After driving for eight hours, Yang Xi arrived at Huayao Mountain just as the sky was beginning to brighten. The gates of the Taoist temple were not yet open, so Yang Xi began practicing the martial arts techniques engraved in his mind right there in front of the entrance. He had already mastered the eight essential principles of Taijiquan:
Guiding movement with intent: Emphasizing the guiding role of consciousness, using inner focus and intentional thought to direct physical movements in order to achieve the unity of body and mind.
Relaxation and naturalness: Keeping all parts of the body relaxed to avoid tension and stiffness, making movements fluid and circular.
Combining movement and stillness: Incorporating both slow, gentle movements and an inherent internal strength and power, containing stillness within movement and movement within stillness.
Upright posture: Keeping the body straight and the center of gravity stable without leaning to any side, which facilitates the circulation of Qi and blood and the transmission of power.
Continuous and unbroken: Connecting movements smoothly without noticeable pauses or interruptions, flowing naturally from beginning to end.
Unifying hardness and softness: Blending forceful exertion with soft, yielding transmutation, where hardness and softness complement and transform into each other.
Breathing coordination: Synchronizing respiration with movement, typically following the principle of "inhale on the rise, exhale on the descent, inhale on the opening, exhale on the closing" to enhance inner energy and regulate body and mind.
Circular and expansive: Executing movements along curved and circular paths in a generous and natural manner, fully extending the limbs to reflect the elegance and grandeur of Taijiquan.
Because he had developed a sensation of Qi in his dantian, Yang Xi's execution of Taijiquan was not the soft and languid style seen on television; instead, it was fast and fiercely powerful.
Starting form, Part the Wild Horse's Mane, White Crane Spreads Its Wings, Brush Knee and Twist Step, Hand Strumming the Lute, Repulse Monkey, Left Grasp Bird's Tail, Right Grasp Bird's Tail, Single Whip, Cloud Hands, High Pat on Horse, Right Heel Kick, Strike Opponent's Ears with Both Fists, Turn and Left Heel Kick, Left Lower Body Separate, Right Lower Body Separate, Work Shuttle on Both Sides, Needle at Sea Bottom, Flash the Arm, Turn, Deflect, Intercept, and Punch, Apparent Close Up, Cross Hands, Closing Form.
Yang Xi practiced the form stiffly the first time, but through the second, third, fourth... and tenth times, he grew increasingly proficient. His movements became more precise, and he became so absorbed in the practice that his fluid execution caught the attention of a young Taoist novice who had come to open and sweep the temple grounds. The two novices stood dumbfounded, having never seen anyone perform Taijiquan with such breathtaking grace.
When Yang Xi finished and saw that the temple gates were now open, he hurried over and asked, "Little Master, does this temple have a senior master who is skilled in divination and fortune-telling?"
The young novice made a bow and replied, "Greetings, patron. Our temple abbot is indeed skilled in reading destinies, but you may not necessarily get to see him. You can come with me inside so I can report your arrival. Whether the abbot will see you depends entirely on your affinity with him!"
Yang Xi followed the sweeping novice into the temple. It was a serene and quiet place, steeped in an air of mystery and religious tranquility. Upon entering, one stepped into a spacious courtyard shaded by lush, verdant ancient pines and cypresses, instilling a sense of peace and calm. The ground was paved with neat, clean bluestone.
Walking along the bluestone path, one beheld magnificent grand halls with flying eaves and ridge-ends adorned with exquisite beast ornaments. The hall doors stood wide open, revealing solemn Taoist statues enshrined within that radiated a sacred light.
Inside the halls, wisps of incense curled upward and candles flickered. The walls were decorated with fine murals depicting Taoist myths, legends, and doctrines, while the pillars and beams bore carved Taoist scriptures and runic symbols.
The side chambers of the complex served as quarters and cultivation rooms for the Taoist priests, furnished simply and brimming with an atmosphere of ascetic retreat.
The entire temple was suffused with a faint scent of sandalwood, accompanied by the melodious tolling of bells and chanting of scriptures, making one feel as though transported beyond the mortal world, granting the soul a brief moment of tranquility and transcendence.
As Yang Xi was observing the ancient temple, the young novice who had gone to report came trotting back with quick, small steps. "Reporting to the patron, the abbot has agreed to see you. Please follow me," he said, leading Yang Xi toward the inner courtyard.
Deep within the tranquil recesses of the temple, an old Taoist priest sat quietly upon a stone stool. He wore a simple, unadorned Taoist robe that bore traces of age, yet appeared all the more plain and immaculate. His face was lean and refined, and his eyes were as deep as an abyss—seemingly calm and unruffled, yet seemingly holding infinite wisdom and the weight of ages.
Silvery-white hair like snow fell across his shoulders, and wisps of beard drifted gently in the breeze. His skin was slightly wrinkled from the carving of time, but it retained a warm, jade-like luster, resembling an unpolished gem refined through wind and rain, growing ever more restrained and precious.
The old Taoist's posture was upright and dignified; despite his advanced age, he showed no signs of decrepitude. Every movement he made was light and steady, exuding an otherworldly grace in every gesture.
A faint smile always lingered at the corners of his mouth—a smile both benevolent and mysterious, as if capable of piercing through the truth of all things in the world, yet holding boundless tolerance and compassion for everything. Around him, time seemed to freeze, and the clamor and distractions of the mortal realm could not touch the peace and serenity of his inner heart.
"This is our temple's Abbot Daotong," the young novice said.
Seeing this immortal-like figure for the first time, Yang Xi was struck with wonder. The legends of an ancient immortal living in the mortal world on Mount Huayao were truly no falsehood!
"Yang Xi pays his respects to the abbot," Yang Xi said, performing a formal bow of greeting.
"Young man, your destiny is troubled!" the old Taoist said without looking at Yang Xi, his voice drifting leisurely across the space. "Last time I calculated that a fierce god would come to pay a visit early this morning—it turns out it was you."