The Tiger God of Mist Hidden Mountain was just such an example, but strangely, He seemed to have no desire for incense offerings.
As for the Fox God... according to the village elders, it had been within the last ten years that He, having failed to advance to the Golden Core Stage as a Wild Fox Demon Cultivator, had his remaining soul spirit transformed to follow the Divine Tao.
He managed His affairs very diligently, having significantly more believers than the Tiger God.
If the trend continued, it was likely that the Fox God would eventually supplant the Tiger God. At that time, the Fox God would become the True Mountain God of Mist Hidden Mountain, while the Tiger God would become the Deputy.
The main point of discussion between Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong was to estimate the strength of these two Mountain Gods.
The strength of the Tiger God, even at His strongest, probably did not exceed the Nascent Soul Level. If He had the strength of a Nascent Soul Level, the Tiger God's sphere of influence would not be limited to just this Mist Hidden Mountain.
The strength of the Fox God could be precisely estimated. He had been a Foundation Establishment Level Demon Cultivator in His previous life, and He turned to the Divine Path after His unsuccessful attempt at achieving the Golden Core.
In the initial phase of His transformation to follow the Divine Path, His combat power should be considered weak among those at the Foundation Establishment Level.
However, over the years, He had extensively gathered incense offerings and exerted His authority in His own territory, so His combat power should be estimated a level higher.
According to common logic, the Fox God should possess the combat power of a Golden Core Level.
"Don't worry too much," Sun Lingtong said. "I am at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage and have spells from the Bukong Sect at my side, even facing Golden Core Cultivators, I have the ability to escape."
"Little Zhuo, your inherent combat power is not sufficient. If a real fight breaks out, just release the mechanisms. Whether it's the Heavy Blood Ape - Da Sheng, the Netherworld Envoy - Qi Bai, or Miss Rudie, all possess Quasi Golden Core combat power."
"Not to mention the Buddhist Physician and the Ten-Thousand-Li Travelling Dragon."
Ning Zhuo, however, remained cautious, "Boss, don't be careless."
"Don't forget, we are in the wilderness, not inside the city. In the city, the Immortal City Great Array suppresses everything, and the gap between different cultivation levels is drastically reduced. We might even be able to exchange a few moves face-to-face with Golden Core Cultivators just by ourselves."
"But in the wilderness, without the Immortal City Great Array's suppression, the gap between Golden Core Level and Quasi Golden Core is significant. Not to mention, for us Foundation Establishment Cultivators."
"We should still be cautious."
"You're thinking too much, Little Zhuo. These past years, you've had a hard time," Sun Lingtong said nonchalantly.
"Taking over the Lava Fairy Palace is too difficult for both you and me."
"Take it easy."
"We don't need to worry about the Lava Fairy Palace for now, this is just Mist Hidden Mountain."
"Both of them are True Gods, why would they recklessly strike at us?"
"We are merely searching for something on Mist Hidden Mountain, and we've carefully prepared offerings, not intending to start a battle."
"This compared to the Fire Persimmon Immortal City is completely different; one is underground, the other is in the heavens."
"Little Zhuo, you've been too tense, it's time to relax, just treat this as a vacation."
Ning Zhuo fell silent for a moment, "A vacation, huh..."
He sighed, "Boss, I too hope that things will develop as you expect in the future."
The next day.
Sun Ning and his companion bid farewell to the village elders and set off directly to climb the mountain.
As the sun rose in the east, its soft light filtered through the treetops casting a soft golden glow.
The mountain mist, like a milky white ribbon, wound around the green pines and cypresses, drifting with the wind, gathering and dispersing unpredictably.
The green leaves of the mountain were more lush under the nourishment of morning dew, with translucent dewdrops condensing at the tips of the leaves - a gentle breeze causing them to slide off and sparkle in the morning light.
Sun Ning and his partner did not conceal their own aura, and their Foundation Establishment Cultivation was respectable enough to scare away many wild beasts and spirits.
By the time the two reached the front of the Tiger God Temple in the northern part of the mountain, the sun had risen high.
The mountain mist had thinned considerably, widening their field of vision.
