Be a proper Taoist priest in The Condor Heroes

Passing through the ancient stone plaque inscribed with the three characters "Chongyang Palace," the entire Chongyang Palace gradually unfolds before your eyes. Built against the mountain with blue bricks and gray tiles, the well-arranged halls are hidden in the swirling clouds and mist. The scent of sandalwood and pine needles intertwine and permeate the air, leaving behind the bloodshed and clamor of a chaotic world, and adding a touch of the tranquility and solemnity of Taoist cultivation.

The stone steps have been worn smooth by time, and ancient pines stand tall on both sides. Occasionally, Taoist priests dressed in green robes come and go, their steps steady and their expressions solemn, exuding an air of otherworldly grace.

Li Zhichang led Su Yan and Xiao Nianba to the scripture hall first. The scripture hall is where all the sect's documents are registered. It is managed by the Taoist priest Sun Bu'er, who is in charge of the Qingjing Sanren. At this moment, two senior Taoist priests are on duty, and they are sorting out the files.

Upon seeing Li Zhichang, the two nodded slightly, their gazes falling on Su Yan and Xiao Nianba with a hint of scrutiny, but without any malice.

"This is Junior Brother Su Yan, who joined the sect on the orders of True Man Changchun. This young lady will be temporarily assigned as a servant."

Li Zhichang stepped forward, explained his purpose, and handed over Su Yan's token and relevant documents.

"Junior brother, according to Master's instructions, your Daoist name will be decided in a month."

After verifying the information, the Taoist priest registered the information, issued a food and lodging voucher, and performed the task with practiced ease. Su Yan stood respectfully to the side throughout, his gaze sweeping over the stacks of scriptures and scrolls in the scripture hall, inwardly sighing.

This is a haven of peace amidst the chaos of war. Although it is bound by rules, it is ultimately much more peaceful than the turmoil outside.

"Registration complete," Li Zhichang said with a smile.

"Junior Brother Su Yan, I have something to report to the Mountain Protection Hall, so Senior Brother Yin Zhiping will show you around and arrange your accommodations. Senior Brother Yin is one of the most outstanding disciples of the third generation in the sect, so feel free to ask him any questions you may have."

As soon as he finished speaking, a figure walked in from outside the hall. He was dressed in a moon-white Taoist robe, with a handsome face that exuded a sense of composure. There were already fine lines at the corners of his eyes. It was Yin Zhiping, who was nearly thirty years old.

He was tall and well-mannered, and when he saw Li Zhichang, he bowed with his hands clasped in a humble manner.

"Senior Brother Li."

His gaze shifted to Su Yan and Xiao Nian'erba, his eyes gentle, without a trace of arrogance, completely unlike the frivolous person he was rumored to be.

Su Yan's heart skipped a beat, and the memories of the transmigrator surged forth instantly.

Yin Zhiping, the Quanzhen disciple who would later be known as the "Dragon Knight" behind the Tomb of the Living Dead.

Looking at the calm and humble Taoist priest before him, he found it hard to connect him with the absurd incident in his memory, and pondered to himself.

He hasn't made any major mistakes yet, so perhaps he can still stay true to himself? But then he thought, the trajectory of fate is often hard to reverse, so he should try to avoid anything related to the Tomb of the Living Dead in the future to avoid getting involved in unnecessary trouble.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Yin."

Su Yan bowed respectfully according to the rules of the Quanzhen Sect, his tone respectful yet measured.

Little Nianba imitated Su Yan, timidly calling out "Senior Brother Yin," her little hands tightly gripping Su Yan's clothes, her eyes filled with curiosity and trepidation about the unfamiliar environment.

Yin Zhiping nodded slightly, his tone calm.

"Brother Li has already explained everything. Please come with me. I will explain the rules and regulations of the sect to you, and then we will collect our clothes and settle into our accommodations."

When he turned to lead the way, his steps were steady and his speech was clear and logical, showing the composure of a manager.

