Daoism had many sects, and the Zhengyi Sect had the most followers.
Householder Daoists in particular, meaning Daoists who practiced at home, almost all followed the Zhengyi Sect.
Maoshan was also part of the Zhengyi Sect. Daoists of this sect studied Fu Lu and magical techniques the most, so in films and television, anything involving Daoist magic usually involved the Maoshan or Longhu Mountain lineages.
The Soul Communication Technique originated in Maoshan. Its general purpose was to let living people communicate over long distances and exchange messages.
It was essentially like making a phone call to someone a thousand miles away. The ancients had only invented this technique because they had no cell phones.
Performing this technique required the Seven-Dipper Kui Gang Steps, along with specific Hand Seals and incantations. Only then could the plea reach heaven and have the gods help establish a bridge through which two people a thousand miles apart could exchange messages.
"Above, commune with the Three Pure Ones; below, answer the heart."
"I, Zhang Rong, third-generation disciple of Qingyang Temple, beseech the heavenly gods to work their magic and convey my message to Grandmaster Xiang Long."
"Grandmaster, Grandmaster, this is Zhang Rong..."
Zhang Rong performed the Seven-Dipper Kui Gang Steps, then stood still in a particular pose.
He squeezed his eyes shut, keeping his upper and lower body completely motionless. Only his neck and head swayed back and forth, just like a spirit medium.
After finishing the incantation, Zhang Rong waited about three to five minutes before suddenly knitting his brows tightly and saying, "Grandmaster, this is Zhang Rong. We can't hold out much longer. What's the situation down the mountain?"
None of us spoke. We kept quiet.
If Zhang Rong managed to contact Grandmaster, Grandmaster would be able to hear him speak, but only