Chapter 533: The Invitation of the Ancestral Hall

The location of Shuixue Nunnery is indeed somewhat secluded.

Though situated at the foot of Mount Qingcheng, it lies far from the official road, surrounded by towering bamboo groves; without someone to guide you, it's truly hard to find.

This is only natural.

After all, it is a nunnery, inhabited solely by female cultivators who require no lay offerings or incense; they seek only quietude.

In winter, the snow had just ceased falling.

The nunnery's roof was blanketed in pure white snow, with glistening ice stalactites hanging from the eaves.

Among the bamboo, branches sagged under the weight of snow, bending the leaves; occasionally, a light breeze stirred, sending fine snowflakes rustling down.

The narrow path was buried under snow, save for a few faint footprints leading toward the quiet nunnery gate.

Inside Shuixue Nunnery, the courtyard snow had not melted, a vast expanse of white; several winter plum trees stood defiantly in the snow, enhancing the serene stillness.

The main gate of the nunnery stood half-open, a warm glow seeping through the crack.

Ancient lamps, old Buddhas, the rhythmic tapping of the wooden fish—everything exuded peace.

Not far from Shuixue Nunnery, a pavilion surrounded by bamboo held a small red-clay stove boiling tea, along with some simple snacks.

Inside the pavilion, besides Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan, were White Old Lady and Master Xiaoyue; brewing tea in the snow, it was quietly elegant.

"Apologies, but I cannot invite the two of you inside the nunnery."

Master Xiaoyue smiled and nodded, explaining the reason.

"Master, no need for such formalities."

Li Yan bowed and said: "We have already delivered our invitation up the mountain; we've come merely to pay a brief visit and will depart shortly."

Some things, one glance reveals.

Though life at Shuixue Nunnery is austere, the women of the Bai family have adapted well, finding quiet joy in isolation from outsiders.

Master Xiaoyue smiled faintly and said: "The request for you to arrive early came from me."

"The snow has sealed the mountains, making travel difficult; this is not an ideal time to ascend, but Mount Qingcheng has just stabilized, and from the twelfth lunar month to the fifteenth of the first month, there will be numerous rituals, and after the New Year, even busier."

"Some matters are better handled early."

"The Master is right."

Li Yan nodded in agreement: "We know little of Mount Qingcheng's current situation; we humbly ask for your guidance."

This was his true purpose.

Though he met Ming Shanzi at Jianfu Palace, that man considers matters primarily from the Cheng family's perspective.

Not everything he says can be trusted, and some questions are best left unasked.

Shuixue Nunnery is relatively detached, and with White Old Lady's connection, some matters can be asked plainly.

Master Xiaoyue nodded slightly: "You arrived under my recommendation; naturally, arrangements must be made properly, or I would have no face to show my senior brother Yu Chanzi."

"Mount Qingcheng's lineage is ancient; generations of Daoist masters have come here to cultivate. Though all belong to the same sect, many distinct lineages remain."

"There is the Zhengyi branch of the Celestial Masters, founded when Zhang Tianshi built a thatched hut on the mountain to teach—thus Qingcheng is the ancestral seat of the Celestial Masters, closely allied with Longhu Mountain…"

"There is the Shangqing School, transmitted by Du Guangting, whose followers mostly cultivate at Shangqing Palace…"

"There is the Qingwei School, established in the Northern Song, skilled in Thunder Rites; it flourished greatly in the Southern Song, producing several successive abbots, and Huang Shunshen was even granted the title 'True Person of Vast Blessing and Universal Transformation'…"

"There is the Dan Ding Ziyang School, transmitted by Ziyang Zhenren Zhang Boduan upon entering Shu, now united with the Quanzhen Longmen School."

"Currently, the largest on Mount Qingcheng is the Quanzhen Longmen School, specifically the Dantai Baidong branch, which has the closest ties with Wudang. The new abbot, Chen Confucius, hails from this school… There are also many smaller lineages."

"You have Master Yu Chanzi's personal letter; you will be treated respectfully upon arrival and no one will deliberately obstruct you. But you must know who is near and who is distant, for some have secluded themselves for years and have peculiar temperaments."

"That's good."

Li Yan exhaled in relief and asked: "What of the Cheng family?"

Master Xiaoyue smiled: "The Cheng family is the lineage of Qingcheng Sword Immortals, tracing back to the ancient immortal Ning Fengzi, later revived by Li Babei, and now the foremost sword cultivators on the mountain. They were once the greatest wildcard, but have now voluntarily stepped down, quelling the strife."

"Cheng Jianxian has suppressed Sichuan for decades; though his merits are great and his prestige immense, his descendants lack outstanding talent. By embracing renewal, Qingcheng has gained further development."

"That Fire Monk was invited up the mountain by Cheng Jianxian himself; since you've connected with the Cheng family, he'll certainly pay attention when forging for you."

"So now is the best time to ascend. Come spring, when the caves open, Longhu Mountain, Wudang, and Maoshan will all send emissaries—each with their own agendas, inevitably dragging you into their schemes."

