The Dragon King's Son-in-law
Taoist Temple

Zhao Yanzi was completely calm. He jumped and jumped, ahead of the others. Today, she wears a short skirt stitched together with cotton and denim materials, featuring smooth, slender calves. From a sleeveless shirt that intersects low and like a vest out two sleeves that are plump and mostly leather. That's a little interesting. For a girl her age, or for the fairly conservative Hao Ren, her clothing selection looks a little bold.

On the other hand, Roman sandals on his feet expertly balance his sexiness with the agility of young people. Together with his leaps and bounds, his sandals floated like two flapping butterflies.

It's nice to have a designer mom. With such a mix of casual clothes, not only did Zhao Yanzi not look awkward, she even looked like a pretty little catalog model.

When compared, Hao Ren couldn't be more unfashionable. He wears a shirt that has not been washed for three days, a pair of tousled jeans and a pair of dirty running shoes.

The only one of hers that could attract attention was the small pink backpack on her back. Although, the backpack also belonged to Zhao Yanzi. Speaking of which, it is certainly quite strange that a man seems to be wearing a pink backpack.

While Zhao Yanzi was rushing in front, Zhao Guang and Zhao Hongyu were walking side by side with Hao Ren. While Zhao Guang was dressed in casual business, Zhao Hongyu chose a young-spirited athletic style; it was almost impossible to know she was a mother of a middle-class disciple

They continued climbing the stone steps and finally arrived at the ticket office for the attraction.

Zhao Yanzi was already standing next to the ticket office window, impatiently waiting for his parents to buy a ticket. His inability to hold himself back reminded Hao Ren of the time he walked around with his parents when he was a child.

Zhao Guang walked there quietly and bought four admission tickets at once. Hao Ren felt a little uneasy about having his ticket paid. But at a time like this, he did not want to make a hypocritical fuss for something insignificant.

Through the mountain gate, they continued moving up along the stairs.

The view is undeniably incredible. Surrounding them was full of greenery; as a result, even the air gave off a hint of coolness. The re-emerging stream meandered downwards along the trail, producing a pleasant and melodious clear sound near their feet.

With his mouth wide open, Zhao Yanzi exaggeratedly started to take in a deep breath of fresh air. Hao Ren could not bear to not smile at his innocent and childish behavior.

It is very relaxing and satisfying for them to become one with nature again after spending a long time living in the city.

Hand in hand, Zhao Hongyu and Zhao Guang used their time admiring and appreciating the scenery around them. Since Hao Ren did not want to walk next to Zhao Yanzi, he walked leisurely behind them. Likewise Zhao Yanzi, he was unwilling to get stuck with Hao Ren. So, he was like a happy little beast, running fast and venturing ahead.

"Zi, slow down!" Zhao Hongyu warned.

"Mom! There's a cave in here!" Zhao Yanzi shouted excitedly from the front.

Zhao Hongyu chuckled. He turned around and waved at Hao Ren before walking forward to join Zhao Yanzi. "This cave was formed due to the impact of water underground. The streams of water within the mountain had formed secret passageways within the mountain. The moment they met the fragile and worn stones, this stream of water would pierce through them. What we see on our way here is a tributary; the actual flow of water that is all stored within the mountain.

"Then, why is there no water in it?" Zhao Yanzi asked curiously.

"That's because the size and impact of the water flow also depends on the season. When the water flow is abundant, the water will seep out Of course, it could be because the flow has been diverted. In other words, this was originally an exit that had been blocked from the inside due to a small landslide," Zhao Hongyu explained patiently.

While nodding his head, Zhao Yanzi's eyes lit up as if he had just discovered a new continent. He pointed forward, "Look, there's writing over there!"

"Heaven of the World" this poem was probably written by the famous poet Du Fu of the Tang Dynasty. There used to be a Taoist Temple here called 'The Heavenly Cloud Temple .." Zhao Hongyu patiently explained in more detail while walking.

Blinking his eyes, Zhao Yanzi was able to remain calm and follow his mother, observing and listening.

