Chapter 58: Opening and Closing Mountain Methods

"Hm? Are they opening the mountain?" Zhao Xing, who had been listless, perked up at the commotion and looked around.

To understand the Mountain Opening spell, one must first be familiar with the Mountain Sealing spell.

During the Spring Equinox, Zhao Xing had witnessed Chen Shijie perform the Mountain Sealing spell. Both spells require a corresponding incantation.

At that time, Chen Shijie's incantation was: "Rivers desire not to cease, returning to the four seas; mountains desire long life, returning to nature. I obey the Ancestor's command, inviting spirits to guard this mountain."

"First, I command the Mountain God to protect the five elements, which combine to create all things. Second, I command the Earth Mother to regulate yin and yang, their fusion birthing true spirits. Third, I command the True Lords of the Eight Directions to guard the path; paths may be traversed, but plants must not be harmed. The mountain may be entered, but no beasts shall be seen. Instantly, seal the mountain!"

Zhao Xing was very familiar with the Mountain Sealing spell, but this version of the incantation was slightly different from the one he knew; it lacked the first paragraph.

In reality, the presence or absence of the first paragraph made no difference. It merely served as a principle to explain to the public and to mention that the spell was decreed by the Grand Ancestor.

The first paragraph's meaning was to inform everyone why the mountain was being sealed: to adhere to sustainable development, preventing year-round hunting, herb gathering, and logging on the mountain.

The second paragraph was the one with true efficacy.

Because Yin spirits were invited to guard it, after the mountain was sealed, travelers could still pass through the mountain path, but they could not harm any plant or tree. If hunters secretly entered, they would not encounter any wild beasts.

This was the Mountain Sealing spell.

"The Dynasty of Fortune version of the Mountain Sealing spell requires the aid of Yin spirits, but the Revival version does not, and it's more advanced, even gaining the ability to absorb evil spirits and defilement."

"Among the Mountain Sealing spells, there's another one called 'Snow Mountain Command,' a devastating spell, but it probably won't be effective at this time."

Zhao Xing recalled the Snow Mountain Command incantation he had used in his previous life:

At the first watch, mist descends; at the second watch, heavy frost descends; at the third watch, heavy snow descends; at the fourth watch, more frost upon the snow.

At the fifth watch, the crow of the rooster is heard, and the trees in the mountain rustle verdantly.

The dragon's claws recede, the tiger's fur retreats, the Xuanbird's feathered coat sheds.

Ancestral Yin souls in the mountain scatter, leaving only white snow upon the human world.

The Snow Mountain Command was called a devastating spell because it could kill a spiritual mountain. Even true dragons would lose their claws and degenerate into flood serpents, white tigers would shed their fur, and the Heavenly Mandate Xuanbird would lose all its feathers.

If there were Yin souls of kings or ancestors in the mountain, they too would be scattered, and the entire mountain would be left with nothing but white snow.

Under the Snow Mountain Command, everything is illusory!

This particular Mountain Sealing spell could be considered the strongest killing move of the Farmer profession in the Revival version.

Zhao Xing reminisced about the past. By the time he came back to his senses, Chen Shijie had already begun casting the spell.

Sealing a mountain was complex; opening it was much simpler.

"...The five elements and yin-yang reverse, the spell reveals true spirits, the True Lords of the Eight Directions disperse, the Mountain God and Earth Mother return, I obey the Grand Ancestor's command, instantly open this mountain!"

Chen Shijie held the official seal and recited the incantation once. A golden light flew from the seal into East Lake Mountain.

The other Ninth-Rank Assistant Farmers had to recite it four or five times before golden light appeared.

Zhao Xing immediately realized that Elder Chen's rank was certainly more than what it seemed.

"He's either hidden his strength or he's dropped in rank; otherwise, there wouldn't be such a huge difference between the various levels of Ninth-Rank officials," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

The golden light entered East Lake Mountain, and after a moment or so, an invisible ripple spread from the mountains.

Zhao Xing used his Clear Sight spell and immediately saw specks of starlight emanating from the mountain, accompanied by illusory phenomena.

