Chapter 241: 240: What If the Rebellious Disciple Strives for Improvement

Words : 1664 Updated : Sep 27th, 2025

Chapter 241: Chapter 240: What If the Rebellious Disciple Strives for Improvement On the Double Ninth Festival in September, the wind is gentle, and the sky is clear with not a cloud in sight. This year, many more people have journeyed to Qingping Temple to climb heights and pray for longevity than in previous years. The temple had posted notices early on, informing believers that a new golden statue of the Grandmaster would be consecrated today. After the fasting and prayer ceremony, the temple would distribute medicinal tea and porridge, all esteemed as fine products for cold prevention and health strengthening. Moreover, the Daoist Temple had also prepared some medicinal packs that strengthen the body; with an additional donation of two coins for incense oil, one could obtain them to adorn the elderly, also considered a way to honor the tradition of paying respect to the elderly during the Double Ninth Festival. As a result, devotees started their ascent as soon as dawn broke, firstly to climb heights and make wishes because after all, “at the ninth-nine, all returns to truth; the cosmos begins anew,” and climbing is a ritual observed every year. Secondly, with such an auspicious occasion at Qingping Temple, witnessing the ceremony, enjoying a bowl of medicinal tea and porridge, and seeking the blessing of warding off all illnesses make for a very auspicious start. There are two paths to the main hall of Qingping Temple: one is a flat road that allows carriages to travel directly to the temple front gate. The other is a stone staircase built from the bottom of the mountain, leading straight to the small plaza before the main hall. This stone staircase, financed and maintained by the temple over the years, is built wide and flat to accommodate four people walking side by side. Wooden railings are also installed on both sides of the staircase, providing support for those who are weary and need to rest. This path is also known as the immortal road. Why? Because the bluestone is no ordinary stone; vermillion runes of the Taoist sect are carved onto the stones, offering a baptism of runes to those who walk upon it – it’s like receiving Daoist teachings and inquiring about immortality. Although there is a carriage road, many people still prefer to take the immortal road. Mortals, after all, aspire for good health and longevity; even if it is merely for show, they are willing to entertain the notion. Halfway up the immortal road, a scenic viewing platform has been built. As this area’s scenery is exceptionally beautiful and it is the Double Ninth Festival, many poets gathered on the viewing platform early in the morning to enjoy the autumn. Inspired, they compose poetry, recite it aloud, and hail the landscape, eliciting much admiration and envy from the common folk. “All is inferior, only scholarship is high,” as the saying goes. Scholars always command a measure of respect. The base of the mountain is bustling, with vendors selling snacks, religious wares, candles, and local products everywhere. Inside the temple, the atmosphere is equally lively. A ceremony for the consecration of the Grandmaster’s new golden statue is a grand occasion, and coupled with the Double Ninth Festival, Qingping Temple had its lanterns lit since midnight. Medicinal tea and porridge had been boiling early, and even the air was filled with a faint scent of medicine, instantly revitalizing the spirit. These were all prescribed by Qin Liuxi, using medicinal ingredients that can expel cold and dampness and are suitable for both the sick and healthy. In the kitchen, seasoned cooks from the temple and some enthusiastic believers volunteered to help. The rest of the halls and living quarters were tidied up early by Daoists of the temple, sweeping everywhere. Master Chi Yuan stroked his beard, very pleased while watching the bustling activities in the temple, his eyes overflowing with satisfaction. It had been many years. Qingping Temple being this lively was a sight last seen before the Mystic Sect’s silence, and now, ten years since the temple was reopened, this level of excitement and grandeur was unprecedented. It will become even more lively in the future, I suppose. That is if a certain rebellious disciple would be a little more ambitious. Master Chi Yuan glanced at a certain yawning, casually-dressed person coming out, pulled off a beard hair in irritation, and said with restraint: “Today is the grand event of our Grandmaster’s statue being replaced, can’t you behave with seriousness? After all, you are the Junior Temple Master of Qingping Temple.” Qin Liuxi’s eyelid twitched and she asked, “What Junior Temple Master?” “You!” Master Chi Yuan pointed at her: “You are my first senior disciple. After