In a corner far away from the hustle and bustle of the world, there is a peaceful small mountain village. Surrounded by green mountains and with gurgling brooks, it is like a beautiful landscape painting. The villagers live a simple and unpretentious life. They work at sunrise and rest at sunset. Although the days are plain, they are full of warmth.

However, for some unknown time, this originally peaceful and harmonious small mountain village has been plagued by strange things. First, the poultry raised by the villagers disappeared inexplicably. At first, everyone thought it was caused by wild animals and strengthened the supervision of poultry one after another. However, even under strict protection, poultry still disappeared continuously without leaving any traces. Then, at night, strange sounds often came from the village. The sound was sometimes low like muffled thunder and sometimes sharp like a whistle, making people's hair stand on end. The villagers listened in horror to these eerie sounds in the dark, but they didn't know what was causing them.

As time passed, more and more strange things happened. Some villagers saw mysterious shadows shuttling through the village at night, while others found strange symbols in their yards in the morning. These phenomena plunged the villagers into deep fear. They didn't know what had happened to this small mountain village and didn't know how to deal with these terrifying things.

In the panic of the villagers, after discussion, they decided to invite the Taoist priest from a nearby Taoist temple to hold a village protection ceremony. They heard that Taoism has mysterious power and can drive away evil spirits and avoid disasters and protect people's safety. So, several villager representatives embarked on the journey to the Taoist temple.

The Taoist temple is located on a secluded mountain, surrounded by misty clouds, like a fairyland. The villager representatives came to the gate of the Taoist temple with uneasy hearts and knocked gently. After a while, a young Taoist priest opened the door. After learning about their purpose, he led them into the Taoist temple.

Inside the Taoist temple, incense smoke curled up, serene and solemn. The Taoist priest was meditating in the hall. He was wearing a solemn Taoist robe. With white hair and a kind face, his eyes revealed a profound wisdom. The villager representatives respectfully explained to the Taoist priest the strange things that had happened in the small mountain village and earnestly begged the Taoist priest to help. The Taoist priest listened quietly, nodded slightly, and then said, "Everything in the world has its cause and effect. There must be a reason for these strange things. As people of Taoism, we should have a compassionate heart and solve problems for all living beings."

The Taoist priest decided to take his disciples to the small mountain village to hold a village protection ceremony. They prepared various magical instruments and props, such as peachwood swords, talismans, incense burners, etc. Along the way, the Taoist priest and his disciples prayed silently, hoping to use the power of the gods to eliminate the disasters in the small mountain village.

When the Taoist priest and his disciples came to the small mountain village, the villagers came out of their homes one after another to welcome their arrival. The Taoist priest looked around and felt the uneasy atmosphere pervading the small mountain village. He decided to set up an altar in the center of the village and hold a solemn ceremony.

The altar was arranged solemnly and magnificently, with incense burners, candles, fruits and other offerings placed on it. The Taoist priest held a peachwood sword, wore a Taoist robe, and stood solemnly in front of the altar. The disciples stood on both sides, holding magical instruments and chanting incantations.

The ceremony began. First, the Taoist priest lit the incense in the incense burner. Incense smoke curled up and filled the air. Then, he picked up the peachwood sword and waved it in the air, chanting mysterious incantations. As the incantations were chanted, it seemed that there was a mysterious power pervading the air. The villagers stood quietly on one side, nervously watching every move of the Taoist priest, their hearts full of expectations.

After chanting the incantations, the Taoist priest picked up a talisman and wrote mysterious symbols on it with cinnabar pen. Then, he lit the talisman and let the ashes drift away with the wind. Then, he picked up a bowl of clear water, chanted incantations, and then sprinkled the water around. Looking at these actions of the Taoist priest, although the villagers didn't understand the reason, their hearts were full of awe.

The ceremony lasted for a long time. The Taoist priest and his disciples were fully concentrated and carried out every step meticulously. Finally, the Taoist priest raised the peachwood sword and pointed it at the sky, saying loudly, "The gods are above. Bless this village. Drive away evil spirits and avoid disasters. May there be peace." After saying that, he inserted the peachwood sword into the ground and ended this solemn ceremony.

Since then, the small mountain village has regained its former tranquility. Poultry no longer disappears, and there are no strange sounds at night. The fear in the hearts of the villagers gradually dissipated, replaced by deep awe of Taoism. They know that it was the Taoist priest and his disciples who used the mysterious Taoist ceremony to bring them peace and happiness.

In the following days, the villagers became more devout to Taoism. They would regularly go to the Taoist temple to burn incense and worship Buddha, praying for the blessing of the gods. The Taoist priest would also come to the small mountain village from time to time to explain the teachings and cultivation methods of Taoism to the villagers. Under the influence of the Taoist priest, the villagers learned to face the difficulties and setbacks in life with a peaceful attitude and understand gratitude and cherish.

And this village protection ceremony has also become a legendary story of the small mountain village. Whenever new villagers come here, the old people will tell this story and let them understand the magical power of Taoism. This small mountain village has become more united and harmonious because of this ceremony.

As time passes, the small mountain village is still peaceful and beautiful. And the spirit of Taoism also takes root and sprouts on this land and is passed on endlessly. Under the protection of Taoism, the villagers live a happy life. They believe that as long as there is faith in their hearts, they will be able to overcome all difficulties and usher in a beautiful future.