Chapter 797 - 556: Supreme Daoist Lord (Part 2)
But these are all outsiders, with little to gain, and in the past, they have always been ignored. How could they voluntarily come to provide relief like this?
"Could it be that Magistrate Lu possesses extraordinary means?"
While pondering, his gaze was drawn to a group of people dressed in blue Daoist Robes.
He saw dozens of Daoists holding wooden staffs, walking back and forth in the passageways of the shelter area, with solemn expressions, gently persuading any quarreling disaster victims.
They would lend a helping hand to the elderly and weak who had difficulty moving.
Now and then, they would check the hygiene of the shelter area, clean up garbage, and maintain order with proficient and methodical actions.
Constable Wu furrowed his brows even more, thinking to himself:
"Though it’s common for Buddhist and Daoist people to come out and provide disaster relief during years of calamity, isn’t this number a bit too much?"
His suspicion grew stronger, and he quickly said to Wu Liu beside him:
"Wu Liu, come here. What’s the situation with those Daoists? Why are there so many of them here maintaining order?"
Wu Liu hurried forward and answered with a bow:
"Reporting to you, sir, these are all the Supreme Daoist disciples of Xuanyang Daoist from the Zhenbao Temple."
"Since Xuanyang Daoist began the disaster relief, he has recruited many disciples. These people were dispatched by him to take care of the disaster victims and stabilize the shelter area."
"Xuanyang Daoist? The Supreme Dao?" Constable Wu was taken aback, "Isn’t that the spirit-controlling Daoist my wife believes in?"
"Exactly!" Wu Liu unwittingly added a tone of reverence, "Sir, you may not know, but this Xuanyang Daoist is truly a cultivated Daoist. He not only distributes porridge and gives talisman water, saving countless lives, but also persuaded the prominent families of Zhang, Zhao, and Li in the city to join in the relief efforts."
"A few days ago, when the number of refugees surged, and there was a lack of food and shelters, the Daoist suggested building a new temple, allowing able-bodied disaster victims to work in exchange for relief. By working, they could exchange for food and clothing, solving basic needs without causing trouble. Once the temple is built, it could also bless and accumulate virtue for the common people."
Constable Wu was suddenly shaken and urgently interrupted:
"What did you say? These local gentries, were persuaded by that Daoist? Not by Magistrate Lu?"
He could hardly believe that a young Daoist could have such great influence, able to persuade many local gentries and families to do good deeds together.
Wu Liu quickly nodded, his tone affirmative:
"Absolutely! Xuanyang Daoist delivered a spiritual sermon at Zhenbao Temple, persuading the wives and gentries to provide disaster relief, accumulate yin virtues, protect their homes, and even receive blessings from the Divine Spirit, granting illuminated talismans."
"First, it was my family’s old mistress who took the lead in setting up a porridge distribution shelter. Afterwards, the old mistress of the Zhang Family, the Madam of the Zhao Family, and several other gentry’s wives followed suit, setting up porridge points and donating food and goods one after another."
Wu Liu explained in detail:
"The Daoist also preached among the disaster victims, recruiting disciples. Any disaster victim willing to do good and contribute was allowed to join his ranks."
"Moreover, the Daoist had a meticulous mind. Fearing the spread of disease due to the crowded shelter, he deliberately divided the area into different sections according to a military camp layout, assigning people to clean daily..."
"Later, when the Daoist proposed building a temple and providing relief through work, the old mistress and others responded with even more enthusiasm. Those with money contributed money, and those with strength offered their labor. Even many merchants voluntarily donated timber and fabrics, all for the sake of Xuanyang Daoist’s favor."
Hearing this, the corner of Constable Wu’s mouth twitched involuntarily, realizing that their families were contributing money and labor.
However, a storm surged in his heart.
Until now, he had dismissed Xuanyang Daoist as merely a charlatan pleasing old ladies. But after hearing Wu Liu’s words, he realized how gravely mistaken he had been.
Inwardly, he marveled:
"What a strong influence! Such an extraordinary figure has emerged from our county!"
"His followers span the elite gentries of the county, and with his effort alone, he mobilizes many gentries to provide disaster relief together."
Constable Wu recalled that he had just been secretly praising Magistrate Lu for having skills and abilities.
But now it seemed that he had truly misread the situation!
This Xuanyang Daoist is indeed the main contributor to the disaster relief!
He looked again at those disciples in Daoist Robes, then glanced at the porridge shelters adorned with the names of various families along the way, secretly calculating in his heart:
"This Xuanyang Daoist is so young, yet possesses such prestige and methods, truly an extraordinary person."
"It seems I should make a good acquaintance of him too!"
He had always respected capable people!
Even if pretending to have supernatural powers, to wield such great influence was an extraordinary achievement.
This type of monk or Daoist is truly a blessing to society!
One moment promoting good in the village, the next perhaps a guest among the powerful, seemingly powerless yet with a scary level of influence!
...
In the suburbs of Ning City, refugee shelters stretch far and wide, yet the scene is bustling to the west.
Over a hundred refugees carry round logs, shouting in unison as they work, raising dust that dances in the air.
The bricklayers and clay workers... each one’s eyes shine brightly, showing no sign of indolence.
They are building a temple here!
Little Wang, with a tidy and neat Daoist Robe, watches the entire scene with sharp eyes.
Beside him, several core disciples attend to their duties.
Checking materials, verifying grain and rice, correcting construction work, comforting laborers... order prevails!
...
Not far from the construction site, a flat clearing is fenced off with wooden railings, serving as a temporary Dao Platform.
Chen Sheng sits cross-legged on a mat, his posture like a pine, his Moon White Daoist Robe spotless, in stark contrast to the surrounding dusty and ragged setting.
He holds a Nine-Section Staff, the staff carved with ancient patterns, and the jade ornaments at the top glimmer faintly, exuding an aura of transcendence!
On either side, dozens of warriors stand solemnly, hands to their sides, their eyes filled with fervor as they gaze at him.
Below the platform, disaster victims kneel densely packed.