[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t":3,"chapter-living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-chapter-375":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Living Among All Heavens, Achieving Immortality Through Merit",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2323943,4545,"Chapter 375: This Is Hangzhou","living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-chapter-375",375,"\u003Cp>“Xiao Dao Jingmu is the senior brother of the abbot of the Maoshan Sect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Tongren Hall, an old Daoist with white hair and beard spoke to Gu Qing: “Huang Qing, who conferred the talisman upon you, is a disciple of the Zhen generation in our Maoshan Sect. Back then…” Jingmu’s tone was restrained as he spun a long tale, concluding: “Now the celestial order has shifted. Master Ye Fashan has sent us to find you. We misjudged the situation, thinking it was revenge…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Jingmu had completely shed his former arrogance, speaking with utmost deference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Fashan was a renowned Daoist of Maoshan; Gu Qing, from the talisman’s records, knew he served as the Left Immortal Lord in the Purple Micro Palace, said to have been born in the Daye era of the Sui Dynasty, attained the Dao during Emperor Xuanzong’s reign, wielded potent magic, and once escorted Emperor Xuanzong to the Moon Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By lineage, shouldn’t I address you as Grandmaster?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing’s tone revealed no emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parent, Teacher—the Sovereign comes before the Teacher.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Jingmu bowed deeply and said: “Now we are sovereign and subject; such lineage talk would be an insult to us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was very astute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing was satisfied. Hearing that the Maoshan Daoists excelled in talismanic water healing, exorcising ghosts and demons, and communicating with spirits, Gu Qing took Jingmu to Hangzhou’s docks. After several rounds of treatment, the villagers here had been won over; Gu Qing united them into the Caobang , proclaiming himself the Purple Micro Star descended, heralding a coming transformation of Heaven and Earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Caobang  consisted mostly of the destitute, bolstered by Maoshan Daoists demonstrating supernatural feats and Gu Qing’s martial arts instruction. With strengthened power, their lives improved; coupled with Gu Qing’s business guidance, more and more impoverished people flocked to join, and it quickly flourished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tongren Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing had just returned from outside and saw Xiao Qing pacing restlessly. Upon seeing him, she rushed forward, scolding him playfully for always being away lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t the Dragon Boat Festival coming?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing embraced Xiao Qing, whispering soothing words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragon Boat Festival was a trial for Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing. Bai Suzhen, with deep cultivation, could endure it; Xiao Qing, with shallow cultivation, even with the Southern Pole Immortal’s incantation, could not guarantee safety. With the festival near, Xiao Qing was already restless and feverish, and seeing Gu Qing constantly occupied with Caobang  affairs, she naturally grew irritable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m going back to the mountains to escape the heat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qing frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can’t go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing immediately stopped her: “Lately, as I cultivate my practice, my Yuan Shen has stirred. At night, I’ve had dream omens—if you leave us now, disaster will surely follow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing had deeply offended Fa Hai and become his stumbling block. Fa Hai now constantly watches, aware that Gu Qing and Xiao Qing are married. If they separate on the Dragon Boat Festival, trouble is inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what do we do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qing grumbled: “If I stay home, I’ll inevitably reveal my true form.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weather made Xiao Qing suffer terribly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve already found you a place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing embraced Xiao Qing and led her to the well’s mouth. He bowed to the well, and the Well Spirit appeared, smiling at Xiao Qing: “Little girl, when the Dragon Boat Festival comes, jump into the well—it will naturally protect you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qing, though once prone to offending others, respected the immortals Gu Qing revered and had lately won the favor of the household deities. Hearing the Well Spirit’s words, she bowed gracefully, overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, let’s go inside!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing embraced Xiao Qing, ready to enter the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qing’s body burned with heat; even if she wanted to, she had no desire now. As Gu Qing pulled her, she quickly raised the white flag: “Not these days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing’s cultivation of the Sun Golden Core was inherently scorching; Xiao Qing feared losing control and revealing her true form, giving Gu Qing an unprecedented experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why blame me for not keeping you company?