Chapter 21 — Traces of the Demonic
劍問蒼天 · Page 6 of 6
A smile appeared on Daoyan Zhenren's face: "This is, if you think on it, a rare and excellent chance for tempering. Our Canglan Sect has many fine young talents, but most have never gone out to cultivate, and these years the world has been at peace, so they have never stood against demonic foes. Taking advantage of this Seven Peaks Martial Gathering, I intend to send the top four young disciples together to Kongsang—on the one hand to stop the demonic villains from their perverse deeds, and on the other to temper themselves and broaden their experience. And moreover—" his smile faded, his face turning grave—"moreover, I hear that in the past century both the Fanyin Temple and Fenxia Valley have produced several remarkable disciples of outstanding gifts. If we sit by and do nothing, I fear we shall not long hold our place as leaders of the righteous path. And if that came to pass, I, Daoyan, would have no face to meet the patriarchs of our line!"
All nodded together. Cangyan Daoren spoke first: "The Sect Leader sees far and speaks truly."
Daoyan looked over the seat-holders: "Then there is no objection from any of you."
All nodded and voiced their assent.
Daoist Zhenren Daoyan said, "Good, then it is settled. Quarters have already been prepared for you senior brothers in the Yuheng Hall. Please go and rest." With that, he clapped his palms three times in quick succession, and several Daoist novices at once came hurrying in from beyond the door. "Lead these masters to their rooms to rest."
The novices answered and stepped forward. Each of the masters rose to his feet, bowed once to Daoist Zhenren Daoyan, and followed them out.
Note, Book Four, the Classic of the Eastern Mountains: within the second eastern range, there is Mount Kongsang, facing the Shi River to the north, gazing upon Juwu to the east, Shaling to the south, and the Min Marsh to the west.