Chapter 241 - 240: What If the Rebellious Disciple Strives for Improvement
On the Double Ninth Festival in September, the wind is gentle, and the sky is clear with not a cloud in sight.
This year, many more people have journeyed to Qingping Temple to climb heights and pray for longevity than in previous years. The temple had posted notices early on, informing believers that a new golden statue of the Grandmaster would be consecrated today. After the fasting and prayer ceremony, the temple would distribute medicinal tea and porridge, all esteemed as fine products for cold prevention and health strengthening.
Moreover, the Daoist Temple had also prepared some medicinal packs that strengthen the body; with an additional donation of two coins for incense oil, one could obtain them to adorn the elderly, also considered a way to honor the tradition of paying respect to the elderly during the Double Ninth Festival.
As a result, devotees started their ascent as soon as dawn broke, firstly to climb heights and make wishes because after all, "at the ninth-nine, all returns to truth; the cosmos begins anew," and climbing is a ritual observed every year.
Secondly, with such an auspicious occasion at Qingping Temple, witnessing the ceremony, enjoying a bowl of medicinal tea and porridge, and seeking the blessing of warding off all illnesses make for a very auspicious start.
There are two paths to the main hall of Qingping Temple: one is a flat road that allows carriages to travel directly to the temple front gate. The other is a stone staircase built from the bottom of the mountain, leading straight to the small plaza before the main hall.
This stone staircase, financed and maintained by the temple over the years, is built wide and flat to accommodate four people walking side by side. Wooden railings are also installed on both sides of the staircase, providing support for those who are weary and need to rest.
This path is also known as the immortal road.
Why? Because the bluestone is no ordinary stone; vermillion runes of the Taoist sect are carved onto the stones, offering a baptism of runes to those who walk upon it – it’s like receiving Daoist teachings and inquiring about immortality.
Although there is a carriage road, many people still prefer to take the immortal road. Mortals, after all, aspire for good health and longevity; even if it is merely for show, they are willing to entertain the notion.
Halfway up the immortal road, a scenic viewing platform has been built. As this area’s scenery is exceptionally beautiful and it is the Double Ninth Festival, many poets gathered on the viewing platform early in the morning to enjoy the autumn. Inspired, they compose poetry, recite it aloud, and hail the landscape, eliciting much admiration and envy from the common folk.