Chapter Thirteen: Once Touched by the Ocean, No Other Waters Suffice (2)

The handsome young Taoist attendant, Atai, walked side by side with Kong Sheng, a man notorious in Jiangning city for "living off others." Between them, they led a majestic snow-white steed through the bustling streets toward the Shunsheng Inn, drawing whispers and curious glances from passersby. The astonishing performance Kong Sheng had displayed at the Wangjiang Pavilion poetry gathering had yet to reach the city’s ears. To its citizens, he remained the shameless servant who depended on the Yang family, the last unworthy scion of a fallen noble house.

Atai tugged lightly at Kong Sheng’s sleeve, grinning. “Brother Kong, your reputation in Jiangning is... quite something. I truly cannot fathom: since you are so learned, why do you always present yourself as a wastrel?”

Kong Sheng sighed. “Brother Atai, as the saying goes, ‘A tree that stands out in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind.’ My father and mother passed in succession, the Kong family declined, and I was reduced to surviving on the Yang family’s charity. If I did not deliberately conceal my talents and appear obscure, my situation would be far worse! Today, were it not for being cornered by the Yangs, I would not have drawn such attention.”

“Of course, my past actions—reckless, unrestrained, and lacking propriety—were indeed disgraceful! Looking back now, I am ashamed beyond measure, truly unworthy of my ancestors.”

Atai nodded, fully convinced by Kong Sheng’s explanation. Orphaned, his family ruined, fallen from noble youth to someone dependent on others—the contrast in his fate was stark. His dissolute persona was, in truth, a shield for himself. Besides, Kong Sheng was about his own age, still a young man; it was understandable that he had stumbled.

“Fortunately, Brother Kong has awakened in time. ‘A prodigal who returns is worth more than gold.’ With your extraordinary talents, you will surely find your place serving the court in days to come.” Atai smiled again. “But why refuse to marry into the Yang family? The Yang daughter is a peerless beauty, well-versed in literature and propriety—a rare match. With Yang Qi, the magistrate, recommending you to the court, your rise would be imminent.”

Atai truly could not understand. Given Kong Sheng’s current circumstances, marrying into the Yang family was his best option. He had talent, they had power; with their protection and recommendation, his ascent would be assured. Without it, no matter how gifted, lacking support, it would be exceedingly difficult to make his mark.

Kong Sheng smiled slightly. “Brother Atai, do you know it was Magistrate Yang who suggested I publicly break off the engagement at the Wangjiang Pavilion poetry meeting today?”

Atai nodded. “That’s obvious. Yet, perhaps Magistrate Yang did not realize you were a hidden gem, a dust-covered pearl. He misjudged. Now, seeing your talent, he regrets and wishes to renew the engagement—a fortunate turn, really.”

“A good horse does not graze the same pasture twice. Since leaving the Yang household the other day, I never intended to return. Besides, mismatched families forced into union—neither I nor Miss Yang would find happiness. I am fallen and destitute; I will not hinder another’s future.” Kong Sheng waved his hand. “Let bygones be bygones; there’s no need to mention them.”

“What a fine ‘good horse does not graze the same pasture twice!’ Young Master Kong, a true man never retraces his steps. Now that chaos is brewing, with your divine strength and vast learning, you cannot linger idly in these southern lands, wasting your youth!” A clear voice suddenly rang out from behind. Kong Sheng started and turned.

Bai Yunzi stood there, still exuding an air of immortal grace, his luxurious Taoist robes untouched by a speck of dust.

Despite the journey spanning over ten miles, the Taoist’s pace had matched Atai and Kong Sheng’s swift ride almost exactly!

Kong Sheng drew a deep breath and bowed low before the Taoist. “Greetings, Immortal Master.”

This Taoist was undoubtedly an extraordinary figure. Kong Sheng immediately realized that Bai Yunzi’s appearance was no coincidence, and that this encounter with the Taoist master and his disciple might mark a pivotal turning point in his fate.

Bai Yunzi smiled lightly, accepting Kong Sheng’s bow. “Let us speak inside the inn.”

...

“May I ask the Immortal Master’s Taoist name?” Inside the inn, Kong Sheng bowed deeply once more.

Bai Yunzi nodded and smiled. “I am Bai Yunzi of Tiantai, dwelling on Yuxiao Peak of Tiantai Mountain. My secular name is Sima Chengzhen, courtesy name Zi Hui.”

