The 9th performance of the Dog Play in the World, even commoners can attain divinity

Feng Junzi looked at Xiu Xiu and said: "Whatever you say, just ignore it. This little creature can understand human language. How did you find so many treasures under the Zhuangyuan Bridge? Also, you actually raise it like a dog! What do you feed it every day?"

Shiyen, take a look at this ancient book; it appears to be a notebook from the Ming Dynasty. This book records many ghost stories that have been passed down through folklore. Several of these stories mention that the offerings in folk shrines are often not made to deities or bodhisattvas, but rather to various demons and spirits. Many ghostly entities attach themselves to unblessed Buddhist and divine statues, receiving incense offerings, and over time, they can also enhance their cultivation. Do you know what it means to receive incense offerings?

... ...

(Prologue: Even if there were originally no gods in this world, as more people believe, gods can emerge from thin air. Thus, some began to create gods, while others started to confer divinity, either upon themselves or upon others. Over time, people have become unable to determine whether those on the altars we voluntarily or involuntarily worship are humans, gods, or spirits. Finally, one day, someone stood up and said: "If the Jade Emperor can confer divinity, why can’t I?" )

"Is it done? Not yet!" The voice of Feng Junzi carried a hint of amusement, sounding quite eerie in the darkness. "Now it will depend on the results of your training during this period. I must remind you, the next part will not be as easy as before; you will feel extremely, extremely, extremely uncomfortable"

Where can I escape in this desolate mountain wilderness? I can only walk out of the temple door in the dark and stand by the wall. I hear the faint voice of the Wind Gentleman: "Liu Yiyi, you died innocently twenty years ago, your spirit was confused at that time, resulting in your soul being unanchored to this day... I will impart to you the method of ghost cultivation... Today, I appoint you as the Mountain God of Zhaoting, gathering the spiritual energy of the mountains and rivers here to assist your cultivation... Accept the incense offerings from the mortal realm, condense your primordial spirit, and reconstruct your form..." Today, I appoint you as the Mountain God of Zhaoting, gathering the spiritual energy of the mountains and rivers here to assist your cultivation... Accept the incense offerings from the mortal realm, condense your primordial spirit, and reconstruct your form...

How did a dog manage to run to such a place? How did it get to the bottom of the pool? Did it accidentally fall in? After all, there are no railings on the Zhuangyuan Bridge. While I was pondering this, the little dog ran directly in front of me, seemingly unafraid of this stranger. It stared at me with its bright, round eyes, and its pink nose was sniffing vigorously, as if trying to catch my scent. Perhaps it was tired from running earlier, as it was panting with a soft huffing sound. It stared at me with its bright, round eyes, and its pink nose was sniffing vigorously, as if trying to catch my scent. Perhaps it was tired from running earlier, as it was panting with a soft huffing sound

That night after self-study, I saw the Wind Gentleman standing outside the chrysanthemum bed, shaking his head and muttering to himself about the two chrysanthemums that had bloomed early: "If I were the Azure Emperor in the years to come, I would repay the peach blossoms with a place to bloom. Even a rebel leader can write poetry! What am I waiting for in those years? In ten days, I will ascend the mountain to attain divinity!"

"Wait a moment, are you going to borrow my supernatural powers again? Wind Gentleman, there is something I have always wanted to ask you. You are so powerful, why do you always need to borrow my supernatural powers? Wouldn't it be easier for you to handle it yourself?"

The Wind Gentleman was rambling on endlessly, so I quickly interrupted him: "Alright, alright, I concede to you, is this done here now?"

Zhaoting Mountain is over 20 li away from the urban area of Wucheng, which can be considered neither far nor close. We took a rural public bus at the bus station. Nowadays, public buses or long-distance coaches in large cities do not allow pets, but at that time, the dilapidated rural buses in Wucheng had no such regulations. In fact, some farmers from the suburbs even brought piglets onto the bus. On the way, Xiuxiu was very interested in the two piglets on the bus, jumping out of my arms to scratch the ears and noses of the piglets, while the two piglets lay there obediently, not moving at all. Nowadays, public buses or long-distance coaches in large cities do not allow pets, but at that time, the dilapidated rural buses in Wucheng had no such regulations. In fact, some farmers from the suburbs even brought piglets onto the bus. On the way, Xiuxiu was very interested in the two piglets on the bus, jumping out of my arms to scratch the ears and noses of the piglets, while the two piglets lay there obediently, not moving at all

