28. When returning to the moral (superior)

  The faint sound of the guqin seemed to exist and yet not exist, like a dreamy illusion lingering around him. Liu Zhi Zhu sat in a chair, with a cup of clear tea and four plates of pastries on the huamu wood table in front of him. He was not in a private room, but in the main hall, separated by a screen cleverly used by the owner. This was a famous teahouse called Qian Chun, very special and expensive.

  Liu Zhi knew unintentionally discovered this tea house by the river in a deep alley. Now Liu Zhi has returned to Shencheng, and the special department's affairs have ended. It's not that there were no benefits, but the special department was very generous with money, 100,000 yuan as a hiring fee was transferred into Liu Zhi's bank card, however, Liu Zhi politely declined the special department's recruitment.

  After the New Year's Day, the school also entered the final review stage. The courses taught by Liu Zhi were not main subjects and there was actually nothing to do. Liu Zhi returned to Shencheng a week earlier than the school holiday. He originally planned to bring Ali back, but Ali stayed in her hometown due to the Spring Festival.

  Liu Zhi brought some mountain delicacies back to Shencheng by train, first went to the charity foundation to submit a year-end work report, then packaged the mountain delicacies and sent some to his parents, one to Old Sun as a junior's filial piety, and a large portion to He Shu, delivering all the gifts that should be given during the New Year.

  Due to Liu Zhi's early return to Shencheng, he arrived in Shencheng only around the 10th of December, and the Spring Festival atmosphere was not yet thick. One evening, when Liu Zhi went out for a stroll, he inadvertently discovered the Chongchun Tea House, located by a river, which could be reached after walking a considerable distance through a small alley from the street. Coincidentally, this place was not far from where Lai Jixue had invited him to dinner last time, and it would take only two turns of the alley to reach that restaurant.

  Liu Zhi discovered that this place was not because of its classical elegance, but because it gathered spiritual energy, which did not seem to be formed naturally, and it was likely to be artificially arranged. He didn't use his yin spirit to check, after experiencing some things, he became relatively cautious. If it was really a cultivator's arrangement, if he rashly entered with his yin spirit, there might be some misunderstandings.

  The next day, Liu Zhi came over slowly and entered as a tea guest. He found that the interior was very elegant, with the teahouse divided into two floors. The upper floor had private rooms, while the lower floor had a large hall separated by screens that moved according to the number of guests. The tables and chairs were all made of huanghuali wood, and there were bookshelves behind the bar with many classic books, mostly ancient classics, as well as some strange tales. There were also several philosophical books from abroad. Liu Zhi saw some tea guests sitting in armchairs, quietly reading books, with a faint mist rising from their teacups. The teahouse was completely quiet, with only the faint sound of a guqin flowing through the hall like water. In such a bustling city as Shencheng, there was actually such a peaceful place, which was truly beyond Liu Zhi's expectations.

  Liu Zhi asked casually and found that the things here seemed very expensive to ordinary people. A pot of tea cost 100 yuan, a plate of dim sum also cost 100 yuan, and the quantity was very small, only four pieces. Moreover, there was a strange rule that each person was only allowed to have one pot of tea and four plates of dim sum at most, and no more would be sold. Liu Zhi asked for the reason, and the waitress didn't seem impatient, telling him that the tea and dim sum here were specially made, with very good nourishing effects on the human body, but too much was unbearable for people.

  Liu Zhi knew ordered a pot of tea and a plate of dim sum, the waitress led Liu Zhi to an empty table and sat down, soon after, she brought over the tea and dim sum. The teapot and teacups were very delicate, like jade porcelain with blue and white glaze. The waiter poured a cup of tea and returned to the bar, the cup was not big, one pot of tea could only fill five cups.

  Liu Zhi knew lifted the lid of the cup, and with the lid, he gently stirred the tea leaves. The light yellow soup revealed a tender green color, and a faint fragrance rose. Liu Zhi knew took a sip, and in the faint bitterness, a refreshing tea aroma emerged. Liu Zhi keenly felt that there seemed to be a kind of fresh vitality within, which slightly lifted his spirit. Due to his cultivation path, Liu Zhi had an extraordinary sensitivity to the nature of things, which should contain a hint of spiritual energy. From this perspective, a hundred yuan for a pot of tea was not expensive. For ordinary people, this tea indeed had the effect of cleansing the body and mind, and nourishing the flesh.