On the way, Yin Zhiping slowly introduced the situation.

"The sect has a Discipline Hall, a Supervision Hall, a Mountain Protection Hall, a Martial Arts Hall, and a Logistics Hall. Currently, each of these is managed by disciples of seven senior uncles and elder uncles. In addition to daily morning and evening prayers and cultivation, everyone in the sect has their own duties. Some miscellaneous daily affairs are handled by miscellaneous disciples. By the way, the sect has core disciples, formal disciples, registered disciples, and miscellaneous disciples."

He paused, his tone softening slightly.

"Generally speaking, new disciples need to attend lectures in the Martial Arts Hall, where there are special introductory lectures. However, I heard from Senior Brother Li that Master Changchun has already taught you martial arts and will test you when you return. You can come and learn the introductory lectures here when you have time. If you have any questions about martial arts, you can ask the disciples and senior brothers in the sect. If there is no need to bother the six patriarchs."

Su Yan silently memorized it, thinking to himself.

It truly lives up to its reputation as a legitimate sect of Taoism; the entire sect's rules are meticulous and rigorous.

As they spoke, they arrived at the supplies department belonging to the Logistics Hall. Yin Zhiping had someone fetch a set of blue robes for registered disciples and handed them to Su Yan.

"This is the robe prescribed for a registered disciple; please change into it."

Then he had two sets of gray servant robes brought out and handed them to Xiao Nianba.

"The girl will be temporarily assigned as a menial servant; adjustments will be made as needed."

Su Yan took the Taoist robe. It felt rough but was clean, much neater than the coarse cloth clothes she had worn along the way. Xiao Nianba held the servant's robe with eyes full of appreciation, carefully folding it in his arms.

Afterwards, Yin Zhiping led the two to a secluded courtyard room.

"According to the rules, registered disciples are required to live in communal dormitories, and servants also have their own accommodations. However, Master Changchun specifically instructed that, considering your recent recovery from injuries and the need to take care of this young lady, this single room has been arranged temporarily. The open space in the courtyard can also be used for sword practice. As for what happens next, we will make further arrangements after Master Changchun returns."

After explaining the precautions, Yin Zhiping gently gave him some more advice.

"You need to attend morning and evening classes at the Martial Arts Hall early tomorrow morning. Afterwards, someone will teach you basic martial arts and the rules of conduct. If you have any questions about martial arts or life, you can come to me or ask another senior brother."

After saying this, he cupped his hands in farewell, his steps steady and his manner humble and polite throughout, showing no arrogance whatsoever.

Su Yan pushed open the door. The room was simply furnished but clean, with a wooden bed, a wooden table, and two chairs. The side room was just right for Xiao Nian'er to stay in.

Xiao Nianba put down her bundle and eagerly changed into her servant's robe. Although it was a bit loose, it accentuated her delicate features. She looked at herself in the only bronze mirror in the room, then turned to Su Yan and smiled.

"Yan-ge'er, do I look like a real handyman?"

Looking at the pure smile on her face, Su Yan felt a sense of relief.

Having suffered the loss of his family and loved ones in Taiyuan, and fought his way through countless bloody battles and life-or-death ordeals, he finally arrived at his destination. He stroked the robe of a disciple on his body, its rough texture carrying a sense of peace. He turned to look at the misty mountains outside the courtyard, and the image of Yin Zhiping reappeared in his mind.

The "Dragon Knight" who would later ruin Xiaolongnu's reputation due to a momentary lapse of judgment was at this moment a humble and composed administrator of the Quanzhen Sect. The wonder and capriciousness of fate is truly lamentable.

He steadied himself, clearing his mind of distractions. His most important task now was to complete the assessment within a month, become a disciple of Master Changchun, solidify his foundation, and protect Xiao Nianba. As for Yin Zhiping's fate, that was his own doing; perhaps he could find an opportunity to warn him later. For now, he only needed to focus on improving his martial arts.