Chapter 27: Ji Chunchao Sees Old Friends Again After They Left...
The day after they left, the believers suddenly went berserk, running wildly through the streets. Their expressions were bizarre, their behavior insane, much like the adverse reactions of someone overdosing on drugs. Remembering Lianxi and the others' instructions before they left, Granny Chi kept her door tightly shut, refusing to listen or look, and didn't step out despite the commotion outside.
The noise outside had been going on all day, but then suddenly it went silent. At first, Grandma Chi didn't pay much attention, until a stench wafted in from outside, and the smell grew stronger and stronger, making it difficult for people to breathe properly. Finally, Grandma Chi decided to investigate.
For safety's sake, she opened the second-floor window to check, and was immediately hit by a pungent stench that made her cough. She covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, looked down, and was so frightened by the scene before her that she almost fell off the building.
The clean, smooth stone-paved streets have disappeared, replaced by puddles of something even more disgusting than swill. Floating on them are dead fish, rotten shrimp, stinking rats, leftover food, and greasy fat, mixed with many incompletely dissolved bones, hair, and large eyeballs—the people have all turned to dust.
Grandma Chi immediately knelt down and vomited, still shaken and unsure of what had happened or what to do. Later, she realized the monster from the snow mountain had been eliminated. That night, a heavy rain fell in Shengchun Town, lasting for three days. When the rain stopped, the outside world was clean and new again, but in the vast town of Shengchun, only Grandma Chi and Xiaoshan remained.
Xiaoshan asked Grandma Chi what was happening outside.
Grandma Chi simply replied, "They've all left, gone to where they belong."
Although they brought this outcome upon themselves, they were still neighbors who had lived together for many years. Now that they have all passed away, leaving her as the only widow, she still had to see them off.
Grandma Chi and Xiaoshan prepared white banners and paper money, hanging one in each household. She walked alone through the streets and alleys of Shengchun Town to send them off on their final journey.
From then on, the smog dissipated, and spring returned in full bloom.
Yan Chao asked, "So what are your plans for the future?"
Grandma Chi hugged Xiaoshan tightly, gave a bitter smile, and said, "I used to think about leaving, but now that I can actually leave, I can't leave anymore."
Yan Chao nodded, rubbed his empty stomach, and smiled, "Can we eat something first? I'm hungry." He hadn't felt it when he came back, but as soon as he heard Granny Chi say that they had been gone for more than ten days, he suddenly felt hungry.
Xiaoshan looked up at Grandma Chi and said, "Grandma, Xiaoshan is hungry too."
Grandma Chi smiled and said, "Alright, alright, I'll go make you something to eat."
Yao Xu said, "I'll do it."
Grandma Chi waved her hand and said, "You've had a hard time on this trip. Now that you're back safely, you should get some rest. I promise I won't give you coarse bread and pickles this time."
The three of them smiled and sat down to wait for Granny Chi.
Lianxi poured Yan Chao a glass of water as usual, and also poured a glass for Yao Xu.
Xiao Shan hadn't seen Yan Chao for a long time and clung to her for a hug. Xiao Shan was especially well-behaved in her arms and asked, "Sister, have all the bad guys really been driven away?"
Yan Chao smiled and said, "Yes, from now on Xiaoshan and Grandma will be able to live a peaceful life."
Xiaoshan asked, "Sister said before that there was something related to Xiaoshan, but she could only tell me after it was over. What is it?"
Upon hearing this, the two looked at Yan Chao. Yan Chao had naturally not forgotten that matter, but he didn't say it directly. He said mysteriously, "Let's wait for your grandmother to say. This is a good thing for you, but it depends on whether your grandmother agrees."
Before long, Grandma Chi brought out four bowls of steaming hot rice noodles, one large and one small. The aroma alone made Yan Chao's mouth water. She couldn't wait and took a big bite, stamping her feet in satisfaction, mumbling, "This is so delicious! You have to teach me how to make it later!"
Seeing Yan Chao eating so happily, Grandma Chi was also pleased and said, "Good, good, eat slowly, there's more if you're not full."
Lianxi asked, "Why are there only four bowls? Aren't you going to eat?"
Grandma Chi said, "I've already eaten. I'm old, I can't eat much before I'm full. You guys should try it, this sauce is freshly made today. I was wondering if you'd come back today, but you actually did. It's a good opportunity to try something new."
Yao Xu exclaimed, "Delicious! After eating, I can take a nice nap. It's so relaxing!"
After finishing a bowl of rice noodles, Yan Chao let out a satisfied burp and finally brought up the matter, saying seriously, "Grandma, I want to discuss something with you about Xiaoshan."
Seeing that she had suddenly become serious, and that it was about Xiaoshan again, Grandma Chi was a little scared and asked, "What is it?"
Yan Chao smiled gently and said, "Don't be nervous. What I meant was that I took Xiaoshan's pulse before, and the reason he became like this is because of a poison he was born with, which is not incurable."
Grandma Chi was a little agitated, thinking she had misheard, and asked again nervously, "You just said that Xiaoshan can be cured?"
Yan Chao nodded solemnly and said, "Of course, but the recovery time will be longer, and you will need to leave here for a while."
