Monster Chronicles: My Daoist Skill Comes from Mythology
Chapter 138 - 134 3 Refuges, 3 Precepts, 9 Prohibitions, Great Success of Divine Establishment! (1/3)

Chapter 138: Chapter 134 3 Refuges, 3 Precepts, 9 Prohibitions, Great Success of Divine Establishment! (1/3)

"The principle I set is to evaluate one’s character before accepting the liturgical rite, ensuring adherence to the Three Refuges, the Three Laws, and the Nine Precepts, and the declaration of twelve grand vows."

The Three Refuges refer to the Taoist Scripture, Master, and Treasure, as well as devotion to the Great Dao, which is the foremost rule of cultivation.

Having one’s heart aligned with the Great Dao is the primary criterion for selection; if one prioritizes wealth and glory, then one is no better than the disciples of the Lao Mountain Taoist Changjing.

The scriptures include the Taoist School’s classics, spiritual cultivation texts, and teachings. Song Lin plans to add more codes for self-cultivation and internal sect regulations in the future.

The term "Master" is self-explanatory, encompassing teachers and immortals alike.

This serves as the foundational rule for entering Dao.

Not only does this apply to liturgy Taoists, but even Taoist disciples from the outset are bound by such rules.

In addition to the Three Refuges, there are the Three Laws.

"Do not presume the Heavenly Heart to be aligned with one’s own heart; do not deceive or mislead sentient beings; do not manifest divine powers or claim divinity in the mortal world."

Then there are the Nine Precepts: diligence, respect and humility, carefulness in killing, abstinence from lust, abstinence from theft, abstinence from anger, abstinence from deceit, abstinence from arrogance, and abstinence from duplicity.

These precepts were carried over from Song Lin’s former life, albeit with a modification. The original "prohibition of killing" was altered to "carefulness in killing."

In this world, total prohibition of killing is impossible.

Demonic entities and evildoers abound; it’s impractical to rely solely on moral persuasion.

Moreover, these rules aren’t entirely modeled after the real world.

Externally, hostile demons and monsters still require firm measures.

Rather than diminish cultivators’ strength, the intention is to foster their character, redirecting their focus toward the Dao.

Considering the specific circumstances of this world, modifications primarily apply to internal conduct. Externally, decisive action remains imperative to cultivate a sect free of internal strife.

The strength of character lies not in unfettered desires — any living creature can act without restraint.

The higher discipline is in restraining one’s own desires.

Song Lin, having climbed from the bottom, has witnessed much treachery and malice — Taoists’ merciless exploitation and slaughter of lower-ranking individuals.

The alchemy room where one dies within five years; the medicine-gathering boys in the storage room where fewer than half survive three years; and the deadly Yin Yang Altar.

Many tragedies could be avoided, but relentless oppression and disregard for human life from the top down reduce ordinary disciples’ lives to less than a few dharma coins.

This is the consequence of unchecked desires and unregulated power.

When one wields force without control, dependence grows, leading to thefts and massacres.

Both Ziyuan and the Heavenly Sect Leader share this flaw.

The prevailing chaos in the Taoist School fundamentally stems from neglecting the cultivation of character, with internal strife consuming a significant portion of their power.

"From the Taoist disciples onward, future Advanced Taoists and higher-ranking Taoists must abide by the Three Refuges, Three Laws, and Nine Precepts."

As for the twelve grand vows, Song Lin believes they are best declared after achieving Divine Establishment.

However, the liturgical rites for Divine Establishment are beyond his jurisdiction for the time being.

"Furthermore, from now on, the Taoist Temple will be relocated to the rear mountain, and cultivation within the city is prohibited. City-based Taoist Temples will serve as bases for administering secular affairs and provide resting places. Some temples, including the central main hall, will be open to commoners for offerings and worship."

Without clear boundaries between cultivators and mortals, frequent displays of divine powers before commoners breed arrogance and vanity among cultivators.

Many ordinary people perceive them as indulging in luxury and splendor, a sentiment mirrored by the newcomers, which then perpetuates itself. Future mortals will be no different.

The vacated temple halls will be designated for worshiping the Temple Emperor Seal, utilizing the people’s collective power.

Additionally, a series of measures will address the treatment of Taoist disciples, particularly regarding the retirement and welfare of aging or injured disciples.

Elder disciples proficient in Water Techniques will be assigned to villages as stationed Taoists, using their skill to heal the sick and exorcise evil, thereby enhancing the Taoist Temple’s reputation.

