On that day, several followers of the Maitreya sect had advanced to the vicinity of Village Wang near Xianyang (an ancient name of Xi’an). Upon entering the village, they began burning, killing, and looting, seizing valuables everywhere.

　　At that time, Old Mr. Wang was returning home from the fields, intending to start a fire to cook his meal. Suddenly, three disciples of the Maitreya sect barged into his courtyard, rummaging through everything in disarray. They seized anything of value, leaving nothing behind.

　　The leader of the disciples walked into the inner room and caught sight of Old Wang’s daughter, who possessed some beauty. He immediately grabbed her and said, “Young lady, I will take you back to be our general’s wife, where you will enjoy wealth and glory.”

　　Old Wang’s daughter refused adamantly, struggling against him. The leader of the Maitreya disciple angrily threatened, “If you don’t comply with me, your father will be dead.”

　　Old Wang rushed over to save his daughter, but the leader of the disciples, without hesitation, stabbed him in the chest. Old Wang immediately began bleeding profusely and collapsed to the ground.

　　The Maitreya disciples continued to try to seize Old Wang’s daughter when suddenly, from afar, a voice rang out, “Maitreya cultists, cease your mischief!” Before the words had finished, a Taoist priest had already appeared before them, seemingly floating into their midst.

　　The three Maitreya disciples turned around and saw a slender Taoist priest who appeared to be under forty years old, dressed in Taoist robes and holding a whisk.

　　The leader of the Maitreya disciples, upon seeing the frail appearance of the Taoist priest, felt contemptuous and mocked, saying, “Where did this bloody Taoist come from? Daring to meddle in my affairs, are you tired of living?” He then swung his knife towards the Taoist’s shoulder.

　　The Taoist swayed slightly, moving in a graceful and elusive manner, evading the attack like a fluttering butterfly. The other two Maitreya disciples, seeing this, fired crossbow bolts at the Taoist from behind. Without turning around, the Taoist lightly flicked his whisk behind him, causing the two bolts to fall harmlessly to the ground.

　　The three men, astonished by the Taoist’s performance, rushed in together, surrounding the Taoist and attacking ferociously with their knives. However, the Taoist, wielding his whisk, moved gracefully and lightly as if shooing away mosquitoes. With a few gentle sweeps of his whisk, he disarmed the three disciples, knocking their weapons aside and leaving their right arms dislocated and immobilized.

　　The three disciples had to kneel down and beg for mercy. The Taoist said, “You have been committing all manners of crime in the village, unjustly taking innocent lives. Normally, I would not spare your worthless lives. However, firstly, as a Taoist, I should possess some compassion. Secondly, I suspect you have been drugged by Master Liu’s hallucinogenic substances, clouding your judgment and instilling murderous tendencies. Thirdly, leave your life to take a message back to the bastard Master Liu: warn him not to cause further chaos and harm innocent people. Otherwise, we Shangqing sect of Mount Tiantai will eliminate him to protect the masses. Now, fuck off!”

　　“Bravo, your Taoist Master!” A young boy, just over two years old, spoke clearly. The Taoist turned towards the voice and saw the boy with fair skin, a high nose bridge, double eyelids, and large eyes. However, the boy’s father quickly pulled him back into the house and scolded him, saying, “Yuan’er, it’s dangerous outside. You must not go out!”

　　Old Wang’s daughter cried as she thanked the Taoist, saying, “May I ask, honourable benefactor, who are you? I hope to repay your great kindness and virtue in the future.”

　　The Taoist replied, “I am Tao Deyi, a disciple of the Shangqin sect on Mount Tiantai. Passing through this area, I witnessed injustice and intervened. Unfortunately, I arrived too late to save your father from the Maitreya cult’s evil hands. There is no need for thanks, but the immediate priority is to properly bury your father. I also intend to visit the county magistrate’s office to report this incident and discuss a strategy to resist the Maitreya cult. They own a formidable population, and if they launch a large-scale attack, my own strength will be insufficient to protect the whole village.”

　　The villagers and Tao Deyi went to report to the county magistrate, who was alarmed and unsure of what to do. Tao Deyi advised the magistrate, saying, “In my opinion, we should take the following actions: First, send a messenger on a fast horse to inform the Commander of the Cavalry, requesting military reinforcements. Second, immediately burn the bridges to block the roads, preventing the Maitreya cultists from reaching us temporarily. Third, gather all officials of the county magistrate’s office to organize the people in defending against the enemy while awaiting reinforcements.” The county magistrate followed these instructions and made arrangements accordingly.

　　The next day, as predicted, the Maitreya cultists launched a large-scale attack. The villagers had indeed burned the bridges and blocked the roads. The Maitreya cultists were forced to rebuild the bridges and repair the roads.

　　The cultists had consumed the “Elixir of Longevity”, rendering them tireless like zombies. Astonishingly, within half a day, they had reconstructed the bridge and repaired the road.

　　The county magistrate was discussing defense strategies with Tao Deyi when suddenly they received news that the Maitreya cultists were already at the city gates and about to break through. The magistrate was alarmed and quickly deployed soldiers and cavalry to march out of the city to confront the enemy.

