Although the Heavenly Master Temple in Luoshui City is far more magnificent than the Crow Daoist's half-mountain Taoist Temple, it is far worse than the solipsistic view of Jingnan that is faintly the center of the town, and it is only slightly conspicuous among the various merchant houses in the city.

The believers and pilgrims who go to the Heavenly Master Temple are only a few occasional people, although this Luoshui City is becoming more and more prosperous, the mainstream is the heroes who come from all over the rivers and lakes to fight and intrigue, and the people who have honestly cultivated in the local area are only very few, and then there are Buddhism Pure Land Zen Temple, Maoshan School of Taoism and so on, this incense is not very vigorous.

As soon as Xiao Xia and the old man Aguris walked, they happened to see a few merchants going to the Heavenly Master's Temple to pray for incense, and this kind of merchants were the most common believers in Qingzhou Daomen. The old man couldn't help but talk to them along the way, and these merchants were also well-informed, and they were only slightly surprised by the different appearances of Agulis and Minks, and they also talked casually. They had only come to Luoshui City in the past few days, so naturally they didn't know about the two Euro Baiyi that had been boiling some time ago.

Before these merchants set off together, they made a wish in the local Heavenly Master Temple, and asked for a peace charm, and now that they have really completed this transaction safely, they will naturally come to the Heavenly Master Temple to repay their wishes, and at the same time ask for a wish to return home safely.

Naturally, there is a god in charge of the safety of the journey in the Heavenly Master Sect True Spiritual Karma Map, which is a postman in the early days of the previous dynasty, and finally held a high position in the court after many adventures. It benefits countless travelers all over the world and makes the government decrees of the previous dynasty accessible. After getting a good death, he was rewarded by the court, and many people paid tribute to him, so he was accepted by the Heavenly Master Sect on the true spiritual karma map. He has become the road god who is in charge of the journey of the world.

After offering melon and fruit offerings and sesame oil money to the road, the merchants received several peace charms from the Taoist, which were said to make the journey much smoother.

"It's still a false god, and the law of divine power on it is so weak that there is almost nothing"

Old man Aguris borrowed a peace charm from a merchant, looked at it briefly, sighed, and returned it to the merchant. The merchant didn't understand it, so he didn't care, and he put the peace charm in his arms. Agulis couldn't help but shake his head when he saw it: "I don't feel that even he himself is very religious, is it because he himself knows that this is just a false god?

Of course, Xiao Xia had seen a lot of similar peace charms before, and he couldn't see anything at that time, but now his vision has long been different. With the reminder of the old man Agulis, he looked intently, and sure enough, he could see that there was indeed a faint trace of the extremely weak law of heaven and earth looming on the talisman.

According to Xiao Xia's judgment, this trace of the law of heaven and earth will indeed have some impact on this person's luck during the journey, although the effect is also so weak that it is almost invisible, for example, when encountering a sudden shower, it should have been drenched into a soup chicken, but it can pick up a broad-leaved branch to cover the rain, and the soup chicken is inevitable, but it is better than nothing. Originally, it was supposed to be ten taels of silver for lying in bed for three days, but it was possible that it was only nine taels and nine dollars. This change is extremely slight and dispensable, and it is extremely difficult for ordinary people to notice the difference.

Of course, the so-called sincerity is spiritual. If you sincerely pray to the gods, you will indeed gain more effect, such as finding a place to take shelter from the rain for a while. The illness suffered during the trip was milder. But in the end, these are only minor influences, and will not have an essential impact on many of the more serious changes. If you bump into a robber, an enemy, a thief or something, it's useless. After all, this effect only comes from the thousands of wishes of the people of the world for a safe journey, which the Heavenly Master Sect has collected under the pretense of using the True Spiritual Karma Bitmap. The human desire power is naturally one of the great powers of heaven and earth, and it resonates closely with the laws of heaven and earth and the universe, but what is gathered by such deliberate means is only a rootless tree, and condensing the law body like Jin Lingzi Dao is already the limit, and the role that other places can play is even less. That's what Old Man Aguris and Minks call false gods.

At this time, a merchant went to ask for another amulet to pray for an heir, but this time he was much more upright in both the incense and candles he offered and his own attitude, and after obtaining the amulet, he also treasured it in his bosom and hid it.

