Deep in the mist-shrouded Taoist mountain forest, which seemed like a fairyland, there stood a golden phoebe tree that was veiled by the passage of time and an air of mystery. The tree was tall and straight, with a thick trunk. Its vigorous posture was like a giant standing firm between heaven and earth, quietly guarding this mountain forest. Its luxuriant branches and leaves were layered upon each other like a huge emerald-green canopy. The sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, and the speckled light spots were like broken pieces of gold, twinkling and dancing on the ground. And its roots that delved deep into the earth were like the veins closely connected to Mother Earth, continuously absorbing the spiritual energy and vitality between heaven and earth.

In the legends and beliefs of Taoism, this golden phoebe tree was regarded as an extremely sacred marriage tree. Its origin dated back a long time ago. It was said that there was once a highly accomplished Taoist who practiced self-cultivation in this mountain. He was filled with compassion and often prayed for the marriage affairs of men and women in the world. One day, while he was sitting quietly in meditation in the mountain forest, he suddenly felt the convergence of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. When he opened his eyes, he saw a sapling breaking through the ground. The sapling emitted a soft golden light all around it, and it turned out to be a golden phoebe tree. The Taoist had an epiphany in his heart that this tree was a symbol of blessings bestowed by heaven upon the affectionate people in the world. Since then, this golden phoebe tree had become the marriage tree of Taoism.

Under this tree, countless couples had come with piety and anticipation to pray. They believed that this tree contained mysterious power, which could listen to their deep yearnings for marriage in their hearts, protect the smoothness and peace of their love journey, and make their marriages happy and fulfilling, as tough and long-lasting as this golden phoebe tree.

There were two young people. The young man was named Su Ran, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, having an imposing and noble appearance. He was upright and kind-hearted, and held a sense of awe for everything in the world. The young woman was named Ruo Li, with eyebrows as delicate as distant mountains and eyes like autumn waters. She was gentle and intelligent. Although they lived in the same small town, they had never crossed paths before.

One day, Su Ran heard the legend of the golden phoebe marriage tree in the Taoist mountain forest, and an inexplicable longing welled up in his heart. He was eager to find a sincere love and a life partner under that tree. So, carrying the wish plaque he had made by himself, he set off on the journey to the mountain forest.

At the same time, Ruo Li was a bit troubled by her family elders' concern about her marriage. By chance, she also heard the story of the golden phoebe marriage tree and thought that perhaps she could find some comfort and guidance there. Thus, she also embarked on this mysterious journey to the mountain forest.

When Su Ran arrived at the golden phoebe tree, he was shocked by the sight before him. The sunlight shone on the tree, and the unique texture of the golden phoebe was faintly visible in the interlacing of light and shadow, like a mysterious painting carefully drawn by nature. With a reverent heart, he slowly walked towards the trunk, ready to tie his wish plaque onto it.

And at this moment, Ruo Li also happened to walk under the tree. Her eyes were attracted by Su Ran's focused expression. Su Ran also seemed to sense the gaze beside him and turned his head. Their eyes met, and at that moment, it seemed as if time had frozen. The gentle breeze around them blew gently, and the leaves rustled, as if whispering and singing for their encounter.

Su Ran was the first to break the silence. He smiled and greeted Ruo Li, "Miss, are you also here to pray for marriage?" Ruo Li nodded slightly, her cheeks blushing, and replied softly, "Yes. I've heard that this tree is quite efficacious, so I thought I'd give it a try." Their conversation was like a clear mountain stream, natural and smooth, echoing in the quiet mountain forest.

After that, they began to talk about their aspirations for love and marriage. Su Ran said, "I hope to support each other with my future partner. No matter what difficulties and obstacles we encounter, we can stay together and never abandon each other, just like this golden phoebe tree that can withstand the wind and rain without falling." Ruo Li's eyes sparkled, and she said, "I also hope to know and accompany the person I love, share the joys and sorrows in the world, and build a warm home with love and tolerance."

During the conversation, they found that their ideas were so in tune with each other, as if they were predestined bosom friends. Unconsciously, the sun gradually set in the west, and the mountain forest was dyed golden. Su Ran felt an impulse in his heart. He took out his wish plaque from his bosom and handed it to Ruo Li, saying, "Miss Ruo Li, this is my wish plaque. I'd like to exchange it with you. Perhaps this is the beginning of our fate." Ruo Li was touched in her heart and gladly accepted it. At the same time, she also handed her wish plaque to Su Ran.

At the moment when they exchanged the wish plaques, a strange light seemed to flash between them. Although the light was weak, they both felt a mysterious power surging in their hearts. They smiled at each other, as if they could already see the happy future of each other at that instant.

However, the path of fate was not always smooth. Suddenly, Su Ran's family business encountered a major crisis, and his family was deeply in debt. He had to devote a lot of time and energy to saving the family business, and the time he could spend with Ruo Li became scarce. When Ruo Li's family learned about this, they were worried that she would be trapped in difficulties, so they began to persuade her to break off contact with Su Ran.

Su Ran was plunged into deep self-blame and pain. He felt that he might not be able to bring happiness to Ruo Li, and even began to deliberately distance himself from her. But Ruo Li firmly believed that the fate between them was witnessed by the golden phoebe tree and should not be given up so easily. Disregarding her family's opposition, she often went to Su Ran's home to give him spiritual support and encouragement.

During one difficult time, Su Ran came to the golden phoebe tree alone. Looking at the tree that had once witnessed their encounter and the beginning of their relationship, his heart was full of confusion and helplessness. He silently prayed, "Marriage tree, if you are really spiritual, please guide me through this difficult time and let me be able to safeguard my love with Ruo Li."

Perhaps his piety moved the heavens. With Su Ran's efforts and Ruo Li's support, the family business gradually took a turn for the better. Su Ran also cherished the feelings between him and Ruo Li even more. He understood that this love was like the golden phoebe tree. Although it had endured the baptism of wind and rain, it became even stronger.

Finally, on a sunny day, Su Ran and Ruo Li came to the golden phoebe tree again. At this time, under the tree, there were blooming flowers everywhere and colorful butterflies dancing around, as if nature had carefully arranged a wedding scene for them. They were dressed in splendid attire and held a simple yet solemn wedding under the witness of Taoist priests.

After marriage, their life was happy and fulfilling. They often walked hand in hand to this golden phoebe tree, recalling the bits and pieces of their first encounter, and being grateful for the fate that this tree had brought them. They deeply understood that the ideas advocated by Taoism, such as conforming to nature, adhering to beliefs, and cherishing fate, had been perfectly interpreted in their love story. This golden phoebe marriage tree was not just an ordinary tree, but also a symbol and guardian of their love. It would always stand in this mountain forest, witnessing countless loves and fates in the world, making people still believe in the magic and beauty of love in the hustle and bustle of the secular world, and believe that under the nourishment of Taoist culture, every sincere emotion could find its own home.