Chapter 004: The Three Questions of Apprenticeship
Wang Sheng turned his head to take a glance; his parents had already set off down the path
"There is indeed such a thing," Wang Sheng said, momentarily at a loss for words. "However, I have searched all over Wudang Mountain and have been unable to find the master I wish to apprentice myself to, yet I encountered you here... Upon seeing you, I knew that you are no ordinary person. I humbly request that you accept me as your disciple, no matter what."
The Daoist priest casually made a few remarks and said: "The matter of apprenticeship is not entirely out of the question. Although my Daoist skills are not profound, taking on a disciple is not too much to ask. I have three questions for you; if you can answer them, I will allow your parents to come and speak with me."
"Apprenticing to learn the way? With me? Ah... I must admit, your sudden remark has left me somewhat at a loss for words. I never expected that the aura of a hidden master, cultivated over many years, would be so easily discerned by a young person like you..."
Perhaps, this is what a true practitioner is like
Nowadays, most young people who go to these famous mountains and schools of martial arts do so primarily to learn martial arts, with very few choosing to become monks at a young age
"Let's go," Mother said as she walked over and linked her arm with Wang Sheng's. "It's just a matter of going up the mountain to repair a path, and your father and I have given our approval!"
Wang Sheng stared at his biological father, then looked at his biological mother, and the couple immediately revealed a warm smile
Wang Sheng took a deep breath and gazed intently at the Daoist priest
Qing Yanzi, indeed this is the esteemed figure.
Even if one has never truly embarked on the path of cultivation, the relentless honing of oneself over decades can still result in an innate aura that emanates from within.
There is a conspiracy
The Taoist priest selling martial arts manuals spoke in a gentle voice:
Wang Sheng let out a slight sigh of relief
Wang Sheng gritted his teeth and said in a low voice: "Daoist, I am foolish and do not know how to express myself. I sincerely wish to follow you in cultivation, willing to shave my head and enter the sect, to abide by the precepts of the Daoist teachings, and to become a reclusive Daoist in the mountains"
Wang Sheng could only scratch his head, smiling with a simple and honest expression
The two lay practitioners are invited
Hearing this from his mother, Wang Sheng knew that he would not be able to apprentice today
An ancient saying goes: One who hears the Way in the morning may die in the evening
In all matters, haste makes waste; Wang Sheng did not dare to kneel and forcefully pay his respects to become a disciple right here. He could only gaze back with the most sincere expression in his eyes while under the watchful eyes of this Daoist priest.
First save the master, otherwise it would be unfilial to the parents. There is a saying in the Daoist community: 'The unfilial cannot become a person'.
Taoist sects? The history of the Taoist school? Or should we examine the teachings of Huang-Lao and the words of Laozi and Zhuangzi? "Tao Te Ching," "Commentary on Laozi"?
The Daoist smiled somewhat nonchalantly, his words somewhat rambling, yet his gaze was remarkably clear
Seeing this esteemed figure gazing at him with a smile, Wang Sheng quickly responded: "Yes, the disciple is here"
"It is!" Wang Sheng almost broke into a smile.
This statement sounds like it cannot be trusted based solely on a single punctuation mark
Wang Sheng has already begun preparing his answer, while the Daoist priest cleared his throat and calmly posed a question that nearly caused Wang Sheng to self-destruct on the spot
The phrase 'Not speaking of the Daoist priest' can be quite intimidating when it gets serious
Wang Sheng nodded solemnly and said, "Yes, the disciple understands"
The Taoist priest urged once more: "Who shall we save first?"
He sighed softly for a moment, rubbed his forehead, and said with a smile and a scold: "You consider me your master... haha! Where did you get all these grand theories? You still claim you haven't read too many novels!"
How to persuade? At worst, Wang Sheng can just lose face in front of his parents, crying, throwing a tantrum, and going on a hunger strike!
Wang Sheng recalled the prepared remarks from before, speaking each word with great seriousness: "If I understand correctly at this moment, the Dao is natural, orderly, and the principle of law.
If a disciple can follow the master to understand and realize the Way, and freely navigate within it, then this life will not be in vain, nor will this journey be meaningless
This intangible accumulation, as long as it is infused with the vital energy of heaven and earth, will inevitably lead to a terrifying explosion
Wang Sheng was also somewhat flustered and quickly thought of a reasonable explanation
The Taoist stood tall, with his shoulders drooping and his breath steady. Although his appearance was somewhat disheveled, he possessed an indescribable demeanor.
