After leaving the City of Wrongful Deaths, Daoist Zhunti did not linger and flew straight toward Shouyang Mountain.
Shouyang Mountain stood on the East Sea Coast.
The mountain was not tall, but it was rich in spiritual energy.
Halfway up the mountain stood an ordinary Daoist temple, built of green bricks and gray tiles. It looked no different from the temples of the Mortal Realm.
But Daoist Zhunti knew better.
Living within this temple was Saint Taiqing, the highest-ranking Heavenly Dao Saint in the Primordial Wilderness. This was the dojo of the Mystic Gate's leader!
Zhunti landed at the foot of the mountain rather than flying straight up.
He had come to see Saint Taiqing and ask for a favor. How could he be discourteous?
He climbed the mountain path one step at a time.
Ancient trees reached for the sky on both sides of the path, while birds sang amid fragrant blossoms. From time to time, he could see spiritual beasts moving through the forest.
When those spiritual beasts saw Daoist Zhunti, they all retreated, not daring to approach him.
Upon reaching the temple gate, Daoist Zhunti stopped, straightened his robes, pressed his palms together, and respectfully said, "This junior brother, Zhunti, has come to pay respects to Senior Brother Taiqing. I ask that Senior Brother Taiqing grant me an audience."
His voice was not loud, yet it clearly carried into the depths of the temple.
A moment later, the temple gates opened.
A boy with Golden Horns poked his head out, glanced at Daoist Zhunti, then stepped aside. "Saint, please enter. Master is waiting for you inside."
Daoist Zhunti nodded and entered the temple.
The temple was small, and its layout was simple.
Several pine trees grew in the front courtyard, with a stone table and several stone