With guidance, this time they didn't get lost.

They ascended along the snow-covered mountain path, gazing at the jade-carved ice sculptures on the sheer cliffs, as if naturally formed, with snow-laden pine and cypress on both sides, branches drooping low.

The secluded mountain, icy and cold, perfectly blended into one.

Ordinary people may only see beauty when climbing the mountain, but those awakened with Divine Skills can feel the flow of Innate Astral Qi, displaying myriad phenomena.

"Squeak! Squeak!"

Shortly after passing the mountain gate, they saw a flicker of gold amidst the snowy forest, clearly a golden snub-nosed monkey.

Like an elf in the snow, it darted between the pine and cypress.

"Are you Mr. Li from Shan State?"

A clear voice sounded in the distance, followed by a middle-aged man in a blue Daoist robe, his wide sleeves fluttering as if winds rose beneath his feet, gliding over the snowy path from the mountain.

Such impressive Qinggong!

Li Yan secretly admired in his heart upon seeing this.

He could clearly tell that this man hadn't used spells, yet purely through exertion, he could traverse the slippery snow paths faster than skiing.

Swoosh!

As the Daoist came to a stop, the lively golden snub-nosed monkey leaped down, landing on his shoulder, biting on a fruit while curiously watching them.

Its eyes were lively, clearly possessing spirituality.

The Daoist had handsome features, his eyebrows like swords, with dimples hanging at the corners of his mouth, seemingly always bearing a smile, making one feel amiable at first sight.

"Greetings to both gentlemen."

After ensuring their identities, the Daoist performed a salute and smiled, saying, "I am Ling Yunzi, the 'Guest Officer' on the mountain, commissioned by the Master to welcome you both."

"Guest Officer" is a basic position in Taoist Temples responsible for welcoming guests, arranging lodging, handling daily affairs, etc.

Anyone holding this position must be humble and courteous, polite and dignified, knowledgeable in affairs, and familiar with human interactions.

Especially serving as 'Guest Officer' in a place like Qingcheng Mountain requires more than just speaking skills; after several years of experience, they often move up to higher positions.

"Thank you, Daoist."

Li Yan and his companion dared not underestimate, returning the courtesy with gratitude.

"Please, you needn't be formal, follow me."

This Ling Yunzi Daoist had a graceful demeanor, not only in speech generating goodwill, but his Dao skills were quite excellent.

Walking on the steep, slippery mountain paths was like strolling on flat ground, all the while introducing as they walked.

"From here, you can traverse to the Qingcheng Back Mountain, where there are scenic spots like Hidden Valley Flying Spring, Hundred Feet Bridge, and Dragon Hidden Ancient Path, intriguing and mystical. You can visit if you have time, though the paths are difficult in snow..."

"Going this way leads to Yuqing Palace, Shangqing Palace, and the top of Qingcheng's highest peak Laoxiaoding with Laojun Temple..."

"The Cave Heaven Blessed Land is relatively far, by Zhao Gong Mountain, rumored to be the hiding place of Zhao Gongming. If you wish to cultivate and build a tower, arrangements can be made ahead..."

"Can we visit Master Chen Kongzi?"

"Certainly, the Master is in the Ancestor Hall. Let me take you both there."

Amidst Qingcheng Mountain, crisscrossed with large and small paths, but with Ling Yunzi guiding and their exceptional footwork, their pace was swift.

However, Li Yan noticed something amiss.

This Ling Yunzi seemed to intentionally lead them in circles.

Not out of malice, but when reaching certain places, would deliberately divert under the guise of sightseeing.

Feeling the tremor of the Hook Paper in his chest, Li Yan was aware.

Presumably, these places were where Qingcheng Mountain's Earth Immortals resided.

Of course, aware but unspoken, he pretended not to notice, following Ling Yunzi's lead deeper into the mountains.

Similar to Wudang Mountain, Qingcheng Mountain was also dotted with large and small Taoist temples, occasionally encountering Patrolling Taoists, and those meditating or practicing swordsmanship on the Big Snow Plateau.

The snowy sights enveloping the mountain, with swords glimmering in the mist, appeared beyond the mundane world.

Even with their footwork, it took them a full hour before spotting a grand palace backed by towering peaks, with streams in front, tall pines on both sides, snow-covered, very serene.

"This place is the Ancestor Hall."

Ling Yunzi smiled and said, "Originally built during the Jin Dynasty, initially named Cave Heaven Temple, later renamed Ancestor Hall. Xue Chang, Du Guangting, and Princess Yuzhen all cultivated here."

He pointed to a distant pavilion with an archaic design, "That is the Inquiry Pavilion, rumored where Emperor Xuan Yuan once sought the Dao from immortal Ancestor Ning Fengzi."

"Qingcheng is indeed remarkable…"

Li Yan smiled and nodded, praising.

