Mang Shusheng's Ink Painting Practice

Chapter 93: Senior Brother as a Negative Example

What happened next also confirmed Zhao Yifu's guess.

He sat in a restaurant, watching Wu Zhong running around, and then returned to the restaurant to report: "Second Young Master, just as you guessed, the inn here has reserved rooms for us, and we have already paid deposits."

He said in disbelief: "This is not a small amount of money. Who is this person..."

Zhao Yifu said calmly, "No matter who it is, he can't succeed."

If they move in safely, they will actually fall into the control of the other party.

Perhaps the word "control" was a bit too much, but at least he had entered the place set by the other party, putting himself in a state of doubt.

Zhao Yifu actually has some mental mysophobia, and he really doesn't want to have any doubts in this regard.

He said, "In that case, we won't stay at the inn."

Wu Zhong asked, "Where do we live then?"

Zhao Yifu thought for a moment, then raised two fingers and said, "There are two choices."

Wu Zhong was shocked. He was at a loss as to what to do, but he didn't expect that Zhao Yi Fu had already thought of two options?

Zhao Yifu said, "First, we can go find Xie Huairen, the Imperial Censor of Nanhu. Mr. Xie and my teacher Zhou were classmates and friends, so he might be able to look after us."

Then he shook his head and said, "But Master Xie is only a classmate after all. If I had nothing else to do, I would just be talking to you about our friendship as elders. But now I have something to worry about. If I go, I'll be asking for shelter, which would hurt Teacher Zhou's friendship."

“So I want to choose the second one.”

He didn't say what the second one was, but just walked slowly on the streets of the provincial capital, looking at the various mansions on both sides of the street, and then suddenly stopped.

Wu Zhong had been following silently. When he saw Zhao Yifu stop, he asked, "Second Young Master, have we arrived yet?"

Zhao Yifu nodded and said, "Yes, this is the place."

Wu Zhong looked up and saw two large characters written in a flamboyant style on the plaque: Wenfu.

Of course, he also noticed that there was a seal in the lower right corner of the plaque: Guanglong.

Zhao Yifu arrived at the steps of Wen Mansion and rang the door knocker.

A moment later, an old servant came out of the door, looked Zhao Yifu up and down, and asked, "Sir, what brings you to my Wen Mansion?"

"If you're here to ask for a calligraphy, please go back. My master won't be seeing guests lately."

Zhao Yifu chuckled, then bowed and said, "Please tell the old man that it's Moshan's nephew who's here to visit, and then Lord Guanglong will understand."

Upon hearing this, the old servant immediately clasped his fists and said, "So they are from Moshan... The master has already ordered that if people from Moshan don't come, then forget it, but if they do, they must be treated as honored guests."

As he said that, he opened the door and let the two of them in.

He led them all the way to the side hall, served them tea and snacks, and then hurried to pass the message.

Zhao Yifu was waiting patiently in the hall, while Wu Zhong stood beside him, scratching his head.

At this moment, Zhao Yifu looked at him calmly and said, "Uncle Wu, please don't offend my seniors later."

Wu Zhong quickly said, "Okay, okay, I won't say anything."

A moment later, Zhao Yifu saw a Confucian scholar in his forties or fifties, wearing a Confucian robe and looking quite like a scholar, walk in.

He quickly stood up and was about to greet him.

However, Wen Guanglong had already bowed and asked, "May I know your name, Junior Brother?"

Zhao Yifu was surprised for a moment. He said, "My name is Zhao Yifu, courtesy name Junxin. Nice to meet you..."

Wen Guanglong laughed heartily and said, "My name is Wensheng, my courtesy name is Guanglong. People call me Guanglong Jushi."

Zhao Yifu quickly greeted him again, "Hello, Senior Brother Wen."

Then he said embarrassedly: "I thought I should call you uncle."

Wen Sheng laughed again and said, "When Junior Brother was studying in the mountains, who taught him?"

Zhao Yifu quickly said, "My younger brother is a disciple of Master Zheng Fang."

Wen Sheng said, "It is indeed Master Liang. The word 'brother' was taught to me by Master Liang himself. We are truly close brothers."

Zhao Yifu was stunned for a moment, feeling that something was wrong.

He pondered for a moment and asked, "Who is your teacher, brother?"

Wen Sheng was confused. He asked, "If we're talking about a proper master, it would naturally be Master Liang."

Zhao Yifu coughed dryly and said, "Brother, didn't you become my disciple?"

This is what he felt was wrong. It seemed as if Wen Sheng's address to him did not indicate that he was his disciple.

Wen Sheng laughed and said, "Junior brother, you are mistaken. My Pure Yang spiritual lineage is different from those traditional cultivation sects."

"Entering the inner sect is actually 'graduating from the apprenticeship'. You can experience life on your own in the mortal world. After all, all kinds of wonderful methods and fundamental skills have been completely opened up."

