Chapter 75: Occupying the Mountain as King

As dusk settled, a stranger arrived at the smithy. The man appeared to be around thirty, tall and broad-shouldered, with elegant eyebrows and fair skin. His delicate, almost feminine features contrasted sharply with his robust physique, creating a unique and captivating presence.

Upon learning the man's identity, Ruan Qiong didn't treat him with the same casualness he had shown Cui Minghuang of Guanhai Academy. Instead of speaking at the forge entrance, he asked Ruan Xiu to bring two bamboo chairs to the veranda. He also brought out two jugs of fine wine, offering one to the man. The man accepted without hesitation, breaking the seal and taking a hearty swig. He laughed and said, "Master Ruan, your recent actions have shaken the court. I'm not privy to the imperial court's exact response, but as the newly appointed Superintendent of Kilns and the first Magistrate of Dragon Spring County, you've saved me a great deal of trouble. I should be the one bearing gifts, but I rushed here upon hearing the news. Consider two large jars of apricot blossom wine from the New Year's shop on Riding Dragon Lane as a rain check."

Master Ruan waved his hand dismissively. "Enough with the formalities. If we reach an agreement today, we'll have plenty of time for drinks and conversation. If not, there's no need to force camaraderie."

The man laughed heartily, more like a wandering swordsman than a court official of the Great Li Dynasty. Wiping his mouth, he set the wine jug on his lap, showing no further inclination to drink while talking. "Mount Jia Six, sealed during the Chunhui reign of the Great Li Dynasty – or, as the local gazetteer calls it, Dragon Spine Mountain – holds a naturally formed Dragon Slaying Platform halfway up its slopes. Before I took office, His Majesty and his ministers discussed the matter. The Emperor declared that the platform would be jointly owned by your Snow Wind Temple and True Martial Mountain. How you choose to excavate, divide, or utilize the platform – whether you leave it as is, as ancestral property, or move it back to your respective sects – is entirely up to you. The Great Li Dynasty will not interfere. Furthermore, if you require assistance, such as employing the two juvenile Mountain Moving Apes under the Great Li to crack Mount Jia Six and expose the platform, don't hesitate to ask."

Master Ruan smiled faintly. "The Great Li is showing considerable sincerity."

The new Superintendent was about to offer some platitudes, but Master Ruan interrupted, "My Snow Wind Temple and True Martial Mountain had already reached an agreement before I arrived here. Ruan Qiong, Snow Wind Temple, and True Martial Mountain each claim one-third of the platform. You've likely heard rumors from your Emperor – I intend to establish a sect here. I've already separated my familial ties from Snow Wind Temple. I won't be formally establishing a sect for the next sixty years, but if the Great Li pleases me, I'll choose a suitable mountain as the foundation for my future sect when that time comes."

The man, serving as both Superintendent and County Magistrate, couldn't hide his delight. It was as if he had been waiting for Ruan Qiong to say those words. He immediately seized the opportunity, "Master Ruan, rest assured, aside from Cloud Cloak Mountain, there are roughly sixty-one other mountains within the county. You may choose any three as the foundation for your sect. If you're not ready to decide, I can show you both the old and new topographical maps of the Li Pearl Grotto-Heaven, and then accompany you on a survey of the mountains. You can make your decision then, how does that sound?"

For any dynasty, securing the support of a great cultivator like Ruan Qiong to safeguard the realm was a stroke of immense fortune. Especially given that Ruan Qiong's words indicated he intended to truly settle here, not just serve as a guest elder, offering his services when convenient. He was genuinely planning to establish roots on Great Li territory, inextricably linking himself to the dynasty's fate. This was a matter of far greater significance than merely serving as a transient consultant, even the Emperor himself would be overjoyed.

The Great Li Dynasty boasted numerous martial talents, led by Prince Song Changjing. The number of experts above the fifth realm surpassed all others in the Eastern Treasure Continent. However, the number of mountain immortals was woefully inadequate, a stark contrast to the Great Li's formidable strength. This had long been a source of concern for the Emperor.

Ruan Qiong chuckled. "There's no rush to seize a mountain and become a king. Frankly, aside from Cloud Cloak Mountain, which you're unwilling to part with, none of the others catch my eye."

The young Superintendent looked slightly embarrassed. Before coming here, not only he, but even the Emperor and his own mentor, believed that the possibility of Ruan Qiong establishing a sect within the Great Li was slim. The Great Li simply couldn't offer enough significant incentives. The Dragon Slaying Platform? If Ruan Qiong hadn't negotiated and secured a share for himself, the Great Li would never dare to antagonize Snow Wind Temple and True Martial Mountain for the sake of attracting a single individual. The cost was simply too high, even for a powerful dynasty like the Great Li.

