It rises majestically from the plain, like the towering Black Mountain. Inside it runs a huge river, the source of which is from the Dragon Horn Mountain. It is truly magnificent.
"The layout of this place is not bad."
Chen Sheng, who was sitting on a white crane, floated over, his eyes lowered, revealing a look of surprise.
The layout of Sijiu City gives a feeling of a blessed land, that is, the concentration of spiritual energy is not high, otherwise there must be a master who founded a sect here.
"There are many cultivators, and it seems that there are one or two in the Foundation Establishment Stage, but they are hiding very deeply and cannot be identified."
Luzhu was a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage. She had a keen sense of perception and detected the auras of many cultivators in Sijiu City. One or two of them were hidden very deeply and too far away for her to accurately feel them.
"Are you here for the inheritance of the second-level alchemist as well?"
Chen Sheng pondered for a moment, then quickly ignored it and said, "There are still two or three days before the auction begins. Let's find a place to stay first."
The two men went down to the city and looked around. They saw tall wooden buildings and a dense population. It was indeed a prosperous city.
"Red Line Building!"
Luzhu looked around and saw the same old buildings everywhere, so she just randomly found a restaurant to stay in.
Then, she saw the name on a plaque and was immediately attracted.
"This name suits my taste."
Mr. Chen roughly guessed what Lu Zhu was thinking. A marriage is made in heaven, and there is a red thread connecting the two of them.
If you have this thought in mind, you won't forget it when you meet it today.
"My two distinguished guests, are you staying at the hotel?"
In the Red Line Building, the shopkeeper was a wealthy old man who sat there, looking a little warm.
Hearing the noise, he glanced casually, then his expression changed, a smile appeared on his face, he grabbed the servant, and hurried to receive them himself.
"I want a room, a better one."
Mr. Chen nodded slightly as a greeting.
This action made the shopkeeper flattered and became restrained.
Seeing this, he stopped talking nonsense and directly stated what he needed.
"Room No. 2 is vacant. It's guaranteed to be the best. I'll take you there right away."
The shopkeeper walked in front and led Chen Sheng and the other man to Room No. 2 in Tianzi.
This is a very nice room with a great view. Through the window, you can see the river and the mountains, as well as the bustling streets, and feel the breath of mortals.
If you want some peace and quiet, close the doors and windows, and a simple soundproofing array will appear to block out any noise from the outside world.
"good."
Mr. Chen and his friend went in and took a look around, and were very satisfied.
"You two, I'm leaving now. Just let me know if you have anything to say."
After receiving the praise, a smile appeared on the shopkeeper's face, with a hint of relief.
Before leaving, he kept talking, asking people to go to the counter and tell them if they had anything to ask. After getting a response, he quietly left.
"A cultivator who plays the game of the mortal world."
Mr. Chen could tell at once that the shopkeeper was an immortal cultivator, and his realm was not low, at the peak of the fifth level of Qi Refining.
It is really strange that such a person, who has high positions and generous salaries at his fingertips in the human dynasty, would open a restaurant.
"Eternal life is just an illusion. In his eyes, wealth and glory are just passing clouds. It is better to live a relaxed life."
Luzhu knew the thoughts of this kind of people, and they had already become indifferent to material things.
Since immortality is unattainable, we can only pursue spiritual peace.
Maybe the other person likes this kind of lifestyle.
"Boss, you are a master of the fifth level of Qi Refining, how can you steal my work?"
Here, the servant saw the shopkeeper coming down, feeling a little aggrieved and a little worried. Judging from the pace, he was afraid that he would go to the accounting office to settle the bill and leave.
Isn’t it said that cultivators are all superior?
How can he be so skilled in serving others? "That is a master, much better than me."
The shopkeeper was usually gentle to others and never showed off his authority to the servant. He explained the reason.
The man and woman had a very restrained aura. He didn't know what level of cultivation they were at, but their bearing and composure showed that they were not simple people.
It’s always right to hold it carefully.
"It seems that the operation of Jingxiao Chamber of Commerce this time was quite successful, attracting so many cultivators and masters."
The servant had been working in the store for several years. With the guidance of the shopkeeper, he had learned about some of the immortal cultivators in the city of Sijiu.
The inheritance of the second-level alchemist was extremely precious, and the Jingxiao Chamber of Commerce released it with great reluctance, but it really caught a big fish and attracted many immortal cultivators to gather there.
After this incident, the influence of Jingxiao Chamber of Commerce will be further enhanced.
"not necessarily."
The shopkeeper shook his head.
He was from Sijiu City. He left after practicing Taoism when he was young and returned in his later years. He knew that there were some secrets here.
"Shopkeeper, what else is there besides this?"
The servant asked curiously.
"Is the room cleaned? Are the ingredients ready in the kitchen? He'll keep nagging me all day long."
This time, the shopkeeper showed some authority and asked a lot of questions, which made the servant dare not nag anymore. He quickly picked up the broom and went straight to the corridor.