A strange purple flower bloomed, a large tree bore vermilion fruits, and there was a pale golden glass lamp.

He only managed to perceive these three phenomena; the rest were too indistinct.

"Clear Sight at max level truly has its benefits. At least if I encounter something, I won't fail to recognize it as a treasure."

After the ritual was complete, Li Wenzheng reappeared and announced that the government would send the first group of people to explore the mountain, clear a path for the common folk, and eliminate threats.

Simultaneously, mountain exploration was also part of the assessment for various departmental clerks.

"Charge!"

"Climb the mountain and gather spiritual essence!"

"Don't snatch it from me!"

As soon as the ban was lifted, many people rushed into the mountain impatiently.

They were clearly crude martial artists.

Zhao Xing did not rush but walked slowly, carrying his bamboo chest.

East Lake Mountain was vast; to explore it thoroughly, three days alone would not be enough.

It wasn't about who was fastest but who had the best luck to gain benefits.

Regarding luck, Zhao Xing was quite confident.

"Zhao Sanjia, why aren't you rushing?" an acquaintance among his colleagues ran past and asked curiously.

"I'm just here to join the fun, not expecting much. Please, go ahead," Zhao Xing replied with a smile, portraying himself as someone not competing but merely observing.

His voice was not quiet, and many eyes that had been on him immediately shifted away.

"I heard he's the rising genius of Gu City's Agricultural Bureau. Is this it?"

"There are many experts here at the eighth and ninth stages of Qi Gathering. He's reportedly only at the third stage, so it's normal he wouldn't dare to compete."

"At least he knows his place."

"Hmph, maybe he's pretending on purpose? Look at that bamboo chest; it's not light. If he were just here for fun, who'd carry such a big thing?"

"Who cares if he's pretending or not? His strength is evident; he's no threat."

"Let's go, quickly up the mountain."

The whispers came from both outside counties and their own county. Some thought Zhao Xing was pretending and still wanted benefits, while others believed he was self-aware and only entering the mountain as a formality.

Gradually, the crowd surpassed Zhao Xing, and soon he was at the very end.

As he walked, Zhao Xing unexpectedly encountered an acquaintance.

"Young Master Zong, why are you sitting here?"

Zong Shichang had only just reached a pavilion at the mountain entrance and was already resting.

"Got up too early, forgot to eat, and I'm hungry."

Zong Shichang also carried a bamboo chest, but his was mostly filled with food. He even pulled out a bowl of hot noodles from it!

Are you here for the assessment or a picnic?

Seeing Zhao Xing staring, Zong Shichang thought he was also hungry and generously pulled out another bowl: "Want some? Top-quality beef broth with fine vermicelli made from top-quality yuan rice—it's incredibly delicious."

Zhao Xing hadn't intended to eat, but smelling the aroma, he immediately changed his mind and sat on the pavilion's edge to eat.

Rich bigshot, no reason not to eat if it's free.

"Ah~" Zong Shichang slurped his noodles contentedly and asked, "How is it?"

"It's indeed good," Zhao Xing nodded.

"Want some more wine?" Zong Shichang pulled out a bottle and uncorked it.

"I won't drink alcohol."

"Alright then, it's no fun drinking alone anyway." Zong Shichang crossed his legs. "Why are you so far behind?"

Zhao Xing wiped his mouth: "Rushing is useless. Mountain climbing isn't about who runs fastest. What about you, Brother Zong?"

Zong Shichang laughed: "Do I look like someone who lacks a bit of spiritual essence? If my father hadn't forced me, I wouldn't have come."

You're like long-jumping in a restroom, it's excessive.

Is it really appropriate to show off to a poor person?

"Well then, Brother Zong, please yourself. I'll go ahead," Zhao Xing said, shouldering his bamboo chest, intending to leave.

"Let's walk together," Zong Shichang also stood up. "At least there'll be someone to talk to, otherwise wouldn't it be boring?"

"I'm not bored by myself," Zhao Xing politely declined.

Zong Shichang added, "Don't be like that. My father has some influence in Nanyang Commandery. If we encounter experts from other counties, having me around will provide you with more protection."