Honestly, although that Inquiry Pavilion looked old, how could a building from the era of the Yellow Emperor possibly remain intact?

Most likely built by future generations in commemoration.

He was in a good mood because of the place the Qingcheng Master chose.

On Qingcheng Mountain, there are many palaces.

Although the Ancestor Hall has a serene environment, it isn't large. When Qingcheng Mountain hosts guests, they mostly choose places like Shangqing Palace or Yuqing Hall.

In the Ancestor Hall, the offerings are to the Zhenwu Emperor and Eight Immortals.

They ascended the mountain with a letter of introduction from Yu Chanzi, and the new Master Chen Kongzi chose to meet here, clearly for a reason.

Inside the Ancestor Hall's Taoist Temple, there weren't many Daoists; only a few disciples were meditating in the scripture hall, and one person was wielding a large broom, sweeping away the accumulated snow.

"Please come in, both of you."

Upon arriving outside the Zhenwu Hall, Ling Yunzi whispered, "The Master is inside. I'll wait for you outside."

Li Yan and his companion nodded and stepped boldly into the Zhenwu Hall.

This Zhenwu Hall wasn't big. The winter sky was overcast, and with the tall pine and cypress trees inside the temple, the light was somewhat dim.

In front of the divine statue of the Zhenwu Emperor, a Daoist was adding incense, his figure tall, wearing a jade crown and a Daoist robe of interwoven black and white.

When the two entered the hall, the other had just turned around.

The Master is the face of a sect. Since ancient times, those who could hold the position had requirements not only in Dao cultivation but also in appearance.

This Chen Kongzi before them was no exception.

He looked slightly younger than Yu Chanzi. Though over fifty, his hair remained jet-black, his skin was fair, his eyes bright, and his long black beard hung chest-length, exuding an air of immortal grace.

Upon seeing this, Li Yan couldn't help but silently praise him.

This person's appearance is oddly reminiscent of Lu Dongbin.

Inside the Zhenwu Hall, Divine Skills were also suppressed. Li Yan couldn't sense the other's Dao cultivation, but to hold the position of Master, one had to be at least at the Sixth Layer.

"Greetings to the Master."

Both of them dared not be negligent, and they cupped their hands in salute.

"No need for excessive ceremony."

Chen Kongzi smiled slightly, "I and Brother Yu Chanzi roamed the pugilistic world together when we were young, and we're close friends."

"He had already sent word to me; it's just that with so much happening on the mountain, I hadn't had the chance to send someone to invite you two."

After inviting them to sit and having a Daoist boy serve tea, Chen Kongzi continued to inquire, mainly about matters concerning Wudang Mountain.

After some discussion about family matters, Chen Kongzi's expression turned serious, "Brother Yu Chanzi's letter mainly mentioned Zhao Changsheng; this fiend causes chaos in the human world and must be eradicated quickly!"

"Mr. Li, you've come all the way from Ezhou. I've heard bits and pieces about your journey. Have you found any clues?"

"Dragon Worship Sect, Shu Prince Mansion!"

Li Yan said solemnly, "There isn't just one person behind Zhao Changsheng. He and another yin criminal, the Qin era magician Lu Sheng, jointly went to Shu Prince Mansion. Afterwards, the Shu Prince's temperament drastically changed, and he developed an interest in pursuing longevity…"

He didn't hold back and revealed much information.

Of course, some things were withheld.

Such as Lu Sheng's plot for the Nine Tripod and Immortal Master Erlang's reincarnation tribulation.

These are too important.

Unless it's confirmed that Chen Kongzi is trustworthy.

"There's also this matter…"

After hearing this, Chen Kongzi gently stroked his beard, "Qingcheng has already dispatched people to join forces with Emei and Guangde Temple to besiege the Dragon Worship Sect. If the Sect Leader can be captured, perhaps we can find out the truth."

"As for the Shu Prince Mansion, the Shu Prince has been gravely ill for some days. I will have a brother visit to investigate along the way."

"If the Shu Prince is indeed entangled with evil, I will personally write to Your Majesty to prevent a major disaster."

"The senior is wise."

Li Yan slightly cupped his hands, flattering him.

Qingcheng Mountain holds a special position; the relationship between the Mystical Sect and the court is not entirely unified, and every move must be cautious.

Involving the Shu Prince, Chen Kongzi being able to do so much is already commendable.

After saying all this, Chen Kongzi took a sip of tea and smiled, "I'm waiting for you here for another matter."

"Mr. Li, there is a senior on Qingcheng Mountain who wishes to take you as a disciple to inherit a line of Dao tradition. Would you be willing?"

Li Yan was a bit surprised, "Which sect is it?"

Chen Kongzi said lightly, "North Emperor Sect, Earth God Sect!"

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