6kv Chapter 208 Look at them, now that's what a Taoist temple should be like!
Chapter 208 Look at them, now that's what a Taoist temple should be like!
Chapter 208 Look at this! Now that's what a Taoist temple should be like! (4800)
As night deepened, the mountain wind swept through the courtyard wall, bringing a biting chill.
Tiger Sheep quietly packed his things and placed two small, patched bundles on the square table in the main room.
He then turned and went to the kitchen to start a fire and boil water.
She didn't ask Lu Yuan what he wanted to eat for dinner, nor did she mention if there was any food left at home. She simply went about doing what she thought she should do in silence.
Looking at Hu Yangyang's small figure bustling around the stove, Lu Yuan felt a pang of sadness.
"Sheep, don't bother, I'll make dinner."
Lu Yuan rolled up his sleeves and went inside.
Tiger Sheep paused for a moment, turned around and glanced at Lu Yuan, his eyes still calm and unwavering.
But he didn't object. He just silently moved aside from the stove and went to the water tank in the corner to scoop water and start washing a few rough porcelain bowls.
Lu Yuan rummaged through the kitchen.
There was still a small half-full of brown rice in the rice jar, and in the earthenware jar in the corner next to it, there was half a jar of pickled cabbage.
Upon opening the lid, a tangy, salty, and savory aroma wafts out.
Two strings of dried chili peppers, a few strings of mushrooms, and a small piece of salted, air-dried wild boar meat hung under the eaves, looking rock hard.
This is the most common winter supplies for ordinary families outside the Great Wall.
Lu Yuan quickly started a fire, rinsed the rice, and cooked a large pot of brown rice porridge.
Then he took the piece of dried wild boar meat, soaked it in hot water to soften it, and sliced it into thin slices.
Take out a large handful of pickled cabbage and finely shred it.
Crush the dried chilies and soak the mushrooms until softened, then tear them into small pieces.
Once the pot is hot, scoop a spoonful of solidified lard into the pot to melt.
With a sizzling sound, a fragrant aroma wafted out.
First, stir-fry dried chili peppers and wild boar slices until the oil is rendered and the salty aroma is released.
Next, add the pickled cabbage shreds and mushrooms, stir-fry over high heat to allow the tangy flavor of the pickled cabbage and the umami flavor of the mushrooms to fully blend.
Finally, add a large ladle of water, cover the pot, and let it simmer.
While the stew was cooking, Lu Yuan quickly made a few multigrain pancakes.
I used leftover brown rice flour, mixed in a little cornmeal, and made it into a paste. I then spread it thinly on a hot iron pan.
They were quickly pan-fried until golden brown on both sides, emitting a simple, earthy aroma of grain.
Tiger Sheep quietly assisted from the side, handing things over and adding firewood, his movements practiced and silent.
Only Tiger Rabbit, probably attracted by the aroma of the food, slowly moved to the kitchen doorway.
Holding onto the door frame, she peeked inside, her big eyes seeming to glow faintly in the warmth and light.
"We'll be able to eat in a little while."
Lu Yuan turned around and gave Hu Tutu a gentle smile.
Tiger Rabbit nodded vigorously. Although it still didn't have much strength to speak, the expectation in its eyes was undeniable.
Soon, the food was served.
A large pot of steaming hot, tangy and appetizing stewed wild boar and mushrooms with pickled cabbage.
A stack of golden-brown, fragrant multigrain pancakes, and a pot of thick, flavorful brown rice porridge.
On a winter night outside the Great Wall, this is already quite a sumptuous meal, enough to warm the body and stomach.
Lu Yuan served Tiger Sheep and Tiger Rabbit a large bowl of porridge each, and also piled them with plenty of vegetables, breaking up the flatbread and soaking it in the porridge.
"Eat."
Lu Yuan picked up his bowl and took a sip of the hot porridge.
The scalding hot porridge slid down my esophagus, instantly dispelling the chill in my body.
It also offered some comfort to the body, which was exhausted from the injury and the journey.
Tiger Sheep remained quiet, sipping his porridge slowly but attentively, not wasting a single grain of rice.
Tiger Rabbit was starving, or rather, after being unconscious for several days, its body desperately needed energy.
Although she was weak, she ate very quickly, stuffing her little mouth full. Even though it was so hot that she kept gasping for breath, she wouldn't stop. Lu Yuan had to remind her to slow down several times.
