I am a wandering immortal in the mortal realm.

In Yujing City, there is the Daxiangguo Temple.

An old monk in a gray robe sat cross-legged in front of a Buddha statue. Suddenly, he stopped turning his prayer beads, looked out at the dark night sky, and sighed deeply.

Beside him stood a young monk in a moon-white robe, with rosy lips, white teeth, and a full, Buddha-like face. Hearing the sound, he quickly bowed and asked, "Master, why do you sigh?"

The old monk did not answer, but remained silent.

The flickering lights in the main hall cast an unpredictable glow, making the old monk's worried expression even more pronounced.

After a long pause, he slowly spoke: "When I was a disciple, my master once said that a change in the world would occur in thirty years. During the Jin Dynasty, a star of destiny might descend. If it were in Buddhism, it would become a high-ranking Arhat, ensuring the prosperity of Shakyamuni's lineage for three hundred years. If it were in Taoism..."

A thought struck the moon-white monk, his eyes flickered slightly, and he couldn't help but ask, "So what if he belongs to the Xuanmen sect?"

The grey-robed monk paused for a moment, then said in a calm voice, "If it were the Xuanmen sect, we would probably have to leave Yujing and retreat to a remote corner!"

The monk in moonlight changed his expression and couldn't help but say, "Why has it come to this?"

The old monk remained silent, but a deep sense of helplessness and worry appeared on his face.

The monk Yuebai, unwilling to give up, said again, "Master, Zhang Tianshi and the Kaixuan Sect Leader are both men of refined taste and high moral character. Surely they wouldn't go so far as to exterminate our Buddhist sect?"

"If we fight for the Dao and judge victory or defeat by established rules, this is a battle of gentlemen, and there is naturally no risk of the decline of our lineage." The old monk sighed, then changed the subject, "But now we have become the swords and spears of the imperial court that control the Xuanmen, and we have long been tainted by worldly karma, with the three poisons burning fiercely, and there is no turning back."

The monk in moonlight's expression changed drastically. After frowning and pondering for a moment, he asked, "Master, did you discover something just now?"

The old monk nodded and said, "Just now, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged. When I deduced the secrets of heaven, I vaguely sensed that the destiny star was shifting, as if it was heading southeast. But when I tried to see it more clearly, the Great Dao had already vanished without a trace..."

The monk Yuebai immediately realized what was going on and asked in a low voice, "The southeast is the place where the Xuanmen (Taoist sect) flourishes. Is Master worried that we don't have enough influence there, and that the Taoist sect might seize our opportunities?"

The old monk sighed, "The Master of Kaixuan and Zhang Tianshi are certainly upright gentlemen, but I fear their disciples will act recklessly. If this destiny star truly belongs to our Buddha Shakyamuni, and they instead seize the seed of immortality, wouldn't that be blatantly deceiving our Buddhist sect into having no one to rely on?"

The monk Yuebai understood, thought for a moment, and smiled, "If Master has something to do, I will do it. If Master trusts me, please entrust this matter to me. I guarantee that I will return a fully recovered Buddhist disciple to Master in no time."

The old monk raised his eyelids slightly, giving him a barely perceptible glance, and slowly said, "I have always trusted you with your work. However, the Southeast is not like other places; you must be careful in your actions and, more importantly, avoid direct conflict with the Taoist sect."

The monk with the moon-white robes chuckled softly, "Master, I already have a plan. Not only will I bring back the Buddhist disciple, but I also intend to give the Xuanmen a taste of their own medicine!"

The old monk frowned upon hearing this, and was about to reprimand him, but the Moon-White Monk spoke first: "Master, rest assured, this disciple will definitely not let them catch me in the act."

"Nothing is ever foolproof," the old monk advised. "The Xuanmen (Taoist sect) doesn't preach the emptiness of the five aggregates either. They all have very short tempers. I'm afraid you might get blamed and punished for no reason."

"Master, you are overthinking it!" The Moon-White Monk sneered. "The Xuanmen is currently embroiled in internal strife. Although it is powerful, in my opinion, it is all show and no substance."

Not to mention that the current emperor still needs to use Buddhism. As long as the balance is not broken, the imperial favor will not be interrupted.

This disciple understands this principle; surely the people of the Xuanmen (Taoist school) do not?

