Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 585 Don’t worry, you have no friends in the future

Lu Zheng? The young man had heard this name mentioned by many people recently. It was said that he was a scholar from Anguo who traveled and fought his way here, killing countless evil gods, officials, demons and ghosts. Those with guilty consciences would turn pale at the mention of his name.

When the boy came to his senses, he found that Lu Zheng and the others had already disappeared into the street.

He paused, then looked at the heavy books in his hands, his heart filled with turmoil.

The boy stood there for a while, then hurriedly left with his books in his hands.

He also knew many people his age in the city, and many of them had similar experiences to him.

The boy had previously thought of teaching them to read and write, so that they could learn real skills if they knew more characters.

……

"This Hibiscus City isn't as great as I imagined!"

Qingwan spoke softly, feeling that such a vast capital city was not all that wonderful.

Some people are enjoying the ultimate in luxury, while others are burdened with suffering.

Lu Zheng couldn't help but say, "Compared to local prefectures and counties, this place is already quite good."

At least under the emperor's nose, evildoers will not act so recklessly.

The three of them spent several days exploring Furong City, learning about the general situation of this capital city and hearing many stories about it.

Even some things about them are circulating widely in the city.

However, many things have been exaggerated, and there are also rumors that were made out of thin air.

In addition, there was another thing that was widely circulated, namely, the story of the Shu emperor summoning people to write a classic.

This matter has spread throughout Furong City. It seems that the Shu Emperor is determined to have a classic work compiled for posterity, otherwise he would not have allowed such rumors to spread so freely.

In this way, the pressure was put on the major Taoist sects.

It remains to be seen which Taoist sects are willing to contribute their manpower and resources.

Some major countries are implementing reforms, some are adhering to the old system, and some are determined to devote their national resources to writing classics. It can only be said that everyone has their own future.

When Lu Zheng and the other two returned to the Taoist temple, they found that Yun Xiao's face was even more worried than before.

Upon seeing the three, Yun Xiao forced a smile, "You're back? How did you have in the city these past few days?"

Lu Zhengdao said, "It's alright. It's just that Furong City is too big, and I haven't been able to explore it all. Daoist Master has something on his mind again."

"Hey!" Yun Xiao said angrily, "I showed those few pages of scripture to some Taoist masters in the city. Some said it was good, and some said it wasn't! You know, we Taoists are divided into different sects, and we study different subjects, so they started arguing..."

"Moreover, these are just a few True Immortals. We'll have to invite experts from other Taoist sects later. When even more people arrive, won't it cause a huge uproar..."

"How could such a group of people possibly compile a decent scripture?"

Yun Xiao had a headache; he found that writing this scripture was more difficult than he had imagined.

However, the Shu Emperor had already given the order that even if the various Daoist sects were unwilling, they could not show it too obviously. They could not go against the court; they had to at least put on a show.

After all, no matter how powerful those Taoist sects are, if they really start causing trouble, they probably can't withstand the dozens or even millions of Great Shu cavalry.

Qingwan couldn't help but say, "Taoist Master, you can use this to unify the doctrines of Taoism."

"Ok?"

Yun Xiao narrowed his eyes. "That's easy to say. However..."

Yun Xiao couldn't help but stroke his chin and mutter to himself, "Does His Majesty intend to do this?" Suddenly, Yun Xiao felt that the Shu Emperor's desire to gather experts from various Daoist sects to write scriptures was not a whim, but rather had a deeper meaning.

Qingwan blinked and said, "The Daoist priest often comes into contact with the emperor, so he should be able to see through his thoughts, right?"

Yun Xiao curled his lip and said, "He is the emperor, blessed with the fortune of an entire nation. My cultivation level is so low that I can't even discern his aura..."

"Speaking of which, His Majesty's actions have always been unpredictable. Perhaps there is some truth to this, that he intends to integrate the various Daoist sects."

Yun Xiao's eyes flickered, sensing that things were not so simple.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng said, "Whether it exists or not, why don't you just assume it does? This would be a good thing for your Taoist sect."

"That's not necessarily a good thing..."

Yun Xiao shook his head, thinking that if he wanted to unify the doctrines, he would have to get the approval of all the major sects. Could it really be done by relying on the new scriptures?
After all, it's a book that everyone contributed to compiling; there's no reason why it shouldn't be universally recognized.

Yun Xiao suddenly thought of a question and said, "If we write a book based on the Taiping Jing, wouldn't you also become a writer of the book? When the book is finished, tsk tsk tsk..."

Lu Zheng couldn't help but say, "Daoist Master, there's no need to add my name."

Yun Xiao chuckled and said, "If it truly becomes a sacred classic, even without adding a name, the Great Dao can still trace it back to you, and I'll bestow blessings upon you once more. Heh, you're now a true fellow Daoist."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Daoist Master, you speak too soon. We should set off now..."

Yun Xiao said, "Wait a moment, I have something else for you!"

As he spoke, Yun Xiao flipped his hand and took out a wooden box, handing it to Lu Zheng. "I've met some people these past few days and got you two little trinkets. Take a look!"

Lu Zheng opened the wooden box and found a strip of dark purple wood and a ruler inside.

Both objects exude a spiritual aura.

Yun Xiaoyou explained, "These two items are instruments of the Legalist school, truly objects used and nurtured by the Legalists. They are now rare in the world."

"This is a gavel, the kind used in government offices. But this gavel is special; it's used when interrogating criminals. One strike can intimidate them and make them confess the truth, daring not to hide anything..."

"This ruler is used to measure good and evil. If anyone touches it and causes it to glow red, and the glow exceeds the markings on the ruler, then that person is guilty of a great evil and should be executed."

"Both of these magical artifacts contain righteous energy, similar to the righteous energy you cultivate. They are from the same source. You can try refining them. As for how to use them, you can figure it out yourself."

Then, Yun Xiao took out three jade talismans and gave one to each person, saying, "These are life-saving talismans I made. They're somewhat useful, so take them!"

Lu Zheng couldn't help but say, "Daoist Master, you're very kind."

"Stop talking about that!" Yun Xiao waved his hand. "I took your scripture, and you didn't take advantage of me. I don't want to owe a young person a favor. That's all!"

"I'm still very busy, so I won't see you off. Where are you headed after leaving Furong City? If you're going to Wei, the Buddhist community there is very complicated, so please be careful!"

Lu Zheng nodded. "We will be careful."

However, Lu Zheng's next plan was not to go to Wei, but to find a suitable place to write a book on law.

Qingwan said, "Then we'll be going. When we meet again, Daoist Master, you must have made progress and earned the title of Celestial Master."

Yun Xiao couldn't help but laugh and said, "You little rascal, you're urging me on?"

The three bid farewell to Yun Xiao and then turned to leave.

Yun Xiao suddenly felt a sense of emptiness in his heart, and then he remembered a poem he had seen in a book he had bought from Lu Zheng.

He then proclaimed loudly, "Go forth, my friend! Do not worry that you will have no friends on the road ahead, for who in the world does not know you!"

(End of this chapter)