"Thank you, Master, for your guidance."

Li Yan bowed solemnly in gratitude.

These details were unknown to outsiders; knowing them now gave him a foundation, so he wouldn't speak carelessly or offend anyone.

"It is only right."

Master Xiaoyue nodded slightly, rose, and said: "You two talk. The hour has come; I must go teach the disciples."

After seeing Master Xiaoyue off, White Old Lady finally spoke, detailing the general situation of the Bai family, then said solemnly: "Yan'er cultivates on the Great Snow Mountain; I've sent people to guard her."

"You need not go disturb her. When the first signs of spring stir the hibernating insects, that will be the day she breaks through. If she succeeds, she will come to meet you."

"If she fails… I will choose a burial site for her on the Great Snow Mountain."

Li Yan's heart trembled: "So dangerous?"

When she fought those several Earth Immortals, Long Yan had destroyed her life-giving poison to buy himself time—he'd assumed she had merely lost her cultivation, not that her life was in danger.

White Old Lady fell silent, then shook her head and sighed: "The path of cultivation is inherently arduous; each person has their own destiny. This girl seems gentle, but her fate is bitter and her will unyielding."

"In the future, as she travels with you, I beg you to look after her."

"Of course."

Li Yan nodded solemnly in promise.

…………

After bidding farewell to White Old Lady, the two resumed their ascent.

With guidance, they no longer got lost.

They climbed the snow-covered mountain path, seeing jade-like ice sculptures clinging to cliffs, as if naturally formed; pines and cypresses on either side bent under snow, branches drooping.

The mountain's quietude and the cold of ice and snow blended perfectly.

Ordinary people might see only beauty, but these two, awakened to spiritual powers, could sense the flow of primordial gang qi, with myriad phenomena unfolding.

"Squeak!"

Soon after passing the mountain gate, a flash of gold leapt through the snow-laden forest—a golden snub-nosed monkey.

Like a spirit of the snow, darting among the pines and cypresses.

"Are you Master Li from Shaanzhou?"

A clear voice rang from afar; soon, a middle-aged man in blue Daoist robes appeared, sleeves fluttering as if wind carried his feet, gliding down the snowy path.

Such elegant lightness!

Li Yan couldn't help but admire inwardly.

He could tell the man used no magical arts—only pure physical strength—to traverse the wet, slippery path faster than skiing.

Swish!

The Daoist halted, and the nimble golden monkey leapt down, landing on his shoulder, nibbling a fruit, watching them curiously.

Its eyes sparkled—clearly already possessed spiritual awareness.

The Daoist had handsome features, eyebrows like swords, dimples at his lips as if perpetually smiling, instantly endearing.

"Greetings, esteemed guests."

After confirming their identities, the Daoist bowed and smiled: "I am Lingyunzi, the mountain's 'Guest Master,' sent by the abbot to welcome you."

"Guest Master" is a basic position in Daoist temples, responsible for receiving guests, arranging lodging, and handling daily affairs.

Those who hold this post must be humble, courteous, well-versed in protocol, and adept at human relations. Serving as Guest Master on Mount Qingcheng requires more than mere eloquence; after years of training, such individuals often rise to higher positions.

"Thank you, Daoist."

Li Yan and the other bowed respectfully in return.

"No need for formalities; follow me."

Daoist Lingyunzi was graceful; his speech charmed, and his cultivation was impressive.

Walking the steep, slippery path as if on level ground, he conversed while leading them.

"From here, you can reach the rear mountain, where there are secluded valleys, waterfalls, a hundred-zhang bridge, and the ancient Dragon-Hidden Boardwalk—breathtaking scenery, though the snow makes travel difficult…"

"This path leads to Yuqing Palace, Shangqing Palace, and the Laojun Pavilion atop Laoxiao Peak, Qingcheng's highest summit…"

"The Celestial Grottoes and Blessed Lands lie farther, on Zhao Gong Mountain, said to be where Zhao Gongming once secluded himself; if you wish to build a cultivation hall, inform us in advance for arrangements…"

"May we pay respects to Abbot Chen Confucius?"

"Of course. The abbot is in the Ancestral Hall; I shall take you there now."

Please... You... Collect_(!)

Within Mount Qingcheng, countless paths crisscrossed, but with Lingyunzi guiding them and their own swift steps, progress was rapid.

Yet Li Yan noticed something odd.

This Lingyunzi seemed deliberately leading them on a detour.

Not out of malice, but at certain spots, he would feign sightseeing to avoid them.

Feeling the trembling of the Gou Die in his pocket, Li Yan understood.

These places must be where Qingcheng's Earth Immortals reside in seclusion.

Of course, he pretended not to notice, following Lingyunzi deeper into the mountains.

Like Wudang, Mount Qingcheng was dotted with temples of all sizes; occasionally they encountered patrolling Daoists or cultivators meditating and sword-practicing on snowy plateaus.

Snow-covered mountains, swordlight hidden in mist—this was no mortal realm.