At night, Chen Sheng and Lu Zhu did not practice qigong, but slept in each other's arms, like an ordinary couple.
They were familiar with each other's existence.
Time passes.
The sun in the sky gradually moved forward, and the sound of the rippling waves on the river spread in all directions.
Chen Sheng woke up and saw the picturesque side of the world.
In addition, a bustling crowd of people gathered together and headed towards the Longjiao Mountain.
"Boss, why are all the ordinary people heading up the mountain?"
After going downstairs, Mr. Chen asked about this matter.
"They went to visit Linglong Niangniang Temple and pray for the fish talisman."
The shopkeeper did not dare to be perfunctory, but explained the whole story clearly.
April 7th is the Linglong Niangniang Festival.
On this day, all the men, women, old and young in the city would go to Longjiao Mountain and visit the temple to worship Lady Linglong and ask for the Fish Talisman.
Then at night, the fish symbol obtained is placed on a lantern and floats down the Xilong River, symbolizing a long-lasting fortune for the family, no illness or disaster, and a happy marriage.
"Husband, let's go to the Linglong Niangniang Temple too."
Hearing this, Luzhu's eyes lit up. The Linglong Niangniang Festival was exactly to her liking.
The things that are blessed are her favorite.
"Immortal cultivators go to worship gods?!"
There was a hint of surprise in the shopkeeper's eyes. As cultivators, they were even more powerful than the statues in mortal temples.
There is no need to seek external things.
"You know, this is a kind of spiritual sustenance."
Mr. Chen was a little amused and helpless. Immortal cultivators had great power and understood everything about heaven and earth. They knew that there were no gods in the world anymore and it was useless to worship gods.
It’s just that ordinary people are ignorant and regard it as a kind of spiritual sustenance, which is why it has continued to this day.
"Isn't this good?"
Luzhu asked back.
That will bless the family with good health and a happy marriage.
It's also good to seek comfort.
"Go, go now!"
Mr. Chen rarely refutes Lu Zhu. Whatever she says is what it is, and this time is no exception.
In this way, two young figures appeared among the bustling crowd on the street.
Luzhu casually bought an umbrella and used it to shade herself from the sun like other girls on earth. She was in high spirits and very happy all the way.
Mr. Chen’s gentle smile will make him remember this day forever.
Longjiao Mountain.
The mountain is no more than a hundred feet high, flat and uncrowded, without any danger. The path is made of stone steps, which is very convenient.
Families, couples, the crowds were surging.
Chen Sheng and Lu Zhu were mixed in the crowd, feeling a little inconspicuous. After wasting more than half an hour, they finally saw the Linglong Niangniang Temple.
The temple is not new and does not occupy a large area, but one can see that it is built with great sincerity. The beams and stones used are of top quality and will last for thousands of years.
There was a large tripod in the hall, surrounded by clouds of smoke, and the burning incense sticks sparkled like countless stars.
In the middle and inside is a clay sculpture of a female fairy, and next to it is a very old temple keeper.
This place was created by folk beliefs.
Some people share his view.
That was a scholar.
"Your old-fashioned ideas are useless. There is no God in this world. It is better to rely on yourself than to ask others for help. I will take you to get medicine."
The scholar tried to persuade the village girl, who was also his wife, with kind words.
If you are sick, just take medicine. The gods in the temple are useless.
On the contrary, if you inhale too much incense, it will damage your lungs.
As a patient, I should not come to such a smokey place.
"I took so many medicines, but they didn't seem to help me."
The village girl was not intimidated by her scholar husband, and she was very much like a married woman from a noble family. She insisted, "Lady Linglong has great magical powers and will protect me."
She didn't really believe in gods, but this disease was like a cancer attached to her bones, difficult to cure, and it kept coming back. She had taken too many medicines, but all were in vain.
"That's a clay sculpture or a wooden sculpture. How can it bless you?"
The scholar retorted.
"You don't understand. Lady Linglong has always been in Sijiu City. The Xilong River hasn't flooded for 800 years. The weather is good and every household can have food to eat. You also have the opportunity to study."
The village girl was not polite at all. She listed the reasons in detail and accused her again, saying: "You have read books and understand the truth, but you come to slander Lady Linglong. This is not right."
Lady Linglong has a long history and has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people here for hundreds and thousands of years. Even the most stubborn old scholar has to respect her.
Although she was not convinced, she was not unbelieving either.
"The lack of floods is due to climate change, and has nothing to do with Lady Linglong."
The scholar talked about floods and climate, which are real even though they cannot be touched.
"It doesn't matter. Then why did Sijiu City become better after Lady Linglong appeared?"
The village girl insisted.
Chen Sheng found this interesting, but he had his own opinion. He said, "Perhaps a Taoist friend who passed by could not bear the suffering of the people, so he used his magical powers to control the wind and rain. Later, people were moved by her and built a temple. After hundreds of years of evolution, it became what it is today."
Those who practice Taoism are fighting against heaven for their lives. There is no time to waste and they only need to take care of themselves.
