Chapter 2, The Book of Inscriptions, I read and observe myself

That is to become famous

Before the ink had dried, Zhao Yuan hurriedly grabbed the few pages of paper in his hand and eagerly began to read. At first glance, he was filled with hope, but before long, his expression grew increasingly worse. After flipping through the pages several times, he let out a deep sigh and said, "I originally did not believe it, but it turns out to be true. I wasted so much effort... Indeed, the true methods are not something we can casually encounter. I have been blinded this time!"

This man, in his early thirties, has slightly graying temples and a hint of weariness in his features. He holds a nanmu wooden book box in his palm. Upon seeing Zhang Yan, who is approaching with a bamboo banner, he hurriedly steps forward to bow and asks, "Are you Zhang Yan, Senior Brother Zhang?"

Disciples entering the Shanyuan Temple generally cultivate at the Sixth Peak of Cangwu Mountain, known as the Moon Catching Peak, and are seldom seen by those who are not well acquainted. The masters in the temple do hold teachings every month, but without a long-term "offering," it is impossible to obtain the teachings of the Daoist sect.

After everything was properly arranged, Zhang Yan closed the door and sat in meditation. Although "One Qi Cleansing Scripture" is merely an introductory mental method, the path of cultivation is like rowing upstream; if one does not advance, one will retreat. He was even more aware of the importance of the fundamentals. Despite having traveled through so many days, he had not relaxed for even a moment.

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Do your best and leave the rest to fate"

Zhao Yuan, now thirty-eight years old, found the path of cultivation to be arduous and had faced numerous setbacks, which inevitably led to feelings of discouragement and a desire to descend the mountain. As he gazed at the half-completed Daoist text, anger surged within him, and he grasped it in his hand, ready to tear it in two.

Interpreting the inscriptions may seem ordinary, but in reality, it is akin to snatching food from the mouths of those novice disciples who perform menial tasks. Originally, they would sell the Daoist texts and then sell the transcribed copies after interpretation, allowing them to earn two profits in succession. Now, it is as if Zhang Yan has cut off their source of income with a single stroke, severing a financial lifeline. While the situation may be manageable for now, over time, it will inevitably lead to their dissatisfaction, and the consequences could become unpredictable.

He just realized that this book titled "The Daoist Text of Yongchuan's Water Writing" is merely a collection of miscellaneous notes on immortality. It posed no difficulty for him, and before long, he had interpreted this half-volume of the Daoist text.

Zhang Yan nodded slightly, sitting down leisurely to flip through the pages. Zhao Yuan anxiously watched his face, feeling a mix of hope and fear, yet Zhang Yan maintained a calm expression, revealing no hint of his thoughts.

This time, Zhao Yuan was eager to seek the Dao. Upon hearing that a certain novice disciple was searching for the Five Elements Divine Sand, he was willing to offer several volumes of "authentic Daoist texts" for the brothers to study. With determination, he approached the person in charge, not only presenting a pound of Water Moon Glimmering Sand but also generously offering a large sum of wealth, in hopes of obtaining a genuine treasure record.

Zhao Yuan quickly nodded in thanks. He glanced at Zhang Yan, hesitated for a moment, stepped forward, and said softly: "Senior Brother, while interpreting the eclipse text is indeed commendable, it may also invite jealousy..."

Zhao Yuan shook his head and said, "Otherwise, esteemed brother, others may not necessarily tell Zhao the truth. You are indeed a noble person destined for Zhao! Allow me to pay my respects."

Zhao Yuan gritted his teeth, stood up and stamped his foot, saying: "Alright, I will observe with my senior brother!" He had originally given up on this thought, but Zhang Yan's words had reignited a glimmer of hope in him. Although it remained exceedingly faint, how could he bear to let it go so easily?

Oh? Zhao Yuan widened his eyes and looked at Zhang Yan, seemingly beginning to understand the meaning behind Zhang Yan's words. He involuntarily started to tremble all over, "Could it be..."

I, De Xiu, have heard that Brother Zhang excels in deciphering inscriptions, and I have come here to seek your guidance.

