Only by reaching the realm of Earth Immortals can one comprehend the profound and mysterious laws of heaven and earth. The specifics vary from person to person, and are difficult to explain or describe.
Some people compare the laws of heaven and earth to clusters of flowers blooming in the mountains; some are fragrant and filling the valley, some are elegant and pure, and some are poisonous. These clusters of flowers may only contain one kind, or more likely, many kinds are mixed in.
This is the Way, right before our eyes, and also on the horizon!
Jiang Liu's rapid advancement to the Qi Refining and Spirit Transformation realm was naturally inferior to Zhang Guo's solid foundation built step by step. Further progress wouldn't be achieved simply through accumulating Qi. However, in terms of demon-slaying techniques, Jiang Liu far surpassed Zhang Guo.
The two gained a lot from their exchange.
Looking southwest from the Zhongtiao Mountains, across the rolling Yellow River, lies the world-famous Mount Hua.
Mount Hua in the west is the sacred site of the Five Great Emperors, the God of Mount Hua!
The Five Sacred Mountains Emperors are the gods who rule over all the mountains in the world. They are the emperors among the mountain gods, and their positions are equivalent to the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas. However, because of the titles bestowed by human emperors and the sacrifices made by the people, they have accumulated far more merit than the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, thus making them several times stronger. After all, compared to the sea, the land is the foundation of human survival.
The Great Emperor Jintian Shunsheng of Mount Hua in the West, whose name was Jiang Xiong. During the great calamity of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, Kong Xuan stationed his troops at Jinji Ridge to resist the Zhou. Huang Feihu, Wen Pin, Cui Ying, Chong Heihu, Jiang Xiong and Gao Jineng fought a great battle, broke Gao Jineng's magic, and killed Gao Jineng. Later, Jiang Xiong was killed by Zhang Kui in Mianchi.
These five people were then bestowed the title of the Five Great Emperors of the Sacred Mountains.
"Fellow Daoist, are you looking at Mount Hua?" Zhang Guo gazed into the distance, but the sea of clouds obscured his view, making it impossible to see clearly. He smiled and said, "It's that time of year again for the annual Daoist discussion at Xueying Palace. Would you be interested in joining me?"
"Snow Reflection Palace?" Jiang Liu was somewhat puzzled. Although he had already reached the Earth Immortal realm, in terms of knowledge, he was far inferior to Zhang Guo. This person was among the Eight Immortals of the Upper Cave, and even if he had not yet attained enlightenment, he was not to be underestimated. Tieguai Li and Han Zhongli had already become Earth Immortals, but they were still his friends.
Zhang Guo pointed towards Mount Hua and explained, “Xueying Palace is the residence of the Holy Mother of Mount Hua. Every year on the winter solstice, she invites enlightened cultivators from the mortal world to discuss the Dharma and the Dao. Last year, I was taken by Fellow Daoist Zhongli to participate, and I gained a lot. The winter solstice is approaching, so Fellow Daoist, don’t miss this grand discussion! Even just listening in will be of great benefit to our cultivation.”
Jiang Liu was startled and said, "Are you talking about the Third Holy Mother, the sister of Erlang Shen Zhenjun?"
"Exactly!"
Jiang Liu pondered for a while. It was clear that the Third Holy Mother had not yet met the mortal named Liu Xi, courtesy name Yanchang, and naturally, Chenxiang had not been born yet. The plot of rescuing her mother at Mount Hua was still far from being realized.
"I wasn't invited, so is it alright if I go uninvited?" Jiang Liu asked cautiously. If he went there full of enthusiasm only to be turned away, he would lose all face.
Zhang Guo pondered for a moment and said, "Master Tieguai and Master Zhongli will definitely be going. I have known them for a long time, so it should be no problem to ask them to introduce me! However, Master... there is something I don't know if I should say?"
Zhang Guo's expression was somewhat strange, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
"You know my personality, so just tell me straight!"
“Then I will speak the truth!” Zhang Guo placed the fish drum on his lap and said earnestly, “Fellow Daoist, the Third Holy Mother dislikes fighting and killing. No matter how high her magical power, how strong her supernatural abilities, or how powerful her demon-subduing methods are, they are all insignificant in her eyes. Fellow Daoist should know that she has an older brother whose fighting prowess is unparalleled in the Three Realms. Who can be a second Sun Wukong and fight Erlang Shen to a draw? Therefore, this Daoist discussion on the Winter Solstice is for friends to make friends through literature and discuss the Dao, not for comparing magical power and supernatural abilities!”
