"What is your name?"
"Cheng Yunqi. Cheng as in Cheng Bofu, and Yunqi as in the mist and clouds."
Su Kong nodded and said, "From now on, you will be my registered disciple. If you can uphold the principles of the Dao and the rules of our sect, and one day open your Heart Mansion, receive a Daoist name, and be recorded in the sect's registry, you will become an official disciple."
Although Yunqi didn’t fully understand what a Heart Mansion or the sect registry was, he nodded in agreement.
"You are now under my name. If outsiders ask, you must be able to explain your lineage. Let me tell you, our Three Pure Mountains sect was founded by Patriarch Ge Hong during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, over six thousand years ago.
It has been passed down through more than forty generations. Our Mingzhi Mountain is one of the eight branches of the Three Pure Mountains' Lotus Blessed Land. The first mountain master was surnamed Zhan, with the secular name Biyun and the Daoist name Shiming.
He was a fourth-generation disciple. My Daoist name is Su Kong, and I am the twenty-fifth generation disciple. Counting from Master Shiming, it has been passed down for twenty-one generations.
If you can officially join, you will belong to the 'Xin' generation, the twenty-sixth generation of the Three Pure Mountains."
Yunqi listened carefully, committing every word to memory.
"According to the sect's rules, registered disciples must reside in the Ten Thousand Peaks. You can attend lectures on other peaks during the first ten days of each month. The sixteenth, twenty-second, and twenty-eighth are days for discussions and debates.
When you go to the Ten Thousand Peaks, remember to get a schedule. Additionally, from the ninth to the fifteenth of each month, you must come to Mingzhi Mountain to check in and study with me. In our sect, anyone who teaches a class is called a 'Xue Shi' (Teacher).
Only after you open your Heart Mansion and are recorded in the Mingzhi Mountain registry can you call me 'Ben Shi' (Master). Do you understand?"
Yunqi agreed.
"Today is the eleventh. Normally, classes would start tomorrow, but since you’ve just entered the sect and your soul has recently returned from its journey, you don’t need to come this month. Take some time to rest. Also, you should read the following books: 'Ten Thousand Years of History,' 'Yu Zhang Immortal Records,' 'Three Pure Records,' 'The Twelve Meridians of Internal Alchemy,' 'The Theory of the Dao Body and Life,' 'Ling Mingzi's Explanation of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements,' and 'The Ling Shu Classic.' Oh, and don’t forget to read 'Daoist Prohibitions,' 'Three Pure Precepts,' and 'Daoist Ritual Regulations.'"
Yunqi noted everything down.
Feeling that he had said enough, Su Kong instructed Yunqi to wait for Ji Hu Daoist to pick him up, while he returned to his cave abode.
Unseen by Yunqi, as Su Kong turned away, a look of relief washed over his face, and he let out a long, slow breath.
Yunqi had no idea that from the moment he met Ji Hu Daoist, his every move had been under Su Kong's observation through a mystical technique.
He was the first to step off the cliff, remained calm on the cloud platform, didn’t panic when he saw Kui Shan Jun, and was the first to step forward for the assessment upon arriving at Mingzhi Mountain.
Yunqi also couldn’t have guessed that he was the third person in five thousand years to regain his soul within two hours and choose to attach it to a bamboo staff.
Yunqi stood alone, gazing at the surrounding mountains.
The peaks rose layer upon layer, lush and green, stretching into the distance under a clear, vast sky.
Not long after, Ji Hu Daoist returned.
"Congratulations, young disciple. From now on, you are part of the immortal mountains. In the future, you will surely achieve longevity and endless blessings."
Ji Hu Daoist smiled and clasped his hands in greeting.
"I must thank the immortal for guiding me," Yunqi replied.
Ji Hu Daoist quickly waved his hand.
"Now that you’ve entered the sect, you mustn’t casually use the term 'immortal.' Just call me 'Dao Brother.' Besides, you are registered under Su Kong Yu Shi. Once you officially join, your seniority will be much higher than mine. I might even have to call you 'Little Dao Master'!"
Yunqi didn’t understand how seniority worked in the sect, so he simply smiled and nodded.
"It’s truly a joyous occasion that Su Kong Yu Shi has taken on a registered disciple for the second time," Ji Hu Daoist added.
Yunqi asked, "Has the teacher taken on disciples before?"
"Yes, but I wasn’t in the sect back then. I only heard about it. Twenty-eight years ago, forty or fifty people came to Mingzhi Mountain to undergo Su Kong Yu Shi’s assessment, but none of them stayed."
Ji Hu Daoist continued, "I assume Su Kong Yu Shi has already explained everything to you. Now, let’s head to the Ten Thousand Peaks."
Yunqi naturally followed.
Ji Hu Daoist summoned two clouds, and the two of them stepped onto them.
Seeing that Ji Hu Daoist was friendly, Yunqi ventured to ask,
"Dao Brother, when will I be able to learn how to ride the clouds?"
Ji Hu laughed.
