Chapter 11
On one hand, Baoyang Temple had become a popular attraction and people kept coming to check it out . Xie Lingya and Zhang Daoting were both very busy; Xie Lingya was glad that he had promptly and decisively hired Zhang Daoting .
On the other hand, the roof was repaired and the venerable founder’s new statue had also been restored . As such, it was necessary to choose a day to conduct a consecration ceremony, ‘Kaiguang’, literally ‘opening the holy light’ .
The statue’s restoration was completed, but before worshipping it, it needed to be consecrated, which was rather pressing business . Zhang Daoting’s skills weren’t high enough, so Xie Lingya had to do it . As he was not as familiar with the rites as Zhang Daoting, he had to take “make-up lessons” .
The Kaiguang ritual was a type of invocation ceremony—inviting a god to bestow a part of their spirit onto the “empty” effigy, filling it with their divine essence . Although nowadays, charms, amulets, and magical tools could also be consecrated by undergoing the Kaiguang ritual, in the very beginning, it referred exclusively to the consecration of godly statues .
At this time, Mao Zhengqing, a priest from Taihe Temple, called to invite Xie Lingya to attend some kind of a lecture sponsored by the Taoist Association . “My two shidi 1 would like to thank you face-to-face for your help with the recent incident . Besides, you said to inform Baoyang if our temple was having any activities, so I decided to just invite you . ”
It was important to maintain a good relationship with the local bigwigs, so despite being busy, Xie Lingya made time to go .
Actually, since Xie Lingya was just a layperson, Zhang Daoting should have been the one to attend, but Baoyang Temple couldn’t be without its sole priest . Moreover, Zhang Daoting didn’t know Mao Zhengqing and would feel rather embarrassed visiting Taihe due to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his last stay there,2 so Xie Lingya went instead .
Mao Zhengqing welcomed Xie Lingya warmly . He brought him to have tea first as there was still time before the lecture started .
Xie Lingya was only concerned about one matter: “Where is Shi Daozhang?”
“Shi Daozhang has been busy with purifying the malevolent spirits these days and might not be attending the lecture . You should see him if you stay for dinner, though,” Mao Zhengqing replied .
“Ok, then I won’t hesitate to accept the hospitality,” Xie Lingya said . He seized the chance to ask, “Shi Daozhang is from the provincial capital, right? How long will he be staying here?”
Mao Zhengqing thought, Aren’t you two friends? Why are you asking me?, but he replied anyway . “It seems that Shi Daozhang came not just to preside over the Rain Invocation Ceremony—he will be staying in Niuyang for a while . ”
Xie Lingya bluntly continued asking, “Why?”
Mao Zhengqing floundered a little before hesitatingly replying, “These past few days, we’ve all been rather busy . Especially Shi Daozhang… he didn’t have much downtime . ”
Xie Lingya: “……”
You said that Shi Daozhang was too busy to attend the lecture, but the truth is, you haven’t talked with him at all, right?!
It was hard to say if Shi Changxuan’s personality really was cold or if it was just a facade and he was actually much more passionate inside,3 but he did appear quite taciturn . It would already be a feat to get more than a few sentences out of him normally, not to mention trying to have a deep conversation or randomly chatting .
To save his image, Mao Zhengqing added, “But Shi Daozhang’s family has a tradition of wandering and studying at different temples . Perhaps he plans to continue his cultivation here . ”
If he cultivates in Niuyang, then will he be lodging in Taihe? Well, it’s not as if he would come to Baoyang anyway . Xie Lingya wanted to convince Shi Changxuan to become his uncle’s disciple, but when it came to such matters, one shouldn’t act with undue haste . At least Shi Changxuan was staying in Niuyang .
While Xie Lingya was pondering, Mao Zhengqing changed the topic, “Were the talismans you used last time drawn by yourself, Xiao Xie Jushi?”4
Actually, he was already mostly certain—after all, at that time, he’d witnessed Xie Lingya draw the characters on the wall . Before this, the only person he’d ever met who could draw the characters without reciting incantations was Shi Changxuan .