  Liu Zhi knew that the owner of this house was a master of Feng Shui, and even he himself was an expert in this field. The decorations in the hall seemed simple, but they were actually carefully arranged to bring good fortune and prosperity. Liu Zhi could feel the auspicious energy surrounding him, even though he didn't know much about Feng Shui. He took another bite of the pastry, savoring the flavors, and detected the presence of glutinous rice, Chinese angelica, and possibly yam. The addition of osmanthus flowers was also beneficial to one's health. The owner had indeed put thought into this aspect, and the arrangement of the decorations was not just for show.

  Liu Zhi knew thought for a moment, and then gently beckoned to a waitress, asking her in a low voice about the names of the pastries. The waitress smiled and replied that there were two types: the white one was called Osmanthus Cake, and the purple one was Blood Rice Black Chicken Cake. Liu Zhi knew roughly guessed the ingredients after hearing their names, and confirmed that he had eaten the Osmanthus Cake earlier. The waitress briefly explained the ingredients used in it, which matched what Liu Zhi had tasted himself. On the other hand, the Blood Rice Black Chicken Cake was made with blood rice flour, dried and ground black chicken meat, and some medicinal herbs, which were beneficial for nourishing the blood and invigorating Qi.

  Liu Zhi knew from the waitress that the boss's surname was Song, called Song Qi. It is said that he used to be in Zhongnan Mountain and learned this trick. The whole building was arranged by him. Liu Zhi became more interested in Song Qi, but these days the boss was not at home, and the hostess was the boss's wife.

  Liu Zhi knew that Song Qi must have some cultivation and might even be a cultivator hiding in the mortal world, so he decided to get to know him better when he had time.

  Liu Zhi came for the second time, ordered four dim sum and a pot of tea, holding a book "Guanzi" quietly. Although this place is expensive, it's still affordable for Liu Zhi to come once or twice a week. He likes the environment here, a kind of subtle tranquility, which makes his body and mind feel relaxed and comfortable. With nearly ten days left before the Spring Festival, he can relax and enjoy himself here.

  Today he ordered four dishes of dim sum, in fact, for him, having four more dishes would be no problem, his body is much better than average, of course, can withstand such nourishment, he is also a martial artist, with a demand for physical energy far greater than that of ordinary people, usually relying on spiritual medicine to regulate.

  It's almost one o'clock in the afternoon, he arrived relatively early, and there were not many people in the teahouse yet. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that when his phone moved, it didn't ring because as soon as he came inside, he had set it to vibrate. This is what most tea guests do here; they generally have a certain level of refinement and wealth, or else they wouldn't be able to appreciate this kind of atmosphere.

  Liu Zhi knew stood up and said something to the waiter, then walked out of the door. The phone call was from Xu Qing, telling Liu Zhi that the package had been ready last time, and asking where he was. Liu Zhi told her that he had returned to Shencheng, and Xu Qing heard this, saying that Liu Zhi didn't even call to tell her when he came back to Shencheng, not treating her like a friend, and asked Liu Zhi to treat her to dinner as an apology.

  Liu Zhi knew that Xu Qian was laughing and asked if she had time now. He was drinking tea at Chun Tea House, and if she had time, she would come over for a cup of tea.

  Xu Qian didn't hesitate to ask where the farewell banquet was being held, and Liu Zhi told her the address, telling her to hurry over. When she returned to the teahouse, she asked the waitress to move her tea and snacks to a private room on the second floor, instructing the waitress that someone else would be coming later and to show them to the private room. The waitress did as Liu Zhi had instructed.

  Inside the private room, there was a bookcase, a table, four armchairs, and two reclining chairs against the wall. The curtains were open, allowing sunlight to quietly pour in. Several potted plants were arranged in the corner of the wall, which had landscape paintings and calligraphy hanging on it. There were some porcelain vases on the wooden shelves. Liu Zhi didn't understand much about these things, but a faint aura seemed to seep from the walls. Compared to the main hall, this place was even better. Liu Zhi couldn't help but admire the owner's taste. However, according to the waiter, the owner was still not present.

  Liu Zhi took a sip of tea and pulled out a book from the bookcase, "The Collection of Various Masters", which was published by The Commercial Press. This particular book contained three classic works of Taoism: Laozi, Zhuangzi, and Liezi. Liu Zhi slowly flipped through the pages.

  Xu Qian had never heard of the name "Qiu Chun Tea House", but there were many tea houses in Shencheng, so she thought it was just like other tea houses, selling tea, coffee and drinks, with card tables inside the private rooms, perfect for killing time, playing cards, and since her good friend Yu Fang was also free, she brought her along.

