The more you believe me, the more real it becomes.

Chapter 188 Reversing Cause and Effect, Causing Chaos in People's Hearts (5k)

Du Yuan, who had already traveled far away, naturally had no idea what Zhang Zuojing was thinking.

He had no idea how much of a shock his impulsive creation of the forbidden technique would bring to him.

At this moment, he was busy teaching a group of disaster victims how to make the "Beggar's Elixir".

After seeing that everyone had managed to rub out the life-saving pill.

Du Yuan then pointed with satisfaction towards the water fortress and said:

"If you continue along the upper reaches of the Wulin River, you will find a water fortress. I have already subdued the commander inside, and he will allow you to fetch water."

Hearing this, the disaster victims who were kowtowing to Du Yuan became even happier.

We have food and water.

Then we'll get through this!
"Thank you so much, Immortal Master! Thank you so much, Immortal Master!"

Du Yuan waved her hand to clear the way:
"Please set off quickly, everyone. The sun is getting quite scorching. Finding water soon will put our minds at ease!"

Unexpectedly, the disaster victims surrounding Du Yuan said:

"Rest assured, Immortal Master, we met a kind immortal who gave us plenty of water not far ahead!"

"While I wouldn't dare say I'm well-off, it shouldn't be too difficult for me to make it to the water village you pointed out."

This answer surprised Du Yuan a little.

"Oh, is there anything else?"

The disaster victims nodded in agreement, chattering amongst themselves.
"It's absolutely true! Just over that mountain ahead, you'll see a large, dried-up lake, and on the shore stands a shrine to a deity! Every day at a set time, he appears to distribute water and relieve the suffering of passing disaster victims!"

Du Yuan pressed on, asking:
"Is he truly a deity, or merely a benevolent person?"

Along his journey, he had encountered mostly scourges from the "deities" he met. Forget about doing good deeds or helping people; it was already a rare occurrence if they didn't cause trouble or wreak havoc. How could he have stumbled upon a benevolent deity who was actively providing water to the people?
"Absolutely a deity!" someone declared with certainty. "We all saw it with our own eyes; that deity came down from that shrine!"

Someone nearby immediately chimed in, confirming, "Yes, yes, yes! That shrine looks no more than half a person's height, yet a living adult walked out of it and could conjure up spring water out of thin air. What else could it be but a deity?"

That really makes you a deity.

It's rare to find such a good person.

Du Yuan listened with increasing emotion.

After asking for directions, I decided to go and take a look.

As they left, the disaster victims looked up at the sun and said:

"I reckon this deity is already sprinkling water by now!"

Du Yuan nodded and said:
"Then I must hurry and go take a look."

After saying that, before the disaster victims could even say that it was still a bit far, Du Yuan had already taken a step and disappeared from the spot.

Looking at the empty space in front of him, and then at the real life-saving elixir in his hand.

The disaster victims all exclaimed that God had finally remembered their suffering.

Despite the prolonged drought, they were rescued by divine beings.
-
On the shore of that dried-up lake, a lone willow tree stood, with a small shrine sitting quietly beneath it.

This scene, amidst the vast, desolate landscape, is particularly striking.

Not only was the area around the shrine filled with disaster victims, but it was also surrounded by them.

Not only is this willow tree the only living tree in the surrounding area of ​​hundreds of miles, but it is also lush and verdant, with graceful willow branches swaying in the breeze!

A single glance from afar reveals that this desolate place holds great significance.

The disaster victims stared longingly at the shrine.

Inside the niche sat a wooden puppet. Years of disasters had long since stripped it of its colorful paint, leaving only the original, dry grain of the wood, silently accepting the baptism of countless expectant gazes.

Finally, with a cry of surprise,
Everyone saw the puppet move slightly and then step down from the shrine.

In the blink of an eye, the puppet transformed into a kind-faced old man dressed in brocade robes.

"immortal!!!"

"May the gods grant me some water!"

"Please!"

The starving and thirsty disaster victims were reluctant to speak, but in front of these transcendent gods, they almost exhausted their last bit of strength.

