Chapter 58: Two Attendants, Gentle Breeze and Bright Moon

At the foot of Mistveil Mountain, there was only one village—the very same village where Cao Kong had previously rid of a demon.

As for the so-called “Destruction of the French Kingdom” mentioned in later generations, there was no trace to be found; presumably, such matters would only develop with the passage of time.

Qingfeng and Mingyue traveled westward together. Though the mountains were lofty and the roads long, they walked as if treading level ground.

In later ages, the Tang Monk spent seven years journeying from Five Elders Temple to Mistveil Mountain, but in the footsteps of these two Daoist boys, it was but a matter of a year or two.

And even so, it was because they were playful and lingered fondly in the mortal world, which delayed them much. It was said that on this journey, they learned quite a few dialects.

The two Daoist children strolled idly through the village, seeking the one destined to cross their path.

Truth be told, they did not know what this “fated one” meant, but ever reverent of their master Zhenyuan Daxian’s skill, they did not dwell on it, trusting that they would understand when the moment arrived.

No sooner had they entered the village than they were welcomed by the villagers: some offered water, others fruit and vegetables, leaving the two Daoist children puzzled.

“Why are you giving us these things?” Qingfeng inquired.

A villager replied, “A year ago, our village was protected by a Daoist priest, who spared us from disaster. Thus, everyone in the village reveres the Dao and cherishes its followers. Seeing you two young Daoists come from afar, we offer you clear water and fresh fruit.”

Upon hearing this, Qingfeng and Mingyue became intrigued. “May we ask where this Daoist priest is? We would like to meet him.”

The villager answered, “We do not know. The Daoist priest came and went swiftly, asking nothing in return for his protection. Truly, he was a sage who has attained the Way.”

Qingfeng and Mingyue gave their thanks and pondered that if this Daoist could arrive in time to help, he might well be hiding in the nearby mountains and forests. They decided to use their ability to observe the energies of the land.

If they truly saw any sign of the supernatural nearby, it would do no harm to pay a visit.

Though the two appeared as mere children, it was because of their pure hearts and exceptional talents; thus, their youthful faces remained unchanged.

Qingfeng was already over two hundred years old; Mingyue, more than a hundred. Their cultivation was deep, each having attained one of the Three Flowers, and their abilities were considerable. Reading the energies of the land was a trivial matter to them.

They formed hand seals and focused their energy into their eyes, gazing upon the mountain ranges, which shifted in their vision, revealing their true essence.

All the mountains seemed unremarkable, save for one in the southwest, cloaked in white snow, shrouded in clouds and mist, with the energy of the earth rising like a crouching leopard—already the beginnings of a blessed land.

Qingfeng and Mingyue both sensed something, their spiritual awareness drawn irresistibly towards it.

Mingyue laughed, “This mountain is extraordinary. Let us go and see for ourselves.”

Qingfeng agreed, “Indeed, if a Daoist dwells within, he must be no ordinary man.”

“And what makes you think so?” Mingyue asked.

Qingfeng, learned as he was, replied with a smile, “It is quite interesting. This mountain lies to the south, with earth energy in the shape of a leopard, and is wreathed in clouds and mist—an auspicious sign. If a Daoist has chosen to live in seclusion here, would that not correspond to the image of a hidden leopard in the southern mountains?”

“Perhaps the one destined for us is there,” he added.

Mingyue nodded in agreement, and the two Daoist children set off for Mistveil Mountain. Though they seemed to walk, their speed was swift as the wind, their figures like two green shadows flitting through the forest, ethereal and otherworldly.

Mistveil Mountain covered a vast expanse, with many ponds and pools scattered about, which could well be called icy tarns.

Winter had arrived; the mountains were blanketed in snow, cold and pure, and at a pool halfway up the mountain, a lone Daoist fished.

A snow-laden forest, swirling clouds, a frigid tarn, and a solitary fisherman—it was a scene reminiscent of an angler in the snowy river.

