Chapter 163: Chapter 146: Forced Demolition! Demolish~Demolish~Demolish!

Although the days were filled with anxiety, life went on.

Especially as the Daoist family emphasizes a Natural Daoist Skill, governing through non-action, the spiritual lives of the master and apprentice were notably rich.

However, a southern developer arrived in town a few days ago and, after a site inspection, applied to the government to allocate a piece of land for building a modern residential area.

The little Daoist Temple was astonishingly included in the plan.

The old Daoist wouldn’t agree, as this place was his lifetime’s work, so no matter who came or what they said, he disagreed.

The developer was relentless, repeatedly unable to reach an agreement, so the demolition words on the walls and door were the final warning.

It should be known that developers are ruthless, especially in China, where they don’t take Saint Emperor Guan seriously.

The old Daoist himself was frail due to old age and had fallen seriously ill two years ago. Yesterday, he had a sleepless night.

Now, in a fit of anger, his frail body couldn’t take it anymore, and after lying in bed for a long time, he finally recovered his senses.

He called Quan Xiaobai to his bedside, coughing as he said with difficulty, "I cannot preserve this Daoist Temple, it’s my inability, leaving you without a safe place to continue the teachings."

"Master, don’t say that... I was just an orphan, without you, I wouldn’t have what I have today..."

The little Daoist was innately clever, yet he deeply respected his master, and at this moment, tears couldn’t be stopped.

The old Daoist coughed even more, and with difficulty said, "While I still have some breath, go to the city where there is a Daoist friend of mine. I’m willing to let go of my pride to have you join his temple and become part of his Daoist registration. That way, you’ll have support for the rest of your life."

"But... Master, what about you?"

"I’m old, at this age, I don’t want to be tossed around, most of the villagers are familiar, it’s okay."

"But..."

"It’s okay, don’t worry."

The old Daoist forced himself to sit up: "Our sect spreads Maoshan Sect, even though I learned from Upper Mao, I’m more skilled in Lower Mao techniques."

"As time goes on, the skills might be somewhat lost. While I still have energy, I want to pass these on to you. I hope you can live peacefully and joyfully. If there’s a chance, bring my ashes back to the south, that’s where my home is."

"Master!"

Quan Xiaobai was already tearful, being intelligent, how could he not understand the implication of these words.

The old Daoist squared his shoulders, and sternly said, "For passing on Daoist Skills, kneel!"

"Master..."

"Kneel!"

Quan Xiaobai couldn’t disobey the old Daoist, with red eyes, he obediently knelt down.

Maoshan Sect’s cultivation primarily uses talismans.

Rooted mainly on two major scriptures, "Shangqing Great Cave Scripture" and "Huangting Scripture" as the spiritual foundation, refining essence, Qi, and spirit, contemplating and consuming Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, protecting Divine Spirit True Qi.

This is the origin of Upper Mao, it sounds grand, but with the decline of spiritual Qi, these techniques are gradually no longer practical.

To consolidate its position, Lower Mao responded, cultivation remained the original foundation, but magic transitioned from spiritual Qi to external objects such as Ten Thousand Year White Jade, Thousand-Year Wood Vine, or Ancient Bronze Coins.

And the most crucial point, was the birth of Corpse Cultivation Skill.

Ever since its creation, this skill has been criticized by practitioners, but due to Maoshan’s power, and the scarcity of rumors about the discipline’s improper practices, it was tacitly accepted.

However, it’s precisely because of this skill that Maoshan’s prowess greatly increased, yet shifted from the aloofness that ignored worldly matters, to flourishing in fields like feng shui, divination, and fortune telling.

"Xiaobai, today I’m going to teach you Maoshan’s unspoken secret, the Corpse Cultivation Skill, listen carefully!"

"I obey, Master!"

The little Daoist wiped away his tears, with red eyes, earnestly listening.

Such unspoken secrets have many intricacies and cannot be written on paper, purely taught by word of mouth.

Thankfully, Quan Xiaobai was naturally intelligent, only needed a few repetitions to engrave the key points into his mind.

After about three times, the old Daoist, breathing heavily, asked, "Have you memorized it?"

"Memorized most of it."

"What do you mean most? Repeat it for me, and I’ll point out what you got wrong."

Immediately, Quan Xiaobai honestly repeated to the old Daoist, nearly spot-on.

Quan Xiaobai spoke sincerely while the old Daoist listened intently, only after pointing out a couple of verbal errors did he finally smile with relief, "This Maoshan secret has been passed down for so many years. Who knows if it’s right or wrong. With the decline of spiritual Qi, it’s impossible to verify."

"Even the ancestral master has instructed, this technique is fierce, must not be used unless absolutely necessary... alas, it’s better to leave it as a thought, so when others ask in the future, it won’t diminish Maoshan’s grandeur."

"I won’t forget my roots, Master, rest assured!"

Quan Xiaobai’s tears once again flowed uncontrollably, streaming down while kowtowing to the old Daoist.

Bang!

At this moment, an impatient knocking came from the door.

The little Daoist wiped away his tears with one hand, stood up to look, and with just one glance, his expression twisted. He recognized the person outside, the developer’s agent.

The person wasn’t polite, directly entered the temple, and straight into the room, obviously knowing his way around.

Looking at the sickly old Daoist on the bed, he couldn’t help but advise, "Old Immortal, why put yourself through this? Honestly speaking, our boss respects people like you, and the price offered is much higher than for ordinary homes. You take the money, cure your illness, then travel with your apprentice, even renting a Daoist Temple would be a great thing."

The old Daoist closed his eyes, feebly spoke, "Different paths, can’t work together, say no more. I won’t agree to you demolishing my temple."

"No room for negotiation?"

"No room for negotiation!"

"Alright then, I’m just passing the message, I’ve conveyed it. Old Immortal, we’ll see you tomorrow."

Leaving this message, the person quickly departed.

Quan Xiaobai felt a vague unease and once again urged his master to leave together.

The old Daoist said nothing, propped himself up, stood above the well, threatening with his life.

Even though Quan Xiaobai’s eyes were brimming with tears, his mind was made up, he could clearly feel he had little time left, and dignity was important, to live under someone else’s roof was worse than death!

As long as he arranged for his sole disciple, he had no regrets.

The next day, he watched Quan Xiaobai leave to seek his old friends in the city.

Only after his disciple, whom he couldn’t let go of, departed, could he be at peace.