C14 There Was a Taoist Temple in the Great Mountain

In the courtyard, Grandpa Jiang was deep in conversation with Zhang Yaozhi inside the house. Ye Chuxue sat contentedly on a large rock beside the vegetable patch, amusing himself by teasing the big yellow dog with a small twig.

Ye Chuxue enjoyed visiting Grandpa Jiang's place because of the abundance of books. They contained so many things he had never heard of before, like the city of Chang'an at the heart of the world, the rumored birthplace of the Demon Clan in the ancient north, and the wonders of the Nine Provinces in the south.

He loved reading books, finding it more entertaining than joining his friends to catch loaches in the river or stealthily pick peaches on the mountain. Grandpa Jiang encouraged his reading, suggesting that with dedication, he could grow up to be a high-ranking official. Yet, Ye Chuxue couldn't fathom why Mr. Ye refused to let him study.

Mr. Ye would buy him silk cloaks, a rarity in the mountains, and treats like candied figurines and hawthorns that other children seldom enjoyed. He crafted small wooden horses and carved little figures for him, and even indulged him by slipping a few coins into his pocket each day for sweets.

But when it came to his education, Mr. Ye was resolute in his refusal. Ye Chuxue knew that Mr. Ye was his most doting relative. Not wanting to upset him, Ye Chuxue echoed Mr. Ye's firmness, refusing Grandpa Jiang's offer to teach him to read.

Eventually, after much coaxing from Grandpa Jiang, Ye Chuxue made a small compromise. He agreed to come by every afternoon to learn to read and write, making sure to keep it a secret from Mr. Ye.

Over the years, he recognized many characters and read numerous books, much to Jiang Ning's delight. However, whenever the topic of taking the imperial examinations arose, the boy would shake his head vehemently, leaving everyone at a loss.

...

The creak of the old wooden door echoed as it swung open.

Inside the house, Zhang Yaozhi and Jiang Ning, along with others, emerged, ready to head out. Jiang Ning had donned a black coat for the occasion. He smiled and gestured to Ye Chuxue in the courtyard.

"Zhixian, Grandpa Jiang and your uncle are going up the mountain. Would you like to join us? The Taoist temple there is home to many Cultivators."

Zhixian had always been curious to meet the Cultivators described in the books.

Upon hearing Jiang Ning's invitation, Ye Chuxue perked up with excitement. He blinked and eagerly asked,

"Grandpa Jiang, are the Cultivators on the mountain like those in the stories? Can they really fly and control objects with their minds?"

"Hehe, I'm not sure about that. But if Zhixian wants to see for himself, let's go together," Jiang Ning replied, chuckling as he stroked his white beard and looked at the youngster with a smile.

"But Mr. Ye said Zhixian shouldn't go up the mountain to play..."

Ye Chuxue hesitated, remembering Mr. Ye's instructions. His head drooped, and his eyes filled with disappointment.

"Haha, Zhixian shouldn't go to the mountain alone, but with us, there's nothing to worry about. It's still early, and the Great Mountain isn't too tall. We'll go and return quickly; Mr. Ye won't mind," Zhang Yaozhi reassured him with a hearty laugh, reaching out his hand.

Convinced by Zhang Yaozhi's logic, Ye Chuxue's spirits lifted. He smiled sweetly and placed his hand in Zhang Yaozhi's...

...

The Great Mountain, a ring-shaped mountain range near Tongshui Ancient Town, stood as a majestic, millennia-old natural wonder. The locals lived off the mountain, herding in the forests, felling trees, cultivating medicinal herbs, and establishing orchards, which brought in a substantial income each year.

Now, past the early morning, the sun was directly overhead. Yet, walking among the ancient trees, the heat was hardly noticeable. On the stone-strewn path leading into the mountain, Ye Chuxue was undoubtedly having the time of his life.

He seldom ventured into the mountains, so everything in the forest seemed wondrous to him. At most, he and his friends would sneak peaches from the orchard at the base of the mountain. Now, as he followed Zhang Yaozhi and the others deep into the Great Mountain, Ye Chuxue was filled with a sense of novelty about this strange place. He was so engrossed in the adventure that he didn't even feel tired; in fact, the more he explored, the more exhilarated he became.

Watching the youngster frolic on the mountain trail, Jiang Ning couldn't help but feel amused. Despite his advanced years, he was still robust. He used to take long walks around the town, making a full circuit each time. Among the group, it seemed that only Zhang Yaozhi, accustomed to being carried in a sedan chair, found the rugged mountain path challenging.

Seeing his master breathing heavily, Hsu San, who wasn't faring much better, began to grumble. "These Taoist priests with their cow-nose rings, insisting on building a temple in the remote mountains! If we'd known the climb would be this arduous, we should've hired porters back in town."

"Are you tired?" Zhang Yaozhi glanced at Hsu San with a teasing tone.

"Master, what are you talking about? I'm no stranger to hard work; I'm just worried about exhausting you, sir, and the young master," Hsu San quickly replied with a smile, eager to show his unwavering loyalty and concern for his superiors.

Jiang Ning, leading the way and overhearing the conversation, chimed in, "The mountain has its own spiritual energy. The cultivators living in the temple benefit from their close connection to nature. Approach the mountain with sincerity; the skills of those residing in the temple are not to be underestimated. Be careful not to speak ill of them at the base of the mountain, lest they overhear you."

Zhang Yaozhi, wiping the sweat from his brow, nodded in agreement. "The teacher speaks wisely. We are here to seek their assistance, and sincerity can only work in our favor."

Seeing both masters in agreement, Hsu San's frustration dissipated. He quietly followed behind, no longer voicing any complaints.

...

Half an hour into the mountain, they reached the dense interior of the forest. The area was lush with vegetation, and the sunlight was scarce, making the atmosphere quite cool and pleasant.

From somewhere unseen, the melody of birdsong filled the air. Witnessing this tranquil scene, Jiang Ning couldn't help but sigh in appreciation.

In the depths of the clouds, where the eye can't see, the occasional sound of birdsong can be heard. Witnessing this scene, Jiang Ning couldn't help but exclaim, "The Dao Sect really knows how to pick a spot. This Great Green Mountain is truly a heavenly blessed land. Living here must be beneficial for both body and soul."

"Absolutely, the Taoist principle is all about being at one with nature. Those who practice their cultivation in the mountains are surely remarkable individuals. Zhixian, over there is our destination."

Holding Ye Chuxue's hand, the little one had grown weary from the long trek through the mountain paths. Zhang Yaozhi pointed to a Taoist temple shrouded in the mist not far ahead and spoke to him.

At the summit of the Great Green Mountain, amidst the drifting fog, a chorus of birds sang. The sound of an ancient bronze bell resonated through the forest, its reverberations soothing to the spirit.

Green bricks and blue tiles framed by ancient pines. Through the haze, one could barely make out a majestic Taoist temple, its name... Cloud Pine...

​