Ten states

Although the Celestial Master Temple in Luoshui City is far more magnificent than Taoist Wuya's half-mountain Taoist Temple, it is far behind the Jingnan land that is the only one who is the center of the town. It is a little more conspicuous among the various commercial warehouses.

The believers and pilgrims who went to the Temple of Heavenly Masters were only a few people occasionally. Although this Luoshui City is becoming more and more prosperous, the mainstream is the heroes who wandered from all over the world to fight and fight each other. Few, and if there are Buddhist Pure Land Temples and Maoshan School Taoist temples, etc., the incense is not very strong.

Xiao Xia and the old man Aguris came along, and happened to see several merchants going to the Temple of Heavenly Master to pray for incense. This kind of merchants are the most common believers in Qingzhou Taoist sect.The old man Argulis couldn't help chatting with them along the way. These merchants were well-informed, and they were only slightly surprised by the different appearances of Argulis and Minks, so they started chatting casually.They also only came to Luoshui City in the past few days, so they naturally didn't know about the two Euro Baiyis that had been raging a while ago.

Before these few merchants set off together, they made a wish in the local Celestial Master Temple and asked for a peace talisman. A wish to return home safely.

Naturally, there is a god in charge of safe journeys in the map of Tianshijiao Zhenlingye. It is a high-ranking official who was born as a postman in the early days of the previous dynasty. Rectify the roads of post stations in the world, personally lead people to open mountains and build countless bridges, and redefine the post station system.It has benefited countless travelers all over the world, and made the government orders of the previous dynasty understandable.After getting a good death, he was rewarded by the court and many people paid homage to him, so he was accepted by the Tianshi teacher as the map of the true spiritual karma.Became the road god in charge of the world's journey.

After presenting melon and fruit offerings and sesame oil money to the road, these merchants got a few safety charms from the Taoist, and it is said that matching them on their bodies will make the road much smoother.

"It's still a false god...and the laws of divine power on it are so weak that there are almost no..."

Elder Argulis borrowed the peace talisman from a merchant, inspected it briefly, sighed, and returned it to the merchant.Naturally, the businessman didn't care if he didn't understand, so he put the safety talisman in his arms.Argulis couldn't help shaking his head after seeing it: "I feel that even he himself is not very pious. Is it because he himself knows that this is just a false god? Then why does he come to worship again?"

Of course, Xiaoxia has seen many similar peace talismans before, and he couldn't see why at that time, but now his vision is different from the past.With the reminder of the old man Aguris, he looked intently, and indeed he could see a faint trace of the law of heaven and earth looming on the amulet.

According to Xiaoxia's judgment, this law of heaven and earth will indeed have some impact on this person's luck during the journey, although the effect is so weak that it is almost invisible. A canopy of broad-leaved branches to cover the rain is also unavoidable, but it is better than nothing.Originally, I was supposed to stay in bed for three days due to the wind and cold, and I used ten taels of silver for the decoction money, but it was possible that I could only spend nine taels of silver.This kind of change is extremely slight, dispensable, and it is naturally extremely difficult for ordinary people to detect the difference.

Of course, the so-called sincerity leads to spirit.If one sincerely worships and prays to the gods, the effect will indeed be greater, such as finding a place to temporarily shelter from the rain.The illnesses suffered during the journey are milder.But these are only minor influences after all, and will not have a substantial impact on many more major changes.If you run into robbers, enemies, thieves or something, it will be useless at all.After all, this effect only comes from the thousands of desires and wishes of the people all over the world for the safety of the journey collected by Tianshijiao under the guise of the real spiritual karma map.Human wish power is naturally one of the great powers of heaven and earth, and it resonates closely with the laws of the universe, but what is gathered by such deliberate means is only a tree without roots. It is the limit to condense the dharma body like Taoist Jin Lingzi. The role that can be played in other places is even less.This is the reason why the old man Argris and Minks call it a false god.

At this time, a peddler went to ask for another amulet for praying for heirs, but this time he was much more correct in terms of the incense candles he offered and his own attitude. After he got the amulet, he treasured it and kept it in his arms .

After the companions at the side saw the merchant's actions, some people immediately started clamoring: "Jia Da, it's not too troublesome for you to ask for a child-seeking talisman everywhere you go. Just like I said, go find a famous one." It doesn’t matter if it’s a Taoist temple or a monk’s temple, don’t care if it’s the Nursing Empress or the Son-Giving Avalokitesvara, offering hundreds or even thousands of taels of sesame oil money at once, and smashing it all at once, that’s the most effective method.”

