Chapter 3: A Fated Opportunity at the Corner

On the morning of July 15, a high-speed train sped westward smoothly in the central-southern region of the Hua Republic. Outside the window, the fields whizzed by and faded out of sight.

Inside a carriage, Wang Sheng let out a hiss of pain as he gently touched his cheek. "

Owh!

"

The bruise was proof of the beating that he had gotten from his father yesterday.

Wang Sheng looked worriedly at his unhealed face. He didn't care much about his looks, but he worried that showing up injured to seek a master would leave a bad impression.

Yesterday... was complete chaos.

As far as Wang Sheng remembered, his dad had never lost his temper before, but yesterday, he roared like an enraged lion. Though his dad only managed one punch before his mom ruthlessly stopped him, it was enough to show how furious his parents were about his decision.

Wang Sheng glanced at his parents on the other side of the aisle; his dad was looking away, while his mom gave him a strained but gentle smile.

The echoes of last night's argument still lingered in his ears. Despite everything, Wang Sheng's determination and stubbornness eventually convinced his parents.

They gave him a condition: his break from school would last no more than a year. Fortunately, that should be enough time for him to make enough progress to show his parents the wonders of Daoist arts.

Aside from taking only a year off from school, his parents also made him promise three things. He was to not shave his head, and he had to avoid dangerous activities at all costs. Lastly, they had to accompany him to the mountain and ensure that he was settled and safe. Only then would they head home and leave him be.

To make that happen, they had taken last-minute vacation leaves that were originally meant for their nineteenth honeymoon abroad, hurriedly booked tickets, and shamelessly asked two other passengers to swap seats with them.

They had to do so much.

Wang Sheng checked the map on his phone. He was over three hundred kilometers away from his destination, with a few more stops along the way. In about two hours, he'd reach the first stop on his path of ascending the mountain.

Wudang.

Wang Sheng had a very clear goal. He wasn't just going to the Wudang Mountains to find some random temple and pay a small fee to stay. That wouldn't help him.

He was going to look for a master who could guide him in cultivation and a sect that could offer him protection in the future.

Thanks to the vast information available online, when cultivation sects started springing up like mushrooms after the resurgence of primal qi, news about them flooded the internet. Wang Sheng had always kept an eye on these things.

Those not-yet-famous sects didn't have too many restrictions on taking in disciples. All one needed was sincerity and a little... offering, and that was usually enough.

Wang Sheng was now seventeen, just barely meeting the rule that disciples could not be older than eighteen.

He actually had many choices, but after careful consideration, he decided on a place with a relatively low barrier of entry: The Wudang Mountains, a sacred land of Daoism.

During the final month of his past thirty-one years of life, the Council of Immortal Dao announced the Heavenly Rankings' Top 100 Experts of the Immortal Dao online. Among them were Several Daoist masters from Wudang. Although they weren't at the top, they were still excellent choices for Wang Sheng to seek out as a master.

In the past four months, apart from developing his physique through intense training, Wang Sheng had thoroughly prepared himself to ensure he could find a reputable master without raising any suspicions.

With some time to spare, he rubbed his temples and began reviewing knowledge points from several well-known Daoist texts. Seeking a master on the mountain was hardly easier than going through a job interview.

***

The Wudang Mountains, celebrated in martial arts novels as a stronghold of righteous sects, were a historically renowned place for reclusive cultivation. It also had many other names, including Taihe Mountains.

Thanks to the spread of martial arts novels, the Wudang Mountains now immediately brought to mind Zhang Sanfeng[1], a great martial artist of the late Yuan and early Ming Dynasty and the founder of Tai Chi. It was similar to how mentioning Yin Zhiping immediately made people think of a lecherous Daoist who got lucky rather than the sixth-generation leader of the Quanzhen Sect.

Wang Sheng's target didn't have much to do with the legendary Zhang Sanfeng, though.

Tracing back to the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, the Wudang Mountains had been a sacred land for seeking immortality since the end of the Han dynasty, earning the title "Ninth of the Seventy-Two Blessed Lands" a thousand years ago. Nowadays, however, Wudang was mostly known for its many legends, Daoist classics, and its widely celebrated martial arts.

With his parents along, the usually cash-strapped Wang Sheng opted to hire a car, saving them a good bit of walking. However, as soon as they got past the gate of the Wudang Mountains, the driver took their money, unceremoniously dumped them at the entrance, and sped away before they could even react.

