{"id":9550,"date":"2019-11-14T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-14T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/?p=9550"},"modified":"2020-01-06T16:18:49","modified_gmt":"2020-01-06T21:18:49","slug":"pttp007","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/pttp007\/","title":{"rendered":"Part-Time Taoist Priest 7"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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<< Chapter 6<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Project Page<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Chapter 8 >><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The First Priest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Xie Lingya was serious when he asked He Zun to invite his friends over for tea and snacks. He had put chairs and tables in the front yard recently, setting it up as a resting area, and bought more tea leaves. The visitors could order tea and melon seeds while they chatted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The temple had no worshipers\u2014alas, he could only rely on such means to earn some extra income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He Zun was speechless for a while. But after thinking about it, he had to concede that people would rather agree to come over for tea than to pray in a temple, so he decided to change his promotion strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xie Lingya had been financially independent since starting university. Although the temple was short of money, there was no way he would ask his father for living expenses. Anyway, things weren\u2019t as bad as before\u2014now, thanks to the business of selling melon seeds, he could afford to eat meat more often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After some thought, Xie Lingya decided to change the empty plot in the backyard into a vegetable garden. It would allow him to cut down the expenses a bit, and save the money from Uncle He.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the past, Wang Yuji grew melons and a variety of vegetables there. Xie Lingya used to help him tend the garden so he more or less knew what to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, when there was nothing to deal with in the front yard, Xie Lingya would farm in the backyard. To endure hardships and live a simple life are signs of good character<\/em>, he comforted himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was busy farming when one of the tea-drinking aunties came over to call him: \u201cXiao Xie, Xiao Xie, come, your colleague is here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My colleague? Since when do I have colleagues?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya was puzzled. He put down the watering can, wiped his hands, and went to the front yard to have a look. There, he saw a man wearing Taoist robes. He looked to be in his thirties, thin mustache and a wispy beard adorned his face, and his hair was pulled up into a bun on the top of his head. He also carried a bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bearded Taoist was taken by surprise when the auntie returned with Xie Lingya. Nonplussed, he said, \u201cHello, can I speak with the abbot here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe temple has no abbot at the moment. You can speak to me instead, Daozhang<\/em>.\u201d Xie Lingya scrutinized the man, and couldn\u2019t help but feel that his facial hair was absolutely atrocious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The priest hurried to say, \u201cI\u2019m sorry to bother you, but I would like to lodge here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taoist priests away from home could ask for accommodation in local temples; it was an ancient custom, though the rules changed through the ages. In modern times, a certified priest could live in any temple for up to three days for free. If they wanted to stay longer, they would need to pay the temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya was aware of the custom, but this was the first time he encountered the situation. There were extra rooms in the back, they just weren\u2019t tidied up yet. \u201cThen please follow me, Daozhang<\/em>. I\u2019ll let you place your luggage first, then clean up a room for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, thank you, thank you very much, little brother,\u201d the priest repeatedly expressed his gratitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Xie Lingya led him to the back, he asked casually, \u201cI\u2019m just curious, but in this area, Taihe Temple is much better known. Why didn\u2019t you go there instead?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only better known, but the accommodations there would also definitely be better too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The priest floundered. \u201cThis, uh… Taihe was too far away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suspicion rose in Xie Lingya\u2019s heart. He eyed the mustached priest for a moment, then stopped walking and said, \u201cOh come on, our temple is so poor and you still want to swindle us? Are you kidding?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He lifted the edge of the priest\u2019s robes. On the inner hem were a few faint words, saying \u2018Longhu Scenic Area.\u2019<\/em> They could be noticed when he walked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014Longhu Scenic Area was a tourist attraction in Niuyang City. It was a historic-themed market square, with the staff dressed in historical costumes, and actors playing roles as scholars, beggars, and fortune-tellers for added realism. There was, however, no Taoist temple there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya had <\/em>thought that the man\u2019s Taoist robes seemed to be of very poor quality\u2026 Well, naturally\u2014it was just a costume, of course the quality was bad!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, wait, you misunderstood!\u201d The moustache fumbled around, unsure whether to pull his clothes out of Xie Lingya\u2019s grip or to get out his ID first. \u201cI am a real Taoist priest, I was just working there!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201c???\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the hell, a real Taoist priest working in a tourist attraction?