, Part 2: The Wooden Box and Golden Sword Obtained on the Immortal Mountain; Mr. Heads to

Do you know Wang Mang? Of course Song Jiang knows him!

Wang Mang usurped the Han throne and established the Xin Dynasty, but his reforms ultimately led to the Green Forest and Red Eyebrow Rebellion, which captured Chang'an, and Wang Mang died in the chaos of war!

Throughout China's five-thousand-year history, there have been many outstanding emperors. Compared with many emperors, Wang Mang was indeed not outstanding, but he was an extremely special one!

The main reason was that his proposed reform plan of "Five Equalizations and Six Controls" was far too advanced for its time!

What are the Five Equalizations and Six Controls? In the simplest terms, it means that land was nationalized, salt, iron, money, and wine were all controlled by the state, arable land was allocated by the state, slavery was abolished, and the Five Equalizations and Six Controls were established to curb usury by nobles and balance prices to prevent exploitation by merchants!

Of course, there are far more than that, but even these few examples already contain some basic modern ideas!

Unfortunately, his thinking was too advanced, and people at the time could not understand it. He was also too hasty, thinking of making major reforms as soon as he took office, which ultimately led to failure!

However, many modern scholars still praise him, including calling him the first socialist in China!

But there is another theory about Wang Mang: that he was a time traveler, the same biologist who disappeared in the desert!

Whether Wang Mang was a time traveler or not, Song Jiang had no idea and no way of verifying it, but now that Master Luo mentioned Wang Mang, it was quite intriguing!

Song Jiang's biggest secret is his identity as a time traveler. He knows who are talented and who are useless, as well as the course of history. If Master Luo really knows that he is a time traveler, then if it is leaked, others might also find out, and then he will have no advantage at all!

Moreover, I fear that if the imperial court finds out, they will do anything to kill me!

After all, no one would allow someone who can foresee the future and harbors malicious intentions to exist!

The best outcome is to nip it in the bud!

Just like if Xiang Yu had known that his ultimate fate would be to commit suicide at the Wujiang River, would he still have spared Liu Bang at the Hongmen Banquet? He probably would have killed Liu Bang even though he was condemned, and the outcome of history might have been completely different!

Song Jiang really didn't know what to say. Luo Zhenren gave him a feeling of mystery and fear. He had encountered a man and a woman in the village shop in Yunmeng Village before. The woman also gave him a feeling of fear, but it was far less than Luo Zhenren in front of him!

Song Jiang took a deep breath and said, "May I ask Master Luo, where do I come from?" Since Master Luo has said so much, he might as well just tell him directly!

Master Luo smiled and said, "I've never come out before!"

Song Jiang was taken aback, then asked, "Then where should I go?"

Master Luo looked directly at Song Jiang and said, "Go where you want to go!"

Song Jiang was somewhat disappointed. These words were as good as nothing, and the mystery surrounding Master Luo in his mind immediately diminished a bit!

Seeing that Song Jiang remained silent, Master Luo smiled and said, "The layman is somewhat disappointed!"

Song Jiang did not answer!

Master Luo spoke, "You came from nothingness, and where you go is ultimately your own choice!"

Song Jiang suddenly stood up, then realized he had been a bit out of line and sat down again!

Master Luo has essentially made it clear. Song Jiang isn't stupid; if he still doesn't understand, then he's truly lived two lives in vain!

Master Luo still maintained his ethereal and otherworldly appearance. Song Jiang hesitated for a moment before speaking, "I have heard that you are proficient in the Five Thunder Heavenly Gang Technique, and can also turn beans into soldiers, summon wind and rain, and turn stones into gold. I wonder if this is true?"

Master Luo replied directly, "No!"

Song Jiang was taken aback by Luo Zhenren's directness and was speechless for a moment. However, after thinking for a while, he still asked, "May I ask if such magic exists in the world?"

Master Luo shook his head and said, "Of course not. If someone with evil intentions were to learn it, wouldn't it cause widespread suffering and bring undeserved disaster to the world?"

Song Jiang then asked, "May I ask if ghosts and gods exist in this world?"

Master Luo did not answer directly, but said, "The gods are watching from above, and spirits reside in the hearts of men!"

Song Jiang roughly understood that Master Luo meant that there were no magic spells or ghosts/gods in this world!

He breathed a sigh of relief. Without these ethereal and unreal existences, his path would undoubtedly be much easier!

Song Jiang stood up and bowed to Master Luo. This bow was sincere and without any pretense. He thanked Master Luo for clearing up his doubts and also for his compassion. Just based on Master Luo's words that if magic really existed, it would bring unwarranted disasters to the world, he was a person who truly cared about the people of the world!

As an indigenous religion of China, Taoism has produced countless practitioners who are devoted to the world, practicing in seclusion during prosperous times and emerging to save people during times of chaos. Song Jiang truly respected Taoists!

Master Luo said, "Layman, there's no need for such formalities. Since we've met by chance, I'll present you with a poem and three items!"

