Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 838 What is that thing?
January 25th, the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, the weather was fine and sunny, perfect for a trip.

On the plane, Zhou Yali held a folk custom book she had borrowed from her younger brother's study on the third floor and read along with the contents: "Little child, little child, don't be greedy, after the Laba Festival comes the New Year; Laba porridge, drink for a few days, then it's the 23rd; on the 23rd, sticky candy; on the 24th, sweep the house; on the 25th, frozen tofu; on the 26th, go buy meat; on the 27th, slaughter the rooster; on the 28th, let the dough rise; on the 29th, steam the buns; stay up all night on New Year's Eve; on the first and second days of the New Year, walk all over the streets!"

Hehe, that's really interesting.

She turned to look at Chen Fan, "Brother, when we get to Shanghai, let's cook another pot of Laba porridge."

She ate a big bowl of the porridge I cooked this morning; it was so fragrant, sweet, and soft, even better than any pastry, and it really whetted her appetite. It's just a pity she had to catch her flight and her stomach was limited, so if she wanted more, she'd have to wait until the plane landed and have her younger brother cook some more.

Chen Fan was engrossed in reading "The Great Method of Purifying the Subtle and Subtle Yuan" when he heard Zhou Yali's words. Without even looking up, he casually replied, "Don't worry, Lili must have cooked Laba porridge today. You'll have something to eat when you get home."

His mind is now completely focused on the secret manual given to him by Master Liu. He has no idea how many good things are inside until he sees them.

This rare and secret text is indeed different from the Taoist scriptures circulating outside.

Chen Fan had read the complete set of the "Orthodox Daoist Canon". Compared to the "Wanshou Daoist Canon", which is famous for the "Nine Yin Manual", the Orthodox Daoist Canon is much less well-known, but its importance is no less.

This is a comprehensive collection of Taoist classics that was compiled starting in the fourth year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty and was finally published in the tenth year of the Zhengtong reign. Among them, the "Qingwei Yuanjiang Dafa" is included in the Dongzhen section of the Zhengtong Daozang, in volumes 106 to 110 of the Method category.

The book consists of twenty-five volumes, divided into two parts. The first part systematically examines the origins and development of the Qingwei School of Taoism and records the true secrets of talismans and seals.

The latter part focuses on thunder magic, including more than fifty Taoist magic systems. It records in detail the names of thunder gods and generals, summoning rituals, and modern Chinese annotations of celestial talismans. The appendix, "The Key to Taoist Magic," clarifies the essential principle of cultivation: "Primordial Qi is the foundation of talismans."

If one does not practice Taoist arts, these contents are sufficient to be considered the true teachings of the sect, and are perfectly adequate for use in prayer and rituals.

However, in the secret and precious books, behind each set of Taoist systems, celestial books and talismans, summoning rituals and so on, there is a set of breathing and energy circulation methods, as well as corresponding moves and actions.

There are even secret methods such as visualization, incantations, and steps.

This entire cultivation system is the secret that the Qingwei Sect keeps secret.

Chen Fan only learned after seeing it that the Qingwei Sect, in addition to the Taoist ancestral kung fu, also included Buddhist and witchcraft elements.

Leaving aside the boasting, tracing its origins, the Qingwei School originated from the Leishan School of Lingling in Guangxi during the Tang Dynasty. It integrated the Taoist practices of Song Cunzhen of the Donghua Lingbao School, the Qingwei Method transmitted by Nan Zhenren, and the secret methods of the Lushan Yoga School, thus forming a unique system that integrates Buddhism, Taoism, and shamanism.

Compared to the orthodox internal alchemy practice of the Quanzhen Yushan School, it places greater emphasis on the power and practicality of the practice.

No wonder Zhang Xuansong didn't even dare to think about cultivation. This sect's cultivation method was indeed a bit too domineering. They would often cleanse the internal organs and shake the bone marrow. Can the internal organs be cleansed so easily?

That makes sense, though. It's authentic thunder magic, right? If it's weak, can it still be called thunder magic?!
However, my guess yesterday that I could increase my strength by 30% after cultivation might be somewhat wrong.

In terms of strength, once he has mastered the complete "Thunder Technique," his power will conservatively double.

He doesn't care about the empty title of being the best in the world, but he is quite interested in pursuing the limits of human physical cultivation.

Just as Chen Fan was still immersed in the thunder magic, Zhou Yali nudged him with her elbow and whispered, "Hey, now that you've switched allegiance to the Qing sect, how about building a Taoist temple for your Senior Brother Liu too?"

"It's the Qingwei School, how can you not remember something so easy?"

Interrupted by her, Chen Fan could only close the book helplessly, turn to look at her, and say softly, "Not everyone is like Master Zhang, always thinking about rebuilding the Taoist temple."

