Mountain Venerable and Sea Immortal

In the height of summer, the Yellow Sea coast is shrouded in mist and haze. The sea breeze, carrying a salty, refreshing energy, sweeps over the layered peaks, enveloping the entire Laoshan Mountain in a dreamlike veil. This mountain stands majestically in the eastern part of Shandong Province, bordered by the sea on its south and east sides. Its most prominent peak is a giant, over a thousand feet high. The mountain's slope is steep on the east and gentle on the west. The eastern cliff rises a thousand feet straight into the sea, while the western slope is covered with rolling hills, a place of hidden spiritual beauty. Since ancient times, it has been considered the premier grotto for immortals in the East China Sea. A short while on the wind and clouds, one is already near the main gate of Laoshan Mountain.

The Immortal Minglang descended slowly on a cloud, the mist beneath his feet gradually dissipating. Looking down from their vantage point, the majestic mountain gate, a formidable barrier between mountains and seas, came into view. The pavilion, constructed of Xuan Ying stone, stood amidst the clouds, reaching towards the heavens and guarding the spiritual veins below, its imposing presence awe-inspiring. Once the clouds settled, the group finally stood firmly on solid ground, truly before the gates of the immortal mountain.

The mountain gate is built of Laoshan Xuanying stone, standing over three zhang high. It has three gates standing side by side. The central gate has a golden plaque hanging high, inscribed with four ancient seal characters that read "Laoshan Immortal Abode," the strokes of which are ancient and vigorous, and faintly radiate a spiritual light. The left and right side gates are carved with mountain and sea patterns and cloud and crane patterns. On each of the gateposts stands a stone armored deity, with eyes like cold stars, majestic and solemn, guarding the boundary between immortals and mortals.

Inside the gate, ancient trees reach for the sky, spiritual herbs abound, and the sound of a babbling brook lingers—a world entirely different from the mortal realm outside. Within a single step, the distinction between the immortal and the mundane is blurred. A breeze blows from the sea, carrying the fresh scent of plants and a faint spiritual energy; inhaling it instantly clears the mind and dispels all distracting thoughts.

Before long, a group of people slowly walked out from inside the mountain gate.

The leader was none other than Elder Wudao of Laoshan. He wore a moon-white Taoist robe, a silk sash around his waist, and held a whisk in his hand. His face was serene, and his gaze was gentle yet unfathomable. Behind him followed a dozen or so disciples in blue robes, all of whom were upright and had restrained auras, clearly people who had cultivated for many years.

Elder Wudao walked slowly and gracefully, exuding an air of ethereal elegance. His disciple beside him made no show of his magical artifacts, simply holding a jade tray filled with pure dew tea as a gesture of welcome.

As they approached the gate, Elder Wudao's gaze slowly swept over the crowd.

Master Minglang straightened his robes, stepped forward a few paces, and bowed respectfully to Elder Wudao, performing the traditional greeting between Daoist practitioners.

"This junior, Minglang, has returned with disciples from all directions who participated in the examination. I have come to pay my respects to Elder Wudao."

The people behind him also bowed and clasped their hands in greeting, saying in unison, "Disciple greets the Grand Elder!"

Seeing this, Elder Wudao nodded slightly, raised his hand, and smiled in a gesture of support.

"Junior Brother Minglang, you must be tired from your journey. There's no need for such formalities."

Master Minglang retreated behind Elder Wudao.

Then, Elder Wudao's clear voice spread out on the wind:

"Today, the mountain gates are wide open to select the best talents. It is commendable that you have all come from afar, with your hearts set on the Great Way."

Lin Yan's gaze fell upon Elder Wudao, and his heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself: This is Elder Wudao, the highly respected elder of Laoshan... He rescued me at the seaside that day, pointed out my mistakes, and gave me the guiding jade talisman. Every word and action of this man is imbued with the Dao, his demeanor is as steady as a mountain, and his gaze, though seemingly gentle, seems to see right through people's hearts. It seems that the profound cultivation and rules of the Laoshan Immortal Sect are all under his control. Seeing his true face today, he seems even more majestic and imposing than when we first met. We mortal disciples should be careful in our words and actions before him, and must not be disrespectful.

Lin Yan stood with his head bowed, a thought swirling in his mind: The elder's opening statement emphasized "the heart turning towards the Great Dao," revealing that Laoshan prioritizes character in its selection of disciples. From a young age, I diligently cultivated the *Laoshan Sea-Gazing Technique*, achieving mastery without a teacher and entering the Realm of Material Control. My journey has been fraught with hardship, all in pursuit of a legitimate path to immortality. Now that I have entered the immortal realm, I must guard my heart, maintain self-discipline, and reveal my true nature to repay the elder's kindness in saving me at the seaside, and to honor my years of arduous cultivation.

