Mount Luojia, Purple Bamboo Grove.
In the Heavenly God Realm, Guanyin Bodhisattva was one of the Five Elders of the Five Directions in the Heavenly Court, representing the south. Her sacred ground lay on Mount Luojia in the South Sea.
Looking down from above, Mount Luojia Island appeared utterly unremarkable. Only its grove of purple bamboo was worth mentioning—but once inside, one would discover a hidden world within.
This hidden realm was called the "Tidal Sound Cave." Emerald willows trailed through mist, leisurely pavilions overlooked shimmering waters, elegant corridors wound between halls and residences nestled amid immortal scenery.
Rockeries rose in layered rhythms, jade terraces added their charm; within a space no larger than an arm's reach, every step brought a new vista, recreating heaven and earth like a painting. It was the very picture of a wealthy household.
In short, don't be fooled by Guanyin Bodhisattva's white robes and clean sleeves—her family fortune was nothing to scoff at.
The moment Xiang Yuan entered the Purple Bamboo Grove, he acted as though he had returned home. At Bright Pool, he met Lay Buddhist Bai Yue. Her face was full of compassion, her body bathed in peaceful immortal radiance, and the sight had him rubbing his hands together like a fly.
Unfortunately, he could not rub them. Ji Muqing was here too.
Lay Buddhist Bai Yue had laid down three rules with Xiang Yuan: chant sutras by day, kiss by night; betray neither the Tathagata nor his beloved. While she was Guanyin Bodhisattva, Xiang Yuan was not to behave improperly or speak a single offensive word.
Not even in thought!
Xiang Yuan readily agreed, thinking to himself, As expected of her. So pure and holy before others—she really knows how to play this.
Ji Muqing stood behind Lay Buddhist Bai Yue