As soon as he landed, before he could even straighten his robes, he heard a crisp voice calling from within the temple—the gatekeeper disciple’s reply: "Senior, I am truly sorry! My master has decreed that Wuzhuang Temple is closed to all visitors. Please, return another day!" Although the voice was polite, it carried an unquestionable firmness. The sound echoed outside the tranquil temple, acting like an invisible barrier that kept Su Yu at bay.
Su Yu rubbed his nose and gave a helpless smile. He muttered to himself, "Zhenyuanzi is truly determined to shut everyone out. But for the sake of Fellow Daoist Hongyun, I must get in today, no matter what." With that thought, he cleared his throat and said loudly, "Young friend, please, could you make an exception? I beg you to go inside and inform Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi that I, Su Yu, have come regarding the matter of Fellow Daoist Hongyun. This is of the utmost importance, and I truly hope he will see me!" His voice carried a hint of anxiety; he knew Hongyun did not have much time left, and every second was precious.
Inside, silence reigned, as if the disciple hadn't heard a word. Growing anxious, Su Yu paced back and forth, glancing up at the tightly closed gates. His steps were hurried and flustered, and he prayed silently that Zhenyuanzi would hear his request. Just as he was about to lose patience, the great gates creaked open. The sound was exceptionally loud in the stillness, like the gates of fate slowly swinging wide. …
Chapter 84