Let's set aside Xu Zhixing's story for now and focus on another branch of our tale. Early in the morning, Scholar Chen arrived at the tavern, intending to wait for Daoist Qingxu and ask him for a spirit talisman. He waited and waited, until nearly noon, and there was still no sign of him. The other patrons were chattering, wondering if the Daoist had also been injured during the exorcism the previous day. That Wang née Liu's vengeful spirit had been so fierce, it probably wasn't easy to deal with.
Scholar Chen ignored the crowd, got up, and walked to the counter. "Innkeeper Zheng, a pound of... no, half a pound of clear liquor, and cut me... cut me a pound of beef, today's freshly spiced, mind you. Don't try to pass off yesterday's leftovers." After hesitating several times, he reluctantly pulled a broken corner of silver from his sleeve.
Innkeeper Zheng was curious. This old scholar, though he had some family savings, was kept on a tight leash by his sharp-tongued wife. Even when he came to the tavern for drinks, it was usually the patrons listening to his stories who pooled money to pay his bill. When had he ever paid out of his own pocket? After instructing Baolu, he asked, "Is Scholar Chen hosting friends at home today?"
"Oh, yes. A dear friend from the same examination year is visiting today, so I'm preparing some food and drink. He's a light drinker, a very light drinker. We'll just chat about literature and poetry." As he spoke, he casually picked up two wine cups from the counter. "Innkeeper Zheng, lend me two cups. The ones at home broke last month. I'll return them tomorrow."
"Baolu, get a wine dish and four more cups, wrap them up for Scholar Chen," Innkeeper Zheng instructed Baolu, then turned back to Scholar Chen. "Just use them, Scholar Chen. You can return them whenever it's convenient."
Scholar Chen took the food and wine from Baolu, thanked him, turned, and left the tavern. Innkeeper Zheng watched his retreating figure and couldn't help shaking his head. This old scholar can't even tell a decent lie. But as long as he pays, why bother? Looking up, he saw Baolu grinning foolishly at him and immediately scolded, "What are you standing there for? Go clear that table! Day in and day out, you never give me a moment's peace. After you've finished slicing the meat, go cover it up properly. The flies and mosquitoes are out now; don't let it get contaminated!"
Scholar Chen cursed inwardly the entire way up the mountain. Who built this temple halfway up the hillside? He'd always seen the Daoists going up and down with ease; even Daoist Pingyang at his age never showed a trace of fatigue.
After much effort, he finally reached the front. There was one particularly high step. With his hands full, he couldn't grab the branches sticking out from the side.
He had just managed to climb up, before he could even stand up straight to exert himself, when a piercing, rock-splitting long whistle suddenly erupted from within the temple.
The sound buzzed in Scholar Chen's ears, and his heart nearly leaped out of his throat. His newly stabilized body staggered, and he fell backward. In his panic, he grabbed the tree trunk beside him, but half of his clear liquor spilled out.
Xu Zhixing's long whistle made him feel profoundly refreshed from head to toe, his breath long and unbroken. Just as he was feeling pleased with himself, he heard a noise outside the temple, as if someone had approached.
In truth, the place where Scholar Chen stood was at least seventy meters away from him, separated by layers of walls. If not for his recent success in merging body and soul and his cultivation achievements, how could he have possibly heard it?
Since someone had come, it wasn't appropriate to continue cultivating. So, he stopped whistling, straightened his clothes, and walked to the front gate, pushing it open. Just as Scholar Chen's pounding heart was settling back into his chest, the temple gate opened, and Daoist Qingxu stood at the entrance. Forgetting his regret over the spilled wine, he waved his hand, brushed off his front lapel, and walked over with measured steps.
"Daoist Qingxu, my greetings." Scholar Chen walked up and performed an awkward, unskilled version of a Daoist salute. "I was fortunate to witness your exorcism yesterday. It truly broadened my horizons. I never imagined you possessed such profound magical skills, yet remained so humble, saving the people of Xishan Hollow from disaster. Today, I, Chen, have come on behalf of all the villagers to express our gratitude."
The pile of flattery left Xu Zhixing bewildered. Scholar Chen had been hard to figure out yesterday. What was he scheming by coming to the temple today? But you don't hit a smiling face. He returned the salute, saying, "It was merely my duty. Besides, it wasn't some immortal magic. I don't deserve your praise, Scholar Chen."
