Under the guidance of a young Taoist priest from Wudang Mountain, we quickly entered the mountain gate.
Because my martial uncle held an invitation, our status was relatively high.
Upon entering the mountain gate, an older Taoist priest said to another beside him:
"Bai Chu, you escort the senior and our fellow Taoist friends up the mountain."
The one called "Bai Chu" was a young Taoist priest of seventeen or eighteen.
He stepped forward directly and cupped his fists respectfully towards the elder Taoist priest:
"Yes, senior brother!"
After speaking, he made a gesture of invitation to us.
"Senior, please this way."
Martial Uncle nodded and followed.
Not far ahead, we saw over twenty small sightseeing vehicles parked.
Bai Chu added:
"Senior, the main palace is quite a distance from the mountain gate.
We can take a vehicle up the mountain. If senior wishes to walk, Bai Chu is also willing to lead the way."
Although it was everyone's first time visiting Wudang Mountain, no one intended to walk.
So, we chose to take the vehicles.
After getting into the car, Bai Chu began driving us up the mountain while acting as a guide, introducing us to Wudang.
He explained Wudang Mountain's various scenic spots and historical sites, its tourism development, and the various matters concerning this alliance gathering, and so on.
He was extremely courteous to Martial Uncle and us.
At this moment, Bai Chu spoke:
"Senior, these Taoist palaces you see now,
are mainly used to entertain tourists on a daily basis.
Further ahead, there are eight more scenic spots.
Except for special days when they are not open to the public, they are normally used as tourist attractions..."
We nodded.
However, I also asked:
"Fellow Taoist Bai Chu, where do you usually cultivate?"
Bai Chu smiled:
"We usually live in the back mountain and also cultivate.
Besides the palaces in the front, a part of the back mountain is not open to the public.
That is where we, the Wudang disciples, have our dojos.
But on weekdays, we also take turns on duty in the various dojos and main halls,
and we also provide blessings and advice to some pilgrims."
Hearing this, we nodded slightly.
After all, there were so many tourists here, it wouldn't be convenient if they were seen.
It must be said, Wudang Mountain is truly a blessed land for Taoism.
Not only are the scenery beautiful, but the Taoist essence is also profound, and its modern development is excellent.
Taoist culture and ancient Taoist sites are everywhere.
From the mountain gate, there are many small Taoist palaces along the road.
Although Wudang Mountain was closed to tourists today,
one could still feel the prosperity of Wudang Sect's incense offerings in normal times...
We looked at the scenery along the way and listened to the introductions.
It felt like we arrived at the drop-off point in no time.
At this point, we had reached the end of the road, and from here on, we would have to walk.
We got off the vehicles one by one, and then heard Bai Chu respectfully say to Martial Uncle:
"Senior, from here, we can reach the main hall, the Taihe Palace.
The Taoist friends who have arrived recently are all gathered at the Taihe Palace."
Martial Uncle grunted and nodded.
The three of us juniors were also looking forward to it.
Then, we walked up the mountain along the long stone staircase.
Around the path, we could already see people gathered in twos and threes, either smoking or meditating.
Some were even discussing talismans and cultivation.
We didn't know them, but they were clearly fellow practitioners.
The further we walked, the more fellow practitioners we encountered.
Bai Chu kept introducing them to us.
He told us who this person was and which sect that person belonged to.
We just listened quietly, without drawing anyone's attention.
In a short while, we arrived outside the main hall.
Here, there was a small square.
On the square, dozens of fellow practitioners from various sects were gathered.
On the other side of the square, with red walls and high courtyards, was the entrance to the Taoist palace.
There was also a registration desk in front of the gate.
In front of it, more than ten monks were gathered.
A Wudang Sect elder was warmly receiving them;
"Master Jingxin, please come in quickly!"
The leading old monk held a Zen staff, his face was kind and benevolent, and he wore a patched kasaya.
However, he exuded a peaceful and approachable aura, undeniably a Buddhist master.
Behind him, he led a group of young bald disciples, roughly our age, draped in yellow kasayas.
