Tomb Robber: I, Chen Yulou, am dedicated to cultivating immortality!

Farewell to the captain.

He waved goodbye to everyone.

A group of five people led their horses off the boat and entered the ancient ferry.

It is similar to the ancient ferry crossing we have passed before. Passing ships would stay here overnight. Because of water transportation, it gradually became popular and formed a small town.

The same is true now.

As night fell, ships of all sizes came into the port.

After passing Jiangjin Ferry, the water ahead is very fast and there are countless reefs and rocks at the bottom of the river. Even the most experienced captain would not dare to sail at night.

Therefore, most people choose to spend the night in Jiangjin.

Have a hot meal in the small town.

You can also supply rice.

Wait until the next morning and set off when it is light.

In addition to them, there are fishermen who have lived here for generations and rely on the water for their livelihood.

Now we can return before dark.

With a big net and catch.

Standing on the bow and shouting.

Not yet ashore.

Residents from nearby restaurants, eateries or townspeople were already waiting.

The river fish just out of the water is the freshest. With simple processing, such as frying or boiling, sprinkling some salt and adding a few chilies, it will become a delicious delicacy.

Several people walked through the bustling crowd and were all somewhat infected by the atmosphere.

"The shopkeeper has an iron bull."

Kunlun walked in the front, riding a tall horse. Just standing there, he gave people an astonishing sense of oppression.

In these turbulent times, people are generally short due to malnutrition.

Nearly two meters tall, he is the most eye-catching wherever he is.

Along the way, I attracted countless astonished glances.

There were some old Buddhists named Lao Rong who hid in the crowd and tried to fish in troubled waters, but they subconsciously behaved themselves when they saw him. Even though he was a stranger, with his attitude, he deserved to have his hands broken if he was caught.

Wait until you reach the shore.

Kunlun suddenly pointed forward, a hint of surprise flashing across his eyes.

Several people came forward to take a look.

At the ancient ferry, on the shore connected to the town, stands an iron bull with its feet on a reef, its eyes sparkling and its momentum majestic.

"Water-controlling beast!"

Chen Yulou raised his eyebrows.

They had just talked about it some time ago when they crossed the Yellow River, but they didn't expect to see it here.

The back of the iron ox was rubbed until it was shiny, like a bronze mirror.

Several children were playing and fighting around.

You can even see some elderly people touching the cow's back with a look of respect on their faces, muttering something, and the sounds they hear are nothing more than praying for protection and freedom from illness and disaster.

In addition, there is a stone tablet at the feet of the iron ox.

With the dim light from the sky, Chen Yulou leaned forward to take a look and discovered that this iron ox was cast in the early Ming Dynasty.

There are floods every year because of mountain torrents.

The governor in office at that time passed by this place and heard people say that it was a water dragon causing trouble, so he specially allocated official silver, raised funds from the people, and invited skilled craftsmen to cast a stone in order to quell the flood.

Therefore, the town here is also called Niuxi Town.

"It's almost six or seven hundred years old, but it's still so well preserved. The materials used are really solid."

I tapped it gently, and a heavy feeling came over me.

Chen Yulou couldn't help but sigh.

You know, copper and iron objects are most likely to rust and decay, and this place is close to the river with heavy moisture, making it particularly difficult to store things.

He stopped and looked for a while.

Without further delay, several people jumped on their horses, crossed the ancient town and headed straight to the east.

No need to ask for directions.

The main peak of Qingcheng Mountain rises high into the clouds. Although this area is full of continuous mountains, Laojun Pavilion stands out from the crowd and can be seen clearly at a glance.

After entering spring, the days are much longer than in winter.

With the help of the setting sun's dim light, the group continued on their way and finally arrived outside Qingcheng Mountain before it became completely dark.

Once inside.

Everyone saw the undulating peaks in the mountains and the lush and verdant forests.

The peaks are surrounded by winding paths.