"It is precisely because they understand that the disciples dare to bet that they wouldn't dare to do anything foolish that would give others a handle against them!"

The old monk looked at his disciple silently without saying a word.

The monk in moonlight seemed to sense something, quickly composed himself, and stood respectfully, saying, "Master, please forgive me; I was attached to appearances!"

The old monk withdrew his gaze and said, "Scheming is not wisdom; all forms are illusions. It's good that you act prudently, but you must not abandon your Buddhist practice. Otherwise, the Buddha will retreat and demons will advance, and you will suffer the three lower realms of existence in the future!"

The monk Yuebai felt a chill run down his spine and quickly bowed in agreement.

The old monk then waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.

……

As the monk Yuebai left the room and walked to the meditation room on the other side, a young novice monk came looking for him.

The other party bowed and said, "Uncle Miaoxing, Uncle Miaokong requests your presence at the Moke Academy."

Miaoxing paused, her hand on the door knocker, and turned to ask, "Do you know what it is?"

The young novice shook his head, thought for a moment, and then carefully said, "It's because a palm-leaf manuscript arrived from Texas; it must be related to this matter!"

Texas…

Miao Xing pondered for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly, "Alright, let's go over there now!"

The two quickly arrived at the Moke Temple. As soon as they entered, Miaoxing was stopped by a dark-skinned and burly monk.

"Junior brother, you've finally arrived."

Miaoxing clasped her hands in a respectful bow, her posture calm and elegant, her manner unhurried: "Senior Brother, you look so flustered, have you encountered some trouble?"

"Hey, look at me, I can't stay calm when something happens. I'm really ashamed to be a Buddhist disciple." Miaokong slapped his thigh, a hint of shame on his face.

Miaoxing simply smiled and said, "Brother, you are truly genuine; how could you not be like Shakyamuni?"

Miao Kong then laughed heartily, handed over the ancient palm-leaf scroll in his hand, and said, "Junior brother, take a look for yourself!"

Miaoxing took it with both hands, looked down and saw that a piece of paper with a bright green color suddenly flashed with golden light. After the golden light faded, it was covered with writing.

This is the method of "writing on palm leaves," a supernatural ability in Buddhism to transmit messages over long distances.

Miao Xing looked at him carefully for a while. At first, she frowned, then she was surprised, and finally her eyebrows gradually relaxed and her lips curved into a beautiful arc.

"Junior brother, how can you still laugh? This wicked silver has been born, driving people mad and causing trouble for the government. These are all extremely urgent matters. Now that the Golden Light Temple has sent a letter asking for help, I was just about to ask you to go and report to the Sage immediately!" Miao Kong said anxiously.

Miao Xing simply smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Senior brother, don't panic. From what I read in the letter, it seems those crazed constables have already been subdued?"

"The information from Jin Guang Temple wasn't very clear, but it should be mostly correct!" Miao Kong thought for a moment, then suddenly seemed to realize something. "The poison of illicit silver is endless, and there might be other things involved. It just so happens that Jin Guang Temple saved the county government, bringing honor to our Buddhist sect. We should hurry ahead of the Taoist sect to report to the Sage and claim our credit!"

"No rush, no rush..." Miaoxing murmured twice, his gaze becoming distant, his thoughts racing. After a long while, he smiled gently, "This matter should be reported to the Sage, but not now!"

Why?

Miao Xing smiled and said, "Master gave me a task before, and I was worried about where to start. I didn't expect that my senior brother would provide me with such a helpful opportunity..."

He waved the thin piece of paper in his hand, met Miaokong's puzzled gaze, and said firmly, "If you trust me, Senior Brother, leave this matter to me. Perhaps, it can even help our Buddhist sect to truly take root in Dezhou!"

"Really?" Miao Kong asked, somewhat excited.

Miaoxing bowed respectfully: "A monk does not lie!"

"I always trust my junior brother to handle things. Alright, then I won't interfere in this matter; you can make the final decision yourself."

"Thank you, senior brother!"

Having received the correct answer, Miaoxing immediately began reciting the incantation. Golden light flashed, and the original writing on the palm-leaf scroll quickly disappeared, followed by the appearance of a new layer of text.

