Chapter 4, My Story (Part 1)

This child is a rare find in a hundred years. If I do not make preparations early, I fear that other fellow practitioners will seize the opportunity first. There is no need for you to worry too much; I will not take your child away. I only wish to establish a master-disciple relationship first. As for learning the teachings, there is plenty of time ahead. My temple is located at Baiyun Temple, just a hundred miles away. When this child grows a bit more, I will come again, so you may rest assured

Really? The father felt a surge of joy; who wouldn't want their son to achieve greatness? However, upon further reflection, he realized that the child was not yet a month old, and this old priest was a stranger to him. Was it truly as he claimed, or did he have other intentions? Thus, the father inquired, "Daoist, my child has only been born for a few days; is it too early to take on a disciple now?"

This is fine, this child is my lifeblood, no matter what, I must take good care of him. Well, Daoist, since you say so, I can rest assured! The father pondered slightly, felt there was nothing inappropriate, and thus readily agreed.

After graduating from high school, I returned to the mountains to devote myself to the practice of Taoism. It is not that I could not get into university, but rather that I lacked the financial means. My father is merely a farmer who toils in the fields, and naturally, he does not have much savings. If it were not for the support of my master, I probably would not have been able to afford even high school. However, I am not discouraged; who says that one must attend university to achieve success? I refuse to believe in such a notion.

How could a mere maze possibly trap me? I have secretly navigated through it several times already. It seems that a beautiful world is waiting for me, and a bright future is just around the corner. I feel happy inside, but I must not let my master see it on my face. I deliberately pretended to be troubled and replied, "Master, are you not intentionally making things difficult for me? This maze you set up is something even several senior brothers cannot pass through; how could I possibly find my way out?"

My father is somewhat superstitious about Buddhism and Taoism, so when he sees an old Taoist priest, his initial discomfort transforms into reverence. His tone also becomes gentler as he says, "It is a blessing for me that the Taoist priest can come to my home, but I do not know what brings the Taoist priest here"

"Excuse me, is there anyone in the room?" At that moment, someone suddenly asked from outside the door. The voice was filled with a sense of weariness, as if it belonged to an elderly person, yet it was full of confidence, resonating with a deep and powerful tone.

Indeed, you are quite remarkable, child. To return from the gates of the underworld to the realm of the living signifies that you are destined for greatness in the future. According to our Taoist beliefs, you are a child born of the yin, and you must possess extraordinary abilities. If you can learn the ways of the Dao from me, you will surely achieve something significant in the days to come

Seeing his father's surprised expression, the old priest habitually flicked the dust whisk in his hand and respectfully said: "Infinite Heavenly Venerable, I am the humble Daoist Wuyouzi. I have come to pay a visit today, and I hope you will forgive my abruptness!"

I suddenly discovered a short sword with an antique appearance placed on a stone platform not far in front of me. Judging by its style, it is very simple, lacking excessive decoration. To my knowledge, this ancient sword should be quite old.

Father had not read many books, yet he could still understand the meaning of the old Daoist. He thought to himself, although the characters had changed, the meanings were as different as heaven and earth. Moreover, the terms of address remained the same, which was not inappropriate. "The Daoist is indeed a person of great wisdom, not someone from my countryside who can compare. I will follow the Daoist's lead. Mu Sheng, do not forget to thank the master!"

A deceased pregnant woman gave birth, and a baby was born in a grave; such a remarkable event quickly spread. People from ten miles and eight villages came, as if to see a rare animal, all wanting to see what was unique about me. As for my return from the dead, my father found some comfort, but the fact that my mother had passed away still left him with a heavy heart, truly a mix of joy and sorrow, a stark contrast of ice and fire

What is the name? It has been decided, this child was born in a grave, so he shall be called Graveborn

Oh! Master, then I will go back and prepare," after saying this, I slowly exited Master’s room. Just after taking five or six steps, I could no longer contain a surge of joy in my heart. "Yoho!" I exclaimed, jumping three feet high, thinking that after descending the mountain, I would no longer have to eat vegetarian food, and I could play however I wanted, with no one to manage me.

I struggled to open my eyelids, my body drenched in cold sweat, gasping for breath as I gazed at the completely unfamiliar maze. I complained, "What kind of bewildering maze has my master created? It nearly took my soul away!"

Of course, I could not say thank you, otherwise I would frighten my father to death. However, my relationship with my master has been established in this way. In the days to come, just as my master said, many individuals from various Taoist and Buddhist sects came to visit, all with the same intention of wanting to take me as their disciple. However, my father is a person who sticks to his principles; once he decided on my master, Wuyouzi, he would not agree to anyone else. Moreover, my master's name carries a certain level of authority; some self-aware individuals, upon hearing my master's name, would say nothing and simply leave. However, my father is a person who sticks to his principles; once he decided on my master, Wuyouzi, he would not agree to anyone else. Moreover, my master's name carries a certain level of authority; some self-aware individuals, upon hearing my master's name, would say nothing and simply leave.

