C15 The Tiger in front of the Cloud Pine Monastery Blocked the Way

Perched atop Great Mountain, Cloud Pine Monastery was accessible via a series of green stone steps that led directly to its entrance.

"The monasteries of the world belong to the Dao Sect, and the Dao Sect is the legacy of the Daoist masters. Surely, the cultivation practices here are the most authentic anywhere," Jiang Ning mused as he ascended the green stone steps, the monastery drawing ever closer. Once a Grand Secretary of the Imperial Academy, he was no stranger to the concept of cultivation, having heard much about it within the city walls.

"Hsu San, hand me the memorial tablet. We mustn't be negligent upon entering the monastery, as we carry the government's mandate," Zhang Yaozhi instructed after straightening his attire. Hsu San, standing beside him, retrieved a pale green envelope from his travel bag and respectfully passed it to Zhang Yaozhi.

A mere few dozen steps from the monastery's entrance, Zhang Yaozhi was greeted by a sudden, chilling gust of wind that sent shivers down his spine. An old adage came to mind: "Clouds follow the dragon; wind heralds the tiger." Indeed, an eerie wind in the woods often portended the uncanny.

As if on cue, a massive figure burst forth from the monastery. A white tiger with distinctive markings roared, obstructing their path. The sight of the tiger sent a wave of cold dread through the group.

Yet, these were seasoned individuals, not easily thrown into disarray. Zhang Yaozhi shielded Ye Chuxue behind him and faced the daunting tiger, inhaling deeply to steady himself.

The tiger's gaze was menacing, its maw wide and bloodied as it fixed its eyes on Zhang Yaozhi and his companions. Then, a resonant voice echoed from within Cloud Pine Monastery.

"Cloud Pine Monastery, nestled in the mountains, is closed to outsiders. Depart at once; this is no place for the uninitiated..."

The tiger issued another roar in response to the voice, as if to underscore the warning: leave, or face its wrath.

"I am Zhang Yaozhi, an official from Cloud State. Today, I've come to visit bearing a secret order from the Dao Sect, and I seek the assistance of the Taoist priest within this monastery."

Zhang Yaozhi presented the envelope he was holding and gave a respectful bow toward Yun Song Monastery. Upon hearing his words, silence fell over the monastery. Yet, the pale green envelope, as if by magic, slipped from Zhang Yaozhi's grasp and flew into the Yun Song Monastery.

Eventually, the doors of Yun Song Monastery creaked open. A middle-aged Taoist with a long beard emerged.

Dressed in a green Taoist robe and donning a Taoist headdress, he held a horsetail whisk in one hand and the envelope in the other, exuding an air of otherworldly wisdom. With a gentle sweep of his whisk, the Taoist offered a slight smile to the tiger guarding the entrance.

"Hu Er, Hu Er. Stand down, these are guests; let's not frighten them."

Upon the Taoist's command, the fierce glint in the tiger's eyes softened. It glanced at Zhang Yaozhi and his companions, flicked its tail, and sauntered back into the monastery to find a spot for a nap.

It vividly remembered the good-looking boy who had pulled a face at it earlier. If only he weren't a guest, it would have loved to chase the youngster around for a bit of fun...

Once the tiger had departed, the Taoist stepped forward and offered a courteous bow to the group.

"This letter is indeed a token from the Dao Sect. Your presence brings honor to our humble monastery. The tiger cub is trained by Cloud Pine Monastery for protection, and I apologize for any alarm it may have caused."

"There's no need for apologies. You are truly remarkable, Taoist, for training a fierce tiger to guard this place. It is I who have intruded upon your sanctuary unannounced," Zhang Yaozhi replied, the unease in his heart now eased.

After exchanging a few more courtesies, he added with a smile, "I am Taoist Qingshan. Please, come with me into the monastery. I shall take you to meet my master..."

With another graceful gesture of his whisk, Taoist Qingshan turned and led the way into the monastery, with everyone following in procession.

With a flick of his whisk, the Taoist Qingshan turned his back and gradually made his way into the monastery, with the others following closely behind him. The Cloud Pine Monastery was modest in size, home to nearly a hundred people. Its most notable feature was a thousand-year-old purple pine that soared into the clouds, which was the inspiration for the monastery's name.

As they walked through the cool pavilion, Ye Chuxue perked up, curiously peering around. From her vantage point, she could just make out the rows of young Taoists diligently practicing their martial skills below.

"We have arrived," announced Daoist Qingshan. "Master Yun Song awaits to welcome you inside. Please, come and have a seat."

Suddenly, Daoist Qingshan halted in the courtyard. He gestured towards the elegant pavilion across the lake and addressed Zhang Yaozhi. In the next instant, his robe unexpectedly tightened, as though someone was tugging at it. Looking down, he saw a small child gazing up at him with big, watery eyes.

"Uncle Taoist, may Zhixian go play by himself?"

Zhang Yaozhi burst into laughter at the request, chiming in, "Hahaha, indeed, it's not convenient for a child to be present during official discussions. If it's not too much trouble, perhaps the child could be allowed to play on his own?"

"The monastery grounds are not vast, and there are no dangerous areas. If the young one wishes to explore, he may do so at his leisure," Daoist Qingshan replied with a gentle smile, granting the child's wish.

"Thank you, Uncle! Zhixian will be off then," said Ye Chuxue, her sweet smile lighting up her adorable face as she waved to everyone and scampered away like a wisp of smoke.

Once the little one had gone off to play, Zhang Yaozhi and the rest of the party continued their walk towards the pavilion nestled in the heart of the lake.

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