Chapter 24: Entering the Capital in Low Profile

With Yunhua's newly revealed talent, Liaochen suddenly felt that the road to the capital had become endlessly long. No matter how lengthy the journey, it would eventually come to an end.

When they first arrived in the capital, both Liaochen and Yunhua were country bumpkins who had never set foot in the illustrious city under the emperor’s rule. The two of them—a donkey and a fox—stood in a daze outside the city gates, completely oblivious to the curious gazes from the locals who regarded them as yokels.

Liaochen produced his travel permit and entered the city smoothly, only to be compelled to pay a tax of several dozen coins for his donkey. It was the first time in his life he had ever been taxed—for the donkey, no less.

Monks and Daoists alike enjoyed a privilege unavailable to ordinary folk: they could find the local religious organization and, under the principle that all monks or Daoists are family, enter under the guise of visiting or seeking teachings, and enjoy free food, lodging, and hospitality. This practice was elegantly termed “registering for a stay.”

Within the capital, the largest religious institution was the Baiyun Temple. Liaochen, leading his donkey and accompanied by his disciple—a fox—asked directions and leisurely made his way to the grand gates of Baiyun Temple.

To successfully blend in, Liaochen changed into his Daoist robes and put on a Five Peaks cap, transforming instantly from a rustic figure to one of dignity and refinement. Since it was an odd-numbered day, Liaochen went straight to the reception hall of the Yunshui Pavilion. After bowing respectfully, he presented his travel permit and waited for the customary questions. Unexpectedly, the welcoming Daoist, upon examining Liaochen’s permit, immediately beamed, bowed, and said, “Boundless Heavenly Venerable! Forgive my slow reception. I shall notify the temple master.” With that, he turned and ran off, leaving Liaochen standing there, stunned.

“Could it be that Baiyun Temple no longer accepts registrations?” Liaochen wondered as he watched the receding figure. Fortunately, before long, the welcoming Daoist returned, accompanied by a group: an elder Daoist in splendid robes and a Five Peaks cap, along with several other Daoists.

“Boundless Heavenly Venerable! I am Zhang Xuanming, master of Baiyun Temple. Greetings, Master Liaochen!” The elder introduced himself and even bowed to Liaochen, causing the latter to feel uneasy. Little did he know that, as the only known Golden Elixir adept in the Daoist community, his status was now far from ordinary. Zhang Sanfeng’s whereabouts remained unknown.

Liaochen and Master Zhang exchanged words at the reception gate, confirming their mutual kinship. Master Zhang became exceptionally hospitable, preparing the finest room for Liaochen and assigning the cleverest young Daoist to serve him, treating him almost like an ancestral master.

After dinner, while Liaochen was overseeing Yunhua’s evening lessons, Master Zhang came to pay his respects again. Liaochen had to greet him at the door, and after some conversation, it became clear that Master Zhang hoped Liaochen would give a public lecture when convenient and invite Daoists from all directions to attend.

Liaochen considered this and replied, “I can give a lecture, but inviting Daoists from all over is unnecessary. I have come to the capital on important business, and it is not appropriate to make a public declaration.” Hearing this, Master Zhang, recalling rumors of the emperor’s grave illness, understood and said, “Of course, of course. Teachings are not to be lightly transmitted. The lecture will be limited to our temple, and we will not widely publicize it.” With that, he bowed and took his leave.

As Liaochen listened to Yunhua reciting the Yellow Court Classic, he pondered what topic he should address in his lecture. Daoist scriptures? He was a mountain hermit; competing with the Daoists of the capital in scripture was asking for trouble. Cultivation methods? That wouldn’t do either. Teachings are not to be lightly shared, a rule not to be broken. Rituals? He hardly knew enough himself and didn't want to mislead others.

Liaochen thought for a long time and found nothing suitable for a lecture. Frustrated, he stepped out of his room and gazed at the bright moon, suddenly struck by the idea of teaching the path of preserving the spirit.

Quiet contemplation and preservation of the spirit were essential Daoist practices, yet few truly understood their essence. Recently, due to matters of incense and prayer, Liaochen had deeply grasped the reason behind this practice. “Immortal” is not merely a path toward immortality; the divine path can be cultivated as well. In this world, spiritual energy was sparse, especially in densely populated places like Beijing, where it was almost nonexistent. The method of refining the breath was no longer feasible, and the way of immortality was out of reach. However, preserving the spirit through calm meditation was a way to strengthen the soul. If one achieved great merit and was praised by others, they might naturally enter the divine path, attaining longevity and perpetual vision. Even without the chance to achieve divine rank, one could exercise the mind and become wiser.

To host a lecture by a true master was no small affair. The next day, Baiyun Temple closed its gates under the pretext of renovation, focusing entirely on preparations for the event.

Meanwhile, Liaochen took Yunhua out of the temple and headed to the Ministry of Rites. First, to report to the court that he had arrived, and to ask when he might be granted an audience, as per their arrangements. Second, to prepare travel permits for Yunhua and for his second disciple far away in Hubei, and to apply in advance on their behalf.