Start practicing from Mr. Fox

Chapter 87 Heavenly Jade Palace

Chen Ji didn't know that his thoughts had stirred up a gust of wind on Qingliang Mountain, and even the old abbot went to check the palace dedicated to the four seasons' winds.

He read the bedtime stories recorded in the Strange Stories and fell into a good sleep.

When I opened my eyes again, it was already the next morning.

Strange to say.

Obviously, yesterday they were fighting and communicating with Lu Pan, so according to the previous situation, they would be a little tired.

But after getting up today, Chen Ji didn't feel tired at all, and even felt a little energetic.

What is the reason?
Chen Ji looked at the Peach Fairy ghost body beside him.

In the art of looking at qi, the ghost body of Taoxian, which has turned into a piece of wood, is still naturally absorbing and exhaling the qi of heaven and earth.

The sun had just set, and it happened to fall on it. A faint essence of sunlight emanated from it, dissipating in the air, and then entering Chen Ji's body with his breathing.

It turned out to be the case.

Only then did Chen Ji understand why the Peach Fairy ghost body could cultivate the soul within it to become a guardian deity.

If the Peach Fairy ghost body can absorb and release spiritual energy at this speed day and night, after sixty years it will be equivalent to the effect of a drop of Emperor's fluid.

No wonder it is the treasure of the earth god Yin.

Chen Ji sighed, put it in his arms, and touched all his belongings. He felt that he should find a magic weapon that could store the items.

Last time, I forgot to ask Senior Huai if he still had any more leaves that could hold many pine nuts.

next time……

Ok?
Chen Ji calculated the time.

It seems like it’s about time to go back to the mountain.

Currently, among the little foxes in Huxian Medicine Hall, except for Bai San whose summoning technique still has problems, the others have an above-average or even above-average rating.

As long as there is a breakthrough in the shapeshifting technique, we can go back to the mountain and replace the next wave of foxes.

I could try adding an extra class today to see if I can help the fox learn the art of shapeshifting and summoning.

Thinking of this, Chen Ji went out to look for the little fox.

When he pushed open the door, he rubbed his eyes, his gaze fixed on the scene in front of him.

Bai San stared at a branch not far away on the ground, chanting the summoning spell and waving his fox claws.

Not moving at once.

Two micro-movements.

After four or five times, he finally rolled over shyly and landed on the fox's paw.

Although it is far inferior to the effect of the summoning technique, it can be considered a successful summoning after all.

Bai San shook his head excitedly, then threw away the branch and started to perform the summoning technique again.

Taoist Master Xiyun stood a little further away, holding the blackboard he had made earlier.

Taoist priest Bai Xu wrote several lines of words on the blackboard with a rough piece of chalk, while Bai San sat on the ground and stared at the blackboard.

Taoist Xiyun was actually telling Bai San the techniques of summoning.

"Is the sir awake?"

Bai Si and the others had nothing to do. Summoning magic was not a technique they practiced, and they were not paying much attention in class. They looked around and saw Chen Ji coming out. They were delighted and shouted.

Taoist Xiyun also paused while writing, turned his head to look at Chen Ji, and nodded slightly.

"Just now I saw Fellow Daoist Fox practicing the art of summoning. He seemed to be on the right track, but something was not quite right. They were discussing the method."

"Yes, sir! I was discussing the Fa with a fellow Taoist!"

Bai San said proudly.

"I just performed the summoning technique, and my fellow Taoist friends all said that I practiced it very well!"

Chen Ji smiled and shook his head.

"No matter how much Taoist Master Xiyun calls you a fellow Taoist, he is still a senior after all. You can't even see that he's giving you guidance. Do you really think he's discussing Taoism with you?"

"Ha!"

Bai Sanzhang's big beak stood there in a daze.

After a while, he looked at Taoist Xiyun tentatively.

"Fellow Daoist, is what the master said true? Are you really giving me advice?"

"But it doesn't count."

