The old master of Wuyun Temple had once traveled the world and happened to meet her in a border town.
That old Daoist priest was quite unusual. At the time, he was dressed in tattered clothes and reeking of filth—he looked no different from a beggar. When she first arrived in the border town, she felt pity for the old man and treated him to a meal.
The Daoist then read her fortune. He said her fate was extraordinary and even pointed her in a direction, telling her to go and seek a master.
Out of curiosity, she followed his guidance and indeed met the master who would later become her teacher.
The old Daoist stayed at her residence for several months. She originally wanted to learn some skills from him, but he refused, saying she was not destined for the Dao and should instead focus on the path of medicine. Still, he taught her quite a bit about health preservation techniques.
He also said that if she ever wanted to repay him in the future, it would be simple—she only needed to use her abilities to protect Wuyun Temple for a few years.
At the time, she did not take his words seriously, since she never even expected to return to the capital.
But now, looking back, it seemed the Daoist had already seen through everything.
Unfortunately, three years ago, both her master and the Daoist passed away. At that time, she was about to return to the capital and intended to relay the news to Wuyun Temple, but due to an accident she lost her memory for three years, and the matter was delayed as well.
After arriving at Wuyun Temple, Ye Yunmian immediately sent for a young Daoist boy, requesting to see the disciple of the old temple master by name.
She revealed her identity, and the boy did not dare to dismiss her. Soon, she met the current person in charge of all affairs at Wuyun Temple—Daoist Wuxu.
This Daoist was also quite old, appearing at least in his seventies or eighties, but he looked full of vitality, with an ethereal, almost immortal aura and the demeanor of a true master.
“Young friend, surname Ye?” Daoist Wuxu looked her over. “Are you the young lady who once saved my master’s life?”
“… ” Ye Yunmian felt a little guilty.
Saved his life? That was a stretch.
At most, she had only provided him meals for a while, listened to his life philosophies, and then followed his guidance to seek a medical master. If there had been any kindness at all, it had long since been repaid by the old Daoist.
Daoist Wuxu invited her inside.
After serving tea, he explained, “My master once sent a letter back, saying he had met Miss Ye and that if Wuyun Temple could ever be of help to you in the future, we should do our utmost… but that was many years ago, and we have had no news of him since. Please forgive my presumption, but may I ask—do you know the whereabouts of my master?”
His tone was polite, and he did not treat Ye Yunmian like a child.
To him, anyone his master had befriended—regardless of age—deserved equal respect.
“Three years ago, the old temple master passed away. I returned to the capital too late and failed to deliver the news in time. I ask for your understanding,” Ye Yunmian said apologetically.
The old Daoist had already arranged everything for Wuyun Temple, so he left no final words behind.
His death had been unusually casual. Just moments before, he had been drinking and chatting with her master; the next moment, he was gone. Before leaving, he only said to bury him on a higher place, where the view would be better.
Daoist Wuxu fell silent for a moment, but quickly regained his composure.
He likely had already been prepared for this.
“Thank you, Miss Ye, for informing us,” he said. Though his expression carried a hint of sadness, his refined immortal-like demeanor remained unchanged. “May I ask if you have come for any other matter?”
Ye Yunmian felt that all these Daoist priests were rather peculiar.
The old master was unruly and free-spirited, like a filthy beggar; the disciple, however, was immaculate, calm, and sparing with words—almost inhuman.
Ye Yunmian pulled out a thick stack of banknotes and placed them in front of Daoist Wuxu.
“Nothing else, really. I just want to rebuild Wuyun Temple into something more dignified, repair the collapsed buildings, and strengthen the surrounding roads…”
“…” Daoist Wuxu’s beard trembled.
At that moment, his air of transcendence nearly cracked.
After suppressing his emotions, he finally said, “Miss Ye, isn’t this too much money? If you intend to offer incense donations, you may give according to your means.”
This looked like she had emptied her entire household.
“There is a total of 150,000 taels of silver here. Part of it is for repairing the temple, and part for three months of porridge distribution. My only wish is for divine protection over my second brother, who has been missing since childhood. I pray he returns home safely,” Ye Yunmian said seriously.
She did not actually rely on divine protection.
She simply wanted to spend the money meaningfully.
Moreover, she intended to bring her second brother back sooner or later, and before that, she wanted to make preparations so he would know that someone in the family still cared about him.
In truth, the money from those families was not enough to reach 150,000 taels, as many valuables were included.
So before coming, she had completely emptied her brothers’ private treasury.
In other words, if they now wanted to spend money freely, they would likely have to pawn belongings or use official funds.
“If Miss Ye insists, then I shall accept,” Daoist Wuxu said. “The remaining funds after repairs and relief will be donated in your name for charity.”
He had never seen so much money before.
Though he was a cultivator, he was still human and could not escape worldly desires.
Wuyun Temple had long suffered from lack of funds. Incense donations from villagers were barely enough for daily expenses. The dilapidated halls made the temple look increasingly desolate, and fewer people came to pray. At this rate, it would not be long before the temple disappeared entirely.
With Miss Ye’s help, restoring its former prosperity would be no problem.
In his eyes, she looked like a golden radiance incarnate—a true bringer of wealth.
Ye Yunmian showed no reluctance at all. To her, the Duke’s household had already declined in name, and even if she sold the entire estate, she would feel nothing.
That day, she did not leave but stayed in the guest rooms at the back courtyard.
Early the next morning, the person she had been expecting arrived.
In recent years, most visitors to Wuyun Temple had been ordinary folk. Wealthy families avoided it due to its dilapidated appearance. But today, a luxurious carriage stopped at the foot of the mountain.
“Mother, don’t worry. The doctor I found this time has exceptional skills—he will surely cure your illness!” the leading woman said to the elderly lady beside her.
The old lady, supported by others, had her eyes covered with a silk band and could not see the path ahead. Every step up the stairs was extremely difficult.