But it is undeniable that in this immortal world, there are still a few sages who care about the people of the world. They use the great power they control to sort out the changes in the earth's energy for the people, separate yin and yang, and rebuild the mountains and rivers.
After such a person dies, the people will worship him, and through thousands of years of worship and belief, he will become a god.
"I'm so pissed off."
While thinking, the village girl couldn't argue, and she got so angry that she became ill and coughed a few times.
"Well, you're right,"
Upon seeing this, the scholar shut up, convinced in his heart, and acted very cautiously, not daring to jump even a little.
It can be seen that he still loves his daughter-in-law very much.
"Brother and wife, you are truly role models in the world."
Mr. Chen found it strange. The two people had different perspectives on things, but despite their bumps and bruises, they didn't hurt each other's feelings and instead became more and more harmonious.
This is rare, and I think it is a marriage with a story.
"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, brother."
The scholar looked sideways and saw Mr. Chen, and was amazed by his temperament.
It’s not that the person has a heavenly appearance, but that kind of demeanor, with a hint of heaviness in his indifference, is like the aroma of wine after it has settled, which is very flavorful.
"How did you two get together?"
Luzhu looked at this mortal couple and could see that they were very happy, but the combination of their identities was very strange.
Generally speaking, this kind of thing cannot last long.
"Well, we were neighbors. When I was in school, I almost starved to death. She would carry a small bag of food to support me every ten days or half a month."
The scholar told an old story. This was his childhood sweetheart who saved his life. Although she was a little less knowledgeable, he never despised her.
He ate a lot of those bags of food back then, and his mouth has been shut long ago.
"No shame."
The village girl was not really unreasonable. She was just very anxious about the illness so she went out to pray to God.
When she heard the scholar talking about what happened in the past, she felt a little shy. She stood behind him, blushing and lowering her head.
"They are a loving couple. Please treat them."
Luzhu was deeply moved. Ever since she met Chen Sheng, what she hated the most was the love, hate and enmity between men and women.
Every bit of help counts.
With Chen Sheng's level of alchemy skills, treating mortals' injuries and illnesses is a piece of cake for him.
"Brother, do you know the art of Qi Huang?"
The scholar also cared a lot about the word "doctor" because he wanted his poor wife to be cured.
Over the years, I have sought countless medicines, but always ended in disappointment.
Even so, he never gave up.
"For the human world, it's pretty impressive."
Mr. Chen spoke the truth, glanced at the village girl, and said, "This girl has blood stagnation, which is caused by overwork in the past."
No wonder ordinary doctors cannot cure it. This disease is caused by excessive consumption of the body's essence.
Even if some of it can be made up later, it will never be able to return to its original state.
"Yes, yes, it can be cured."
The scholar said excitedly.
After his wife married him, they lived in poverty for a while. Although they have finally gotten through it, it was still a torment. She had to take care of the family and contribute to the household income every day.
Overwork will lead to illness.
Mr. Chen saw the source at a glance, and he couldn't help but feel more convinced.
"Brother, trust me. Take this powder with water once a day. Finish it in three days and you will be cured."
Chen Sheng found a pill for treating injuries in his storage bag, ground it into powder, put it in a jade bottle, and handed it to the scholar.
Treat the disease with the right medicine, and use a panacea. Three days will be enough.
"How much? I'll give it to you."
The scholar was in a hurry to pay.
He may not believe in this medicine, but as long as there is a slight possibility, he will try it.
"No need."
Mr. Chen smiled, turned around with Luzhu, and disappeared into the bustling crowd, never to be seen again.
after.
Chen Sheng and Lu Zhu entered the temple and worshipped Lady Linglong.
Mr. Chen was a believer, so he bowed and greeted him.
Lu Zhu was very serious. She burned incense, prayed, and even asked the old woman for advice on the details of worshiping the gods. She did not show any sign of annoyance.
He even seemed to be enjoying it.
"Old man, please give me a fish charm."
After worshiping the gods, Mr. Chen asked for a fish talisman.
This is an indispensable part of the Linglong Niangniang Festival.
"One for each person."
Luzhu added.
"You are a good man, good people will be rewarded."
The temple keeper was an old man who had seen all kinds of people and had received high-ranking officials in the city. He could see that Chen Sheng and Lu Zhu were extraordinary and should be those high-ranking immortal cultivators.
Such people are indifferent to life and detached from the world. It is very rare to find someone as kind as Mr. Chen.
"Perhaps."
Mr. Chen smiled back.
He never thought that he was detached. He had no control over birth, aging, sickness and death, and he felt helpless in many ways.
"The fish talisman of Lady Linglong will protect you."
The temple keeper took out two fish charms and said something as usual, obviously thinking that the cultivator would not believe it.
"bless!"
Lu Zhu was an exception. She gave Chen Sheng a fish charm and used one of them herself. She held it in both hands and bowed twice devoutly, just like a country girl.
(End of this chapter)