Ruan Qiong suddenly said, "Although Snow Wind Temple and True Martial Mountain have made no such suggestion, I personally hope the Great Li can provide two exceptionally sharp divine weapons, be they swords or blades, as long as they're sufficiently potent. I can then pass them on to the two military strategists coming here, to help them divide the Dragon Slaying Platform. You can report this to the court and await the Emperor's response. There's no rush."

The young Superintendent pondered for a moment before replying in a deep voice, "I can make that decision myself. I agree to Master Ruan's request!"

Ruan Qiong nodded, taking another sip of wine. He was pleased with the man's demeanor and decisiveness. After all, he would be dealing directly with this man, named Wu Yuan, for a long time to come. If he were a fool, it would be exhausting. If he were a stingy and timid fellow, it would be even more so.

Wu Yuan hesitated, taking a sip of wine as if to bolster his courage, and said, "Master Ruan, firstly, the thirty-odd dragon kilns outside the town will be reopened, but from now on, they will only produce ordinary ceremonial vessels for the court. Secondly, after the new county yamen is built on the east side of town, the yamen will post the Great Li laws and have literate clerks explain them throughout the town, so that the common people of the town truly understand their identity as citizens of the Great Li."Ruan Qiong wore a stern expression, glancing at the nominal Dragon Spring County Magistrate, Wu Yuan. The latter chuckled, explaining, "This is merely a formality for the mundane teachers. Within this town for the next sixty years, Master Ruan's rules reign supreme, followed by the rules of the four clans and ten families, with the Great Li laws being the lowest. In case of conflict, this order shall be the yardstick. Within a thousand miles of the town, the Great Li not only won't interfere with Master Ruan's actions but will undoubtedly stand on your side. Just like when Master Ruan shattered the physical body of that cultivator from the Purple Mist River, the man was unrepentant and even tried to use connections in the capital to file a complaint with His Majesty. Upon hearing this, my esteemed teacher didn't hesitate to send someone to suppress the cultivator's nascent soul."

Ruan Qiong frowned slightly, displaying impatience. "Tell your master to refrain from such superfluous and unnecessary acts in the future. What does face even matter? I'm just a crude blacksmith, not accustomed to intricate schemes. If the Great Li is sincere, give me tangible benefits, and that's enough. As for whether I accept them or not, that's another matter. That trash cultivator from the Purple Mist River, if I truly wanted to kill him, could he have escaped? Even if he had a hundred legs, it wouldn't have been enough. If I truly wanted to kill someone, how many people in the Great Li could stop me? And even if they could, would they be willing to?"

Wu Yuan's face paled slightly, his voice becoming somewhat strained. "Master Ruan, this official understands."

Ruan Qiong didn't want to create too much tension, considering it was their first interaction. He couldn't expect others to perfectly align with his desires; that would be unreasonable. So, he took the initiative and asked, "In secular dynasties, building Wenchang Pavilions and Martial Saint Temples, bestowing titles upon mountain and river deities, and banning local licentious shrines are all duties of a court. What are your plans for this town?"

Having just been rebuffed, Wu Yuan carefully chose his words, replying, "Regarding the Wenchang Pavilion and Martial Saint Temple, the Great Li's Imperial Observatory geomancers have selected two locations: Porcelain Mountain to the north of the town and the Immortal's Tomb to the southeast. The individuals to be venerated are the two who emerged from this town in the past, one a scholar and one a warrior, both of whom have made significant contributions to our Great Li. What does Master Ruan think?"

Ruan Qiong's tone wasn't relaxed. "The two enjoying literary and martial incense are suitable choices. But are you sure about these locations? Did you consult with Old Man Yang?"

Wu Yuan was stunned. He cautiously asked, "Master Ruan, may I ask, who is Old Man Yang?"

Ruan Qiong paused, amused. "Didn't your 'embroidered tiger' teacher even tell you that? And he sent you to be the construction supervisor and local official? Wu Yuan, be honest with me. Are you like Qi Jingchun, a disaffected official, a pawn cast aside, relegated here? If that's the case, I might renege on the prior agreements."

Wu Yuan was at a loss for words, unable to explain and utterly bewildered.

Nearby, by a well, three youths of similar age squatted on the ground. Ruan Xiu was teaching Chen Ping An the names, functions, and cultivation significance of various acupoints. The extra youth had shamelessly attached himself. Initially, Ruan Xiu and Chen Ping An erased the words, remained silent, both staring at him. The youth, with his delicate features and a dragon-dotting-the-eye-like red mole between his eyebrows, was quite likable and festive. However, Chen Ping An and Ruan Xiu underestimated his patience and shamelessness. Smiling, he looked left at the straw sandal boy, then right at the girl in blue. After half an incense stick's worth of time, the youth seemed to realize he had also underestimated the resolve of the two beside him. Finally, he spoke, using the fluent, melodious dialect of the town, saying he was from the capital and was accompanying the construction supervisor to see the sights, especially Porcelain Mountain.

