Chapter 635: Master and Disciple

Wudang Mountain boasts the magnificent sight of eighty-one peaks converging towards its main summit, yet not every peak hosts a Taoist temple, nor does every mountain shelter a Taoist for cultivation. Xiaozhu Peak, located to the north, benefited from the construction boom initiated by the Prince of Beiliang on the mountain, leading to the establishment of a new Taoist temple there. Its abbot is Han Gui, the youngest disciple of the venerable Taoist master Song Zhiming. This young Taoist focused on cultivating his mind rather than his physical strength; even the late Grand Abbot Wang Chonglou once remarked, "This child possesses a sincere heart and a genuine spirit; he will go far in the future." However, despite the straightforward customs of Wudang, Han Gui was neither skilled in alchemy nor talismans, and his ability to interpret divinatory trigrams was also meager. Consequently, Song Zhiming never permitted this reclusive disciple to "open his peak" (i.e., establish his own temple and take disciples). Of course, given the meager incense offerings Wudang Mountain received in the past, it was more a case of being willing but unable. So, even after Wang Chonglou's passing and the succession of Hong Shixiang and then Li Yufu as Abbot, Han Gui continued his unhurried and steady pursuit of the Tao.

After its recent completion, Qingshan Guan received lively congratulations from temples on other peaks. However, Han Gui was not a particularly sociable or artful person, and the remote Xiaozhu Peak quickly fell silent. Visitors to Qingshan Guan were exceedingly few, numbering only a handful over ten days. Yet, a child often came to Qingshan Guan to play, becoming familiar with the sweeping Taoist novice. Later, the child brought a young man to offer incense, introducing him as his master. Abbot Han Gui had ascended the mountain at a young age, diligently studied ancient texts, and had always lived a secluded life, detached from worldly affairs. He did not recognize the visitor, whose offering was not particularly generous. When the visitor came to offer incense for the third time, Han Gui still didn't recognize him. It was the sweeping disciple who remembered the man's face and quietly reminded Han Gui, who then hastily stepped out and called out to the young master, who, upon closer inspection, possessed an impressive demeanor. Han Gui explained that the temple was humble and could only offer simple tea. The visitor, as noble and handsome as an exiled immortal, did not refuse and accepted with a smile. Han Gui was skilled at brewing tea. The tea was wild mountain tea, but Han Gui did not bother with the complicated brewing rules favored by the famous scholars of Jiangnan. As they drank, the guest, who introduced himself as Xu Qi from Liangzhou, spoke little, merely praising the tea's profound, lingering flavor. Han Gui, not knowing how to engage in polite conversation, could only offer a smile.

As they drank tea, the child who often came to Xiaozhu Peak to play and Han Gui's disciple, Qingxin—two children of similar age—sat on the stone steps outside the main hall, chatting. Despite his young age and endless studies and chores at Qingshan Guan, Qingxin's seniority was not low among the various peaks of Wudang. Elders like the late Grand Abbot Wang Chonglou held the highest seniority on the mountain, but with the passing of the eldest, Song Zhiming, only the two aged True Persons, Chen Yao and Yu Xingrui, remained. Next was the generation of the new Abbot, Li Yufu. Because the previous generation had taken very few disciples, Han Gui, as one of Song Zhiming's six disciples, was of comparable seniority to Abbot Li. Following them was the Qing generation, which comprised about forty people on Wudang Mountain. Although the numbers showed signs of increasing, if young Taoist Qingxin were to visit places with abundant incense offerings like Lotus Peak or Yuzhu Peak, many middle-aged Taoist priests, even those in their forties, might have to address him as "Martial Uncle." The young Taoist wore a Dongxuan scarf, common in martial arts, with about an inch of folded cotton fabric at the top, its surface adorned with auspicious clouds, trailing down like bamboo slips at the back, modeled after the immortal Lu Zu. At this moment, the young Taoist was explaining his rudimentary understanding of health preservation to his newfound peer: "Today is the autumn equinox! Our scriptures, 'The True Treatise on Heavenly Simplicity and Regulation,' state that at this time, thunder ceases, and Yin energy begins to flourish. We should go to bed early and rise early, just like the chickens. Moreover, my master says that the dryness of autumn is also divided into warm dryness and cool dryness. One should frequently ascend to high places to gaze afar, practice diligent breathing exercises, tap one's teeth, and swallow saliva. In short, the method of preserving health can be summarized in two characters: 'restraint' and 'storage'..."

