Chapter 626: Master and Disciple, and Master and Disciple

Wudang Mountain boasts the spectacular sight of eighty-one peaks paying homage to the grand summit. However, not every peak hosts a Daoist temple, nor does every mountain shelter a cultivator. On the smaller peak located in the northern reaches, Xiao Zhu Peak, a new temple was recently constructed thanks to the efforts of the Northern Liang King, who poured significant resources into its development. The temple’s master is Han Gui, the youngest disciple of the venerable Daoist Master Song Zhiming. Unlike many of his peers, Han Gui focuses on cultivating his inner heart rather than physical prowess. Even the late Grand Abbot Wang Chonglou once praised him, saying, “This youth possesses sincerity and righteousness; his path shall grow ever wider.” Despite this, even in the simple and honest atmosphere of Wudang, Han Gui neither excels in alchemy nor talisman arts, and his skills in divination remain mediocre. Thus, Master Song never permitted his secluded disciple to “establish his own sect.” Of course, in those days, Wudang’s resources were limited, and even the most willing hearts lacked the strength to support such an endeavor. After Wang Chonglou’s passing, when the leadership passed from Hong Xixiang to Li Yufu, Han Gui remained quietly devoted to his cultivation, neither rising nor falling in prominence.

The newly completed Qing Shan Temple initially drew much celebration and visits from the other peaks. However, Han Gui, never a man of social grace or charm, soon found Xiao Zhu Peak slipping into obscurity. The temple’s incense offerings dwindled, with only a handful of visitors in an entire ten-day cycle. That changed when a young boy began frequenting the temple, playing about and befriending the young novice who swept the paths. Later, the boy brought along a young man he called his master to offer incense. Han Gui, having ascended the mountain as a child and devoted himself solely to studying scriptures, rarely left his quarters and had little knowledge of the outside world. He failed to recognize the modestly dressed visitor. Even on the third visit, Han Gui still did not recognize him, only realizing the man’s identity when his sweeping disciple whispered a reminder. Han Gui hurriedly stepped out to stop the distinguished-looking gentleman, offering only coarse tea in the humble temple.

The visitor, a man of refined and noble bearing, accepted the invitation without hesitation. Han Gui brewed tea with great skill, using wild mountain leaves. Unlike the elaborate tea ceremonies of the literati of Jiangnan, he cared little for the precise water or method. The two sipped tea in silence. The visitor, introducing himself as Xu Qi from Liangzhou, spoke little, merely complimenting the tea’s lingering aroma. Han Gui, unsure of how to respond, simply smiled in return.

Meanwhile, the young boy who often visited Xiao Zhu Peak and Han Gui’s disciple Qing Xin, both about the same age, sat on the stone steps outside the main hall chatting. Though small, Qing Xin bore a high rank among the disciples of Wudang. The late Grand Abbot Wang Chonglou and his generation stood at the pinnacle of the sect’s hierarchy. Now that the eldest among them, Song Zhiming, had passed, only two aged elders, Chen Yao and Yu Xingrui, remained. Next came the new Grand Abbot Li Yufu’s generation. Since the previous generation had taken few disciples, Han Gui, as one of Song Zhiming’s six disciples, shared the same rank as Li Yufu. Then came the Qing generation, with about forty disciples across the mountain. Though their numbers were growing, Qing Xin, if he visited prosperous peaks like Lian Hua or Yu Zhu, might find even middle-aged Daoists calling him “Master Uncle.”

Dressed in the typical Dongxuan headpiece of martial Daoists, with a folded strip of cloth atop his head and auspicious clouds embroidered onto the fabric that hung like bamboo scrolls behind, Qing Xin followed the teachings of the immortal Lü Zu. At that moment, he was earnestly explaining to his newfound friend a half-understood passage from the scriptures: “Today is the Autumn Equinox. According to our canonical text *Tian Su Diao Li Zhen Lun*, from this day onward, thunder begins to fade, and yin energy gradually increases. We cultivators should sleep early and rise early, rising with the roosters. Moreover, my master once said that autumn dryness comes in two forms—warm and cool—and one should practice breathing exercises and clench one’s teeth while swallowing saliva in open, high places. The essence of health cultivation can be summed up in two words: gathering and storing.”

