Chapter 81 Entering Mount Dragon and Tiger

Upon hearing the words of the Supreme Lord of Great Compassion, Zhang Daoling began to contemplate how he might reward Cao Kong after the sacred treasure of his lineage was returned to the sect. A thought flickered through his mind: since this person was fated with their tradition, had obtained the jade slip, and returned it, he must be destined for the Great Way. Perhaps he should observe him further, and if he proved truly remarkable, then…

Having settled on a plan, Zhang Daoling suddenly gazed southward, toward Mount Potalaka in the Southern Sea, the sacred ground of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

On this day, the vast Southern Sea was awash with countless rays of rosy light, auspicious clouds in brilliant colors, and celestial music resounded, as if heaven and earth together were celebrating.

The Supreme Lord of Great Compassion seemed startled and asked, “Heavenly Master, do you know what this commotion is about?”

Zhang Daoling rose and replied, “In answer to your question, Lord, this is the first disciple of Guanyin Bodhisattva in the Southern Sea, Muzha, who has refined the Three Flowers and gathered them at the summit, attained the Five Qi and returned them to the origin, and thus achieved the rank of Celestial Immortal.”

The Supreme Lord’s face again showed “astonishment.” “To think he is so accomplished! As it happens, I too have a registered disciple, but alas, he now lags far behind this Muzha.”

Zhang Daoling listened carefully and kept this in mind—so this venerable also had a disciple.

“Since he is your disciple, Lord, he will surely become extraordinary in time.”

“Oh, nothing special, nothing special,” replied the Supreme Lord with a smile, as if his own disciple was truly mediocre, even foolish. “Perhaps, if the chance arises, Muzha might give him some guidance one day.”

Zhang Daoling kept silent, yet something felt amiss. But even as the foremost of the Four Great Heavenly Masters, wise beyond measure, he could not discern what it was.

…

On the banks of the Tongtian River.

Crash—roaring waves surged with overwhelming force, thundering like the bellow of beasts and the collapse of mountains—a sound to stir the soul.

Yet, for all the grandeur of this sound, it could not compare to the tumult within Daoist Zhang Mingde’s heart at that moment.

“Aaaah!” Zhang Mingde threw his head back and roared to the heavens, as if to expel all the pent-up grievances of years past.

In a single day, he had avenged his junior brother and reclaimed the sect’s treasure—a torrent of emotion washed over him, and there was no other way to give voice to the exhilaration in his heart.

Thin clouds scattered, birds and beasts took flight in fright, and even the sound of the river’s waves was momentarily silenced; fish leapt and crabs cowered in the water.

“Daoist Cao, I am deeply indebted to you. On behalf of the Orthodox Dao of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, I, Zhang Mingde, offer my sincerest thanks!”

A white-haired old Daoist, who had seen more than a hundred years, bowed low, his head lowered in a deep and formal salute.

“Master, there’s no need for such ceremony. In truth, I have also benefited much from the jade slip. The tale of how I came by it is long—why not discover it for yourself within the slip?”

Cao Kong helped the old Daoist to his feet. Tears glimmered in Zhang Mingde’s eyes, and his Dao heart, cultivated for nearly a century, trembled uncontrollably.

After a moment, Zhang Mingde closed his eyes, drew in a deep breath like a whale gulping water, exhaled slowly, the white mist lingering in the air.

He then examined the jade slip, and before he knew it, tears fell again.

Some time passed before Zhang Mingde composed himself, and then he said in a solemn tone:

“Daoist Cao, I have wandered Xiniu Hezhou for many years, all in search of our sect’s supreme treasure. Now that I have recovered it, I wish to return to my sect.”

He paused, then continued, “Would you be willing to visit Dragon and Tiger Mountain as my guest? You have returned our sect’s most precious heirloom—this is a great kindness, and we must show our gratitude.”

Upon hearing this, Cao Kong reflected: the Orthodox Dao of Dragon and Tiger Mountain was renowned as the orthodox lineage of Daoism, surely home to many accomplished cultivators—as evidenced by Zhang Mingde himself.

If he went there and discussed the Dao with the other Daoists, he would certainly gain much. He had just obtained Ren Water, and with the Dragon Palace Banquet a year away, he had time to spare.