It is no wonder that Qingcheng has been known as "the most secluded place in the world" since ancient times.

The most important thing is.

At the foot of the mountain there are thousands of steps leading to the Laojun Pavilion at the highest point.

On both sides of the official road at the foot of the mountain, there is an ancient street with many restaurants and hotels, providing accommodation and rest for tourists traveling to and from the mountain.

It is not easy to climb mountains on horseback.

The group found a restaurant, deposited their horses, and asked the waiter to feed them well. They also prepared some clean water and food. After everything was ready, they went straight up along the red stairs at the foot of the mountain.

This is different from Mount Zhongnan which is closed in July.

Mount Qingcheng is open all year round and attracts a constant stream of pilgrims and tourists.

Even though it's already night, you can still see a lot of people on the ancient street at the foot of the mountain. Judging from their accents, you can tell they're from more than just Sichuan and Chongqing, but from all over the world.

There are even people from outside the country among them.

However, looking at their looks, they could not conceal their desolate sorrow and sadness, as if they were strangers in a foreign land.

Most likely they are refugees from the north.

Today, it is not only the North, but also the South as a whole. Warlords are fighting for power everywhere, wars are ongoing, and ordinary people are losing their homes and are displaced.

It is already very difficult to escape and survive.

The group was no longer surprised by this.

Go through the ancient street and go straight up from Zhumatai at the foot of the mountain.

Qingcheng Mountain at night is even quieter than during the day. There is almost no noise except the singing of birds and the chirping of insects. Even if there are people traveling with you occasionally, they will just say hello casually, pass by each other, and continue on their way.

"Manager Chen, this Qingcheng Mountain should also belong to the Taoist cave paradise, right?"

When the group reached halfway up the mountain, they found a pavilion to sit down and rest. The old foreigner looked around and felt that the mountain was quiet and full of spiritual energy.

"It is the fifth of the ten great caves along with Mount Zhongnan, and is known as the Nine-Room Heaven of Precious Immortals."

"Moreover, since ancient times, it has been known as one of the five great immortal mountains along with Wudang, Longhu, Qiyun, and Jingfu. Its status is higher than that of Taiyi Mountain."

Chen Yulou nodded and responded softly.

The status of Qingcheng Mountain in Taoism is no less than that of Wudang and Longhu.

It is said that during the time of Emperor Huangdi, there was a man named Ning Fengzi who lived in seclusion in Mount Qingcheng and practiced Taoism. He taught Emperor Huangdi the art of controlling wind and clouds. Emperor Huangdi built an altar and worshipped him as the Grandfather of the Five Mountains. Therefore, Mount Qingcheng is also called the Grandfather Mountain.

In the mountain, people worship 'Ningfeng Zhenjun, the Grandfather of the Five Mountains'.

In addition, at the end of the Western Han Dynasty, Yin Changsheng, one of the Eight Immortals of Shu, went into the mountains to practice.

This person's attainments in alchemy are extremely amazing.

He can almost be called the founder of the Taoist Alchemy School.

Many ancient Taoist scriptures and methods were compiled by him personally, such as Taiqing Jinye Shendan Jing, Zhouyi Cantongqi, Jinbi Wuxiang Leicantongqi, Yin Zhenjun Jinmuhuodan Lun and Yin Zhenjun Wudan Jue.

Ge Hong, who was famous throughout the world for his alchemy and yellow and white techniques, was the inheritor of Yin Changsheng.

However, it was Zhang Daoling who truly established Mount Qingcheng as a famous Taoist mountain.

In the second year of Han An in the Eastern Han Dynasty, two years after completing the writing of the Twenty-Four Taoist Books, Zhang Daoling arrived at Mount Qingcheng from Mount Heming, where he built a hut to practice and preach.

That is Tianshi Cave.

This is the end.

Taoism really became famous.

Since then, Mount Qingcheng has become the first of the four famous mountains of Taoism.

Countless people came here to practice Taoism.

