On Mount Zhongnan, a steady drizzle fell as the north wind howled.
The trees swayed gently, and spirit herbs grew lush.
Inside the Daoist temple where Lü Dongbin resided.
A statue of Dao Lord Tai Shang was enshrined there.
Beneath the statue, Jiang Yang and Lü Dongbin stood facing each other.
The two met.
Jiang Yang felt somewhat surprised. Though Lü Dongbin remained composed and unruffled, a trace of melancholy lingered on his face.
At this moment, Jiang Yang's identity was that of an herb gatherer who had come to the Daoist temple to shelter from the rain, while Lü Dongbin was the temple's master.
By rights, there was a clear distinction in status between the two.
Yet the disciples in the temple discovered something.
Their temple's master was showing a respectful attitude. Finding this astonishing, they quietly asked one another.
"Who is this man?"
Inside the main hall, Jiang Yang set down the medicine basket on his back, brushed the dirt from his clothes, and looked at Lü Dongbin, recognizing his true identity at a glance.
Having encountered each other before, neither could easily forget the other's bearing and inner nature.
Their eyes met, and Lü Dongbin was the first to speak with a smile.
"Your Majesty, are you also walking the Mortal Realm for the sake of cultivation?"
Jiang Yang smiled.
"Indeed. And what brought you here?"
Lü Dongbin said.
"I reincarnated to cultivate anew, seeking another great Dao to cultivate. This is where I cultivate in this life."
Jiang Yang asked.
"Have you chosen a great Dao to cultivate anew?"
Lü Dongbin smiled.
"In truth, after my battle with Your Majesty, I finally understood the path to becoming a Great Dao Lord. The great path of fire I once cultivated could actually have become the pure yang