Chapter 5, My Story (Part 2)

"Dad..." I really don't know what to say, nor can I say anything. My father carefully tidied up my messy collar and said affectionately, "Let's go, if we don't leave now, we will miss the train!"

Master? I was contemplating whether to reveal what happened in the maze of illusions, but in the end, I gritted my teeth and said: "In fact, with my abilities, it is impossible to break your maze of illusions in such a short time. While I was in the maze, I inadvertently obtained this short sword. Perhaps it is due to this short sword that I was able to exit the maze so easily. However, I assure you, I did not cheat intentionally, and I hope Master will see this clearly"

This sword is called Hanpo, and it is the treasured artifact of our sect, as well as a powerful tool against malevolent forces. It has always been carefully safeguarded by my master. However, one day twenty years ago, this long-sealed sword suddenly emitted a series of buzzing sounds, a phenomenon that had never occurred before. My master found it strange and took it out to examine, discovering that the hilt of the sword was firmly locked in one direction.

Lu Fei wears glasses all day long and is an outstanding student at the Department of History and Archaeology of Yan Cheng University. He is a typical intellectual, and I like to call him a bookworm. Indeed, he lives up to the name, spending his days poring over books and studying history and antiquities. Not to mention, he is well-versed in historical and cultural events from ancient times to the present. Just mention any date, and he can tell you what happened on that day in history, making him nothing short of a living history book

The master did not expect me to ask this, and for a moment was at a loss for words, but soon he smiled again: "Mu Sheng, if you say it this way, it is not without merit. It is precisely because of the uniqueness of this Han Po that I was able to find you, which clearly shows the bond of fate between us, master and disciple!"

I was both surprised and delighted, and I jumped to my master's side, kneeling before him with a beaming smile. "Master, the bird will eventually fly once it has grown. After I descend the mountain, I will certainly adhere to your teachings. Moreover, I will definitely return to see you. Once I achieve success and fame, I will donate a substantial sum for incense offerings and renovate our temple, ensuring the proper promotion of our sect's teachings."

The next day, I finally took off that unsightly Daoist robe and put on my favorite jacket. After bidding farewell to my master and fellow disciples, I felt as free and joyful as a bird that had escaped from its cage, happily descending the mountain. However, when I reached the halfway point, I suddenly felt a twinge of loneliness. Looking back, I saw my master still standing at the entrance of the temple, gazing at me. An inexplicable wave of emotion surged within me, and though I rarely shed tears, my eyes suddenly became moist.

I gently pushed open the door and saw my master sitting in meditation with his eyes closed. I respectfully replied, "Master, it is I, I have come out!"

This is the story of Han Po and me, what do you think, is it somewhat interesting

However, I never expected that when I arrived at that place, I would find nothing. It was only after inquiring with someone in the know that I learned he had long since left and gone to work elsewhere

My father understood my thoughts; after all, I am a young person, and staying cooped up in a valley is not a solution. Therefore, he did not obstruct me, nor did he say anything, but silently supported me.

The master looked at me with great satisfaction, "Mu Sheng, from today onwards, this Han Po sword belongs to you." The master stood up and gazed out the window, suddenly reciting a poem, "Three feet of ice edge facing the heavenly gate, a multitude of famous swords stained with blood, swords emerge with the wind and clouds, whether fortune or misfortune, no one understands! Remember, no matter what, this sword must not leave your side; as the sword exists, so do you; when you perish, the sword perishes. Keep this in mind!"

Returning from the story I told to reality, the three of them remained skeptical, as it involved many elements that ordinary people could not comprehend. Moreover, they were all students of the History and Archaeology Institute, all materialists, so their disbelief or half-hearted belief was understandable. However, for me, it did not matter; every word I spoke was true, without any embellishment.

However, there is a gap between reality and dreams; this world is not quite as I imagined. Everything requires money—accommodation, meals, transportation, and even job searching incurs expenses. The little money given to me by my master and father was quickly spent. With no work experience and a low level of education, I could only suppress my ambitions and bow my head to work at a restaurant washing dishes

The master slightly opened his eyes and immediately saw the short sword in my hand, a complex light flickering in his eyes. He sighed and said: "I, Wuyouzi, have encountered countless people and have never easily accepted a disciple. Among my few disciples, you possess the highest talent, yet you are also the most dishonest. Originally, I intentionally increased the difficulty of the illusion array to keep you here for a while longer, to temper your character. I did not expect you to pass it anyway. I wonder if allowing you to descend the mountain is the right decision or the wrong one"

With a sharp sound, I drew the cold blade from its sheath. The sword was about one foot long, and its piercing cold light penetrated the heart. A faint blue, almost ethereal glow seemed to swirl around the blade, and a subtle chill slowly emanated from the sword's body, evoking an indescribable feeling. Although I do not understand swords, just from this glance, I can be certain that this is undoubtedly an extraordinary treasure of a sword

The master stroked his long beard and said slowly, "This matter must be traced back to twenty years ago"

I opened the package and took a look; there was a small compass, which seemed to be quite old, and an envelope. The rest were my change of clothes. I estimated that the envelope probably contained Renminbi, as one cannot get by in this world without money. Master truly thinks of me. Suddenly, I recalled the short sword in my hand, and my mind was filled with confusion. Curiously, I asked: "Master, you said this is a test for me, so does that mean this short sword was also intentionally placed by you in the maze? I have one thing I do not understand: why is this short sword..."