The other child, listening to the young Taoist's literary language, nodded and hummed along, seeming a little distracted. However, he curiously asked, "Since there will be less thunder from now on, does that mean there will be more demons and ghosts? Will you Taoist priests be busy going down the mountain to exorcise demons and capture ghosts then?"

Qingxin rolled his eyes, feeling somewhat annoyed, as if he were talking to a duck about chickens.

The child, knowing he had made a mistake, scratched his head, at a loss.

But Qingxin didn't hold it against him. Suddenly, with a look of craving on his face, he wiped the corners of his mouth and whispered, "Dilong, let me tell you, there's a large persimmon grove on Little Lotus Peak, and they're about to turn completely red! They're incredibly delicious! My martial brothers and some martial nephews from other peaks and I have already discussed when to go pick them. Do you want to come? If you do, I'll count you in."

Yu Dilong was surprised. "Little Lotus Peak? Isn't that the cultivation place of your former Abbot, Immortal Hong, alone? You dare to go steal persimmons?"

Qingxin shrank his neck, carefully glanced at his master, then lowered his voice further. "Before our Junior Grand-Martial Uncle ascended, it was perfectly fine for us to go pick persimmons. He would even climb the trees himself to pick them for us! Alas, after Junior Grand-Martial Uncle ascended, Grand-Martial Uncle Chen, who is in charge of discipline, doesn't really let people go there anymore. For some reason, he even issued a mountain closure order a while ago. But those persimmons there, they're truly especially sweet and delicious."

At this point, the young Taoist's eyes suddenly reddened, and he hastily wiped them with his sleeve.

Yu Dilong chuckled, "You're crying just thinking about eating persimmons? Try to have some self-respect, alright? It's nothing, I'll go pick them for you tomorrow, and I guarantee you'll have your fill!"

The young Taoist glared at him. "I'm just missing our Junior Grand-Martial Uncle!"

With all the talk of persimmons and the Junior Grand-Martial Uncle, Han Gui naturally understood what they were discussing. He sighed, somewhat lost in thought. He still remembered accidentally meeting his Junior Martial Uncle, who rode a cow, and how every time he saw them, his juniors, at this time of year, he would somehow conjure a few bright red persimmons from his sleeve, never forgetting to gently wipe them clean with his sleeve before handing them over.

Xu Qi, or rather, Xu Fengnian, said softly, "Daoist Priest Han, I have a basic understanding of geomancy and know that the mountain's terrain and water veins on Xiaozhu Peak are well-arranged and harmonious, making it one of the few blessed lands on Wudang Mountain. Forgive my presumption, but why is it that Qingshan Guan has been built, yet its incense offerings are so scarce?"

Although Han Gui was unfamiliar with social graces, his Taoist heart was clear and insightful. He immediately understood the man's unspoken meaning and smiled freely. "By rights, the geomancy of Xiaozhu Peak is indeed excellent, and it should have been entrusted to a highly talented senior disciple from the Qing generation to 'establish a lineage.' However, my Junior Martial Uncle probably joked with me back then, saying that the osmanthus on Xiaozhu Peak was especially fragrant, unparalleled among all peaks, and that my lay name contains the character 'Gui,' suggesting it was destined. To be honest, setting aside everything else, just consider the statues and altars inside Qingshan Guan, which are cast in gilded bronze and are quite valuable. I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, Young Master Xu, but I have genuinely been worried these past few days that thieves might set their sights on them. Even if I were to risk my life to stop them, I wouldn't be able to. Actually, for me personally, wherever one reads, it is still reading; wherever one cultivates the Tao, it is still cultivation. After all, a person in this world can only eat so many bowls of rice, wear one set of clothes, and sleep on one bed."

Xu Fengnian teased, "Daoist Priest Han, as a cultivator, do you also concern yourself with gold and silver? Shouldn't one not be attached to any external possessions?"

Han Gui laughed heartily, waving his hand. "You're mistaken, mistaken! An 'immortal' is still half human; as for a 'true person,' the emphasis is on the word 'true'."

Xu Fengnian seemed displeased, frowning and saying in a deep voice, "Forgive my ignorance, I don't understand the true meaning; I hope you can enlighten me, Daoist Priest."

