Floating life reflects two lotuses

At dawn, a thin mist enveloped the area outside the city, filling the air with the fresh scent of grass. Xiao Jinlian, Li Heng, and Si Lan, fully prepared, rode their horses to the city gate. Li Heng, dressed in military attire, gripped the reins, his expression solemn, clearly already in his guard role. Si Lan, meanwhile, was busy checking their luggage on horseback, looking exasperated: "Princess, is it really necessary to bring all this? It looks like we're moving house."

Sitting on horseback, Xiao Jinlian smiled slightly, her tone tinged with a hint of teasing: "Silan, this is an adventure. Shouldn't we be more prepared? What if we encounter something... unexpected? We can't just deal with it bare-handed."

Li Heng glanced at her, his lips twitching slightly: "Princess, if something unexpected really happens, these luggage won't be enough to protect you. We should focus on your safety."

Xiao Jinlian snorted lightly: "General, your duty is to protect the princess, not to question my decision."

Silan quickly interjected to ease the tension: "Oh, alright, alright, we need to get going. If we keep arguing, we won't reach our destination before dark!"

The three of them continued their journey towards the ancient Taoist temple without stopping. When they reached the mountain path, Xiao Jinlian took out a map she had brought from the palace and spread it on the saddle. Silan leaned over to take a look and said, "Princess, why is this map so rough? It looks like it was drawn by a child."

“This is an ancient scroll used by the palace.” Xiao Jinlian’s tone revealed a hint of pride, but then she became somewhat guilty. “It’s probably because of its age that it’s blurry.”

Li Heng couldn't help but chuckle, his tone tinged with sarcasm: "Such an important journey, and you're relying on such an unreliable map?"

“If the general has a better method, he may share it.” Xiao Jinlian raised her eyebrows and changed the subject. “However, in any case, we already know the connection between the Taoist temple and the Lingjian organization. The key now is to verify these clues.”

Silan nodded, frowning in thought: "Princess, is the meaning of those runes related to the forbidden power of Lingjian? I heard that the Lingjian organization has been secretly protecting something... and they're not exactly benevolent."

“Indeed.” Xiao Jinlian said thoughtfully, “But this is precisely why I want to investigate. Why does the Lingjian organization have such intricate connections with the royal family? And why do these fragments involve someone like Consort Yan? If we don’t unravel these mysteries, they will always be a thorn in our side.”

As they were talking, the three of them suddenly heard a child crying not far away. Xiao Jinlian frowned, reined in the horses, and looked into the woods: "What's going on? There seems to be something up ahead."

Li Heng gripped his longsword tightly and whispered, "Be careful, it might be bait."

The three approached cautiously, and upon closer inspection, they found a little boy crouching on the ground, crying. His clothes were tattered, and his face was covered in mud. Seeing Xiao Jinlian and her group, he sobbed, "Sister, save me! My family has been kidnapped by bad people!"

Silan quickly dismounted and helped the boy up, gently comforting him, "Don't be afraid, little brother, tell your sister what happened?"

The little boy recounted, haltingly, that he and his family were traveling through the mountains when they encountered a group of thugs. Those men robbed them of their goods and took his family away, leaving only him to escape.

“Princess, should we…” Li Heng turned to look at Xiao Jinlian.

Xiao Jinlian raised her hand, a cold glint flashing in her eyes: "Since we've encountered this, we can't just stand by and do nothing." Her tone was calm, but it carried an undeniable air of authority. "Silan, stay and take care of him. General, come with me."

Following the boy's directions, Xiao Jinlian and Li Heng arrived at a secluded mountain hollow, where they indeed found several villains gathered around a campfire, laughing and dividing their loot. The two quickly exchanged a glance, and Li Heng whispered, "Princess, you should hide here for now. I'll go and deal with them."

"No need." Xiao Jinlian smiled coldly and pulled a dagger from her waist. "General, this princess has no intention of being a bystander."

Having said that, she nimbly crept behind a rock and, in perfect unison with Li Heng, began their operation. Moments later, the thugs were subdued, tied to a tree, and howling in agony.

After rescuing the hostages, the family was overwhelmed with gratitude and repeatedly kowtowed to Xiao Jinlian in thanks. Xiao Jinlian smiled slightly and helped them up, saying, "It's good that you're safe and sound. Please be extra careful next time you pass through this area."

After this minor incident, as dusk approached, the three regrouped and continued their journey. Silan couldn't help but exclaim, "Princess, your skills just now were truly eye-opening!"

Xiao Jinlian smiled slightly: "Silan, when you follow me, don't just watch the show; you also need to learn something."

Li Heng followed silently to the side, a hint of complexity in his eyes. He looked at Xiao Jinlian's serene profile and vaguely felt that she seemed braver and more determined than before.

"The ancient Taoist temple is not far ahead," Xiao Jinlian said softly.

After traversing winding mountain paths, the group finally arrived at their destination at dusk. The ancient Taoist temple stood quietly halfway up the mountain, shrouded in a thin mist, seemingly isolated from the world. The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the mountains onto the temple gate, casting dappled light and shadow, adding a touch of solemnity and mystery to this ancient building.

The temple's gate stands tall, its doors carved with intricate patterns, each line a testament to time, the marks of years clearly visible. A couplet hangs on the gateposts, its characters ancient yet powerful: "The silent mountains have witnessed a thousand years of Taoist teachings; the ethereal streams resonate with the ancient temple." The words exude an undeniable sense of authority.

