HBWnovel Chapter 4: The Daoist Masters Three Questions
Chapter 4: The Daoist Masters Three Questions
Chapter 4: The Daoist Master's Three Questions"Become my disciple? Study the Dao with me? A-ah, you caught me off guard there. I didn’t expect someone so you to see my hidden aura as a master, which I have concealed for so many years..."
The Daoist master laughed indifferently. He seemed casual and aimless, but his gaze was clear and sharp. His reaction clearly made Wang Sheng feel a bit uneasy.
Haste made waste in all things. Hence, Wang Sheng didn’t dare kneel and force the master to take him as a disciple. He could only return the Daoist master’s gaze with his most sincere expression.
The tall and thin Daoist averted his gaze. Smiling, he added, "If you want to learn martial arts, there are plenty of martial arts schools on this mountain."
"Daoist Master, I came to the Wudang Mountains to seek immortality and the Dao. I am also looking for a master. I knew I found the one as soon as I saw you."
The Daoist frowned slightly. "If you were here to learn martial arts, that’d be more believable. Seeking immortality and the Dao... Have you ever actually seen someone perform any real Daoist arts?"
Expecting that reply, Wang Sheng seriously answered, "I’m just a foolish student, but I’ve been studying Daoist texts while in school. To me, the Dao is a spirit—a different understanding of the heavens and the universe. It’s the spiritual path I wish to pursue."
"Uh..." The tall and lean Daoist chuckled awkwardly and pointed at the Purple Cloud Temple. "Are there no masters left over there?"
"There are, but..." Wang Sheng hesitated. "I
"Well, looks like you did your homework," the Daoist master replied with a genuine smile.
Wang Sheng quietly sighed in relief.
Daoist Master Bu Yan[4] was terrifying when he got serious. Wang Sheng was honestly afraid that the man would get annoyed and smack him dead with a single palm strike...
After all, the master before him would soon soak in primal qi for over a decade, becoming a titan of the Immortal Dao—someone who could cut open a path through the clouds with one palm. On both official and unofficial rankings of top experts, he was always among the top ten, even top five!
"Tsk, tsk. I’m really starting to like you." The Daoist master chuckled, stroking his chin. "Alright, third question."
What will he ask?
Questions about Daoism? The history of the Daoist sects? Maybe something on The Techniques of Huang-Lao[5], the words of Laozi and Zhuangzi, Dao De Jing[6], or Laozi Xiang’er Commentary[7]?
As Wang Sheng prepared answers, but the Daoist master cleared his throat, smiled, and calmly posed a question that nearly made Wang Sheng explode.
"You want to be my disciple. If I were your master and both your father and I were drowning, who would you save first?"
Wang Sheng’s mouth twitched uncontrollably as the Daoist master looked at him with a smirk, as if saying, "Let’s see you squirm your way out of this one."
The question seemed absurd, but it was actually highly tricky. After all, there was no right answer.
If he saved his master first, it would be seen as unfilial. As a saying in the Daoist path went, "Those who are unfilial cannot achieve greatness."
But saving his parents first would imply he valued them over his master, contradicting the saying, "A master is as revered as one’s parents."
It would clearly show that his actions didn’t match his words.
Cold sweat started to bead on Wang Sheng’s forehead.
If he followed his heart, he would definitely save his parents.
The Daoist master urged again, "Who would you save first?"
"I would save... my dad."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the Daoist master’s smile vanished, and he stared intently at Wang Sheng.
Wang Sheng felt flustered, scrambling to find a reasonable explanation.
Before Wang Sheng could say anything, the Daoist master suddenly stood up. He walked around the old bookstall, passed Wang Sheng, and took two steps forward.
Puzzled, Wang Sheng turned his head only to see that his parents had already reached them.
"Greetings, patrons." The Daoist master walked up to Wang Sheng’s parents, gave them a formal bow, and clearly and resonantly said, "I am Qing Yanzi, a practicing Daoist priest of the Wudang Mountains, and this is my Daoist priest certification. Please take a look. It bears the official seal of the Daoist Association. My records can be found in the mountains' archives, too."