I stared at this short sword for a long time, feeling an indescribable sensation within me. The short sword seemed to evoke a sense of intimacy, yet it also emanated a chilling aura that was disconcerting. It was perplexing that this short sword would appear inexplicably within this maze, leaving me in doubt about whether it was a good omen or a bad one. I wandered aimlessly around the short sword a few times, contemplating how I should deal with it.

This is very good, very good. I wonder if this child has been named yet

On that day, I was mischievous again. My clumsy father intended to change my diaper, but little did he know that I, not yet a month old, was quite the troublemaker, and I ended up soaking him with a stream of baby urine. My father, reeking of urine, glared at me in anger, yet he was at a loss. Looking at my innocent face, he could only shake his head in resignation

Hehe, do not be afraid, I mean no harm. A few days ago, I observed the stars at night and discovered that a auspicious star has descended from the southeast. Upon careful calculation, it is certain that a spiritual child will be born. This child has a destined connection with me as a master and disciple, which is why I have been searching all this way. After many twists and turns, I have finally found him, and I am very pleased!

"Musheng?" Wuyouzi furrowed his brow, "It is indeed reasonable, but this term seems somewhat inappropriate. If you don't mind, I shall take the liberty to change these two characters." The old priest dipped his hand in the cup and neatly wrote the characters "Musheng." "Musheng signifies that this child, having undergone the trials of fate, will surely rise steadily. The homophony with different characters conveys a better meaning, while also reminding us of this child's origins, not forgetting one's roots. What do you think, benefactor?"

At that moment, I suddenly began to cry and fuss. My father smiled awkwardly, picked me up, and while soothing me, said, "Daoist, you see, my child is really quite troublesome. I am truly very busy and have no time to entertain you. If you are thirsty, there is water over there; please take care of yourself."

The first few days were manageable, as they were all from the same village, and my father could still force a smile to greet them. However, as time went on and more people came, the atmosphere changed, especially with the way they looked at him, as if he were a rare animal on display, which my father found unbearable. Thus, my stubborn father closed the door, refusing to let anyone in, regardless of who it was.

The next day, I confidently arrived at the back mountain to challenge the maze. However, as soon as I stepped into the area of the bewildering maze, I felt a wave of dizziness. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that this maze contained another world, with interlocking layers, a blend of reality and illusion, like a dream. Strangely enough, I had entered this maze more than once, and logically, I should have been quite familiar with it. Yet, my feelings were completely different from before. What could be the reason? Could it be that my master, in order to keep me here, increased the difficulty and specifically modified the bewildering maze?

However, a strange scene soon unfolded. As I moved, the short sword seemed to possess a life of its own, freely rotating as I walked. No matter where I went, the sword acted like a compass, with the hilt always pointing towards me

Taking advantage of the idle time, I simply sat down on the floor and casually began to speak: "Speaking of this short sword, it truly has a connection with me, and the story goes back to the time of my birth! You may not believe it, but I was actually born in a grave."

"Born in a grave?" The expressions on the faces of the three of them were not only of surprise, but more so of disbelief. However, I had already mentally prepared myself; it would be strange if they believed it.

My father, who was busy changing my diaper, was sweating profusely and had no time to care about who was outside, casually replied, "No one is here!"

The authentic teachings of Daoism encompass a wide range of subjects, far beyond the common perception of merely drawing talismans to exorcise spirits or subdue demons. The primary focus is on Daoist scriptures, numerology, feng shui, and destiny analysis. Even more astonishing is that we often see some foreigners in our temple; according to my master, they are considered foreign Daoists who come here to exchange skills. Later, I learned that they all belong to a spontaneous organization called the World Association of Paranormal Sciences, of which my master is also a member. Even more astonishing is that we often see some foreigners in our temple; according to my master, they are considered foreign Daoists who come here to exchange skills. Later, I learned that they all belong to a spontaneous organization called the World Association of Paranormal Sciences, of which my master is also a member

The creaking sound of the door startled my father, and he was not pleased. Turning around, he said, "What is wrong with you? Didn't I say there was no one here?" However, when my father clearly saw the appearance of the person before him, he was taken aback. The old man before him was dressed like a Taoist priest. In this day and age, there are indeed people in rural areas who wear Taoist robes, but they only appear at funerals. Although my mother had passed away not long ago, it had been nearly a month; what could this old Taoist priest be here for?

Although I can be a bit mischievous, I possess considerable insight; at least in front of my senior brothers, when I say I am second, no one dares to claim the first position. In all subjects, I can at least achieve a grade of excellent, especially with my innate sixth sense, which often perceives things that others cannot sense. This is what my senior brothers envy the most about me; in their words, I am naturally suited to study the Dao. In all subjects, I can at least achieve a grade of excellent, especially with my innate sixth sense, which often perceives things that others cannot sense. This is what my senior brothers envy the most about me; in their words, I am naturally suited to study the Dao.

