Knife splashing

Chapter 530: Invitation from the Patriarch's Hall

The location of Shuiyue Temple is indeed a bit secretive.

Although it is located at the foot of Mount Qingcheng, it is far away from the official road and surrounded by towering bamboo forests. It is really hard to find without someone to show you the way.

This kind of thing is normal.

After all, this is a nunnery, full of female practitioners. It does not need incense and offerings from the common people. It just wants peace and quiet.

In winter, the snow has just stopped.

The roof of the temple was covered with white snow, and crystal icicles hung under the eaves.

In the bamboo forest, the branches hang low, the accumulated snow bends the bamboo leaves, and occasionally a light breeze blows, causing snow to fall.

The path was covered with snow, with only a few shallow footprints leading to the quiet temple gate.

Inside Shuiyue Temple, the snow in the courtyard has not melted yet, and it is all white. A few wintersweets stand proudly in the snow, making it even more quiet and peaceful.

The main door of the nunnery was half-open, with warm light shining through the crack.

Green lamps, ancient Buddhas, the sound of wooden fish, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Not far from Shuiyue Temple, there is a pavilion surrounded by a bamboo forest, a small red clay stove is boiling tea, and some simple snacks are also placed on the table.

In the pavilion, besides Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan, there were also Old Madam Bai and Master Xiaoyue, brewing tea in the snow, which was quite elegant.

"I'm sorry, it's not convenient to invite you two into the nunnery."

Master Xiaoyue smiled and nodded, explaining the reason.

"You're welcome, Master."

Li Yan clasped his fists and said, "We have already sent the visiting card up the mountain. We are here to bother you for a while and then we will leave."

Some things can be known at a glance.

Although life in Shuiyue Temple was hard, the women of the Bai family adapted to it very well. They did not need to contact outsiders and lived a quiet and happy life.

Master Xiaoyue smiled faintly and said, "It was my idea to send you a message and ask you to come early."

"The mountain was blocked by heavy snow and the roads were difficult. It was not a good time to go up the mountain, but Qingcheng Mountain was just beginning to be built. There will be many religious ceremonies from the twelfth month to the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. It will be even busier after the beginning of the year."

"Some things are better done early."

"The master is right."

Li Yan also nodded in agreement, "We don't know much about the situation in Qingcheng Mountain, so please give us some advice, Master."

This is what he came for.

Although he met Mingshanzi in Jianfu Palace, this person was more concerned about the issues from the perspective of the Cheng family.

Some words cannot be trusted completely, and some things are not worth asking too much about.

Shuiyue Temple is relatively aloof, and with the relationship with Old Madam Bai, some questions can be asked in person.

Master Xiaoyue nodded slightly, "You all came to the mountain through the recommendation of this poor nun, so of course you have to make proper arrangements, otherwise it will be difficult to explain to Senior Brother Yuchanzi."

"The tradition of Qingcheng Mountain is ancient, and generations of Taoist masters have come here to practice. Although they are from the same sect, many Taoist traditions have been left behind."

"There is the Orthodox Tianshi Dao. In the past, Tianshi Zhang built a hut on the mountain to preach, so Qingcheng is also the ancestral home of Tianshi Dao. They have a close relationship with Longhu Mountain...

There is the Shangqing School, which was taught by Du Guangting and mostly practiced in the Shangqing Palace...

There is the Qingwei School, which was established in the Northern Song Dynasty and was good at thunder magic. It was extremely prosperous during the Southern Song Dynasty, with several generations of masters. Huang Shunshen was also named "Leiyuan Guangfu Puhua Zhenren"...

There is the Danding Ziyang School, which was introduced by Ziyang Zhenren Zhang Boduan when he entered Sichuan, and has been integrated with Quanzhen Longmen.

At present, the largest sect on Mount Qingcheng is the Longmen Sect of Quanzhen Dao, which belongs to the Dantai Bidong Sect of the Longmen Sect of Quanzhen Dao and has the best relationship with Wudang. The new headmaster, Chen Kongzi, comes from this sect... There are also many other small sects."

