Chapter Fifty: The Gathering

On their way to the temple, Zhang Xuan and his two companions saw many people heading in the same direction. Some of them had even watched the “master’s” miraculous healing along with Zhang Xuan that afternoon. It seemed this “master” had considerable influence—or rather, the allure of his “talismans” was hard to resist. By the time the trio reached the temple, a large crowd had already gathered, forming ring after ring around the building. Even the dilapidated temple walls had people perched atop them.

Following suit, Zhang Xuan climbed onto the wall, hoping to secure a good vantage point to observe everything happening inside. He didn’t want to miss any important details because of a blocked view.

Yang Zaixing had assumed Zhang Xuan was there to request some talismans from the “master.” Watching the younger man scramble up the wall, he couldn’t help but call out, “Xiao Xuan, if you’re up there when the master hands out talismans, you won’t get any. Wouldn’t that be a wasted trip? Come down, I’ll lead the way and get us inside.”

“Big Brother, who told you I came here for talismans? I’m just here to join the excitement.”

Yang Zaixing and Yuwen Chengdu also clambered up onto the wall, mimicking Zhang Xuan. “You’re just here for the excitement? Really, Xiao Xuan? Interested in this sort of gathering? Don’t tell me you’re actually thinking of becoming a disciple. Do you really believe you have a gift for medicine?” Yang Zaixing was about to launch into a lecture when Zhang Xuan cut him off.

“That’s enough, big brother. The master’s coming. Let’s watch first. We can talk later.”

Zhang Xuan heard a wave of cheers from the crowd and looked around. He saw the “master” making his way to the center of the courtyard, surrounded by admirers, much like a celebrity walking the red carpet. As he walked, he greeted spectators left and right. The short journey from the temple entrance to the courtyard’s center felt like an eternity to Zhang Xuan, who was genuinely taken aback by the master’s popularity.

At last, the “master” reached the center, bowed deeply to the assembled crowd, and said, “I never expected so many to come tonight. But I suppose you’re all here mainly for the talismans in my hand. Some of you have already seen how they work: those who are ill can be healed, those who are healthy gain protection. But with such a large crowd, I must regretfully inform you that I don’t have enough talismans to give one to every person here.”

A man in the front shouted, “Master, don’t you write the talismans yourself? Why not make more on the spot?” The people around him nodded in agreement, clamoring for the master to produce more.

Zhang Xuan glanced at the man who’d spoken and could only think—this was an obvious plant, someone arranged by the master himself.

The master gestured for silence and continued, “You all may not know this, but I do not make these talismans myself. You overestimate me—I do not possess such ability.”

“So where did your talismans come from, master?” The same “shill” chimed in again. Listening to their back-and-forth, Zhang Xuan couldn’t help but think it was like a classic cross-talk performance—masters and apprentices trading lines. Unexpectedly, he was getting a comedy act as well.

The master replied, “That’s an excellent question. These talismans were given to me by the Great Peace Taoist. I was fortunate enough to study with him for a time. All my medical skills were learned during that period. Throughout, the Taoist constantly reminded me that peace is the greatest blessing in this world, the most beautiful thing. All people should live in a peaceful society, a world without exploitation or oppression, without famine, illness, or disaster—without fraud or theft—where everyone is free and happy. But our times are not peaceful, so the Taoist taught us to work together for a world of Great Peace. After my studies, the Taoist bestowed some talismans upon me and sent me out into the world to help him in his efforts to build that world of peace.”

He paused, head lowered, lost in thought. Perhaps he was recalling his days as a student of the Great Peace Taoist, or maybe preparing his next words. The crowd buzzed with discussion about the “world of Great Peace.”

After a moment, the master raised his head and spoke again, “Seeing how chaotic these times are, and how hard life is for everyone, my resolve to work alongside the Taoist has only strengthened. Together, we’ll shine the light of Great Peace into every corner of the world, so that all may live in peace.”

Who was this Great Peace Taoist? Could he be Zhang Jiao? Zhang Xuan wondered. Wasn’t Zhang Jiao supposed to call himself the “Virtuous Teacher of Great Goodness”? Had he remembered wrong, or were the Great Peace Taoist and the Virtuous Teacher two different people? Was Zhang Jiao the Virtuous Teacher, while the Great Peace Taoist was someone else? Had his presence caused some temporal confusion, splitting one figure into two, both preaching Great Peace?

As Zhang Xuan pondered the connection between the Great Peace Taoist and the Virtuous Teacher, he noticed the “master’s” eyes had grown moist. Wiping away tears, the master continued, “Thinking of the Taoist, I seem to have strayed from the main topic tonight. Still, I believe everyone here wishes to live in a peaceful world. If you are willing, please join me in working toward the establishment of that world, however modest your contribution may be. Though I have only a few talismans, a world of Great Peace is one without sickness or disaster. I hope to distribute these few remaining talismans to those who truly need them. When I next meet the Taoist, I’ll request more, and do my utmost to fulfill everyone’s needs.”

“You’re right, master, those few talismans should go first to those in greatest need.” “Master, could you stay a few more days to heal others who are still suffering?” “Master, could you tell us more about the Great Peace Taoist, or about your shared vision of the world?” “Master, could you…” The crowd echoed the master’s words and urged him to stay longer, either to treat those in need or to share more about the Great Peace Taoist and the world of Great Peace. Life, though stable for now, left many longing for a world of true harmony and prosperity. Who wouldn’t wish to live in a world free from exploitation and oppression, from hunger and disease, from fraud and theft—a place where everyone could be free and happy?