The location of Water Moon Convent is indeed somewhat secretive.
Although it is under Qingcheng Mountain, it is far away from Official Road and surrounded by towering bamboo forests. It is really difficult to find it if there is no one to guide you.
This kind of thing is also normal.
After all, this is a nunnery, and all the practitioners are women. There is no need for incense from the common people. Attendant is all about purity.
In winter, the snow begins to fall.
The roof of the nunnery is covered with white snow, and crystal ice hangs under the eaves.
In the bamboo forest, the branches hang low, and the snow bends the bamboo leaves. Occasionally, a gentle breeze blows, and snowflakes fall.
The path was covered with snow, with only a few shallow footprints leading to the gate of Quiet Nunnery.
Inside Water Moon Convent, the snow in the courtyard has not yet melted, and it is completely white. A few wintersweet trees stand proudly in the snow, making it even more peaceful and quiet.
The main door of the nunnery is ajar, and warm light shines through the crack.
The ancient Buddha with green lanterns and the sound of wooden fish create a peaceful atmosphere.
Not far from Water Moon Convent, there is a pavilion surrounded by bamboo trees, with a small red clay stove boiling tea and some simple snacks.
In the pavilion, in addition to Li Yan and Wang Dao Xuan, there is also Mrs. Bai and Master Xiaoyue, making tea in the snow, which is a bit elegant.
"Sorry, it's not possible to invite you two in the nunnery."
Master Xiaoyue smiled and nodded, explaining the reason.
"Master, you're welcome."
Li Yan cupped his fists and said, "I'll hand Visiting Card up the mountain and come to bother you, then we'll leave."
Some things can be known just by looking at them.
Although the life of Water Moon Convent is poor, the women of the Bai family are very adaptable. They do not need to have contact with outsiders and can enjoy themselves in peace and quiet.
Master Xiaoyue smiled faintly and said, "It's the nun's intention to send you a message and ask you to come in advance."
"The mountain is blocked by heavy snow and the road is difficult. It was originally not a good time to go up the mountain, but Qingcheng Mountain has initially decided that there will be many rituals from the twelfth lunar month to the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, and it will be even busier after the beginning of the new year."
"Some things are better done in advance."
"The master is right."
Li Yan also nodded in agreement, "We don't know much about Qingcheng Mountain's situation, so I would like to ask the master for some guidance."
This is the purpose of his coming.
Although I met Ming Shanzi at the Jianfu Palace, this person considers issues more on the side of the Cheng family.
There are some words that you can't always trust, and there are some things that you can't ask too much about.
Water Moon Convent is relatively aloof, and with Mrs. Bai's relationship, some things can be asked clearly in person.
Master Xiaoyue nodded slightly, "You came to the mountain through the recommendation of a poor nun, so naturally you must make proper arrangements, otherwise it will be difficult to explain to senior brother Yu Chanzi."
"Qingcheng Mountain has an ancient inheritance. Generations of Daoist masters have come to practice. Although they are all First Gate, they have left behind many traditions."
"There is an upright sect of Celestial Master. At that time, Zhang Tianshi was preaching in the mountains, so Qingcheng was also a Celestial Master Dao Ancestor sect. Their relationship with Dragon Tiger Mountain is irreversible...
There is the Shangqing sect, which was taught by Du Guangting, and mostly practiced in the Shangqing Palace...
There was Qingwei Sect, who was established in the Northern Song Dynasty and was good at thunder magic. Southern Song Dynasty was extremely prosperous at that time, with several generations of masters. Huang Shunshen was also named "Leiyuan Guangfu Puhua True Person"...
There is Pill Cauldron Ziyang Sect. It was passed down by True Person Zhang Boduan of Ziyang when he entered Shu, and has been united with Quanzhen Longmen.
Today, the largest one on Qingcheng Mountain is the Quanzhen Daolongmen Sect, which belongs to the Dantai Bidong Sect of the Quanzhen Daolongmen Sect and has the best relationship with Wudang. The new leader, Chen Kongzi, comes from this sect... and there are many other smaller sects."
