Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 425 202 Scabby Taoist
However, this fellow had always had a thick face, and instead of feeling shame, he took pride in it, becoming even more active in every bustling place.
"Didn't plan on doing much, just that the Old Taoist has been a bit strapped for cash lately, hoping for fellow Taoists to lend a hand. There will definitely be a generous reward in the future," the Scabby Taoist leaned on his black cauldron, but the words he said made everyone jump with rage.
"You're robbing us!" someone yelled angrily.
Unexpectedly, the Taoist casually dug at his own ear and said with a cheap smile, "Don't say it out loud, it's better if we all understand it without saying. If this gets out, how am I supposed to do business?"
The crowd was dumbstruck by his words; such shamelessness was indeed a rarity in the world.
Actually, the Old Taoist was quite clever. He specifically chose this moment when the formidable characters had already entered the gate early on, followed by those with decent strength. In the end, those remaining simply had no power to break his black cauldron.
Of course, there were some who refused to believe this and loudly shouted, "We have come all this way, and the fortuitous opportunity is right before our eyes. How can we let an Old Taoist block our path? Let's join forces; no matter how tough he is, he's just one person after all."
This call to action received a chorus of agreement, and countless attacks poured down on the Old Taoist like rain. The Old Taoist kept his cheap smile and swiftly hid inside the black cauldron, then maneuvered it to block the gate.
Countless attacks landed on the cauldron, and black waves seemed to rise from its surface, absorbing all the assaults. Meanwhile, the Old Taoist, who hid inside, emerged unscathed and said with a smile, "I advise you all not to waste your efforts. Just give the Old Taoist some worldly possessions, and you will be able to go to the legendary secret place. There, treasures are everywhere, and you can easily make up for your losses. Why not do it?"
Xiao Qi, seeing this, couldn't help but say to his senior brother with a smile, "This Old Taoist is quite amusing."
The two youngsters were stunned by the Old Taoist's antics; they had never seen such a scene in their lives and felt as though they were witnessing a new world.
Liu Qingyun initially found the Old Taoist rather amusing too, but upon seeing the look in the young disciples' eyes, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern. If this continued, his two younger disciples might end up learning the wrong things.
He quickly put on a serious face and said, "It's just cunning and deceit. Remember, one should maintain a righteous heart and follow the right path in life. The Great Dao lies in straightforwardness; one should seek it in straightness rather than crookedness."
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The three disciples, seeing their big senior brother go into lecture mode, quickly put on their best well-behaved faces. They had plenty of experience dealing with such a senior brother.
Liu Qingyun spoke, but always felt that his words seemed a bit thin. Turning his head and seeing the Old Taoist triumphantly floating in the sky, he suddenly had an idea. Wasn't this the perfect teaching material before him?
He led his three junior disciples and floated slowly up into the air. The Old Taoist's face immediately filled with smiles upon seeing them, thinking they had come to pay him.
He was even more pleased with himself internally. There was no adventure in the secret place as comfortable as his method—no need for life-and-death struggles, merely a light blockage and wealth would flow in. He wasn't foolish enough to seek the dangers of the secret place. One misstep could lead to his demise. He hadn't lived enough yet and had no desire to rush to his death so soon.
"Come, come, come, seeing as you are the first group to patronize my business, the Old Taoist will give you a twenty percent discount," he said with a smile, and he was already stretching out his hand ready to receive the wealth.
But he found that the people in front of him showed no intention of paying; on the contrary, the leader of the group, a young man, said, "Remember, when seeking the Great Dao, personal cultivation should be the top priority. Relying too much on resources will only cause you to lose the possibility of reaching higher levels. Only by being steady and firm, and solidifying your foundation, can you reach the pinnacle."
The three fellows behind nodded their heads furiously, echoing the previous statement of the young man in a very obsequious manner, evidently quite fearful of him.
"It looks like you're here to wreck the place," the Old Taoist's face changed instantly, feeling that these youngsters in front of him didn't take him seriously at all. In the past, he wouldn't have cared given his thick skin, but now was the auspicious time of his business opening, and their actions were tantamount to cutting off his livelihood.
To cut off a man's livelihood is like killing his parents; how could one not be filled with righteous indignation, and how could one not take action? The Old Taoist's thoughts raced as he justified his forthcoming response.
"Then don't blame this Old Taoist for being ruthless. I'll teach you a lesson on behalf of your masters," he said.
As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the people in front of him changed drastically. They stared coldly at him, their bodies exuding a powerful aura that made his heart tremble with fear.
It was as if Giant Beasts from the Primordial Chaos were descending from the sky, ready to choose their prey. He looked at the four people in front of him with horror, his mouth dry and his voice trembling with fear as he said, "Who exactly are you, and what do you want to do?"
Watching the four people slowly close in, a fear from the depths of his soul made him tremble all over. Gritting his teeth, he dove into his black vat with a speed that no thunder could cover.
Now, only his Magical Treasure could give him a sense of security. Liu Qingyun's face was ashen as he slowly approached the vat.
Black mist continued to rise around the black vat, attempting to stop his advance, but like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, it was instantly crushed. To Liu Qingyun, it might work on him, but not on his master.
"You, you stay away!" The Old Taoist shouted in terror, his voice carrying fear and weakness that made the crowd below open their mouths in shock.
Ever since the Scabby Taoist began his career, it had always been him taking advantage of others, and never had he appeared so weak. If word got out, it would probably become the talk of the town.
Liu Qingyun, however, paid no heed, continuing forward with firm steps towards the black vat, resolved to teach this Old Taoist a lesson.
With a loud "Bang!" Liu Qingyun slapped his hand onto the vat, and the massive vibration knocked the Old Taoist hiding inside unconscious. The force smashed the vat right through the gatehouse, and in the blink of an eye, it disappeared from everyone's sight.
The Old Taoist who had been blocking everyone's way was gone, but none of the crowd dared to enter. They had all seen Liu Qingyun's action, and remembering what had happened to the Peach Blossom Maiden, even a fool would realize that this was a mighty and enigmatic master. And given his youthful appearance, he was very likely an Immortal who had long eternal life, gracing the mortal realm; who would dare act rashly?
"Big Brother, can we go in and play?" Two little tykes tugged gently at Liu Qingyun's sleeve, pleading softly with large, innocently blinking eyes.