This is the true immortal of the Taoist sect.

The second leader of the Taoist sect will preach the Great Dao of Longevity at the Taoist holy site, the Immortal Palace of Taiyi Qingming.

In less than half a month, the news spread from Qingxu Mountain throughout the entire Dazhao Kingdom, and even the Dali Kingdom heard about it.

Those who sought the Dao throughout the land were overjoyed upon hearing the news.

Regardless of whether they were Taoists or not, they all flocked from all directions to Qingxu Mountain.

More than two months later, more than 100,000 people had gathered on and around Qingxu Mountain.

Besides the disciples of various Taoist sects, there are also many martial arts practitioners or people who aspire to Taoism.

Even many members of the Zhao royal family came.

According to Mingyue's rules, only Taoist disciples were qualified to enter Taiyi Qingming Heaven to listen to lectures.

The Taoist priests of Qingxu Mountain also told those who came that the same thing.

But these people just wouldn't leave. They didn't cause any trouble; they just said they came to burn incense.

The disciples who were in charge of dealing with the worshippers didn't know what to do, so they could only ask the sect leader for advice.

As the current head of the Taoist sect, Yun Zhen was also seeing such a scene for the first time, and for a moment he was unsure what to do.

They had no choice but to go to Baiyujing to ask Mingyue.

After thinking for a moment, Mingyue decided to open the door and announce that anyone could have the opportunity to enter the Taiyi Qingming Heaven to listen to the Dao.

But to get in, you have to pass the test of the Heavenly Ladder.

The news was met with great joy.

Taiyi Qingmingtian is a sacred Taoist palace that has been suspended on the back of Qingxu Mountain for decades.

But apart from the Taoist disciples themselves, no one has ever gone inside to see it.

Even if it's not for listening to the Dao, it would be worth it just to go in and see this sacred realm of immortals.

Thus, under the arrangement of the disciples of Qingxu Mountain, these more than 100,000 people began to climb the Heavenly Ladder in an orderly manner.

It was only after these people actually began to climb the Heavenly Ladder that they realized just how difficult the trials of this ladder truly were.

The Heavenly Ladder was originally prepared for Taoist disciples, and it is the best way to temper one's character.

If your mindset isn't right, you'll never get through it, no matter what.

No matter how high one's martial arts skills or how strong one's physique, it is still difficult to move an inch.

Even among the disciples of Qingxu Mountain's main sect, not many were able to get through.

What about these martial arts practitioners who cultivate brute force but not their minds?

In comparison, it was actually some scholars who had read the Taoist scriptures who went further.

But it only allowed them to go further. The Heavenly Ladder was open for three days, and apart from a few disciples from the branch sects of the Daoist sect, not a single person from outside the Daoist sect managed to get in.

On the fourth day, finally an old man with a full head of white hair successfully crossed the Heavenly Ladder and entered the Taiyi Qingming Heaven.

The onlookers were greatly surprised and couldn't help but ask in astonishment:

"Who was that old man? How did he get there?"

"He looks familiar, like I've seen him somewhere before..."

"You don't recognize him? Isn't he the former sect leader of the Flying Cloud Sect, Grandmaster Chen Jing..."

"So it was him. No wonder. Grandmaster Chen is already a top-tier grandmaster and hasn't shown his face for one or two decades. I never expected that this sermon by the sect leader would even alarm this old grandmaster."

"That's not surprising. If even he can't get across, it means this Heavenly Ladder wasn't prepared for those of us outside the Daoist sect..."

......

The crowd was buzzing with discussion, clearly quite familiar with the old man's identity.

Just as Chen Jing stepped onto the Heavenly Ladder and entered the Taiyi Azure Heaven, Mingyue, who was meditating in the Moonflower Immortal Palace, opened her eyes.

His gaze pierced through the layers of celestial palaces and landed on Chen Jing standing beneath the celestial gate.

"It's him?"

Mingyue was somewhat surprised.

I never expected him to still be alive.

Back then, this young master Chen was a close friend of his master, who had always wanted to guide him into the Dao.

But Chen Jing is a man who values ​​loyalty and affection too much.

After all the elite members of his Flying Cloud Sect were killed in battle, he single-handedly took on the responsibility of rebuilding the sect.

Therefore, he missed the opportunity to enter the path of spiritual cultivation.

Unexpectedly, he came back decades later.

Now that Feiyun Sect has finally gained a foothold, it's time for him to seek his own path.

After all, he was her master's good friend, so Mingyue dared not be negligent.

With a flash, he left the Moonflower Immortal Palace and appeared in front of Chen Jing.

Chen Jing, who was marveling at the wondrous scenery of Jade Capital Mountain, was startled. After taking a closer look, he said somewhat uncertainly:

"But... is Daoist Mingyue in person?"

