Tao Hongjing had established Huayang Pavilion on Maoshan, devoting himself to studying the Shangqing Sect's scriptures. Many people had come, drawn by his reputation, to enter his school and cultivate.
His secluded retreat was bustling with activity.
"It's come to this, and you still call it a secluded retreat? The whole point of seclusion is to be secluded! Honestly... there's nothing secluded about this place at all."
Watching the Daoist priests and famous figures from all over coming and going on Maoshan, Verdant Green Maiden clicked her tongue and shook her head.
"But since it's the Shangqing Sect, shouldn't I change into something more fitting before I meet him? If I just show up like this and tell him I'm here to protect him, forget him not believing me—I wouldn't believe me either! Brother Ox, don't you think?"
Verdant Green Maiden muttered to herself. Old Yellow Ox didn't reply, but she hadn't expected him to.
The Green Clothed Dragon Woman raised a hand and took out a horsetail whisk.
With a flick of the whisk, a flash of greenish-white light passed by. Her green skirt transformed into a Daoist robe, her waterfall of black hair was pinned up, and a Shangqing Lotus Crown appeared on her head.
The Hibiscus Lotus Treasure Light shimmered brilliantly. Verdant Green Maiden looked every bit the kind and benevolent Female True Person.
She arrived at Huayang Pavilion.
Seeing the endless stream of people passing to and fro, Verdant Green Maiden cleared her throat and announced in a ringing voice, "Yu Se Zhenren of Tai Ping Daoist temple on Shu Han Crane Call Mountain has come to pay a visit to Huayang Hermit!"
"Please grant me an audience."
Huayang Hermit was the title Tao Hongjing used publicly at this time.
The famous figures, nobles, and young