Chapter 002: The Old Monster

As for certain media, they are even unaware of what integrity is, indoctrinating the public with notions of high consumption and brand identity

When Bian Rui was young, the person he disliked the most was the old Daoist. He called him Master on the surface, but in his heart, he referred to him as the old monster

A good woman is not said to be nonexistent, but rather difficult to encounter. It is not only women; many people today lack intellect and do not possess independent thoughts or personalities. They are almost slaves to the media, believing whatever the media says. The toxic self-help messages are served in bowl after bowl, and there is no way to stop it.

The old man raised his hand, laying it flat, and then fixed his gaze on the palm of his hand. After a short while, as if performing magic, a yin-yang double fish emblem gradually appeared in his palm. It seemed neither jade nor gold, yet it shimmered with a faint blue light.

This ... ...

Without saying a word, Bian Rui extended his palm and pressed it against the palm of the old Daoist, sandwiching the Yin-Yang double fish talisman in between.

The old man slightly leaned his body, his eyes fixed on the nearby Bian Rui like an eagle.

The old man's lips curled slightly upwards, as if death were a most beautiful thing.

Although Bian Rui's calligraphy skills are average, he has practiced after all, and his writing appears somewhat presentable to the average person. His discerning eye still possesses some acuity, and the characters written on this silk can still convey a general level of proficiency. Therefore, upon a glance, Bian Rui was taken aback, as it was far superior to the copies he had seen in the museum.

Bian Rui looked up in surprise and said, "How did you know?"

However, it is also understandable that a woman who has been married several times, each time extracting a sum of money from her husband, and who engages in an affair with her husband's friend in her husband's villa, is praised as a flower and celebrated as a modern woman by the media. What positive message can this convey?

Go close the door

Lao Dao is a bit talkative today

Bian Rui turned his head and saw his master walking slowly ahead, so he followed behind the old Daoist.

The old man chuckled and said, "Because I thought the same way when I first came in!"

"Who has the mood to perform magic for you? Now calm your mind, focus your energy in the sea of qi, and silently say in your heart: Open the door, ha!" said the old Taoist.

Bian Rui was taken aback and said: "Have you fallen ill? The current medical conditions are quite good. If there is any problem, we can treat it. If you need money, just let me know. I can borrow from various sources and with my own savings, I can gather up to 1 million. At worst, I can work at a family restaurant for ten years, and it would not be a problem to advance 500,000 to 600,000..."

Are you still in the mood to perform magic?" said Bian Rui

The lean old Taoist sat on the chair, and although his body was thin, he exuded an imposing presence akin to a mountain, which momentarily left the tall figure of Bian Rui, who stood at over 1.8 meters, feeling somewhat breathless

What place is this

Bian Rui gave a wry smile and carefully organized his words: "In fact, it is not because of the divorce that I decided to go out. I have long had the thought of going out for a while; I first had this idea in the first semester of my junior year. Originally, I planned to set off after graduating from university, but at that time, Wang Jie said she was pregnant, and we were both busy with wedding preparations, so this matter was put on hold. After the divorce last year, I could no longer suppress the desire to go out... I have long had the thought of going out for a while; I first had this idea in the first semester of my junior year. Originally, I planned to set off after graduating from university, but at that time, Wang Jie said she was pregnant, and we were both busy with wedding preparations, so this matter was put on hold. After the divorce last year, I could no longer suppress the desire to go out..."

Do you know where you went wrong in this matter

The house is in the shape of a square, with a large corridor surrounding it, and a slightly elevated terrace inside.

Moreover, the old master has such a discerning palate that it is astonishing; he can even distinguish which jujubes on the same tree are produced on the sunny side and which are from the shaded side. It is nearly impossible to deceive him when it comes to cooking.

The old man continued, "Think carefully and quickly, but you can only think. You cannot take any of these items out, unless it is something you brought in yourself. The artifacts collected by our ancestors throughout the ages can only be viewed here; not even a piece of paper can be taken out!"

Bian Rui, curious, casually took a roll of silk from beside him, unfolded it to take a glance, and was immediately stunned, for he discovered that what he held in his hand was the "Cao E Stele"

On the shelf are the books and paintings collected by my ancestors and me throughout the ages, and over there are some decorative items. All of these will belong to you in the future..." The old priest said while walking and pointing at the antique shelf beside him.

