Chapter 5 Thirty three swordsmen

Old novels have illustrations and embroidered images, which has always been a tradition in our country. I really enjoy reading old novels and the illustrations in them.It's a pity that the artistic level of general illustrations is far from the literary level of novels.These illustrations are woodblock prints, engravings on woodblocks and printings, and are often, with few exceptions, crudely drawn and crudely carved. Chinese printmaking has a long history.The oldest print is the Xiao Xingyin of the Han Dynasty, in which dragons, tigers, birds and birds are engraved on the seal, and printed on silk paper, forming exquisite and beautiful graphics.Printmaking grew up in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, flourished in the Song and Yuan Dynasties, and reached its peak in the late Ming Dynasty. The biggest artist is Chen Hongshou (Lao Lian).In the Qing Dynasty, prints were generally developed, and New Year pictures were popular among the people.Ren Weichang during the Xianfeng period is generally considered to be the last master of traditional Chinese prints.The later prints were influenced by western art, which is quite different from the traditional style of our country.

I have a print collection "Thirty-Three Swordsmen" by Ren Weichang. There are thirty-three swordsmen in total, and the shapes of the characters are very vivid.Occasionally, when I have free time, I read a few pages, which triggers some imagination, and often leads to an idea: "It is best to 'insert' a short story for each picture." The practice is always that painters draw illustrations for novelists. Never before has a novelist inserted fiction into a series of paintings. Because I don't read much, I don't know all the stories of these thirty-three swordsmen.But anyway, I’m writing a novel, and I don’t know the original source, so I might as well create a story arbitrarily.

But even the wish to write thirty-three swordsman stories can never be fulfilled.After I wrote the first novel, I couldn't write the second novel "The Curly Bearded Man".Writing a narrative is much easier than writing a novel, so I switched to a straightforward narrative to introduce the original story. Among them, the four stories of "The Curly Bearded Man", "Nie Yinniang", and "Kunlun Slave" are well known and will not be described in detail. At the same time, the original text is very well written. I have no ability to translate it into a similarly concise and clear language, so the original text is appended.For the more uncommon stories, all the contents of the original text are written out.

These short articles were written in January and February 1970, for the first two months of Ming Pao Evening Post. By the time of the Song Dynasty, Jiangsu and Zhejiang had gradually become the economic and cultural centers of China, and Suzhou and Hangzhou had become places where culture and beauties were produced.But in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, Wu people and Yue people were symbols of bravery and determination.That kind of contempt for life and death, and the pursuit of the last moment of glory in life is so far away from the character of ordinary Chinese people in modern times, and it is two extremes with the wit and softness of people in modern Jiangsu and Zhejiang.At that time, what flowed in the veins of Wu people and Yue people was primitive and wild blood.

Wu Yue's culture is foreign.Wu Zixu, Wen Zhong, and Fan Li all came from the Western state of Chu.Another important adviser of Goujian, Ji Ran, came from the state of Jin in the north.Only the true beauty of Xishi belongs to the clear water of Huanshaxi.Therefore, although the virgin who taught Yueren swordsmanship lived in Nanlin south of Shaoxing, "The Legend of the Swordsman" said that she was from the State of Zhao and called her "Virgin Zhao". But in general books, she is called "Yue Nu". There is such a record in "Wu Yue Chun Qiu": "At that time, the King of Yue asked his prime minister, Fan Li, saying: 'If I have a plan for revenge, I would use a boat to fight on water, and a boat to travel on land. The advantage of a boat is as fast as a crossbow. Is it wrong for you to plan things for the widow?" Fan Li said to him: "I heard that all the saints in ancient times were not uncommon to use soldiers in battle. However, in matters of formation, troops, and military drums, good or bad luck depends on their work. Now I heard that there is a virgin in Yue, who came from Nanlin. People in the country call her good." The king invites him, and he can be seen immediately. The king of Yue hired him as an envoy, and asked him about the skill of sword and halberd.

"The virgin met the king in the north, and Dao met a man who called himself 'Yuan Gong'. He asked the virgin and said: 'I have heard that Zi is good at swords, and I would like to see him once.' The woman said: 'I dare not hide too much, but the public Try it.' So Yuan Gong took the bamboo (the name of the bamboo) and the bamboo branch went up to the Jieqiao (lifted upwards), but did not fall to the ground ('not' should be 'the end', the bamboo tip broke and fell), and the woman was victorious. At the end ('Jie' should be 'Jie', catching the bamboo tip.) Yuan Gong flew up the tree and turned into a white ape, so he left.

"I saw the King of Yue. The King of Yue asked, "What is the way of the sword?" It is endless. The concubine is not accepted by others, but suddenly has it.' The King of Yue said: "How is the way?" Yin and Yang. Opening the door and closing the door, the yin declines and the yang prospers. The way of fighting with all hands, the inner strength is the spirit, and the outer appearance is safe. Seeing it is like a good woman, and seizing it is like fearing a tiger (it looks like a gentle woman, once attacked, immediately Just like a threatened tiger, it reacts quickly and violently). Cloth weather, go with the gods. Like the sun, like a rabbit, chasing shadows, light as if, breathing back and forth, not as fast as the law , vertically and horizontally, directly and unnoticed. Those who are Taoist, one person is worth a hundred, and a hundred people are worth ten thousand. The king wants to try it, and the test will be seen.'The king of Yue added a female name, and the name was 'Yue Nu'. He ordered Wuban Zhiluo ('falling' should be 'team') Gao ('Gao' is a person's name, Captain Gao) Xi Zhijiao Sergeant, in this world, there is nothing better than the sword of Yue Nu."

The author of "Wuyue Chunqiu" is Zhao Ye in the Eastern Han Dynasty. He was from Shaoxing, so the records in the book mostly restrain Wu and promote Yue.Xu Tianhu of the Yuan Dynasty made textual research and annotations for this book. He said that Zhao Ye "has not been far away from ancient times, and Ye was born in Shanyin, so the summary regards his book as the record of the affairs of the two countries in detail." The words of Yue Nu's comprehensive discussion on swordsmanship described in the book are indeed the best martial arts, probably the oldest "fighting principles" in the world. Even today's Western swordsmanship and boxing may not be able to surpass what she said Fundamental principle: "Inner movement and outer stillness, the last move comes first; full attention, quick response; changeable, surprise the enemy."

"Yiwenleiju" quoted this text with a slight change: "(Yuan) Gong pulled the bamboo in the forest like withered, and the end fell to the ground. The woman picked up the end. Yuan Gong stabbed the virgin. The virgin should, that is Enter it. The third entry, because he raised his stick to hit Yuan Gong. Yuan Gong flew up the tree and turned into a white ape." It narrates that Yuan Gong broke raw bamboo with his hands, like breaking dead wood.The maiden fought Yuan Gong's bamboo pole with the end of the bamboo branch, defended three moves and then countered with one move.Duke Yuan was defeated, so he flew up a tree and escaped.Among them is the process of stabbing.

