On the way, Sun Aiping introduced him to Bao Hailuan again, "Bureau Chief Bao, this is the outstanding young entrepreneur who was on the City TV Station's news a while ago. He has some connection to our bureau as well, the director of Lingyou Zoo, Duan Jiaze. Xiao Duan, I have high hopes for him; I see him as a nephew."

"Lingyou, ah, I know of it," Bao Hailuan said, sizing up Duan Jiaze once more. "The young man looks very sharp. If old Sun thinks highly of him, then he must be good."

Duan Jiaze thanked him, a bit shyly. Suddenly facing the head of his supervisory department, he hadn't quite processed it.

Fortunately, Sun Aiping was there to mediate and pass the conversation along, and they headed towards Pagoda Mountain, the location of Linshui Temple, in a harmonious atmosphere. Pagoda Mountain had a story behind it; it was said that the mountain used to be very high, but then the pagoda of the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King fell and smashed off half the mountain, turning it into the flat-topped mountain it is today.

It wasn't until they reached the foot of the mountain that Duan Jiaze realized they were going to Linshui Temple. He felt a bit strange. After all, he had a certain relationship with Linshui Temple, one that was neither good nor bad, and he couldn't help but feel he had taken advantage of them, which was quite embarrassing.

But on second thought, Linshui Temple had so many people, from Daoists to tourists. If he was careful, he should be able to avoid running into the few Daoists he had met before.

Linshui Temple had quite a lot of devotees. On the first and fifteenth of every lunar month, during festivals, or when there were Dharma services, the number of people heading up the mountain would swell. There was no cable car here; everyone had to climb up on their own two feet.

After climbing to the summit, both Sun Aiping and Bao Hailuan were panting heavily and had to sit down to rest. Duan Jiaze, being young, was in slightly better shape than them.

Linshui Temple had developed to a point where it could be said to be very commercialized; many small stalls and vendors had gathered outside the mountain gate.

Inside the Daoist temple, the scent of incense was overwhelming, and it was bustling with people.

The architecture of Linshui Temple was arranged according to the eight trigrams. The revered deities were all enshrined in the halls along the central axis. The first great hall one faced housed The Three Pure Ones. At this moment, a large crowd was gathered outside the hall, watching a group of Daoists inside performing a Dharma service.

"We can't offer incense right now. I'll go to the side and register first," Bao Hailuan said.

Sun Aiping asked him, "What are you registering for?"

Bao Hailuan said, "My old mother is eighty-four this year and keeps complaining of heart palpitations. I'm scheduling a Dharma service for her to pray for blessings."

Sun Aiping nodded in understanding. "You should." As the saying goes, at seventy-three and eighty-four, even if Yama doesn't call, you go yourself. Many elderly people find it hard to pass these two hurdles.

Duan Jiaze didn't understand any of this and just followed the two men to the side.

......

The Daoists finished the Dharma service and filed out of the hall in a line.

Luo Wuzhou suddenly stopped. The Daoists behind him didn't dare to pass him and all stopped as well. Someone asked, "Martial Uncle, what's wrong?"

Luo Wuzhou was the temple master's disciple and also a cultivator, so his seniority was higher than many Daoists older than him. He frowned and said, "I think I saw someone I know..."

He felt as if he had seen Duan Jiaze's face flash by but wasn't quite sure. Feeling uneasy, he turned back and found Jiang Wushui. "Did Senior Brother Shao invite Director Duan to the temple to discuss matters?"

Jiang Wushui was taken aback and shook his head. "I don't think so. If there's anything, Senior Brother Shao always visits in person."

Regarding the inside story of Lingyou Zoo, besides Zhou Xintang, the director of Linshui Temple's management committee, and a few committee members, only those few who had met Duan Jiaze knew.

They also knew that to resolve Luo Wuzhou's matter, the temple had agreed to do joint tickets and such, all of which was handled by Shao Wuxing, the office director.

"That's strange. With your eyesight, you shouldn't have been mistaken..." Jiang Wushui was also worried. Who knew what Duan Jiaze was here for? Even if one of their people had invited him, it was impossible for him to be unaccompanied. So he said, "Which way did he go? Let's go have a look and confirm."

The two martial brothers went together, following the direction Duan Jiaze had gone to find him.

......

Duan Jiaze and Sun Aiping were accompanying Bao Hailuan as he registered. To hold a Dharma service, one had to first register the time, date of birth, and which Daoist master to book.

Bao Hailuan came here often, so he was quite familiar with the process. He was currently haggling with the Daoist in charge of registration, "I still want Daoist Master Mao Benqing. His Dharma services have a great reputation."

The Daoist said with difficulty, "But Daoist Master Mao really isn't free at that time."

"Can you contact Daoist Master Mao for me?" Bao Hailuan asked. "I'd like to talk with him."

Although Bao Hailuan was the director of the Forestry Bureau, Linshui Temple's status in the community was too high. His position didn't carry much weight here.

