Chapter 77: Gifts come one after another, the Yu family suffers "Teach..." Feeling grateful, Tao Tie bowed and was about to pay his respects. "Still calling me teacher?" Huang Junshi replied in a rather amusing tone. Yet this is undoubtedly encouraging rather than blaming. "Teacher, disciple..." Tao Tie understood immediately and changed the address, but he swallowed the words back as soon as he opened his mouth. At this moment, no words could express his feelings. Say thank you?
A little empty. Say that you will definitely study hard under the teacher and be filial to the teacher in the future? Too polite. Thousands of words finally turned into a deep bow, which could not be lifted up for a long time. Huang Junshi stepped forward, stretched out his hands, and lifted Tao Tie himself instead of using his magic power. This action is the most inconspicuous, yet the most conspicuous. Because it represents respect and sincerity. Let the spectators and the gods know that although Huang Junshi did not hold a ceremony to accept Tao Tie as his disciple, he truly accepted him as his disciple. Rather than being hypocritical and superficial. Well…… According to the rules of the Celestial Empire, if an instructor at a missionary academy encounters a promising candidate, he or she may accept him or her as a disciple, but they cannot hold a ceremony to accept the candidate like in the traditional Taoist inner talisman system. The three masters of the external talisman system of the missionary institute established by Taizu are: the master of degree, the master of registration, and the master of scriptures. There are only three masters in heaven, but no three masters on earth. If the traditional Taoist sect disagrees, and insists on having three masters in the human world, that is not impossible. Taizu is the master of degrees, the current emperor is the master of records, and the missionary institute is the master of scriptures! If breaking the door doesn’t work, then tear down the roof. How could the traditional Taoist sect dare to accept such a method that would subvert its own foundation? They had no choice but to compromise and admit that there was no such thing as the Three Masters in the outer system of the missionary academy. Then everyone does their own thing to avoid getting tired of each other. This is beside the point. On the top of Baxian Mountain, the moon is bright in the deep night.
Many of the prominent figures in Siming Prefecture felt a little uncomfortable when they saw the deep affection between Huang Junshi and Tao Tie as master and disciple. It's also very difficult. Huang Junshi is a gentleman in the true sense of the word. This is beyond doubt whether according to Confucian standards or Taoist standards. It is precisely because of this that these "characters" feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. Because gentlemen can not only deceive others with their own methods, but also have certain principles that they use to demand of themselves as well as others. For example, wealth and honor gained through unrighteousness are like floating clouds to me. For example, a gentleman loves money, but he gets it in a proper way. With a simple translation and combined with Huang Junshi's past experiences, it is not difficult to understand some of Huang Junshi's practices regarding money and property. According to these practices, would the "personalities" present at the ceremony have the nerve not to give a gift to Tao Tie, the direct disciple accepted by Huang Junshi in front of them? If someone is really kind enough, that's fine. Huang Junshi is a gentleman and would never lose face on the spot or argue with the other party. The most I can do is to write this matter down in a small notebook and make those kind-hearted people feel sorry as soon as possible. After all, a gentleman... Repay kindness with kindness and repay evil with kindness. Can the ninth generation still take revenge? Although it lasts for a hundred generations. Based on these characteristics, many people directly called Huang Junshi not a human being and not a Taoist practitioner. Faced with this accusation, Huang Junshi answered frankly, "Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism are interconnected, and the three religions have always had the same origin." Who says you can’t study Confucianism if you don’t practice Taoism? and so…… Now there is only one question facing these "characters", that is, what kind of gift to give to Tao Tie. There is no choice at all. The most distressed person is Qiu Wanru, the granddaughter of Mr. Qiu. She came here this time, firstly on business, and secondly to visit her best friend. Not only did I not make any special preparations, but I also didn't have anything suitable as a gift among the things I brought with me, which was really a dilemma. At this time, the female teacher Li Jianyan took out an old book first, handed it to Tao Tie, and said calmly: "This is the Book of Changes handwritten by a great scholar. I heard that you are practicing the Taiyi Fenguang Sword Art. It may be helpful for you to read this book frequently when you have time." "Thank you, Mr. Li." Tao Tie glanced at the teacher, got a nod of agreement, took it with both hands, and thanked him. This time my gratitude comes from the bottom of my heart and is not perfunctory at all. Where can’t I find the Book of Changes?