Mingyue smiled slightly and replied:

"Mr. Chen is an old friend of my teacher, you can just call me Mingyue."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jing smiled and shook his head, saying:

"I dare not. I have come here seeking immortality and the Dao, and I would not presume to do so."

It was just a title, so Mingyue didn't pay much attention to it.

"Mr. Chen has come from afar. If my master knew, he would surely be very happy. Please come with me."

Speaking of Mingyue's master, Chen Jing couldn't help but show a hint of nostalgia on his face, his heart filled with emotion.

He couldn't help but think that if he had resolutely chosen to abandon the Flying Cloud Sect and join Li Daoxuan's sect back then, he might be calling Mingyue Senior Sister by now.

Of course, if he really did that, given his character, he would probably live with guilt for the rest of his life.

Mingyue led Chen Jing into the magnificent palace, patiently introducing each building to him.

Finally, we arrived at Baiyujing.

Chen Jing raised his head and looked at the enormous celestial palace built of gold and jade, as well as the dragon and phoenix phantoms and myriad rays of immortal light floating around it. The shock he felt was beyond words.

One can only sigh:

"Truly possessing the aura of an immortal..."

Mingyue smiled but didn't say anything.

Those who have truly attained enlightenment do not care whether the place of practice is luxurious or not; these are all superficial illusions.

The reason why so many celestial palaces on Jade Capital Mountain are built with gold and jade is simply for the sake of "purity," not for the pursuit of luxury.

White jade is pure and allows spiritual energy to flow freely without hindrance.

Practicing here not only makes energy cultivation easier, but also allows one to escape the complexities of the environment and find inner peace.

Mingyue led Chen Jing to a side hall next to the Jade Capital Immortal Palace, which appeared to be a guest room.

However, there was no bed in the room, only a white jade cushion and a low table, which was extremely simple.

"Mr. Chen, the sermon is not scheduled to begin for a few more days. Please rest here for the time being. Just let me know if you need anything."

After saying that, Mingyue casually drew a talisman for him and explained:

"There are many wonders in the Taiyi Qingming Heaven. If you are bored these days, you can take a walk around and have a look. However, this is, after all, a sacred place for Taoist cultivation. Some disciples of the sect have been cultivating here for a long time. In order to keep quiet, they will also set up some strange formations in their cultivation places."

"If this talisman reacts while you are strolling around, it means you have encountered a mysterious magic formation. You should just avoid it."

Chen Jing said gratefully:

"Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, Daoist. I apologize for disturbing you."

Mingyue smiled slightly:

"Sir, you're too kind. I won't disturb your rest any longer. Farewell..."

Chen Jing quickly bowed and took his leave.

When I got up, I found that the bright moon had already disappeared.

Chen Jing couldn't help but sigh again:

"The path to immortality, the path to immortality... no wonder people all over the world flock to it..."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The three-month period has arrived, and the Taiyi Qingming Heavenly Immortal Gate is now closed.

All those who hadn't yet entered could only look on with envy. But despite the disappointment, seeing so many others around them who hadn't been able to get in helped them feel a little better.

More than 100,000 people from all over the country gathered here, but according to some people's statistics, only less than 300 people were actually able to get in.

Most of them are disciples from various branches of the Taoist sect, and are legitimate Taoist priests with official Taoist records.

Only a few dozen people from outside the Taoist sect are allowed to enter.

There were martial arts masters, court officials, literary giants and scholars, as well as peddlers and laborers.

Unsurprisingly, after entering the Taiyi Qingming Heaven, almost everyone had the same expression.

No matter how high his status or position is outside, once he enters this place, he is just an ordinary mortal.

They all have to look up to the majestic Jade Palace, which sits atop the ninth heaven.

In the huge square in front of the Jade Capital Immortal Palace, a crowd had been waiting for a long time.

No one dared to whisper; they all sat quietly cross-legged on the white jade floor.

A peaceful and serene atmosphere enveloped the entire Yujing Mountain.

Suddenly, the wondrous celestial landscapes above the Jade Capital Celestial Palace began to change.

The phantom images of dragons and phoenixes intertwined, while beams of celestial light descended from the sky.

On the celestial path formed by celestial light, a woman in a moon-white Taoist robe, resembling a goddess from heaven, descended from the sky and landed steadily on the jade steps in front of the Jade Capital Celestial Palace.

Everyone in the audience was thrilled and overjoyed at the sight.

Without anyone taking the lead, everyone said in unison:

"Welcome to Daoist Mingyue..."

......

Mingyue nodded gently, her jade-like lips parted slightly, and her clear, cool voice echoed throughout the entire square.

"This humble Taoist priest, Mingyue, greets you all."

"It is said that the purity and turbidity of heaven and earth led to the separation of yin and yang; and that gods and men, who favor purity, cultivated the pure yang metal nature to attain immortality and longevity..."