Chapter 80: Emergence from the Mountain

After leaving the mountain, Chen Ping'an first headed to the blacksmith shop. As he crossed the stone arch bridge, the young man clasped his hands together, lowered his head, and walked quickly, his expression incredibly solemn and sincere. He muttered, "Old Immortal, let's talk nicely, please don't hit me. If you have any requests, you can come to me in a dream at night, but preferably not during the day, I'm really a bit scared."

Fortunately, Chen Ping'an was unharmed when he reached the other side of the stone bridge. The young man immediately beamed and happily went to find Master Ruan and Ruan Xiu.

The young man knew no sorrow.

Ruan Qiong was still receiving Chen Ping'an under the eaves, one small bamboo chair each. Ruan Xiu stood behind her father, her face filled with unconcealed joy.

Ruan Qiong saw the grass-sandal-wearing youth covered in dust. He carefully placed the basket in front of him and gently took out the cloth pouch containing the two maps from under a pile of herbs. Handing it to him, he said with guilt, "When climbing Pick-Lantern Mountain, the mountain path was blocked by a large waterfall. I found a place near the deep pool below the waterfall to hide the basket and built a small tree frame to shelter it from the wind and rain. I didn't expect that shortly after climbing to the top of the waterfall, it started to rain heavily. The rain was too heavy. When I hurried down, the tree frame had indeed collapsed, and the basket and cloth bag were soaked by the rain. Fortunately, the two maps were wrapped tightly in oil paper. After the sun came out, I took them out to look at them. Only the corners of the maps were a little wet, but after drying, there were still obvious marks..."

Ruan Qiong opened the cloth pouch and oil paper and found that the two maps were almost perfectly intact. The slight damage was negligible. Moreover, they were just copies of the maps. Therefore, the Kiln Affairs Directorate and the Dragon Spring County Office had no intention of taking them back. However, Ruan Qiong was unwilling to use this truth to comfort the young man. He glanced at the anxious Chen Ping'an standing in front of him and asked, "Climbing up and down Dragon Fall Waterfall on Pick-Lantern Mountain during a rainstorm, are you courting death?"

Chen Ping'an smiled without saying a word.

Ruan Qiong waved his hand, signaling the young man to sit back down and stop blocking his view.

Chen Ping'an sat back on the lovely emerald green bamboo chair. After returning the two maps to Master Ruan, he finally felt relieved. If he hadn't been afraid of ruining those two precious maps, he could have saved at least three or four days on this trip to and from the mountain. Moreover, after being together for so long, the sentimental young man was actually a little reluctant to part with the two maps in his heart. Whenever the weather was clear and he could see far, Chen Ping'an liked to choose a place with the widest view, then spread out the two maps, look at the mountains and rivers in the distance, and then look down at the maps.

For the past half month, Chen Ping'an had never felt so fulfilled.

Ruan Qiong suddenly tossed the two maps lightly to Chen Ping'an, "The chair is not bad. I'll make two more later. Consider the maps as payment, a gift for you."

Although Ruan Qiong still didn't like this Mud Bottle Lane youth, he wouldn't completely deny Chen Ping'an because of it.

Ruan Qiong could fully imagine the scene: a torrential rain, a distraught and thin youth rushing down the waterfall, just to take a look at the maps to feel at ease.

Of course, in Ruan Qiong's eyes, this kind of behavior was not heroic at all, but rather rigid and pedantic.

To be honest, compared to this miserable youth, Ruan Qiong admired the Great Li Prince Song Jixin, who knew how to assess the situation at a young age, or Liu Xianyang, who was cheerful and carefree, or even Ma Kuxuan, who was sharp and assertive, had many merits. Even Zhao Yao, the bookworm who had followed Qi Jingchun since childhood, was not as rigid and inflexible as Chen Ping'an.

The reason for temporarily changing his mind and giving the maps to Chen Ping'an under some pretext was actually to resolve to draw a line with this youth. The blacksmith shop could take him in as a sword-forging apprentice, but it would never become his disciple. In the future, he would protect the mountain he bought as promised, but this kid should never think of having any connection with his daughter.

In the end, Ruan Qiong did not look down on Chen Ping'an because of his background, but because they were on different paths and could not work together.

Ruan Qiong's disciples must be his like-minded companions, both teacher and friend, who could work together to build a thousand-year-old prosperous age for the sect. Therefore, compatibility in temperament was extremely important.

