CHAPTER 502: CHAPTER 502 VISITING LAO MOUNTAIN

By this time, it’s already morning, and the opportunity to watch the sunrise at the top of Giant Peak is surely missed.

Yet, the two don’t mind; they’ve seen plenty of sunrises before and don’t lack for this one at Lao Mountain.

They exchanged tickets, took the tourist shuttle, rode the cable car, and first toured the most famous scenic area of Giant Peak at Lao Mountain, snapping photos to check it off the list.

Then, after descending from Giant Peak, they arrived at the main target of this tour, Taiqing Scenic Area.

Here is the core region of Lao Mountain’s Daoist culture, Taiqing Palace, Shangqing Palace, Mingxia Cave, and others, newly constructed, vividly colorful, high-end and tasteful.

Just that...

"There’s no immortal aura," Lin Wan shook her head.

Although she had yet to cultivate Daoist True Qi, with the aid of two Jade Essence Pills, her Martial Dao Blood Qi was incredibly dense, surpassing typical cultivators; not reaching a hundred years of Dao Practice, but fifty or sixty years, no problem.

So, in her view, these Daoists were nothing but weaklings, not like before when she thought they required cautious handling.

"Wasn’t I right?"

"Right indeed!"

Smack went a kiss, leaving some nearby to again taste mouthfuls of dog food.

"Speaking of which, what do you think about the stories in ’Strange Tales of Liao Zhai’ — true or false?"

At this moment, the two were not following any tour guides, wandering freely, arriving at a site linked to Lao Mountain Daoists.

"Pu Songling is from Lu Province; many stories within his works occur in Lu Province’s realm, with themes of immortals and Daoists, Lao Mountain being most involved. Lao Mountain is a major branch of the Quanzhen Longmen Sect in the Daoist family."

Lu Zheng stroked his chin. "Moreover, Lao Mountain Sect was among the earliest to integrate Zhengyi Daoist fasting and sacrifice for exorcism with the Quanzhen Sect, naturally involving various Daoist talismans and blessing techniques, so..."

"So... how is it?" Lin Wan’s eyes lit with inquiry.

"So..." Lu Zheng contemplatively nodded. "I also don’t know, of course."

"Tsk—"

Nearby, several tourists attentively eavesdropping on Lu Zheng’s bragging let out a collective sigh, each dispersing.

Watching the dispersing crowd, Lu Zheng and Lin Wan exchanged glances and smiles.

Little did they know, the seemingly ordinary young man before them probably outmatched most Daoists mentioned in ’Strange Tales of Liao Zhai’.

"No matter how things stand, we practice Daoist Techniques, so arriving at a Daoist Temple, we ought to pay our respects," Lin Wan said.

"Indeed," Lu Zheng nodded in agreement.

The ordinary people might not know, and even most modern professional Daoists might not agree.

But Lu Zheng certainly knew; the Daoist Three Pristine Ones truly exist, even the renowned immortals mentioned in various Dao Scriptures mostly are real.

They simply ceased to appear in the modern age for various reasons.

Whether it’s because they could no longer see this world, or perhaps because it lacks Spiritual Qi and they aren’t bothered to watch, or whether they might eventually think to look again?

The key is, would they take note if one were to bridge two realms?

Bear in mind, during the Great Jing Dynasty, numerous Sects have thrived for millennia, with Upper Realm Immortals and Buddhas passing down teachings constantly appearing.

Wasn’t Wansong Daoist still playing chess with Chi Songzi just a year ago? And a Demon really manifested decades ago?

In other words, the world of the Great Jing Dynasty remains under the watchful gaze of Upper Realm Immortals, maintaining at least some connection.

Though Lu Zheng was always cautious, Immortals and Buddhas wield great Divine Techniques beyond his ability to hide.

He could traverse realms relying on the Mind Jade Seal; others could descend True Spirits between realms and teach through dreams on their own.

The disparity is indescribable.

Should any dignitary discover him in the Great Jing Dynasty and subsequently trace him back to modernity, it’s entirely possible.

Thus, preemptively paying respects is decidedly essential.

With sincere heart, Immortals surely are aware, isn’t it a secure favor when the time comes?

Thus, Lu Zheng paid respects to each Immortal, and upon entering Taiqing Palace, seeing the divine statues, he solemnly performed ceremonial bows.

Lin Wan knew of Lu Zheng’s abilities; seeing his devotion, she, lacking expertise, knew she should be even more devoted.

Consequently, she followed Lu Zheng closely, showing respect to each Immortal, bowing ceremoniously.

The Daoists in the palace and fellow tourists were stunned at the sight, amazed that these seemingly Golden Boy and Jade Girl’s young couple were indeed dedicated fans of Huaxia’s traditional culture.

Arriving at Taiqing Square, the hierarchy had abolished high incense rates, making prices affordable. Still, Lu Zheng bought the most expensive kind and burned incense with Lin Wan in prayers.

Such was the routine in Taiqing Palace, Shangqing Palace, and Mingxia Cave.

After touring the Daoist cultural area, they ventured onto the sea briefly by boat, returning ashore to continue their journey by tour bus northward.

The next site was the Buddhist cultural area, featuring Huayan Temple.

"How come there’s a Buddhist Temple in Lao Mountain?" Lin Wan was confused.

Lu Zheng shrugged, "In ancient times, mountains weren’t private lands; if Daoist Temples could be built, so could Buddhist Temples. Plus, the Buddhist Sect welcomes followers widely and tends to coax believers better."

In the Great Jing Dynasty, the overall strength of the Daoist Sect surpasses that of the Buddhist Sect, yet this doesn’t mean the Buddhist Sect is weak. Mentioning high-ranking monks and Great Virtuous Ones still garners respect.

Moreover, aside from the Central Plains, the Buddhist Sect has numerous Buddha Countries in the West, despite internal conflicts over ideology, their collective strength remains considerable.

Hence, while you may not appreciate the Buddhist Sect, it commands your acknowledgment.

Ha? Doesn’t this phrasing seem familiar?

Yet Lu Zheng is a Daoist disciple, and not versed in Buddhist Technique, thus regarding temple visits here with less formality.

With bowed gestures, due respect suffices.

A brief stroll around, continuing north to the final focal scenic area, Yangkou Scenic Area.

There’s a newly constructed Daoist Temple here too, Taiping Palace.

Paying respects to the God of Wealth and Emperor Wenchang, then to Mazu, thus concluded their journey satisfactorily.

"It’s unfortunate we have limited time, able only to tour these concentrated areas, missing other scenic spots and Daoist Temples scattered across the mountains."

Lao Mountain is vast, with many lodgings and hotels nearby for accommodation, offering extended stays for detailed exploration.

Sadly, they were restricted to a single day’s time, though having viewed most sights.

"Who knows, perhaps the deep mountain sites possess greater immortal aura," Lin Wan suggested.

Lu Zheng hugged Lin Wan, laughing, "Once you cultivate successfully with the Taiyuan Mysterious Scripture Refining Qi, we’ll fly here together again and display our miraculous deeds for fun."

"Quit joking!" Lin Wan smacked Lu Zheng lightly, "Aren’t things already hectic enough up top?"

Though they hadn’t explicitly mentioned, both knew about the rain incident being recorded secretly, if repeated more often, what if those above genuinely mistaken Spiritual Qi revival?

Hence, discretion was needed.

Just then, sudden chaotic shouting arose.

"Ah ah ah! Look, look!"

"A helicopter!"

"The helicopter’s out of control!"

"It’s coming at us!"