"Master? This short sword will find its own master?" I was taken aback and furrowed my brows as I asked, "Master, you can't be saying that you took me as your disciple solely because of this short sword, can you?"

Such a peculiar occurrence piqued my curiosity, prompting me to pick up this short sword. However, as soon as I touched the sword, a wave of coldness rushed over me, nearly causing me to drop it. Yet, what happened next was even stranger; that coldness gradually transformed into warm currents, stirring every cell within me, as if every pore was breathing. The chaos before my eyes suddenly cleared away, and it was only then that I realized, I had unknowingly stepped out of the illusionary maze set by my master.

I was momentarily taken aback, standing alone on the street in an unfamiliar environment, gazing at the passersby and vehicles, feeling somewhat at a loss. However, I quickly resolved that even if I had no one to rely on, I would still strive to make something of myself. When I stepped out, I was filled with ambition; I couldn't just return home in disgrace without having done anything, could I

"Locking the direction, is it like the hilt of this sword always pointing at me today?" I couldn't help but interject and ask

Dad! I couldn't help but embrace my father's slightly hunched figure, tears in my eyes as I stubbornly said: "Dad, I will definitely achieve great success and return home in glory. I will earn a lot of money for you to spend, and I will also bring back a beautiful daughter-in-law for you. Just wait for me!"

I originally thought that my master would challenge me a bit longer, after all, this time I did not rely on my own strength to escape the maze. However, my master unexpectedly changed his demeanor and burst into hearty laughter: "The child is indeed teachable. In fact, this is also a test for you. I understand that even without relying on this short sword, you can still use your own strength to escape the maze. Integrity is the foundation of being a person. You are very honest, and I will certainly keep my promise and allow you to descend the mountain. Mu Sheng, you are ready to embark on your journey!"

"Why does the sword hilt always point towards you, right?" Before I could finish my sentence, Master already knew what I wanted to ask. I nodded vigorously, hoping that Master would give me the answer quickly.

Speaking of why I came to Fujian, I am also quite perplexed, and it all has to start from when I descended the mountain. Thus, they once again fell into memories with me

Indeed! The master nodded and continued, "The treasured sword possesses a spirit; the direction of the hilt indicates its master, while the blade points to the enemy. This sword has accompanied me for decades, and I am well aware that it has sensed the presence of its master!"

You, with your smooth talk, remember to be cautious in everything. There are some items here that you should take with you when you go down the mountain. The master pulled out a well-prepared backpack from behind, stuffed full, though it was unclear what it contained

However, it seems that there was an arrangement in the dark, and heaven still favored me. During my lowest moments, I met the two best friends of my life online... Lu Fei and Liu Xiang

Dear passengers, we have arrived at Yan City Station. Please gather your personal belongings and prepare to disembark

Whenever the night is deep and quiet, after a day of hard work, I lie alone on my creaking little bed and wonder, where is my beauty, where is my life? Am I destined to be buried under this pile of dishes? What happened to the promise of standing out? What happened to the promise of returning in glory? What happened to the promise of a beautiful wife? Is it all just empty talk? Oh heavens, will you open your eyes? What happened to the promise of returning in glory? What happened to the promise of a beautiful wife? Is it all just empty talk? Oh heavens, will you open your eyes?

Of course, there is also my mother, whom I have never met. Although she has long since turned to dust, every time I stand before her grave, I feel an extraordinary closeness. It is only children without mothers who realize how precious a mother is. Gazing at the humble grave, my tears flow uncontrollably. "Mother, your son has come to see you. All I can do now is light a stick of incense for you and talk to you. But I swear, I will earn a lot of money and help you build a new home, so that you can live comfortably!"

"Twenty years ago, wasn't that when I was just born?" I pondered in my heart, but did not speak out, quietly listening to my master continue.

When I opened my eyes, I discovered a mysterious short sword on the ground, and this short sword was very peculiar; no matter where I stood, the hilt pointed directly at me.

"Take it! You are my son, what is there to be polite about!" The father's expression became very serious, so serious that I could not refuse. I held the money my father gave me in my palm, feeling the abundant love within it, unable to utter a single word, only able to express it through my actions. However, no one knows a child better than their father; just as I was about to kneel down, my father quickly supported me, saying, "Silly child, a man should not kneel easily, for there is gold beneath a man's knees." I held the money my father gave me in my palm, feeling the abundant love within it, unable to utter a single word, only able to express it through my actions. However, no one knows a child better than their father; just as I was about to kneel down, my father quickly supported me, saying, "Silly child, a man should not kneel easily, for there is gold beneath a man's knees."