  After searching for a long time according to the address, I finally found the teahouse. From the outside, it was decorated very elegantly, and I had a few points of fondness in my heart, which dissipated more than half of the anger from turning left and right just now. Who would have thought that there was a great place hidden inside?

  As soon as they entered, a wave of warmth enveloped them, and despite the cold winter outside, the temperature and feeling inside were like those of a sunny March day. The waitress welcomed them with an elegant demeanor, making them feel very comfortable. Xu Qing said that Liu Zhi was waiting for them here, and upon hearing that they were Mr. Liu's guests, the waitress hastily asked if she was Miss Xu. Confirming that it was indeed her, she led the two of them inside. As soon as they entered, they couldn't help but relax, feeling that the space inside was particularly refreshing and making them feel very comfortable. They unconsciously took a deep breath, and then looked around at the decorations.

  Yu Fang said in a low voice to Xu Qian, "Liu Zhi really knows how to find places, I've never heard of this place before, it looks pretty good!" Yu Fang didn't speak loudly because there were already some tea guests in the hall, and everything was quiet and peaceful under the soft music, making people reluctant to disturb.

  The waitress led the two upstairs, Liu Zhi knew smiled and invited them to sit down, letting the waitress serve each of them a pot of tea and two plates of snacks. The waitress nodded and went out.

  Xu Qian stared at Liu Zhi Zhi, her eyes rolling: "You only ordered four dim sum dishes and gave us two each, isn't that too stingy?"

  Liu Zhi knew that the two had sat down, and only then did he smile and say: "Here, tea and snacks have their own rules. Two plates of snacks and a pot of tea are enough for your bodies. More would be worse, not because I'm stingy, but because everything here is highly nourishing!"

  The waitress brought tea and snacks, poured a cup of tea for the two, and was about to leave when Liu Zhi knew called her back, asking her to introduce the snacks. Only after this introduction did Xiu Qian and Yu Fang realize that Liu Zhi knew was telling the truth.

  The waitress left, Xu Qing took a sip of tea and couldn't help but praise it. Yu Fang also tasted a mouthful, put down the cup and said: "I didn't expect to find such a teahouse here, in the past when I went to the teahall to drink tea, it was all in vain!"

  "This is a place opened by a Mr. Song Qi, and the interior design and tea snacks are all his creations. Look at this layout, it calms your restless heart in an instant! Unfortunately, I've come twice and he's not here either time, I really want to get to know him better!" said Liu Zhi Zhu.

  The two women looked around and found it elegant, but they couldn't see the subtlety in it. Liu Zhi wouldn't explain the profundity to them either. The two women just felt that the arrangement here was truly ingenious.

  The two women tasted the pastries in front of them, nodding their heads in praise. Soft and fluffy, with a lingering fragrance on their lips. The three occasionally chatted for a few sentences, mostly quietly savoring this unique feeling of tranquility.

  After a while, Xu Qian thought of it and took out two crocodile skin bags from her bag. The bags were very beautiful and made good use of the material, which showed that the designer was a mastermind. As a great journalist, she could get to know all sorts of people.

  Liu Zhi thanked Xu Qian, and Xu Qian smiled and joked: "Liu Zhi, do you think this pot of tea can get rid of us both?"

  Liu Zhi Zhī also laughed and said: "Of course not, tonight I'll invite you to taste another family's dog meat stew, how about that?"

  Yu Fang's interest was piqued: "What place? In Shencheng, we've been to all the famous places!"

  "There's a special restaurant not far from here, inside an ordinary residential house! I've eaten there once, the taste is very good! The wine isn't bad either, don't know if you two drink white wine?" said Liu Zhi.

  "How come I've never heard of such a great restaurant around here?" Xu Qian furrowed her brow.

  "You attend many high-end banquets, but sometimes the real delicacies are not necessarily in those high-end places. Just like here, have you ever heard that I didn't accidentally wander to this place? Whether it's cultivation or wealth, those who come here to drink tea are not ordinary people!"

  "That's right!" Xu Qian nodded in agreement.

  The two of them finished off two plates of dim sum, seemingly still unsatisfied, and then drank another cup of tea. A feeling of languor spread throughout their bodies, and before they knew it, they felt a bit tired.

  "No rest at noon today, I feel a bit sleepy!" Yu Fang said with a yawn, stretching her waist.