What are the Five Arts of the Daoist School
The tall and thin Taoist chuckled awkwardly, offered no further persuasion, and pointed in the direction of Zixia Palace, asking, "Is there no Taoist priest over there?"
Monastic life? That is not acceptable
Wang Sheng was momentarily taken aback, then broke into a smile, realizing that he had passed the test and had answered the previous three questions.
The Taoist priest pondered for a moment, sat back in the rattan chair, and asked in a tone of inquiry: "Do you have parents?"
Having finally discovered such a magnificent tree as Qingyanzi, it is imperative to secure it tightly
In the first question, you mentioned wanting to pursue the Dao. In your view, what is the Dao?
Wang Sheng has almost already known what the verdict is
Wang Sheng's mouth twitched incessantly, while the Taoist priest looked at him with a smile, as if to say, 'This little challenge won't stump you'
Wang Sheng was determined to pay his respects to this master no matter what
Oh? This long one slightly frowned and said, "Do you know what you are talking about?"
What should be asked?
Wang Sheng spoke earnestly: "Daoist, I have come to Wudang Mountain to seek immortality and the Dao, to find a master, and to follow my teacher in cultivation. Upon meeting you, I knew that I had found what I was looking for."
In an instant, cold sweat broke out on Wang Sheng's forehead
Save ... ... my father
I ask you again, the second question
Father waved his hand and said, "Let's go, son, let's find a hotel to stay for the night down the mountain"
The Taoist priest laughed and said, "If you want to take me as your master, then if I were to become your teacher and I fell into the water with your father, about to drown, who would you save first?"
There are parents, and they have also come, just behind, and soon the Daoist priest will be able to see them.
He truly fears that this Daoist priest might, in a moment of disagreement, casually strike him dead with a single slap
The tall and slender Taoist averted his gaze and smiled as he asked, "If you wish to learn martial arts, there are plenty of martial arts schools on this mountain."
He has come to seek a master and learn the way. Although some of his motives may not be entirely pure, he harbors no ill intentions whatsoever. He is open and honest, and there is no need to fear such scrutinizing gazes.
Dad, Mom? What is going on?" Wang Sheng scratched his head for a moment, and even pinched his own thigh, gasping in pain.
Young man, I must admit that I have developed a bit of fondness for you, tsk tsk, the Taoist priest chuckled lightly while stroking his chin, then said, "Well then, the third question."
The Taoist priest suddenly let out a soft shout, transforming his previously languid and weary demeanor; his gaze became sharp as lightning, fixating intently on Wang Sheng
First save the parents? ... Wouldn't that simply undermine the master? While verbally proclaiming that the master is like a parent, making such a choice clearly demonstrates a discrepancy between words and actions
Having spoken, he floated away, not even bothering to collect this shabby book stall
After the Taoist priest approached, he performed a formal bow and spoke in a clear voice:
In one breath, Wang Sheng was unsure whether he had said too much or too little, anxiously awaiting the response
This young man seems to have experienced a great calamity, but at this moment, he appears to have overcome it and is now in a state of fortune. Perhaps it is because of this great calamity that he has developed some resistance to his original living environment, which led him to consider renouncing the world.
Wang Sheng instinctively wanted to dodge, but a slight tremor in his heart made him calmly meet the Daoist's gaze
You, young man, are quite interesting, full of theories and discussions, yet you are picky even when it comes to choosing a master. What is even more amusing is that you have taken a liking to me, the Daoist priest
Without waiting for him to speak, the Taoist priest suddenly stood up, turned over the broken book stall, stepped over Wang Sheng, and took two steps forward.
Since your parents do not oppose your cultivation, you may temporarily stay on the mountain. Tonight, accompany your parents to the hotel at the foot of the mountain for another gathering, and come back up tomorrow morning. Wait for me here.
I am Qing Yanzi, a practitioner of Taoism from Wudang Mountain. This is my Taoist certificate; esteemed guests, please take a look. Here is the large seal of the Taoist Association, and my information can also be found in the archives on the mountain
Wang Sheng wanted to go back, but was stopped by his father's gesture, leaving him to stand beside the suitcase and wait helplessly
May I ask you
There is no other way; I can only find a way to persuade my parents to accompany me to seek out Bu Yanzi for apprenticeship.