Master Zhang considered the Taoist temple his home when he was a child. To him, the temple was his home. Rebuilding the temple was not only for himself, but also for those "family members" who had been separated from him. It was his obsession, his faith, and a task that he had to complete.

But it's different for other Taoist priests.

In fact, Taoist priests do not particularly value their own temples, otherwise there would be no situation where they would destroy their temples and leave the mountain whenever there is chaos, without even leaving anyone to guard them.

For most Taoists, a Taoist temple is simply a place for cultivation. The first Taoist temple they join is a matter of fate. If they can find another Taoist temple to stay at, as long as it does not interfere with their cultivation, it may well be a second chance encounter.

Unless there are many Taoist priests in the same Taoist temple and they are united, they will try to rebuild the temple. Otherwise, it would be better for them to go to other temples. As long as it does not affect their practice, what difference does it make which Taoist temple they are in?
Brother Liu is doing well at Baiyun Temple now, and has even become the abbot. If nothing unexpected happens, he will be the next abbot. Why would he give up such a grand temple like Baiyun Temple to build a small Guandi Temple? Isn't that crazy?

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yali was stunned. "Is that even possible?"

"Yeah, that's for sure."

After a pause, Chen Fan explained in a low voice, "Moreover, the Guan Temple that Senior Brother Liu has is a bit special. It has been worshipped by emperors since the Ming Dynasty, and the Qing Dynasty also included it in the royal sacrificial system. Several emperors have also worshipped it."

Brother Liu's family are musicians and dancers at the Guandi Temple, and they are paid by the emperor. Even if this Guandi Temple is not the emperor's family temple, it is easy for people to make the connection between them.

So, just to be safe, let's just leave that temple of his family demolished; don't even think about rebuilding it. If it falls into the wrong hands, you might end up with nothing but trouble instead of any benefit.

After he finished speaking, Zhou Yali nodded in realization, "So there were so many intricacies involved?"

Then he pursed his lips and said, "It seems that even Taoists can't escape worldly customs; they also have to consider these social niceties."

Chen Fan turned back, closed his eyes, and said, "This is called 'Disaster Avoidance Technique,' it's very professional, okay?"

Zhou Yali's pupils dilated, her eyes filled with surprise. "There's such a saying?"

Chen Fan laughed and said, "Haven't you heard of the Three Calamities, Nine Tribulations, and Five Calamities? The Three Calamities are fire, water, and wind disasters. The Nine Tribulations are the pressure of food and clothing, the obstruction of elders, the entanglement of love and affection, the entanglement of fame and fortune, the occurrence of disasters, the constraints of blind teachers, the differences of opinion, the slackening of will, and the wasting of time. The Five Calamities are birth, old age, sickness, death, and suffering."

In matters of avoiding disasters, both Buddhism and Taoism have always been highly professional, and have even specifically studied methods for doing so. This is called the art of disaster avoidance; by escaping all calamities and tribulations, one can attain great freedom and become an immortal.

Zhou Yali's eyes widened; her head was covered in questions.
Not hearing Zhou Yali's voice, Chen Fan opened his eyes and turned to look at her. He saw that she looked conflicted, clearly confused about whether it was true.

Hmm, good, they shouldn't ask again now.

Chen Fan silently took out the secret manual and continued to study diligently.

……

These days, it seems like flights are rarely delayed?

Anyway, Chen Fan had ridden the train so many times and had never encountered this problem.

I arrived in Shanghai without incident and took a taxi home.

When I arrived at my door, I pressed the doorbell and heard light footsteps coming from inside, while the door slowly slid open to the side. "It's so convenient to have a remote-controlled door."

As soon as the door opened a crack wide enough for one person, Chen Fan went straight in, threw down his luggage, opened his arms and hugged Jiang Lili who rushed towards him. He spun her around, put her on the ground, and gave her a big kiss.

Zhou Yali, who followed in, looked up at the sky. The clouds looked a bit dark today, probably because they were exposed to the sun.

Jiang Tiantian quickly pressed the remote control, and the door, which hadn't been fully opened, immediately closed again. She said reproachfully, "You didn't even wait to come in."

Chen Fan released Jiang Lili, then took her hand again and chuckled, "I applied to my master, and he agreed to let me switch sects. Now I am no longer a Taoist of the Quanzhen Sect, but a Taoist of the Zhengyi Sect."

Jiang Lili's eyes widened. "Isn't that still a Taoist priest?"

As Zhou Yali dragged her luggage past, she said excitedly, "But he can get married now, without breaking the rules."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lili's pretty face instantly turned bright red.

Jiang Tiantian took the luggage from Zhou Yali, turned around and smiled, "Let's go inside, do you want to stay out in the cold wind?"

