A gentle breeze rippled the stream.
All around, lush trees swayed, brimming with life.
Several youths followed a guide through the forest.
"This is Soaring Peak, a forbidden place within the sect. Since you've been assigned to tend it, you must never slack off."
Their guide was a woman. Her coarse clothes could not conceal her beauty. Pointing to the green peak behind her, she instructed them, "From now on, you'll live on Soaring Peak, tend the grounds, and keep the peace. Your responsibility is great, and you cannot afford a single lapse. Understood?"
"We understand," the youths answered in unison.
The woman nodded with satisfaction. "Serve here steadily for three years, and when you descend the mountain, barring terrible luck, you'll be able to advance from nominal disciples to full members of the sect."
Once they had nodded their agreement, she repeated her instructions a few more times before leaving at an unhurried pace, with the eager youths behind.
In the forest, the Black-Robed Daoist watched the scene with keen interest. Then he counted on his fingers and was startled.
"This retreat lasted nearly forty years. In the mortal world, that's enough time for two or three generations to be born. Truly, one day passes in the mountains while a thousand years pass beyond them. No wonder they say you lose track of the years in the mountains."
As the thought crossed his mind, the youths began looking around curiously, though none dared act rashly.
"Interesting." The Black-Robed Daoist watched them with deep interest. "Their fortunes are closely bound to Great Hua Mountain, yet they're only nominal disciples. My senior brother must have taken what I said before my retreat to heart. Not only has Great Hua Mountain reversed its fortunes, it's showing signs of a resurgence. I wonder