Remembering the talismans, his heart ached . Why didn’t the young man use them more sparingly? Using them without consideration for how long it would take others to draw as many!
Although technically, Xie Lingya did not convert to be a Taoist, he was practicing the Taoist skills and arts passed down in Baoyang Temple, so he didn’t correct the way Mao Zhengqing addressed him . “Yes . ”
“Such a solid foundation, as expected of Wang Daozhang’s nephew,” Mao Zhengqing exclaimed . “What a pity that we don’t have such young talent here at Taihe . But since we are all in Niuyang, we can have more contact in the future . ”
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He looked at Xie Lingya with regret . Those from the older generation knew of Wang Yuji’s skill and talent, but they weren’t aware he had a nephew with such a great talent in talismans .
If Xie Lingya had not inherited Wang Yuji’s legacy, he would have headhunted him . The best would have been to let him join the temple as a priest, or if he didn’t want to become a priest, at least be a resident lay practitioner . These days, there were too few Taoist priests, and even fewer talented ones .
As Mao Zhengqing recently had been busy with nursing his injuries and other things, he still didn’t know about the furor over Xie Lingya’s mosquito-repelling talismans .
“Yes, it’s a shame we hadn’t kept in contact as much . Taihe Temple is the leader of Niuyang Taoist Association after all—from now on, we will definitely visit more often,” Xie Lingya said modestly . “By the way, on what aspect of Taoism was today’s lecture about again?”
“Lecture?” Mao Zhengqing once more checked the information he received to make sure he hadn’t remembered it wrong, and said, “You must’ve misheard—this isn’t a lecture on Taoism, but a meeting of Taoist temples’ music bands . ”
Xie Lingya: “???”
The priest explained, “That is, our Taihe Taoist Music Band would like to share their performing experience with other bands in the association . Although Baoyang doesn’t have a band, I thought you could attend anyway . The main purpose was for you to get to know more of your peers and give us the opportunity to express our gratitude . ”
Xie Lingya: “……”
…Eh, no wonder Uncle didn’t like to come here . They have enough people to provide musical accompaniment for ceremonies and form a band . It makes Baoyang look even more desolate in comparison!
Mao Zhengqing introduced Xie Lingya to Taihe’s leaders . Among them was the priest who had jumped off the building the other day . He still had his leg in a plaster cast and moved stiffly .
He didn’t jump of his own will but because he had been possessed by the malevolent spirit . Unfortunately, as the poor man was quite elderly, it was hard to tell how long it would take for the fracture to heal .
The other two priests also came to thank Xie Lingya . That day, they had lost consciousness right after the fight and failed to do that .
Regrettably, Abbot Chen was still recuperating and did not make an appearance . Officially, Chen Shansheng was ill, but Xie Lingya knew he was injured because he’d failed to break a curse and suffered a backlash . It seemed he had been severely weakened .
“What about that shi niang?” Xie Lingya asked again .
Mao Zhengqing replied coldly, “She was already at the limits of her power that day and she spent her last energy animating the corpse . She died not long after we brought her back . She and her husband had a bit of a reputation in Boshan province back in the day, but then they were involved with a wealthy businessman in some shady affairs and ran into some trouble . In the end, they were chased out of Boshan and were casting curses for people to earn some quick cash . ”
Rearing ghosts and zombies had always been a risky business . Moreover, the malevolent spirits she’d caught were exceptionally fierce . It was true that using them greatly increased the user’s power, but it came at the risk of suffering a sudden backlash . What’s more that the husband and wife usually took up transactions that were high-risk… As the saying goes, if you often walk along the river bank, you can’t avoid having wet shoes .
