34: The court has exhausted its schemes, but the mountains and fields are silent.

Three days after the county government meeting concluded, a seven-member "Yuntai Mountain Tourism Development Preliminary Communication Working Group" quietly arrived at Zhaojiaao Village.

The group leader was Zhou Mingde, the Deputy Minister of the County United Front Work Department. He was in his early fifties, with a kind face and a perpetual hint of a smile when he spoke. The members included the Section Chief of the Planning Section of the Bureau of Culture and Tourism, a cadre from the Bureau of Religious Affairs, the Deputy Town Mayor, the Director of the Town Tourism Office, and two recorders. The size of the team was neither too high nor too low, striking a subtle balance between "importance" and "preliminary contact."

The working group didn't make a grand entrance; two official cars parked in the village committee's small courtyard. Zhou Mingde first convened a short meeting with the village committee to understand the basic situation, focusing on the division of attitudes among the villagers regarding the development.

"Old Secretary, what do you think about this..." Zhou Mingde handed over a cigarette, his tone sincere.

Village Party Secretary took the cigarette but tucked it behind his ear without lighting it. "Minister Zhou, I'll be honest. Most of the young people support it—who wouldn't want to make money? But the older generation, especially Uncle Desheng and the others, are worried about disturbing Daoist Master Li's peace. The Abbot has been kind to our village; during last year's flood, if it weren't for him..."

"We all know about that," Zhou Mingde interrupted with a smile. "That's why the working group is here, isn't it? We want to discuss things properly with the Abbot to find a win-win solution that keeps the temple quiet while also helping the villagers prosper."

Despite those words, the private conversations after the meeting revealed a different layer of meaning.

While the working group was eating in the small cafeteria arranged by the village committee, Section Chief Wang from the Bureau of Culture and Tourism took a sip of wine and whispered to the Deputy Town Mayor, "He's just a Taoist; no matter how capable he is, can he really resist the authorities? The county is very determined; this is a political task. As long as we explain the reasoning and make the pros and cons clear, would he really go against the government?"

The Deputy Town Mayor smiled bitterly. "Section Chief Wang, you haven't been up there. That temple... it's indeed a bit uncanny. Anyone who goes in, no matter how restless their temperament, will calm down. When Daoist Master Li stands there, even though he's clearly smiling and talking to you, you feel like he's looking down on you."

"Psychological effect," Xiao Zhao from the Bureau of Religious Affairs chimed in. "Religious sites all create this kind of atmosphere. Our trip this time is to break this mystification—of course, we should still maintain the 'sense of mystery' in external promotion; it's a selling point."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Zhou Mingde didn't laugh. He put down his chopsticks. "We still need to show respect. When we go up the mountain tomorrow, our attitude must be sincere, and the plan must be detailed. Our bottom line is that the development must proceed, but the methods can be flexible."

The next morning, the working group set off on the stone path up the mountain.

The road was harder to walk than imagined. The mud from the melted snow hadn't dried yet, mixed with trash discarded by tourists, and the air was thick with a murky smell. The further up they went, the denser the crowd became, with the noise of various accents weaving into a bothersome background din.

"This hygiene situation... must be rectified," the Director of the Town Tourism Office noted with a frown.

Halfway up, they encountered the first group of tourists coming down—a few young people who looked like college students, excitedly discussing:

"That tree is truly divine! I touched the trunk and felt my palm getting hot!"

"The well water is sweet too; I filled a bottle to take back to my mom."

"It's just that there are too many people. That Taoist priest didn't pay any attention to anyone; he just gave a distant glance, and I almost couldn't hold my phone steady..."

Zhou Mingde paused slightly.

It was already 9:30 AM when the working group finally arrived at the mountain gate.

The sight before them made everyone fall silent for a moment.

The ancient cypress tree was lush and green, like a giant umbrella spread out, its canopy flowing with a green hue almost like jade in the morning light. The temple's blue tiles were mottled, and the walls were covered with moss, yet it possessed an inherent calm and solemnity. Most strange was the flow of people in the courtyard—even though there were no fewer than a hundred people crowded there, they eerily maintained a low-decibel "quiet," as if even the sound of children crying was filtered by something invisible, leaving only suppressed whispers.

Zhou Mingde took a deep breath and was the first to step through the mountain gate.

A single step's distance felt like entering another realm.