Lin Yan listened carefully, making a mental note: the difference between the inner and outer mountains was truly immense. The inner mountain was the core of the spiritual veins, while the outer mountain was a place for honing one's foundation. It seemed that if one wanted to learn orthodox immortal techniques and advance in the "Laoshan Sea-Gazing Technique," one must first establish a firm foothold in the outer mountain before attempting to enter the inner sect; one must never be overly ambitious.

Elder Wudao spoke in a low voice, stating the rules for selecting disciples: "Our sect selects disciples not based on family background or appearance, but only on three things."

"First, one must be of upright character. Those who are wicked, cunning, and deceitful, no matter how talented they may be, will never be accepted. Cultivating immortality begins with cultivating one's character; if the heart is crooked, the path will be crooked, and one will ultimately go astray."

"Secondly, one's spiritual root is acceptable. One should be free from chronic illnesses and be able to sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, which is the qualification for entering the Dao. Those with excellent roots can enter the inner sect, while those with ordinary roots but a resilient mind can also enter the outer sect for tempering."

"Thirdly, one must have a steadfast mind. Cultivating the Tao is austere, requiring years of meditation. One must be able to endure loneliness and abide by the rules. Those who are greedy for profit, fickle, or frivolous are not worthy of being cultivated."

"Those who enter Laoshan will first spend three months in the outer mountains to observe their character, conduct, and spiritual potential. After three months, those who pass will be allowed to stay, while those who fail will be given travel expenses and sent home. We will never force anyone to stay."

After the words were spoken, everyone felt a mix of emotions. Some were secretly glad that they were kind-hearted, while others were secretly nervous, fearing that they might be sent back if they were not virtuous enough. The young men and women around them composed themselves, some gently touching their chests to calm their emotions, others closing their eyes to concentrate and carefully feel the spiritual energy flowing through the mountains.

Lin Yan's heart skipped a beat, and he focused his mind and held his breath: Finally, he was about to step into the heart of the immortal mountain. The orthodox path of cultivation would begin from this moment. No matter how difficult the road ahead, he would do his utmost to live up to this destiny and his heart.

Yi Azhu quietly tugged at Chen Dagang's sleeve and whispered, "This is Elder Laoshan... He truly lives up to the legends, like a celestial being."

Chen Dagang nodded slightly, his expression becoming even more respectful.

As Yunxi gazed at the peaks that appeared and disappeared deep within the mountain gate, her heart stirred slightly: the giant peaks stood majestically in the clouds, the eastern peak like a halberd and the western peak like a lotus, symmetrical on both sides, with a natural and imposing aura, truly a grotto-heaven for cultivating immortality.

The other candidates, whether excited, nervous, envious, or self-possessed, displayed a variety of expressions, but none dared to make a loud noise.

After Elder Wudao finished speaking, everyone felt a mix of emotions. Some were secretly glad that they were of pure nature, while others were secretly nervous, fearing that their lack of moral character would lead to their expulsion. The young men and women around them quickly composed themselves, some gently touching their chests to calm their emotions, others closing their eyes to concentrate and carefully feel the spiritual energy flowing through the mountains.

Elder Wudao's gaze swept over Lin Yan and the other three, his eyes brightening slightly. He then pointed his whisk into the mountain gate and said, "The auspicious time has arrived. Follow me into the mountain." With that, he turned and left first.

Disciples in blue robes lined up on both sides, bowing and leading the way. Lin Yan, Yun Xi, Yi Azhu, Chen Dagang, and a group of other candidates followed closely behind, stepping into the Laoshan Mountain Gate in turn.

Outside the gate lies the mundane world, while inside lies the ethereal beauty of the mountains.

Outside the gate, the dust and smoke of the mundane world still lingered, while inside, the scenery was already breathtakingly beautiful.

Looking up, the majestic peaks of Laoshan Mountain come into full view: towering peaks stand majestically in the sky, soaring into the sea of ​​clouds. Mountain streams flow down the valleys, short and swift, their waters rushing into the sea with a clear, melodious sound. Along the streams, dew-kissed grasses and fragrant wildflowers bloom, and birds and birds flutter about, their clear, melodious songs untouched by the hustle and bustle of the world.

A blue stone path stretches along the mountainside, lightly covered with moss, smooth and warm, winding its way upwards, through clouds and mist, leading directly to the heart of the outer mountains deep in the clouds and mist.