It cried out desperately for the only glimmer of life it could touch in this dead land.

The old man watched with a heavy heart, but could only say in a deep voice:
"I will do my best!"

Having said that, he beckoned to the old willow tree. The willow branches responded and drooped down.

"Please aim at the willow branches to collect the water! Don't miss any! This water is truly hard-won!"

No one dared to be negligent; they all raised their water containers and aimed them at the drooping willow branches.

Before long, drops of clean water actually fell.

Exclamations immediately erupted.

The old man watched with satisfaction, but as he gazed at the scene, a fleeting pallor crossed his face, and his body swayed slightly. Though it was momentary and unnoticed, it was undeniably real.

After the disaster victims received the invaluable life-saving water, the old man mustered his strength and said:
"Please leave as soon as possible. I vaguely sense that there is still water upstream of the Wulin River. If we grit our teeth and persevere a little longer, we should be able to make it!"

After saying this, he returned to his shrine amidst the repeated worship of the disaster victims.

This time, not only were the statues long since devoid of color gone, but even the shrines seemed to have decayed somewhat.

In years of severe drought, rivers and streams dry up.

This water is truly rare.

The disaster victims were unable to repair the shrines for worship, so they could only kowtow a few times before leaving the area one after another.

However, some disaster victims remained here, and soon more disaster victims arrived after hearing the news.

Upon seeing people arrive, those who remained quickly drank the water in their hands.

Leaving doesn't offer a way out. But staying at least provides some tangible relief.

Looking at these people, a young man among the newly arrived disaster victims, who always rubbed his neck, suddenly curled the corners of his mouth.

After nightfall, the man found the initial group of refugees and said:

"Hero, may I say a few words?"

The other person was unwilling to waste her energy. She glanced at the man warily, and only when she saw that he was alone did she turn around and face away from him with peace of mind.

Seeing this, the man not only wasn't annoyed, but instead smiled even more and said:

"It's about that deity! Something feels off!"

After he said that, the people who had their backs to him and a few other disaster victims turned to look at him.

After glancing at him a few times, the other person said:

"What do you mean?"

The man rubbed his head, his eyes full of laughter, but his words were full of concern as he spoke:

"I wonder, is this deity truly a god descended to earth to save humanity, or is he actually a demon in disguise?"

The disaster victims immediately rebuked:
"Nonsense! How could a deity be a monster!"

Having said that, they decided to ignore the madman.

If they weren't gods descended to earth, who could conjure up water for them to drink?

But at that moment, the man said in a seductive tone:

"But if they were truly gods descended to earth, why wouldn't they simply summon clouds and rain to bring a timely downpour?"

Several disaster victims stared back at him in disbelief.

Before they knew it, people were gradually gathering around.

The man's smile deepened, but his mouth remained constantly moving, filled with worry:

"Think about it, everyone. It's understandable that we ordinary mortals can't get rain, but do the gods in heaven also find it difficult?"

"It's like the gentlemen in the capital; a single meal can cost us more money than we could earn in several lifetimes! So, we might think that a tael of silver is as hard as climbing to heaven, but would they?"

"No! They'd think it's nothing special! In my opinion, rain is probably no different for gods!"

The faces of the disaster victims grew increasingly grim. But some still hesitated and said:

"Perhaps you've misunderstood? Why would a monster be kind enough to give us water?"

Upon hearing this, the surrounding disaster victims nodded in agreement. Indeed, it was already a miracle the monster didn't eat people; how could it possibly have the kindness to give them water to save their lives?
Unexpectedly, the man's expression changed drastically. He nervously looked around, especially staring intently at the motionless shrine. Seeing that there was still no movement, he lowered his voice and said to the crowd:

"Well, I didn't understand it at first either, but later I figured it out!" As he spoke, he beckoned everyone to come closer.

The disaster victims instinctively huddled together, only to hear him whisper in terror:

“During the day, I clearly saw this immortal being’s face turn ashen white for a moment, and he looked like he was about to collapse! But after you drank the water he gave you, not only was he fine, but his complexion instantly became rosy again!”