Seeing the two girls engrossed in their meal, Lu Yuan's complex and indescribable emotions subsided somewhat.
Regardless, let's make sure they're well-fed, get a good night's sleep, and leave here safely.
After finishing their meal, Tiger Rabbit regained some color in their face and seemed much better, although they were still very weak.
She put down her bowl, wiped her mouth with her small hand, then looked up at Lu Yuan with her big eyes and asked softly, "Daoist Master, when do we leave tomorrow?"
"We'll leave at dawn," Lu Yuan said gently. "You all get a good night's sleep tonight and make sure you're well-rested."
Tiger Rabbit nodded vigorously, then looked at Tiger Sheep.
Tiger Sheep had finished eating and was quietly clearing away the dishes. She felt her sister's gaze but looked away without saying a word.
Lu Yuan helped Hu Yangyang clean up the dishes and boiled water so the two girls could wash up quickly.
He quickly washed himself and changed into a worn-out cotton coat that Hu Huhu had left at home.
Lu Yuan's own Taoist robe was tattered and stained with blood.
Although Hu Huhu's outfit didn't fit perfectly, it was at least clean and warm.
Night had fallen, and the oil in the lamp was almost gone, causing the light to flicker.
Tiger Sheep and Tiger Rabbit squeezed into their original little bed, covered with a thick, patched quilt.
I don't know why Hu Huhu, who is from the Xudeng family, one of the ten families outside the pass, is so poor.
I have no idea where this money went.
Tiger Rabbit seemed to have relaxed after eating its fill and returning to its familiar environment.
Soon, she curled up next to Tiger Sheep and fell into a deep sleep, a look of peace on her little face.
Tiger Sheep didn't fall asleep immediately. She kept her eyes open, staring at the dark roof, lost in thought.
Only after Lu Yuan blew out the oil lamp and lay down on the makeshift bed in the main room, plunging the room into darkness and silence, did she slowly close her eyes.
Even in the darkness, Lu Yuan was not sleepy.
The pain emanating from all parts of his body, his worry about the old man's injuries, and his various thoughts about the future all made him restless.
He turned over, gazing at the cold, dim moonlight streaming in through the window, and a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.
Cleaning up the Liu family's scattered corpse-raising grounds, yin-gathering pools, and evil god-supporting sites is no small undertaking.
The intelligence provided by Li Guanqi and Fu Yuanshan, along with the assistance of the goddess, is probably not enough.
The area outside the Great Wall is vast and sparsely populated, with high mountains and dense forests. These places are extremely secluded, making it time-consuming and laborious to investigate, and one may also encounter various unexpected dangers.
Moreover, this matter involves the peace and tranquility of the entire area outside the pass, and is not just a matter for Zhenlong Temple or Lu Yuan personally.
This matter definitely requires help. After all, Shen Shulan from Wuqing Temple helped with the last incident involving the Wang family, which was even bigger than the last one. So naturally, we need help.
Who should we contact then?
Lu Yuan thought of someone.
Uncle Master, Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable.
No one is more suitable than Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable. Tianlong Temple, as one of the top three Taoist temples in the entire area outside the Great Wall, is the most suitable.
Moreover, with a righteous sect like Tianlong Temple taking the lead, it can deter those who might have designs on the Liu family's inheritance or want to take advantage of the chaos.
More importantly, as the senior brother, Uncle He Xun should have known about the great calamity the old man had suffered.
Moreover, the old man's injuries are extremely severe, and his soul is damaged; Uncle-Master Crane-Wanderer might be able to offer some assistance.
With this in mind, Lu Yuan made a plan.
Then let's go to Tianlong Temple.
Just to be honest—
Although Lu Yuan had never been to Tianlong Temple, he knew its location.
Tianlong Temple is not too far from here.
If you take a horse-drawn carriage, it will take about a day and a night.
Why don't we take Tiger Sheep and Tiger Rabbit to Tianlong Temple first thing tomorrow morning?
It's best for Lu Yuan to personally visit and discuss this matter.
If I were to return to Zhenlong Temple first and then go back to Tianlong Temple, it would be too much of a waste of time.
As the night deepened, the mountain wind howled across the rooftops, making a whistling sound.