“I am willing to accompany you,” Cao Kong replied with a smile.

Zhang Mingde was overjoyed. He quickly formed a series of hand seals and struck the sword with them, which immediately grew large enough to accommodate two people.

“Daoist Cao, please, let me take you.”

Cao Kong, curious to see Zhang Mingde’s technique, smiled and said, “No need for such formality, my friend—I have my own way to ride the wind.”

Zhang Mingde did not insist and stepped onto his precious sword, rising into the clouds. Seeing this, Cao Kong also rode the clear wind. The two flew swiftly above the clouds, and in a mere blink, the mountains below flashed by.

‘This Daoist Cao’s cultivation is even deeper than I imagined.’

Zhang Mingde glanced at Cao Kong with his peripheral vision and saw him completely at ease, further confirming his extraordinary nature. He increased his speed, not out of competitiveness, but eager to return to his sect.

Cao Kong sensed his companion’s urgency and said with a smile, “Why not increase our pace, Daoist Zhang?”

“I am already doing all I can. At this rate, we should return in about a day.”

“That may be so, but what if heaven and earth lend their aid?”

Before Zhang Mingde could wonder what he meant, he heard, “If we had a favorable wind, wouldn’t we be even faster? I sense a vast wind is about to rise.”

Daoist Zhang responded, “You must be joking, my friend. This is a fine spring day—such winds only come in winter, blowing from north to south. How could such a wind—”

He had not finished speaking when a howling wind arose, sweeping all the clouds southward.

This wind was tremendous, not touching the mortal world, but whistling through the heavens. Zhang Mingde’s sword sped up nearly twofold.

Zila!

The sound of the sword cleaving the air rang out. The scenery below flashed by at an incredible speed, growing blurred—just looking at it could make one dizzy.

How fast it was!

What should have taken a full day now required only one or two hours.

Ahead, a mountain appeared, coiled like a dragon, crouched like a tiger—a scene of incomparable beauty. As the poem says: “Azure waters and crimson clouds cradle dragon and tiger, a blessed land of immortals hidden within.”

Zhang Mingde descended hurriedly, his legs trembling. Who could have imagined he would travel from Xiniu Hezhou to Southern Jambu in just a couple of hours?

Had he not cultivated the Dao for a hundred years, shed his worldly impurities, and advanced far along the path of refined essence, possessing the finest Daoist magic, he would likely have collapsed.

After a while, Zhang Mingde swallowed hard, straightened up, and said, “Daoist Cao, this way please.”

Cao Kong accompanied him along the path of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, where the very air was thick with incense, filling the heart with reverence.

Along the way, many ancient structures appeared—Daoist temples and courtyards, halls and towers, grand eaves and vermillion columns, red walls and crimson doors.

Zhang Mingde explained the history and significance of these buildings, and spoke at length about Dragon and Tiger Mountain.

When Cao Kong asked what arts the mountain excelled at, the old Daoist answered openly: talismans, elixirs, summoning spirits, exorcising demons—he himself specialized in talismans and exorcism.

From the respect shown to him, it was clear Zhang Mingde held a high position on the mountain. Everywhere, Daoists called him “Elder,” and their passage was unimpeded.

Before long, they arrived before the Talisman of the Heavenly Master. Zhang Mingde halted, took a deep breath, produced the jade slip, and held it solemnly in his hands.

Cao Kong tactfully stepped aside.

“Unworthy disciple Zhang Mingde, after more than forty years, has at last recovered the sect’s supreme talisman. Today, I return it to the Hall of the Heavenly Master!”

As these words rang out, Cao Kong could clearly sense the entire Dragon and Tiger Mountain tremble with excitement. From all directions, Daoists arrived in bright streams of light.

Most were white-haired with age, but their eyes shone with spirit and their auras were powerful.

“Good! Good!” The Daoists’ faces were flushed with excitement, their spirits running high.

Zhang Mingde then declared, “The recovery of this treasure is due entirely to this Daoist friend, Cao Kong.”

At once, all the elders of Dragon and Tiger Mountain turned in unison to look at Cao Kong.