Zhang Yan has navigated the apocalyptic world for seven years, even once entering the core of the survivor camp. He understands very well that the fundamental differences between the upper and lower tiers lie essentially in two aspects: one is the control and distribution of resources, and the other is the asymmetry of information.

Zhang Yan does not come from a wealthy and extravagant family, so this path is clearly not feasible; however, there is another path that can be taken.

Zhao Yuan nodded. Since they were all reasonable individuals, it was sufficient to keep the conversation to the point. He clasped his hands and said, "If assistance is needed, just speak up, and I, Zhao, will certainly not shirk from my responsibilities within my capabilities." After bowing once more with solemnity, he turned and left.

Zhang Yan shook his head and smiled, saying: "Senior brother, do not be anxious; all the contents of this book are already in my heart."

In less than an hour, Zhao Yuan returned, panting heavily. He said not a word, pulled a book of Taoist scriptures from his bosom, and stuffed it into Zhang Yan's hands

It can be said that Zhang Yan is now financially secure, and according to common reasoning, it seems unnecessary for him to rely on interpreting inscriptions for a living.

Zhang Yan sighed, "If Senior Brother were to place the two volumes of the Daoist scriptures together for interpretation, perhaps someone would have noticed it long ago..."

Oh? Zhao Yuan was taken aback, yet there was a hint of skepticism in his expression

Before these individuals noticed themselves on https://m.hetushu.com, how could he possibly stop his steps

Zhang Yanli returned the greeting with a humble attitude, saying: "Exactly."

Zhao Yuan sensed that there was more to Zhang Yan's words and hesitated for a moment before asking, "What do you mean, Senior Brother?"

Zhang Yan observed Zhao Yuan's expression as he regarded this book as a treasure. He glanced at the meticulously crafted nanmu box, smiled slightly, set aside the bamboo fan in his hand, took out a white handkerchief from his sleeve to wipe his hands, and then accepted the book.

Zhao Yuan looked up in astonishment

He squinted and glanced towards the main peak of Cangwu Mountain, Shenlai Peak; this was indeed a prime opportunity

However, his schemes are far from being that simple

Zhang Yan gazed at the other person's back, lost in thought. It seemed that Zhao Yuan had also opened his heart to him; that remark just now would not have been made unless he regarded him as a close friend.

His ability to interpret inscriptions serves as his stepping stone

He bent down and performed a deep bow to Zhang Yan, who quickly helped him up and said: "This senior has used water to convey profound meaning, and the entire text of the method is laid out before me as clearly as if it were fish being scaled. It is truly rare. I, as a junior disciple, wish to give it a try. May I ask if Brother Zhao would allow me to practice it?"

On the second day, at the first hour of the day, he once again went to the pavilion at Qianzhang Rock, only to unexpectedly find that someone had been waiting there for a long time.

Zhang Yan looked at Zhao Yuan and said in a deep voice, "If Senior Brother trusts me, may I have the opportunity to view the second volume of this book?"

Zhang Yan suddenly understood that whether it was the Shanyuan Temple, the Dexiu Temple, or the Taian Temple, there were only a handful of true entry disciples, merely a dozen or so. They devoted themselves to cultivation, leaving daily trivial matters to the stewards around them. Although these stewards were in charge, they should not be underestimated, as they also held the title of registered disciples. After the entry disciples interpreted the Dao texts, they would often leave behind some handwritten copies. These servants secretly copied some of them and sold them to registered disciples or wealthy families aspiring to cultivate immortality, profiting from this.

As a major sect of cultivation, the Mingcang Sect has over three hundred registered disciples like him within the lower house, Shanyuan Temple, along with more than a thousand miscellaneous acolytes. However, there are only a little over ten true disciples who have officially entered the sect.

Zhao Yuan opened the wooden box in his hand, revealing a thin Daoist text. As if afraid of damaging this text, he carefully took it out and presented it before Zhang Yan, respectfully saying: "If you can resolve the doubts in my heart, I will certainly not neglect my senior brother in return for this *Diagram* book."

