Chapter One: At the Foot of the Mountain

May 10th, the Nine Marvels Society was set to perform its various rituals in Pingcheng.

Four days earlier, on May 6th, Chen Yu descended the Qingtai Mountain path, wooden staff in hand, and a bulging bundle slung across his back.

This time, he brought with him a few items—some as previously intended, and others more precious: the small bronze sword, a token of the Yuanhua Sect gifted by Qian Xuanzhong long ago, as well as a pouch containing the processed Zhongyangzi.

He had no idea what method was used, but the medicinal potency of the Zhongyangzi remained intact. Sadly, its vitality was gone, and given the mountain’s conditions, it couldn’t be transplanted or cultivated.

He took it along nonetheless; perhaps it would prove useful later. If he needed to barter, such valuable medicinal herbs would be a prime choice—far more alluring than the Qingling Root or Lanting Divine Fruit in his bundle.

After all, those two had never been shown below the mountain, whereas the reputation of Zhongyangzi was unmatched.

Also known as Pure Yang Earth Fruit, its fame stretched across the North and South. It was the chief ingredient in the Grand Elixir of True Martial Mountain, exceedingly rare—a treasure sought by all.

Below the mountain, fields stretched endlessly.

Spring millet had been sown between the ridges, and the young shoots were lush and verdant, filling the landscape with fresh green.

With the tender seedlings now growing, cattle could no longer roam freely. Thus, he did not encounter the elderly man and child with their imposing blue ox as he had last time.

Yet the journey was long, this time not ending at Shiya, but crossing mountains and rivers to head farther east to the prefectural seat—Pingcheng.

Two hundred li away, he allotted himself four days.

He anticipated the journey would not lack for interest.

...

The first obstacle was to cross the Lancang River—more precisely, one of its tributaries, and the largest river in the vicinity: the Hundred Gold River.

But before that, Chen Yu needed to stop in Shiya County to exchange goods and gather some information.

Having lived in the depths of the mountains for so long, he cared little about the shifting tides of the world, but he did need to understand the situation in each county along the way. Otherwise, he risked leaving Shiya only to stumble blindly into the most chaotic regions.

There were matters he did not fear, but would avoid if possible. His purpose was clear: to see Guangyong Prefecture, to see the world.

He had little interest in confronting bandits or playing the fool to outwit others.

He’d been here a long time, but mostly spent his days as a leisurely Taoist on the mountain, never having the chance to truly explore the scenery below.

“Come to think of it, my memories contain precious little in the way of beautiful landscapes.”

Unlike himself, his predecessor was mediocre in martial arts but passionate about chivalry, often venturing below the mountain. His deepest memories weren’t of striking scenery, but of formidable figures and sharp weapons.

He couldn’t rely on those recollections. Chen Yu decided that once in the city, he might inquire further.

Ten li was not far, especially now—he covered it in less than half an hour.

---

It was already late, but the city gates stood wide open. Farmers, townsfolk, merchants, and travelers bustled about, Shiya County as lively as ever.

Entering the city without delay, Chen Yu went straight to the teahouse. He hadn’t eaten since descending the mountain, not even practiced his morning exercises—his Vitalizing Technique now nearly useless, only serving to tax the liver. He had set it aside, no longer practicing day and night.

He waited for the day when internal training methods could be combined with it, perhaps then it would regain its effectiveness.

“Waiter! A large bowl of spicy soup noodles.”

“Right away, sir! Please wait a moment.”

He found a seat and focused his attention on the noisy crowd of tea drinkers around him.

Compared to the more refined rooms upstairs, the first floor was indeed much louder.

But here, people from all walks of life gathered; rumors and news spread freely, truth mixed with falsehood.

Chen Yu didn’t bother sorting fact from fiction—he simply listened for recent developments. If something piqued his curiosity, he could later find a friendly face, offer a bowl of clear tea, and ask for details.

The teahouse buzzed with chatter, waiters darting about with wooden trays laden with tea and broad beans.

Without the Taoist robe, dressed as an ordinary young man, Chen Yu sat quietly in a corner. As his spirit stirred, his senses sharpened, picking up nearly all the sounds around him—even the two burly traders in the back whispering their secrets.

“The north is quiet now.”

“Not so fast. That fake Qi grand general—Gao something Hong, I think—has seized many cities. Both sides of the river are in chaos!”

...

“Hey, did you hear? The Holy Master of White Lotus might be coming to Guangyong!”

“White Lotus Holy Master? Is that the White Lotus Sect where the Saintess came from?”

“Exactly. Rumor has it he fled here from Hejian, a leader with quite a reputation. My uncle’s cousin said the White Lotus Sect isn’t simple—they’re evenly matched with the Qi army up north!”

“That impressive? Why are they running to our backwater then?”

“No idea. Supposedly they fell out with a group called the Five Bushels Dao, got chased out.”

...

“Sigh, lost again. The damned Yellow-armored Army’s taken Hawk Mountain, blocking the way!”

“Tell me about it! I went there myself recently—their men drew blades as soon as they saw me, demanding a five-for-two toll, worse than that hairy Li!”

“Looking at it now, County Magistrate Li seems downright trustworthy.”

“Nonsense! They’re all heartless dogs!”

---

He set down his tea bowl, paused to sift through what he’d heard, then called over a waiter and ordered a plate of broad beans and three cups of tea for three honest-looking men nearby.

His smile was warm; these men were clearly fishermen, just back from the market, their rough clothes still carrying traces of fish. Likely locals.

A friendly face invites no hostility. When Chen Yu explained he was a newcomer unfamiliar with the area, hoping these experienced locals would share their insight, his open words and the free beans placed before them, mingling with the aroma of tea, fostered a sense of closeness.

For reasons unknown, looking at this young man felt like basking in spring sunshine—comfortable and easy.

“No need for formality, young man.”

The four fell into conversation, and Chen Yu quickly acquired a wealth of information—some confirming what he’d overheard in the teahouse, others helping him separate truth from rumor.

“My thanks to you all.”

Before leaving, Chen Yu offered another plate of broad beans, departing amid their increasingly friendly laughter.

He then visited the pharmacy, exchanged his herbs for travel money, and considering future expenses, handed over a Zhongyangzi to the proprietor.

His purse was much fatter now, and as he walked the road, he felt more at ease.

Silver can be useless in excess, even attracting disaster, but lacking it makes everything difficult.

“Luo Family Slope, Hawk Mountain, Taicheng...”

After handing Liu Shibo a box of Heart-clearing Pills and conversing for half an hour, Chen Yu bade farewell and left the city.

On the road, he pondered.

Shiya County was stable enough. Not long ago, the soldiers stationed in Taoyang had returned, and just a month prior the rampaging Baiguo bandits had been eradicated—he even heard tales of the Swordsman in Blue, Qian Xuanzhong, who must have played a significant part.

“Liu Bao said those who incited chaos in remote villages bore the White Lotus mark. It seems they were members of the White Lotus Sect.”

That was almost certain. Though he didn’t know where this new force got so much gold and silver, Chen Yu guessed they weren’t too strong.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been driven by Five Bushels Dao all the way to this remote backwater.

Yet though the Baiguo bandits were gone, outside Shiya County, chaos still reigned, with bandits rampant.

He needed to find a safe route—no sense courting trouble.