Outside the gate, two stone lions stood facing each other, their bodies covered in moss, each holding a round bead in its mouth, their eyes gleaming as if guarding the secrets of this land. Xiao Jinlian stopped and examined them closely, her gaze unconsciously lingering on the lions' claws. The carvings there were particularly exquisite, even faintly resembling the symbols of the Lingjian Organization.

“Princess, this temple is indeed extraordinary,” Silan said in a low voice, her tone revealing a hint of vigilance.

Xiao Jinlian nodded slightly, her eyes deep: "Indeed, even the carving of the stone lion reveals a mystery. It seems our journey will not be peaceful."

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, a cool breeze wafts out, carrying with it the fresh scent of grass and trees, along with a faint aroma of sandalwood. The courtyard is laid out in a pleasing, staggered manner, with a winding path paved with bluestone leading up to it. Ancient cypress trees are planted on both sides, their trunks thick and their branches and leaves lush, as if they can shield one from all worldly disturbances.

Directly opposite the main gate stands a towering main hall. Its roof is covered with dark blue glazed tiles, and the upturned eaves are adorned with lifelike dragon and phoenix patterns, seemingly soaring through the clouds. A plaque hangs above the main hall, bearing the four large characters "Lingyuan Taoist Temple," the calligraphy flowing yet powerful, inspiring awe in all who behold it.

“Lingyuan Taoist Temple…” Xiao Jinlian murmured, her tone tinged with inquiry, “I didn’t expect it to be so straightforward… It’s definitely unusual.”

Silan nodded in agreement, her voice tinged with suppressed excitement: "Princess, perhaps this temple holds a secret related to the Spirit Stream."

Just as the group was preparing to explore deeper into the main hall, footsteps sounded outside the door. Xiao Jinlian and Li Heng exchanged a glance and alertly put the scriptures back in their place. A moment later, a man dressed in a gray-white Taoist robe slowly walked into the hall. He was thin, but his demeanor exuded a leisurely composure, seemingly unsurprised by the unexpected visitor.

"You have come from afar, you must be destined to meet. May I ask what brings you here?" The Taoist priest stood at the threshold, his voice gentle yet inquiring. His gaze swept between Xiao Jinlian and Li Heng, finally settling on Xiao Jinlian.

Xiao Jinlian smiled slightly, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Passing through this place, I heard that the Taoist temple here is quite efficacious, so I wanted to come and experience it for myself."

The Taoist priest's gaze fell on the jade pendants at their waists, his expression changing slightly before quickly regaining its composure. He clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and said in a low voice, "So you are honored guests. I have failed to greet you properly. May I ask what matters you seek? If I can be of any help, I will do my utmost."

Looking at his expression, Xiao Jinlian felt a sense of doubt. This Taoist priest seemed respectful, but there was always an unreadable evasiveness in his eyes, as if he were hiding something. She said softly, "I've heard that your temple has a long history and some connection with Lingjian. I wonder if the abbot could answer some of these questions for us?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Taoist priest frowned almost imperceptibly, but quickly recovered: "Lingjian... Oh~ that's the name of this Taoist temple. It was named by the Taoist priest of my great-great ...

Xiao Jinlian stared at him calmly, as if trying to read more from his expression. After a moment, she smiled slightly: "If it's convenient for you, Taoist priest, please show us around the Taoist temple."

The Taoist priest hesitated slightly, but still nodded and said, "Since you have spoken, I will do my best to be a good host. Please follow me."

The Taoist priest led the group along the path to the back courtyard of the Taoist temple, casually introducing as they walked: "Lingyuan Taoist Temple has a history of several hundred years, and the abbots of each generation have focused on quiet cultivation. Although the incense here is not very strong, it has never been abandoned."

His tone was calm, but every word carried a sense of understatement, as if deliberately avoiding delving into any details. Xiao Jinlian walked and observed, her gaze occasionally sweeping across her surroundings. The buildings in the back courtyard were even simpler than those in the front hall, their blue tiles and white walls exuding a tranquil serenity, but the quieter it was, the more uneasy she felt.

"Master, it seems there are some offerings missing from the backyard?" Li Heng asked casually, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry. "Taoist temples usually don't offer such simple offerings to the gods of heaven and earth, do they?"

The Taoist priest paused slightly, then smiled faintly and said, "Young master, you may not know this, but the backyard is where I cultivate in seclusion, and most of the offerings are concentrated in the front hall. This place is merely a place for quiet contemplation, so it inevitably appears simple."

Silan followed behind and whispered to Xiao Jinlian, "Princess, the abbot's words seemed a bit perfunctory. His expression just now may not have been entirely sincere either."

Xiao Jinlian nodded almost imperceptibly and replied softly, "I noticed it too. He seems to be hiding something, but we can't alert him yet."

At the far end of the backyard was a small side room. The Taoist priest pushed open the door and said calmly, "This is where I usually cultivate in seclusion. If you have no other questions, you may rest in the front hall for a while. I will arrange a vegetarian meal for you later."

Xiao Jinlian nodded, her tone calm: "Thank you for your trouble, Daoist Master. But before that, we would like to take another look at the main hall. The Daoist temple is ancient, and there must be many historical sites worth seeing."

The Taoist's expression changed slightly for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure: "If our honored guest is in such a refined mood, then please feel free to do as you please. I will go and prepare the meal now."

After watching the Taoist priest leave, Silan couldn't help but whisper, "Princess, that abbot is clearly up to no good!"

“His reaction was indeed abnormal,” Li Heng said in a low voice, a hint of coldness in his eyes. “We need to find his weakness.”

As Xiao Jinlian watched the Taoist priest's departing figure, her gaze darkened slightly: "It seems that this Taoist temple does indeed hold the secret we need."