Chapter 100: The Honorific Title "Commander of Fate" Part 2

Chapter 100: The Honorific Title “Commander of Fate” (Part 2)

In folk tradition, the so-called “humble names” generally fall into two categories. The first involves choosing unpleasant, even crude names, often incorporating words associated with livestock or excrement. Among villagers, especially the elders, it is not uncommon to give children nicknames like “Dog Egg,” “Dung Heap,” or “Privy.” Though these names may sound inelegant, they embody sincere wishes.

The second method uses robust or harsh-sounding characters, such as Stone, Iron Egg, Iron Pillar, or Great Hammer. Though these names sound strong, they still qualify as humble names. The practice of giving such names is not due to the parents’ lack of education but stems from long-standing folk customs.

Because of incessant warfare, poor medical conditions, and frequent natural disasters, famine, disease, and conflict were common threats that often claimed the lives of infants. It was commonplace, even among wealthy families, for children to die young. In these turbulent times, parents’ greatest hope was simply for their child to survive and grow safely. Hence, they believed that giving a humble name could ward off evil spirits, leading to the old saying: “Humble names help children thrive.”

Moreover, humble names were thought to help young children evade the attention of ghosts and deities. According to some beliefs, both malevolent spirits and gods are keenly interested in young children because their souls and bodies are pure shortly after birth. However, any contact—no matter who it comes from—is perilous for a child and could lead to illness or death.

A humble name was thought to deter spirits, as they would deem the child unlucky and ignore them, thus sparing the child unnecessary calamities.

Yet the Taoist title divined through the Great Divination Method for Zhang Sanlu was so grand that it was neither an optimal choice nor free from offending the gods.

Zhang Jiao shook his head and once more took up the yarrow stalks, carefully performing his divination.

To everyone’s surprise, the results were repeated and consistent.

At that moment, an elderly Taoist of the Orthodox Purity Sect, with a white beard, stroked it thoughtfully and said, “The Scripture of Supreme Purity states: The Southern Dipper’s six stars—the first is the Heavenly Palace of Fate’s Command, the Commander of Fate Star Lord; the second, the Heavenly Phase Palace, the Commander of Prosperity Star Lord; the third, the Heavenly Beam Palace, the Longevity Star Lord; the fourth, the Same Palace, the Beneficial Calculation Star Lord; the fifth, the Pivot Palace, the Disaster Relief Star Lord; the sixth, the Heavenly Mechanism Palace, the Supreme Life Star Lord—collectively the Six Star Lords. The Southern Dipper governs survival and is often called ‘The Commander of Fate and Longevity.’ Suffice it to say, this child bears the essence of longevity cultivation.”

Zhang Jiao no longer hesitated. Zhang Sanlu’s Taoist title was officially decided: “Commander of Fate”! Next, a formal petition must be submitted to the divine realm. When offering prayers and petitions before the gods, he may refer to himself as “your servant.”

Afterward, Zhang Jiao burned the paper scroll containing the petition and the Taoist title. Smoke curled upward as the ashes drifted, and with a gentle shake, the talismans inside the scroll turned to grey ash. The incense smoke twisted and spiraled like a slender dragon ascending to the heavens.

Suddenly—

“Rumble—Rumble—”

At that moment, thunder echoed out of a clear blue sky, deafening and fierce like a lion’s roar, shaking the surroundings with flashing lightning.

Everyone present was taken aback, exchanging alarmed glances filled with fear and confusion.

Zhang Sanlu himself was stunned. He looked up at the sky, which was now clear and bright, though the thunder had just roared moments before.

Whispers spread among the crowd, especially from Liu Bi, Sun Zhong, and even Zhang Jiao’s younger brother Zhang Liang. They had already harbored doubts about Zhang Jiao’s mysterious acceptance of this unknown disciple. Now, witnessing such an ominous sign, they began to murmur loudly.

“Looks like a bad omen.”

“I divined recently that accepting this person would bring misfortune. Seems I was right.”

“Rumor has it he killed dozens in Wei Commandery. Surely more trouble will follow…”

Some whispered quietly:

“Could it be the consequence of this Taoist title?”

“A petition to the heavens, yet a warning came. This bodes ill…”

The atmosphere grew heavy; breaths became shallow as eyes darted nervously.

Then, the Great Virtuous Master Zhang Jiao suddenly spoke, “The Heavenly Lord sends thunder, and thunder is often followed by nourishing rain. This is a blessing. Watch how I assist the celestial thunder’s might!”

With that, he suddenly produced a simple yellow talisman.

The talisman bore carvings like cuts and chisels, inscribed with mysterious runes that seemed to contain the power of heaven and earth.

At the next moment, a deep, resonant thunderclap erupted.

Lightning crackled in the air.

Some cried out in astonishment:

“The Five Thunder Correct Methods!”

“The supreme yang thunder is truly formidable!”

“But who dares to challenge heaven…”

At Zhang Jiao’s low shout, he hurled the talisman fiercely. His hands formed seals. The talisman transformed into a dazzling light in midair. Thunder roared explosively.

Five bolts of lightning descended like mighty dragons, each carrying overwhelming majesty and destructive force.

Wherever the lightning struck, distant mountains and vegetation were devastated, rocks and earth scattered. The ground seemed rent asunder, torn with scars like the wrath of the gods.

The air was thick with the scent of burning and ruin, inspiring awe.

Zhang Sanlu stood to the side, witnessing this spectacle, profoundly shaken. He had never seen such powerful Taoist arts nor felt such intense cosmic might.

This was the present age’s strongest Taoist!

Zhang Jiao dispersed the thunder technique and turned to Zhang Sanlu, his eyes gleaming.

“Commander of Fate, do you understand the power of the Five Thunder Correct Methods?” The Great Virtuous Master’s voice was low and resonant, each word laden with profound meaning.

Zhang Sanlu nodded, his voice trembling slightly. “Disciple understands. The Five Thunder Correct Methods are the utmost yang and unyielding arts of heaven and earth, able to sever demons, exorcise evil spirits, and protect the world’s peace.”

Master Zhang smiled gently and patted Zhang Sanlu’s shoulder. “Since you have entered the path, I should present you with a gift. But I am a poor Taoist with nothing to give. Therefore, I will teach you the Five Thunder Correct Methods.”

The room fell into stunned silence, breaths caught in shock and awe. No one could speak.

The Five Thunder Correct Methods of the Taiping Tao originate from thunder talismans of the heavens. They combine talismans and incantations, emphasizing inner spiritual cultivation, refining spiritual light, and transforming and applying divine powers. Only those of virtue may practice them. Only the honest and loyal can enter and succeed; otherwise, failure is inevitable.

The essence of the method is not mere talismans or spells but the mind serving as the master of the method, and the method as the servant of the mind. With an undoubting mind comes correctness; with correctness comes efficacy. Maintaining unity focuses the mind, and a focused mind validates the method. Virtue is the talisman of the Dao; sincerity is the foundation of the method. Without virtue, the Dao is incomplete; without sincerity, the method is meaningless.

Most importantly, the transmission of the Five Thunder Correct Methods carries six prohibitions:

1. Not passed to those who are disloyal, unfilial, unkind, or unjust.

2. Not passed to those who have not formally sworn discipleship in the Taiping Tao.

3. Not passed to those who do not respect their teachers and the Dao.

4. Not passed to those who lack sincerity and faith.

5. Not passed to those harboring ill intentions.

And the most crucial sixth rule:

6. Not passed to anyone who does not inherit the legacy of the Taiping Tao!