Chapter 30

Chapter 664: Ascend the Mountain Knowing the Path (入山先探路), Set Sail Knowing the Wind (出海先探風) (2)

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A boat carrying several fangshi arrived at the ferry of Zhongtian.

The soldiers guarding the place did not suspect the fangshi. Instead, they even helped the boat dock safely.

"Where are you coming from?"

Before the soldier could inspect the faces of the fangshi, he did not recognize that one of them was Bifang. Bifang did not bother to reveal his identity as a guest of Lü Bu.

Seeing that Bifang did not want to step forward, the old fangshi Shangshanchao replied.

"We just arrived by boat from Linjin."

"The old Daoist is lucky. According to the report, the Guanshexun army is being chased away by us in Huayin. If you had passed through there, you might have been caught in their retaliation."

"Hehe! Is that so?"

"After all, fangshi are in danger wherever they go unless they are under the protection of General Lü Bu. Due to the turmoil, fangshi are not treated as people anywhere..."

At this, Shangshanchao asked in a gentle tone.

"Thank you for your kind words. But why does General Lü Bu not persecute us fangshi? I heard that General Lü Bu holds a high position in the state and has many followers like clouds..."

"The old Daoist must have been in the mountains for a long time. There is a fangshi who helps our General Lü Bu, and thanks to him, many soldiers have survived."

The soldier enthusiastically praised Bifang's achievements, spitting as he spoke.

"Such a great fangshi helps General Lü. What is his dao name?"

Shangshanchao, pretending not to know, asked. At that moment, Bifang removed his bamboo hat and stepped forward.

"I am Bifang."

When Bifang stepped forward, the soldier of Lü Bu's army exclaimed.

"Oh! Why has the Daoist come here...? I will escort you to the governor's office."

The soldier's reaction seemed exaggerated, but Bifang and Cao Chong had indeed created the Golden Wound Mountain. No soldier under Lü Bu had failed to witness the effectiveness of the Golden Wound Mountain created by Bifang and Cao Chong. Therefore, it was not unreasonable for this soldier to praise Bifang.

Bifang finally managed to save face in front of the other fangshi.

He had mentioned that he received generous treatment from Lü Bu at Xianyang Palace, but now he had finally proven it.

The fact that even a lowly soldier treated Bifang with respect made him feel very good.

"I have a favor to ask."

"Please speak, Daoist."

"I have brought some distinguished guests. I hope you can inform General Lü beforehand."

* * *

Lü Bu was reading a report sent by Jia Xu from Liangzhou and discussing it with Guo Jia.

"Mr. Jia seems determined to leave no trace of the Qiang people."

"General, I don't think that's the case."

"The report says that all the male members of the Zongzun clan have been executed. Moreover, it mentions that Jia Xu's subordinates will destroy the Zongzun clan's base..."

"In my opinion, Mr. Jia is trying to eliminate variables."

Guo Jia explained to Lü Bu why Jia Xu might be doing this. The variables he referred to were groups like the Zongzun clan, who lacked principles and could side with anyone.

"If the variables are eliminated, what is Mr. Jia aiming for?"

"I am not well-versed in Liangzhou affairs, so I can only provide a general opinion."

"Go on."

"Consider the case of the Wuhuan. I mean, Lord Tie, who is now the King of Solong."

Lü Bu slapped his knee, finally understanding what Jia Xu was up to.

"Even among the Qiang people, there must be internal conflicts. Aligning with one group and attacking another is likely the main strategy for pacifying Liangzhou..."

"You are correct. However, from the report, it seems Mr. Jia has not yet decided which group to align with."

"Surely he didn't send the report to ask me to decide?"

"Even I am not sure. Mr. Jia's grand plan only becomes clear after some time has passed."

Lü Bu nodded, agreeing with Guo Jia. At that moment, Xiang Kai entered quietly and bowed.

"Lord, Daoist Bi has brought several fangshi and requests an audience."

"Daoist Bi...?"

Lü Bu turned to Guo Jia. When Guo Jia nodded slightly, Lü Bu said to Xiang Kai.

"Bring them here."

A short while later.

Lü Bu faced the fangshi brought by Bifang. He clasped his hands together in a respectful gesture. Whether the fangshi were famous or not was not particularly important to Lü Bu.

"Lü Bu Fengxian greets the fangshi."

Lü Bu's respectful greeting surprised Shangshanchao.

The status of fangshi in the current world had narrowed unprecedentedly. Moreover, for Lü Bu, a high-ranking official, to greet them first made him stand out from other warlords.

Dongguo Lian also shared Shangshanchao's thoughts.

'For a high-ranking official like Lü Bu to greet us first? This would never happen in meetings with other warlords. Perhaps Lü Bu's capacity is even greater than what Bifang has told us.'

Whether Lü Bu truly respected the fangshi or was just being hospitable for some ulterior motive, it was clear that he was different from other warlords.

"I apologize to General Lü for bringing these guests without prior notice. It is quite impolite."

Bifang bowed, and Lü Bu waved his hands vigorously.

"No, no. Daoist Bi wouldn't come to see me without a reason. So, why did you come all the way from Henei?"

Shangshanchao stepped forward, clasping his hands together.

