National Division

Chapter 123 Crane Guardian: This is... a martial arts master?
Guhe County Government Office
Shen Bin and Shen Xian sat facing each other, while Jiang Rui, the Prime Minister, accompanied them, quietly watching the scene, lost in thought.

He clearly guessed Shen Xian's intentions and was playing the long game.

Shen Bin asked, "What is the situation in the capital?"

"We'll talk about it when we get home." Shen Xian didn't elaborate, but instead asked, "Has the mess left by the Golden Scale Gang been completely cleaned up?"

Shen Bin nodded and said, "The Golden Scale Gang has been basically wiped out. The relevant criminals have been imprisoned in the county jail. The imperial envoy is currently at the post station. Would you like to go and meet him?"

"I'll go see them in a bit, there's no rush." ​​Shen Xian paused for a moment, then asked in a clear voice, "Recently, there have been frequent incidents of demons and evil spirits in the county. Has the county government taken any measures to deal with this?"

"Yes, there have been a few more cases recently, and the county government is finding it difficult to handle them," Shen Bin said.

Shen Xian pondered and said, "The imperial court has appointed me to oversee the Qilin Pavilion and establish the Jingchong and Zhanyao Divisions. However, if we can recruit people from the immortal path, the two divisions will also receive a lot of assistance."

Gathering martial artists from all over the world does not mean excluding those who follow the path of immortality. The so-called united front is about uniting those who can be united.

He plans to visit Qingyang again.

We should try to persuade Crane Guardian again.

A look of doubt appeared in Shen Bin's eyes. He asked, "Qilin Pavilion?"

It can be said that now that Shen Xian has returned, Shen Bin, hearing the boy's endless stream of new words, no longer dares to treat him like a child.

Jiang Rui picked up the conversation and said, "Prefect Shen, the 'Policy on Governance' that Scholar Shen previously submitted suggested that the court gather martial artists from all over the country to slay demons and monsters. Now, with the court's permission, he has personally gone to various prefectures and counties in Hebei to handle this matter."

"I see." Shen Bin nodded in sudden realization, then a look of doubt appeared in his eyes: "But demons and evil spirits are good at changing their appearance and bewitching people's hearts."

Shen Xian said, "Therefore, we need the help of people from the immortal path."

In fact, according to his idea, he should have cultivated his own Taoist priests, but this would undoubtedly have undermined the roots of the three religions.

Shen Xian said, "I'm going to Qingyang Temple later."

Anzhou Prefect Qiu Ying and Judicial Advisor Zhang Xun knew that interrogating Liu Jian was not something that could be done in a short time, so they went to attend to other matters first, as they couldn't stay there indefinitely.

Upon hearing this, Shen Bin nodded and said, "Scholar Shen, please feel free to do as you please."

Let's ask for details after we get home.

Shen Bin was feeling conflicted at the moment, and he couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable facing the young man in the light red official robe.

Shen Xian then said nothing more and, accompanied by Zhang Rong and other Qianniu Guards, left the county government office with Jiang Rui and the others.

After leaving the county government office, Shen Xian looked at Jiang Rui, who seemed to be deep in thought, and asked, "Bingren, what do you think of Anzhou Prefect Qiu Ying's visit?"

"I believe there may be more to this than meets the eye," Jiang Rui said after a moment's thought.

"Oh?" Shen Xian asked, "Tell me about it."

Jiang Rui looked thoughtful and said, "I'm afraid Liu Jian has some dirt on the Prefect of Anzhou, and I'm worried that the Dali Temple might find something out during the interrogation."

"Yes, but their eagerness is truly astonishing." Shen Xian took a rein from the Qianniu Guard and, as he spoke, mounted his horse.

Jiang Rui pondered for a moment and said, "They think that scholars have no right to investigate, so they act recklessly. I'm afraid there might even be collusion or destruction of evidence."

As a seasoned criminal investigator with extensive experience, he had some guesses in his mind after observing Shen Xian and the Prefect of Anzhou's feigned politeness.

Shen Xian neither confirmed nor denied it, saying, "It's not impossible."

Where is the scholar headed next?

"Qingyang Temple," Shen Xian said calmly.

He wanted to try persuading Daoist He Shou again. If he realized his mistake and returned to the right path, he would be treated with high honors in the Qilin Pavilion. If he insisted on going his own way, then there was nothing more to say. From then on, they would sever all ties and have no more teacher-student relationship.

Some things require advance preparation.

