Chapter 007: The Art of Yin Nourishing Yang

Finally, after completing a year of study, the wandering Taoist announced: Students, it is time for your internship

As for those two shivering half-grown children, they were merely misguided youths lured up the mountain by Cui and Qiu. Taishi Kun had little interest in them; he gave each of them a couple of hard slaps and sent them back down the mountain to their respective homes

Jin Lian continued, "My dear! The term 'Gu Shupi' is merely a nickname for that short fellow. It is fine for us to refer to him this way in casual conversation, but writing it down on paper is somewhat excessive! His proper name is 'Wu Bai'! Since he holds a significant position in his household, it would also be acceptable for you to write 'Wu Dalang'!"

Qiu Xiaoyi had a few drops of ink in his belly. He found a charcoal stick and a sheet of grass paper, and on the spot, he wrote a contract of servitude, calling for Cui Daocheng to press their handprints together. From that moment on, the two of them, Cui and Qiu, became the household servants of Taishi Kun.

Wu Song! It is actually Wu Song! The very same traveler Wu Song, who can stir up a tremendous wave of blood with just a gesture! With such a figure right before him, how could one not pay their respects? Upon this realization, Taishi Kun, disregarding the red envelope, hurriedly grabbed two rolls of money and rushed to the door to find Wu Dalang.

It turns out that Tai Shikun, in modern times, was once compelled by a doctor from Song to practice calligraphy for a few days. However, the art of using a brush is profound and intricate, and how could it be mastered in just a few short days? In desperation, the doctor from Song had no choice but to allow Tai Shikun to develop some skill in writing large characters with a bamboo stick dipped in ink, so that Tai Shikun could avoid being labeled as "illiterate" when he returned to ancient times

Jin Lian was startled by Tai Shi Kun's rudeness and quickly replied cautiously, "My lord, he has a brother named Wu Song, but that brother is quite unruly! I have heard that he recently committed a crime and is facing legal troubles!"

Next, let us talk about Qiu Xiaoyi. Qiu Xiaoyi's hometown is a picturesque small village near Sun Geng Town under the jurisdiction of Qizhou. In this village, the majority of the families share the surname Qiu, and Qiu Xiaoyi's father is the most learned scholar in the village. Qiu Xiaoyi is the second child in his family, which is why his father calls him "Xiao Yi"

It is extremely insulting! I encountered a fraud! Qiu Chujin considered himself exceptionally clever, but in the end, he was still deceived! In a fit of rage, he wielded a pair of butterfly knives and chopped the owner of Yangchun Tower in half! Afterwards, he fled from Yingtian Prefecture overnight

Alas! A few people sighed, merely assuming that Cui Daocheng had not spoken.

Qiu Xiaoyi was brought by a wandering Taoist to a Taoist temple near Yingtianfu, where there were already four senior brothers who had come to learn the art. Following the order of "Flying Sky Five Birds," the wandering Taoist bestowed Taoist names upon the five disciples: Cangying, Qingyao, Baie, Huida, and Chujiji. As Qiu Xiaoyi joined the group last, he was given the name "Qiu Chujiji."

Is it really that troublesome? Little Lianlian, quickly go fetch the paper and ink, so you can see how this master writes large characters using a bamboo stick dipped in ink

A few more days passed, and as the furniture in the house dwindled, Jin Lian's face grew longer. Tai Shi Kun also understood that this situation could not continue; it was essential to find a way to make money. Therefore, early that morning, Tai Shi Kun gathered everyone in the villa and held an economic symposium.

Thus, Qiu Chujie’s nightmarish life began. The owner of Yangchun Tower indeed had the means; he would bring many women and books every day for the five brothers to use. This was originally a good thing, but unfortunately, these women were all over forty years old, and each one was fat, foolish, and unruly. They would often whip Qiu Chujie and the others with leather whips and drip wax on them, leaving Qiu Chujie and the others covered in bruises and utterly exhausted every day. This was originally a good thing, but unfortunately, these women were all over forty years old, and each one was fat, foolish, and unruly. They would often whip Qiu Chujie and the others with leather whips and drip wax on them, leaving Qiu Chujie and the others covered in bruises and utterly exhausted every day

Qiu Xiaoyi said: "Kun Ge! I think we should seize a hill and become the king of the grasslands! Just think about it, what business today doesn't require capital or skills? Only robbery fits the bill: no capital needed, and the technical requirements are low, making it the most suitable for us!"

The wandering Taoist brought his five disciples to a place of entertainment in the capital called "Yangchun Tower," instructing them: Work diligently to gather resources, aiming to collect more than seven times each day

Cui Daocheng, with his bald head and sturdy physique, has nearly recovered from his two injured legs in just a few days. He grunted and said, "Brother Kun! Why worry about making a living? After selling the furniture, we can sell the forest; after selling the forest, we can sell the houses. How can we not sustain ourselves for a few more years? What are you so anxious about?"

The agenda of the meeting was quite clear, which was how to generate revenue. However, what surprised Taishi Kun was that the first person to propose an idea was actually Gu Shupi

In the year when Qiu Xiaoyi turned seventeen, a wandering Taoist priest came to the village. This priest was remarkable; he could read feng shui, draw ghost symbols, and surprisingly, he could even perform a few tricks involving fire and boiling oil! Qiu Xiaoyi felt an instant connection with this priest and came to him every day to learn magic. Seeing Qiu Xiaoyi's sincerity and eagerness to learn, the wandering Taoist decided to share the secrets of his cultivation with him.

Since Jin Lian has agreed, what reason does Tai Shi Kun have to be unwilling? Upon seeing that Tai Shi Kun had consented, Cui and Qiu felt happy in their hearts that they could once again engage in their old profession with *Tu* *Shu*. Thus, the few of them exchanged words about a bright future, while Gu Shu Pi stood by, meekly acquiescing, filled with reluctance.

