The weak scholar in the end of ancient times

Chapter 8 Team Up

Wen Gu went to see the Taoist priest and planned to bring his cousin with him.

The village chief was worried that this would anger the Taoist priest.

Wen Gu said, "My cousin's heart is pure, the Taoist priest will not be angry."

The village chief also knew what this person was like. After hesitating for a moment, he agreed.

So, when the villagers delivered supplies to the Taoist priest, Wen Gu ceremoniously asked them to help deliver a visiting card, and then he took his cousin with him.

When Taoist Qingyi received the pretentious visiting card from the other party, his vigilance level was already raised to the maximum, and he specially cleared an empty room to talk with Wen Gu.

He didn't dare let Wen Gu see what he used to make the elixir. Who knows what that stupid scholar would do after seeing it!

Although the farmhouse where Taoist Qingyi lives consists of only a few thatched huts and a yard surrounded by a fence, it is already luxurious in the village.

The room he chose was not big, but it was confidential enough and the conversation could not easily be heard by outsiders.

When Wen Gu came in, he didn't look around. It was a small place and he could see the general idea within his sight.

Usually, this Taoist priest is busy in the alchemy room. The villagers around him can smell the scent of herbs and just think that the Taoist priest is refining medicine inside. In fact, they have no idea what he is busy with.

Without anyone else, Taoist Qingyi really didn't want to waste time talking about the great principles with the dog scholar.

What's there to talk about?

With his years of experience in the martial arts world, this dog scholar definitely doesn't want to talk about this.

His gloomy eyes glanced over there.

It was because this dog scholar was so capable of causing trouble that he had to plan ahead. While his influence on the villagers was still there and had not been taken away by this dog scholar, and the weather outside was getting colder, he had to grab more things and run away to avoid any changes.

Wen Gu didn't mind the cold reception, nor did he want to just stand there, so he found a stool and sat down.

He smiled elegantly and got straight to the point: "When I was studying abroad, I heard that some people who needed to travel far away made hunger-relieving pills with glutinous rice, dates, sesame seeds, etc. to help them travel."

I had never heard of it when I was studying abroad, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

It was because I had seen relevant records in books.

As long as it works.

Sure enough, when Wen Gu pointed out that the substances listed on the list had other purposes, Taoist Qingyi's face became even more gloomy.

At the same time, Taoist Qingyi was puzzled.

He certainly knew about the Confucian scholars' travels. Outside of school, these students would also travel, seek out renowned teachers, learn about people's livelihoods and politics, and broaden their horizons.

But you, the scholar...

Taoist Qingyi really wants to ask: What did you learn? Why do you know so much esoteric knowledge?!

Which serious scholar would travel around like this?

A fierce light flashed in Taoist Qingyi's lowered eyes, and he even wanted to take action immediately.

How many people who can survive in this world are indecisive?

However, when he looked at his cousin Wen Gu who was standing guard nearby, and thought that everyone in the village might be staring at this place, he restrained himself.

Otherwise, he could just knock Wen Gu unconscious and then pack up and run away.

bother.

How come this damn scholar is so good at causing trouble?

Seeing the change in Taoist Qingyi's expression, Wen Gu didn't keep dwelling on the matter.

He smiled and said in a gentle voice: "Master, your magical powers are profound. I believe you have experienced a lot."

Although his little secret was exposed, Master Qingyi still maintained his proud attitude, trying to save some dignity:
"For ten years, I have traveled extensively, cultivating my body and mind. As the sages say, 'Aim at the Way, base yourself on virtue, rely on benevolence, and enjoy the arts.'"

Wen Gu sighed and said meaningfully, "I can tell that this 'entertainment' of the Taoist priest must be very exciting."

Taoist Qingyi pretended not to hear and continued, "Later, when his skills were not perfect, he went to the mountains to practice arduously."

Wen Gu nodded, showing his understanding: "Yes, I went to study."

I guess he encountered a tough guy when he was trying to fool people, so he ran away to a remote mountain to hide for two years.

Taoist Qingyi paused and took a deep breath: "Ten years of wandering, two years of hard training, and now I'm coming down the mountain..."

He never thought of stealing from these poor guys!

He is an ambitious man!

Always focus on the big players!

Alas, bad luck...

He was in a bad mood, not only because he was arguing about something old, but also because he had great ambitions but couldn't realize them!
In today's world, it is time for people like him to show their talents.

However, he could only stay in this small mountain village, fantasizing about his colleagues gaining fame and fortune by dealing with various forces. Every day was a torment!
Taoist Qingyi was so depressed that he was about to burst out.

Wen Gu observed the Taoist priest.

Buddhism flourished in this dynasty, but several emperors also worshipped Taoism.

If one is highly respected, he may be awarded a title and wealth, gaining both fame and fortune. However, if one is of poor character and academic performance, he will be treated in a completely different way.

Some Taoists are people with great principles and righteousness in their hearts.

However, some Taoist priests are deceitful and their character is questionable.

The Taoist priest Qingyi in front of him looked nothing like the former.

But it is obvious that this person does not position himself as the latter.

Taoist Qingyi continued to try to save his dignity: "My ambitions are high and far-reaching, and ordinary people cannot understand them."

It's just a small, broken village, so poor that we have nothing. My Taoist robe has been torn several times, but I don't have a new one to replace it with. I have been mending it for half a year. How could we be so poor!
In order to exchange for more preferential treatment in the village, the precious materials in hand can only be filled in here.

It was like exchanging gold for a bite of food. Every time he performed a ritual, he felt heartbroken! He had almost used up all the materials he brought with him. If this continued, he wouldn't be able to perform another ritual.