"Jian Xia Zhuan" said: "Yuan Gong pulls the bamboo in the forest like an orange tree, breaks the end, and the woman picks up the end. The man stabs the woman. The woman hits it with a stick, and the man climbs the tree and transforms it. For the white ape." "Jujia" is the pulley used to draw water from the well. It should be derived from the word "Jieqiao" in "Wuyue Spring and Autumn", which describes the agility of Yuan's envoy when moving bamboo branches. The eighty-first chapter of "The Romance of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty" wrote this story, and the text is more clear:

"The old man pulls the bamboo in the forest, like picking rotten weeds, trying to stab the virgin. The bamboo breaks, and the end falls to the ground. The virgin picks up the bamboo powder and stabs the old man. The old man suddenly flies up the tree, turns into a white ape, and screams. And go. The messenger is different. "The virgin saw the king of Yue. The king of Yue gave him a seat and asked about the way of stabbing. The virgin said: "The inner strength is the spirit, and the outer appearance is peaceful. Seeing it is like a woman, and seizing it is like a tiger. Cloth the form and weather, and go with the gods. Jie If you are flying a rabbit, you will chase after the shape and return to the shadow, and you will travel vertically and horizontally, and you will not be able to see the moment. Those who get my way, one person will be a hundred, and a hundred people will be ten thousand. If the king does not believe it, I am willing to try it.' The king of Yue ordered a hundred warriors to gather halberds to stab virgins. Virgins Connect the halberds and throw them. The king of Yue obeyed and taught the sergeants. The sergeants were taught by him 3,000 people. After the age, the maiden resigned and returned to Nanlin. This story clearly states that the white ape competes with the virgin for swords, but the poems of later generations often say that the white ape learned swords, or learned swords from the white ape.There are two sentences in Yu Xin's "Yuwensheng Epitaph" that say: "Giving the picture of Huangshi is not without the heart of a teacher. If you learn the sword from the white ape, you will have the ambition of Fengyun." , learning the sword from the white ape.” So in my novel, I also wrote that the Yue girl Ah Qing’s swordsmanship was first learned from the white ape. In my novel, I mentioned Xue Zhu and Feng Huzi. These two people are mentioned in the thirteenth volume of "Yue Jue Shu", "Wai Zhuan Ji Bao Jian". At the end of the chapter, the King of Chu asked Feng Huzi why the sword was so powerful: "The King of Chu was overjoyed and said: 'This sword is mighty? Is there a widow?' Feng Huzi said to Feng Huzi: 'The power of the sword is because of it. The god of the king.' The king of Chu said: 'The sword and the iron ear are inherently spiritual.' The broken tree is the palace, and when it dies, it will be killed by the dragon. It is caused by the God of God. Until the time of the Yellow Emperor, jade was used as a soldier, and trees were cut down as a palace, and the ground was dug. Zang. At the time of Yu’s cave, using copper as a soldier, digging through the gate of Yi, opening the gate of the dragon, breaking the river to guide the river, pouring into the East China Sea, the world is connected, and the palace is governed. Isn’t it the power of the Holy Lord? At this time, Be an iron soldier, and subdue the three armies. The world hears about it, and no one dares to refuse to obey. This is also the god of the iron soldier, and the king has holy virtue.' The king of Chu said: 'I have heard my fate!'" "Yue Jue Shu" was written in the Han Dynasty.This paragraph describes the evolution of weapons and utensils, from Paleolithic, Neolithic, bronze and iron, and is quite interesting in line with the textual research of modern historians.Feng Huzi attributed the incomparable power of the weapon to the five words "the king has holiness", and the king of Chu naturally nodded his head in praise.The technique of flattering is the same in ancient and modern times, and it seems that there have not been many new tricks in the past two thousand years. Virgins are the most quiet and gentle people (not the modern-day obsessive skirt-dancing virgins, of course), while apes are the most active animals. The story of "Wuyue Spring and Autumn" compares the virgin and the white ape, and let the virgin defeat the white ape.Sun Tzu's Art of War says: "That's why you are like a virgin at the beginning, and the enemy opens an account, and then you are like a rabbit, and the enemy can't resist." Compare a virgin with a running rabbit.Or to put it another way: At the beginning, you will deliberately show weakness, make the enemy relax and take no precautions, and then launch a lightning attack suddenly. The white ape can make a sword. It is also described in the legend of the Tang Dynasty "The Legend of the White Ape in Bujiang". Then put it under the stone step. On a sunny day, you can dance with your swords, and fly around your body with lightning, and the light is as round as the moon." In the old novel, the eldest disciple of the immortal is a white ape who dances two swords.In the main story of Huanzhuzhu, several white apes who know martial arts are written in succession. The first disciple of the heroine Li Yingqiong is a white ape. "The Legend of the Curly Bearded Man" is full of vitality, or it can be said to be the originator of Chinese martial arts novels.I have always loved this article.In the first year of high school, I was studying in Bihu, Lishui, Zhejiang. I wrote an article "Crafting and Appreciating the Biography of the Bearded Man", which was published on the school wall newspaper. Brother Shen Baoxin, the general manager of Ming Pao, and I were classmates at that time. I don't know him. Remember this old article?At that time, there were not many books in the school library, and I was