Chapter 003: The Opportunity at the Corner

Outside the car window, the fields are rapidly receding.

Certainly, Wang Sheng's goal this time is not closely related to this 'San Feng Shen Ren'

Wang Sheng turned his head to glance at his parents on the other side of the aisle; his father turned his head to the side, while his mother forced a gentle smile at him.

Hiss!

However, when the family of three entered the main gate of Wudang Mountain, the hired driver collected the fare and left them inside the gate; before the family could react, the small vehicle had already driven away

Mom, you and Dad just consider it as some exercise, I will take care of the luggage

The shock and ecstasy in Wang Sheng's heart were completely written on his face in that moment

With his parents around, Wang Sheng, who originally had a tight budget for travel expenses, was able to enjoy the privilege of a chartered vehicle, thus reducing the distance he had to travel.

Taking advantage of the remaining time, Wang Sheng rubbed his temples and began to review these "key points," most of which were derived from several well-known Taoist texts.

The sound quality of the external speaker is not particularly good, yet it plays the silk and bamboo ensemble on a loop. The smoke rising gently from the green tripod creates an atmosphere that makes this place resemble a palace amidst the clouds in the sky

Just ahead is Longquan Temple, and Wang Sheng is pulling his suitcase, wanting to go over and appreciate this 'small temple'

The palace building bearing the three characters "Zixiao Hall" does not appear particularly grand. At least in Wang Sheng's impression, many lesser-known Buddhist temples have main halls that are more impressive than this Zixiao Hall.

Fortune

Wang Sheng looked at his still unhealed face with some concern; it was not that he cared much about his appearance, but rather he was worried that showing up with injuries while seeking a master in the mountains would leave a bad impression on his future teacher

This is quite reasonable; this Taoist priest is not a celebrity or internet influencer, and his schedule is generally not available online

Glancing at the mobile map, there are still over 300 kilometers to his destination, with several stops along the way. He is expected to arrive at his first destination of 'ascending the mountain' in approximately two hours.

Entering the mountains in search of the immortal, the immortal is not at home

He actually has many options, but after careful consideration, he ultimately chose a place that has a relatively low threshold for him.

In his previous life, he naturally came to Wudang Mountain in search of fortune, but unfortunately, when he arrived, the mountain gate was already in a semi-closed state, and many young people like him who came seeking the way were turned away at the door

Wudang Mountain, in the realm of martial arts novels, represents a significant presence in the righteous martial world, and historically, it is renowned as a place for secluded cultivation and Daoist practices, also known by various other names such as Taihe Mountain

The mountains are much cooler than the plains, and this slight burden will not cause Wang Sheng to sweat profusely. The mountain paths of Wudang Mountain are not particularly steep, so climbing them does not require too much effort.

On Wudang Mountain, there are actually many newly established Taoist temples, but these temples have become similar to martial arts schools, where children in their teens practice boxing and swordplay, which is quite similar to the situation at 'Northern Shaolin'.

The Taoist was also amused by Wang Sheng's fluctuating tone, smiling as he scanned Wang Sheng's attire, and upon noticing that Wang Sheng was dressed like someone with pocket money, he immediately nodded in satisfaction

However, at this point in time, this place remains a tourist destination, and the Taoist priests also rely on incense offerings and rituals to make a living, inevitably leading to a considerable amount of mundane atmosphere

Passing through Laojun Hall, Taishang Rock, and Taizi Slope, Wang Sheng headed straight for the Zixiao Palace located halfway up the mountain

The origin of immortality is profoundly mysterious

Truly chaotic and tumultuous

Young man, you don't seem to be of age yet

The sacred site of Taoism, Wudang Mountain

In Wang Sheng's memory, during the last month of his thirty-first year, the list of the top one hundred masters on the Xian Dao Heavenly Ranking updated by the 'Xian Dao Council' included the names of six or seven Daoists from Wudang Mountain. Although their rankings were not particularly outstanding, they were already considered quite good options for a mentor in Wang Sheng's eyes

As soon as the Taoist priest opened his mouth, he spoke with a strong accent: "Young man, are you looking for Master Gao? What do you need him for? To become his disciple? Oh, Master Gao has gone abroad for a performance, so you probably won't be able to see him for the next few months"

The argument from last night still seems to linger in the air, but regardless, Wang Sheng's determination and stubbornness ultimately convinced his parents, with the condition that he could only take a leave of absence for a maximum of one year

The Taoist priest, somewhat disheveled, occasionally scratched at his collar even in his sleep. His long hair, which had not been washed for quite some time, was tied up at the top of his head with a Taoist hairpin, adding a touch of an elevated demeanor.

