inspire-indiana Chapter 97 Ugh!! What are you talking about killing the whole family during the New Year?!
Chapter 97 Ugh!! What are you talking about killing the whole family during the New Year?!
Chapter 97 Ugh!!! What are you talking about killing the whole family during the New Year?! (Second update, 6200 words)
"Tsk~"
"You country bumpkin, you really have no taste!"
The old man took a sip of his drink and said slowly.
Lu Yuan, who had just come to his senses, quickly chimed in, "That's right, Senior Uncle!"
"There are a lot of mice in the countryside, I just keep a kitten at home, what are you doing?"
Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable suffered a leg cramp, glanced at his junior brother, and then at his junior nephew.
Finally, I looked at the bewildered audience of Tianlong.
A few seconds later, Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable took a few deep breaths, trying to make his pale face look better.
Then, he shakily straightened up against the side hall door behind him, stammering, "Um—"
"Hmm, the cat stepped on the dough ball—hmm—"
Then, the Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable, who was so frightened that his soul almost left his body, swallowed hard and looked at the dumbfounded Song Yan and his group, his voice trembling slightly as he said, "Who—"
"Song Yan, lead everyone to offer tea to the Three Pure Ones, our ancestral masters."
"Then they settled down with the people from Zhenlong Temple —"
Song Yan blinked, then immediately bowed and said, "Yes, Master—"
After Song Yan led the group away...
Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable lunged at the old man, grabbing his collar tightly with both hands, and growled in a low voice, "Are you trying to die?!"
"What kind of junk do you dare to put in your house?!"
"This thing is freaking ferocious!!!"
"That thing just glanced back at me, and my soul nearly left my body!!!"
The old man remained expressionless, only letting out a faint burp, the strong smell of alcohol causing Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable to frown.
"She's not going to beat you up, what are you afraid of?"
Having said that, the old man casually pried open the hands of the Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable.
The next second, to the stunned look of Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable, the old man grabbed his magnificent Taoist robe collar and dragged him into the house.
"Let's go, didn't you want to make dumplings?"
"Come in, I'll wrap you up as much as you want."
Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable: "????"
"I'm not taking on any more contracts!!"
Old man: *burp*
"It's too late."
Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable: "????"
Lu Yuan very sensibly opened the side hall door and made a "please" gesture.
Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable was dragged inside step by step by his own old man.
At this moment, the expression on the face of the Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable changed from initial astonishment to unparalleled terror.
"Holy crap!!!"
"I'm not going!!!! No!!! Stop fucking being arrogant!!!"
"I'm not taking any more!"
"Aaaaaaah!!! Holy crap!!!!"
"Why do you want it to be barren?!"
In the end, the old man forcibly dragged the Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable into the house.
"Song Yan!!! Quickly save your master—"
boom! !
Crane Celestial Venerable's cries for help came to an abrupt halt. Lu Yuan followed him into the hall and slammed the door shut behind him.
At 6:30 p.m., the side hall was warm and cozy.
It seems the same as before, nothing has changed.
Lu Yuan was still huffing and puffing as he rolled out the dough.
Gu Qingwan remained focused beside him, quietly making dumplings.
The old man sat to the side, eating pig's head meat and drinking a little wine, occasionally placing the dumplings that Gu Qingwan had wrapped onto the mat.
The three of them have now made five large dumplings.
Can you finish it?
There's more than you can finish it.
But that's how dumplings are for Chinese New Year!
I'll pack it all! ...
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, cook everything out, even if you can't finish it all. Then, on the second day, reheat it, and on the third day, fry it.
What about the Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable?
At this moment, he was lying in the farthest corner of the room, his butt sticking out, holding a cinnabar pen in his hand, painstakingly writing talismans for the old man.
After writing a few pages, Crane Celestial Venerable stiffly turned his head and looked at the tall, scarlet figure who was concentrating on making dumplings.
hiss~~
Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable gasped, his face contorted with pain and unbearable to look at.
Immediately, Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable raised his hand to cover his eyes.