The clamor receded like a tide, and a warm, tranquil aura enveloped his body. It wasn't a change in temperature, but a kind of... spiritual coolness. He subconsciously straightened his back and smoothed his clothes.

The other members of the working group followed closely, each showing surprise on their faces.

"This..." Section Chief Wang opened his mouth but couldn't find the words.

Li Muchen was under the ancient cypress tree, showing an elderly man where to place incense. His moon-white Taoist robe was particularly striking among the crowd, the hidden cloud patterns on the robe appearing and disappearing in the morning light. He noticed the working group and looked up.

The moment their eyes met, Zhou Mingde felt an inexplicable shiver in his heart.

That was not the gaze of an ordinary person. It was clear yet bottomless, calm and ripple-less, yet seemingly seeing through everything. Even though the other party was just looking calmly, Zhou Mingde felt as if all his thoughts and schemes were exposed under that gaze.

He steadied his mind, put on a professional smile, and led the working group forward.

To the east of the Main Hall was a small Guest Hall, which was usually not open to the public. Making an exception today, Li Muchen led the working group inside to sit.

The room was small and simply furnished: an Eight Immortals table, a few old wooden chairs, and a few scrolls of scriptures piled in the corner. Li Muchen personally poured tea for everyone; it was wild mountain tea, and the water was living water from the Spirit Well, its clear fragrance refreshing the soul.

"taoist greeting," Li Muchen sat in the main seat, his voice peaceful. "You Lay Practitioners have traveled far and worked hard. I wonder what brings you here?"

Zhou Mingde cleared his throat, signaled the recorder to start, and then launched into his prepared speech. "Daoist Master Li, we are a working group sent by the county. We've come specifically to visit you, mainly to hear your opinions on the future development of Yuntai Mountain, and especially Qingfeng Temple."

He spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully. "First, on behalf of the County Party Committee and the County Government, I would like to express our respect for your dedication to staying deep in the mountains and serving the neighbors. We have heard of your deeds in healing the villagers and maintaining the temple, and we are deeply moved."

After the pleasantries, he turned to the main topic.

"Recently, because of its unique natural and cultural landscape, Qingfeng Temple has attracted widespread attention from society. Tourists are coming here of their own accord, which is a good thing; it shows that this place truly has appeal. But it also brings some problems—traffic congestion, safety hazards, and environmental hygiene. You probably know these better than we do."

Li Muchen listened quietly, his fingers lightly stroking the teacup, without saying a word.

Zhou Mingde continued, "So the county has conducted research and believes it is necessary to carry out scientific planning and orderly development. Our preliminary idea is to use Qingfeng Temple as the core to create the Yuntai Mountain Eco-Cultural Tourism Zone. This is not to commercialize the temple; on the contrary, it is to better protect it."

He signaled Section Chief Wang to unfold the planning sketch.

The lines on the map were neat: an ecological walkway was proposed from the foot of the mountain to the front of the temple, with three viewing platforms; Zhaojiaao Village was planned as a tourism service village with unified management of farmhouse stays; a fifty-meter core protection zone would be designated around the temple to limit the flow of people; and there were even long-term plans for a cableway.

"This way," Zhou Mingde's tone was sincere, "it both solves the current chaos and enhances the tourist experience. For the temple, the environment will be quieter—we will strictly control the number of people entering the temple daily and establish a reservation system. For you personally, we have also considered..."

He paused and threw out the conditions: "The scenic area management committee intends to establish the position of 'Cultural Consultant,' to be held by you, with the treatment of a deputy section-level official. The maintenance of the temple will be the responsibility of the scenic area's special funds, and the incense income will be shared proportionally. You see, this is a win-win."

The Guest Hall was silent.

The members of the working group looked at Li Muchen, waiting for a response.

Li Muchen put down his teacup and looked up at Zhou Mingde, his gaze as calm as an ancient well. "Minister Zhou, I appreciate the kind intentions of you Lay Practitioners."

His tone was neither fast nor slow. "However, Qingfeng Temple is a place for quiet cultivation, not a place for sightseeing. Since ancient times, the Dao follows nature, and its value lies in tranquility. Now that tourists are flocking here, the peace of the mountains has already been disturbed. If we were to further engage in large-scale construction and set up ticket gates, it would be putting the cart before the horse."

Zhou Mingde's smile stiffened slightly. "Abbot, times are changing. Temples also need to keep up with the times and serve society."

