Chapter 42 Tracing the Past, Upon First Ascending to Heaven, Jia Fengxi raised an eyebrow, wondering...
Feng Xi raised an eyebrow, unsure whether it was regret or happiness, and said, "So, you two aren't together yet?"
Yan Chao said, "Yes, my family doesn't agree."
Feng Xi didn't detect any emotion in his voice and said, "Is it his fault?"
Yan Chao shook his head and said honestly, "On the contrary, he is a very good person. He disagrees only because he doesn't want me to be bound by old feelings. He wants me to meet more people. It's not too late to choose after I've met more people."
Feng Xi said, "That makes sense. Chaochao must have met many people by now."
Yan Chao smiled: "Yes. Although I think being with the person I like and doing what I want to do are not mutually exclusive, this matter is very important to me, and I can only feel at ease after I handle it well. Besides, I heard that he already has someone he likes. Once all this is over, if I want to choose, I'll find someone else."
Yan Chao turned around and looked up at the fireworks in the sky. The fireworks were beautiful, but they were fleeting.
Whether it was Yan Chao's imagination or not, Feng Xi seemed to smile when he turned around just now.
Yan Chao didn't look at him, and said, "I heard from Mi Qing that you have someone you like. You're so amazing, the person you like must be very good too."
Feng Xi also turned and looked up at the fireworks, saying, "She really is a wonderful person. I've only met her twice. The first time, it was just a fleeting glance, and I didn't even have time to ask her name. The second time, we spent a month together, but I didn't even have time to say goodbye. I owe her a 'thank you,' and I also owe her an 'I'm sorry.' Fortunately, I was able to meet her again, and fortunately, I learned that we should have known each other since childhood. It's just that she doesn't remember."
Suddenly, with a loud bang, the most dazzling fireworks of the night burst into bloom. Feng Xi's last words were also drowned out by the sound of the fireworks. Yan Chao didn't hear them, and she really couldn't remember them.
Yan Chao was stunned for a moment, feeling a heat on her face. She turned her head away, clutching her chest tightly with one hand, and heard a rapid "thump-thump" sound in her ears, which was the sound of her heartbeat.
She didn't know how to describe her feelings at that moment; she only felt that her heart was filled with a strong and complex emotion.
There was joy, shock, and even more doubt.
She was startled by her own reaction, and also bewildered by her own unfounded confidence. She was certain that she had been influenced by Mi Qing; Yan Chao was absolutely certain that the person Feng Xi was referring to was her!
He must know who she is; after all, she hadn't intended to hide it, she just hadn't found the right opportunity. Judging from his words just now, now that he knew her identity, he also remembered that story their parents had told them about.
There's just one strange thing: had she met Feng Xi before?
When he mentioned that time, his tone was full of regret and remorse, but she couldn't remember when she had ever met him.
Yan Chao chuckled helplessly, thinking to himself, "Yan Chao, how can you be so sure that the person you're talking about is you?"
Feng Xi asked, "Chao Chao, what's wrong?"
Yan Chao exclaimed "Huh?" and suddenly felt a little embarrassed. He said, "It's getting late. Labutan has something to discuss tomorrow, so I'll head back now. You should get some rest too."
After speaking, Yan Chao left quickly without waiting for Feng Xi's reply.
The next morning.
In addition to tying auspicious knots, Keqiang people also have the tradition of "receiving and seeking blessings" on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
"Receiving blessings" refers to visiting relatives on the first day of the lunar new year and receiving their blessings. Usually, the relatives being visited will give you freshly roasted mutton and freshly cooked lamb. The visitor will reciprocate with auspicious words and give you a long scarf embroidered with auspicious patterns of the Keqiang people.
Seeking Blessings is another recreational activity besides Galaha. Each family will bring out some of their hunted game and hide it in various places in the forest. The Bimo (priest) and elders will personally draw a map, and each family will send someone to search for it in the forest. "Seeking Blessings" is a homonym for "happiness," and if you want to obtain happiness, you must rely on your own efforts. No matter how much game you ultimately obtain, as long as you have done it sincerely, you have already obtained happiness.
Yao Xu and Mi Qing also wanted to experience it, so they went with the clansmen.
Yan Chao and Feng Xi were summoned to the tent by Rabutan alone.
As soon as the two entered, they saw only Labutan, but not the other two. They exchanged a glance, and Feng Xi asked, "What do you mean by this?"
Labutan sat upright in the center and said calmly, "Please sit down and have a bowl of milk tea."
Upon hearing this, the two sat down facing each other.
Yan Chao said, "You specifically called us here, what is it you want to talk about?"
Labutan sighed and said, "Our ancestors prophesied that a new Four Gentlemen of Heaven and Earth would return to Keqiang a hundred years from now, so I knew you would come. I just didn't expect it to be under such circumstances. It's truly an injustice of fate and a cruel twist of destiny."
Yan Chao said, "So, the ancestors of the Keqiang clan knew long ago that the Heavenly Grain Ranking would reappear in the world. What else do you know?"
Rabtan simply said, “The reason I called you two here alone is because I know that you both share the same goal and have a will that transcends ordinary people. Fortunately, you trust each other, and this trust is unwavering. No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, it will not break your resolve.”
Feng Xi looked at Yan Chao, a slight smile playing on his lips.
Yan Chao returned the smile openly, even with a hint of smugness. