Ning An's Wild Wish System

At the founding of the country, there were over eighty Daoist sects throughout the land, but in the end, fewer than fifty made it to Shaoyang Mountain.

The biggest issue was that many sects ceased their line of transmission over time.

Additionally, some sects sent only riffraff, who were swiftly eliminated.

Apart from a few major mountains, if each sect could send one or two disciples, it was commendable; the sects with fewer disciples even had the Sect Leader personally attend.

Ultimately, of the forty-eight sects that arrived at Shaoyang Mountain, Zhengyi accounted for eighteen, and Quanzhen accounted for thirty, making it clear at a glance who was superior.

These two great traditions have been rivals for over a thousand years. Though not mortal enemies, they’re adversaries who can’t stand the sight of each other.

Yet under the current special circumstances and official enforcement, members of these two great traditions not only practice together but also eat and sleep in the same place, something no one can get used to.

This would have been impossible in the past!

And those who could come here are prominent figures in the martial world; when prodigies meet, the rivalry is evident.

But with the authorities suppressing things from above, no one dares make any bold moves, only small squabbles continue.

The teachings of Zhengyi and Quanzhen differ; take Quanzhen, which strictly forbids eating meat.

While the Zhengyi sect, except for beef and dog meat, allows eating meat on non-fasting days.

In the eyes of ordinary people, Zhengyi naturally fits the image of Natural Daoist Skill more.

But in Quanzhen’s eyes, Zhengyi is seen as a rogue within the Daoist sects, held in contempt.

Like today’s luncheon, Quanzhen only had vegetarian dishes, without a trace of meat, whereas Zhengyi had meat and vegetables, much more sumptuous.

Just as the two groups took their seats, a sigh came from the entrance of the dining hall:

"All things have spirits; as renunciants, we should rigorously discipline ourselves. Consuming unclean things merely increases karmic obstacles. Immeasurable Celestial Worthies."

As these words fell, a middle-aged Daoist entered through the door.

He appeared to be in his forties, dressed in classic robes, with a serene face and a posture like a pine tree, treading the human world as clouds and cranes dance, exuding the grace of an Immortal in every move.

There were quite a few Quanzhen Daoist Masters present who were older than him, yet all stood respectfully and slightly nodded.

This man was Xu Qinglai, the Temple Master of Baiyun Temple, leading the Quanzhen sect across the land.

He was also the highest cultivation level here, whether Quanzhen or Zhengyi!

Even Zhang Yuanyi, though not lacking in cultivation, was slightly overshadowed due to age.

Xu Qinglai was a disciple handpicked by the old Temple Master of Baiyun Temple after over a decade of searching.

Upon seeing Xu Qinglai for the first time, the old Temple Master laughed heartily, declaring, "With this one, Baiyun Temple shall prosper."

After being taken to Baiyun Temple by the old Temple Master, he immediately became his entrance disciple, gifted with exceptional talent and remarkable innate quality.

The cultivation technique he practiced was the "Supreme Jade Emperor Heart Seal Scripture," the most exquisite Inner Alchemy Method of the Quanzhen sect.

It emphasizes embracing the essence and guarding unity, calm as still water, vomiting the old and absorbing the new, and achieving the Great Dao!

As it is said, cultivating meditation, being the Guardian Yellow; life-extending medicine, soul-reviving potion.

Swallowing a Golden Core can return longevity and rejuvenation; no matter the myriad techniques, without this, all are madness.

Generations of Immortals achieved transcendence this way, departing the mundane world for paradise; should you obtain the Golden Core’s formula, your lifespan will be limitless.

With this, one can tread the path of longevity, repaying the master’s kindness and thanking the heavens!

This cultivation technique benefits the body and mind in small ways, and in greater ways, proves the Dao and ascends to truth.

Consistent recitation not only allows one to comprehend profound principles and gradually realize true interpretations, but also to communicate with high Immortals and Saints, gaining their assistance in Daoist power.

Although the cultivation technique is esoteric, much depends on the practitioner’s innate quality.

If a useless person attempted it, even if given a Celestial Book, he wouldn’t understand it.

Just like in "Journey to the West," why didn’t the Great Saint teach his profound cultivation techniques to his disciples?

The reason is simple: those monkeys simply couldn’t understand, let alone begin learning.

This is why aptitude is so crucial on the path of cultivation.

Someone like Xu Qinglai, a heaven-blessed prodigy, could be said to have supreme primal qualities in the world.

With the fastest cultivation speed, coupled with Baiyun Temple’s prestigious status, he has vaguely become the leader among everyone in this Daoist School.

Upon hearing these words, members of the Zhengyi sect felt their anger flare, ready to retort, when a snort came from the entrance:

"Hmph, pretentious is as pretentious does!"

"Relying on you Quanzhen to go against human instincts, can you comprehend the meaning of Natural Daoist Skill?"

As the words ended, four people walked in from outside the door.

These were Zhang Yuanyi and others, returning from their debate session, and the one who had just mocked indignantly was the younger, hot-tempered Lin Nanbei.

Before Zhang Yuanyi could respond, Song Liang couldn’t contain himself and unapologetically countered Xu Qinglai:

"Even if chickens and ducks are not slaughtered, what good is it? Cattle and horses provide glue, and pigs and sheep supply offerings, but if even timber can’t be cut, what will we use for firewood? Plants at their prime can’t be harvested, yet they’re felled as needed, how is it useless?"

"If chickens and ducks aren’t harmed, their eggs are still taken, yet it’s not wasted. When necessary, the larger ones are killed, not meaninglessly. Horses support the dynasty, oxen nourish people, they die naturally in old age, why necessitate slaughter? Can we truly go without timber? Young plants grow without being cut, but are harvested at the right time, how could they be useless?"

Zhang Yuanyi then slowly spoke: "Junior brother, you have learned too much, yet forgotten the foundation of our Daoist roots."

"Absurd! Our Daoist foundation, Quanzhen has its own explanation, hmph!"

Before Xu Qinglai could respond in the debate, a senior Daoist of the Quanzhen sect stood up to advocate for Xu Qinglai.