Xie Lingya nodded . Money was nice, but he preferred to live honestly and draw mosquito-repelling talismans worth twenty yuan apiece…
At the meeting, the Taihe Taoist Music Band not only performed Taoist classics like the “Tao Te Ching”, they also performed a few pop songs that they rehearsed in their free time . Xie Lingya was envious as he watched .
Damn, next time he would start a Baoyang Taoist Music Band and make them play “Little Leaping Frog” for him during the off-hours!
There were other members of the Taoist Association attending the event—presumably they came to listen to the performance or were part of a band . They saw that Xie Lingya was a new face, so they came over to say hello and ask where he’s from .
As soon as Mao Zhengqing mentioned Baoyang Temple, a priest interjected, “The one that has no mosquitoes?”
Mao Zhengqing was confused . “What doesn’t have mosquitoes?”
“Their Baoyang Temple! The one in the city centre, right?” the priest said . “Yesterday, a worshipper at the Chenghuang Temple5 said that recently Baoyang Temple has been selling mosquito-repelling talismans and that the whole temple was completely mosquito-free because of said talismans . Now, a lot of people go there to see if there really are none . ”
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Mao Zhengqing understood then . “Oh, so you’ve also studied minor talismans, Xiao Xie Jushi,” he said,
“Did they mention the other talismans we have?” Xie Lingya was more concerned about this . He really didn’t want “mosquito repellant” to become the first thing people thought about hearing Baoyang’s name .
“Uh, I didn’t pay too much attention to that . So… is the mosquito-repelling talisman real?” the priest asked with curiosity .
Although there were many types of minor talismans, the mosquito-repelling talisman was created by Wang Ziran and had once been a trademark of the temple he belonged to; it wasn’t shared to outsiders . This was nothing unusual—many Taoist sects focusing on talismans had their own unique techniques .
Even if there were no barriers to passing down the knowledge, a person’s energy is limited—rather than studying minor talismans, many people would rather practice other types of magical charms . Moreover, not everyone could achieve the degree of proficiency high enough for the talisman to work with as perfect efficiency as the ones made by the genius, Xie Lingya .
Without a doubt, the talisman’s effectiveness was related to the maker’s talents and skills . Not everyone was a genius . Even if someone had a natural talent, they wouldn’t necessarily become Taoist priests; even if they did, it might be because they were sincere believers and only wanted to serve the gods .
Xie Lingya said generously, “It’s real . You’re welcome to come look for mosquitoes too . ”
Their conversation caught the attention of other priests . The news about Baoyang’s mosquito-repelling talismans were still spreading; many of them hadn’t heard about it yet, and their interest was piqued .
“I am so jealous, you have such a practical minor talisman . ”
“Really? Not even one mosquito?”
“How big is the area of the effective range?”
The conversation continued to derail . Xie Lingya patted himself down for a moment . “Too bad I didn’t bring any with me or I would put it up here and let you see it for yourselves… Oh, right—Mao Daozhang, you probably have talisman paper and cinnabar here, right? I can draw one on the spot . ”
Xie Lingya really didn’t have the talisman with him, but he would’ve said he didn’t even if he did .
After all, this was such a good opportunity . With so many peers here, of course he had to use the chance to get to know more people and, by the way, tell everyone: We at Baoyang Temple have some real skills, we welcome you to jump ship .
The Taoist priests were indeed intrigued—the mosquito-repelling talisman seemed to be unique to Baoyang Temple .
Mao Zhengqing was indebted to Xie Lingya and besides that, he wanted to have a good relationship with him too . He would be happy to see him have a good time exchanging ideas with everyone, so he agreed to allow a demonstration later, adding “Hehe, Xiao Xie Jushi’s talisman drawing speed is very fast, you’ll see . ”
By the time the lecture adjourned, Xie Lingya had already exchanged WeChat contacts with the other priests and everyone headed downstairs together . Mao Zhengqing led everyone to a meditation room . The rooms in this area were used by priests for meditation, drawing talismans, and so on .