Thus, this Daoist priest actually believes that Wang Sheng can enter the sect
Uh, it will only fully unfold when I reach the age of 19
A few minutes later, Qing Yanzi returned with a beaming smile, and Wang Sheng's parents followed behind this Daoist priest, wearing expressions that conveyed, 'Now we can finally rest easy'.
The Taoist priest curled the corner of his mouth and said, "Don't look at me like that, I am a certified and proper Taoist."
After all, more than a decade later, this individual, who has immersed themselves in vitality for over ten years, has already become a formidable figure in the realm of immortality, capable of severing the path of clouds with a single palm; in both official and unofficial rankings and assessments of experts, they always hold a place within the top ten or top five!
This long figure chuckled silently, slowly rising from the rattan chair. Wang Sheng then realized that this master, who would soon gain great renown in a few years, was actually much taller than himself at this moment.
Listening to Qing Yanzi, he said: "This young layman wishes to take me as his master for cultivation. I, um, cough, the poor Daoist see that he possesses considerable Daoist nature and have the thought of accepting a disciple. However, to become a monk and cultivate, one must have the consent of their parents. I wonder what your opinions are on this matter?"
The practice of the Way fundamentally involves cultivating the mind, refining oneself, adhering to the principles, and harmonizing with nature. If one can immerse oneself in the Way, one will naturally find peace and contentment.
I see, having your parents accompany you here does show some sincerity... I thought you were just another character who had watched too many novels and movies, running away from home, genuinely believing that the Wudang Mountain police station would also buy into the accounts of the Three Pure Ones, Lü Zu, and the Great Emperor Zhenwu
Every year, countless individuals come to Wudang Mountain to seek guidance and enlightenment. All you need to do is find a master on the mountain, offer some incense, and you will naturally be able to practice there.
What the hell
Wang Sheng responded with composure: "Mountains, medicine, fate, divination, and physiognomy. Mountains refer to the Taoist arts and celestial methods, which nowadays often point to martial arts; medicine refers to Taoist medicine, as the saying goes, 'Nine out of ten are doctors'..."
No matter how many times one is pierced, flattery remains unscathed; Wang Sheng also felt a bit embarrassed.
Wang Sheng?" Qing Yanzi called out to him
The tall and thin Taoist furrowed his brow and said, "If you say you came to learn martial arts, that would be somewhat credible, but if you keep talking about cultivating immortality and practicing the Tao... young practitioner, have you really seen anyone who possesses any Taoist skills?"
Wang Sheng had long considered how to respond, and he said solemnly: "I, the disciple, am ignorant. Previously, while studying, I have been deeply engaged in Taoist texts. I believe that the Tao is a form of spirit, a different understanding of heaven and earth, the universe, and it is also the spiritual support I wish to pursue"
This made Wang Sheng feel somewhat apprehensive
For several hundred words in succession, he spoke eloquently without any pause
Alas, to defend against external threats, one must first ensure internal stability; the ancients truly do not deceive me.
I am merely associated with Wudang Mountain and do not teach disciples to chant scriptures or worship deities. Although I have a disciple, I do not pay much attention to her on a daily basis
There must be a conspiracy involved in this
Wang Sheng also smiled, quickly restraining his expression, and bowed his head to say: "May I ask you a question"
Wang Sheng was a bit confused and turned his head to take a look; it turned out that his parents had already come close.
After a moment of contemplation, Wang Sheng said, "My parents are still healthy at this time, and as a disciple practicing in the mountains, I will not have too many worries. When they grow old, I will also fulfill my filial duties and serve them."
This question may seem absurd and comical, but in reality, it is quite tricky, as he cannot save anyone first.
As soon as he finished speaking, the Taoist priest's smile immediately faded, and he sat there staring at Wang Sheng
If one follows the answer of their own heart, it must surely be to save their parents
Um...
This life is not in vain, this journey is not futile
"Oh, it seems that you have indeed put in a lot of effort," the Taoist priest said with a rather happy smile
Although the Taoist said this, he was actually scrutinizing Wang Sheng's facial features and found that this young man had quite a good potential.
Noticing that Wang Sheng's expression was somewhat dejected, Wang Sheng's father tugged at his wife and beckoned Qing Yanzi to one side, saying, "This Daoist, let us speak over here, let us speak over here."
The disciple, not knowing what the Way is, wishes to follow the master to gain insight into what the Way truly is