After the companions on the side saw the merchant's actions, some people immediately began to clamour: "Jia Da, you ask for a child charm everywhere you go, and it's not too troublesome." According to what I said, go find someone who is famous, whether it is a Taoist temple or a monk temple, it doesn't matter whether it is a nursing mother or a child Guanyin, a one-time offer of hundreds or thousands of taels of sesame oil money, and knock it down at one time, that is the most effective means. ”

"Do you think it's about talking about buying and selling and giving kickbacks? I have made a sincere wish to every Niangniang Bodhisattva, as long as the inner son wears it and gives birth to a big white fat boy to my Jia family, there will be 1,000 taels of silver sesame oil money for it immediately, saying that there is no deception."

"They just interpret the gods according to their own ** and habits, or they simply use the gods as a tool to use their beliefs" The old man Aguris listened to the conversation of several merchants, and couldn't help but sigh, he could basically understand the hard work of Guò these days. They seem to understand that what they believe in is a false god at all. ”

Xiao Xia said casually: "What they believe in is actually the gods created in their hearts, and they will believe in what they want to believe." ”

"Seems to be true," Agouris thought for a moment and shook his head. "But isn't your sect called the 'Religion of Truth,' and why don't you lead people to explore the truth and believe in the truth, but instead create false gods to confuse them?"

Perhaps it was because the truth was too difficult and too far away from them, so they made something closer and simpler for them to understand. Xiao Xia thought for a moment and replied. After all, whether it is the patriarch of Taoism or Confucianism, they all think that the truth is actually very extravagant and difficult to understand. It can't be understood by ordinary people. For example, these merchants, as well as those ordinary people who are usually running around for life. They would never be interested in such a difficult thing as the truth of the world, how the world works. All they care about is how much money they can earn today, how much improvement they can bring to their families and lives, and what the world is like, they don't care at all. ”

"But this is indeed a deception, shouldn't we be born to pursue the truth?"

The pursuit of truth is of course the noblest and most admirable act, but it is true that there are too many people who do not have the ability or interest to pursue the truth, and it is a compromise that many sages have come up with to show them a simple path that seems to be related to the truth but is actually suitable for them. Xiao Xia pointed to the statue of Zhang Tianshi in the middle of the main hall. "The Pope who founded the 'Orthodox' sect was like that. I have told you about his deeds. ”

"Yes, he is a well-deserved great hero, politician, leader. But not a true clergyman. At least from our Eurotic point of view. Agulis shook his head. And the sect he founded has a political meaning more than a religious one. ”

"I think he must have felt that way himself," Natsu smiled. The saints taught Shinto, but they did not return to Shinto. In that chaotic world, the newly created Jingnan was well organized and vibrant, and the people's hearts were united.

From the point of view of the world, this is a great achievement, but it is not strictly the fundamental doctrine of Taoism. Ultimately. In the fundamental scriptures of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Taoism, the things of ghosts and gods are all mentioned in one stroke, and they are avoided and not discussed, not because they are taboo or unspeakable, but compared to the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth, these are just one of the links. To say a lot is to sacrifice the basics, but in front of ordinary village husbands and fools, it is this simple and intuitive concept of gods and monsters that is the easiest to understand.

At this time, a Taoist man came not far away. In fact, it starts with entering the Heavenly Master Concept. The appearance of the old man Aguris and Minks attracted the attention of the Guanzhong Taoist, and they also recognized Xiao Xia who came together. It's just that a few Taoists exchanged glances with each other, but they all showed embarrassment. He didn't say hello. But seeing that they were just chatting with a few businessmen, pilgrims, and their own homes, finally a Taoist couldn't help it, and stepped forward to make a mockery to Xiao Xia: "Qingfeng Dao is long, poor Dao is so polite." Today, the Taoist chief should have been invited to discuss important matters, right?"

"Exactly. Xiao Xia returned the salute and agreed.

"But we only invited one Taoist in our letter" This person looked embarrassed, looking at Xiao Xia's side of Agulis and Minks, the two strange-looking Fanbang barbarians, as well as Mingyue and Tianhe ghosts not far away.

"These are all friends of the poor road, and they are also witnesses of the events of the day, so it is very fitting that they come together to discuss this matter. Xiao Xia pretended not to understand what this person meant. Now is an extraordinary period, whether it is to prevent the Xiong Gui duo or the Heavenly Master Sect itself, Xiao Xia has no intention of rushing to the meeting alone.

