The Ferocious God in the Celestial Master's Mansion

Chapter 3 Longhu Mountain - Zhang Jingqing

After staying in the town for several days, Zhang Zhiwei still hadn't found any news about Zhang Huaiyi. Instead, he heard many rumors about the evil deeds of the Quanxing sect. It was said that the Quanxing people had been frequently active in this area recently, plundering resources, harming extraordinary people, and even targeting ordinary civilians.

Zhang Zhiwei was furious, but helpless. His primary task now was to find Zhang Huaiyi; he couldn't afford to be distracted by these matters. Moreover, carrying an infant made it inconvenient to confront the Quanxing people directly.

"It seems we can't find any trace of Huaiyi here either." Zhang Zhiwei sighed, looking at Zhang Yulei sleeping soundly on the bed, a resolute glint in his eyes, "Never mind, let's go back to Longhu Mountain first."

Having made up his mind, Zhang Zhiwei no longer hesitated. He packed his things, carried Zhang Yulei in his arms, and embarked on his journey home once again.

This time, they headed south, speeding towards Longhu Mountain. Along the way, they encountered many more refugees fleeing from disaster and wicked villains. Zhang Zhiwei was ruthless; he showed no mercy to any of the strange people or bandits who harmed the common people or committed evil deeds.

Zhang Yulei witnessed Zhang Zhiwei's strength firsthand. He saw Zhang Zhiwei easily defeat those evil supernatural beings with just his bare hands; he saw him activate the Golden Light Mantra, making his defense impenetrable; he saw him unleash thunder magic, with overwhelming force, instantly turning his enemies into ashes.

This strengthened Zhang Yulei's resolve to cultivate. He knew that only by possessing strength like Zhang Zhiwei could he protect himself and those around him in this dangerous world.

As we drew closer to Longhu Mountain, the surrounding environment gradually changed. Rolling mountains stretched out, ancient pines reached for the sky, clouds swirled, and the air was filled with a rich spiritual energy that refreshed the mind and spirit. Compared to the scenes of war and misery we had witnessed before, this place was like a paradise on earth.

"We're almost there." Zhang Zhiwei looked down at Zhang Yulei in his arms, a long-lost smile appearing on his face. "Little guy, this will be your home from now on."

Zhang Yulei opened his eyes, curiously surveying the surrounding scenery. In the distance, majestic mountains stood tall, their peaks covered in snow, with clouds swirling among them, creating a scene resembling a fairyland. He could clearly feel the rich spiritual energy in the air; this energy entered his nostrils, making him feel refreshed and even invigorated.

He knew this was Longhu Mountain, the sacred site of the Zhengyi sect of Taoism in "Under One Person," and the location of the Celestial Master's Mansion. From this moment on, his rebirth officially began. And his destiny would be inextricably linked to this Longhu Mountain and the world of "Under One Person."

After walking for about half an hour, the gate of the Celestial Master's Mansion on Longhu Mountain finally came into view.

The imposing vermilion gate, towering several meters high and studded with rows of gold rivets, exudes an air of supreme authority. Above the gate hangs a massive golden plaque bearing the five large characters "Longhu Mountain Celestial Master's Mansion," the calligraphy powerful and vigorous, conveying an aura of unassailable grandeur. On either side of the gate stand a pair of majestic stone lions, lifelike and imposing, as if guarding this sacred Taoist site.

Zhang Zhiwei, carrying Zhang Yulei, slowly walked to the gate. The young Taoist guarding the gate immediately showed respect upon seeing him and hurriedly stepped forward to bow, saying, "Senior Brother, you're back!"

Zhang Zhiwei nodded and asked, "Is Master feeling better?"

"Reporting to Senior Brother, Master's health has improved considerably, but he is still resting," the young Taoist replied respectfully, his gaze falling curiously on Zhang Yulei in Zhang Zhiwei's arms, but he did not ask any further questions.

"Mm." Zhang Zhiwei responded, picked up Zhang Yulei, and stepped into the Celestial Master's Mansion.

Upon entering the Celestial Master's Mansion, the first thing that catches the eye is a wide stone-paved path lined with tall, ancient pine trees whose lush foliage provides ample shade. At the end of the path stands a magnificent hall, the core building of the Celestial Master's Mansion—the Hall of Mandate of Heaven. On either side of the hall are rows of neat side rooms, providing living quarters and places for disciples to practice their faith.

The entire Celestial Master's Mansion is built against the mountain, with a rigorous layout and magnificent scale, exuding the solemnity and reverence of a Taoist holy site. The air is filled with the rich fragrance of sandalwood and spiritual energy, which inspires awe in all who behold it.