The villagers worship him because he is useful enough. The villagers who can survive the chaotic times are not ordinary villagers. If there is no practical benefit, his status in the village will be lowered and his life will be more difficult.

In fact, even if he hadn't reviewed the past, Taoist Qingyi's current mental state had almost reached the limit of his endurance, otherwise he wouldn't have decided to run away early because of a little disturbance.

I've been protecting the village for so long, so what if I loot some things before I leave? Why would you, a dog scholar, meddle in my business?!
Wen Gu analyzed the hidden message in Taoist Qingyi's words and expression.

He asked, "I heard that the Taoist priest will also be leaving in the autumn and winter. Where are you planning to go? Forgive me for being so presumptuous, but my brother and I are also about to go north to visit relatives, and I wanted to ask for your peace of mind. Has the Taoist priest ever cast a fortune and told me where we can escape the disaster?"

When it comes to professional matters, Taoist Qingyi calmed down and said, "North is auspicious."

Review the past and ponder it in your heart.

Just saying the north is too vague, which means that the Taoist priest may not have a clear target.

This "enlightened master" had a global perspective and knew to head north to avoid disaster.

But the level is not high enough.

As we all know, "enlightened people" have extensive networks of contacts!
From ruffians to royal relatives, he can get in touch with everyone.

If he really had that level of skill, he wouldn't be without a clear destination right now. Perhaps he didn't even know the entire Northland.

Taoist Qingyi really didn't know much about the North. In the past, he had mostly been active in the South. Now that the world was in chaos and information was difficult to obtain, he knew even less about it.

However, he believed in his own abilities. As long as he went out and met living people, he would be able to find out more information.

There are several powerful families in the north now, and some powerful families in the south have moved north. This autumn and winter season is the time when people in the north and south are active, and news always leaks out.

Taoist Qingyi was thinking about how to deal with the situation in Wen Gu, so he took the villagers' belongings and ran away.

Wen Gu then said, "My brother and I are about to head north to search for our relatives. The journey will be difficult, and we need the help of a master like you who is proficient in the art of exorcising evil spirits. If you don't have anything important to do right now, why don't we come together? We can even discuss the profound principles of the Dao along the way."

Dog Taoist, do you want to form a team?
Taoist Qingyi thought to himself: Who the hell wants to discuss this with you!
But Wen Gu's words also made him feel moved.

"I heard that the relative you're going north to seek refuge with is a northern military officer?"

When the Wen brothers first came to the village, they revealed this information to the village chief.

"To be honest, Taoist priest, it is true. My uncle comes from a noble family. Although the family has declined, it has shown some signs of rising in recent years. The world is in chaos now, and I don't know what the situation in the north is like. If it is safe, my brother and I will go north and at least have a place to stay." Wen Gu said.

Taoist Qingyi listened to this.

If Wen Gu's relative was just a minor local official, or even not an official at all, with no real power, it would be impossible for Wen Gu to travel so far to seek refuge with him.

Although this dog scholar is physically weak, he is mentally tough and insidious. He must have weighed the pros and cons and was so determined to go north to join his relatives. Maybe this so-called ordinary northern military officer is actually quite powerful?
Even if he is not a noble person, if Wen Gu's relative is doing well, he will go there to enjoy the offerings.

If that relative isn't doing well, he'll use that place as a stepping stone, and after becoming famous, he'll look for someone with more power!
In the blink of an eye, Taoist Qingyi had already judged the pros and cons.

After making a decision in his mind, he looked at Wen Gu again.

Since the Taoist priest came to the village, his eyes have never been so clear and sincere.

"Well, your frail body..."

Taoist Qingyi looked at his cousin Wen Gu who was standing next to him with a confused look on his face.

"Since I only have this kind-hearted brother by my side, I will protect you for a while."

Wen Gu smiled and bowed: "Thank you very much, Taoist Priest!"

After several days of observation and testing, Wen Gu had some understanding of this Taoist priest.

Huyou is indeed a big liar, but in troubled times, he is not an absolute villain. While he gains benefits, he also leaves room for maneuver.

And he is indeed very talented.

Wen Gu thought that when he settled down in the north in the future, he would be able to do more things with this Taoist priest by his side.

"Then let's discuss the arrangements we made for the village before we left." Wen Gu naturally unfolded the list of supplies in his hand. "Master, is your list... inappropriate? How about revising it a little?"

Taoist Priest Qingyi: ???
and many more!

Is the topic jumping too quickly?
Aren't we talking about forming a team? I just made the decision, and you're already ordering me around?!

Dog scholar!
Taoist Qingyi did not respond.

Wen Gu said, "Master, we must seek long-term development. The road ahead is difficult and the world is ever-changing. Please leave yourself a way out."

Taoist Qingyi's eyes flickered slightly.

The previous list did put a lot of pressure on the village in order to escape early.

Does the fact that Wen Gu brings this up now mean that there are actually objections in the village?
That’s right, leave a way out.

If he is blocked from going north, he will retreat back to the village and serve as his "immortal leader".

However, he would not modify the list he had given. He wanted to maintain his superior demeanor and give the village what he wanted.

But I will make some amends.

"Okay, I know what I'm doing," he said.

It can be considered as complying with the request.

The primary purpose of this trip, "Exploring the Great Dao", has been achieved, so Wen Gu will not stay any longer to give him more time to consider the next arrangements.

After Wen Gu left, Taoist Qingyi entered his alchemy room.

He no longer felt as anxious as before. Although he and Wen Gu did not express it explicitly, they had reached a consensus of mutual benefit.

I have a goal to go north and have found a stepping stone. I am happy, but at the same time, I have an inexplicable feeling of being a "big loser"?

It must be just an illusion.

　There will be an update at 8pm.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)