In a remote corner of the mountainous countryside, there lived a poor farmer named Li Dashan. His figure was hunched, and his face was engraved with the vicissitudes of years and the hardships of life. His hands were as rough as old tree bark, a mark left by years of toil. The few acres of infertile land at home were his sole means of livelihood, and life was so tight that he often didn't have enough to eat.
To earn a few more copper coins to support his family, Li Dashan often took advantage of the slack farming season, carrying a bamboo basket and a medicine hoe, and went into the mountains to gather herbs. For others, those continuous mountains might be a beautiful paradise, but for him, it was a difficult place he had to venture into due to life's necessities. The mountains were overgrown with thorns and jagged rocks, and every step was fraught with danger. A slight misstep could lead to a fall and injury.
This year, there was an unusually large amount of rain after autumn. One day, Li Dashan went into the mountains to gather herbs as usual. When he went out in the morning, the sky was just gloomy, and muffled thunder rumbled faintly in the distant valleys. Thinking that he might be able to gather a few herbs before the heavy rain poured down, he didn't turn back. Who would have thought that in just a moment, the dark clouds gathered rapidly like surging black waves. In an instant, large raindrops came crashing down, pattering on the leaves in the forest.
The mountain path instantly became muddy and slippery. Li Dashan trudged laboriously through the mountains, one foot deep and one foot shallow, trying to find a cave to take shelter from the rain. But the rain curtain was so thick that his vision was blocked. He got lost in the forest, wandering around for a long time but still couldn't find a cave. Instead, he walked further and further astray and deeper into the mountains. By the time the rain eased a little, it was already dark. The night was like a huge black satin, tightly wrapping the forest. There was a deathly silence all around, only the occasional hooting of owls, which was creepy.
Li Dashan was cold, hungry, and soaked through. He sat down, leaning against a big tree, full of helplessness and despair. In this desolate mountain wilderness, all alone and without help, he didn't know if he could survive the night, let alone think about how to get through the next two days. The cold wind whistled into his collar, making him shiver and his teeth chatter.
Just when he was on the verge of sinking into the abyss of despair, his finger accidentally touched the pocket on his chest. There was hidden a "protective amulet" he had accidentally obtained a few days ago in a dilapidated small temple at the foot of the mountain. That small temple was actually just a few dilapidated and crumbling rooms, inside which were enshrined several dusty statues. That day, after returning from gathering herbs, Li Dashan passed by the small temple and thought of going in to pay his respects, praying for a good harvest of crops and the good health of his family the following year. When he was kowtowing in front of the statues, he noticed that there was an old yellow talisman on the altar. It was painted all over with strange symbols and patterns. Although he didn't understand why, as if driven by some mysterious force, he carefully picked up the talisman and put it in his pocket.
At this moment, Li Dashan, who was in a desperate situation, seemed to grab the last straw. Trembling, he took out the talisman from his pocket and clenched it tightly in his palm. At that very instant, something miraculous happened. The talisman suddenly became slightly warm, and a soft and bright light spilled out from between his fingers, slowly illuminating a small area around him. Li Dashan's eyes widened in disbelief. Subconsciously, he stood up, clutching the talisman tightly in his hand, as if it were the only bond for him to communicate with the unknown force.
The light seemed to be alive, swaying gently in the air and then slowly moving forward, as if guiding him in a direction. Filled with awe, Li Dashan followed the light step by step, cautiously. The mountain path under his feet was still rugged and difficult to traverse, but at this moment, a flame of hope was kindled in his heart, and he no longer had the previous fear and despair.
As he walked, the sound of gurgling water suddenly came from ahead. Li Dashan was overjoyed. The sound of water indicated that there was likely a way down the mountain nearby. He quickened his pace. Following the light, he bypassed several huge rocks, and a winding mountain path suddenly appeared in front of him. At this time, the light gradually faded until it disappeared. Looking at the mountain path in front of him, tears welled up in Li Dashan's eyes. It was the joy of surviving a disaster and gratitude for the mysterious force.
He walked quickly down the mountain path. Although he was still cautious along the way, his steps were much lighter. After walking for an unknown amount of time, the sky in the east began to turn white, and the first glimmer of dawn shone on his tired but hopeful face. Finally, he saw the familiar outline of the village at the foot of the mountain. At that moment, he could no longer hold back his excitement and burst into tears.
Back at home, Li Dashan told everyone he met about his thrilling experience. After hearing this, the old people in the village shook their heads and sighed, saying that it was because he had been doing good deeds all along and had moved the gods that he was blessed with the protection of this divine talisman. It turned out that the talisman was an extremely precious "danger-avoiding and life-protecting" instrument in Taoism. The runes on it contained the mysteries of heaven and earth and could sense the predicament of the wearer in times of danger, actively activate spiritual power, guide the way, and resolve the crisis.
After this incident, Li Dashan firmly believed in the miraculous power of Taoism. Since then, he often took his family to the small temple to burn incense and pray for blessings. He also took the initiative to help repair the temple and clean the courtyard. Under his influence, the people in the village also had more respect and yearning for Taoism, and the incense in the small temple gradually became more prosperous. And Li Dashan wrapped the somewhat worn talisman in a clean cloth and enshrined it on the main hall of his house. Every morning when he got up, he would first kowtow piously to the talisman, grateful for the second life it had given him, and always remind himself to uphold kindness and conform to the way of heaven. That talisman was not only his protective object but also a manifestation of his faith, carrying the great spirit of Taoism protecting all living beings. In this small mountain village, it was passed down from generation to generation, continuing hope and miracles.
As the years passed slowly, the mountain village remained quiet and peaceful. Li Dashan's story, like a clear spring in the mountains, flowed in the hearts of every villager, inspiring everyone to have hope and adhere to kindness when facing the hardships of life, believing that there was always a mysterious force that would reach out a helping hand at the most critical moment, just like the shining light in that rainy night, illuminating the way forward.