Inside, there was an altar with items such as incense, joss sticks, talisman paper, and cinnabar on it, as well as a wooden sofa and tea table for taking a rest . The priests stood to the side to watch .
Xie Lingya walked to the altar, picked up a piece of talisman paper, dipped a brush in cinnabar, and moved over to the sofa .
For a moment, no one reacted, everyone just stared at him .
The door to the room was still open and sounds from outside were coming in . There weren’t any chairs, so Xie Linya sat on the sofa, leaned over the tea table, and began to draw . He didn’t feel comfortable standing .
Everyone: ???
Hold on, why is he lying on his stomach?
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The priest from Chenghuang Temple was dazed . He whispered, “Our school doesn’t specialize in talismans, so I might not know—is this some new sort of ritual?”
Everyone turned to look at Mao Zhengqing, but Mao Zhengqing was speechless too . He only knew that Xie Lingya could draw talismans quickly but he didn’t know he could also draw them hunched over! Wasn’t this the same as elementary school students doing their homework?
This was a severe blow to the confidence of the priests who had to bathe and burn incense6 before drawing talismans!
Xie Lingya had drawn so many mosquito-repelling talismans these days that he couldn’t be more familiar with it . Not even needing to think, he completed the symbol without a single pause . Including the time he spent to pick up the paper and cinnabar, the total time used was less than a minute .
He didn’t feel there was anything wrong with his posture or process . Zhang Daoting had never commented on it, and neither did Shi Changxuan, who only gave him a few more glances .
“Generally speaking, it could only guarantee an area of roughly ten square meters to be mosquito-free . The further away, the weaker the effect . ” As for the duration, he didn’t comment on that detail since he didn’t know it . After all, none of the talismans in the temple had stopped working yet .
As Xie Lingya explained, he pasted the talisman on the wall . Seeing everyone’s shocked expressions, he believed they were surprised by his description on its effectiveness, and felt proud . Yes! I succeeded in showing off!
…Suddenly, I feel like I’ve never learned drawing talismans, the priests thought in their hearts . Uh, although there were no rules regarding what posture one should take when drawing, but doing it so casually… shouldn’t the failure rate be very high?
However, as soon as the talisman was stuck onto the wall, the faint buzzing sound in the background vanished . Taihe Temple was located in the outskirts and surrounded by greenery, so there were even more bugs here than in the city .
And the ease with which Xie Lingya drew the talisman! The priest from Chenghuang Temple finally understood how Baoyang was able to sell so many talismans .
There was a strong premonition in everyone’s heart—Baoyang’s luck was changing!
Xie Lingya finally saw Shi Changxuan at dinner . Recalling Ding Aima’s question, he asked, “Shi Daozhang, do you know how ghosts feel when they’re purified? And do most ghosts hope to be purified?”
Shi Changxuan: “… I don’t know . ”
See! Even Shi Daozhang can’t answer!
Xie Lingya thought that sure enough, it wasn’t that he didn’t study properly but that these questions were too difficult .
Xie Lingya noticed Shi Changxuan was still looking at him, so he explained, “I want to send off a ghost, but this ghost is exceptionally timid . This cowardly ghost kept asking me all these questions, but I couldn’t answer . Well, since you don’t know either, I have no choice but to investigate this further on my own . ”
Shi Changxuan: “……”
Professional matters out of the way, Xie Lingya then asked casually, “I heard from Mao Daozhang that you might be continuing your cultivation in Niuyang? Will you be lodging in Taihe Temple?”
Shi Changxuan looked at him . “He is mistaken . I’m preparing to start my graduate studies in Quedong College . Taihe Temple is too far away, it is inconvenient for attending classes . ”
Xie Lingya: “Graduate studies? I thought you were a full-time priest!”
Huoju daoshi, being secular Taoists, could have another job to earn a living . However, with Shi Changxuan’s family background, Xie Lingya didn’t believe he had to worry about a lack of money . What’s more, the first time he saw Shi Changxuan, the man was presiding over a ritual, so he really didn’t expect this .
