Legend has it that Mount Qingcheng was once a sacred mountain frequented by immortals. Ning Fengzi cultivated here and was bestowed the title "Father-in-law of the Five Sacred Mountains" by the Yellow Emperor, thus gaining control over the mountains. It is also said that Patriarch Zhang Daoling subdued demons and monsters here, founded Taoism, and left behind many miraculous relics. The Lao Jun Pavilion in the mountain is said to be the residence of Lao Jun when he descended to earth, and whenever the wind blows, it seems as if celestial music is playing.

Li Baolong and Wang Yumei continued their journey along the winding mountain path of Qingcheng Mountain, visiting several renowned Taoist temples, including Shangqing Palace, Jianfu Palace, and Tianshi Cave. At each temple, Li Baolong was extremely focused, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, meticulously examining every brick, tile, pillar, and beam, leaving no detail overlooked. He attempted to glean clues from these ancient buildings and furnishings that might be related to his Heavenly Book and Qiankun Sword, but each search ended in vain. He even activated his sensory abilities, allowing his spiritual awareness to permeate the temples, but still received no unusual feedback, as if the secrets hidden deep within the ages were deliberately evading his pursuit.

As the sun began to set, they started their descent. Along the way, they unexpectedly encountered a lay Buddhist dressed in simple clothes. The lay Buddhist had a kind face, and his eyes revealed a deep affection for this mountain forest and a sense of nostalgia for the past. He struck up a conversation with Li Baolong, his words filled with sighs about the changes in Qingcheng Mountain: “The Taoist temples you see now, and those solemn golden statues within them, were mostly renovated in the last ten years or so. In the turbulent years of the past, many precious statues suffered severe damage; those that have survived to this day are extremely rare. And countless Taoist scriptures, carrying supreme wisdom, have been lost in the torrent of history; only a small portion has truly been passed down, which is truly regrettable.”

Li Baolong sighed softly and said, “Taoist culture should be as profound and vast as a sea of ​​stars, but now it resembles a few scattered stars, which is truly heartbreaking. It advocates following nature and the harmony of Yin and Yang. This Yin-Yang principle is like the alternation of day and night, mutually dependent and mutually restrictive. During the day, Yang energy is abundant, all things grow vigorously, and people are active and working; while at night, Yin energy is abundant, all things rest and recuperate, and there is tranquility and peace. The human body also has Yin and Yang. Yang energy governs growth and makes bodily functions active and thinking agile; Yin energy governs introversion and can nourish the internal organs and strengthen the foundation. All things in the world achieve balance in the waxing and waning of Yin and Yang. If Yin and Yang are out of balance, chaos will arise, diseases will proliferate, and disasters will occur frequently.” Wang Yumei also softly echoed, “Yes, the Taoist concept of Wuwei does not mean inaction, but rather not acting deliberately, following the rhythm of one’s own heart and nature. Now, seeing so many broken traces of tradition, I understand that the transmission of culture is like a thread; if even one thread is broken, it may leave that exquisite brocade incomplete.”

Upon hearing this, Li Baolong felt a surge of complex emotions, a mixture of helplessness at the vicissitudes of history and a sense of loss for the lost Taoist tradition. At that moment, the setting sun cast long shadows upon them.

As night fell, Li Baolong and Wang Yumei arrived in Dujiangyan. This ancient and renowned city, nestled quietly amidst mountains and rivers, seemed to be telling its thousand-year history and legends. Considering their fatigue from the day's trip to Qingcheng Mountain, they quickly washed up and went to bed early to recharge for the next day's journey.

The next morning, as the gentle sunlight bathed the earth, they had breakfast and strolled along the stone-paved road leading to the South Bridge of Dujiangyan. The streets were bustling with activity, a vibrant scene of everyday life. The sounds of vendors hawking their wares and laughter mingled together, creating a lively and vibrant urban landscape.

Upon arriving at the Dujiangyan Scenic Area, the magnificent water conservancy engineering marvel unfolded before their eyes. Li Baolong and Wang Yumei were deeply awestruck, their hearts filled with emotion. The Feisha Weir, the Baopingkou (Bottle-Neck Mouth), the Yuzui (Fish Mouth)... every structure showcased the extraordinary wisdom and unwavering perseverance of the ancients. The surging river, guided by the water conservancy project, has tamed this land, bringing irrigation and flood control benefits, and nurturing the prosperous "Land of Abundance."

Li Baolong gazed at the scene before him, his thoughts drifting. He thought of the craftsmen and designers who had silently dedicated themselves throughout history, who had forged this timeless monument with their sweat and wisdom. Wang Yumei, standing beside him, softly praised the scene, her eyes gleaming with admiration and wonder.

They walked slowly along the embankment, feeling the river breeze, as if they could hear the river conversing with history. At that moment, their hands unconsciously tightened their grip. In the face of this great human miracle, their love seemed to be given a deeper meaning—like the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, it can withstand the test of time, flowing steadily in the long river of history, ever new.

The short two-day trip came to a reluctant end. Li Baolong and Wang Yumei bid each other a tearful farewell at the crossroads and embarked on their respective journeys home.

Night fell, and Li Baolong quietly returned home. All was quiet. He gently closed the door, took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and focused his mind to open the mysterious space.

In the dim light of the room, he carefully took out the precious cultivation manual left behind by the old Taoist priest. The few pages of paper seemed thin, yet they seemed to carry endless mysteries and power. Li Baolong's fingers gently brushed over the paper, his gaze focused and fervent as he studied it word by word.

When he turned to one of the pages, he was slightly taken aback. It detailed a peculiar technique—controlling the minds of animals through telepathic perception. With each level of cultivation, it could even extend to controlling human thoughts. According to the old Taoist, this was based on the first stage of the Enchanting Technique from the Heavenly Book. The old Taoist had only extracted the essence for his practice; the part about the old eunuch in the Heavenly Book was unsuitable and therefore not copied. At levels one and two, the old Taoist could control various animals; at level three and above, he could begin to control the human brain, though only for a minute—a truly astonishing ability. The old Taoist, through his profound skill and relentless practice, had reached level eight, able to control a person's thoughts and actions at will for up to an hour.

Li Baolong secretly pondered that if he could cultivate this rudimentary charm technique to its highest level, he could control a person's thoughts and actions for two hours. Even just ten minutes of control might be enough to turn the tide and change the situation at a crucial moment. Thinking of this, a resolute and eager glint flashed in his eyes.

"It seems I must seize every second and devote myself wholeheartedly to learning and practicing the cultivation technique, breaking through to level three as soon as possible. Only then can I protect myself in case of danger." Li Baolong made a firm vow in his heart. He knew that this path of cultivation was full of thorns and challenges, but in order to explore his own potential, to have greater power in this complex world, and to protect the people and things he cherished, he was willing to make every effort, and would never retreat even if there were endless difficulties and dangers ahead.