Qing Yanzi—he really was the legendary Daoist master.
Though stunned at first, Wang Sheng soon grinned, realizing that he had passed the interview.
"This young man wishes to become my disciple and cultivate the Dao," Qing Yanzi added. "Ahem. I find him quite suited to the path and am considering taking him on as a student. However, becoming a Daoist requires parental consent. What are your thoughts on this?"
"Become a Daoist? No way!" His mom exclaimed.
At that moment, Wang Sheng realized that becoming a disciple today was out of the question. There was no other option—he’d have to figure out a way to convince his parents and bring them back to meet Qing Yanzi.
How could he convince them? If it came down to it, he was ready to throw his pride away and go for the classic tactics—cry, throw a tantrum, and threaten to go on a hunger strike!
He’d finally found a towering figure like Qing Yanzi; he had to cling to him no matter what!
Seeing Wang Sheng’s downcast expression, his father tugged on his wife’s arm and called Qing Yanzi aside. "Daoist Master, let’s talk in private."
Wang Sheng wanted to follow, but his father stopped him with a hand gesture. He had no choice but to stand by the suitcases and wait.
Ah, the ancients never lie. One should really pacify their family before dealing with outsiders.
A few minutes later, Qing Yanzi returned with a pleased expression. Wang Sheng’s parents followed with relieved smiles as if all had been settled.
Wang Sheng pretty much knew what the verdict would be.
"Wang Sheng?" Qing Yanzi called.
Seeing the master looking at him with a smile, Wang Sheng quickly responded, "Yes, Master?"
"Since your parents agreed to you cultivating, you can stay on the mountain for now. Spend the night with your parents at a hotel down the mountain, then come back here and wait for me tomorrow morning."
Qing Yanzi then floated away. He didn't even bother to pack up his shabby bookstall.
What the heck?
Wang Sheng stared at his dad and then his mom. They smiled warmly and gently at him.
His dad waved his hand. "Let’s go, Son. We have to find a hotel for the night!"
"Dad, Mom. What’s going on?" Wang Sheng scratched his head and pinched his thigh to make sure he wasn't dreaming. He winced in pain.
"Let’s go." His mom linked arms with him. "It’s just training on the mountain. Your dad and I approve!"
Somehow, every radical and character in that sentence screamed disbelief.
Conspiracy... There’s definitely a conspiracy going on here!
1. The three highest gods in the Daoist pantheon, regarded as pure embodiments of the Dao. ☜
2. Lü Dongbin is a legendary scholar and poet of the Tang Dynasty. Deified as a Daoist immortal, he is the most well-known of the group known as the Eight Immortals. ☜
3. One of the high-ranking deities in Daoism and Chinese folk religion. ☜
4. 不言(Bu Yan) means "no speaking." It can also mean "Reticent Daoist Master." ☜
5. Huang-Lao Zhi Shu(The Techniques of Huang-Lao) refers to the political and philosophical thought combining the teachings of the Yellow Emperor(Huangdi) and Laozi. It emphasizes governance through natural order, non-interference, and using Daoist principles to achieve harmony and stability in rulership. This approach blends Daoism with Legalist techniques and advocates wise leadership, minimal laws, and strategic use of authority. It was influential during the early Han Dynasty, shaping the administration and guiding rulers in balancing power with ethical conduct. ☜
6. Dao De Jing is a foundational 81-chapter Daoist text attributed to Laozi. It explores the nature of the Dao(the Way), emphasizing living in harmony with it through simplicity, humility, and non-action. The text delves into philosophy, ethics, and governance, advocating balance and natural order. Its poetic verses guide individuals toward inner peace and a deeper understanding of the universe. ☜
7. Laozi Xiang’er Commentary is an early Daoist interpretation of the Dao De Jing associated with the Way of the Celestial Masters sect. It offers a practical and mystical commentary on Laozi’s teachings, emphasizing moral conduct, cosmic order, and personal cultivation. The text serves as a guide to understanding the Dao and advocates for a life aligned with natural laws and ethical principles. It reflects early Daoist religious practices and beliefs, blending philosophical insights with ritualistic elements. ☜