Chapter 8

Sun Zhiqing shook his head helplessly. “Your name is Leonardo Walker, right? From now on, you’re a disciple of the Maoshan Sect. I’ll teach you everything I’ve learned in my lifetime. You’re my first—and last—disciple. But I have one condition: if you ever achieve anything significant and leave this village, you must not say that I’m your master. As for why, don’t ask. I simply hope that you’ll practice diligently, help the Maoshan Sect thrive, and not bring shame to our sect.”

“Don’t worry, master! I’ll definitely study hard!” I said with a sincere expression. Then, I eagerly asked, “When will you teach me magic? I want to learn right now.”

“What’s the rush?” Sun Zhiqing waved his hand. “Learning Taoist techniques requires patience and gradual progress. Don’t rush things. First, get a good grasp of the basics, and take your time.”

I looked at him, my face showing a troubled expression. I still wanted him to help me figure out what was bothering me. Sun Zhiqing noticed my melancholy and asked, “Tell me, what exactly is troubling you?”

I could hold back no longer. I told him everything: how my brother was killed by Samuel Black, how his body was buried under the fruit trees in his own yard. I also told him about my desire to avenge my brother and protect my sister-in-law and nephew. The more I talked, the angrier I became. My fists were clenched tightly, and I wanted nothing more than to go find Samuel Black and settle the score with him right away.

After hearing this, Sun Zhiqing’s expression became serious as well. “This isn’t difficult to resolve. Let’s not take any unnecessary risks. The best thing to do is to call the police and let them handle it. There’s no need for us to confront that person ourselves. As for your brother’s body, I’ll help you find it and give him a proper burial, so he can rest in peace.”

I felt delighted and quickly nodded my head in agreement. Then, I went inside and told my sister-in-law about my desire to become her disciple. Although she was a little surprised, she still supported me. She quickly prepared a clean room for Sun Zhiqing to stay in.

Early the next morning, Sun Zhiqing woke me up and handed me a yellowed old book. “Starting today, I’ll formally teach you the ways of the Tao. This book contains teachings related to the Maoshan tradition. It includes instructions on how to create talismans, mantras, and simple magic formations. All these are knowledge passed down by ancient masters. Unfortunately, many of these techniques and secrets have been lost. What remains is only this incomplete collection. You must cherish it and study it carefully. If you don’t understand anything, come to me for help.”

I took the book in my hands and carefully flipped through its pages. The title was barely legible, but the handwriting inside was very clear. Notes were added to the difficult parts, which made the book even more interesting to me. Holding the manuscript as if it were a precious treasure, I said earnestly, “Master, I will study hard and not let you down.”

Sun Zhiqing looked at me and nodded in satisfaction. “Although it’s only this incomplete information, as long as you can learn everything, it’ll be more than enough to handle someone like Samuel Black.”

From then on, I carried that Maoshan manuscript with me every day. I couldn’t put it down and wanted to be with it at all times. Except for eating and sleeping, I spent all my free time studying its contents. I was completely absorbed in it, to the point of neglecting food and sleep.

My sister-in-law wondered why I spent every day staring at books and occasionally drawing strange symbols on paper. She was confused, but she never asked too many questions. She’s always supported my decisions. No matter what I do, she believes in me.

The contents of the notebook deeply fascinated me. The strange and bizarre events described in it were like mythological stories from novels—things I had never heard of before. Often, as I read, I couldn’t help but imagine that if only I possessed such powers, I could immediately avenge my brother and protect my sister-in-law and nephew.

At first, I took out a piece of white paper and tried to draw the symbols carefully, following the patterns in the manuscript. But those symbols were intricate and complicated. My drawings were messy and unrecognizable. After practicing for a long time, I made no progress at all. Yet I didn’t give up. My brother’s vengeance, my sister-in-law’s hopes, and Sun Zhiqing’s instructions all kept me going.