I counted on my fingers, and ten days later would mark exactly forty-nine days since I first saw Yi Yi, the legendary number associated with the resurrection of spirits. Could it be that there is indeed a divine intention at play? Unfortunately, at that time, I was unaware that Feng Junzi's approach was not only unprecedented but also a serious taboo in the realm of cultivation. I had always regarded him as a sage, forgetting that he was still young, having just celebrated his fifteenth birthday last night

How is it that this fellow hardly said anything serious and is already rambling? Just as I was pondering this, Feng Junzi had already come out with a flashlight. Seeing me standing at the door, he patted my shoulder and said, "The matters inside the temple have been taken care of"

... ...

It is a dog; if it is not raised as a dog, what else can it be raised as? As a little rabbit? I replied, "I feed it whatever I eat: carrots, vegetables, rice; it eats everything."

That noon, I did not meditate; instead, I practiced the contemplation of impurity quietly on my bed at night. There was no conversation throughout the night. When I woke up the next morning, I felt something furry next to my ear. I was startled and almost cried out. Turning my head, I was surprised to see the little dog I encountered the previous noon. This little creature was curled up, sleeping soundly beside my pillow! How did it get in? I remembered that the dormitory door was closed when I went to sleep last night. I looked at the window and found that it was not secured, having been pushed open just a crack. This little creature was curled up, sleeping soundly beside my pillow! How did it get in? I remembered that the dormitory door was closed when I went to sleep last night. I looked at the window again and found that it was not secured, having been pushed open just a crack. The little dog could only have come in through the window, but our dormitory is on the second floor! Could it be that this dog can not only climb trees but also scale windows? I really couldn't tell if it was a cat or a monkey!

The gentleman Feng also saw Xiu Xiu and curiously asked me where it came from. I told him that I found this dog under the Zhuangyuan Bridge, and its name is Xiu Xiu. Feng wanted to pet Xiu Xiu, but Xiu Xiu twisted and turned, unwilling to let him touch it, which made Feng a bit unhappy. Suddenly, he reached out and grabbed the fur on the back of Xiu Xiu's neck, lifting it into the air like a chick. Xiu Xiu struggled vigorously while suspended in mid-air. I felt a bit unable to bear it and wanted to advise Feng to let go, but unexpectedly, Feng brought Xiu Xiu's ear to his mouth and whispered a few words to it, and Xiu Xiu immediately calmed down.

The Wind Gentleman said earnestly: "I have discovered that the methods of cultivation throughout history are as vast as the ocean, yet the texts passed down by various schools all share a common characteristic—that is, they are written for humans to read, not for ghosts to read"

"Why can mental focus help Yi Yi?" This was the question I asked Feng Junzi after he confirmed that the chrysanthemum bloomed according to my wishes.

The goddess of the mountain? That's wonderful, it's simply tailor-made for Liu Yiyi. Where is that temple located

What clever scheme?

What a significant discovery this is! I can't help but feel both angry and amused: "I've never heard of a book written for ghosts; burning paper money is more appropriate."

Oh my! How could this happen? The Wind Gentleman’s gaze seemed to have witnessed something extraordinary, and he sighed lightly before saying: "If you are willing to keep it as a dog, then keep it as a dog. This is no ordinary dog; even with a diet of grains and cereals, it can fall ill. Are you planning to take it to Zhaoting Mountain? We should hurry, or we will miss the bus."

You do not understand this. The way of heaven is clear and precise; as a practitioner of the Dao, what I fear most is becoming entangled in matters of cause and effect. If everything arises because of you, then I can only borrow your magical power. When the heavenly lord comes to settle accounts, let it not be on my head... Do not forget that I am helping you, and it has nothing to do with me personally! It turns out this fellow thinks this way, and there is some reason in his words. I wanted to ask a few more questions, but the Wind Gentleman had already grasped my hand and raised his voice, shouting: "Borrowing divine power for a moment, let spring come!"... Do not forget that I am helping you, and it has nothing to do with me personally! It turns out this fellow thinks this way, and there is some reason in his words. I wanted to ask a few more questions, but the Wind Gentleman had already grasped my hand and raised his voice, shouting: "Borrowing divine power for a moment, let spring come!"

