Chapter 7: How to Persuade People
Daoist Master Qingyi paced vexedly inside the room, wanting to rush out immediately and see what had happened.
But thinking it over, he still needed to remain composed.
Rushing out in such a state would damage his image as a wise and capable figure in the eyes of the villagers.
He decided to observe first.
Although he didn't go outside, he was constantly paying attention to the movements outside, waiting for the right moment.
He didn’t need the villagers to bring him meals; all he required was firewood and clean mountain spring water.
When he first came to the village, he had instructed the villagers to draw spring water from the mountain using bamboo.
The person responsible for delivering supplies to the Daoist Master was also chosen by him. This individual was honest, not talkative, and knew to mind his own business.
Daoist Master Qingyi, who had been pondering how to extract information from this villager, glanced at him calmly and with a touch of authority, asking, "What is it?"
The villager couldn't hold back any longer and cautiously asked, "Immortal Master, does Taoism have the Nine-character mantra for expelling evil and eradicating demons? You know, the one that goes, 'Lin, Binh, Dou…'"
With each character the villager uttered, the Daoist Master's expression grew more unpleasant, his meticulously groomed long beard bristling.
This caused the villager to become frightened, and by the end of his sentence, his voice faded to an almost inaudible whisper, unwilling to continue.
The Daoist Master thought to himself, "This is exactly what I've been waiting for!"
He said with a stern face, "That's correct, it is a secret technique of Taoism! It is not something ordinary people can use!"
The villager, forgetting his fear, was so excited that his face turned red. "It… it really exists! What Wen Erlang wrote is true!"
Daoist Master Qingyi: ???
This actually had something to do with that "dog scholar"?
After probing a few more times, he confirmed that all the commotion was caused by that "dog scholar"!
It was a relief that it wasn't a fellow practitioner.
The worry in his heart lessened slightly, but a sense of urgency arose.
That "dog scholar" was quite good at winning people's hearts.
In terms of deception, he had never lost!
His thoughts racing, Daoist Master Qingyi imperiously said to the villager, "That storybook written by Wen Erlang of the Wen Family? Go and get it. I need to see if it damages the reputation of Taoism."
The villager dared not refuse. He scuttled out of the room and then slapped himself.
"Serves me right for being so talkative!"
"Usually, I don’t say much, so why couldn't I keep my mouth shut this time?!"
"See, the storybook is gone."
He then thought, "Wenlanger is indeed a scholar; he even knows Taoist secret techniques!"
When the Daoist Master gave the order, no one dared to delay. After informing the Village Chief, the villager hurried to fetch the storybook and deliver it to the Daoist Master.
The Village Chief felt quite wise at that moment. He had prepared two copies of the storybook; this one went to the Daoist Master, and he still had one for himself.
Meanwhile, Daoist Master Qingyi quickly flipped through the original manuscript of the storybook.
He sneered dismissively.
"As expected, it's nothing but a trick to deceive people!"
However, that "dog scholar" did have some talent!
Many of the descriptions in this storybook bore similarities to the Taoist concept of "three corpses," and some of the details were even unknown to him, a practitioner of Taoism.
"Hmm, I must learn this."
Then, he thought again, his fingers tightening around the manuscript.
"Could it be that this 'dog scholar' intends to replace me?"
With the scholar's abilities, he might be able to make the villagers change their allegiance with just a few words. If he were to create some "auspicious signs" or other miraculous events…
The more he thought about it, the deeper his doubts grew.
He decided to go out himself to investigate the matter.
However, he had only been in seclusion for a few days. The moment the "Nine-character mantra" incident occurred outside, he immediately came out of seclusion, making it seem as if he were in a great hurry.
No, he couldn't go out immediately; that would make him appear fearful.
He needed to find another opportune moment.
At the Village Chief’s house, Wen Gu sat holding a cup of herbal tea, listening to the main figures discuss the construction of the fortress.
The villagers' morale was improving daily, and with the change of seasons approaching, they were about to undertake a major project.
The fortress blueprints had undergone several revisions and were nearing completion.
Wen Gu saw that the Village Chief and the others intended to finalize the design. He then seemed to recall something and said sheepishly, "Although I drew the blueprints, my understanding of Feng Shui and Yin-Yang principles is rather limited. Should we ask the Daoist Master to review it before making a decision?"
The others immediately agreed.
When they built their own houses, they would choose an auspicious day for the main beam. Now that the village was building a more important fortress, it required even greater attention.