Just then, Jiang Wushui and Luo Wuzhou came in. Bao Hailuan glanced at them but initially paid them no mind. He knew Jiang Wushui was a fortune slip interpreter—he didn't know how good he was, but in any case, he didn't perform Dharma services. He had never seen the other youth before and assumed he was probably a little Daoist acolyte.

It was the Daoist at the registration desk who, upon seeing the two, immediately called out, "Martial Uncle Luo, Martial Uncle Jiang."

Luo Wuzhou had focused on cultivation since he was young and didn't have much contact with the secular world, so even the devotees didn't necessarily know him.

Jiang Wushui had no time for him; seeing that it really was Duan Jiaze, he was instantly embarrassed.

Duan Jiaze saw the two acquaintances and was also a bit chagrined. Talk of the devil, and he really ran into them.

Duan Jiaze's status now was not the same as when they first met. Duan Jiaze interacted with that mysterious Layman Lu as an equal and was Layman Bai's leader. Therefore, even Zhou Xintang treated him with great respect, giving him a thumbs-up for everything...

Jiang Wushui and Luo Wuzhou's seniority was even lower. Now, in front of outsiders, they almost didn't know what to call him. After a long pause, one of them managed, "Mr. Duan... Why didn't you let us know you were coming?"

At this point, Bao Hailuan and Sun Aiping still thought that Duan Jiaze also regularly burned incense, so it wasn't strange for him to know a few Daoists. It was just that the fat Daoist's tone was exceptionally polite.

Duan Jiaze laughed dryly, "I'm accompanying my leader..."

Jiang Wushui thought, 'You're the director of a private zoo, what leader do you have?' But he had a good memory. One look at Bao Hailuan and he remembered that this seemed to be a leader from the Forestry Bureau, which was indeed Duan Jiaze's supervisory unit.

Zhou Xintang had given specific instructions: don't provoke Lingyou Zoo unless necessary, don't refuse if they have any requests, and if there was any help they could offer, they should help to form a good karmic bond.

Adhering to this principle, even though Duan Jiaze hadn't asked, Jiang Wushui quickly said, "I see. Hello, to both leaders. Are you two here to register for a Dharma service? Have you booked a Daoist master? Do you need me to make a recommendation?"

Helping Duan Jiaze's leader would give him face. If Duan Jiaze had face in front of his leader, wouldn't that count as a good karmic bond? Wouldn't that help keep Layman Lu in check a little more? The incident with Luo Wuzhou last time had scared them all silly.

Bao Hailuan said, "No trouble, I was planning to book Daoist Master Mao Benqing."

The young Daoist at the registration desk muttered, "He's not free..."

Bao Hailuan instantly became a little annoyed, "Didn't I say I would talk with Daoist Master Mao?"

"Hey, leader, don't be annoyed," Jiang Wushui said with a broad smile. "Martial Nephew Mao is preparing for seclusion. He's really not avoiding you; it's just a coincidence. I suggest you book my senior brother, Daoist Master Zhao Wujin."

Bao Hailuan's eyes widened slightly. "Daoist Master Zhao?"

Within Linshui Temple, apart from those at Zhou Xintang's level, Shao Wuxing was the public face for the next generation. But when it came to Dharma services, Zhao Wujin was the most famous. It was usually impossible to book him.

As far as Bao Hailuan knew, his fame wasn't limited to just this city or province. The richest man in the city had to check his schedule to book him, and it wasn't even a guarantee.

This fat Daoist was casually suggesting booking Zhao Wujin. Bao Hailuan was naturally a bit incredulous.

The young Daoist checked the computer and said, "Martial Uncle Zhao indeed has no Dharma services scheduled for that time. He should be free."

Hearing him follow up, Bao Hailuan said, half-believing, "Then I'll... book Daoist Master Zhao?"

With a click of the mouse, the young Daoist said, "It's registered for you. Please arrive on time on the day of the Dharma service."

Jiang Wushui then asked politely, "Mr. Duan, and the two leaders, would you like to stay for a vegetarian meal for lunch? I'll call Director Shao right now and have him rush back from the foot of the mountain." Zhou Xintang had designated Shao Wuxing to liaise with Lingyou. Now that Duan Jiaze had shown up, he naturally had to call the man back. If Shao Wuxing couldn't make it back, he would have to go ask for instructions from Temple Master Zhou.

Rush back for what? To accompany them?

Never mind Bao Hailuan, even Sun Aiping knew of Shao Wuxing. Shao Wuxing often represented Linshui Temple in public affairs. Many people in Donghai City knew him; his fame was second only to Zhou Xintang, and for some, he was even more familiar than Zhou Xintang.

Bao Hailuan was puzzled. What was this Xiao Duan's background? He shows up, and Director Shao has to rush back from his business to have a meal with him?

Regardless, Bao Hailuan had benefited from his connection with Duan Jiaze and Sun Aiping today. He became much more amiable and addressed the main person in a much more equal tone, "Old Sun, Xiao Duan, what do you think?"

Sun Aiping appeared calm, but he was also inwardly puzzled. He also had no idea how Xiao Duan had so much face. He shot a look at Duan Jiaze, signaling for him to answer.