Is it wrong? These three characters are clearly written in traditional Chinese, how could it be a mistake? Taishi Kun looked at Jin Lian, feeling quite puzzled

Tai Shikun subsequently sent away the Lin family members and led Cui Daocheng, Qiu Xiaoyi, and Gu Shupi back to the mountain villa, feeling dejected. On this trip, not only did Tai Shikun fail to earn any money, but he also added two mouths to feed. As a result, Tai Shikun had no choice but to pawn some of the unnecessary furniture from his home in exchange for some money to get by.

The meeting had concluded, and Taishi Kun pondered alone for a while. He observed the myriad of reluctance in Gu Shupi's demeanor and understood that bringing someone like Gu Shupi, who lacked martial skills, up the mountain to graze was indeed a burden. Thus, he was inclined to send him away.

Gu Shupi said: "Master! I can make flatbreads! Why don't we all learn from me? Once we practice together and become skilled, we can make at least five hundred flatbreads a day, sell them at the foot of the mountain, and easily earn five hundred wen!"

Jin Lian approached Tai Shi Kun, who was about to seal a red envelope, and said: "My husband, do you know the method for sealing a red envelope? You must find a piece of red paper to wrap two coins, and write the name of the valley tree bark on the paper. Only then will it be in accordance with the rules!"

Wu! Da! Lang! Wu Da Lang from Qinghe County! ... Could it be ...

Tai Shikun broke a broomstick, dipped it in ink, and with a vigorous sweep of his hand, the three large characters "Gu Shu Pi" sprang to life on the paper, exuding strength and an ancient elegance. However, to his surprise, this skill made Jin Lian cover her small mouth and giggle.

From then on, Qiu Chujie began to study the "Yin-Yang Supplementation Technique" together with his senior brothers from the four m. hetushucomcom. This method is indeed difficult to learn! Not only must one drink some invigorating herbal medicine every day, but one also has to learn techniques such as semen retention, tongue probing, as well as various maneuvers like ancient tree roots and the old man pushing a cart. Additionally, one must master the frequencies of shallow and deep movements, slow sways, and rapid tremors. Most embarrassingly, one also has to learn the skills of makeup application!

Since I am a scholar, it is only natural that Qiu Xiaoyi is quite literate. The collection of books in Xiaoyi's home is quite limited, consisting mainly of a few titles such as the "Tao Te Ching," "Taiping Jing," and "Baopuzi." From a young age, Xiaoyi has held a few Daoist texts in his hands, and over time, he developed an interest in Daoist practices.

Tai Shikun conveyed his thoughts to Jin Lian, who replied, "Since you are determined to send Gu Shupi away, it is only right to settle his wages for these past days."

Tai Shikun pondered over this reasoning, and thus he tidied up a few pieces of furniture, went down the mountain to exchange some cash, and prepared to seal a red envelope with two guan of money for Gu Shupi, considering it a way to have a proper beginning and a good ending.

A few men and women let out a sound, merely assuming it was the sound of the bark of a valley tree passing gas

Dear students! Enrollment and internships are two essential milestones in your lives! Proceed with caution, proceed with caution! — Excerpt from "Kong Ge's Diary"

Finally, after witnessing the owner of Yangchun Tower repeatedly collect service fees from those aunties, Qiu Chujin finally understood: he had been deceived into becoming a gigolo

It turns out that this wandering Taoist is practicing the highest Taoist mental technique— the art of yin collection and yang supplementation! Upon witnessing such skills, Qiu Xiaoyi could no longer contain himself. Thus, he secretly took his father's entire savings and left Qizhou overnight, following the wandering Taoist.

Jin Lian, upon hearing that Tai Shi Kun was going to write with a bamboo stick, was naturally filled with curiosity. Before long, she had indeed laid out red paper on the desk, prepared the ink, and was staring with her bright eyes, waiting for Tai Shi Kun to perform.

Tai Shikun thought of this and was suddenly drenched in cold sweat! He dropped the broomstick and grabbed Jin Lian, asking: "Is Gu Shupi called Wu Dalang? Then, does this short fellow have a brother named Wu Song at home?"

This way of life continued for two years. As he grew older and gained experience, Qiu Chuj chicken gradually began to doubt this lifestyle—could this really be the practice of Yin-Yang supplementation? Why does it feel somewhat like a profession akin to that of the Fourth Senior Brother?

"Robbery? This method is quite good!" Tai Shikun's eyes suddenly brightened, but they quickly dimmed again. Because he remembered Jin Lian, a delicate young girl; how could she possibly go up the mountain to become a bandit?

Having taken a life, Qiu Chujie no longer dared to use that name, so he reverted to his original name—Qiu Xiaoyi. From that point on, he had a home he could not return to and could only wander the world. Later, he met Cui Daocheng, who had experienced similar deception. The two hit it off immediately, feeling as if they had known each other for a long time, and thus they became inseparable companions. Eventually, Cui Daocheng expressed a desire to visit Qinghe County, where the Cui family had once thrived, and so the two traveled to Qinghe County, settling in the Daoming Temple, where they remain to this day

After listening to the stories of the two, Taishi Kun comforted himself, saying: Well, having two fools is certainly easier to deceive than having some clever people, isn't it

Jin Lian smiled and said, "My dear husband, these few large characters you have written are quite good, but these few characters are written incorrectly"

Jin Lian noticed the melancholy of Tai Shi Kun and immediately said: "My lord! Do not worry about me! In fact, I have long yearned for the life of a bandit’s wife since I was young! I believe that Qiu Xiao Yi's idea is excellent!"