Chapter 6, Wujishan, Wujiyuan.

A group of Daoists hurriedly descended from the upper hall, among them the abbot, whose beard and eyebrows had turned white, indicating his advanced age. His body trembled as he was supported by two young acolytes, making his way to stand before Chu Yangcheng. To his side, a Daoist wearing a Sanjiao cap, aged in his forties or fifties, was the supervisor. Behind the two stood three more Daoists, and further back were another seven or eight individuals, all of whom held a certain status within the Wujiyuan.

In a moment of distraction, the young Taoist beside him cleared his throat, awakening Zhao Ran. Only then did he withdraw his gaze, crossing the main hall to pursue Chu Yangcheng

The numerous Taoist priests bowed in reverence and chanted in unison: "We respectfully welcome the Master’s presence!"

At this moment, Zhao Ran finally understood that Chu Yangcheng was not a priest of this temple, but he appeared to have quite a significant background

After bypassing the mountain gate and passing through a bamboo grove and several unnamed halls, the view suddenly opens up to reveal a square courtyard paved with blue stones. The courtyard is approximately six or seven zhang in circumference and is divided into upper and lower sections. The lower level is slightly larger, with two two-story small buildings facing each other on either side, known as the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. Above the nine-tiered stone steps is the upper courtyard, surrounded by stone railings, where the grand Sanqing Hall stands. In front of the hall is a large bronze incense burner shaped like a flying crane, with fragrant smoke wafting from it, filling the air with the scent of sandalwood.

Chu Yangcheng slightly nodded, gesturing to the crowd with a bow, and then ascended the steps accompanied by the abbot. Zhao Ran hurriedly followed. Upon arriving at the Sanqing Hall, it was observed that Chu Yangcheng had already entered the hall. He received the incense offered by the supervisor and first paid his respects to the central statue of Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun, followed by bows to the statues of Shangqing Lingbao Tianzun and Taiqing Daode Tianzun on either side. As he worshipped, the sound of bells and chimes resonated, each note striking a chord in the heart.

As they moved forward, the mountain terrain gradually became more gentle, unlike the steep and towering heights they had encountered before. When the sun began to set in the west, the two arrived at the foot of a mountain. Chu Yangcheng set Zhao Ran down and took the lead along the bluestone path up the mountain. Zhao Ran noticed a stone tablet leaning at the side of the path, on which three seal characters were inscribed—Wuji Mountain

Within the Daoist temple, following the Abbot, the Supervisor, and the Three Capitals, there are eight major stewards who oversee the affairs of the temple. The steward in charge of the guest hall is referred to as the Knowledgeable Guest, and he is one of the eight major stewards. This middle-aged Daoist is named Yu Zhiyuan, and he serves as a gatekeeper under the Knowledgeable Guest, also holding an official position. Zhao Ran subtly engaged him in conversation for a few moments, gaining a slight understanding of the situation within the Daoist community

Zhao Ran learned that Yu Zhiyuan had a fondness for calligraphy and painting, particularly excelling in calligraphy, which greatly pleased him. He immediately shifted the conversation and engaged Yu Zhiyuan in a discussion about calligraphy. This was not a case of Zhao Ran pretending to understand something he did not; he indeed had a certain level of expertise in calligraphy and painting. Before his time travel, Zhao Ran's uncle was a member of the provincial calligraphy and painting association, and his works were quite renowned in the province, reportedly being a disciple of the disciple of the esteemed Qi Gong. From a young age, Zhao Ran had followed his uncle to learn calligraphy and painting, and after more than twenty years of diligent study, he had developed considerable skill and a strong brushwork.

On the second day, Chu Yangcheng continued to carry Zhao Ran on his shoulders as they traveled. Zhao Ran, fearing that he might be subjected to magical confinement again, dared not speak much, only occasionally engaging in brief conversations with Chu Yangcheng, which often went unanswered. Nevertheless, Zhao Ran gradually discerned Chu Yangcheng's preferences; this Taoist seemed solely interested in cultivating his techniques and had no affection for anything else. This left Zhao Ran quite frustrated, as he was completely ignorant of such matters and naturally had no way to please him. However, even so, Zhao Ran gradually grasped Chu Yangcheng's preferences; this Taoist appeared to be interested only in cultivating techniques and had no love for anything else. This left Zhao Ran very disheartened, as he was entirely uninformed about it and thus had no means to win the other's favor.

The abbot nodded, and the supervisor quickly instructed the staff in the guest hall to take Zhao Ran to have a meal

Chu Yang ascended the steps, and although he was not as swift as before, Zhao Ran found it quite exhausting to keep pace with him

The Ming Dynasty established Daoism as the state religion, and the Daoist sect is a collective term for various Daoist temples. The overall management of these temples is overseen by the central temple, which guides the Daoist sects across the world. This was all known to Zhao Ran from the memories of the deceased Zhao Sanlang. At this moment, he learned from Yu Zhiyuan that the Daoist sect has established a temple in each of the two capitals and thirteen provinces, a Daoist palace in each prefecture and state, and a Daoist institute in each county, all of which are responsible for local Daoist affairs. This arrangement is entirely consistent with the official government offices of the Ming Dynasty, indicating the extent of the Daoist sect's religious control over the Ming.

The Wuji Academy, where Zhao Ran is located, is the "yamen" that governs all matters related to the Daoist sects in Guyang County

Although the origins of Zhao Ran were unclear, since he was brought by Chu Yangcheng, the middle-aged Taoist did not dare to be careless. Whenever Zhao Ran spoke to him, he made every effort to respond. Zhao Ran's ability to read people's expressions and moods was honed from his previous life experiences. After chatting with the Taoist for a few moments, he quickly grasped the other party's preferences. He then followed the Taoist's lead, engaging in a wide-ranging conversation, and before long, the two became quite friendly.

