table with a crisp sound.

He froze on the stage, speechless, completely forgetting the rest of the lyrics and movements.

The gongs, drums, and stringed instruments on stage paused for a moment; the erhu player was stunned, and the gong player forgot to strike the drum.

The audience below the stage was even more confused.

Just a moment ago, I was completely engrossed in watching it, but at the most crucial moment, Master Xia suddenly seemed to be frozen in place.

"Huh? Why did Master Xia stop?"

"Yes, we're at the crucial moment!"

"Are you tired? Or did something go wrong?"

"Master Xia's complexion... seems a bit off?"

A buzz of discussion arose from the audience, filled with doubt and concern.

Mr. Mei, who was in the front row, also stood up, looking worried.

Mei Jinfeng also frowned slightly, wondering what had happened.

Xia Liuqing, standing by the corridor, was even more taken aback, not understanding why her usually composed father was acting this way.

Standing under the tree, Li Yuan naturally understood why Master Xia reacted that way.

He had just watched the play, and his mind resonated with the collective "spirit" contained within it, as well as Master Xia's personal dedication.

In the inner palace of Daluo, the deities corresponding to those opera characters naturally resonated with each other, their energies interacting.

This allowed Master Xia, whose spiritual senses were exceptionally sharp and whose mind was in a state of high resonance, to "see" a scene that was beyond his comprehension.

Seeing that Master Xia had lost his composure and the play had been interrupted, Li Yuan did not want to cause a greater disturbance.

Meeting Master Xia's shocked and stunned gaze, he nodded slightly, his eyes gentle, indicating that there was no need to panic and that he should continue acting.

When Master Xia met Li Yuan's gaze, the vast and sacred illusion instantly receded like a tide, and before him was still that handsome and peaceful young Taoist.

But the shock of that moment has penetrated to the bone.

He suddenly realized that he was still on the stage, surrounded by a full audience of guests.

Suppressing the raging storm in his heart, he took a deep breath, bent down to pick up the prop knife, and gestured to the musicians.

The gongs, drums, and string music began to play again, albeit somewhat haphazardly.

Master Xia focused intently and, relying on his decades of ingrained skills, quickly finished performing the remaining scenes.

Although he no longer had the same spirit as before, he managed to salvage the situation.

Although the audience felt the ending was somewhat rushed and anticlimactic, they applauded in understanding, considering that Master Xia might have suddenly fallen ill.

The play ended.

Master Xia didn't even have time to remove her makeup; she only hurriedly took off a little of her headdress and costume.

Ignoring Master Mei's hesitant concern as he stepped forward, his gaze swept eagerly across the garden, quickly settling once more on Li Yuan beneath the ancient osmanthus tree.

He grabbed his son, Xia Liuqing, who had been standing in the corridor, his face filled with surprise and uncertainty because of his father's unusual behavior.

He strode towards Li Yuan.

Xia Liuqing stumbled as her father's iron grip pulled her, filled with displeasure and confusion:

"Father! What are you doing?"

"The play's over, why aren't you packing up? Where are you taking me?"

"Hey! Who's that Taoist priest?"

As he spoke, he noticed that Mei Jinfeng had also quietly followed him. He quickly straightened his coarse clothes and secretly glanced at Mei Jinfeng.

Mei Jinfeng naturally also discovered Li Yuan's presence.

I felt that this Taoist priest had a calm demeanor, which was out of place with the surrounding noise, yet strangely made people feel at ease.

I couldn't help but feel curious, so I quietly followed them.

Master Xia seemed not to hear Xia Liuqing's complaints, and in his haste, he did not notice Mei Jinfeng who had followed him. He went straight to Li Yuan.

He still had paint on his face that hadn't been completely wiped off, his breathing was slightly rapid, and his eyes were filled with an indescribable mix of excitement, awe, and eagerness.

Upon approaching, he suddenly bent his knees and was about to pull Xia Liuqing down to kneel before Li Yuan!

Li Yuan gently raised his hand, and a gentle yet irresistible force supported the father and son, preventing them from kneeling.

