The heavy snow has just cleared, and Qingcheng Mountain is wrapped in a silver blanket.
Snow presses down on pine branches, the evergreen and pure white complent each other, smoke and clouds rise, with sunlight shining through, resembling an ink painting.
An ancient path winds between the mountain ranges, covered with snow, rarely visited by travelers, occasionally showing footprints of small animals.
Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan tread on the snow, crunching along the mountainside, observing the vast surroundings, feeling utterly relaxed.
"What a place..."
Wang Daoxuan exhaled white breath, smiling with admiration: "Qingcheng is truly renowned for its tranquility, indeed not without reason, even winter has its own charm."
"We’ll talk about charm later."
Li Yan looked around and shook his head: "Where is the Shuiyue Temple, in this desolate wilderness, there’s not a soul to ask."
Upon reaching the foot of Qingcheng Mountain, he realized his miscalculation.
The cold and freezing snow had sealed the mountain, the roads deserted without a single traveler, not to ntion Qingcheng mountain paths lacked signposts like in his past life.
The two couldn’t find Shuiyue Temple and ended up getting lost.
"Why don’t we just go straight up the mountain?"
Wang Daoxuan glanced into the distance, shook his head and said: "It will soon darken, there should be a Taoist temple at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain where locals offer incense, let’s go and inquire there first."
Li Yan pondered for a mont and nodded: "That would be better."
He originally intended to first reach Shuiyue Temple, to see Lady Bai Huan, then consult Master Xiaoyue about the conditions on the mountain to avoid errors.
But seeing the circumstances, they could only head up the mountain.
With their minds made up, they stopped wandering aimlessly and retreated to the main road, heading towards Qingcheng Mountain.
Qingcheng Mountain was shrouded in clouds and mist, the distant mountains resembled faint ink. Plus, with winter’s overcast skies and no sight of the sun, it grew dim near dusk.
The two climbed slippery stone steps and could see faint lights glowing in the distance, a cluster of buildings hidden among the snow-laden branches.
However, Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan did not rush to approach.
Not far away, in a pavilion, a Daoist sat cross-legged, with a long sword on his back, wearing only a thin Daoist robe despite the freezing weather.
He appeared to be quite old, with a spirited look, so gray in his hair, alone guarding the pavilion.
But Li Yan dared not underestimate at all.
Being able to guard the mountain gate in this weather indicated his martial arts had reached a level impervious to cold and heat.
Li Yan himself did not have this capability.
Sure enough, hearing their footsteps stop, the Daoist slowly opened his eyes, stood up, and approached, slightly bowing: "Two Daoists, what brings you up the mountain?"
This Daoist had long detected that Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan were magicians.
If they were ordinary people, he wouldn’t have revealed himself.
"I am Li Yan, here to pay respects to the mountain."
Li Yan took out a visiting card from his bosom.
Attached was a letter from Wudang Master Yu Chanzi.
The Daoist took a look at it, imdiately smiling: "Ah, the recently famous young hero Li, I have heard of you even while residing on the mountain."
"I am Mingshanzi, it is cold, young hero, please follow to rest at Jianfu Palace for the night, and climb the mountain tomorrow."
"Thank you, Daoist."
Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan quickly bowed in thanks.
Led by the Daoist, they turned onto a side mountain path.
After walking a short distance, a palace stood beneath the cliff, with a gateway arch inscribed with "Jianfu Palace" in large characters.
The couplets on both sides read "The jade flute sounds cold in the celestial breeze, the green phoenix stays" and "The cloud path draws near, Du Lao banishes white hair."
The architecture was typical of the Shu region.
Seeing the two seem quite interested, Mingshanzi smiled and introduced: "This place is said to be where the True Person Ning Fengzi cultivated. It was built during the Tang dynasty, forrly nad ’Elder Temple,’ changed to ’Jianfu Palace’ in the Southern Song period."
It was already evening, with the sound of wooden fish echoing inside the temple, young Daoists chanting their evening prayers.
"Master Uncle."
The Daoist boy at the door approached the three and said hurriedly.
"These two are Daoists climbing the mountain."
Mingshanzi smiled: "Go prepare two fine guest rooms and so vegetarian als."
"Yes, Master Uncle."
After the Daoist boy left, Mingshanzi led the two into the palace, briefly introducing: "True Person Ning Fengzi is the main god of Qingcheng, worshipped in the palace along with the predecessor Du Guangting. The other halls worship Lord Lao Zi and Emperor Donghua."
"Recently, the heavy snow sealed the mountain, leaving no visitors, the guest rooms may have gathered dust, we’ll tidy them, please co with for so tea."
Saying this, he led them to a quiet room and personally poured tea.
"You are too kind, Daoist."
Li Yan slightly bowed, feeling sowhat puzzled.
Qingcheng’s position in Shu was naturally undisputed.
He didn’t consider his bit of fa in the pugilistic world to warrant such courtesies.
Indeed, the Daoist smiled gently, stroking his beard: "Young friend need not worry, to be honest, I usually stay on the mountain and volunteer to guard it, specifically waiting for you."
"Specifically waiting for ?"
Li Yan’s heart skipped, "Please enlighten , senior."
Mingshanzi didn’t conceal, smiling: "My secular surna is Cheng, the Sect Leader of Dianyi Sect, Cheng Yuanxing, is my brother."
The Cheng Family...
Li Yan raised his vigilance, suddenly understanding: "I see, Senior Cheng’s divination skills are remarkable, having once helped us escape from the Shu Prince Mansion’s entanglent, unfortunately, we couldn’t et."
After leaving Fengdu, the Shu Prince Mansion blocked them by the river, hence they did not ascend the mountain.
Li Yan specifically pointed out this matter, firstly to acknowledge the favor, secondly to express his puzzlent, for their relationship did not seem so close.
Mingshanzi naturally understood his implication, hesitated briefly, then spoke: "You need not be cautious, young friend, I waited here specifically to ask you sothing."
Li Yan nodded: "Please speak, senior."
Mingshanzi clenched his fists, his gaze becoming excited, tremblingly asked: "Young friend, have you seen our Cheng family’s ancestor?"
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