Lu Yuan closed his eyes, forcing himself to rest.
Tomorrow, there is still a long way to go.
Lu Yuan woke up just as dawn was breaking.
The wounds on my body were still throbbing, but I felt much better than yesterday. Most importantly, Zhenwu was finally able to flow smoothly within my body.
Lu Yuan got up quietly and first went to look inside the room.
The two little girls were still asleep. Tiger Rabbit was curled up in a ball, close to Tiger Sheep, sleeping soundly, and her little face had regained some color.
Tiger Sheep was also asleep, but his brows were slightly furrowed, and even in his sleep, he seemed to carry a lingering melancholy.
Lu Yuan didn't wake them up. He went to the yard to fetch water to wash up, then went to the kitchen to start a fire and reheat the leftover porridge and vegetables from last night.
As the hot breakfast was served, Tiger Sheep and Tiger Rabbit woke up one after another.
After a simple breakfast, Lu Yuan led the two little girls, carrying their small bundles, and locked the gate to the courtyard where he might never return.
Tiger Sheep looked back one last time, his eyes calm and without any lingering affection.
Tiger Rabbit looked at the closed courtyard gate with a blank expression, then looked at Lu Yuan, and took the initiative to hold Lu Yuan's clothes with her little hand.
The three of them walked to the village entrance. When Lu Yuan came yesterday, he noticed the donkey dozing under the old willow tree at the village entrance, and a half-old covered mule cart parked next to it.
The driver was a farmer in his fifties who looked honest and simple. His surname was Chen, and he was from the village.
He usually uses this mule cart to haul goods between several nearby villages and pick up passengers to earn a little money to supplement his family's income.
Lu Yuan came to the door, and after discussing the matter, he paid extra for the car fare and agreed to go to Tianlong Temple.
When Old Man Chen saw Lu Yuan bringing two little girls over, he didn't ask any questions, but just smiled kindly.
They helped put the two small bundles into the carriage and then helped the two little girls onto the train.
The carriage was small, covered with some dry straw, and could barely seat three or four people. Although it was simple, it was better than walking and could at least keep out the wind and cold.
Lu Yuan held Hu Tutu and let her sit in the innermost seat against the wall of the carriage, where the ride would be less bumpy.
Tiger Sheep quietly sat down near the car door, with Tiger Rabbit between him and Lu Yuan.
The mule cart creaked and groaned as it set off, slowly making its way along the rugged mountain path towards Tianlong Temple.
The mountain wind was exceptionally cold in the early morning, carrying snowflakes that made the car roof whistle loudly.
Lu Yuan took out two old cotton-padded jackets left by Hu Huhu, which were patched but still quite thick, and put them on the two little girls.
Tiger Rabbit obediently let Lu Yuan do as he pleased, its little face appearing even smaller and cuter under its cotton-padded coat.
Tiger Sheep silently took the clothes, put them on, and then looked out the car window at the snow-covered mountains and forests receding into the distance, without saying a word.
At first, the carriage was quiet, with only the sound of wheels rolling over the road and the snorting of mules.
Tiger Rabbit was still weak and leaned against Lu Yuan, but soon became drowsy again.
Tiger Sheep kept looking out the window, his profile taut.
After walking for a while, Tiger Rabbit had probably woken up and was in better spirits, so it started to get restless.
She first peered curiously through the gaps in the carriage canopy, finding everything fascinating, and her little mouth wouldn't stop chattering: "Taoist priest, look at that tree, it's so thick! Thicker than the old willow tree at the village entrance!"
"Master, there are birds in the sky! They're flying so fast!"
"Master, where are we going? Is it far?"
"Master, are you cold?"
"Shall I give you my cotton-padded coat to wear?"
"Master Daoist—"
Her questions came one after another, her voice soft but full of a child's unique curiosity and energy.
Although it was somewhat rambling, the dependence and closeness were obvious.
Lu Yuan answered her questions patiently, his voice gentle, and occasionally pointed out some interesting things to her.
However, Tiger Sheep, standing to the side, frowned more and more deeply.
She finally stopped looking out the window, turned her head, and looked at her chattering sister with her calm eyes. Her voice was flat but carried a hint of impatience: "Quiet down, why are you talking so much?"
Tiger Rabbit was pointing at a hopping squirrel outside, excitedly wanting to share it with Lu Yuan, but when her sister said that, the smile on her little face instantly froze.
