A heretical cultivator in Bureau 749, I'm the fiercest at pulling out tendons and skinning peop

After finishing his speech, Zhang Yucheng nodded slightly to the elderly Zhang on the stage, then turned around and walked off the platform with a swift and decisive step.

Let's hand the home field back to the real protagonists of today.

As soon as he stepped off the stage, Deputy Director Liu, who had been waiting nearby, strolled over. The cigarette that had been sitting unlit in his mouth was now lit and dangling from his lips, swirling with smoke.

"Well done, Lao Zhang. That pre-battle mobilization was really something."

"His words of admonition to those old guys were quite accurate. I bet a lot of them are cursing under their breath right now."

Zhang Yucheng took the skewer of grilled meat that his deputy had casually handed him, which he seemed to have found out of nowhere, took a bite, and mumbled:

"Let them curse. That's the kind of job we do, where we offend people. Besides..."

He swallowed the meat, glanced in the direction of the sect representatives, his smile remained gentle, but his eyes were devoid of warmth.

"If we don't give them a heads-up beforehand, some old-fashioned people will think that times have changed, the rules have loosened, and they can use their old ways to act like they're above the law again."

"We need to wake them up. The world of the Han Dynasty has changed, yet it hasn't. What has changed is the ever-improving quality of life; what hasn't changed is that there are certain bottom lines that can never be crossed."

Actually, it wasn't that Zhang Yucheng intentionally targeted these sects and families in the audience, or that he wanted to sow discord before the grand martial arts competition even began.

They really need to give them a good talking-to; otherwise, it won't work.

The sects and families that are invited to attend this ceremony today, regardless of whether they have been passed down for hundreds or thousands of years, are all, at least on the surface, of impeccable lineage.

They maintain a generally harmonious relationship with Da Han and the 749 General Bureau, and even have many of their own people with whom they have cooperative relationships.

Great villainy? No.

Openly defying national laws? I wouldn't dare.

The problem is that small mistakes keep happening!

Moreover, many of their mistakes were not intentional.

It's simply that their mindset hasn't changed, or rather, they don't realize that their ancestral rules are illegal in today's world!

Those sects that are more enlightened, actively integrated into modern society early on, and have been navigating the mundane world for many years are alright.

Having been toughened up by society to some extent, I know some of the rules of civilized society and act with discretion.

However, some large sects and families with long-standing traditions and profound heritage are simply too conservative!

Moreover, they are not just conservative in the ordinary sense; they wish they could seal off the mountain gates and continue living the immortal life they have lived hundreds of years ago.

Their methods might have worked in ancient times, and were even revered as celestial.

Could this be applied to the present day?

Hey, that's a place where you run into walls everywhere and step on landmines at every turn. If you're not careful, you can get yourself into a huge mess, giving the local 749th Precinct chief a real headache.

Take the most basic example of taking on apprentices.

Some sects emphasize that "the true transmission of Taoist teachings must be nurtured from a young age," and this concept itself is not problematic.

But at least let the kids finish nine years of compulsory education!

Being able to read and count, distinguish right from wrong, and know some basic laws and public order and good customs—isn't that a disgrace to your immortal sect?

No way! Some sects like to bring seven- or eight-year-old children, or even younger, up the mountain, calling it "severing worldly ties and focusing on the Great Dao."

Well, here's the problem.

These sects teach their disciples cultivation, magic, sect history, and respect for teachers—they have a whole set of methods.

Do they teach good and evil? Yes, they do, but they often teach their own sect's definition of good and evil, which is heavily influenced by feudal patriarchal ideology.

Do they teach law in modern society?

Are they teaching basic human rights concepts?

Are we teaching the core socialist values?

It's highly likely they won't teach it.

In the eyes of many old-fashioned people, these are mundane affairs, worldly impurities, and will hinder one's spiritual pursuits.

The result is that after ten or twenty years of painstaking training, the disciple is finally brought to fruition, possessing considerable cultivation and skill. Then, with a wave of the hand, the disciple is given the order: "Go down the mountain and travel the world on behalf of our sect, punishing evil and promoting good, and accumulating external merits!"

Sounds pretty noble, right?

But upon closer inspection, something didn't taste right.

Who sets the standards for punishing evil and promoting good?

It's usually decided by their own sect.

The purpose of accumulating external merits is mostly to enhance the sect's reputation and attract more disciples and worshippers.

Here comes the problem-

Where in this world is there a need for them to punish evil and promote good?

Disputes and crimes committed by ordinary people are handled by the People's Police.

A calamity involving supernatural powers, under the jurisdiction of Bureau 749!

The legal provisions, procedures, and scope of authority are all clearly stated in black and white.

You, a "disciplined disciple" who grew up in the mountains, whose worldview was entirely instilled by your master and senior brothers, who has only a superficial understanding of the rules of modern society, yet possesses considerable cultivation, have descended the mountain...

In the eyes of Bureau 749, this is even more troublesome than those evil practitioners who have clearly committed evil deeds!

