Chapter 1479 - 800: Ascension (Double Chapter)_2

"Isn't that right! Large-scale invitations have been sent, inviting various Taoist friends, high monks, and those renowned recluses. The Ascension Ceremony is set for the fifth of February at Liuyun Palace, to be observed and witnessed. Such a grand occasion, tsk tsk, I've heard that even the palace might send someone to attend." Iron Abacus said with a chuckle, "In our Da Jin, the influence of Taoism is inevitably less than that of East Yu. With Liuyun Palace making such a grand display and widely inviting Buddhist friends… hey, the underlying implication is clear to those with keen eyes—it's meant to raise the profile of Taoism and overshadow the Buddhist sect."

Chen Yi nodded slightly. He was indeed aware of Western Jin's emphasis on Buddhism over Taoism, which is in stark contrast to Great Yu. This arrangement by Liuyun Palace, with Master Yunzhou's ascension coinciding with the emperor's imminent return to the capital, and especially the invitation to the Buddhist sect, clearly signals an intent to boost the prestige of the Taoist tradition.

"What kind of person is this Master Yunzhou?" Chen Yi asked, following the conversation's lead.

"Speaking of which, he is indeed a remarkable person. I've heard that he was quite rebellious in his youth—his talents were exceptional but he had a restless disposition, unwilling to settle down for serious cultivation. His most outrageous deed was during his travels in the early years, when he reportedly developed some affection for a woman from the White Lotus Sect. And what is the White Lotus Sect? An evil cult explicitly banned by the court! This matter caused quite a stir in the Taoist circles back then; everyone said Liuyun Palace had produced a rebellious disciple that needed to be purged."

Iron Abacus elongated his tone and continued:

"Later, it was said that his grandmaster, the old Sect Leader of the previous generation, coerced him with his life, and confined him to contemplate behind closed doors on the back mountain for three whole years, only then did he repent, sever his emotional ties, and return to the righteous path. Since that change, Master Yunzhou seemed to become a different person, dedicating himself to Taoist cultivation, his abilities advancing rapidly. After taking charge of Liuyun Palace, he managed the sect thoroughly, and his prestige among the Taoist sects in Central Pass has grown considerably. Now he's about to ascend, finally achieving fruition… truly the prodigal son's return is worth more than gold."

Chen Yi mentally noted this, especially lingering on the three words "White Lotus Sect," giving them special attention.

In the following stretch of the journey, Chen Yi asked Iron Abacus about many situations in Chang'an, and sure enough, Iron Abacus was well-informed. While he might not know everything, he could speak adeptly about the market rumors, official echoes, and local hearsay. Things like which Chief of Staff has been close to which General lately, which government office had recent mishaps, or which noble family's inner quarters have been restless. He sprinkled his own speculations and comments throughout, while Chen Yi listened quietly, filtering through the information.

During their conversation, the carriage moved through the streets and alleys, and the surroundings gradually transitioned from the bustling vicinity of the East and West markets to residential neighborhoods.

"Alright, Young Master, we've arrived at Yongxing Square!" Iron Abacus pulled the reins, and the carriage smoothly stopped near the square's entrance.

He jumped off the vehicle's shaft, deftly set up a footstool, lifted the gray curtain at the carriage's front, smiling, "Do you wish to get off here, or would you like me to take you further into a specific alley?"

Chen Yi bent down to alight from the carriage, steadied himself, and took out some broken silver from his sleeve, handing it to Iron Abacus, "Here is fine. Thank you. Today's conversation was quite interesting."

Iron Abacus weighed the silver, pinched it firmly, his smile widening, "You're too kind, Young Master! It's my privilege to serve you. If you ever find yourself needing my assistance here in Chang'an, just let someone know to pass on the message!"

............…

The guest courtyard was unpretentious yet serene, with a few bamboo stalks by the wall and a single locust tree in the courtyard, with stone tables and stools under its shade. Although the Zhang Mansion belonged to a merchant family, it possessed a depth that was not characteristic of those who suddenly amassed wealth.

Moreover, they adhered to etiquette. This morning, the maid delivered century-old He Shouwu, which could be considered a premium sample; Yin Weiyin had seen a dozen such stocks in the Prince Mansion's storage.

It seems the elder was aware of the matter of breaking the Array but avoided making a grand disturbance, demonstrating his sense of proportion.

Yin Weiyin's day was not much different from usual.

At dawn, she stood quietly under the locust tree in the courtyard to absorb the rising purple Qi from the east, circulating it throughout her body. Then came the steadfast morning practice, silently reciting the Taoist Scripture to clarify her mind. Her routines were meticulously ordered, and regardless of being in someone else's residence, where the environment was slightly different, she was unfazed.

In the morning, she attempted to teach Donggong Ruoshu a segment of the basic Energy-Introducing Method and two simple talismans. Miss Donggong was eager and diligent in her studies, but in this path of Taoist Skill, she seemed truly lacking an essential thread. Despite Yin Weiyin's clear explanations and demonstrations of the Primordial Qi's path, when it came time for Donggong Ruoshu to try it herself, her feeble Qi behaved like a disobedient mud fish, either remaining perfectly still or scurrying wildly about, unable to even achieve the most basic energy sensing, akin to a stubborn stone.

Yin Weiyin's face remained cool and calm, but inwardly she found it amusing—this stupid girl's aptitude... was indeed dull.

In the afternoon, she took out the Eight Diagrams Plate, burned incense in the quiet room to calm her spirit, and attempted again to divine the whereabouts of Lu Ying, but the divination was hazier than previous attempts, shrouded in a mist, with no clear signs of good or bad, nor direction.

After all, this was the Western Jin Imperial Capital Chang'an, where Dragon Qi congregates, and in such a dominion of imperial power, successive emperors have inevitably established massive city-guarding arrays. As a foreign Taoist, failing to uncover outcomes through divination is only expected.

She did not force it; seeing the divination bore no fruit, she put away the Eight Diagrams Plate, resumed meditative breathing, nourishing her spirit.

As the sun set in the west, casting golden rays over the courtyard's bamboo, Chen Yi returned.

He entered the courtyard, glanced at Yin Weiyin sitting quietly by the stone table, then glanced at the side room, where Donggong Ruoshu was grappling with several unsuccessfully crafted talisman leaves, with faint sounds of her frustrated mutters audible.