As days passed by, I practiced diligently, little by little mastering the techniques. My ability to draw talismans improved significantly. Eventually, I could draw the runes on the talismans with almost no effort at all. But Sun Zhiqing told me that this was only the most basic level of practice. To truly draw talismans skillfully, one must be completely focused and complete the process in one go, without any pauses. Even a brief interruption would render the entire talisman ineffective. Additionally, specific hand gestures and incantations are necessary to unleash the talisman’s power.

Seeing me practicing day and night without rest, Sun Zhiqing was very pleased. He often said that he hadn’t chosen the wrong apprentice, and that the Maoshan Sect finally had a successor. My sister-in-law was also happy for me. She cooked various dishes for me every day, so I could have the energy to practice properly.

To my surprise, Samuel Black never came to my house again to cause trouble. I don’t know if he was afraid of me or if he was plotting something behind the scenes. But either way, it was good for me. Now I had more time to focus on learning magic. Once I mastered its skills, I wouldn’t have to fear him anymore.

That day, Sun Zhiqing suddenly called me into the yard. With a serious expression, he said, “Leonardo, you’ve practiced for so long now, and your foundation is quite solid. Today, I’ll teach you how to open your ‘yin-yang eyes’.”

I was stunned, with a look of surprise on my face. “Master, what is a ‘yin-yang eye’?”

Sun Zhiqing explained with a smile, “The ‘eye of yin and yang’—you’ve probably seen mention of it in the manuscripts you’ve read. But you don’t know its true meaning. Simply put, it’s the ability to see through matter and perceive the true nature of things. It also allows one to see ghosts that ordinary people can’t see. It’s like Sun Wukong’s ‘fire-eyed golden eyes’ in Journey to the West. Don’t think those are just legends. They’re actually real.”

Upon hearing this, I became instantly excited, my eyes shining with enthusiasm. “Master, that’s amazing! Please teach me right away! I can’t wait!” I’ve heard about Sun Wukong’s incredible powers since I was a child. If only I could possess powers like his fiery golden eyes, I’d be much more confident in dealing with Samuel Black in the future.

Sun Zhiqing smiled helplessly and said patiently, “There are many ways to open the ‘yin-yang eyes’. The most common method is using ox tears. But that’s only temporary – the effect wears off after a while. Another method involves using talismans, but the results aren’t very good either. The best way is to be born with yin-yang eyes naturally. What I’m teaching you now involves using incantations to open these eyes. It might be a bit painful, but once successful, the effect is permanent.”

After speaking, he closed his eyes and recited a smooth spell. His speech wasn’t fast, but every word was clear: “Heaven is clear, earth is bright; yin is murky, yang is pure. Five and six represent yin; emerging from darkness, entering the netherworld. Forever stationed in the central realm, it protects those who seek immortality. Stepping on the seven stars, its spiritual light endures forever. Where the light is, the soul lives; when the light fades, the soul perishes. Fearless and unafraid, follow my commands. The righteous energy of heaven and earth binds all things together. Even metals and stones can be broken by it. With sincere devotion, I invoke the Three Pure Ones of Lord Laozi. The Great Sun Tathagata ordains the three souls. Heaven, earth, and all three fires combine to grant me the power to see yin and yang. Rooted in the universal energy, through countless eons of cultivation, I shall achieve divine powers. Within and beyond the three realms, only the Way is supreme. My body emits golden light that envelops me. Invisible to the eye, unheard by ear, it encompasses heaven and earth, nurturing all living beings. Repeat this mantra ten thousand times. My body shall shine with light. The three realms will serve me. The Five Emperors will welcome me. All gods will pay homage to me. I’ll command thunder and lightning. Ghosts and demons will tremble in fear. Monsters will lose their composure. Within me lies thunderous power. The Thunder God will hide his name. Wisdom will shine brightly. The five energies will rise. Golden light will appear instantly, protecting the true being. Hurry, as commanded!”