There are many books on the first floor of the missionary institute's library, including various versions and annotations. However, it is really difficult to find the "Book of Changes" handwritten by a great scholar. Because writing is like a god! A handwritten book by a great scholar is equivalent to a jade slip of inheritance that contains the true meaning of a technique. Although its effect is not as direct and obvious as the jade slips, it requires long-term, multiple, and careful study. However, with this handwritten copy of the "Book of Changes" by a great scholar, Tao Tie could have a deeper understanding of the principles of "the changes of all things in the world." It perfectly fits the practice of "Taiyi Fenguan Sword Art". With Li Jianyan taking the lead, the others and the gods could not delay any longer. County Magistrate Miao was the second to give a gift. He took out a jade pendant from his waist and said, "The beauty of jade is like the virtue of a gentleman. I am poor and have nothing, so I give you this jade pendant that has been with me for thirty years. I hope you will be like your teacher and be a gentleman like jade." Having said that, Miao Zongren did not give Tao Tie a chance to refuse and tied it around his waist himself. "Thank you, Magistrate Miao." Tao Tie bowed and thanked him sincerely. She did not feel disgusted at all because the gift given by County Magistrate Mu was just an ordinary jade pendant. Instead, he carefully adjusted the position of the jade pendant and the angle at which the silk tassel hung. Ke Youqiu followed closely behind, took out a jade slip and handed it to Tao Tie: "This is a scroll of secret techniques for making incense. By studying it, you can learn how to make spiritual incense. It also contains several recipes for spiritual incense, which are suitable for training personal soldiers and generals." "Thank you, City God Ke." Tao Tie bowed and thanked him out loud, with a slightly different tone from before. Until there is evidence that City God Ke did not withhold the property of the Eighty-Seven Sons, Tao Tie will presume the crime! It is indeed a bit unreasonable, it is just based on intuition and personal perception. Qiu Wanru, who was standing by, saw the different gifts sent by the two people and the god, and saw the different reactions given by Tao Tie. Her eyes lit up and she had an idea. This time, he came to Liuxian County from the capital, passing through Dianzhou. When he passed by a large swamp, he encountered a vicious dragon swimming in the water, which was causing harm to the local people, so he killed it. He got two dragon horns, a dragon tendon, and a dragon skin. Judging from what she knew about this Junior Brother Tao's past experiences, he came from a poor family and naturally lacked savings. Perhaps it was appropriate to give him the three fifth-grade materials, dragon horns, dragon tendons, and dragon skin? Qiu Wanru thought so in her heart and then put it into practice. With a gentle wave of her slender hand, she took out three fifth-grade ingredients and said, "Junior Brother Tao, I came here in a hurry and haven't prepared much. I'm giving these as a congratulations. Don't despise them." As soon as these words came out, the top of the mountain suddenly became quiet again. These are the materials peeled off from a fourth-grade dragon. They are still fresh. All I ask is “please don’t despise them”? This, this, this... It's just a gift, it shouldn't be rolled up like this, right? Among the people and gods present, more than half are of the fifth rank or below. I can only say that he is worthy of being a genius from Beijing.
Not only is he young, he also holds an important position in the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Shrines, and his accomplishments are astonishing. This gift is really too expensive. Tao Tieke didn't dare to accept it without permission, so he looked at the teacher he had just bowed to. "Take it." Huang Junshi gave a simple response. Tao Tie immediately followed the instructions and put the dragon horns, tendons and skins into the storage bag. He bowed to Qiu Wanru and said, "Tao Tie thanks you, Senior Sister. I am extremely grateful. If you need me in the future, please don't be shy and just tell me directly." "Easy to say, easy to say." Qiu Wanru smiled carelessly and felt a little embarrassed. She doesn't look like an "imperial envoy" at all, but rather a socially anxious stay-at-home girl. The next person to present gifts was the water god of Yudai River. Due to some historical reasons, the water god of Yudai River is very close to the Yu family and Jingling Mountain. He naturally feels repulsive towards all people and forces in Siming Prefecture who stand in opposition to the Yu family and Jingling Mountain. If it wasn't for the last resort, the Jade Belt River God really didn't want to give gifts to Liuxian County Governor Huang Junshi and Ninth Rank Inspector Tao Tie in front of the Yu family and the monks of Jingling Mountain. Even though he had to do this, the Jade Belt River God kept a cold face throughout. The gift given was just an ordinary water-repellent bead. The reason why it is called ordinary is that holding this pearl can only ward off ordinary water. Even the clear water created by basic spells like "Clear Spring" cannot be cleared! It's really a useless thing. Reciprocity. Since the water god of Yudai River had such a sour face, Tao Tie didn't even bother to say thank you. The action of putting away the water-repellent bead was extremely careless. However, the gifts given by several other mountain and river gods from nearby areas were relatively more presentable. Soon, among the "people" who came to the top of the mountain to watch the mountain god's enthronement ceremony, the only ones who did not send Tao Tie any gifts were the Yu family and the monks from Jingling Mountain. The monk from Jingling Mountain who came to the Eight Immortals Mountain tonight was none other than Mo Yuhan's master Mengxi Sanren. Mo Yuhan was also brought here by her master. Earlier, when Mo Yuhan saw Huang Junshi accepting Tao Tie as his disciple in public, his heart was stirred. Many past events came to mind inadvertently. She suddenly realized that her soul had been polluted without her realizing it! So much so that she began to doubt her master! The time when this suspicion was most serious was when Huang Duguan took action to clear out the calamity energy that had seeped into her body.