Zhang Zhiwei didn't linger, carrying Zhang Yulei directly towards Chengyun Hall. Along the way, they encountered many disciples of the Celestial Master's Mansion. Upon seeing Zhang Zhiwei return, they all stepped forward to bow, their eyes curiously examining the infant in his arms, their faces showing puzzlement. However, due to Zhang Zhiwei's status, no one dared to approach and ask.

Soon, Zhang Zhiwei arrived outside Chengyun Hall. He took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and, carrying Zhang Yulei, stepped inside.

Inside the Chengyun Hall, the fragrance of sandalwood wafted through the air, swirling around the portraits of the Three Pure Ones hanging in the hall, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The floor of the hall was paved with smooth bluestone slabs, and dozens of dragon-carved pillars stood on both sides. The golden dragons carved on the pillars were so lifelike that they seemed ready to break free from their restraints and soar into the clouds at any moment.

On the throne of the Celestial Master at the head of the table sat an elderly man with white hair and a white beard. He wore a bright yellow Taoist robe embroidered with the Tai Chi Bagua diagram. His face was thin and refined, but his eyes were as deep as an ancient well, revealing a wisdom and majesty that seemed to see through the world. His aura was peaceful, yet he carried an invisible sense of pressure, the air of a master that had been cultivated over many years of Taoist practice.

It was Zhang Qingjing, the current Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain and Zhang Zhiwei's master.

Hearing footsteps, Zhang Qingjing slowly opened her eyes, her gaze falling on Zhang Zhiwei. She first glanced at his travel-worn appearance, then her eyes were drawn to the baby in his arms. A hint of surprise flashed in his deep eyes, before returning to calm.

"Zhiwei, you're back." Zhang Qingjing's voice was old but strong, carrying a hint of barely perceptible weariness. "Is there any progress on Huaiyi's matter?"

Zhang Zhiwei walked into the hall and respectfully bowed to Zhang Qingjing, his voice low and respectful: "Master, I am incompetent. I have traveled all over North China, but I have been unable to find any trace of Huaiyi. I have only heard that he is in close contact with Wugensheng and others, and his whereabouts are elusive."

At this point, Zhang Zhiwei paused, gently pushing Zhang Yulei forward from his arms, and continued, "However, on my way down the mountain, I found this child in a dilapidated temple. At the time, there was a heavy snowstorm, and the child was abandoned in the temple, barely breathing, and almost died. I couldn't bear it, so I brought him back and handed him over to Master for his judgment."

Zhang Qingjing's gaze remained fixed on Zhang Yulei, his brows slightly furrowed. He carefully examined the infant. Although the little guy was thin, his complexion was rosy, and his breathing was even, clearly showing that he had recovered much of his vitality under Zhang Zhiwei's care. What concerned him even more was the strange aura emanating from the child, neither the purity of an ordinary infant nor the Qi of a supernatural being, but rather an indescribable wildness and resilience hidden deep within his bones.

"In chaotic times, orphans are everywhere, which is pitiful." Zhang Qingjing sighed softly, her tone tinged with pity. "Since you brought him back, it means you have a connection with my Longhu Mountain."

He paused, then said, "Bring him over here so I can take a good look at him."

Zhang Zhiwei dared not delay and quickly stepped forward, carefully handing Zhang Yulei to Zhang Qingjing.

Zhang Yulei raised his head, curiously examining the old man before him. He knew this was Zhang Qingjing, the previous generation Celestial Master, Zhang Zhiwei's master, and also a top-tier expert with unfathomable strength in "Under One Person." He could sense the gentle yet powerful aura emanating from the old man, and a sense of awe arose in his heart.

Zhang Qingjing extended her thin yet strong fingers and gently placed them on Zhang Yulei's pulse. A gentle flow of Qi slowly entered Zhang Yulei's body, probing his physical condition.

A moment later, Zhang Qingjing's expression changed slightly, and a look of surprise appeared on her face.

The child's meridians were unusually clear, even more so than some exceptionally gifted children. Logically, such a physique should have made him an excellent candidate for cultivating Taoist mystical arts. However, what puzzled him was that the child seemed to possess an extremely violent energy hidden within him, like a dormant volcano. Although it was calm and still at the moment, once it erupted, it would likely be difficult to control.

What puzzled him even more was that the child's bone density and muscle fibers were different from those of ordinary infants, exuding a resilience beyond his years. This constitution was both rare and fraught with danger.

"Master, this child..." Zhang Zhiwei asked with some concern when he saw Zhang Qingjing's strange expression.

Zhang Qingjing didn't answer immediately. Instead, he withdrew his finger and looked at Zhang Yulei in his arms with a complicated expression. He pondered for a moment and then slowly said, "This child has a special physique and excellent aptitude; he is a good candidate for cultivation. However, he harbors a fierce and malevolent energy within him. If not guided properly, it may become a great threat in the future."

