In the long and winding history of the Chinese land, Taoism, with its profound doctrines and mysterious cultivation methods, is like a dazzling star, shining with unique brilliance, protecting thousands of living beings and bringing endless hope and comfort to the world. And the Quan Zhen School, as an important and influential sect in Taoism, has adhered to the tenet of "preserving one's true nature and cultivating one's character" since its establishment. Over the passage of time, it has cultivated generations of disciples with a heart for the common people and noble virtues. They strictly abide by the religious precepts, devote themselves to cultivation, and inherit the true meaning of Taoism through their words and deeds, writing many touching and legendary tales.
Most of the Taoist temples of the Quan Zhen School are hidden among green mountains and clear waters, far away from the hustle and bustle of the secular world, just like a secluded paradise, quiet and peaceful. In the temples, incense smoke curls up and bells and chimes ring. Taoists, dressed in simple and ancient Taoist robes, either chant scriptures to pray for blessings or practice their skills. Every move they make reflects their reverence for nature and their piety towards the gods. At specific times of each year, the disciples of the Quan Zhen School would gather together to hold a solemn and sacred ceremony - making the "Blessing Talisman".
This "Blessing Talisman" is by no means an ordinary thing. Its production process is extremely elaborate, condensing the wisdom of Taoist predecessors over thousands of years and their profound insights into heaven and earth. When making it, one needs to select high-quality yellow paper that has undergone special treatment. The yellow paper glimmers with a faint golden light, as if carrying the grace from heaven. Then, pure cinnabar is ground into ink. The cinnabar is as bright as blood, seemingly containing the fiery power of life. The disciples wash their hands and faces, hold their breath, and with the most sincere hearts, under the leadership of the Taoist priest, draw the talisman stroke by stroke. Each line is like a lively dragon, winding and swimming on the paper; each rune is like a mysterious code from ancient times, emitting a mysterious aura and carrying the wishes and blessings for a better life.
Legend has it that at the foot of a remote mountain, there was a quiet small village where a poor scholar named Su Wen lived. Su Wen was extremely intelligent and diligent since childhood, with lofty ambitions. He was eager to change the fate of himself and his family and seek the well-being of the common people through the imperial examination. However, fate seemed to like playing tricks on people. Although he studied hard day and night, read a lot of books, and participated in the imperial examinations many times, he failed repeatedly. His family was poor, and his parents had done their best to support his studies, making their lives even more difficult. The gossip of the neighbors and the cold ridicule of others were like sharp knives, stabbing his heart and plunging him into deep despair and confusion.
One day, to relieve his depression, Su Wen walked alone on the mountain path. It was spring, and the mountains were full of beautiful flowers, green grass, and singing birds. The stream flowed gurgling, and nature presented a vibrant scene. But Su Wen was in no mood to enjoy the beautiful scenery. His heart was full of sorrow, and his steps were heavy. As he walked, an elegant and otherworldly old man suddenly appeared in front. The old man was dressed in a spotless white Taoist robe, with white hair but a ruddy complexion, deep and kind eyes, and a simple and ancient walking stick in his hand. The stick was carved with fine runes, as if telling the vicissitudes of time and mysterious stories.
Su Wen was startled and subconsciously stopped. He respectfully saluted the old man and asked, "I, Su Wen, pay my respects to you, sir. May I ask why you are alone in this mountain?" The old man smiled and looked at him, with wisdom in his eyes that could see through everything. He said softly, "Young man, I notice that you have a furrowed brow and a sad look. You must have a lot of troubles in your heart." Hearing this, Su Wen was secretly amazed. This old man seemed to have the ability to read minds. Without hesitation, he no longer concealed anything and poured out to the old man all his failures in the imperial examinations, his poor family situation, and his inner pain.
The old man listened quietly and nodded slightly. He said, "All things in the world have a fixed destiny, and the road of life is inevitably bumpy. Although you have gone through hardships, your original intention remains unchanged, which is really rare." As he spoke, the old man slowly took out a delicate brocade pouch from his sleeve and handed it to Su Wen. "There is a talisman I drew by myself in it. It is the 'Blessing Talisman' of our Quan Zhen School. Take good care of it. It contains the blessing power of Taoism and can protect the safety of your family and help you succeed in your career. You just need to wear it on your body, keep a kind heart, and move forward bravely, and you will surely achieve something."
Su Wen took the brocade pouch with trembling hands, his eyes full of gratitude and awe. Although he was somewhat skeptical about the miraculous effect of the talisman, seeing the solemn and determined look on the old man's face and thinking that he had nowhere to turn now, he decided to give it a try. So, he bowed deeply to the old man, thanked him for his kindness, and then hurried down the mountain with the pouch.
When he got home, Su Wen carefully opened the brocade pouch and took out the "Blessing Talisman". On the talisman, the runes shone and golden light flowed, as if there was a mysterious power surging. He followed the old man's instructions and wore the talisman close to his body. Immediately, a warm current surged in his heart, and his originally depressed mood calmed down a little.
Time flew by, and soon it was the year of the imperial examination again. Su Wen carried his dream and set off for the examination again. Along the way, he remembered the old man's teachings, kept a kind heart, and offered help to travelers in trouble; when he saw injured small animals, he would also do his best to save them. And the blessing talisman he wore seemed to have become his spiritual pillar, giving him continuous courage and strength.
In the examination hall, Su Wen was calm and composed, and his thoughts flowed freely. The moment he picked up the pen, it was as if a god was helping him. The knowledge he had learned in the past rushed into his mind like a tide, and one excellent article after another was completed smoothly under his pen. After the examination, he waited for the day of the announcement of the results with full confidence.
Finally, the day of the announcement came. Su Wen went to the front of the list with a nervous heart, following the crowd. When his eyes swept to the top of the list and saw his name clearly on it, he couldn't believe his eyes and froze on the spot. After a long while, he came to his senses and was so excited that tears filled his eyes. Years of hard study and countless setbacks and hardships had all turned into tears of joy at this moment. He knew deeply that his success in winning the first place in the examination was inseparable from the support and dedication of his family over the years, and more importantly, from the "Blessing Talisman" given by the mysterious old man.
The news that Su Wen won the first place in the examination was like a blockbuster, instantly spreading throughout the small village and its surrounding areas. The villagers came to congratulate him one after another, looking at him with envy and admiration. But Su Wen didn't become arrogant or complacent. He knew deeply that he had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders. After serving as an official, he was honest and upright, cared about the people, and made outstanding contributions to the local development and the well-being of the people, achieving great undertakings and becoming a much-told story.
After that, the magical legend of the Quan Zhen School's "Blessing Talisman" spread like spring breeze all over the country. People had more respect and yearning for the Quan Zhen School. They flocked to the Taoist temples, praying to get a blessing talisman to bring good luck and blessings to themselves and their families. And the disciples of the Quan Zhen School still adhered to their original intentions, carefully making blessing talismans every year, passing on the care and hope from Taoism to more people, so that the blessings of Taoism could continue and illuminate the way forward for the world.