"You continue chatting about your acupoints and energy centers. Don't be so stingy. What's wrong with me listening? Do you think I'll instantly become a terrestrial immortal just by hearing about it?"

After that, Chen Ping An and Ruan Xiu busied themselves, ignoring the strange fellow's attempts at conversation.

"Your writing isn't very good. It's obvious you haven't put in the effort. It's too floaty, like scum on the water's surface."

"Girl, your explanation here isn't complete enough. The so-called 'half a pot to cook the rivers and mountains,' and 'drawing a picture without knowing the acupoints causes the spirits to laugh,' it's actually like this... Ah, are you skipping over this energy center already?"

"Hehehe, girl, why aren't you explaining to him where the Danzhong acupoint is? Is it difficult to point out to him? Sigh, if you're too embarrassed, I can help... Girl, there's killing intent in your eyes! Girl, you must have misunderstood. I meant I'll point it out on myself, where my Danzhong acupoint is. The Danzhong acupoint on you, even gods would have trouble finding it. Why would I make trouble for myself..."

"Eh? Girl, why are you hitting me? Again? Girl, I was wrong!"

"Girl, the Tail Vertebra, Spinal Column, and Jade Pillow, these three gates on the back, how could you have missed them? The ancients said, 'Pass the back gate for half the work, contract the Kan and open the Qian for full work.' It's obviously very important..."

In the end, it was the appearance of Construction Supervisor Wu Yuan that helped Chen Ping An and Ruan Xiu escape their predicament. The talkative youth with the mole between his eyebrows and the taciturn young official of the Great Li left the blacksmith shop side by side.

Chen Ping An and Ruan Xiu sat on the edge of the well. Ruan Xiu glanced at the backs of the two as they left, saying softly, "The older one is an official. The one who was just with us, I'm not sure. I didn't sense anything unusual either. Maybe he's the young man's book attendant. Many large families outside have such accompanying students."

Chen Ping An nodded.

Ruan Qiong, wearing a stern face, walked to the vicinity of the well, left a sentence, and then turned around. "Chen Ping An, come with me."

Chen Ping An stood up, bewildered. Miss Ruan had said earlier that her father had agreed to lend him money, but he had to wait about ten days. Could he have changed his mind?

The girl in blue felt somewhat guilty, following behind Chen Ping An.

Ruan Qiong sat in a bamboo chair, letting Chen Ping An sit in the chair Wu Yuan had previously occupied.

Ruan Xiu coughed and smiled. "Father, these two chairs were made by Chen Ping An. Are they not bad?"

Ruan Qiong said with a dark face, "I'm talking business with Chen Ping An. Xiu Xiu, don't interrupt."

Chen Ping An quickly sat up straight. "Master Ruan, please speak."

Ruan Qiong took out a handful of broken silver from his sleeve, about three or four taels. "Go to Qilong Alley in town and buy me a pot of top-grade Peach Blossom Spring brew. You can use the leftover change to buy yourself some pastries."

Ruan Xiu was somewhat unwilling.

Ruan Qiong pretended to put away the silver. "Then you can watch the furnace fire in the sword-forging room. End in an hour."

Ruan Xiu snatched the money and ran off.After his daughter ran off, Ruan Qiong got straight to the point, "Chen Ping'an, do you have three bags of gold essence coins?"

Chen Ping'an's expression remained unchanged as he nodded, "I do."

Ruan Qiong seemed more favorably disposed to the boy's honesty, his expression softening a bit. "It's hard to find a second commoner in this town with three bags of gold essence coins like you. Even the wealthiest Song family of the Four Clans and Ten Families in Fortune Street's Peach Leaf Lane has no more than two bags, and most only have one. Besides them, eight small households in town used their family treasures to exchange for a bag of gold essence coins each. Basically, the valuable old objects in town have all been lost. Now, there are probably only seven or eight left in decent condition."

"More and more outsiders will be coming to town. Of course, your life will definitely be safe. The reason I'm being so frank with you is that I hope you make good use of the three bags of gold essence coins you have. Don't let them rot in your hands, but don't spend them carelessly either. Before me, the town would open its gates every sixty years, allowing twenty or thirty people to enter and seek their fortunes. From now on, there will be no such rules. It will become more and more like an ordinary Great Li town. So your three bags of gold essence coins will be particularly conspicuous and will inevitably bring you a lot of unnecessary trouble. I'm a person who hates trouble. If that happens, I'll have to step in to help you, but I, Ruan Qiong, don't want to be fighting with a bunch of kids all the time. I'd be ashamed. So I'll give you a suggestion. Listen or not, it's up to you to decide after you've heard it."

