24: Chapter 24 Under Dragon Tiger Mountain

Longhu Mountain was not a solitary peak, but a mountain range stretching for over a hundred miles.

The main peak was like a dragon raising its head, while the secondary peak resembled a tiger crouching on the ground. The two mountains stood facing each other with a clear stream flowing between them, hence the name "Longhu." Lu Mingyuan stood before the stone archway at the foot of the mountain and looked up. It was late autumn, yet the mountain forests remained lush and green. Clouds and mist swirled halfway up the mountain, making the halls and palaces on the summit appear like a celestial palace in the heavens.

The archway bore the four ancient Seal script characters "Dao Follows Nature," written with forceful strokes that faintly shimmered with spiritual light. Several rattan chairs were placed beneath the archway, where a few people dressed as Daoist priests were resting with their eyes closed. As Lu Mingyuan approached, one of them opened his eyes and looked over.

"Blessings of the Infinite Heavenly Lord." The Daoist priest, approximately forty years old with a fair, beardless face, wore a Hunyuan cap and a green Daoist robe, holding a horsetail whisk. "This layperson, have you come to offer incense?"

His gaze swept over Lu Mingyuan, lingering for a moment on the tingchao staff, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"This Junior is Lu Mingyuan. I have traveled here to seek guidance from Longhu Mountain." Lu Mingyuan bowed respectfully.

"Seek guidance?" The Daoist stood up and sized him up. "You possess a clear Qi; you must be a practitioner. May I ask where you studied?"

"My master is Xuanweizi, a recluse on Zhongnan Mountain."

The Daoist pondered for a moment. "Xuanwei Temple on Zhongnan Mountain... could it be that Immortal Master Xuanwei?"

Lu Mingyuan's heart stirred—Xuanweizi was indeed famous; even Longhu Mountain knew his name. "Precisely."

"I see." The Daoist's expression softened. "I am Zhang Qingyuan, the deacon of the Guest-Greeting Pavilion at Longhu Mountain. According to mountain rules, all who wish to climb the mountain to seek the Dao must pass the 'Three Questions' examination. Would you care to try?"

"Please, Daoist Master."

Zhang Qingyuan led Lu Mingyuan to a stone pavilion beside the archway to sit. A tea set was laid out on the stone table in the pavilion. He poured a cup of tea and pushed it over. "The first question: What is the Dao?"

This was the most fundamental question of the Daoist sects, yet also the hardest to answer. For thousands of years, countless sages had given different answers, each with its own brilliance.

Lu Mingyuan did not answer immediately. He picked up the teacup, watching the tea leaves unfurl in the hot water as the mist rose. After a moment, he said softly:

"The Dao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Dao."

These were the opening words of the tao te ching. It seemed like a clever shortcut, yet it was the safest answer.

Zhang Qingyuan smiled slightly. "Those are the words of Lord Lao. I am asking about the Dao in your heart."

Lu Mingyuan set down his teacup. He thought of the Demon Puppets at Qingsong Ridge, of Wang Meng by the river, of the morning mist on Zhongnan Mountain, and of the words in his scrolls.

"In my humble opinion: in heaven and earth, the Dao is the principle of operation; in all things, it is the nature of existence; in the human body, it is the heart inclined toward goodness." He said slowly, "A cultivator does nothing more than follow the principles of heaven and earth, understand the nature of all things, and nurture their own heart. Ultimately... it is the unity of knowledge and action."

These words fused the Daoist "Dao Follows Nature," the Confucian "Investigation of Things," and the Buddhist "Seeing One's Nature." Though not profound, they already showed the initial form of integration.

Approval flashed in Zhang Qingyuan's eyes. "Good. The second question: Why do you seek the Dao?"

Lu Mingyuan remained silent for even longer.

If it had been a few months ago, he would have answered "for longevity" or "for freedom." But now, after the battle at Qingsong Ridge, his answer had changed.

"At first, it was to resolve my doubts," he said. "Why is there birth, old age, sickness, and death in the world? Why are there the sun, moon, and stars in the heavens? Later... it was to protect."

"Protect what?"

"To protect good intentions, to protect warmth, to protect those things worth guarding." Lu Mingyuan looked toward the mountain mists. "This Junior's knowledge is shallow, but I know that in this world, there is filth corroding good places and innocents suffering disasters. If a cultivator only seeks their own transcendence, how are they any different from plants and trees?"

Zhang Qingyuan stroked his beard in silence. After a long time, he asked, "The third question: If the Dao conflicts with what you protect, what will you do?"

This question was sharp.

Lu Mingyuan thought of the incident where he released the prisoner by the river. According to the Daoist principle of quietude and non-action, he should not have interfered with mundane laws. But according to his own heart, he could not sit by and watch an old mother unable to see her son one last time.

"I believe that the Dao Follows Nature, and 'nature' includes human emotion," he said seriously. "If the Dao conflicts with human emotion, perhaps... it is the Dao that has not yet reached Perfection."