In regard to other matters, the standards set by the old master are not too strict; however, when it comes to boxing and cooking, the expectations are truly inhumane. In the words of the old master, mastering these two skills can ensure survival even in chaotic times. One can protect oneself with martial arts, and culinary skills can provide for a living. No matter how tumultuous the world becomes, even if many perish from hunger, there has never been a report of a good chef starving.

It is best that you have come to this realization. I never thought much of that woman from the beginning. A woman like her only desires what she does not have; she is not one who lives a simple, honest life. It is for the best that she has left!

The old master took two steps and turned back, seeing his disciple standing there in a daze, so he returned.

Looking at Bian Rui, seeing the concerned expression on his face, the old Taoist felt quite gratified: "This is not an illness; it is simply the end of life. What doctor can cure the disease of aging? Moreover, while this may be terrifying for the average person, for me, it is not only not frightening, but it also brings a sense of relief. I feel I have lived enough days! This long life, for me, is no longer a reward but a punishment. You need not feel sorrow."

I came to find you today to give you something. After I give you this item, I will go to the resting place of my ancestors and wait for my transformation to the heavens.

Master, you only need to give me a call if you want to find me. Why come in person?

Bian Rui awkwardly said, "It would be good to take a look!"

Not far from the house, there is an ancient well, and around the well, eight small fields are arranged according to the eight trigrams. The fields are empty, with only what appears to be very fine black loamy soil, clearly indicating that it is good land

Following the footsteps of his master, Bian Rui arrived beside the house and stepped inside after his master. Although it was referred to as a house, it could hardly be considered as such, for he did not know where the main entrance was, as it seemed one could enter from any direction.

Antique calligraphy and paintings cannot be taken out, and the remaining items are not particularly noteworthy. As for the seeds thrown in the field that instantly grow into crops with well water, compared to figures like Wang Xizhi and Gu Kaizhi, the impact on Bian Rui is much less significant.

You have become successful, haven't you? Because a woman who does not adhere to the principles of a good wife has abandoned her parents and children to wander alone for six months. Do you know how worried your parents have been?

It was not until later, when he entered university, that Bian Rui gradually understood the words of the old master. This was because Bian Rui, relying on a small restaurant next to the school, not only earned enough for his university tuition and living expenses, but also bought himself a 90-square-meter apartment before the housing prices in Mingzhu skyrocketed. In his junior year, he purchased an Indian Scout motorcycle, riding it around the campus in a flashy manner.

After a few seconds of silence, the old priest opened his mouth to ask again

One should not give their all, whether to women or friends. I have long stated that in relationships, four parts of concern are sufficient, leaving the remaining six parts for oneself. Even if parents invest all ten parts into their children, they often end up raising ungrateful offspring. There must be boundaries between parents and children, let alone between spouses. Your wife has an excessive vanity and possesses only a good appearance; she is also a person who cannot be satisfied. When you fulfill her desires for money, she will feel that your care is insufficient and that you spend too little time with her. When your care is adequate, she will think you earn too little. Even if you earn enough and have time, she will still feel that you are not manly enough. In short, if you leave, it will only be a pity for your child.

After getting married, Bian Rui can be considered a model husband, having given up many of his previous hobbies to focus on earning a living for his family. He no longer rides motorcycles and has abandoned several expensive pastimes. In pursuit of the dignity his wife spoke of, he closed his original restaurant and, together with a friend, started a company, becoming a boss. They worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk, and as the company gradually got on the right track, he was shocked to hear that his wife wanted a divorce. In pursuit of the dignity his wife spoke of, he closed his original restaurant and, together with a friend, started a company, becoming a boss. They worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk, and as the company gradually got on the right track, he was shocked to hear that his wife wanted a divorce

Bian Rui nodded his head like a chick pecking at rice

Bian Rui is somewhat at a loss.

The works of Wang Xizhi have not been preserved for two main reasons: first, the passage of time makes it difficult for both silk and paper versions to survive; second, due to his immense fame, emperors were fond of collecting his works, which either ended up in tombs or were lost during wars, often destroyed by fire.

After waiting for the old man to finish his rambling, Bian Rui finally opened his mouth to ask.

Bian Rui lightly shook his head

Bian Rui turned around and closed the door, standing with hands clasped in front of the old Daoist, waiting to hear the old Daoist's teachings

"No, it is my time that is approaching," the old man said淡淡地.

The old man replied: "Originally, you said you would return two days ago. I have been waiting for you here for two days. I came to see you today because the bond between us has come to an end"

About one hundred and ten meters away, there stands a peculiar house. Although it is called a house, it has beams but no roof, resembling entirely a wooden frame. The roof is covered with green plants, resembling climbing ivy, yet not quite so, with thick branches that twist like dragons, exuding a sense of antiquity.