naive and ignorant. The so-called "textual research" was just nonsense. The main research was to verify whether the author of the biography was Du Guangting or Zhang Shuo. Say there is more evidence.At that time, Mr. Qian Nanyang, a teacher who taught Chinese in the third grade of high school, was a famous researcher of Yuan opera, and he actually praised this article quite a lot.Children learning to write articles are praised by teachers, so they are naturally very happy.For more than twenty years, every time I turned to "The Legend of the Curly Bearded Man", I often read it again. This legend has opened many paths for modern martial arts novels.There are historical backgrounds but not completely in accordance with history; there are young men and women in love; the man is a hero, while the woman is a beauty ("they are also beauties of eighteen or nineteen years"); there are late-night escapes in disguise; ; There are lodgings and adventures in small inns; There are congenial people who hit it off at first sight; There are bearded men who have been seeking revenge for ten years and finally eat his heart; There are mysterious and well-informed Taoists; ; There are a lot of wealth and generous gifts; there are young heroes with a clear and bright look; there are emperors and ministers; there are donkeys, horses, daggers and human heads; there are chess games and feasts; Great battles; the teaching of the art of war... all of these, don't we often read about them in contemporary martial arts novels?These many things are either real or fictitious, but the pen and ink used are only 2,000 words.Every character and every event is vividly written.The refinement of the artistry is astonishing.Contemporary martial arts novels use hundreds of thousands of characters, and they may not be able to reach such a state. The red-haired girl Zhang is a long-haired girl. According to the legend, she met the bearded guest: "Ms. Zhang stood in front of the bed with long hair. The public brushed the horse. Suddenly there was a person, medium-shaped, with a red beard. And Qiu, who came on a donkey, threw a leather pouch in front of the stove, took a pillow and lay down, watched Zhang comb his hair. The public was very angry, undecided, and he brushed the horse himself. Zhang looked at his face familiarly, holding his hair in one hand, and reflecting his body with the other. Shake to show the public, don't be angry, comb your hair hastily, and ask his surname." It's really majestic and magnificent. There was a head in the leather bag of the bearded man. He said: "This man is a heartless person in the world. He has held the title for ten years. I have just gotten it now. I regret it." What did this heartless person do to make the bearded man like this? Hate, seems to be a short story.I once thought that some psychological materials could be used to describe that the bearded man has a special preference for beautiful girls with long hair.Obviously, the bearded man's favor for Li Jing was entirely due to his love for the red-haired girl, but it was just that the hero's loyalty was the most important thing, and he suppressed the affection in his heart.Because he loves the house and the black, he tries to help Li Jing as much as possible. In fact, the real starting point is to love Hong Fu Nu.The traditional concept in our country believes that falling in love with other people's wives is inappropriate, and positive characters must not have this mentality. However, writing modern novels not only does not have to have such scruples, but instead strives to discover the inner world of the characters. But "Biography of the Curly Bearded Man" is really well written, without mentioning how the ungrateful person is ungrateful, leaving a lot of room for imagination: the Qiubearded Man's affection for the red girl is very subtle, and he has his own cuteness.It would be a snake's foot to add another story. Du Guangting, a native of Jinyun, Zhejiang, was a Taoist priest who learned Taoism in Mount Wutai.It was enshrined in the Tang Dynasty, and later entered Shu, and served as the official of the Jinzi Guanglu doctor and the advising doctor in the Wang Jian Dynasty.After Wang Jian's death, he was conferred the title of Master of Faxing and Grand Master of Chongzhen Temple in the post-lord dynasty. Later, he retired and lived in seclusion in Mount Qingcheng, named Dongyingzi. He died at the age of eighty-five and wrote many works. According to the official history, Li Jing was the nephew of Han Qinhu, a general of the Sui Dynasty. His grandfather and father were both senior officials of the Sui Dynasty, and he had always been acquainted with Yang Su.Yang Su attached great importance to his talent, and often pointed to his chair and said, "You will always sit on this chair in the future." "Old Tang Book" said that he was "majestic in appearance", which shows that he is a beautiful boy. "New Book of Tang Li Jing Biography" said: "Shi Yanjing's art of capturing the wind, horns, birds, and clouds invading the solitude is a good use of soldiers. No. It is based on loyalty and wisdom. It is said by ordinary people that it is strange and auspicious, and it is not credible." Li Jing defeated Turkic in the north, Tuyuhun in the west, and was the first in Tang martial arts. At that time, there were various rumors that he was proficient in strange arts. . In the legend of the Tang Dynasty "Li Weigong's Farewell", it is written that Li Jing gave the Dragon King Shiyu, and Chu Renhuo quoted this story, and even wrote Li Jing as a fairy who can fly through the clouds. It is a favorite subject of painters.According to this story, operas were made. In the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Fengyi and Zhang Taihe both had "Red Fu Ji", and Ling Mengchu had "The Qiuran Weng".But the performances of later generations cannot express the charm of the original work. In "History of Chinese Literature", Zheng Zhenduo believed that Chen Chen's "Hou Shuihu Zhuan" wrote that Li Jun and others became kings overseas, which was influenced by "The Legend of the Curly Beard Guest", which is quite insightful.However, he said that "Biography of the Curly Beard Guest" "is a ridiculous and unconventional legendary article with a strong Taoist atmosphere", and commented on "the first short story in the Tang Dynasty" with "absurd and unconventional" (Hu Shi's opinion) It is a bit "absurd" to read literature and pay attention to whether the story is true or not, and not cherish its literary value at all. Of course famous generals in history always win more than lose, but Li Jing seems to have never lost a battle in his life, which is indeed an extremely rare thing in ancient and modern China and abroad.But in his life, he also encountered two major dangers. For the first time, when he was still a minor official in the Sui Dynasty, he found that Li Yuan showed signs of rebellion, so he wanted to go to Jiangdu to report to Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty, but he stopped because the road was blocked.After Li Yuan captured Chang'an, he captured Li Jing and wanted to kill him.Li Jing yelled: "The public rebels are supposed to eliminate riots in the world. Don't you want to kill strong men with personal grievances for big things?" Li Yuan felt that his words were very powerful, and Li Shimin spoke for him again, so he spared him.This is the beginning of Li Jing getting acquainted with and following Li Shimin as recorded in official history. After Li Yuan became emperor, he sent Li Jing to attack Xiao Xian, but there was no progress due to the lack of troops.Li Yuan still remembered that he wanted to report on his old grievances for rebellion, so he secretly ordered Xu Shao, the governor of Xiazhou, to kill him.Knowing that Li Jing was talented, Xu Shao tried his best to intercede on his behalf.Soon, Li Jing defeated Ran Zhaoze with 800 soldiers and captured more than 5000 people.Li Yuan was overjoyed, and said to all the ministers: "It is better to use the past than to make merit. This time I did it right." Those who have merit are proud of their merit and often make mistakes, while those who are willing to redeem their sins should be cautious and go all out. Big, that is the so-called "doing good work is not as good as doing bad work".So Li Yuan personally wrote an edict to Li Jing, saying: "Don't blame the past, I will forget the old things for a long time!" In fact, he said "Forget it for a long time", after all, I still don't forget it, but I solemnly declare that I will not care about it in the future, so I am consoling His document said: "Your dedication and hard work, the effect is outstanding, far-sighted and sincere, extremely rewarding. Don't worry about wealth!" But the most dangerous time was after he broke through the Turks.The Turks were the great enemy of the Tang Dynasty, and their force was very strong.When Li Yuan first raised his army, he had no choice but to submit to him, which was a great shame and humiliation to the emperor and ministers of the Tang Dynasty.Li Shimin leveled the heroes and unified the world, but the Turks repeatedly invaded, and once attacked the Wei River outside the capital, Li Shimin had to take a big risk and personally form an alliance with them.Li Jing actually beat him to the ground, the excitement of the whole country can be imagined.At that time, Emperor Taizong was overjoyed and pardoned the whole world, and decreed to give the people wine and meat everywhere, and the whole country carnivaled for five days. (The Turkic people gradually moved westward and established the Turkish Empire in the west. Li Jing’s great victory had a great impact on European history. I mentioned it in the article "The Melancholy Turkic Warriors" of my trip to Turkey. arrive.) Li Jing made such a great contribution, and when he returned to the imperial court, the imperial censor immediately impeached him. The charge was: "The army has no discipline, and the rare treasures in the captives were scattered in the hands of the rebels." This is really an inexplicable charge.Taizong blamed Li Jing greatly.Li Jing is very smart. He knows that the emperor must not like his meritorious deeds. The impeachment of Dr. Yushi is just trying to figure out the emperor's psychology to make life difficult for him. some.Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was happy now, and said: "Sui general Shi Wansui broke Datou Khan, and he was not rewarded for his meritorious deeds. Instead, he was killed for his crimes. I am not the case. I should be punished for the crime of the public, and the merits of the public will be recorded." So he added an official award reward. Later, Li Jing continued to make meritorious service, but he understood the principle of "high meritorious service shakes the master", and never dared to seize power. "Old Tang Book" said: "Jing's character is deep and thick, and every time he consults with Shi Zai, Xun Xun seems to be unable to speak." He also said: "Lin Rong is a teacher, awe-inspiring and authoritative; the position is heavy and can be avoided, and the achievements are modest. "So until he died of old age at the age of seventy-nine, he was not defeated by the emperor. "Old Tang Book" discusses Erli (Li Jing, the Duke of Wei, and Li Ji, the Duke of the United Kingdom), and praises: "The meritorious service is rewarded, and the master is in danger. Resignation avoids the position, and eliminates guessing and doubts. Gong determines Huayi, Zhihuai Loyalty. Bai Shou Ping Rong, Xian Zai Ying Wei." Wei Duanfu of the Tang Dynasty wrote "Story of Wei Gong's Old Things", which records that some old things left by Li Jing were seen in Li Jing's descendants. There are 20 letters bestowed by Li Shimin, and several edicts are condolence letters when Li Jing was seriously ill. .One said: "There is a sick old woman who sees the public day and night, and I want to know your daily situation." He) It