Chapter 8: Team Up or Not?
Wen Gu went to see the Taoist priest, intending to bring his cousin along.
The village chief worried that his cousin would anger the Taoist priest.
Wen Gu said, "My cousin's heart is pure and clear; the Taoist priest won't be angry."
The village chief also knew his cousin's situation and, after a moment of hesitation, agreed.
Thus, while the villagers were sending supplies to the Taoist priest, Wen Gu ceremonially had them deliver a visiting card and then took his cousin to see him.
Upon receiving the visiting card, which was written with such pretense, Daoist Master Qingyi's guard was fully raised. He had already prepared an empty room specifically for talking with Wen Gu.
He dared not let Wen Gu see his alchemy equipment. Who knew what further trouble that "dog scholar" would stir up after seeing it!
The small courtyard Daoist Master Qingyi resided in, though only a few thatched cottages and a fenced yard, was already considered luxurious in the village.
When Wen Gu entered, he did not look around. The area was small, and his gaze could take in the scene at a glance.
Normally, this Taoist priest stayed busy inside his alchemy room. The surrounding villagers could smell the medicinal herbs and assumed he was refining medicine, but they didn't actually know what he was busy with.
With no one else around, Daoist Master Qingyi truly didn't want to waste time discussing profound truths with the "dog scholar."
What was there to discuss?
From his years of traveling the martial arts world, he could tell this "dog scholar" was definitely not here to discuss such matters.
His darkened gaze swept over to Wen Gu's cousin.
It was precisely because this "dog scholar" was so prone to causing trouble that he had to make plans in advance. While his influence over the villagers was still intact and not yet usurped by this "dog scholar," and with the weather turning cold outside, he intended to gather more resources and flee to avoid further complications.
Wen Gu, however, paid no mind to the cold reception and didn't want to stand idly. He found a stool and sat down.
With a gentle smile, he got straight to the point: "When I was studying abroad, I heard that people who needed to travel long distances would make Bu Ji Wan using glutinous rice, dates, sesame seeds, etc., to sustain them on their journey."
His original self hadn't heard of this during his studies, but that didn't mean it didn't exist.
Wen Gu himself had seen related records in books.
As long as it worked, that was enough.
As expected, upon Wen Gu pointing out the ulterior motives behind the listed ingredients, Daoist Master Qingyi's expression turned even more somber.
At the same time, Daoist Master Qingyi was puzzled.
He knew about scholars traveling abroad. Students would venture out beyond the classroom to seek out famous teachers, understand the people's conditions and governance, and broaden their horizons.
But you, a scholar...
Daoist Master Qingyi really wanted to ask: What kind of studies were you engaged in? Why do you know so much obscure knowledge?!
What kind of proper scholar travels like this?
A sharp glint flashed in Daoist Master Qingyi's lowered eyes, and he even felt like making a move immediately.
How many people who survived in this world were indecisive?
However, seeing Wen Gu's cousin standing guard nearby and considering that the entire village might be watching, he restrained himself.
Otherwise, he could have simply knocked Wen Gu unconscious and packed his bags to flee.
Annoying.
Why was this "dog scholar" so troublesome!
Seeing Daoist Master Qingyi's shifting expression, Wen Gu didn't press the issue.
He smiled and said gently, "Daoist Master, your magic power is profound, and I presume your experiences are rich?"
Although a small secret of his had been exposed, Daoist Master Qingyi maintained his proud demeanor, wanting to salvage some dignity: "I have traveled the country for ten years, tempering my body and mind. The Sage said, 'Set your heart on the Way, ground yourself in virtue, base yourself in benevolence, and find your enjoyment in the arts.'"
Wen Gu clicked his tongue, his words carrying a hidden meaning: "I can tell that your 'enjoyment in the arts' must have been quite spectacular."
Daoist Master Qingyi pretended not to hear and continued, "Later, my skills were insufficient, so I went to cultivate in the mountains."
Wen Gu nodded in understanding: "Yes, you went for further study."
He guessed that the Taoist priest encountered someone difficult while trying to swindle people and fled to a remote mountain to hide for a couple of years.
Daoist Master Qingyi paused, then took a deep breath: "Ten years of wandering, two years of arduous cultivation, and then descending the mountain..."
He never intended to extort anything from these poor villagers!
He was an ambitious person!
He only ever targeted the wealthy!
Unfortunately, his luck was not with him...
He was agitated, not just because Wen Gu was arguing with him, but because his ambitions could not be realized!
In today's world, this was precisely the time for people like him to make their mark.
Yet, he was stuck in this small mountain village, fantasizing about his peers navigating the major factions and reaping both fame and fortune. Every day was an ordeal!
Daoist Master Qingyi's frustration was almost overflowing.
Wen Gu observed the Taoist priest.
Buddhism was flourishing in the current dynasty, but several emperors had also favored Taoism.
If one was highly virtuous and respected, they might receive titles and wealth, gaining both fame and fortune. However, for those with poor conduct, the treatment would be entirely different.
Some Taoist priests were individuals with great principles and righteousness in their hearts.
While some Taoist priests were deceivers and their character was questionable.
The Daoist Master Qingyi before him, however one looked at him, did not seem like the former.
However, it was clear that he did not see himself as the latter either.
Daoist Master Qingyi continued to save face: "My aspirations are high, and ordinary people cannot comprehend them."
In this small, dilapidated village, which was poor and lacked everything, his Taoist robe had torn several times without replacement. Patched up, it had lasted half a year. When had he ever been so destitute!
The precious materials in his hands, to gain more favor from the villagers, could only be used here.
It was like trading gold for a meal; he felt heartbroken every time he performed a ritual!
The materials he brought were almost used up. If this continued, he wouldn't be able to perform rituals anymore.
