Chapter 398: The Dao Sutra Appears in the Wolf Valley
Chapter 398: The Dao Sutra Appears in the Wolf Valley
In the Kyushu world where demons appear frequently and zombies run rampant, the scope of human activities is almost compressed into those large human towns.
But occasionally there are some small villages that survive in the dangerous wilderness for various reasons.
Taoyuan Village is such a place.
In the remote mountainous area in the northwest of Longhua Prefecture, there is a Canglang Valley. The Canglang Valley is a hundred miles in radius and is famous for the large number of wolves that roam there.
Taoyuan Village is located in a valley in Canglang Valley.
The Canglang Valley was originally named Fenghe Valley. It was a peaceful place with beautiful mountains, clear waters, and good weather. However, when the disaster struck, this place was not spared.
Groups of wild wolves appeared out of nowhere, devouring livestock and hunting humans. In just a dozen years, the Fertile Valley, which was once full of cattle and sheep, was transformed into the Wolf Valley, where bones were exposed in the wild.
Fortunately, the wolves here are just ordinary wild beasts. Although their sizes have become very large, there are no powerful monsters among them.
The villagers of Taoyuan Village huddled in the steep valley, barely surviving with the help of walls and militiamen.
However, as the world became increasingly difficult, Taoyuan Village inevitably declined.
The biggest problem is population loss.
One was bitten to death by a wolf today, one was strangled to death by a tree spirit tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow one was dragged underground by a rat demon that appeared from nowhere - although the monsters in the Canglang Valley are mainly wolves, there are many other monsters as well.
It seemed that like other villages without protection, it would gradually become ruins and disappear completely. However, unexpectedly, there is always a way out. It was destined that the villagers of Taoyuan Valley would have good fortune after their misfortune. One day, a hunter who was out on patrol accidentally rescued a wandering Taoist priest by the river.
The Taoist was about thirty or forty years old, but he looked very weathered. For some unknown reason he fell into the water and was washed ashore. When the hunter rescued him and asked him about it, the Taoist had forgotten his past. He only remembered that his last name was Xie, but he could not remember his name. So the hunter called him Taoist Xie.
The hunter felt sorry for him and took him back to the village. From then on, Taoist Xie lived in Taoyuan Village.
No one expected that Taoist Xie actually had some magical powers. One day, a pack of wolves were foraging outside the village. As usual, the villagers hid behind the wall, trembling in fear, and used hunting bows and spears to fight the wolves. Unexpectedly, Taoist Xie stared at the wolves in a daze for a long time, and suddenly sent out a bolt of lightning, killing most of the wolves on the spot, and the rest all fled.
The villagers were surprised and delighted, knowing that they had found a master, so they all appointed Taoist Xie as the village chief. Taoist Xie did not refuse. From then on, Taoyuan Village finally had the capital to survive in this chaotic world.
Under the protection of Taoist Xie, Taoyuan Village was no longer in danger of survival, and the population gradually prospered. In just three years, there were two to three hundred households. They also re-opened fertile fields outside the village and domesticated livestock, making it a veritable paradise in this chaotic world.
Taoist Xie usually spends his days in a daze, collecting herbs, refining elixirs, chanting scriptures and drawing talismans. No one asks about his past, but Taoist Xie remains silent and just says he doesn't remember. People in the village don't dare to ask too much, but there are many rumors in secret that Taoist Xie is most likely a fairy from heaven, or a master from a Taoist temple in a famous mountain.
Perhaps he was framed by his fellow disciples and ended up here.
This story was spread so vividly that even storytellers as far away as Longhua Prefecture occasionally heard about it.
Most people would just treat the story about Taoist Xie as gossip. In these troubled times, there are always legends about such great people circulating. This is also a kind of expectation and vision of ordinary people in times of crisis, and it should not be taken seriously.
But if someone pays close attention to it, they will inevitably figure out some unusual information from it.
This time, Taoist Xie went out to collect herbs as he did in the past. He wandered around in the mountains for half a day but found nothing. He suddenly felt something in his heart. He counted with his fingers and found that it was a sign of great danger. He felt sad immediately.
However, if it is a blessing, there will be no disaster, but if it is a disaster, there will be no escape.
Taoist Xie was also a free and easy-going person, so he immediately carried the medicine basket and returned to the village.
As soon as he entered Taoyuan Village, he found that there was nothing unusual here. He asked the villagers, but there was nothing special. Taoist Xie felt relieved. Maybe his skills were not good enough, and the divination he just told might not be accurate.
Along the way, villagers in the village greeted him one after another.
"Hello, Chief Taoist."
"Hey, Xiaomei has grown taller again. How is your father's illness?"
"Daddy's illness has been completely cured, thanks to the Taoist's magic pill."
"Haha, that's not some magic pill, it's just an ordinary pill for curing diseases. It's getting late, don't run around and make your parents worry."
"Oh, it's Taoist Xie. Have you eaten? Here are some freshly-made steamed buns. I'll give you a few."
"You don't have to be so polite, Mr. Wang..."
"Hey, take it, take it. Why are you being so polite to an old guy like me?"