Grandma Chi's eyes gleamed, and she was about to agree when she suddenly remembered something and silently withdrew her words.
Yan Chao guessed what she was thinking and said, "Don't worry about the money. I think your shop is well-managed and your cooking is good. You can use this to pay for the medicine when you go there."
Grandma Chi was somewhat moved and asked, "Is it really possible?"
Yan Chao said, "That's fine. After Xiaoshan recovers, you can return to Shengchun Town to continue your lives."
Grandma Chi asked, "Where are you going?"
Yan Chao said, "Spring Mountain Pavilion."
Yao Xu exclaimed in surprise, "Peach Blossom, you're from Chunshan Pavilion? You wouldn't happen to be that...?"
“I know what you’re trying to say,” Yan Chao interrupted him, blinked, and added, “but I’m just a waiter at Chunshanlou.”
Yao Xu said, "I should have thought of that. You are so skilled in medicine, and you always remain calm and composed. You know quite a lot. Only the people of Chunshan Tower have this ability."
Yan Chao said with a touch of pride, "Of course! Our Chunshan Pavilion doesn't keep idle people. Everyone we pick is top-notch!" After saying that, Yan Chao took out a pendant from his bag, in which was embedded a small portrait with exquisite painting. He looked at Lianxi and asked, "What do you think of my painting?"
Lianxi was taken aback at first, then raised an eyebrow and asked, "Did you draw this?"
Yan Chao said, "Absolutely genuine."
Lianxi smiled and said, "Yes, very good."
The portrait depicted was none other than Lian, the Ghost King Prince of Chunshan Tower, who had once been suspected of being the same person.
Yao Xu turned his head to look, rolled his eyes, and said with some dissatisfaction, "Why him? Isn't there anyone else?"
Yan Chao replied truthfully, "Yes, but I didn't bring it. After all, Gongzi Lian is the boss of the Ghost Realm. If we encounter any demons or monsters on the road, taking this out might be able to intimidate them."
Lianxi laughed twice, as if she was amused, but there was also a hint of smugness in her voice.
Granny Chi said, "This pendant is so magical?"
From the celestial deities to the five kings of the underworld, all have worshippers. The wealthy build temples and shrines, offering lamps and incense daily; the poor go to temples to offer free incense or hang a portrait at home. These pendants serve as a spiritual talisman, a protective charm. When trouble arises, one whispers a few words in their heart; when not, one wears them around their neck to ward off evil and misfortune. They are suitable for all ages and backgrounds, regardless of wealth.
However, only Chunshanlou in the entire Three Realms can make this pendant. The back of the pendant is engraved with Chunshanlou's unique hidden pattern; all others are imitations. All items sold by Chunshanlou are first blessed with incense at the corresponding temple for seven days before being sold. Chunshanlou has a shop in both the realms of gods and demons, which is mutually beneficial for both.
Yan Chao sighed and said, "I originally wanted to take advantage of the Spring Mountain market closure to see the person who was impersonating the Spring Mountain Master. In the end, I didn't see the Spring Mountain Master, but I did meet two handsome young men."
Yao Xu coughed and said, "How do you know it's a fake?"
Yan Chao said, "I don't know, after all, no one has ever seen the true face of the Spring Mountain Pavilion Master. But with such a great reputation, there will always be people who want to impersonate him."
Lianxi said, "Don't you want to know who the real master of Chunshan Tower is?"
Yan Chao said, "I am curious, but it's not important to me. That's all I know."
Granny Chi deeply felt that this owner of Chunshan Restaurant was no ordinary person. If even an ordinary waiter was so extraordinary, the other two people sitting with her must also be extraordinary. Thinking this, she became even more worried.
Grandma Chi said, "Since Chunshan Tower is such a place, it wouldn't be wise for us to go there rashly."
Seeing that she seemed to have misunderstood something, Yan Chao smiled and said, "Although our leader is quite mysterious, we are doing these things with tacit approval. You and Xiaoshan can go ahead without worry, the leader won't blame us."
Granny Chi was relieved and said, "Then thank you, young lady."
Yan Chao said, "Judging by the days, the caravan from Chunshan Tower should be passing through here soon. Since things have already been settled, why don't you set off tomorrow morning and have Momo guide you? The caravan will take you back to Chunshan Tower when they see Momo."
Grandma Chi was taken aback by the suddenness and asked, "Are you leaving tomorrow morning?"
Yan Chao said, "It's better to go early than late. The sooner we go, the sooner Xiaoshan will get better." She patted Xiaoshan's head and added, "I promised Xiaoshan that I would make sure he walks out of here with a clear conscience."
The next morning.
Grandma Chi and Xiaoshan packed their bags and prepared to leave. Before departing, Grandma Chi and Xiaoshan knelt down and kowtowed three times to the three of them. Yan Chao quickly helped them up and asked, "What are you doing?"
Granny Chi said, "It was the three of you who rescued Shengchun Town and saved me and Xiaoshan. We met you by chance, and you are so kind as to ask your employer to treat Xiaoshan. Xiaoshan and I will repay your kindness by serving you like cattle and horses!"