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suspicious, Xie Lingya carefully examined the priest\u2019s certificate. To his surprise, it turned out to be authentic. \u201cHuh, it\u2019s real. But why were you working there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mustached priest hung his head and replied dejectedly, \u201cBecause I am poor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201cFor real? How poor can you be? You can\u2019t even afford a place to live?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, the mustached priest told his tale of woe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His name was Zhang Daoting, which differed only by one character from Zhang Daoling<\/strong><\/a>, the legendary founder of the Way of the Celestial Masters<\/a><\/strong>, but their fates were like day and night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting was an orphan. He became a priest at eighteen. However, his temple was steadily losing worshippers, to the point of having trouble affording meals. Barely a year later, he was politely invited to go out and find his own way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who knew you could be laid off in a Taoist temple?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the eight years that followed, he went to many places, but any temple that took him in would fall onto hard times for various reasons, and he would have to leave again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year, he drifted to Niuyang City. This time, instead of finding a temple, he simply went to work in the scenic area. He had successfully passed the recruitment interview because he had an advantage over other candidates\u2014he could recite Taoist scriptures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The job was easy, he only needed to sit in the scenic area and take photos with the tourists. Food and lodging were provided by his employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the good times didn\u2019t last long. A few days ago, he fell asleep during work. Some tourists complained just as the big bosses came in for an inspection and he was fired on the spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, he had been to Taihe Temple already. He stayed for three days, freeloaded for another one, but because he was too broke to pay for accommodation he had to leave again. <\/strong>Wandering about, he saw Baoyang Temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Xie Lingya heard this sad story, he stared at the man with disbelief: \u201cYou were eighteen when you joined the temple and worked for eight years, so you are only twenty-six years old right now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you look like thirty-six!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mustached priest: \u201c…………\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He touched his beard, saying awkwardly, \u201cThis was required by the scenic area… No, wait, aren\u2019t you concerned about the wrong thing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya let out an embarrassed cough and asked, \u201cWhy are you so unlucky?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI want to know too. My master told me that my fortune is too poor. Maybe I was abandoned because I brought my parents bad luck,\u201d the priest said. \u201cSo, um, can I stay here for a few days, little brother? Just until I find another job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya asked curiously, \u201cJob? You don\u2019t plan to join another temple?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mustached priest: \u201cI think I should stop jinxing people…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya thought about his unlucky experience and sympathized. However, he felt something was off.  \u201cWait, if your employer provided food and lodging, how come you have no money? You can\u2019t even afford the lodging fee?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lodging in a temple was much cheaper than living in a hotel or renting a room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh…\u201d The priest scratched his head. \u201cI donated most of my salary to the orphanage. I was orphaned since young, I know how hard it is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya was taken aback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He took a closer look at the priest. Although the man\u2019s facial hair was unsightly, his eyes were honest, the nose was straight and the brows pointed downwards. According to physiognomy, having such facial features signified sincerity and reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mustache turned and noticed the newly planted plot of land. \u201cOh, you have a vegetable garden here. Let me help you water the plants.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya looked at him with a complex expression on his face. \u201cMustache Daozhang<\/em>, actually, this temple doesn\u2019t have a Taoist priest right now. If you don\u2019t mind, you can stay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mustache: \u201c…I am surnamed Zhang.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201cSorry, I mispronounced. Uh, we are in a bit of a tight spot now. If you\u2019re willing to stay, we can start with free meals and lodging and a basic salary of 800 a month, rituals paid separately. Is that ok with you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other than affluent big temples, the basic salary for priests at most ordinary temples was between a few hundred and one or two thousand yuan. For external work, they would earn some extra, like a commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baoyang Temple was poor, so poor that Xie Lingya had to farm to save on expenses, but the money Uncle He gave would last for some time. This was a necessary investment\u2014a Taoist temple must have a Taoist priest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for other issues…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mustache: \u201cYou know about my bad luck, aren\u2019t you scared?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot at all. A sage once told me that I have the talent to become an Immortal, great enough that I can lift the people to Heavens with me,1<\/a><\/sup>Xie Lingya paraphrases an idiom which lit. says, “when a man achieves the Dao, his poultry and dogs rise to Heaven” (fig. to ride on sb else’s success; Once one man gets a government position, he can pull up his family\/cronies too). MTL the Baidu<\/a><\/strong> site, it has some interesting stories.