Chapter 1382: Chapter 694: Joining the Sect (2)
Lin Beichen immediately accepted the mission.
Afterwards, he looked at the Zhou Family grandfather and grandson.
"Mr. Zhou, are you willing to lead your entire family in embracing Daoism and contribute to its revival and prosperity?" Lin Beichen’s gaze was sincere, free from hostility.
Upon hearing Lin Beichen’s words, Mr. Zhou laughed, "Daoist, what you said is true. I’ve said before, our family has followed Daoism for years due to the Daoist ancestors, and of course, we are willing to expand Daoism."
Next to him, Zhou Yi echoed, "I was actually an atheist before, but after meeting you, Daoist, I realized there are people beyond people, heavens beyond heavens. If it’s Daoism, I am willing to believe!"
Hearing the genuine words from both of them, Lin Beichen expressed his gratitude.
"In that case, both of you need to accompany me to Xuanzhen Temple; you can represent the entire Zhou Family in attending an initiation ceremony."
The Zhou Family grandfather and grandson agreed without a second thought.
"When does the Daoist plan to set out? We will definitely go with you to Xuanzhen Temple!"
Upon returning to Xuanzhen Temple, Lin Beichen immediately instructed Lan Zihua and Qiao Fan to host a simple initiation ceremony.
The initiation ceremony in Daoism is very complex due to the many things inherited, and various blessing rituals must be conducted for the initiating disciples.
Even though Xuanzhen Temple is not yet formally completed, after the entire Zhou Family joined Daoism, the number of disciples at the temple soared to over seventy.
After the initiation ceremony, Lin Beichen met privately with Mr. Zhou.
"The Zhou Family is a large family. Although everyone in the Zhou Family has become our Daoist disciples, to ensure you can maintain normal lives, I will make you outer disciples."
Outer disciples?
Daoism has declined for many years, and Mr. Zhou is not very familiar with the concept of outer disciples.
"An outer disciple is a Daoist disciple who can lead a normal life. You don’t need to fast or forgo marriage and children for Daoism. Just keep the true essence of Daoism in your heart as a belief."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhou quickly expressed his gratitude to Lin Beichen.
If not for Lin Beichen’s reminder, he was actually willing to become a true Daoist disciple, but he couldn’t let his many children follow him in that path.
"Thank you, Daoist, for considering our Zhou Family. Rest assured, our Zhou Family will do our utmost to assist you, help you achieve the revival of Daoism, and become its most loyal outer disciples!"
Looking at Mr. Zhou, Lin Beichen nodded.
The reason the Zhou Family attracted attention from Feilun Sect missionaries was due to its local prominence.
Thus, the news that the entire Zhou Family joined Daoism became a hot topic keenly reported by the media.
With media coverage, the citizens of the country also began to realize the power of Xuanzhen Temple.
"A religion that can convert people from the Zhou Group must have something extraordinary."
"In fact, Daoism has deep roots, but as society and technology develop, people no longer consider such ethereal existence as a belief."
In their leisure, people turned the story of the Zhou Family joining Daoism into a topic of discussion.
"Actually, I think that believing in Daoism is pretty good; after all, Daoist philosophy emphasizes self-cultivation, which is beneficial for one’s health!"
This group of missionaries raised their voices, immediately attracting everyone’s attention.
Initially, with only Lin Beichen speaking, everyone naturally wanted to believe him, yet seeing someone standing up to oppose him, their hearts began to waver.
The missionaries saw Lin Beichen’s silence and mistook it for fear, so they shouted to the crowd, "Don’t believe this young man. Being so young, how could he possibly comprehend the essence of Daoist Skill?"
"In fact, we’re doing this just so you don’t get caught in the rain!"
With that, the missionary looked smug.
Lin Beichen did not let their slander bother him.
In the face of absolute power, every slander appears feeble and powerless.
"Since you think I’m inept, do you dare to compete with me and see who’s more skilled?"
As soon as Lin Beichen said this, the missionaries who had been shouting became stupefied.
In such a situation, if they get exposed, it would be utterly disgraceful!
At this moment, an elderly man parted the crowd and stepped forward.
Judging by his attire, he was clearly from the Feilun Sect, and of considerable status!
Lin Beichen couldn’t help but frown.
From the aura of the elderly man, he could sense that this person was stronger than any opponent he had faced before.
But he was not afraid; growing stronger when challenged, that is the true mark of a man.
"Young man, I heard you want to compete. I’ll accompany you!"
The elderly man’s willingness to compete with Lin Beichen excited the crowd even more.
Being able to witness firsthand the clash between the Western Sect and the Eastern Sect would be quite a tale to tell.
Faced with this strong opponent, Lin Beichen was uncertain about his chances of winning but did not refuse.
The successful completion ceremony of Xuanzhen Temple was of great significance to him.
If defeated by the elderly man at this moment, though it wouldn’t affect his goal to revive Daoism, it would add a lot of trouble.
These troubles could hinder his progress.
"Since so, how should we compete? As the host, I am willing to welcome you as guests, proving I’ve not been dismissive of you folks who’ve traveled from afar."
With that, Lin Beichen looked at the Western elder.
This completion ceremony must not encounter any mishaps. Regardless of whether it’s Feilun Sect or other Western sects, none should obstruct the perfect completion of Xuanzhen Temple!
The moment the elder walked up, Lin Beichen realized that this person was exceptional, therefore he dared not underestimate him. In this competition, he must demonstrate his strength.
Previously, Lin Beichen had prepared for battle, but the elder laughed, saying, "No need to be so tense. You only need to inform everyone that this rain was not due to your efforts, but ours aiding in secret."