can be seen that Li Shimin was very kind to Li Jing until his death, and he was called "gong" in the imperial edict, which was very polite. It is very interesting to study the psychology and personality of these great figures in Chinese history.Although material life has changed greatly over thousands of years, people's psychology and the various methods of fighting for and maintaining power have still seldom changed. Emperor Sui Yang was lucky to be Jiangdu.Order Sikong Yang Su to guard Xijing.Being arrogant and noble, but also because of the chaos of the times, there is no one who respects the power of the world.Every minister speaks, and guests come to pay homage, and it is not uncommon to see them from the bed, so that the beauties hold them out, and the maidservants are listed, which is quite arrogant.One day, Li Jing, the Duke of Wei, came up to pay homage in commoner clothes and offered a wonderful plan.Su also see.Gongqian bowed and said: "The world is in chaos, and heroes are competing. As an important minister of the imperial family, the Duke must focus on recruiting heroes, and it is not appropriate to see guests." retreat. When the public is in the debate, a prostitute has a special color, holding a red brush, standing in front of him, and the one-eyed public.After the public left, the person holding the blower came to the Xuanxuan, pointed to the official and said, "Ask the person who is going to be a scholar? Where does he live?" The public tool answered.The prostitute went away. The public returns to the reverse journey.At the beginning of the fifth night of the night, I suddenly heard someone knocking on the door with a low voice, so I asked him.It's a man in purple clothes and a hat, with a stick and a bag.Who do you ask?Said: "Concubine, the red-haired prostitute of the Yang family." The public hurried in.Take off your clothes and hats, you are eighteen or nineteen beauties.Worship with plain face and Chinese clothes.The public was surprised and said goodbye.Said: "My concubine serves Yang Sikong for a long time. There are many people who read the world, and there is no one like a gentleman. Siluo is not an only child. She is willing to rely on a tree, so she came to her ears." "His corpse is still alive, so there is nothing to be afraid of. The prostitutes know that he will not succeed, and there are many who go. He is not very chasing. The plan is detailed. Fortunately, there is no doubt about it." Asking his surname, he said: "Zhang." Ask his siblings.Said: "The longest." Looking at his skin appearance, speech and temperament, he is really heavenly and human.The public does not intend to get it, the more he is happy, the more he is afraid, and he is anxious and uneasy for a moment.And the peepers never stop walking.A few days later, I also heard the sound of chasing after him, and the meaning was not serious.Naixiong rode on a horse in his clothes, pushed the door away and left. Will return to Taiyuan.In Xingci Lingshi Hotel, there are beds, and the meat is cooked in the furnace.Mrs. Zhang made a long appointment and stood in front of the bed.The public was brushing the horses, and suddenly there was a man, medium-shaped, with a red beard like a horn, who came riding a donkey.Put the leather bag in front of the stove, take the pillow and lie down, watch Zhang comb his hair.The public was very angry, and it was still undecided. He still brushed the horse himself.Zhang looked at his face familiarly, held his hair with one hand, and shook his body with the other to show the public, so as not to be angry.Quickly comb your hair.He asked his surname.The lying guest replied: "My surname is Zhang." Confrontation: "My concubine is also surnamed Zhang. She is my sister." He worshiped him abruptly.What is the number.Said: "Third." Ask my sister what number.Said: "The longest." Sui Xi said, "I'm lucky to meet a sister tonight." Zhang called from a distance, "Li Lang, come to see the third brother!" Gong suddenly saluted.Then sit around.Said: "What kind of meat do you cook?" Said: "The mutton is already cooked." The guest said: "Hungry."The guest draws a dagger at his waist and cuts meat to eat together.After eating, the remaining meat was cut up randomly and eaten before sending it to the donkey, very quickly. The guest said: "Looking at Li Lang's travels, he is also a poor man. Why are you so different?" Said: "Although Jing is poor, he has a heart. When others ask, they don't speak, and when they ask, they don't hide their ears. "Specify the reason.Said: "Then what will it be?" Said: "I will avoid Taiyuan." Said: "Of course. My reason is not caused by the king." Said: "Is there any wine?" Said: "Master West, there is also a wine shop. "The public took a bucket of wine.After patrolling, the guest said: "I have less wine and food, can Li Lang agree?" Said: "I dare not." So he opened the leather bag and took a head and heart.But in the head bag, cut the heart and liver with a dagger, and eat them together.Said: "This person is a heartless person in the world. He has been in the title for ten years, but now he has received it. I regret it." He also said: "Looking at Li Lang's appearance and appearance, he is a real husband. Have you heard of any strange people in Taiyuan?" Said: "Taste to know a person, foolishly call him a real person. The rest are just generals." Said: "What's your surname?" Said: "The same surname as Jing." Said: "How old is it?" Said: "Only twenty." Said: "What do you do now?" Said: "The son of the general of the state." Said: "It seems to be. I must see it. Can Li Lang let me see it?" Said: "Jing's friend Liu Wenjing, with him. See you because of Wenjing. It’s possible. Brother, why do you do it?” He said: “The person who looks at the breath said that there is a strange energy in Taiyuan, so I visited him. Li Lang made a statement, when will he arrive in Taiyuan?” The day of Jingji.Said: "Tomorrow, the day will reach dawn, and the sun will be at dawn. Wait for