The Wind Gentleman slapped his thigh: "Now that you mention it, I have a bit of a recollection. It's settled then; the incense is not an issue, I have my own methods! Shiye, you go back and make some preparations. In ten days, bring the Qingming Mirror, and the two of us will visit the Mountain God Temple at night."

The Wind Gentleman spoke with an unusual seriousness, unlike his usual demeanor, and I felt a deep respect even from outside the door. However, at that moment, I heard the Wind Gentleman's tone shift, becoming irreverent: "Liu Yiyi, are you very eager to see that brother outside? ... You need not be anxious about this; I have already sealed your soul within the statue. Whenever you find a way to free your original spirit, you can go on a date with your Shiye brother ... If you miss him, there are actually other ways ... You can meet in dreams; you can send him a dream ... You need not be anxious about this; I have already sealed your soul within the statue. Whenever you find a way to free your original spirit, you can go on a date with your Shiye brother ... If you miss him, there are actually other ways ... You can meet in dreams; you can send him a dream ... It won't be a problem; I will find an opportunity to teach Shiye, and let your brother teach you personally ..."

"Oh, your name is Xiu Xiu?" I continued to tease the puppy, and unexpectedly, it nodded again, its gaze still fixed on the piece of beef jerky in my hand. I took out a small piece of beef jerky to feed it, and it tilted its head, chewing enthusiastically. After finishing, it looked at me again. Before long, the entire bag of beef jerky was gone. I clapped my hands and turned my pockets inside out to indicate that I had none left. Seeing that the food was finished, the puppy yawned and leaped onto my lap. Before long, the entire bag of beef jerky was gone. I clapped my hands and turned my pockets inside out to indicate that I had none left. Seeing that the food was finished, the puppy yawned and leaped onto my lap. It lay on its back with its four paws in the air, its belly up, and surprisingly fell asleep on my crossed legs!

... ...

I took out the beef jerky to tease it: "Little puppy, what is your name? This beef jerky is too tough, can you chew it?" To my surprise, the puppy seemed to understand my words, letting out two soft barks and actually nodding its head vigorously at me.

I handed the Qingming Mirror to Feng Junzi, who raised the mirror towards the statue while holding my hand with the other. I had long been mentally prepared, knowing what he was about to do. Sure enough, I heard him chant: "By the power of the divine, let the spirit return to its place!" The Qingming Mirror in his hand trembled, emitting a beam of light in the darkness, which perfectly enveloped the statue. A shadow emerged from the mirror, floating along the light towards the statue. Indeed, I heard him chant again: "By the power of the divine, let the spirit return to its place!" The Qingming Mirror trembled once more, casting a beam of light that enveloped the statue, and a shadow floated out from the mirror, moving towards the statue. This shadow was Liu Yiyi, who floated towards the statue, and at the moment she approached it, she seemed to be drawn in by some force and suddenly disappeared inside.

The Wind Gentleman smiled slightly: "You are not foolish, are you? As soon as I mentioned it, you understood. The current issue is, where can we find such a temple? Are there places like this in your countryside? It would be best if there were some incense offerings."

The Wind Gentleman saw that Xiu Xiu was no longer struggling, so he held it in his arms and patted it a few times. Xiu Xiu closed its eyes, appearing to be submissive. The Wind Gentleman found it uninteresting and returned Xiu Xiu to me. I asked the Wind Gentleman, "Wind Gentleman, what did you just say to Xiu Xiu? It seems like it can understand you."