"Riding clouds isn’t difficult. Once you learn to absorb qi, it’s as simple as drawing a talisman. Or, if you open a Cloud Mansion or a Water Mansion, you can summon clouds and rain. If all else fails, you can just buy a cloud."
Encouraged by Ji Hu’s friendliness, Yunqi grew bolder.
"Then, what is absorbing qi? What are Cloud Mansions and Water Mansions? And what is a Heart Mansion? Su Kong Xue Shi mentioned that I need to open one."
Ji Hu Daoist still wore a warm smile.
"A Cloud Mansion refers to the throat, a Water Mansion is the kidneys, and a Heart Mansion is the heart. These are the foundations of cultivation. Once I take you to your place, you can borrow a few books to read and learn more."
"Alright."
The two of them rode the clouds eastward along the Eastern Sky Path.
Feeling the wind against his face, Yunqi frowned.
"Dao Brother, the Ten Thousand Peaks are separated from Mingzhi Mountain by the entire Eastern Screen Mountain. If I have to walk from the Ten Thousand Peaks to Mingzhi Mountain, it would take days and nights."
Ji Hu Daoist laughed heartily.
"Exactly! The Lotus Blessed Land is the farthest from the Lesser Ten Thousand Mountains. If you were registered under one of the eight branches of the Lotus Blessed Land, you’d have to travel back and forth every day, which would be exhausting. In the past, most senior disciples of the eight branches built huts at the foot of the mountain and only returned to the Lesser Ten Thousand Mountains at the end of each month’s classes."
Yunqi breathed a sigh of relief.
"That’s good. If it’s just at the foot of the mountain, it shouldn’t take too much time."
Ji Hu Daoist chuckled.
"But living at the foot of the mountain isn’t as convenient as being in the Lesser Ten Thousand Mountains. Over time, people came up with many shortcuts, some of which are still used today."
"Please tell me more."
"First, you can rent or buy a cloud platform. The Zongnei Shouyin Mountain specializes in making clouds, and their sedan clouds can even be used by mortals. You can buy or rent one. Second, you can rent oxen or cranes. The Green Ox Palace and Yellow Crane Cave in the sect have oxen and cranes available for rent."
"How much do they cost?"
"Cloud platforms are hard to price. Buying one can cost anywhere from a dozen taels of silver to hundreds or even thousands. Renting one costs a few grains of silver per month. Renting an ox or crane also costs a few grains of silver per month, but you’ll have to provide their food and fodder."
Yunqi was puzzled.
"Does the immortal world use silver as currency, just like the mortal world?"
Ji Hu laughed.
"You’ve got it backward. It’s the people in the mountains who first used gold, silver, and copper as currency, and then the mortal world followed suit. But there’s a big difference. The gold and silver in the mortal world are lifeless, while the gold and silver in the mountains are rare and have special uses. You don’t need to ask too much about it. Just read 'The World’s Wonders,' 'The Theory of Elemental Metals,' and 'The Origins of the Three Treasures Furnace.' These three books will give you a good understanding."
Yunqi nodded, thinking that entering the immortal mountains was like being a newborn baby—he knew nothing and could only learn by reading.
As they talked, the Ten Thousand Peaks came into view.
Countless stone peaks rose sharply, like ten thousand tablets reaching for the heavens, incredibly steep.
But if you focused on the green pines among the rocks and the clouds surrounding the peaks, the mountains looked like clusters of bamboo shoots after a rain, full of vitality.
As they got closer and broke through the clouds, Yunqi saw countless buildings and houses clinging to the stone walls of the peaks, painted in various colors—green, yellow, ochre, and purple.
The peaks were connected by aerial bridges, and people moved back and forth like shuttles, creating a lively scene.
The two of them landed on a peak to the east.
A wooden walkway extended from the cliff into the clouds, like a dock by a large lake.
"Ah, Xu Huai, you’re back! Oh, is this the new junior brother?"
As soon as they landed, someone passing by noticed them and came over to greet them.
"Yes, I took a job from the Duty Hall to pick up a newcomer for Su Kong Yu Shi of Mingzhi Mountain, earning some silver. This is Cheng Yunqi, Su Kong Yu Shi’s registered disciple. Yunqi, this is Deng Wanchun. He joined the sect a few years after me and is a registered disciple of Toujian Mountain. His spiritual power is abundant, and it’s only a matter of time before he opens his mansion. He might leave the mountain in a few days."
Deng Wanchun was short but had thick eyebrows and big eyes, giving him a kind appearance.
Yunqi bowed.
"Greetings, Dao Brother Deng."
Deng Wanchun returned the gesture.
"So you’re the new disciple from Mingzhi Mountain. If you have any questions, feel free to come find me at Jiyou Courtyard on Shuise Street."
Yunqi quickly said, "Please, just call me Yunqi."
Deng Wanchun then turned to Ji Hu Daoist.
"Xu Huai, it seems the name Master Jianci gave you suits you well. You’ve become so composed and confident, and your voice is much louder. You’re nothing like the quiet person you were a few years ago."