Upon hearing this, those around him gasped in shock.
"You...you mean he...he...he's not only a demon in disguise, but that water...that water is also under a spell? Just to...just to drain our yang energy and lifeblood to prolong his own life?!"

The man vehemently denied it, waving his hands repeatedly:

"Oh dear, oh dear, I didn't say anything! I just told you what I saw with my own eyes! Whether it's true or false, good or bad, you'll have to figure it out yourselves!"

After saying this, the man glanced worriedly at the shrine that remained motionless, and then prepared to leave.

But the disaster victims stopped him, saying, "You said it yourself, you have to give us an explanation! Otherwise, we absolutely will not let you leave!"

The man pretended to break free, several times in a row, but to no avail.

He sighed and said:

"Alright, alright, I'll give you an explanation."

He lowered his head and then addressed everyone:
"He'll still be watering the fields tomorrow, won't he? You guys, stop staring at that ridiculous willow branch, keep a close eye on him!"

"If he doesn't change at all, then it means I must have misjudged him. I'm just a fool who has misjudged a gentleman's intentions with my petty mind!"

The more the disaster victims gathered, the more seductive his voice became:
"But if you actually see what I said, then you should all think it over carefully!"

Finally, he touched his neck and then quietly left.

After this incident, there was no conversation all night, and I didn't sleep a wink.

All the disaster victims kept thinking about the man's words.

The time for watering will arrive the next day.

Although the disaster victims still gathered in front of the shrine, the awe and longing in their eyes were gone.

Instead, there was more suspicion and more anger.

They kept scrutinizing everything suspicious, pondering where the problem might lie.

Once people form a preconceived notion, countless pieces of evidence will spontaneously emerge, convincing them to believe it without question!

For example, if this deity has such great merit, why is it that none of the many people have bothered to repair his golden body?
For example, if he is truly a deity, why have we never heard of such a person?

such as--
The man stood at a distance, watching with a mocking look in his eyes.

It's one thing for that Taoist master to act recklessly in the southwest, relying on his cultivation; after all, we mountain folk have always believed that whoever has the bigger fist is right.

He is a Taoist master, whose cultivation far surpasses mine and even the old man in my family.

Of course he did the right thing, and I have to admit it no matter what.

But what are you?
How dare you claim to benefit the people and accumulate blessings?

How dare you imitate that Taoist priest?

It’s really unbelievable!

Today you'll see how these starving, ignorant fools you supposedly saved shatter your golden statue!
The kind-looking old man in brocade robes didn't notice anything amiss; he simply forced a smile and continued:

"So that everyone may know, there should be more water today!"

Last night, he traveled to various parts of the earth's veins and finally found a place where the water veins still flowed!
It's far, but not impossible. As for what's abandoned...
The old man couldn't help but glance back at his increasingly dilapidated shrine.

He immediately broke into a smile.

It's alright!
But instead of eliciting the cheers he had expected, these words made everyone even more silent, and even slightly horrified.
The old man didn't quite understand what was going on. He was about to speak when he glanced at the disaster victims whose lips were cracked and dry.

He suppressed all his doubts and then, with a wave of his hand, caused countless willow branches to droop down.

"Come, everyone, hurry up and get the water ready! Don't miss a drop, this water is really precious!"

The unease and anger in the hearts of the disaster victims grew even stronger.

'Sure enough! They're afraid of missing even a single drop, afraid of absorbing even a fraction of our essence and yang energy!'

But they still raised the water-filled vessels in their hands and aimed them at the willow branches.

Seeing that it was still the same as before, the old man did not hesitate and went straight down into the water. He focused all his attention on the water he had finally found.

Completely unaware that the eyes of the disaster victims were no longer on the willow branches, but on him!
As the swelling intensified, his face finally turned pale, and he began to sway unsteadily.

He immediately suppressed the damage that was shaking the golden statue, fearing that the people would worry.

'Having received offerings, one should therefore protect this area. This is to repay the kindness of many years of worship!'

But this scene of struggling to hold on became the fuse that ignited the fear of the disaster victims!

"Look! He really can't hold on any longer!"

A loud roar exploded.