Song Jiang said, "My doubts have been resolved, thank you, Master! As for the gifts, I truly dare not accept them!"

Master Luo said, "No one else will know about our conversation today, not even Yi Qing. You can rest assured, layman!"

This was to give Song Jiang a guarantee. Song Jiang didn't know why Luo Zhenren said this, but he believed Luo Zhenren!

Master Luo proclaimed in unison: "Illusion and reality are both empty; what difference is there between true form and human appearance? The mortal world is but a fleeting dream; with a flash of cold light, the golden dragon is slain!"

As Song Jiang pondered the meaning of the poem, Master Luo transmitted his voice: "Yi Qing!"

After a long while, the door opened, and Gongsun Sheng and two young Taoist boys walked in carrying three wooden boxes!

Master Luo said, "The first wooden box will be opened when you return to Liangshan Marsh. As for the second and third boxes, they will be opened when the time is right. As for when they will be opened, Yiqing will inform you!"

Having said that, he said to Gongsun Sheng, "Call those two young friends here!"

Gongsun Sheng quickly went out, and then Li Zhu and Ma Ling came in!

Master Luo said to Ma Ling, "We were originally destined to be master and disciple, but due to various causes and effects, many things will change. Today, I will accept you as my disciple!"

Ma Ling was overjoyed, knelt down, and kowtowed three times, saying, "Greetings, Master!"

Master Luo smiled and said, "No need for formalities, but you still have worldly affairs to settle, so it's not suitable for you to cultivate for the time being. You can stay by Yiqing's side from now on!"

Ma Ling nodded and said, "I will obey your orders, Master!"

Master Luo then said to Li Zhu, "We are not originally destined to be master and disciple, but I will make an exception and accept you as my disciple. I hope you will remain steadfast in your faith!"

Li Zhu was overjoyed and knelt down, calling him "Master"!

Although Li Zhu's swordsmanship was superb, he was ultimately a Taoist. However, because he was too eager to kill, no Taoist temple was willing to take him in, so he had to wander around the martial world.

He was never one to settle for mediocrity, and seeing the world in such a corrupt state, he harbored rebellious thoughts, determined to change the world and make his mark. If he could truly encounter a wise ruler, with his own abilities, how could he not achieve great things!

But now, Master Luo actually wants to take me as his disciple. The number one Taoist master of this era is willing to take me as his disciple. This is truly an immense honor!

Li Zhu never expected to gain Luo Zhenren's favor, but he figured it must be related to Song Jiang!

Song Jiang himself had a high opinion of him, but unexpectedly, Master Luo thought even more highly of him, and even traveled a long distance to invite him to Erxian Mountain. Judging from the fact that the two of them seemed to have finished their conversation, what follows should all be good things!

Master Luo looked at his three disciples and said, "From now on, you three will follow Layman Song. Once you have settled your worldly affairs, you can return to Mount Erxian to cultivate the Tao with me!"

Ma Ling and Li Zhu naturally had no objections, but Gongsun Sheng looked somewhat troubled!

Master Luo said, "Yiqing, go and rest assured! I will have someone check on your mother morning and night, so you don't need to worry about her! You are associated with the Heavenly Leisure Star, so remember to prioritize the Dao in all things, and be mindful of the relationship between Heaven, Earth, humanity, and all things in the world. Take good care of your two junior brothers!"

Gongsun Sheng knelt on the ground and respectfully kowtowed three times.

Master Luo said to the group, "In that case, you may proceed!"

Song Jiang nodded, bowed, and turned to leave!

A voice came from behind: "Now that you've come this far, never forget your original aspirations!"

After a pause, Song Jiang finally left the Sanqing Temple!

While Wu Song and the others were still playing around outside, they saw Song Jiang arrive and hurriedly went to greet him!

Song Jiang, however, was thinking about an ancient secret and tradition passed down in Buddhism and Taoism.

Whenever chaos is brewing, both Buddhism and Taoism seek protectors for their sects in the world, which is essentially a form of political investment.

Such things are actually quite common. For example, the red capitalists during the chaotic Republic of China era still thrived and stood proudly in China under the new order, after all, they chose the right side!

During the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin received help from Buddhism and eventually unified the country. Whether it was Li Yuan, Li Shimin, or Li Longji, they all strongly supported Buddhism, which ushered in a golden age for Buddhism. Whether it was Xuanzang's journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures or Jianzhen's eastward voyage, both took place during the Tang Dynasty!

Unfortunately, Buddhism's power grew so much that the imperial court could no longer control it. This led to Emperor Wuzong of Tang suppressing Buddhism and promoting Taoism, nearly causing its complete annihilation. If Emperor Wuzong had not passed away and Emperor Xuanzong had not succeeded him and revived Buddhism, Buddhism might have truly never recovered!

During the Later Zhou Dynasty, Emperor Shizong Chai Rong greatly disliked Buddhism and began to suppress it extensively. Buddhism almost faced its second catastrophe. Unfortunately, Chai Rong died young, and Emperor Taizu Zhao Kuangyin seemed to have some secret dealings with Buddhism. In the end, Zhao Kuangyin ascended the throne, and Buddhism enjoyed many years of vigorous development!