Han Gui did not pay attention to the young master Xu's gloomy expression and smiled as he slowly said, "To sleep once, open one's eyes twice, eat three meals; to diligently use one's four limbs, cultivate the five grains, and respect one's six kin—these are a person's fundamental duties, not to be neglected simply because of high status. Although a Taoist priest is one who has transcended the mundane world, the path to immortality is, after all, shrouded in uncertainty. We cultivate the Tao, supposedly cultivating the Grand Dao of Longevity, but in my view, it is about cultivating a 'principle.' To give an example, if a person is at home and ensures that their belongings are not lost or damaged, that is a principle. If one is staying as a guest, protecting the belongings in the courtyard from theft or robbery is even more essential. I am merely a transient guest of Qingshan Guan, and even more so, a temporary sojourner in the human world. If the gilded statues were lost, and if I had the ability to turn stone into gold, I could afford to compensate and wouldn't feel pain. But I only know how to cultivate the Tao, not how to generate wealth. Since I cannot afford to compensate, I must feel pain."

Xu Fengnian smiled knowingly. "Daoist Priest, your principle is very worldly, but not bad."

Han Gui smiled and casually added, "I have a worldly thought: I wish to live forever."

Xu Fengnian rubbed the rim of the porcelain cup with two fingers and said softly, "I have met a few people who could live forever but chose not to."

Han Gui didn't think the young master was boasting. Instead, he sighed sincerely, "It's a pity that I have never descended the mountain since I ascended it; I couldn't learn from my two martial uncles. If I have the opportunity in the future, I will certainly go down the mountain to see."

Xu Fengnian smiled, drank a large gulp of tea, dispelling much of the gloom in his heart. Then he sought advice from Han Gui on various aspects of Taoist cultivation and health preservation. The latter answered fluently, speaking freely and holding nothing back, without any secrets.

As the sun set in the west and dusk approached, the two children on the steps had changed from sitting to squatting, then standing, and then from standing to lying down and sprawling. There was nothing they could do as their respective masters were engrossed in their conversation, with no sign of finishing up anytime soon. Utterly bored, Yu Dilong and Qingxin both began to doze off. Yu Dilong felt that just waiting around wasn't ideal, so he tried to entice the young Taoist with descriptions of dishes he had tasted at the Prince's Estate in Qingliang Mountain, such as green radish and dried tangerine peel duck soup, or braised mandarin fish with peach blossoms. Qingxin had no idea what they actually tasted like, but just hearing about them made his mouth water.

Xu Fengnian glanced at the courtyard bathed in twilight, stood up, and apologized, "I have disturbed you greatly today and delayed your cultivation, Daoist Priest."

Han Gui stood up with him, shaking his head and smiling. "No matter. Young Master Xu, you are welcome to visit Qingshan Guan more often when you have leisure, especially when winter bamboo shoots emerge."

Xu Fengnian's reply was a bit of a dampener on the mood. He said flatly, "Most likely, I won't have the opportunity to visit here again for quite some time."

Han Gui paused, unsure how to respond. Xu Fengnian smiled. "My family has a rather extensive collection of books. I'll have someone send some books to Qingshan Guan later, for you to borrow."

Han Gui nodded.

Yu Dilong, seeing that his master was finally about to return, jumped up and said with a laugh, "Let's go! Qingxin, I'll come find you to play later!"

The young Taoist quickly got up, trotted down to the steps, and accompanied his master to see Young Master Xu out of the temple.

Watching the two figures, one large and one small, gradually disappear into the distance, the young Taoist's face was full of reluctance.

"Master, what were you talking about with that young master?"

"Young Master Xu asked me about a fragmented classical text; it's profound and extensive. Rather than me clarifying doubts, it was more like Young Master Xu imparting knowledge. It's like a form of qigong. Alas, if one truly wishes to thoroughly study it, it would take a minimum of ten years, or potentially a lifetime. It seems I don't need to rush down the mountain now."

"That hard to learn? Master, then don't learn it! There are so many books in the world; how can one understand every single one?"

"This particular text is different."

"Master, then please don't teach me that text! If it takes you ten years to read, then I won't be able to leave Wudang Mountain for a hundred years! I'm not doing it!"

"All your talking, isn't it just because you don't want to cook?"

"Ha, haha."

"Never mind. Today, I'll cook myself, so you don't add too much or too little salt."

"Oh, and remember, a cultivator must not idle away their days, leaving their body empty. Go, while I'm cooking, copy 'Nine Scrolls on Honoring Life' twice."

