The carriage sped along, and just as the wheel tracks were about to cross Mingchun County, Daoist Guan Zhi glanced at Bai Yichen, seeming to want to say something but hesitating.
Bai Yichen, who was adept at reading people's minds, jokingly said, "Uncle Master is feeling homesick?"
"I have been away for many years, living in the temple, with no family ties here, so how could I feel longing?" Daoist Guan Zhi shook his head in denial.
"Neither do I."
After that, Bai Yichen closed his eyes and fell silent. He felt that his comprehension of the Sitting and Forgetting method had deepened, perhaps there was no better way to detach from worldly desires than this.
Achieving the gathering of Essence Qi was just around the corner.
As the sun began to set, the blue sky was cast in a gentle light;
The mountain greens flickered, and the birds returned together;
The crimson clouds piled up in the west, and the cart came to a stop beneath the setting sun.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the blue stone steps before him were bathed in a layer of brilliant golden-red light, as if the entire temple was enveloped in a warm halo by the afterglow.
The leaves on either side swayed gently in the evening breeze, with the sunlight casting its glow upon them, turning their leaves into vibrant shades of orange-red, shining even brighter.
Through the gaps in the treetops, sunlight spilled onto the ground, forming mottled shadows.
The distant mountains were draped in the colors of sunset, their contours appearing softer and more magnificent. The golden afterglow illuminated Bai Yichen as he walked down the blue stone steps, outlining the figure of the young man.
After finishing their business, Bai Yichen and the others had not lingered and had taken the carriage straight back to Xuanzhen Temple.
Fortunately, they had prepared some food, so they hastily dealt with their lunch on the carriage.
They finally returned to Xuanzhen Temple just before sunset.
Upon seeing the familiar gate plaque, Bai Yichen seemed to feel a sense of relaxation after a long absence.
Then came the time for sorting and reporting.
Hearing that they had successfully wiped out the Heishi branch in Qingzhou, as well as obtained a box of silver ingots, various weapons, and intelligence collected by Heishi from the martial world, Real Person Yun Shou stroked his long beard with satisfaction.
When he learned that it was Bai Yichen who discovered the secret chamber, he cast a look of approval in his direction.
Bai Yichen then learned that the heroic Yan Bei and his companions had returned an hour ago and had also successfully eliminated the nest of the Heishi organization.
However, their gains were far less than those of Bai Yichen and the others.
"This cleaning operation was largely thanks to Daoist Mo Mei's efforts; we were able to obtain these so easily."
As usual, Bai Yichen remained humble.
"Indeed, the friendship of Daoist Mei in coming to assist our Xuanzhen Temple is something I am deeply grateful for. Coincidentally, tonight I arranged for the Administrative Hall to host a De Zhe Feast. Daoist Mei, please be sure to honor us with your presence."
Real Person Yun Shou seized the opportunity to extend an invitation for the banquet.
Daoist Mo Mei, who had no urgency to leave, naturally accepted immediately.
In the main hall of Xuanzhen Temple, tables adorned with swirling cloud patterns were already set up.
Within the banquet hall, the scent of sandalwood wafted, accompanied by a gentle atmosphere.
Real Person Yun Shou, along with the three Innate masters, sat at the main table.
Following that, the various Daoist priests of Xuanzhen Temple took their seats in turn, each dressed in splendid Daoist robes, exuding an extraordinary demeanor.
This was Bai Yichen's first time sitting at the front, in the second position on the left, just next to Guan He on the left and Guan Xu on the right.
As the melodious sound of a Daoist bell rang out, Real Person Yun Shou announced the formal start of the De Zhe Feast.
Before long, delicious dishes were served one after another.
First, there was a vibrant "Qingshan Pickled Vegetables," made from tender slices of red radish, green beans, and fresh bamboo shoots, crispy and delicious, with a sour-spicy flavor that carried a hint of sweetness, greatly enhancing one's appetite.