"The Dao has its own way," Li Muchen shook his head. "I cultivate here neither for fame nor for profit. What I seek is nothing more than a corner of tranquility and a few threads of Dao destiny. Now that tourists are coming of their own accord, as long as they follow the temple rules and maintain reverence, I do not stop them. But if the place of cultivation is turned into a scenic spot and quiet cultivation is turned into a performance, I cannot comply."

Xiao Zhao from the Bureau of Religious Affairs couldn't help but interject, "Daoist Master Li, the temple is a place for religious activities, and its management and use should comply with national regulations and religious policies. Appropriate development is also a way to promote Taoist culture."

Li Muchen glanced at him. His gaze remained calm, yet it made Xiao Zhao feel an inexplicable palpitation, and he swallowed the second half of his sentence.

"The Legacy of the Dao lies in the scriptures and in practice, not in clamor," Li Muchen said slowly. "If one truly seeks the Dao, they will come even if the mountains are high and the road is long; if it is only for curiosity, even if the gates are as crowded as a market, it has nothing to do with the Dao."

Having said this, there was no more room for maneuver.

The smile on Zhou Mingde's face completely vanished. He was silent for a moment before switching to an official tone. "Daoist Master Li, we understand your thoughts. But the development of Yuntai Mountain is a major decision of the county, involving the poverty alleviation, prosperity, and industrial upgrading of the entire region. We respect your personal wishes, but we also hope you can understand the bigger picture."

He stood up, his tone hardening. "We will take your opinions back and report to the leadership. But before a formal decision is issued, I hope the Abbot will cooperate with our work and avoid any extreme words or actions. After all, the healthy development of the temple also requires government support, wouldn't you say?"

These words already carried a hint of a warning.

Li Muchen also stood up, his moon-white Taoist robe draping down like flowing water, making his figure appear even more upright. He met Zhou Mingde's gaze, his voice still peaceful, but with an added layer of unquestionable penetration:

"Qingfeng Temple has been here for a hundred years, with tranquility as its foundation and the Dao as its root. My cultivation follows heaven and responds to people, not violating my original heart. If you Lay Practitioners insist on turning this place of quiet cultivation into a noisy arena for fame and profit..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the members of the working group. "Then let each go their own way and leave their fates to destiny."

With that, he nodded slightly. "The tea is cold; I shall not see you out."

The working group went down the mountain in silence.

Halfway down, Section Chief Wang finally couldn't help himself. "How arrogant! A Taoist priest really thinks he's an immortal?"

Zhou Mingde didn't speak. His face was gloomy, but in his mind, he was repeatedly replaying that eye contact from just now. That feeling of being completely seen through, that invisible pressure... this was definitely not an aura an ordinary Taoist could have.

Returning to the village committee, he immediately dialed the County Magistrate's number.

"County Magistrate, the communication didn't go smoothly. The other party's attitude is firm, and he refuses any form of development cooperation." He chose his words carefully. "However... this Daoist Master Li is indeed somewhat unusual. I suggest our next moves should be more cautious."

There was a silence on the other end of the line, then the County Magistrate's voice came through: "I understand. Proceed according to the original plan; go through the necessary procedures. A Taoist priest—can he really turn the world upside down?"

The call ended.

Zhou Mingde held his hot phone and looked out the window at the mist-shrouded mountain peak.

The temple appeared and disappeared in the mist, like a floating celestial palace.

He suddenly remembered Li Muchen's parting words, "Let each go their own way and leave their fates to destiny," and an inexplicable shiver ran down his spine.

The mountain breeze blew through the hall, carrying the chill of early spring.

The working group's small meeting was still going on, debating whether the next step should be pressure or conciliation.

Meanwhile, inside the temple on the mountain peak, Li Muchen had returned to the ancient cypress tree to continue interpreting a fortune stick for an elderly woman who had come from afar.

The text on the stick read: "Clouds and mist block the way, making it hard to travel; wait for the clouds to part to see the bright moon."

The elderly woman was worried. "Taoist Master, this stick..."

Li Muchen smiled. "Old lady, where the heart is at peace, there is home. The mist will eventually disperse, and the moon will eventually shine."

He looked down the mountain, his gaze penetrating the mist, as if seeing those people who were planning, calculating, and strategizing.

His Taoist robe fluttered in the wind, the hidden cloud patterns rippling like water.

The clamor below the mountain, the tranquility above.

The schemes of the halls, the silence of the wilds.

This game of chess has only just begun.