Wang Sheng let out a light sigh, his arm holding the suitcase feeling somewhat sore and numb. He turned his head to glance at his parents, who were resting halfway, and a slight sense of guilt arose in his heart

In Wang Sheng's impression, his father, who had never lost his temper, resembled a furious lion. Although he struck himself once and was ruthlessly subdued by his mother, it indeed made Wang Sheng feel the extent of his parents' anger towards his decision

"It's nothing, I just couldn't find the master I wanted to apprentice under," Wang Sheng scratched his head, feeling unable to share his thoughts with his parents, and could only manage a forced smile. "Let's stay on the mountain for one night tonight, and tomorrow I'll look for another day. If I can't find a suitable master... I'll go back with you."

Hmm? The disheveled Taoist priest, who was sleeping with his head tilted back, opened his eyes a slit and faced Wang Sheng.

Bang

Next destination - Shangjinding, to Taihe Palace

Wang Sheng gently touched his cheek, the bruise serving as evidence of the beating he received from his father yesterday

In the past four months, in addition to activating his body through intense exercise, Wang Sheng also made thorough preparations to ensure that he could seek out a renowned master without raising any suspicions.

It is indeed difficult for them

After passing through Huailongguan, Wang Sheng strode forward with his suitcase in hand, deliberately leaving his parents behind.

Wudang

Wang Sheng's parents immediately felt much better, but there were no available accommodations on the mountain that day; fortunately, it was not too late, and Wang Sheng, carrying the luggage, led his parents down the mountain.

Daoist priest, you are indeed!

Having them accompany me through all this turmoil, my son truly is ... ...

Consecration

This made Wang Sheng's parents feel increasingly frustrated and furious as they saw various vehicles driving into the mountains

What happened, Xiao Sheng

The Taoist priest patted Wang Sheng's shoulder and earnestly advised him, "When you study, focus on your studies and don't be misled by the stories in those novels. If you truly wish to learn martial arts, I can recommend a few people to you. Take a look at this; we have a joint recruitment group for Wudang martial arts academies..."

He is looking for a master who can guide him in his cultivation, as well as a sect that can protect him in the future

Wholesale price of martial arts manuals is 300 per book, with discounts for bulk purchases. This is the genuine transmission of Wudang ancient martial arts, which will absolutely enable you to stand out in the world and laugh proudly across the universe

Seeking immortals yet not encountering them, perhaps this is simply the fate of not having met the right one

Yes, that is indeed his opportunity

He is indeed afraid that his parents would go to any lengths to cause him trouble

Being deceived is a minor issue, but walking is a significant matter

At this point in time, these sects and forces that have not yet been recognized by the world have relatively few restrictions on accepting disciples; having a sincere heart and preparing some spiritual resources is generally sufficient

Unfortunately, these individuals are either not well acquainted with this Daoist priest or are not present in the Zixiao Palace. In any case, Wang Sheng has been busy for half a day, yet he has gained nothing.

On the book stall, there are more than ten ancient books displayed, and in front, there hangs a cloth curtain covered in oil stains, on which are written eight powerful characters in bold script:

As he moved closer, Wang Sheng could smell a foul odor that had not been washed or changed for over half a month

What initially attracted Wang Sheng were naturally the "ancient books" at the stall; however, as he got closer, he instinctively began to scrutinize the Daoist priest.

The tall and slender Taoist blinked and, stroking his clean chin, muttered, "Do I really have such a large illegitimate child?"

After more than ten minutes, Wang Sheng, carrying two suitcases and wearing a smile, stopped a Taoist priest who was looking down at his phone. He first exchanged a few polite greetings before directly stating his purpose.

Wang Sheng's purpose is very clear

A year is already sufficient to achieve some small accomplishments and then showcase the wonders of the art to my parents

Inquire about medicine

Then select the next cultivation sect

Going up the mountain to seek a master is, in fact, not much simpler than attending an interview

Thanks to the dissemination of martial arts novels, whenever the name Wudang Mountain is mentioned, the first association that comes to mind is the martial arts master from the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties—Zhang Sanfeng of Tai Chi

At around 5 o'clock in the afternoon, Wang Sheng's parents found the somewhat dejected Wang Sheng by the stone steps behind Zixiao Palace

Thanks to the advancement of online information, the cultivation sects have emerged like bamboo shoots after a rain, and various messages are rampant on the internet. Wang Sheng had always paid attention to these matters in his previous life

Wang Sheng's gaze inevitably revealed a hint of disappointment, and then he recited a few phrases of greeting to the Daoist priest, inquiring about several other Wudang future masters of the immortal way whose names he could remember

I humbly request the Daoist priest to accept me as a disciple; I am willing to follow the priest to learn and cultivate the Dao