Seeing other cars driving further into the mountain, Wang Sheng's parents gritted their teeth in frustration. Getting scammed was bad, but having to walk was even worse!

"Mom, you and Dad can treat this as exercise. I'll carry the luggage," Wang Sheng said with a smile as he took his parents' suitcases. The muscles on his arms bulged, bringing a wave of relief to his mother.

The mountains were much cooler than the plains, but even if it weren't, the luggage wasn’t heavy enough to make Wang Sheng break a sweat. Moreover, since the paths weren't steep, climbing wasn't all that strenuous.

After passing the Huilong Temple, Wang Sheng picked up the pace. He hauled the suitcases as he briskly walked ahead, deliberately leaving his parents behind. He was genuinely worried that his parents would try to sabotage his plans at any cost.

Along the way, mountain streams disappeared into the sea of trees, and birds chirped in the secluded valleys. The winding paths twisted into the unknown. A constant flow of people came and went.

Wang Sheng had no interest in the scenery; he was occupied with thoughts of meeting his "future masters." He kept pondering what details to pay attention to, how to make sure they would accept him as a disciple, and, most importantly, how to make them value him.

In his previous life, he had come to the Wudang Mountains hoping for luck, but by then, the mountain gates were already half-closed, and many young people seeking the Dao like him were turned away. Today, it was still a popular tourist destination, and the Daoist masters relied on offerings and rituals for their livelihood. Hence, there was still a lot of everyday hustle and bustle.

Wang Sheng passed by the Supreme Patriarch Hall, Grand Sage Cavern, and Crown Prince's Slope as he headed straight for the Purple Cloud Temple[2] halfway up the mountain.

The Wudang Mountains had many newer Daoist temples, but they were more like martial arts schools filled with young teenagers practicing punches and swordplay, similar to the Northern Shaolin setup. The tuition fees were similar, too.

Inside the Purple Cloud Temple, Wang Sheng began to wander around.

A low-quality speaker looped Daoist music with silk and bamboo instruments. The smoke wafting from green censers made the place feel like a palace in the clouds.

The palace building, with the words "Purple Cloud Temple" hanging above, didn't look all that grand. At least in Wang Sheng's memory, there were many lesser-known Buddhist temples whose main halls were more impressive.

After wandering for over ten minutes, Wang Sheng, with a smile on his face and two suitcases in hand, stopped a Daoist who was absorbed in his phone. After a few polite greetings, he got to the point.

With a thick accent, the Daoist replied, "Martial Uncle Gao? What for? You want to become his disciple? Well, he's gone abroad for a performance. You won't be able to see him for the next few months."

Gao Shixing, a future top thirty in the Heavenly Rankings, was considered a representative of Wudang martial arts before the resurgence of primal qi.

After the resurgence, he lived as if he were becoming younger instead of aging as he should, earning him the reputation of transitioning from martial arts to the true Dao. He publicly stated that he was a true successor of the Wudang Daoist lineage.

Abroad for a performance?

That made sense; Gao Shixing wasn't some celebrity or internet star. It was normal that his schedule couldn't be found online.

Wang Sheng couldn't help but look a little disappointed. He politely thanked the Daoist and asked about a few other future Wudang experts whose names he remembered. Unfortunately, the man before Wang Sheng wasn't familiar with some of them, while others simply weren't in the Purple Cloud Temple.

After all his efforts, Wang Sheng ended up with nothing.

"Young man, you haven't even reached adulthood yet, have you?" The Daoist patted Wang Sheng's shoulder and earnestly added, "If you're supposed to be studying, then study. Don't get fooled by those martial arts novels. If you really want to learn martial arts, I can recommend a few options. Check this out: we have a joint Wudang Martial Arts Daoist Temple admissions group..."

Wang Sheng felt a little overwhelmed, but he still took out his phone and joined a few YouChat groups. Only then was the Daoist satisfied enough to let him go.

Before his parents caught up, Wang Sheng searched every corner inside and outside of the Purple Cloud Temple. In the end, he could only sigh helplessly. He felt as though a bucket of cold water had been thrown on him, dampening his enthusiasm a little.

However, this level of setback was not enough to make him give up on this long-anticipated trip to the Wudang Mountains.

Next destination: Golden Summit, Taihe Palace!

He called his parents and told them to grab something to eat at the Purple Cloud Temple while waiting for him. They reluctantly agreed.

Still full of determination, Wang Sheng grabbed the two large suitcases, looked for the stone stairway, and continued climbing the mountain.