"If you have any questions during your practice, gather three or five fellow disciples to discuss the Dao together, and the problems will be solved by themselves."

"My brother showed a talent for calligraphy at an early age, and was directly accepted into the inner sect for instruction."

"When he came down the mountain to gain experience, he passed the imperial examination and became an official. However, because he was not good at government affairs, he took a sinecure as a court attendant near the mountain gate."

How can it still be like this...

Doesn't this sound a bit too easy?

After hearing this, Zhao Yifu felt a deep envy in his heart.

Isn't this life a little too carefree?

There was a sour taste on the back of his tongue, bitterness in his stomach, and his eyes were filled with worship...

"Brother is awesome."

He praised it like this.

Wen Sheng laughed and said, "Junior brother, what about you?"

Zhao Yifu smiled bitterly and said, "I know nothing about music or chess, my calligraphy is barely passable, and my painting skills are average. However, I begged earnestly before my master, and with his grace, I was finally allowed to enter the sect."

Wen Sheng felt quite proud after hearing this. He said, "Junior brother, are you being modest?"

However, seeing Zhao Yifu's serious look, he slowly began to believe it.

Then he patted Zhao Yifu on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Don't worry, Junior Brother. Now that you have entered the sect, it can be said that the hard work has paid off and the sweetness has come."

Zhao Yifu agreed with what he said and said, "Yes, after entering the sect, I was taught by my mentor. Now I know who I am."

"If Master hadn't said that disciples of Danqing Sect like me must go down the mountain to gain experience, I would have really wanted to stay in the mountains and listen to Master's teachings every day without leaving."

This was a bit corny, but this was the tone that scholars these days used to express their emotions. Anyway, Zhao Yifu could now say such corny words without feeling any emotion inside.

But after he finished speaking, Wen Sheng stared at Zhao Yifu blankly, his eyes gradually becoming bright.

He swallowed twice, then said in a tone that was clearly envious but pretended to be calm, "You can ask Master Liang for advice at any time?"

Zhao Yi Fu nodded and said, "Perhaps I am too dull, and it is only because of my mentor's frequent teachings and actions that I have gained a lot of enlightenment." Wen Sheng suddenly turned around, stood with his hands behind his back and looked up at the sky, looking like a great writer who is concerned about his country and the people.

Zhao Yifu asked tentatively, "What's going on?"

Wen Sheng quickly gathered his emotions and said, "Nothing special, I was just touched by the warmth of my master."

Zhao Yifu was a little confused. I was the one who felt warm, so why were you so moved?
But to be honest, being with Wen Guanglong does give me a relaxed feeling of being a peer.

The generational structure in Danqingmen is actually quite confusing. Generally speaking, each generation is composed of fifty years.

Because the lecturers in Molu Academy change every fifty years.

But if you are lucky enough to follow a teacher of a higher seniority, then it means that your seniority can also be promoted.

Zhao Yifu and Liang Zhongzhi can only be said to be of normal generation.

But the Mr. Cangqiu that his grandfather followed was a senior.

It’s a pity that so far Mr. Cangqiu has only accepted my grandfather Peng Hu as his disciple, but has not said that he will really accept him as his disciple.

Zhao Yiful chatted with Wen Sheng for a while, and then they agreed to stay in Wen's house for the time being.

It is perfectly normal for fellow disciples to come and stay overnight at your house.

Wen Sheng also welcomed this very much. After all, for the disciples of Danqing Sect who lived in the world, the happiest thing was to learn from each other...

That night, Wensheng shed tears of envy and jealousy.

"It's so damned!"

Why?

It was because at night, Zhao Yifu's master Liang Zhongzhi came over to teach his apprentice.

This attitude, which seemed to be as if he wanted to keep Zhao Yifu on his belt, really made Wen Sheng unable to hold back. He now deeply hated himself for not being thick-skinned enough back then. Why didn't he find a good master?
It’s not like now. He can take classes nearby, but that’s far inferior to attending classes specifically for the course.

After Liang Zhongzhi had finally answered Zhao Yifu's questions, Wen Sheng finally came up to him with his most satisfying work of the day and said, "Master Liang, this is your disciple Wen Sheng. Long time no see."

Liang Zhongzhi recognized him and said, "It's Guanglong. It's been a while. I heard you're living a very comfortable life now."

This is the truth.

Wensheng's reputation for elegant calligraphy and fine writing reached the court, earning him the title of Chaofenglang, a civil official. This was a major characteristic of the Daxu court, which, due to its flourishing culture, had a tradition of using official salaries to "support literature."

This is a normal phenomenon nowadays, but Wen Sheng felt a little strange when he heard it, as if Liang Zhongzhi was not really praising him.

Wen Sheng hadn't figured it out yet, but he had already approached with his work. He could only speak at his own pace, "Master Liang, this is my latest work. I hope you can give me some advice."

As he spoke, he unfolded a piece of calligraphy he had written.