Silently count one, two, three.
Swish!
He removed his hand expectantly and looked again.
Then————
The pain on the face of the Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable deepened.
I dare not open my eyes~
I hope it's just my imagination.
Mother~~~
This is absolutely outrageous!!!
To think that I, a dignified Celestial Venerable of this era, would spend the Lunar New Year with a vengeful female ghost!
"Alright, that's enough."
Lu Yuan patted the flour off his hands, then carried a large tray of dumplings outside.
"I'll take it out to freeze, and then bring the New Year's Eve dinner over."
"Let's eat here. Qingwan, have New Year's Eve dinner with us."
Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable, who was lying on the ground, shuddered.
For a moment, Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable wished he could go deaf!
They want to eat together?!
Soon, all the dumplings that had been prepared by Lu Yuan were taken outside and frozen.
Lu Yuan then ran to the dining hall and carried the New Year's Eve dinner prepared for them back to the side hall.
In an instant, a bizarre scene appeared in the side hall where Gu Qingwan's large coffin was enshrined, a scene worthy of being recorded in the dark history of Taoism.
The current Celestial Venerable One shares a meal with an extremely fierce female ghost.
"Want some drinks?"
The old man shook the gourd in his hand and suddenly asked.
This question left Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable somewhat bewildered.
Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable blinked at the old man, a smile appearing on his face as he said, "Alright!"
"Pour one for me, senior brother~"
It's clear that the old man's invitation to Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable to drink together made Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable quite happy.
On the other side, Lu Yuan was carefully serving Gu Qingwan the food with small bowls and plates he had prepared for her.
Ghosts and humans eat together, so the food must be separated beforehand.
Otherwise, if someone else eats food that Gu Qingwan has touched, it will taste like chewing on a whole star anise in a pot of soup—indescribable.
Gu Qingwan was very well-behaved and quietly leaned against Lu Yuan.
Lu Yuan pointed to a dish, and she nodded if she wanted to eat it, and shook her head if she didn't.
Lu Yuan and Gu Qingwan sat at their own table for the New Year's Eve dinner, which was very warm and cozy. On the other hand, the atmosphere between the old man and the fellow disciples Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable was rather subtle.
Both of them wanted to say something, but the words stuck in their throats.
The old man picked up his wine glass, his lips moved slightly, but in the end he just silently took a sip.
Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable was about to speak, but upon seeing his junior brother's sour face, he could only silently lower his head and take a swig of wine.
Occasionally one person would say a few words, and the other would just respond with "um" or "oh".
Finally, Crane Celestial Venerable seemed unable to bear the dullness any longer. He turned his gaze to Lu Yuan, who was grinning and serving food to Gu Qingwan, and asked, "What's going on between them?"
Once this topic came up, the old man finally started talking.
He recounted Gu Qingwan's story.
When Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable heard that the True Dragon Temple had stolen the spiritual power meant for the Three Pure Ones and given it to Gu Qingwan, he gasped in shock.
In an instant —
Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable felt that Song Yan didn't seem to have any problems.
Although the kid is no match for Lu Yuan—
But damn, it's so convenient!!! They don't do anything!!
Looking at Lu Yuan again, he is good, he is amazing, he is a genius among geniuses—
But this kid keeps bringing a super ominous creature home every now and then!
After that, they even had to steal incense from their own Taoist temple to feed the female ghost.
this----
If Lu Yuan's master weren't his junior brother—
Most people probably wouldn't agree to that.
For a moment, Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable was no longer so envious of the old man.
My junior brother is good!
He deserves it!
This bizarre New Year's Eve dinner lasted until 10:30 p.m.
The two old men and Lu Yuan got up and left.
They were to bathe and change clothes, burn incense and wash their hands, preparing for the arrival of midnight to pay homage to the Three Pure Ones and worship their ancestral master.
The end of Hai hour, 11 PM.
The Zhenlong Temple sheds its daytime laziness and sinks into an ancient and solemn tranquility.