The voice is like a great bell, the energy resembles a gushing spring, what a fine talent! It is worth my long journey! Upon hearing my cries, Wuyouzi felt an inexplicable joy in his heart and couldn't help but offer a few words of praise

If that is not possible, it indicates that your cultivation is insufficient, and thus, the matter of descending the mountain should no longer be mentioned

"Young disciple, master and apprentice?" The father tilted his head slightly, pondering for a moment, "Daoist, have you come specifically to take my child as your disciple?"

"Is no one here?" The old man stroked his grizzled beard, smiled, and said, "Interesting." Without waiting for the host's response, he entered the room without any reservations.

I took out the compass, which is an essential tool for us practitioners, indispensable for observing the wind and water. Upon examining it, I was stunned to find that the compass needle would not move. Indeed, the maze of confusion is even more difficult to deal with than before

I thought to myself, you taught me hand in hand on the mountain, how well do you think I have learned? Of course, I wouldn't dare to say this out loud, "Master, to be honest, I have explored everything on the mountain, could you give me a chance to go down and have some adventures?"

However, the arrangements of fate can sometimes be truly elusive. Just a few days after my birth, I unexpectedly received a visitor, who would later become my master.

The master looked through the crack in the door at me as I walked away, smiling and shaking his head, "Is this lad a worm or a dragon? It all depends on his own fortune"

In such moments, one must not panic, so I sat cross-legged, closed my eyes, and calmed my mind to contemplate deeply. Strangely, when I settled my mind, an inexplicable wave surged within me, a strong consciousness compelled me to rise and walk in a certain direction. Such a thing had never happened to me before, and it frightened me to the point of breaking out in a cold sweat. It is important to understand that the reason a soul-confounding formation is called so is that it confuses the mind; once your heart is bewitched, you can never hope to escape. Such a thing had never happened to me before, and it frightened me to the point of breaking out in a cold sweat. It is important to understand that the reason a soul-confounding formation is called so is that it confuses the mind; once your heart is bewitched, you can never hope to escape.

Time flies like a shuttle. When I was 3 years old, my master officially accepted me as his disciple. However, I was still young at that time, and my master would come to teach me every so often. It was not until I turned 8 that I left home to follow my master to the Baiyun Temple where he practiced. My master had more than one disciple, but he favored me the most. To prevent me from becoming disconnected from society, he specifically sent me down the mountain to attend school. Thus, I endured hardships, waking up before dawn every day; otherwise, I would miss school. By the time I returned to the mountain after school, the moon was already halfway up the mountainside. The mountain, however, has its duality. Years of training have given me a strong physique, and over time, I have become accustomed to it.

You, being restless and impetuous in your youth, should learn to restrain yourself in all matters. It is precisely because I am worried about you that I do not allow you to descend the mountain!" Upon hearing this, my heart sank, but my master's words were not yet finished. Noticing my dejected expression, he smiled slightly and continued, "However, upon careful consideration, it seems that there is nothing more I can teach you. Your staying on the mountain does not hold much significance. Descending the mountain to wander is also a path of cultivation. If you wish to descend, it is not impossible, but I have a condition: you must pass through the Bewildering Maze within the time it takes to burn a stick of incense. Do you have the confidence to do so?" My master squinted his eyes, a peculiar light shining within them.

Father sensed the underlying meaning in Wuyouzi's words, and he couldn't help but feel alert. He naturally tightened his grip on my hand and said, "Daoist, what do you mean by that? I don't quite understand"

Do not say that you do not believe; initially, I did not believe it myself. It is indeed a bit absurd, but after hearing the subsequent story, you will believe! This must start from twenty years ago, after my birth.

However, the days spent solely in cultivation on the mountain felt like years to me. Not to mention the daily vegetarian diet and the practice of the teachings, the key issue was that apart from my master and senior brothers, there was no sense of novelty whatsoever. Occasionally, a few female devotees would come to offer incense, but they were all elderly women. How frustrating that was! How could my restless spirit endure such a situation? Therefore, I have always longed for an opportunity to descend the mountain, but my master is very strict, and I can only sigh in vain.

For this reason, my master places great importance on me. During a casual conversation, he half-jokingly asked if I would accept the position of sect leader if it were to be passed on to me. Of course, I firmly declined. Becoming the sect leader would mean renouncing desires, and given my wild nature, it is evident that I am not the type to endure such a life. Moreover, there are so many flowers in the world waiting for me to nurture them; how could I betray their expectations for the sake of a mere title of sect leader?

The next day, the master suddenly called for me and asked, "Mu Sheng, you have been on the mountain for over ten years. Do you think you have achieved anything in your studies?"

The master is not an old relic; he certainly knows the tricks I have up my sleeve. He has a mix of love and hate for me, yet feels powerless. However, it is precisely because of my personality that the master is afraid I might cause trouble, which is why he has been reluctant to let me descend the mountain. Until one day, the master observed the stars at night and discovered a hint of mystery. For this reason, he stood at the stargazing platform on the back mountain for an entire night, without sleeping.