Tomb Robber: I, Chen Yulou, am dedicated to cultivating immortality!

Hear the words.

Several people looked up subconsciously.

At this time, the sky had just cleared up after the snow. Deep in the clouds and mist, a ray of golden light finally broke through the sky, poured down straight and landed on the top of Changbai Peak.

The view passes over the mountains and ancient pines and bamboos.

I only felt that the green mountains, jade peaks and sea of ​​clouds seemed like a fairy palace, shining with golden light.

You can vaguely see large areas of ancient buildings, with auspicious beasts sitting on the golden tops of the arches, giving off an ethereal air and an indescribable sense of shock.

"Is that Taibai Temple?"

The old foreigner's eyes widened, his chest thumping, and the depths of his pupils seemed to be filled with disgust as if there was an earthquake.

Along the way, countless people came to Qinling Mountains to worship Taibai Temple, and it became a popular trend.

However, I heard from local people that Taibai Ancestral Temple is on Mount Zhongnan.

Now, looking at the tall golden-roofed pavilions, he subconsciously thought of it.

"More than that."

Chen Yulou smiled.

"Taibai, Yaowang, Wengong, Sanguan, Doumu, Laojun, Yuhuang, Tiejiashen, Baxiantai... There are more than 130 palaces, temples and Taoist temples with names and titles."

"There are almost hundreds of Taoists registered now."

That place is the highest and most dangerous place at the foot of Taibai Mountain.

It is also the place with the most abundant spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

The palaces and temples they see now are the ones seen according to the Taoist genealogy of gods and immortals.

That is the so-called 'a temple every five miles, a temple every ten miles'.

"so much……"

The shock on their faces became more and more intense.

I thought that there were already an astonishing number of caves and temples in the mountains, most of which were inhabited by secluded people, but I didn't expect that there were equally frightening numbers of Taoists who had settled down in the mountains.

To know.

The word "settled" seems simple, but it is extremely difficult to achieve.

Mount Zhongnan is the holy land of the Northern Quanzhen School.

Take Quanzhen as an example.

The first step is called conversion.

Only after conversion can one become a Taoist layman, that is, a believer, not a Taoist priest.

In fact, it is just to find support in Taoism.

Taking refuge in the supreme treasure of the Dao, that is, the Great and Infinite Dao, can free one from the cycle of reincarnation forever.

Taking refuge in the supreme sutras, that is, the thirty-six sacred sutras, one can hear the true Dharma.

Taking refuge in the Supreme Master, Master Xuanzhong, can help one avoid falling into wrong views.

After completing this step, one needs to practice asceticism in the temple for three years without committing any faults, and only then can one be given the crown and scarf, which is also called "minor ordination."

After the minor ordination.

Afterwards, the precepts will be given by the monk who imparts the precepts, that is, the master.

Only by completing the entire process from conversion to ordination.

Only then can one be considered a Quanzhen Taoist priest in the strict sense.

As for Zhengyi Taoism, it is slightly different.

After conversion, one needs to be ordained, which means to obtain the certificate of ordination from the Longhu Mountain Successor Han Tianshi Mansion, which means to have a name in the ancestral master's mansion.

After being ordained, if one wants to be further promoted to a Taoist master, one must also be granted a Taoist ordination certificate.

Only after receiving the Zhengyi Dharma Certificate can one perform rituals for others, have one’s name recorded in the Heavenly Court, and possess a Taoist rank and divine position.

Only the poems and verses during fasting and offering sacrifices can be played to the heaven and gain the protection of the gods.

No matter whether it is Quanzhen or Zhengyi, one can be considered as a registered monk only after having a written certificate.

He considers himself a disciple of Taoism.

I recognize it wherever I go.

Rather than those fake Taoist priests who seek fame and cheat people in the world.

Especially those in the Fire Gate among the Inner Eight Gates.

The most common practice is to use the name of a Taoist priest to sell some civil and martial arts, fire skills, and sexual intercourse.

All kinds of tonic pills, aphrodisiacs, even longevity paste and hibiscus paste.

In fact, it is just a scam under the guise of alchemy, alchemy, sex arts, and the like.

There are countless people like this in the world.

It can be seen everywhere in the city and the countryside.

Before, there were people from the Fire Gate who came to Chenjiazhuang. They were caught and hung up by the farmhands without Chen Yulou having to do anything, and they were almost beaten half to death.

It is conceivable how rampant these people are.

and many more……

Thinking of that past event.

Chen Yulou's eyes suddenly twitched.

