Chapter 6

Indeed, I didn't see Uncle Shen return even after I slept all day yesterday said Fan Jun, echoing the sentiments of the group

The old Taoist nearly twisted his nose in anger and shouted loudly: "You little brat, you little rascal, do you think you are tired of living? Hurry up and get out of here, otherwise I will personally throw you down the mountain."

After exchanging a few simple words, Shen Lang rode away on his small bicycle, while Fan Jun began to help her father get busy.

Listening to Shen Lang's teasing tone, the old Daoist raised an eyebrow and slowly opened the cloth roll. As soon as he opened it and saw the books inside, he nearly threw the whisk in his hand away. Who the hell did this? How could such an important item be leaked out? Damn it, isn't this courting death? Suppressing the anger within, the old Daoist forced a smile and said, "We will remember your merit, Xiao Lang. You know that I dislike owing favors to others the most, so just tell me."

Shen Lang opened his eyes and silently looked at the old Taoist priest, "Can I understand the conflict between the two as the difference between materialism and idealism?"

Shen Lang nodded knowingly, gently sitting on the cushion in front, carefully listening as the old Taoist began to explain, "Man follows the Earth, the Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Dao, and the Dao follows Nature. The interpretations are indeed diverse and colorful, with the most harmonious explanation attributed to Wang Bi. The law, referred to as the principle, states that if man does not violate the harmony of the Earth, he will attain complete peace, following the Earth. If the Earth does not violate Heaven, it will achieve full support, following Heaven. If Heaven does not violate the Dao, it will achieve complete coverage, following the Dao. The interpretations are indeed diverse and colorful, with the most harmonious explanation attributed to Wang Bi. The law, referred to as the principle, states that if man does not violate the harmony of the Earth, he will attain complete peace, following the Earth. If the Earth does not violate Heaven, it will achieve full support, following Heaven. If Heaven does not violate the Dao, it will achieve complete coverage, following the Dao. If the Dao does not violate Nature, it will attain its true nature, following Nature. To follow Nature means to conform to the square in the square, to the circle in the circle, and to have no violation in Nature. Nature is the ultimate expression of words, the extreme of discourse... The Dao follows Nature, thus Heaven provides for it. Heaven follows the Dao, thus the Earth conforms to it. The Earth follows Heaven, thus man symbolizes it. " Nature is the ultimate expression of words, the extreme of discourse... The Dao follows Nature, thus Heaven provides for it. Heaven follows the Dao, thus the Earth conforms to it. The Earth follows Heaven, thus man symbolizes it.

Ye Wei shook her head, then left the temple without looking back, heading straight down the mountain, riding her little bicycle in a swaying manner as she made her way home

To be honest, in the three years prior to Zhu Yong's arrival, I had already noticed this child. As our interactions gradually increased, I found it increasingly incredible. I even called the sect leader to see if he could take him under his wing. I do not know if it was because of my influence or if the sect leader was simply intrigued at the moment, but he actually came to visit. However, after observing, he just smiled and shook his head before leaving, which has left me perplexed until now. This is also the reason why he is not yet a disciple of the sect, yet can freely come and go here.

Looking at his own son and then at Shen Lang over there, Fan Xing couldn't help but smile inwardly. His own son was still far behind others. However, it was quite a different feeling to see that this young boy, Shen Lang, could articulate such formal remarks. Fortunately, it was evident that Shen Lang and his son were genuinely becoming friends, which was something he could clearly perceive.

In the afternoon, just before leaving, Shen Lang took out a box from his backpack. Upon opening it, he revealed two cloth rolls inside. Noticing the old Taoist's puzzled gaze, Shen Lang said with a cold smile: "I obtained this box from someone else, and these cloth rolls belong to you. I don't know which of you squanderers produced them. You should go back and tidy things up properly, or else it will be a mess, making it impossible to meet your ancestors in the future"

After having breakfast in the morning, Father went to work. Shen Lang rode his little bicycle and took Fan Jun to his father's repair shop, which had opened early. He greeted Uncle Fan, and since it was still morning, Uncle Fan's hands had not yet been stained with much grease. He affectionately patted his son's head a couple of times.

Shen Lang slowly stood up this time, facing the statue ahead, and then walked over. "I will go read some books; consider this as your compensation. Also, I will have lunch here at noon, so please make the arrangements!"