　　The elder guardian of the Maitreya cult, Fu Yu, rode out and proclaimed, “Our Maitreya Master’s actions are in accordance with the will of the heavens, bringing peace to all. It would be best for you to surrender early. Our Master is kind and generous; those who submit will be rewarded with titles, wealth, and glory. Otherwise, we will breach the city walls and spare no one, young or old.”

　　The county magistrate rebuked, “Maitreya cultists, you commit atrocities of burning, killing, and looting. Every one of you will face justice. How dare you speak such arrogant words!”

　　Fu Yu, enraged, spurred his horse and brandished his sword, charging straight at the county magistrate. A young officer by the magistrate’s side rode out with his spear, but after only a few rounds, Fu Yu struck him fatally in the heart. Chaos ensued among the officials and soldiers, prompting them to urgently sound the retreat signal.

　　The next day, the Maitreya cultists launched another attack on the city, and there were no capable commanders left in the city to face the enemy. The county magistrate was deeply troubled by this situation. Seeing the magistrate’s distress, Tao Deyi spoke up, “Although I am not skilled in warfare and have never been on a battlefield, I know a few basic martial arts moves. Mat I ask for a try?”

　　The county magistrate replied, “If the Taoist can assist, that would be most welcome. However, the enemy force is formidable, and I fear for your safety, as you may be outnumbered and at risk of your life.”

　　Tao Deyi responded, “Fear not. Send five hundred soldiers with me to confront the enemy outside the city. Though the enemy is numerous, they appear disorganized. It is said, ‘Capture the ringleader first, and the rest will scatter.’ I only need to deal with the leader of the enemy; their forces will fall into disarray without him.”

　　The county magistrate was greatly pleased and thus dispatched five hundred soldiers to accompany Tao Deyi outside the city to face the enemy. Fu Yu, seeing a Taoist leading troops without armour, felt disdainful and rode forward to confront him. He asked, “Is there no one left in the city? Why send a mere Taoist to lead troops into battle? Which Taoist temple are you from? State your name.”

　　Tao Deyi smiled faintly and replied, “I am Tao Deyi of the Shangqing sect. Your Maitreya cult has been harming the people, and today I will rid the martial world of this menace.” With that, he spurred his horse into battle, wielding only his whisk as a weapon. As the two clashed, the soldiers cheered. Tao Deyi’s robes fluttered as if he were dancing on horseback. Within moments, Fu Yu’s long sword was knocked from his hand by the whisk, and Tao Deyi’s whisk struck two acupoints at Shangqu (Conception Vessel 17) and Shenque (Governing Vessel 8), causing Fu Yu to fall from his horse.

　　Liu Zhicheng, Maitreya cult leader, seeing his close guardian fall from his horse, immediately spurred his own horse into battle. Tao Deyi and Liu Zhicheng engaged in fierce combat, trading blows for over thirty rounds without a clear victor. Liu Zhicheng then began chanting an incantation, using the Maitreya cult’s illusion technique to transform his hand halberd into a twelve-foot-long weapon, thrusting it towards Tao Deyi, much to the shock of onlookers.

　　Tao Deyi swiftly employed the light-footed technique reminiscent of Zhuangzi’s “Dream of the Butterfly” to evade the attack, dismounting from his horse. Liu Zhicheng also dismounted and transformed his hand halberd into a colossal battle axe, aiming a strike at Tao Deyi’s head, causing widespread alarm among the onlookers.

　　Tao Deyi recalled the teachings from his master in the “The Art of Neighboring the Essence and Spirit”, which states: “The one who sits and forgets, what does he not forget? Internally unaware of one’s own body, externally unaware of the universe, merging with the Dao in darkness, abandoning all worries. Without doubt or skepticism, having no disbelief.”

　　Tao Deyi realized that he was being deceived by Liu Zhicheng’s illusions because his own inner resolve was not firm enough. It was this lack of steadfastness that allowed Liu Zhicheng to cloud his mind and create illusions before his eyes.

　　Therefore, Tao Deyi focused his mind and calmed his breath, following the teachings of “The Art of Neighboring the Essence and Spirit”: “By doing nothing, the mind finds peace. Though others may sing praises, I do not engage. Depart from form and abandon wisdom, merging with the Great Way, dwelling in nothingness without grasping onto anything, entering emptiness. The mind unites with the Dao; those who follow the Great Dao remain untainted by phenomena, undisturbed by movement, acting effortlessly yet in profound silence”. By employing his internal energy in this manner, Tao Deyi indeed saw that Liu Zhicheng continued to wield the hand halberd, unaffected by Liu’s attempts to confuse his senses with incantations.

　　Tao Deyi swiftly wielded his whisk, employing four techniques from the “The Art of Neighboring the Essence and Spirit” with agility and grace:

　　Ji Lei Po Shan (疾雷破山) - Swift as lightning breaking through the mountains.

