Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 583 The Fragment of Taiping
Upon hearing Lu Zheng's idea, Yun Xiao couldn't help but say, "Young man, don't talk like that without understanding the difficulties. Compiling scriptures isn't that easy. Do you think it's like a hibiscus flower on the street that you can just have whenever you want? Besides, if I can't compile it, I'll end up pleasing neither side..."

Yun Xiao thought to himself that they hadn't even reached the point of compiling scriptures yet, and they couldn't even gather a few people.

Of course, he also thought about compiling a masterpiece that would be passed down through generations in the past two days, but he couldn't come up with a single decent sentence even though he was practically brainwashed.

Although he has reached the level of seeking the Dao, his level in writing books and establishing theories is somewhat lacking. He still needs to gather wisdom from all sides to compile sacred classics.

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Perhaps the reason why you find it difficult is because you are sticking to the methods of your predecessors and cannot think of anything new for the time being."

As he spoke, Lu Zheng took out a few pages of paper and handed them to Yun Xiao. “I once read a Taoist scripture, but I didn’t remember much of it. After thinking about it, I added some of my own ideas and wrote this down. I wonder if it can give you any inspiration, Taoist Master.”

Upon hearing this, Yun Xiao quickly took the paper from Lu Zheng's hand, examined it closely, and muttered under his breath, "The Taiping Jing..."

An incomplete scripture was still written out with the most ordinary pen and paper.

But Yun Xiao was able to discern the essence of the Great Dao from its contents.

His expression shifted instantly. After carefully reading the scripture, he stared intently at Lu Zheng, "You, you..."

With a wave of his hand, Yun Xiao added another layer of protection to the already enchanted courtyard, isolating it from the outside world.

Yun Xiao's eyes shone like stars. "Tell me honestly, are you a saint reincarnated?"

Lu Zheng said helplessly, "Daoist, why are you saying this? It's just an incomplete scripture."

"That's it..."

Yun Xiao's lips trembled; he couldn't even compose this incomplete scripture.

Suddenly, Yun Xiao asked urgently, "What were the Taoist books you read before? What were they called? Do you have that book with you?"

Lu Zhengdao: "Let's call it the Taiping Jing (Scripture of Great Peace). As for the book itself, there really isn't one. I saw it by chance some years ago and memorized a portion of it..."

Yun Xiao couldn't help but lament, "Alas, it must have been written by a Taoist master, but I'm afraid that person's cultivation was insufficient, preventing the book from being passed down to the world. Otherwise, how could we Taoists not know about it..."

Sometimes, even those of lower spiritual attainment can compile high-level cultivation techniques or classics, but due to their own limitations, their knowledge is difficult to be revealed to the world.

For example, Lu Zheng's "Hundred Character Classic" might not have attracted much attention or been widely circulated if it hadn't been submitted to the Confucian Temple for authentication. Even if it were a masterpiece, it probably wouldn't have been widely circulated.

Yun Xiao said excitedly, "This scripture is incomplete, but if we continue to compile it, it might truly be classified as a sacred scripture!"

He then looked at Lu Zheng, somewhat moved, and said, "So you've been helping me compile this Taoist classic these past two days?"

Lu Zhengdao: "No, I was studying those books and spent some time writing this down. After all, it's the work of predecessors, so it's not difficult to edit and revise it."

Incidentally... Yun Xiao suddenly felt a tightness in his chest.

He looked at Lu Zheng with a complicated expression, then grinned and said, "Brother Lu, why don't you become the True Person and gather all the major Daoist sects to compile a scripture?"

Yun Xiao felt that this kind of thing should be left to Lu Zheng to do; by stepping down and making way for a more capable person, he could be free of any burdens...

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng said, "Daoist, you are joking. I don't have that kind of ability. If I had that ability, I could write a scripture for you directly."

"Then why don't you continue writing?" Yun Xiao said with a smile. "Our Qingyang Palace has quite a few Taoist books in its collection. I can talk to my junior brother and let you browse through them as you like..."

Lu Zheng shook his head and refused outright. Just as Yun Xiao had said, compiling a classic text was not something that could be done in a day or two. He had more important things to do and didn't have time or energy to spend compiling a Taoist classic.

Giving Yun Xiao a few incomplete pages of the Taiping Jing, which he had also revised, was simply to see if he could be of any help. If it could give Yun Xiao some inspiration, it would at least help the Taoist sects to align their scriptures with the principles of Taiping.

Lu Zheng changed the subject, asking, "When does the Daoist priest want to see the silk scroll?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Xiao said, "I feel like I haven't helped you much. I haven't even found you a true book of Legalist teachings. I really can't accept a reward without having done anything for you."

Lu Zheng smiled slightly, "If it weren't for the Taoist Master's help, my trip to Shu wouldn't have gone so smoothly, and I wouldn't have been able to enter the palace and receive the Emperor's reward... Taoist Master, there's no need to be so polite with me."

Yun Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll ask you for it later! I just broke through recently and my realm has just stabilized. When I reach a bottleneck in my cultivation, I'll borrow it to study and comprehend it. Perhaps it can help me with my cultivation."

Lu Zheng nodded and said, "That works too."

Yun Xiao carefully put away the few pages of scripture and said with a smile, "I promised you before that I would let you see some of the secret realms of our Qingyang Palace. Would you like to go and experience them now?"

Lu Zhengdao said, "Later, when your realm is higher, you will be able to comprehend deeper things."

Yun Xiao said, "Okay, we'll remember that."

Yun Xiao added, "I need to go back and take another good look at this scripture. You may do as you please."

Lu Zheng then said, "I plan to spend a few days sightseeing in Furong City before continuing my journey."

Yun Xiao's smile faded, and he frowned, saying, "So soon? Furong City is so big, and there are many famous mountains and rivers nearby. You'll have plenty of time to play around."

Lu Zhengdao said, "The Daoist knows that we are not really out for sightseeing. If we stay in one place for a long time, I'm afraid it will be difficult to travel all over the world."

Of course, there was another reason why Lu Zheng was in such a hurry to leave.

That is, he wanted to continue compiling the legal code, but this is Furong City. Even if he used his own power to compile the Legalist code in this small world, it would easily attract the attention of outsiders.

This is neither a Confucian essay nor a Daoist classic; if it gets discovered, the consequences are unpredictable.

Seeing that Lu Zheng insisted on leaving, Yun Xiao knew that given Lu Zheng's personality, he couldn't stop him.

Although he knew he would have to part ways with Lu Zheng and the others sooner or later, Yun Xiao still had mixed feelings.

Yun Xiao said, "All good things must come to an end. You all have a good time. I'm just an old Taoist priest, and it's really not good for me to keep you company. Let me know when you're about to leave."

Yun Xiao waved his hand and then disappeared in a flash.

Lu Zheng and his companions then left the Taoist temple to tour the entire city of Furong.

Qingwan told Lu Zheng about Wang Ming's visit to seek advice.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng said, "He is indeed quite eager to learn. It's a pity that the entire Shu Kingdom is too obsessed with Taoism, even the emperor is devoted to it. As a prince, there's very little he can do. The resistance is too great. If he tries to force something, I'm afraid..."

Qingwan couldn't help but say, "I reminded him, but I don't know what he was thinking."

Lu Zhengdao said, "A wise man keeps his talents hidden until the right time to act. I hope he understands this principle."

(End of this chapter)