The Daoist temple's newly recruited Mountain Protecting Guardian, the gatekeeper Gu He, keenly sensed a thread of Qi Ripples outside the temple. Duty-bound, he immediately strode out of the side room to meet the fellow.
This "new gatekeeping boy of the Daoist temple" wore a purple-gold crown, a long light-crimson silk robe over Treasure Armor, and a green jade belt around his waist. Holding an Iron Mace black as ink, he cut an imposing figure. Standing upon the steps, his eyes flashed fiercely as he barked, "Who goes there? State your name. Stop at once! If you dare trespass upon this temple, watch out, or your head will roll!"
The uninvited visitor was a refined old man in a blue-green long robe. For the moment, it was impossible to gauge the depth of his Dao power. He did not look like any great figure, more like an old scholar from a study or an aide to some prefectural or county official.
Hearing Gu He's threat, the man said nothing. He merely glanced at this unfamiliar face from the Daoist Temple.
Gu He simply assumed the other party had been cowed by him, and felt rather pleased with himself. He gave the green-robed guest a few appraising looks. Thin arms, skinny legs—he had better not have his courage scared out of him by this Dao master.
Wang Yuanlu, skinny as a bamboo pole and the temple abbot's first disciple, had previously reminded Gu He about receiving guests. Visitors were guests. Anyone who could ride the wind all the way here and make themselves known was either drawn by the temple's reputation or an old acquaintance of his Venerable Master. There was no need to hurt the harmony. If they could help report the visitor, then report him; at worst, record his