In the bustling and noisy mortal world, there was a merchant named Zhang Liang. He came from a poor family since childhood, but with an ambitious heart that refused to be ordinary, he left his hometown and embarked on a long journey of doing business. Over the years, he endured hardships, traveling between various towns. Relying on his shrewdness, competence, and hardworking spirit, his business gradually thrived like bamboo shoots after a spring rain. From starting with small-scale trading, he now had numerous shops and considerable wealth. Truly, Zhang Liang had put in unimaginable efforts.

However, as his wealth accumulated, Zhang Liang's uneasiness grew day by day. During his days of wandering outside, he always felt as if shrouded by a layer of haze. Everything seemed to go wrong, and he often encountered unexpected troubles. Sometimes, a business deal that had been negotiated was inexplicably called off at the last moment. His partners would suddenly change their minds, giving far-fetched reasons that left Zhang Liang bewildered. Sometimes, while on the road, his carriage would be spooked for no reason, nearly throwing him out, causing a chaotic scene with people and goods scattered all over. What's worse, when staying at an inn at night, he would always be haunted by nightmares. In the dreams, there were shadowy figures as if evil spirits were peeping nearby. His bedding would be soaked with cold sweat, and he would still feel his heart pounding after waking up.

Once, by chance, Zhang Liang passed by a secluded Taoist temple. The temple was hidden among the mountains and forests, surrounded by mist, like a paradise away from the world. The temple gate was half-closed, and the faint sound of chanting scriptures came from inside, as if a mysterious force was summoning him. Zhang Liang couldn't help but step inside. He saw that the pine and cypress trees in the courtyard were always green, and the stone path was swept spotlessly clean. A white-haired old Taoist priest was standing in front of the main hall with his eyes closed, holding a horsetail whisk, looking ethereal and otherworldly.

Zhang Liang's heart was stirred. He stepped forward and respectfully saluted the old Taoist priest, recounting all the experiences he had during his years of wandering outside and his inner panic and uneasiness. The old Taoist priest opened his eyes slightly, his gaze piercing as if he could see through Zhang Liang's past and future. He sighed softly and said, "Benefactor, you have attracted external evil qi, which has hindered your fortune and made you restless." Hearing this, Zhang Liang was startled and quickly begged the old Taoist priest for help.

After pondering for a moment, the old Taoist priest turned and entered the inner room. Soon after, he walked out slowly, holding a talisman in his hand. The talisman was made of thick yellow paper, slightly yellowish in color, exuding an ancient charm. It was painted all over with strange symbols and patterns in cinnabar. In the center, the four bold characters "Drive Away Evil and Guard the House" were written with vigorous strokes, penetrating the paper. Around them were circles of mysterious cloud patterns, as if containing endless mysteries. The old Taoist priest handed the talisman to Zhang Liang and solemnly instructed, "Benefactor, you should wear this talisman close to your body. It has the power to 'avoid disasters and seek good fortune', which can help you eliminate external evil qi and protect you throughout your life."

Zhang Liang received the talisman as if it were a precious treasure. He took it with both hands and carefully placed it close to his body. After thanking the old Taoist priest repeatedly, he left the temple. Strangely enough, since wearing this talisman, Zhang Liang 明显 felt that the surrounding aura seemed to have changed.

In the business field, those inexplicable obstacles gradually disappeared. Once, Zhang Liang was negotiating an important business deal with a major client from another place. At the negotiation table, the other party was initially tough, putting forward many harsh conditions. Zhang Liang argued based on reason but found it difficult to break the deadlock. Just when the two sides were at a stalemate, Zhang Liang subconsciously touched the talisman on his chest and prayed silently. In an instant, he felt a warm current rising in his heart, and his thinking became clearer. He adjusted his strategy and earnestly explained the mutual benefits of cooperation to the other party. Unexpectedly, he found that the other party's attitude gradually softened. Eventually, the two sides successfully reached an agreement and signed this significant deal, adding a glorious chapter to Zhang Liang's business territory.

In daily life, those annoying little troubles also decreased a lot. When Zhang Liang was traveling outside, his carriage was steady and never got spooked or out of control again. At night when staying at an inn, he could sleep peacefully, and the nightmares no longer haunted him. Moreover, Zhang Liang found that his state of mind had become more peaceful and open-minded. The anxiety and restlessness caused by the gains and losses in business in the past gradually dissipated. He became more proficient in handling affairs, and the people around him were surprised by his change and praised him for becoming more composed and magnanimous.

After some time, Zhang Liang, with a grateful heart, came to the Taoist temple again and told the old Taoist priest in detail about the various changes the talisman had brought him. The old Taoist priest smiled and nodded, saying, "The power of the talisman, although miraculous, ultimately relies on the righteous qi of heaven and earth to arouse your own willpower. When you have a positive mind and actively pursue goodness, the talisman can resonate with you and help you dispel the haze. This is the principle of conforming to nature and the unity of heaven and man advocated by Taoism. Everything in the world has a spirit. Evil qi is merely something derived from an imbalance of the human heart and a disharmony between yin and yang. When your state of mind is clear and you blend with heaven and earth, evil qi will naturally find it difficult to approach you."

After hearing this, Zhang Liang was lost in thought and gained a deeper understanding of the profoundness of Taoism. Since then, he not only firmly believed in the teachings of Taoism himself but also often told his relatives and friends about his experiences, advising them to pursue goodness and spreading the positive energy from Taoism. And that Taoist temple, due to Zhang Liang's promotion, had an even more prosperous incense burning. Many people came here seeking spiritual comfort and guidance.

As the years passed slowly, Zhang Liang continued to strive hard in the business world. With his own wisdom and the protection of the talisman, he had a smooth journey. He always remembered the teachings of the old Taoist priest. No matter what kind of storms he encountered, he could maintain a calm heart and adhere to the right path. That "Drive Away Evil and Guard the House" talisman, although worn and faded over the years, was always treasured by Zhang Liang by his side, becoming his lifelong guardian, witnessing his wonderful fate with Taoism and also letting more people know about the miraculous power of Taoism to protect all living beings.