Such a Daoist Temple

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Qin Yi landed directly on the tall tower.

This is not a Buddhist pagoda, but a very tall Star Gazing Platform. From a distance, it looks like a pagoda, but when you get closer, you realize that the top is actually quite large. Several Daoist priests are sitting cross-legged in a formation, and it is unclear whether they are practicing or observing something.

Qin Yi, hovering above on the handkerchief, shrewdly stopped a few feet from the edge of the high platform's array barrier, and did not approach any closer.

Someone immediately noticed and looked up in astonishment. "Who is this extraordinary person who has graced Hidden Dragon Temple with their presence?"

Qin Yi took out his Ten Thousand Dao Immortal Palace identity token. "Go to the place where you need to seek help."

"The Ten Thousand Dao Immortal Palace!" The Daoists were deeply moved. Immediately, someone removed the protective barrier and bowed, saying, "Please welcome, senior..."

"Senior..." With that long beard, calling a seventeen or eighteen-year-old "senior" seemed incredibly incongruous to Qin Yi, but the Daoists present looked completely at ease. It was quite normal, because these Phoenix Beginning Daoists couldn't discern Qin Yi's cultivation level. Who knew if this seemingly seventeen or eighteen-year-old guy was actually a centuries-old monster? Knowing his cultivation was high was enough.

But this senior is a bit effeminate; why would he fly on a handkerchief...?

Amidst the strange looks from the Daoist priests, Qin Yi, his face slightly flushed, put away his handkerchief and descended from the clouds. He was too lazy to explain that he wasn't a senior; being a senior would make things easier.

He coughed twice, adopting a senior's tone. "What are you observing?"

The Daoist priest who appeared to be the leader hesitated and said, "The Greedy Wolf Invades Purple Mansion, indicating that the dragon energy of our Great Qian Dynasty is weakening. It is also said that Dense clouds, but no rain are coming from the western suburbs. An unwelcome guest is coming from the west, which is an ominous sign."

I wouldn't say this to just anyone, especially since the other person is a "senior." Most seniors can figure out this basic astrological information themselves, so whether they say it or not is irrelevant...

Heaven knows Qin Yi had absolutely no knowledge of divination or astrology. Hearing this, he frowned. "You wouldn't be asking for help just because you're observing the stars, would you...?"

The Daoist priests looked at each other and said, "We don't know what kind of help we need."

At this moment, someone below said, "Please come inside for a detailed discussion, senior." As the voice spoke, an old Daoist priest with a sallow complexion appeared beside the platform, and the Daoists bowed and greeted him, "Abbot."

Qin Yi glanced at it and saw that the abbot's cultivation level was the third level of Qin Xin. The third to fourth level was exactly the watershed between the early and middle stages of Qin Xin. It could be said that he was only one level higher than the abbot, or it could be said that he was in the middle stage while the abbot was only in the early stage, a huge difference.

But regardless, a cultivator at the third level of the Qin Xin realm in the mortal world is indeed very powerful. The arrogant Old Daoist Nun whom Minghe calls her "Shishu" is nothing more than Feng Chu.

The abbot was also sizing up Qin Yi, his expression slightly disappointed. Qin Yi's cultivation was higher than his own disciples'; he could tell Qin Yi was only a fourth-level Qin Xin cultivator, and very young... Was this the savior sent by the Ten Thousand Dao Immortal Palace? He seemed so unreliable...

Qin Yi smiled and asked, "How should I address the Abbot?"

The abbot bowed and said, "This humble Daoist Lingxu."

The common people's Daoist name... Qin Yi returned the greeting: "Qin Yi".

"Qin Yi..." Lingxu thought for a moment, "This name sounds familiar."

The Great Qian envoy compiled the Chronicles of Nanli Figures, and Qin Yi's name was not unfamiliar in the Great Qian. However, very few people had actually read such miscellaneous books, and Lingxu probably hadn't, though she might have heard of them somewhere. This is where Ju Yunxiu's remarkable talent comes in; she lived in seclusion in the mountains, yet she had even read such a book and remembered it clearly.

Qin Yi didn't explain, but smiled calmly, "Where shall we discuss this in detail?"

Lingxu then gestured. "Fellow Daoist, please."

