In a village, there was a young man named Wang who yearned to learn the ways of immortals. Hearing that many immortals resided on Lao Mountain, he went there to study. Upon reaching a peak, Wang found a secluded temple and met an old Daoist with divine presence. After conversing, the Daoist agreed to take Wang as his disciple, although he doubted Wang’s ability to endure hardships.
One morning, the Daoist gave Wang an ax and sent him with other disciples to chop wood. After enduring a month of labor, Wang grew weary and wished to return home. One night, he came back to the temple and found the Daoist and two other men drinking. Using a paper moon as their light, the Daoist performed astonishing tricks, such as summoning the Moon Goddess to dance and drink with them. Wang was fascinated but still yearned to learn something before leaving.
After another month of toil, Wang complained to the Daoist that he had not been taught any magical arts. The Daoist laughed and agreed to teach Wang a simple skill. Wang requested the ability to walk through walls, and the Daoist consented. He taught Wang a secret incantation and instructed him to run headfirst towards a wall. Wang hesitated but eventually followed the instructions, only to be stopped by the wall. The Daoist then advised Wang to lower his head and try again. This time, Wang successfully passed through the wall and was overjoyed.
The Daoist warned Wang to remain pure or the spell would not work. Wang returned home and boasted about his encounter with the immortal. His wife did not believe him, so Wang attempted to demonstrate his new power by running through a wall. Instead, he hit the wall hard and fell, bruising his forehead. His wife mocked him, and Wang cursed the Daoist for his deceit.
A historian comments that many people in the world are like Wang, seeking shortcuts and easy ways out, only to find themselves humbled by the harsh reality.
