Repairing the Beams of a Humble Dwelling, Longevity Dao Rhyme Secures a Peaceful Home

The bitter midwinter wind grew ever more piercing, battering the buildings of Secluded Abode day and night without rest. One morning, just after Shen Hao had inspected the coldproof sheds at the nursery, a disciple came hurrying over with an anxious expression. "Common Lord, the beams of the western wing were loosened by last night's gale, and several roof tiles have fallen!"

Shen Hao's heart tightened. He immediately followed the disciple to the western wing. It housed several disciples on watch duty. At the moment, the roof's crossbeam had sunk slightly, more than half of several rafters had snapped, and tiles lay scattered across the ground. Cold wind poured through the holes into the room, coating even the bedding piled in the corners with a thin layer of frost. The disciples stood gathered before the building, staring helplessly at the damaged roof.

"Move everything inside to the eastern wing for now. Don't let anyone get injured by falling rafters." Shen Hao gave the order in a deep voice. At the same time, he removed his fox fur and handed it to Zi Xuan beside him. "Go fetch some Thousand-Year Spirit Wood lumber and tools. Also bring ginger soup brewed with Spirit Spring water, so everyone can warm themselves."

Zi Xuan nodded and hurried away. Shen Hao walked to the front of the building and raised his head to carefully inspect the damaged beams. The western wing's beams had originally been built from century-old spirit wood. Though sturdy and durable, they could not withstand days of relentless gale-force winds. With the winter cold causing the wood to contract, the joints had already loosened. He placed a hand against a beam and circulated the Longevity Dao Rhyme. Golden light slowly seeped from his fingertips into the wood as he sensed its grain