Chapter 1411 - 708: The Elder Passes Away (2)
During a conversation with the villagers, Lin Beichen finally captured some valuable information. It turned out that in this village, besides the village chief Wu Dazhu, there was also a respected elder whom the villagers highly admired.
Despite his age, the elder’s words carried remarkable authority, and even the village chief showed deference to him. Upon learning this, Lin Beichen and Hu Yi felt a secret delight, as their thoughts coincided.
Hu Yi softly spoke to Lin Beichen, "Master, shouldn’t we try to find this revered elder?" She believed that if they could gain the elder’s support and have him speak favorably in front of the village chief, it might help them achieve their goals more effectively.
Lin Beichen looked approvingly at Hu Yi and nodded, saying, "Your thoughts align with mine. I was thinking the same thing. It looks like we should indeed pay a visit to the elder." He added that regardless of the outcome, it was worth a try. Seeing the villagers’ expectant eyes, he felt that every effort was worthwhile.
Hu Yi wholeheartedly agreed with Lin Beichen’s view, and they planned to discuss their idea of establishing a Daoist Temple with the elder, hoping to gain his support. Lin Beichen was determined to give it his best shot.
After bidding farewell to the villagers, Lin Beichen and Hu Yi hurried towards the elder’s home, feeling inevitably apprehensive. They didn’t know what the elder’s reaction would be upon meeting them or whether he would agree to their plan.
Lin Beichen was filled with various thoughts and prepared for the possibility of rejection. But he knew this was a journey that had to be taken, with no reason to retreat.
Hu Yi shared his concerns and walking beside Lin Beichen, she asked, "Master, do you think the elder will agree to our plan?" She sincerely hoped this trip wouldn’t be in vain and that the elder would support them so they could successfully complete the task.
Lin Beichen sighed and said, "The world is unpredictable. No matter the outcome, we must do our best. Don’t worry, we’ll know soon enough."
When Lin Beichen and Hu Yi appeared before the elder, he didn’t seem surprised. He kindly asked, "Have you come?"
Lin Beichen was quite taken aback upon hearing this. It seemed the elder had long anticipated their visit, perhaps even waiting for them for some time. Lin Beichen respectfully said to the elder, "Sir, it appears you already knew we would seek you out, so you must also know the reason for our visit. Let’s skip the formalities and get straight to the point."
The elder slowly raised his head, looking at Lin Beichen with admiration, and nodded, saying, "Sit down, and let’s talk at leisure."
After Lin Beichen and Hu Yi had seated themselves, Lin Beichen promptly started discussing the main topic with the elder. However, during the conversation, something left Lin Beichen greatly astonished.
The elder looked at Lin Beichen and said, "In fact, I am a devotee of Daoism as well and hold a deep love for Daoism." He went on to express his long-awaited anticipation for Lin Beichen’s arrival, feeling very happy.
Lin Beichen delightedly asked, "So, we belong to the same sect; what a fortunate encounter!" He reflected that this might be a kind of destiny, meeting the elder here, and felt he could die without regret.
After a moment of hesitation, Lin Beichen said to the elder, "I noticed the villagers are also quite interested in Daoism, and I want to build a Daoist Temple in the village to facilitate their cultivation. I am dedicated to teaching the practice, but when I approached the village chief, he had concerns, and I didn’t press the matter." He further explained that he heard the elder held considerable respect and influence in the village, which prompted his visit, hoping the elder could assist him.
Upon hearing Lin Beichen’s intent, the elder’s face showed a trace of difficulty. Lin Beichen quickly noticed this and hurriedly asked, "Sir, is there something troubling you? Feel free to share, and we can find a solution together."
The elder hesitated for a moment and then said to Lin Beichen, "It’s not that people are unwilling to build a Temple in the village; it’s simply because the village doesn’t have the funds to do so. That’s the main reason. As you can see, the villagers can barely sustain themselves. Building a Temple would be an additional burden for them. The village chief likely disagreed because of this."
Lin Beichen finally understood that it wasn’t a lack of willingness but rather a limitation of circumstances.
Lin Beichen listened to the elder’s explanation and gained insight into the actual conditions of this remote little village. The villagers’ lives were not affluent, merely managing to sustain their basic livelihoods, making the construction of a Temple indeed a challenging task.
Lin Beichen felt some guilt internally, blaming himself for not thoroughly understanding the village’s true situation before hastily coming up with the idea. Upon realizing this, he did not want to trouble the elder further.
Understanding that everyone had their difficulties, he saw no need to persist and cause the elder more trouble. Thus, Lin Beichen turned around and courteously said to the elder, "Sorry for the unexpected visit today and the disturbance. Since everyone has challenges, I won’t insist any longer, and we’ll leave it to fate. Let’s discuss the construction of the Temple on another occasion. Sir, please take care, we shall take our leave."
After expressing his farewell, Lin Beichen prepared to leave with Hu Yi. Just then, the elder suddenly stood up and urgently requested Lin Beichen, "Please wait, I have a matter on which I’d like your assistance."
Lin Beichen halted and curiously turned to look at the elder, asking, "Sir, whatever you need help with, feel free to say."
Trembling slightly, the elder approached Lin Beichen, looking at him sorrowfully, "Life here is indeed tough. You see, it hasn’t rained here for many years, and the villagers have almost nothing to harvest, which is why life is so impoverished."
"Today, I wish to seek your help for the villagers, hoping you can bring rain to ease their immediate plight. I know it’s a difficult ask, but for the villagers and our livelihood, I plead with you to think of a way to help us solve this problem." Saying this, the elder’s eyes revealed a hint of hope.
Standing nearby, Hu Yi observed all of this, feeling deeply troubled. She was surprised to learn that it hadn’t rained here for many years. She couldn’t help but look outside, seeing withered foliage everywhere, almost entirely barren.
Hu Yi thought to herself, "Perhaps the elder is right; otherwise, it wouldn’t be like this here. At this time of year, trees should be lush and verdant; but now, it’s completely different."
She turned to Lin Beichen, curious about his thoughts. Lin Beichen gazed out, seeing nothing but desolation lacking vitality. He turned to the elder with a smile, asking, "Sir, I believe you’re not lying; I’ve seen the scene myself. But could you tell me, if I help solve this problem, what do I get in return?"
"I’m not trying to make things difficult for you; doing this isn’t hard for me." The elder sighed, looked up at this desolate world, and said, "If you can help solve this problem by bringing rain, I will support you in establishing a Daoist Temple here. Are you satisfied with this condition?"
Lin Beichen slowly nodded and said, "Well, since you’re so sincere, I’ll agree to this. As you know, this matter is quite simple for me; bringing a bit of rain is not hard, and I can do it."
Lin Beichen felt this task wasn’t difficult for him, though the elder clearly considered it quite challenging.
The elder was somewhat worried that if Lin Beichen couldn’t accomplish this, it would disappoint everyone, extinguishing the hope he just kindled.
The elder appeared melancholy, yet if Lin Beichen could succeed, he was willing to do anything.
Not just support establishing a Temple, he would even sacrifice his life if necessary.
For years, no rain had been seen here, and the villagers suffered greatly.
The elder couldn’t even recall when it last rained here.
This was truly a luxury for them, an unimaginable wish that might never come true.
Hu Yi silently observed everything.
If the elder’s words are true, she truly felt for the village’s people.
It was unclear how they managed all these years.
It’s no wonder this place is so backward, the villagers living such frugally constrained lives, even experiencing hunger and cold. It all stemmed from this reason.