Even with their speed, they walked for a full hour before seeing a vast palace complex, backed by towering mountains, fronted by a stream, flanked by tall pines and cypresses, all draped in snow—serene and tranquil.

"This is the Ancestral Hall."

Lingyunzi smiled and said, "This place was first built during the Jin dynasty, originally named Dongtian Temple, later renamed Zushi Hall. Xue Chang, Du Guangting, and Princess Yuzhen all once cultivated here."

He then pointed to a distant, ancient-style pavilion, "That is Wenda Pavilion. Legend says the Yellow Emperor himself once came here to seek the Dao from the immortal Master Ningfengzi."

"Qingcheng truly is extraordinary…"

Li Yan nodded with a smile and praised softly.

To be honest, though Wenda Pavilion looked ancient, how could any structure from the Yellow Emperor's time possibly have survived?

It was most likely built later in commemoration.

What pleased him was that the Qingcheng sect leader had chosen this place.

On Qingcheng Mountain, there were many palaces and halls.

Though Zushi Hall was serene, its grounds were small; when Qingcheng received guests, they usually chose Shangqing Palace or Yuqing Hall instead.

Zushi Hall enshrined Zhenwu Dadi and the Eight Immortals.

They had come up the mountain holding the jade toad's letter of introduction; the new sect leader, Chen Confucius, had chosen to meet them here—clearly with deep intent.

Inside the Zushi Hall observatory, there were few Daoists; only a few disciples sat meditating in the scripture hall, and one man was sweeping away snow with a large broom.

"Please come in."

Outside Zhenwu Hall, Lingyunzi whispered, "The sect leader is inside. I'll wait here for you."

Li Yan and the other nodded and stepped boldly into Zhenwu Hall.

The hall was not large; winter clouds hung heavy, and the tall pines and cypresses within dimmed the light.

Before the statue of Zhenwu Dadi, a Daoist was adding incense—tall, wearing a jade crown, draped in a black-and-white Daoist robe.

As the two entered, he turned around.

The sect leader is the face of the sect; since ancient times, those who held the position were required not only in cultivation but also in appearance.

This Chen Confucius was no exception.

He appeared somewhat younger than Yuchanzi; though past fifty, his hair remained jet-black, his skin pale, his eyes bright, his long black beard hanging to his chest, exuding an aura of transcendent grace.

Seeing him, Li Yan inwardly praised.

The man's appearance strangely resembled Lu Dongbin.

Within Zhenwu Hall, spiritual powers were suppressed; Li Yan could not sense the man's cultivation level, but anyone serving as sect leader must be at least Sixth Tower.

"We pay our respects to the sect leader."

The two bowed respectfully, not daring to be careless.

"No need for such formalities."

Chen Confucius smiled faintly, "I and my senior brother Yuchanzi once roamed the Jianghu together in our youth—we were close friends."

"He had already written to me, but with so many matters on the mountain, I hadn't yet sent word to invite you both."

He invited them to sit, had a young acolyte serve tea, then continued asking—mostly about Wudang Mountain.

After chatting awhile about trivial matters, Chen Confucius's expression turned serious. "Senior Brother Yuchanzi's letter mainly mentioned Zhao Changsheng. This villain has brought chaos to the mortal realm—he must be eliminated swiftly!"

"You came from Ezhou; I've heard rumors along the way. Have you uncovered any clues?"

"The Dragon Worship Cult. The Shu Prince's Mansion!"

Li Yan said gravely, "Zhao Changsheng is not alone. He once traveled with another yin offender, the Qin dynasty sorcerer Lu Sheng, to the Shu Prince's Mansion. Afterward, the Shu Prince's temperament changed drastically—he began seeking immortality…"

He revealed what he could, without concealment.

Of course, some things he withheld.

Such as Lu Sheng's plot for the Nine Cauldrons, and the reincarnation calamity of Erlang Zhenjun.

These were too important.

Unless he could be certain this Chen Confucius was trustworthy.

"There's more…"

After hearing this, Chen Confucius stroked his beard slightly. "Qingcheng has already dispatched messengers to join Emei and Guangde Temple in suppressing the Dragon Worship Cult. If we capture their leader, we may learn the truth."

"As for the Shu Prince's Mansion, the Shu Prince recently fell gravely ill. I will send a senior brother to visit him, and investigate along the way."

"If the Shu Prince truly consorts with demons, I will personally write to His Majesty to prevent a great disaster."

"Your reverence is wise."

Li Yan bowed slightly, offering a compliment.

Qingcheng Mountain held a unique status; the relationship between the Daoist sects and the court was never fully unified—every move had to be made with care.

Since the Shu Prince was involved, Chen Confucius doing this much was already commendable.

After saying this, Chen Confucius took another sip of tea and smiled. "I waited here for you not only for this matter."

"Young Li, an elder of Qingcheng Mountain wishes to take you as a disciple and inherit a lineage. Would you be willing?"

Li Yan was surprised. "Which lineage?"

Chen Confucius said calmly, "The Northern Emperor Sect. The Earth Deity Sect!"

(End of Chapter)