He subconsciously glanced at the two fellow apprentices beside him.

We really need to talk about it.

They are actually fake Taoist priests.

Although he wore Taoist robes and had a Taoist bun, he had not converted, nor had he received any ordination, nor did he have any temple to stay in. He just used the identity of a Taoist to make it easier for him to travel around the world.

What's more, he was engaged in tomb robbing for a living.

He was thinking, if he really met that kind of master in the mountains, should he give him a hint and a warning? It would be better not to speak easily.

What if something really goes wrong?

Neither ends well.

After all, this is someone else's territory now.

The two fake Taoists both arrived at their doorsteps. It was okay if they met a Taoist master who was detached from the mundane world, but in their eyes, all other living beings were probably the same.

But if you have a bad temper.

was seen as a provocation.

No matter how much I open my mouth, I still can't explain it clearly.

"It looks like it will take at least a few hours to reach the top. Shopkeeper Chen, I think we should not rest for long and go all the way up the mountain?"

I saw him standing under the ancient pine tree.

Look at the sea of ​​clouds swelling and surging.

But he never mentioned going up the mountain.

The old foreigner, who had been itching to try it for a long time, couldn't help but speak.

Right now, he wished he could grow wings and reach the top of the mountain right now to take a look at those ancient Taoist temples.

At this time they were still halfway up the mountain.

It took an hour or two.

If we keep stopping and starting like this, won't the whole trip take until dark?

"Alright."

Take your eyes off the height.

Chen Yulou nodded.

The group didn't delay any longer and walked along the mountain road, passing through the dense forest and all the way to Tianchi Lake. The scenery suddenly became magnificent, with the white snow and the dark rocks reflecting a stunning contrast.

Go further up.

More than half an hour later.

A towering temple appeared in everyone's sight.

only……

Looking from a distance, they all had strange looks on their faces.

It is said to be a Taoist temple, but its outer walls are crimson in color, which is clearly a feature of Buddhist temples.

It is called a Buddhist temple, but on the road leading to the palace, there are several memorial archways and stone dragon pillars, which are the structures only found in Confucian temples.

"Three religions in one?"

Yang Fang scratched his head. Even though he was knowledgeable, he was still confused for a moment. He scratched the back of his head, and his eyes subconsciously fell on Chen Yulou and Partridge Whistle.

"It really is."

Chen Yulou took over the conversation naturally.

"Ever since Jiang Ziya was deified at Baxiantai, Taibai Mountain has become a Taoist paradise, with countless people practicing Taoism throughout the ages."

"The Han dynasty worshipped the God of Spring, and in the Wei and Jin dynasties it was incorporated into the Taoist sect. In the Tang dynasty, Zhongnan Taoism reached its peak, and it gradually declined until the Song and Yuan dynasties."

"As for the prosperity of Buddhism, it can be traced back to the Northern Wei Dynasty when the Buddhists were exterminated. Monks from Guanzhong fled here and gradually became popular. It was not until the Tang Dynasty that Ximing Temple was built here for Master Xuanzang. By the Wu Dynasty, Taibai Mountain had become a Buddhist holy place."

"As for Confucianism, we have to trace it back to the time when Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty abolished all schools of thought and respected only Confucianism. Confucius was revered as a saint, and statues of Confucius were placed in temples in Mount Taibai."

"In the Tang Dynasty, Han Yu respected Confucianism and rejected Buddhism. He climbed Mount Taibai many times. The Wengong Temple on the mountain was actually built for him."

“For various reasons.”

Chen Yulou smiled and spread his hands, "On Mount Taibai, the three sects of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism coexist."

"It's no surprise that the Taibai Temple in front of us has all three styles at the same time."

In fact, it is not uncommon for three religions to coexist on the same mountain.

This is true for Nanyue Hengshan Mountain, Kongtong Mountain, Yuelu Mountain, and Youzi Mountain.

However, three religions and one temple is considered rare.

The Three Holy Temples in front of us is one of them.

In addition, the most famous is the Hanging Temple, whose original name is Xuankong Pavilion. Xuan comes from Taoist doctrine, Kong refers to Buddhist legal principles, and Pavilion belongs to Confucianism.

There are Sakyamuni Hall, Taiyi Hall and Three Religions Hall.

It is truly the integration of three religions.

"It's unheard of that the three saints are in the same temple and worship together. Come on, everyone, you must go in and take a look to broaden your horizons."

I've heard this explanation.

Yang Fang rubbed his hands, eager to try.

