This humble Taoist priest, Qianhe, begins his quest for immortality by slaying demons and monsters.

Chapter 1: Chizuru at Sixteen, Seeking the Dao at Maoshan

Late Qing Dynasty...

When chaos arrives, it is also a time when demons run rampant; at the end of a dynasty, it can be said that demons are dancing wildly.

Zhongjia Village.

Overnight, the once peaceful and prosperous village became eerily quiet, with an air of death permeating the air.

Sorrowful sobs could be heard from every household.

In an open space at the village entrance, sixteen-year-old Zhong Bai's eyes held not only sadness but also deep disbelief.

"I've been in this world for a year now, although I don't have a very deep relationship with you two."

But... you two are still the ones who raised me!

Zhong Bai's eyes were bloodshot, reflecting not only the relief of surviving the ordeal but also lingering fear.

He never imagined that in the chaotic late Qing Dynasty, demons would massacre a village!

Yes, there are demons and evil spirits in this world. Last night, a wolf demon entered the village.

The entire village was robbed, and countless villagers died. The killing did not stop until dawn.

Zhong Bai was lucky enough to survive.

But at this moment, looking at the graves of the two elders, Zhong Bai was also at a loss.

The world is vast, but where is home?
"It is unfortunate to live in such an era; it is not easy to survive."

"If that's the case, why not go up the mountain to seek the Way?"

Having made up his mind, Zhong Bai's previously bewildered expression gradually cleared.

After taking a deep breath and bowing deeply before the graves of the two elders, Zhong Bai quietly left.

Hundreds of miles away from Zhongjia Village lies Zhong Bai's destination: Maoshan!

As one of the three major schools of talismanic arts, Zhong Bai had heard many of its miraculous abilities.

As for Longhu Mountain, which is thousands of miles away, although it is more famous, it is also farther from Zhongjia Village.

When Zhong Bai left home, he knew that every extra day on the road meant an extra bit of danger.

official way.

Along the way, Zhong Bai traveled during the day and stayed overnight in small towns.

His clothes looked extremely worn, and his face was covered in dirt.

They looked quite similar to beggars on the street.

When traveling, one should not flaunt one's wealth. Zhong Bai didn't have much money, but he still had to be careful.

Although his attire was a bit shabby, Zhong Bai didn't encounter any danger for three days in a row.

In the final years of a dynasty, while demons are certainly dangerous, the hearts of men are not much better.

Stumbling along, one step at a time, night fell.

Inside a small inn in the town, Zhong Bai looked at his worn-out, blood-stained straw sandals and gave a helpless, bitter smile.

"We've only walked about two hundred miles, and our feet are already like this. It's really..."

Shake his head.

After preparing a basin of hot water, Zhong Bai first washed his feet and then wiped and disinfected the half-pot of liquor that the shopkeeper had brought him.

After gritting his teeth and finishing it all, Zhong Bai was covered in cold sweat.

As night falls, lying on the hard bed, I fall into a deep sleep, and the fatigue of the day is relieved.

As dawn broke the next day, Zhong Bai began another day of his journey...

Ten days later.

Maoshan Town.

As a small town at the foot of Maoshan Mountain, it is naturally protected by Maoshan.

The town was bustling with activity. Zhong Bai arrived in town at noon.

Under the blazing sun, Zhong Bai had just arrived at a teahouse to cool off when he overheard the people inside talking about something that interested him.

"I heard that the Taoist priests on the mountain will be opening the mountain and accepting disciples tomorrow."

I wonder which family's child will be fortunate enough to become an apprentice there this year; it's a place truly dedicated to seeking immortality!

"Sigh, Wu Laosan, worrying for nothing."

"That's right, you, Wu Laosan, don't even have a wife."

Instead of worrying about Maoshan accepting disciples, you should hurry up and find a wife.

"You're already in your thirties! Your neighbor, Old Liu, is practically a grandfather by now!"

............................................................

Although they were just chatting about everyday matters, Zhong Bai hadn't really expected that Maoshan would be opening its doors to disciples tomorrow.