Lu Yuan and the old man had already bathed and changed their clothes.
She changed into that elaborate robe, which she rarely wore even once a year.
The old man wore a cloud-patterned inner garment and a dark blue crane-patterned cloak with eight trigrams on top, the gold threads of which shimmered faintly in the candlelight.
Wearing a Five Sacred Mountains crown and holding a sandalwood whisk with a jade handle, he was free of any trace of alcohol, leaving only a solemn expression in his eyes and brows.
-
-
Lu Yuan was dressed in a blue Taoist robe with cloud and thunder patterns, wearing a Zhuangzi turban on his head, and the "True Dragon Temple" token representing his identity was hanging at his waist.
Even the Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable standing to the side had changed into his imposing purple Celestial Venerable robe, holding the Celestial Venerable Sword, his expression solemn.
However, when his eyes occasionally glanced towards the side hall, he would still twitch uncontrollably.
"We're going to pay homage to the Three Pure Ones and worship our ancestors. You go into the coffin first and you can't come out."
"Once we're done, we'll come back and make dumplings."
Lu Yuan arrived at the side hall, opened the door, and covered it with a clean blue cloth.
Gu Qingwan remained hidden in the coffin, her breath completely still, to show respect to the Three Pure Ones, to the Zhenlong Temple ceremony, and to the founder of the Zhenlong Temple.
At the beginning of the midnight hour, 11:15 PM, the purification ceremony began.
Disciples from both Zhenlong Temple and Tianlong Temple gathered in front of the main hall of Zhenlong Temple.
The hall enshrines the statues of the Three Pure Ones: Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun, Shangqing Lingbao Tianzun, and Taiqing Daode Tianzun.
And the side hall, the Ancestral Master Hall, houses the memorial tablets of the past patriarchs of Zhenlong Temple, with the central one being:
[The True Man Who Responds to the Origin of the Nine Heavens and Enforces the Laws, the Heavenly Venerable Who Controls Thunder, the Golden Thunder Who Breaks Through Illusions, and the Master of the Nine Thunders]
Inside the hall, the statues of the Three Pure Ones lower their eyes, looking down upon all living beings.
The old man held a willow branch, dipped it into the "Golden Well Jade Liquid" made from morning dew, cinnabar, and talisman ash, and chanted the incantation.
The Purification Mantra for Heaven and Earth: "Heaven and earth, naturally, disperse the impurities—"
As the incantation was chanted, the liquid spread to every corner of the hall.
The liquid fell silently, yet it seemed to create an invisible realm of tranquility.
Lu Yuan followed closely behind, using his peach wood sword to draw the character "井" (well) on the palace doors and windows, sealing off the internal and external airflow to prevent interference from impurities.
The main altar is set up in front of the statues of the Three Pure Ones.
A bronze incense burner, filled with aged incense ash, is placed in the center of the altar.
A gold lamp is placed on the right and a silver lamp on the left, symbolizing the light of the sun and moon.
The first five offerings are: incense, flowers, lamps, water, and fruit.
Apples were specially chosen as the fruit, symbolizing peace and safety.
Citrus fruits symbolize good fortune.
Persimmons symbolize that everything will go smoothly and as you wish.
In addition to the regular vegetarian meal, there was also a whole cooked chicken, symbolizing good fortune.
A complete carp symbolizes abundance.
A piece of pork belly symbolizes abundance, and together they are called "three sacrificial animals".
The ritual implements on display include the Emperor Bell (also known as the Three Pure Ones Bell), the Court Tablet, the Dharma Ruler, the Token (representing the "Five Thunder Commands"), and the Dew Bowl, among other things.
"Initiating Master and Sage, this is the True Dragon Temple. The old man and Lu Yuan should stand before the altar, while the Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable should stand in the second row."
The old man struck the golden bell three times and the jade chime three times.
The clear and melodious sound of bells and chimes pierced through the night.