"Are you giving kickbacks as a business deal? Do you understand that if you are sincere, you will understand? I have made a sincere wish to every goddess and Bodhisattva in every place. As long as my wife wears it, I will give birth to a big white and fat boy for my Jia family. 1000 taels of sesame oil money is offered, and it is said that there is no deception..."

"...They just interpret the gods according to their own desires and habits, or they simply use the gods as tools..." Old Argulis couldn't help sighing while listening to the conversation of several businessmen In one breath, after studying hard these days, he can basically understand it. "They seem to understand that what they believe in is a false god."

Xiao Xia said casually: "What they believe in is actually the gods they have molded in their hearts. They believe in what they want to believe."

"It seems to be true..." Argulis thought for a while, shaking his head. "But isn't your sect known as the 'Religion of Truth'? Why don't you guide people to explore the truth and believe in the truth, instead creating false gods to confuse them?"

"...Maybe it's because the truth is too difficult and too far away from them, so we create something closer and simpler for them to understand." Xiao Xia thought for a while and answered. "After all, whether it is the ancestors of Taoism or Confucianism, they all believe that the truth is actually very extravagant and difficult to understand. It is impossible for ordinary people to understand. For example, these few businessmen, and those who are usually running around for their lives The people. They will never be interested in the truth of the world, how the world works and such difficult things. What they care about is how much money they can earn today, how much improvement they can bring to their families and lives... the world They don't really care what it is like."

"...But this is indeed a deception... Shouldn't one be born to pursue the truth?"

"The pursuit of truth is of course the noblest and most admirable act, but there are indeed too many people who have neither the ability nor the interest to pursue the truth. At this time, point them to a simple path that seems to be related to the truth, but is actually very suitable for them. , This is a compromise method that many sages came up with." Xiao Xia pointed to the statue of Zhang Tianshi in the middle of the hall. "This is the case with the Pope who founded the 'Zhengyi' sect. I have also told you about his deeds."

"Yes, he is a well-deserved hero, politician, and leader. But he is not a real priest. At least from the perspective of our Euro Continent." Arguris shook his head. "And the sect he founded is more political than religious."

"I think he must feel the same way..." Xiao Xia smiled.The sage set up teachings based on Shinto, but he didn't mean to belong to Shinto.Back then, Zhang Daoling created Jingnan to be well governed, which was not unrelated to the integration of politics and religion with the teaching of heavenly teachers. In the chaotic world of war and chaos, the newly created Jingnan was well-organized and full of vitality, and the hearts of the people were united.

From the point of view of the common world, this can be said to be an extremely remarkable achievement for thousands of years, but strictly speaking, it is not the fundamental teaching of Taoism.After all.In the fundamental classics of the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, ghosts and gods are all mentioned in one stroke, and they are avoided. This is not a taboo or an unspeakable secret, but these are only one of the links compared to the Dao of Heaven and Earth.To say too much is to chase after the end, but in front of ordinary villagers and foolish women, it is this simple and intuitive concept of gods and gods that is the easiest to understand.

At this time, a Taoist came not far away.In fact, it starts from the moment one enters the view of heavenly masters.The appearance of the old man Aguris and Minks, who were very different from ordinary people, attracted the attention of the Taoist in the middle of the temple, and they also recognized Xiao Xia who came together.It's just that several Taoists exchanged glances with each other, but they all showed embarrassment.There was no active greeting.But seeing that they were just chatting with a few merchants, pilgrims, and their own family, finally a Taoist couldn't bear it anymore, and came up to Xiao Xia to slap Xiao Xia: "Master Qingfeng, the poor Taoist is very polite. Today the Taoist priest should be Are you invited to discuss important matters?"

"Exactly." Xiao Xia agreed with a salute.

"...But we only invited the Taoist chief in our letter..." The Taoist looked embarrassed, looking at Aguris and Minks, two strange-looking foreign barbarians beside Xiao Xia, and the other people not far away. Mingyue, Tianhe ghost two.

"These few are friends of the poor Taoist, and they are also witnesses of what happened that day. It is very appropriate to come here to discuss this matter together." Xiao Xia pretended not to understand what this Taoist meant.Now is an extraordinary period, whether it is to guard against the two of Xiong Gui or Tianshijiao itself, Xiao Xia has no intention of going to the meeting rashly.