"You have the handwriting of Senior Brother Yu Chanzi. You should be treated politely when you go up the mountain, and no one will deliberately make things difficult. But you have to know which one is near and which one is far. After all, some people live in seclusion all year round and have weird tempers."
"That's good."
Li Yan breathed a sigh of relief and asked again, "Where is the Cheng family?"
Master Xiaoyue smiled and said, "The Cheng family is a lineage of Qingcheng sword immortals, inherited from the ancient immortal Ning Fengzi, and later Li Baibai prospered. He is the leader of the sword cultivator on the mountain. He was originally the biggest variable, but now he has taken the initiative to give up his position, which can be regarded as settling the dispute."
"Sword Immortal Cheng has suppressed Shuzhong for decades. Although it has great merits and great prestige, there are no outstanding people in the descendants of the Cheng family. Only by letting go of the old and incorporating the new can Qingcheng usher in further development."
"Then Fire Tuo was invited to the mountain by Sword Immortal Cheng. Since you have established a relationship with the Cheng family, you will definitely pay attention to him when refining weapons."
"So, now is the best time to go up the mountain. When the cellar is opened next year, Dragon Tiger Mountain, Mount Wudang, and Mao Shan Du will send people here, and they will definitely have their own ideas and involve you."
"Thank you, Master, for your guidance."
Li Yan gives thanks with a straight fist in his arms.
Outsiders don't know these things. Once you know it, you will have a solid foundation when going up the mountain, and you won't say the wrong thing to offend others.
"It should."
Master Xiaoyue nodded slightly, stood up and said, "Let's talk. The time has come and the poor nun is going to give lectures to the disciples."
After bidding farewell to Master Xiaoyue, Mrs. Bai opened her mouth and told the general situation of the Bai family, and then said seriously, "Yan'er is practicing in Great Snow Mountain, and I have sent someone to accompany her to protect her."
"You don't need to go and disturb her. At the beginning of spring, when the stinging insects begin to stir, it is the day when the barrier is broken. If successful, she will go to join you."
"If it fails... I will choose a grave for her to be buried in Great Snow Mountain."
Li Yan After hearing this, his heart trembled, "So dangerous?"
At that time, he was fighting with several earthly immortals, and Long Yan'er destroyed himself Natal Gu to help him gain a chance. He thought he had just lost all his virtue, so how could his life be in danger?
Mrs. Bai was silent for a moment, shook her head and sighed, "The road to practice is inherently difficult, and everyone has their own fate. This child seems to be easy to talk to, but in fact he has a hard life and is stubborn."
"I will follow you from now on, and I hope you will take more care of me."
"That's natural."
Li Yan nodded seriously and agreed.
After bidding farewell to Mrs. Bai, the two of them took another route up the mountain.
With the guidance, I didn't get lost again this time.
As they walked up the snow-covered mountain road, they saw jade and ice sculptures on the cliffs, as if they were made from nature. On both sides, pines and cypresses were pressed against the snow, and their branches hung low.
The tranquility of the mountains, the coldness of the ice and snow, perfectly blend into one.
Ordinary people may only see beautiful scenery when they go up the mountain, but they have already awakened to Divine Ability, and they can feel the flow of Innate Firm Qi and the myriad of things happening.
"Squeak!"
Not long after passing the mountain gate, I saw a golden color jumping among the snow forest, and it turned out to be a golden monkey.
Like an elf in the snow, shuttling between pines and cypresses.
"But layman Li from Shaanzhou?"
A clear voice sounded in the distance, and then a middle-aged man in a blue robe with fluttering sleeves floated over from the snowy road on the mountain as if the wind was blowing under his feet.
What a handsome Qinggong!
After Li Yan saw it, he couldn't help but admire it secretly.
He could see that this person did not use magic, but simply exerted force to travel through the wet ski trails faster than skiing.
Whoosh!
After the Daoist stood still, the agile golden monkey jumped down and landed on his shoulder, gnawing on the fruit in his hand and watching them curiously.
His eyes are moving, and he clearly has spirituality.
The Daoist has handsome features, sword-like eyebrows, and a pair of dimples hanging at the corners of his mouth. He seems to be smiling all the time, which makes people fall in love with him at first sight.