What was she thinking at that time? With what malicious intent did you speculate about the Master? And how did the master do it? Looking back now, what Huang Duguan said, "If it weren't for your master's face," was really just for your master's face. It's not a secret reminder. Even though the master noticed the dark changes in her mind, he did not show any anger or anything like that. Instead, he reminded her, "You must join the Immortal God Division!" Thinking of this, Mo Yuhan felt extremely guilty, his eyes became hot and he almost shed tears. "Master, I'm sorry." She sniffed, resisted the urge to cry, raised her head slightly, and apologized with a tearful voice. "fool." Mengxi Sanren gently stroked Mo Yuhan's hair and said softly, "Besides meeting with Master, don't let your mind wander. Don't move around here. I'll be back soon." After he finished speaking, Mengxi Sanren came to Tao Tie, took out a scroll, and handed it to him without opening it: "This is the Five Thunder Diagram, which will be beneficial to your cultivation. Yu Han, that girl, has been spoiled by me. She is impetuous and self-righteous. If I have been unfair to you in the past, I hope you will forgive me." Tao Tie didn't quite understand the meaning of these words, especially the part about how he had been treated unfairly in the past. But he knew the value of the Five Thunder Diagram. The combination of "Taiyi Five Elements Guiding Body Refining Technique" and "Taiyi Five Thunders Visualization Spirit Refining Technique" has the upper grade of Earth Rank. Thousands of years ago, only the direct disciples of Taiyi Sect could practice them. After entering the seventh level of cultivation, one must practice the "Art of Refining the Spirit", refining the acquired conscious spirit into the innate primordial spirit, and refining the yin spirit into the yang spirit. Having this volume of the Five Thunder Diagram to observe from time to time will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the practice of "Taiyi Five Thunder Visualization and Spirit Refining Technique". Li Jianyan gave Tao Tie a handwritten copy of the "Book of Changes" by a great scholar. Although it was also in line with Tao Tie's practice, there was nothing special about it. Because Li Jianyan himself was the county literature instructor and a Confucian practitioner, there was no problem for him to carry with him the "Book of Changes", a classic common to Confucianism and Taoism. Meng Xi Sanren was born in Jingling Mountain, where he practiced both Taoism and martial arts. It was good, but when it came to Taoism, he followed the path of the Talisman School. Even if it is possible to refer to some theories and methods of the Danding School, it is unlikely to carry a scroll of the Five Thunder Diagram with you all the time. Therefore, it is very likely that this scroll of Five Thunder Diagram was specially collected by Mengxi Sanren, who originally intended to give it to Huang Junshi or Tao Tie. The reason, of course, was because of what she said she "was sorry for in the past". Thinking of this, Tao Tie couldn't help but look at the teacher again. Huang Junshi nodded, patiently and gently. "Thank you." Tao Tie immediately accepted the Five Thunder Diagram, said thank you simply but with emphasis, and said nothing else. Mengxi Sanren smiled gently and then returned to Mo Yuhan. The grudge that shouldn't have existed was lifted, and the relationship between the master and the disciple suddenly returned to being as close as it was in the past. Mo Yuhan snuggled up to Mengxi Sanren like she was her mother, looked at the veiled girl from the Yu family, and walked towards Tao Tie with light steps.
But it's not a coincidence. Before the Yu family girl could walk up to Tao Tie and present her gift, Qiu Wanru, who worked in the Sacrifice Section of the Ministry of Rites, coughed and said, "Miao County Magistrate, the auspicious time has arrived. Let's begin." As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere on the top of the mountain suddenly became subtle. Isn’t the auspicious time the beginning of the hour of Hai (21:00)? There is still more than a quarter of an hour before that point. How come the auspicious time has arrived? "only." Miao Zongren did not give the "characters" present too much time to daydream. He took out a roll of yellow silk from his sleeve and unfolded it, saying loudly, "The auspicious time has come, the mountain ghost girl, please listen to the title." The mountain ghost girl, who had been nowhere to be seen, came out and knelt respectfully to listen to the order. Suddenly, the two men and the mountain ghost cooperated tacitly and blocked the space for Yu's daughter to take advantage of the opportunity of giving gifts. silence! Silence is the peak of the night. The face of the girl from the Yu family hidden under the veil looked a little unnatural. Since I came to Liuxian County, I have suffered so many setbacks in just one day. Thinking of Yu Yingying, when has she ever been so cowardly? Could it be that Liuxian County is not compatible with her? Otherwise, why would so many people target her? The key is that those who target her are either impossible to defeat or cannot be provoked. I have no choice but to endure this humiliation. Gan! So angry. (End of this chapter)