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing pinched Xiao Qing’s cheek—smooth, delicate, exquisite to the touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Companionship is companionship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qing walked beside Gu Qing: “We’re newly married. Since you founded the Caobang , you’ve been busy…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing, Bai Suzhen, and Xiao Qing’s wedding had drawn little attention. The three wore new robes, bowed to Heaven and Earth, and only Xu Xian, Li Gongfu, Wang Fengshan, Pei Squire, and the Five Ghosts attended—all simple. Now, Gu Qing, Bai Suzhen, and Xiao Qing were still in their honeymoon phase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing had too much marriage experience; seeing Xiao Qing’s expression, he knew she simply wanted to be near him. He pulled her close: “I’m doing this for our long-term future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wife carried the Purple Micro Star. Even if Gu Qing slacked off later, he could become Taishang Huang like Li Yuan. But timing-wise, his son’s future rivals would be Zhao Gou and the Hai Ling Wang, Wanyan Liang—both vile men, yet both capable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing needed to lay a foundation for his child, and also to use Maoshan Sect’s reserves to forge talismans and artifacts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon entering home, as usual, Gu Qing burned incense for the Medicine God, Lu Dongbin, Chang’e, and the Queen of Flowers. When he burned incense for Chang’e, the incense smoke sank heavily—clearly, the goddess was deeply displeased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Husband, don’t trouble Chang’e tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Suzhen, seeing the incense smoke, blushed, feeling deeply embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time Gu Qing made love with her, they had to ask Chang’e to conceal their union from prying eyes. To Chang’e, this seemed disrespectful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing was also troubled. Chang’e refused to teach him her method, so he could only give her a sense of involvement. Today, as he burned incense, he held an extra scroll. After burning it, he said: “Chang’e, your nature is pure, flawless. Brocade and pearls can no longer enhance you. I’ve designed two sets of robes for you—may your radiance endure eternally, your jade visage forever youthful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The robes in the scroll were a fusion of skins from the game Honor of Kings, with added pants and linings—novel and bold by contemporary standards. Gu Qing didn’t know if Chang’e would like them, but he personally loved them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this incense offering, mindful of Chang’e’s and the Bed Spirit’s moods, and aware of Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing’s discomfort nearing the Dragon Boat Festival, Gu Qing refrained from any exertion that night. They simply chatted, then went to sleep early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fifth day of the fifth month, known as the Dragon Boat Festival, also called the Orchid Bath Festival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this day, the people of Hangzhou burned noon incense; the wealthy burned it for a full month. Xiao Qing had Zaozao  hidden in the well. Gu Qing attended to Bai Suzhen and, unusually, did not handle Caobang  affairs, sitting instead in Tongren Hall to treat the townsfolk and prepare some realgar wine—though he would never force Bai Suzhen to drink it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this continuous activity, by noon, Gu Qing was about to close up for the festival when an unexpected visitor arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, Doctor Shi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing greeted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man entering Tongren Hall was tall and thin, aged. After entering the main hall, he glanced around, tapped the table, and said: “Doctor Gu, it’s been a long time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their last meeting had been at Baojia Mountain admiring peach blossoms, where Gu Qing, through his medical skill, humiliated him. Since then, Gu Qing’s reputation in Hangzhou soared, and many of Doctor Shi’s patients came to Gu Qing, clearing long-standing illnesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doctor Shi knew Gu Qing was not to be trifled with. He did not seek Qin Gui’s help but instead maneuvered his way into the People’s Medicine Bureau. Recently, while treating people at the docks, Gu Qing learned from Lu Dongbin that this man had replaced old medicine with inferior stock, harming patients in subtle ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time, I’ve come to make a deal with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Doctor Shi spoke, another man stood outside, not entering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What deal? Speak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing raised his eyes slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hear Doctor Gu recently acquired a fine batch of medicine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doctor Shi leaned close: “Good. I have a friend who deals in herbs. A pharmacy in Zhenjiang needs quality medicine. Sell this batch, and you’ll gain a 30% profit for free. I hear you’re short on funds…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing scratched his ear, blew on his fingernail, and dismissed Doctor Shi’s words with contempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Doctor Shi spoke less.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I give away all my medicine, what do I use to treat patients?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when Doctor Shi fell silent did Gu Qing speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing had indeed acquired fine medicine recently—medicine from the Southern Pole Immortal himself. He used it to save lives, not for trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Use our People’s Medicine Bureau’s herbs!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doctor Shi immediately said: “Doctor Gu, I can guarantee quality and quantity for Tongren Hall’s supply.