Clouds Rise over Longshan
The three-day period passed in the blink of an eye.
Inside the Yaotian encampment, preparations for departure were nearing completion. Thanks to Yang Yuhuan's meticulous care and the restorative medicine left by Bian Que, Yi Xing's body had reached a point where he could endure a long journey, but he still needed a wheelchair and required constant attention to keeping warm, avoiding excessive exertion. Pei Qinhu inspected the packing materials, carefully packing dry rations, water, medicine, and tools for dealing with the dangers of the mountains. Gongsun Li meticulously wiped her umbrella sword, her eyes reflecting both worry about the unknown road ahead and a firm resolve to travel with her companions.
Yang Yuhuan, holding her pipa, stood outside Ming Shiyin's quiet room, checking the remaining amount of calming incense one last time, and carefully instructing the disciples left behind on the many matters concerning Ming Shiyin's care. Bian Que, having left a sufficient quantity of medicine the previous day, departed again as silently as he had appeared, leaving only a note that read, "In times of crisis, burn this incense; it may summon me for a moment," and a small stick of strangely colored incense.
Di Renjie sent Li Yuanfang with a travel document bearing the seal of the Dali Temple, along with a simplified map marking the general terrain of Longshan and known dangerous areas. "Lord Di said that official forces should not openly intervene in such treasure hunting to avoid causing further unrest. However, secret orders have been issued to the surrounding prefectures and counties of Longshan; in case of emergency, this document can be used to seek government assistance." Li Yuanfang handed the documents to Yixing, adding, "That brat Yang Jian has already slipped away to Longshan ahead of time, saying he wanted to 'scout ahead,' and Lord Di couldn't stop him."
Yi Xing accepted the documents and diagrams, and thanked them solemnly. He knew that this was the greatest support Di Renjie could provide within his authority.
"Let's go." Yi Xing looked at the sky; dawn was breaking, it was time to set off.
The group quietly left Chang'an and headed west. Pei Qinhu pushed Yi Xing's wheelchair, with Gongsun Li and Yang Yuhuan acting as bodyguards. Yi Xing carefully placed the "Following the Mechanism Compass" given to him by Master Lu Ban on his lap. The pointer remained motionless for the time being, simply pointing silently forward.
The further west you go, the more undulating the terrain becomes, and the fewer people there are. On both sides of the official road are continuous fields and scattered villages, but the Longshan Mountains are already in sight in the distance. Their majestic and continuous outlines are like a sleeping giant beast, with the mountain peaks hidden in the swirling clouds and mist, carrying a mysterious and dangerous aura.
"The mountains are silent, yet they bear witness to the footprints and choices of countless lives; every step taken is both an exploration of the unknown and the writing of one's own legend."
Yang Yuhuan gazed at the distant mountains and softly recited a poem. Her voice, like a clear mountain spring, washed away the slight unease in everyone's hearts and imbued the road ahead with a poetic hue.
Pei Qinhu took a deep breath of the fresh, grassy air and said boldly, "Who cares about dragon's den or tiger's lair? We'll just charge through! Xing'er, point the way, and I, Old Pei, will clear the way for you!"
Gongsun Li opened her paper umbrella to shield herself from the increasingly intense sunlight and laughed, "With Brother Hu here, I feel like I'm not afraid of any demons or monsters."
Feeling the warmth and strength from his companions, Yi Xing felt a weight lift from his heart. He glanced down at the "Following the Mechanism" on his lap; the pointer remained steady. He knew the real test lay deep within the clouds.
Several days later, they arrived at "Welcoming Town" at the foot of the Longshan Mountains. The town was more lively than they had imagined. Besides the local mountain people, they could see some martial arts practitioners carrying weapons, strangely dressed foreign merchants, and even some people who looked like scholars. Clearly, news of the "Source of Life" had somehow leaked to a small circle, attracting various covetous individuals and causing undercurrents to surge in this remote border town.
As agreed, they checked into the largest inn in town, "Yunlai Inn." Just as they settled in, they heard a series of clanging and banging sounds coming from the next room, along with a familiar, loud complaint.
"What a lousy place! There isn't even a decent workshop! And the tools are so crude! How am I supposed to work here!"
It was Master Lu Ban.
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