Chen Ping'an naturally didn't know that Master Ruan's thoughts had gone around in such a big circle. The young man just caught the maps, hugged them in his arms, and asked, "Won't the supervising official from the county office have any objections?"

Ruan Qiong sneered, "For at least sixty years, I am the supreme emperor of this Dragon Spring County, so my rules are the biggest."

Ruan Xiu muttered, "Dad, who are you trying to fool with such shameless boasting?"

Ruan Qiong ignored his daughter's mockery and said to Chen Ping'an in a deep voice, "Let's talk business. Which five mountains did you finally choose?"

Chen Ping'an subconsciously sat up straight, "Around Divine Show Mountain, I chose three: Precious Scripture Mountain, Colorful Cloud Peak, and Immortal Herb Mountain."

Ruan Qiong nodded, "Your vision is not bad. Precious Scripture Mountain occupies a large area, ranking among the top among the sixty-odd mountains, and it's not just an empty shell. If I wasn't considering the future Mountain Protection Array, I would have given up Cross Spear Peak and chosen Precious Scripture Mountain. After all, in this thousand miles of mountains and rivers, unless there is a mountain god sitting or a secret treasure hidden, whoever occupies more land and has more spiritual energy will definitely be more advantageous."

"Immortal Herb Mountain is the only blessed land with the potential to give birth to grass and wood spirits. It's just a pity that the place is too small. Even if one appears, its foundation and quality should not be too good. The logic is very simple: how can a small pond raise a large flood dragon? As for Colorful Cloud Peak, it's relatively ordinary. Apart from its high terrain and beautiful scenery, it doesn't offer much benefit to cultivation. Unless you have the ability to obtain Cloud Root Stones from Cloud Glow Mountain and place them in several mountain vein nodes on Colorful Cloud Peak, it might be a good deal."

"Didn't you go to see the lake on Yellow Lake Mountain?"

Ruan Qiong's last question surprised Chen Ping'an, "I did."

"Continue, what are the other two mountains?"

Ruan Qiong hinted and stopped, not continuing the previous topic. He had already done enough and would not continue to reveal secrets.Because the small lake at Yellow Lake Mountain has a similar charm to Immortal Grass Mountain, the difference being that Immortal Grass Mountain has the potential for plant and tree spirits to emerge. Yellow Lake Mountain, however, is home to a python as thick as a well opening, a true "local tyrant." Unfortunately, it lost in a "water war" against a small loach, missing out on a golden opportunity for the Great Dao that was within its grasp.

But the wonder of the Great Dao lies in never closing all doors. Now that the Lilac Pearl Grotto Heaven has shattered and fallen, the golden carp caught by the Dragon King and taken to the Great Sui Dynasty, the fire dragon transformed into a bracelet on Ruan Xiu's wrist, the loach beside True Lord of Interception Liu Zhimao, the wooden dragon that Zhao Yao brought to life with a touch of paint, and the yellowish-brown four-legged snake that desperately clings to Wang Zhu, these five little things are the true five great opportunities accumulated by the Lilac Small Pearl Grotto Heaven before its impending demise in three thousand years. As for magical treasures like sword-nurturing gourds and demon-revealing mirrors, they are certainly not lacking, but they are still inferior to those five living fortunes.

The great python of Yellow Lake Mountain has ironically benefited from this misfortune. Within a thousand miles, no opponent can contend with it, making it a regional overlord. If a mountain god or river god were to take up residence there in the future, as long as this great python is sensible and can be recruited into their service, obtaining the official protection of the Great Li Dynasty, it might be smooth sailing from then on, truly embarking on the path of cultivation.

Chen Pingan said, "I plan to buy True Pearl Mountain and Fallen Phoenix Mountain."

Ruan Qiong was stunned, curiously asking, "True Pearl Mountain is one thing, worth a Spring Welcoming Coin. You could say it's worth a thousand gold to buy what your heart desires. But Fallen Phoenix Mountain, what caught your eye? Logically, this mountain is located on the southwestern border of Longquan County in the Great Li Dynasty. According to your itinerary, you definitely haven't been there. It was once a forbidden mountain of the Great Li Dynasty. Did you choose it based solely on its name?"

Chen Pingan was a little embarrassed and didn't want to reveal the reason.

