Sword Energy Amidst the Mist

Mount Kongtong, located in Pingliang, Gansu, has been a renowned Taoist mountain since ancient times. Upon entering the mountain gate, a sense of solemnity and tranquility immediately envelops you. The mountain's steep peaks and layered ridges are connected by winding plank paths that cling to sheer cliffs, resembling pathways for celestial beings. As I strolled through the verdant forests shrouded in mist, I instinctively slowed my pace, fearing to disturb the ancient spirits slumbering for millennia. Scattered atop the peaks are Taoist temples, their incense smoke curling upwards, creating an ethereal, heavenly atmosphere. Standing before the ancient Kongtong Temple, gazing at the wind chimes swaying under the eaves and the old Taoist talismans, a profound sense of reverence welled up within me. Here, there is no clamor of the mundane world, only the harmony of mountain breezes and chanting scriptures. As I left the forest and turned back to look at the palaces nestled in the clouds, I felt as though I had been cleansed, my worries dissipated. Mount Kongtong is not only a sacred site of Taoism but also a sanctuary of serenity for the modern soul—a place where one can momentarily escape the secular world and return to their true self.