True to the saying that good things took time, Wang Sheng searched for ages but couldn't find any of the Immortal Dao experts he had in mind. Instead, he came across plenty of Daoist monks and nuns and even a few reclusive hermits in the mountains.

"

Haaaaa...

"

Into the mountains to seek the immortal, but the immortal is nowhere to be found.

Seeking where the heart should rest, where does the Dao's blossom bloom?

Around five in the afternoon, Wang Sheng's parents found him by the stone steps behind the Purple Cloud Temple, looking somewhat dejected.

His mom hurried over to check on him, her face full of concern. "What's wrong, Little Sheng?"

"It's nothing; I just couldn't find the Daoist master I wanted." Wang Sheng scratched his head. Since he couldn't really share his frustrations with his parents, he instead forced a smile. "Let's stay here tonight. I'll search again tomorrow. If I still can't find a suitable master, I'll go back home with you."

Then he would pick another cultivation sect!

Wang Sheng's parents were instantly in a much better mood, but all the rooms on Wudang were already booked for the night. Fortunately, it wasn't too dark outside yet. Wang Sheng grabbed their luggage and led his parents back down the mountain.

Seeking immortals but finding none—perhaps it just wasn't his fated moment yet.

Immortal fate, an elusive thread, mysterious and endlessly profound.

Wang Sheng sighed lightly, feeling the strain in his arm from carrying the suitcases. He glanced at his parents resting halfway up the path, a flicker of guilt rising in his heart.

Having them go through all this with him, he really wasn't being a great son...

Ahead was the Longquan Temple. Wang Sheng tugged the suitcases, wanting to take a closer look at the "little shrine." However, after taking just a couple of steps, an inconspicuous old book stall tucked away in a corner caught his attention. It had over a dozen ancient texts on display and a greasy cloth banner hanging in front, boldly emblazoned with four phrases.

Fortune-Telling.

Spiritual Blessings.

Healing Remedies.

Martial Arts Training.

Behind the stall, a tall, thin Daoist was lounging in a rattan chair, head tilted back in deep sleep.

The Daoist looked disheveled, occasionally scratching his collar even in his sleep. His long, unwashed hair was tied up with a Daoist headband, giving him the distinct aura of a reclusive master.

The closer he got, the more he smelled the sour stench of someone who hadn't bathed or changed clothes in over two weeks.

Initially, it was the "ancient texts" on the stall that caught Wang Sheng's eye. However, he soon instinctively began sizing up the Daoist.

As if struck by lightning, Wang Sheng's fingers trembled slightly. He lost his grip on his suitcases, causing them to fall straight to the ground.

Thud—

"

Hm?

" The scruffy Daoist slightly opened his eyes and stared straight at Wang Sheng, whose shock and joy were written all over his face.

The tall, thin Daoist blinked and rubbed his clean-shaven chin. He then mumbled, "Did I father a son this grown-up?"

"Daoist master, are you..." Wang Sheng was about to utter a name, but his last bit of rationality held him back. Instead, he said, "... selling antique books?"

The Daoist found Wang Sheng's awkward phrasing amusing. Smiling, he sized up Wang Sheng's outfit and quickly pegged him as someone with spending money. He then nodded in satisfaction and dusted off his sleeves.

After straightening up, he elegantly replied, "Secret martial art scriptures, wholesale price—three hundred a book, bulk discounts available! These genuine Wudang martial traditions will make you unrivaled in the world and reign supreme under the heavens!

"We also have combo sets of internal and external martial arts techniques. If you need guidance in internal qi, you can join my class, it’s a fast track to acquiring inner breath! Young friend, our meeting today is fate. Don't miss this chance of a lifetime."

Wang Sheng nodded vigorously. He stepped forward and stared intently at the Daoist.

Fate! Yes, that's right! This is my fated opportunity!

"Please, Daoist Master, accept me as your disciple. I'm willing to follow you to learn the way of the Dao!"

1. Zhang Sanfeng is a legendary Daoist sage often credited as the founder of Tai Chi, which blends combat techniques with Daoist philosophy. He is said to have developed Tai Chi after witnessing a fight between a snake and a crane, inspiring the art's emphasis on softness overcoming hardness and using internal energy(qi). Zhang's influence made Tai Chi not just a martial art but also a practice for health, meditation, and spiritual cultivation, symbolizing balance and adaptability in line with Daoist principles. ☜

2. A Daoist temple of the Wudang Mountains ☜