Lu Yuan loudly chanted the "Opening Ceremony and Initiation of the Master Incantation": "The Great Dao is profound and mysterious, and all thoughts are in harmony with it."
"Through refining one's essence to attain immortality, one achieves the Vajra Body—"
"——"
The old man then unfolded the scroll, bowed three times towards the statues of the Three Pure Ones and the direction of the Ancestral Hall, and said loudly: "Li Xiuye, an unworthy disciple of Zhenlong Temple, whose Taoist name is Heyin."
Led by his disciple Lu Yuan, I respectfully invite the Three Pure Ones, all the patriarchs of past dynasties, and all the holy beings of the past to descend upon the altar and witness our worship!
On this auspicious first day of the Gengzi year, I humbly offer these simple rituals to repay the Emperor's grace and ensure peace and safety for all.
It was exactly midnight.
Fireworks suddenly shot into the sky over Qixia Town at the foot of the mountain, their dazzling light shining through the windows and illuminating the solemn faces of the people inside the hall.
Lu Yuan picked up a copy of the "Gengzi Year New Year's Day Greeting" written in cinnabar regular script on yellow silk.
The content is a report on the temple's affairs over the past year, a prayer for the well-being of all people, the nation, and the temple's disciples and believers, and a repentance for past mistakes.
The old man lit a faint innate flame at his fingertips, ignited the petition, and placed it above the incense burner.
Wisps of smoke rose straight up to the palace beams, then slowly spread out into an umbrella shape.
A canopy over the top!
This is an extremely auspicious omen, reaching the ears of Heaven!
The first offering of incense.
The old man and Lu Yuan each held three sticks of incense, lit them with candle flames, and then gently extinguished the flames without blowing them out.
Then, holding the incense sticks at eyebrow level with both hands, one bows and kowtows three times to the Three Pure Ones and the Ancestral Master, and then inserts the incense sticks into the burner.
The cigarette smoke condensed and did not disperse, forming three thin columns of smoke.
Offer flowers and water again.
Lu Yuan presented a plum branch, taken from an old plum tree in the temple, which blooms in the cold, symbolizing a steadfast and unwavering heart.
They also offered nectar, water drawn from the winter solstice snow, blessed with mantras.
The old man took it, raised it high above his head, and then placed it on the table.
Three offerings of lamps and food.
The old man personally lit the gold and silver lamps, which burned eternally.
Lu Yuan presented the offerings of "three sacrificial animals" and rice cakes and dumplings to the front of the offering table with both hands.
The two knelt on the prayer mats, the old man leading the way, followed by Lu Yuan.
They recited in unison the "Supreme Mysterious Treasure Sutra of the Three Primal Elements and Immeasurable Life" and the "Precious Proclamation of the Patriarch of Zhenlong Temple".
The voice was clear and solemn, echoing in the silent mountain temple.
Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable and his disciples behind him also lowered their eyes and silently recited their sect's classics in response.
After the chanting was finished, the old man took out a stack of "evil-suppressing coins" sealed in red paper. These were specially made copper coins engraved with the "Thunder Command" talisman.
Circling the incense burner three times bestows "blessing".
These coins will be distributed to the children of the villagers who helped at the temple after the New Year, or given to believers as they see fit, symbolizing the exorcism of evil and the protection of peace.
It was 12:45 a.m. (the third quarter of the hour of Zi).
The focus of the ceremony shifted to the side hall, the Ancestral Master Hall.
The atmosphere here is even more solemn, with the ancestral tablets of past masters standing tall and imposing, with the tablet of Master Zhang Jiuting in the center, its spiritual light faintly visible.
The old man and Lu Yuan burned incense and kowtowed again, offering specially prepared tea and wine, because their ancestor loved tea and wine.
Then the old man and Lu Yuan took turns burning incense, kowtowing, and offering gifts to the ancestral masters in the side hall.
At the beginning of the hour of Chou (1:00 AM), the ceremony was completed and the saint was sent off.