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing looked up, studied Doctor Shi’s expression, then glanced outside at the waiting merchant. His Golden Core trembled; his Yuan Shen stirred faintly, naturally revealing the man’s identity: “That’s Xu Gan from Zhenjiang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doctor Shi nodded, smiling: “So Doctor Gu knows him too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Gan was a medicine peddler who played a key role in the Bai Niangzi tale: he lured Xu Xian to Jinshan Temple, triggering the flood of Jinshan. In the story, Xu Gan, captivated by Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing’s beauty, became obsessed, even demanded to marry Xiao Qing. When Bai Suzhen saw Xu Gan, her heart trembled—she sensed disaster tied to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a minor trial for Bai Suzhen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In folk tales, Xu Gan, enamored with Bai Niangzi’s beauty, deliberately hosted a banquet, inviting her to wait in the back courtyard. As the feast began, he intended to assault her—truly an old villain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing waved his hand, pushing Doctor Shi out the door: “I won’t do business with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, Xu Gan saw Gu Qing and raised his hand to greet him—when suddenly, with a sharp snap, Gu Qing slammed the door shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looks like it’s not going to work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Gan sighed bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doctor Shi sneered coldly: “One plan fails, another awaits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both men’s words reached Gu Qing, but now he was with Bai Suzhen for lunch, so he ignored them. After all, it was noon—and anyone opposing him would inevitably face consequences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evening approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doctor Shi, accompanied by servants, was transporting medicine when suddenly, a commotion arose ahead. He looked and saw two vendors fighting—one with a knife, one with a rolling pin. They fought fiercely; the man with the rolling pin fled, panicked, and crashed into Doctor Shi’s cart. The knife-wielder, relentless, drew his blade and slashed. The servants scattered in terror; even Doctor Shi retreated aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Watch yourselves when you fight! Don’t damage my goods!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doctor Shi shouted, stepping back. As he slipped into the crowd, two arms seized him. A cloth-like object slapped over his face—he smelled medicinal fragrance, had no time to cry out, and fainted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s going on…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before fainting, Doctor Shi couldn’t comprehend it. Then a bucket of cold water splashed over him—he awoke, looked around. Torches blazed; they were deep in the mountains. A large crowd surrounded him, most of them kindly-faced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Doctor Shi, we meet again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man at the front glared at Doctor Shi, barked fiercely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What grudge do we have?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doctor Shi sensed danger and quickly changed tone: “I’ll pay you money!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man holding the torch glared: “Who wants your corrupt money!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Doctor Shi studied the man, thought hard, then cried out: “You’re Wu San!” Knowing his name, Doctor Shi instantly felt superiority, ready to rebuke him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wu San, calm down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone behind pulled Wu San: “This man swapped medicine, allied with Qin Gui, secretly poisoned patients—his crimes are countless. But we must follow procedure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t care!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu San roared: “He ruined my life! Kill him, then I’ll flee to the countryside!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others nearby hurried to Quan .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doctor Shi listened from the side, sensing a vast organization before him; from their speech, they all seemed to be Daoists, upholding the Daoist principle of “equal compassion and love, treating all surnames as one family,” yet they did not address each other as brothers, but as comrades, speaking of the Purple Star descending to the mortal realm— their ambitions ran deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While observing, Doctor Shi was brought to a high platform, its sides stained dark red with blood—as if many had been slain—causing Doctor Shi to tremble violently; he was about to beg for mercy when the figures above began to preside over his public trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as they spoke, Doctor Shi felt his five viscera and six bowels laid bare; countless hidden secrets were dragged out, each crime listed in turn, then those below began to vote, deciding whether Doctor Shi was good or evil, whether he deserved death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doctor Shi knelt upon Mount Tai, watching as they prepared everything; his heart was in utter panic, and he continuously begged for mercy, hoping they might show leniency—but as each crime was tallied, he fell silent himself; in the end, he could only gaze pale-faced at the crowd below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qing’s voice came from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Doctor Shi looked closely and realized Gu Qing was also involved…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2247,"2026-06-20T17:04:27.745Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","73c618b550492534ae5d02ecb2d36bdb0d3044fb2db75136feeaea0288c92373","living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-chapter-376","living-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-chapter-374",449,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fliving-among-all-heavens-achieving-immortality-t-cover.jpg"]