Wen Gu’s words had reminded them.
They had heard that wealthy households in the city often hired masters to assess the Feng Shui when building large residences, and some even set up formations!
Daoist Master Qingyi possessed profound magical abilities, so he would surely be good at Feng Shui.
They usually wouldn't bother him with trivial matters, but this was a significant undertaking for the village.
Arrangements were made!
Thus, when delivering something to the Daoist Master again, the villager, seeing that the Daoist Master was free, and thinking of the Village Chief's instructions, tentatively asked:
"When will the Daoist Master come out of seclusion? The fortress blueprints are ready, and the Village Chief hopes you can help us with the Feng Shui and tell us where any modifications are needed."
Daoist Master Qingyi, who was contemplating how to pry information, was delighted to hear this.
"This is perfect timing!"
However, to maintain his persona, after agreeing, he did not go over immediately. Instead, he maintained his dignity and asked the village to send the blueprints over.
After reviewing the blueprints, he walked around the village and specifically went to the building where the village storyteller performed. He observed from the outside and listened to the villagers' discussions along the way, confirming that the Nine-character mantra and the storybook were indeed the work of that scholar. Besides this, there were no other abnormalities in the village.
Only then did he slowly make his way to the Village Chief's house.
By this time, the village’s main figures, having received the news, were already waiting at the entrance.
Wen Gu joined the others, showing utmost respect to the Daoist Master.
Daoist Master Qingyi maintained his detached and aloof demeanor, his gaze sweeping lightly over the individuals, pausing slightly on Wen Gu, before saying:
"A few of the layout and directional aspects of the blueprints need to be changed."
Wen Gu responded, "I have prepared ink and paper."
The Daoist Master refused, "No need."
With a flip of his hand, he produced a writing utensil from who-knows-where, one that didn't conform to the aesthetic standards of the time – a thin ink stick wrapped in paper.
Its texture was just right, soft yet firm, allowing for clear and smooth writing, and it appeared durable.
Wen Gu's eyes fixed on the writing utensil for a moment, and then he asked in surprise, "What is this item?"
Daoist Master Qingyi replied with an air of arrogance, "It's merely something obtained by chance during alchemy."
Wen Gu observed Daoist Master Qingyi's expression, not missing any subtle shifts.
"Perhaps this Daoist Master truly figured this out himself!"
He sincerely praised, "Daoist Master, you truly possess extraordinary abilities!"
"He can even refine a pencil; what a genius!"
His desire to poach Wen Gu grew stronger.
Upon hearing Wen Gu's praise, Daoist Master Qingyi felt not joy, but discomfort. He always felt that this "dog scholar" had ulterior motives!
Turning away from influencing Wen Gu, he simply said to the Village Chief and the others, "When practicing martial arts… in pursuit of the Great Dao, and undergoing worldly cultivation, such mundane objects are merely practical tools."
He didn't mention that wealthy families looked down upon such items.
He made a few more changes to the blueprints with the writing utensil and finished.
Noticing that Wen Gu was still staring at the utensil in his hand, Daoist Master Qingyi's tone lifted slightly:
"This charcoal pencil, though it appears crude and simple, is not something just anyone can use. Ordinary scholars cannot handle it."
Wen Gu reached out, "May I…?"
Daoist Master Qingyi, unconcerned, waved his hand, allowing him to take it. Inside, he relished the thought of seeing Wen Gu make a fool of himself.
Taking the charcoal pencil, Wen Gu, in front of everyone, held it with the posture of holding a calligraphy brush, tested it a few times, seemingly finding it incorrect. He adjusted his fingers one by one, then assumed the proper grip and slowly began to write on the paper.
As Wen Gu adjusted his grip, the contemptuous smile on the Daoist Master's face gradually disappeared.
When Wen Gu produced a piece of beautiful calligraphy.
Daoist Master: "…"
Wen Gu smiled humbly, "It is said that one’s writing ability is not limited by the pen."
"See? My calligraphy is good, so any pen will do!"
Daoist Master Qingyi regained his composure, and only after returning to his alchemy room did he exclaim:
"Dog scholar!"
Previously, this "dog scholar" had been confined to his sickbed due to accumulated melancholy, posing no real threat.
But now...
He was even more irritating than before!
Thinking back on everything that had happened, his thoughts churned, and his eyes darkened.
Two days later, Wen Gu ambled over to the Village Chief's house. He had initially intended to hear about their upcoming major project, but upon entering, he saw the Village Chief holding a list, looking troubled.
