Chapter Seventy-Five: The Church

“My young friend, you didn’t come all the way to Jiuquan Town just to have a casual chat with me, did you?” Only after his two disciples had disappeared from sight did Ninth Uncle finally return to himself and speak.

“Nothing escapes you, Ninth Uncle. In fact, I came this time to bid you farewell.”

“Farewell? Are you planning to go on a long journey?” Hearing this, Ninth Uncle frowned, looking at Li Yang in surprise.

“Not just a journey—I’m moving away. Not only me, but even my father-in-law and his entire family plan to leave together.” Li Yang took a small sip of fragrant tea, his face tinged with reluctance.

If possible, he wouldn’t want to move. The years he spent in Renjia Town had been the most stable and peaceful since his arrival in this world. With Zhao Yuehua by his side, his only task was to cultivate in peace, free from all other concerns. Such a carefree life was something he never would have dreamed of before.

Yet he understood that in a few years, a great catastrophe awaited the land of China. Though he had made some progress in cultivation, ultimately, he was a selfish person. He could not sacrifice himself for righteousness, nor did he have the resolve to abandon his path for the sake of the world.

“This... What happened? Why the sudden decision to move? Is Master Ren giving up his business?” It took Ninth Uncle a long while to recover, his face filled with astonishment.

“Ninth Uncle, you know well that we are in the midst of the End of Law Cataclysm. Plus, with the collapse of the Dragon Court, I have an ill premonition about this disaster. The chaos in the world now is just the beginning. If this is not handled properly, it could affect the entire cultivation world.”

“We may be seekers of the Dao, but we are still mortals. Even the gods of the Heavenly Court must flee to other realms when facing the five decays of heaven and man. Let alone us, whose cultivation is incomplete—if we don’t adapt to the times, we’ll be crushed to dust in the torrent of the human world.”

As he was about to leave and unsure when he would see Ninth Uncle again, Li Yang did not hesitate to offer a few kindly warnings to such a righteous man.

Though he knew he could never be like Ninth Uncle, steadfastly upholding justice, that did not prevent him from admiring and respecting such a person.

“My young friend, aren’t you exaggerating? We are outsiders; the rise and fall of dynasties has nothing to do with monks like us. How could it affect the whole cultivation world?” Though Ninth Uncle saw Li Yang’s serious expression and felt a tinge of doubt, he didn’t take it too much to heart.

Unlike Li Yang, who stood alone, Ninth Uncle had the great Maoshan sect to rely on. Even if disaster struck, there would be someone above to bear the brunt.

“This is the deed to my manor outside the town. Since I don’t know when I’ll return, I’d like you to have it as a Daoist retreat.” Li Yang was not surprised at Ninth Uncle’s reaction. His purpose was simply to find peace of mind, to do what he could and let fate take its course.

“This... how could I accept this? How about this—I’ll look after it for you, and if you ever come back, I’ll return it to you.” Ninth Uncle hesitated, but considering that Li Yang and Master Ren’s family would soon move, he reluctantly accepted the deed.

Clang... Clang... Clang...

“Come, everyone—gather round and see!”
“Believe in the Lord and gain eternal life!”
...

“What’s this?” At that moment, a sudden commotion of drums and shouting erupted outside the Daoist temple. Li Yang looked at Ninth Uncle inquiringly.

“Sigh, it’s those Western churches again, stirring up the people—telling them to believe in the Lord for eternal life. Utter nonsense! Using small temptations to lure the townsfolk.”

“The worst part is, they want to reopen the church. That place happens to be one of the Three Sha’s in this town—a spot of utmost evil and malice!” Ninth Uncle’s face darkened with anxiety as he listened to the noise in the street.

“Didn’t you explain the severity of this to the town elders? Or perhaps you could go directly to the mayor and make it clear?” Seeing Ninth Uncle’s frustration and helplessness, Li Yang asked in puzzlement.

“Of course I did. The problem is, the church is the mayor’s son’s idea—he teamed up with some local opium den and brothel owners. None of them are decent folks; they won’t listen to a word I say.” Ninth Uncle grew angrier as he spoke. He was a renowned feng shui master in several towns, always shown respect—except for the mayor’s foolish son, who had studied abroad for a few years and now dismissed everything he said as superstition. These days, Ninth Uncle had suffered greatly from his insolence.

“I see. Ninth Uncle, don’t worry. How about I go and see what this Western church is really up to?” Noticing how aggrieved Ninth Uncle seemed, Li Yang offered.

“If you want to take a look, go ahead. But don’t listen to that old priest’s nonsense. He’s got no real ability, but his tongue is sharp!” Ninth Uncle hurriedly reminded him, clearly having suffered at the priest’s hands.

Leaving the Daoist temple, Li Yang saw a crowd gathered around a bald priest, fervently discussing something. With his tall stature, he soon squeezed into the crowd.

“Sir, are you here to worship the Lord as well?” Li Yang’s appearance—his tall frame and handsome features—made him stand out among the plainly dressed townsfolk.

As he watched the spectacle with interest, a young woman in a red, low-cut Western dress caught sight of him. Her eyes lit up as she quickly approached.

The woman was stylishly dressed and had a fine figure, though her heavy makeup detracted from her natural charm, lending her a slightly jaded air.

