Chapter 9 recounts past events in the mountains of Shishan.
Yun Mu Yang waited for a moment, and then heard a creaking sound as an elderly man with white hair emerged from the door
Master, is there a token left behind, so that in the future, if I go out, I can seek it for you? Yun Mu Yang, with tears in his eyes, gazed intently at Old Zhang
"Master, please have a seat. I will let you see my skills shortly." Yun Mu Yang then took out the dried meat strips and oil rice from the package, and began to wash the pot and start a fire to cook.
"Master." Yun Mu Yang saw the old man come out and hurriedly bowed. The old man helped Yun Mu Yang up, "Yang'er, if you are ready, then let us set off!"
Yun Mu Yang scratched his head, smiling at Old Zhang with a slightly flushed face
"Yes, Master." Yun Mu Yang felt an overwhelming sadness, partly due to his master's words that he was nearing the end of his life, and partly because he himself did not know what kind of feelings he was experiencing. He simply bowed to his master twice again.
Yang'er, it is already noon, let us find a place to rest for a while
Yun Mu Yang found a sheltered spot on the rocks, laid down a dry cloth, and said, "Master, please rest here for a while. I will go find some dry firewood." After placing the items from his back down, Yun Mu Yang walked towards the area where the faint sunlight could reach. After gathering some firewood, he turned back to pick some tender wild vegetables and spring mushrooms, then chopped a large bamboo into two sets of bowls and chopsticks.
Elder Zhang pointed out various herbs for Yun Mu Yang to observe, explaining their medicinal properties and the diseases they treat. Some had just sprouted, while others had developed tender green leaves. The elder also had Yun Mu Yang identify various poisonous plants, requiring him to articulate their toxicity and the methods of detoxification. Although Elder Zhang had only studied with the Taoist from Lianhua Peak for three months, he had accumulated a wealth of experience from practicing medicine for several decades. If Yun Mu Yang made even a slight mistake, it would surely result in reprimand. Fortunately, since Yun Mu Yang began studying the "Nourishing Body Classic," his mind had become clearer, and his memory significantly enhanced, allowing him to grasp concepts that even he himself was unaware of. He only made one mistake throughout the entire process, and even that mistake led to Elder Zhang's admonition of "endangering lives." Yun Mu Yang humbly accepted this, and seeing his humility, Elder Zhang softened his demeanor. In truth, Elder Zhang was extremely satisfied with Yun Mu Yang; however, he was concerned that if he were not strict enough, it might foster a sense of complacency and arrogance in the young man.
The next day, Yun Mu Yang did not explain clearly to his parents, only stating that he would accompany his master to the mountains to gather herbs, in order to better grasp medical principles and familiarize himself with the properties of various medicinal plants. Upon hearing this, Mr. and Mrs. Zhong did not object; rather, they were pleased, thinking that their child would not have to live as they did, tending to two acres of thin fields. Although it was the spring plowing season, they readily agreed. As the rooster crowed, Lu Zhi prepared water, rice, oil, and salt for Yun Mu Yang and his master, along with some dry food and rain gear. As dawn broke, Yun Mu Yang set off with his backpack towards his master's residence.
Good
Yes, Master
Master, Mu Yang has been learning from his teacher since he was over six years old, and he is now nearly eleven, having passed four years of seasons. In the classroom, Yun Mu Yang refers to Old Zhang as his teacher, and when studying medical principles, he also addresses Old Zhang as Master.
The mountains and waters stretch endlessly, the journey is long and arduous. The master and disciple walk between the streams in the mountains, and along the way, Elder Zhang instructs Yun Mu Yang to gather herbs and identify them. It is now spring, and all things are beginning to revive, making it difficult to distinguish the medicinal herbs, which can only be judged by their seedlings. As they continue walking, it is already noon, and Yun Mu Yang is quite puzzled. "My master is already in his old age, yet he walks with the agility of the wind. Although he shows signs of fatigue on the mountain path, it is evident that he still possesses strength and is in excellent spirits. What could be the reason for this? Could it be that my master has also practiced profound techniques like I have?"
Old Zhang naturally noticed that Yun Mu Yang was filled with doubts. Seeing that Yun Mu Yang did not speak up to ask, he also chose not to explain, merely smiling as he looked at Yun Mu Yang.
"Yang Er, are you extremely puzzled as to why, at such an advanced age, I still possess such a robust physique?" Old Zhang laughed heartily. "I know that if I do not speak, you will certainly not ask, as you consider this a personal matter and are reluctant to inquire casually." Old Zhang said with a hearty laugh.
