Chapter 7: Daoist Jixin
When the boat reached the dock, Qin Sang listened as the old man recounted numerous tales about Daoist Jixin.
The Qingyang Temple on Cuiming Mountain had once flourished but gradually declined over time. The temple's Daoist monks left one after another, leaving only a few elderly monks who eventually passed away as well.
Without anyone to maintain it, the temple fell into disrepair, with weeds overtaking the grounds. If it hadn't been for Daoist Jixin, in just a few years, the Qingyang Temple would have been reduced to nothing but crumbling walls and ruins.
What people admired most about Daoist Jixin was not his role as the temple's master, but his benevolence.
After taking over the Qingyang Temple with a young disciple, he did not seek offerings. Instead, he climbed the mountain daily to gather herbs, which he used to treat and medicate the poor.
Whether someone suffered from injuries, colds, or fevers, as long as they came to him, Daoist Jixin would carefully diagnose and treat them. Although his medical skills were not exceptional, his consultation fees were very low.
For those who truly could not afford to pay, he allowed them to record the debt, but even after three or five years without repayment, he never demanded it. His reputation spread, and combined with his status as the temple's master, he earned the nickname of a living immortal.
As the old man docked the boat, he assisted Qin Sang off the boat and advised him, "Brother Qin, your leg injury isn’t severe. The living immortal will surely help you. However, Cuiming Mountain lies between the City of Three Witches and the dock, ten li from here. You’ll need to hire a carriage to get there. I know a few honest drivers who charge fair prices..."
Qin Sang politely declined the old man's offer. Despite the disappointment in the old man's eyes, he leaned on a wooden cane and hobbled into the crowd.