Liang Zhongzhi smiled and nodded as a sign of agreement, and then the Yin Shen stood in front of the calligraphy and read it carefully.

Zhao Yifu also rubbed his hands against his master's side to watch together, and the more he watched, the more inferior he felt.

Not to mention this character, Wensheng's calligraphy is far better than his.

The feeling of writing with exquisite brushwork and following the heart is so wonderful.

The article is even more beautifully written, making it read like drinking sweet spring water. It is much better than Zhao Yifu's writing style.

He couldn't help but sigh, he was indeed worthy of being a senior brother who was able to get into the profession in his early years by relying on his talent. This kind of literary talent was really not comparable to that of ordinary people.

After viewing the work, Liang Zhongzhi happily praised it, saying, "This is a good piece of work. The writing is gorgeous, and the calligraphy alone is enough to establish a new school."

Wen Sheng showed a very happy smile, because he knew that Liang Zhongzhi's praise was sincere, after all, there was the Zhenling Chapter "witness".

But Liang Zhongzhi then shook his head and said, "What a pity..."

Wen Sheng showed a strange look on his face. He quickly asked, "Excuse me, Master Liang, is there anything lacking in my work?"

Liang Zhongzhi shook his head again, then looked at Wen Sheng and said, "Guanglong, how long has it been since you last practiced Qi?"

Wen Sheng's face looked a little strange. He looked around for a moment and then said, "Master Liang, this early spring in the Southern Dynasty has been mostly spent with colleagues and friends enjoying spring outings and banquets, so it's been a bit neglected..."

Zhao Yi Fu showed a strange expression when he heard it. He carefully sensed the condition of this senior brother and felt that his true energy was dormant in his dantian, and it was not like his own that was running throughout his body.

At first he didn't take it seriously, but now looking back... he immediately thought of his other senior brother Song Jie who had given up practicing!
From the perspective of cultivation alone, Wen Sheng seems to be no different from Song Jie?
It's just that Yiren failed in the imperial examination and had to make a living by selling calligraphy, while Wensheng succeeded in the imperial examination and became completely "financially free".

Thinking of this, Zhao Yifu suddenly felt less envious.

Because he knew that calligraphy and painting were just means, and his goal was always to become an immortal with long life!

Liang Zhongzhi sighed and said, "Guanglong, how old are you now?"

Wen Sheng said, "Forty-three."

After hearing this, Zhao Yifu was certain that this senior brother could be his father.

Liang Zhongzhi asked again: "At the age of forty, are you truly free from doubts?"

Wen Sheng was bewildered. He had originally thought that he was no longer confused, but now he was confused again.

Liang Zhongzhi added, "With your current level of cultivation, if you can maintain it, you might be able to strengthen your body and live to be a hundred years old."

"If you continue to waste your time, or even continue to indulge in alcohol and sex... in ten years, Jun Xin and I will be attending your funeral."

Wensheng was stunned.

Then there was silence.

Yes, his life was too smooth and his days were too comfortable, so he forgot that he came from a spiritual sect and came to the world to be tempered.

Zhao Yifu asked curiously, "With your talent, you should be able to continuously harvest yang and spiritual energy. Even if you have no time to practice, you shouldn't be at this level, right?"

Liang Zhongzhi immediately said to Zhao Yifu with a pleasant expression, "Fool, what do you think Yanghe spiritual energy is?"

"That's a trace of someone else's True Yang that we gathered with the Soul-Suppressing Seal. To put it bluntly, it's someone else's stuff. As True Qi, it's not as pure as the one you refine yourself. Furthermore, if you don't practice and refine it frequently after obtaining it, it will slowly dissipate."

In short, if you don't practice the cultivation built up with yang and spiritual energy, will it fall back to where it was?
This was the first time Zhao Yifu knew this secret.

In fact, he should have known it long ago, but the problem is that he values ​​Qi training so much, how could he possibly neglect his practice?

What's more, in the later period, his yang and spiritual energy were used to warm the meridians, so he naturally did not notice this defect.

At this time, Liang Zhongzhi saw that he understood, and mercilessly used Wensheng as a negative example: "Junxin, you see, Guanglong is actually a perfect example of putting the cart before the horse."

"This is also a mistake that many of our Danqing Sect disciples make."

"Some people awaken early and are able to resume their practice and continue their pursuit of immortality."

"Some people wake up late...then we can only think about it for our descendants."

Wen Sheng swallowed hard. He looked at Zhao Yifu and then at Liang Zhongzhi, pointing at himself and asking, "Master Liang... Master, do you think my student is okay?"

Liang Zhongzhi glanced at him and said, "If you are truly devoted to the Tao, fifty is not too late."

He paused, then said earnestly, "I'm afraid you've become so accustomed to comfort that you can no longer endure the hardships of cultivation... You must remember not to indulge in comfort. You must rise up!"

　Yesterday I finished it at 1:00. Two chapters today.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)