Chapter 19

Chapter 653: The Gathering at Xian Daogong (3)

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Xian Daogong.

Dozens of fangshi (Taoist alchemists) were gathered for a meeting. Each of these fangshi was an extraordinary individual, and among them were many who had already gained fame across the land.

The gathering of famous fangshi in one place was significant. Of course, not all renowned fangshi were present, but notable figures such as Ji Da, Dong Guo Liannian, and even Bi Zhang Fang, a guest of Lü Bu, and Wang Jin, each occupied a seat.

The fangshi in the hall sat silently, as if waiting for someone. Suddenly, they all stood up at once.

This was because Ji Jian, who appeared to be of a higher seniority, entered with an elderly fangshi.

"Ah! We welcome Elder Chao."

"Have you been well?"

The fangshi vied to pay their respects to the elderly fangshi.

Ji Jian, who brought the elderly fangshi, was already considered the foremost among the fangshi. Yet, all the attention was directed at the elderly fangshi called "Elder Chao."

This was because the elderly fangshi was none other than "Shangshan Chao," a senior elder. He was of a higher rank than Ji Jian and was also the direct disciple of the great astrologer "Yingui," known as the star of Liaodong.

Among those who seek the Dao, there is mutual respect for each other's paths, but no worldly status. Therefore, it was impossible for any one person to command the fangshi to act. However, there was someone who could move half of the fangshi in the land: Shangshan Chao.

"I am grateful for your warm welcome. Please, everyone, take your seats."

As Shangshan Chao gestured for them to sit, everyone took their places.

Now it was Ji Jian's turn. He clasped his hands together, drawing the attention of all the fangshi in the hall. He then lightly clapped his hands a few times.

Young fangshi then entered with trays of peaches and placed them in front of the fangshi in the hall.

"The peaches from the Daoist grove are renowned for their exquisite taste. I wish to treat our esteemed guests with them. Since we all follow different paths, I cannot offer wine or meat. Instead, I have good tea obtained from a young friend and the peaches from the Daoist grove. I hope you will enjoy this moment."

Being invited to the Daoist gathering hosted by Ji Jian was a dream for the fangshi across the land.

Eating the peaches from the Daoist grove does not grant one the Dao, but being able to attend the gathering means one can interact with famous fangshi, thus getting closer to their own path.

From methods like alchemy and dragon cultivation to martial arts, alcohol, and even sleep, various practitioners of the Dao gathered in one place.

Some would form bonds and find answers from other fangshi, or even change their methods.

In fact, even Ji Jian, the foremost among the fangshi, had learned secret techniques from Wang Jin and martial arts from Ji Da, who was famous for his lightness skills.

They shared their secret techniques, something unimaginable for martial artists.

However, this is not the only purpose of the Daoist gathering.

The most important thing was what Shangshan Chao had to say.

Although the fangshi had left the secular world, many were still concerned about the well-being of the land.

Shangshan Chao moved as if he were a ghost floating in the air. The fangshi, who were enjoying their tea, turned their attention to him. Everyone was keenly observing his every move.

* * *

"The uprising of the Taiping Dao has caused great suffering for us fangshi. You, the masters, must feel the disdain of the people towards us."

Everyone nodded in agreement with Shangshan Chao's words, but no one interrupted him.

"Due to the tyranny of the First Emperor, our fangshi were nearly eradicated. However, we were able to pursue the Dao again because we did not lose the people's trust. But now, due to the Taiping Dao, our position has become greatly diminished."

Although the First Emperor had the scholars buried alive, the actual number of victims was not large. Most of them were political enemies of Ying Zheng and Li Si.

In fact, the majority of those who suffered were fangshi.

During the Qin Dynasty, many fangshi misled the people and caused chaos, leading to the execution of many, including the innocent.

Ying Zheng, who sought immortality through alchemy, would imprison fangshi if the results were unsatisfactory and bury them alive. Fangshi who held ideas contrary to Legalism, or those who preached ideas opposing the ideological foundation of the First Emperor, were also buried alive.