The Wind Gentleman placed his index finger to his lips: "Speak softly, don't let Yi Yi hear. The most important aspect of cultivating one's will is to maintain a pure heart. If she is not the mountain deity in the Mountain God Temple, then who is? The promotion of the mountain deity should be the responsibility of the Jade Emperor, but neither of us knows him, nor do we know where this Jade Emperor, who is associated with *Tu* *Shu*, has gone. I guess I have to work a little harder. Originally, I thought about reaching out to the Municipal Organization Department, but they don't handle such personnel matters... The promotion of the mountain deity should be the responsibility of the Jade Emperor, but neither of us knows him, nor do we know where this Jade Emperor, who is associated with *Tu* *Shu*, has gone. I guess I have to work a little harder. Originally, I thought about reaching out to the Municipal Organization Department, but they don't handle such personnel matters..."

In the radiant light emitted by the Qingming Mirror, the clay statue of the deity suddenly seemed to come to life! Its eyes and features became animated. The statue before me transformed into two overlapping images: one remained the original mountain deity, while the other merged with the figure of Yi Yi. I finally saw Yi Yi once again! Yi Yi stood on the altar, integrated within the statue, her pair of pitch-black eyes seemingly unaware of what was happening. Her gaze was fixed on me, and her expression seemed to convey a message she wished to share. I was about to speak a few words to Yi Yi when Feng Junzi had already put away the Qingming Mirror, the light vanished, and darkness returned all around. At that moment, I heard Feng Junzi's voice: "Shiye, step outside for a moment; I have some matters to attend to and cannot be disturbed."

Not far from the foot of Zhaoting Mountain, after passing through the mountain gate and walking more than 1 li, one can see it; right beside it is the famous Xuexi Spring of Zhaoting Mountain. Every year, many tourists visit that area.

Seeing the adorable appearance of the puppy, I was reminded of the chocolate in my pocket. I took it out, unwrapped it, and broke off a piece to place in my palm. The puppy immediately licked it up and gobbled it down, then looked at me with eager eyes. I broke off another piece for it. Soon, the chocolate was gone, but the puppy still seemed unsatisfied, continuously gazing at the pocket from which I had just taken the chocolate. I still had a bag of beef jerky in my pocket.

The Wind Gentleman posed such a peculiar question, and I blinked and pondered for a long time: "I only know that there is a mountain god temple in the mountains of Zhaoting Mountain, and the statue of the mountain god inside seems to be female. However, this small temple is not large, has long been abandoned, and does not have much incense."

Incense offerings? It is simply the common people burning incense and bowing in reverence

"Gentleman Feng, what were you just saying inside? I seem to have heard you mention that Feng Yiyi is to be made the mountain deity. You must be joking, right? You even brought up the concept of bestowing deities!"

You mean to find a temple and have Yi Yi impersonate the Bodhisattva

I had a simple meal and fed Xiu Xiu half a piece of bread; the little fellow ran off to play somewhere again. Feng Junzi, draped in a military coat, leaned against the altar with his eyes closed, resting. I also sat on the threshold to take a break. Time passed little by little, and in the midst of the boring wait, it gradually reached midnight. Feng Junzi finally opened his eyes, looked at the time, and asked me: "Shiye, aren't you cold?"

What else is there to prepare? Can't we go tonight? Why must it be ten days later?

The Wind Gentleman shook his head: "Listen to me finish my words. I found that there is no method for ghost cultivation in the Daoist canon, so I began to think of other ways. Over the past few days, I have gone through quite a few unofficial historical records and supernatural novels from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and finally, I have come up with a brilliant plan"

The time was after the second class in the morning. I heard my quiet question, and the gentleman of the wind put down an ancient book bound in thread, adopting an inscrutable demeanor, and said leisurely: "Ever since encountering the matter with you and that little ghost, I have been thinking of ways to help both of you. Now you are fine, but she is still trapped in the Qingming Mirror, and neither releasing her nor keeping her trapped is a solution. During this time, I went to the library to research the Daoist Canon, and I was so dizzy from flipping through it that I ended up making a significant discovery." Now you are fine, but she is still trapped in the Qingming Mirror, and neither releasing her nor keeping her trapped is a solution. During this time, I went to the library to research the Daoist Canon, and I was so dizzy from flipping through it that I ended up making a significant discovery.