If you know that a heretical practitioner is bad, just arrest and beat them directly.

These "sect walkers" may genuinely want to do good, but their standards and methods of doing good are likely to be wildly testing the limits of law and order, or even stepping into a pit!

They think they are acting on behalf of God, but in reality they may be disturbing public order, intentionally causing harm, damaging public property, or even interfering with the judiciary!

You can't just condemn them outright, after all, their initial intentions were good, and they have a long-established sect behind them. Dealing with them would be too risky and troublesome.

Every time Zhang Yucheng saw reports of "extraordinary events caused by sect members traveling to the sect," he couldn't help but want to curse.

So it's not that Bureau 749 is deliberately targeting these sects and families; it's just that their outdated system is seriously out of touch with the new era. They can't be ignored, and they need to be disciplined.

Of course, the world is vast, and not all of it consists of these troublesome old fogies.

Here, we must give special praise and establish Taoism as a positive example.

Look at Taoism, that's truly worry-free, that's truly getting things done!

Taoism rarely engages in large-scale proselytizing, unlike some sects that constantly preach "what will happen to those who do not believe in me."

What does Taoism emphasize?

"Believe it or not, if you don't believe it, fine, but don't delay my cultivation of immortality."

Open your mind and keep a calm attitude.

Do you know when the last time Taoism conducted large-scale, organized missionary work was?

The Yellow Turban Rebellion!

Our ancestors have already shown you through their actions: Taoism does not follow the conventional path!

Other sects advise you to be patient, saying that suffering is a test, a redemption, and a ladder to heaven.

Taoism, on the other hand, has a rather unique way of thinking.

Encountering tyranny? Encountering famine? People suffering terribly?

Tolerate? Tolerate my ass!

Come, come, I have two things here, take a good look—

"This is swordsmanship; it can slay demons and monsters, and it can also bring down corrupt officials."

"This is a gunpowder formula. It's a bit noisy, but the effect is outstanding."

"If you still think these two aren't enough..."

"The Blue Heaven is dead; the Yellow Heaven shall rise!"

Look! That's the difference! That's the essential difference between pragmatists and empty talkers!

The key point is that Taoism not only has a long history and formidable fighting power, but it also has a clear head! It knows how to keep up with the times and stay at the forefront of the era!

Do not believe?

Go look at how the educational principles of legitimate Taoist colleges are written; that's what you call politically correct and ideologically conscious.

Under the leadership of the Party and the government, adhering to the Sinicization of Taoism and the principles of patriotism and religious devotion, management and teaching are conducted in accordance with the national constitution, laws, the Regulations on Religious Affairs, policies, and Taoist doctrines. The aim is to cultivate middle- and senior-level young Taoist talents who love the motherland, support the leadership of the Communist Party of China, adhere to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, safeguard national unity and ethnic solidarity, possess high Taoist knowledge and moral character, connect with believers, and are dedicated to serving the cause of Taoism.

Look at that awareness! That sense of purpose! That training goal!

Clear and concise, with a strong religious foundation, it possesses both religious characteristics and a firm grasp of the overall direction.

They cultivate Taoist talents who love their country and religion, adhere to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and safeguard national unity and ethnic solidarity!

What is this? This is one of our own! A comrade! A reliable partner with whom we can fight side by side under the same flag!

So, is it strange that the Han Dynasty vigorously supported Taoism, providing it with various preferential policies and resource support? Not at all!

The big man wasn't stupid; he knew exactly who to support and who to warn.

At this moment, on the high platform, Old Zhang, who was wearing a Lei Feng hat, slowly strolled to the front of the platform again.

"Ahem." He cleared his throat, his voice not loud, but it instantly silenced the entire room.

"Xiao Zhang has finished speaking. He spoke well and with great enthusiasm."

Old Zhang, hands tucked into his sleeves and smiling, said, "This old man doesn't have much to add. I'll just emphasize one point: this grand martial arts competition is not only about sparring and exchange, but also, and most importantly, a test!"

"What are we testing? We're testing you little brats to see if you've slacked off this year, if you've made any progress, if you've lived up to the clothes you wear, and if you've lived up to the offerings of the people!"

"So, everyone, get your act together! Don't hold back, but don't go all out. Stop when you've got the better player. Anyone who breaks the rules or resorts to underhanded tactics, don't blame me for being ruthless and personally inviting them down for tea and a chat."

Did you hear me?

"Understood!!!" The audience responded in unison, and many felt a chill run down their spines. To be "invited for tea and a chat" by this big shot? Just thinking about it made their legs tremble.

"Alright, then I won't waste any more words, old man." Old Zhang said decisively, waving his hand.

"I hereby declare—"

His voice suddenly rose, his aged yet still powerful voice resonating like the tolling of an ancient bell, echoing throughout every corner of the Kunpeng's back, even suppressing the howling wind:

"Great Han Dynasty 749, this year's nationwide martial arts competition—"

"Now, let's begin!"