The man thought for a moment and said, "Then please wait here for these donors, and you will come alone with the poor Dao." ”

"Oh?" Xiao Xia was slightly surprised, shook her head and replied, "This is a little inappropriate. Poor Dao was ordered by the state pastor to accompany this old man all the way. In my opinion, it is better to explain something in front of everyone. ”

"This" The embarrassment on the face of the Daoist became heavier and heavier, he thought about it, looked around and whispered: "Actually, there is a big man in my sect who came to this Luoshui City, and after hearing about the Qingfeng Dao Chief, he designated to see the Qingfeng Dao Chief. Don't hide from you that the identity of this big man is not trivial, and it is definitely beneficial for the Qingfeng Dao Leader to meet him. ”

Looking at the mysterious expression on this person's face, as if with a bit of invitation and show off, Xiao Xia only felt a little funny and a little vigilant. The relationship between himself and the Heavenly Master Sect is extremely inappropriate, the more high-level people are, the more likely they are to know the true talisman of all things, and this person doesn't know that he still makes such a look. However, he naturally didn't say anything about this matter, but just shook his head and refused: "The entrustment of the state pastor, the poor Dao dare not be careless." Daoyou also knew that the Yongzhou army sent people here, and it seemed that it was going to be unfavorable to these two foreign nobles, and Poor Dao didn't dare to leave these two to go to a private meeting with some noble people. If it's really inconvenient. I'll put this matter aside for the time being, and I'll talk about it later. ”

The man didn't expect Xiao Xia to answer like this. Suddenly stunned, turned around and looked at each other with a few other Taoists, not knowing what to do.

"Mr. Xia. Looks like they're asking you to go and talk about some confidential matter privately? Then we can wait for you here first. Agulis kindly reminded him, but Natsu smiled and waved his hand to indicate that he didn't need to, and turned around to walk outside.

"Wait a minute, Qingfeng Daoist, please stay!" Seeing this, several Daoists from the Heavenly Master Sect over there were a little panicked and greeted them repeatedly. "Qingfeng Daoist, please stay, let us go and talk back first. ”

Seeing the two Taoist priests turn around and run in a panic, Xiao Xia frowned slightly. He was a little disgusted and wary of this inexplicable master's summons, any unnecessary twists and turns in this sensitive season could be avoided, if that adult still insisted on letting him meet alone. He could only turn around and leave.

Fortunately, it didn't take long for the two Taoist priests to turn back out of breath and say, "That lord said, if the Qingfeng Daoist insists on doing so, he will also invite a few of them to go with him." ”

These words made Xiao Xia slightly relieved. Jin Lingzi died at the hands of himself and Minks after all, although he finally pushed it to the general's mansion, but he always took the loss, and it was unreasonable not to come to the door to give people an explanation.

Under the leadership of those Taoist priests, Xiao Xia and his entourage came to a small backyard of the Heavenly Master Temple, and several Taoist priests stopped at the gate of the small courtyard. Only one person cautiously walked into the briefing. Looking at the respectful and cautious appearance of that Dao person, Xiao Xia was really a little curious about this so-called Heavenly Master Sect master. For the Heavenly Master Sect, the fundamental place is Jingnan, and then there is Jingbei, Shuzhou and the hinterland of the Central Plains. As for the frequent wars and unrest in this remote Hebei and Qingdao prefectures, generally speaking, they don't pay much attention to it, and the middle and high-level members of the sect rarely move around this way. But look at the cautious appearance of these Taoist priests. The small courtyard was also clearly cleaned and arranged, and this was a report and a reply, and the style of standing at the door and not daring to trespass. It's a little bit like a person in the Daomen.

After a short time, the Taoist who reported came out and signaled that Xiao Xia and the others could go in. He led several other Taoists to retreat far away.

"What kind of bird is this, I don't know and think that the emperor lives in it. Tianhe Ghost took a sip, the demeanor and demeanor of these Taoist priests had long been unpleasant to his eyes. "There are the most rules in Longhu Mountain in the bull's nose, and it looks the most compliant. If you want to say that the Taoist masters of the True Martial Sect really have the demeanor of a monk, and their skills and virtues are all convincing, it's a pity that they only care about practicing martial arts in the Qing Dynasty and don't move around much on the rivers and lakes. ”

Agouris also nodded: "Mr. Xia also said that the same basic doctrine has evolved into a completely different style of sect? ”

"The Zhengyi Sect has been in charge of the Dao Sect for hundreds of years, and it is natural that the rules are much greater. Xiao Xia replied casually and walked towards the small courtyard.

