Chapter 37: Yang Moguang

Elder Yang, also known as Yang Moguang, turned to look at Xiao Weiguo and spoke with deep meaning, “Young man, to learn the true transmission of our Daoist teachings comes with requirements. Though I am grateful for your righteous deeds today, our fate together is still shallow. Let us see how things unfold; perhaps in time, it may become possible.”

Hearing these words, Xiao Weiguo realized he had been too impatient, and quickly replied, “I understand, Elder Yang. I truly admire the profound secrets of Daoism. The more we interact in the future, the better you will come to know my true character. Oh, I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Xiao Weiguo, I’m a purchasing officer at the textile factory, living on Nanluoguxiang. My hometown is on the outskirts of the capital, Xingwang Commune.” He hurried to introduce his background.

Elder Yang stroked his goatee, and with an air of calm, said, “Our fate is long; there’s no need to rush. Young man, I’ll call you Weiguo for now. I’ll give you something to take with you as a token of gratitude for your actions today.”

“Elder Yang, there’s no need for that. I’m just a purchasing officer; do you think I lack things? If you think highly of me, please don’t mention gifts again,” Xiao Weiguo insisted.

Elder Yang, hearing this, withdrew the foot he was about to lift and said, “Very well. Merit deserves reward. I cannot yet teach you the true Daoist transmission, but let’s set a three-month period. During this time, let me observe you more clearly. Perhaps afterward, you may become a registered disciple and enter the gates of our Daoist tradition. In the meantime, if you wish to learn martial arts, you can go to Courtyard No. 18 on this street and find Tian Xuguo. He is skilled in Bajiquan. You may learn a few moves for self-defense; mention my name when you see him.”

Xiao Weiguo replied with delight, “Alright, Elder Yang, you can count on me. By the way, since I’m a purchasing officer, I sometimes have access to extra materials that the factory doesn’t use. If you have any needs, just let me know and I’ll arrange something for you.”

“Materials? Yes, those are always in short supply—grain, meat, just the little ration we get, who can it feed? There are still so many people to care for. If you have anything extra, you can always bring it to me for exchange. Even if I don’t need it, I know plenty of old fellows who will. Of course, we must never violate the rules. That’s crucial. It must only be things you don’t need yourself.”

Xiao Weiguo assured him, “Don’t worry. I’ll be going now, Elder Yang. I’ll visit you again soon.”

With that, Xiao Weiguo turned and left the single-entry courtyard. He closed the gate behind him and looked up at the majestic courtyard house, standing with such dignity.

He nearly drooled at the thought—living in a courtyard house like this was true comfort. In the future, a place like this would be worth at least a hundred million, but right now, with a bit of luck, a few thousand yuan could buy one. Of course, a few thousand now was as hard to come by as a hundred million in later years.

But Xiao Weiguo was full of confidence—after all, having the space gave him assurance.

As for the Bajiquan Elder Yang mentioned, Xiao Weiguo wasn’t particularly interested for now. He didn’t intend to check it out that day. He could always learn it later, once he’d firmly established himself in the city.

His eagerness for the Daoist arts came from something Elder Yang had said at Qinghua Pool—about drawing in vital energy, about spiritual energy. The space required spiritual energy to advance, and aside from jade, this was a new clue he had to grasp.

This was the real reason for Xiao Weiguo’s keen interest. Of course, his admiration for Daoist culture was genuine. If given the chance, becoming a secular disciple would be something he gladly embraced.

He mounted his newly bought bicycle and rode leisurely home, pondering where to have dinner that evening. At the same time, he took in the street scenes of the era. As the capital of a great nation and an ancient city, Xiao Weiguo found he could never see enough.

Turning a corner, he saw a young man dashing toward him like the wind, brushing past as he ran. In the distance, a woman’s voice cried, “Stop thief! My bag!”—her call ragged with breath.

Only then did Xiao Weiguo notice the young man was carrying a white women’s handbag—clearly the thief. Without hesitation, Xiao Weiguo used his spatial ability, focusing his intent on the youth’s left foot.

The young thief went sprawling face-first onto the ground, scrambled up in a panic, and tried to run again. Xiao Weiguo focused his intent on the right foot, and the thief tumbled again, eating a mouthful of dirt this time.

Xiao Weiguo found this highly amusing and couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

The thief, flustered and angry, glared at Xiao Weiguo, “What’re you laughing at, kid? I like lying on the ground if I want to.”

Thanks to Xiao Weiguo’s delays, the woman finally caught up. She looked to be in her thirties, with a Republic-era perm, fair complexion, dressed with refined elegance and small-heeled leather shoes—her entire demeanor exuded intelligence.

She addressed the thief, “Please, could you give me back my bag?”

“Give you? Give you what? It’s all mine now. Which eye of yours saw this bag is yours?” he retorted, pulling a small knife from his pocket and threatening, “Get out of my way if you know what’s good for you, or I’ll carve up your face.” He stepped toward her menacingly.

Xiao Weiguo could no longer stay silent. He stepped in front of the refined woman and said, “Friend, if you’re after money, you can just leave. There’s no need to escalate things.”

Behind him, the woman spoke again, “You can take anything you want from the bag, but could you please return the letter? The rest is yours.”

“Return it? Return my foot! It’s all mine now. Which eye of yours saw this bag as yours? And you, kid, you’re getting on my nerves!” the young thief snarled, lunging at Xiao Weiguo with the knife.

Before Xiao Weiguo could react, the woman behind him cried out in alarm.

In a flash, Xiao Weiguo kicked out, wrapping his intent around his leg. First, he knocked the knife from the thief’s hand, then struck his arm, shoulder, and chest in turn. The thief was sent flying, spitting blood mid-air before crashing heavily to the ground.

Though he hadn’t lost consciousness, the youth tried desperately to get up and flee. But Xiao Weiguo gave him no chance, quickly stepping forward to wrench his arms behind his back and restrain him.

“Miss, please call the police right away,” Xiao Weiguo said to the refined woman.

“Oh—yes, young man, I’ll call them right away,” she replied, still dazed. She could hardly believe Xiao Weiguo had subdued the fierce-looking thief in a single move.

“Never mind, we’d better go to the station together. They’ll probably need our statements. Could you push my bike for me? Let’s go to the nearest police station,” Xiao Weiguo suggested, realizing that was the only way to properly resolve the situation.

The woman quickly picked up her bag.

“Miss, don’t forget the knife—it’s evidence,” Xiao Weiguo added.

With the woman pushing the bicycle, Xiao Weiguo, dragging the dazed thief like a dead dog, made his way toward the police station.