"I've seen two lay men."
After asking for his identity, the Daoist gave a salute and said with a smile, "Ling Yunzi, the poor Daoist, is the 'Guest Receptionist' on the mountain. I am here to welcome you two by the order of the master."
"Guest Receptionist" is a grassroots position in a Daoist temple, responsible for receiving guests, arranging accommodation, handling daily affairs, etc.
Those who hold this position must be respectful, polite, dignified, knowledgeable about affairs, and understanding of people.
Especially being able to serve as "Guest Receptionist" in a place like Qingcheng Mountain is not just as simple as being able to speak. After several years of experience, you can often climb to a higher position.
"Thank you, Daoist Master."
Li Yan didn't dare to look down upon her, so they returned the favor and thanked her.
"You two are welcome, please come with me."
This Daoist priest Ling Yunzi is personable. Not only does he talk well and make people feel good about him, he is also very good at Daoism.
Walking on the steep and slippery mountain road, it felt like walking on flat ground, and I introduced the two of them as I walked.
"From here you can go to the back mountain of Qingcheng. There are deep valleys and flying springs, Baizhang Bridge, and Longyin Ancient Plank Road. The scenery is mysterious and mysterious. You two can go sightseeing when you have time, but the road is not easy to walk in the snow..."
"From here, you can go to Yuqing Palace, Shangqing Palace, and Laojun Temple on top of Laoxiao, the first peak in Qingcheng..."
"Blessed Grotto-Heavens is relatively far away. Over there, Zhao Gong Mountain, is said to be the secluded place of Zhao Gongming. If you two want to practice cultivation and build a building, you can explain the arrangements in advance..."
"I'll go up the mountain and see if I can meet with Master Chen Kongzi."
"Of course, the master is at the Ancestor Hall. Pindao will take you two there."
In Qingcheng Mountain, large and small mountain roads crisscross each other, but with Ling Yunzi leading the way, and the three of them having extraordinary foot strength, they move forward very quickly.
However, Li Yan also discovered something fishy.
This Ling Yunzi seemed to be deliberately taking them on a detour.
It's not that I have any malicious intentions, but when I go to some places, I will deliberately avoid them in the name of sightseeing.
Feeling the trembling of the hook in his arms, Li Yan already knew it in his heart.
Presumably, in these places, there are Qingcheng Mountain earthly immortals living in seclusion.
Of course, he didn't tell the truth after seeing through it, so he pretended not to notice it, and headed all the way to the mountains under the leadership of Ling Yunzi.
Somewhat similar to Mount Wudang, Qingcheng Mountain is also dotted with large and small Daoist temples. Occasionally, you will encounter Daoists patrolling the mountains, as well as people meditating and practicing swordsmanship on the snowy plains.
The mountains are covered with snow, and the sword light is hidden in the clouds and mist, unlike the ordinary world.
Even with the strength of three people, it took them a full hour to walk before they saw a huge palace with a mountain at its back, a stream in front, towering pines and cypresses on both sides, and being covered with snow. It was very quiet.
"This place is Ancestor Hall."
Ling Yunzi smiled and said, "This place was first built in Jin Dynasty. It was originally called Dongtian Temple and later renamed Ancestor Hall. Xue Chang, Du Guangting, and Princess Yuzhen all practiced Daoism here."
Then he pointed to a simple pavilion in the distance, "That's Asking Dao Pavilion. It is said that Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan asked the immortal Ancestor Ning Fengzi here."
"Qingcheng is really good..."
Li Yan smiled, nodded, and praised.
To be honest, although Asking Dao Pavilion looks very old, how can the building from Yellow Emperor be preserved?
Most of them were built in commemoration by later generations.
What made him feel good was that Headmaster Qingcheng had chosen this place.
On Qingcheng Mountain, there are many palaces.
Although Ancestor Hall has a quiet environment, the area is not large. If Qingcheng Mountain receives guests, they will most likely choose places like Shangqing Palace and Yuqing Hall.
And Ancestor Hall, Attendant are Great Emperor Zhenwu and the Eight Immortals.
