TODC Chapter 3

“The Outcast!”

This is a world where extraordinary individuals, known as “异人” (yì rén), exist. These people possess unique abilities.

Some of these “异人” are born with these strange powers, while others acquire them through training or chance encounters. Their abilities can be seen as similar to the mutants in the X-Men movies, with all kinds of extraordinary powers…

However…

It’s only a loose comparison, because this is a world based on “Qi” (炁). The source of all the powers that “异人” possess is Qi.

So, what is Qi? In general, it refers to innate Qi, which is a formless energy. It’s a concept in spiritual cultivation, and whether it’s Buddhism or Taoism, Qi is a core expression of their practices.

Qi is the root of human life.

Without Qi, people wouldn’t be able to live. An “异人” refines, strengthens, and transforms the Qi within them into something with a tangible effect. This is the essence of their abilities.

For example, in the original story of this comic, the main character Zhang Chulan practices techniques that involve the use of Qi, and the goal of Baoyu’s journey is to reach Mount Longhu and learn the Golden Light Spell and Thunder Magic, which are secret techniques passed down by the Celestial Master lineage.

And then there’s the female protagonist…

A girl named Feng Baobao, who has been immortal for centuries. She possesses eternal youth, a body that doesn’t age, rapid healing abilities, and an inexhaustible source of innate Qi within her.

Her use of Qi is almost divine, far beyond ordinary techniques.

……

Now, let’s get back to Baoyu.

His knowledge of the world of The Outcast (一人之下）is quite limited. He had only watched the first two seasons of the anime during his university days to pass the time. As for the later developments in the manga, he knew nothing.

It’s been over three years since he came to this world, meaning it’s been about four or five years since he last thought about this anime.

Four or five years is enough time to forget many things.

Right now, if you asked him to recall some of the main characters or significant events, he could vaguely remember. But the finer details? They were long forgotten…

……

“Baoyu, Baoyu!” Master Xiekong’s voice snapped him back to reality.

“Master…”

“What are you thinking about?”

“Uh, I was just wondering what this Luotian Dajiao is all about, and what exactly you want me to do there.”

Baoyu’s eyes darted around as he gradually calmed down. He now had a clearer grasp of his situation.

Panicking was useless. What mattered was whether he could get more information from his master.

Master Xiekong gave him a puzzled look. “The Luotian Dajiao is generally a grand Taoist ritual to eliminate disasters and evil spirits. But since the founding of the nation, evil spirits have mostly disappeared from the world.

So over time, it’s evolved into a grand event for Taoists to select disciples. However, I’ve heard that this year’s Luotian Dajiao is different from the past.”

……

As Master Xiekong continued, some sealed memories gradually resurfaced in Baoyu’s mind.

He knew that this Luotian Dajiao was being held by the current Celestial Master of Mount Longhu, Zhang Zhiwei, the strongest 异人 in the world, with the special purpose of selecting Zhang Chulan as his successor.

Zhang Chulan, the main character of the original comic, appeared to be an ordinary university student. He had lived with his grandfather and father since childhood, learning strange Taoist techniques, including the secret practices of Mount Longhu—the Golden Light Spell and Thunder Magic.

But Zhang Chulan’s grandfather disappeared ten years ago, followed by his father the next year, leaving Zhang Chulan an orphan.

He followed his grandfather’s advice, keeping his powers hidden for ten years…

Until recently, when Zhang Chulan was discovered by the 异人 organization known as “Nadto Company.” It was only then that he learned where his skills came from: the Taoist sect of Mount Longhu.

His grandfather, Zhang Huaiyi, had been a traitor to the Celestial Master lineage over seventy years ago, known as the infamous bandit Big Ear Thief.

Zhang Zhiwei, the current Celestial Master, was Zhang Huaiyi’s senior in the sect, meaning Zhang Chulan should call him “Master Ancestor.”

Years ago, when Zhang Chulan’s grandfather left the sect, everyone in the Celestial Master’s mansion knew there was a hidden reason behind it.

So they never resented him and continued to search for him for many years.

When Zhang Chulan resurfaced, attracting attention from various forces, the Celestial Master mansion finally found the descendant of Zhang Huaiyi.

Since Zhang Chulan might possess the incredible technique taught by his grandfather—one of the Eight Great Techniques, the Qi Body Source Flow—he became a target for many.

This year’s Luotian Dajiao was a grand stage set by Zhang Zhiwei, not only to pass down the lineage of the Celestial Master mansion but also to protect his former junior’s descendant, Zhang Chulan…

……

“Thud…”

“Ouch!! Master…”

Baoyu clutched his head, his delicate features twisted in pain!

Master Xiekong had knocked him on the head, his finger poised in the air. With his kind smile and trembling white beard, he sprayed spittle all over Baoyu’s face.

“You brat! I’ve tolerated you long enough! Am I that boring? You drift off after just one sentence…”

“Master, Master, I know my mistake!”

“You’re the head monk here! You should maintain your image!”

Baoyu tugged at the wide sleeve of his master’s robe, loudly pleading.

The old monk, now cold-faced, turned his back on Baoyu and sat down, ignoring him.

……

Baoyu smiled apologetically from behind. “Master, please don’t be mad. I’ve learned my lesson!”

“Hmph!”

The old monk shook Baoyu’s hand off his robe.

“Master, let me pour you a cup of tea to calm your anger!”

“Hmph~”

Xiekong shuffled, his white beard sticking up indignantly.

“……”

A few black lines appeared on Baoyu’s forehead.

“Master, fine, rest then. I won’t go to Mount Longhu!”

“……”

“Wha—?”

The old monk’s head snapped around, his tone suddenly urgent.

“I’ve already promised the Celestial Master! If you don’t go, I’ll lose face…”

Feigning departure, Baoyu stopped. “Weren’t you ignoring me?”

“How could I? You’re my favorite disciple. I’m counting on you to take care of me in my old age!”

“Hmmm…

Then, Master, could you tell me more about what I should watch out for at this Luotian Dajiao?”

Baoyu calmly returned to his seat.

“……”

Master Xiekong felt his blood pressure rising. After steadying himself, he began.

“This year’s Luotian Dajiao isn’t ordinary. Talented young 异人 from various factions will gather, and there’s bound to be fierce competition.

You’re going to represent me and show respect to the Celestial Master, so don’t embarrass me.

But at the same time, you mustn’t be too conspicuous.

The Celestial Master has his reasons for arranging such a grand event. You need to demonstrate the strength of Lingyin Temple without ruining his plans.

I want you to aim for neither first nor second place…

Just aim for third or fourth!”

“……”

Baoyu put on a surprised face.

“Master, you’re sending me to fight?”

He waved his hands, “No way! We monks are supposed to be peaceful. How can we fight?”

Xiekong Master, his forehead twitching, pointed at him angrily. “You brat! You’ve mastered all my techniques. Among the younger generation, hardly anyone can beat you. Why are you so cowardly?”

“Cowardly? No, no. I’m just compassionate.”

“A monk must avoid greed, ignorance, and anger.

How could I fight for no reason?”

Master Xiekong took a deep breath, calming himself down, his voice trembling slightly.

“Alright, what’s your condition?”

“…….”

Baoyu rubbed his shaved head, flashing a smile with his pearly white teeth. “Master, I’m usually so quiet and non-competitive.

Since you insist on me going to this Luotian Dajiao…

How about giving me that cherished string of prayer beads you keep?”

“……..”