Jiang Liu nodded. No wonder the Third Holy Mother married a mortal scholar; she was a cultured young man! Perhaps she really was a cultured young woman!
"Listen more, observe more, and speak less, how about that?"
Zhang Guo coughed, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "After this discussion, the Three Holy Mothers will give each person a small gift based on how well they performed... Of course, you don't care, fellow Daoist..."
"Oh! There's a big prize too!" Jiang Liu exclaimed in surprise, looking up at Mount Hua shrouded in heavy clouds and mist, his heart stirred.
In terms of literature and art, if I am second, who in this world can claim to be first? I have been familiar with three hundred Tang poems and have mastered Song lyrics since childhood. At worst, I can sing a song of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" and still amaze you all.
"Winning the heart of a beauty isn't impossible!" Jiang Liu thought to himself, momentarily looking somewhat like a lecherous man.
"Ahem! Fellow Daoist, please don't be impatient. Let us go and listen... just listen!" Zhang Guo advised. Through his interactions with Jiang Liu over the past few days, he naturally knew Jiang Liu's background. Although Jiang Liu was well-versed in the classics of the Daoist Canon, his understanding of the Dao was not very good. His Daoist techniques, supernatural powers, and methods for subduing demons were far beyond what ten of Zhang Guo could match. Even the Iron-Crutch Daoist and Zhongli Daoist, whom he knew, were far inferior. However, this grand event was not a battle!
Jiang Liu glanced at Zhang Guo, naturally understanding what he meant. But Zhang Guo, you probably don't know that the Third Holy Mother is an artistic youth! Otherwise, how could she possibly be involved with a mere mortal scholar!
Is this some kind of plagiarism attempt?! Talent doesn't matter, just copying is fine; learning doesn't matter, just modifying is enough. No way! I need to prepare properly; at the very least, I need to become a familiar face!
The winter solstice was fast approaching, and Jiang Liu dressed up nicely before going out, looking more like a scholar than a Taoist priest.
Zhang Guo continued riding his little donkey backwards, heading towards Mount Hua side by side.
Chapter 178 Inscribing a Poem in the Temple
Since ancient times, there has only been one path to Mount Hua, which is extremely precipitous, with peaks as if cleaved by a sword and mountains as if cut by an axe.
Zhang Guo rode his donkey backwards, facing Jiang Liu directly, and soon they arrived at the foot of Mount Hua.
Jiang Liu traveled along the way without encountering any demonic or evil aura, unlike the Jiangnan Road before, where demons and monsters wreaked havoc, and even cultivators had to be extremely cautious outside the city.
The Central Plains are indeed extraordinary. This scene of peace and prosperity is not merely due to its location in the Central Plains, right under the nose of the Heavenly Court, but also because the Tang Dynasty is at its peak, already showing signs of a golden age. Although the surrounding lands are still ravaged by war, they can no longer stop the Tang Dynasty's war machine from turning. Any obstacle in its path will be crushed to dust.
“Fellow Daoist, Zhongli and Tieguai have not yet arrived. Why don’t I take you to the West Mountain Temple?” Zhang Guo suggested.
"Alright, let's go to the West Mountain Temple to pay our respects to the Holy Mother of Mount Hua first!"
The Temple of the Three Holy Mothers of Mount Hua is the place of worship for her, while the Snow Reflection Palace, hidden among the clouds of Mount Hua, is her separate residence, her abode when she descends to the mortal realm. Most of the time, the Three Holy Mothers, Yang Chan, still resides high in the Thirty-Three Heavens.
After all, she is the Jade Emperor's niece and Yang Jian's younger sister.
More importantly, she had already attained the rank of Celestial Immortal, a true Celestial Immortal who had refined her spirit and returned to the void. Moreover, the Lotus Lamp that the Goddess Nuwa had given her was a Chaos Spiritual Treasure.
Before the beginning of time, when the clear and the turbid were indistinguishable, before heaven and earth were created, and when all things were in chaos, the whole world drifted in endless cold and desolation. The goddess Nuwa stole heavenly fire and illuminated the universe. That heavenly fire, which opened up the world, transformed into a boundless magical treasure, the Lotus Lantern, which possessed infinite power.