"You are too modest, Daoist. To have such skills at such a young age, your master, Daoist Pingyang, must have been even more profound. His voice and smile are still vivid in my memory. It's a pity Heaven did not grant him more years. But with Daoist Qingxu presiding over the Hunyuan Temple, I'm sure it will grow even more prosperous, and your arts will become famous throughout the land. Yesterday, many villagers said they must come to the temple to offer incense in gratitude. I have heard that 'saving one life is better than building a seven-story pagoda.' You saved two lives yesterday; your merit is truly immeasurable."
A pagoda? Talking about Buddhist things to a Daoist? All this rambling, empty talk was devoid of substance. Xu Zhixing really didn't want to continue this nonsense. He stepped aside and said, "The wind is strong outside, Scholar Chen. Please, come into the courtyard to talk."
Scholar Chen followed Xu Zhixing to the rear courtyard, placed the food and wine on the stone table, looked around, and said, "I never expected the rear courtyard to be so elegant. It's a fine place for quiet cultivation. Today, I've prepared some wine and food and wish to have a good conversation with you, Daoist. I have long admired the classics and texts. I hope you will not be stingy with your teachings." After speaking, he cupped his hands and saluted again.
"I dare not speak of 'teaching.' My learning is limited, and there is much I do not understand." Xu Zhixing returned the courtesy helplessly but decided not to keep beating around the bush. "Scholar Chen, if you have come because you need my help with something, please speak frankly. However, I am planning to cultivate in stillness recently, and my diet should be light. If there is nothing, I'm afraid I won't have the leisure to discuss the classics with you today."
"So the Daoist is about to enter closed-door cultivation? How truly unfortunate timing." Seeing that Xu Zhixing was being direct, Scholar Chen also stopped hiding his purpose. "The masters I've seen before all built altars, performed rituals, danced with swords, chanted spells, and had numerous ritual tools prepared—a very cumbersome process. Yesterday, I saw you use only a willow branch to disperse Wang née Liu's vengeful spirit, which I found quite novel. Daoist, as you know, people often have to stay overnight in the mountains when traveling. If they encounter harmful ghosts or monsters, where would they find a master to help? I came this time hoping that, for the sake of the villagers' safety, you could impart a method for exorcising ghosts."
After all that circling, this was the reason. Xu Zhixing didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Did you observe everything I did yesterday clearly?"
"I saw it clearly," Scholar Chen said without concealment, but still asked, "I was just wondering if there is a specific chant or spell that should be used with the actions?"
"There is no chant," Xu Zhixing considered for a moment. The Song of the Upright Energy couldn't really be considered a spell, and this old scholar clearly had ill intentions—his words were high-sounding, but his thoughts were full of twists and turns. Even if he had one, he couldn't possibly pass it on to him. He continued, "That method of exorcism requires cultivation to perform effectively. What happened yesterday can, at most, be used by villagers for protection against ghosts, but they must not rashly attempt to exorcise them on their own, lest they bring disaster upon themselves."
"Really, there isn't one?" Scholar Chen still didn't quite believe it.
"Really, I have no chant for exorcising ghosts," Xu Zhixing reiterated. "Performing arts and spells requires an undistracted mind, a calm spirit, and focused effort. Scholar Chen, you must remember this. The method from yesterday can be used by ordinary villagers to protect themselves from ghosts without worry, but they absolutely must not recklessly engage in exorcism."
Only after repeated confirmation did Scholar Chen finally give up. Thinking of the food and wine he had specially bought, his heart ached. Well, it's this young Daoist's loss. I'll just eat and drink it myself. It was just a pity about the spilled wine. He then replied that since the Daoist needed to cultivate, he wouldn't disturb him further, picked up the food and wine, and went back down the mountain. All the way down, his mind was turning. This Daoist must be afraid that if his methods from yesterday get out, he'll lose his means of livelihood. That's why he kept warning me not to use it recklessly. If he didn't use a chant when performing the spell, then what's stopping me from just copying his actions? A calm mind? It's not like I haven't studied that before when I was in school. It just means having no distracting thoughts in your heart. Even though I haven't opened a book since failing the provincial exams several times, I imagine achieving a calm mind is just a matter of time. How hard can it be?