Watching Zhao Yuan leave in haste, Zhang Yan rose and began to pace, murmuring: "In ancient times, there was Yongjun, also known as Chuan De, with its elevated terrain and the convergence of eight rivers, resembling a crouching tiger on a hill, gazing south towards Dongzhou, and like a hidden dragon overlooking the beach, poised to enter the North Sea..." The more he read these lines, the more he felt there might be some hidden implications. Initially, he thought this book was merely a travelogue, but when Zhao Yuan mentioned fate and destiny, he suddenly recalled how the predecessors of the Daoist sect often enjoyed indulging in the mysterious, creating mental barriers. Perhaps there were secrets within that he had yet to uncover. He had originally considered this book to be just a travelogue, but Zhao Yuan's earlier mention of fate and destiny triggered his memory of how the Daoist elders liked to play with the arcane, adding layers of complexity, suggesting there might be some hidden truths he had not yet discovered.

A great reputation, even if it does not attract the discerning eye of a certain master, still provides the opportunity to befriend novice disciples. Once one enters their circle, the likelihood of gaining access to superior teachings significantly increases

Zhao Yuan's expression changed suddenly, and he said anxiously, "Brother Zhang, is there something wrong? Or is it..." He paused, casting a few suspicious glances at Zhang Yan. Could it be that Min Lou had exaggerated Zhang Yan's abilities, and in reality, he was completely unable to comprehend this text?

The individuals that Zhang Yan was previously concerned about were precisely these "powerful subordinates". These people possess significant influence and are mostly connected with the entry-level disciples. Ordinary disciples absolutely cannot provoke them, as it would be futile even if they were to fall into a trap.

Zhao Yuan's eyes widened little by little, trembling all over as he said: "Is it true?"

The Taoist texts circulated among the three lower houses mostly originated in this manner

Three hundred taels of silver, five hundred jin of rice and grain, twenty jin of fresh meat, three hundred jin of cured meat and various vegetables and fruits, three sets each of high-quality wide-sleeved robes, caps, and shoes and socks, one purple copper qi-raising stove

Zhang Yan sincerely said: "Forgive my frankness, the art of writing in the style of Shiwen emphasizes a seamless unity, with mutual reflection between the front and back. To rashly separate them is to fail to grasp their meaning. Just now, as I was reading this book, I found certain passages to be quite profound, perhaps..."

He is a practitioner who naturally understands that cultivation is fundamental; earning money is merely a byproduct. His true purpose is to attract the attention of the upper echelons of the Shanyuan Temple through this.

This half volume of the Daoist manual contains merely a few hundred characters. Now that his memory has improved significantly and he has diligently studied the inscriptions for several years, he can naturally memorize it after just one reading. Moreover, he intends to use this to promote his own reputation, thus adopting an air of a distinguished individual.

Zhang Yan exclaimed in surprise, "Senior brother, why do you say such a thing?"

Zhang Yan looked at the list in his hand. In addition to these items, there were also some miscellaneous daily necessities not included. He couldn't help but admire Min Lou's generosity; this amount of food would be sufficient for him to eat freely for an entire year, effectively resolving his urgent needs.

After six years of climbing the mountain, today's calculations have once again come to nothing. It seems I am fated to have no connection with the mystical path; it would be better to return to my hometown and engage in business.

He touched his body and felt that the pouch of pearls he had originally prepared seemed unpresentable. After some thought, he took out a paper-wrapped package from his bosom and handed it to Zhang Yan with both hands, saying: "I was in a hurry today and did not bring any treasures. This is 'Jade Gui Sand' from the Five Elements Divine Sand, which is worth a bit of silver. Please, senior brother, be sure to accept it, and I will make up for it another day."

Zhao Yuan's face revealed a bitter expression as he said: "Junior Brother, you also know how difficult it is for us named disciples to cultivate. Even those from affluent families, with their homes filled with gold and jade, must occasionally offer tributes to those wicked servants in order to seek some teachings. To be honest with you, Senior Brother Zhang, the other day, Senior Brother Bian in the temple mentioned that if I could find a pound of shimmering sand, he would grant me a copy of a scripture. Who would have thought... sigh!"... sigh!