Next came the "Chuanxiong Potstickers," which emanated a tempting aroma; the golden, crispy skin encased fragrant fillings, perfectly merging the unique medicinal aroma of Chuanxiong with the deliciousness of chicken, nourishing both body and mind. A single bite left a lingering fragrance on the palate.
Additionally, there was the "Immortal Chestnut Vegetarian Ribs," resembling a treasured item from the heavenly realm; the "White Fruit Stewed Chicken," tender and sticky; and the "Taiji Tofu," shaped like a Taiji diagram and melting in one's mouth, each dish displaying the characteristics of the Daoist school.
Lastly, the "Daoist Clear Tea" was brewed from the leaves of a century-old tea tree from the temple's backyard, fragrant and clear after being prepared, with the tea's color resembling a pure spring.
Bai Yichen took a light sip, initially tasting a hint of bitterness that danced on his tongue, but it quickly transformed into a lingering freshness that did not fade away, refreshing his mind and dispelling his worries.
Suddenly, he experienced a moment of inspiration and began to practice the Sitting and Forgetting method, feeling a sense of purification of the mind, with the effects of forgetting both self and surroundings, which further assisted him in gathering Essence Qi.
Bai Yichen's eyes brightened instantly: "What a marvelous cultivation method!"
One cup drained, he drank several more. The fragrance gradually faded, the taste of the tea remained, but it seemed less effective than the first cup.
However, it was still rare; if this could last for long, it would surely aid in practicing the Sitting and Forgetting Heart Refinement method.
Next, Bai Yichen observed the others for a while and found that they only praised the tea for its lingering taste, unlike him.
On the contrary, most of the Daoists and young apprentices in the audience were tasting these Daoist delicacies for the first time, enjoying themselves and singing praises.
This was normal; Bai Yichen had heard that the Xuan Zhen Temple had put a lot of effort into organizing this banquet.
The high masters on stage savored their food slowly, chatting and laughing.
For a time, the atmosphere at the banquet was harmonious, peaceful, and relaxed.
Real Person Yun Shou watched everyone eat heartily, finally easing the worries of recent days, and felt joyful in his heart.
He once again thanked Tong Ya, Yan Bei, and Mo Mei with a cupped hand: "Today's virtue and grace banquet is entirely thanks to the three of you for your righteous assistance. I, the old Daoist, would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the Xuan Zhen Temple."
The Daoists below also bowed in response.
"In addition, there's a small token of appreciation, please don't take it as disrespect."
Then the three Daoists each presented a beautifully crafted square box with a landscape relief, placing them on the tables of the three innate masters. The three innate masters did not refuse and gladly accepted.
The main hall was filled with guests enjoying themselves, lingering for a long time.
…
After the grand banquet, the hero Yan Bei took his leave the next day, while Daoist Tong Ya and Daoist Mo Mei, under the warm hospitality of Real Person Yun Shou, stayed for half a month before leaving.
During this time, a significant event occurred: Master Guan He successfully broke through his realm and became an innate master.
The Xuan Zhen Temple took the opportunity to spread its fame in Qingzhou.
Moreover, the news that the Xuan Zhen Temple had eliminated a member of the Heishi organization, as well as several perfected and accomplished innate assassins, also spread throughout the martial world.
For a time, the incense offerings at the Xuan Zhen Temple flourished, with countless worshippers coming and going.
The gentry and powerful figures in Qingzhou frequently invited the masters and Daoists from the Xuan Zhen Temple to discuss the Dao and conduct ritual ceremonies.
Amidst all this noise, Bai Yichen remained somewhat hidden, keeping a low profile.
He was seen in a quiet room, distancing himself from worldly disturbances, practicing his skills to dispel worries, the gentle breeze brushing against his robe.
Every day he drank tea and practiced martial arts, focused and dedicated, advancing steadily.
Occasionally, he would steal half a day of leisure.
Bai Yichen would then take up his tea cup and seek out Real Person Yun Shou to discuss tea tasting, casually bringing back some completed roasted tea leaves.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival quietly passed, summer thunder began to rumble.
A year had gone by, and he had harvested completion.