Kong Sheng was startled, thinking: So this is Sima Chengzhen, the twelfth-generation patriarch of the Shangqing sect, a renowned Taoist master of the Tang era. This man possessed both literary and martial prowess, profound in Taoist arts, and was counted among the “Ten Friends of the Immortal School” alongside Chen Zi’ang, Lu Zangyong, Song Zhiwen, Wang Shi, Bi Gou, Li Bai, Meng Haoran, Wang Wei, and He Zhizhang.

Yet, according to historical records, Sima Chengzhen was born in the twenty-first year of Zhenguan and died in the twenty-third year of Kaiyuan. Now, it was already the fifteenth year of Tianbao... Since the Taoist stood before him alive, history must have erred. By this reckoning, he was well over a hundred, yet appeared as a man in his fifties—proof his cultivation and self-discipline surpassed anything recorded in the annals.

Kong Sheng breathed deeply, the shock fading, replaced by respect. “So you are Sima Chengzhen, the leader of the Ten Friends of the Immortal School. Forgive my ignorance, Master!”

Bai Yunzi laughed heartily. “Who would have thought that the young Kong, hidden away in Jiangnan and mingling daily with the common folk, would know of me?”

“Immortal Master, your fame is known throughout the realm. You are revered by the emperor and are the foremost Taoist leader. I have long admired you.” A surge of excitement welled in Kong Sheng’s heart. Sima Chengzhen was a marvel of the Tang, well-connected with the powerful. To gain his favor was a stroke of immense fortune.

Bai Yunzi waved his hand. “Let us dispense with idle talk. Young Master Kong, I was invited by Guo Fengyang to Hebei and happened to pass through Jiangning. Seeing you possess rare talents and innate divine strength, skilled in both literature and arms, I wish to take you as a secular disciple. What do you say?”

Kong Sheng was stunned, thoughts racing.

“Invited by Guo Fengyang to Hebei?” Guo Fengyang was the renowned mid-Tang general Guo Ziyi. After the outbreak of the An Lushan Rebellion, Guo Ziyi led royal armies, reclaiming Hebei and Hedong. In the second year of Zhide—that is, next year—Guo Ziyi and Prince Li Chu would retake Chang’an and Luoyang, earning him the title of Duke of Dai and elevation to Grand Chancellor the following year.

This was indeed a stroke of luck! If he could connect with Guo Ziyi through Sima Chengzhen, gain recognition from the Tang court, and secure a starting position, it would be effortlessly achieved.

Of course, neither Sima Chengzhen nor Guo Ziyi were easily swayed. To be personally recommended by Guo Ziyi required genuine skill, not mere eloquence.

Bai Yunzi watched Kong Sheng’s changing expression, waiting for his answer. He could not have guessed that in these few moments, Kong Sheng had already weighed countless possibilities—even plotting to connect with Guo Ziyi thousands of miles away.

With the nation in peril, Bai Yunzi sought to cultivate a worthy candidate to serve the people, acting with pure intentions.

Atai, seeing Kong Sheng still lost in thought and slow to respond, grew anxious. He thought, “To be chosen by the temple master is a blessing—don’t let it slip away!” He coughed softly and shot Kong Sheng a meaningful look.

Kong Sheng snapped back to himself, without hesitation, his expression resolute as he knelt to Bai Yunzi.

Actions spoke louder than words; Kong Sheng’s decisive gesture was his answer. Bai Yunzi was pleased, but remained solemn as Kong Sheng knelt, speaking slowly and clearly: “Kong Sheng, since you have entered my tutelage today, you must abide by my rules and teachings. From now on, you must remain true to yourself, refrain from theft and debauchery, and preserve my reputation…”

“Do you understand?”

A brilliant light shone in Kong Sheng’s eyes. He replied in a clear voice, “I will faithfully follow your teachings, Master. I understand!”

Bai Yunzi nodded, smiling. “Good. I believe you will be true to your word, inside and out. Based on your situation, I will teach you an internal art for channeling energy, which you must practice daily after I leave Jiangning—never slacken, and in time you will see great results. I will also teach you sword techniques for self-defense, and a treatise on military strategy for you to study. How much you grasp depends on your own talent and fortune.”

“I can remain in Jiangning for only three days. In that time, I will personally instruct you… As for Atai, I will teach you horsemanship.”