Elder White-Brow smiled and clasped his hands in salute."Daoist friend, you are too courteous. To be invited here is an honor indeed. I have long admired your sect's illustrious name. Now that I may visit in person, it is truly a privilege."
The Celestial Venerate Sect's leader, Liu Xuan, nodded with a smile."Your cultivation is profound, Daoist brother. Though you dwell among mortals, you have already mastered the ways of the divine. Truly admirable."
At that moment, Master Zhenkong's eyes gleamed, and he suddenly chuckled."White-Brow old fellow, we are both cultivators of the Dao. How is it that the Celestial Venerate Sect's leader can take a wife and have children, while you remain a solitary old man?"His tone was tinged with jest, yet carried genuine curiosity.
Liu Xuan smiled faintly."The Master may not know—though our sect is also a branch of Daoism, our cultivation method differs. The path to the Dao is divided into the way of pure cultivation and the way of dual cultivation. Daoist White-Brow, with his deep attainment, chose the pure and solitary path. My Celestial Venerate Sect does not forbid marriage; husband and wife may cultivate together toward enlightenment. The great Daoist Ge Hong, Grandmaster of old, cultivated alongside his wife and achieved extraordinary attainment—there is ample precedent."
Wu Tong laughed and nodded."Indeed, the way of cultivation is ever-changing, each with its own approach. As the Buddhists say, there are eighty-four thousand Dharma gates; in Daoism, three thousand six hundred paths. The Way is not bound to a single form—what matters is mutual respect and staying true to one's heart."
Liu Xuan pondered briefly, then nodded approvingly."Wu young hero speaks true. Each cultivator should walk his own path without hindering others. Only with respect and tolerance can we join together in seeking the Great Dao."His tone softened."I have heard that on this southern journey, had it not been for you and Young Master Zhao, my daughter Yun'er would have met with disaster. I am deeply grateful. Allow me to offer my thanks to you both."He bowed deeply, his sincerity plain.
Wu Tong and Zhao Rou immediately returned the salute."As juniors, if we encountered danger and failed to act, our hearts would find no rest. To see peril and not aid would be unworthy of being human. This is only what is right—no thanks are necessary."
Liu Xuan, hearing this, secretly admired them all the more."Well said! This is what a true man of the martial world should be—chivalrous and righteous!"Then, turning, he instructed, "Yun'er, have the attendants prepare lodgings and see to our honored guests' comfort."
Liu Yun bowed gracefully."Yes, Father."She turned to two maidservants. "Chunhua, Chunxiang!"
The two maids stepped forward."We are here, my lady!"
"Escort our honored guests to their quarters and see them settled."
"Yes, my lady."They saluted, then led Wu Tong, Zhao Rou, Daoist White-Brow, and Master Zhenkong away.
Along the way, Wu Tong admired the Celestial Venerate Sect's grand halls and pavilions, arranged in elegant harmony amid serene gardens. He smiled faintly—this journey to Jiuhua Mountain was proving more and more interesting.
The Next Morning – The Consecration Ceremony
Dawn broke bright and clear over Jiuhua Mountain, sunlight bathing the ancient temple in a holy glow. Visitors and dignitaries arrived from all directions; believers, young and old, gathered at the sect's headquarters to witness the rare event—the consecration of the "Hall of Soaring Clouds" on the fourteenth day of the sixth month.
At the appointed hour, a loud voice cried: "The auspicious hour has arrived!"Drums and bells thundered, firecrackers roared, applause erupted—the atmosphere reached its peak. The Hall of Soaring Clouds towered majestically, the central shrine enshrining a statue of the Jade Emperor. Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, casting a sacred, solemn light.
Liu Xuan personally led the assembly into the hall, offering incense and solemn prayers. The air was thick with fragrant smoke, the mood reverent.
He addressed the gathering in a resonant voice:"Today marks the consecration and installation of the Hall of Soaring Clouds here on Jiuhua Mountain—a great occasion for our sect! This is not only a day of joy for us, but a time to form ties with all kindred spirits under Heaven. On behalf of the Celestial Venerate Sect, I thank all honored guests and believers who have come from afar to share in this moment!"
The hall resounded with applause and acclamation.
An Unexpected Disruption
Yet just as the ceremony reached its height, a sudden whooshing of wind sounded outside the hall. Several figures alighted gracefully before the entrance.
They were clad all in black, a small black dragon embroidered on their left breast—the insignia of the Black Dragon Sect. The crowd stiffened, faces turning grim.
The leader was a lean man with piercing eyes, standing proudly before all. He sneered."The Celestial Venerate Sect makes quite the display! I am Shi Kai, Right Dharma King of the Black Dragon Sect. I've come to pay my respects."His voice dripped with mockery.
Before Liu Xuan could speak, Luo An, the sect's Right Envoy, stepped out from the crowd. White-haired, stern-faced, his voice boomed like a great bell:"And who might the honored visitor be? Luo has been awaiting you."
Shi Kai's smile turned sharp."I've heard your sect plans to hold a 'Rebellion-Quelling Assembly' at the Pavilion of Prince Teng on the twentieth of this month. Is this true?"
Luo An's heart sank—These are no well-wishers. But his face remained calm."Our sect follows Heaven's will and the people's will. The assembly's purpose is to bring peace to the realm—how would that hinder your sect?"
Shi Kai threw back his head and laughed. His eyes glittered like blades."We come bearing a secret edict from the Emperor of Yan—to cut off all forces aiding the Tang army. If your sect knows what's good for it, cancel the assembly at once!"
Before Liu Xuan could answer, the sect's Left Envoy, Hu Qi, an elder with a mane of white hair and eyes like cold stars, stepped forward."So, you are nothing more than a dog of An Lushan."
Shi Kai's face darkened instantly, fury flashing in his eyes."I came here today to persuade you with kind words. If you insist on standing against us, don't blame us for shedding blood!"
Liu Xuan's gaze hardened, his voice like thunder."Our assembly on the twentieth will go forward—unchanged!"
From among the Black Dragon Sect, another man stepped out. Tall and broad-shouldered, radiating menace, he spoke coldly:"I am Meng Ming, Left Dharma King of the Black Dragon Sect. Tell me, why must you hold this assembly? How much silver has the Tang army paid you?"
Luo An's rage boiled over."Meng Ming, your insolence knows no bounds! Luo An of the Celestial Venerate Sect will teach you manners!"
A blur of gray shot forward—Luo An's palm strike was like lightning. Meng Ming twisted aside, blocking with his left arm, then counterstruck with his right.
The two clashed in a storm of blows, their palms meeting with thunderous force. Within moments, they had exchanged over ten moves, their inner strength sending dust swirling in violent gusts.
The crowd roared, blood surging with excitement at the dazzling display.
Mid-fight, Luo An barked:"You aid the wicked! What reward have you taken from the rebels?"
Meng Ming sneered."Rewards aplenty! Submit to us, and you'll enjoy boundless wealth and glory."
"Never!" Luo An's voice was like an iron bell. "Our sect venerates the Great Emperor Zhenwu, who smites demons and protects the people. Now that An Lushan has risen in rebellion and the people suffer in fire and water, our sect will save the masses. We will never sell out our land for profit!"
A verse says:Heroes stride from the Hall of Clouds,The wicked meet righteous wrath.All valiant ones unite to quell rebellion,Gazes unflinching before their foes.
The battle remained undecided, tension thick in the air. Before the Hall of Soaring Clouds, killing intent surged—within a heartbeat, the winds of the martial world threatened to shift.