"It's a monster! It must be a monster!"

"He's using sorcery to devour our flesh and blood!"

Amid the elderly man's bewildered outcry, the disaster victims angrily smashed the water bowls in their hands.

Seeing the precious spring water spilled all over the ground, the old man stamped his feet in frustration:
"What is the reason for this, everyone! What is the reason for this! This water, this water is something I have gone through great hardships to find!"

In such a year of severe drought, and with him confined to one place, the clean water he could find was dwindling with every drop he used. How could he possibly waste it like that!

But the disaster victims were already enraged and no longer cared about anything else:

"You monster, how dare you bewitch us!"

"Hard-won? I think you're just feeling sorry for yourself because you can't suck our blood and flesh anymore!"

"Smash its dilapidated temple!"

The disaster victims surged forward, vowing to smash the old man's golden statue in the temple to avenge their great grievance.

Seeing the surging flood of disaster victims, the old man hurriedly used his magic to resist them, but all he could do was tie them up with willow branches.

It will soon be torn apart.

The old man, protected by willow branches, attempted to argue:

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, there must be some misunderstanding here! If you say I am a monster and that there is something wrong with my water, then why have you ever had any problems after drinking it?"

These words not only failed to bring the disaster victims to their senses, but instead fueled their rage:
"How dare you quibble!"

"Of course you wouldn't dare let anyone immediately notice something was wrong! Otherwise, who would dare to come!"

"Forget about its fallacies and misleading the public, let's smash its dilapidated temple!"

The crowd was outraged, but the old man was unwilling to actually harm the disaster victims.

They could only try their best to resist with willow branches.

After searching for water for many days, his health had already deteriorated, and now, with the large number of disaster victims, his condition worsened.

Even though there is a difference between immortals and mortals, he, a minor god, gradually could not hold on any longer.

He could only glance around before retreating back to his position, and then have countless willow branches wrap around the shrine.

That was how he temporarily preserved his invincibility.

No matter how hard you try, you can't budge the willow branches.

The man called out again, seemingly from afar:
"The fact that he's guarding the shrine means he can't run away. Let's all gather firewood and burn it!"

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately followed suit.

"Yes, burn it!"

"I refuse to believe this monster can't be burned to death!"

Looking at those disaster victims who were moving with hearts full of anger.

The man laughed heartily. This minor god from a later generation, who had only lucked out on destiny, was someone he could easily crush with a flick of his wrist.

But it is indeed the most beautiful and elegant thing to do it yourself when these fools do it!
Therefore, as he looked, he gave instructions:

"He must be a water-related monster, otherwise he couldn't have gathered so much water to cast spells. So we need to make the fire bigger, and ideally, we should burn dry firewood from the mountaintop that has absorbed plenty of yang energy!"

Looking at the increasingly chaotic scene of disaster victims in front of the shrine.

The old man, trapped in the shrine, was utterly despondent.

He was not afraid of death, because he was already dead. He was only revered as the water god of Yishui Lake by the villagers because he had done some good deeds in his life.

That's why he was willing to sacrifice his life to benefit the people.

He felt that everything he had today was thanks to everyone else.

In his extremely simple mindset, since it was given by everyone, it should naturally be returned to everyone!
But now.
In a state of profound sorrow, I looked at the furious disaster victims.

The old man couldn't help but think of the two Taoist priests he had met a few days ago.

I remember they said back then:

"Given the current situation, it is truly remarkable that you have managed to cultivate a golden body. Our sect can bestow upon you a formal title! Would you agree?"

The old man was overjoyed, thinking that this would save more people, and was about to agree.

But then they heard the two Taoist priests admonish them:

"However, after you receive our official title, you will not only have to obey the orders of our sect, but you will also be forbidden from providing water relief to these disaster victims!"

Finally, two Taoist priests spoke thoughtfully:

"Because this is destiny!"

He wanted to be officially recognized so that he could solidify his position and then help more disaster victims.

How can we abandon the essential for the trivial?

He immediately and decisively refused.

But now it seems, was it the right thing to agree to their demands?

But, but, what did I do wrong?
(End of this chapter)