me at Fenyang Bridge." After speaking, he left on a donkey. The public and the Zhang family were both surprised and happy. After a long time, they said: "Martyrs do not deceive others. They are certainly fearless." Pushing the whip and walking. In time, enter Taiyuan.See you again.Overjoyed, we will congratulate Mrs. Liu.Fraudulently called Wen Jing and said: "If there is a good person who wants to see you, please welcome him."The emissary came back, not wearing shirts or shoes, and came in brown fur, with a high air and a different appearance.Qiuran sat silently at the end, heartbroken at the sight, drank a few cups, Zhao Jing said: "The real emperor!" The public told Liu, Liu Yixi, conceited.After leaving, Qiuran said: "I'm 18 or 90 years old. But I have to see him. Li Langyi and his younger sister came back to Beijing. At noon one day, he visited me in the East Restaurant of Ma Xing. There was this donkey and a thin donkey downstairs. Brother Dao and I are both on top of it. When we arrive, we will ascend to Yan." After leaving, the Duke and the Zhang family responded. When I visit Yan in time, I can see the second vehicle.Putting on clothes and going upstairs, Qiuran and a priest had a drink together. Seeing the father was surprised, he called to sit around and drink. After ten rounds, he said: "There is a hundred thousand money in the cabinet downstairs. Choose a deep place to An Yimei. One day to come back." We will meet at Fenyang Bridge." As scheduled, the Taoist priest and Qiuran have arrived.All of you are quiet.At that time, Fang played chess, bowing to each other and talking heartily.Wen Jing flew a book to welcome Emperor Wen to watch chess.Taoist priests play chess, Qiuran and Gong wait by.When Emperor Erwen arrived, he was astonishingly splendid, and sat with his bow bowed.The air is clear and bright, full of wind and wind, just like Gu Panwei.When the Taoist saw the tragedy, he played a chess piece and said: "This game is all lost! I lost the game here! There is no way to save! Repeat the ridicule!" After the game, please go.After leaving, he called Qiu Ran and said: "This world is not a public world. Others can do it. Encourage it, don't take it for granted." Because they entered Beijing together.Qiuran said: "planning Li Lang's journey, he will arrive on a certain day. Tomorrow, he can visit Qu Xiaozhai in a certain square with his sister. Li Lang looks like a chime from his first sister. If you want to make the bride only pay homage, Discuss calmly, but never go before." After speaking, he hissed away. The public rode back.When he arrived in Beijing, he went with Zhang.Go to a small board door, buckle it, and those who respond, worship and say: "San Lang Linghou Li Lang, a lady has been there for a long time." Extending into the heavy door, the door will be more magnificent.Forty servants, before Luo Lieting.Twenty slaves led the public into the east hall.The furnishing of the hall is extremely rare. The abundance of towel boxes, dowry, crown mirrors, and jewelry is not a human thing.The towels and combs are finished. Please change your clothes. The clothes are rare.After that, it was said, "Sanlang is here!" He came here with a beard, a gauze hat and a fur coat, also in the shape of a dragon and a tiger, meeting each other happily.Urging his wife to go out to worship, Gai is also the ear of heaven and man.Suiyan Zhongtang, displaying a feast of dishes, although the prince's family is not good. The four of them finished eating, and twenty Chen Nuyue played in front of them. If it fell from the sky, it would not be a human song.After eating, let's drink.The family moved out twenty beds from the east side of the hall, each covered with brocade handkerchiefs.After Chen, all the handkerchiefs were removed, and it was the key ear of the document book.Qiu Ran said: "This is the number of treasures and springs. All I have, I will give it as a gift. Who? If you want to seek things in this world, you should fight for thirty or twenty years and build a few achievements. Now that there is a master, there is also a place to live. What is it? The Li family in Taiyuan is also the master of the true hero. In three to five years, he will be in peace. With his unique talent, Li Lang will assist the master of Qingping. Accumulate the skills of the world, from the noble husband, to Shengxuan clothes. No one can know Li Lang without a sister, and one sister can't be honored without a Li Lang. Gradually, the meeting will be as scheduled, the tiger roars, the dragon soars, and the clouds gather It's not accidental. Holding the gift from the rest, to assist Allah, praise the merits, and encourage it! In the next ten years, when there are strange things thousands of miles away in the southeast, it will be the autumn of my success. The first sister and Li Lang can share Let's congratulate each other with wine in the southeast." Because he ordered the family boy to worship, he said: "Li Lang's sister is your master!" After saying that, he and his wife, slaves, rode away on horseback.After a few steps, he disappeared. According to the house, it is a wealthy family, which was able to help the Emperor Wen to establish a structure, and then he helped the world. In the tenth year of Zhenguan, the public used his left servant to shoot and level things.The southeast man entered the memorial and said: "There are thousands of sea-going ships and one hundred thousand armored soldiers. They entered the Fuyu country and killed their master to stand on their own. The country has been settled." Gongxin knew that Qiuran had something to do.Report to Mrs. Zhang, put on clothes to congratulate him, and pour wine to the southeast to congratulate him. It is to know that the prosperity of real people is not what heroes hope for.What about non-heroes?The fallacies of people and ministers are like the refusal of the mantis to walk away.My royal family is blessed with thousands of leaves, how can it be vain.Or say: "Wei