One day in the future, he will change the system of Taoist land ownership, strip the Taoists of their various privileges, and sooner or later he will clash with the Taoists.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Rui nodded.

……

……

Qingyang Temple, Liangyi Hall

Master Heshou sat down on the futon and began to give a lecture.

At this moment, the prayer cushions in the hall were filled with students who usually attended classes, listening to Master Heshou's lectures as usual.

Led by Gu Mian and Pei Shen, Liu Yu sat not far away, somewhat absent-minded.

After Magistrate Liu was imprisoned, Liu Yu was not implicated in the case. In the past few days, he originally wanted to go to Anzhou to find his elder brother, but there were still some matters at home that required Liu Yu to take charge.

As for Shen Xian's futon, it was already empty.

Inside the hall, a few sticks of incense, each as thick as a baby's finger, curled into the air, emitting a calming fragrance.

"Today I read Master Nanhua's 'Responding to Emperors'," said Daoist Heshou, his expression profound and thoughtful.

The students below began to read aloud from their textbooks.

Just then, a Taoist priest entered the hall and approached Master Heshou, saying, "Master, a scholar from the Zhaowen Pavilion of the imperial court has presented a visiting card to see you."

Upon hearing this, Daoist Heshou's heart stirred slightly, and he asked, "A scholar of the Zhaowen Pavilion?"

Could it be an acquaintance from the capital?

However, the scholar of Zhaowen Pavilion was a fifth-rank official in the imperial court, so it was not appropriate to neglect him.

"Please lead him to the side hall and treat him well. He will come back after I finish this lesson," Crane Guardian instructed.

The Taoist priest who was in charge of the reception quickly turned around and left.

Shen Xian and Jiang Rui, accompanied by the Thousand Bull Guards, were already waiting in the guardhouse in the courtyard.

Upon hearing the Taoist priest's report, Jiang Rui asked, "Scholar, shall we wait a while?"

“Since this is a lecture, and I am originally a student of the abbot, how can I pass by without entering? I should listen to the lecture.” Shen Xian’s expression was calm as he stepped into Qingyang Temple.

If Daoist Heshou were to abandon his students, then Daoist Heshou's character and magnanimity would be utterly insignificant.

He was being courteous first, then ready to fight.

Even if his actions were to spread later, they would be beyond reproach, as the sage's Tao Te Ching also emphasizes respecting teachers and valuing the Way.

Jiang Rui followed closely behind.

Meanwhile, the Taoist He Shou sat peacefully on the futon with his eyes closed, his face ancient and unsophisticated, and it was unclear what he was thinking.

As the Taoist bell rang, the students stopped reciting and waited for the abbot on the cloud platform to give the lesson.

Crane Guardian's gaze fell on the face of a poorly dressed young man in front of him, and he said gently, "Gu Mian, recite the poem 'Responding to the Emperor'."

"Yes, teacher." Gu Mian stood up and began to recite the Emperor Ying's name. His pronunciation was clear and his voice was melodious, which resounded in the hall.

Afterwards, Gu Mian recited the entire poem "Responding to Emperors".

Crane Guardian nodded slightly and asked patiently, "In your opinion, how should an emperor govern the world to achieve peace and prosperity for the people?"

Gu Mian thought for a moment and said loudly, "Let nature take its course, and govern by non-interference."

Crane Guardian nodded and said, "That's right. If we follow nature and govern by non-interference, then officials and common people will live in peace, and the world will naturally be well-governed."

Then, turning his aged gaze to Pei Shen, he asked, "Pei Shen, what do you think?"

Pei Shen said, "Reporting to the teacher, a sage governs the world by doing nothing and does not interfere. Otherwise, it would be like Chaos having nine orifices drilled into it and dying."

Crane Guardian nodded approvingly and said, "Everything has its own laws, the sun and moon follow their own orbits, wealth and poverty are determined in one's previous life, and order and chaos, rise and fall also have their own constants. There is no need to interfere, nor can we interfere, hmm?" As Crane Guardian was speaking eloquently, a tall and slender young man wearing a light scarlet official robe entered from outside the hall. Because the light from outside the hall shone on his face, his features were not clearly visible.

Crane Guardian Daoist strained his eyes and immediately recognized the person.

It was him?
"The teacher is giving lessons here, and I, Shen, have also paid tuition." Shen Xian said calmly as he walked to his own prayer mat and sat down.

When the students in the hall saw who it was, they were all startled, and then they began to whisper among themselves and discuss the matter.

