Chapter 67: Establishing Fate for the People

Chapter 67: Establishing Destiny for the Common People

Zhang Sanlu pondered for a moment before asking, “Brother Dao, what do you plan to do now?”

“Dig. Then we’ll see what kind of evil entity it is. If we can eradicate it, we do so once and for all. If not, we’ll reforge the seal and block it again,” Zhang Zhidao replied gravely.

“Aren't you afraid of releasing whatever is inside and being unable to subdue it? After all, anything that could be sealed inside a mountain can’t be anything easy to deal with!” Zhang Sanlu said after some thought. He knew he was hardly up to the task; the only thing worth mentioning was his ‘Dread and Repulsion’ technique, which was useful against humans thanks to his resilience, but he had never tried it against supernatural beings.

“That’s why I’ll summon my fellow disciples to help, and I’ll also inform our master. If Master can come, then there’s nothing to fear,” Zhang Zhidao said.

Hearing this, Zhang Sanlu instantly felt much more at ease. Standing in the shade of a great tree is always comfortable. He always thought, when reading novels, that the strength of a sect lay precisely in this—the young ones fight, and the elders come if needed. Thus, a sect was always a symbol of power, capable of competing for great resources, boasting deep foundations and many masters.

Imagine, when a sect disciple is out in the world, inevitably encountering hostile forces or unexpected dangers, the entire sect stands behind them as a pillar of support.

Every disciple’s growth is inseparable from the guidance and teaching of their predecessors. When they become the backbone of the sect, they naturally take on the responsibility of protecting the next generation. This cycle of protection and inheritance makes the sect’s power ever-renewing and ever-stronger. Thus, disciples are more confident when traveling, their honor is tied to that of the sect. Such deterrent power secures the sect’s position in the cultivation world, and its reputation spreads far and wide, generation after generation.

“Master, should we use transmission talismans to notify the uncles and elders now?” Chang Hui asked.

“Yes. Those too far away won’t be able to arrive in time anyway, and calling them from distant lands might delay our master’s more important affairs. Within nearby provinces, Man Cheng and Sun Zhong should be close. Let’s invite them. With them, plus myself and Daoist Sanlu, even if we can’t destroy the evil, we can certainly reinforce the seal. At the same time, I’ll inform our master, and ask for his instructions on whether this is proper,” Zhang Zhidao said.

Zhang Sanlu immediately coughed awkwardly, “Cough, cough… Brother Zhang, I’m just a half-baked practitioner. Don’t let me mess up such an important matter. That would be an unforgivable crime.”

Zhang Zhidao smiled gently, “You’re too modest. Though you were a bit battered when we first met, I heard you defeated a hundred armored men and retreated unscathed. Plus, you have unique secret arts, able to heal grave injuries in a day. That’s certainly not the work of a half-baked priest. By the way, I’ve wanted to ask: who is your master, and what path do you cultivate?”

Zhang Sanlu froze, completely clueless about any such path.

Noticing his hesitation, Zhang Zhidao realized he was likely self-taught with no illustrious lineage, but this only pleased him more. “I felt a connection with you upon meeting. I also heard you and that young lady are not kin, yet you offered her aid in her hour of need. That speaks to an innately kind nature. If you’re willing to join our sect, I’d be glad to recommend you.”

“Master…” Chang Hui tugged gently at Zhang Zhidao’s sleeve.

Zhang Sanlu considered it. Regardless of the sect, joining would mean submitting to their rules. For now, his plan was to quickly find Hui Niang a proper place and seek a way home. Joining a sect would only complicate matters. Yet, the other party was so earnest, he struggled for a way to refuse.

Seeing him lower his head in thought, Zhang Zhidao was not displeased. “There’s no need to rush. You can decide after this matter is settled. The world is on the verge of chaos—catastrophes loom, demons rage. Only my master can reshape the heavens and bring peace to the four seas. Should you meet him, I am sure you’ll be delighted to join us.”

Zhang Sanlu thought, “Here we go—the proselytizing never stops, no matter where you go. Such grandiose claims, talking about reshaping the heavens. I bet it’s just like those folk healers in the village, using some talismans to trick simpletons.”

But then Zhang Zhidao continued with words that left him stunned.

“My master once told me: the ancients, when they looked up, observed the heavens; when they looked down, studied the earth; drawing from their own bodies and from distant things, they began using the Eight Trigrams to comprehend divine will.”

“I’ve heard of that—the Eight Trigrams of Fuxi, used to create the calendar,” Zhang Sanlu nodded.

Zhang Zhidao shook his head. “I used to think so too. But Master said, the movement of Heaven is self-originating. To say the trigrams ‘created’ is less accurate than to say they ‘observed.’ The sun rises and sets, time flows—by observing the phenomena of Heaven and Earth, the ancients refined their understanding of the celestial order. Through continuous observation and correction by the great sages, we now have a complete calendar.”

“Take the Azure Dragon’s seven mansions, for instance. The Horn Mansion marks the start; the Golden Crow’s path passes through it, which is why it’s called Heaven’s Gate. In mid-spring, the dragon’s horn rises in the due east—this is called ‘the dragon appears in the field.’”

“The months of Tiger and Rabbit correspond to ‘the dragon appears in the field,’ Dragon and Snake to ‘the dragon strides across heaven,’ Horse and Goat to ‘the flying dragon in the sky,’ Monkey and Rooster to ‘the dragon has regrets,’ Dog and Pig to ‘the dragon leaps into the abyss.’ All these match the path of the Azure Dragon’s seven mansions. Thus, to ‘ride the proper of Heaven and Earth, and wield the six energies’ refers to this.”

Although Zhang Sanlu didn’t fully understand, he gradually realized that what Zhang Zhidao described corresponded to the seasonal calendar. Still, he didn’t see why they were discussing this.

“For example, in terms of the seasons, when the Dipper’s handle points east, it is spring throughout the land. In simple terms, observing the Horn Mansion in spring tells the common people it’s time to sow their fields. By following the calendar, one can reap what one sows. But now…” Zhang Zhidao’s face grew increasingly somber as he shook his head.

“What about now?” Zhang Sanlu felt a chill run through him, his body trembling as he sensed he was beginning to understand.

“Now, the appearance of the seven mansions is nearly a month late… The Celestial Order is in opposition, the heavenly cycle is about to fall into chaos…” Zhang Zhidao’s voice grew heavy.

“How could that be! The Celestial Order is just a concept, a certainty. It’s not like it has human feelings!” Zhang Sanlu found it absurd.

“True, the order of Heaven doesn’t speak to us; it simply lays everything bare before all. Those who can decipher it and follow it are called Realized Ones. Those who harness its power are called Immortals. Those who master it, establish the Way of Heaven, define destiny for the people—such are called Sages.”

“The cycle of Heaven is growing disordered; hence, so many monsters and demons emerge. If chaos truly reigns—if Heaven’s order is overturned—then stars will reverse, grains will fail to ripen, and the Nine Provinces will become a furnace of suffering. Countless lives will be lost!”

In the past, Zhang Sanlu would have thought, “So what if Heaven’s order is upended and stars reversed? What has that to do with me?”

But after witnessing the desperate struggle for survival of countless common folk in this world, Zhang Sanlu understood: if Heaven’s order truly fell to chaos, the appearance of demons and monsters would be the least of their troubles.