"A lone star, defying fate?"
Old Zhang's words left me dumbfounded. "A lone star" wasn't hard to understand, probably similar to what my grandfather had mentioned as "fate against the lone star," but what does "defying fate" mean?
And what does he mean by "protective dragon spirit"? How did he know that my grandfather is Wang Lingfeng? Could it be that he already knew my grandfather from a long time ago?
In just a short moment, my mind was filled with countless question marks.
"Hmm?"
Seeing that I genuinely didn't understand, old Zhang also revealed a hint of suspicion in his eyes and asked, "You really don't know?"
"Isn't that obvious?"
If I did, would I have to listen to your nonsense here?
With a disdainful look at old Zhang, I quickly nodded, indicating that I really had no idea about it.
"So, you even don't know the true identity of your grandfather?"
Old Zhang's eyes narrowed, seemingly smiling, but his disguised expression didn't escape my vigilance. And just now, he referred to my grandfather as "old bastard," making me even more wary of him.
Since he came for me and knows my grandfather, he must have some ulterior motives. Could it be that he's after something my grandfather left for me?
In a flash, I almost thought of this possibility, but quickly dismissed it. If he really wanted that thing, with his abilities, he could just take it directly. Why bother getting close to me like this?
But if he's not after that thing, what is he after? I don't think there's anything else on me that could attract him.
"Hmm! I really don't know much."
Despite being cautious, I honestly nodded and said, "I only know that my grandfather seemed to have been a Taoist when he was young."
"That's right, your grandfather was indeed a Taoist in the past."
After hearing my answer, old Zhang nodded, then changed the subject, "But, he wasn't an ordinary Taoist!"
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, my interest was suddenly piqued, and I subconsciously looked at Old Zhang, waiting for his next words.
Old Zhang did not continue to tease me, and immediately said, "I'll tell you the truth. Your grandfather is not only a Taoist priest, but also the former head of the Maoshan sect!"
"What!"
Upon hearing this, I felt like I had been struck by lightning. The head of the Maoshan sect? My grandfather is actually the head of the Maoshan sect? This... this is too unbelievable, isn't it?
"Huh?"
Suddenly, my eyes noticed the computer beside me. Without hesitation, I quickly opened the computer and, in front of Old Zhang, searched for the four words "Maoshan sect head" on Baidu.
Soon, the all-powerful Baidu told me a name: Zuo Qingmei!
"No way! Look here, it clearly says that the previous head of the Maoshan sect was a person named Zuo Qingmei. How could it be my grandfather?"
While feeling relieved, I also felt a little disappointed. After all, if my grandfather really was the previous head of the Maoshan sect, then I could be considered a "second-generation official" to some extent. Oh no, more accurately, I should be considered a "third-generation official."
"You brat, why are you in such a hurry? Listen to me finish talking first!"
Seeing my skeptical look, Old Zhang couldn't help but roll his eyes, and then continued, "In a sense, what is written there is actually correct. Zuo Qingmei was indeed the previous head of the Maoshan sect. However, he was the head of the Maoshan sect's exoteric branch, while your grandfather was the head of the Maoshan sect's esoteric branch!"
"Esoteric branch?"
Upon hearing this, I became even more confused. I thought to myself: is it really necessary for them to have exoteric and esoteric branches? Should they also have a political commissar to go with them?
"Heh, you don't understand, do you? The so-called esoteric branch..."
Seeing my skeptical look, Old Zhang began to explain the matter without waiting for me to ask further.
After listening to his explanation, I finally understood that in modern times, both Taoism and Buddhism had exoteric and esoteric branches. The exoteric branch mainly consisted of monks and Taoist priests commonly seen in temples or monasteries. They were considered religious and cultural inheritors and mostly focused on religious rituals, while very few were involved in martial arts or cultivation.
The esoteric branch, on the other hand, learned the true essence of both Buddhism and Taoism, such as exorcism, talisman drawing, and alchemy. These esoteric branches were mostly taught and inherited within a single lineage, so they were less numerous. Though some temples and monasteries might have hundreds or thousands of people, those who truly understood the esoteric arts and were capable of exorcism were rare, probably less than one-tenth of the total number. Some sects had completely lost this tradition and became mere shells.
According to Old Zhang, initially, the exoteric and esoteric branches were part of the same sect, without a distinction. However, during the Yuan Dynasty, the court suddenly intervened in various major religious sects, including Quanzhen, Zhendan, and Taiyi.
Starting from the time of Genghis Khan, the positions of the heads of various major religious sects were appointed or recognized by the court, leading to the dispute between the exoteric and esoteric branches. Initially, it was just a war of words, but later it escalated into large-scale physical conflicts.
Although the esoteric practitioners were highly skilled and capable of taking on multiple opponents, they were outnumbered by the exoteric practitioners, who were also recognized by the court at that time. As a result, the exoteric branch emerged victorious, while the esoteric branch was forced to leave its homeland and wander among the people.
As a result, many profound arts, such as talisman drawing and alchemy, were lost in that era.
Fortunately, not all the heads of the exoteric branches were foolish. Some of them, while publicly conflicting with the esoteric branch, secretly supported and preserved them, ensuring the continuation of certain arts to this day.
My grandfather happened to be the heir of the esoteric branch of Maoshan, with profound cultivation skills. Even the famous Taoist Zhang of Longhu Mountain had to step back in front of him.
Unfortunately, no matter how powerful a person is, they cannot withstand the tide of the "Cultural Revolution". At that time, under the slogan of overthrowing all "monsters and demons," he was forced to retreat into seclusion deep in the mountains. Since marrying my grandmother, he never showed his abilities in public again!
"I see!"