Cao Kong sat at ease, savoring the pleasures of the mountain woods. Though no fish bit his hook, gazing at the snowy pool brought a deep calm to his heart.

Even the faint restlessness he felt while searching for the Wood Mother and practicing the Solar Gold technique was soothed.

Indeed, cultivation required a balance of exertion and relaxation. The wonders of heaven and earth possessed a power to quiet the spirit.

Suddenly, he sensed the presence of others.

Cao Kong had grown attuned to Mistveil Mountain and sensed two people entering, but was unperturbed, continuing to fish as before.

Soon, a sound as clear as jade fragments reached his ears—soft, yet unmistakable.

“Look, there’s a Daoist fishing over there.”

“Let’s go and have a look—perhaps this is the very one the villagers spoke of.”

“Haha, see how focused he is on his fishing? Let’s go and tease him a bit.”

Qingfeng and Mingyue, with the hearts of children, were suddenly seized by mischief. Much like their delight in learning rustic dialects on their journey, it was all for amusement.

Mingyue whispered, “Will we frighten him?”

“How could we? Besides, look at him—he’s clearly a Daoist. Even if he’s startled, we’ll recite a few Daoist texts for him and he’ll have to thank us,” Qingfeng replied confidently.

Mingyue, the youngest in Five Elders Temple, said timidly, “Will it work? We’re always the ones being taught by our senior brothers.”

Qingfeng replied with confidence, “Be bold. In the temple, we’re just children, but outside, even the cultivators must call us ‘Real Masters.’”

Mingyue thought this over and agreed.

The two Daoist children held their breath, lightened their steps, and crept up behind Cao Kong at the icy pool.

They exchanged excited glances, cupped their hands around their mouths to form a horn, and were just about to shout—

When the Daoist, seemingly absorbed in fishing, suddenly spun around and made a frightening face.

“Ahhh!!”

The two Daoist children, their minds focused, were so startled that they lost their voices.

Cao Kong burst out laughing. Seeing their clear bones, spirited bearing, and handsome faces, he knew at once they were no ordinary mortals, and could not help but praise them in his heart.

Once they regained their composure, Qingfeng and Mingyue glared at Cao Kong—not with malice, but as a natural reaction to being startled.

“You knew we were behind you, so you scared us on purpose!” Qingfeng said indignantly.

Cao Kong smiled, “Since you two are students of the Way, how about I teach you a couple of Daoist techniques as an apology?”

Qingfeng and Mingyue blushed—so all their whispered plotting had been overheard!

Mingyue straightened and said, “You want to teach me? Are you sure you’re up to it?”

It was the first time Cao Kong had met Daoists from elsewhere, and he asked with interest, “Oh? Is your lineage so impressive?”

“Of course! Our master is…” Mingyue began, but Qingfeng cut him off, “Our Daoist tradition—you might not know it, even if we told you.”

Cao Kong took no offense and smiled, “Then may I ask your Daoist names and where you come from? I am Cao Kong, and I reside in this mountain.”

“I am Qingfeng, he is Mingyue, and we come from Five Elders Temple. Have you heard of it?”

At these words, Cao Kong’s heart skipped a beat—first startled, then a little regretful for having frightened the two Daoist children just now.

Not because he feared their master, but because these two were so formidable in the original work that they could provoke the Monkey King himself!

At once, he composed himself and said, “So you are the high disciples of Zhenyuan Daxian, the Earth Immortal Patriarch of Five Elders Temple. Cao Kong greets you, truly you are both remarkable and extraordinary.”

Qingfeng and Mingyue exchanged a look, surprised that Cao Kong truly knew of Five Elders Temple.

Cao Kong smiled, “Since we have met, it must be fate. Why not come with me into the mountain for a chat?”

Qingfeng and Mingyue’s eyes lit up; the word “fate” resonated in their hearts.

“Agreed.”