Chapter Nine: A Hermit Dwelling in the Verdant Peaks

"To invite someone, one must show the proper courtesy."

"If he insists that Father invite him personally, then Father must prepare ample gifts and make the trip to Qingping Mountain in person."

"Whether you have to endure insults or reprimands, you must show absolute sincerity. You must succeed in persuading that Daoist priest."

Thinking of his daughter's instructions, Zhang Qingyun could not help but sigh. They were truly at their wit's end, with no one else to rely on and their safety hanging by a thread; otherwise, why would he ever feel the need to court a reclusive mountain priest? Yet, Zhang Qingyun knew he had no room to negotiate, so he had painstakingly prepared a wealth of fine gifts. He had only one hope: that the priest in Qingping Mountain truly possessed some genuine skill and would not make his journey a wasted effort.

Deep within Qingping Mountain, Jiang Sheng was currently sitting in meditation within his temple. The temple was small but exceptionally serene and elegant, perfectly in line with Jiang Sheng’s sensibilities. It faced south, and beyond the front, middle, and rear halls, it featured guest rooms, a refectory, and chambers for cultivation—a complete setup. One could say that although the sparrow was small, it possessed all its vital organs.

Jiang Sheng was meditating in the front hall, which housed a portrait of the founding patriarch of the Penglai Daoist Sect. Upon the incense table before the portrait lay an array of fruits, and three sticks of sandalwood incense burned, sending thin curls of smoke drifting upward. Jiang Sheng, dressed in a cyan Daoist robe and wearing a traditional cap, sat cross-legged on a woven mat, reciting his daily lessons.

Outside the hall, birds occasionally descended, tilting their heads to observe the priest. There was no noisy chirping, only a profound stillness, as if the area existed in a world of its own. Deep in the mountains, the temple remained tranquil and refined. The curling sandalwood smoke drifted out of the hall, rising to form a mist that gathered above the temple, refusing to dissipate. Attracted by this, birds alighted silently upon the eaves, while wild beasts crouched obediently outside the walls. Various birds and beasts, even those that were natural predators, huddled together peacefully, listening to the priest’s soft recitation.

Jiang Sheng was reciting the cultivation techniques he practiced. Beyond the interpretations provided by the elders of his sect, the recitation contained much of his own understanding of the techniques and of nature itself. With his excellent disposition and extraordinary insight, Jiang Sheng had long been highly regarded by the elders. After forging his Daoist foundation, the sect had passed down the "Purple Mansion" volume of the *Classic of Heaven-Born Water*, which was sufficient to guide him to the perfection of the Purple Mansion realm. The complete *Classic of Heaven-Born Water* was an profound work that pointed directly toward the Nascent Soul realm.

Jiang Sheng even knew that this *Classic of Heaven-Born Water* was merely one volume of a fundamental scripture of the Daoist sect.

Time passed quickly during his practice. Once Jiang Sheng finished his daily lessons, he said softly, "That is all for today. You may disperse."

As if they understood the priest's words, the birds and beasts departed obediently, without the slightest chaos. Everything in nature possessed spiritual essence; Jiang Sheng had enlightened them, and they naturally knew how to be grateful. Jiang Sheng never needed to fret over finding food, as the birds and beasts would bring him fresh fruits of their own accord. Jiang Sheng would place these offerings before the patriarch’s portrait; he himself had already achieved a state of near-fasting, finding that the daily consumption of dawn’s purple vapor and moonlight essence was sufficient.

However, such peaceful days were never destined to last. Only three days after Jiang Sheng had turned away Tian Guofu and his group, the Magistrate of Qingshan County truly arrived. Guided by Tian Guofu, Zhang Qingyun ascended the mountain at daybreak with his gifts, arriving before the temple at the mid-slope of Qingping Mountain around the hour of the Dragon.

Tian Guofu pointed to the temple and said, "Your Excellency, Daoist Jiang cultivates here. This place was originally a Temple of the Mountain God, occupied by a vicious tiger that had gained spiritual powers. After Daoist Jiang slew the beast, the gentry and commoners of Qingping Town joined forces to build this temple for him."

Zhang Qingyun examined the temple and was shocked to see venomous snakes coiled in front of it, surrounded by starving wolves! Looking further at the temple walls, he spotted birds of prey like eagles perched there as well! *Is this truly a Daoist temple?* Zhang Qingyun observed with a mix of shock and suspicion, suddenly realizing that alongside these predators were ordinary sparrows and wild rabbits. Yet, there was no conflict among these creatures. Even when the sparrows and rabbits were within reach, the predators showed no intent to hunt. All the creatures remained quiet, each finding a spot to wait, gazing toward the interior of the temple.

Suddenly, the sound of chanting echoed from within, and curling smoke rose from the temple, transforming into a mist that circled the sky above. As the chanting continued, the anxiety in Zhang Qingyun’s heart suddenly vanished, replaced by a profound serenity. The chaotic thoughts in his mind were suppressed, and his perception became crystal clear. Only then did Zhang Qingyun understand why so many birds and beasts gathered here: Daoist Jiang was no ordinary priest; he possessed great ability and profound power! This priest had an extraordinary background!

Unconsciously, the disdain Zhang Qingyun had harbored for Jiang Sheng began to fade. Both his attendants and Tian Guofu’s group stood silently, listening to the chanting with peaceful expressions, as if their souls were being cleansed.

The scriptures of the Penglai Daoist Sect all held miraculous effects. For instance, the passage Jiang Sheng recited today could calm the mind and bring clarity to the body and soul. When the chanting ceased, Jiang Sheng’s clear, resonant voice drifted from the temple—not loud, yet it echoed in everyone’s ears: "That is all for today. All of you, disperse."

At his words, the birds and beasts scattered. Only then did Zhang Qingyun snap back to reality and hurriedly signal his attendants to step forward. Reaching the front of the temple, Zhang Qingyun saw the plaque: Qingxuan Temple.

Taking a deep breath and straightening his robes, Zhang Qingyun confirmed that this trip would not be in vain. He resolved to use the utmost respect to invite Jiang Sheng down from the mountain. He bowed low and said, "I am Zhang Qingyun, Magistrate of Qingshan County. Hearing that a high-ranking Daoist master resides in seclusion on Qingping Mountain, I have come to pay my respects and offer my apologies for the intrusion."

However, silence fell within the temple. Zhang Qingyun remained bowed, his expression darkening. As a magistrate, he had come to invite someone personally, only to be met with such disregard! Yet, he knew the gravity of his mission and forced himself to wait.

After a long while, a voice came from within: "I am a man of the mountains, wishing only to cultivate in peace. I do not wish to be disturbed. If the Magistrate has no other business, please return."

Zhang Qingyun quickly replied, "Daoist, please do not be angry. My previous behavior was wrong, and I have come specifically to offer my apologies." As he spoke, he had his men present the gifts, adding with utmost sincerity, "My purpose in coming is to invite you to descend from the mountain."

Jiang Sheng’s cold voice sounded once more: "Does the Magistrate not understand my words?"

Zhang Qingyun felt a surge of shame and indignation. Thinking of the wealthy gentry from Qingping Town and his own attendants watching, he felt insulted by Jiang Sheng’s lack of courtesy and nearly turned to leave in a fit of pique. But in the end, thinking of his own ambitions and the future of his daughter, he steeled his heart, gritted his teeth, and sank to his knees.