Alternatively, they will be placed in farms or shops as managers.

Upon hearing Song Lin’s proposals, the disciples rejoiced, deeming him their savior.

From now on, they no longer need to fear for their lives.

"Long live the Temple Master!!"

Although other Taoists did not fully understand, Song Lin’s high prestige and the temple’s recent turbulent years made the plan acceptable.

"All in all, there will no longer be unchecked behavior; liturgy Taoists violating the precepts will be punished."

"Lastly, the Capital Management Courtyard will be tasked with monitoring responsibilities."

Having made the arrangements, Song Lin instructed everyone to proceed with the rebuild and asked Lin Qing to lead a group to the mountain to establish the Taoist Temple.

The goal is to detach from mortal distractions and focus on cultivation.

Of course, the temple’s farms and shops remain essential for income generation.

In the following days, under the efforts of tens of thousands of Rampant Soldiers, not only was the Taoist Temple reconstructed, but most of the local villagers’ homes were rebuilt as well. During this time, the temple opened its granaries, boosting the incense offerings to the Temple Emperor Seal.

The temple turned into a symbol of faith for tens of thousands of locals.

Meanwhile, Shi Yinhua continued to remain in seclusion.

This cultivator specializes in Innate Corpse Qi, a second-rank True Qi.

Upon his emergence from seclusion, Song Lin intends to appoint him as Chief, delegating most of the power in his stead.

Song Lin isn’t someone obsessed with authority; his ambition to climb higher is merely to attain ultimate freedom.

...

On a mountain peak, within a newly constructed secret chamber.

Song Lin sat cross-legged, the Golden Crow Yang Pattern on his brow radiating dazzling light.

The fiery Innate Pure Yang Qi bathed his Divine Soul.

The soul above his head grew increasingly tangible, almost corporeal.

Spirit Refining Realm had reached eighty percent completion.

At this rate, Spirit Refining Great Success and entry into Foundation Establishment Breakthrough would be achievable within a year.

But it was still too slow.

With the demons’ preemptive battles failing, a fiercer counterattack is imminent based on past experiences.

Thus...

Song Lin ceased his cultivation, stood up, and gazed out the window.

Swoosh!

In a flash, his figure transformed into a streak of light and disappeared.

Under the blessing of Pure Yang Qi, his flight speed significantly increased.

Landscapes on both shores swept past quickly.

Strong winds struck against his True Qi shield, which deflected them, leaving his garments undisturbed.

As he flew, he pondered.

In the forthcoming days, the priority is to enhance cultivation, navigate the storyline, and safely pass the Dragon Abyss Conference.

As for long-term goals, the objective is straightforward: rise steadily within this realm, become a Taoist Heavenly Master, and attain true freedom.

Being the Temple Master grants a degree of freedom, but with many superiors, there are still constraints.

Beyond that, there is the mysterious Blessing Meeting and the future Phoenix Platform Dragon Throwing.

Each political transition is fraught with overt battles and covert schemes.

Not to mention the myriad dharma assemblies and struggles against demons.

Ultimately, relying on this world’s Taoist Skill to continuously grow stronger is the only way to establish oneself firmly.

Soon, Song Lin arrived at Mei Mountain Jungle, heading deep into the forest to visit Master Huoyun.

At the edge of the mountain, a fiery-tempered Chi Mei Taoist with an aura akin to an erupting volcano stood arrogantly.

This mountain, situated in the heart of the city, had been moved by Huoyun Taoist’s immense Divine Skills.

"Master, I intend to cultivate in Mei Mountain Blessed Land for a period." Song Lin directly stated his purpose.

One privilege of being Temple Master includes three annual opportunities to cultivate in the Blessed Land, each lasting ten days.

Mei Mountain Blessed Land is a time-spatial sanctuary—one external day equates to ten internal days.

In other words, Song Lin gets an additional three hundred cultivation days per year compared to others.

"Alright, seize the opportunity to strengthen your cultivation. However, before you enter, this seat intends to convene a meeting; you must stay a few more days."

The meeting was brief, mainly discussing the division into six battle zones.

Master Huoyun and Three Capitals would oversee the Mei Mountain Battlefield.

Xuanke Temple, Five Ghosts Temple, True Demon Temple, Fuji Temple, and Hall Master Heluo joined forces to form the Central Battle Zone.