"Before I give you my suggestion, let me make one thing clear. Right now, gold essence coins are at their most valuable, but not everyone can spend them, not even the Four Clans or the Ten Families, because the Great Li Emperor plans to unseal all sixty-one forbidden mountains outside of Misty Cloud Mountain and sell them to various forces and sects friendly to Great Li. The price of these sixty-one mountains varies depending on their size. The reason why the outside world is eager to acquire them is that the Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven Grand Formation has been broken and downgraded to a blessed land, a blessed land among men. Although the spiritual energy has decreased sharply, it is still much higher than ordinary mountains and is not inferior to mountains with legitimate mountain gods presiding over them. Moreover, the Great Li Emperor promised that a Mountain God, three Lesser Mountain Gods, and a River God would be conferred here in the future. Such a dense presence of mountain and river gods will ensure that the surrounding area remains prosperous and full of spiritual energy for hundreds of years to come. So, buying a mountain now is a guaranteed profit."

Chen Ping'an asked, "What if I buy a mountain today and then die tomorrow?"

That question hit the nail on the head.

Ruan Qiong showed a rare smile. "First of all, as long as you do your job honestly in town and behave properly, you definitely won't die suddenly for no reason. For example, if there are any more Mountain-Moving Apes like that coming to cause trouble for you, there's no longer any concern about the town being broken or not. I don't need to worry about what Qi Jingchun is worried about. I don't need to abide by what Qi Jingchun wants to abide by. So I can help you deal with it, because now it's the right thing to do. Secondly, the Great Li Dynasty is selling off mountains cheaply to earn goodwill from outside of Great Li. It's a losing proposition to make a name for themselves. After agreeing to buy any mountain, even if the buyer dies within three hundred years, or even if there are no descendants to inherit it, Great Li will still not take back the mountain without authorization within that three-hundred-year period. It will let it lie fallow. Finally, I will be the first to get three mountains this time, and the feng shui will definitely be the best. If you can get a few more in the future, we can be adjacent to each other. If you can't afford to develop the mountain and profit from it, even if you just rent your mountain to me for three hundred years, you can get dividends every year and enjoy the benefits. Your descendants will also be able to do the same."

This was a long-term, steady fortune, something that many clans and wealthy families dreamed of.

Ruan Qiong, disdaining to brag, didn't spell it out.

Chen Ping'an asked curiously, "Master Ruan, what's the approximate price of those mountains?"

Ruan Qiong said casually, "The smallest mountain, just a solitary peak, is called True Pearl Mountain by the Great Li Dynasty. The asking price is one gold essence coin, but it must be a Spring Welcoming Coin."

Chen Ping'an was surprised. "Only one?"

Ruan Qiong laughed. "It's a tiny place, called a mountain, but it's not even worthy of being called a peak. It's just a small hill. One Spring Welcoming Coin isn't worth it, but that's because Great Li really can't ask for half a gold essence coin."

Chen Ping'an muttered, "Only one coin. No matter how small the mountain is, it's yours for three hundred years. It's worth it no matter how you look at it."

Ruan Qiong continued, "Medium-sized mountains such as Xuan Li Mountain, Great Goose Mountain, and Lotus Lantern Peak are estimated by Great Li to cost around ten to fifteen gold essence coins. The largest small mountain range and the other two mountains, Dried Spring Mountain Range, Fragrant Fire Mountain, and Divine Show Mountain, will cost twenty-five to thirty gold essence coins. This is because there's no bidding. Ultimately, what Great Li wants to keep is not those bags of gold essence, but the Four Clans and Ten Families, and their connections in East Treasure Bottle Continent. They hope that the real patrons and wealthy individuals behind them will come forward and actively contact Great Li."

Chen Ping'an frowned. "Master Ruan, if I take such a big advantage at this time, won't I be too conspicuous? Won't people hold a grudge?"

Ruan Qiong laughed heartily. "You have a backer too. Far away in the heavens, but right in front of you."

Chen Ping'an scratched his head, not immediately agreeing.

Ruan Qiong was not annoyed by the straw sandal boy's lack of gratitude. Instead, he was pleased. "You're not getting carried away, not bad. After you get back to Mud Bottle Lane, think about it carefully and try to give me an answer tomorrow. Delay breeds change. I'm not bluffing you. It's the truth."

After Chen Ping'an left the blacksmith shop, he didn't wake up from the shock until he reached the stone arch bridge.

The boy had imagined his rich days in the future.

For example, being able to eat meat buns and sugar gourds every now and then, having Spring Festival couplets, door gods, and lucky characters on his courtyard gate, repairing the ancestral house to look like a real house, bringing a pot of good wine and a package of pastries when visiting his parents' graves, and so on.

Chen Ping'an never thought that one day he could own one or even several mountains.