In just a few short days, word had spread throughout the entire Xiangyang region—and was quickly expanding to all of Xiangzhou—about the miraculous event involving Xiangzhou’s new prefect, Pei Xiu.

Under the guidance of an immortal, Pei Xiu had foreseen a natural disaster and instructed the villagers of the Li family village to evacuate in advance and reinforce the levees, thereby sparing not only the village but also the surrounding farmland from complete destruction.

Some claimed the guiding figure was a true immortal, others insisted it was a genuine Celestial, or an ancient and resplendent celestial  being.

Regardless of whom they named, people spoke with absolute certainty, as if they had seen it with their own eyes.

One day, several Daoist priests arrived at the foot of Purple Mountain.

At their lead was a priest clad in dark robes, appearing around forty to fifty years old. In this era, that age was already considered old, yet the man radiated vitality and energy. As he lifted his gaze to Purple Mountain, he nodded repeatedly in admiration.

The entire mountain was shrouded in swirling mist and snow-covered peaks. Rugged terrain gave it an otherworldly air, as though it were truly a sacred cultivation ground for immortals.

«What a true blessed realm this is!» the Daoist stroked his beard and praised.

Among the younger priests behind him, a chubby Daoist muttered, «Master, weren’t you dismissing Purple Mountain just the other day?»

«Silence! Insolent disciple! Hold your tongue! If you disturb the immortals, I will not spare you!»

The plump Daoist shrank back, repeatedly bowing as if genuinely afraid of offending some powerful spirit.

This group hailed from Qinglong Temple, located just outside Xiangyang City. Their sect lineage followed the Danding school.

The Danding Sect, also known as the Golden Elixir Daoists, primarily cultivated alchemical elixirs and immortality arts. On regular days, however, they also performed ceremonies and purification rituals for laypeople.

The current abbot of Qinglong Temple, Master Xuxuanzi, had been seeking the Dao for decades. Having cultivated since childhood and consumed countless elixirs, he had not yet ascended to meet the Three Pure Celestials—but he certainly possessed real ability.

Truth be told, he held nothing but contempt for mercury-laden fake elixirs. The pills he refined in his own furnace used only medicinal herbs—designed to enhance health and vitality.

Immortality? Pah! Immortal cultivation? That was nonsense!

Where were the immortals anyway? Show one to this Daoist, if they even exist!

Back in the day, his late master had literally died right in front of him from ingesting those poisonous mercury-pills. He wasn’t a fool.

Since he refused to take them, naturally his disciples followed his example. Over time, the alchemical arts passed down within Qinglong Temple had faded almost completely. The temple itself had become increasingly secularized. If placed in Xuan Yuan  ‘s modern world, Xuxuanzi would probably be telling young people, «Believe in science! Don’t indulge in superstitious nonsense!»

But now…

Upon hearing that Pei Xiu had received immortal guidance, and that a true Celestial had appeared on Purple Mountain, even Xuxuanzi—who had lost all faith in the immortal path after decades of fruitless cultivation—could no longer sit still.

Even though many now claimed that the one who guided Pei Xiu was none other than the local Celestial Taiyi, worshipped by generations of Chu people living near Purple Mountain…

Well—who could say for sure?

What if this Taiyi wasn’t a traditional Celestial, but truly an immortal?

The ancient Chu kingdom had perished long ago, and Taiyi had never manifested to protect their ancestral temples from destruction.

But even if he was a Celestial, that was fine too! After all, the Daoist path embraced all manner of truths. As long as it was a real celestial being, Xuxuanzi had no qualms about setting up a Taiyi shrine within his temple and offering incense.

Worst case? Just convert Qinglong Temple from the Danding lineage to the Taiyi Sect, easy as that.

If anyone tried to argue that the Daoist «Taiyi» and the Eastern Celestial Emperor Taiyi had no connection—that the two Taiyis were completely different—Xuxuanzi would absolutely sit them down and argue theology until dawn.

Debating scripture? If bald monks could do it, why couldn’t Daoists?

Not wanting to give the monks a chance to beat him to the punch, Xuxuanzi decisively waved his hand and said, «Disciples! Follow me up the mountain—we go to seek the Celestial!»

Purple Mountain was steep and treacherous. The lower regions were manageable, but after climbing for just a short while, all semblance of a path disappeared.

Adding to that, it was mid-winter. Snow clung stubbornly to the slopes, making progress slow and difficult.

Before long, the mist thickened. The mountain seemed to transform into a realm of spirits and immortals.

The group had ventured deep into the mountain forest. They had no idea how long they had been climbing, but the sun now stood high in the sky. All of them were panting and soaked in sweat from exertion.

Suddenly, a melodious singing voice echoed from somewhere in the mountain woods.

It was a woman’s voice.

All the Daoists were immediately startled. They exchanged glances, then focused their attention in the direction of the sound.

The singing came from further up the mountain—yet the path here had long vanished. Even the local hunters and woodsmen never came this far.

Why would a woman be singing up there?

Could it be… a ghost in broad daylight!?

«Wh-wh-what do we do, Master?! Did we run into a ghost lady?! Should we call a Daoist to perform an exorcism—?»

«Idiot! We are Daoists!»

Xuxuanzi was sweating too now. He glanced at the chubby disciple, whose face was jiggling like a bowl of jelly.

Still, being frightened like this might help him lose a few pounds.

«Whether it’s an immortal or a demon, a Celestial or a ghost—we must go and see.»

Gritting his teeth, Xuxuanzi pushed on. The disciples had no choice but to follow close behind, clumping together as they climbed, nervously glancing around.

As they went further, the song became clearer.

Finally, they could make out the lyrics:

«On this auspicious day, we joyfully welcome the Supreme Sovereign.»

«I raise my long sword with jade fittings, as jade and crystal chime with musical tones.»

«Jade seats and fine pillows prepared, now let us offer fragrant blooms.»

«Delicacies of orchid and steamed herbs, libations of cinnamon wine and peppered nectar…»

Accompanying the woman’s voice were the sounds of bells, drums, flutes, and strings.

But this music was unlike any courtly tune Xuxuanzi had ever heard. Interwoven with the known instruments were mystical harmonies from instruments he could not even identify.

«This is…» Xuxuanzi nearly yanked out his beard in shock.

He had done his research before climbing the mountain. And now, just from a few verses, he instantly recognized what this mysterious woman was singing.

«This is the ancient ode to the Eastern Celestial Emperor Taiyi—from the Nine Songs!»

A remnant from the civilization of the previous era—”Nine Songs: The Eastern Celestial Emperor Taiyi”—had clearly survived into this new age.

Xuxuanzi’s heart pounded wildly, almost leaping from his chest.

The voice came from even higher up, but here the path ended.

Looking up, they were met with a near-vertical cliff face, at least ten zhang high. Only beyond that did the terrain slope back into gentler snow-laden forest.

Though some scraggly trees grew from the cliffside, even the most experienced hunters wouldn’t dare attempt such a dangerous climb. A single misstep meant certain death.

In other words—no ordinary person could possibly be up there.

No… not even a person at all.

Xuxuanzi spun in place anxiously, stomping his feet, and looked up toward the sky.

Suddenly—his pupils shrank in shock.

That blazing sun overhead…

Did it just get… bigger?

Was it just his imagination …