Shen Lang let out a cold laugh, saying, "Since that is the case, why would someone come looking for me? Don't tell me this has nothing to do with you; I don't believe it. It is true that there may be people who know me, but on this ground, there can only be one. And from what I understand, you are not only the big boss in this area along with the library, but also..."

"No, Uncle Fan." Shen Lang got out of the car, holding onto it with one hand, displaying a polite demeanor and good upbringing. "However, I must thank Fan Jun for accompanying me and helping me a great deal. My brother and sister went to grandpa's house, and my father came back very late last night"

In the mountains, wisps of blue smoke rise sparsely. From a distance, a faintly blue house corner is vaguely revealed. I parked my car at the foot of the mountain and walked slowly upwards. After about ten minutes, a Taoist temple emerged into view, but it was evident to anyone that the temple was very desolate; at least at this moment, there were basically no people around.

Are you here

The old Taoist carefully observed Shen Lang and, after a long pause, said with interest: "The distinction is significant. Taoism is the pursuit of nature, while Buddhism is the refinement of the mind. It is impossible to definitively conclude which is superior; at least, I do not possess the qualifications or credentials to do so. However, it is undeniable that the two are born from mutual opposition. If you are interested, you may wish to explore the so-called Marxist thought, which is dialectical materialism."

"Wuliang Tianzun." The old Daoist sighed deeply, interrupting Shen Lang's words, "I wonder if you could refrain from being so clever; would it kill you to pretend to be a bit foolish? I truly cannot understand this little fellow of yours. Well, I might as well speak frankly with you to spare you the entanglements in your heart. Zhu Yong came to see me in person the night before last. Initially, it was about some mundane matters, but during the conversation, he brought you up, and I ended up saying a few more words. This is how things transpired."

The old Taoist looked at Shen Lang, who had already left, and then at the cloth roll in his hand, scratching his head in confusion. How on earth did this guy manage to dig these things out of the garbage heap? He himself had been to that old market, nearly turning over every household, yet he found nothing. If it had only happened once or twice, it might be more understandable, but... Thinking of this, the old Taoist let out a sigh, feeling quite speechless.

Watching the arrogant little fellow gradually recede into the distance, the old Taoist priest was at a loss as to whether he should be angry or amused. After a long while, he called over his disciple and said: "Today, Shen Shi will be dining here, so prepare an extra portion."

I am not a person of the Buddhist community, so why should I adhere to rules that do not belong to us? Xiaolang, let us simply discuss the Dao; there is no need for such disputes

Xiao Lang, where are you going again? Did our little Jun cause you any trouble yesterday?

It is evident that Shen Lang is quite familiar with this place. Pushing the door open, he enters the courtyard where two Taoist priests are cleaning. Upon seeing the newcomer, they are initially taken aback, as very few people come up the mountain at this time. However, upon recognizing Shen Lang, the young boy, they break into knowing smiles, greeting him with a single palm salute. Shen Lang reciprocates their greeting and then follows the pebble-paved path around the corner, heading straight inside.

Shen Lang listened patiently, occasionally taking notes with care. After a long while, he closed his eyes and asked, "Recently, while reading 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,' I pondered the application of Buddhist principles to human nature. What is the fundamental difference between this and Daoist philosophy?"

I am already outside the door, so why must you force me inside? Entering the door means life, while leaving it means death. It is said that saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda.

Shen Lang smirked and said, "Really?" Just as the old Taoist felt something was amiss, he heard Shen Lang speak up first: "I heard that your Zhenwu Hall has a rather impressive sword. How about you lend it to me for a couple of days? I recently watched something on TV and it seemed quite majestic to wield that thing, but I can't find anything like it on hand! You see, my request isn't too unreasonable, is it? Could you please show some mercy and grant it?"

Hehe... the old Taoist immediately burst into hearty laughter, "You are quite remarkable; you are an exceptional child. I can say that over the years, I have hardly seen such a clever and quick-witted little one as you. Moreover, your grasp of knowledge is both extensive and rigorous, surpassing that of many others. However, what is truly rare is that you also understand the importance of not contending with the heavens; this is indeed very rare. I sincerely hope you can embark on this path."