Chapter 63: Heavenly Phenomena Controlled by Sir

Chen Changsheng smiled warmly and said, “Chang Shan’s fate lies with providence, yet remaining on the mountain to be a Daoist Monk would be a true waste of him. Back then, it was his own Master who chased him off the mountain.”

Tang Mingjing let out a long sigh at this and said, “Brother Chang Shan was truly a scholar. But what I admire most about Brother Chang Shan is actually his character. He’s probably the most upright person I’ve ever met.”

Chen Changsheng, however, said, “Uprightness alone isn’t enough.”

Tang Mingjing nodded. “You’re right, Sir. If Brother Chang Shan were to enter officialdom in the future, mere uprightness alone would hardly let him stand firm.”

Chen Changsheng spoke up, “You should be more tactful around him.”

Tang Mingjing didn’t feel the gentleman was making fun of him. He clasped his hands respectfully. “You flatter me, Sir. Mingjing has barely studied and is far from skilled in dealing with the world. Where I’ll even end up in the future is anyone’s guess.”

Chen Changsheng looked at him again. A fleeting glimmer of Golden Light flashed in his eyes, then he paused.

Tang Mingjing felt his back turn cold under the gentleman’s gaze. Somehow, he found this gentleman a bit frightening.

“Sir, why are you staring at me?”

Chen Changsheng withdrew his gaze. “Just looking.”

Tang Mingjing nodded and didn’t ask further.

Chen Changsheng said, “Sit for a while. This rain will likely stop in about half a quarter-hour.”

“Half a quarter-hour?”

Tang Mingjing was slightly stunned, but he saw the gentleman had already stood up and walked towards the inner part of the Taoist Temple, seeming to have no intention of conversing further.

Tong Zhihuan invited him over to sit.

Tang Mingjing’s gaze shifted away from the gentleman. He looked at Tong Zhihuan and asked, “Brother, is your teacher not the temple head?”

Tong Zhihuan thought for a moment and said, “He is, and isn’t.”

He explained, “The old temple head entrusted the temple to my teacher a few years back. After the old temple head passed, the Flowing Cloud Temple has been managed by Sir.”

Tang Mingjing nodded in understanding and said, “I see now.”

Tong Zhihuan nodded in agreement and asked, “Earlier, I heard you mention Chang Shan the young Daoist Priest. Are you a former classmate of his?”

“Exactly. Speaking of which, when I first encountered Brother Chang Shan…”

Tang Mingjing and Tong Zhihuan began chatting idly.

He gradually learned that Tong Zhihuan was a physician. Later, he even asked Tong Zhihuan to take his pulse. Learning that he was in good health and free of illness brought him considerable relief.

Tang Mingjing, in turn, recounted many stories from his schooling days and tales of Brother Chang Shan “throwing his weight around” in Yan County.

Chang Shan was no ordinary guy. Having trained in martial arts, no one dared offend him once he entered the School, leading to much amusement but also forging many friendships along the way.

“Looking back, when Brother Chang Shan pinned me to the ground and punched me… truly…”

Tang Mingjing gave a helpless laugh, the memory actually stirring a feeling of nostalgia.

“Studying sounds quite interesting too,” Tong Zhihuan said with a smile.

“I actually quite admire you, brother,” Tang Mingjing said. “You’ve journeyed across mountains and rivers, healing people far and wide. That takes great perseverance. Tang feels undeserving by comparison.”

Tong Zhihuan said, “Isn’t studying also for the sake of governing the world?”

Tang Mingjing paused briefly. Then a faint smile touched his lips. “An excellent point, brother!”

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Studying, too, was governing the world!

He suddenly felt an immense difference between himself and the person before him, realizing he was the lesser one. Speaking of higher aspirations, Tang Mingjing couldn’t help but feel a twinge of shame, ashamed that his own pursuit of study had only been for personal advancement.

The rain stopped.

Precisely half a quarter-hour had passed.

Tang Mingjing saw the rain outside had completely ceased. He couldn’t help but feel astonishment and asked, “Does your teacher also understand Heavenly phenomena?”

“Heavenly phenomena?”

Tong Zhihuan was momentarily stunned by the question. Then a meaningful smile spread across his face. “My teacher does not understand Heavenly phenomena.”

“Rather, Heavenly phenomena are controlled by Sir.”

“What does that mean?” Tang Mingjing faltered.

Tong Zhihuan offered no explanation. “Brother Mingjing, the rain has stopped. Who knows how much trash your three classmates are talking outside about you? If you don’t go out soon, they’ll probably drag you into their gossip too.”

Tang Mingjing, seeing Tong Zhihuan wouldn’t elaborate further, didn’t press the matter.

He stood to take his leave. “Since that’s the case, Tang won’t impose any longer. If brother ever comes to Yan County, I’ll treat you to some wine.”

“It’s a promise.”

Tong Zhihuan nodded in agreement.

Just then, Tao’er suddenly walked over and whispered something into Tong Zhihuan’s ear.

Tong Zhihuan furrowed his brows slightly. “Sir said that?”

Tao’er nodded. “Mhm.”

Tang Mingjing, seeing Tong Zhihuan seeming to speak into empty air, couldn’t hide his confusion. “Brother, who were you talking to just now?”

He couldn’t see Tao’er and thus had no idea whom Tong Zhihuan was addressing.

Tong Zhihuan turned back to him. “It’s nothing. My teacher asked me to pass on a message to you.”

“Huh?”

Tang Mingjing paused, an inexplicable feeling of strangeness washing over him.

Tong Zhihuan relayed: “‘That which obscures Heaven’s brightness is clouds and mist; that which obscures mankind’s brightness is selfish desire. Those who are bright remain bright; take care of yourself and it will suffice.’”

Tang Mingjing frowned. He lowered his head, pondering these words. He didn’t quite grasp the meaning intended by the gentleman.

Before he could figure it out, Tong Zhihuan added, “It’s time to descend the mountain.”

Tang Mingjing snapped back to the present and clasped his hands respectfully. “When the time comes, brother, please convey my gratitude to Sir. Tell him Tang thanks him for his words.”

“Alright.”

“Farewell!”

After bidding farewell, Tang Mingjing exited the temple. He found his three thoroughly drenched classmates waiting outside, cursing under their breath. He just told them to pipe down.

Then, the four of them began their descent down the mountain.

Tong Zhihuan watched as the temple door was pulled shut from the outside. Then he turned away.

He glanced at Tao’er beside him. “Miss Tao’er, what’s the meaning behind Sir leaving him that phrase?”

Miss Tao’er shook her head. “I don’t know either. Why don’t you go ask Sir?”

Tong Zhihuan grinned wryly. “Perhaps it’s better not to bother.”

He supposed there must be a deeper significance.

Tong Zhihuan didn’t dwell on it further. Lowering his head, he resumed writing the medical manuscript in front of him.

Halfway through, he recalled something. “Is Sir in the backyard?”

Miss Tao’er nodded. “Sir is practicing his swordplay in the backyard. Better not disturb him.”

Tong Zhihuan opened his mouth, then said, “I actually still want to ask Sir about something.”

“Ask what?” Tao’er inquired.

“Certain medical conditions. I can’t quite grasp them.”

“Silly fool, why not ask me?”

“Huh?” Tong Zhihuan was surprised, then he laughed. “Alright, then I’ll ask Miss Tao’er.”

Tao’er rolled her eyes at him. “You look down on my medical skills.”

“I don’t.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Tong truly doesn’t.”

“…”

Their back-and-forth teasing erupted into shared laughter. Before them, the medical manuscript remained untouched, not a single word added, and the ink in the inkstone was almost dry.