Chapter 21 — Traces of the Demon
The Sword Questions the Heavens · Page 6 of 6
A smile appeared on Dao Yan's face. "As it happens, this is a rare chance for good experience. Our Canglan Sect has many talented young people, but most have never gone out to cultivate, and these years the world has been at peace; never once have they faced the demonic heretics in battle. Taking advantage of this Seven Peaks Martial Contest, I intend to send the four highest-ranked young disciples to Kongsang Mountain together: on the one hand to stop the demonic villains in their perverse designs, on the other to temper themselves and broaden their knowledge. And moreover"—his smile faded and his face grew grave—"moreover, I hear that in the past century both Fanyin Temple and Fenxia Valley have produced several remarkable disciples of dazzling gifts. If we sit by and do nothing, I fear we shall not long hold our place as the leaders of the righteous path. And if so, I, Dao Yan, would have no face to meet the patriarchs of our line!"
All nodded together. The Daoist Cang Yan spoke first. "The Senior Brother Sect Master sees far ahead. He speaks the truth."
Dao Yan looked over the assembled peak lords. "Since it is so, then none of you have any objection."
All nodded and voiced their agreement.
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.