At the time, Chen Pingan was spreading out a map, hesitating about which mountain to choose. As a result, a bird flew overhead and, unbelievably, dropped a load of dung on the map. Chen Pingan quickly wiped it clean, discovering that the location of the dung was right on the words "Fallen Phoenix Mountain." Chen Pingan didn't think much about it and resolutely chose Fallen Phoenix Mountain, regardless of whether the mountain's name was unlucky or not.

Old Yao once said that there are spirits in the mountains and rivers.

So Chen Pingan took it as an hint from the mountain god.

Ruan Qiong thought for a moment. "Choosing Fallen Phoenix Mountain isn't impossible. Let's finalize it then: Fallen Phoenix Mountain, Treasure Records Mountain, Immortal Grass Mountain, Colorful Cloud Peak, and True Pearl Mountain. Five peaks, for a term of three hundred years. During this period, even if you were to hollow out an entire mountain and move it away, no one would stop you. All products of the mountains, whether herbs, spiritual medicines, birds, beasts, or even accidentally obtained secret treasures, belong to the person whose name is signed on the Great Li mountain and river register contract."

Chen Pingan nodded, "Understood."

Ruan Qiong patiently said, "There are a few things to note. One is that before you die, you must notify the Great Li court through the Longquan County government that you need to change the name or names of the individuals who will inherit the five mountains. Of course, the Great Li Ministry of Revenue will keep a secret file where you can write down a beneficiary for each of your five mountains, in case you suddenly die and don't have time to explain your affairs and make a will. Another thing is that within three hundred years, if you want to sell the mountains, it's not something you can decide at any time. The transaction must be approved by at least three parties from the Great Li government before it can be realized, and I don't recommend selling these mountains. No matter how high a price you sell them for, you will eventually find that you sold at a loss."

Ruan Qiong, although a military strategist sitting in a key position, was discussing matters with a newly rich boy from a back alley as equals, which seemed absurd but was actually quite reasonable. Involving the great undertaking of establishing a sect for generations to come, as well as the opportunity for his own daughter to prove her Dao, Ruan Qiong couldn't help but painstakingly explain the situation to the boy in front of him, breaking down the principles and circumstances bit by bit.

Ruan Qiong asked, "Chen Pingan, do you have any questions?"

Chen Pingan shook his head and smiled, "No, I don't."

Ruan Qiong nodded. "Then let's leave it at that for now. I estimate you still have some copper coins left. Later, I'll keep an eye on the shop transactions in the town for you. You can also take the opportunity to buy one, but don't bite off more than you can chew. In the future, the forces in the town will be mixed and complicated. It's enough to buy one or two old, well-established shops."

Chen Pingan's face flushed slightly. "Thank you, Master Ruan."

Ruan Qiong mocked himself, "A gentleman cherishes virtue, a petty man cherishes land."

Chen Pingan was puzzled because he didn't understand what this sentence meant.

Ruan Qiong waved his hand, urging him to leave. "Go be busy with your own affairs. Don't worry about these pointless moans. Besides, you're still young and haven't reached the point where you can talk about aspirations and realms."

Chen Pingan stood up, carried his basket on his back, and suddenly heard Ruan Qiong say an irrelevant and inexplicable remark: "After Mr. Qi left, it's okay to occasionally miss him. It's only human nature, but don't let yourself get trapped in it, and don't even think about getting to the bottom of things. Once you buy the five mountains and one or two shops, you can comfortably lie down and collect money, marry, have children, and start a family. That would be considered bringing honor to your ancestors. Whether it's me, Ruan Qiong, or the Great Li court, we will protect you and your family. Just like your name, peace and safety are more important than anything else. Who knows, one day, when your luck changes, you might embark on the path of cultivation. That's not impossible."

Chen Pingan left in silence.

After the boy left the shop, Ruan Xiu sat on a bamboo chair and asked, "Dad, what did you mean by that sentence?"

Ruan Qiong said indifferently, "It means that a petty man, whose ideology is inferior to that of a gentleman, will only wholeheartedly think about obtaining a peaceful place."

Ruan Xiu strangely said, "What's wrong with that? Settling down in one's hometown, no one can find fault with that. How is that being a petty man? Who said that sentence? I don't think it makes sense."

Ruan Qiong's face was gloomy, and he said softly, "So the Confucian saint also said, 'Where my heart is at peace, that is my hometown.'"

Ruan Xiu said angrily, "Scholars are really hateful. They've monopolized all the principles in the world!"

Ruan Qiong said earnestly, "Xiu Xiu, that's not a reason for you not to like reading."