Gong's art of war is partly passed down to Qiu Ran's ears." This collection of prints is exquisite in drawing and engraving, but its materials are not flattering.Among the thirty-three characters, many are not "swordsmen" at all, but just strangers, such as the man playing rope skills in this section. The story of "Rope Skill" comes from "Jiaxing Rope Skill" in "Yuanhua Ji" written by Tang Dynasty Huangfu. During the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, the world was peaceful, and the romantic emperor Tang Minghuang often ordered the people to have food and drink, and held carnivals (called "酺" in historical books, and it is often "Da酺五日" in custom).It was held again this year, and the county and supervisor competition programs in Jiaxing, Zhejiang were brilliant, and both sides went all out.Supervisors order each department to select good talents.The prison officials discussed in the prison: "If our program loses to the county judge this time, the supervisor will definitely lose his temper. But as long as we can plan a show that can be sold, we will be rewarded." Everyone tried their best , looking for something special. A prisoner in the prison laughed and said: "I have a skill, but it's a pity that I can't devote myself to it in prison." The prison guard asked in surprise: "What skills do you have?" The prisoner said: "I can play rope tricks." The jailer then reported to the jailer.The prison officer asked the man what crime he had committed.The prison official said: "This man owes taxes and has not paid, and he has nothing else." The prison official went to check and said, "Well, many people know how to play rope tricks. What's the big deal?" The prisoner said: "What I have learned It’s slightly different from other people’s.” The prison officer asked: “How?” The prisoner said: “The rope skills everyone plays is to tie the two ends of the rope and then walk and circle on the rope. The long rope is not tied, it is thrown into the air, thrown and overturned, and there are various changes." The prison officer was surprised and delighted, and ordered the prison officer to lead the prisoner to the theater the next day.After the performances of various programs are over, order this person to perform rope skills.This person held a long rope, put it on the ground, and threw one end into the air with the strength of a pen. At first, he threw it for two or three feet, and then increased it to four or five feet. The long rope rose straight to the sky, like someone in the air. Pull the general.The audience was amazed.The rope was thrown higher and higher, reaching more than twenty feet, and the end of the rope disappeared into the clouds.The person suddenly climbed up, left the ground, gradually climbed up, suddenly the long rope swung out in the air, the person flew out from the side like a big bird, disappeared, and escaped under the eyes of everyone. This Jiaxing man used a long rope to evade taxes, which must be the envy of thousands of tax evaders all over the world. It is said that this kind of rope technique is still known in India, and the words are convincing.However, during the British rule in India, there were many rewards for solicitation, but no one applied. The author once asked his Indian friend Mr. Sam Sekon about this matter.He said affirmatively: "There are people in India who know this technique. This is mass hypnotism, a very dangerous magic trick. If someone in the audience has extremely strong spiritual power and is not hypnotized, the performer's life will often be in danger. " During the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, a man from Wu County went to the capital to apply for an official position.After arriving in Chang'an, walking in the neighborhood, he suddenly saw two young men in linen clothes coming towards him, bowing to him respectfully, but they were not acquaintances.Juren thought they had admitted the wrong person, but they didn't care. After a few days, we met again.The two said: "My lord is here. We have not fulfilled our friendship as landlords. We are coming to invite you today. It would be the best thing to meet you now." While saluting, they insisted on inviting each other.Although Juren felt very suspicious, but seeing the other party's sincerity, he followed.After passing a few streets, I came to an alley in Dongshi. There were several Linlu shops. I went in together and saw that the houses were quite neat.The two invited him to sit up and set up a banquet, which was very sumptuous. During the banquet, there were several teenagers accompanying him, all of them were in their twenties, they were very respectful, but they went out to watch from time to time, as if they were waiting for distinguished guests.After waiting until noon, everyone said: "Come, come!" Only the sound of the car outside the door can be heard, a luxurious silver car drove straight to the front of the hall, followed by countless young people.The car curtain was rolled up, and a woman came out of the car, about seventeen or eighteen years old, with a beautiful appearance, hairpins on her head, jewels all over her head, and a plain silk shirt.The two boys prostrated themselves on the ground, but the woman didn't answer.Juren also worship, women return the salute, and invite guests to enter.The woman sits in the middle and faces outwards, invites two people and a person to sit down, and the three people take their seats after saluting.There are more than ten teenagers, all dressed in light new clothes, sitting at the head of the guests. The servants then delivered the dishes, which were extremely clean.After a few rounds of drinking, the woman raised her glass to Juren and said, "The two gentlemen are honored to be honored, and it is a great pleasure to meet today. I heard that the honored master possesses unique skills, can we feast our eyes?" Juren said humbly and humbly : "Since I was young, I have only studied Confucian classics and stringed pipe songs, and I have never learned them." The woman said: "What I said is not these. Sir, please think carefully about what special skills you have." The man pondered for a long time, and said: "When I was in school, the young man was naughty. He once practiced walking on the wall with his boots, and he could walk several steps. As for the rest of the play, he really doesn't know it." The woman said happily: "It is so. I want you to perform this stunt." 