CHAPTER 554: CHAPTER 554 HOLY MOUNTAIN TEMPLE

"That sounds more like human talk. Hurry up and arrange rooms for us, including good liquor and food!"

"Please wait a moment, sir."

The manager said, then pulled out a communicator and dialed out from a corner of the wall.

Soon the communication connected.

Xiao Zhan curiously released his Perception, feeling at ease to use his Perception Skill on this manager.

"Hello, is this Daoist Qing Lian?"

"Yes, it’s Zhang the layperson. May I ask what’s the matter?"

"Daoist Qing Lian, it’s like this. I don’t know what happened today, but suddenly a lot of people came to the scenic area. Rooms that are usually vacant are all full today, and there are no more available, yet many tourists still haven’t checked in. I’d like to ask for your help, to let them stay in the temple just for today if possible."

"Of course, that’s possible, but space in the temple is limited, and the journey up is quite difficult, so you’ll have to arrange it yourself."

"Don’t worry, certainly. Thank you so much, Daoist Qing Lian, I’m very grateful."

The manager hung up the phone, his expression visibly relaxed.

He approached the guests and said, "Please excuse the wait. I’ve already made contact, and there are a few guest rooms available in the Holy Mountain Temple above. However, the path up the mountain is tough, and it’s difficult for those below the Third Grade Realm to climb."

"Once you reach the top, you can experience a day in the life of the Holy Mountain Temple and listen to the Daoist’s insights on cultivation, which is immensely helpful for one’s practice."

"I’d like to ask if anyone here has booked a room and is above the Third Grade, would you be willing to exchange rooms? We would be immensely grateful."

The manager had just made a preliminary estimate that the number of people and the guest rooms available in the Holy Mountain Temple were about the same, so he merely needed to switch some tourists around.

As soon as he proposed this, many people agreed.

Most of those above the Third Grade had come for the Holy Mountain Temple anyway, planning to visit today or tomorrow, but with such an opportunity, why not go earlier?

They would get to listen to the Daoist’s lecture on cultivation at the break of dawn, so naturally, they were even more willing.

You see, guest rooms at the Holy Mountain Temple are almost never available to outsiders.

People began to register quickly.

Once everyone was registered, the manager immediately set off with the group.

The night trek was difficult, but the manager had no choice; he had to lead them, or else, faced with the collective anger of the crowd, his scenic area would be overturned.

Fortunately, all of these people were cultivators above the Third Grade Spirit Master, making the journey not too difficult for them.

After about two hours of walking on a small path.

A dim light appeared before the group.

Xiao Zhan released his Perception and saw that beneath the dim light was a Daoist temple.

However, this temple was located between two mountain peaks, with a huge iron chain connecting them, stretching four to five hundred meters long.

One would need to cross the chain to reach the temple.

And below this iron chain was a deep, unseen chasm. Xiao Zhan looked down, and knew that if one couldn’t fly, even a Sixth Grade Spirit Master falling would be smashed to bits.

No wonder only cultivators above the Third Grade were able to make it up here.

This iron chain alone was enough to deter many.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I can only escort you here. The rest of the way is up to you. If you are not confident, you may return the way we came, but I can only offer floor space to sleep on."

The manager spoke, then stood by.

He had to wait until everyone had crossed before he could return.

No sooner had he finished speaking than someone took the lead, his figure flashing like lightning, swiftly crossing from one end of the chain to the other in just two swooshes.

Upon reaching the other side, he did not linger, vanishing from sight in the blink of an eye.

This scene left everyone stunned.

What happened to the risk? They crossed just like that?

They hadn’t even gotten a clear look at the person before he crossed, a truly shocking display.

Xiao Zhan also couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows. He hadn’t been able to perceive the person in time, but just from that display, the person was at least a Sixth Grade Spirit Master.

It seemed that this contest had attracted quite a crowd.

With the first person leading the way, others immediately followed.

First, the strong ones, Fifth Grade and Sixth Grade, crossed the chain easily as if walking on flat ground.

Then came those of the Third and Fourth Grades. The Fourth Graders crossed with some awkwardness and panic, but mostly made it across without much trouble.

But for the Third Graders, it was not so easy.

The wind suddenly picked up, the chain began to sway, and with the ice on the chain, it became difficult to cross, prompting some to back away.

The manager, watching this unfold, subtly revealed a smile of successful scheming.

Clearly, he had done this on purpose.

However, this did not affect Xiao Zhan and his group, who had already crossed over by the time they reached the middle.

Upon crossing, a young Daoist awaited them at the entrance, slightly bowing to Xiao Zhan as he directed them to their rooms.

They received guidance all the way, which was quite considerate.

After all, the stay was free, and outsiders were usually not allowed to sojourn.

Arriving so late and still helping Xiao Zhan and his group, this made Xiao Zhan’s impression of the Daoist ways rise a few notches.

Xiao Zhan remembered that in this world there seemed to be no monks anymore. When he first crossed over, he didn’t understand why, thinking that there had been a great battle between Buddhism and Daoism, with the Daoists annihilating the Buddhists.

Later on, after some thought, he understood. Daoists could take partners, whereas Buddhists could not marry, could not have relationships with women, and must abstain from desires, which over time, naturally led to the disappearance of monks.

However, Xiao Zhan had heard that some monks still existed in this world, but they were very few, and those monks had very deep faith.

Having arrived at their own room, the Daoist charm was strong.

Lotus Treasure Lamps, Taiji Incense.

What caught the attention, however, were the patterns of snow lotus flowers everywhere in the room.

On the bed, windows, tables, carpets, and even the lighting lamps, all bore the design of the snow lotus.

Xiao Zhan inspected them closely, "This snow lotus pattern, doesn’t it slightly resemble the Holy Snow Lotus?"

"It does a bit."

Ye Youlong nodded.

The pattern was simple, but from its posture, it indeed bore some resemblance.

But let’s not ponder over it now.

Xiao Zhan and his group had been traveling all day and were tired, so after a simple wash, they rested.

Once the last person had settled in, the Daoist temple finally had a moment of rest.

But in the deepest part of the temple, in a room, an elder in a dark Daoist robe, holding a horsetail whisk, with a youthful face and white hair, was sitting cross-legged on a cushion.

The room’s door opened, and a young Daoist boy entered.

"Master, all the guests have been settled."

"Mhm, go get some rest yourself."

"Yes, Master."

The door closed.

The elder’s half-closed eyes opened, and a touch of concern swirled in their clear depths, "With the Snow Lotus revealed in the world, another strife ensues."

With that, he shook his head helplessly and closed his eyes again.