Yun Mu Yang responded affirmatively, then gathered all the items on the ground and strapped them to his back, continuing to walk into the mountains alongside his master
I cannot blame you. Day and night, I miss my wife and children. After I took off my robe and returned home, I found nothing but broken tiles, wild grass growing everywhere, and birds flying chaotically. I searched everywhere for my wife and daughter, but to no avail. Later, relying on my limited medical skills, I traveled across the north and south, yet I still could not find my wife and daughter. In the end, I came here to seek refuge. At this point, Old Zhang was already in tears.
"Master, it is all the disciple's fault for bringing up painful memories for you." Yun Mu Yang, seeing the sorrow in his master's eyes, felt heartbroken as well and could only offer words of comfort
In the past, when you became my disciple, you were merely over six years old. At that time, I was already experiencing a decline, and four years have passed, making me even more aged, like the setting sun in the west. You are naturally intelligent, quick-witted, and eager to learn. Over the past four years, you have gained a profound understanding of the principles of herbal medicine from books, and you possess great determination. However, your disposition is somewhat too indifferent; if it were not for this, you would surely achieve great success in the future. The elder paused slightly, noticing that Yun Mu Yang was listening attentively, which brought him comfort. He continued, "If in this life you do not seek wealth, splendor, or high positions, you can still live a stable life as a physician. You are naturally intelligent, quick-witted, and eager to learn. Over the past four years, you have gained a profound understanding of the principles of herbal medicine from books, and you possess great determination. However, your disposition is somewhat too indifferent; if it were not for this, you would surely achieve great success in the future." The elder paused again, seeing Yun Mu Yang listening carefully, which reassured him. He added, "Now, I fear my time is limited, and you only know the theories of medicine from books but have not yet practiced them personally, which causes me concern. There is an ancient saying: 'Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles.' Currently, you have only seen the tip of the iceberg in practicing medicine. To truly become a master, it requires more than just a few years. Now that it is the season for spring plowing, all students must assist with the farming. You should return and inform your parents, and starting tomorrow, you will accompany me into the mountains.
"Mu Yang, can you calculate how much time has passed since you began learning medical principles from me?" Elder Zhang looked at his young disciple with great affection
The master and disciple set out towards the great mountain in the morning light. Yun Muyang noticed that his master was already advanced in age and several times wanted to step forward to assist Elder Zhang, but was repeatedly refused by Elder Zhang.
The two remained silent for a long time
Before half an hour had passed, Yun Mu Yang said, "Master, it is time to eat." Yun Mu Yang knelt on one knee, presenting the porridge-like meal with both hands to Elder Zhang. Elder Zhang was very pleased with this and after they finished eating, he said to Yun Mu Yang, "Yang'er, when you cook in the evening, there is no need to add so much water; my teeth are still fine."
Understood, Master! How about we walk another 100 zhang forward? When I came here, I saw a large stone over there that is quite flat. Although it has been rainy lately, there is occasionally weak sunlight shining through, so it shouldn't be too damp. Moreover, there happens to be a stream flowing nearby, which is just right for making a fire and cooking there
Another year and three months have passed in the blink of an eye, marking the time when the grass grows lush and the orioles sing, a season full of spring vitality and the revival of all things. After class each day, Yun Muyang would stay behind to learn medical principles from the master.
"Yang'er, let us go! At present, it is the time of spring, with a hazy atmosphere and the grass growing while the orioles fly. The reason I am taking you into the mountains at this time is twofold: first, I am getting old and fear that I may not be able to do this in the future; second, I wish to teach you to recognize the seedlings of various medicinal herbs and to distinguish between those that have similar appearances. Tonight, we will spend the night in the mountains. There is an old wooden house on a small hill thirty miles away from here, so let us complete today's task while the day is still young."
Ah! It has been over sixty years..." He paused again, "Well, if in the future Yang can truly find my wife and daughter for me, then even if I die, I will have no regrets." Saying this, he took out a small jade bottle engraved with a golden lotus flower and strange patterns from his bosom, "This is the medicine bottle left by that Taoist when he gifted me the medicine. The other one is in your master's wife's possession. When I left, I mentioned that if I were to return one day, we would recognize each other by this bottle. I just wonder if my wife, out of hatred, has thrown this bottle away?" As he spoke, he handed the bottle to Yun Mu Yang, who received it with both hands and then carefully stored it away.