The Taoist thought for a while and said, "Then... please wait here for these benefactors, and Taoist Master Qingfeng, you come alone with the poor Taoist."

"Oh?" Xiao Xia was slightly surprised, shook her head and replied: "This is a bit inappropriate. Pindao was ordered by the state shepherd to accompany this old man Ouluo all the way. In my opinion, it's better to have something in front of everyone. It’s good to explain it face to face.”

"This..." The embarrassment on the Taoist's face became more and more serious. After thinking about it, he looked around and said in a low voice, "It's actually like this... A big man from my teaching came to Luoshui City. He heard that After finding out about Daoist Qingfeng, I appointed you to meet Daoist Qingfeng. To tell the truth, Daoist Qingfeng, this important person has a very important status, and it will definitely be of great benefit for Daoist Qingfeng to meet him."

Looking at the mysterious expression on the Taoist's face, which seemed to be asking for credit and showing off, Xiao Xia only felt a little funny and a little wary.The relationship between myself and Tianshijiao is extremely inappropriate. The higher the person is, the more likely they are to know about the Universal Talisman. This Taoist is acting like this without knowing.But of course he wouldn't tell the truth about it, he just shook his head and refused: "Master Zhou's entrustment, I don't dare to be careless. Fellow Daoists also know that the Yongzhou army sent people here, it seems that it will be disadvantageous to these two distinguished guests from different countries. Pindao doesn’t dare to leave these two and go to a private meeting with some high-ranking experts. If it’s really inconvenient, I’ll put this matter aside for now and talk about it later.”

The Taoist didn't expect Xiao Xia to answer like this.Immediately froze, turned around and looked at the other Taoists, not knowing what to do.

"Mr. Xia. It seems that they are asking you to discuss some confidential issues in private? Then we can wait for you here first." Aguris kindly reminded, but Xiao Xia smiled and waved his hands to signal no, and turned around to go out .

"Wait a minute, Fellow Daoist Qingfeng, please stay!" Several Taoist priests taught by Tianshi over there panicked when they saw this, and greeted repeatedly. "Fellow Daoist Qingfeng, please stop, let us report back first."

Seeing the two Taoist priests turn around and run away in a panic, Xiao Xia frowned slightly.He was a little disgusted and wary of this inexplicable expert summoning. Any unnecessary twists and turns in this sensitive season can be avoided. If that adult insists on letting him meet alone.He could only turn around and leave.

Fortunately, not long after, the two Taoist priests came back panting, and said, "That...my lord said, if Qingfeng Daoist insists on doing this, just invite a few of you to go together."

This reassured Xiao Xia slightly.After all, Jin Lingzi died at the hands of himself and Minks. Although he finally pushed it to the general's mansion, he was still wronged.

Under the leadership of those Taoist priests, Xiao Xia and his party came to a small backyard of Tianshi Temple, and several Taoist priests stopped at the gate of the small courtyard.Only one person walked into the notification cautiously.Seeing the respectful and cautious appearance of the Taoist, Xiao Xia was really curious about this so-called celestial master.For Tianshijiao, the fundamental place is Jingnan, and then Jingbei Shuzhou and the hinterland of the Central Plains.As for the frequent wars in the remote Hebei and Qingzhou prefectures, people's livelihood is uneasy, generally speaking, they don't take it very seriously, and the middle and high level of the church seldom move towards this direction.But look at the cautious appearance of these Taoist priests.The small courtyard was also clearly cleaned and arranged, and it was the style of notifying and replying and standing at the door and not daring to enter.It's a bit out of the way.

Not long after, the Taoist who informed came out and signaled Xiaoxia and the others to go in.Then he led several other Taoists and retreated far away.

"What kind of a bird is this? Those who don't know think that the emperor lives in it." Tianhe ghost took a sip, he had long been displeased with the behavior and demeanor of these Taoist priests. "In Niubi's opinion, Longhushan has the most rules and seems to be the most incompatible. Speaking of it, the Taoist priests of Zhenwuzong really have the demeanor of monks, and their skills and virtues are also convincing. It's a pity that they only care about Qing Practice martial arts, and walk less in the rivers and lakes."

Aguris also nodded: "Mr. Xia also said that the same basic teachings have evolved into sects with completely different styles? This is quite interesting."

"Zhengyi Sect has been in charge of Taoism for hundreds of years, and has been the leader of the righteous way in the Jianghu. Naturally, the rules are more strict." Xiao Xia replied casually, and walked towards the small courtyard.

