I changed the world.

Page 317

The shrine enshrines his grandfather's memorial tablet. He was raised by his grandfather, who was a Taoist priest in his hometown, and only saw his parents, who did business in the city, during festivals. It wasn't until his grandfather passed away when he was in high school that his parents took him to the city. Therefore, he has never been very close to his parents.

Perhaps out of guilt for not having been with his father since childhood, Wei Chengguang received a considerable allowance each month, which enabled him to travel and explore various places.

In order to have a freer environment, he needed an independent place to live, whether he was practicing martial arts or going out. Therefore, he rented a 60-square-meter room off-campus, which ensured privacy and did not affect his studies.

After praying silently before the shrine for a while, Wei Chengguang lit three sticks of sandalwood incense, bowed three times, and then placed them in the incense burner in front of him.

He felt both admiration and gratitude for his grandfather. No one knew that this Xuanmen Huoju, whom his parents looked down upon, was actually a descendant of an ancient sect.

Before he came into contact with his master's sect, Wei Chengguang's grandfather was merely a wandering Taoist priest whose skill level was limited to presiding over weddings and funerals in the village and drawing talismans to ward off evil spirits. He couldn't even explain the classic texts of Taoism. As for the sect, he only passed down the title "Kunlun Sect."

However, it wasn't until he joined the sect that he realized his sect was also called the "Kunlun Sect"...

Then, from his senior brother, he gradually learned some things, including the past event of the severing of heaven and earth and the calamity that swept across the entire extraordinary world.

Although his grandfather left no words, and even the name of his master was unknown, it was impossible to confirm whether his grandfather was a descendant of a branch of the sect that had been passed down outside. However, after learning about this, his master simply uttered the word "fate," which made him suddenly realize the truth.

It's quite strange to think about it. My grandfather's lineage was probably passed down by a disciple who had left the sect. However, it was lost for some reason, or the lineage was incomplete to begin with. On the other hand, it gradually declined due to the time of the severing of the connection between heaven and earth. By my grandfather's generation, there was hardly anything left.

However, there are some wonderful and inexplicable predestined connections at play. In my generation, by a twist of fate, I have returned to my master's school. I must say, it is probably truly the blessing of the ancestors of all generations...

After offering incense to his grandfather's shrine, Wei Chengguang glanced at the wall clock. It was almost time. He reached out and fiddled with a ring on his left index finger. The ring was exquisitely crafted, with intricate patterns around it, resembling scrolls or cloud patterns. The most striking feature was the gemstone set in the center of the ring. The gemstone's shape easily reminded one of the scales of some creature, with a dark gold edge that refracted strongly under the light, revealing a fine, layered texture inside.

Wei Chengguang began to communicate with the ring using a special method. After a short while, a certain power inside the ring began to be awakened, and a faint mist rose around him. In a few breaths, the mist became thicker, and within that mist, an ancient bronze door appeared in front of Wei Chengguang.

Although it wasn't the first time he'd seen such a sight, Wei Chengguang still felt a sense of unreal magic. After calming himself down, he turned his gaze to the door painted with mysterious and abstract patterns. In the very center of the door was a huge and strange bronze beast head, its eyes closed.

The next moment, it opened its eyes, stared at Wei Chengguang for a moment, and then opened its mouth and said, "Did you bring what I asked for?"

"Oh, I brought it. Look..." Upon hearing this, Wei Chengguang hurriedly took out a heavy copper ingot from his waist pocket, then held it out in his hands.

The monster's eyes lit up, and it extended a long tongue, curling it around Wei Chengguang's hand to snatch the copper ingot into its mouth. In the blink of an eye, a remarkably human-like expression of bliss appeared on its face, as if it had tasted some kind of delicacy.

“You’re very good. Remember to bring some more next time…” The beast head nodded to him. Then, the bronze door was slowly pushed open by some unknown force, creaking as it opened. Behind the open door was a dark void, as if swallowed by black mist. Standing on this side of the door, one could not see what was behind it.

Taking a deep breath, Wei Chengguang stepped through the door...

....................................

Opposite the door was a dimly lit grove of trees. He looked up at the sky and, through the sparse canopy overhead, could see the bright moon hanging high in the sky, and the Milky Way stretching across the entire horizon like a waterfall, a truly magnificent sight.

In Wei Chengguang's memory, such a starry sky could not be seen in most parts of Dazhao, and only occasionally during the Tibetan period could a similar scene be seen.

At the same time, he could clearly feel that the void and the sea were closer to him, as if he could reach out and touch them. The power flowing in his body was smoother. To give a somewhat inappropriate analogy, it was like taking off the thick armor that he was originally wearing.