When he walked all the way back to his thatched cottage, there were three steamed buns, a salted fish, and a pair of newly woven straw sandals in the medicine basket.
Taoist Xie pushed the door and walked into the thatched cottage. Just as he put down the medicine basket, the expression on his face suddenly changed - someone was coming.
Although everything seemed calm and nothing had changed, Taoist Xie sensed a hint of murderous intent. There were some subtle changes in the layout and furnishings of the thatched cottage in front of him, especially the appearance of some unfamiliar furniture, stools and chairs, which made Taoist Xie feel nervous.
There were strange runes engraved on these stools and chairs, but they looked like furniture patterns and were very inconspicuous. However, when Taoist Xie saw them, they reminded him of something.
Taoist Xie took a step back suddenly and wanted to leave the hut.
However, when he turned around, there was no door to the thatched cottage behind him, but a dense and gloomy forest full of thorns.
Without any hesitation, Taoist Xie suddenly threw a talisman forward.
Gods and demons retreat!
The golden light suddenly appeared, and the forest in front of him twisted, as if a corner of an invisible curtain was lifted, vaguely revealing the true image of the thatched cottage, but then the image disappeared without a trace.
A calm voice sounded from the sky, "The Taoist's magic is very powerful, but unfortunately, it is not that easy to break my formation."
Taoist Xie suddenly looked up at the sky, and saw the figure of a Taoist appearing among the white clouds. The Taoist was wearing a black robe and standing on auspicious clouds. He was surrounded by cranes, and the sun formed a halo-like background behind him. He was looking down at him from a high place, like a celestial being descending to earth. It was truly magical.
Taoist Xie knew that it was just some magic trick, "Humph, pretending to be a ghost, who are you and why are you trying to embarrass me?"
The Taoist bowed slightly and said, "I am Wen Tian Wu Ji. I came to you for one thing. I have no intention of making things difficult for you. As long as you give me that thing, I will leave. I also have a thank you gift. Please help me."
Taoist Xie sneered, "Oh, I wonder what it is that caused you to make such a fuss."
"The Nameless Dao Sutra."
Taoist Xie's expression changed slightly. "How did you know that I had this nameless Taoist scripture? What do you know about the origin of this Taoist scripture?"
Wen Tian Wuji was a little surprised: "Why do you say that, Taoist priest? You wrote this scripture, so why are you asking me?"
Taoist Xie sighed, "I have forgotten everything about the past, but I do have this Taoist scripture." Taoist Xie took out a Taoist book from his arms.
Wentian Wuji's voice suddenly became excited, "That's great, just give me this scripture, and I will not bother you anymore."
Taoist Xie said to himself, "I don't know where you learned about the existence of this Taoist scripture. I have read this book several times when I was free. Although the principles in it seem profound and clear, they are biased in many ways. If you believe them, you will be led astray.
I don't know the origin of this scripture. You said I wrote it, maybe I did, but if you ask me, it's better to destroy such an evil book. Do you agree?"
Wen Tian Wuji smiled and said: "Master, why do you underestimate yourself? I have also read this Taoist scripture before, but I feel that every word in this Taoist scripture is very profound and the path in it is in line with the will of heaven. If you study it thoroughly, you may be able to achieve the great way.
It’s a pity that I haven’t been able to see the full version, so I have the audacity to ask for the book.
Since the Taoist priest doesn't like this book, why don't you give it to me? That would be a favor to others, wouldn't you?"
Taoist Xie nodded silently, "If that's the case, then take it."
As he said this, he threw the Taoist scripture casually and it flew towards Wentian Wuji in the clouds.
Wentian Wuji did not reach out to take it. Instead, a crane suddenly flew down from the clouds, picked up the Taoist scripture and delivered it to Wentian Wuji's hands.
System prompt: Thank you Taoist for giving you the item "The Nameless Taoist Scripture: The Humane Way".
Wentian Wuji opened his backpack and took a look. The Unknown Taoist Scripture: The Humane Scripture was exactly the Taoist Scripture that Xiao Jie had shown him.
"Master, why are you playing dumb? This nameless Taoist scripture has three volumes, and here is only the chapter on humanity. Where are the other two?"
Taoist Xie was surprised and said, "There are two more? I didn't know that. I only had this one copy with me when I woke up."
"Master, why are you playing dumb? I've already read the Human Chapter. The remaining Earth Chapter and Heaven Chapter are what I really want. Let's not talk about the Heaven Chapter for now. You have to give me an explanation for the Earth Chapter."
Taoist Xie said helplessly, "What earthly chapter or heavenly chapter? I have never heard of it. If it doesn't exist, then it doesn't exist. Please don't make it difficult for me. I have already given you the things. Please go back."
Wen Tian Wuji sighed, "I am willing to believe you, Taoist priest, but - I am determined to get this thing, so - Taoist priest, you might as well think about it carefully and see if you have any relevant memories.
If the Taoist priest really cannot produce it, then I will have no choice but to offend him. If I cannot find it on a living person, I can only look for it on the dead.
