The Story of the Dog

Time passed bit by bit, and the expansion of the Daoist temple was nearing completion. The rumors about Tang Xiaoyu were becoming more and more outrageous.

A new main hall was built for the convenience of worshippers to burn incense and pray for blessings. An open square and dozens of wing rooms were also added.

Looking at the newly built Daoist temple, Tang Xiaoyu said with emotion, "It finally looks a bit decent."

He turned his head to Xiao Hei, "Xiao Hei, ascetics should always temper their Daoist hearts. I've decided to go out and temper myself for a while."

Xiao Hei glared at him, "Go temper yourself? You're just trying to avoid the limelight! Who knows what those people were thinking, with your appearance, how could any woman like you?"

Tang Xiaoyu said, "I'll pretend I didn't hear that. We can still be good friends if I pretend not to hear it, but if I admit hearing it, we will cut ties."

"Xiao Hei, our fate ends here. Take good care of the temple. I'll be back soon. Goodbye!" After speaking, he shouldered his luggage and went out the door.

Xiao Hei was dumbfounded and shouted at Tang Xiaoyu, "What is goodbye?"

"It means see you again, you silly dog."

"You're the silly dog, your whole family are silly dogs."

As he walked down the mountain path, passersby would ask, "Taoist Tang, are you going back home to meet your match?"

Tang Xiaoyu could only smile and reply, "No, I'm traveling on foot."

The passersby's questions made Tang Xiaoyu quicken his pace. Soon, he was out of the town of Qingshan.

Now, the world was quiet.

Traveling on foot is about tempering one's mind and will, getting rid of dependence on external objects, and visiting ascetic cultivators to learn from them.

Of course Tang Xiaoyu had no plans to visit any cultivators, he just wanted to temper his will and cultivate his mind.

When encountering a mountain, climb over it; when encountering waters, wade through them. Sleep with heaven and earth at night, and keep the sun company during the day. When hungry, wander into a commoner's home to make some karmic connection and beg for food. When thirsty, a mouthful of river water cools the heart.

Since he was traveling on foot, he could not rely on his abilities to get through it.

Passing the town of Qingcheng, crossing the Xuanbing City, he arrived at Baihu City, the place where his dream began.

Arriving at his former home, Tang Xiaoyu knocked on the door, afraid that no one would open, yet also afraid someone might open it.

Having to knock on the door to enter his former home, how ridiculous. But what could be done about it? After all, Tang Xiaoyu no longer had a home.

Lu Changchun’s voice came from the yard, "Who is it?"

As the door opened, he saw a haggard and unkempt youth in patched clothes before him. He looked like a youth yet not quite like one, seemed middle-aged yet not old enough.

His face was full of vicissitudes, calm and peaceful. His clear eyes revealed loneliness and solitude.

The youth bowed in greeting, "Fellow Daoist, I am Tang Xiaoyu."

Lu Changchun was very surprised. "You are Xiaoyu? Where have you been all these years?"

"Seeking the Dao, asking about the Dao, looking for my own path."

"Did you find it?"

"I found it, yet also didn't because I don't know if that path really belongs to me."

Lu Changchun did not immediately invite Tang Xiaoyu in. Tang Xiaoyu felt like he was intruding and wanted to exchange a few pleasantries before leaving.

Just then, the laughter of two women and one man could be heard from inside.

Lu Changchun smiled awkwardly, "Just a few friends, please don't mind."

Tang Xiaoyu smiled slightly, "It's alright. Since you still have guests, I'll take my leave."

Just as Tang Xiaoyu was about to leave, the people inside came out.

One was Sister Lan, the other peerless beauty was Lin Qingying, but Tang Xiaoyu did not recognize the handsome and extraordinary man.

Sister Lan asked, "Old Lu, who were you talking to?"

Lu Changchun awkwardly replied, "No one, just an old friend I knew. He's leaving soon."

When Tang Xiaoyu saw Lin Qingying and that man, he guessed what was going on. In order not to make things awkward for everyone, he decided to turn around and leave.

Did Tang Xiaoyu feel sad inside? Not at all. He didn’t like to talk about feeling bad. He just felt regretful like all men would when seeing an attractive woman already taken. Men would feel it was a pity, feeling only they could be a good match for the woman.

