Chapter 7: Encountering Hongyun, Zhenyuanzi’s Oddness
After leaving the Western lands, Zhong Yue journeyed eastward.
The closer he got to the east, the more abundant the spiritual energy beca. Even the laws of Heaven and Earth grew clearer.
While cultivating, Zhong Yue continued his journey, as he had nothing pressing to do, so he wasn’t in any hurry.
One day, he passed a celestial mountain and, for reasons unknown, suddenly stopped.
He saw that within the mountain, white cranes and golden pheasants were calling, mysterious apes and deer were playing together, flowers blood and withered, the stream had a gentle spirit, clouds drifted, and the peaks were endless—everything radiated an aura of auspiciousness.
At that mont, a surprised voice suddenly rang in Zhong Yue’s ear.
“Eh?”
The voice sounded like a child’s whisper, with a hint of mischief.
Zhong Yue was startled and quickly turned around, only to see a Daoist standing quietly behind him, watching him.
Seeing this, Zhong Yue was imdiately drenched in cold sweat. He had no idea when the person had appeared there.
At such a close distance, if the person had any ill intentions, Zhong Yue would certainly be dood.
“Do not worry. I an no harm. I was simply curious as I saw a young friend standing outside my old friend’s gate for quite so ti.”
The Daoist was wearing a red robe, with red hair and beard, his figure not tall, slightly chubby.
His round face was always adorned with a gentle smile, as if sunlight had pierced through the clouds, warm and soft, making one feel good upon seeing it.
“I also felt sothing in my heart, so I stood here. If I have disturbed you, I ask for your forgiveness, senior.”
Zhong Yue quickly bowed respectfully to Hongyun and offered a slight greeting.
Although the Daoist appeared harmless, just his earlier action was enough to display his formidable power.
“It’s fine, it’s fine.”
The Daoist smiled, his gaze scrutinizing Zhong Yue, making him feel uneasy.
Reluctantly, Zhong Yue could only continue speaking.
“I am Zhong Yue. May I ask your esteed na, senior?”
“Zhong Yue?” The Daoist muttered to himself, seemingly calculating sothing.
After a mont, he looked at Zhong Yue again and chuckled.
“My na is Hongyun. So it’s Zhong Yue, my young friend. No wonder you stand in front of Mount Wanshou.”
“Mount Wanshou?” Zhong Yue was surprised to hear this.
He subconsciously glanced behind him at the large mountain. In a daze, he seed to see a Taoist temple standing within the mountain.
The view in front of the temple was pleasant, with vigorous cypress trees, green mountains, pine and bamboo scattered, chrysanthemums covered in frost, and a bridge-side orchid reflecting in the water’s surface. The red dan flowers, pink walls, and brick structures created a peaceful yet majestic scene.
On the wall of the temple was a couplet.
The upper line read: “The immortal’s residence for eternal life,” and the lower line: “The Taoist family sharing the sa life as Heaven.” The horizontal inscription read: “Heaven and Earth share the sa life.”
“Let’s go. Since we’ve t, we’re destined to cross paths. Would you like to accompany to et my old friend?”
Just as Zhong Yue was lost in thought, Hongyun Daoist spoke again.
Hearing this, Zhong Yue quickly snapped back to reality, his face showing hesitation.
“This…”
However, considering that Hongyun and Zhenyuanzi were not bad people, Zhong Yue agreed imdiately.
“Please, senior, I dare not refuse. After you, senior.”
Zhong Yue bowed again, his face humble, and his manners impeccable.
Although he knew Hongyun was a good person, it was always proper to show courtesy. Moreover, since cultivation valued the more powerful as teachers, and Hongyun was stronger than him, it was only right.
Hongyun seed quite pleased with Zhong Yue’s manners. After nodding slightly, he imdiately began walking toward the Wuzhuang Temple.
The two soon arrived at the temple’s entrance.
Zhenyuanzi had obviously anticipated their arrival and was already waiting at the door.
“I, Zhong Yue, pay my respects to Zhenyuan Daxian.”
Zhong Yue stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Zhenyuanzi.
Zhenyuanzi returned the greeting with a bow.
He looked Zhong Yue up and down, a thoughtful expression in his eyes.
However, he did not speak further. Instead, he smiled and invited the two to enter the temple.
Inside Wuzhuang Temple, Zhenyuanzi led them to the main hall, arranged for them to sit, and began lighting incense and brewing tea.
Zhong Yue bowed again, then sat down according to the arrangent.
In contrast, Hongyun was more casual. Without any formalities, he leaned against the table and sat down.
As soon as he sat, Hongyun spoke up loudly.
“Zhenyuan, my old friend, you’ve beco a bit stingy this ti. Are you trying to fool with these things?”
“Where’s the ginseng fruit? Hurry and bring the ginseng fruit! I’ve been craving it for so long.”
Upon hearing this, Zhenyuanzi didn’t get angry. He imdiately called for a child from inside the temple.
“Go and take my golden strike token to the backyard and get so ginseng fruits.”
“Yes, Master.”
The child bowed and exited the room.
Before leaving, Hongyun called out loudly.
“Make sure to get plenty, plenty!”
In the main hall of Wuzhuang Temple, Zhong Yue sat on the cushion, observing the conversation between Hongyun and Zhenyuanzi. He couldn’t help but feel moved.
In his past life, he had heard that Hongyun and Zhenyuanzi were very close friends. Now, it seed that their relationship was even better than he had imagined.
While Zhong Yue was lost in thought, Zhenyuanzi’s voice interrupted his reverie.
“This ti, young friend, your arrival truly brings great glory to our Wuzhuang Temple. You should stay for a while longer.”
“Eh? Ah?”
Zhong Yue was stunned. Coming back to his senses, he was montarily confused.
He looked at Zhenyuanzi, who was smiling kindly at him, with admiration in his eyes.
This expression made Zhong Yue, who was already a little puzzled, even more confused.
He thought to himself that this was his first ti eting Zhenyuanzi. Why was he being so friendly? It felt rather strange.
However, since he had no pressing matters, he imdiately agreed.
For the next while, the three of them sat and chatted idly. Most of the conversation was between Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun, with Zhong Yue listening quietly.
After a short ti, the ginseng fruit was brought to the table.
The ginseng fruit resembled a three-year-old child—its round body complete with limbs, features delicate and beautiful, and its facial features were pure and refined. It looked as if it had been carefully carved from the purest white jade, yet it exuded a natural, spiritual vitality.
For so unknown reason, Zhenyuanzi had directly placed three of these precious innate spiritual root ginseng fruits in front of Zhong Yue.
“Please, everyone.”
Zhenyuanzi grabbed one of the ginseng fruits and began to eat it.
Hongyun, who had been eagerly waiting, imdiately grabbed the child-like fruit and bit into it.
In an instant, the entire room filled with a fragrant aroma, and the essence of the fruit rose into the air, as if spirits were dancing around.
Zhong Yue paused for a mont, licking his dry lips. He didn’t think too much about it and grabbed one of the fruits.
No matter what Zhenyuanzi was thinking, he decided to eat first and worry later.
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