Duan Jiaze also understood that Jiang Wushui was helping him. He was grateful but also a little embarrassed. How could he ask Shao Wuxing to rush back? "Let's not disturb them, right? Uncle, isn't your daughter coming home?"

"Haha, yes, she is. Then let's not impose after all," Sun Aiping said, following his lead.

Since they both said so, Bao Hailuan, despite wanting to get acquainted with Director Shao, could only reluctantly agree.

Although they didn't stay for the meal, Jiang Wushui still accompanied them to offer incense, with the taciturn Luo Wuzhou also following along. Then the two of them personally saw them out of the mountain gate.

......

After leaving Linshui Temple, Sun Aiping couldn't help but ask, "Xiao Duan, why was that Daoist Master Jiang so... respectful to you?"

Helping was one thing, but from their interaction, it felt as if Jiang Wushui was treating Duan Jiaze like a leader. He had no idea what kind of relationship Duan Jiaze had with Shao Wuxing.

Bao Hailuan had been bottling it up and was finding it difficult. At this moment, he also said, "Xiao Duan, I really have to thank you today. Your connection is really too solid. You even casually got me an appointment with Daoist Master Zhao. Normally, if I were to ask about Daoist Master Zhao, the answer would definitely be that he's not currently accepting appointments."

Duan Jiaze: "I... well, I happened to help Daoist Master Shao Wuxing with something."

He couldn't hide it. Linshui Temple and Lingyou were going to sell joint tickets later anyway, so it was better to come up with a reason now.

"You helped Director Shao?" Sun Aiping directly reached out and ruffled Duan Jiaze's hair. "With a connection like this, what can't you get done!"

He had been thinking of finding connections for Duan Jiaze, but who knew the kid had such a solid relationship of his own. But on second thought, good steel should indeed be used on the blade's edge.

Bao Hailuan also showed an envious expression. How come he wasn't lucky enough to have accidentally helped Shao Wuxing?

You had to know that Daoist Master Mao Benqing was a level below Shao Wuxing. Shao Wuxing was incredibly well-connected, and he was the direct disciple of a member of the Linshui Temple management committee, highly valued by the committee director.

No wonder the Daoists in the temple were so nice to Xiao Duan. Shao Wuxing must have instructed them to be. From this, it was clear that this favor was very crucial to Shao Wuxing!

"Yeah, yeah..." Duan Jiaze replied vaguely, thinking, 'Isn't that right? If it weren't for my persistence, Linshui Temple might have been forced into a predatory sale...'

But it was indeed because of today's events that a rumor started spreading from Bao Hailuan. Later, when Linshui Temple started selling tickets with Lingyou, some people were no longer surprised. They just couldn't help but speculate: how big of a debt did Shao Wuxing owe?

......

Duan Jiaze's trip up Pagoda Mountain, though it didn't result in a meal with Shao Wuxing, was reported by Jiang Wushui. Shao Wuxing and Zhou Xintang still mulled it over.

Although Duan Jiaze had already stated he was just accompanying his leader, they still over-interpreted it.

Shao Wuxing, apprehensive, thought it might be a hint that they were moving too slowly. So he quickened the pace. A few days later, he had squeezed Lingyou Zoo into the city-wide joint annual pass, had the joint tickets for the temple and the zoo printed, and launched them both online and offline. Large posters were also put up at the ticket offices.

The temple's devotees were baffled when they saw these posters:

"...Wait, am I seeing things? Lingyou... Zoo? Selling joint tickets?"

"Why would a zoo sell joint tickets with a Daoist temple! This really isn't a misprint, what is going on?"

"My god, was it opened by a relative of the temple master?"

This matter was too bizarre. Most people's first reaction was bewilderment, not understanding why the temple was suddenly advertising for a zoo.

Out-of-town tourists were even more clueless, asking the staff or local devotees, "Hey, is this a famous scenic spot here? It looks so impressive. But why is it selling tickets with a Daoist temple? Did some immortal appear there or something?"

"It can't be that the zoo paid for advertising..."

"How much would that cost! This is Linshui Temple, do you know how many years it has been here? That zoo would have to be ridiculously wealthy."

"Or maybe this zoo is very famous locally?"

"True, it's so impressive. Maybe we should go check it out on the way? Look, it says there's a direct bus."

—Shao Wuxing had also pulled some strings to get Lingyou added to the bus route. From now on, the stop announcement would be "Cape Park, Lingyou Zoo."

"Alright, since we're here, why don't we go take a look."

Quite a few out-of-town tourists were sold on it. The joint ticket was a bit cheaper, too. Many of them assumed Lingyou was another famous local attraction. Look at what the poster said: located at the foot of the picturesque Cape Mountain, with fun and loving interactions between people and animals in the promotional photos, and advanced enclosures. It really looked the part.

As for the locals, besides discussing Lingyou's background and its relationship with the temple master, some people came forward to share the news about Lingyou from a while ago, which actually attracted some people to buy tickets and go see for themselves.