The villagers revered him because he was useful. Villagers who could survive chaotic times were not ordinary villagers. Without tangible benefits, his status in the village would decline, making his life even more difficult.
In fact, even without Wen Gu, Daoist Master Qingyi's mental state was nearing its limit. Otherwise, he wouldn't have decided to flee in advance at the slightest disturbance.
After protecting the village for so long, what was wrong with him taking some things before leaving? Why should this "dog scholar" meddle?!
Wen Gu analyzed the hidden information in Daoist Master Qingyi's words and expressions.
He asked, "I heard that you also plan to leave in the autumn and winter. Have you thought about where to go? Forgive my rudeness, but my brother and I are also going north to visit relatives. We want to have peace of mind. Have you cast any divination to see where we can avoid disaster?"
When it came to his area of expertise, Daoist Master Qingyi's expression calmed down: "The north is auspicious."
Wen Gu pondered.
Only saying "the north" was too vague, meaning this Taoist priest might not have a clear destination either.
This "enlightened expert" had a global perspective, knowing to head north to avoid misfortune.
But his skills were not high enough.
As everyone knew, "enlightened experts" had extensive networks!
From lowly ruffians to royalty, they could connect with everyone.
If he truly had that level of skill, he wouldn't be without a clear destination now. Perhaps he didn't even know the entire northern region.
Daoist Master Qingyi indeed didn't know much about the northern lands. His activities in the past were mostly in the south. As the world fell into chaos, information became harder to obtain, and he knew even less.
However, he believed in his own abilities. As long as he encountered living people, he could gather more information.
Several noble families were gaining power in the north, while affluent clans were migrating north from the south. The autumn and winter seasons this year were times of great movement between north and south, and news would inevitably leak out.
Daoist Master Qingyi was contemplating how to get by with Wen Gu and then pack up the village's belongings and flee.
Just then, Wen Gu said, "My brother and I are about to head north to find relatives. This journey will be difficult, and we need the help of an expert like you, who is skilled in warding off evil. If you have no pressing matters, why don't we travel together? We can discuss profound truths along the way."
"Dog Taoist priest, team up?"
Daoist Master Qingyi thought to himself: Who the hell wants to discuss profound truths with you!
But Wen Gu's words also stirred something in his heart.
"The relatives you're going to see in the north, I heard they are a military official there?"
When the Wen brothers first arrived in the village, they had already revealed this information to the village chief.
"To be honest, Daoist Master, that is correct. My uncle's family comes from a noble background. Although their influence has waned in recent years, it has been on the rise again. Now that the world is in great chaos, I don't know the situation in the north. If it's safe, my brother and I will have at least a place to stay when we go north," Wen Gu said.
Daoist Master Qingyi listened to these words.
If Wen Gu's relative was just a minor local official, or even not an official at all, with no real power, Wen Gu wouldn't have traveled so far to seek refuge.
This "dog scholar," though physically weak, was mentally resilient and cunning. He must have weighed the pros and cons. His firm attitude about heading north to visit relatives suggested that this so-called ordinary northern military official might actually hold considerable power?
Even if not a noble person, if Wen Gu's relative was doing well, he could go there and enjoy their patronage.
If that relative was not doing well, he would use that place as a springboard, gain fame, and then seek out more powerful individuals!
In the blink of an eye, his thoughts raced, and Daoist Master Qingyi had already judged the advantages and disadvantages.
He made up his mind and looked at Wen Gu again.
Since entering the village, the Taoist priest's gaze had never been so clear and sincere.
"Very well, your frail body..."
Daoist Master Qingyi looked again at Wen Gu's cousin, who stood beside him with a bewildered expression.
"And you only have this simple-minded elder brother by your side. I will escort you."
Wen Gu smiled and bowed: "Then thank you, Daoist Master!"
Through the observations and probes of the past few days, Wen Gu had gained some understanding of this Taoist priest.
He was indeed a great imposter, but in these chaotic times, he wasn't an absolutely evil person. He sought benefits while leaving room for maneuver.
He was also very capable.
Wen Gu thought that if they settled in the north in the future, having this Taoist priest by his side would allow him to achieve more.
"Then let's discuss the arrangements for the village before we leave. Daoist Master, is this list of yours... appropriate? Perhaps a slight revision?" Wen Gu naturally unfolded the list of supplies in his hand.
Daoist Master Qingyi: ???
Wait!
Didn't the topic jump too fast?
Weren't we just talking about teaming up? We just made the decision, and now you're ordering me around?!
"Dog scholar!"
Daoist Master Qingyi did not respond.
Wen Gu said, "Daoist Master, we must seek long-term development. The journey is perilous, and the world is ever-changing. It's wise to leave yourself a fallback option."
Daoist Master Qingyi's eyes flickered.
The previous list had indeed put too much pressure on the village to facilitate his early departure.
Wen Gu bringing this up now, did it mean that the villagers had already developed some dissenting opinions?
That's right, leaving a fallback option.
If their journey north was blocked, he could retreat to the village and be their "Immortal Master" again.
However, he would not revise the list he had already given. He had to maintain his image as an expert; what he gave was what he gave.
But he would make some compensation.
"Alright, I understand," he said.
This was considered an acceptance of the request.
The primary objective of this "discussion of profound truths" had been achieved, and Wen Gu did not linger. He gave the Taoist priest more time to consider his next steps.
After Wen Gu left, Daoist Master Qingyi entered his alchemy room.
His earlier impatience had subsided. Although they hadn't explicitly stated it, he and Wen Gu had reached a consensus for mutual benefit.
He had a destination for heading north and a stepping stone. While pleased, he also felt a strange, inexplicable sense of being taken advantage of?
It should just be an illusion.
There will be an update at 8 PM.
(End of this chapter)