Taoist Xiyun stroked his beard and laughed.

"I just happen to know the art of summoning, but I haven't mastered it thoroughly. After discussing it with Fellow Daoist Fox, I have learned quite a bit."

"That's right. Otherwise, I would say your method of summoning things is so clumsy, how can it look like you have mastered it for a long time?"

"Then fellow Daoist, please practice first. I'll go discuss this with fellow Daoist Chen for a while, and then we can perform the magic later. How about that?"

"Go ahead! I'll definitely be successful every time when you come back!"

Bai San seemed to still be immersed in the joy of successfully performing the summoning technique. He waved his fox claws and let Taoist Xiyun get busy.

The two of them just happened to go out for breakfast.

When Chen Ji learned that Taoist Xiyun did not mind eating offal, he decisively took him to order a bowl of mutton offal soup with steamed buns, and added ten copper coins for more mutton offal.

Soon, fresh mutton offal soup was served on the table. It was so hot that the bowl could not be held and kept steaming.

The milky white soup is filled with plenty of mutton offal, which is definitely worth the extra ten copper coins.

Green chopped green onions and garlic sprouts float on the edge of the bowl, emitting an enticing aroma stimulated by mutton fat.

Chen Ji had been hungry all night, so he leaned over the bowl, blew it around his mouth to cool it down, and then took a sip.

The warm aroma of mutton fat instantly explodes in your mouth, mixed with the taste of chopped green onions and coriander and the unique flavor of mutton offal, which whets your appetite!

He immediately asked Taoist Xiyun to taste it.

Unexpectedly, Taoist Xiyun took a bite and shook his head.

"The food here isn't really authentic. It's not as good as what I've had before. The food there is authentic. It's delicious with the oil and chili sauce."

"Unfortunately, I don't like to break the steamed buns. I just like to eat them by hand. This doesn't suit their habits."

Chen Ji knew what Taoist Xiyun was talking about without even thinking, and laughed out loud.

"Indeed, I don't like breaking the buns either. I prefer to eat them directly like this, or soak a large piece in it to enjoy it."

"Daoyou is indeed a wonderful person."

Taoist Xiyun smiled, grabbed the steamed bun and took a bite, then picked up a big mouthful of mutton offal, eating with great satisfaction and comfort. He even opened his Taoist robe a little, let out a long breath with his hair and beard fluttering.

"Eating with fellow Taoists is more comfortable than eating in Chang'an!"

"Then eat one more bowl?"

"No, I'm old now and my appetite isn't that big. One bowl is enough."

Taoist Xiyun touched his belly and sighed with emotion.

"If I had encountered a banquet like this when I was coming down the mountain, I would have eaten three bowls no matter what."

"Then he would walk a thousand miles in one breath and find a monster to fight."

"Is this a proper fight with a monster?"

"Why not... ahem!"

Taoist Master Xiyun suddenly reacted and was so choked that he couldn't speak. He stared at Chen Ji and sighed after a long time.

"Am I not such a disgraceful person?"

"Ok?"

Chen Ji was surprised when he heard the words.

"So it really exists? Could the wild fox ghosts in the novels really be waiting for people in deserted villages and dilapidated temples?"

Taoist Xiyun nodded.

"Indeed, there are, but if ordinary people encounter it, they can remain calm and not be afraid if they keep their mind clear."

"Why is this so?"

Chen Ji was a little curious.

This is indeed mentioned in the novel.

If a scholar or Taoist priest encounters a demon on the road, as long as he keeps a righteous heart and does not think about evil things, he can have a peaceful night.

"Could it be that he is blessed by the power of a saint?"

Chen Ji himself had been cared for by a saint, so he naturally subconsciously felt that this was the case.

Taoist Xiyun shook his head.

"Why do you think so, fellow Daoist?"

"I have been taken care of." "..."

Taoist Master Xiyun had a mouthful of dry steamed bun stuck in his throat and couldn't utter a single word.