Looking back, the bronze gate had disappeared. Wei Chengguang looked around and saw that many of the trees here were of a type he did not recognize. A faint breeze was blowing through the air, causing the treetops to sway and rustle.

Just as he was looking around, a light suddenly appeared not far away. Then, just like before, a bronze door appeared out of thin air. The door opened, and a familiar petite figure jumped out from behind it.

The moment the man jumped out, he noticed Wei Chengguang not far away. After exchanging a glance, they realized that each other was dressed in a neat and tidy outfit, so they greeted each other.

"Hongzi, great!"

"Boom boom! Okay!"

The two were Wei Chengguang and Zhu Yingwei, who were very familiar with each other and were clearly not surprised by each other's arrival. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they each took out a spray-like substance and sprayed it on themselves a few times.

"Let's go, don't be late," Wei Chengguang said, pointing ahead.

Chapter 625 The Moonlight Is Beautiful Tonight

Then, relying on their memory, the two found a path in the woods and began to hurry southeast...

The two were extremely agile, leaping and bounding between the woods and trees. In the dim forest, they were like two shadowy figures. From time to time, there were rustling sounds from the surrounding woods, and occasionally the cries of some strange beasts. This made the two of them keep a high level of vigilance, even though they were moving quickly, in order to guard against any abnormal situations that might occur at any time.

Fortunately, we continued forward for about fifteen minutes without encountering any problems.

So the two quickened their pace again. Suddenly, Wei Chengguang, who was walking in front, stopped abruptly without warning. As he stopped, he raised his palm and made a gesture. Zhu Yingwei, who was following behind, also stopped at the same time.

Not long after the two stopped, a strange beast resembling both a deer and a sheep rushed out of the woods. It was large and extremely agile. Then came a second and a third. These beasts ran swiftly and silently through the woods, quickly passing the path in front of Wei Chengguang.

Upon seeing these things, the two who had been on guard finally relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief.

However, at that moment, a roar as powerful and penetrating as a tiger's roar suddenly rang out, and a gigantic behemoth appeared without warning from the dark forest behind these strange beasts. It swept in with a strong wind and, with lightning speed, slammed the last two strange beasts to the ground with one paw each.

This is a huge creature with a body length of about 15 to 20 meters and a shoulder height of more than 4 meters. It is surrounded by clouds and mist, and ice crystals condense on the ground where it walks.

Its body shape is somewhat like a giant lizard, but its tail tip has a fin tail unique to aquatic animals, and its spine also has a dorsal fin that extends from the neck to the tail vertebrae. Every so often, there is a sharp, spear-like bone spur on the dorsal fin.

Its head resembles a tiger's, but it has two long whiskers, sharp fangs, exposed canines, and a thick mane around its neck, making it look extremely majestic. It has four limbs, with two forelegs that appear extremely strong and powerful.

Its body is covered with scales, and the scales, mane, dorsal fin, and tail fin are all decorated with colorful patterns. In particular, the forehead has a black "king" pattern similar to that of a tiger.

The seemingly tall and strong beast, after being pinned down, appeared weak and exhausted, its struggles feeble and powerless. The enormous creature lowered its head and casually tore it apart.

In just a few bites, it swallowed the beast whole. The enormous creature then noticed Wei Chengguang and Zhu Yingwei's presence. At this moment, facing the giant beast at such close range, both of them felt an urge to turn and run away. It was an extreme fear rising from the bottom of their hearts.

The giant beast had clearly noticed the two people nearby, but it turned its head, sniffed in their direction, and then, as if losing interest, turned back to deal with another beast under its claws.

Only then did Wei Chengguang and Zhu Yingwei calm down a little. They dared not make any sudden movements, fearing they might startle the giant beast before them. They first retreated dozens of meters, then circled around it, passing by its side…

"That must be the Tiger-Dragon, right?" Zhu Yingwei asked softly.

“I’ve never seen it either, but my senior brother told us not to make any aggressive gestures if we see it, as it won’t attack us.” Wei Chengguang replied in a low voice, “It’s probably that thing…”

"It looks so fierce..." Zhu Yingwei said with lingering fear.

"Let's hurry up, it's better to stay away from it..."

................................................

..............................

This is a classic traditional Eastern-style Taoist temple complex, nestled among woodlands and built against a hill.

Around the building, the occasional chirping of birds and the babbling of flowing water could be heard, but the roars of the strange beasts were no longer heard. It seemed that some force was driving them away from this place.

The buildings here are constructed with ancient materials, and their age is evident from the eaves and brackets that exude a sense of history. While some renovations have been done, some newer wood and stone materials can also be seen mixed in.

Outside the temple gate, there is a huge archway with the three characters "Changchun Temple" inscribed on it.

