Chapter 5
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Taiping’s Miraculous Art
(Thanks to Grand Alliance Leader Shen Yanfeng!)
At the mention of Yang Xuan’gan’s name, the old steward’s expression changed.
“The Eagle Yang Guard is not far from Yongqiu and might pass through Yanggu. Young Master, you must not reveal any involvement with this person, lest you invite great disaster.”
Steward Sun was extremely cautious, but Cao Chengyun was unconcerned: “The incompetent ruler’s desire to invade Liaodong is insatiable; the chaotic situation is already set. When the Qin lost its deer, the world competed to hunt it.”
This was the ambition of a chaotic era, perhaps forming a soaring sword. The old steward dared not dampen his master’s ambition, so he could only rephrase: “Heroes across the world are as numerous as fish crossing a river. At the foot of Changbai Mountain, the Zhi Shilang raised his banner, shaking the four seas, but Zhang Xutuo struck him twice, defeating him first at Daishan and then at Zhangqiu. His accumulated merits have already made him a pillar. How could the Four Great Clans not see through this? Yet, they are unwilling to be the first bird to stick its head out, preferring to contend in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment.”
Cao Chengyun listened to this. His Huashan Sect master, Wei Jie, had said the same. He ceased the argument. He then looked back at the Taiping Dao carriage and quietly asked, “How is this person’s martial arts?”
This was a blind spot for Steward Sun; he shook his head: “The Taiping Dao has always kept a low profile in its actions. Heavenly Master Jue Wuzi once met many martial arts heroes on Fuzi Mountain and is a revered senior. This is his favored disciple; he must have extraordinary qualities.”
Cao Chengyun had followed the Huashan master for a long time and possessed an inherent arrogance. “Our sect master is also a master in his own right, certainly no worse than the Taiping Heavenly Master. This esteemed disciple may not necessarily be able to surpass me.”
“Ah,” Steward Sun said with a faint smile, “Guests are always welcome. Young Master, as the host, why contend with a guest?”
“That’s true,” Cao Chengyun conceded. “Today is Grandfather’s birthday banquet; I can’t disrespect the old man’s face.”
In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they arrived at Badou Temple. This temple contained only a stone tablet, erected in memory of Cao Zhi. Due to Xie Lingyun’s words in the Southern Dynasties, the phrase “eight dou of talent” came into being, and Badou Temple got its name this way. The Cao family ancestors were not originally named Cao; they changed their surname to Cao after receiving favors from Cao Zijian (Cao Zhi’s courtesy name). By this generation, the old master of the Cao family highly valued these old favors. Thus, the entire Badou Temple was renovated.
After passing the temple, a short walk further led to the Cao residence. Zhou Yi saw a long row of carriages, indicating a multitude of guests. With Steward Sun leading the way, the Taiping Dao’s carriage drove directly into the main courtyard of the mansion, and reliable servants were assigned to guard it, showing extreme caution.
“The auspicious hour is approaching, Old Master is receiving congratulations.”
Steward Sun asked with a smile, “Is there anything I should prepare?”
“No need,” Zhou Yi fiddled with a hanging mirror. “Just guide me when the time comes.”
“Then please rest for a moment.”
With that, he waved his hand outwards, and immediately someone brought fragrant tea and fruits to the stone table in the pavilion.
As Steward Sun left, Zhou Yi looked around. The Cao residence was far more luxurious than the Taiping Daochang. The long walls of the grand mansion were made of green bricks, lined with sheep-horn glass lanterns. Now, with lanterns hung high, adorned in red and vibrant colors, it looked exceptionally festive.
“So many people have come to the mansion,” Yan Qiu recalled while portioning out lucky rice, “The last time I saw such a lively and festive scene was in the county seat.”
“What’s so strange about that?” Xia Shu chimed in. “This Old Master Cao was a physician in his early years and had extensive connections. Later, he went into business, opening pawn shops and tea houses. After all these years, he must know a lot of people. Now that he’s celebrating his septuagenarian birthday, how could there be few guests?”
“Senior Brother…” she suddenly said, “Did you notice that Young Master Cao, the second one, kept looking at you?”
“Perhaps he wants to make an acquaintance,” Zhou Yi didn’t pay much mind to this person, and instead asked Xia Shu, “Does the Cao family have any dealings with the Xihe Hunyuan Sect?”
Xia Shu had always been by Jue Wuzi’s side, and being clever, she was more familiar with matters in Yongqiu than he was. “Yes, I heard Master mention it. That was in the early years when Old Master Cao’s nephew was still an official in Luoyang. Now, I’m not sure.”
Not long after, Yan Qiu stood up: “The firecrackers are going off.”
The crackling sounds reached Zhou Yi’s ears: “Let’s go.”