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhang Qingyuan's expression changed slightly.

These words were nearly rebellious. Daoist sects emphasized "detachment from emotion," pursuing a Heavenly Dao that transcended human feelings. Saying "the Dao has not yet reached Perfection" was equivalent to questioning the ancient saints.

But Zhang Qingyuan did not scold him; he only gave Lu Mingyuan a deep look. "Please wait a moment."

He stood up and walked out of the pavilion, taking a jade talisman from his robe and whispering a few words. The jade talisman lit up with a faint glow, seemingly transmitting a message. After a moment, he turned back and said, "Please follow me."

"Did I pass the examination?"

"All Three Questions are passed." Zhang Qingyuan showed a rare smile. "Especially the third question... though it's unorthodox, it shows your true character. A senior on the mountain wishes to see you."

Lu Mingyuan stood up and followed.

Passing through the stone archway, there was a winding bluestone staircase leading upward. The steps were ancient and worn smooth by countless footsteps. Ancient trees towered on both sides, their roots gnarled like dragons. The mountain wind blew through the forest, bringing the sound of soughing pines and the faint tolling of a bell.

"Daoist Zhang, that senior just now is..." Lu Mingyuan asked as they walked.

"He is my Junior Martial Uncle, Immortal Master Yushu," Zhang Qingyuan said. "The elder is in seclusion year-round and just happened to emerge today to hear the Dao. He was quite interested upon hearing your answers."

Immortal Master Yushu... Lu Mingyuan had seen notes on this name in the original version of the classic of mountains and seas: "The foremost in talisman arts of the current generation at Longhu Mountain, who once used a single 'Nine Heavens Thunder Talisman' to suppress and kill a thousand-year-old corpse king."

Such a figure wanted to see him?

The stone steps seemed endless. After walking for about half an hour, Lu Mingyuan was lightly sweating. Although the spiritual energy in his body was recovering, his Noble Spirit was depleted. At this moment, his mountain-climbing ability was barely better than an ordinary person's.

Zhang Qingyuan seemed to notice and slowed his pace. "Your complexion is poor; are you injured?"

"I exhausted some Origin Qi while exorcising demons the other day."

"Exorcising demons?" Zhang Qingyuan's expression turned solemn. "Where was the demonic entity?"

Lu Mingyuan briefly recounted the events at Qingsong Ridge, focusing on the form of the Demon Puppets and the state of the Seal. Zhang Qingyuan's face grew more serious as he listened, and finally, he stopped.

"That Seal... can it really only last for three months?"

"This Junior's cultivation is limited; I could only do so much." Lu Mingyuan took out the diagram of the sealing runes he had drawn the previous night. "Please take a look, Daoist Master."

Zhang Qingyuan took the diagram and examined it closely, his brow furrowed. "This is a 'Three Talents Demon-Suppressing Talisman' using blood as a medium. Although crude, the core runes are correct. To be able to draw this talisman independently, you already have a Foundation in talisman arts." He looked up. "Have you sent word to your sect?"

"I have already sent it via a transmission Jade Slip."

"That is good." Zhang Qingyuan continued forward, his pace quickening slightly. "This matter is of great importance and must be reported to the Sect Leader as soon as possible."

After another fifteen minutes, a platform appeared at the end of the stone steps. The platform was paved with white jade, and a three-zhang-high bronze incense burner stood in the center, with incense smoke curling upward. At the end of the platform was a majestic mountain gate with red walls and golden tiles. On the plaque were the three large characters "Tianshi Mansion," written with strokes like leaping dragons and snakes, faintly shimmering with thunderous light.

An old Daoist was already waiting in front of the mountain gate.

The old Daoist was small in stature with white hair draped over his shoulders. He wore a simple gray Daoist robe and held no whisk, only an ancient book. Standing there, he seemed to blend in with the surrounding rocks and ancient pines. If one didn't look closely, his presence would almost be overlooked.

But Lu Mingyuan's Eye of Clarity saw that the old Daoist was surrounded by countless fine runes. These runes flowed, emerged, and vanished like living things, each one containing terrifying power. This was a manifestation of having cultivated talisman arts to the extreme, until they became second nature.

"This Disciple pays respects to Junior Martial Uncle." Zhang Qingyuan bowed.

Immortal Master Yushu nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Lu Mingyuan. In that instant, Lu Mingyuan felt as if his entire being had been seen through—the Chaotic Dao Foundation in his Dantian, the empty Noble Spirit, and even the faint fluctuations of the original classic of mountains and seas in his Sea of Consciousness were all exposed under that gaze.

But Immortal Master Yushu did not ask further, only saying plainly, "Follow me."

He turned and walked into the mountain gate, with Lu Mingyuan and Zhang Qingyuan following close behind.