Of course, Taoism was not suppressed during this period and continued to flourish. However, during the reign of Emperor Huizong, Zhao Ji (Emperor Huizong) exclusively promoted Taoism, even calling himself the "Taoist Emperor." He advocated the study of Taoist scriptures, established a Taoist academy and Taoist doctors, and modeled Taoist ranks and positions after court officials, bestowing preferential treatment upon Taoist priests and elevating their status. He even personally issued an edict requiring: "Buddha to be renamed 'Great Awakened Golden Immortal,' others to be 'Immortal Great Masters,' monks to be 'Virtuous Scholars,' female Taoist priests to be 'Female Taoists,' and nuns to be 'Virtuous Women.'" Only then did Buddhism gradually decline.

Taoism is now flourishing, does it still need protectors? Song Jiang was a little confused for a moment. Perhaps Master Luo wanted to choose him as the protector of Taoism!

Suddenly, Song Jiang remembered that in the original story, he had an inextricable connection with Taoism. The Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden gave him three volumes of heavenly books, and he had many Taoists around him, such as Gongsun Sheng, Dai Zong, Zhu Wu, and Fan Rui. On the contrary, the only Buddhists were Lu Zhishen and Wu Song!

I gave a wry smile. It seems I'm destined to stand on the same side as Taoism!

At this moment, Li Zhu stepped forward and said, "Brother, please allow me to explain!"

Song Jiang laughed and said, "No need to be so polite, Daoist!"

Unbeknownst to them, Li Zhu's address changed from "clerk" to "brother," clearly indicating that he had genuinely pledged his allegiance to Song Jiang!

Li Zhu said, "Brother, I plan to go to Huaixi with my nephew Li Huai!"

Li Zhu was originally from Huaixi and was very familiar with Huaixi. Li Zhu went to Huaixi to find some talented people to help him. However, some things could not be said too bluntly and could only be understood in words.

Song Jiang nodded and said, "In that case, be careful on your journey!"

At this moment, Mi Sheng also spoke up, "Since Daoist Li is going to Huaixi, I would like to go with him. I've been to Huaixi before and know some friends there!"

Li Zhu laughed and said, "Brother Mi Sheng is willing to travel with us, that's wonderful!"

As for whether he was willing to part with them, Song Jiang was really reluctant. These three were all high-level combatants, and their departure would be a huge loss to Liangshan, even if it was only temporary!

For the sake of Liangshan, sometimes there was no other way but to be reluctant. Song Jiang took out the ten thousand taels of silver notes that Chai Jin had given him, counted them out in two halves, five thousand taels each, and then gave them to Li Zhu and Mi Sheng, saying, "The road ahead is fraught with danger, do not refuse!"

The three men's eyes were a little moist. Song Jiang trusted them so much that some words might be pale and powerless, and it was best to prove it with actions!

Li Zhu said, "I will return no later than the first day of the Lunar New Year next year, so please don't worry, brother!"

Song Jiang laughed and said, "I'll be waiting for your return in Yuncheng!"

After the three left, Gongsun Sheng led the group back home to pack their Taoist robes, two swords, iron crowns, ruyi scepters, and other items before setting off on their journey up the mountain.

The old woman was still looking at Gongsun Sheng, but her face was full of reluctance!

Gongsun Sheng remained completely silent, acting as if he were a stranger. However, Song Jiang noticed a hint of sorrow on Gongsun Sheng's face. Yes, a sorrowful expression. Song Jiang didn't know what kind of story Gongsun Sheng had with this old woman, but since Gongsun Sheng wouldn't say, he couldn't very well ask.

After leaving Erxian Mountain and arriving outside Jizhou City, Song Jiang's mood calmed down considerably. From initial trepidation to surprise, followed by horror, and finally respect and gratitude, Song Jiang's mindset underwent a complete transformation!

Regardless of whether Master Luo knows Taoist magic or not, he is definitely not comparable to a Taoist who only spouts nonsense; he truly has some skills!

He didn't know how Luo Zhenren discovered his identity as a transmigrator, and it seemed that he could know about the affairs of the world and the future. This alone was extraordinary!

Song Jiang wouldn't think about it if he couldn't figure it out. As for whether Master Luo would reveal his identity as a time traveler to the public?

Song Jiang thought it was impossible. Deep down, he still greatly admired Master Luo, and he believed what he said!

A young man and an old man were herding a flock of sheep and several horses, their destination likely Jizhou City. As they approached, the old man suddenly began coughing violently. The young man quickly helped him sit down and offered him a handkerchief. The old man took the handkerchief, covered his mouth, and coughed repeatedly. The young man gently patted the old man's back, but the coughing only worsened. Bloodstains were clearly visible on the handkerchief.

Song Jiang guessed that the old man most likely had tuberculosis, also known as pulmonary tuberculosis! This disease is nothing serious in modern times, but it was a troublesome matter in ancient times!