**The Ao-Jing Sect (袄景教)**: A fictional syncretic sect that borrows its name from two major foreign religions in Chinese history: Zoroastrianism (袄教, also known as Xianjiao) and Nestorian Christianity (景教). Both were introduced to China via the Silk Road and had periods of imperial favor before being suppressed. By fusing them, the novel creates a uniquely “exotic” cult within the Dao-Twisted World—one that doesn’t operate on traditional Chinese cultivation principles but on a logic of *pleasing a foreign god through pain*. Their practice of covering their bodies (hiding wounds with tall hats and robes) echoes real-world ascetic traditions while doubling as body horror. Note the term “Gu God” (牯神) used by Miao Xin, versus “Bashe” (巴虺) from earlier chapters—this may hint at a pantheon or a misidentification.
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Definition
**The Ao-Jing Sect (袄景教)**: A fictional syncretic sect that borrows its name from two major foreign religions in Chinese history: Zoroastrianism (袄教, also known as Xianjiao) and Nestorian Christianity (景教). Both were introduced to China via the Silk Road and had periods of imperial favor before being suppressed. By fusing them, the novel creates a uniquely “exotic” cult within the Dao-Twisted World—one that doesn’t operate on traditional Chinese cultivation principles but on a logic of *pleasing a foreign god through pain*. Their practice of covering their bodies (hiding wounds with tall hats and robes) echoes real-world ascetic traditions while doubling as body horror. Note the term “Gu God” (牯神) used by Miao Xin, versus “Bashe” (巴虺) from earlier chapters—this may hint at a pantheon or a misidentification.
Story context
Li Huowang is back on his feet, and the shift in momentum is palpable. After surviving the nadir of his suicide letter, he’s now moving with purpose—gathering his supernatural tools and seeking out the elusive Ao-Jing Sect as a potential dagger aimed at Danyangzi. But this chapter isn’t just a transit scene. It’s a masterclass in how the Dao-Twisted World layers its everyday grotesqueries: first, we get the casual corruption of the Anci Nunnery (your Heavenly Scripture has *teeth marks* in it now), and then we’re treated to a slice-of-life look at the Lü Family Troupe’s post-looting misery, complete with a raw, painfully real family argument over money, pride, and a daughter-in-law’s bruised feelings. It’s quiet, it’s domestic, and it’s somehow more unsettling than a monster chase.
Why it matters
This chapter is a **transition breather**, but don’t let its lack of combat fool you. It’s doing two critical things: 1) *Re-establishing Li Huowang as an actor, not a victim.* His tone is lighter, almost joking (“Freakier than you? Hahaha.”), but that’s the manic edge of a man who’s found a new plan and is running with it before the despair catches up. 2) *Building the world’s texture.* The Ao-Jing Sect is getting a proper introduction through hearsay, and the domestic scene with the Lü family grounds the epic-scale horror in the everyday misery of poverty and family obligation. Pay attention to how Li Huowang doesn’t even bother to get angry about the theft—it’s a sign of his shifting priority. He’s like a shark that’s smelled blood; everything else is noise. Also, keep an eye on the “Heart-Element” (心素) lore drop—that’s a target on his back that’s getting brighter and brighter.
Quick facts
Source novel
Dao Gui Yi Xian
First appearance
On the Road
Chapter references
1
Type hints
Li Huowang, Anci Nunnery, Ao-Jing Sect
Guide tags
Transition Chapter, Worldbuilding, Folk Horror
Appears in chapters
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