"I am Shangshanchao, an old man known by this humble name."

"I am not well-versed in fangshi. The only fangshi I know is Daoist Bi, and I have only seen Daoist Wang a few times on the way..."

Lü Bu glanced at Ji Da and continued.

"I think I have met this Daoist once."

"Actually, Bifang and several other Daoists have gathered to seek General Lü's assistance. Fangshi have traditionally lived among the people, but now our position has greatly diminished."

Shangshanchao began by explaining the current situation of the fangshi.

"The Yellow Turbans caused such chaos; how could the people of the world look at us fangshi with kind eyes?"

"To be fair, the Taiping Dao does not represent all of us fangshi."

"To the common people, it's all the same."

Shangshanchao was a bit disappointed by Lü Bu's words but did not lose hope.

"We fangshi wish to restore our honor, which was tarnished by the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and contribute to the people of the world."

"How so?"

"With General Lü's support, we can achieve this."

"Support... I will be honest."

Lü Bu looked at Bifang and continued.

"Daoist Bi has indeed been very helpful. However, I am not sure if other fangshi can be of any use to me. I certainly won't protect those who disgrace women."

"Such things will not happen. Among those who share our ideals, there is no one who would do such deeds."

"I won't beat around the bush. What do you fangshi want in return for relying on me?"

"We will assist General Lü in his quest for supremacy. In return, we ask you to suppress the Wudoumidao."

At this, Lü Bu tilted his head.

"Wudoumidao?"

Guo Jia whispered.

"General, there are groups like the Taiping Dao in Bashu. They are called the Wudoumidao. They require five measures of grain for initiation."

"They seem to be spreading a false religion."

"What more is there to say? When have Daoist groups ever benefited the world?"

Guo Jia realized he had spoken out of turn and covered his mouth with his sleeve, stepping back.

"They say the Wudoumidao will cause chaos in the world, just like the Yellow Turbans... So, what benefit would you Daoists gain if I suppress them?"

Lü Bu believed that everything in the world was determined by profit. If the Wudoumidao declined, it was natural to think that the fangshi would benefit.

"If the Wudoumidao and the Taiping Dao continue to cause chaos, we fangshi will lose our place in the world forever. We are not gathered for personal gain. We are concerned about the future of Daoism in the world."

* * *

Lü Bu, who had been listening quietly to Shangshanchao, suddenly began to sing.

- The river flows endlessly, but where are the traces of the heroes who once came?

Like the sun rising and setting, the masters of Jin City change. Jin City, do you still remember the names of your old masters?

All is futile, like the flowing river of glory and disgrace.

Below the White Gate Tower, before meeting a disgraceful death, Cao Xian sang this song for Lü Bu. Today, Lü Bu sang it for the fangshi.

"I have heard your song, General. I understand the meaning behind it and what you wish to convey."

"I am glad you understand. If the Wudoumidao rise and cause chaos like the Yellow Turbans, I will do everything in my power to stop them. However, just as the Wudoumidao followed the Taiping Dao, another group will likely fill the void left by the Wudoumidao."

"If heaven wishes to see the rise and fall of Daoism, there is nothing we can do. But heaven always provides both a crisis and an opportunity to overcome it."

"So, what opportunity do you think heaven has given?"

Shangshanchao confidently answered Lü Bu's question.

"Suppress the Wudoumidao. Then we will fill the void they leave behind. We genuinely care about the people of the world. If the chaos ends and peace returns, we will offer all our assets."

"Hahaha!"

Lü Bu suddenly burst into laughter. He waved his hands repeatedly, barely suppressing his laughter.

"I am not mocking you. But fangshi seek the Dao, not wealth. How can accumulating wealth help in seeking the Dao?"

Shangshanchao smiled.

"Our assets are for the benefit of the world."

"It sounds grand."

"Once you know the truth, you will be impressed."

"Could you just speak plainly...?"

When Lü Bu teased him, Shangshanchao revealed one of his arrangements.

"Bifang has prepared Fengyun Zhaohua for General Lü."

"Fengyun Zhaohua?"

Lü Bu repeated the familiar term. Although he could not immediately recall it, Guo Jia was by his side.

"Zhang Qinglong. General, he definitely mentioned Fengyun Zhaohua. The eldest son of the Shangshan family..."

At this, Lü Bu slapped his knee.

"Shangshanchao, are you saying that the Shangshan family has decided to follow my lead? Was this your arrangement?"

"To be precise, it was not for you but for the world. Bifang could not have predicted who would obtain Fengyun Zhaohua."

"If I had not risen, the warriors of the Shangshan family would have been mere subordinates under Yuan Shao or Gong Sunzan."

"Let's discuss the details when the children arrive. They will be here by midnight tonight."

Shangshanchao changed the subject.

"Ending the chaos is not something Bifang alone has prepared for. If you accept our request, we will assist you in your quest for supremacy."

If Guo Jia had not intervened, Lü Bu might have given an immediate answer.

"General, take some time to think about it. Don't accept it hastily."

"Mr. Guo, I don't see how I could lose. Why do you say this?"

"It could turn the scholars of the world against you. Remember, the Han dynasty is a country built on the principles of Confucianism."