Inside the Patriarch’s Hall, incense smoke curled gracefully while young Taoist acolytes struck jade chimes and golden bowls. The ringing of metal and stone rippled through the spring air and blue haze, instantly immersing everyone in a serene, ethereal Taoist realm, captivating their sight, smell, and hearing.
"You shall lead the lecture today; please take the seat of honor."
The head of Taiyi Temple, Daoist Chonghe—Master to Mother Zhou—carried an air of celestial detachment. He gestured toward the main seat, inviting Zhou Tieyi to sit. His tone was devoid of flattery, as flat and matter-of-fact as if he were stating a simple truth. As Mother Zhou’s teacher, he felt no need to stand on ceremony with Zhou Tieyi.
Chapter 519