Zhang Zhiwei's heart tightened: "What does Master mean?"

"Hehe," Zhang Qingjing chuckled, a resolute glint in her eyes, "Everything in the world has its own way. Even fierce energy can be transformed into powerful strength; the key lies in how to educate and guide it. This child is destined to be with my Longhu Mountain, and you saved him; perhaps this is fate."

He paused, then his voice became serious: "Zhiwei, would you be willing to take him as your disciple? With your cultivation and character, you should be able to teach him well and guide him onto the right path."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiwei was taken aback. He had never considered taking the child as his disciple. He was currently focused on cultivating and pursuing the Great Dao, and he also bore the heavy responsibility of finding Zhang Huaiyi. He simply didn't have the energy to teach an infant.

Moreover, he could see that this child had a special constitution, far beyond that of ordinary disciples, and would certainly not be easy to teach. If he was not careful, he might end up raising a tiger that would cause him trouble.

Just as Zhang Zhiwei hesitated, Zhang Yulei, who was in his arms, suddenly reached out his small hand and gently grasped Zhang Qingjing's fingers.

Zhang Qingjing felt the warmth in his hand and a relieved smile appeared on his face. Looking at the expression in Zhang Yulei's eyes, he became even more certain that this child was no ordinary person.

"That's enough," Zhang Qingjing said. "You have a lively personality, and although your cultivation is profound, you still lack composure when it comes to teaching disciples. This child has a special constitution and needs careful guidance and strict discipline, otherwise he will surely become a source of trouble in the future."

After a moment's thought, he made a decision that Zhang Zhiwei had not expected: "In that case, I will personally take him as my last disciple."

"What?!" Zhang Zhiwei exclaimed in surprise, his face filled with disbelief.

It's important to understand that Zhang Qingjing, as the Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain, hadn't accepted any disciples for many years. Even he and Zhang Huaiyi were only his personal disciples, not his last disciples. A last disciple means receiving all the knowledge and skills he has, treating him like his own son, and passing on his mantle. For his master to accept this orphan of unknown origin as his last disciple was truly unexpected.

Ignoring Zhang Zhiwei's surprise, Zhang Qingjing looked tenderly at Zhang Yulei in her arms and said slowly, "Child, from now on, you will become my disciple of Longhu Mountain. I will teach you Taoist arts and guide you to understand your true nature. I hope that you will become a grandmaster in the future, protecting Longhu Mountain and all living beings under heaven."

Zhang Yulei blinked, seemingly understanding his words. Looking at the kindness and expectation in Zhang Qingjing's eyes, he felt a warmth in his heart. In his past life, he had never experienced such genuine care. Now, this highly respected Celestial Master was willing to accept him as his last disciple, giving him a home and an opportunity for cultivation.

His heart was filled with gratitude, and he secretly made up his mind that he would never let Zhang Qingjing down. He would definitely cultivate hard, become stronger, and live a different life.

"Master, this..." Zhang Zhiwei wanted to say something more, but Zhang Qingjing raised her hand to interrupt him.

"This child is destined for me, so this matter is settled." Zhang Qingjing's tone left no room for doubt. "Take him to the Jingxin Garden in the back mountain and settle him in. Send a few careful Daoist boys to take care of his daily life. When he is a little older, I will begin to teach him the method of breathing exercises."

"Yes, Master." Zhang Zhiwei dared not disobey and quickly replied.

"Oh, right," Zhang Qingjing said as if she had suddenly remembered something, "Now that this child has joined my Longhu Mountain, he needs a formal name. I see that his eyes are bright, like the light of the sun and moon, and also reveal an indomitable spirit. How about we call him Zhang Yulei?"

"Yu means to shine and be bright; Lei means to be firm and resolute," Zhang Qingjing explained slowly. "I hope that in the future you will shine as brightly as the sun and moon, be as unyielding as a firm rock, stay true to your original aspirations, and never lose your lofty ambitions."

Zhang Yulei silently repeated the name in his heart: "Zhang Yulei..."

This is his name in this world, a symbol of his rebirth.

Zhang Zhiwei carried Zhang Yulei out of Chengyun Hall. The sunlight shone on him, warm and bright. He looked down at the little guy in his arms and saw Zhang Yulei with big eyes, curiously looking at everything around him, his eyes full of longing for the future.

A sense of anticipation suddenly arose in Zhang Zhiwei's heart. He didn't know what kind of person this child named Zhang Yulei would grow up to be. But he could sense that this child possessed limitless potential.

What he didn't know was that the baby Zhang Qingjing had taken in as her last disciple was not only a time traveler, but also carried memories of his previous life and the potential dangers of supermale syndrome.

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