Chen Fan pulled Jiang Lili inside, changed their shoes, and went into the house. When Zhou Yali couldn't see, he secretly grabbed Jiang Tiantian and gave her a sudden kiss before running upstairs.

Zhou Yali glanced back and saw Jiang Lili still staring blankly with a silly grin on her face, while Jiang Tiantian stood there with her luggage, looking rather puzzled. "What's wrong with you two?"

Jiang Lili was the first to come to her senses. "Huh? It's nothing?"

Zhou Yali sighed, "You should be more careful."

Then he said to Jiang Tiantian, "Sister Tiantian, give me your luggage. I'll go upstairs to change my clothes and then come back down."

Jiang Tiantian realized what was happening and quickly handed the luggage to her, saying, "Then hurry up, we'll be eating soon."

Zhou Yali carried her luggage upstairs, saying, "Don't worry, I'll be quick."

Once her figure disappeared into the stairwell, Jiang Tiantian let out a long sigh, then glared at Jiang Lili, "Don't you even care about your man?"

Jiang Lili spread her hands innocently, "I can't control it. Why don't you take care of it?"

The two sisters looked at each other, wondering who could control him.

……

A short while later, Chen Fan finished washing up and changing his clothes, then lay down on the sofa. "It's so comfortable at home."

Jiang Lili immediately brought over the tea and placed it in front of him, saying, "It was brewed when you went upstairs, so it should be just right to drink now."

He then sat down next to him and chuckled, "Have you finished everything?"

Chen Fan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and was about to speak when Zhou Yali emerged from the stairwell, smiling as she said, "If it's not finished, are you very disappointed?"

Jiang Lili's pretty face flushed red. "What are you talking about? I was just asking casually."

Zhou Yali didn't even sit in her own special bearskin recliner, but sat down next to her, deliberately squeezing in a little. "Hehe, as you wished, everything is done. The factory in Shenzhen has officially started construction, and we've also invested in a hotel each in Shenzhen and Beijing. If all goes well, they should be completed and open for business in two years."

My brother, your status as a man has also been resolved. Although you are still a Taoist priest, the Zhengyi sect allows you to practice at home and even get married and have children.

So, ..."

She lingered on the "ah" for a good ten seconds, and when she saw that Jiang Lili's ears had turned red, she hugged her tightly and said with a smile in a low voice, "I've already called my dad. He'll be bringing my mom and brother back to China in the next few days. We'll go to your house together to propose marriage, and I promise you'll have a grand and glorious wedding."

Jiang Lili kept her head down, almost plunging into the trench, but when she finally heard the answer she wanted, she jumped up and hurriedly walked towards the kitchen, saying, "I'm not talking to you anymore."

Zhou Yali chuckled as she watched her retreating figure, "She's even shy now."

He then shifted his position, moved closer to Chen Fan, and whispered, "Hey bro, you guys... you know, nothing like that?"

Chen Fan looked at her blankly. "What's 'that'? Holding hands?"

Zhou Yali squinted at him, wondering to herself whether her cousin was genuinely innocent or just pretending.

Well, since he's not cooperating, it's not good to delve into this issue. So I changed the subject and said, "A few days ago, when you were busy treating Master, I called my dad. He said he'd be coming over in the next couple of days, but the exact date hasn't been confirmed yet. It should be soon."

She added with a clever remark, "After all, once the Laba Festival is over, it's almost Chinese New Year. We agreed to go back to China for the New Year this year."

Chen Fan frowned slightly. "The little guy is only six months old, isn't he? So young, and he came along?"

Zhou Yali laughed and said, "It's okay. My dad consulted a doctor and said that babies can fly when they are six months old. And that little guy is so strong, he's even stronger than white kids of the same age. Flying won't affect him at all."

Moreover, Dad and his family chartered a plane this time, and they also hired two doctors and two nurses to accompany them. They can take care of Mom and my younger brother, so there won't be any problems.

Chen Fan nodded slightly, "That's fine."

After pausing for two seconds, he asked again, "If so many people come, there won't be enough room here. Your little villa has been turned into an office. Why don't you have someone clean up the manor villa in the next couple of days so they can stay there?"

"That place is too big."

Zhou Yali shook her head repeatedly, "There's no need for that. Besides, my parents both want to live with us; it would be more lively that way."

She pointed to the master bedroom on the first floor next door, "They will still live here. We'll get a crib for the little one later and put it next to the bed."

As for the doctors and nurses, they can stay in hotels. If there are no rooms available in hotels, they can stay at the office. If the office is also full, then a few rooms can be prepared for them in the annex of the manor villa.

She turned to look at Chen Fan and smiled, "They're just for use on the road. With a great doctor like you here, how could anything go wrong?"

Chen Fan thought it made sense, so he nodded and said, "Okay, let's arrange it that way."

(End of this chapter)