Ji Hu Daoist suddenly blushed.
"Let’s not talk about the past."
Deng Wanchun laughed.
"I won’t keep you. When I open my mansion, I’ll treat you to a drink."
With that, he left.
Feng Ji Hu smiled and continued leading Yunqi into the mountains.
The scenery inside the mountains was slightly different from what Yunqi had imagined.
Strange rocks, ancient pines, and seas of clouds were to be expected, but what surprised him was the rows of houses and courtyards.
As they walked along the mountain path, Yunqi saw houses hanging off the cliffs on the right and cave dwellings carved into the mountain on the left.
The houses and caves were lined up like a market in the sky.
"I’ll take you to the Duty Hall first to choose a place to live and get some supplies."
As they walked along the winding mountain path, they encountered many of Feng Ji Hu’s acquaintances, who all greeted him warmly.
When they heard that Cheng Yunqi was a registered disciple of Mingzhi Mountain, they all called him "Little Dao Master," much to Yunqi’s embarrassment.
They arrived at a cave dwelling with a red door.
Above the door was a plaque that read, "Duty Hall, Qian Three District, Ten Thousand Peaks."
Inside was a large cavernous space with countless niches carved into the stone walls, each containing various items.
Facing the entrance was a wooden desk, behind which sat an old Daoist dozing off.
"Yao Dao Master!"
Feng Ji Hu’s loud voice woke the old Daoist, who looked up and smiled.
"Ah, it’s you, the quiet one. You’re back."
"Yao Dao Master, is there still an empty room in Bingkun’s courtyard?"
"Yes, yes, it’s the one you used to live in. No one else has been able to tolerate Bingkun’s snoring since you left."
Feng Ji Hu chuckled and turned to Yunqi.
"Yunqi, are you afraid of snoring?"
Cheng Yunqi shook his head.
He didn’t mind it.
"Then I recommend you choose Bingkun’s courtyard on Lantern Street, Bingchen Courtyard. It’s where I lived when I was a registered disciple. There are only two rooms in the courtyard. My close friend lives in the west room, and the east room is empty. How does that sound?"
"Thank you, Dao Brother, for arranging this."
Yunqi immediately expressed his gratitude, realizing that Feng Ji Hu was arranging for a friend to guide him.
Feng Ji Hu smiled.
"Yao Dao Master, this is Cheng Yunqi, the new registered disciple of Mingzhi Mountain. Please arrange for him to stay in Bingkun’s courtyard."
"Oh? Mingzhi Mountain?"
The old Daoist gave Yunqi a deep look.
"Mingzhi Mountain’s disciple selection has always been mysterious. It’s rare to hear of someone who hasn’t opened their mansion. It seems the Ten Thousand Peaks have gained another Little Dao Master."
The old Daoist took out a white jade pendant with a green tassel from a drawer under the desk and placed it on the table.
"Little Dao Master, please state your name."
"Reporting to the Daoist, this junior is Cheng Yunqi. Cheng as in Cheng Bofu, and Yunqi as in the mist and clouds."
"Extend your hand."
Yunqi complied.
The old Daoist pricked Yunqi’s fingertip with his finger, drawing a drop of blood.
Using the blood as ink and his finger as a brush, he wrote a few runes in the air and then sealed them into the jade pendant.
Yunqi saw a few blood-red runes appear inside the white jade pendant.
Feng Ji Hu explained, "This is your name written in cloud script. From now on, this jade pendant is your identity token within the sect. Keep it safe."
Yunqi nodded and took the pendant.
"Alright, now go to the seventh cave on the left to get the standard clothing for registered disciples: inner robes, outer robes, a hairpin, socks, shoes, and a towel. Then go to the sixth cave on the right to pick two sets of casual clothes. Choose the styles yourself. Just press the jade pendant against the cave entrance when you take them."
Yunqi acknowledged and walked over to the stone wall to search.
The wall was filled with small caves about two feet square, each glowing with light from within.
The cave entrances were covered with a membrane that shimmered like oil on water.
Through the membrane, Yunqi could see the contents of the caves: hats, robes, hairpins, and more.
Besides everyday clothing, there were also many bottles, jars, and talismans.
Yunqi quickly found the wall labeled "Left Seven" and randomly chose a nearby cave.
He pressed the jade pendant against the membrane, which immediately dissipated.
He pulled out a stack of clothing: a sky-blue Daoist robe, a set of white inner robes, a black wooden hairpin, a pair of straw-yellow hemp shoes, and a long white towel.
Following the same method, he went to the "Right Six" wall.
Here, there were many more clothing styles, but Yunqi didn’t take long to choose two sets:
One set included a silver robe with black star-like spots, a pure white inner robe, a black leisure scarf, and a pair of cloud-patterned cloth shoes.
The other set included a solid lake-blue robe, a light peach-colored inner robe, a purple scarf, and another pair of cloud-patterned cloth shoes.
After collecting his items, Yunqi bid farewell to the old Daoist and followed Ji Hu Daoist out.
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(End of Chapter)