On the spacious training ground, father and son had both changed into lightweight training clothes and stood facing each other. Li Qingshu, whose habits were exactly like her son's, had set up a small table at the edge of the grounds, sipping tea as she watched the fun.
Zhang Chengdao stood with his hands behind his back. The morning breeze carried a hint of coolness across the square, gently lifting and settling his hair and robes. He seemed perfectly at one with his surroundings, possessed of a distinctive grace.
"Son, you've used the Golden Book and Jade Register, haven't you? I didn't put too much in it, because the first year is only about laying the foundations.
"Now, tell me: what is a Daoist?"
Zhang Xiao cupped his fist and bowed, answering solemnly:
"One who walks the Great Dao, aligns body and mind with its principles, follows only the Dao, and conducts all affairs in accordance with it is called a Daoist."
Zhang Chengdao nodded approvingly.
"Good. Exactly right."
Zhang Xiao hurried to ask a question he hadn't quite figured out.
"Dad, is there a difference between us and Daoism?"
"A huge difference. Daoism is a religion; the Daoist Order isn't. You can only say they share the same origins, but there are fundamental differences. If you want to understand it properly, just go back to Dragon-Tiger Mountain, and you'll find out everything!"
Here we go again. Whatever he asked, he got a couple of vague remarks; whenever he pressed for details, it came back to talisman investiture and Dragon-Tiger Mountain. Zhang Xiao grumbled inwardly, then had no choice but to swallow his question again.
Looking a little embarrassed himself, Zhang Chengdao cleared his throat twice.
"Don't blame your dad for not telling you. Your grandfather issued a gag order-a