Hao Ren was impressed. He was surprised Zhao Hongyu was so knowledgeable. Not only was he successful in architectural design, but he was equally well versed in geology-astronomy, culture and humanity.

As a result, they moved quickly as Zhao Hongyu explained along the way. Moreover, he could often move on to other explanations to provide Zhao Yanzi with more information. His voice was gentle and pleasant; even Hao Ren was fascinated and learned a lot from it.

After walking for about two hours, they reached half the way and decided to eat at a small restaurant on the mountain.

Hao Ren had been stuck in school for a very long time. Today's opportunity to travel with the Zhao family had made his eyes and mind refreshed by the greenness of the mountains and the clear flow of water; he had also become cheerful.

"There is a Taoist temple on top of this mountain called the 'Temple of Heavenly Oneness'. It was said that Master Tao Zhang once cultivated here. The largest place in this Taoist temple is called the 'Inventor Palace'. All his shingles [1] were covered in golden scrolls. They also have a fir tree that is two thousand years old. Moreover, there was a monument written by Taoist Master Zhang himself …."While eating, Zhao Guang suddenly became enthusiastic and showed Zhao Yanzi.

"That's fun!" Zhao Yanzi looked at his father hoping, "Let's see after we finish eating!"

"It takes three hours to get there. Since there is no cable car here, your mother and I will miss it. We were planning on walking a little more, but then we would enjoy the ride back downstairs and rest in the hotel," Zhao Guang replied

"wwwS.. " Zhao Yanzi was obviously very disappointed.

" Or can you ask Hao Ren to go with you?" Zhao Hongyu suggested.

"Who does he need to be with!" Gritting his teeth, Zhao Yanzi declared, "I'll go alone!"

"Cannot be. We'll be worried if you go upstairs alone! " Zhao Hongyu resolutely rejected Zhao Yanzi's proposal.

Knowing he was unable to oppose his parents, Zhao Yanzi sulked his head in silence.

After eating they continued their climb. After walking for about an hour and a half and inspecting the "Cave of the Panatua Lord" which had a very long history, Zhao Guang and Zhao Hongyu were ready to leave.

Although Zhao Yanzi was eager to continue upstairs and explore the Taoist temple on top of that mountain, he could only follow the orders of his parents who had now decided to complete this climb.

Seeing Zhao Yanzi disappointed and pouting, Zhao Hongyu said, "What if ...we make an exception and let you continue your journey on the mountain?"

Zhao Yanzi's eyes immediately lit up and a bright smile began to develop on his face.

But there is one condition; Ren must stay with you. Otherwise, we will be worried," Zhao Hongyu added.

Biting his lips, Zhao Yanzi grappled for a while but finally agreed, "Alright, I want to see what's in there!"

A shadow of excitement appeared on Zhao Hongyu's face as he turned to Hao Ren. "Ren, please stay with Zi. Come back down as soon as you reach the top of the mountain. Call us if you need anything. With your speed, four hours should be enough for you to climb up and return here. It would roughly take another two hours to descend to the foot of the mountain, so it would total six hours. We hope you're back at seven."

In fact, Hao Ren was unwilling to return to the hotel so quickly; this was a rare opportunity for him to be able to unite himself with nature. Thus, he nodded to reassure Zhao Hongyu and said, "Yes, Auntie. I'll do my best to look after Zi."

Zhao Guang gave Hao Ren a small encouraging nod before turning around and leaving with Zhao Hongyu.

Hao Ren knew very well that Zhao Yanzi's parents were trying to make an opportunity for him and Zhao Yanzi to get to know each other by spending time alone. Nonetheless, he did not want to think too much about it because all he wanted now was to visit the legendary Taoist temple

Likewise, Zhao Yanzi thought the same thing. Now that his parents had walked a long way and he started yelling at Hao Ren, "Come on, Hurry up! Don't slow down and hold me back!"

After rolling his eyes for a while, Hao Ren stared at the endless path and took a step forward.

...

[1]. Flakes of thin board pieces, usually made of iron or ulin wood, used for roofs, walls of houses, and so on