The old man and Lu Yuan bowed three times to the Three Pure Ones and the Patriarch, and recited the "Sending Off the Saints Ritual" to express their gratitude for the descent of the Holy Ones.
Lu Yuan struck the chime, and the old man shook the imperial bell. Amidst the crisp sounds of the ritual instruments, the ceremony drew to a close.
The offerings that are removed, apart from wine and tea, are called "lucky items".
The old man cut the "three sacrificial animals" into pieces, and also packaged the dumplings and rice cakes separately.
A portion will be left for the temple to eat tomorrow; this is to receive divine grace and good fortune.
Some were wrapped up and prepared to be given to poor or elderly believers at the foot of the mountain tomorrow.
Although the ceremony is over, the "atmosphere" of the changing seasons continues to shift.
The old man, Lu Yuan, and Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable did not immediately disperse. Instead, they sat cross-legged in the Ancestral Hall, quietly keeping vigil in the dim light and lingering incense.
Silent and still, regulate your breath and concentrate your mind, feel the subtle changes in the energy of heaven and earth at the end of the year, and let your body and mind slowly settle down after the grand ceremony.
Outside the hall, the mountain wind rustled through the snow on the eaves.
In the villages and towns at the foot of the mountain, the faint sounds of laughter from families staying up late on New Year's Eve and the sporadic crackling of firecrackers could be heard.
Inside Zhenlong Temple, the solemn ceremony has transformed into an invisible protection and prayer, blending into the vast night of the transition between the old and the new.
At 2 a.m. on the first day of the Lunar New Year, the grand sacrificial ceremony was completed.
"You two change your clothes and go back to wait."
"I'll take the dumplings home as soon as I've cooked them!"
The three of them left the main hall. Lu Yuan rubbed his hands together as he walked back, shouting loudly.
Lu Yuan also had to go back and take off his robes first. These things were very expensive, and they couldn't be washed. He dared not wear them while eating.
After changing his clothes, Lu Yuan took the mat and headed straight for the dining hall.
The dining hall is bustling with activity, as disciples from Zhenlong Temple and Tianlong Temple have gathered here.
Everyone's waiting to eat dumplings!
In previous years, at this time, everyone would have to eat quickly, and after finishing, the mountain gate would be opened to welcome the pilgrims from the foot of the mountain.
However, this year is different from previous years.
The Luotian Grand Ritual is being held at this crucial juncture this year, and in Fengtian City no less.
After setting off fireworks and eating dumplings in the early morning, everyone headed straight for Fengtian City.
Lu Yuan had noticed earlier that there weren't many people coming down the mountain.
That way, we won't be as busy as in previous years, and everyone can take their time eating.
After Lu Yuan had someone prepare a large, steaming pot, he immediately put two lids of dumplings into it.
After the dumplings were cooked, Lu Yuan scooped them out and put two more lids into the pot.
After finishing, Lu Yuan asked someone to watch the pot for him, and then quickly carried the freshly cooked dumplings back to the side hall.
At this time, the side hall was no different from before.
It seems that the old man and Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable have started talking more.
Gu Qingwan remained quietly seated to the side.
Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable seemed to have gotten used to Gu Qingwan's presence and was no longer restrained.
"You guys eat first, don't wait for me."
Lu Yuan put down two large plates of dumplings and walked out. As he had said before, all the dumplings for the first day of the Lunar New Year had to be cooked.
The old man scoffed at Lu Yuan's words and said, "Tch!"
"Do you even need to tell me?!"
"Where do you expect elders to wait for younger generations to eat!"
After saying that, the old man picked up a steaming hot dumpling and stuffed it whole into his mouth.
While eating, he scalded himself and exclaimed, "Wow, so delicious!"
The Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable, standing to the side, also rolled up his sleeves and immediately got to work!
Lu Yuan grinned and looked at the quiet Gu Qingwan beside him, saying, "You eat too, don't wait for me."
After saying that, Lu Yuan went out to continue making dumplings.