The other boy, listening to Qing Xin’s scholarly words, responded with vague noises, clearly distracted. He asked curiously, “If there’s less thunder from now on, does that mean more demons and monsters will appear? Will you Daoists be busy going down the mountain to exorcise them?”

Qing Xin rolled his eyes, muttering about speaking to a chicken in duck language, clearly annoyed.

The boy, realizing his mistake, scratched his head helplessly.

But Qing Xin, unwilling to dwell on it, suddenly looked hungry and wiped his mouth, whispering, “Di Long, I’ll tell you a secret—there’s a huge persimmon grove on the Xiao Lianhua Peak. The fruit is about to ripen, and it’s delicious! I’ve already made plans with a few senior brothers and other disciples from different peaks to go pick some. Do you want to come? If you do, I’ll count you in.”

Yu Di Long asked in surprise, “Xiao Lianhua Peak? Isn’t that the private cultivation ground of your former Grand Abbot, Hong Xixiang? You dare to sneak in and steal persimmons?”

Qing Xin shrank his neck and glanced cautiously at his master before lowering his voice even further, “Before Master Hong ascended, we used to go pick persimmons without any problem. Master Hong would even help us climb the trees! Alas, since Master Hong ascended, Master Chen, who oversees discipline, has forbidden access. Not long ago, he even issued a ban on entering the peak. But those persimmons… they’re really sweet and delicious.”

At this, the young Daoist’s eyes suddenly welled up, and he quickly wiped them with his sleeve.

Yu Di Long chuckled, “You’re crying just thinking about eating persimmons? Come on, have some pride. Don’t worry, I’ll help you pick some tomorrow. I’ll make sure you get your fill!”

The young Daoist glared at him, “I miss Master Hong, that’s all!”

As the two chatted about persimmons and Master Hong, Han Gui naturally understood what they were talking about. He sighed, lost in thought. He recalled the days when the young cowherd, Master Hong, would occasionally appear with a few bright red persimmons tucked in his sleeve, always wiping them carefully with his robe before handing them out.

Xu Qi—or rather, Xu Fengnian—spoke softly, “Master Han, I have a little knowledge of geomancy. I know that Xiao Zhu Peak has excellent feng shui, a rare blessed land on Wudang Mountain. May I ask, respectfully, why Qing Shan Temple, though newly built, has so few visitors?”

Though Han Gui lacked social graces, his Daoist heart was clear and perceptive. He smiled and said, “Indeed, Xiao Zhu Peak’s feng shui is quite good. Originally, it was meant to be entrusted to a senior disciple of the Qing generation, someone of great talent, to establish a new sect. But Master Hong, perhaps in jest, once told me that the osmanthus on Xiao Zhu Peak was particularly fragrant, surpassing all other peaks, and that since my name contains the character ‘Gui,’ it must be destined for me. To be honest, even without considering other factors, the statues and altars inside Qing Shan Temple are all cast in gold-plated bronze, worth a fortune. I’m not ashamed to admit, I’ve been worried that thieves might target this place. If they came, no matter how hard I tried to stop them, I wouldn’t be able to.”

He continued, “As for myself, where I read is still reading, and where I cultivate is still cultivation. After all, in life, one eats only a few bowls of rice, wears only one set of clothes, sleeps only on one bed.”

Xu Fengnian teased, “Master Han, as a Daoist, do you still care about such material things? Shouldn’t a true cultivator be free from all worldly attachments?”

Han Gui laughed heartily, waving his hand, “No, no! ‘Immortals’ are still half human, and ‘True Persons’ are even more about being genuine.”