“Mu Zhi… what’s wrong with him?” Pei Shen looked at the young man in the scarlet official robe, his mind reeling, and he stared in disbelief.

Why would Mu Zhi be wearing a light scarlet official robe with a fish-shaped pouch hanging from his waist? This is clearly the attire of a fifth-rank official.

Liu Yu, who was already feeling uneasy, exclaimed in surprise when she saw who it was: "Shen Xian, what are you doing here?"

Liu Yu recognized the light pink official robe.

It can be said that all the students of Qingyang Temple were stunned, their eyes filled with doubt as they looked at the familiar-looking boy.

It's like in a university classroom in later years, the instructor is lecturing on civil service exams during graduation season, and suddenly discovers that a classmate who usually doesn't stand out has become a department-level inspector.

It was a feeling of shock mixed with chaotic absurdity.

Beneath the two thin, pine-like eyebrows of the Crane Guardian Daoist, his aged eyes narrowed slightly, and his heart was also filled with turbulent waves.

What exactly did Shen Xian go through to be wearing a fifth-rank official's robe?

Recently, Daoist He Shou has been cultivating in seclusion in his temple and has not paid much attention to the changes in Guhe County, let alone news from Shendu City.

As for whether Shen Xian would wear official robes carelessly, as the son of an official, how could he be so ignorant of propriety and act so recklessly?

At this moment, Crane Guardian Daoist scanned the outside world with his divine sense and saw the Thousand Ox Guards accompanying him.

Could it be that Shen Xian is not the son of the county magistrate of Guhe, but a descendant of some important figure in the imperial court, and is entrusted to the Shen family?

Shen Xian asked, "Teacher, were you just discussing the 'Responding to Emperors' chapter by the True Man of Nanhua?"

He didn't actually intend to do this. Firstly, there was no need for him to travel incognito, and secondly, he wanted to persuade Daoist He Shou to join the Demon-Slaying and Spirit-Pacifying Divisions.

Crane Guardian composed himself and met those sharp, sword-like eyes, his heart skipping a beat once more.

The secret passage, and a remarkably sharp gaze.

As his divine sense swept over the boy, he was startled once again.

True energy surges, towering peaks stand tall, this is... a martial arts grandmaster?
His aura is still at its peak?

Crane Guardian Daoist's expression suddenly changed, his eyes widened in shock, and his mind raced.

Wasn't Shen Xian at the Acquired Realm? How could he have reached the third realm of martial arts in less than a month?

Shen Xian said, "Teacher, if we let nature take its course and govern by inaction, then Gu Mian should still be working in the fields, instead of joining the Qingyang Temple and forcing his way into a new position."

Upon hearing this, Gu Mian stared intently at the young man, composed himself, and was afraid of missing a single word.

Shen Xian said, “As the Book of Changes says, ‘The movement of heaven is strong; so should a gentleman constantly strive for self-improvement. The nature of earth is receptive; so should a gentleman cultivate virtue and bear all things.’”

As he spoke, Shen Xian looked at Daoist He Shou and said, "If we follow nature and govern by non-action, how difficult it is to achieve immortality! Teacher, you should stay in the fourth realm of immortality. Why bother to seek that sliver of heavenly secret and seek the Dao in the mortal realm?"

At this moment, Crane Guardian Daoist's cultivation level was completely clear in his eyes. He was at the peak of the fourth realm of immortality, the Dao Embryo, and had transformed into a mortal in Guhe County.

Upon hearing this, Crane Guardian frowned and met those bright, star-like eyes.

This is a discussion with him on philosophy!
The student before him could no longer be dismissed as a mere child; he had earned the right to sit down and discuss matters with him.

In fact, he could be considered his most outstanding disciple over the years, having reached the third realm of martial arts, the Grandmaster, and even becoming a scarlet-robed official.

“Gu Mian’s heart is very firm in his pursuit of the Dao. As you said, ‘As heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement.’ If he strives for self-improvement, good fortune will naturally descend upon him,” Crane Guardian replied after thinking for a moment.

The young man before him was originally thought to be just an ignorant and incompetent son of a county official. Who would have thought that he would actually put his principles into practice and, in less than a month, would undergo such a remarkable transformation?

"The demons and monsters are causing chaos in Guhe County, and the people are determined to survive. Why don't you take action, Master?" Shen Xian asked.

After pondering for a moment, Crane Guardian said, "They are greedy for money and lustful, and they brought this upon themselves, which is why they have suffered demonic calamity."