"Master Xia, there's no need for that." Li Yuan's voice was calm, yet it carried a reassuring power.

Master Xia was supported by this force, and his heart was even more terrified, knowing that he was not imagining things.

He straightened up, but still bowed deeply, his voice trembling as he sternly rebuked his still bewildered son beside him:

"Liu Qing! How dare you be so rude!"

"How could you, with your mortal eyes, possibly recognize a true immortal descending to earth?!"

"Just now... just now, as your father on the platform, I saw behind the Immortal Master Yuchi Gong, Qin Shubao, Guan Yu, Li Tianwang, and even Wen Tianjun..."

"Numerous sacred forms appear and disappear, flowing according to one's will!"

"This is a true manifestation of communion with heaven and earth, of one's body uniting with the Great Dao! How could it be ordinary?!"

"Hurry up and bow!"

He spoke with great emotion, recounting everything he had seen and felt.

Although not entirely accurate, it captured the shock that transcended his comprehension.

Xia Liuqing was stunned by his father's words, staring blankly at Li Yuan, then at his father who was flushed with excitement.

She then secretly glanced at Mei Jinfeng, who was standing next to her with a similarly astonished expression and wide-eyed eyes.

He was rebellious from a young age and disapproved of his father's profession as an opera singer.

They also scoffed at those supernatural and bizarre claims.

But the father's expression and tone at that moment were not feigned.

Moreover, my father has always been proud of his skills, so how could he have lost his composure like this and said such bizarre things?

Looking at the young Taoist priest again, he was dressed in a moon-white Taoist robe, with an extraordinary temperament, standing there quietly.

Despite being described in this way by her father, she remained calm and gentle, as if her father were talking about something ordinary.

This contrast left Xia Liuqing feeling uncertain and surprised, her initial disdain replaced by a strange sense of awe.

Especially in front of Mei Jinfeng, he didn't want to appear too ignorant, so he subconsciously restrained his usual arrogance.

Li Yuan neither commented on nor responded to Master Xia's words of shock, but simply introduced himself:

"I am Li Yuan, and I come from the Daluo Palace of Mianshan Mountain. I am just passing through this place while traveling."

"Da Luo Palace... Li Yuan..." Master Xia murmured repeatedly, then suddenly looked up, his eyes bursting with an unbelievable, burning light.

"Immortal Master! Could the Immortal Master be...?"

"Is this the legendary Daoist Li Yuan, who is said to possess auspicious purple aura from the east, an innate Daoist physique, and hailed by the Celestial Master as 'the future leader of Taoism'?!"

Li Yuan nodded slightly: "It's just an empty reputation, Master Xia is too kind."

Xia Liuqing, who was standing to the side, finally reacted, gasped, and exclaimed:

"You...you are the legendary Child of Heaven?!"

Although he was rebellious, he mingled in the streets and alleys.

However, he occasionally heard various mysterious rumors about the innate Daoist of Mianshan Daluo Palace from some wandering martial arts practitioners.

I always thought it was just an exaggerated story.

To my utter surprise, the characters from the story actually appeared right in front of me, and my father described them in such a fantastical way!

Mei Jinfeng also covered her mouth and gasped softly.

Being confined to her chambers, she knew even less about the affairs of the supernatural world.

But titles like "Heavenly Child of the Dao" and "Great Luo Palace" sound lofty and sacred, not of the mortal realm.

Master Xia gently patted his son's bald head and hissed:

"Silence! Do not be disrespectful to the immortal!"

He immediately turned to Li Yuan, his attitude becoming even more respectful, even showing a hint of fear:

"May I ask what brings you, venerable immortal, to this remote town?"

"But what has my son... or this rebellious child, done to offend the immortals?"

He thought that Li Yuan had come specifically for him or his son.

Li Yuan shook his head: "Master Xia is overthinking it."

"I just happened to be passing through Qingshui Town and overheard the discussions in town while resting."

"It is said that Master Xia, who is known as the 'Number One Voice of Xiangbei' and can sing any play perfectly, and can even bring the dead back to life, is performing here to celebrate the birthday of the Mei family's daughter."