my Ascension, Qingping Temple is to be entrusted to you. I’ve decided, in light of today’s law code, to announce to the believers that... Your Daoist name is Buqiu; the first disciple of mine and also the Junior Temple Master of Qingping Temple.” While he was speaking, he walked over, placing his hand on her shoulder, his voice slightly heavy: “Disciple, you have a weighty responsibility and a long path ahead; you must strive to do well in the future.” Qin Liuxi gently brushed off his hand, revealing a smile, and then it disappeared: “You’re dreaming!” She pointed at the Daoist Temple: “Look at this small temple; what need is there for a Junior Temple Master? You can see the ends of it in a single glance. And to paint such a grand vision, aren’t you trying to make me bite into a big pie without filling?” “In the past, Qingping Temple also enjoyed numerous devotees and thriving incense offerings. Since you are a disciple of mine, naturally, you must bear the important duty of restoring its former glory. That’s settled then; no sophistry will be accepted. I am going to the main hall now, and you better iron your Daoist robe and come over soon; don’t miss the auspicious timing,” Master Chi Yuan, fearing that Qin Liuxi would flatly refuse or make a scene, quickly left after saying that. Qin Liuxi chuckled mockingly and shook her head in resignation. This old man truly is something. “Buqiu.” As Qin Liuxi was about to return to her room, she heard a call and turned to see Yu Changkong wearing a moon-white robe, his hair pinned with a jade hairpin into a bun, almost as if made of jade. She bowed her hands in a salutation to Yu Changkong: “I usually see you dressed in black, I did not expect you to look even better in moon-white, truly like a figure made of jade.” The pale blue robe, with embroidered auspicious cloud patterns on the sleeves, collar, and hem, was tied at the waist with a silver belt, from which dangled a White Jade Pendant, exuding nobility. Yu Changkong also returned the gesture with a bow: “I’m attending the fasting and prayer ceremony today, naturally I have to show my reverence.” “You’re here so early, the ceremony is still some time away,” Qin Liuxi said. “Have you had breakfast? Should I ask a Daoist boy to bring you some medicinal porridge and buns?” Yu Changkong replied, “I came over earlier also to add some incense oil to my parents’ long-burning lamp, and to light some incense sticks.” “That’s true, today is also the Double Ninth Festival,” Qin Liuxi said with a smile. “Then do as you please? I need to iron my Daoist robe; otherwise, my master would endlessly chant into my ear about disrespecting the Grandmaster.” “Alright,” Yu Changkong said with a smile and a nod. Only then did Qin Liuxi walk back into the house with her hands behind her back. Yu Changkong turned and headed for the main hall, and upon entering, he saw Master Chi Yuan and hurriedly went forward to bow: “Master Chi Yuan.” The old Taoist smiled and returned the bow, with a flicker of different color in his eyes when he saw Yu Changkong, he said: “If I’m not mistaken, this must be Mr. Yu.” “You couldn’t be deceived by my guise.” Master Chi Yuan’s smile grew wider: “The golden statue of our Ancestor Master donated by you has contributed to the grandeur here today at the temple; surely the Ancestor Master will inform me through my Dharma Eye to recognize you. Are you planning a journey soon, Mr. Yu?” Yu Changkong hesitated briefly, then said, “My grandfather at home is ill, and I plan to return to my clan tomorrow to fulfill my filial duties.” Master Chi Yuan nodded: “If that’s the case, it’ll be smoother for you to travel by water.” Yu Changkong’s eyes darkened as he restrained his expression and bowed: “Thank you for your advice, temple master.” Master Chi Yuan laughed and handed him some lamp oil: “Top up the oil for your parents’ long-burning lamp.” Yu Changkong received it with both hands, gave a nod, and just as he was about to leave, Master Chi Yuan added another remark. “Do you think you can reach the light that you see in your eyes?” Yu Changkong composed himself, not speaking. “Karma always has its retribution; since you are a believer of our Qingping Temple, remember these words well,” said the old Taoist, gazing at the old image of the Ancestor Master, “The Heavenly Dao is impartial, always siding with good people.” “Yes.” Yu Changkong bowed deeply. Master Chi Yuan waved his hand and watched as he turned and walked towards the long-burning lamp to add oil and brighten the wick, then shifted his gaze away. If the light arrives, there is Qingming; if not, there is no understanding. Yu Changkong of the Yu Family is a man standing at the heart between good and evil.

Chapter 241: 240: What If the Rebellious Disciple Strives for Improvement

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