text: [Themes: Eastern]
  
  > Look around
  (si4 miao4 de fen2 chang2) Cemetery
  The dense trees form a nearly impenetrable wall around the cemetery grounds. In the centre of the clearing is a large mound, atop which stands a shrine or marker of some kind. Numerous smaller stones are dotted about. At the southern end of the cemetery stands a run-down looking pagoda. A path runs northward, apparently towards the mountains.
  
  > examine the stones
  The smaller stones appear to be grave markers only a foot or two high, characters adorning most of them - while a few have weathered smooth. After looking at several of them, you realize that the names are written in an archaic style, and none of them are even vaguely familiar.
  
  > Pray
  Nothing practical results from your prayer.
  
  > look at the pagoda
  The pagoda must have been magnificent in its day. Three tiers of bright orange tiled roofing sweep down, supported by bright green painted wooden pillars and beams. Ricepaper screens adorn the windows, while an ornately carved door stands at the top of the steps that run up to the raised floor level. Of course now, the tiles have faded and are stained with muck and lichen. The paint is peeling from the woodwork, the screens are gone and the frames of the door and windows stand empty.
  
  > take the pagoda
  That's hardly portable.
  
  > go to the south
  (ta3) Inside pagoda
  Despite the air of decay that the outside (and indeed the inside) of the building presents, there is a strange homely warmth to it. A sense of stillness and focus pervades your being, making you feel relaxed yet alert. The structure above creaks in the sunlight, while the floating feathers of birds roosting above add to the dreamlike quality.
  
  You can see an old man, a wooden tray and a teapot (in which is some water) here.
  
  > examine man
  If it were not for the gentle movement of his chest while breathing, you would assume that he was a scarecrow made from stuffed wrinkly leather. Admittedly, the long silver hair that spills from the back of his head, beard and moustache would have made him a rather elaborate scarecrow. If it were not for a peculiar air of hidden power that surrounds him, you would think him to be a common beggar.
  
  > touch man
  The old man does not seem to respond at all. He seems totally oblivious to his surroundings, except for the fact that his nostrils seem to flare in response to aromas that you cannot discern.
  
  > examine the teapot
  A small brown ceramic teapot. It contains clean hot water.
  
  > put the leaves in the pot
  The leaves are too big for teamaking.
  
  > cut leaves
  You ought to cut them on a tray.
  
  > put the leaves on the tray
  You put the tea leaves on the wooden tray.
  
  > cut the leaves
  (with the jade knife)
  (first taking the jade knife)
  You cut the leaves with finesse, then gather them up - just right for teamaking now.
  
  > take the leaves
  You already have those.
  
  > put the leaves in the pot
  You open the lid, put the tea in and close it again.
  
  The tea begins to steep in the pot. The delicate aroma wafts across the room.
  
  The old man seems to smell the tea, for his eyes open and a thin smile briefly plays across his features. He walks over to you, picks up the teapot and smells the contents.
  
  "Ahh, the leaf is perfect," he comments, "but I am quite capable of making tea myself. As I had no leaf to make any however, I am in your debt."
  
  He fumbles in his robes for a moment, and withdraws a large key.
  
  "This may be of some use to you. Find your way to the top of Mount Tai - you may learn something from the experience. Come back to see me once you discover the point of the trip."
  
  He laughs as he hands you the key and goes outside to enjoy his tea.
  
  > look at the key
  It is a large iron key. Most of the angular edges seem to have been worn down by passing many hands.
  
  > Go north
  (si4 miao4 de fen2 chang2) Cemetery
  The dense trees form a nearly impenetrable wall around the cemetery grounds. In the centre of the clearing is a large mound, atop which stands a shrine or marker of some kind. Numerous smaller stones are dotted about. At the southern end of the cemetery stands a run-down looking pagoda. A path runs northward, apparently towards the mountains.
  
  > go north
  The forest stops, suddenly confronted by a wall of rock.
  
  (shan1 men2) Mountain gate
  An enormous archway stands to the northwest, acting as a gateway to the mountain pass beyond. The forest opens out to the south, while a rock wall encompasses all other directions.
  
  > open the gate with the key
  You unlock the wooden gate.
  
  > open gate
  You open the wooden gate.
  
  > go to the north-west
  After passing through the archway at the foot of the mountains, a staggering number of steps lies ahead of you.
  
  After a tiring climb of three thousand steps you reach a landing, where you rest before continuing the climb.
  
  (shan1 ti1) Mountain stairway
  The landing, a flat expanse of about twenty feet across in both directions, gives a welcome break from the tortuous stairs that lead up to the east and down to the southeast. Sheltered from the winds, this spot is quite a peaceful place to rest.
  
  > rest
  Weary from the climb, you fall asleep.
  
  You dream about the principles of Yin and Yang, of how opposites are inseparable and how one is necessary for the existance of the other. After the dream fades to nothing, words drift through your sleep:
  
  "When people see some things as beautiful,
  other things become ugly.
  When people see some things as good,
  other things become bad.
  
  Being and non-being create each other.
  Difficult and easy support each other.
  Long and short define each other.
  High and low depend on each other.
  Before and after follow each other.
  
  and teaches without saying anything.
  Things arise and she lets them come;
  things disappear and she lets them go.
  She has but does not possess,
  acts but does not expect.
  When her work is done, she forgets it.
  That is why it lasts forever."
  
  You wake, feeling refreshed.