Steward Sun hurried over. Zhou Yi led the way, with the two young Daoist acolytes following closely behind.
The Daoist ritual to be performed today was called “Jieshou” (Receiving Longevity). Jieshou means extending life. Believers thought that human lifespan was limited, but after performing a Daoist ritual, one could avoid evil stars and extend their life.
According to the old customs of the Yili (Book of Etiquette), when celebrating a birthday, one usually only wore a simple Shenyi (deep robe), adorned with pearls. However, the old man in the main hall was dressed in a brocade robe, resembling a courtly ceremonial dress, with the sun, moon, and stars embroidered on his longevity garment. By law, if a wealthy commoner dressed like this, they could be accused of usurpation. But times were different now; who would care about such minor details?
Outside the main hall, a Star Bridge was erected, also known as the Life-Extension Bridge. Zhou Yi had reviewed the ritual procedures beforehand. As he led the two young Daoist acolytes across the Life-Extension Bridge, he chanted the name “Lord of the Natal Star, Cao Ruinian.” He also closed his eyes and prayed for auspicious outcomes when encountering malevolent gods.
At this critical moment, hundreds of gazes from around the main hall converged on him. Many, including some martial artists, were quite curious about this somewhat renowned and mysterious Taiping Heavenly Master.
As Zhou Yi reached the end of the Star Bridge, he suddenly felt a keen sensation! A chill ran down his right cheek; he knew instantly it was a hint of killing intent. Opening his eyes, he glanced to his right. Five or six people were gathered there. The square-faced man at the head of the group sneered, secretly plotting something with a short, lean man beside him.
Suddenly, the square-faced man’s expression subtly changed. For an instant, his eyes met Zhou Yi’s. The lean man evidently noticed as well, narrowing his eyes and whispering, “Quite perceptive.”
“Brother Guanlan, this person is a little different from what you said.”
The square-faced man snorted lightly: “No rush, there will be plenty of opportunities to probe…”
By this time, Zhou Yi had crossed the Life-Extension Bridge and stood before the Old Master Cao Ruinian. He noticed Old Master Cao’s face had a burnished, bronzed glow, his silver hair fell to his shoulders yet looked fresh and neat, and his spirit was excellent.
“Old Master, may your blessings be boundless, enjoying great peace.”
“Many thanks, Heavenly Master, for your blessings.”
Cao Ruinian received the lucky rice, heavenly ruler, and clear mirror offered by the two young Daoist acolytes with both hands, thanking each item. Then, he ordered a warm jade tray, covered with brocade, to be presented. Beneath it, naturally, were gold and silver. Everyone understood the custom.
Zhou Yi accepted with thanks, and Yan Qiu held the tray. Xia Shu placed the last item on the table: a ceremonial candle, several times larger than an ordinary candle, carved with immortal cranes and auspicious clouds. When this candle was lit, it symbolized banishing illness and promoting good health.
At this point, the blessing ritual was complete.
Xia Shu skillfully lit the ceremonial candle. Cao Ruinian’s face was bathed in the red glow of the candlelight, making him look ten years younger. Guests gathered around to offer congratulations and well wishes, when unexpectedly!
Suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept through, and the flame on the longevity candle abruptly extinguished! A wisp of white smoke curled up from the wick… This was an extremely bad omen!
The incident was so sudden that neither the Cao family nor the guests had expected such a turn of events. The Old Master’s expression changed.
At this very moment!! Zhou Yi, who had remained still, hooked his hand into his sleeve, concealing a small tinderbox in his palm, and swiftly poked it towards the unburnt wax vapor.
Others didn’t clearly see the trick. They only saw the Taiping Heavenly Master point a finger towards the smoke, and instantly, a spark traveled down the smoke, like a spiritual snake entering a hole, truly wondrous. In a moment, the candlewick relit, illuminating people’s faces.
Onlookers thought Zhou Yi’s fingertip produced a flame, but in reality, it was the wax vapor acting as a medium, with fire spreading through the gas. Furthermore, this candle was specially made by the Taiping Dao, with fine sulfur powder mixed into the smoke, enhancing the illusion.
Zhou Yi knew perfectly well that this was a combination of “Magic Tricks” and “Grand Chemical Arts.” But the assembled guests in the hall exclaimed in wonder, all calling it “Taiping’s Miraculous Art”!
Young Master Cao’s eyelids twitched violently. This…
Cao Chengyun couldn’t understand it, so he asked an older Huashan Sect senior brother beside him: “Senior Brother Yue, what kind of miraculous art is this?”
That senior brother stroked his beard, his eyes fixed on Zhou Yi without blinking. He slightly shook his head and quietly said to Cao Chengyun: “This person is not simple.”
“I don’t think this is any ‘Taiping’s Miraculous Art,’ but rather extremely profound internal true qi…”
– Mochinuna.