Shen Xian shook his head and said, "There are also those who are not greedy for money or lustful, but are innocently harmed by demons. Teacher, since Qingyang Temple receives offerings from Taoist fields and incense offerings from the people of Guhe County, shouldn't it protect this area?"

If you're not asked to be a nanny for the people, why not do something that's easy to do?

Crane Guardian was silent for a moment, speechless, but still argued: "I have done my best to establish a Taoist school and teach my disciples here. If I take action when evil spirits arise in one county, then I will have to take action in other counties of Anzhou and even other prefectures when evil spirits arise. If evil spirits arise in other counties and even other prefectures, will I have to take action as well? The evil calamities will continue and there will never be a peaceful day."

Shen Xian said, "Do good deeds within your power, one at a time. What harm will it do to your spiritual practice?"

In fact, if one is determined to quell all evil in the world, then with the support of that belief, one may very well achieve great things.

Crane Guardian Daoist pondered and said, "This humble Daoist still needs to teach and cultivate the Dao. One person's energy is limited. How many demons can one person slay?"

Upon hearing this, the disciples in the hall quieted down, already somewhat understanding the dispute between the two.

Upon hearing this, Pei Shen's eyes flashed with a sharp light, his gaze shifting back and forth between Shen Xian and Daoist He Shou.

Shen Xian said, "But these palaces are magnificent and imposing, and the Taoist temple occupies a vast area. All of these were built on land allocated by the imperial court. Don't you feel ashamed to accept such treatment, teacher?"

Compared to his condescending tone when he first came to Qingyang Temple to ask for help, Crane Guardian's tone was undoubtedly much gentler today.

Crane Guardian Daoist remained silent for a moment.

Shen Xian sighed, "Previously, I did not ask you to personally take action, Master. I only asked you to use a talisman and a low-level magic artifact to help the government exorcise demons. How could you be so stingy?"

Upon hearing this, Crane Guardian Daoist did not know how to defend himself.

In fact, if He Shou Dao Ren had known Shen Xian would achieve his current status, why would he have been so stingy with a single talisman? Even if it was just to establish a good relationship, there would have been nothing wrong with it.

Shen Xian then revealed his purpose, saying, "The court has now ordered me to take charge of the Qilin Pavilion and establish the Demon Slaying and Evil-Pacifying Divisions. The pavilion is currently lacking a judge. If you are willing to come out of seclusion, the pavilion will be open to you."

Upon hearing this, Crane Guardian's lips moved, but he remained silent.

Shen Xian rose, bowed, and said in a clear voice, "I will always remember your kindness in teaching me the Dao. However, I cannot agree with your philosophy of non-action. We cannot work together if our paths are different. From now on, I will rarely set foot in Qingyang Temple. Teacher, Yi means change. You have been living as a mortal here for several years, but your cultivation seems to have made no progress. Perhaps, if you change your ways, you will find a way out."

"The Great Dao is fifty, the Heavenly Dao is forty-nine, and man escapes one of them. Opportunity may lie in the word 'change'."

Without saying another word, he cupped his hands in farewell and took his leave.

A loud drum doesn't need a heavy pounding; further words are pointless.

If Crane Guardian Daoist remains stubborn, then when we meet again, he may already be a powerful figure at the fifth level of the Immortal Realm, [Divine Illumination]!

At that time, I fear that Daoist He Shou's Dao heart will be shattered!
Upon hearing the young man's words, Crane Guardian's expression shifted, his gaze became dazed, and his heart was far from calm.

But he couldn't utter a single word of rebuttal.

He was not only a former youth but also a high-ranking official in the imperial court.

Shen Xian's last sentence struck He Shou Dao Ren like a thunderbolt, leaving him in a state of indescribable shock.

The Great Dao is fifty, the Heavenly Evolution is forty-nine...

He has been living as a mortal for several years without making any progress. Could he really have made a mistake?

Shen Xian, born into humble circumstances as the son of a county official, adhered to his own principles and, in a short time, reached the third realm in martial arts, and rose rapidly in the officialdom.

Crane Guardian Daoist made several finger gestures, trying to divine the fate of heaven, but the secrets of heaven were chaotic and obscure as a swamp.

Pei Shen's eyes showed surprise and uncertainty. Had he heard correctly?

Just now, Mu Zhi was discussing the Dao with the abbot, and then persuaded the abbot to join the Demon-Slaying and Calming Divisions to slay demons and eliminate evil spirits.

The students from Guhe County in the Liangyi Hall looked at each other in disbelief, utterly astonished.

(End of this chapter)