Well, the senior has been demoted to a fellow Daoist. Qin Yi didn't mind and followed the abbot down from the high platform.

Leaving the Star Gazing Platform, we arrived at the Daoist Temple, where artificial hills, flowing water, and pavilions were nestled among the trees. Behind them lay a Quiet Serenity bamboo grove, deep within which were several palaces and pavilions. Through the bamboo leaves, one could see carved beams and painted rafters, resplendent in gold and jade. Faintly, the sounds of string and wind instruments could be heard coming from one of the palaces; it didn't resemble Daoist Temple at all, but rather a royal palace.

Qin Yi said calmly, "Is this the guest hall?"

"Indeed," the abbot said. "Does the fellow Daoist find it extravagant and contrary to the principles of cultivation?"

"Indeed," Qin Yi thought to himself. Ju Yunxiu's few wooden houses were Quiet Serenity and peaceful. Even the town's food, Eating, Drinking, Whoring, Gambling Town, and prostitution were vulgar; true enjoyment lay in the mundane world—that was true cultivation. Only the pretentious palace master had built a palace, but it was more like an office than a palace; the interior lacked any lavish decorations and wasn't for enjoyment. He had never seen a cultivation practice that was opulent and ornate; that wasn't cultivation—at least not Daoist cultivation.

Lingxu led him toward the bamboo forest, saying, "Fellow Daoist, you should know that this is why we live in the mortal world, instead of retreating to the sacred mountain like you."

Qin Yi chuckled and said, "That makes sense. But you're not bad; you've managed to cultivate your musical talent despite indulging in pleasure and enjoyment."

"It's not necessarily true that we're greedy. Our ancestors assisted the founding emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty in conquering the country. Once the country was established, we should naturally enjoy the honor of being a state religion. Not just anyone can claim the Spirit Mountain Famous Marsh. We use worldly power to collect what we need, which is also a path of cultivation. So, since we are already in the world and have already enjoyed honor, it would be somewhat hypocritical to insist on telling ourselves that we are practicing pure cultivation."

Qin Yi nodded. "That's quite frank. Being able to face things honestly is the essence of a musician's heart."

Lingxu looked at Qin Yi with some surprise, thinking to himself that it was no wonder this person had reached the mid-stage of Qin Xin at such a young age; it seemed that he hadn't just relied on medicine, but genuinely possessed some skill. Thinking this, his doubts dissipated considerably, and he smiled, "Please, fellow Daoist."

Passing through the bamboo grove, they arrived at the ornately decorated palaces. To the left, one was brightly lit, from which came the sounds of stringed instruments, singing, dancing, and laughter between men and women. Lingxu remained unfazed. "A prince or nobleman is here to escape the summer heat."

Qin Yi smiled.

In feudal dynasties, at this point, the dragon's energy would weaken, the fortune would decline, and the dynasty's prosperity would be short-lived—it was almost inevitable. If it were just about this kind of thing, he wouldn't want to get involved at all; he'd rather not complete the task.

As you venture deeper, the atmosphere becomes more heavily guarded, and the inner hall becomes quiet and secluded, finally possessing the tranquility expected of a Daoist Temple.

Lingxu led Qin Yi into the hall, whereupon Little Daoist Nun came over to light lamps for the two of them, rolled up the screen curtains, lit sandalwood incense, and stood by their side.

Qin Yi asked instinctively, "Using Daoist Nun?"

Lingxu remained unfazed. "If you wish to engage in dual cultivation and harmony, they are yours tonight."

Qin Yi turned his head and saw several Little Daoist Nun with their heads bowed shyly, blushes rising on their cheeks.

He suddenly laughed, "Indeed... everyone says immortals are good, but what exactly is an immortal? Everyone's expectations are different. Brother, have them leave; this Non-Self the purpose of my visit."

Lingxu stared at him intently for a moment. "Fellow Daoist, are you really not interested?"

"Don't want."

Lingxu waved for the Little Daoist Nun to leave, and a smile appeared on his old face for the first time, "Then we really have something to say."

Qin Yi chuckled, "If this is a test, it's far too insincere. Not even a little physical contact. Are you reluctant to do it?"

"It's not a test, it's just that we don't need to test the recent visitors; not a single one of them has refused us."