Chapter 57: Opening the Altar for Sacrifice

Climbing the mountain to collect spiritual essences is open to all government officials. This means that anyone from the Ministry of Agriculture, Heavenly Workshop, Weaving Bureau, Martial Affairs Department, Imperial Secretariat, or Shrine — in short, any government department — is eligible to participate.

"These past two days have been so lively! Aside from the Spring Festival, the Autumn Equinox mountain opening is probably the busiest time of the year," Chen Ziyu remarked, smiling broadly as he walked down the bustling street, observing the constant flow of people.

His family owned a shop in Anping Ward, and the high foot traffic meant good business, which naturally made him happy.

"Qian Dong, are you going to the Autumn Equinox mountain opening?" Chen Ziyu asked, looking at Qian Dong beside him. He didn't bother asking Zhao Xing, as he knew his elder brother would definitely go.

"Yes, why wouldn't I?" Qian Dong replied.

"Aren't you afraid of getting beaten black and blue? There are quite a few masters attending this year," Chen Ziyu asked.

"Me? Afraid?" Qian Dong scoffed. "It's precisely because there are many masters that we should go. If there were only a few, I wouldn't even bother!"

"Oh? And why is that?" Chen Ziyu asked, scratching his head in confusion.

"I've only just reached the second stage of Gathering Essence. If I clashed with masters at the eighth or ninth stage, they'd have to beg me not to die," Qian Dong declared, puffing out his chest.

Zhao Xing was speechless.

Why are you so proud about that?

Chen Ziyu said, "Dongzi, there's a rule against killing during the mountain climb, but you can't expect people not to rob you just because you're weak, can you?"

Zhao Xing interjected, "If you truly encounter a ninth-stage Gathering Essence martial artist, they could strike you a hundred times with superb control, carefully avoiding all vital points."

Qian Dong was speechless.

"But I can't just not go, it only happens once a year," Qian Dong said, somewhat deflated.

"I don't recommend it. You're only at the second stage of Gathering Essence. If you encounter a fierce beast on the spirit mountain, you wouldn't even know what killed you," Zhao Xing advised.

"Understood, brother."

"Be extra careful during this mountain climb. You're only at the fourth stage of Gathering Essence, so if you encounter a master, go around them. Once you've gained something, descend the mountain immediately. Don't push your luck," Xue Wenzhong advised earnestly.

Originally, he hadn't recommended Zhao Xing go, but Chen Shijie held a different opinion, believing Zhao Xing was capable of handling it. Since Zhao Xing himself also wanted to go, Xue Wenzhong was eventually persuaded.

"I understand, teacher. I'm just going up the mountain to try my luck. My safety will be my first priority, and only then will I seek spiritual essences."

The profession of agricultural official is somewhat disadvantaged, not excelling in combat, so Xue Wenzhong's concerns were understandable.

After offering his advice, the old agricultural official led Zhao Xing to his study and presented him with a half-human-tall, strapped bamboo case.

"This is a Wen Bamboo case, which I made myself. It contains a batch of seeds."

"Among them are the 'Vajra Bamboo' and 'Evergreen Vine' that you're familiar with."

"You are skilled in the Straw Man technique. After the mountain opens, don't rush up to compete for the first essence on the first day. Instead, make some straw figures for self-defense and just explore at the foot of the mountain."

"Inside, there are also five Divine Speed Talismans, ten Organ-Protecting Pills, fifteen Heavenly Origin Pears..." the old agricultural official murmured as he helped Zhao Xing put on the bamboo case.

"Thank you, teacher."

Zhao Xing turned around, feeling his shoulders sink as he put the case on.

The bamboo case was quite heavy. Just how much stuff had been put inside?

Wen Bamboo, originally called Wen Zhu, is used to make bamboo cases that prevent fruits from spoiling and seeds from perishing.

Collecting spiritual essences on the mountain is dangerous, so officials are not prohibited from carrying treasures, as long as they don't exceed the third rank.

Zhao Xing was considered one of Gucheng's most promising candidates for official appointment. Xue Wenzhong and Chen Shijie didn't want him to miss this opportunity, yet they also worried about his safety, which was why they filled the bamboo case with so many items.

"Tomorrow, a superior official from the prefecture will arrive. Chen Shijie and I won't have time to see you off again. Don't over-train these next two days; make sure you get enough rest," Xue Wenzhong kept rambling.