Suddenly, Wang Sheng seemed to be struck by lightning; his fingers trembled slightly, and he lost grip of his suitcase, which fell directly to the ground

Wang Sheng was not in the mood to appreciate the beautiful scenery; he was constantly thinking about what details he should pay attention to when meeting these 'future masters', how to make them remember him, and how to ensure that they would value him as their disciple

Seeking martial prowess

Here are some recommended combinations of internal and external martial arts techniques. If you, young practitioner, have needs regarding internal skills, you may also participate in the accelerated internal energy class taught by me

Of course, tuition fees are included as well

Tracing back to the Yuan and Ming dynasties, Wudang Mountain has been a sacred place for seeking immortality and practicing Taoism since the late Han dynasty, and it was already renowned a thousand years ago as the "Ninth of the Seventy-Two Blessed Lands"

Then, the Taoist shook his sleeves, sat upright with a serious demeanor, and spoke slowly in a clear and elegant voice

Fortune-telling

Behind the book stall, there was a tall and thin Taoist priest sitting in a rattan chair, sound asleep with his head tilted back

Upon entering the Purple Cloud Palace, Wang Sheng began to wander around.

The winding and twisting path leads to an unknown destination, and the flow of pedestrians going up and down has never ceased

Finding the stone steps path, carrying two large suitcases, Wang Sheng continued to climb towards the back mountain, still full of energy.

Sigh

To this end, the two of them hurriedly took a night to book their planned trip abroad for their nineteenth honeymoon, hastily purchasing tickets and boarding the high-speed train, even shamelessly asking two fellow passengers to swap seats

This is akin to when one mentions Yin Zhiping, the first thought that comes to mind is of a lecherous Taoist who has taken great advantage, rather than the sixth-generation master of the Quanzhen School.

Wang Sheng nodded heavily upon hearing this, took two steps forward, and stared intensely at this figure.

Wang Sheng smiled and said, actively bringing over his parents' suitcase, his arms muscular, which brought a sense of comfort to his mother

In addition to the condition of a maximum one-year suspension from school, Wang Sheng's parents also established three rules, such as prohibiting him from shaving his head and engaging in any dangerous activities

To inquire where the heart finds its home, where the path of enlightenment blossoms

However, after taking just two steps, he was drawn to an inconspicuous old book stall located in a corner by the roadside

However, such a degree of setback clearly cannot deter him from giving up on this long-anticipated trip to Wudang Mountain

On the morning of July 15, in the central southern region of Dahua Country, a high-speed train was traveling steadily westward, inside the carriage ... ...

In accordance with the saying that good things come with difficulties, Wang Sheng searched for a long time but was unable to find the 'immortal path master' he had in mind. Instead, he encountered numerous Taoist priests and priestesses, as well as some recluses who were cultivating in the mountains

I contacted my parents by phone and asked them to have something to eat at Zixiao Palace while waiting for him. My parents weakly agreed.

Before the revival of the primordial energy of heaven and earth, the top thirty individuals on the future rankings of the Tianbang were considered representatives of Wudang martial arts

Furthermore, they must also ascend the mountain together, and only after ensuring that Wang Sheng has settled in and that life is stable and safe will they embark on their journey home

Overseas performance

Yesterday

However, in the present day, what remains of Wudang are merely numerous legends and the classics of Taoism, along with the widely celebrated Wudang martial arts

Wang Sheng is now a seventeen-year-old youth, barely meeting the rule that states one must not be over eighteen to become an apprentice

Taking advantage of the fact that his parents had not yet arrived, Wang Sheng searched both inside and outside the Zixiao Palace. In the end, he could only let out a helpless sigh, feeling as if he had been doused with a bucket of cold water, and the flame in his heart had been somewhat extinguished.

He is not going to Wudang Mountain to casually find a temple and spend some money on incense offerings to stay there, as that would be of no use

Wang Sheng was just about to call out the name that was already on the tip of his tongue, but the remaining rationality within him suppressed this impulse, and what came out instead was: "Are you the one selling ancient books?"

Dear novice, your encounter with the martial artist today is fate; do not miss the opportunities that life presents to you

After the revival of the primordial energy of heaven and earth, Gao Shihang has become increasingly youthful, earning the reputation of having entered the Dao through martial arts. In fact, this esteemed individual has publicly stated that he is a successor of the Wudang lineage of cultivation.

The mother hurried over to inquire, her face clearly showing concern.

... ...

Wang Sheng, slightly disheveled, added a few WeChat groups on his phone, and only then did the Taoist priest let him leave with satisfaction

Along this path, the mountain stream is concealed within the sea of trees, and the birds sing in the empty valley