After seeing off Scholar Chen, Xu Zhixing felt that talking to him was more exhausting than exorcising a ghost. Then he remembered the old scholar saying that villagers would be coming to the temple to offer incense. He couldn't help but smile wryly. How could he cultivate like this? Besides, he didn't have his master's skills for interpreting lots or fortune-telling. How would he handle it when the time came? Thinking of this, he simply packed a few sets of clothes, some dry rations, and a cooking set, closed the temple gate, and followed the mountain path deep into the mountains. Passing by his master's grave, he paid his respects again.
When the villagers who wished to offer incense and make vows arrived at the temple, they saw a piece of paper pasted on the gate. Those who could read learned that Daoist Qingxu had entered the mountains for quiet cultivation in recent days and had not mentioned when he would return. So, everyone had no choice but to turn back. But every few days, there were still villagers waiting at the temple gate for a few hours. But that is a story for later.
Xu Zhixing traveled through the mountains. Although it was already noon, the trees in the mountains were tall and dense, blocking out the sunlight. It had rained a few days ago, and a biting cold still lingered.
As he walked, he held a mouthful of true energy, his tongue touching his upper palate, his shoulders sunk and his hips relaxed. He used the walking technique he had learned as a child, but in his heart, he silently recited the "Song of the Upright Energy." His spirit was clear and bright, free of distracting thoughts, guiding the true energy, circulating it continuously through his meridians according to the method. At first, he still needed to watch his footing, but after an hour, as he walked, he automatically avoided obstacles. His steps were neither fast nor slow, but his speed was extremely quick, each step covering perhaps more than three meters.
His grandfather had once said that this was a secret not lightly transmitted, called the "Four Phenomena Evasion Method." Back when they were resisting the enemy, a Daoist, feeling that the situation was precarious, disregarded sect rules and doctrines and passed this method to him. It had proven very useful for delivering messages and transporting supplies. It was said that when practiced to a high level, traveling five hundred kilometers in a day was not difficult. The Daoist had also said that traveling a great distance was merely the most basic application of the technique. If one could comprehend the Dao in nature through this stillness and movement, then one would have touched the threshold of cultivation. When the skill was achieved, one would possess the ability to fly and burrow through the earth.
As a child, Xu Zhixing had also practiced it diligently, but back then, aside from being able to run a bit faster than others, he had never seen any divine wonders. This was partly because he had not cultivated Daoist heart techniques and partly related to his state of mind. If a person is constantly attached and preoccupied, hoping for their wishes to be fulfilled quickly, they will instead encounter numerous difficulties and expend much time and effort. Buddhists call this "attachment to form"; Daoists call it "attachment to phenomena." Therefore, his grandfather always taught him that once the mind is set, one only needs to practice without cease, and success will naturally come. One must not be overly attached.
He walked until the bright moon rose before reluctantly stopping his practice. Xu Zhixing estimated that he had traveled over fifty kilometers through these mountains. Though it was still far from covering a great distance in a day, he was not discouraged in his heart, and his body did not feel tired in the slightest.
He had now reached the mountaintop, the highest among the mountain range. Looking out under the night sky, the layered peaks seemed endless. He couldn't help but be moved to recite, "When I stand atop the highest peak, I see how all other mountains dwindle into insignificance." His heart was filled with boundless heroism.
After a moment of reflection, he delayed no longer. He gathered some dry branches, found a flat piece of land in a sheltered spot in the forest, cleared away the rotten leaves and debris, and leveled out a square area about two meters across. He then collected relatively square stones, brought over a dozen or so, and built a simple stove.
When a bundle of flames rose, it seemed to instantly illuminate the dark mountain forest. Xu Zhixing now felt hungry and thirsty and remembered he hadn't eaten a single grain since getting up that morning. He casually skewered two pancakes on branches and propped them by the fire to roast, then took a few gulps from his water pouch. The cool, sweet well water went down, and he felt a cooling energy seem to travel through his limbs and bones, his entire body feeling wonderfully refreshed.
He moved a flat, wide stone, roasted the dampness out of it by the fire, and then sat on it in a lotus position. Eating his pancake, he pondered how he must go into the mountains tomorrow to catch a wild rabbit; otherwise, chewing on these flour pancakes every day would be too austere. With his current skills, it shouldn't be difficult.