Miao Kong exclaimed in amazement, "Junior Brother, your method of transmitting the Dharma seal is truly becoming more and more wondrous!"

Once the writing on the palm leaf had disappeared again, Miaoxing withdrew her hand and laughed, "Senior brother, you flatter me. My humble teachings are certainly no match for your demon-subduing divine powers!"

He returned the palm leaf, then bowed again and said, "Since there's nothing more to do here, Junior Brother, I'll take my leave now!"

Miao Kong clasped her hands together in a gesture of respect as she saw the other person off, adding a reminder: "Then I'll wait for my junior brother's good news."

Miao Xing's eyes flickered slightly, and she smiled, "Don't worry, if this succeeds, I will not forget your contribution, Senior Brother!"

Miao Kong burst into laughter.

……

The southward shift of the auspicious star naturally alarmed not only the Buddhist community.

At this moment, in a temple west of Yujing, two Taoist priests were playing chess.

One of the Taoist priests, dressed in purple robes and wearing a golden crown, with white hair and beard, picked up a white stone and slowly said, "The spiritual tide is surging, and the destiny star is shifting south. What the Great Compassionate Immortal said back then has now been fulfilled one by one. I wonder what Fellow Daoist Kaixuan thinks at this moment?"

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged Taoist priest opposite him, dressed in a black robe and wearing a jade crown, simply smiled and shook his head, saying, "Master, you jest. This is the destiny ordained by the Great Dao. What thoughts could this humble Taoist possibly have? I merely accept whatever comes my way and act according to my heart!"

Zhang Tianshi raised his eyes, stared at him for a long time, and suddenly smiled: "Fellow Daoist Kaixuan, your words are somewhat hypocritical. The struggle between us is already in full swing. If you were to receive this person's blessing, how do you know that Quanzhen might not be able to integrate into the Daoist lineage?"

Master Kaixuan gently placed a piece on the board, his expression still solemn: "Celestial Master, there's no need for empty words of probing. Our Quanzhen sect originated in the north, and we have the advantage of terrain, so this person is already in your grasp. If I truly have any ideas, would you, Celestial Master, allow it?"

"Of course not!" Zhang Tianshi's smile was inscrutable.

"That's it!" Master Kaixuan placed another piece and said calmly, "The descent of a destined star is predetermined, and no one can change it. But as long as he belongs to my Xuanmen sect, it's as good as his own flesh. Even if the Celestial Master wins in the future, does that mean I'm no longer allowed to spread the Quanzhen Dao?"

"Of course not!" Zhang Tianshi restrained his sharp edge and became slightly serious.

Kai Xuan then smiled slightly: "Therefore, Celestial Master, instead of worrying about me, you should worry about the other side!"

"You mean Buddhism?" Zhang Tianshi's eyes flashed slightly, and he said arrogantly, "Ha, a bunch of clowns. If it weren't for His Majesty, this old Taoist would have driven them out of the capital long ago!"

"Celestial Master, do not underestimate the monks. You should know that there are clever monks among them. They may not be as powerful as you, Celestial Master, but they have many ways to annoy you. Moreover, they are currently favored by His Majesty. Just this alone makes it impossible for us not to be cautious."

Zhang Tianshi's smile vanished, and he suddenly sneered, "Fellow Daoist, are you perhaps trying to scare me into a fight with Buddhism so you can reap the benefits?"

Master Kaixuan paused in his hand, which was twisting his fingers, and smiled, "If I were to say so, what would the Master do?"

Zhang Tianshi's eyes darkened, and he remained silent.

Master Kaixuan continued, "The chessboard of the world has been laid out. Everyone must rely on their own abilities to make their moves. Just because I am at the back, will the Master hesitate and waver?"

"Hahaha..." Zhang Tianshi laughed heartily, his tone filled with indescribable magnanimity, "Then I'm afraid I'll disappoint you, fellow Daoist. My Dao has never wavered or retreated for a single day. I would rather die in great fullness than live clinging to the remnants of the past!"

This sound, like a golden drum and jade hammer, resounded through the heavens and earth. Even the Great Dao seemed to sense it, and a strong wind suddenly arose, causing the surrounding curtains to sway and the candlelight to flicker.

But when the wind reached a foot away from Master Kaixuan, it suddenly disappeared, as if there was a black hole there that could absorb all energy.