The current situation is even worse than that time.

Due to the rebellion led by the Taiping Dao, the people have turned their backs on the fangshi.

Local officials often restrict the activities of fangshi, and some even place bounties on their heads, persecuting them mercilessly.

The people now view fangshi as pests that bring harm to the land.

"The Taiping rebellion has been quelled, but now there are again fangshi who mislead the people and cause chaos."

Shangshan Chao's gaze turned to Ji Jian.

"In the east, a man calling himself Taishan Zhenren has disgraced the honor of the fangshi in the Central Plains. He invited fangshi to a Daoist gathering, only to use them as cannon fodder against the Guandong army. He abducted women and subjected them to humiliation, and even his followers indulged in their desires."

Taishan Zhenren is Liu Bei. Ji Jian denounced Liu Bei's atrocities.

Dong Guo Liannian and Ji Da blushed in embarrassment. Although they had acted on the request of the Cui family, they had effectively sold out renowned fangshi to a false prophet.

Wang Jin, who had narrowly avoided a disaster by forming a connection with Liu Bei, stood up.

"On behalf of those who seek the Dao through dragon cultivation, I declare that we will never share the same sky with those who kidnap women and indulge in debauchery."

"Wang Jin, please calm down. The group led by Taishan Zhenren has already been scattered by the Guandong army."

"That's a welcome piece of news. Have the heads of Liu Bei and Zuo Zhe been taken?"

Ji Jian shook his head.

"Their fates are still unknown."

"It is fortunate that their influence has been weakened. However, a wildfire can reignite if not completely extinguished. We, the practitioners of Yin-Yang Dao, will pursue them to the end to eliminate any lingering threats."

"I will assist as much as I can."

"Your words are enough. With the help of someone like Ji Jian, there is nothing we cannot achieve."

Ji Jian clasped his hands together in acknowledgment and paused, likely to change the topic.

"We should keep a close eye on the situation in the east. However, the situation in the west is more serious."

The mention of the west darkened the fangshi's expressions. Shangshan Chao then spoke.

"The influence of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect is growing day by day. They are currently confined to Bashu, but they will eventually seek to expand into the Central Plains. They are heretics."

Everyone nodded in agreement with Shangshan Chao's words.

The fangshi are seekers of the Dao.

They should not hesitate to share their secret techniques if they can, and should not seek rewards if they can help.

However, the Five Pecks of Rice Sect did not adhere to these principles. They demanded five pecks of rice upon joining and required members to regularly contribute grain and firewood.

In return, they received talismans. For headaches, they burned a talisman and had the person drink the ashes mixed with water. For stomachaches, they burned a different talisman and had the person drink the ashes mixed with water.

If these methods could cure illnesses, there would be no sick people in the world.

"The Five Pecks of Rice Sect will undoubtedly cause chaos like the Taiping Dao. It will likely start by allying with the governor of Yizhou. We must prepare accordingly."

Ji Jian then asked.

"There are only a few hundred fangshi who share our ideals. How can we possibly counter the hundreds of thousands of followers of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect? If they ally with the army of Yizhou, they will have tens of thousands of soldiers. What advice do you have, Elder Chao?"

"Our current strength is minimal. However, we have one advantage: our connections with the renowned scholars of the land."

"How do you propose we use these connections? Elder Chao, it is taboo for fangshi to involve themselves in politics."

"We are not seeking personal gain but the well-being of the land."

"I understand your point, but once we start, it may become a habit, and eventually..."

Shangshan Chao interrupted Ji Jian by spreading his palm.

"We fangshi are the only ones who can preserve the lineage of Daoism. This is a critical moment for Daoism. If we fail to stop the rise of the Five Pecks of Rice Sect, the future of Daoism is at risk."

"So, you suggest we ally with one of the warlords who are vying for power?"

Shangshan Chao nodded.

"Yes."

"Who do you have in mind? As the direct disciple of the great astrologer Ying