<\/span>\u201d Xie Lingya said unconcernedly. \u201cI don\u2019t think your bad luck is powerful enough to bring me down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mustache: \u201c…………\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And to be honest, if Mustache wasn\u2019t so unlucky, he might not afford to hire him. After all, as the saying goes, \u201cMan seeks the heights, while water seeks the lowlands;\u201d<\/em> Moustache had successfully obtained the Taoist priest\u2019s certificate, which one could only apply for after at least eight years of apprenticeship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The priest promptly said, <\/strong>\u201cPlease treat me kindly!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, if Xie Lingya was not scared, why should he be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The two cleaned up the room together, then Xie Lingya went to make noodles for Zhang Daoting. When he came out of the kitchen with the bowl, he saw the priest actually taking the initiative to water the vegetable garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHave something to eat first,\u201d Xie Lingya called to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man got up and put down the watering can. When he raised his face, Xie Lingya jerked in shock: \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mustache… no, he couldn\u2019t be called Mustache anymore… Zhang Daoting touched his chin. \u201cI shaved off my beard and mustache. You can\u2019t recognize me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow, I believe that you really are twenty-six years old,\u201d Xie Lingya said after a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The corner of Zhang Daoting\u2019s lips twitched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the wretched facial hair was shaved off, both his appearance and temperament improved greatly\u2014suddenly, he looked handsome and refreshing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014But it was also a tangible demonstration of the strength of his bad luck. Take Xie Lingya for example\u2014he had always benefited from his good looks. The elderly visitors of the temple loved to chat with him, and when he worked on commission in the past, the clients usually gave him higher pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya had been wondering how to cover up Zhang Daoting\u2019s tainted history of working in the scenic area. But now, if the man was recognized, Xie Lingya would eat his slippers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting answered Xie Lingya\u2019s questions while eating noodles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a certified priest who had lived in so many temples in the past six or seven years, he was very familiar with Taoist classics, customs, and rules. He also learned some rituals from the masters who were willing to teach him, but he had never presided over any.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201cCan you draw talismans?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting shifted uneasily: \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had a wide range of skills thanks to his many teachers, but because he never stayed in any temple for long, he hadn\u2019t mastered any; he could be called \u201ca jack of all trades but master of none.\u201d The talismans and symbols were too numerous and complicated, he only had some superficial knowledge about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to what happened to the various temples he lived in, and his own bad luck, he believed there were things which couldn\u2019t be explained by science. The more he saw, the more profound and mysterious the world seemed to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya was simply asking. He shrugged and said, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter, I can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRight, come here and let me touch you,\u201d Xie Lingya said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He wanted to check Zhang Daoting\u2019s bones. While this person\u2019s luck was horrible, his character was decent. He probably wasn\u2019t talented enough to become his uncle\u2019s disciple, but perhaps he could be taught some skills, depending on circumstances. After all, he was a part of Baoyang now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c???\u201d Zhang Daoting swallowed the noodles in his mouth with some difficulty. He asked timidly, \u201cWhy…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI just need to touch you,\u201d Xie Lingya said carelessly, not intending to mention the matter of looking for an apprentice for now. That aside, examining Zhang Daoting was much easier than Shi Changxuan\u2014since Zhang Daoting was already a member of Baoyang Temple, Xie Lingya could do as he pleased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting nodded with trepidation: \u201cAll right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After touching the man\u2019s chest, Xie Lingya had a pretty good idea about his aptitude. He said, \u201cLater, I\u2019ll tell you about the history of Baoyang Temple and other things to note.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, the first thing they needed to discuss was how to gain more worshipers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The regular visitors of Baoyang Temple soon noticed there was a priest here. This was something normal, however\u2014what was strange was that the temple had none before. They didn\u2019t know why there were no priests in Baoyang, but now one finally appeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The priest was a handsome young man. After Xiao Xie brought him over to greet everyone, he introduced himself as Zhang Daoting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most regulars were tea drinkers here to fetch water or nearby residents hanging out. They were quite intrigued by Zhang Daoting\u2019s young age and curiously asked him how was it like to be a priest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting talked about his daily routines such as reading scriptures, which segued into the topic of Baoyang Temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Someone said, \u201cIt seems Baoyang is quite old, but despite living in Niuyang for such a long time, I don\u2019t know much about its history.