Seeing Wen Gu, the Village Chief didn't try to hide it.
It seemed it wasn't a village secret.
Wen Gu walked over slowly and asked with concern, "Village Chief, what troubles you?"
The Village Chief forced a smile. "I was just thinking about how to gather all the things the Daoist Master needs."
The Daoist Master would provide a list of required supplies to the village, always in installments. They would prepare them in batches; otherwise, it would be difficult to gather so many items at once.
However, this time, the burden was indeed substantial.
Even with the village's considerable savings, seeing the types of items listed on the paper put them under a lot of pressure.
A thought of rebellion briefly arose in his mind, but it was quickly suppressed by fear and reverence for the Daoist Master.
The Village Chief's expression looked very troubled.
Wen Gu, curious, wanted to take a look.
The Village Chief hesitated slightly before handing it to Wen Gu.
It wasn't exactly a secret. The village's efforts to prepare offerings for the Daoist Master were known to many. Besides the storeroom supplies, some might need to be exchanged with individual households.
Wen Gu raised an eyebrow as he scanned the list of supplies.
"The Daoist Master needs this much glutinous rice for alchemy?"
The Village Chief stated matter-of-factly, "The Daoist Master said that glutinous rice has strong Yang energy, which can suppress evil spirits and cleanse impurities."
Indeed, legends of spirits and demons, as well as some local customs, contained similar sayings.
Wen Gu thought to himself, "You used to grow glutinous rice in your fields, so why didn't I see those fields expelling evil?"
The city had demand for brewing and making pastries, so many villagers had grown glutinous rice.
This was true not only for this village but for other surrounding villages as well. And yet, so many villages had become extinct.
However, Wen Gu did not debate the matter with the Village Chief.
Due to its special aura, glutinous rice, endowed with mystical power by countless myths, religious traditions, and local customs, was highly cherished by every household, and their stock was limited, not readily parted with.
The only thing that would make them willingly offer it was this Daoist Master.
And each time they contributed glutinous rice, their expressions were full of piety.
Wen Gu understood.
Even in times of peace, many people were so poor they couldn't afford food at home but still donated incense money to temples.
When something bad happened, they would blame themselves for not donating enough money to the collection box.
However, since Daoist Master Qingyi arrived in the village, he had maintained a delicate balance, never provoking the villagers' resistance while reaping tangible benefits for himself.
Now, however, he seemed impatient. Was it greed, or...
Wen Gu paused and looked over the list again, examining each item.
His brow twitched.
"Is the 'dog Daoist' planning to run away?!"
Wen Gu looked at the Village Chief. "Has this Daoist Master Qingyi ever indicated he intends to leave?"
The Village Chief nodded, his voice low. "Yes. When the Daoist Master first arrived at the beginning of the year, he said his powers had been damaged, and he was staying in our village to recuperate. Once his powers recovered somewhat, he would still go to pursue the Great Dao."
Wen Gu thought to himself, "When his powers recover is up to him, isn't it? And what 'Great Dao' is he pursuing? The Great Deceiver's Path?"
The Village Chief continued, "That's why we want to ask him to refine more evil-warding medicines for the village before he leaves."
If it weren't for wanting the Daoist Master to leave behind more evil-warding pills, they wouldn't have gone to such lengths to gather various herbs and supplies as offerings.
The items in the storeroom were all prioritized for the Daoist Master.
This was also for the villagers' own good.
Wen Gu listened to the Village Chief's words and looked at the list in his hand.
"The 'dog Daoist' wants to leave early?!"
"Have you considered asking the Daoist Master to stay?" he asked.
The Village Chief sighed helplessly. "Daoist Master Qingyi said he is pursuing the Great Dao. How can we mere mortals interfere? We would incur divine punishment!"
Wen Gu showed concern. "If the Daoist Master leaves, and the pills he leaves behind are used up, what will we do then?"
The Village Chief also looked distressed, his gaze flicking towards Wen Gu several times.
Wen Gu thoughtfully chimed in, "Perhaps I could go and reason with the Daoist Master? Even if we can't stop this Immortal Master from pursuing the Great Dao, we can at least try to secure some evil-warding items for the village's self-defense."
The Village Chief immediately broke into a smile, the deep wrinkles on his face smoothing out. He looked at Wen Gu with great warmth and said gratefully,
"You scholars understand many things. You've always been about persuading people with certain principles..."
Wen Gu humbly replied, "By reason and by virtue."
(End of this chapter)