After a while, he waved his hand.

"You are not a normal Confucian scholar, so we cannot talk about this together."

"Then why don't normal Confucian scholars get into trouble?"

Taoist Xiyun swallowed the last mouthful of mutton soup before explaining.

"A normal scholar knows what's going on."

"Ah?"

Chen Ji was stunned.

I originally thought that Taoist Xiyun had raised this point out of wisdom, but I didn't expect this to be the answer. I couldn't help but feel confused.

Taoist Xiyun shook his head.

"Fox Fairy Night Talk, Red Sleeves Adding Fragrance, Female Ghost Reading Companion, these are all things from novels and storybooks. How can a normal reader have time to read these?"

"Only those who read Wuxin's sage book would daydream about a fox girl falling in love with them regardless of everything, without even thinking about what they are like."

"If you have no talent and no good looks, how can a demon or ghost be interested in something that they wouldn't even want? And what about a fox family or a beautiful ghost girl?"

"Those who believe such words deserve to have their essence robbed by the ghost. Even if they die, it is better than having another corrupt official in the world!"

"As for the Taoist priests, if they truly believe in the fox demons and wild ghosts on the street and even forget the warnings of the ancestors, they don't need to be the ancestors' disciples."

After cursing for a while, Taoist Xiyun calmed down and spoke slowly again.

"Normal scholars know they are not cut out for this, and they continue to read the books of sages, for the righteousness in the books can ward off evil."

"A normal Taoist priest would also know that demons and ghosts cannot be trusted and would not do such a thing."

"..."

Chen Ji was speechless for a moment.

I thought there would be some brilliant ideas, but I didn't expect it to be so simple.

But he also nodded and thanked Taoist Xiyun for his teachings.

"It's just a small matter. You're not an ordinary person, so you don't need to care about it. If you really encounter such a demon, just kill it and accumulate merit. There's no need to say more."

Having said that, I became curious about how Chen Ji came up with such a great thing as the blackboard.

"I'd like to bring this thing to the young Taoist priests in the temple to use in their classes, saving me the time of teaching them how to draw talismans one by one."

"It does have the merit of education. If it could be used in academies on earth, I'm afraid Confucianism and Taoism would flourish."

Chen Ji looked at Taoist Xiyun and couldn't help but admire his sharp judgment.

In the future, this blackboard did become popular, but it was not Confucianism, but science.

It was not easy to say these things now, so he responded with a smile.

"That's not difficult. Next time I go up the mountain, I'll send one over for you."

"Alright, I'll wait for you to deliver it!"

Taoist Xiyun smiled and nodded, then asked Chen Ji when he was going to take the fox to the mountain to discuss Taoism.

"There are only three foxes now, so the magic is still good. Can we wait a few more days?"

"That's fine, but it has to be quick."

"Why are you so anxious?"

"To be honest, I received a letter from the temple yesterday."

"It's not just around Xiantai Mountain. Recently, demons and ghosts have been appearing all over the country. The petitions to the government to find someone capable of exorcising demons have piled up like a mountain."

"Yujing Palace and Ci'en Temple, oh, that's the royal Taoist temple and Buddhist temple stationed in Kyoto. They proposed that all practitioners from all over the world gather in Kyoto to hold a prayer ceremony to suppress the demon."

"By the way, when we go to Kyoto, let's each bring our fellow disciples to exorcise demons and catch ghosts, so that the world can be clear and peaceful."

After Taoist Xiyun finished speaking, he sighed and felt a bit sad.

"The world is in chaos, and no one is at peace. Even cultivators are trying to get some dragon energy to help them cultivate. They haven't considered that borrowing dragon energy is easy, but what if they can't pay it back in the future?"

"If we really want to collect the debt, I don't know how many lives will be lost."

"Can't I not go?"

Chen Ji thought about it and asked.

"There will always be Taoist temples and Buddhist temples that will slack off, right?"

"What's the point of slacking off?"

