I trade in both worlds

The process of climbing the Eighteen Bends is a double test of physical strength and will.

Every step has to be taken carefully, and every breath seems particularly heavy.

Xu Jin and Xu Zhun held Xu Qiwei's hands tightly, fearing that he would fall.

Everyone was silently repeating in their hearts: "Persistence, persistence is victory."

Although Xu Qiwei is young, he is not willing to fall behind. His eyes reveal a tenacity beyond his age.

Finally, when the last step was stepped on, the South Gate of Heaven appeared before my eyes. At that moment, all the fatigue seemed to disappear.

Chen Xinghuan stood in front of the Nantian Gate, looking at the sea of clouds in the distance, and said with great pride: "Brothers, we did it. The top of Mount Tai is just around the corner."

Nantianmen, also known as the "Three Heavens Gate", is located at the end of the Eighteen Bends of Mount Tai. It is a must-pass place for climbers and is also the most dangerous place on Mount Tai.

Standing in front of the South Gate of Heaven and looking back at the road I came from, I saw clouds and mist, as if I were in a fairyland.

"Uncle, is this the Nantianmen?" Xu Qiwei looked up at the towering city gate, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"That's right." Xu Jin replied with a smile, "Nantianmen is an important pass of Mount Tai. After passing here, it is Tianjie. We are not far from the top of the mountain."

The group continued to move forward and passed through the Nantianmen Gate. Suddenly, the view in front of them opened up. A stone road meandered upward, with shops lining both sides, and it was very bustling.

This is Tianjie of Mount Tai, a unique place that combines a market with landscape.

There is a wide variety of goods on Tian Street, including Taishan specialties such as Shi Gan Dang and Taishan Stone, as well as various snacks and souvenirs, which are dazzling.

The crowd walked slowly along Tianjie, feeling the unique cultural atmosphere.

"Look, there's a stall selling Taishan Stone Gan Dang over there." Xu Qiwei had sharp eyes and shouted excitedly, pointing ahead.

"Let's go and take a look." Xu Jin took Xu Qiwei's hand and called everyone to walk towards the store.

He thought to himself that selecting a few pieces of Taishan stone to take back as gifts would be both a token of his appreciation and a commemoration.

Walking into the shop, you will see a wide variety of Taishan stone talismans in various shapes. Some are carved with mighty images of stone talismans, while others are engraved with auspicious patterns and blessings.

Xu Jin and Xu Weihao selected carefully, looking at each piece closely.

Xu Zhun was also busy and happy. He picked up a beautifully carved stone and showed it to Xu Jin: "Brother, what do you think of this one? I think its carving is very delicate and its meaning is also very good."

Xu Jin took it, looked at it, and nodded in praise: "Not bad, very imposing, you have good taste."

Xu Qiwei also came over and pointed at a cute little stone talisman and said, "Uncle, I want two pieces too. I want to take them back for Mom and Tiantian. They will definitely like them."

Xu Jin smiled and patted his head: "Okay, pick one you like for yourself too."

Li Mufeng watched them with a smile, occasionally picking up a piece to savor its flavor. He also wanted to choose a few pieces to give to his family.

Chen Xingrui also walked around the store with great interest, discussing with Chen Xinghuan whether he should bring a few back to give to Chen Zeyun.

"Brother, what do you think of this? Will Dad like it?" Chen Xingrui asked as he picked up a beautifully carved stone talisman.

Chen Xinghuan took it, looked at it, and nodded in praise: "Well, not bad, Dad will definitely like it."

Xu Weihao also bought a few pieces, intending to give them to his family and friends.

In the end, everyone picked out a few pieces of Taishan stone talismans that they liked and prepared to take them back as souvenirs.

The group continued to stroll along Tianjie Street, with smiles on everyone's face.

They either tasted the snacks of Mount Tai, or admired the roadside scenery, or bought their favorite souvenirs, enjoying this rare study time.

Before they knew it, it was getting dark. Xu Jin looked up at the sky and suggested, "It's getting late. Why don't we stay in Tianjie for one night and continue climbing tomorrow?"

When everyone heard this, their eyes lit up and they all agreed.

At dinner time, everyone sat down in an antique tavern, sipped Taishan's unique cloud tea, and talked about what they had seen and heard.

Xu Jin looked out the window and saw mountains and rolling clouds in the distance.

I can't help but feel a surge of lofty sentiments in my heart: "The ancients said, 'I will climb to the top of the mountain and look down on all the other mountains.' Although we are not at the top of the mountain today, this state of mind is enough to make people feel relaxed and happy."

Chen Xingrui continued, "That's right. The path of learning is like climbing a mountain. Although the road is rugged, as long as you persevere, you will eventually reach the top and overlook everything."

When night falls, the lights on Tianjie gradually light up, shining brightly against the starry sky, creating a beautiful scene.

Under the arrangement of the inn, the group stayed in an inn next to Tianjie.

Although the inn is simple, it has a unique flavor.

The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the clouds and shone on the top of Mount Tai, everyone was ready to go. They walked along the mountain road and soon arrived at the gate of Bixia Temple.

Bixia Temple, also known as Taishan Niangniang Temple, is located in the south of the top of Mount Tai. It is built against the mountain and is magnificent, with red walls and green tiles. It is looming in the clouds and mist, like a fairyland.

It consists of twelve large buildings including the main hall and incense pavilion, and is one of the most famous Taoist holy places on Mount Tai.

The main deity worshipped in the Bixia Temple of Mount Tai is Bixia Yuanjun, also known as the Mother of Mount Tai or the Grandma of Mount Tai.

She is an important goddess in Taoism and is regarded as a protective goddess who saves all living beings and sacrifices herself for others.

There are many versions of Bixia Yuanjun's background story. One version is that she was a jade girl sent by the Yellow Emperor, and another version is that she became an immortal through the practice of the Jade Girl of Mount Hua.

Another theory is that she was an immortal from Shi Yuye, a commoner woman in the Han Dynasty.

Regardless of which version is true, Bixia Yuanjun is considered the goddess of Mount Tai, who has the ability to protect and bless believers.

Outside the temple, ancient trees are towering, incense smoke is curling, and the sound of bells is melodious, as if they can wash away the dust in the soul and give people endless peace and tranquility.

Xu Jin looked at the solemn palace, and a feeling of awe welled up in his heart: "I heard that Bixia Yuanjun is the guardian deity of Mount Tai. We must go in and worship and pray for a safe journey."

Xu Weihao also sighed: "This Bixia Temple is well-deserved of its reputation. I can feel the sacred atmosphere before I even enter."

"Mount Tai has been a place where emperors have performed Fengshan rituals since ancient times, and the Bixia Temple is a treasure on Mount Tai. It not only carries a profound historical and cultural heritage, but also carries the faith and hopes of countless people," said Chen Xingrui.

Everyone nodded in agreement and walked into the Bixia Temple together. In the center, they saw a statue of Bixia Yuanjun, with kind eyes and a friendly appearance.

The temple is filled with curling incense and melodious bell sounds, as if they can cleanse the dust in people's hearts and make people feel awe involuntarily.