The interior of Tianshi Mansion was simpler than expected. Bluestone paths, white walls with black tiles, bamboo curtains hanging under the eaves, and green bamboo planted in the courtyard. There were no magnificent halls or lingering incense smoke, only a silence that had settled over a thousand years.

Immortal Master Yushu led the two to a side hall. The furnishings inside were simple, with only a few prayer mats, a low table, and a tea set along with several scrolls on the table.

"Sit."

The three sat cross-legged. Immortal Master Yushu personally poured the tea, his movements smooth and natural. The tea was emerald green with a refined fragrance.

"Qingyuan has already informed me of the matter at Qingsong Ridge via voice transmission," Immortal Master Yushu began, his voice old yet clear. "You did well. For one with Foundation Establishment cultivation to independently Seal a demonic source is no easy feat."

"The Immortal Master overpraises me."

"It is not overpraise." Immortal Master Yushu looked at him. "Do you know the source of that Devilish Qi?"

Lu Mingyuan shook his head.

"It is a 'Nether Rift'," Immortal Master Yushu said slowly. "Since half a year ago, seven have appeared across the world. There are two within Longhu Mountain's jurisdiction: one at Qingsong Ridge and one at Black Water Marsh three hundred miles away. We have already sent people to Seal them, but... it treats the symptoms, not the cause."

"Why did these rifts suddenly appear?" Lu Mingyuan asked, voicing the doubt in his heart.

Immortal Master Yushu remained silent for a long time before saying, "The heavenly bonds are loosening, and a great tribulation is about to begin. This is a prophecy left by the Ancestral Master. As for the specific reasons, even this old Daoist does not know. I only know it is related to the seven great kalpas and the Dharma-Ending Age."

The atmosphere grew heavy.

Zhang Qingyuan added in a low voice, "For the past half year, all major Daoist sects have been stepping up their patrols. The Buddhist and Confucian sects are also taking action. However, the appearance of The Rifts is completely irregular and impossible to guard against."

Lu Mingyuan thought of the "Dharma-Ending Kalpa" Xuanweizi had mentioned. So it wasn't just talk; the disaster was already upon them.

"You said at the foot of the mountain just now that if the Dao conflicts with human emotion, perhaps the Dao has not yet reached Perfection," Immortal Master Yushu suddenly returned to the topic. "Those words were quite bold. Can you tell me the reason?"

Lu Mingyuan weighed his words. "I believe that the Dao Follows Nature. And 'nature' includes the operation of heaven and earth and the birth and death of all things, but it also includes human joys and sorrows, and the choice between good and evil. If one blindly pursues 'detachment from emotion' and ignores human suffering, would that not be a departure from 'nature'?"

"So you choose to interfere in mundane matters?"

"Within my power, I do what ought to be done."

Immortal Master Yushu smiled. This was his first smile, his wrinkles unfurling like an ancient tree blossoming. "A fine 'do what ought to be done.' When I was young, I thought the same way." He paused. "Later, after seeing the evil in human hearts and the hardships of the world, I realized how precious 'non-action' truly is."

"Is the Immortal Master saying that I am wrong?"

"No." Immortal Master Yushu shook his head. "You are not wrong, and I was not wrong back then. It is just a difference in perspective and stage. The path of cultivation is long; what you see today may not be what you know tomorrow. But—" He looked directly at Lu Mingyuan. "It is very important to hold onto your original heart."

He stood up and took a yellowed silk volume from the bookshelf.

"Since you have a Foundation in talisman arts and have used blood talismans in exorcising demons, I give you this 'essentials of basic talismans.' If you can learn the 'Heart-Clearing Talisman,' 'Evil-Expelling Talisman,' and 'Body-Protecting Talisman' within three days, you will have passed the preliminary test of Longhu Mountain and may stay on the mountain to study for a month."

Lu Mingyuan accepted it with both hands. "Thank you, Immortal Master."

"Go. Qingyuan will arrange your stay." Immortal Master Yushu waved his hand. "Come see me again in three days."

Leaving the side hall, Zhang Qingyuan led Lu Mingyuan to a refined lodging in the back mountain. It was an independent small courtyard with a bamboo fence and a thatched cottage. There was a well in the courtyard, and a stone table and stools beside it—simple and tranquil.

"Layperson Lu, please settle in here for now," Zhang Qingyuan said. "A Daoist boy will bring your three meals. The rules of the mountain are: rise with the morning bell and rest with the evening drum. Without permission, you are not to enter the halls of the front mountain or disturb the seniors' meditation."

"This Junior understands."

After Zhang Qingyuan left, Lu Mingyuan sat on a stone stool in the courtyard and opened the volume of "essentials of basic talismans."

The pages were yellowed, and the ink was ancient. The opening sentence read:

"Talismans are the patterns of heaven and earth. Using the heart as the brush, Qi as the ink, and paper as the medium, they communicate with heaven and earth and command ghosts and gods."

He read on carefully.

Before he knew it, the sun was already setting in the west.