The two exchanged a glance and both burst into laughter.

Master Kaixuan said, “What a wonderful saying, ‘Heaven and earth are vast, but only the Dao is vast.’ The Dao of the Celestial Master fills the heavens and earth; it is truly awe-inspiring.”

Zhang Tianshi also laughed: "Fellow Daoist's 'existence and non-existence give rise to each other, and one should not dwell on one's achievements' is equally impressive."

After some mutual flattery, the atmosphere became harmonious again.

Suddenly, the Taoist Master Kaixuan said, "The auspicious star is shining in the southeast. I remember that the top scorer in this year's Taoist examination went to Dezhou Prefecture, didn't he?"

"Why did you ask about him, fellow Daoist?"

The Taoist Master Kaixuan said, "Nothing much, I just feel that good talents are hard to come by, and I am somewhat sentimental about their current situation."

Zhang Tianshi remained silent for a long time before finally sneering, "Clever, yes, but too pedantic. Go down and reflect for a while, change your mindset! Otherwise, with your mind still full of ruler-subject relationships, suddenly gaining a high position will be more of a curse than a blessing for either of us!"

"well……"

Upon hearing this, Master Kaixuan let out a long sigh.

……

Little did they know that Shen Yuan, whom the two had described as having a stubborn mind, was actually reading a Buddhist scripture.

He experienced a lifetime in his dream, making up for the deficiencies in his celestial soul. With no more attachments in his heart, his spirit was complete, and his spiritual light shone brightly. He had already stepped into the realm of enlightenment that cultivators dream of.

The wordless Taoist scripture that had previously been shrouded in mystery for him naturally revealed its true form and transformed into the "Imperial Decree of the Supreme Heaven".

Juntian refers to the central heaven, the pivot of heaven and earth, and also represents the supreme authority between heaven and earth.

Just by looking at the name, you can tell how amazing this scripture is!

It was thanks to the original owner's extensive theoretical knowledge that he was able to understand this book.

But as he looked at it, Shen Yuan began to have some doubts.

This book is clearly not some kind of esoteric cultivation method; rather, it seems to be a cultivation method written by ancient Qi practitioners after sensing the "four seasons, six qi, and eight winds."

The four seasons are spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

The six qi correspond to yin, yang, wind, rain, darkness, and light. This is why Zhuangzi said, "If one rides on the true nature of heaven and earth and controls the distinctions of the six qi, one can roam in the boundless realm."

As for the eight winds, they are the Tiao Wind, Ming Shu Wind, Qing Ming Wind, Jing Wind, Liang Wind, Chang He Wind, Bu Zhou Wind, and Guang Mo Wind, corresponding to the eight scenic spots and eight directions.

The book, consisting of only three thousand characters, is not complicated in content. It teaches the process of "feeling the four seasons, understanding the six qi, and communicating with the eight winds," ultimately leading to the realm of immortals where "all qi and blood are unblocked, and one returns to the root and restores one's destiny."

As for supernatural powers, they were not mentioned at all.

This is because once the Great Dao is achieved, supernatural powers become as common as wildflowers and grasses by the roadside, readily available, and one naturally gains the ability to control all things in heaven and earth.

Shen Yuan's Daoist charm is now naturally perfected, and he has a natural affinity with this book. With the mysterious light in his eyes, his supernatural powers are cultivated without any practice.

It was late spring, and a gentle breeze came. He sensed the changing seasons and, with keen insight, inhaled a breath of air, which entered his liver meridian. At first, he felt a little bloated, but it quickly transformed into a warm current that flowed through his limbs and bones.

In that instant, he felt an endless sense of wonder arise in the silent night: birds and beasts vying for prey; plants sprouting and flowers withering... Life and death, movement and stillness, prosperity and decline, all reached perfect harmony in that moment. It was as if a thunderbolt flashed in his mind, and the power of transformation was bestowed upon him, instantly making his supernatural abilities clear.

The Taoist felt a tremor in his heart, and his aura evolved, releasing a burst of vigorous essence, which was caught by Hu Xiaomei opposite him.

The Taoist priest glanced up and saw that the other man's previous injuries had instantly healed, and his fur was growing wildly. A few breaths later, good heavens, he had grown into a "Tibetan Mastiff"!