举人于是出座，提气疾奔，冲上墙壁，行走数步，这才跃下。女子道：“那也不容易得很了。”回顾座中诸少年，令各人献技。 诸少年俱向女子拜伏行礼，然后各献妙技。有的纵身行于壁上，有的手撮椽子，行于半空，各有轻身功夫，状如飞鸟。举人见所未见，拱手惊惧，不知所措。过不多时，女子起身，辞别出门。举人惊叹，回到寓所后，心神恍惚，不知那女子和众少年是何等样人。 过了数日，途中又遇到二人，二人问道：“想借尊驾的坐骑一用，可以吗？”举人当即答允。 第二日，京城中传出消息，说皇宫失窃。官府掩捕盗贼，搜查甚紧，但只查到一匹驮负赃物的马匹，验问马主，终于将举人扣了去，送入内侍省勘问。衙役将他驱入一扇小门，用力在他背上一推。举人一个倒栽筋斗，跌入了一个数丈深的坑中，爬起身来，仰望屋顶，离坑约有七八丈，屋顶只开了一个尺许的小孔。 举人心中惶急，等了良久，见小孔中用绳缒了一钵饭菜下来。举人正饿得狠了，急忙取食。吃完后，长绳又将食钵吊了上去。 举人夜深不眠，心中忿甚，寻思无辜为人所害，此番只怕要毕命于此。正烦恼间，一抬头，忽见一物有如飞鸟，从小孔中跃入坑中，却是一人。这人以手拍拍他，说道：“计甚惊怕。然某在，无虑也（一定很受惊了罢？但有我呢，不用担心）。”听声音原来便是那个车中女子。只听她又道：“我救你出去。”取出一匹绢来，一端缚住了他胸膊，另一端缚在她自己身上。那女子耸身腾上，带了那举人飞出宫城，直飞出离宫门数十里，这才跃下，说：“相公且回故乡去，求仕之计，将来再说罢。” 举人徒步潜窜，乞食寄宿，终于回到吴地，但从此再也不敢到京城去求功名了。 这故事也出《源化记》，所描写的这个盗党，很有现代味道。首领是一个武功高强的美丽少女，下属都是衣着华丽的少年。这情形一般武侠小说都没写过。盗党居然大偷皇宫的财宝，可见厉害。盗党为甚么要找上这个举人，很引发人的想象。似乎这个苏州举人年少英俊，又有上壁行走的轻功，为盗党所知，女首领便想邀他入伙，但一试他的功夫，却又平平无奇，于是打消了初意。向他借一匹马，只不过是故意陷害，让他先给官府捉去，再救他出来，他变成了越狱的犯人，就永远无法向官府告密了。 唐朝建中年间，士人韦生搬家到汝州去住，途中遇到一僧，并骑共行，言谈很是投机。傍晚时分，到了一条歧路口。僧人指着歧路道：“过去数里，便是贫僧的寺院，郎君能枉顾吗？”韦生道：“甚好。”于是命夫人及家口先行。僧人即指挥从者，命他们赶赴寺中，准备饮食，招待贵客。 行了十余里，还是没有到。韦生问及，那僧人指着一处林烟道：“那里就是了。”待得到达该处，僧人却又领路前行。越走越远，天已昏黑。韦生心下起疑，他素善弹弓暗器之术，于是暗暗伸手到靴子中取出弹弓，左手握了十余枚铜丸，才责备僧人道：“弟子预定克日赶到汝州，偶相邂逅，因图领教上人清论，这才勉从相邀。现下已行了二十余里，还是未到，不知何故？却要请教。” 那僧人笑道：“不用心急，这就到了。”说着快步向前，行出百余步。韦生知他是盗，当下提起弹弓，呼的一声，射出一丸，正中僧人后脑。岂知僧人似乎并无知觉。韦生连珠弹发，五丸飞出，皆中其脑。僧人这才伸手摸了摸脑后中弹之处，缓缓的道：“郎君莫恶作剧。” 韦生知道奈何他不得，也就不再发弹，心下甚是惊惧。又行良久，来到一处大庄院前，数十人手执火炬，迎了出来，执礼甚恭。 僧人肃请韦生入厅就坐，笑道：“郎君勿忧。”转头问左右从人：“是否已好好招待夫人？”又向韦生道：“郎君请去见夫人罢，就在那一边。”韦生随着从人来到别厅，只见妻子和女儿都安然无恙，饮食供应极是丰富。三人知道身入险地，不由得相顾涕泣。韦生向妻子女儿安慰几句，又回去见那僧人。 僧人上前执韦生之手，说道：“贫僧原是大盗，本来的确想打你的主意，却不知郎君神弹，妙绝当世，若非贫僧，旁人亦难支持。现下别无他意，请勿见疑。适才所中郎君弹丸，幸未失却。”伸手一摸后脑，五颗弹丸都落了下来。 韦生见这僧人具此武功，心下更是栗然。不一会陈设酒筵，一张大桌上放了一头蒸熟的小牛，牛身上插了十余把明晃晃的锋利刀子，刀旁围了许多面饼。 僧人揖韦生就座，道：“贫僧有义弟数人，欲令谒见。”说着便有五六条大汉出来，列于阶下，都是身穿红衣，腰束巨带。僧人喝道：“拜郎君！”众大汉一齐行礼。韦生拱手还礼。僧人道：“郎君武功卓绝，世所罕有。你们若是遇到郎君，和他动手，立即便粉身碎骨了。” 食毕，僧人道：“贫僧为盗已久，现下年纪大了，决意洗手不干，可是不幸有一犬子，武艺胜过老僧，请郎君为老僧作个了断。”于是高声叫道：“飞飞出来，参见郎君！”后堂转出一名少年，碧衣长袖，身形极是瘦削，皮肉如腊，又黄又干。僧人道：“到后堂去侍奉郎君。”飞飞走后，僧人取出一柄长剑交给韦生，又将那五颗弹丸还给他，说道：“请郎君出全力杀了这孩子，免他为老僧之累。”言辞极为诚恳。当下引韦生走进一堂，那僧人退出门去，将门反锁了。 堂中四角都点了灯火。飞飞执一短鞭，当堂而立。韦生一弹发出，料想必中，岂知拍的一声，竟为飞飞短鞭击落，余劲不衰，嵌入梁中。飞飞展开轻功，登壁游走，捷若猴猴。韦生四弹续发，一一为飞飞击开，于是挺剑追刺。飞飞倏往倏来，奔行如电，有时欺到韦生身旁，相距不及一尺。韦生以长剑连断其鞭数节，始终伤不了他。 过了良久，僧人开门，问韦生道：“郎君为老僧除了害吗？”韦生具以告知。老僧怅然，长叹一声，向飞飞凝视半晌，道：“你决意要做大盗，连郎君也奈何你不得。唉，将来不知如何了局？” 当晚僧人和韦生畅论剑法暗器之学，直至天明。僧人送韦生直至路口，赠绢百匹，流泪而别。 这故事《太平广记》称出于《唐语林》，但段成式的《酉阳杂俎》有载，编于“盗侠”类，文中唯数字不同。 大盗老僧想洗手不干，却奈何不了自己儿子，想假手旁人杀了他，亦难如愿。这十六七岁的瘦削少年名字叫做飞飞，真是今日阿飞的老前辈了。 唐朝有个名叫韦行规的人，曾对人叙述他少年时所遇到的一件异事： 他年轻时有一次往京西游览，傍晚时分到了一所客店，眼见天色不早，但贪赶路程，还想继续前进。店前有个老人正在箍桶，对他说：“客官不可赶夜路，这一带盗贼很多。”韦行规拍一拍腰间的弓箭，笑道：“在下会弯弓射箭，小小毛贼，倒也不在我的心上。”那老人道：“原来客官是位英雄，倒是老汉多言了。” 韦行规乘马驰了数十里，天已黑了，忽觉身后草中有人跃了出来，跟在马后。韦行规喝问：“甚么人？”对方不应，当即弯弓搭箭，连射数箭，此人却不退去。韦行规连珠箭发，始终伤他不得，一摸箭袋中箭已射尽，不禁大惧，驰马急奔。 片刻间风雷大作，韦行规纵身下马，倚大树而立，见空中电光闪闪，有白光数道，相互盘旋追逐，渐近树梢，忽觉半空中有物纷纷坠下，一看之下，却是一根根断截的树枝。断枝越坠越多，渐渐堆积齐膝。这般斩将下来，终于连脑袋也会给削去了，韦行规大惊战栗，抛下手中长弓，仰头向空中哀求乞命，跟着跪下拜倒。拜了几十拜后，电光渐高而灭，风雷亦息。 韦行规看那大树，只见枝干已被削尽，成为半截秃树，不禁骇然。再去牵坐骑时，却见马背鞍子行李都已失却，不敢再向前行，只得折回客店。见那老人仍在箍桶，韦行规知道遇到了异人，当即拜伏。 老人笑道：“客官勿恃弓箭，须知剑术。”于是引到后院，见马鞍行李，都在一旁。老人笑道：“你都取回罢，刚才不过试试你而已。”取出桶板一片，但见昨夜所射的羽箭，一一都插在板上。 韦行规大是敬服，请老人收他为徒，老人不许，但指点了一些击剑的要道，韦行规也学得了十之一二。 这故事出《酉阳杂俎》。 唐时黎干做京兆尹（京城长安的市长），碰到大旱，设祭求雨，观者数千人。他带了衙役卫士到达时，众人纷纷让路，独有一名老人站在街头不避。黎干大怒，叫人捉了他来，当街杖背二十下。杖击其背时，声拍拍然，好像打在牛皮鼓上一般。那老人也不呼痛，杖毕，漫不在乎的扬长而去。 黎干心下惊异，命一名年老坊卒悄悄跟踪。一直跟他到了兰陵里之内，见他走进一道小门，只听他大声道：“今天可给人欺侮得够了，快烧汤罢！”坊卒急忙奔回禀报。 黎干越想越怕，于是取过一件旧衣，罩在公服之上，和坊卒同到那老人的住处。 这时天已昏黑，坊卒先进去通报，黎干跟着进门，拜伏于地，说道：“适才有眼不识泰山，得罪了丈人，该死之极。”老人惊起，问道：“是谁引你来的？”黎干默察对方神色，知道能以理折服，缓缓的道：“在下做京兆尹的官，如果不得百姓尊重，不免坏了规矩。丈人隐身于众人之中，非有慧眼，难识高明。倘若丈人为了日间之事而怪罪，未免不大公道，非义士之心也。”老人笑道：“这倒是老夫的不是了。”于是拿了酒菜出来，摆在地下，席地而坐，和黎干及坊卒同饮。 夜深，谈到养身之术，言辞精奥。黎干又敬又惧。老人道：“老夫有一小技，在大人面前献丑。”走进内堂，过了良久出来，已换了装束，身穿紫衣，发结红带，手持长剑短剑七口，舞于庭中。七剑奔跃挥霍，有如电光，时而直进，时而圆转，黎干看得眼也花了。有一口二尺余的短剑，剑锋时时刺到黎干的衣襟。黎不禁全身战栗。老人舞了一顿饭时分，举手一抛，七剑飞了起来，同时插入地下，成北斗之形，说道：“适才试一试黎君的胆气。” 黎干拜倒在地，道：“今后性命，皆丈人所赐，请准许随侍左右。”老人道：“君骨相中无道气，不能传我之术，以后再说罢。”作了个揖，便即入内。 黎干归去，气色如病，照镜子时才发觉胡须已被割落寸余。明日再去兰陵里寻访时，室中已无人了。（故事出《酉阳杂俎》） 如果你可以有两个愿望，那是甚么？相信绝大多数人都会说：第一是长生不老，第二是用不完的钱。中国道家所修炼的，主要就是这两种法术，一是长生术，二是黄白术。黄是黄金，白是白银。中国的方士们一向相信，可以将水银加药料烧炼而成黄金。西方中世纪的术士们长期来也在进行着相同的钻研，“炼金术”便是近代化学的祖先。炼金虽然没有成功，但对物质和元素的性质与变化，却是知识越来越丰富，终于累积发展而成为近代的化学。 中国道家讲究金丹大道。上乘的修士认为那是一种修身养性的气功。次一等人物希望炼成金丹之后点铁成金，或烧汞成金，用以救贫济世。下焉者则是希望大发横财，金银取用不绝。中国道家的影响所以始终不衰，自和长生术及黄金术这两种方术的引人入胜有重大关系。 如果再有第三个愿望，多半和“性”有关了。所以落于下乘的道家也有“房中术”。 皇帝和大官对黄白术不感兴趣，长生术却是一等一的大事。毛泽东最近屡次指到“吐故纳新”四字，这典故源出，是后世道家长生术的基本观念之一，认为吐纳（呼吸）得法，可以寿同彭祖。 古代许多高明之士见解很卓越，但对金丹大道却深信不疑，李白便是其中之一。他有许多诗篇都提到对烧丹修炼之术的向往。唐朝皇帝或崇佛教，或好道术，皇帝姓李，便和李耳拉上了关系，所以唐代道家特别盛行。 《酉阳杂俎》中记载了一个卢生的故事。 唐代元和年间，江淮有个姓唐的人，学问相当不错而好道，到处游览名山，人家叫他唐山人。他自称会“缩锡”之术。所谓缩锡，当是将锡变为银子。锡和银的颜色相像，当时人们相信两者的性质有类似之处，将价钱便宜的锡凝缩而变为银子，自是一个极大的财源。许多人大为羡慕，要跟着他学。 唐山人出外游历，在楚州的客栈之中，遇到一位姓卢的书生，言谈之下，甚是投机。卢生也谈判到炉火修炼的方术，又说他妈妈姓唐，于是便叫唐山人为舅舅。两人越谈越是高兴，当真相见恨晚。唐山人要到南岳山去，便邀卢生同行。卢生说有一名亲戚在阳羡，正要去探亲，和舅舅同行一程，路上有伴，那是再好不过了。 中途错过了宿头，在一座僧庙中借宿。两人说起平生经历，甚是欢杨，谈到半夜，兀自未睡。卢生道：“听说舅舅善于缩锡之术，可以将此术的要点赐告吗？”唐山人笑道：“我数十年到处寻师访道，只学得此术，岂能随随便便就传给你？”卢生不断的恳求。唐山人推托说，真要传授，也无不可，但须择吉日拜师，伺到南岳拜师之后，便可传你。 卢生突然脸上变色，厉声道：“舅舅，非今晚传授不可，否则的话，可莫怪我对你不起了。”唐山人也怒了，道：“阁下虽叫我舅舅，其实我二人风马牛不相关，只不过路上偶然相逢，结为游伴而已。我敬重你是读书人，大家客客气气，怎可对我耍这种无赖手段？” 卢生卷起衣袖，向他怒目而视，似乎就要跳起来杀人，这样看了良久，说道：“你当我是甚么人？我是个杀人不眨眼的刺客。你今晚若不将缩锡之术说了出来，那便死在这寺院之中。”说着从怀中取出一只黑色皮囊，开囊取出一柄青光闪闪的匕首，形如新月，左手拿起火堆前的一只铁熨斗，挥匕首削去，但听得嗤嗤声响，那铁熨斗便如是土木所制，一片片的随手而落。 唐山人大惊，只得将缩锡之术说了出来。 卢生这才笑道：“你倒不顽固，刚才险些误杀了舅舅。”听他说了良久，这才说道：“我师父是仙人，令我们师兄弟十人周游天下查察，若见到有人妄自传授黄白术的，便杀了他，有人传授添金缩锡之术的也杀。我早通仙术，见你不肯随便传人，这才饶你。”说着行了一礼，出庙而去。 唐山人汗流浃背，以后遇到同道中人，常提到此事，郑重告诫。（事见《酉阳杂俎》） 据我猜想，卢生早闻唐山人之名，想骗他传授发财秘诀，所以“舅舅、舅舅”的叫得十分亲热，待唐山人坚执不肯，便出匕首威胁，“师父是仙人”云云，只是吓吓唐山人而已。又或许唐山人的名气大了，大家追住了要他传法，事实上他根本不会，只好造了个故事来推托。锡和银都是金属元素，根本不可能将锡变为银子。 聂隐娘故事出于裴铏所作的。裴铏是唐末大将高骈的从事。高骈好妖术，行为怪诞。裴铏这篇传奇小说中也有很丰富的想象。 尼姑教聂隐娘剑术的步骤，常为后世武侠小说所模仿：“遂令二女教某攀缘，渐觉身轻如风。一年后，刺猿狖百无一失；后刺虎豹，皆决其首而归。三年后，能使刺鹰