Xu Fengnian and Yu Dilong walked down Xiaozhu Peak along the newly paved stone path. Yu Dilong couldn't help but ask, "Master, do you really think there are ghosts and gods in the world?"

Xu Fengnian casually replied, "Believe, and they exist; do not believe, and they do not."

The child said "Oh" and looked at the dark mountain forest, feeling a bit fearful and uneasy.

Xu Fengnian, who had been engrossed in his thoughts, was interrupted by the sound and glanced at the child closely following him. This eldest disciple's martial arts talent was truly astonishing. Whether it was inherent nature or due to his impoverished upbringing, Yu Dilong kept things hidden from everyone, possessing a nearly seamless ability to conceal his true capabilities. Xu Fengnian had once inadvertently confirmed something: if this child walked through any complex structure just once, he could perfectly sketch a three-dimensional image of it. This talent was even rarer and more valuable than simply having a photographic memory. A martial arts prodigy was nothing more than this. Xu Fengnian had observed dispassionately for a long time and found that this disciple was somewhat warm in demeanor but cold at heart. Despite his familiarity with the young Taoist Qingxin, Yu Dilong had already drawn a clear boundary in his mind: he would never overstep or provoke. They could joke and play, but if the boundary were crossed, Xu Fengnian couldn't guarantee what extreme actions Yu Dilong might take. However, Xu Fengnian was a master for the first time, and although deep down he didn't quite approve of Yu Dilong's way of interacting with Wang Sheng, Lu Yunzhang, and the young Taoist priest Qingxin, he also didn't feel it necessary to force the child to change his nature.

Xu Fengnian thought for a moment, then abruptly asked, "Do you think Lu Yunzhang seems very clever, but is actually quite foolish?"

Yu Dilong opened his mouth wide, as if to deny, but looking at his master's eyes that were still clear in the twilight, the child finally remained silent and lowered his head.

Xu Fengnian smiled and continued walking, saying softly, "Even your master has a master. I'll tell you a story my master told me, about his journey of learning through books."

Yu Dilong looked up at his master's back and bit his lip.

Xu Fengnian slowly recounted, "There is a historical anecdote about the Empty City Stratagem, which describes how, when two nations were at war, a commander with superior forces was scared away by the other side's empty city. Through layers of embellishment by later generations, the former became a laughingstock, while the latter was revered as an immortal. When my master was young and read this passage, he too felt a longing for the latter's strategy. When my master reread this anecdote as a teenager, he felt doubts arise. It was just an empty city; if he were the latter, he could very well send a small number of soldiers as suicide squads to investigate the city's reality. Since he could think of this, how could the Emperor of Dafeng, who would later usurp the throne and ascend, not understand this? So my master developed great doubts about this anecdote. He began to read through many official histories and unofficial accounts, and he finally discovered a truth. That is, the situation the latter was in at the time was such that once he defeated the former and annihilated the enemy state, his achievements would be too great to be rewarded, and his merit would be so high that it would threaten his lord to the extreme. He would only be able to retire from military service, return to his fields, and spend his life in retirement at home. After my master finished telling me this story, he told me that there are three realms of learning, and understanding people is the same."

Yu Dilong blurted out, "Master, if the story is true, then that former commander was also very clever! The Empty City Stratagem itself isn't particularly clever. What was clever was that he used this stratagem to 'scare away' the enemy, allowing both sides a dignified retreat, and incidentally earning himself the respect of generations to come."

Xu Fengnian nodded. "I told my master the same thing back then."

Yu Dilong scratched his head.

Xu Fengnian smiled with narrowed eyes and said, "However, my master immediately gave me a tap on the forehead with a fly whisk and reprimanded me, saying 'excessive cleverness is of no benefit.' I always felt wronged, thinking, 'Is being clever wrong?'"

With a gentle expression, Xu Fengnian continued, "Clever people must use their cleverness in the right way. Living between heaven and earth, one should be beneficial to the world. Even if one doesn't have the heart or ability to do so, one should not bully others by relying on power."

Yu Dilong said softly, "Master, don't worry. Even if I learn profound martial arts, as long as others don't bully me, I will never bully anyone."

Xu Fengnian sighed and said, "Make many acquaintances and friends, but true brothers are not necessarily numerous. If you meet someone with whom you can form a brotherly bond in the future, you must treat them with sincerity. Your master didn't do this well; I hope you can do better in the future."

Yu Dilong seemed to understand yet not understand, but still nodded.