　　Xuan Shi Yin Yu (玄石饮羽) - Profound as stone, drinking the feathers (i.e., profound and unyielding).

　　Zhu Xia Yun Shuang (朱夏殒霜) - Crimson summer’s frost perishing.

　　Jiu You Fei Yao (九幽匪遥) - Ghostly shadows from the depths of the underworld.

　　Each move was executed with elegance and agility, demonstrating the mastery of the martial techniques.

　　Liu Zhicheng, in a panic, struggled to defend himself against Tao Deyi’s attacks. Unfortunately, he was struck on the shoulders and legs in multiple places by the whisk. Liu Zhicheng hastily leaped back into his formation, causing chaos among the Maitreya cultists.

　　At this moment, Right Vigorous Commandant Wang Peng, appointed by the Zhechong Prefecture, arrived with three thousand troops at the county town. The official soldiers took advantage of the situation and launched a fierce attack. The Maitreya cult suffered a crushing defeat, with numerous casualties. Cult leader Liu Zhicheng was captured alive and taken back to the court to await judgment.

　　When Liu Zhicheng was young, he studied under Master Ye Fashan for three years, learning the art of illusions. At that time, Master Ye Fashan had many disciples, a rarity in Taoist history, and with such a large following, it was inevitable that there would be both good and bad among them. Later, Master Ye Fashan discerned that Liu Zhicheng’s intentions were not upright and consequently expelled him from the school.

　　Who was Ye Fashan? Ye Fashan, also known as Dao Yuan and titled as the Immortal of Mount Luofu, was a native of Kuangcang County in Kuozhou. He had a passion for ancient learning and classical studies, reciting poetry and literature from the age of eleven, and delving into rituals and music by twelve. He extensively studied the Book of Changes (I Ching), immersed himself in the philosophies of Laozi and Zhuangzi, and meticulously examined geographic maps and celestial charts of the Yellow River and Luo River.

　　Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once conferred upon him the titles of Silver Seal Grand Master, Hongluqing, Duke of Yueguo, and Master of the Jinglong Monastery. When a messenger from the Tibetan Empire delivered a sealed letter, Li Longji was about to open it, but Ye Fashan immediately intervened, saying, “This is an ominous letter; Your Majesty should not open it. Let the Tibetan envoy open it instead.” Xuanzong allowed the envoy to open the letter himself, revealing a concealed crossbow arrow that fatally shot the Tibetan envoy. As a result, Xuanzong held Ye Fashan in even higher esteem.

　　Ye Fashan was proficient in the art of illusions. During one Lantern Festival, Emperor Xuanzong was viewing lanterns at the Shangyang Palace, where over thirty colourful towers stood, each towering to a height of 150 feet. When a gentle breeze touched them, they emitted harmonious sounds. Lanterns were crafted into the forms of dragons, phoenixes, chimeras, and leopards in dynamic poses. Xuanzong was delighted by the dragon lantern and exclaimed to Ye Fashan, “The lantern display at Shangyang Palace is unparalleled!”

　　Yet Ye Fashan replied, “The lantern display at the Western Liang Prefecture can rival this.” Emperor Xuanzong asked how Ye Fashan knew this, and Ye Fashan answered that he had just visited and seen it recently. Xuanzong was astonished and asked Ye Fashan if he could accompany him to see it together.

　　Surprisingly, Ye Fashan responded, “It is quite easy.” He then asked Emperor Xuanzong to close his eyes and not open them until they arrived. After a brief moment, Ye Fashan asked Xuanzong to open his eyes. Li Longji gazed ahead and saw a spectacle of illuminated lanterns stretching for tens of miles, with bustling crowds of carriages and people.

　　Xuanzong praised him profusely and asked Ye Fashan to take him back to Shangyang Palace. Xuanzong then closed his eyes again and, in an instant, they were back beneath the palace’s towers, where the music and dance were still in full swing.

　　Ye Fashan passed away as an immortal in the eighth year of the Kaiyuan era (BC 720). Before his death, he left behind a poem: In ancient times under Yu's reign, I returned to the Heavenly Court above. Humbled to record the immortals’ deeds, travelling on clouds of vapor and mist... Today I ascend to the sky, returning to the purity of Upper Vastness. The pill of earthly existence is but a show, soaring beyond worldly fame. To repay those who seek immortality, know that I ascend to the Jade Capital in the morning.[ Adopted translation version of Mr. Lin Xutang for《留诗》.

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　　The officials and soldiers escorting the Maitreya Sect leader Liu Zhicheng back to the capital paused for a rest on their journey. Right Vigorous Commandant Wang Peng leaned over to the soldiers beside him and said, “The sorcerer Liu Zhicheng of the Maitreya Sect is skilled in illusions. Keep a close watch, everyone, and don’t let this sorcerer deceive us. If we let this sorcerer escape, our heads will be forfeit.”

　　At this moment, a Left Chief of the Guards respectfully replied, “General, please do not worry!”

　　This Left Chief of the Guards actually had a significant background. To learn how he planned to prevent Liu Zhicheng from using illusions to escape, stay tuned for the next chapter.