NOVPUBThe carriage had been traveling through the jungle for a month and a half. Although the Wandering Dragon Mountain Range could be considered ancient, it was not a particularly large mountain range.
People traveling from the Tianluan Domain to the Nine States Domain often crossed this range.
There were no overly powerful Monster Beasts inside, so after a month and a half, one morning came.
The spring breeze caressed their faces, the weather clear and the sky boundless; a gentle wind blew softly.
The travelers arrived at the other end of the Wandering Dragon Mountain Range.
"Young Master Xu, we’re almost at the Nine States Domain," Cai Yue woke Xu Zimei with a soft voice.
"Once we cross over the mountain ahead, we will be at Black Demon City, which is already within the territory of the Nine States Domain."
"That was fast," Xu Zimei stretched lazily, gazing at the distant horizon.
The mountain peak ahead was pure white, but unlike the snowy mountains, this one’s whiteness was like that of the clouds, giving off an ethereal feeling.
The peak of the mountain was shrouded in mist, standing so distinct and majestic among the many peaks of the Wandering Dragon Mountain Range.
Over the past month and a half of cultivation, Xu Zimei had only mastered half of his power.
To think that he was now at the pinnacle of the Divine Vein Realm, yet his mastery of his own strength was still not as formidable as the Heaven-shaking Skill.
This gave Xu Zimei a new understanding of the so-called ancient ten great vein techniques.
Once he fully mastered his entire body’s power, Xu Zimei considered condensing a Power Vortex.
Because of the steepness of the mountain, the group left the sedan chairs at the base, as Cai Yue decided to climb the mountain with everyone.
"Young Master Xu, we want to cross this mountain before nightfall and then rest at Black Demon City," Cai Yue said to Xu Zimei.
"Alright, let’s pick up the pace," Xu Zimei nodded in response.
......
When the group arrived at the base of the mountain, they discovered a flight of White Jade Stone Stairs leading up to the top.
These stone steps extended upward, reaching directly to the peak of the mountain.
The stairway was built from blocks of white jade stone and appeared to be quite ancient.
Some steps were cracked, and the scattered flower petals on them were trampled beyond recognition. 𝚗ovp𝚞b.𝚌om
At the very front of the stone stairs stood a square-shaped Fragrance Altar made of white jade.
Inside the altar was a thick layer of incense ash, along with a faint fragrance.
Below the inscription at the front of the altar were carved a line of characters.
"Black Demon Temple Merit Altar."
"Is there a Taoist Temple on this mountain?" Xu Zimei turned to ask Cai Yue.
As he had never been to the Tianluan Domain before, he was unaware of the affairs here.
"I don’t know either. My father brought me to the Nine States Domain when I was very young, but unfortunately, I was too little at the time and don’t remember much,"
Cai Yue shook her head: "I’m not very familiar with the Nine States Domain either."
"Then let’s go up and have a look; we have to pass through anyway," Xu Zimei said with a nod.
Xu Zimei didn’t count how many steps there were, but they continued all the way to the top of the mountain.
The steep climb was made much easier by these stairs.
As he climbed the stone stairs, Xu Zimei noticed many stone statues on either side.
These differed somewhat from what he remembered of Taoist Temples as they were not of Taoist Ancestors or important Taoist figures and patriarchs.
Instead, they were ugly forms of Demons.
The group climbed the entire day, and it wasn’t until the afternoon that they reached the end of the stairs.
That is, the peak of the mountain.
"Eastern ascent leads to icy snow paths,
Western descent overlooks the sunset’s blaze.
One step shy of reaching the Heavenly Palace,
A glance back at the mortal world, a span of ten thousand years."
A few had just arrived at the mountain summit when they heard someone humming this poem from afar.
Xu Zimei looked in the direction of the sound and saw a young boy wearing a Taoist robe, carrying a large bundle of firewood on his back, walking over with some effort.
The young boy also saw Xu Zimei and his group. He looked up, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and approached them.
He said with a smile, "Fellow Daoists, have you come to visit our Black Demon Taoist Temple?"
"We were on our way to the Nine States Domain and just stopped by out of curiosity," replied Xu Zimei.
"If it’s convenient for you, you can also take a look inside our Black Demon Temple," the young boy offered.
"Our master often teaches us to make friends from all over the world."
"Sure," Xu Zimei said with a smile.
He turned his head to Cai Yue and the others and inquired, "What about you? Heading back to the city or to the Taoist Temple?"
"Little master, may I ask if Black Demon City is related to your Black Demon Temple?" Cai Yue asked with curiosity.
"Many years ago, the Black Demon caused chaos in this land.
Our Taoist Ancestor renamed our temple Black Demon Temple, intending to fight the Black Demon to the end.
After a long struggle, we finally defeated the Black Demon.
As a token of gratitude, the people of that city changed its name to Black Demon City."
The young boy explained with a smile.
"Ah, I see," Cai Yue nodded and said, "Then I too shall visit your temple."
"I will lead the way, please follow me," the young boy said with a smile.
He hoisted the bundle of firewood on his back again and walked ahead.
Xu Zimei could tell that the boy was just an ordinary human with no cultivation whatsoever.
Otherwise, he would not struggle so much with just a bit of firewood.
...
The mountain peak was quite spacious. After walking for about fifteen minutes, they finally saw a Taoist Temple straight ahead.
The temple covered a wide area, nearly half the mountain, but it looked rather simple from the outside.
Bodhi trees, lush and luxuriant, were planted on both sides of the entrance.
The temple, with its once red walls, was not imposing. Though not dilapidated, it did look somewhat old and dusty.
The main gateway in front was black and white and quite imposing, seemingly recently renovated.
"Please come in, fellow Daoists," the young boy said politely as he pushed open the doors of the Taoist Temple with a smile.
Xu Zimei and his companions followed him inside. Upon entering the temple, they could barely see its end.
Inside, various smaller Taoist Temples were arranged together, giving an impression of vast openness.
Logically, a temple of this size shouldn’t be so barren.
Moreover, Xu Zimei didn’t feel even a trace of spiritual energy inside; it was almost as if this were just an ordinary secular Taoist Temple.
"There aren’t many visitors here, are there?" inquired Cai Yue.
"Hmm, actually, our temple prohibits outsiders," the young boy suddenly revealed.
"And I haven’t left the mountain since I was young. I was just curious about the outside world, so I sneakily brought you all here."
"Isn’t that problematic?" Cai Yue looked at Xu Zimei and suggested.
"Since the temple is not open to outsiders, we should leave."
"Don’t go, please? Could you tell me stories about the outside world?" the young boy pleaded earnestly.
"Also, let me tell you, our Black Demon Temple’s Taoist Ancestor is very efficacious.
Almost all wishes are granted; if you show your respects, your future endeavors will surely go smoothly."
Xu Zimei gazed at the temple, this quiet, ordinary Taoist Temple always gave him a strange feeling.
It was as if a storm was brewing, as ominous as the prelude to a tempestuous rain.
"You all quickly come inside; if we’re discovered, it’s all over," the young boy urged, urging them with haste.