He originally came to Maoshan just to try his luck, to see if his sincerity could move the Taoist priests there. After all, Taoist disciples are chosen based on fate, and it's not easy for just anyone to get in, especially not from Maoshan, one of the three major schools of talismans!
"Going against the grain leads to immortality, going with the grain leads to mortal life."

Whether it succeeds or not tomorrow, it's never wrong to give it your all!

Having made up my mind, I drank a cup of tea, and an instant feeling of coolness washed over me, gradually dispelling the summer heat.

Zhong Bai still needs to find lodging as soon as possible and clean himself of the filth.

Those who pay homage to the mountain gate should naturally be free from defilement and impurity.

Early the next morning.

At the foot of Maoshan Mountain, Zhong Bai looked at the endless stone steps in front of him.

Looking at those small groups of young faces, just like my own, I suddenly felt a profound sense of peace.

"Success or failure hinges on this one battle!"

After speaking, Zhong Bai stepped out.

An hour passed quickly.

At this moment, Zhong Bai's forehead was covered with beads of sweat, and the other boys who came with him were also in a very bad state.

He looked up, panting heavily.

It was a tall and heavy stone gate with the inscription: Shangqing Maoshan Daoist Sect!
The brush moved swiftly and gracefully, accompanied by a light and melodious sound.

An old man in a blue Taoist robe came to Zhong Bai and the others with a whisk in his hand.

Despite his full head of white hair, he was still full of energy and spirit; though he appeared old, his face was unmarked; and his demeanor was casual yet natural.

With just one glance, Zhong Bai knew that the old Taoist priest in front of him was definitely not one of those charlatans from later generations!

The other teenagers stared wide-eyed.

They were clearly much more knowledgeable than Zhong Bai about the process of accepting disciples at Maoshan.

"This humble one, Zhang Wanming, pays his respects to the venerable immortal!"

"This humble one, Liu Yu, pays his respects to the venerable immortal!"

A dense crowd of young men knelt down earnestly, vying to move the old Taoist priest before them.

And Zhong Bai...

He was still a little confused; what was wrong with all these people?

Taoist schools emphasize fate when accepting disciples. If they appear so humble, wouldn't that seem overly mercenary?

Hmm, perhaps Buddhism would like this kind of disciple—sincere?

Unlike him, Zhong Bai.

He took a deep breath, but did not kneel, knowing it was not the right time, and bowed his head in a deep bow.

"Disciple Zhong Bai has long admired the reputation of Maoshan. My parents were robbed and harmed by demons. In this life, I only wish to dedicate myself to the Dao, learn the Dao of exorcising demons, and sweep away the evil spirits of the nine provinces!"

I humbly beseech your esteemed senior to take pity on me and accept me as your disciple!

Zhong Bai's words were full of determination, and he was not lying.

Both for his own sake and for his own, he had to avenge his deceased parents.

Of course, making a great vow to sweep away all evil spirits and demons throughout the land was also a side effect of this process.

Well, no one can find fault with that.

A glint flashed in Qian Yuan Zhenren's eyes. He paid no attention to the kneeling youths, but stared intently at Zhong Bai, who was bowing deeply.

His eyes were deep, as if he could see through everything about Zhong Bai.

However, this only lasted for a moment.

A moment later, Master Qian Yuan's expression was no longer serious.

He then chuckled softly, "Your name is Zhong Bai? You're quite clever, little guy."

However, it would be laughable to think that one could sweep away all the demons and monsters in the world with just a sharp tongue.

The old Taoist priest has been practicing for a hundred years.

Let alone the entire Nine Provinces, even for just one province, this old Taoist wouldn't dare to make such a boast...

"Very well, if a young person doesn't have a bit of youthful spirit, he's nothing more than a good-for-nothing who just waits to die."

After saying this, Master Qian Yuan looked at the kneeling youths again, the deep meaning in his eyes was self-evident.

"Those who wish to enter Maoshan, then go ahead. Whether you can enter the mountain depends entirely on your abilities!"

Having said that, Master Qian Yuan waved his hand.

In an instant, an old house shrouded in mist appeared in front of the once empty mountain gate.

Happy May Day to everyone!
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(End of this chapter)