In those chaotic times of clashing swords and billowing war flames, disputes among various states were incessant, with the smoke of war pervading every inch of land. The common people were deeply mired in the vortex of war-induced sufferings and endured great hardships. The protagonist of the story is a heroic general named Zhao Feng. He came from a family of military generals and had been well-versed in military books since childhood. He had cultivated excellent martial arts skills and harbored a noble ambition to serve the country. In this chaotic world, he was determined to use his talents and passion to create a peaceful land for the people.
The army led by Zhao Feng was known for its bravery and strict discipline. It had achieved remarkable military exploits in numerous battles and had become an elite force of the nation. However, the cruelty of war was beyond imagination. Each battle was like dancing with death, and life and death often hung by a thread.
During a large-scale siege battle, the enemy relied on their 坚固的城防工事 and sufficient troops to put up a fierce resistance. Zhao Feng's army couldn't break through after a long siege and instead found themselves surrounded by the enemy. On the city walls, the enemy's arrows rained down densely, and the soldiers beside Zhao Feng fell one after another. The ground was stained red with blood. Zhao Feng brandished his long spear and fought bravely, sustaining multiple wounds on his body. His battle robe was soaked with blood, yet he still couldn't break through the 困境.
Just when he was exhausted and thought he was about to die, suddenly, an inexplicable force seemed to surge from his chest, instantly dispelling his fatigue and despair. Immediately after, he noticed that the enemy's arrows seemed to deliberately avoid him. Although the danger of the surrounding swords and blades remained extremely high, they couldn't harm him at all. Under the protection of this mysterious force, Zhao Feng rallied his spirits and shouted commands to lead the soldiers to break through. Eventually, he miraculously led the troops out of the encirclement.
After this battle, Zhao Feng was full of doubts. He didn't understand why he could escape death as if aided by a divine power at that critical moment. However, due to the urgency of the war, he didn't have time to think it over and plunged into the next battle.
In the following years of war, similar thrilling scenes occurred repeatedly. In a mountain battle where they encountered an enemy ambush, Zhao Feng's army accidentally walked into the enemy's 精心布置的陷阱. Ambushers sprang up from all sides, and the shouts of battle were deafening. Zhao Feng was 陷入苦战 and was on the verge of being captured by the enemy. At the crucial moment, that mysterious force descended again. His body seemed to be covered by an invisible shield, and when the enemy's sharp blades stabbed at him, they slid away, allowing him to escape danger once more.
After one narrow escape after another, Zhao Feng became more and more convinced that there must be some mysterious power protecting him secretly. In order to seek the truth, when the war situation eased slightly, he decided to embark on a journey to find the answer.
He heard that in the distant Yunwu Mountains, there was a time-honored and renowned Taoist temple. The Taoist priests in the temple were all proficient in the metaphysical Taoist arts and might be able to solve the mystery in his mind. Disregarding the hardships of the journey, Zhao Feng, accompanied by several trusted aides, galloped towards Yunwu Mountains.
After several days of trekking along the winding and rugged mountain paths, Zhao Feng finally arrived at the mysterious Taoist temple. The temple gate was closed, and the surrounding area was shrouded in clouds and mist, like a secluded fairyland. Zhao Feng stepped forward and knocked on the door knocker. Soon, an old Taoist priest in a Taoist robe, with an otherworldly and ethereal demeanor, opened the door. His gaze was calm and profound, as if he could perceive all things in the world.
Zhao Feng respectfully saluted the old Taoist priest and recounted his strange experiences on the battlefield in detail. The old Taoist priest nodded slightly and a faint smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. He said, "General, all things in this world have their destinies. Cause and effect cycle, and there is a reason for everything. What happened to you was because of this talisman." As he spoke, the old Taoist priest took out a yellowed talisman from his sleeve and handed it to Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng fixed his eyes on it and saw that the runes on the talisman were simple and mysterious, as if containing the mysteries of heaven and earth. Each stroke was like a lively dragon, winding and swimming, emitting a solemn and majestic aura that inspired awe.
The old Taoist priest continued, "This talisman was made by the predecessors of our temple. It combines the righteousness of heaven and earth and the spiritual power of Taoism, specially designed to protect the predestined ones. General, you have a just heart and are willing to sacrifice yourself to protect the country and the people. Such noble righteousness has touched heaven and earth, so the talisman manifested its power to protect you. It can not only keep you safe from physical harm but also guide your mind at critical moments, helping you make the right decisions and break through difficulties."
Zhao Feng was deeply shocked after hearing this. He took the talisman with trembling hands and knelt down to kowtow to the old Taoist priest to express his gratitude. "Thank you, Taoist priest, for solving my doubts. Without the protection of this talisman, I'm afraid I would have died on the battlefield long ago, let alone fulfill my ambition to serve the country. I will never forget your kindness today."
The old Taoist priest gently raised his hand to signal Zhao Feng to stand up and earnestly instructed, "General, although the talisman has spiritual power, you still need to conform to the heavenly way and have a compassionate heart in your future actions. Do not kill the innocent indiscriminately. Only in this way can you complement the power of the talisman and continue to receive the protection of heaven and earth."
Zhao Feng nodded solemnly and carefully tucked the talisman close to his body, as if treasuring the most precious thing in the world. Subsequently, he bid farewell to the old Taoist priest and embarked on his journey home with a heart full of gratitude and awe.
After returning to his hometown, Zhao Feng didn't become arrogant because of his outstanding military achievements. He knew well that all this glory was not only due to his own efforts and the hard work of the soldiers but also inseparable from the protection of the Taoist talisman. To express his gratitude, he would bring rich tributes to the local Taoist temple for donation at specific times every year.
These tributes included precious spoils of war, such as exquisite weapons and rare jewels, as well as local specialties, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fragrant wine. Each item was full of his sincerity and respect. In the Taoist temple, Zhao Feng often exchanged insights with the Taoist priests, listened to them tell the wise stories in Taoist classics, and perceived the way of heaven and earth and the philosophy of life.
Under the influence of Zhao Feng, the people in his hometown also grew more respectful of Taoism. On weekdays, the villagers would spontaneously go to the Taoist temple to pray for good weather and the safety of their families. If there were children at home, they would also take them to the Taoist temple to listen to the teachings, hoping that the children could be bathed in the grace of Taoist culture from childhood and learn the wisdom of dealing with people and things.
And Zhao Feng incorporated the spirit contained in the talisman into his daily life and military leadership. He often taught the soldiers to respect heaven and earth and adhere to justice. On the battlefield, they should not only have the courage to fight bravely but also have a compassionate heart for the common people. Only in this way could they be invincible and defend the country.
Many years later, when people talked about the legendary general Zhao Feng, they would always mention the story of his being protected by the talisman. It was like a bright star, shining brightly in the long history of his hometown, becoming a much-told anecdote. It made the compassion, justice, and wisdom of Taoism deeply rooted in this land, nourishing generation after generation. It inspired them to adhere to the right path, have hope in their hearts, and believe that there was always a mysterious and powerful force to guide and protect them when facing difficulties and challenges in life.