As he spoke, his gaze naturally turned to Mei Jinfeng beside him, and he nodded slightly:

"This must be Miss Mei. I am Li Yuan, and I pay my respects."

"Wishing you a happy and healthy birthday, Miss."

Mei Jinfeng quickly curtsied in return, her voice clear and melodious:

"I am Mei Jinfeng, thank you for your kind words, Daoist Master."

"Master, you have come from afar as a guest. I have not been able to greet you properly. I apologize for my rudeness."

She was well-mannered, and although she was a little nervous, she did not have the usual coyness of a young lady from a respectable family. Her eyes were clear, filled with curiosity and inquiry.

When Xia Liuqing saw Li Yuan take the initiative to speak to Mei Jinfeng, her heart tightened for no reason, and she felt a little ashamed. She couldn't help but puff out her chest, as if trying to attract attention.

Li Yuan continued to say to Master Xia, "I came to watch on a whim, but I never expected to disturb Master Xia's mind and cause the performance to be interrupted."

"It was truly my fault, and I hope Master Xia and Miss Mei will forgive me."

Master Xia was flattered and surprised upon hearing this, and waved his hands repeatedly:

"You flatter me, Immortal Master!"

"To be able to witness your presence, sir, is already a blessing I have accumulated over many lifetimes!"

"Just now... just now, it was my own shallow cultivation and lack of composure that caused me to lose my composure, sir. What does this have to do with you, sir?"

"My humble skills are nothing more than a means to make a living. In the eyes of the immortal, they are probably... probably crude and laughable."

Although he was modest, when he talked about his skills, there was still a hint of the pride and dedication of an artist in his eyes.

Li Yuan said solemnly, "Master Xia is too modest."

"If even Master Lian Xia can achieve this, he can harmonize his own spirit and vitality with the essence of the character, using subtle 'qi' to evoke a resonance in the audience's hearts..."

"Having reached the verge of 'entering the play with spirit and transforming form with Qi,' he still claims his skills are crude and unbearable..."

"In this land of Hunan and Hubei, there are probably very few places that can be described as 'skills'."

Master Xia was startled and looked up at Li Yuan with disbelief shining in his eyes, mixed with excitement and emotion at meeting a kindred spirit.

The eight characters, "Entering the play with spirit and transforming form with Qi," struck like a thunderclap.

It precisely struck the key point that he had been secretly exploring and vaguely sensing for decades, but could not clearly articulate!

This Daoist Li Yuan is not only highly skilled in Daoist arts, but he can also see through the essence of Li Yuan's unorthodox skills at a glance!

He could no longer contain himself, and took half a step forward, his voice choked with emotion and earnestness:

"Immortal Master... Immortal Master, your insightful eyes have seen through my long-standing delusion!"

"To be honest, Master, I also have a vague feeling that opera singing is more than just opera singing. It's as if... as if it touches on something that is hard to explain."

"But every time I try to go a step further, to grasp that spark of inspiration, there's always a thick veil separating me, and I can't find the entrance!"

"When playing a hero, one can have the air of a hero; when playing a ghost or deity, one can have the charm of a ghost or deity. But it always feels like it's 'borrowed,' just 'like,' but not truly 'the one.'"

"Furthermore, it consumes a great deal of mental energy and is difficult to sustain. If one is not careful, there is a risk of being overwhelmed by the character's immense will and losing oneself..."

"I wonder...I wonder if the immortal could offer some guidance?"

His words showed that he regarded Li Yuan as a celestial being, disregarding the difference in their social status, and treated him with the respect due to a disciple, seeking his guidance.

Looking into his eyes, filled with pure curiosity and confusion, Li Yuan paused for a moment, then slowly said:

"What you call 'borrowing' and 'resembling' is only the initial stage."

"Because you still have a distinction between 'I' and 'role' in your mind, and a gap between 'acting' and 'truth'."

"You try to understand the character, immerse yourself in the character, imitate their spirit, and evoke the audience's emotions."

"This is using the spirit of 'I' to depict an external 'appearance'."

"Therefore, it is laborious, and there is a barrier, or even the risk of backlash."