This time he is very certain, there are dragons and tigers, clearly referring to the intersection of Kan and Li, while the eight waters represent the eight meridians, and the flow of water is equivalent to the flow of meridians

After a moment of contemplation, he wrote a letter and called over a young acolyte, instructing him to deliver it down the mountain when he went to purchase supplies on a later date

A night without conversation

Zhang Yan did not refuse, calmly accepting it, and reminded once more: "Senior brother, your mood today fluctuates greatly, it is not suitable for cultivation." Since he had chosen to be a good person, he decided to continue being one to the end

Should I inform Zhao Yuan

In theory, even if it is claimed to be a travelogue, Zhao Yuan would have no means to deal with it, and it would not attract the attention of others

To speak frankly, if we were to assess the value of the Tao Te Ching in today's context, it would not fetch such a price. Even consulting with a master in the temple would not require such an amount.

However, it is precisely these more than ten individuals and the three masters in the audience who hold all the scriptures on cultivation

Upon witnessing Zhang Yan's actions, Zhao Yuan could not help but feel a sense of fondness for him.

However, considering the deliberate factor of Min Lou's attempts to cultivate relationships, Zhang Yan did not put on airs and accepted everything without reservation, yet this favor was indeed a substantial burden to bear

As for the potential dangers he smiled slightly, if it were usual he would certainly not take such risks, however in recent days ... ...

However, there are distinctions among them, and if one is not from a truly prestigious family, they may not even give you a favorable expression, merely dismissing you with some trivial books.

He is now considering another issue

Zhang Yan walked slowly into the pavilion, placed the bamboo and the writing materials from the basket behind him onto the stone table, and after sitting down calmly, he finally picked up the brush to write

Upon hearing his words, Zhang Yan's gaze flickered, and he suddenly reached out to grasp Zhao Yuan's wrist, saying: "Senior brother, please wait."

Zhao Yuan's concerns stem from this

Zhang Yan slowly raised his head, clasped his hands, and smiled, saying: "Congratulations, Brother Zhao. 'Yongchuan Xing Shui Shu' is indeed 'Yongchuan Xing Mai Fa'; it is truly a rare foundational text on the Path of Zhu Yuan"

Although these are two different worlds, the principles are universal

Zhao Yuanyi was taken aback; it was evident that this book had already been completely memorized by Zhang Yan. Even if he practiced secretly, he could do nothing about it. Now, however, he still sought his advice, which clearly showed respect for him. This moved him even more, and he quickly replied: "Not at all, Senior Brother. Your words make me feel ashamed. I have no way to repay your great virtue; this book can be learned at will."

The entire text of the Daoist scripture employs extremely simplistic language, such that even those of limited understanding can grasp some of its meaning. However, it presents advanced foundational techniques in the form of travelogues. Yet, if one does not sincerely engage in study, those with a steadfast Daoist heart may indeed overlook its deeper significance. This immortal teacher's intentions can be considered profound.

After finishing the entire second volume, Zhang Yan thought to himself: "Indeed!"

Upon taking the book in hand, Zhang Yan flipped through it briefly and discovered that this text only had the first volume and not the second. It was evident that there was a reluctance to let him see the entirety, which was quite reasonable. He smiled slightly and returned the book to Zhao Yuan

However, upon reconsideration, this is merely a foundational text on the path of cultivation. Although it is rare at present, in comparison to the long journey of cultivation, it amounts to nothing. He would not engage in actions that offer no benefit and hinder others on their path.

Although Zhao Yuan's family has been engaged in business for generations and can be considered a wealthy household, it still pales in comparison to those of the nobility and aristocracy.

Zhao Yuan originally believed that this "Dao Book" must contain the profound methods of immortals. However, upon returning and flipping through it, he discovered it was merely a travelogue, even inferior to ordinary qi cultivation techniques. He could not help but feel greatly regretful, yet he feared that his own interpretation of the script might be flawed. Over the course of several months, he spent a considerable amount of money consulting several novice disciples, all of whom reached the same conclusion. Just as he was in despair, he heard at Min Tower that Zhang Yan was quite adept at interpreting the script. In his desperation, he decided to seek Zhang Yan's guidance, unwilling to give up, and brought half of the Dao Book to consult him.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan's expression became a bit more serious as he replied earnestly: "Senior brother need not worry, I have my own plans."