After the worship was completed, Chu Yangcheng, surrounded by a group of Taoist priests, walked through the hall towards the back. Zhao Ran hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects. He knelt on the mat, received the incense offered by the young acolyte, and, unsure of the proper etiquette, bowed three times before inserting the incense into the cauldron. After completing the worship of the three deities, Zhao Ran felt a surge of emotions and raised his head to take a brief look around.

Zhao Ran was filled with excitement, secretly thinking that it was good to have found a place. If you don't accept me, I will eat, drink, and make a scene right at your mountain gate! To confirm his suspicion, he asked, "Is this the Daoist temple of the immortal?"

Upon the arrival of Chu Yangcheng, the gate opened wide. An esteemed old Taoist accompanied by several individuals came out to greet him, all bowing respectfully with a demeanor of reverence. The old Taoist and the others simultaneously chanted: "We respectfully welcome the Master’s presence!" Chu Yangcheng waved his hand, signaling that no further formalities were necessary, and proceeded directly into the mountain gate

Zhao Ran was indeed ravenous, but upon hearing Chu Yangcheng's intention, which seemed to indicate a readiness to part ways with him, he could no longer afford to think about eating. His mind was racing, solely focused on how to find a way to entangle himself in some cause and effect with this Taoist priest.

Zhao Ran, panting heavily, listened as Chu Yangcheng said: "This place is Wujishan. Seven miles southeast of the mountain is Guyang County. To the south of Guyang County is Shiquan County. You have not had any food or water today, so you should have some meals here before you leave."

Zhao Ran changed his address for Yu Zhiyuan to "Yu Zhi Ke". Yu Zhiyuan quickly waved his hand, stating that he was not a Zhi Ke and that he did not dare to accept such a title. Zhao Ran replied that although he was not yet a Zhi Ke, based on his way of treating others, it was certain that he would achieve remarkable success in the future, and it was only a matter of time before he was promoted to Zhi Ke. Although Yu Zhiyuan continued to say "I dare not," his face had already blossomed with joy, and his impression of Zhao Ran improved significantly.

In the center, the Primordial Supreme Being holds the Primordial Treasure Pearl with a smile that carries an air of indifference; on the left, the Spiritual Treasure Supreme Being cradles a jade scepter, with eyes that seem to shine with brilliance; on the right, the Virtue Supreme Being gently shakes a Tai Chi fan, his gaze soft and gentle. The three Supreme Beings appear as if they are one person, yet each possesses distinct differences, the nature of which Zhao Ran cannot articulate. After observing for a while, Zhao Ran feels that the faces of the three deities become increasingly blurred; they are clearly right in front of him, yet he cannot retain them in his memory, no matter how hard he tries.

Zhao Ran followed the Taoist priest through the Taoist temple, not knowing how many halls and groves they had passed, and finally arrived at a courtyard. This area was much more dilapidated compared to the main hall they had just been in, but that was only in relative terms; when compared to the home of Zhao Zhuang's fourth uncle, it was still considerably better.

This discussion struck at the very itch of Yu Zhiyuan. Yu Zhiyuan spoke at length and with great enthusiasm, while Zhao Ran occasionally chimed in with a few remarks. Although Zhao Ran's words were few, they were precisely on point. Before long, Yu Zhiyuan had already regarded Zhao Ran as a confidant.

This place is called the dormitory, which serves as the living quarters in the Taoist temple. The Taoists and the *tu* *shu* reside here for their daily activities, akin to the residential community where Zhao Ran lived in his previous life before his time travel. The largest building in the dormitory is the dining hall, which is spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of people dining simultaneously. At this moment, the sky has darkened, and the Taoists have already finished their dinner. In the vast dining hall, only the guest hall Taoist remains to accompany Zhao Ran.

Behind the towering mountain gate, countless palaces and numerous towers can be faintly seen ascending along the mountain slope, all concealed among the green trees and ancient pines

After ascending the blue stone steps for a moment and turning several corners, the steps suddenly rose steeply. Looking up, a Taoist mountain gate with red lacquer and golden eaves suddenly appeared before me. The double eaves soared, and the gate opened wide. Above, a blue plaque inscribed with three large golden characters read: "Wuji Courtyard." Below the plaque, the red lacquered lintel bore the inscription "Shanqunglu," while the left doorpost was inscribed with "Chuan Zhong Jin Xiu" and the right doorpost with "Fa Wai Yin Yang." The annotation for "Shanqunglu" read: "Bestowed by the Celestial Master." The lintel below the plaque bore the inscription "Shanqunglu," while the left doorpost was inscribed with "Chuan Zhong Jin Xiu" and the right doorpost with "Fa Wai Yin Yang." The annotation for "Shanqunglu" read: "Bestowed by the Celestial Master."

Chuyang Cheng shook his head, remaining silent, and ascended the stone steps, arriving at the entrance of the observation gate

Behind the Sanqing Hall stands a slightly smaller bronze hall, which is the Hall of the Celestial Master. When Zhao Ran arrived, Chu Yangcheng had already completed his worship at the Hall of the Celestial Master and stepped out of its threshold. He pointed at Zhao Ran and said to the abbot and the supervisor, "This child has not yet eaten today..."

Zhao Ran naturally could not fall behind, and he quickly followed closely behind with two steps at a time. The old Taoist, seeing that Zhao Ran was dressed in rags and not wearing the attire of a Taoist, was somewhat curious about his identity. However, since Chu Yangcheng did not speak, he felt it was inappropriate to ask and pretended not to know, leading the way ahead.