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting smiled. \u201cOur temple was founded in the Ming Dynasty. It was destroyed during a war, then rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. The main god worshiped here is the Heavenly Venerable Thunder Deity of Supreme Unity, Spirit Official Wang.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSpirit Official Wang? Which god is that? Don\u2019t you worship the Three Purities?\u201d someone else asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting patiently introduced the Great Founder of Baoyang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Someone said bluntly, \u201cTo be honest, I\u2019ve never heard of him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the perception of non-believers, famous and powerful Taoist gods were like Emperor Zhenwu<\/a><\/strong>, L\u00fc Dongbin<\/a><\/strong>, and so on. Although Spirit Official Wang was the Supreme Protector God of Taoism, he was not well-known. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, Zhang Daoting said that Spirit Official Wang\u2019s statue would be placed in the first hall near the entrance of Taoist temples, which sounded as if the god was just a glorified doorkeeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baoyang Temple\u2019s lack of worshipers was not unrelated to their venerable founder. In Queshan Province, there were but a few temples dedicated to Spirit Official; nowadays, people were more likely to worship the famous gods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSpirit Official Wang is the Supreme Protector God of Taoism who can drive out evil spirits and suppress demons. Hmm, perhaps this is a bit too abstract, so let me give you an example,\u201d Zhang Daoting said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure everyone is familiar with \u2018Journey to the West.\u20192<\/a><\/sup>“Journey to the West”<\/strong><\/em><\/a> – a Chinese novel published in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty and attributed to Wu Cheng’en. It is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. There’s a ton of adaptations and works inspired by it (e.g. Dragon Ball<\/em>).<\/span> When Sun Wukong wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace, no one could stand in his way. When he finally broke in the Jade Emperor\u2019s Hall, it was Spirit Official Wang who stopped him, though their fight ended in a draw. \u2018Journey to the West\u2019 is just a novel, but why did the author set the two to be tied? It is precisely because Spirit Official Wang is the Taoist god with the highest combat power!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spirit Official Wang made only a brief appearance in \u201cJourney to the West,\u201d so he did not leave much impression. However, thanks to Zhang Daoting\u2019s explanation, everyone had a sudden realization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They might\u2019ve not known Spirit Official Wang but everyone knew the story of Sun Wukong. The image of Spirit Official Wang instantly became clearer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who would have expected the Spirit Official to be so powerful? It turned out he was among the strongest gods in the Taoist pantheon. No wonder Baoyang Temple was dedicated to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After Zhang Daoting\u2019s explanation, everyone was relieved\u2014they no longer felt the main god of Baoyang was uncool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSpirit Official Wang not only exorcises evil but also has other duties. <\/strong>He is a thunder god and a fire god.3<\/a><\/sup>There is quite a lot of thunder and fire gods in Taoism, it\u2019s more like a job description than unique title. There is even a department of thunder<\/strong><\/a> apparently. Even our gods are bureaucratic.<\/span> He can bring rain and sun, and cure plague and poison. He is also tasked with investigating wrongdoings and maintaining the order of the mortal realm. The Yongle Emperor<\/a><\/strong>, the third emperor of the Ming dynasty, was a devout follower of Spirit Official Wang. He even had an altar dedicated to the Spirit Official in his sleeping chambers,\u201d Zhang Daoting said. \u201cIf you have a patient at home, you can recite the name of the Spirit Official, asking him for help, or burn incense before his statue and bring home a Spirit Official Charm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It got mystical from there on, the type of \u201cif you believe, it\u2019s real and if you don\u2019t believe, it\u2019s not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone present came to Baoyang to hang out, and many still drew water from the temple well. Even if they weren\u2019t believers, they naturally wouldn\u2019t say anything inappropriate. There were also people interested in such things; now that Baoyang finally had a priest, they were quite willing to listen to him speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the neighbor of the newspaper store owner Sun Fuyang and friend of his mother, Mrs. Wang, listened with rapt attention and actively asked questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting smiled and chatted with her. He patiently taught her how to use the Spirit Official Charm and explained which points she should pay attention to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mrs. Wang listened and nodded. Finally, she asked about the types and prices of the talismans available in the temple, but it was just a casual inquiry. She felt the priest was too young and besides, she always got talismans at Taihe Temple during the Spring Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She lived close to Baoyang Temple but had never come here to worship before. It was only recently that she lit incense for the Three Purities as a courtesy when she visited with her friends. For her, Taihe\u2019s name was more reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Mrs. Wang talked with Zhang Daoting, she scratched the mosquito bites on her body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting noticed her actions. \u201cAuntie, are there many mosquitoes in your area?