Chapter 5: Master Zhang

Aunt Guihua clasped her hands together: "Amitabha, Amitabha, it is fortunate that the lightning struck this bamboo; what would we have done if it had hit the house? Amitabha, Amitabha."

I am aware of this, so you should take a good rest. I will go prepare the wedding gifts and eggs. " After saying this, he cheerfully placed his son beside Tian and turned to go to the outer room

Master Zhang adjusted his three long beards and nodded, saying: "Chen, good sir, you may not be aware that it is precisely because of the celestial body of your son that the various demons are stirred. That seven-tailed fox was, in her previous life, the favored concubine of Chen Shubao, the last ruler of the Southern Chen dynasty, named Zhang Lihua. Zhang Lihua was born into a humble family, with her entire family relying on her father and brothers weaving mats to make a living. Later, when Chen Shubao was honored as the crown prince, he selected this woman to enter the palace, appointing her as a maid in the Eastern Palace. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Xuan passed away, and when Chen Shubao ascended the throne, he conferred the title of noble consort upon Zhang Lihua."

"Are you Zhang Tianshi from the books?" Chen Youfu exclaimed in surprise, his mouth agape. The reputation of Zhang Tianshi in the folk community is indeed extraordinary. Zhang Ling, known as Tianshi, is a revered figure in Daoism, recognized as the founder of the Wudoumi Dao during the late Eastern Han period. He is also referred to as "The Celestial Master Who Subdues Demons and Protects the Dao," "The Great Emperor of High Wisdom," "The True One of the First Order," and "The Ancestor Tianshi." The title of True One was conferred upon him by the Supreme Laozi. His Daoist practices are profound, capable of subduing demons and vanquishing monsters, and he possesses great supernatural powers. He is well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, and knowledgeable in celestial and terrestrial texts, as well as the River and Luo diagrams. He once entered the Taixue and was well-versed in various scriptures. Outside the city of Lin'an, there is a temple called Tianhe Temple, which enshrines this Zhang Tianshi.

In the midst of the air floated a figure clad in a purple Daoist robe, standing nine feet two inches tall, with broad brows and a wide forehead, a red crown and green eyes, a prominent nose and square jaw, and two horns on his forehead. "Hehe, good sir Chen, do not be afraid, I am the Daoist Zhang Ling."

Chen Youfu arrived at the courtyard first and bowed three times to the green bamboo, saying: "Today, it is all thanks to the divine bamboo for its great power that the mother and child are safe." Just as Chen Youfu was expressing his gratitude to the green bamboo, a voice suddenly came from the sky: "Infinite Heavenly Sovereign, good man Chen, this humble Taoist bows to you." Chen Youfu looked up towards the sky and couldn't help but exclaim: "Ah, a monster"

I, the humble monk, am fully aware of the concerns of Mr. Chen. It was the Bodhisattva Guanyin who granted this dream to me. In the future, this person will indeed achieve great things. Mr. Chen, you need not worry too much.

Chen Youfu thought: This child was born with a radiant glow that reaches the heavens, surely a celestial being has descended. However, the child, so small, already attracts the covetous eyes of demons and monsters. Now that the divine bamboo has been broken, I truly do not know how to proceed in the future. Chen Youfu also considered kneeling to Master Zhang, but something invisible at his knees prevented him from doing so.

Chen Youfu hurriedly knelt down, banging his head on the ground like a bell, and said: "Master Zhang, Real Person Zhang, Immortal Zhang, please save my son. Today, my child was born amidst thunder and lightning, with the sky darkened and the sun obscured. Just a moment ago, a monster appeared within this courtyard, and it was only thanks to the divine bamboo bestowed by Guanyin Bodhisattva that mother and child were kept safe."

Haha, the Infinite Celestial Venerable, I am indeed Zhang Tianshi.

Aunt Guihua suddenly said, "Oh, why is it bright outside again?" After saying this, she opened the door. Outside, the gentle sunlight swept away the gloomy atmosphere over Chenjia Village. Under the clear blue sky, the courtyard was in disarray, with bamboo branches and leaves scattered everywhere. The once lush green bamboo was now split in two from top to bottom, and there were several patches of black ash on the ground, emitting a strong burnt smell.

Chen Youfu was taken aback, not expecting that this fox spirit was actually a noble consort in a past life

As he spoke, the celestial master, adorned with a golden Vajra circlet, held a whisk in his hand, and around his waist was tied a green silk cord representing Yin and Yang. Suspended from the silk cord was a three-foot-three-inch red peach wood sword. With an air of ethereal grace, three strands of black beard floated before his chest as he descended from the clouds into Chen Youfu's courtyard

Chen Youfu returned home and picked up his son, who was lively and adorable, growing more fond of him with each glance. Aside from being somewhat weak after childbirth, Tian Shi was otherwise in good health. Looking at the happy Chen Youfu, Tian Shi said, "The baby has just fallen asleep, so don't wake him. Today, we owe a lot to Aunt Zhu and the others. Tomorrow, Youfu, you must properly thank them on my behalf."

Oh, Zhang Shenxian, my child is still in swaddling clothes, yet you see the black and gray in this courtyard are transformed from that seven-tailed demon. I am only worried that the monsters and evil spirits will attack again

Chen Youfu knew in his heart what had happened, but he could not speak of it; this was Chen Youfu's eternal secret. He could only agree with what Aunt Guihua said: "What Aunt Guihua said is absolutely right; I too suspect it must be so."

Aunt Zhu and Aunt Chen had also come out, having been busy for most of the day, but fortunately, both mother and child were safe. The three of them bid farewell to Chen Youfu and prepared to return home. Chen Youfu thanked the three of them and invited them to come in for tea, but they all declined. Chen Youfu hurried inside and took out several pieces of brocade woven and embroidered by the Tian family. Seeing Chen Youfu's heartfelt sincerity, the three accepted the brocade and each left for home.

Master Zhang laughed heartily: "Mr. Chen, please rise. I have come this time specifically for you." A surge of pure energy lifted the kneeling Chen Youfu.