She turned her head, stared at Tiger Sheep with her big eyes, pouted, and said defiantly, "How did I make a fuss?"
"I didn't yell!"
"I was just asking! The Taoist priest didn't say I was being noisy!"
Tiger Sheep's tone remained calm, yet it carried an unquestionable authority befitting an "older sister."
"You're making noise right now!"
"Sit still, don't move around, and don't talk."
"Let the Taoist priest have some peace and quiet, and you should rest too!"
Tiger Rabbit's face flushed red, not from embarrassment, but from anger.
She hated Tiger Sheep the most because he always controlled her and lectured her, as if she was wrong no matter what she did!
"What right do you have to tell me what to do!"
"I'm going to say it!"
"I'll ask!"
Tiger Rabbit stiffened her neck, raised her voice, and said with a sob and stubbornness, "The Taoist priest is good to me, I like talking to him!"
"Why can't you let me!"
Tiger Sheep's voice turned colder, and his eyes became calmer, even tinged with a hint of sternness.
"Just because I'm your older sister, you'd better behave, or you won't get any dinner tonight."
Tiger Rabbit was so angry that tears welled up in her eyes, and her little chest heaved up and down.
She knew that Tiger Sheep meant what he said; in the past, if he made her angry, he really would not give her food.
Feeling wronged and angry, she abruptly turned her head away, no longer looking at Hu Yangyang or Lu Yuan, and shrank into the corner of the carriage.
She wrapped herself completely in her cotton-padded coat, leaving only the back of her hairy head exposed, demonstrating her protest and refusal to yield.
The atmosphere inside the carriage instantly plummeted to freezing point. Only the creaking of the mule cart and the howling wind outside could be heard.
Lu Yuan understood what was happening as he watched this scene.
Tiger Sheep's "discipline" may be out of good intentions, fearing that Tiger Rabbit will disturb his rest, as well as Tiger Rabbit's own rest.
Perhaps it's a habitual desire to maintain "order" and the authority of the "older sister".
Lu Yuan sighed softly, reached out, and gently patted the small figure curled up in a ball, through the cotton-padded coat.
Tiger Rabbit's body stiffened for a moment, it didn't move, but it also didn't shrink any further in.
Lu Yuan didn't forcibly pull her out, but continued, "Your sister didn't mean to be mean to you."
"She was worried about my injuries, and also worried that you were getting tired from talking too much since you've just recovered."
"She's doing this for your own good, and also for my own good."
The little bulge twitched slightly, but remained silent.
Lu Yuan glanced again at Hu Yangyang, who was pursing her lips and remained calm.
He turned his gaze to the small bulge, his tone softening yet carrying a hint of earnest advice: "Don't be angry with your sister—"
"You are sisters, the closest people to each other in this world."
Lu Yuan paused, letting his words resonate in the quiet carriage, before slowly and deliberately uttering the most important sentence: "The days ahead are long, and perhaps the only people you can rely on are each other."
After he finished speaking, the carriage became so quiet that only the sound of the wheels could be heard.
Tiger Sheep, who had been trying to remain calm and maintain her "older sister" dignity, suddenly hunched over slightly when she heard Lu Yuan's last words, "to become each other's support."
She quickly turned her head and looked out the window again, but the tightly pursed lips and slightly reddened eyes on her profile betrayed the turmoil in her heart.
She didn't speak again, nor did she look at her crying sister. She just silently and stubbornly stared at the snow-covered mountains and forests that kept passing by outside the window.
But that taut profile, as if wearing a mask, seemed to have softened a little.
Lu Yuan didn't try to persuade her anymore, but gently patted Hu Tutu's trembling back, offering silent comfort.
The mule cart continued its journey along the rugged mountain road, creaking and groaning, moving at a steady pace.
The cold wind still howled, but the icy, confrontational silence inside the carriage seemed to have been broken.
Instead, there is a deeper, more complex silence, which also quietly gives rise to a faint warmth.
n■gn
The next day, early in the morning.
We've arrived at Tianlong Temple.
When Lu Yuan lifted the carriage curtain and looked at the Tianlong Temple built on the high mountain, he couldn't help but click his tongue.
Good heavens, look at this! This is what a Taoist temple should look like!
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