White snow stretched as far as the eye could see, blanketing the mountains and rivers.

Mist swirled around the mountain, while the wind whipped the remains of the snow through the forest, like willow fluff dancing calmly, appearing dreamlike.

The biting cold wind pierced through the bones, as a group of people cloaked and holding staffs journeyed through the snow, their figures occasionally appearing and disappearing.

"Zhao Gong Mountain was originally called Big Face Mountain..."

Ling Yunzi said while walking: "During the Great Xing Period of the previous dynasty, it suddenly changed its name to Zhao Gong Mountain, Li Yan, do you know why?"

Li Yan shook the snow accumulated on his hat, smiling back: "It is not the height of the mountain that matters, but the presence of immortals that give it spirit; perhaps its fame grew too vast?"

"Hahaha... that's surely the case."

Ling Yunzi shook his head and said: "According to Mystical Sect records, Zhao Gongming was originally from Zhongnan Mountain, avoiding chaos in the mountain during the Qin Dynasty, where he discovered Tao and cultivated, unknown to others at the time."

"Later in the Eastern Jin era, he appeared as a 'Ghost General' leading Ghost Soldiers, taking people's lives, essentially a fearsome god..."

"During the Southern Dynasty, in Tao Hongjing's 'True Decree,' he undertook the role of Netherworld God, responsible for guarding tombs; at that time, his spiritual name could still be seen in tombs..."

"Soon after, he became one of the 'Five Directions Plague Gods,' and even now, many folk dispelling plague spells still require crafting straw men inscribed with 'Autumn Plague Zhao Gongming'..."

"Later, he was ordained as 'Marshal Zhao of the Black Tiger Mystic Altar,' leading thunder alongside deputies, commanding both thunder and plague, and still the True God of Wealth."

"Amongst the bustling world, few can truly see through fame and fortune; thus Big Face Mountain naturally became Zhao Gong Mountain, with more incense offerings than Qingcheng Mountain itself."

While speaking, they arrived at a mountain road turn; Ling Yunzi pointed to the distance, "Young Hero Li, just look."

Li Yan looked up and saw on the road leading to the mountain top, numerous pilgrims and travelers contrasted against the white snow, standing out distinctly.

Viewed from afar, they resembled ants marching in line.

And the Zhao God of Wealth Temple on the glistening gold summit resembled a tempting delicious cake, attracting the masses.

"Even with heavy snow sealing the mountain, it can't be stopped..."

Ling Yunzi sighed, carrying a hint of self-mockery.

"All humanity is like this; even you and I can't escape."

Li Yan commented calmly, offering comfort.

He could see that Ling Yunzi was somewhat conflicted, a cultivator yet bound by fame and fortune, unable to detach himself completely from worldly matters, often in anguish and turmoil.

Unable to see through, not reconciled within oneself, is also life's suffering.

Thinking of this, Li Yan directly changed the topic, smiling and said: "Daoist Ling Yunzi, tell me honestly, the Grotto Heaven on Zhao Gong Mountain is probably not the best in Qingcheng, right?"

"It can't be hidden from Young Hero Li."

Familiar with each other, Ling Yunzi did not conceal it, lowering his voice:

"On Qingcheng Mountain, it's 'Grotto Heaven,' on Zhao Gong Mountain, it's 'blessed land.' Combining the two, it forms the 'Qingcheng Cave Heaven and Blessed Land.'

"But Qingcheng Mountain has a long history; nearly half of the Grotto Heaven is used for storing spiritual materials, the rest is occupied by predecessors, even our cultivation occurs on Zhao Gong Mountain."

"Next year's Opening Cellar Conference, firstly because the storage has lasted since Song Feng, secondly because they want to free up some Grotto Heaven..."

"I see."

Li Yan understood, knowing those Grotto Heavens within held mostly Earth Immortals, Qingcheng Mountain surely had deep roots.

However, on the other hand, it might also be certain restraints.

These Earth Immortals are ancestors of various sects, serving as Qingcheng's foundation yet interfering with the Master's authority.

Otherwise, they wouldn't make such a big fuss in electing a Master.

Moreover, who knows among them, if there are those harboring crooked thoughts, wanting to cause trouble amid a human Dao transformation.

The confidential letter Chan Kongzi entrusted Li Yan contained a warning from Wudang's Master, Yu Chanzi, reminding him to watch for these people's abnormalities.

That was also the reason for Li Yan's urgency.

Along the way, he had already felt the undercurrents surging, a future conflict between dragons and tigers was inevitable.

And holding the dual positions of "living Yin messenger" and "Heavenly Official," certainly placed him firmly at the center, with no hiding.

As they spoke, they had reached the depths of Zhao Gong Mountain.

In this place, the road became increasingly difficult, the deep mountain gorges, where bridges were dismantled, the mountain paths hidden, and pines and cypress densely packed.

"The road was intentionally destroyed, the bridge deliberately taken down."

Ling Yunzi chuckled bitterly, shaking his head and said: "Although the incense on Zhao Gong Mountain is flourishing, rumors emerged from nowhere, saying you can find the Treasure Bowl of Wealth God on the mountain, shake it, and turn stone into gold."

"Treasure seekers came endlessly, setting traps in the back mountains, often leading people to get trapped within; hence the bridge was dismantled, roads destroyed, finally bringing peace..."

These treacherous paths posed no challenge for the three.

They passed through pine forests, jumped over gorges, traversed dazzling bamboo forests, and suddenly a stone wall appeared before them.

The stone wall had a cave, guarded by an old stone door engraved with the words Songyun Ancient Cave.

The stone door was tightly shut, beside it sat a hut with two Daoists cooking.

Though dust-covered, their eyes were bright, with treasure swords strapped on their backs, unmistakably not mere novices.

Upon seeing the three, they immediately approached to greet them.

"Greetings, Senior Brother."

"It's been hard work for you two Junior Brothers; any trouble these days?"

"Yesterday some wild beasts ran amok, but we drove them away; with the snow sealing the mountain, no outsiders have intruded."

"That's good, no issues on the Guanlan Ancient Cave side, right?"

"The wind has been strong these past few days."

After a casual exchange, Ling Yunzi led the two onwards.

Watching their disappearing silhouettes, the two Daoists exchanged a glance.

"Someone building a structure for practice at this time?"

"Could be; from Dongzhi to the beginning of spring, the world overflows with yin energy, unlike us, some special magic methods suit better."

"Forget it, it's none of our business."

"Senior Brother, are you returning to the mountain next year?"

"No, clamorous or quiet, nothing beats the peace here..."

...

"Arrived, it is here."

After passing through the gorge, their eyes opened wide.

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