In the center of the Taoist temple, a statue of a Taoist immortal was enshrined. Wang Fugui, not believing in Taoism, didn't recognize which deity it was.
In the Thunderwind Realm, people primarily revered the Thunder Emperor, followed by their ancestors, and lastly, the gods.
Few households enshrined deities; such statues were only found in places like Taoist temples.
Making the best of the situation, Wang Fugui followed local custom and paid his respects to the statue, making a wish.
Common folk prayed for academic success, for children, or for the safety and happiness of their families.
However, Wang Fugui was Wang Fugui, self-proclaimed most handsome man in the capital (unofficial certification). His wish was also out of the ordinary, exceptionally refined and unconventional.
"O Taoist deity, grant me a beautiful maiden, let this lonely and pitiful child experience the warmth of affection."
Boom!
Crack!
Suddenly, lightning flashed and thunder rumbled across the sky.
Perhaps the Taoist deity, unable to bear his prayer any longer, unleashed heavenly lightning to strike down this scoundrel.
Unfortunately, the strike missed its mark.
"Looks like it's going to rain."
After displaying his talent for stating the obvious, Wang Fugui left the temple and stood outside on the railing, gazing at the sky.
The sky was overcast, even more gloomy than when he had arrived.
The mountain wind carried undissolved snow, and the fine snow brushed against Wang Fugui's face, immersing him in a unique artistic conception.
Colloquially, it was called showing off.
After gazing at the sky for a while, Wang Fugui lowered his head and saw a figure approaching from outside.
It was a Taoist nun. While her appearance wasn't breathtaking enough to topple cities or shame the moon, she was nevertheless exquisite, pure, gentle, virtuous, and ethereal.
The nun had delicate features and a hint of heroism in her eyes. A trace of sadness seemed to flicker within them, making her appear even more delicate and pure.
She wore a black Taoist robe, cinched at her slender waist with a black sash, which further accentuated her detached and otherworldly aura.
She possessed a kind heart and a pure soul, like a lotus emerging from water, unstained.
This was Wang Fugui's first impression of the Taoist nun before him.
"Is the benefactor here to pray or seek a divination?"
The Taoist nun, having reached the bottom of the steps, noticed Wang Fugui by the railing.
The young gentleman was clad in white, his brow slightly furrowed, exuding a melancholic aura that was truly captivating. She felt an urge to smooth his brow.
Seeing the handsome young man glance at her, the Taoist nun blushed and offered a slight bow.
Wang Fugui flashed a warm smile, clasped his hands in greeting, and said in his gentle, magnetic voice,
"This humble student has already prayed, and my wish has been granted. Indeed, this Taoist deity is extraordinary."
The Taoist nun was taken aback, wondering what wish could have been granted so immediately after being made.
"Esteemed immortal, are you the mistress of this Taoist temple? I grew up in the capital, yet I never knew there was such a paradise outside the city."
The Taoist nun ascended the steps and stopped about a meter away from Wang Fugui, smiling slightly.
"My master and I came here long ago. Seeing the scenic beauty of this place, we built this Taoist temple and settled down.
As we cherished tranquility, we did not intentionally publicize our existence."
"I see. Then, Master, what about now..."
"My master has ascended to the west. Now, I am the only one here."
Ah, so it was her burning incense just now. It must have been for her master.
"May I ask the esteemed immortal's Taoist name?"
"My master bestowed upon me a Taoist name, calling me Yun Mengzi."
"Yun Mengzi... a fine name. 'Clouds deep, location unknown; dreams enter the hibiscus pond.' Truly a poetic sentiment."
"Heh heh,"
The Taoist nun chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand.
"The young gentleman speaks so well. My master gave me this name because I was often lost in a daze, as if sleepwalking, thinking I was foolish. So, he gave me the Taoist name Yun Mengzi."
"Hahaha, that's not foolishness, that's being carefree and unrestrained, true freedom. It must be difficult for you to live here alone, young lady."
Wang Fugui stopped calling her "esteemed immortal" and addressed her as "young lady," deliberately downplaying her status as a Taoist nun.
"It's not difficult at all. Being alone is also quite peaceful."
Yun Mengzi placed one hand on the railing, gazing at the distant scenery.
"I chose this place precisely for its beautiful scenery. Living in such a place every day greatly benefits one's state of mind."
Wang Fugui smiled at her words, turned to face Yun Mengzi, and said,
"You say you are admiring the scenery, but in the eyes of those who are watching, you are the most beautiful scenery."
The Taoist nun was startled. She turned to look at Wang Fugui and saw his deep eyes, gazing at her with a smile. Her heart fluttered in sudden disarray, and she quickly turned her head away.
"You jest, young gentleman. I am aware of my own appearance; it can hardly compare to the noble ladies of the capital.
"You are mistaken, young lady. As the saying goes:
Beauty does not captivate people; people captivate themselves.
In the eyes of a lover, even a plain woman is beautiful.
If fate wills it, a thousand miles apart we shall meet;
Three smiles are worth a lifetime of devotion."
The young Taoist nun's face turned even redder. She frowned at Wang Fugui for a moment and then playfully rebuked him,
"You scoundrel."
"Hahahaha, I am merely an uninhibited soul. I speak my mind when I have something to say, unlike the hypocritical and coy behavior of ordinary people."
"Me too."
The young Taoist nun nodded. It was precisely because she disliked worldly constraints that she chose to become a nun and live as a free spirit.
The two found they got along very well. Both Wang Fugui and the young Taoist nun became increasingly relaxed, and a greater sense of ease grew between them.
The young Taoist nun found Wang Fugui to be of uncommon eloquence and unparalleled learning. Wang Fugui found her to be fresh, refined, and endearingly charming.
Rumble... rumble...
From the horizon, thunder rumbled again.
"It's going to rain."
Yun Mengzi frowned slightly, her eyelids lowering.
"You don't like rainy days?"
"I don't. Rainy days make the roads muddy and difficult to travel, they are gloomy and damp, and they affect my mood.
I much prefer snow. Snow days are beautiful. The snow falls all around, and as far as the eye can see, it's vast white."
"Greeting the wine-drunk face, evening snow flies, a few shades of melancholy paint the darkening mountains."
"Not quite. The mood I prefer is more like this: 'Hearing dogs bark at the thatched gate, a traveler returns on a snowy night.'"
"Heh, you have such refined tastes, young lady. If you love snow, I happen to know of a wonderful place. It is perpetually frozen for thousands of miles, covered in snow, and the scenery is exceptionally beautiful."
"Really? Can you take me there?"
The young Taoist nun's eyes lit up. She suddenly lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed. After all, she didn't know him well; why would he take her there?
"There lies the most beautiful snow, only missing the most beautiful person."
Thump... thump...
The young Taoist nun lowered her head, feeling her heart pounding as if it would leap out of her chest. How could this gentleman speak so boldly?
As evening approached, raindrops began to fall, carried by the wind, and landed on them.
"Well... let's not talk about that. You came here to pray and seek divination, sir. I... I will perform a divination for you."
"Very well."
"For what?"
"Matrimony."
"Someone like you, sir, still worries about matrimony?"
The young Taoist nun's eyes widened.
"It's not my matrimony I wish to divine, but rather..."
A mischievous smile played on Wang Fugui's lips. He leaned slightly closer, looking into the young Taoist nun's eyes,
"To divine yours. Calculate when you will meet your destined love."