Dao Qi Wu Zang Guan Guan: I became a Daoist Master in the 1990s

Chapter 67 Farewell to Jiujiang
"One day and two nights?!"

Qi Yun was taken aback, then felt the surging vitality within his body and exclaimed in realization, "That wine... it actually has such miraculous effects?"

"It is truly your good fortune!" Xuan Qing nodded. "This 'Hundred Herbs Dew Brew' is made by the Mountain Lord by collecting the essence of countless spiritual herbs and exotic fruits from the mountains, and adding the essence of the sun and moon. It is no ordinary thing."

As you begin your journey into Qi cultivation, with your foundation just beginning to be established, receiving this spiritual wine is like a long-awaited rain after a drought. It greatly benefits your Qi, blood, and internal organs, saving you from months of arduous practice.

How do you feel?

"The vital energy in the internal organs is abundant, unlike anything we've ever seen before!" Qi Yun said truthfully, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the mountain lord.

Xuanqing pointed to the bulging satchel on the side of the donkey: "At the time of parting, the mountain lord also gave us some old mountain medicines, all of which are top-grade tonics for replenishing qi and blood."

There are Polygonatum sibiricum, Polygonum multiflorum, and old wild ginseng that are extremely old.

Once we enter the city and get all the necessary supplementary medicines, the potency of the medicine will be several times stronger than I had previously expected.

With this spiritual wine as a base, supplemented by medicinal cuisine, and with focused cultivation, you should be able to break through the Qi Sea barrier in less than a month and truly enter the realm of receiving the talisman!
This turn of events is truly a stroke of luck.

His words were full of emotion and admiration for his nephew's good fortune.

As they spoke, the two had already turned a corner around a mountain pass.

As the morning mist gradually dissipated, a red sun leaped over the distant mountains, casting countless golden rays down upon the landscape.

The terrain ahead suddenly opens up, and a magnificent city stands majestically on the banks of the mighty river!

Jiujiang Prefecture!
The city walls stood tall, their crenellations sharp as teeth, gleaming with a cold, hard, bluish-gray sheen in the morning sun.

A wide, white river winds around the city, its surface shimmering with light like scattered gold. Thousands of sails race, oars creak, creating a bustling scene.

By the time we got closer, it was already noon.

The city gate was tall, and carriages and pedestrians came and went in an endless stream. The clamor of voices, the neighing of mules and horses, and the cries of vendors could be faintly heard, all blending into a vibrant torrent.

Upon reaching the city gate, the soldiers guarding the city were gleaming in their armor and had solemn expressions.

Unlike the old Taoist Xuanji, Xuanqing had been traveling at the foot of the mountain for a long time. At this moment, he only announced his name, and the leader of the team was immediately respectful. After carefully verifying that he was correct, he waved for him to pass directly, showing exceptional respect.

Stepping into the city, the scene becomes even more prosperous.

The wide cobblestone streets have been worn smooth as mirrors by the soles of countless feet, and shops line both sides, with banners waving in the wind.

The glittering silk shops, the overflowing rice granaries, the fragrant herbs in the pharmacies, the clanging and sparks flying from the blacksmith shops…

The breakfast stalls are steaming hot, with freshly steamed buns shrouded in white mist; the teahouse is bustling with noise, and the storyteller strikes his gavel, drawing cheers from the audience.

Farmers carrying fresh fish and vegetables, peddlers shaking rattles, wealthy ladies riding in sedan chairs, and merchants hurrying about.
People from all walks of life thronged together.

The sounds of children playing, housewives haggling, and vendors hawking their wares intertwine to create a vivid and lively symphony of everyday life.

The streets were clean and tidy, and most pedestrians had a peaceful and contented look on their faces, which was like two different worlds compared to the desolation of the official road outside the city and the danger of the mountains.

Qi Yun was mesmerized by the sight and couldn't help but whisper, "I never imagined this place would be so prosperous and peaceful."

Xuanqing led the donkey slowly and explained, "Jiujiang Prefecture guards the throat of the Yangtze River waterway, and is a major thoroughfare between the north and south and an important town for grain transport."

Merchant ships came and went daily, goods were transported between the north and south, and taxes were plentiful.

The imperial court stationed a large number of troops here and appointed the "Jiujiang Transport Commissioner" to oversee the city's defenses. He held a high position and wielded great power.

The current transport commissioner comes from the prominent Xie family of Jiangnan. He is highly capable and governs with strict discipline. Furthermore, the region is prosperous, ensuring a stable and peaceful life, unlike other places.

The two found a clean and spacious "Jiujiang Inn" to stay in.

After settling in, Xuanqing took out a pre-written prescription and handed it to Qiyun. It was a prescription passed down from the Five Organs Observation.

The name is: Nourishing Qi and Strengthening Essence Soup

He then took out the medicinal herbs given to him by the mountain king from his satchel, and skillfully sorted and matched them according to the prescription, quickly preparing five medicine packets.

"Yun'er," Xuanqing handed the medicine packet to Qi Yun, his expression becoming serious, "decoct and take it according to the prescription, one dose a day, preferably on an empty stomach in the morning."

The medicinal power of the Red Sun Snake Rose is extremely strong, and it needs to be simmered over a low flame for more than an hour to dissolve into the medicinal soup and be slowly absorbed.

"As long as the auxiliary medicines are prepared in the city, and the main medicine given by the mountain lord is of the highest quality, the efficacy should be assured."

He paused, looking into Qi Yun's eyes: "Just now, upon entering the city, I reported my martial uncle's name."