Taoist Xiyun was a little confused.

Chen Jici realized that he had said something subconsciously, so he spoke slowly.

“Fishing in water is slippery and cumbersome. It may seem like you’ve tried hard, but there will be no results.”

"I see. That's indeed fitting."

Taoist Xiyun understood what Chen Ji meant, but shook his head.

"When demons are causing chaos, it's time for us to retreat from the mountain. To retreat at this time is not our way."

"As for inviting fellow Daoist and fellow Fox to give lectures on the mountain, it is really for the disciples on the mountain."

"Ok?"

Chen Ji thought about it.

I didn't understand what Taoist Xiyun meant.

He also went to Qingfeng Temple.

As a first-class Taoist temple on Qingliang Mountain, it is not small in terms of scale and number of people.

Above, there's the old abbot, who has reached the level of a real person. In the middle, there's Taoist Xiyun, the abbot, who shouldn't be underestimated. Below, there's...

Chen Ji blinked and suddenly understood what Taoist Xiyun was worried about.

The last time he went there, he didn't see the middle-aged Taoist priest in the temple.

Below the old abbot and Taoist Master Xiyun, there are many young Taoist priests like the Taoist priest who knows guests.

The slightly older one was the one who battled with him, and his skills were only mediocre. To even call him the backbone of the temple was a bit of an overstatement.

If a Taoist temple is like this, it is certainly not a healthy development.

Chen Ji asked curiously.

"I wonder where all the middle-aged Taoist priests in the temple have gone?"

Taoist Xiyun sighed while holding the Ziwu Jue.

"They all returned to the mountain to report after fighting with demons and ghosts."

Chen Ji stood in awe.

When Taoist Xiyun said returning to the mountain to report, he didn't mean returning to Qingliang Mountain, but going to the Taoist ancestral temple after passing away.

No wonder there are no middle-aged Taoists on the mountain, and no wonder Taoist Master Xiyun attaches so much importance to the training of young disciples.

I’m afraid these young disciples are the future of Qingfeng Temple.

If their magic skills are not up to par, Qingfeng Temple will probably be destroyed.

Chen Ji thought again of what Yan Chixia said.

It would cost fifty taels of silver to ask the Taoist priest from Qingfeng Temple to exorcise demons and catch ghosts.

But in today's world, there are many people who can pay fifty taels of silver, but there are very few Taoists who are willing to sacrifice their lives for fifty taels of silver.

So Chen Ji was silent for a long time, picked up a cup of tea and poured it on the ground as a remote tribute.

"Respectfully send off all of you fellow Taoists to the Pure Land!"

Taoist Xiyun watched Chen Ji finish all this, and there seemed to be a flash of comfort in his eyes.

"I don't regret this body, but the other disciples in the temple are really young and can't be compared with each other. If they can understand the meaning of cultivation earlier, it would be better. This time, by eliminating the monster, maybe they can live longer..."

"I understand, Taoist priest, don't worry. I will... No, I will return to the mountain today to teach the fox how to practice. When I have achieved some success, I will immediately go up the mountain to discuss the Dao."

"Thank you for troubling me, fellow Daoist!"

Taoist Xiyun bowed and looked towards Kyoto. A hint of mystery flashed in his eyes, yet a deep sense of sadness was hidden within.

He stood up to leave, but stopped at the place where Chen Ji was pouring tea, a look of surprise flashed across his face. After picking up a piece of dirt to confirm, he couldn't help but clasp his hands together, shed tears, and chanted a word of mercy.

He never imagined that Chen Ji would use the crushed body of the Peach Fairy ghost to melt water to offer sacrifice to the Taoist priest who had passed away in Qingfeng Temple.

Just because of this lineage of incense and offerings, the Taoist priests of Qingfeng Temple could not bear the hardship in the future.

Then he looked in the direction Chen Ji left and clasped his hands together again.

"Mercy, mercy!"

(End of this chapter)