As the old Abbot's steps increased, new peach blossoms bloomed one after another.
Song Yunjian was shocked beyond measure. The number had already approached eight hundred.
During the old Abbot's leisurely trip to Great Li Capital City, this peach tree had produced nearly two hundred new blossoms.
Song Yunjian narrowed his eyes and smiled, murmuring a pleasing verse to himself: "In years to come, they shall bear fruit that lasts a thousand years; Heaven displays the craftsmanship of creation."
The peach tree was laden with blossoms. The handsome Daoist in a golden crown and jade robes stood in cloud shoes, his face and the peach blossoms reflecting each other in rosy splendor. He truly was as beautiful as a painting.
A mocking laugh sounded beside him. "Fellow Daoist Ying Ning, you certainly dare to dream. A dynasty with a national fortune lasting a thousand years—would that be the Azure Sky World? What, thanks to Lord Yin Guan's blessing, your whole city ascended, and now that you have returned to your homeland and become National Teacher, you intend to have chickens and dogs ascend to Heaven too? Make the entire nation ascend and relocate to the Azure Sky World?"
Hearing this, Song Yunjian hurriedly turned sideways and performed a respectful Daoist salute to the old Abbot. Ashamed, he said, "This junior became carried away."
The old Abbot's mockery deepened. "What delight did you gain, and what form did you forget? Do you take yourself for Lu the Third, shedding your mortal shell like a cicada?"
Song Yunjian did not know how to respond, so he obediently shut his mouth.
The old Abbot said, "Cherish your Dao body. Bear responsibility in spirit."
Song Yunjian was overjoyed. "This junior will certainly engrave it upon his heart."
The old Abbot shot him a sidelong