The girl with the ponytail pretended to be surprised and exclaimed, then quickly got up and said, "Dad, why do I suddenly have so much strength? I'm going to go forge iron!"Chen Ping'an hurried to the Yang family's shop, delivering a large basket of various herbs to a shop assistant. After the herbs were weighed, Chen Ping'an received two taels of silver. In truth, he had practically given away many rare herbs, as the young assistant didn't recognize their value. Old Man Yang, however, greatly valued these particular herbs as important ingredients. These flowers and plants were the truly valuable items.

But Chen Ping'an's trips into the mountains to gather herbs were merely side endeavors, not intended to earn money. In fact, since learning to burn charcoal in the mountains, almost every time he sold herbs to the Yang family's shop assistant, except for when selling to the honest man named Li Er, he'd lost money.

Old Man Yang never accepted Chen Ping'an's herbs without payment. If Chen Ping'an dared to give them away for free, Old Man Yang would throw him out into the street. However, if sold to the shop assistant or the resident physician, Old Man Yang would turn a blind eye, regardless of the outlandish price.

This time, Chen Ping'an did not see Old Man Yang.

Walking out of the shop, Chen Ping'an noticed many people discussing something. Apparently, something big had happened near the twelve-legged crab archway. The old construction supervisor, Lord Song, who had funded the construction of the covered bridge before his retirement, had returned to the small town in glory. This time, he was a formidable official from the Ministry of Rites, accompanied by a group of refined and imposing officials. They had taken a liking to the calligraphy on the four plaques of the crab archway. After all, they were scholars, which was understandable. However, for some reason, upon receiving the news, the construction office immediately rushed into the mountains to notify the young Master Wu, who had been planning to inspect logging at Far Curtain Peak. Then, this god of wealth, along with his staff and assistants, even more urgently rushed out of the mountains to intercept the senior official Lord Song and his party.

Chen Ping'an, with nothing weighing on his mind, followed the crowd towards the archway, stopping at the edge of the throng.

He saw eight ladders erected beneath the four plaques, with two ladders on either side of each plaque. Currently, however, only two Confucian scholars of vastly different ages stood on the ladders beneath the "Duty-Bound" plaque. The older man was looking down, seemingly berating someone below in the official language of Great Li.

Someone patted Chen Ping'an on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Chen Ping'an, what a coincidence! You're here to watch the fun too?"

Chen Ping'an turned to see the talkative young man with a crimson mole between his eyebrows. Afraid of his endless chatter, he said, "Just taking a look. I can't understand what they're saying anyway. I'm going home soon."

The elegant and handsome young man smiled and said, "Don't go! If you don't understand, I can explain it to you. This is really interesting. You'll definitely regret it if you miss it! Your town magistrate, Lord Wu Yuan, is currently in conflict with officials from the Ministry of Rites who hold a higher rank. The one standing on the ladder is the Vice Minister of the Right from the Ministry of Rites, a genuine high-ranking official of Great Li. On the other side, it's probably the former construction supervisor, Lord Song, using the plaques to curry favor. He likely boasted that he could guarantee the plaques would be kept for them, and even if he couldn't send them back to their hometown, he could certainly send them to the Ministry of Rites. That's how he became a fifth-rank official. So, taking advantage of the imperial decree to consecrate mountain and river deities, the officials from the Ministry of Rites came to collect the plaques legally. On the other hand, there's Lord Wu, who considers all the treasures of the town his own private property. How could he agree to let someone take away the few precious old objects left in the town? Even if he was willing to swallow his pride and endure this humiliation, the old foxes from the four clans and ten families are watching and waiting to laugh at him. If he acts like a coward now, it'll be difficult for him to lord over those powerful clans in the future. The already troubled site selection for the Civil and Martial Temples will definitely fall through."

After listening attentively to the young man's vivid explanation, Chen Ping'an asked, "Who exactly are you? How do you know so much?"

The young man raised a finger and pointed at himself, smiling. "Me? Haha, I'm not an official of the Great Li Dynasty. My name is Cui Chan. The character 'Chan' is rare and difficult to write, very troublesome, you don't need to bother with it."

Chen Ping'an looked into the young man's eyes.

The young man remained composed, smiling playfully. "I'm older than you, so you can call me Uncle Cui."

Chen Ping'an smiled.

The young man also smiled, lightly rubbing his cheeks with his hands. "It's okay, I have a nickname that should be easier to call, 'Embroidered Tiger.'"