“Then we must go and see it.”

While talking.

The group passed through the archway group and saw the three ink characters "San Sheng Temple" on the gate tower from afar.

The pen moves the dragon and the snake.

It was magnificent and impressive. It was obviously created by a famous artist.

Outside the high gate, one on the left and one on the right, stand two stone lions, which are carved to be lifelike, with pearls in their mouths and looking around with lively expressions, as if they were alive.

The stone bead in the mouth had been rubbed until it was as smooth as a mirror.

A faint green light appeared under the stone skin.

"Wow, it's from the Northern Song Dynasty, it's quite rare."

Yang Fang also stepped forward and touched it, and felt that the stone bead was as soft and smooth as jade, with a delicate texture and a gentle nature.

He pushed me gently.

The stone bead immediately turned back and forth in his mouth, making a clear sound.

"Why, you want to move it down the mountain?"

Seeing how he couldn't let it go, the old foreigner joked.

"No, this is a Taoist holy land, don't talk nonsense, kid."

Yang Fang was startled.

How dare I touch it?

He walked to the door, grabbed the copper ring and knocked it gently.

Not long after, a Taoist child opened the door from the inside and looked at the few people curiously.

The mountain was closed because of heavy snow.

It has been a long time since any pilgrims have come up the mountain.

Moreover, judging from their appearance, they did not seem to be hermits living in the mountains, and their identities were clearly unclear.

"Who are you looking for?"

"Little Immortal, we are pilgrims from the mountain. We passed by the temple and came to burn a stick of incense."

Chen Yulou cupped his hands and chuckled softly.

The little Taoist boy was frightened by the word "real person". His face turned red and he waved his hands repeatedly.

"Just call me Qingxu."

As he spoke, he seemed to be afraid that they would have difficulty understanding him, so he wrote on the snow with his hands. Then he opened the door and stepped aside half a step.

"Since you are a pilgrim, please come in."

"However, according to the temple rules, the mountain in the backyard is where the master practices in seclusion, so please don't go there rashly."

The little Taoist boy is only four or five years old, but he is eloquent and knows how to deal with people.

It is estimated that the time spent on the mountain is quite long.

Chen Yulou nodded, "Don't worry, young Taoist priest, we will just watch and we will abide by the rules."

While talking.

A group of people entered one after another.

The San Sheng Temple was built during the Northern Song Dynasty, destroyed in war, and rebuilt in the early Ming Dynasty.

However, Taoism has experienced several ups and downs, especially in the Republic of China today, with wars everywhere. Only Mount Zhongnan and Mount Changbai are still safe, while most of the Qinling Mountains are occupied by bandits.

This palace has fallen into disrepair for many years and has long lost its former prosperity.

It all depends on the help from pilgrims.

Now, there is only one old Taoist priest with two or three little Taoist children in the temple. In addition to Qing Xu, he has two senior brothers.

They were all picked up by the Taoist priest from the foot of the mountain.

These days, human life is worthless and there are many frozen corpses on the roadside.

Farmers living at the foot of the mountain, or famine victims fleeing famine, were unable to feed their children, so they either sent them to wealthy families as slaves or to temples to become monks.

At least there is a way to survive.

However, although the San Sheng Temple is dilapidated, it is kept spotlessly clean.

The incense burner in the courtyard looked like it hadn't been used for a long time.

Several people looked around.

I just felt cold and quiet.

Chen Yulou had a complicated look on his face. If this Taoist holy place was like this, one could imagine what the other mountain gates and palaces were like. He gestured to Kunlun behind him.

The latter understood immediately.

Take out a few silver dollars and put them into the box.

Hearing the crisp ding-dong sounds, the little Taoist boy Qingxu was obviously at a loss. It was only after Kunlun reminded him that he took out a handful of incense.

Then take advantage of the time when a few people are burning incense.

He trotted all the way to the backyard.

After burning incense, a few people walked around and looked around casually.

There are three wooden statues enshrined in the hall.

They are Taishang Daozu, Sakyamuni and Confucius.

Although they had guessed it long ago, Chen Yulou and the others were still a little dazed when they saw this scene for the first time.

Not long after.

An old Taoist with white hair and beard, who looked to be in his sixties or seventies, came rushing in from the backyard.

I happened to run into a few people coming out of the hall.

Chen Yulou thought about it for a moment, then reacted and bowed, "Greetings, old Taoist priest."

"Old Taoist Mingya, nice to meet you all."