They called out "Namo Amitabha" and entered the Taoist palace.
Bai Chu led us to the registration desk as well.
Upon arrival, Bai Chu spoke:
"Martial Uncle Liuyun, this is Senior Huxiao. Then, he handed over our invitation letter."
The Taoist priest called Liuyun's expression changed noticeably upon hearing Bai Chu say the name Huxiao.
After glancing at the invitation letter and confirming its authenticity,
he hurried forward and cupped his fists, saying:
"Infinite Heavenly Venerable, so it is Fellow Taoist Huxiao of the Black Demon Palace who swept through! I have long admired you!
I am Liuyun of Wudang, pleased to meet you.
Your presence at this alliance gathering will surely add brilliance to the event."
Daoist Liuyun's voice was not loud, but many people around heard it.
After all, the matter of the Black Demon Palace had caused quite a stir before.
Upon hearing my martial uncle's Taoist title, many people turned their heads to look at us.
"Huxiao Daoist?"
"Is that the senior who swept through the Black Demon Palace?"
"Wow, I'm seeing the real person."
"..."
Amidst the murmurs, Martial Uncle smiled:
"Fellow Taoist Liuyun, you are too kind."
After exchanging pleasantries, Daoist Liuyun wasted no more time.
He directly addressed someone behind him:
"Huxiao Daoist, please register. Arrange guest rooms for the three accompanying disciples."
The disciple responsible for registration behind him quickly acted.
Then, a small box was handed over.
It looked like a gift package.
Then, Daoist Liuyun said:
"Fellow Taoist Huxiao, this contains the itinerary list and accommodation keys, with a detailed map inside.
Please take it. Please come in..."
Daoist Liuyun invited us into the hall.
Martial Uncle nodded, then cupped his fists.
The juniors behind him also made a gesture.
Then, holding the keys and maps, we headed directly towards the main palace entrance.
But unexpectedly, as soon as we entered the main palace,
before we had a chance to survey the surroundings inside,
a somewhat angry voice sounded from not far away;
"Qin Ze, you've finally arrived..."
Hearing such a voice suddenly, I instinctively turned my head.
As I turned my head, I saw a group of men and women dressed in Longhu Mountain Taoist robes standing not far away.
There were about eight or nine of them, all young men and women.
At this moment, they were looking at us with ill intentions.
However, the one in the lead looked somewhat familiar.
Upon closer inspection, I remembered.
It was Wang Qi from Longhu Mountain, that kid I beat up at Heishui Temple before.
Before I could speak, Old Mo reminded me from the side:
"Old Qin, it seems this kid wasn't sufficiently beaten last time."
I smiled and said nothing.
Chen Yao also glanced at them a few more times.
Martial Uncle saw this and yawned, appearing indifferent.
I replied to that fellow:
"Do you need something from me?"
Wang Qi, who was leading, had a grim expression and responded:
"Last time, I lost to you unexpectedly.
This time, do you dare to accept my challenge again?"
Damn it, it seems Old Mo was right, this kid wasn't beaten into submission.
I glanced at him, too lazy to bother.
I gave a couple of "hehes" and turned away.
I truly looked down on him:
"Martial Uncle, let's go!"
Martial Uncle heard this, and without any hesitation, led us further, preparing to find our assigned guest rooms to settle down.
Although my voice was not loud,
the commotion we caused attracted the attention of over a dozen disciples from various sects around.
Seeing my utter disregard for Wang Qi of Longhu Mountain, they all looked surprised.
"Holy crap, who is that kid? So arrogant? Ignoring Wang Qi like that?"
"Wang Qi is challenging him? What sect does this guy belong to?"
"You idiot, keep your voice down. He's Qin Ze, the one from Heishui Temple who punched Wang Qi into ać»ç?"
"My god, this kid is the ferocious rogue cultivator Qin Ze?"
"..."
Brothers, I drank too much celebrating the festival yesterday, and I'm dizzy writing today.
It should get better tomorrow, apologies everyone.
I bow my fist in apology...