It took a long moment for Xie Lingya snap out of his daze . “…Oh, so the rain-invoking ceremony was a summer job?”
Shi Changxuan: “………………”
Shi Changxuan opened his mouth but in the end, didn’t say anything . Perhaps even he himself was confused .
Xie Lingya pulled out his student ID from his pocket . “By the way, I graduated from Quedong College . If I had managed to pass the admission test I would be in the graduate program with you! What a pity!”
Shi Changxuan finally responded, in a slightly suspicious tone, “You didn’t return your student ID after graduation?”
Xie Lingya: “……”
“There was a lot going on then and I forgot . It is not a fake ID and I didn’t keep it deliberately,” he said, awkward . “Right, what are you majoring in?” He suddenly thought of something and raised his hand . “Wait, don’t tell me, I’ve figured it out—Department of Philosophy, Religious Studies, right?”
In the whole country, there were only twenty or thirty higher education institutions which offered majors in religious studies . Quedong College was one of them . No wonder Shi Changxuan came to Niuyang City—this should be the only college in Quedong Province that offered this major . If he didn’t want to be too far away from home, it was the best choice .
It wasn’t a popular major . Xie Lingya recalled that many of his classmates ignorantly believed that students graduating from that major would become monks, priests or other clergymen, but religious studies7 was actually the opposite of theology .
Unlike Shi Changxuan, many of the people in that academic field weren’t believers . They studied religious behavior and belief from an observer’s perspective, purely objective .
As expected, Shi Changxuan nodded .
Xie Lingya thought this major was very fitting for Shi Changxuan . He said, “I’m familiar with Quedong College . If you need any help, just let me know . ”
Shi Changxuan glanced at him and nodded .
“……” Sigh, why did you look at me again? Every time Shi Changxuan looked at him, Xie Lingya felt the meaning in his eyes was subtly different but couldn’t quite place how .
Xie Lingya left after the meal . When he got back to Baoyang Temple, it was quite lively .
Baoyang wasn’t big, so it didn’t take a large number of people for the inside to seem crowded, and visitors occasionally coming in and out added to the hustle and bustle . There were also many people standing at the temple entrance, probably attracted by the commotion or curious why there were so many people inside .
When Xie Lingya approached, he heard a man exclaim loudly to his friend, “It is all just a ploy to attract visitors . Although I haven’t cracked it yet, it is surely just some trick . Getting cured just by praying to a clay statue? What a load of rubbish!”
His companion said helplessly, “Keep your voice down, everyone can hear you . Have some respect even if you don’t believe it . ”
Xie Lingya couldn’t help but throw him a few more glances .
The man saw Xie Lingya staring at himself and said defiantly, “So what if they can hear? I can’t speak if I don’t believe?”
Xie Lingya looked around, making sure that the man was talking to him, and replied seriously, “I just want to say, the Spirit Official’s statue has already been replaced—it’s brass now, and will be consecrated in a few days . Anyway, don’t say it is a clay statue anymore . ”
The venerable founder is so concerned about his dignity . Say whatever you want, but why of all things you must bring up his dark history?
Translator’s Notes: Shidi – ‘Junior Apprentice Brother(s)’ – junior male fellow student(s) or apprentice(s) . Jushi – Lay Taoist practitioner (as opposed to formally ordained priest) . Chenghuang Temple – City God Temple; the Chenghuangshen (literally: “god of the moat and the walls” or “god of the boundary’), is a tutelary deity or deities in Chinese folk religion who is believed to protect the people and the affairs of the particular village, town or city of great dimension, and the corresponding afterlife location . (Wikipedia) Religious studies, also known as the study of religion, is an academic field devoted to research into religious beliefs, behaviors, and institutions . It describes, compares, interprets, and explains religion, emphasizing systematic, historically based, and cross-cultural perspectives . (Wikipedia)