Master Xia nodded repeatedly, as if listening to divine music.

Xia Liuqing and Mei Jinfeng, who were standing nearby, were also listening intently. Although they only vaguely understood some of the words, the profound meaning of the conversation stirred their hearts.

When Xia Liuqing heard someone describe her father's "fake magic" in such a profound way for the first time, she couldn't help but put aside her initial disdain.

Mei Jinfeng felt that the philosophy contained in the Taoist priest's words was quite different from the poems and books she usually read, but seemed to be closer to some kind of essence.

"If you want to go further, you need to understand the principle of 'no self, no person, no sentient being, no life span'."

Li Yuan's voice was calm, yet every word struck Master Xia's heart like a hammer blow.

"It's not about making you completely lose yourself, but about understanding the 'spirit' of the heroes and deities in the play, which is also the condensation and manifestation of a certain righteous spirit, loyalty, and courage in the world."

"You don't need to 'play' Guan Yu. Just let your thoughts naturally resonate and harmonize with the spirit of 'loyalty and righteousness' in the world when you are inspired to embody 'loyalty and righteousness for all time'."

"At that time, what you present will no longer be Guan Gong as played by Xia."

"It is the concept of 'loyalty and righteousness' that is naturally manifested in this moment and place through your appearance, voice, and actions."

"You are not 'acting' as a god, but rather using yourself as a bridge to allow a certain 'divinity' to flow through."

Master Xia listened with rapt attention, his whole body trembling, as if a ray of sunlight had pierced through the fog of many years, revealing a clear and broad road before his eyes!

That's it!

It turns out I've been circling around the door all along!

The key is not in the resemblance.

And in "feeling" and "harmony"!

It's not about "playing a role," but about "manifesting"!

"Thank you so much, Immortal Master! Thank you so much for your guidance! I will never forget this kindness and virtue!"

Master Xia was so excited that he was about to kneel down again, but Li Yuan stopped him once more.

Li Yuan's gaze then fell on Xia Liuqing, who was standing to the side, half-understanding what he was hearing, but was also shocked by her father's emotional outburst and Li Yuan's profound words.

The boy had a stubborn look in his eyes, and his bald head showed stubble under the lamplight.

Although she disdains her father's profession, she is essentially simple-minded and straightforward, without much guile.

He glanced again at Mei Jinfeng, who was listening quietly with a thoughtful look in her eyes.

This woman is calm and composed, with a strong sense of self-respect in her eyes; she is no ordinary, delicate woman.

No wonder he would have such a persistent pursuit of opportunities in the future.

"As for your son..." Li Yuan paused slightly, looked at Xia Liuqing, and spoke in a calm tone.

"Pure-minded, dislikes pretense, and has sharp edges; he is like a rough, unpolished gem."

"It's just that the paths are different; forcing things will only make things worse."

His words seemed to be addressed not only to Master Xia, but also to Xia Liuqing and Mei Jinfeng, who were standing nearby.

Hearing these words, Xia Liuqing felt a surge of warmth in his heart, especially from the phrase "uncut jade".

There was a strange feeling of being recognized by this god-like figure.

He felt especially proud in front of Mei Jinfeng.

Then, the saying "Different paths lead to different outcomes, and forcing things will only make things worse" seems to offer a detached explanation for his choice not to study opera.

This subtly eased some of the guilt and inner conflict he had felt for so long due to his rebellious nature.

He stared blankly at Li Yuan, suddenly realizing that this Taoist priest seemed... a little different, and what he said seemed to make some sense.

Mei Jinfeng also glanced at Xia Liuqing thoughtfully.

This bald boy, who always secretly watches himself and is somewhat clumsy yet stubborn, is actually a "rough gem" in the eyes of Daoist Li Yuan.

Upon hearing this, Master Xia looked at his son, then at Li Yuan, and seemed to understand something. A complex expression flashed in his eyes, but more than anything, he felt gratitude.

The immortal master not only pointed out the key points of his skills, but also seemed to... show a different kind of attention to his stubborn and rebellious son?

Li Yuan stopped there, saying no more.

That's enough for tonight.