It was noon one day, under the arch of Zhuangyuan Bridge. I had just sat down on a cushion when I heard something rustling through the vines. Turning my head, I was surprised to see a small dog squeezing in. This dog was not large, and based on the size of local dogs in our village, it was probably only about three months old. Its fur was a reddish-brown, fluffy, and when it ran, it looked like a little fireball rolling on the ground. This dog was not large, and based on the size of local dogs in our village, it was probably only about three months old. Its fur was a reddish-brown, fluffy, and when it ran, it looked like a little fireball rolling on the ground

The Wind Gentleman cast a glance at me: "You should check the calendar; what day will it be in ten days? It will be the Winter Solstice, the time when Yin reaches its peak and Yang is born. You should continue to cultivate your contemplation of impurity for these ten days. Although you currently possess mental power and spiritual abilities, your mental strength is still weak; any increase is beneficial... Also, calculate how many days it will be from the first time you saw Yi Yi until ten days from now"

The day of the Winter Solstice is fast approaching, which is the day I have agreed to go up the mountain with Feng Junzi. This day falls on a Friday, and neither of us attended evening self-study; as soon as school was over in the afternoon, we slipped out. I only carried a backpack, which contained the Qingming Mirror, while Feng Junzi had a large bag. Just as we stepped out of the school gate, a red figure rolled over from the ground, and it turned out to be Xiu Xiu. Upon seeing me, Xiu Xiu immediately jumped onto my shoulder.

This is how it is, but it is not that simple. Gods are created by humans; even if there were originally no gods, a multitude of believers can conjure one out of thin air. The offerings made at temples are driven by desires, and these desires stem from beliefs. The incense offerings in the human realm represent the collective will of the people. Spirits attach themselves to clay idols to receive worship, which is a form of cultivation based on the collective will. Since Yi Yi is only a spirit without a physical body, and without a furnace, I cannot cultivate my alchemical path naturally. However, I can find a temple with incense offerings, attach myself to the idol, and receive the merits of the collective will. The spirit may even be able to take form through this cultivation, and then we can consider other methods. The reason I want you to cultivate your mental focus is that it will naturally be useful when the time comes.

The Wind Gentleman surrounded us with a circle, seemingly quite satisfied, and said to me: "This place is really nice, let's take a break for now; we have to wait until the hour of the Rat." As he spoke, he took out several boxes of canned food, a flashlight, a military coat, and even a watermelon knife from his large bag. I asked him what he brought the watermelon knife for, and he surprisingly said it was for self-defense. I have lived at the foot of Zhaoting Mountain for over ten years, and there have been no wild beasts appearing on this mountain.

I got out of the car beside the rural road, and there were still five or six miles to the temple on Zhaoting Mountain. By the time Feng Junzi and I reached the mountain god temple, the sky had gradually darkened. This mountain god temple had been abandoned for a long time, but perhaps due to its remote location and lack of attention, it was relatively well-preserved. In front of the temple stood a large stone trough, which still bore traces of incense smoke, indicating that it had once been a place of worship long ago. On either side of the temple door were two hawthorn trees, each as thick as a cup, which had already withered, surrounded by a grove of mountain peach trees. In front of the temple stood a large stone trough, which still bore traces of incense smoke, indicating that it had once been a place of worship long ago. On either side of the temple door were two hawthorn trees, each as thick as a cup, which had already withered, surrounded by a grove of mountain peach trees.

With this little dog causing a ruckus, I found it impossible to meditate this afternoon. I carefully picked up the dog and placed it on the cushion so it could sleep well, preparing to leave. However, I suddenly thought, how would this dog get up from under the bridge? It must have accidentally fallen down; it was fortunate that it wasn't injured. So, I held the little dog and climbed back up to the edge of the pond, ready to set it down. Unexpectedly, as soon as the dog opened its eyes, it jumped out of my arms and quickly climbed down the fragrant camphor tree by the pond's edge, darting back into the bridge's arch. I was almost taken aback, thinking I had seen it wrong; whose dog is this? It can actually climb trees! How did it manage that?