Yan Chao said, "I also want to thank you for believing in me and letting Xiaoshan get treatment. We'll talk about everything after Xiaoshan recovers. By then, you won't have to be treated like slaves anymore; you can just live a good life."
Yao Xu, unusually serious, said, "Yes, living well is more important than anything else."
Xiaoshan held Yanchao's hand reluctantly and asked, "Sister, will we meet again?"
Yan Chao squatted down and hugged him, saying solemnly, "Of course! Xiaoshan and Grandma, please take good care of yourselves. We'll see each other again soon."
Xiaoshan said, "Then next time we meet, I'd like to hear you sing for me again, sister."
Yan Chao said, "It's a deal."
As they walked away into the distance, the mist over the snow-capped mountains in the distance dissipated, casting a golden glow.
Yan Chao exclaimed excitedly, "Look! That's the golden mountain illuminated by the sun! We'll see it eventually!"
The two people behind him were also moved.
Suddenly, a person walked gracefully out from the golden light. She was dressed in plain clothes, with a jade ring at her waist and her black hair half-tied up, like a goddess descending.
Upon seeing who it was, Yao Xu exclaimed with delight, "Mi Qing, what brings you here?"
Mi Qing smiled and nodded to Yan Chao and Lian Xi, who also smiled and nodded back. For some reason, Yan Chao felt a sense of familiarity upon seeing Mi Qing, as if they had known each other before.
Mi Qing looked at Yao Xu and said, "I'm here to explain something on behalf of Princess Mingxiu."
"Myeong-soo-won-gun never intentionally harmed the Crown Prince Seokyo."
Years ago, on the eve of becoming the Crown Prince, Zhu Jing came to see Huaiyu and told her that he would be leaving soon. After Zhu Jing became the Crown Prince, rumors circulated that he was about to ascend to heaven, leading Huaiyu to believe that Zhu Jing had broken his promise and was going to abandon his mother and her.
A few days later, the First Prince found Huaiyu and embellished the story, demanding a divine position in exchange for Zhu Jing's downfall. Huaiyu suddenly realized it was all a conspiracy by the First Prince. To save Zhu Jing, she feigned agreement, intending to use the opportunity to assassinate him. If the assassination failed, she would take Zhu Jing's place, as a way of repaying the debt of gratitude from years ago. She was like duckweed on the water, only to drift away again after a brief stay. Little did she know that the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind; her assassination attempt failed, and she was instead killed by another prince's men with a single sword to the throat.
After her ascension, she felt guilty about Zhu Jing's death, and since the world also had many doubts about her ascension, she remained silent and never explained. Therefore, many officials in the celestial realm had reservations about her.
Yao Xu hadn't paid attention to her background before, only thinking she was aloof and difficult to get along with, and his words weren't meant to be offensive. Now that he knew the reason behind it all, he still felt guilty and asked, "Then why didn't she come in person?"
Mi Qing looked sad and said, "She can't come. Her obsession has run deep, and it has all turned into dance steps that she can't stop. The Emperor has ordered someone to take her down to the mortal realm to recuperate, and I will temporarily take her place. I believe she will return."
For a moment, none of them spoke. After a long silence, Lianxi spoke first: "Now that things have come to this, please convey some words to her, which may help her recover."
Lianxi told her about Zhu Jing's words and the couple's entrustment. Miqing felt regretful after hearing this and hoped that Huaiyu would feel some comfort after knowing.
Yan Chao looked at Mi Qing and said, "I've heard that Fairy Mi Qing possesses a Xiaochen Qin, which can purify impurities and peacefully guide souls. This place has been plagued by illness for a long time; I wonder if you could play a tune here?"
Mi Qing said gently, "Just call me Mi Qing. I prefer to be called by my name rather than by a title. As for what you just said, that's exactly what I was thinking too."
The four arrived at the foot of the snow-capped mountain. Mi Qing summoned the Xiaochen Qin, her fingertips brushing across the strings, and a melodious tune resounded through the clouds. Yan Chao took the opportunity to take out a seed and plant it in the soil. Soon it sprouted; it was Ji Chun Chao's seed.
Yao Xu said, "Since the destruction of Shiyue, there has been no more Jichunchao in the world. It is truly worthy of Chunshanlou, that it even has this."
Yan Chao said, "The seeds of the Spring Morning Flower have sprouted and bloomed, bringing joy to people's hearts and making them smile again. It originally came from here, and now that it has returned, let it be considered a blessing from the God of Spring to this land."
As she said this, the tattoo on Lianxi's palm suddenly glowed. Lianxi looked at the flower "Spring Dawn" on her palm and smiled.
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Author's Note: We've actually reached 100,000 words!!!
In truth, both Huaiyu and Zhujing were divinely ordained. The extraordinary signs at birth meant they should have ascended together, their dance and music a harmonious spectacle—a truly beautiful tale. However, Huaiyu and her parents would still miss each other then. Her parents would know their child had ascended, but the vast distance between heaven and earth would make a meeting difficult. Nevertheless, given her parents' love for their child, Huaiyu would eventually hear them and reunite with them.
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