"You have the handwritten letter from Senior Brother Yuchanzi, so you should be treated courteously when you go up the mountain. No one will deliberately make things difficult for you. But you should know who is near and who is far. After all, some people have been in seclusion for many years and have strange tempers."

"That's good."

Li Yan breathed a sigh of relief and asked again, "Where is the Cheng family?"

Master Xiaoyue smiled and said, "The Cheng family is a lineage of Qingcheng Sword Immortals. It has been passed down since the ancient Xianning Fengzi, and later Li Babai prospered. He is the leader of the sword cultivators on the mountain and was originally the biggest variable, but now he has taken the initiative to give up his position, which can be regarded as calming the dispute."

"Cheng Jianxian has suppressed Shu for decades. Although he has great merits and prestige, there are no outstanding people among the younger generation of the Cheng family. Only by getting rid of the old and welcoming the new can Qingcheng usher in further development."

"That Huo Tou Tuo was invited to the mountain by Cheng Jianxian. Since you have established a relationship with the Cheng family, he will definitely pay attention when refining weapons."

"So, now is the best time to go up the mountain. When the cellar is opened next year, Longhu Mountain, Wudang Mountain, and Maoshan will all send people over. They will definitely have their own ideas and involve you."

"Thank you, Master, for your guidance."

Li Yan clasped his fists in thanks.

Outsiders don't know these things. After knowing them, you will have a better idea when you go up the mountain, and you won't say the wrong thing to offend others.

"It should."

Master Xiaoyue nodded slightly, stood up and said, "You guys can chat, the time has come, I have to go and give a lecture to the disciples."

After bidding farewell to Master Xiaoyue, Old Madam Bai spoke up and told the general situation of the Bai family. Then she said seriously, "Yan'er is practicing in the Great Snow Mountain. I have sent someone to accompany her to protect her."

"You don't need to go and disturb her. When the spring begins, the hibernating insects will begin to stir, and that will be the day to break through the barrier. If you succeed, she will go and join you."

"If you fail... I will choose a tomb for her in the Snow Mountain."

After hearing this, Li Yan's heart trembled, "Is it so dangerous?"

When he was fighting with several earthly immortals, Long Yan'er destroyed her own natal Gu to help him buy opportunity. She thought he had only lost all his Taoism, so how could his life be in danger?
Madam Bai was silent for a moment, then shook her head and sighed, "The path of cultivation is difficult, and everyone has their own destiny. This child may seem easy to talk to, but in fact he has a hard life and is stubborn."

"I will follow you from now on, and I hope you will take good care of me."

"That's natural."

Li Yan nodded seriously and agreed.

…………

After saying goodbye to Mrs. Bai, the two turned and went up the mountain again.

With guidance, I didn’t get lost this time.

They went up the snowy mountain path and saw jade-like ice sculptures on the steep cliffs, as if they were made by nature. On both sides, pine and cypress trees were weighed down by the snow, with their branches drooping.

The quietness of the mountains and the coolness of the ice and snow blend perfectly into one.

Ordinary people may only be able to see the beautiful scenery when they go up the mountain, but they have already awakened their supernatural powers and can feel the flow of the innate energy and the magnificent scenery.

"Squeak!"

Not long after passing the mountain gate, we saw a flash of golden color jumping among the snowy forest. It turned out to be a golden monkey.

Like an elf in the snow, it shuttles among the pines and cypresses.

"But Mr. Li from Shanzhou?"

A clear voice sounded in the distance, and then a middle-aged man in a blue Taoist robe, with his sleeves fluttering as if there was wind under his feet, floated over from the snowy path on the mountain.

What a handsome Qinggong!
After seeing this, Li Yan couldn't help but secretly praise it in his heart.

He could see that this person did not use any magic, but simply exerted his strength to travel through the wet ski trails faster than skiing.

Swish!
After the Taoist stood still, the nimble golden monkey also jumped down and landed on his shoulder, chewing fruit in its hand and watching them curiously.

His eyes were lively, and it was clear that he already had some spirituality.

The Taoist has handsome features, sword-like eyebrows, and a pair of dimples at the corners of his mouth. He seems to be smiling all the time, which makes people like him at first sight.

