Chapter 7, a single sentence can change a lifetime

Zhao Ran humbly declined a few times, but then no longer refused. After a brief contemplation, he wrote four large characters in running script: "Qu Shui Liu Shang"

Yu Zhiyuan suddenly recalled this matter and quickly set aside his thoughts of discussing calligraphy, leading Zhao Ran to the parlor to arrange for rest

Not long after, Steward Jia and Steward Hong returned together

In addition to the formally appointed individuals, the Wujiyuan can also recruit some lay practitioners of fire, but these positions are often used by the institution for personal favors and even to attract substantial donations

Steward Jia reported: "Supervisor, I just inquired, and according to Zhao Ran, the Great Alchemist is his benefactor who saved his life. However, he did not elaborate on the details. Zhao Ran's intention is to join our Wujiyuan to study the Dao, and his words are filled with urgency."

In the backyard of Jiazi Residence, the central hall is brightly illuminated by candlelight

The Abbot said: "The warning conveyed by the Grand Alchemist today, although we are but a small Daoist temple, we must remain vigilant. You shall make arrangements tomorrow to ensure that the Ninggu Temple and Longshan Temple are more alert, as they are adjacent to the Songfan Guard, and we must be on guard against infiltration from the Buddhist sect. The Great Formation of Baima Mountain has lost its effectiveness, and it is up to Xuanyuan Temple and the Western Zhenwu Palace to take care of that... However, we cannot afford to relax. Starting tomorrow, arrange the rotation of the Fang Hall to patrol the line from Ninggu to Longshan. Any suspicious Buddhist demons must be apprehended immediately!" The Great Formation of Baima Mountain has lost its effectiveness, and it is up to Xuanyuan Temple and the Western Zhenwu Palace to take care of that... However, we cannot afford to relax. Starting tomorrow, arrange the rotation of the Fang Hall to patrol the line from Ninggu to Longshan. Any suspicious Buddhist demons must be apprehended immediately!

The guest hall of the Wujiyuan is divided into two areas: the Yunshui Hall, which accommodates the external Taoist priests who are on duty, and the Shifang Hall, which hosts the lay believers and practitioners who stay overnight. That night, Zhao Ran stayed in the Shifang Hall

Zhao Ran could not help but be filled with tears of joy; since his journey began, this was the first time he had eaten white rice! He devoured the food voraciously, and had it not been for his concern for his image, he would have licked the grease and remnants off the plate clean

The supervisor Zhong Tenghong carefully placed a cup of clear tea on the table, then turned to the old Daoist who was leaning against the Tianshi chair, gently tapping the old man's shoulders with both fists, gradually moving down to his back and lower back, then returning upwards. This action was repeated endlessly.

The abbot smiled faintly: "This item is exceedingly rare. When Lord Zhou makes a move, it is three pounds right away, which shows he holds this old Daoist in high regard... Hmm, the left shoulder blade is a bit heavier..."

Zhao Ran said: "I am but a young man making a fool of myself, tarnishing the Daoist master's discerning eye. Please do not hold it against me, esteemed master."

The abbot shook his head: "Is it really that easy? Does he have no one in the court?"

After finishing, I noticed Zhiyuan frowning deeply in thought, his expression exceedingly strange

The abbot smiled and said no more. Zhong Tenghong understood that this matter was mostly settled, and he felt a sense of relief. He then changed the subject, saying: "Today, the Grand Alchemist is coming. Although his status is esteemed, given your own status, why must you personally welcome him? Your health is not good; you should take care of yourself."

The abbot pointed behind him and said with a smile, "You, you can only talk with that mouth! To be honest, have you agreed to this matter?"

Zhao Ran wrote in the renowned Qigong style, which is strikingly different from traditional calligraphy that emphasizes the nine palaces. It is no wonder that Yu Zhiyuan could not comprehend it. Zhao Ran did not offer any explanation, as this was his clever tactic to pique Yu Zhiyuan's interest, a move not to be easily uncovered. He merely inquired if it would be possible to arrange for accommodation, given that it was getting late.

Zhong Tenghong left Jiazi Residence and returned to his own residence in the prison courtyard. He summoned the guest manager Jia Zhishi and the hall master Hong Zhishi from the Fang Hall, instructing them to visit Zhao Ran at the Shifang Hall, while he himself waited for news in the prison courtyard

The position of the newly appointed fire worker should be arranged according to the rules, but when thinking of Chu Yangcheng, Zhong Tenghong felt a bit hesitant. Thus, he looked at Steward Jia and Steward Hong with a hint of doubt. Steward Jia pondered for a moment and said, "Supervisor, in my opinion, we should still adhere to the rules. It is rumored that the Grand Alchemist is a person of integrity; if we overstep, it would be rather inappropriate..."

The abbot said: "Even so, Lord Zhou should seek out the Xuan Yuan Temple; at the very least, he should look for a way to the West Zhenwu Palace. Why come to my Wujiyuan to get involved in this matter?"