This planted a clearer understanding of "divine manifestation" in Master Xia's heart.

Perhaps this will help him avoid detours in the future, and even allow his skills to reach new heights, which in itself is a good thing.

As for Xia Liuqing, this future "chess piece," today's meeting and a few words of evaluation have already left an imprint on his mind.

When Xia Liuqing enters the world of supernatural beings and experiences various things in the future, he will recall what the Daoist said tonight.

They may have different insights, which may even affect the direction of their "divine mask" path.

Revealing a hint of mystery to Mei Jinfeng might plant a seed of curiosity about "Tao" and "extraordinary" in her heart.

This influences certain mindsets when their future intersects with rootless production.

This connection, involving key figures in the future of Quanxing, has been quietly established.

The seed of fate has been sown; let us wait patiently for it to bloom.

Li Yuan looked up at the sky and said to Master Xia and Mei Jinfeng:

"It's getting late, and I must continue my journey. Farewell."

"Master Xia, please cultivate yourself well; your son will also have his own destiny."

"Miss Mei, I wish you a happy birthday once again."

Although Master Xia was extremely reluctant to part with him, he knew that such an opportunity to attain immortality was rare and he could not force him to stay. He quickly bowed.

"Respectfully bidding farewell to the Immortal Master! I, Xia, will never forget your guidance!"

"Liu Qing, quickly bow!"

This time, Xia Liuqing behaved herself and followed her father in bowing respectfully to Li Yuan, her bald head standing out conspicuously in the night.

Mei Jinfeng bowed again and said, "Respectfully seeing you off, Daoist Master. May you have a safe journey."

Li Yuan nodded slightly, then turned and flicked his sleeve, his moon-white figure drifting away into the distance.

They quickly blended into the deep night of the town, as if they had never existed.

Master Xia and his son stood there, motionless for a long time.

The night breeze carried the fading echoes of the distant noise from the Mei Mansion.

"Father...is he...a god?" Xia Liuqing couldn't help but ask in a low voice, her tone less rebellious and more dazed.

Master Xia gazed in the direction where Li Yuan had disappeared, let out a long breath, his eyes bright and resolute:

"Whether he's a deity or not, I don't know."

"But Father knows that those are the people who are truly on the right path."

"Liu Qing, remember tonight, remember this Daoist Li Yuan."

"Perhaps...this will change many things for us."

As Mei Jinfeng gazed at the deserted streets, she savored the words and demeanor of the Daoist Li Yuan she had just heard, and a vague longing in her heart was quietly stirred.

She gently smoothed her sleeves and said to Master Xia:

"Master Xia, since your son has his own destiny, you don't need to worry about him too much."

Thank you for your wonderful performance today.

After saying this, she nodded slightly, turned around and walked gracefully toward her father, Master Mei, leaving behind a beautiful silhouette.

Xia Liuqing touched his bald head and looked at the empty streets.

For the first time, I felt a strange, inexplicable curiosity about the "actor" profession that I despised, and about my father's mysterious pursuit of it.

That moon-white figure, along with the many sacred visions his father described, were deeply imprinted in his young heart.

Li Yuan had already returned to the inn.

The solitary lamp in the room remained lit as he sat quietly, regulating his breathing, his mind sinking into the inner world of the Great Luo Palace.

During my trip to Qingshui Town tonight, I happened to meet the Xia family father and son and Mei Jinfeng, and I gave them some pointers.

They also quietly placed two or three idle pieces that would affect the future of the entire society's chess game.

The grand chess game that will unfold in the future, involving Quanxing, the Eight Extraordinary Skills, and Wugensheng.

He has gained even more chips in his hand.

Tomorrow is the Lu family's grand banquet.

At that time, extraordinary talents from all over the world will gather, the older generation will consider their options, the younger generation will clash, and there will be both overt and covert competition and alliances.

All of this will unfold slowly beneath the backdrop of this birthday banquet.

However, there was one last thing he had to do before that.

Or rather, there is another crucial piece that needs to be quietly placed at this moment in another way.

This chess piece is related to a more ruthless, yet more secretive, undercurrent in the future.