Birds flew freely between the mountains, their chirping resonating around. On the mountainside, there was a large stretch of colorful mountain flowers.
The Tiger God Temple was simple and clean with white walls and gray bricks.
The temple doors were made of wood, simple and unadorned, with a hanging plaque above inscribed with the words "Night Tiger Mountain Temple" in strong and forceful calligraphy.
After paying their respects, Sun Ning and his companion pushed the door open and entered.
Inside the small courtyard of the temple, not a soul was in sight, only a large copper incense burner hung with some moss.
They continued inside, entering the temple hall, where they saw the statue of the Tiger God. He had a tiger's head and a human body, appearing as a formidable man, over three meters tall, with a dignified demeanor and piercing eyes.
The wooden incense table was immaculately clean. On the table, there was an incense burner and several offerings, all naturally sourced fruits and vegetables from the mountains.
The walls were adorned with paintings depicting the Tiger God protecting the woods and expelling evil, with vivid imagery.
After examining the temple, Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong took out the prepared Invitation Incense, lit it, and placed it in the incense burner.
They also set up three types of sacrificial offerings. The offerings were of Foundation Establishment Level, carefully selected.
Standing before the statue, Ning Zhuo took out the sacrificial text and recited aloud, "In the year of Jia Chen, the ninth autumn of the month, on the day of Xin Hai, at the time of early morning. The Ning Clan, though unworthy, carefully prepares three types of offerings, incense, paper money, having bathed and changed clothes, solemnly worships before the Mountain God Temple."
"Humbly imploring the Mountain God's mighty spirit, protect the local area, safeguard all beings, and bless all things..."
"...Mountain God's mighty spirit, perceiving the ancient and the modern, knowing of old affairs in the mountains. The Ning Clan has a wish, hoping the Mountain God will reveal old stories of the mountains, seeking our ancestors' old possessions. Therefore, we worship the Mountain God, earnestly pleading for sympathy, to borrow Divine Power to reveal their whereabouts, protect the Ning Clan to find them soon."
"Here I present this offering, humbly seeking your delight."
"Ning Family bows deeply again in respect!"
The ritual scripture concluded, and a sudden mountain wind arose.
Sun Ning and his companion then heard a tiger's roar by their ears, booming like thunder.
Instantly, a ghostly figure with a tiger's head emerged from the form, looking down from above at the two men, then opened its mouth and inhaled, drawing in infinite suction that swallowed up the offerings provided by Ning Zhuo.
The Invitation Incense too turned to ashes in a blink.
After having his fill, the Tiger God casually turned and melted back into the statue, leaving only these words, "It's accepted, go seek my deputy, the Fox God and say it was my wish, let Him help you search."
The ghostly figure quickly merged back into the statue, and no further anomalies occurred.
Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong exchanged looks, lost for words.
Finding no other option, they embarked on their departure. As soon as they stepped out of the Divine Temple, the temple doors shut automatically behind them.
Ning Zhuo shook his head and sighed.
Once they were a distance away, he sent a mental message to Sun Lingtong, "I hadn't expected this Tiger God to be so lazy. From what I've observed, He likely delegates daily requests to the Deputy Mountain God. No wonder the Fox God nearly monopolizes the worshippers' offerings."
Sun Lingtong placed her hands behind her head, "Hehe, snoozing away when there's nothing pressing, gobbling up offerings when there is, and letting the deputy do the work. Such a life is indeed enviable."
Ning Zhuo helplessly added, "We have no choice but to go to the Fox God Temple now."
The two headed for the Southern Mountain, and soon reached their destination.
The temple was of multilayered structures and of very high standards.
The main gate was grand, supported by vermilion pillars, carved with auspicious cloud patterns and mythical beasts. A large plaque hung above, inscribed with the words "Cloud Fox Fox God Temple" in gleaming gold, majestic and imposing.
As Sun Ning and his companion entered through the main gate, two fox-shaped attendants, clad in Taoist robes and upright on their hind legs, approached to greet and lead them inside to offer incense.
Stepping into the main hall, they saw four clay statues of divine generals, namely the Centipede Blade Man, Scorpion Single Spear General, Sharp-Nosed Pangolin, and Snout Weasel.
