Chapter Nine: Xuan Qingzi

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The Primordial Heavenly King depicted in the book is undoubtedly a deity possessing supreme divine powers. Growing restless in the chaos, he commanded his incarnation, Pangu, to separate heaven and earth. Thus, the cosmos was forged, his body transforming into all things, giving rise to the world as it is now.

Unconsciously picturing this scene in his mind, one could only marvel—such a being capable of creating heaven and earth must possess immense power. From the inception of the primordial unity, all things renewed; with Pangu’s separation of heaven and earth, the various realms of civilization began to emerge.

The concept of the “primordial unity” refers to the source from which all things originate. “Yuan” signifies greatness and beginning; the primordial unity is the grand beginning, the origin point of all existence—an idea that subtly aligns with the essence of Daoism.

“Junior Uncle, where did this bamboo scroll come from?”

As a member of the Daoist sect, Zong Quan suddenly sensed the importance of this bamboo scroll for the myriad schools of thought and Daoism today. If it were disseminated, it would undoubtedly cause quite a stir, greatly expanding Daoism's influence.

Yet, strangely, he had never seen this scroll before, nor heard of its contents. His expression grew serious as his bright eyes swept over the scroll once more, then fixed deeply on the Junior Uncle before him.

“Don’t you look at the end of the scroll?”

Meeting Zong Quan’s curious and surprised gaze, Zhou Qing was somewhat taken aback. He looked him over, then pointed with a small hand to the lower left corner of the scroll, where its origin was clearly inscribed.

Authored by: Xuan Qingzi.

Given his current status and position, adopting the name Xuan Qingzi would not be inappropriate. After all, his master was Beimingzi, his senior brother Chisongzi, and he himself deserved a similar title.

“A few days ago, I told you I wished to inherit and develop the teachings of the ancient sages Liezi and Zhuangzi. This scroll is the first piece. It is the original version, to be kept within the sect.”

“At the same time, I need you to make several dozen copies. Through the influence of the Heavenly Sect in the Bajun region, within one month, I want every commoner in Bajun to know the story of ‘The Creation of Heaven and Earth’!”

As these words fell, Zong Quan was momentarily stunned, then glanced at the lower left corner of the scroll. Indeed, four characters were inscribed there, though he had not noticed them before; after all, no such thing had appeared in the sect’s scriptures over the years.

Seeing the name Xuan Qingzi, Zong Quan’s lips twitched slightly. This Junior Uncle was not one to mince words. Within the entire Heavenly Sect, few were honored with the suffix “zi”—a title reserved only for those with sufficient prestige and cultivation.

Well, it was just a name after all. Given the Junior Uncle’s talent, it was only a matter of time before he deserved the title. But the fact that this scroll was authored by the Junior Uncle himself was far beyond Zong Quan’s expectations.

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“Junior Uncle, this... did you really write this?”

To be honest, Zong Quan found it hard to believe, yet deep down, he was somewhat convinced. The bamboo scroll was of fine quality, the ink fresh, and the story was one he had never heard before.

In response to Zong Quan’s doubt, Zhou Qing gazed at him intently, silently, a faint ethereal glow shimmering about his body, emitting a unique aura.

“Alright, Junior Uncle, I can have people make dozens of copies of this scroll, but our Heavenly Sect’s disciples are few. Although we have some influence in Bajun, to have all the common folk there know the story within a month…”

“I’m afraid the disciples might not be up to the task!”

Under Zhou Qing’s watchful gaze, after ten breaths, Zong Quan withdrew. He had known of the Junior Uncle’s prowess for two years; even Master Chisongzi was unable to challenge him. Best to quietly follow orders.

Though copying was effortless, spreading the story to every commoner in Bajun within a month seemed quite a challenge.

“You really don’t like to think things through. No wonder you’re still stuck at the Qi Refining stage. Copy the scroll dozens of times, then use the sect’s channels to spread it where the people gather in Bajun. Doing this continuously for a month won’t be difficult.”

“You actually intend for each disciple to find every single commoner? Zong Quan, follow Junior Uncle—maybe you’ll break into the Innate Perfection stage faster!”

Zhou Qing was speechless at Zong Quan’s thinking. True, the sect had few disciples, but the common people were numerous. With one telling two, two telling four, within a month, everyone in Bajun would know the story.

He shook his head helplessly, then turned slightly, stepping out of the bamboo hut where Zong Quan was. A clear, youthful voice echoed behind him.

“After copying, return the scroll to me!”

******

Less than an hour after Zhou Qing left Zong Quan’s area, the bamboo hut where he resided slowly opened its door. Gentle footsteps approached, and the seated Zhou Qing, meditating with the Five Hearts facing upward, opened his eyes.

“Senior Brother, weren’t you in seclusion?”

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According to the rules between the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect, they must duel every five years to determine the rightful bearer of the ancestral sword, Xue Ji. Yet in recent years, it seemed the Human Sect had gained little advantage.

Having wielded the Xue Ji sword himself, Zhou Qing found it no different from others. Yet, as it was once held by their ancestor, it surely held great significance.

“Indeed, it seems you truly have comprehension of the ‘Treatise on the Dao.’ That is the opening discourse of the ‘Dao Sutra,’ treasured by sages for centuries. Unfortunately, few can grasp even a fragment.”

“As I expected, given your current progress, it will take at most three years before you reach the Innate Perfection stage. However, Senior Brother’s visit is not for your cultivation, but for this!”

Chisongzi was now just over forty, possessing supreme cultivation, full of vigor and spirit. Clad in a Daoist robe with a purple-gold lotus crown binding his hair, he exuded a transcendent aura befitting a Daoist immortal.

He stepped forward slowly before Zhou Qing, his eyes gleaming with light, nodding slightly. Since Master had entrusted him with Junior Brother, he must not disappoint. What he saw exceeded even his expectations.

Yet, abruptly shifting tone, Chisongzi presented a bamboo scroll in one hand, the aura around it pulsating as he floated it before Zhou Qing. Zhou Qing did not reach out but sensed immediately it was the “Creation of Heaven and Earth” scroll he had just written.

“What is wrong with this scroll?”

Waving his hand, Zhou Qing sent forth a gentle force that drew the scroll back smoothly into Chisongzi’s palm.

“Who is the Primordial Heavenly King?”

Chisongzi withdrew his energy, gripping the scroll with one hand as he glanced at Junior Brother and asked.

“The primordial unity, all things renewed—The Primordial Heavenly King is the source of the Dao, the immortal realm we seek. For mortals, he represents the highest Daoist ideal.”

Hearing this, Zhou Qing smiled faintly and replied.