"Hello, two laymen."

After asking for your identities, the Taoist bowed and said with a smile: "I am Ling Yunzi, the 'Guest Master' of the mountain. I am here to welcome you two on the orders of the headmaster."

"Zhike" is a grassroots position in Taoist temples, responsible for receiving guests, arranging accommodation, handling daily affairs, etc.

Those who hold this position must be humble, courteous, dignified, well-informed, and well-versed in affairs and human nature. Especially in a place like Qingcheng Mountain, being a "Guest Master" is not just about being able to speak. After several years of experience, one can often climb to a higher position.

"Thank you, Taoist Master."

Li Yan and the other two did not dare to look down on him and returned the greetings to express their gratitude.

"You two are welcome, please follow me."

This Taoist priest Ling Yunzi is very elegant. Not only is his conversation pleasing to the eye, but his Taoist skills are also very good.

He walked on the steep and slippery mountain path as if it were flat ground, and introduced the things to the two of them as he walked.

"From here you can reach the back mountain of Qingcheng, where there are deep valley springs, a hundred-foot bridge, and the ancient Longyin plank road. The scenery is mysterious and secluded. You two can go there when you have time, but the road is difficult to walk on in the snow..."

"From this side, you can reach Yuqing Palace, Shangqing Palace, and Laojun Temple on Laoxiaoding, the first peak in Qingcheng..."

"The blessed land is relatively far away, on the other side of Zhaogong Mountain. It is said to be the place where Zhao Gongming lived in seclusion. If you two want to practice and build a building, you can make arrangements in advance..."

"We are going up the mountain. Can we meet Master Chen Kongzi?"

"Of course, the headmaster is in the Patriarch's Hall. I will take you there right away."

In Qingcheng Mountain, there were many crisscross paths, but with Ling Yunzi leading the way and the three of them having extraordinary leg strength, they moved forward very quickly.

However, Li Yan also discovered something strange.

This Ling Yunzi seemed to be intentionally taking them on a detour.

It's not that they have bad intentions, but when they get to some places, they will deliberately avoid them under the pretext of sightseeing.

Feeling the vibration of the certificate in his arms, Li Yan already knew what was going on.

I believe that these places are where the immortals of Qingcheng Mountain live in seclusion.

Of course, he saw through it but didn't say it out loud. He pretended not to notice it and went all the way into the mountains under the guidance of Ling Yunzi.

Somewhat similar to Mount Wudang, Mount Qingcheng is also dotted with Taoist temples of all sizes. Occasionally, you'll encounter Taoist priests patrolling the mountains, as well as people meditating and practicing swords on the snowy plain.

The mountains are covered with snow, and the sword light is hidden in the clouds, which seems out of this mortal world.

Even with the strength of the three people, it took them a full hour to see a huge palace, with a high mountain behind it, a stream in front of it, and towering pines and cypresses on both sides, covered with snow. It was very quiet and peaceful.

"This is the Patriarch's Hall."

Ling Yunzi smiled and said, "This place was first built in the Jin Dynasty. It was originally named Dongtian Temple and later renamed Zushi Hall. Xue Chang, Du Guangting, and Princess Yuzhen all practiced Taoism here."

Then he pointed to a simple pavilion in the distance and said, "That is the Pavilion of Asking for the Way. It is said that Emperor Huangdi asked for the Way from the Immortal Ning Fengzi here."

"Qingcheng is indeed quite good..."

Li Yan smiled and nodded, praising him.

To be honest, although the Wendao Pavilion looks very old, how could a building from the time of Emperor Huangdi be preserved?

Most of them were built by later generations for commemoration.

He was in a good mood because the Qingcheng Sect Leader had chosen this place.

There are many palaces on Mount Qingcheng.

Although the Patriarch Hall has a quiet environment, its area is not large. If Qingcheng Mountain receives guests, most of them will choose places like Shangqing Palace and Yuqing Hall.

The Patriarch Hall enshrines the Great Emperor Zhenwu and the Eight Immortals.

