stonecrandall Page 14
Page 14
The old bronze bell on Longhu Mountain rang, signaling the end of evening classes.
Zhang Yunyuan was doing his evening prayers with several of his fellow disciples when he heard the sound. He immediately put down the Taoist scriptures in his hand, bowed to the senior uncle in charge of teaching, and quickly ran towards the Celestial Master's Mansion.
In the afternoon, Tian Jinzhong said that his master told him to go over after evening class.
After passing through several courtyards, Zhang Yunyuan stopped outside the Old Celestial Master's meditation room.
"Master, the disciple is here."
"come in."
Pushing open the door, one finds only an oil lamp lit in the quiet room, casting a dim, yellowish light.
The old Celestial Master Zhang Jingqing sat cross-legged on a futon. In front of him stood a person with a tall and upright figure and a restrained aura. It was none other than his eldest brother, Zhang Zhiwei.
Zhang Zhiwei's expression was noticeably less relaxed than it had been in the afternoon, suggesting that the Old Master had given him some instructions before he arrived.
At this moment, both of them looked rather solemn.
"Master, Senior Brother."
Zhang Yunyuan bowed politely.
"Yun Yuan, sit down."
The old celestial master pointed to the prayer mat beside him.
Zhang Yunyuan sat down as instructed, feeling a little apprehensive.
It's so late, and my master and senior brother are looking for me together. Judging from the atmosphere, it doesn't seem like they're going to test my studies.
"I called you here because there's something I need to tell you."
Zhang Jingqing spoke slowly, her voice lower than usual.
“There have been some unusual movements of Qi recently in the forbidden area behind Longhu Mountain, the cemetery where the Celestial Masters of all generations rest.”
"I've investigated. They are several seals set up in the early years. Due to their age, they have become loose, and there are signs of evil energy leaking out."
Zhang Yunyuan felt a chill run down his spine.
The Celestial Master's Tomb? That's the foundation of Longhu Mountain, it's no small matter.
"This matter is of great importance and cannot be compromised."
Zhang Jingqing continued.
"I have just discussed it with Zhiwei, and we have decided to go to the depths of the Celestial Master's Tomb today to work together to repair and reinforce all the seals."
This journey requires complete focus, so I will announce that I am going into seclusion, with no return date set.
Zhang Yunyuan's eyes gleamed almost imperceptibly in the dim light.
Are both Master and Senior Brother going into seclusion?
Doesn't that mean...
Did he have a chance to slip down the mountain?
"After I leave the mountain, the affairs of the mountain will be temporarily managed by you, Senior Brother Huaiyi and Senior Brother Jinzhong."
The old celestial master's gaze fell on Zhang Yunyuan, with a hint of unease.
At ten years old, she was at a time when she was lively and mischievous.
"You're the youngest, so you're the one I worry about the most."
He stretched out his hand, his fingers forming a sword shape, and gently touched Zhang Yunyuan's brow.
A gentle yet irresistible Qi instantly entered his body, leaving a very faint, flame-shaped vermilion mark on the inside of his wrist.
"This is a restriction I placed."
The old Taoist priest said in a deep voice.
“Normally it will not hinder your cultivation, but if you have any improper thoughts or physical intimacy with someone, this mark will heat up as a warning, and I will be able to sense it immediately.”
Zhang Yunyuan looked down at the mark on his wrist, speechless.
Isn't this the virginity mark on Zhang Chulan's body?
The famous scene of Zhang Chulan walking his bird under the moonlight involuntarily reappeared in his mind.
Master, I'm only ten years old. Aren't you overthinking things...?
"Now that you have a solid foundation, it is time for you to hone your skills through persistent effort."
Zhang Jingqing's tone became earnest and meaningful.
"Now that I'm not on the mountain, you need to practice your skills even more diligently and listen to your two senior brothers, understand?"
"I understand, Master. I will definitely practice hard and not cause you any trouble."
Zhang Yunyuan raised his head, revealing an incredibly well-behaved and sensible face.
Seeing his appearance, the old celestial master felt somewhat relieved and waved his hand.
"Go on, get some rest."
"Yes, Master, Senior Brother, this disciple takes his leave."
Zhang Yunyuan bowed respectfully, then turned and left the quiet room.
The moment the door closed, the obedient expression on his face was immediately replaced by an irrepressible excitement.