Oh?

Bian Rui was roused from his contemplation by the old Daoist's call, and upon raising his head to look at his master, he quickly noticed the double fish talisman in the old Daoist's hand

Hmm, hmm, happy

The old man did not respond, but simply said: "Come here, place your palm on it!"

At that time, Xiao Bianrui was only thinking about playing and had no desire to learn the teachings of the old Daoists. It is likely that any child would find it unbearable to be forced to practice the Six Arts of a Gentleman, such as music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, after attending school every day. Moreover, in addition to these activities, one also had to learn cooking and martial arts.

Bian Rui listened attentively while occasionally responding with an "mm". Although there were some viewpoints he disagreed with, he understood that when the master was reprimanding someone, it was best not to interrupt or refute, for throughout his life, he had experienced countless instances of the old monster's bamboo board stir-fried meat.

Lao Dao listened quietly to Bian Rui's narration, his face showing no expression at all

After listening to Bian Rui, the old priest slightly nodded his head

What is this

The old man entered the shop, casually pulled out a chair, and sat down. He first surveyed the arrangement of the surroundings, then subtly nodded his head.

What are you standing there for, come here

At this point, the old master waved his hand and said, "You wouldn't understand if I told you now; just wait until you experience it yourself later"

As soon as Bian Rui heard this, his hands began to tremble. He mentioned that while some people might not know Wang Youjun, it is likely that no one is unaware of Wang Xizhi. Currently, all the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi preserved in museums are merely copies from later generations, as the original works have long since vanished into the river of history

The old man led Bian Rui inside

Bian Rui understands that the old way of thinking is that, in the eyes of traditionalists, remaining faithful to one partner is considered a woman's most precious quality. Unfortunately, in modern society, remaining faithful means that as long as a woman does not cheat during marriage and does not end up divorced after being betrayed, she is deemed a good woman

However, Bian Rui did not notice this; at that moment, he was lost in memories, reflecting on the moments spent with the old Taoist. It was only after reaching adulthood that Bian Rui realized how much the lessons taught by the old Taoist with a whip during his childhood would aid him in his life. It was then that he truly understood the principle that enduring hardship is essential to becoming a superior person.

... ...

Alright

Upon examining the item in Bian Rui's hand, the old master spoke: "This is the authentic work of Wang Youjun, the silk manuscript of the 'Cao E Stele'. There are not many genuine works of the Two Wangs stored here; each person has only about three or two pieces. The remaining works of the Two Wangs are all copies from various dynasties, such as those made by Su Shi and his son..."

What are you dawdling for? Come here!

Is it magical? Nature is magical, and not only that, Bian Rui also heard from his master that he is actually his own ancestor, the kind of ancestor whose blood runs in his veins

In an instant, the old man retracted his palm. Bian Rui was strangely surprised to find that the double fish token, which had originally been in both of their palms, had disappeared

Bian Rui asked in surprise, "What do you mean, Master? Are you going on a long journey?"

Before the equilateral Rui could finish speaking, the old Daoist raised his hand and waved it lightly, interrupting his disciple's words

The old master said: "Whether it is the Primordial Chaos Realm or something else, it doesn't matter, as I do not know what to call it. My ancestor, who is also your great ancestor, told me this when he passed it down to me, and now I am telling you the same."

Though one may speak of it lightly, it is inevitable to feel a sense of loss within. Just think, if this item were to be taken out, it would be enough for three generations of descendants to live comfortably. How can one not feel a sense of loss

Genuine article, genuine article

The old man chuckled and asked, "Are you thinking that any piece you sell could allow you to live a carefree life, rolling on the ground in joy for the rest of your days?"

The old master looked at Bian Rui, smiling as he gestured in a circle: "Not only the two Wangs, but also the genuine works of Gu Kaizhi, Yan Zhenqing... In the Ming and Qing dynasties, there were also Tang Yin, Qiu Ying, and so on. All of these individuals are undoubtedly true masters. How about it? Are you happy?"

Following the advice of the experienced elder, Bian Rui tried it out. Suddenly, he felt a darkness envelop his eyes, and then, just as suddenly, a bright light that was somewhat blinding. He raised his hand to shield his eyes, and after they adjusted, he discovered that he was in a strange place. Above him was an endless blue sky, and the grass beneath his feet was as soft as a carpet, prompting Bian Rui to unconsciously step lightly a couple of times.