That was Tang Xiaoyu’s mentality now.

He bowed to everyone, "Good fortune and blessings." Then he wanted to turn around and leave.

Lin Qingying called out, "Xiaoyu."

Tang Xiaoyu smiled slightly, "Yes it's me. Fellow Daoist, I hope you are well?"

Lin Qingying walked up to Tang Xiaoyu and looked at him gently, "Have you been doing alright all these years?"

Tang Xiaoyu still smiled, "Very good. I'm a Taoist priest now."

"A Taoist priest! What is that?"

"Similar to Buddhist monks in the West."

"Why did you become a monk? Was it to avoid me?"

Tang Xiaoyu shook his head. "No, I just found my calling to convert people and save sentient beings. That is my path."

Lin Qingying wanted to reach out and caress Tang Xiaoyu’s haggard face, but Tang Xiaoyu dodged it.

"Please don't, fellow Daoist. We have commandments that forbid contact with women. Please don't make me violate them." Tang Xiaoyu said in fright.

In fact, Tang Xiaoyu didn't know if there was such a commandment, but it was better to be careful.

Lin Qingying withdrew her extended hand and looked at him expectantly, "Can you come in and chat with us?"

Tang Xiaoyu pondered and felt he shouldn’t go in, but he also wanted to. Finally his true wishes took over, "Alright."

Tang Xiaoyu bowed slightly and extended his hand, "Fellow Daoist, please go ahead."

He also said to the other three people. "Fellow Daoists, please go ahead."

The most awkward person now was Lu Changchun. This was originally Tang Xiaoyu's house that he had bought. But now Tang Xiaoyu was the guest and they were the hosts. How could he continue to live here?

Once in the living room, everything looked the same, the only change was the people.

After everyone was seated, Lin Qingying introduced, "This is Elder Brother of the Tianxuan Sect. Do you remember him?"

Of course Tang Xiaoyu didn't remember. He was so far away back then and just an ordinary person, how could he see clearly?

"I was standing too far to see clearly back then. Please don't take offense, Fellow Daoist."

The man smiled slightly, "It's fine. After all, ordinary people have limited vision."

Whether this was meant as a put down or a taunt, Tang Xiaoyu didn't care. "I understand."

Then Tang Xiaoyu stopped talking.

Lin Qingying tried to explain her relationship with the youth, but Tang Xiaoyu had no interest and just smiled in response.

[How cliché is this storyline, such a forced explanation.] While thinking this, he suddenly thought of something else.

[Oh! Are the rumors from Qingshan Town really becoming true just because I sang a song called Sending the Bride?]

In order to ease the awkward atmosphere, Lu Changchun spoke up, "Xiaoyu! Don't leave again this time you're back!"

"I'll go see Xiao Xue then go back. After all, the temple still needs me to preside over it."

"Will you come back to Baihu City again?"

"I can't say for sure. It depends on Xiao Xue's situation."

"I see! Do you still sing these years?"

Tang Xiaoyu nodded. "Yes, but not to make a living. I sing for people who truly enjoy listening."

Seeing there was nothing more to say, Tang Xiaoyu got up to take his leave. "It's getting late. I should get going."

Lin Qingying stood up. "This is your home. If anyone is leaving, it should be us."

Tang Xiaoyu smiled bitterly. "I don't have a home anymore. If I still have one, it would be Qingshan Daoist Temple."

Lin Qingying persisted. "This is your home. I've always had Lu Changchun look after it for you."

Lu Changchun also quickly added. "Yes, yes, yes! I've just been helping look after it for you. Xiaoyu, please stay!"

Tang Xiaoyu didn't want to leave either. Since they insisted, "Fine, I'll stay one night and leave tomorrow."

Lu Changchun immediately said, "Alright! I'll go buy some wine and dishes from the restaurant. Let's drink up tonight!"

Tang Xiaoyu said, "Get me a couple vegetarian dishes."

Lu Changchun didn't understand. "Okay."

Lu Changchun hadn't gone out yet when Lin Qingying said, "You can leave now."