During the Sui and Tang dynasties, thanks to the support of the imperial family, Mount Qingcheng of that era was truly the "home of immortals", with palaces and temples scattered throughout the mountain and many great Taoist masters.

Emperor Xizong of the Tang Dynasty once ordered the construction of the Lingbao Taoist Temple and the Luotian Grand Ceremony on Mount Qingcheng, with 2,400 ritual seats.

It is the best in history.

Although Qingcheng Mountain was not as prosperous as in the previous dynasties due to wars or other reasons, the Qingcheng Taoism has never declined in the past two thousand years.

During the Northern Song Dynasty, it became a holy place for the Longmen Sect of Taoism.

Now the Republic of China.

There are also dozens of ancient Taoist temples of various sizes on the mountain.

Even though it is slightly inferior to the scenes in the hundreds of Taoist temples on Taiyi Mountain, it is still amazing enough.

Therefore, there is a constant stream of incense burning on the mountain.

Among the pilgrims seen along the way, many brought their own incense with them, and some even went up the mountain at night, just to burn the first incense before daybreak.

"No wonder."

Hear his explanation.

The people around him nodded subconsciously.

No wonder there are so many pilgrims. With thousands of years of heritage, it cannot be compared with those dilapidated old temples on the hills.

Walk and rest along the way.

After two full hours, a strong smell of incense spread out, almost blending into the entire mountain. From time to time, heavy and ancient bell sounds could be heard.

Arrived here.

The pilgrims who were accompanying them were visibly excited and their steps quickened.

"We've arrived at Jianfu Palace!"

Seeing the surprised looks on Yang Fang and the others' faces, Chen Yulou spoke calmly.

Jianfu Palace was where Ning Fengzi practiced cultivation in the past.

Qingcheng Mountain is also his place of practice.

It is conceivable that Jianfu Palace was very popular and most of the pilgrims came here to burn incense.

Even though it was already dark.

The Taoist temple is still brightly lit.

When they passed the quiet area ahead, they saw the ancient and majestic Taoist temple hidden among the ancient pines and cypresses, built against the mountain, with a magnificent appearance.

Inside and outside the door.

There were figures everywhere.

Many people held lit incense sticks, with pious looks on their faces, and prayed continuously to the statue of Ning Feng Zhenjun enshrined in the hall, muttering softly.

"Shopkeeper, do we want it?"

See this situation.

Kunlun asked in a low voice.

After all, it is an ancient Taoist temple where the True Lord practices.

"It doesn't hurt to take a look."

Chen Yulou nodded.

Jianfu Palace is located on the mountainside, and their destination, Tianshi Cave, is on the top of the mountain. There is only an ancient plank road between the cliffs of the third Hunyuan Peak that can lead people up and down.

After walking all night, I went into the temple to burn some incense as a way of taking a rest.

He had given this order.

The others naturally would not refuse.

He immediately tidied up his clothes. After all, this was a quiet Taoist place, so he didn't need to be dusty and unkempt.

Cross the front gate courtyard and walk through the stone temple gate.

The hall was bustling with people.

It is hard to imagine that it is already nightfall for a long time, and it is either the birthday of Master Ning Feng, or there is a ceremony like fortune-telling, or it is just an ordinary day.

So many people went up the mountain to burn incense in the middle of the night.

One can imagine how prosperous Taoism was in Qingcheng Mountain.

There was another reason why Chen Yulou agreed to enter the temple.

The entire Jianfu Palace is shrouded in an overwhelming layer of clear air, exuding a Taoist awe-inspiring atmosphere.

This can only explain one point.

There is a Taoist heritage in the palace, and there are great practitioners.

On that day in Zhongnan Mountain, when he went from Baxiantai to Aoshan, Chunyang Palace gave him the same feeling.

However, the aura of the former was sharp, like a sword, while the aura here was neutral and peaceful, making people's minds subconsciously calm down.