It's like God is helping me!
The next morning, the news that the old Celestial Master Zhang Jingqing and his eldest disciple Zhang Zhiwei had announced their seclusion spread throughout the entire Longhu Mountain.
The mountain area entered a period jointly managed by Zhang Huaiyi and Tian Jinzhong.
Zhang Huaiyi remained taciturn, but his actions became increasingly composed, and he arranged all matters in an orderly manner.
Tian Jinzhong took charge of supervising the daily cultivation of all his disciples, as well as providing "special care" for Zhang Yunyuan.
Before leaving, Zhang Jingqing called Zhang Yunyuan to her side, held his hand, and repeatedly instructed him to focus on his cultivation and never be naughty.
Zhang Yunyuan acted like a child about to part with his loved ones, his eyes red and nodding vigorously, almost as if he were swearing an oath to the heavens.
After a reluctant farewell, the two biggest "guards" finally left.
That afternoon, Zhang Yunyuan found Tian Jinzhong.
"Brother Tian, before Master passed away, he told me to read more ancient Taoist texts to calm my mind."
He tilted his little face up and said in a serious tone.
"I want to go to the old book repository in the backyard of the Sutra Repository. It contains many fragments and rare books, and it is said that there are many insights from the spiritual practice of the predecessors. I want to copy some of them."
Upon hearing this, Tian Jinzhong was deeply moved by his junior brother's diligence. He had devoted himself to cultivation as soon as his master and senior brother left.
"Sure! Of course!"
Without a second thought, he agreed and personally led Zhang Yunyuan to the Sutra Repository. He greeted the senior monk guarding the library and granted him free access to the old books.
The archive was filled with dusty bamboo slips and yellowed ancient books, and a musty smell wafted out.
Zhang Yunyuan stayed here for three whole days.
He flipped through the tattered and incomplete books at an astonishing speed, and finally, in the interlayer of a tattered scroll called "Tales of Strange Things in the Mountains and Rivers of Jiangxi", he found what he really wanted.
It was an ancient map drawn on animal hide. Most of the writing on it was blurred and illegible, but it was still possible to vaguely make out that it depicted the mountains and rivers surrounding Longhu Mountain.
The above records are all scenic and beautiful places.
Zhang Yunyuan quietly tucked the map into his pocket, a smug smile playing on his lips.
The plan to descend the mountain has officially begun.
A few days later, he calculated the date accurately.
It was night, the moon was dark and the wind was high.
Zhang Yunyuan lay on the bed, listening carefully to the sounds coming from inside the room.
Tian Jinzhong's snoring was as steady and powerful as ever.
Zhang Huaiyi, in the next bed, was breathing heavily, almost imperceptibly, having entered a deep state of meditation.
He silently slid off the bed and put on the night clothes he had prepared beforehand.
He walked into the courtyard, took a deep breath, and a thought struck him.
The "Great Ruyi Force" within the body began to circulate.
This ancient martial art, which he learned from the Lü family, has been refined over the past few years and is no longer limited to fists and feet.
The Ruyi Jin, practiced by the Lü family, is a skill that allows one to strike from a distance, specifically designed to counter external martial arts techniques.
One punch, and the skin and flesh are unharmed, but the internal organs are completely shattered.
However, after careful study, he discovered that the Great Ruyi Force he acquired had the wonderful ability to conceal internal force and flow freely at will.
At this moment, he gathered all the energy in his body and poured it into the meridians of his legs!
An unprecedented feeling of lightness instantly spread throughout my body.
He felt as if his legs had lost their weight, as if he were standing on two invisible air cushions, filled with explosive power.
He tentatively took a step forward.
My body felt as if it were being supported by an invisible force, and I glided forward lightly for several meters.
This is "divine speed"!
Zhang Yunyuan was overjoyed and no longer hesitated.
With a slight push of his feet, he moved like a ghostly shadow skimming the ground, silently darting out of the courtyard and speeding towards the mountain gate without making a sound.
The speed is unbelievable!
The trees and rocks along the way rushed past in the field of vision, turning into blurry shadows.
He could clearly feel that the surging Qi within his body was being consumed at an alarming rate.
At this speed, by the time we reach the foot of the mountain, we'll probably have used up 30% of our Qi.
Given the round trip and the possibility of unforeseen circumstances, we must act swiftly!