After finishing the meal, Zhao Ran, still savoring the flavors, was pulled away by Yu Zhiyuan. Yu Zhiyuan, unable to contain his impatience, brought Zhao Ran into his dwelling and showcased some of his proud works that he had handwritten on the table, inviting Zhao Ran to critique them

In a Daoist temple, the abbot is traditionally held in high regard; however, many abbots in these temples are not particularly fond of managing secular affairs, which are mostly handled by the steward. This is especially true in large temples like the Wujiyuan, where the elderly abbot is in poor health and reluctant to concern himself with trivial matters. Consequently, the steward Zhong Tenghong wields significant authority, and when he makes a decision, the deacons Jia and Hong naturally do not oppose it

Zhong Tenghong furrowed his brows as he looked at Steward Hong, who nodded and said: "I used the Spirit Communication Jade to assess him. Zhao Ran's innate talent is ordinary, quite mediocre, and he is not suited for cultivation. Supervisor, in my opinion, if Zhao Ran had the potential to be cultivated, the Grand Alchemist would not have left him here. Since this child comes from a poor background, it is very likely that the Grand Alchemist simply wants to ensure he has a meal at the academy, with no deeper intentions. Perhaps we are overthinking it."

Zhong Tenghong complimented, "Therefore, it can be said that Lord Zhou is a person who understands reason. What he seeks is not the Wujiyuan, but rather you, Abbot. The Wujiyuan cannot assist him, but you are different; your one word is worth more than ten words from others"

Deacon Jia suddenly said: "Supervisor, the Grand Alchemist did not mention how to arrange for Zhao Ran before leaving. I suspect that whether or not Zhao Ran stays is of no concern to the Grand Alchemist. If it is difficult for you, you may simply provide him with some money and send him on his way."

The abbot sighed and waved his hand, saying: "You can handle this matter; I am tired and need to rest"

The abbot shook his head: "Teng Hong, you have risen step by step, possessing both talent and experience, but you have not spent time at a higher level. You must remember one thing: the people in the pavilions and halls are different from us in the forests of the ten directions. We are still worldly people, while they are true practitioners of the Dao! If you remain bound by worldly views, even if you are fortunate enough to walk the path of the palace and temple in the future, you will surely encounter great setbacks!"

... ...

Zhao Ran, with his eloquent words, indeed bestowed numerous exquisite phrases that later generations would use to praise fine calligraphy, which made Yu Zhiyuan's heart bloom with joy. Yu Zhiyuan then asked Zhao Ran to write, personally preparing the ink for him.

In Zhao Jiazhuang, Shiquan County, having attended a few years of private school, both parents have passed away, and there are three mu of poor farmland at home, the family is in a state of extreme poverty

Zhong Tenghong responded affirmatively, but hesitated and said: "Abbot, just now, when the Grand Master was leaving, he did not mention the young man named Zhao Ran. Zhao Ran is still in the courtyard..."

Zhong Tenghong explained: "The official in the Ministry of Personnel has a bond of friendship with Governor Zhou, and they are also fellow students from the same examination year, but the weight of a provincial councilor is ultimately different..."

How? asked Zhong Tenghong

Where is this person from

Yu Zhiyuan's eyes were fixed on the four large characters, shaking his head and murmuring: "No, no, how strange... these characters... sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right, yet they are precisely structured, with a sense of severity amidst their balance, truly perplexing."

Zhong Tenghong nodded: "Alright, let it be so"

In the Daoist temple, the positions and Daoists are fixed in number; adding one more person incurs additional expenses. Therefore, the annual increase in personnel is quite rare. The Xizhenwu Palace grants the Wujiyuan an increase in the number of Daoists once every three years, with a maximum of three and a minimum of one, making these positions extremely valuable

Zhong Tenghong felt that what Steward Jia said was reasonable. Based on the current information at hand, whether or not to accept Zhao Ran, the Grand Alchemist would likely not mind. Just as he was about to adopt Steward Jia's suggestion, he suddenly recalled the Abbot's earlier reminder—"The people of the Pavilion are different from those of the Ten Directions Forest." This phrase lingered in his mind, causing him to hesitate once more. After pondering for a moment, he changed his mind and said: "Since this is someone brought by the Grand Alchemist, we must make some accommodations. Well, first send someone to Shiquan County to investigate and verify this person's background. As long as he is not a criminal, we shall accept him."

Zhong Tenghong adjusted his strength, striking the abbot's left shoulder, and said: "The right councilor of the provincial government is set to retire at the end of the year, and Governor Zhou wishes to advance further..."

This was a tone of admonition, and Zhong Tenghong quickly put away his smile, his expression becoming solemn as he respectfully replied, "Yes"

The old Taoist squinted his eyes in enjoyment for a moment, gently waving his hand. Zhong Tenghong paused briefly, and the old Taoist picked up the tea cup, took a gentle sip, savored it, and then drank it all in one go, contentedly saying: "This Linghua leaf is excellent"

Zhong Tenghong waited for the old Daoist to set down the tea cup, then began to lightly pound again, saying as he did so: "Abbot, this was specially sent by Governor Zhou, and it just arrived today, totaling three pounds."

Zhong Tenghong smiled and said, "How could I dare to agree? I merely promised to ask you, my elder."

As Zhao Ran and Yu Zhiyuan were engaged in a lively conversation, the cook brought out the meal, which consisted of a bowl of steaming white rice, a plate of scrambled eggs with scallions, a bowl of vegetable soup, and a dish of bright red, glistening stir-fried chili peppers