Xu Fengnian feigned displeasure, furrowing his brow and saying gravely, “Forgive my ignorance, but I do not understand the true meaning. I humbly ask for your guidance.”

Han Gui, unfazed by Xu Fengnian’s gloomy expression, smiled and said slowly, “To sleep, to open one’s eyes, to eat three meals, to work hard, to farm five grains, to respect six relatives—these are the duties of a person, regardless of one’s status. A Daoist may be a person who has left the mundane world, but the path to immortality is long and uncertain. What we cultivate is not just longevity, but the ‘principles’ of life. For example, if one is at home, one must protect one’s belongings from being lost or damaged. That is the principle. If one is a guest in another’s home, one must protect the host’s belongings from theft or robbery. That is even more important. I am merely a traveler at Qing Shan Temple, a guest in this world. If the golden statues were stolen, and if I had the alchemical skill to create gold, I would not hesitate to replace them. But since I cannot, I must care.”

Xu Fengnian smiled knowingly, “Your philosophy is very common, but not bad at all.”

Han Gui chuckled and added, “I have a common wish—to live a long life.”

Xu Fengnian twirled the edge of his porcelain cup and said softly, “I have met a few who could live long but chose not to.”

Han Gui did not think the young noble was boasting but instead said sincerely, “Alas, since I came to the mountain, I have never descended. I cannot learn from my two senior uncles. But if I ever have the chance, I will surely go down to see the world.”

Xu Fengnian smiled, took a large sip of tea, and felt much lighter. He then asked Han Gui many questions about Daoist cultivation and health, to which Han Gui answered fluently and generously, holding nothing back.

As the sun dipped westward and dusk approached, the two boys on the steps had shifted from sitting to squatting, then to standing, and finally to lying on their stomachs. Their masters, however, remained engrossed in conversation, showing no sign of ending. Bored out of their minds, Yu Di Long and Qing Xin began dozing off. Di Long, unable to bear the wait, began describing various delicacies from the Qingliang Mansion, such as green radish and tangerine duck soup, and peach-blossom steamed mandarin fish. Though Qing Xin had no idea what they tasted like, just listening made his mouth water.

Xu Fengnian glanced at the courtyard bathed in evening light and stood, apologizing, “I’ve taken up much of your time today. I must be going.”

Han Gui stood as well, shaking his head with a smile, “No problem at all. When you have free time, feel free to visit Qing Shan Temple again, especially when winter bamboo shoots are in season.”

Xu Fengnian’s reply was rather blunt, “I’m afraid I won’t have the opportunity for a while.”

Han Gui blinked, unsure how to respond. Xu Fengnian smiled and said, “I have many books in my collection. I’ll have some sent over for you to borrow.”

Han Gui nodded once.

Seeing his master finally preparing to leave, Yu Di Long jumped up, grinning, “Let’s go! Qing Xin, I’ll come find you again later.”

The young Daoist hurriedly stood, running down the steps to accompany his master and see the noble guest out of the temple.

Watching the two gradually receding figures, Qing Xin’s face was filled with reluctance.

“Master, what were you talking about with that young noble?”

“Master Han was discussing a fragmentary passage from an ancient text with Xu Fengnian. It was profound and intricate. If anything, it was more like Xu Fengnian was teaching Master Han, not the other way around. It was about a certain guiding technique. Sigh, if one truly wishes to master it, it would take at least ten years, perhaps even a lifetime. Looks like we don’t need to hurry down the mountain.”

“So difficult to learn? Master, then don’t learn it. There are so many books in the world, how can one possibly understand them all?”

“This one is different.”

“Master, then don’t teach me this one. If it takes you ten years, it might take me a hundred, and I’ll never leave Wudang Mountain. I won’t do it!”

“Ah, so that’s it. You just don’t want to cook.”

“Hehehe.”

“Fine, today I’ll cook myself. No need for you to mess up the seasoning.”

