Chapter 633: Borrowing From the Spirit Spring at Fuyun Temple
The small mountain was quite steep, covered in lush green trees. At its base stretched a long stone staircase leading directly to the temple gate.
The entire mountain was the temple, and the entire temple was the mountain. The Daoist temple was built upward along the slope, with each courtyard sitting higher than the last. At the very top stood the temple’s central hall. From a distance, one could see the layered courtyards stacked above one another, bold in layout rather than reserved, yet the greenery throughout lent it an air of elegance and serenity.
It was still early, and some worshippers were already climbing the mountain.
Song You led his horse and followed the pilgrims up the stairs. At the entrance hung a plaque bearing two bold words, “Fuyun Temple.”
On either side, a familiar couplet was inscribed:
Heart like drifting clouds, always free;
Intent like flowing water, moving east and west.
Song You looked up at the couplet, then stepped forward with the pilgrims—one foot inside, one foot still outside. He leaned in and peered at the Daoists within the courtyard, tapping lightly on the temple gate.
This was the outermost and largest courtyard. Only two young Daoist novices were sweeping inside. At the center stood a massive ancient tree, lush with dense summer foliage. Its green canopy offered deep shade and cast scattered, brilliant patches of sunlight on the ground. Just standing in that interplay of light and shadow, one could savor the full taste of midsummer.
Knock knock...
The young novices heard the sound and paused their sweeping, turning their heads with some confusion.
When they saw a fellow Daoist, their confusion visibly deepened, but one of them still set down his broom and approached with a polite bow.