Chapter 408: Insights in the Mountains
The Daoist found an open space and sat down cross-legged.
The little girl, despite her small stature, imitated his movements and sat cross-legged as well. Her posture was almost identical to his, and she even tried her best to mimic his serene expression as she gazed at Mount Zunzhe before them.
This spot was where two mountains met, forming a small clearing. Across from them stood the stone mountain shaped like a revered elder. Behind them was another mountain, taller than the so-called Mount Zunzhe. From its peak, one could easily overlook Mount Zunzhe. However, this back mountain was rather unremarkable—lacking the steep grandeur of Mount Zunzhe and devoid of mythical legends—so it was naturally overlooked.
This location provided shelter from the wind and a place to rest, while still being close to Mount Zunzhe. Many travelers had chosen to pause here, either sitting or lying down at their leisure.
Most people who traveled for leisure tended to be easygoing. Even those who were usually reserved found themselves indulging in a rare moment of relaxation during such journeys. As a result, the area buzzed with conversation. Many of the travelers were strangers to one another, some even hailing from places beyond Yaozhou and Langzhou.
Yet, as long as they found each other agreeable, they would start chatting freely. There was no need to worry about running out of topics—simply being on this mountain together was a ready-made connection and conversation starter.
Only the Daoist and the young girl sat cross-legged in silence, facing Mount Zunzhe. They neither spoke nor let their gazes wander.
Even the young official surnamed Wei went back to find the elderly man surnamed Xiong, speaking with him respectfully. No longer probing or testing, he set aside his ulterior motives and conversed with the kind-faced old man, whose gentle tone belied a past that had undoubtedly weathered many storms. With humility and courtesy, the young official engaged in sincere dialogue—and naturally, he benefited from it.
After talking for a long while, he was soon drawn away by other scholars and officials, pulled into discussions about mountains and seas, exchanging thoughts and making connections.
Meanwhile, the Daoist and the young girl remained seated cross-legged, eyes fixed ahead.
Or rather, only the Daoist truly kept his gaze unwavering. The young girl was merely imitating him. And since it was imitation, she had to observe what the Daoist was doing.