What major discovery

What? It's called "Spring"! Did I hear that wrong? Is there really such a perverse spell in the world? ... This name is just too ... ... As I felt both strange and amused in my heart, a wave of weakness spread throughout my body. I felt as if all my strength had been drained away, my legs grew weak, and I could barely stand, struggling to catch my breath. The Wind Gentleman had just reminded me that it would be extremely uncomfortable, and it seems he wasn't just saying that casually. ... As I felt both strange and amused in my heart, a wave of weakness spread throughout my body. I felt as if all my strength had been drained away, my legs grew weak, and I could barely stand, struggling to catch my breath. The Wind Gentleman had just reminded me that it would be extremely uncomfortable, and it seems he wasn't just saying that casually. This time, his "borrowing of divine power" lasted much longer than any previous occasion, holding my hand without letting go. The feeling of weakness came in waves, and I gradually became disoriented. I didn't know how long the Wind Gentleman had been casting this "Spring" spell, because by the end, I had involuntarily lost consciousness.

The little dog looked extremely adorable. I reached out to pat its head, and it did not shy away; instead, it extended its pink little tongue to lick my palm, making me feel ticklish. Suddenly, I remembered that I had some food in my pocket, which included beef jerky and chocolate. These snacks are something I would never buy for myself; they are all courtesy of Feng Junzi's meddling. Last night, when I went to Sister Han's noodle shop, I saw Feng Junzi there eating wontons, chatting and laughing with Sister Han. When Sister Han saw me, she handed me a large bag of various snacks, saying she heard that I hadn't had lunch for ten days and wondered why I never came to the noodle shop to eat. All these snacks were bought for me by her. I don't know what Feng Junzi told her; it's quite frustrating! Sister Han treats me like a child.

How many breeds of dogs are there in the world? I have yet to understand. From the large Tibetan Mastiff to the small Chihuahua, they vary greatly in shape and size, with some appearing to be completely unlike any other animal, yet they are all dogs. However, regardless of the breed, dogs do not climb trees; that is the domain of cats. Yet, I happened to encounter a dog that can climb trees

I just noticed that I was still wearing the same clothes from the day while spending the night in the mountains, and I didn't feel the cold mountain breeze at all. It seems that although I haven't felt much during this period of practice, my body has undergone changes unconsciously. Initially, I found it incredible to see Mr. Zhang wearing a silk shirt in late autumn, but now I finally understand what it was all about. Before I could respond, the Wind Gentleman stood up, facing the statue, and said to me: "Shiye, come here and give me the Qingming Mirror." Initially, I found it incredible to see Mr. Zhang wearing a silk shirt in late autumn, but now I finally understand what it was all about. Before I could respond, the Wind Gentleman stood up, facing the statue, and said to me: "Shiye, come here and give me the Qingming Mirror."

The small temple is not large, lacking a courtyard, and the door panels seem to have disappeared. Upon entering the temple, one can see a vividly painted statue of the mountain deity on the altar, whose form and features distinctly resemble a woman in palace attire. This statue is different from the religious figures found in most temples or Taoist shrines, leaning more towards artistic sculpture. The mountain deity is slender and beautiful, resembling a delicate and affectionate young lady. On the base of the statue, there is an inscription: "Zhaoting Mountain Deity, Green Snow's Abode," which appears to be the name of the deity. The statue's colorful paint has faded over the years, but traces of its original colors can still be discerned.

This little dog has been following me frequently since that day. I do not know whose dog it is, but it appears to be very clean and tidy, unlike a stray dog. I named it Xiu Xiu. Xiu Xiu is quite clever; pets are not allowed in our student dormitory, yet Xiu Xiu always manages to sneak in without being noticed by the dorm supervisor. I do not know when it will come to find me or when it will leave on its own. I often encounter it under the bridge at noon, and occasionally at midnight, it sneaks into the dormitory and sleeps beside my pillow. Xiu Xiu is very clever; pets are not allowed in our student dormitory, yet Xiu Xiu always manages to sneak in without being noticed by the dorm supervisor. I do not know when it will come to find me or when it will leave on its own. I often encounter it under the bridge at noon, and occasionally at midnight, it sneaks into the dormitory and sleeps beside my pillow. The others in the dormitory have also come to know Xiu Xiu and often play with it, but Xiu Xiu is not very willing to interact with others, only circling around me. I do not have that much chocolate beef jerky to feed it, but later I discovered that Xiu Xiu eats almost anything, as long as I feed it, even nibbling on dried radish with great enjoyment, almost rivaling a rat.