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mrs. Wang replied, \u201cYes, and my family lives on the first floor. You simply can\u2019t get rid of them\u2014every time you think you swatted them all, you see more flew in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting smiled again.  \u201cIn that case, you can consider bringing home a mosquito-repelling talisman.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c……\u201d Everyone who heard this was speechless. Say what? A protective talisman was one thing, but mosquito-repelling talisman? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even a superstitious woman like Mrs. Wang was shocked: \u201cThis… does it work?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These days most temples sold protection amulets and fortune-changing charms, but no one had ever heard about a mosquito-repelling talisman. Somehow, it felt improper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting answered her question with his own: \u201cDo you see any mosquitoes in our temple?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone was stunned for a while\u2014indeed, for the past two days, it seemed there were no mosquitoes in Baoyang!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They hadn\u2019t noticed before, but now that Zhang Daoting mentioned it, they realized it was true. Those who had been here for several hours were the most convinced: \u201cI did <\/em>think it was weird I wasn\u2019t bitten even once!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even so, most people found it hard to believe that the lack of mosquitoes was due to the effect of a talisman as Zhang Daoting claimed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the end, only Mrs. Wang and a few tea drinkers decided to buy the mosquito-repelling talisman. Zhang Daoting\u2019s assured attitude convinced Mrs. Wang a little, and she was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The others bought it out of curiosity since it only cost twenty yuan anyway. Besides, didn\u2019t they regularly draw water from the temple\u2019s well for free? It was only right they returned the favor and supported this destitute Taoist temple!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting went to the back to get the talismans. Well, actually, he found Xie Lingya and said, \u201cBoss, three mosquito-repelling talismans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the beginning, he called Xie Lingya \u201clittle brother,\u201d but after he found out that Xie Lingya was, in fact, the owner of Baoyang Temple, he quietly changed it to \u201cBoss.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHeh, I knew that mosquito-repelling talisman would definitely be popular in the summer.\u201d Xie Lingya quickly drew three pieces. This talisman was one of the results of his recent research, and the reason the temple was mosquito-free since two days ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya was deeply impressed by the effect of the Good Appetite Spell he\u2019d used on the well. At this stage, most of the people visiting Baoyang weren\u2019t believers; they would probably be more interested in practical spells useful in daily life, which was why Xie Lingya focused on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like this mosquito-repelling talisman. The average Taoist priest probably didn\u2019t know about it. It was a result of the research by a priest named Wang Ziran from the Ming dynasty, known for allegedly having the ability to control thunder and rain. He was also a worshiper of Spirit Official Wang and might have had some connection to Baoyang Temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mosquito-repelling talisman was one of minor talismans. As the name suggested, it only solved a minor, trivial problem. Official temples wouldn\u2019t sell this kind of charm nowadays because they gave the impression of frivolity. In actuality, the many Taoist sects had countless skills and spells, from petty to very powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mosquito-repelling talisman was only twenty yuan. The prices of the other types of charms and amulets were set according to prices in other temples, ranging from fifty to five hundred yuan per piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting came just in time\u2014now that the temple had a priest, it finally could receive worshipers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya naturally made use of the opportunity and had Zhang Daoting promote the talismans since the priest was more suitable for it. He himself worked behind the scenes as the supplier. With his speed, any talisman could be completed in five minutes at most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014This was a major reason why Xie Lingya later became known as Niuyang\u2019s Human Talisman Printer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Translator’s Notes:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
  1. “A sage once told me that I have the talent to become an Immortal, great enough that I can lift the people to Heavens with me”<\/em><\/strong> – Xie Lingya paraphrases the idiom \u4e00\u4eba\u5f97\u9053\uff0c\u9e21\u72ac\u5347\u5929, which lit. says, “when a man achieves the Dao, his poultry and dogs rise to Heaven” (fig. to ride on sb else’s success; Once one man gets a government position, he can pull up his family\/cronies too). MTL the Baidu<\/a><\/strong> site, it has some interesting stories.<\/li>
  2. “Journey to the West”<\/strong><\/em><\/a> – a Chinese novel published in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty and attributed to Wu Cheng’en. It is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. There’s a ton of adaptations and works inspired by it (e.g. Dragon Ball<\/em>).<\/li>
  3. “He is a thunder god and a fire god”<\/em><\/strong> – There is quite a lot of thunder and fire gods in Taoism, it\u2019s more like a job description than unique title. There is even a department of thunder<\/strong><\/a> apparently. Even our gods are bureaucratic.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    Translator: Velvet
    TL Checker & Editor: Eques<\/em>
    Proofreader: Bet<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n
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    Chapter 8 >><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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