The abbot of the Temple of All-Wishes strode in, laughing loudly, followed by two Taoist priests dressed in yellow robes.

Qingfeng Daoist bowed to Wuwei Zhenren and said, "Qingfengzi greets Wuwei Zhenren."

"May the Heavenly Venerable grant you boundless blessings." The True Man of Nothingness returned the greeting.

Qingfeng Daoren glanced at the delicacies on the table and said, "It's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early. I've arrived just in time for a meal. I haven't eaten yet, and looking at all these delicious dishes, I'm quite hungry."

Mao Junjie stood behind Kui Kui and said in a muffled voice, "They clearly arrived right on time! Shameless."

His voice wasn't loud, but everyone present heard it.

Qingfengzi, with his thick skin, flicked his whisk and laughed, "Master Wuwei, would you mind adding a bowl and chopsticks?"

"One set isn't enough, Xiao Mao, go get three sets of bowls and chopsticks."

"Yes, Master." Mao Junjie lowered his head and turned to go to the kitchen.

With the addition of three outsiders, the originally harmonious atmosphere at the dinner table became somewhat awkward.

Qingfengzi didn't treat himself like an outsider and ate without any restraint.

He exclaimed, "The food at Shangqing Temple is really good. No wonder my disciples have come several times, but we still couldn't close the deal."

He patted his round belly, stood up, circled the round table, and took the initiative, saying, "Shangqing Temple is indeed large!"

"It's a pity that there are very few disciples in the temple, and even fewer worshippers. Unlike my temple, which is always bustling with activity."

Mao Junjie had a fiery temper and couldn't stand seeing his Taoist temple insulted. He immediately stood up, wishing he could beat Qingfengzi up right away.

Master Wuwei gently placed his palm on Mao Junjie's shoulder.

Mao Junjie's legs went weak, and she sat back down on the bench.

"What's the rush? You're not even as well-mannered as your junior disciple. Kui Kui, do you think what Daoist Qingfeng said makes sense?"

Kui Kui stiffened and quickly stood up, just like a student who was daydreaming in class and was suddenly called on by the homeroom teacher.

She bowed to Qingfengzi and Wuwei Zhenren and said, "In response to my master's question, I think what Qingfeng Daoren said makes no sense."

"A mountain is not famous for its height, but for the immortals who dwell there. Water is not sacred for its depth, but for the dragons that inhabit it."

"Although Shangqing Temple has few disciples, its strength lies in its excellence. Although there are few worshippers, their sincerity is paramount."

"Haha! Well said! Little Mao, you should learn from your nephew!"

"Master Qingfeng, I will not sell Shangqing Temple. You don't need to come here anymore."

Qingfengzi said with a gloomy face, "You think he's so clever? I think your little apprentice is just a pretty face, all show and no substance. He's all brawn and no brains."

For the first time ever, Master Wuwei stopped smiling, his hands clenching so tightly they cracked in his sleeves.

His face darkened as he said, "What, you want to fight?"

Qingfengzi quickly waved his hand and said, "Of course not. If anyone should fight, it should be us junior members. We are all leaders of our temples, so there's no reason for us to get involved."

“In that case, my temple will not bully you. We will each send one person from our temple to compete in skill.”

"Let's not compete with magic, let's do something practical! Yesterday, a pilgrim came to the temple seeking help."

"Wazi Village on the other side of the mountain. I never imagined that our 'Always-Responsive Temple' would become so famous."

Qingfengzi wore a proud expression and kept clicking his tongue, when suddenly he felt a chill run down his spine.

Seeing that Master Wuwei's expression had darkened again, he coughed and continued, "This matter is rather strange."

“A while ago, during the rainy season, the mountain behind their Wazi Village collapsed. The mountain has changed its appearance.”

"He looked exactly like an official holding a scepter. Then strange things started happening in that village."

“Every day at three in the morning, the entire village would turn sideways.”

"Chickens, ducks, cats, and dogs have disappeared without a trace, and in the past few days, cattle, sheep, and pigs have also gone missing. The villagers are worried that if this continues, people will be the ones who go missing."

"I was just thinking of taking my direct disciples to investigate. Why don't you also take your disciples, Master Wuwei, and we can have a competition to see who can resolve this matter first?"

Master Wuwei laughed and said, "Daoist Qingfeng, I see that you haven't come here to buy land. You just want to ask us for help, right?"

Qingfengzi's old face flushed slightly as he said, "Just tell me if you want to compete or not!"

"A contest is fine, but let's discuss the stakes," Master Wuwei said calmly, taking a sip of tea.

"If your Shangqing Temple wins, my Qiubiying Temple will no longer come to our door to discuss buying the temple. If we win, you will sell the temple to us for 30,000."

①A mountain is not famous for its height, but for the immortals who dwell there. Water is not sacred for its depth, but for the dragons that inhabit it. — Liu Yuxi, "Inscription of My Humble Abode" (Tang Dynasty)