"Understood, teacher." Zhao Xing listened quietly until Xue Wenzhong finished, then he took his leave.

On September 21st, Ji Ming, a sixth-rank official from the Nanyang Prefecture Supervision Office, Fan Dongping, a sixth-rank official from the Ministry of Agriculture, along with several seventh and eighth-rank officials from other departments, arrived at Gucheng's East Gate aboard a Cloud Stream Flying Boat.

Li Wenzheng led a delegation to welcome them three li outside the city, and an honor guard accompanied them into the city with gongs and drums.

The citizens inside and outside the city immediately knew that high-ranking officials had arrived in Gucheng.

Junior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture were not qualified to participate in the welcome ceremony outside the city.

However, in the afternoon, Fan Dongping, from the same administrative system, came to inspect the Ministry of Agriculture, giving them a chance to witness the grandeur of a sixth-rank powerful figure.

"They actually sent a sixth-rank official; Old Chen must be highly regarded," Zhao Xing observed from a distance, standing in the pavilion of the Huailiu Courtyard.

Normally, since this isn't a major mountain opening year, sending a seventh-rank official would suffice as a mere formality.

Since there was no other apparent reason, it could only mean that Chen Shijie, as the head official, held significant prestige and was valued by his superiors.

"Jingong, you're from Xishan Prefecture. Have you grown accustomed to Nanyang Prefecture after three years?" Fan Dongping asked with a smile.

Jingong was Chen Shijie's courtesy name.

Chen Shijie, walking half a step behind Fan Dongping, chuckled softly upon hearing this. "Thank you for your concern, Esteemed Sir. Nanyang Prefecture has beautiful mountains, clear waters, and abundant resources. Even my tough old bones are starting to soften a bit."

Fan Dongping raised an eyebrow. "Well, well, Chen Jingong, are you indirectly accusing my Nanyang Prefecture agricultural officials of being greedy for comfort and lacking ambition?"

"How could I dare? In my heart, Lord Fan has always been wise and mighty."

"Hahaha," Fan Dongping laughed heartily, stroking his beard.

The accompanying officials, such as Gao Linong, Tang Wanchun, and Pang Yuan, were all somewhat surprised. Why was Fan Dongping chatting with Chen Shijie so casually? Could it be that Chen Shijie truly had significant backing? Was Fan Dongping's visit this time because of him?

September 22nd, Autumn Equinox.

At the Earth Altar Square, at the foot of Donghu Mountain.

From the hour of Mao (5-7 AM), temple officiants were busy preparing the Earth Altar Square for the mountain opening ritual.

Around the periphery of the Earth Altar Square, various departmental flags marked out designated viewing areas.

Zhao Xing arrived at the Earth Altar Square early that morning, heading to the viewing area designated for the Ministry of Agriculture.

On the Earth Altar Square, dozens of long altars were set up, adorned with sacrificial animals, jade ritual vessels, incense, candles, and yellow paper.

By the end of the hour of Mao, observing officials and government clerks had gradually taken their places. Donghu Army soldiers were also present to maintain order, as there were too many tourists and merchants who had come to join the festivities.

At one-quarter past the hour of Chen (7:15-7:30 AM), the ritual officially began.

First, the temple officiant offered prayers and chanted verses, worshipping various deities (yin gods sanctioned by the imperial court), primarily including the Earl of Donghu and Caoxi.

Next, County Magistrate Li Wenzheng appeared. His voice, resonant like gold and jade, carried for hundreds of li, as he prayed for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and peace and prosperity for the people of Gucheng.

This entire ceremony lasted until one-quarter past the hour of Si (9:15-9:30 AM).

However, the crowd around them only grew, showing no signs of thinning.

After all, this was an annual grand event.

"Why isn't it over yet? I'm almost falling asleep listening to this."

"Soon, it's almost time for the 'Old Man of Xishan' to appear."

"Shhh, be careful, Chen Shijie might hear you."

"Didn't you just call him by his name directly? What are you pretending for?"

"Here they come!"

"Mom, look! They're about to open the mountain!"

As officials and common folk waited in eager anticipation, Chen Shijie, the head official of Gucheng's Ministry of Agriculture, along with seven other agricultural officials, ascended the Earth Altar and began performing the Mountain Opening ritual.