Each zone was assigned a leader to coordinate actions and obey commands.

Following the meeting, the Hall Master summoned the group to an adjoining hall.

The Hall Master exuded an aura of eerie coldness.

His facial skin was pale enough to reveal blood vessels, with faint black scales resembling those of a predator, and his eyes were luminescent green vertical pupils.

A mere glance from his eyes gave the impression of being targeted by an ancient ferocious beast.

"Ahem, I believe you all recognize me. Take some time to introduce yourselves to each other."

While Song Lin knew the others, this was his first encounter with the White Tiger Temple Master from Fuji Temple.

The Hall Master swept a penetrating gaze across the group.

"In short, the next dharma assembly will be extremely perilous. Everyone must follow orders faithfully and avoid withholding efforts, or I will not show mercy."

"Understood!"

"Your name is Song Lin? Mr. Donghua?" Heluo scrutinized Song Lin briefly. "Slightly inferior to Jiuyou’s level. I advise you to temper your sharpness; the Taoist Temple doesn’t lack prodigies, but most casualties in the Dragon Abyss Conference are prodigies."

Song Lin, as one of the three major Temple Masters, was referred to as Mr. Donghua or Altar Master by those in the jungle.

This amounted to earning recognition and reputation.

"I appreciate your advice." Song Lin responded composedly.

Heluo nodded slightly, impressed by Song Lin’s humility and lack of arrogance, and then smiled.

"No need to be tense. I enjoy camaraderie; eventually, we will all be comrades sharing life and death. Brothers and sisters need not be overly formal. Should we have a meal together?"

"No, I need to enter Mei Mountain Blessed Land for seclusion."

"Seclusion?" Heluo pondered briefly. "Time is of the essence. I advise you to enter seclusion for no longer than twenty days; after that, you must report to True Demon Temple without delay as the demons’ arrival is imminent."

Twenty days?

The two-hundred-year pact of this storyline requires a total of two hundred forty days.

Currently, fewer than twenty days have passed.

Normally, within Mei Mountain Blessed Land, one should be able to fulfill this without difficulty.

Now, with only twenty days allotted, it clearly falls short.

Though such constraints couldn’t be openly addressed, Song Lin deliberated carefully and ultimately agreed.

Two hundred days should suffice to achieve Spirit Refining Great Success.

With this in mind, Song Lin refrained from further delay, immediately bidding farewell and seeking out Huoyun Taoist.

"Master, I’m ready."

"Very well!"

Huoyun Taoist flipped his wrist, revealing a miniature fire-palace burning with flames in his palm.

This was the Dao Artifact — Fire Palace.

Above spiritual artifacts are Dao Artifacts, imbued with traces of Dao resonance, enabling extraordinary functions.

"Enter!"

Whoosh!

Song Lin was sucked inside.

Moments later, the scenery before him became clear.

Once again, he arrived at the familiar Mei Mountain.

The mountain housed numerous residences.

Several residences had closed gates, adorned with plaques indicating occupancy.

Song Lin also spotted someone — a white-haired youth.

"Oh? Song Lin? How are you here?" The figure was Hua Qing, who greeted Song Lin upon seeing him.

"Seclusion. My Spirit Refining Realm is close to Great Success."

"So am I. I’ve been here for a year and a half."

"I see." Song Lin couldn’t help but marvel at the benefits of having a good mentor.

Access to Mei Mountain Blessed Land is highly exclusive.

Adding more people increases consumption of Heaven and Earth Essence Qi, with admission capped at ten individuals.

If not for Hua Qing being Huoyun’s disciple, extended stays wouldn’t be feasible.

"Say no more; let’s talk upon exit."

"Alright!"

Each went their separate ways for seclusion.

The residences were equipped with facilities for cultivation, artifact refining, and alchemy.

Song Lin retrieved the materials for the Dragon Suppressing Pill and Tiger Suppressing Pill.

With two hundred days and the assistance of pills, Spirit Refining Great Success should be achievable.

Time steadily passed.

Between refining pills and cultivating Spirit Refining, Song Lin occasionally returned to the storyline to handle affairs, then swiftly returned.

His body radiated golden light as the Emperor’s True Energy emanated.

Gold and silver intermingled, full of contradictions yet harmoniously coexisting.

Days slipped by.

Then one day — boom!

Thunder roared within the chamber; sunlight blazed brightly.

Divine Establishment Great Success!

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