Edward Clark saw that this young Daoist was gentle and courteous, so he hurriedly cupped his hands and said, “I wouldn’t dare. May I trouble you to inform the steward of Qingyang Daoist Palace that Edward Clark from Dayan Temple has come to pay his respects and wishes to request an assessment of his Daoist attainments.”

This Daoist assessment, for the sake of the wider Daoist community, is conducted on a walk-in basis, unlike the government’s regularly scheduled county and provincial exams.

The young Daoist said to Edward Clark, “Please allow me to go back and report. Daoist, please wait a moment.”

With that, he turned and went back to notify the steward of Qingyang Daoist Palace.

Before long, the young Daoist came running out and said to Edward Clark, “This way, Daoist friend. The steward is already waiting for you in the main hall!”

Upon hearing this, Edward Clark revealed a slight smile and bowed to the young Daoist, saying, “Thank you for your trouble!”

The young Daoist was not a disciple who could study internal cultivation or magic; he merely served as a menial in Qingyang Palace. If the abbot was in a good mood, he might teach them a skill or two; if not, they simply had to endure.

Edward Clark’s formal bow made the young Daoist feel somewhat flattered and overwhelmed, and he replied, “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. Please, Daoist brother, come in!”

Edward Clark didn’t mind and turned to stride through the main gate of Qingyang Daoist Palace.

After climbing two hundred steps, he saw halfway up the mountain a pavilion and jade tower. Hanging above the hall was a blue plaque with golden characters, the words “Yunxiao Palace” written in bold, silvery strokes, exuding a majestic and ethereal aura.

In front of the hall was a pond, filled with blooming lotuses, their subtle fragrance filling the air, pure and tranquil—a truly superior blessed land.

Continuing onward, after another hundred steps, he reached the main hall. Edward Clark approached, first bowing respectfully and saying, “Edward Clark from Dayan Temple requests an audience with the steward.”

After a moment, a voice came from within: “Enter!”

“Yes!” Edward Clark gently lifted the curtain. Inside, an old Daoist sat cross-legged on a couch with his eyes closed. This Daoist wore a cloud-patterned robe and a tall crown, but his face looked quite young, like a man in his forties—if not for his silvery-white hair, one might have mistaken him for a middle-aged Daoist.

Moreover, the old Daoist’s features were resolute, his eyebrows extending straight to his temples, and it was clear that even in his youth he was not an easy person to deal with. Seeing Edward Clark enter, he opened his eyes and asked directly, “You are Charles Bennett’s direct disciple, Edward Clark? Why have you only come now?”

Edward Clark, hearing the question, dared not be negligent. He bowed deeply in the manner of a junior and replied, “Yes, I am the humble junior.”

He paused, then added, “My master passed away, and I observed mourning for a year before daring to come and seek the Dao.”

Of course, this was not the real reason; his former self simply had no confidence in passing. But now, he could say this.

The old Daoist seemed to accept this explanation, giving a slight smile. Then his expression turned serious as he began the formal procedure, asking calmly, “Why have you come?”

“Disciple is devoted to the Dao and wishes to advance in Daoist practice. I hope the steward will grant me this opportunity,” Edward Clark replied.

“The ranks, grades, and titles of Daoists are strictly hierarchical; there must be no disorder. If you wish to advance in Daoist practice, you should go to the side hall for the assessment.” After this standard exchange, the old Daoist waved his hand and said, “Go wait at the Plum Pavilion. Once I have verified your identity, I will come find you.”

To obtain Daoist qualifications, one’s identity must be verified before proceeding.

Once the assessment is complete, Qingyang Daoist Palace will issue the qualification certificate, which is made in two copies: one kept at the practitioner’s temple, the other archived at Qingyang Daoist Palace.

Hearing this, Edward Clark replied in a deep voice, “Yes, I take my leave.”

He bowed and exited to the side hall, heading toward the Xuanwu side hall on the east side of the temple.

Following the memories of this body, Edward Clark arrived in front of the Plum Pavilion. The pavilion was elegant and ancient, with lattice windows, and not far away stood a huge plum tree. In summer, it would surely be a pleasant place to rest in the shade.

Standing before the plum tree, Edward Clark was somewhat lost in thought.

This familiar scene stirred memories of the past. He had thought they were buried in his mind and gradually forgotten, but now, recalling them, it felt as if it were only yesterday.

Three years ago, Charles Bennett had brought him and his junior sister here. He could still vaguely remember their voices and smiles from back then.

But all of that was gone forever. Now the old master was dead, and his junior sister and he were struggling to get by.

After a moment of daze, Edward Clark entered the Plum Pavilion and waited quietly. It was not until an hour had passed that the steward arrived, holding the records of Qingyang Daoist Palace in his hand.

Seeing the steward enter, Edward Clark rose and saluted, saying, “Greetings, Steward!”

The steward nodded to Edward Clark. “This is your file at Qingyang Daoist Palace. It matches what you have said, so your identity verification is complete. However, you are currently only a Qingxin devotee. To advance in Daoist practice, your abilities must be assessed.”

In this world, the Daoist hierarchy is extremely strict. Only devout followers and prospective disciples who are devoted to the Dao can be registered as “Qingxin devotees”—this is not yet a Daoist priest.

Only after passing the assessment can a Qingxin devotee become a Daoist priest. Daoist priests who are devoted to the Dao and diligent in their studies can earn the title of “First Register Daoist.” Though not of official rank, they are recognized as formal Daoists.

The steward said calmly, “Come with me to see the other two stewards for verification. They are already waiting in the Vermilion Bird side hall. The First Register Daoist certificate requires confirmation from all three of us—there can be no carelessness.”

Edward Clark agreed and followed the steward to the Vermilion Bird side hall.

In a short while, they arrived at the Vermilion Bird side hall and entered together. The other two stewards were already there. Upon seeing them enter, one of the stewards said directly, “Let’s begin!”