The Wudang Junior Master

Chapter 230: Practicing Taoism is just farming?

In the distance, the golden roof shines brightly.

The light from the setting sun at dusk hits the golden roof, reflecting a charming golden glow.

This light is so charming that people will think it is the light emitted by the golden dome and forget that the light comes from somewhere else.

Zhang Wuling looked at the anxious Ding Shiman and said with a smile, "Actually, the meaning of 'movement and stillness' is very simple. Wisdom is born in movement and stillness, and wisdom is the key to unlocking the Tao."

Ding Shimaan was puzzled: "I've only heard of 'extreme stillness gives rise to wisdom'. Why do you say 'movement and stillness give rise to wisdom'?"

In fact, if Zhang Wuling had only told him to be "calm", he would have understood, because many spiritual practices require stillness.

Even many exercises, such as Zen meditation, are designed to help people calm down.

But who would have thought that after hearing the question, Zhang Wuling laughed twice: "Old Ding, your question is the answer!"

"what?"

"It's true that extreme stillness breeds wisdom. This actually encompasses the principle of 'movement and stillness'. Haven't you noticed?"

Ding Shimaan thought carefully for a moment and then half-guessed, half-asked, "You mean... 'sheng' is 'dong'?"

Zhang Wuling said nothing, but just smiled and nodded.

When practicing, many people think that being quiet means being still and not moving, and that moving means they are doing something wrong. In the end, they become irritated and restless because of this.

"But you haven't told me what this 'movement' means. Are you going to meditate?" Ding Shimaan asked.

"Meditation is just one of the methods, not the only one," Zhang Wuling said. "Before I tell you the method, I must first tell you that you actually have two choices."

"The first option is to find a sect to join and follow the path pioneered by the predecessors. This method is the easiest."

"The second option is not to join any sect, but to comprehend your own path and follow the path you have blazed."

"Think about it and decide which one you want to choose."

Ding Shimaan hesitated for a moment before firmly saying, "I choose the second option. I've never been a sect or a school, and I grew up eating at many different tables. I don't believe I can't find my own path!"

"Are you sure? This road is very difficult."

"I am sure!"

"Well then." Zhang Wuling folded his arms. "In that case, let's start with the first step. Forget all the skills you've learned and become a mortal."

"Ah?!!!" Ding Shimaan jumped up, "You made me forget what I learned before?"

"Yes." Zhang Wuling nodded.

"Why...why is this? And how is this possible?"

"Yes, I can. As for why, explaining it would be like giving a sermon, and I won't tell you."

"Don't tell?" Ding Shimaan didn't understand.

Zhang Wuling explained, "That's right, because 'knowing' is also the source of 'attachment'. Maybe if I tell you, you will understand what's going on, but precisely because you understand, you may not be able to do it."

"You have too many obsessions right now, and it's already difficult to eliminate them. If I add one more, it will only increase your burden."

"So, now it depends on whether you believe me and are willing to do as I say."

After listening to this, Ding Shiman was speechless and said, "But even if you didn't tell me, I practiced with confusion, isn't that also 'attachment'?"

"NoNoNo~" Zhang Wuling shook his finger. "In this regard, it's better to be confused than to understand. Besides, as long as you do it, you will naturally understand it in time."

Ding Shimaan wanted to ask why again, but then he thought that Zhang Wuling would definitely not tell him, so he swallowed his words.

"So what exactly should I do?"

Zhang Wuling said, "It's easy. Starting tomorrow, follow me and help me carry manure, hoe the fields, and water them."

"Huh?" Ding Shiman was dumbfounded. "That's it? This is the method of cultivation?"

"That's right." Zhang Wuling nodded.

Ding Shimaan showed a slightly skeptical look. Why did it sound so much like a scam to him?

Could it be that they were just trying to get his free labor?

But judging from the previous conversation and the other party's expression, it didn't seem like he was lying to him.

"Okay, okay, I'll listen to you first."

So, after getting the consent of Ye Laodao, Ding Shimaan settled down in Qingwei Palace.

At night, Zhang Wuling and Ye Laodao were doing evening classes. Ding Shiman wanted to follow them, but was driven away by Zhang Wuling.

That night, when Ding Shimaan was about to go to bed, Zhang Wuling found him.

"I'm going to put a ban on you."

Ding Shimaan was shocked and asked, "What restriction?"

Zhang Wuling said, "Rest assured, it's not a powerful restriction, it's just a restraint. Whenever you want to use force, it will be activated to remind you."

"Can it be solved later?"

"Of course, it can. This is used to assist in cultivation."

"So, until I achieve enlightenment, I can't fight anyone?"

"Yes."

"...What should I do if my hands itch?"

"It's to treat your itchy hands."

"Uh……"

"Do you want it or not? If not, I'll go to sleep."

"Then, come on."

After the ban was set, Ding Shimaan tested it out of curiosity.

Whenever he tried to perform martial arts, his hands and feet would feel like they were being pricked by needles.

But apart from that, there are no other side effects, and it is not impossible to use it forcefully.

"Remember, from today on, you have to slowly forget the past and treat yourself as an ordinary person. Eat when you need to and sleep when you need to." Zhang Wuling warned.

Upon hearing this, Ding Shimaan asked, "Then I don't need to practice at all?"

"If you want to exercise your body or meditate, that's fine, but don't try any exercises to move your Qi. If you're really bored, you can read the 'Classic of Purity and Tranquility'. You don't need to read anything else."

"What?"

"Why? It's your choice." Zhang Wuling chuckled. "I gave you two choices: 'with law' and 'without law'. You chose to take inaction as your law. Then don't do things that require action. Be calm and inaction, and follow the natural way. Just remember that."

Ding Shimaan's mouth twitched. He felt that he understood, but also didn't understand.

But he was not stupid, and he understood a little bit. He knew that his realm was too low and he could not comprehend the mystery.

Moreover, it seems now that what Zhang Wuling did was indeed to help him. Since he needs help from others, he should just do as he is told.

After the ban was put in place, the two of them lay down on the bed.

Zhang Wuling fell asleep quickly, but Ding Shimaan didn't fall asleep until nearly midnight because of his emotional problems.

The next day, they got up early again. Zhang Wuling did morning lessons while Ding Shimaan lit the fire and cooked.

After the meal, Zhang Wuling brought a copy of "The Classic of Purity and Tranquility" and gave it to Ding Shiman, and reminded him again that he only needed to read this book and not read anything else.

Ding Shimaan did as he was told, and then the two of them began to help Ye Laodao with his work.

The originally deserted Qingwei Palace became much more lively with the arrival of Zhang Wuling.

Some people are so strange. Even if they run away to the mountains, there will always be people who come from thousands of miles away to seek refuge with them and be attracted to them.

And sometimes, more than one person is attracted.