“…”

“Oh, and remember, a Daoist must not idle away the day, becoming an empty shell. Go, while I cook, copy the *Zunsheng Jiu Jian* twice.”

“…”

Xu Fengnian and Yu Di Long walked down Xiao Zhu Peak along the newly paved stone path. Di Long couldn’t help but ask, “Master, do you really believe in ghosts and gods?”

Xu Fengnian replied casually, “If you believe, they exist. If you don’t, they don’t.”

The boy murmured in understanding, looking warily at the dark forest.

Xu Fengnian, lost in thought, was interrupted by the boy’s voice. He glanced at the child trailing behind him. This eldest disciple’s martial talent was truly extraordinary. Though Yu Di Long, whether by nature or due to a harsh upbringing, always concealed his abilities with an almost imperceptible subtlety, Xu Fengnian had once discovered a remarkable truth: the boy could walk through any complex structure once and then draw a precise three-dimensional map of it from memory. This talent was even rarer than a photographic memory. A true martial prodigy indeed.

Xu Fengnian had observed for a long time and noticed that the boy appeared warm on the surface but was cold at heart. Though he seemed close to Qing Xin, in his heart, he had drawn a clear line. He would not cross it, nor provoke danger. He could joke and play, but if that line were crossed, Xu Fengnian could not guarantee what the boy might do. This was Xu Fengnian’s first time being a master, and though he didn’t entirely approve of Yu Di Long’s way of interacting with Wang Sheng, Lü Yunchang, and Qing Xin, he didn’t feel the need to force the child’s nature to change.

After a while, Xu Fengnian suddenly asked, “Do you think Lü Yunchang seems clever but is actually quite foolish?”

Yu Di Long opened his mouth, as if to deny it, but looking into his master’s sharp eyes in the night, he finally said nothing and lowered his head.

Xu Fengnian smiled and continued walking, his voice soft, “Masters have masters too. Let me tell you a story from my own master’s youth, about his journey in reading.”

Yu Di Long looked up at his master’s back, biting his lip.

Xu Fengnian continued slowly, “There’s a famous story called the ‘Empty City Stratagem.’ In it, a general with superior forces is frightened away by an empty city. Over time, the former became a laughingstock, while the latter was revered as a god. When my master was young, he admired the latter’s strategy. But when he was a teenager, he began to question it. He thought, ‘An empty city—why not send a few brave soldiers to investigate?’ If he could think of it, how could the great emperor of the Da Feng dynasty, who later usurped the throne, not have thought of it? So my master doubted the story. He read many historical records and finally uncovered the truth: the general in question was already at the peak of his power. If he defeated the enemy and conquered the nation, he would have no higher title to receive, and his power would threaten the emperor himself. He would have to retire. After telling me this story, my master said, ‘There are three levels of reading, and three levels of understanding people.'”

Yu Di Long blurted out, “Master, if the story is true, then the former general was also clever. The ’empty city stratagem’ itself wasn’t brilliant, but what was brilliant was that both sides saved face and earned the respect of future generations.”

Xu Fengnian nodded, “That’s exactly what I told my master back then.”

Yu Di Long scratched his head.

Xu Fengnian smiled, his eyes crinkling, “But my master immediately gave me a tap on the forehead and scolded me, ‘Too clever, no benefit.’ I used to feel wronged, thinking, ‘What’s wrong with being clever?'”

His expression softening, Xu Fengnian continued, “Cleverness must be used wisely. A person should benefit the world. If you lack the heart or the ability, at least don’t bully others.”

Yu Di Long said softly, “Master, don’t worry. Even if I learn supreme martial arts, I will never bully others unless they bully me first.”

Xu Fengnian exhaled slowly, “Make many friends, but brothers are rare. If you ever meet someone worthy of being your brother, treat him with sincerity. I didn’t do that well. I hope you can do better.”

Yu Di Long nodded, half-understanding, half-not.