The small courtyard was cleaned spotlessly, and it could be seen that it had been carefully arranged, but the temporarily transplanted plants and decorations looked a little stiff, after all, the Heavenly Master Concept was not too prominent in this Luoshui City, and the death of Jin Lingzi Daoren some time ago was a group of dragons who were in a hurry for a while, and it must have been a little powerless to receive this big man in the sect.

Beyond the screen rockery at the entrance of the small courtyard, the scene in the courtyard fell into the eyes of everyone. A stove of incense was lit in the small courtyard, and a middle-aged Taoist was sitting on a Taishi chair savoring a cup of tea in his hand, his face was upright, his demeanor was solemn, the Taoist robe on his body and the hibiscus gold crown on his head were meticulously cared for, and the whole person revealed a solemn and solemn aura, as if he was a character in the altar scroll.

Seeing Xiao Xia and his party appear, the middle-aged Taoist looked up and saw that there seemed to be thunder flashing in his eyes, not angry but mighty.

Xiao Xia suddenly froze. This middle-aged Taoist he had seen not long ago, when this man was in mid-air, in the thunderous waves like the ocean.

"Dragon Tiger Mountain Zhang Tianshi, why are you?" Mingyue exclaimed.

"Oh, could this be the sect master of the 'Zhengyi' sect of the Shinrikyo Sect?" Old man Aguris was also surprised, these days he had already learned a lot about the situation in the land of Shenzhou from Xiao Xia.

Except for Minks, who was stunned and couldn't understand, even the Tianhe ghost was shocked. After all, this is the nominal leader of the Dao Sect in the world, and the first person in the righteous path who approves the Demon Extermination Order every year, even though this name is a little watery, but it cannot be ignored for any Jianghu person.

Xiao Xia didn't move, and there was no expression on her face.

In fact, at the first glance of recognizing Zhang Tianshi, he was so surprised that he almost lost control, and he couldn't help but mobilize the Ten Thousand True Talismans and sacrifice the strongest means that could be used by a Qiē such as the Qiantian Lock Demon Talisman. But in the next moment, he understood that this was not necessary, because he really didn't feel any hostility, nor could he detect any fluctuations in the laws of heaven and earth.

He was already very familiar with the spells taught by the Heavenly Master, and the perception with the help of the True Talisman of All Things was even more incomparable, when he was face to face with him, even Zhang Yuhong could not suddenly make a sudden move without any reason, let alone Zhang Tianshi, whose cultivation was even weaker by one or two, and could only rely on the power of faith at most. Since Xiao Xia didn't feel that he was going to make a move, it meant that he really didn't want to make a move.

What's more, if you really want to do it, you can slowly set up another trap and ambush, so in front of many of them, it is really not a good time to do it.

Zhang Tianshi just looked at Xiao Xia quietly, whether it was the hideous-looking Tianhe ghost, the brilliant girl Mingyue, or the two Fanbang barbarians with different shapes, the other people next to him didn't seem to be worth caring about at all.

"I came to you today because I have something important to say to you. Now that you've seen that I don't have any ill intentions, can we talk about it alone?"

Zhang Tianshi put down the tea cup in his hand, looked at Xiao Xia and said slowly.

PS: Confucius said that 'below the sergeant, you can't speak', 'only the superior is wise and the lower is unswerving', and sighed that he can't do it, but he must ride the float and the sea, because he sincerely feels that there are many fools in the world and cannot be educated. Lao Tzu said, 'The corporal laughed when he heard the Tao', 'The people can make it impossible to know it', and so on, which also means the same. As for the Buddhist scriptures, they are all kinds of cold and unspeakable, and they are not for ordinary people at all.

Note that there is already a fundamental difference between 'people' and 'scholars'. Sergeant and above, how can it be a thousand-in-a-mile level. The two sect leaders of Kong Lao are actually very cold in their bones.

As for the so-called three religions of the core of Chinese culture that were derived later, in fact, they are more or less contrary to the fundamental meaning of these three doctrines. Then some people hold stinky meat and rotten meat as treasures, and some people make noise that they shouldn't eat meat at all, they should eat.

The things of the ancestors are not bad, but they have been crooked all the way to the building for thousands of years, and they have really been crooked.

PS2: Family crisis, it's so annoying, I have to go to the trouble of writing these things thanklessly, it's fucking self-inflicted. It's just that I always want to write something that makes some sense. (To be continued......)