I think the Taoist priest is a decent person, and I really don't want to use violence, so please don't make mistakes."
Taoist Xie's expression changed slightly, and he stretched out his hand, and several talismans appeared in his hand, "Sir, please don't go too far."
Wentian Wuji stood still on the clouds, and said calmly, "Master, are you not going to think about it carefully?"
A fierce look suddenly appeared on the faces of those people who thanked the Taoist priests. "No need for that—take it!"
He raised his hand and a bolt of lightning struck the cloud. The cloud was shattered instantly and turned into several large blood-red clouds like the setting sun, which became redder and redder, as if the sky was burning.
Taoist Xie was in doubt, but then he heard a loud bang, and the red cloud was instantly dispersed. A huge meteorite as big as a hill fell towards him from the sky, burning fiercely.
The aura that seemed to destroy everything made Xie Daoren feel terrified. Even though he was far away, he seemed to feel the scorching air coming towards him. Even though he knew it was an illusion, he was still shaken and frightened.
(This must be some kind of fire spell! It looks like it can destroy the heavens and the earth, but in fact it is just average. The opponent is using the illusion of falling meteors to confuse me, but I can’t just ignore it and block it.)
He suddenly cast a spell, which turned into a blue water curtain, blocking in front of him. The meteorite exploded on the water curtain with a loud bang, but did not produce any ripples, only sparks all over the sky.
(Oh no, I fell into a trap!)
The next second, the sound of Wentian Wuji sighing was heard behind him.
"Thank you, Taoist Priest. I'm sorry!"
Boom boom boom!
Rumble, rumble!
boom!
The explosions came one after another, as if the sky was falling and the earth was splitting, or as if thunder was descending.
Everyone in the village put down their work and rushed towards the village chief's thatched cottage in confusion.
From a distance, one could see that the door of the thatched cottage was closed, and thunder could be heard continuously from inside the cottage.
Everyone looked at each other, but no one dared to break in.
Just cheering each other up.
"Don't be afraid. The village chief is very skilled in Taoism. Nothing will happen to him."
"Who is so bold as to cause trouble for Taoist Xie?"
"Maybe it's a former fellow disciple who came here to seek revenge."
While everyone was discussing, the thunder suddenly stopped.
There was dead silence all around until the door of the thatched cottage was pushed open from the inside and a Taoist in a green robe walked out.
"Master Xie, what happened?"
"Thank you, Taoist Priest! Are you hurt?"
"Thank you, Taoist Priest. Thank you, Taoist Priest!"
Everyone shouted for a long time, but no sound came out of the house.
Wentian Wuji said calmly: "Your Taoist Priest Xie is no longer here, but don't worry, I have helped you get rid of the wolves and monsters outside the valley after I came here, so you don't have to worry about the safety of the village in the short term.
But there is still a long way to go, so it is better for you to make plans early."
"Master Xie! Did you kill Master Xie?"
"I'm going to fight you!" A sturdy man suddenly roared and chopped at the Taoist in green robe with a knife, but he missed. The Taoist seemed like a phantom and disappeared after the knife was cut.
Everyone rushed into the thatched cottage, but Taoist Xie was nowhere to be seen.
A few minutes later--
On the cliff at the back of Canglang Valley, a figure appeared out of nowhere.
Wentian Wuji looked at the two extra books, "The Nameless Taoist Scripture: The Human Way" and "The Thunder Control Talisman Scripture" in his backpack and couldn't help but sigh. It was a pity that he still didn't get the last two books.
But at least I got some gains, at least I got a skill book.
According to the information Xiao Jie gave him, these evil and crazy Taoists all have the possibility of awakening. Once awakened, their levels will be upgraded, and they will be able to unlock many different abilities when they return home.
I don't know what happened to this Taoist Xie that I found, but his level was actually lowered.
The drops were pitifully small, but fortunately this time I did not gain nothing. Although the content of this Humanity chapter was already known, if I want to trigger the next task, I'm afraid I must have learned this scripture in the game.
And at least I still have some understanding.
But I don’t know where to find the last two articles?
It seems that I still have to ask Xiao Jie about this matter.
------
Ding-ling-ling! The phone suddenly rang, causing Xiao Jie to look out the window.
I picked up the phone and took a look. It was Chen Tianwen calling.
Line connected.
"Hey?"
Chen Tianwen's voice came from the other end of the phone immediately, "Xiao Jie, I have already got the Humane Chapter. Last time you said there was an evil person named Wang Xie?"
"Yes, he is under the command of Long Wushang, the governor of Beiming Province."
"Why don't we go find him together."
"Ah? You are still collecting the Nameless Taoist Scriptures?" Xiao Jie was a little surprised. He didn't expect Chen Tianwen to be so concerned about the Nameless Taoist Scriptures.
"How can we give up the chance to become an immortal or a saint so easily?"
Xiao Jie thought so too. Although it seemed a bit far-fetched to think that one could become an immortal or a saint by reading a few Taoist scriptures, they were left behind by immortals after all, so there was always some hope.
If I didn't already have a more reliable opportunity, I might as well try my luck.
(End of this chapter)