  "It's not that there was no rest at noon, but the refreshments had an effect. Over there are two reclining chairs, go lie down for a bit. The host had already considered this situation, and on the shelf over there are blankets, just cover yourself slightly." Yú Zhìzhī pointed to the reclining chair as he spoke.

  "And you?" Yu Fang asked.

  "My body is stronger than yours, I'm used to it, and I eat slower than you. I'll just sit in the chair and read a book, you can take a break for a while!" These snacks were beneficial to Liu Zhi but not to the extent of being like them.

  The two women originally wanted to pretend, but seeing Liu Zhi Zhi say this, they no longer pretended, took the blanket, and lay down on the chaise longue to rest for a while. The room suddenly became completely quiet, with the misty and dreamy sound of the guqin lingering lowly throughout the entire room.

  Liu Zhi Zhong slowly flipped through the book in his hand and saw a passage: "Hold on to the great image, and the world will follow. Follow without harm, and peace will be great." Liu Zhi Zhong fell into deep thought. This passage is not difficult to understand. The great image refers to something that has no external boundaries, which can be considered as the correct aspect of greatness. It can also refer to the grand principle or the overall justice of a matter. Holding on to the great image and applying it to human affairs means grasping the overall justice of human relationships, and the world will naturally follow.

  Liu Zhi knew thought of it differently, he thought of what Yan Bing said that day, before liberation, in the years when war fires raged, many national martial arts masters charged into battle for the great righteousness of the nation, that kind of grand spirit merged with the fist method in blood and fire, could push the fist method to transform power, oneself has already reached hidden power, can't really join a special department, to carry out the great righteousness of the nation, comprehend a spirit, to enter transformation power?

  "My own wishes were not about this, what I previously thought was just to be with the one I love. Since practicing, especially after meeting Shao Yan that day, I had a feeling that my previous interest in science was mainly due to the excitement of new knowledge and discoveries, hoping to uncover the secrets of matter. But now my perspective is different, not only wanting to see through the hidden secrets of matter but also wanting to apply it, making my life change. My current life has already changed somewhat, what I'm seeking is what Shao Yan said that day, directly pointing to the great way, my future pursuit should be this goal, and my body and mind should return to virtue!"

  As he thought of this, Liu Zhi felt that his path was unfolding before him. He wasn't clear about it, but today's thought was actually the awakening of his Dao heart. From then on, there was a lamp guiding him on his cultivation path. Although it seemed to have no great effect at this moment, this thought made Liu Zhi confirm his goal from body to mind and embark on a self-aware cultivation path. His previous cultivation was partly out of interest and partly due to external influences, rather than coming from his heart.

  Liu Zhi knew that he had to enlighten his spirit and push his fist technique into the realm of internal energy, but he didn't want to join a special department. Although he wasn't disgusted with those people and even admired them at times, helping them when necessary was one thing, but joining their ranks was another matter altogether - he didn't want to be controlled by others.

  Liu Zhiyi fell into a dilemma, secretly sighed, put down the book, picked up the cup and took a sip of tea. The room seemed peaceful and warm, the two women had already fallen asleep.

  Seeing all this, Liu Zhi also felt a sense of peace. In life, it's not necessary to fight and kill all the time. What he sought was not much, and most things were within easy reach. Being in the Liu family, if not extremely wealthy, at least they had no worries about food and clothing, which was better than most people. And there was also Ah Li who loved him, and he loved her too. What more could he be dissatisfied with? The meaning of life was just like what he understood earlier, to move step by step towards virtue.

  As he thought of this, a smile suddenly appeared on his face. He was seeking a kind of spirit that would allow him to push his fist technique into the realm of internal energy. Wasn't the spirit right in front of him? He had once read a saying: "Those who seek the Way are blocked by the Buddha, and those who seek the Ancestors are blocked by the Ancestors." Isn't this kind of unyielding momentum a grand spirit? What other spirit could be asked for?!

  On that day, beheading the python is just this kind of spirit. Only by beheading the great python can one's knife skills become perfect and achieve spiritual enlightenment! As soon as he thought of this, Liu Zhi knew suddenly became clear and bright, knowing that his own practice and fist techniques had found a way forward, leaving only step-by-step progress ahead!

  Liu Zhi didn't expect that by reading Laozi here, he would actually resolve the puzzles that had been troubling him. No wonder Shao Yan had told him to read the classics carefully - it really made sense!

  Liu Zhi's mental state changed completely, and he took another sip of tea. He was not the least bit anxious in his heart, quietly waiting for the two women to wake up.

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