A figure with gray hair arrived at the archway, dressed in a Taoist robe, with an imposing presence. He was none other than Li Jingxin, the current Protector of the Nation, the Abbot of Dinghai Yunxiao Temple.

Li Jingxin glanced at his watch; the time was now 21:40.

He arrived a little early, but for the sake of seeking the true Dharma, such an attitude was appropriate, he thought to himself.

Standing here, you can hear the faint sound of a flute drifting from afar, its melody melodious and poignant, possessing a power that touches the soul...

Spring comes again, but people are gone; the wind and smoke are lingering, and the setting sun is late.

Cherry blossoms bloom, then scatter in an instant, leaving a mess...

"Years pass, youth fades, catkins fly and swirl, a sight too painful to behold."

The road ahead is long, dreams are shattered, everything is in disarray…

He straightened his expression, tidied his clothes, and walked towards the gate of the temple.

Upon arriving at the gate, a servant dressed in Taoist robes was waiting there. Li Jingxin did not dare to be negligent, bowed respectfully, and asked politely, "I wonder if Senior Uncle has arrived yet?"

"The young master has arrived. He instructed that you may go and find him yourself once you arrive," the servant said respectfully.

Li Jingxin nodded, thanked them, and quickened his pace toward the temple.

This is the grotto-heaven where my grandmaster uncle resides. The grotto-heaven is called Changchun Grotto-heaven, and the temple is called Changchun Temple. Now it is open to disciples for cultivation.

However, during ordinary times, Grand Master Uncle was either in seclusion or traveling, so it was not easy to see him. Therefore, for the disciples and even Li Jingxin, most of the time they saw the eldest disciple Zhang Jing.

Grandmaster Uncle had already given instructions that some basic lessons would be taught by his eldest disciple, Zhang Jing.

Upon entering the Changchun Palace gate, Li Jingxin did not linger. He quickened his pace, passing through several buildings, and soon came to a wide stone square.

The square is extremely large, and at the end of the square is a hall with a plaque bearing the words "Hall of Transmission of Skills" hanging above it.

At this moment, he saw a man dressed in Taoist robes, his clothes fluttering, sitting on the roof ridge of the Hall of Transmission of Skills, holding a bamboo flute and playing it. Beside him was a lady in white with long hair like a waterfall, standing with her robes drawn up, seemingly listening quietly to his playing...

................................................

After Zhang Jing finished playing "Thoughts Across Time," he put down his flute, and the melodious music seemed to still linger in the air.

The moonlight in the sky poured down on the ground like water. Zhang Jing glanced at the full moon in the sky and suddenly sighed, "The moonlight is so beautiful tonight."

Chapter 626 Nephew Li Jingxin

Hearing this, An Huiling, who was standing behind him, blushed slightly, her eyes gentle as water, and said with a pursed mouth, "The wind is gentle too..."

The two exchanged a smile, and after a moment of silence, An Huiling said again, "Senior brother, go down now, Abbot Li is here."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jing nodded, put away his flute, and floated down from the rooftop, landing gently on the ground.

"Greetings, my two senior uncles." Li Jingxin hurriedly bowed and greeted them. In the Xuanmen, etiquette is of utmost importance. Although Li Jingxin was old, he had not truly joined the Kunlun Sect. Therefore, in terms of lineage, he would start from the Yunxiao Mountain lineage. Zhang Taihe was his grand-uncle, with a very high seniority. Thus, as Zhang Taihe's disciples, Zhang Jing and An Huiling were indeed his senior uncles in terms of seniority.

Li Jingxin was an old-fashioned Taoist priest who valued seniority and etiquette highly. Therefore, although he felt slightly awkward at first, he didn't have any major thoughts about it.

In particular, Zhang Jing had been kind enough to pass on his skills to him, so although he looked young, Li Jingxin knew that this senior disciple of his great-uncle was unfathomably skilled, and he addressed him as "uncle" with sincerity.

"Jingxin, you're here early today." Zhang Jing returned the greeting with a smile. This kind of "small class" usually happens once a week, and the teacher usually doesn't show up, so he teaches on behalf of the teacher.

Such courses began after the world beyond the Bronze Gate was renovated. As for Zhang Taihe, he would only examine his disciples' progress during the monthly grand lectures.

An Huiling, being young and having only recently joined the sect, felt somewhat embarrassed as this renowned "Great Master" addressed her as "Senior Uncle" repeatedly. She quickly curtsied in return.

Seeing that Li Jingxin clearly still had something to say to him, Zhang Jing invited Li Jingxin to talk to him from the side. The two strolled along the square, talking quietly, while An Huiling silently followed half a step behind on Zhang Jing's other side.