Liu Xiang is chubby, but not in a flabby way; he is quite sturdy. His chatter is incessant, like a machine gun, which can be quite annoying, so I call him "Fatty." He is a freelancer, (which essentially means he is unemployed), but he is well-informed and sociable. He claims to have been a national level athlete in the past and has a passion for adventure, having traveled to places like Shennongjia, Changbai Mountain, the Gobi Desert, and the Nansha Islands. He is also very interested in paranormal events that cannot be explained by science.

So, how did you come to Fujian? Since you have studied the Dao, shouldn't you be engaged in activities related to Daoists? Wang Yuqing still has many questions about my background, and from her inquiries, it is evident that she believes a significant portion of what I have said.

I retracted my cold aura and involuntarily knelt down, heavily bowing three times to my master. Although I did not immediately understand the meaning behind my master's recitation of this poem, I sincerely responded: "Disciple will earnestly remember the teachings of the master and will not fail to meet the master's expectations"

"Alright, alright, alright," the father said, his eyes filled with tears as he trembled while taking out a neatly folded small paper package from his pocket. "Child, take this. Although it is not much money, there will always be a time when it will be useful!"

On the day of my departure, my father, with his calloused hands holding mine, choked back tears and said: "Child, go with peace of mind. If you cannot stay out there, just come back. Dad will always be waiting for you at home"

The first thing I did after coming down the mountain was, of course, to return home. Considering the days that have passed, it has been quite some time since I last saw my father, and I truly miss him. The reunion between father and son inevitably led to some heartfelt exchanges and tears, especially seeing my father's increasingly aged appearance, which filled me with a deep sense of sorrow

Hope is beautiful, yet reality is cruel. My daily work involves facing hundreds and thousands of plates; all I do is wash and wash, leading to an extremely bleak and boring life. However, I am fortunate that my boss is kind, providing meals and accommodation, and giving me a few hundred yuan each month, which offers some comfort to my fragile spirit. Yet, this little money is only enough for me to go online and chat; as for smoking and drinking, I dare not even think about it

Gazing out at the rapidly retreating scenery through the train window, my thoughts were a whirlwind, filled with a sense of reluctance. The image of my father lingered in my mind, and I even found myself resenting that I might be too unfilial. Yet on the other hand, I was also filled with anticipation for my new life, experiencing a feeling of eagerness to try. My heart was in a state of extreme contradiction. Thus, I jostled on the train for quite some time, until the gentle announcement of the station by the conductor interrupted my thoughts, the sensitive words striking a chord within me.

Hmm, Dad, I'm leaving now, you must take care of yourself! I resolutely turned my head and walked away, fearing that if I softened my heart, I would be reluctant to leave. At this moment, I felt very conflicted; although I told myself not to cry, the road ahead gradually became blurred by tears.

In this way, the three of us had common topics to discuss, talking about ancient and modern times every day, sharing ghost stories and strange tales. At first, they did not believe that I had studied Taoist practices, so they gave me the nickname "Little Liar." One night, I took them to a graveyard to showcase my abilities, which nearly scared them to the point of wetting their pants. From then on, they believed in me completely, and we became true close friends

Dad, no, this is what you have painstakingly saved from farming, I cannot accept it

Unknowingly, I arrived at my destination, Yancheng City in Fujian Province. Yancheng is a beautiful mountain city and also a revolutionary old area. The scenery here is picturesque, and the climate is pleasant. Additionally, due to its proximity to the Xiamen-Zhangzhou-Quanzhou economic circle, along with government support for the old areas, the economic development here is significantly better than that of most inland cities. There is no particular reason for choosing Yancheng; it is simply because there is someone in the village who is familiar with my father and works here, and I came here to seek him out.

In the dead of night, the bright moonlight seeped through the gaps in the window, casting my face in alternating patches of light and shadow. Troubled in my heart, I tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. My father had hoped that by having me learn the way from my master, I would grow up to achieve something significant. However, times have changed; after twenty years, the pursuit of this path has long lost its appeal, and I feel as if I have been swept into the dustbin of society. Despite possessing skills, I find myself without a place to apply them. If I were to remain in the village for my entire life, I would end up like my father, toiling away in the fields, which would mean burying my potential. I cannot remain trapped in this small mountain village; I must carve out a space for myself. Thus, I made a decision to go out and work, which is also the choice of most rural children.

I find it quite strange how I managed to walk out, could it be the effect of this short sword? With this doubt in mind, I arrived at my master's meditation room. Before I could knock on the door, I heard my master's voice from inside, "Is it Mu Sheng?"