"So it's Taoist Priest Mingya. I've heard of your great name for a long time."

Chen Yulou nodded.

Subconsciously glanced at the old Taoist.

I only felt that he was tall and his eyes were bright, but there was no spiritual energy or inspiration in him.

He should be a person who practices asceticism.

"It's cold, please follow me to the backyard and have a cup of hot tea."

Mingya was originally copying and reading Buddhist scriptures when he suddenly heard that a distinguished guest was visiting. He was given several dollars for incense alone, so how could he dare to delay?

Come all the way.

After meeting them, he realized that each of these people had deep eyes and extraordinary aura, and it was obvious at first glance that they were not ordinary people.

Especially there are two Taoists.

Just looking at their attire, I couldn't recognize their origins.

Mingya did not dare to look down on him and immediately made a gesture of invitation.

After pondering for a moment, Chen Yulou nodded.

It’s not that I really want to have a cup of hot tea, but I want to find out something from Taoist Mingya.

The people behind him saw that he agreed.

They all caught up.

After walking around the main hall and entering the backyard, they saw that the yard was divided into two parts by a bluestone path in the middle, surrounded by a fence, and there were signs that the land had been turned over.

“The temple is austere.”

“Grow some greens in spring and summer.”

As if seeing the confusion among the people, Taoist Mingya explained with a smile.

There was no sign of embarrassment at all.

As he spoke, he reached out and pushed open a wooden door, inviting several people in.

The room was empty.

There is only a coffee table and a desk.

After inviting a few people to sit down.

Taoist Mingya was also busy. He and Qingxu brought firewood from the kitchen, lit the fire pit, and drew a pot of water from the well to boil water and make tea.

Chen Yulou was even more inexplicably dazed.

I saw those mountain hermits along the way, and I guess this is how they live in the mountains on a daily basis.

In addition to practicing, sword-fighting, and reading, one also has to farm, otherwise it would be difficult to move forward in the mountains. After all, before seeking immortality, one must first stay alive.

Not long after.

There was a sound of boiling water coming from the copper kettle.

Qing Xu found a few teacups, put some tea leaves in each, and after brewing, he handed them to a few people. After doing all this, he stood carefully behind his master.

"It's really a neglect of the rough tea in the mountains."

The old Taoist looked apologetic.

This tea is picked by their master and apprentices in the mountains and roasted by themselves. On weekdays, pilgrims who come into the mountains are given a bowl of hot water to drink.

Chen Yulou naturally didn't care about this.

He picked up the teacup, blew away the foam gently, and took a sip.

Savor it carefully.

First the astringency hits the tip of the tongue, and then a hint of sweetness slowly returns. It's surprisingly good.

Seeing that his expression did not seem fake, the old Taoist secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Chen Yulou started with tea, and then talked about astronomy, geography, Taoist books, Buddhist scriptures, and what he had seen along the way, which made the people around him admire him.

That is him.

Otherwise, if it were them, they wouldn’t know how to start.

After chatting for a while, seeing that Taoist Mingya's eyes drifted towards the brothers of Queqiao Shao, Chen Yulou changed the subject and asked before he did.

"To be honest with you, Taoist Mingya, we went to Mount Zhongnan to seek immortals and visit the Taoist master."

"It's just that there are too many Taoist temples and palaces on Changbai Mountain. I don't know where to start. I would like to ask the Taoist master for advice. I don't know where I should go to pay homage to the real Taoist master on the mountain."

Upon hearing this.

Mingya instantly believed it about 70% of the time.

Judging from their clothes, temperament and conversation, they are either from aristocratic families or have inherited poetry and literature from their families, and their vision is far beyond that of ordinary people.

Even though the mountain is blocked by heavy snow, you can still climb to the top.

The key point is that there is not even much dust or mud on them.

How could he be an ordinary person?
Only these people, who do not have to work hard for three meals a day and struggle in the world, have the leisure to visit famous mountains and rivers and seek immortals and learn the Tao.

Thoughts flashed through my mind.

Taoist Mingya stroked his white beard, thought for a moment, and then spoke.

"When it comes to true cultivation in Taoism, the best one is naturally Zhang Zhenren from Doumu Palace."

"Some years ago, Emperor Guangxu and the Empress Dowager came to Chang'an. At that time, there was a severe drought in Guanzhong. It was Master Zhang who performed a ritual to pray for rain and alleviated the disaster. A stele was erected to commend him, and he was given a jade crown and purple robe, and was given the title of Master Zhidao..." (End of this chapter)