I had met this Transport Commissioner Xie once before, years ago.

Given the abilities of Transport Commissioner Xie, he is likely already aware of the situation and will probably send someone to invite us. We have already been delayed for quite some time on the road; if we get bogged down in these official social interactions, it might jeopardize important matters.

Let us bid farewell here.

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun felt a surge of reluctance welling up inside him: "Uncle-Master! This…"

He hadn't expected Xuanqing to leave in such a hurry.

They had no choice but to send Xuanqing out through the south gate.

On the way, Qi Yun remained silent, his mind constantly contemplating the eventual death and dissipation of Xuan Qing.

With parting imminent, in his haste, he didn't care about anything else and blurted out, "Uncle-Master! Why don't you... why don't you come back to the mountain with me? As for the Three Yang Prefecture... let's not go there!"

Xuan Qing was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter. His laughter was clear and melodious, yet it carried an undeniable determination: "Foolish child! How can you not go?"

Evil spirits are causing havoc in the Sanyang Prefecture, bringing great harm.

Several months ago, my dear friend, Daoist Yuyangzi, the abbot of Yuntai Temple, went to suppress the rebellion, but has since disappeared without a trace!
Later, even Zen Master Huiming of Jinguang Temple went to investigate, but it was like throwing a clay ox into the sea!
These two friends are pillars of the righteous path!

Their fate is now uncertain, and the danger is unpredictable!
I had already made an appointment with Lingxu Sanren of Qingxia Mountain to meet outside Sanyang Mansion in three days to explore the Demon Cave together!

If I break my promise and fail to arrive, Fellow Daoist Lingxu will be alone in danger and unable to do so. Wouldn't that put my friend in a life-threatening situation?
I would rather die than do such an unjust thing!

Each word was powerful and resonant, like metal or stone falling to the ground.

Qi Yun looked at the flames burning in his uncle's eyes and knew that further persuasion would be useless. He felt both admiration and worry.

His eyes welled up with tears, and he could only bow deeply: "Uncle-Master... please be careful in everything you do!"
If things are beyond your control, please take good care of yourself and never... never force it!

Xuan Qing reached out and patted Qi Yun's shoulder, his gaze gentle yet profound: "Don't worry."

Having traveled all over the country for many years, I know how to conduct myself properly.

Remember, my Five Viscera Theory is a lineage inherited from our ancestor. All the sages of the past have taken "protecting all living beings and purging evil influences" as their foundation!

It is not the kind of hermit sect that only knows how to shut themselves in and chant scriptures, and cultivate themselves in solitude!

In the past, the founding patriarch wielded a three-foot sword, swept away all demons, and laid the foundation for the Dao. Later, when the tyrannical emperor was wicked and the people were suffering, the 'Blazing Sun Patriarch' raised his arm and rallied the people to save the day.

During the 'Great Chaos of Qian Yuan', demons rose up everywhere, and the 'Ancestor of Upholding Righteousness' even fell in battle with his robes stained with blood, protecting the people of the region!
Such noble spirit is the backbone I see!

Now that you have entered the gates of the Dao and inherited its mantle, you should remember: in addition to cultivating the Dao to protect and nourish your body, you should also use it as a sharp sword to cut down injustice in the world!
With compassion for all living beings and a commitment to eliminating evil and upholding justice, we can live up to the reputation of our Five Viscera Temple!
The temple's incense offerings have now declined to an extreme degree, and your master, as the abbot, has no choice but to remain in the mountains to maintain them. This is a last resort.

"Yun'er, in the future, never forget the responsibility on your shoulders just because the mountains are peaceful!"

Qi Yun's heart was filled with excitement, as if a scalding heat was flowing into his heart.

He straightened his back, his expression solemn and dignified, and bowed deeply to Xuan Qing, his voice firm as iron.

"Disciple Qi Yun will humbly follow the teachings of his master! He will always remember the legacy of the patriarch, care for all living beings, eliminate demons and protect the righteous path, and never forget it!"

"Good! Good! Good!" Xuanqing said three times, his eyes full of satisfaction.

He mounted the donkey with a graceful and swift movement.

Immediately, Xuanqing reined in the donkey, turned around and smiled, "Haha, I almost forgot. I also promised to find you a good sword."

When you return to the mountain at the end of the year, your martial uncle will definitely find you a suitable sword! Goodbye!

After saying this, he gently patted the donkey's neck.

With a long neigh, the blue donkey trotted along the official road, its four hooves flying, carrying the gray-blue figure.

The wind billowed his Taoist robe, as if he were spreading his wings.

Watching his uncle's receding figure, Qi Yun stood alone in the morning breeze, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Suddenly, a clear, melodious chanting voice drifted on the wind, each word distinct and resounding across the empty official road:
A green donkey treads through clouds over a thousand peaks, a long sword follows him to slay demons.

Let the turbid wine wash away all my pent-up feelings; the clear breeze and bright moon bring me peace.

What are the three evil spirits insignificant? Righteousness will surely prevail!
My only wish is for peace and tranquility for all living beings; the dragon's roar from the box heralds my return!
After reciting the poem, the figure, bathed in the golden glow of the rising sun, had already transformed into a small, leaping dot at the end of the road.

Only the melodious sound of the copper bells, along with that dashing figure, eventually disappeared at the end of the vast official road leading to Sanyang Prefecture.

Qi Yun stood there for a long time until the sound of the bell completely disappeared.

(End of this chapter)