“Worship the Lord? I heard your Western churches worship Jehovah. Why now do you speak of Jesus instead?” Li Yang regarded her with a hint of amusement.

“Sir, please do not utter the Lord’s name so casually. Since it’s your first time, we won’t hold it against you.” As soon as he finished, the bald priest who had been preaching to the crowd came over and admonished him, making a prayer gesture as if Li Yang had committed a grave sin. Several townsfolk now looked at Li Yang with disapproval.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t names meant to be spoken? Doesn’t your so-called God proclaim to love all mankind? What harm is there in calling his name?” Li Yang remained unfazed by their looks, his expression nonchalant.

“God loves the world, so we must approach him with reverence and never call his name lightly!” The old priest, though displeased with Li Yang’s attitude, remained patient and solemn.

“As for Jesus and Jehovah, both are manifestations of the Lord in the world. In Christianity, we speak of the Holy Son, the Holy Father, and the Holy Spirit—three in one, all representing the supreme God!”

The Trinity, huh? Interesting. It seemed this so-called God had some real insight. In the universe, the number three carried special significance. In Daoism, there was the saying: ‘From three, all things are born,’ hence the three Daoist patriarchs—Taiqing, Yuqing, and Shangqing.

Similarly, in Buddhism, the three Buddhas represented past, present, and future. For a foreign faith like Christianity to claim that three persons are one God—well, that was quite intriguing. Whatever the truth of their power, it showed that all ways ultimately lead to the same truth.

“A fascinating perspective. Though I don’t believe in God, I’ve gained something from your words,” Li Yang said with a meaningful look at the bald priest’s stern face.

“Young man, as long as you believe in the Lord, you’ll gain even more. Faith is the source of human progress; only with devotion can life’s path be bright!” Seeing Li Yang’s thoughtful expression, the priest grew more enthusiastic.

“I agree with you, Father. People do need faith. But unfortunately, I already have my own.” Li Yang nodded, expressing approval, but then added with regret.

“You are perceptive. Tell me, what do you believe in? Let’s discuss it in the church—I’ll explain the benefits of faith in the Lord. Perhaps you’ll change your mind.” The priest, feeling as if he had nearly persuaded Li Yang, invited him warmly.

“Yes, come to our church. I can explain the teachings of the Bible to you—you’ll enjoy it!” At this, the young woman in the Western dress also urged him, extending a soft, fair hand in introduction. “Hello, sir, my English name is Anny. You can call me Annie. What’s your name?”

“Miss Annie, I’m Li Yang.” With a gentleman’s smile, Li Yang shook her hand politely.

“Miss Annie, and me too, me too! I want you to explain the Bible to me as well!”

Before Li Yang could respond, someone squeezed in from the side—it was Ninth Uncle’s disciple, Ah Xing. In an instant, Ah Xing was at Annie’s side, his eyes fixed on her deep neckline, as if he wished to bury his head there.

The moment he saw Ah Xing, Li Yang glanced around and soon spotted Ninth Uncle, quietly observing from a corner. Seeing his disciple’s behavior, Ninth Uncle covered his face in embarrassment when he noticed Li Yang’s gaze.

“In that case, let’s all go together!” Though displeased by Ah Xing’s blatant stare, Annie could not scold him in public. She forced a smile despite her discomfort.

She was used to men sneaking glances at her, but rarely had she encountered someone as brazen as Ah Xing, who stared openly without restraint.

Li Yang disdained Ah Xing’s behavior, but he had to admit that Annie’s stylish dress and revealing neckline were indeed irresistible to the inexperienced country lads of this era.

“Hey, aren’t you my master’s friend? Why are you here?” Only as they approached the church did Ah Xing notice Li Yang and ask in surprise.

Li Yang simply ignored him, pretending not to know him.

“I’m Ah Xing! Ninth Uncle’s disciple. I just served you tea!” Seeing no response, Ah Xing leaned in and pointed at his own face.

“Ahem... I remember now!” Li Yang was slightly embarrassed by Ah Xing’s persistence, not knowing how to describe his feelings. He silently sympathized with Ninth Uncle—having such a strange disciple must be hard to bear.

Then again, perhaps all of Ninth Uncle’s disciples were like this. Maybe that was just his preference for the eccentric.

As soon as they stepped into the church, Li Yang sensed a strange magnetic field enveloping the place.

“Mr. Li, what’s wrong? Is there a problem with the church?” Annie approached curiously as she saw him looking around.

“No... nothing. It’s just my first time in a Christian church—I’m simply curious.”

“I see. Then you must not be from Jiuquan Town. This church has been here for many years. I remember playing here as a child.” Annie seemed oblivious to Li Yang’s distracted air and continued chatting enthusiastically.

“I’m not from Jiuquan Town—I’m from Renjia Town,” Li Yang replied absently, probing for the center of the magnetic field.

“Renjia Town! Do you know Ren Tingting? She was my classmate when I studied abroad—we were in the same class!” At the mention of Renjia Town, Annie’s eyes lit up.

“You were classmates? Tingting is my wife now.” Li Yang was truly surprised by this connection.

“Really? When did you marry?” Seeing the happiness on Li Yang’s face, Annie’s eyes dimmed for a moment, her tone turning a bit awkward.

“Mr. Li, Miss Annie, the priest is about to begin the sermon.” Before Li Yang could answer, another bald pastor approached and pointed to the old priest on the pulpit.