"Tsk~"
Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable spits out a chestnut kernel from his mouth, which is the "treasure" in dumpling filling, symbolizing gold ingots and good fortune.
He glanced at the old man sideways.
"How come you didn't get a single piece of candy from your precious baby?"
"This is not a good omen."
The old man, without looking up, rummaged through the dumplings in his bowl and muttered, "No wonder Master used to always scold you for your foul mouth!"
"It's the Lunar New Year, can't you say something auspicious?"
Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable grunted twice, then stopped talking and continued eating his dumplings with his head down.
After finishing the one in his mouth, the old man put down his chopsticks.
"Why aren't you eating?"
"You've only eaten a few?"
Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable looked at the old man's empty table, having not won a single prize.
I didn't get any money, I didn't get any baby food, I didn't get any candy, and I didn't get any dates.
The old man leaned back lazily, grinned, and said, "It's Chinese New Year, and we can't dip dumplings in garlic. It's too greasy; I can't eat it!"
To this, Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable couldn't help but curl his lip and say, "Dumplings for the New Year, who eats them with garlic?!"
"That's spicy!"
As he spoke, Crane Celestial Venerable picked up another dumpling, dipped it in the bowl of sweet soup, and then put it whole into his mouth.
While chewing heartily, he mumbled, "It needs to be dipped in sugar syrup~"
"It means the whole year will be sweet~"
The old man ignored him, his eyes glazed over, seemingly lost in thought.
Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable devoured two more dumplings in a whirlwind. Sensing the silence beside him, he wiped the grease from his beard and looked over.
But then he saw that the old man had somehow appeared beside him.
Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable was somewhat bewildered.
The old man bowed slightly and cupped his hands in greeting as he faced him.
"Happy New Year, Senior Brother."
? ?
These five simple words, like a warm current, instantly struck the Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable.
His mouth, stuffed up like a hamster's, suddenly stopped chewing.
Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable blinked.
For a moment, his old eyes, which always held a hint of mockery, couldn't help but turn red.
But he quickly wiped his eyes, swallowed the dumpling in his mouth, stood up, and burst into a hearty laugh.
"Oh my god!"
"I haven't heard such words in so many years," said Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable, returning the greeting with unprecedented seriousness on his face.
"Junior brother, Happy New Year."
The atmosphere was incredibly warm and cozy.
However, the old man remained slightly bowed and did not straighten up.
"Senior brother, I need to ask you for a favor."
As soon as the old man finished speaking, the smile on Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable's face froze.
He was stunned.
He carefully and thoroughly examined his junior brother, as if he were meeting him for the first time.
Is the sun rising in the west?
This stubborn guy who has never bowed his head in his life actually knows how to use the words "please" and "help"?
After a few seconds of silence, Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable took a long breath, reached out and patted the old man's shoulder heavily, his tone full of emotion.
"Junior brother—"
"You finally understand, you finally understand—"
"Many things in this world are actually quite simple, not that complicated at all."
Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable sighed, "Sometimes, it's just a matter of bowing your head slightly and saying 'please' and that's all it takes to resolve the issue."
"It's not about stubbornly sticking to one's head or killing someone's entire family before it's over."
"In life, you must know how to be flexible; you can't just blindly follow one path!"
"Sometimes it's not shameful to back down a little, it's really nothing."
After speaking earnestly, Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable gazed intently at the old man and waved his hand with boundless pride.
"explain!!"
"I'll help you with anything!!"
After listening, the old man slowly straightened up and raised his head.
"My senior brother's Tianlong Temple has many powerful people. Please help me find the whereabouts of the Ghost-Controlling Liu family."
Hearing this, Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable was still a little puzzled.
"Ten companies?"
"What do you want with them?"
The old man slightly rose, looked up at Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable, and said expressionlessly, "Kill his entire family!"
The gratification, excitement, and pride on Crane Celestial Venerable's face shattered instantly, turning to ashes.
"??????"
"Alas!!!!"
A shrill scream echoed throughout the side hall.
"It's Chinese New Year!!! What kind of talk is that!!!"