Above the Thirty-Three Heavens, in a celestial palace, amidst the drifting clouds and mist, two beautiful fairies appeared. One was dressed in white, without any adornment, yet she was extremely dignified, noble, and ethereal. Yun Yun from "Battle Through the Heavens" was simply incomparable!
She was leaning against the railing, gazing listlessly at the sea of clouds, her long dress fluttering and her black hair flying. As the clouds rolled and churned, the woman in green standing beside her said, "Princess, the winter solstice is approaching in the mortal realm. Will Xueying Palace still be attending the literary gathering this year?"
The fairy slowly withdrew her gaze from the sea of clouds and said, "Lingzhi, watching them discuss the Dao and its principles is utterly boring. The literary gathering of yesteryear has been transformed into a forum for philosophical debates..."
“Princess, in previous years you would only make a brief appearance and leave the rest to me. Are you not going this year? Since you are going to descend to the mortal realm to manifest your divine power, why not go and take a look? This literary gathering has been going on for so long, it would be a real pity to end it, and it would also damage the princess’s reputation!” The maid named Lingzhi advised.
A hint of disappointment flashed in the fairy's eyes, and she sighed, "Since the Jian'an era, the mortal world has become worse year by year. Before, there were the three Cao family members, father and sons; later, the Wang and Xie families were still acceptable. But now, what poetry and songs are worth reading..."
"Princess, I've heard that the Tang Dynasty in the lower realm is already in its golden age. Perhaps there will be some pleasant surprises!"
"I hope so!"
...
Inside the Xiyue Temple, the main hall is dedicated to the Three Holy Mothers, whose clay statues are lifelike. Beside them is a statue of a divine attendant, who is none other than the fairy Lingzhi.
Before Jiang Liu, the incense smoke from the sacrifice rose straight up, reaching over three feet high, seemingly reaching directly between the mouth and nose of the deity before disappearing.
It was as if the statues on the altar were actively absorbing the incense offerings.
There are gods watching over you from above!
Jiang Liu and Zhang Guo wandered around the mountains and returned to the Xiyue Temple. Before they knew it, the moon was high in the sky, and the scenery was magnificent.
“In this setting, we should have some fine wine.” With that, Jiang Liu took out two wine gourds from his storage space. Inside were wines brewed in the “Battle Through the Heavens” world. The names were unknown, but given Medusa’s personality, they were undoubtedly exquisite wines.
"Good wine!" Zhang Guo took a small sip and his eyes lit up immediately.
"With wine and the moon, let us compose a poem!"
Zhang Guo, holding a fish drum, laughed and said, "Fellow Daoist can also compose poetry? I'm all ears!"
Jiang Liu paced back and forth, unsure of what poem to compose. He had witnessed the downfall of King Zhou by writing a poem at the Nuwa Temple, and Jiang Liu certainly didn't want to follow in his footsteps.
Risks and opportunities coexist!
At this moment, a full moon hung high on the mountaintop. Although winter had arrived, the cold and heat had no effect on Qi cultivators like Jiang Liu. Jiang Liu broke off a withered branch and walked to the cliff outside the temple.
Jiang Liu's handwriting might be due to his habit of drawing talismans or his unfamiliarity with writing with a brush. Even if he tried to write with care, it could only be described as having clear strokes, and it had nothing to do with beauty or calligraphy.
Drawing on the cliff face with twigs is almost equivalent to carving on a stone tablet, and naturally, it has no aesthetic appeal whatsoever. The first character Zhang Guo wrote was ugly.
Extremely ugly, like a ghost's scribbles.
"Raising a cup to the moon..."
As Jiang Liu wrote down the numbers, he gradually gained a sense of rhythm. The withered branches were outlined on the rocky cliff face, penetrating the stone three inches deep, and stone dust fell off in a flurry.
Zhang Guo's face was initially full of black lines, and if there were an off-screen voice, it would definitely look like a few crows flew over his forehead. However, after taking a few more glances, he let out a soft "hmm." Ugly, needless to say, but this ugliness had a very unique charm.
It's hard to describe the feeling, but it's unique, possessing a kind of distorted beauty. To put it more concretely, it's like the bonsai in Suzhou gardens, where the plants are forcibly twisted and pruned, yet they give off a unique beauty! For example, the three-inch golden lotuses of the Ming and Qing dynasties are really hard to accept, but at the time, they were highly sought after.