"These are the four great protector generals under our God," explained the articulate Fox Guest, providing a proactive introduction.
Moving through the main hall to the courtyard, Sun Ning and his companion saw two ancient pines standing one to the left and one to the right, their canopies broad and brimming with vitality.
Looking straight ahead, they beheld the main hall with its double-eaved and upturned corners covered with golden tiles, wind chimes hanging, their tinkling sounds melodious, akin to celestial music.
Upon entering the main hall, they saw an expansive altar with assorted delicacies offered, incense burners and candle holders all crafted from pure gold with exquisite workmanship. Tall red candles stood on each side of the altar, their light flickering, surrounded by curling incense smoke.
The walls inside the hall were decorated with embroidered paintings, narrating legendary stories of the Fox God's miraculous protection and blessings.
Sun Lingtong sent a mental message to Ning Zhuo, her tone filled with emotion, "Without comparison, there would be no hurt."
Ning Zhuo's eyes sparkled with determination, "Unity of knowledge and action is truly not false. Today's experiences, corresponding with what's written in the books, deepen my understanding. The cultivation of the Divine Tao demands loyalty of the human heart. When I lead the Ning Clan's branch in the future, I could emulate this place."
Ning Zhuo took out the Invitation Incense and brought out several offerings.
This time, just as he lit the incense, the clay statue of the Fox God came to life, issuing a gentle voice, "What brings the two esteemed visitors today?"
Ning Zhuo then recounted his request.
To conclude, he also mentioned the promise he received from the True Mountain God after conducting a ritual in the Night Tiger Mountain Temple.
The Fox God smiled slightly, "Even if Lord Night Tiger had not agreed, given your genuine sincerity, I would still offer my assistance. Now, tell me, what exactly are you searching for?"
This cooperative attitude starkly contrasted with the Tiger God.
Ning Zhuo said, "As for the specific item, I'm not entirely sure. I come from the Ning Family; sixteen years ago, my family passed through Mist Hidden Mountain while relocating and got trapped in the mountain mists for several days."
"I wish to retrieve all the belongings left behind by the Ning Family as they passed through this area. I pray the Mountain God grants this!"
The Fox God appeared reflective, "Sixteen years ago... I have a profound memory of that time. Then, I was still a Foundation Establishment Stage Demon Cultivator, using the mountain mists to train my innate abilities, fortunate to have received the assistance from a Golden Core Sister, drinking a few sips of Cloud Tea which enlightened me on the logic within the clouds, boosting my capabilities significantly."
"Young man, sensing your aura, it remarkably resembles that of my sister. May I ask, what relation do you have with her?"
Ning Zhuo exclaimed in surprise, "My mother's name is Meng Yaoyin; I fear she might be the same person you speak of. I didn't expect my mother and the Fox God had such an acquaintance."
The Fox God instantly nodded, joyfully responding, "Since you are the child of an old acquaintance, I shall lend all the help I can! May I inquire how your mother is now?"
Ning Zhuo replied, "My mother has traveled afar. Currently, I am undertaking her tasks, collecting old belongings along the way for predictive calculations."
The Fox God nodded, "I see."
"I still remember the grace of your mother... Since it is her command, I shall immediately cast spells to search the entire Mist Hidden Mountain!"
"Please, go rest in the side hall and await good news."
True to her words, the Fox God acted immediately.
In an instant, the mountain fog began thickening visibly, rapidly spreading, covering the entire skies over Mist Hidden Mountain.
Sun Lingtong, peering through the window, observed the extensive white fog, and transmitted in a grave tone, "This Fox God definitely possesses the combat power of a Golden Core, quite remarkable indeed!"
Ning Zhuo murmured, "Who would have thought, the Fox God had connections with my mother. This is wonderful news, after this matter, I must inquire more..."
Before he could finish, the thickening fog seeped through the cracks of the doors and windows, pressing towards them.
The ethereal voice of the Fox God floated through, "Young friend, long ago your mother gifted me something resembling a petal, which greatly enhanced my innate abilities. Since you are here on her behest, could you perhaps offer another petal as recompense?"