They went up the mountain with a letter of recommendation from Yu Chanzi. The new head coach Chen Kongzi obviously had deep meaning in choosing to meet here.
Ancestor Hall There were not many Daoists in the Daoist temple. I only saw a few disciples meditating in the sutra hall, and one person was waving a big broom to clean up the snow.
"You two, please come in."
Arriving outside the Zhenwu Palace, Ling Yunzi whispered, "The master is inside, and the poor Daoist is waiting for you outside."
Li Yan The two of them nodded and strode into Zhenwu Palace.
This Zhenwu Hall is not big. It is cloudy in winter and the towering pines and cypresses in the temple make the light a little dim.
In front of True Martial Great Emperor Statue, I saw a Daoist priest adding incense. He was tall, wearing a jade crown and black and white Daoist robes.
After the two entered the palace, the other party just turned around.
The leader is the face of a religion. Since ancient times, those who can serve as a leader must not only have a Daoist practice but also have good appearance.
The Chen Kongzi in front of me is the same.
The other person looks younger than Yu Chanzi. Although he is over fifty, his hair is still black, his skin is fair, his eyes are bright, he has a long black beard hanging down his chest, and he has an air of immortality.
After Li Yan saw it, he immediately secretly praised it.
This person's appearance looks a bit like Lü Dongbin.
In the True Martial Great Hall, Divine Ability can also be suppressed. Li Yan cannot feel the opponent's Dao Xing, but can serve as the leader, at least in the sixth floor.
"I've met the headmaster."
The two of them did not dare to neglect and bowed their hands in unison.
"No need to be polite."
Chen Kongzi smiled slightly, "Pindao and senior brother Yu Chanzi used to travel together in the world when they were young, and they are considered close friends."
"He has sent me a message before, but because there are many things going on on the mountain, he didn't have time to send someone to invite you two."
After asking the two of them to sit down and having the Daoist serve tea, Chen Kongzi continued to ask, mainly about Mount Wudang.
After chatting for a while, Chen Kongzi's expression turned serious again, "Senior brother Yu Chanzi's letter mainly mentioned Zhao Changsheng. This beast is causing trouble in the world and must be eradicated as soon as possible!"
"My little friend came all the way from Ezhou. Pindao also heard a little about the news on the way. Have you found any clues?"
"Dragon Worship Sect, Shu King Residence!"
Li Yan said in a deep voice, "Behind Zhao Changsheng, there was not only one person, but also another criminal, the warlock Lu Sheng of the Qin Dynasty, who went to Shu King Residence together. Then King Later Shu's temperament changed drastically, and he began to pursue immortality..."
He didn't hide anything and told everything.
Of course, some things are hidden and unsaid.
For example, Lu Sheng plotted the reincarnation disaster of Nine Cauldrons and Erlang Zhenjun.
These are too important.
Unless it is certain, this Chen Kongzi is worthy of trust.
"There is another matter..."
After Chen Kongzi heard this, he stroked his beard slightly and said, "Qingcheng has sent people, together with Emei and Guangde Temple, to encircle and suppress Dragon Worship Sect. If we can catch its leader, we should be able to find out the reason."
"As for Shu King Residence, King of Shu was seriously ill a few days ago. I will invite a senior brother to visit and investigate."
"If King of Shu is really involved with evil spirits, I will personally write to His Majesty about this matter to avoid causing a big disaster."
"Senior is wise."
Li Yan slightly raised his hand and flattered her.
Qingcheng Mountain has a special status, and the relationship between Xuanmen and the imperial court is not completely integrated. No one should mess with anything he does.
Among them, King of Shu and Chen Kongzi can do this, which is considered good.
After saying this, Chen Kongzi took another sip of tea and said with a smile, "I am waiting for you here, but actually I have something else to do."
"Little friend Li, there is an old senior in my Qingcheng Mountain who wants to accept you as his disciple and inherit the same lineage of Daoism. Is it acceptable?"
Li Yan was a little surprised, "I wonder which faction it is?"
Chen Kongzi said calmly, "North Emperor Sect, Earthly Deity Sect!"