"This... is ancient, simple, and unique, like craggy rocks with white clouds drifting in the sky..." Zhang Guo commented, thinking to himself that when the world saw such words carved in front of the temple of the Three Holy Mothers at dawn tomorrow, it would be impossible for them to survive more than a day before they were removed. Those temple keepers and mortals could not see the unique beauty in it.
People admire Qin Li Si's seal script, Han and Wei Zhang Zhi's cursive script, Zhong Yao's regular script, and the cursive script of the calligraphy master Wang Xizhi and his son. Jiang Liu's calligraphy can be said to have taken a unique path. Ordinary people would naturally find it extremely ugly, but some people with calligraphy skills would find it has a different kind of beauty.
Jiang Liu waved his hand, brushing away the stone dust from the writing, and nodded in satisfaction: "How is it?"
"When did the moon first appear in the blue sky? I pause my cup to ask this question... People today do not see the moon of ancient times, yet the moon of today once shone on the ancients..." He paused for a moment, then took a large gulp after each line. After reciting the poem, Zhang Guo was already somewhat tipsy and laughed loudly, "What a fine poem! What fine calligraphy! We should drink a big cup of wine... But I fear this inscription will be destroyed tomorrow! How can ordinary people with ordinary eyes understand its meaning!"
Jiang Liu left this poem here to test the Three Holy Mothers, and laughed, "If they are destroyed, that is the will of Heaven... Let's go, let's go, tomorrow is the winter solstice, we can't be late!"
The two laughed loudly, drank the wine in the gourd, and headed towards the top of Mount Hua.
Chapter 179 Snow Reflection Palace
"Who the hell is scribbling and carving in front of the Temple of the Holy Mother of the Three Saints..."
A furious roar echoed at the foot of Mount Hua, startling everyone in the Temple of the Holy Mother of the Three Saints.
The elderly temple keeper was dressed in his finest attire today, his few remaining white hairs meticulously secured with hairpins. With his hands behind his back, he gazed at the inscription "Drinking wine and asking the moon" carved by Jiang Liu. He picked up two wine gourds from the corner, brought them close, took a deep breath, and immediately adopted an expression of rapture.
"What a fragrant wine! It can't even compare to the tribute wine in the imperial palace!"
A middle-aged man in Taoist robes, with a somber expression, said to the old temple keeper, "Elder, today is the day the Holy Mother of the Three Realms manifests her power. This large, ugly character in front of the mountain gate will not only make the passing pilgrims laugh, but if the Holy Mother of the Three Realms gets angry, we really cannot bear the consequences."
“Zhixing! As the ancients said, ‘Even if Mount Tai collapses before you, you will not be alarmed.’ How can such a small matter make you panic? If I were to pass away, how would you become the temple keeper of this Temple of the Three Holy Mothers?” The aged temple keeper looked up at the stone carving, his cloudy eyes regaining some light, and he read aloud, swaying his head: “When did the moon first appear in the blue sky? I now pause my cup to ask this question…”
"A fine poem truly deserves fine wine!"
"But what about these words? There's still time, let's remove them!" The middle-aged man was still worried.
The temple keeper wanted to pat the middle-aged man on the shoulder, but he was short, old, and slightly hunched, so he withdrew his outstretched hand and sighed, saying, "Zhixing, you've been with me for almost twenty years, and I've been the temple keeper for almost a hundred years. Do you know what the Holy Mother likes and dislikes, or do I? Keep it to yourself! Get ready, there are many worshippers today, don't waste time here!"
"Yes, Elder!" Since the temple keeper had spoken, no one dared to disobey.
The rising sun pierced through the mountain mist, casting warmth and light, dispelling the winter chill.
Jiang Liu and Zhang Guo stood on Yuntai Peak, watching the clouds rise and fall.
As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds, two figures flew in from the horizon.
One of them was eight feet tall, with handsome eyes and a long beard, but he was bare-chested and had a large beer belly, which, if described, was not particularly noticeable against his tall stature. He wore his hair in two pigtails tied with two red ropes, which made him look particularly playful. He was holding a banana leaf fan in his hand, his face was pleasant, and he was chatting and laughing with the other person.
The man he was talking to was barefoot, slightly bald, with a thick beard, and leaned on an iron crutch with a large gourd tied to it.
Jiang Liu looked at the two people and immediately recognized them.
These are Han Zhongli and Tieguai Li! These two have been cultivating the Dao for a long time and are both at the level of Earth Immortals.
"Greetings, esteemed immortals!" Zhang Guo bowed respectfully and then introduced Jiang Liu.