They went up the mountain holding Yu Chanzi's letter of introduction. The new headmaster, Chen Kongzi, chose to meet them here, which obviously had a deep meaning.

There were not many Taoists in the Taoist temple of Zushi Hall. Only a few disciples were seen meditating in the scripture hall, and one person was waving a big broom to sweep the snow.

"You two, please come in."

When they arrived outside the Zhenwu Hall, Ling Yunzi whispered, "The headmaster is inside. I will be waiting for you outside."

Li Yan and the other man nodded and strode into the Zhenwu Hall.

The Zhenwu Temple is not big. It was cloudy in winter and the light was a little dim due to the towering pines and cypresses inside the temple.

In front of the statue of Zhenwu Emperor, a Taoist was seen adding incense. He was tall, wearing a jade crown and a black and white Taoist robe.

After the two entered the hall, the other party just turned around.

The headmaster is the face of a religion. Since ancient times, those who can serve as the headmaster have to have not only good cultivation but also good looks.

The same is true for Chen Kongzi in front of him.

The other person looked younger than Yu Chanzi. Although he was over fifty years old, his hair was still black, his skin was fair, his eyes were bright, and his long black beard hung down to his chest, giving him an immortal-like appearance.

When Li Yan saw it, he secretly praised it in his heart.

This person's appearance is inexplicably similar to Lu Dongbin.

In the Zhenwu Hall, supernatural powers can also be suppressed. Li Yan cannot sense the other party's level of Taoism, but those who can serve as the head teacher must be at least at the sixth level.

"I've met the headmaster."

The two did not dare to be negligent and bowed in greeting.

"No need to be polite."

Chen Kongzi smiled slightly, "Senior Brother Yuchanzi and I used to roam the martial arts world together when we were young, and we are considered close friends."

"He had sent me a message before, but because there were many things to do in the mountains, he didn't have time to send someone to invite you two."

After asking the two to sit down and having the Taoist boy serve tea, Chen Kongzi continued to ask questions, mainly about Wudang Mountain.

After talking about family matters for a while, Chen Kongzi's expression changed again and became serious. "Senior Brother Yuchanzi wrote a letter, mainly mentioning Zhao Changsheng. This beast is causing trouble in the world and must be eradicated as soon as possible!"

"My friend, you have come all the way from Ezhou. I have heard some news on the way. Have you found any clues?"

"Dragon Worship Sect, Prince Shu's Palace!"

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "There is more than one person behind Zhao Changsheng. He also went to the Shu King's Mansion with another culprit, Lu Sheng, a sorcerer in the Qin Dynasty. After that, the Shu King's temperament changed drastically and he wanted to pursue immortality..."

He did not hide anything and told everything.

Of course, some things remain unsaid.

For example, Lu Sheng plotted to seize the Nine Cauldrons and the reincarnation of Erlang Zhenjun.

These are too important.

Unless we can be sure that this Chen Kongzi is trustworthy.

"And this..."

After hearing this, Chen Kongzi stroked his beard and said, "Qingcheng has already sent people to join forces with Emei and Guangde Temple to suppress the Dragon Worship Sect. If they can capture their leader, they should be able to find out the reason."

"As for the Shu King's Mansion, the Shu King was seriously ill a few days ago. I will ask a senior brother to go visit him and investigate."

"If the King of Shu is really involved with evil spirits, I will personally write to Your Majesty about this matter to prevent a disaster."

"Senior is wise."

Li Yan bowed slightly and flattered the emperor.

Qingcheng Mountain has a special status, and the relationship between Xuanmen and the imperial court is not completely integrated, so every move cannot be made recklessly.

This involves the King of Shu, and it is already quite good that Chen Kongzi can do this.

After saying this, Chen Kongzi took another sip of tea and said with a smile: "I am waiting for you here, but there is something else I want to do."

"Little friend Li, there is an old senior on my Qingcheng Mountain who wants to take you in as his disciple and inherit his Taoist tradition. Are you willing?"

Li Yan was a little surprised, "Which sect is it?"

Chen Kongzi said calmly: "Northern Emperor Sect, Earth God Sect!"

(End of this chapter)