"This……"

Partridge Whistle, who had been following behind him without saying a word the whole way, obviously also realized this.

The moment of entry.

His eyes moved slightly, his hands hung at his sides, and his gaze swept around, revealing a hint of surprise.

"Brother Chen."

"Shh...go in and take a look first."

Seeing that he was about to speak, Chen Yulou just made a gesture to keep quiet.

After all, it's a rash visit.

They are all practitioners.

They can sense each other, and the other party must have noticed it as well.

Partridge Whistle nodded secretly.

Seeing his senior brother and Shopkeeper Chen like this, the old foreigner seemed to have thought of something. He subconsciously put his thoughts aside, and his expression became more solemn.

Several people followed the pilgrims, crossed the gate and entered the front hall.

Brightly lit.

A statue several meters high sits in the shrine.

His eyes are bright and his expression is peaceful.

Holding a heavenly book in hand.

If it’s not Master Ning Feng, then who else could it be?

Several devout pilgrims were kneeling on the cushions.

There was wood incense stuck in a bamboo tube nearby. From time to time, someone would come forward to take it and light it in front of the candle. The whole hall was filled with curling green smoke, making the statue of Zhenjun look even more solemn and majestic.

"Shopkeeper Chen, can I go get the incense?"

Seeing that the few people did not move, Yang Fang didn't know what they meant, so he asked in a low voice.

"it is good."

Listen to him ask.

Only then did Chen Yulou turn his gaze away from the huge ink characters above the hall and nodded.

Wait for the incense to be taken.

Several people each took three sticks and inserted them into the incense burner.

Worshipping the statue of the god is like worshipping mountains when you see them and worshipping water when you see it.

Wait until a few people turned around and walked out of the hall.

The old foreigner who fell behind suddenly realized that something was wrong. For some reason, the senior brother and Shopkeeper Chen stopped and stood at the gate.

He was stopped behind, unable to move forward or backward.

Kunlun and Yang Fang, who had gone out first, also reacted.

Subconsciously, I followed their gaze and looked into the distance.

I saw it among the bustling crowd of pilgrims.

I don't know when an old Taoist figure appeared.

He looked to be over 70 years old, with white hair and beard. He was wearing a green Taoist robe that had been washed so much that it looked white. His long hair was tied behind his head, and he was holding a handful of dustpan in his hands.

Although he is thin, he looks very energetic.

A pair of eyes are particularly clear.

Although I am among the crowd, I feel as if I am standing on the sea of ​​clouds, feeling unfathomable and heavy.

Even if the two of them reacted slowly.

At this moment, I could also understand it from the temperament of the old Taoist.

This man is anything but simple.

Compared to the old man who was pounding medicine seen on Mount Zhongnan that day, his aura was even stronger, as deep as a mountain and difficult to fathom.

"Chen Yulou from Xiangyin."

"I've met senior!"

Chen Yulou was the first to come back to his senses.

Although he had expected that they would be noticed by the Taoist master in the temple sooner or later, even he did not expect that this person would arrive so quickly.

The breeze blows past me without touching a single feather.

He is already a Taoist master who has reached a very high level of cultivation.

As his voice began.

The Partridge Whistle beside him also understood immediately, clasped his hands together and bowed.

"Partridge Whistle, nice to meet you, Senior."

Hearing his senior brother and Shopkeeper Chen introducing themselves, the old foreigner who was still in the hall understood what was happening. He subconsciously stood on tiptoe and looked over curiously.

"My fellow Taoists, coming to my Jianfu Palace is truly a great honor to me."

The dust in the old Taoist's hands floated lightly, and there was an indescribable sense of transcendence in his movements.

He did not pay any attention to Partridge Whistle. Although he was wearing a Taoist robe and a Taoist bun, he greeted him like a martial artist and just smiled faintly.

"I, the old Taoist Xingya, am honored to be the abbot of Jianfu Palace."

"You all have come from afar, please come and chat with us in the back mountain!"