Mount Taihang is located in Hui County (Hui Xian), outside of Kaifeng, very well-known throughout China for its beauty. Mount Taihang consists of various types of hills that are very uniquely shaped, as if the God of Sculpting has decided to focus specifically on carving it, makes its beauty exotic and difficult to find in other mounts. The villagers inhabited this area is backward, but Mount Taihang is often visited by tourists who go on excursions to see the beauty of nature. As we climb to the top, we will see an amazing sight - a ravine more than 300 meters deep, and a large river in the bottom of the ravine flanked by other large mountains. The exoticism of Taihang Mountain has led people to describe it as "the Divine Realm in the Human World."
But even though Mount Taihang is very famous for its beauty, Hu Nayin had never visited it. The first time she left Yunnan was when she accompanied Zhu Su to Yingtian as Zhu Yunwen called Zhu Su back from exile. Since then, many things had happened, and although Zhu Su had regained control of Kaifeng, he had become too busy dealing with natural disasters and rebellions. Zhu Su had often told Hu Nayin about Mount Taihang and all of its beauty, yet still had no chance to take her there.
"Let us finish this project first, okay? Once this project is finished, I will take you to see the beauty of Mount Taihang," Zhu Su promised her.
Hu Nayin smiled widely, "This project is very important, Your Highness. Just do your project first, and don't take it too seriously."
"No, Nayin. I really want to take you there." Zhu Su said solemnly. "I'll take you there later, for sure."
Finally, Hu Nayin's wish had been fulfilled - but this condition was really unsuitable to enjoy its beauty. The reason why she came there was for different purposes, and who accompanied her were also different people. The leaves that swayed, the gentle breeze that blew, and the serene aura which caressed her still did not make her move out of the sad puddle. As she departed, she walked like a living zombie - with a pale face, haggard expression, and head kept bowing.
"Can pregnant women participate in this ordination ceremony?" On the way to Grandmaster's house, Wu Qi asked Wang Yue.
Wang Yue nodded. "This is simply a ceremony that confirms your allegiance to become the members of Bai Lian Jiao. It is not the same with usual religious ceremonies that have many taboos."
"Ah, alright." Wu Qi turned his stare to Hu Nayin. That woman was really like a living zombie. When she was told to go, she would go; when she was told to walk, she would walk, but everything she did was not of her own accord. As if she had turned into a puppet without her own principles for her life. "Are we still far? I'm worried about Wang Fei."
"That's his house, over there. We've arrived." Wang Yue pointed to a house. "Oh anyway, one more thing I've to tell you. If you want to become a member of Bai Lian Jiao then you must disconnect with your past. Don't call her "Wang Fei" anymore. Ming rules no longer apply to our sect. And the Grandmaster truly hates those who still implement the rules. Got it?"
Wu Qi pursed his lip. He looked at Hu Nayin. The woman still showed the same expression - as if she did not care about everything. Hell, after all, the government has considered us as the criminals who must be wiped out. Just push past! "Yes, Brother Wang. Thank you for your advice."
Grandmaster's house was not huge, but it somehow gave off a reassuring aura. There were many eye-catching ornamental plants in the front yard. Wang Yue pushed the wooden gate - that was not too high - until it opened with the creaked sound, then went straight to the front door, knocked it, "Good afternoon, Grandmaster. I am Wang Yue, I bring two candidates to be ordained."
The door creaked opened. An elderly man in his sixties was standing at the doorway. His hair was wholly white and bald in the middle of its head, while his long beard was flowing down his chest. But his eyes did not appear old at all, they were still alert and sharp.
Wang Yue cupped his fists. "Grandmaster!"
Grandmaster turned his head, looked at Wu Qi and Hu Nayin. Wu Qi also lowered his head, on the other hand, Hu Nayin was still the same as before. Face was crumpled and bowed, but she did not greet.
"Alright. Come in."
"Today you are bringing unordinary guests, Yue." They were now in the living room. The grandmaster was writing down the paper that Wu Qi thought would be used during the ordination ceremony. Wu Qi looked around. Unlike Wu Qi previously thought that the grandmaster's house would be filled with talisman papers and sacred objects, this house was similar to ordinary people's house, but it was more comfortable, maybe because the room arrangement had been in accordance to Fengshui. Wu Qi felt his breath could go in and out smoothly, even more smoothly than at Kaifeng Palace.
Wang Yue took a sip of tea. "You are so great, Grandmaster, soon perceive that they are not just anyone."
"Hmmm." Grandmaster had finished writing the papers. "Alright! Let's start the ceremony! What are your names?"
"I am Wu Qi. And ... eh, this ma'am... is called Hu Nayin." Wu Qi almost slipped to call Hu Nayin with her title, luckily he could hold it back.
"Wu Qi... Hu Nayin..." The grandmaster handed over the paper to each of them. Wu Qi swiftly took it, while Hu Nayin was still impassive.
"Wang... eh, Ma'am Hu... ermmm, please take the paper that the Grandmaster gives..."
Hu Nayin was still unresponsive. Wu Qi could catch the impatience emitted from the eyes of the grandmaster and Wang Yue.
"Ah, ermm... can you let me represent... Ma'am Hu... ermmm..."
Instead of responding to Wu Qi, the grandmaster walked towards Hu Nayin, getting closer and closer, and his eyes were sharp and stinging.
Wu Qi stared in horror. He was so afraid that the grandmaster would turn wrath since he believed that Hu Nayin had insulted him, and wanted to give her some lessons. "Grandmaster... please understand that Ma'am Hu!..."
Just half a meter in front of Hu Nayin, the grandmaster abruptly stopped. In the next second, he clutched his chest. "Aarrggh!"