The small courtyard was cleaned spotlessly, and it could be seen that it had been carefully arranged, but the temporarily transplanted plants and decorations looked a little stiff. After all, the Tianshi Temple was not a very prominent force in Luoshui City. Some time ago The death of Taoist Jin Lingzi and the chaos of the dragons without a leader for a while, it must be a bit powerless to receive this important person in the sect.

Passing over the screen rockery at the entrance of the small courtyard, the scene in the courtyard fell into the eyes of everyone.A furnace of incense was lit in the small courtyard, and a middle-aged Taoist priest was sitting on a grand teacher's chair and sipping a cup of tea in his hand. He is meticulous, and the whole person reveals a solemn and solemn aura, as if he is a character in the picture scroll of the altar.

Seeing the appearance of Xiao Xia and his party, the middle-aged Taoist looked up, and there seemed to be lightning flashing in his eyes, not angry but powerful.

Xiao Xia suddenly froze.He had met this middle-aged Taoist not long ago. At that time, this man was riding a chariot in mid-air, amidst the thunder and raging waves like an ocean.

"Longhu Mountain Zhang Tianshi? Why are you?" Mingyue exclaimed.

"Oh? Could this be the suzerain of the 'Zhengyi' sect of the Truth Sect?" Elder Aguris was also surprised. These days, he has already learned a lot about the situation in the land of China from Xiaoxia.

Except for Minx who was dumbfounded and couldn't understand, even Tianhe Ghost was startled.After all, this is the nominal leader of the Taoist sect in the world. He is No. 1 in the righteous way who approves the order of exterminating demons and demons every year. Even though this title is a bit watery, it cannot be ignored by any Jianghu people.

Xiao Xia didn't move, and there was no expression on her face.

In fact, the first time he recognized Zhang Tianshi, he was so startled that he almost lost control. He couldn't help but mobilize the Universal True Talisman, sacrifice the Qiantian Locking Demon Talisman and all the strongest methods he could use.But in the next moment, he realized that this was actually unnecessary, because he really didn't feel any hostility, nor any fluctuations in the laws of heaven and earth.

He is already very familiar with the spells taught by the Heavenly Master, and his perception with the help of the Universal True Talisman is even more unparalleled. When facing him face to face, even Zhang Yuhong would not be able to make a sudden attack without a clue, let alone this cultivation base. Zhang Tianshi, who is one or two chips weaker, can only rely on the power of faith at most.Since Xiao Xia didn't feel that he was going to make a move, it meant that he really didn't want to make a move.

What's more, if you really want to do something, you can slowly set up other traps and ambushes, so in front of many of them, it is really not a good time to do it.

Zhang Tianshi just looked at Xiao Xia quietly, whether it was the ferocious Tianhe ghost, the brilliant girl Mingyue, or the two foreign barbarians with very different shapes, the other people around him seemed to be completely unworthy of his attention. one time.

"I came to you today because I have something important to say to you. Now that you have seen it, I have no malicious intentions. Can we talk alone?"

Zhang Tianshi put down the teacup in his hand, looked at Xiao Xia and said slowly.

ps: Confucius once said, "Below a sergeant, you can't speak up" and "Only the wise and the foolish are immutable", and he sighed that if it is impossible, you have to ride the float and the sea. He sincerely feels that there are many idiots in the world and cannot be educated .Lao Tzu said that "the corporal laughed when he heard the Tao", "the people can make it known, but they can't make it known" and so on, which have similar meanings.As for the Buddhist scriptures, they are all kinds of cold and unspeakable, and they are not for ordinary people to read.

Note that there is already a fundamental difference between 'min' and 'shi'.Sergeant and above, no matter what, it is one in a thousand.In fact, the two leaders of Confucius and Lao are very cold in their bones.

As for the so-called three religions at the core of Chinese culture that evolved later, in fact, they are more or less contrary to the fundamental meaning of these three theories. For many years, it gradually became rotten meat and stinky meat.Then there are those who hold rotten meat as a treasure, while others clamor that they should not eat meat at all and should eat excrement.

It's not that the things of the ancestors are bad, it's just that they have been crooked by crooked buildings for thousands of years, and they have been crooked to the point of disrepute.

ps2: The family crisis is so annoying, and I still have to work hard to write these things, which is really fucking self-inflicted.It's just that I always want to write something meaningful. (To be continued..)