By now, the sky was completely dark, and the forest was utterly silent. But if he calmed his mind and listened carefully, Xu Zhixing could clearly hear the rustling sounds within a few dozen meters around him, all from small animals daring to come out to forage at night. Besides that, there was also the sound of night owls flapping their wings as they flew past, each sound clear to his ears. Even the subtle sound of snakes and insects crawling was audible to him.
When he was a child, he had asked his grandfather, "What is 'entering stillness'? Is it not thinking about anything?"
His grandfather said, "Not thinking about anything? That's a rock."
"Then how does one enter stillness?"
The Buddha spoke of the extinction of all thoughts, but Daoism emphasizes holding fast to the One. When thoughts are numerous and chaotic, do not forcibly interfere, nor follow the wild thoughts. Be like an observer, watching them rise and fall, appear and disappear. In the end, only the "I" remains. Only then can it be considered entering stillness.
His grandfather told him that in the beginning, he could also use the method of reciting the "Song of the Upright Energy," just like monks chanting during meditation.
Now, he was using this method. In the state of stillness, his heart continuously recited the "Song of the Upright Energy." At first, he needed to recite it consciously, but as his practice deepened, it was as if there was another presence in his mind. He could actually hear the recitation in his ears.
It was as if a supremely pure and positive upright energy filled the space between heaven and earth, continuously cleansing and tempering his body. He remained in this state of stillness the entire night. At sunrise, it was as if a red sun also rose within his mind, and in an instant, his vision was filled with light.
He stayed in the mountains like this for ten days, never neglecting his cultivation each day. His fist technique became increasingly skilled. When he threw punches and pushed palms, it seemed as if there was a whistling sound of wind and thunder. When he moved and turned, the air within several meters was stirred up like flowing water, surging incessantly.
One night, while in stillness, it was as if a deity was reciting within his mind, the voice grand and solemn. A white light gradually brightened before his eyes. Xu Zhixing felt neither sorrow nor joy, his mind unmoving. In an instant, this white light shone down from his mind, illuminating his entire body through and through. Upon closer inspection, his bones, flesh, and meridians were clearly visible. The white light radiated from his body, and in a moment, it seemed to illuminate the entire world. Even at night, he could "see" every flower, every blade of grass, and the crawling birds, beasts, snakes, and insects within a hundred meters clearly. This sensation felt like both a thousand years and a mere moment. The white light gradually faded, leaving only a bright clarity in his mind.
When he finished his practice, the sky was already bright. Before Xu Zhixing opened his eyes, the budding branches, the sprouting seedlings breaking through the soil, the tracks and sounds of various birds and beasts running and flying, and the sunlight filtering through the leaves all imprinted into his mind. It was truly beautiful, peaceful, and full of vibrant life. Xu Zhixing cupped his hands and bowed to the four directions. "Thank you all for your protection these past few days. This humble Daoist, Qingxu, expresses his gratitude."
A gust of wind blew through, and the tree branches rustled loudly, as if in response.
Burying the embers with soil and packing his things, Xu Zhixing set off back along the mountain path.
Now, when he used the "Four Phenomena Evasion Method," he was like a streak of light and shadow. With each step, he was over thirty meters away.
He had only been walking for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea when Xu Zhixing suddenly felt someone watching him from his right side. He immediately turned to look and saw, about a hundred meters away, a hedgehog the size of a small pig staring at him with wide eyes.
He was quite curious. With a thought, he swept towards the hedgehog. What surprised Xu Zhixing even more was that the hedgehog, like a person, instantly widened its eyes, a trace of panic appearing on its face. It turned and fled deep into the forest.
Relying on its small size and familiarity with the forest environment, the little thing darted left and right, hiding and running very fast. Xu Zhixing, wanting to test his skills, didn't use his full strength but followed closely behind, wanting to see where it would eventually go. After about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, perhaps finally realizing escape was hopeless, the little thing stopped, turned to face Xu Zhixing, its sharp quills standing on end, a fierce and aggressive expression on its face, as if it would charge at him the next second.
Xu Zhixing stopped about three meters away, finding it very amusing. This little hedgehog seemed to have developed intelligence. He teased, "Little hedgehog, why did you stop running?"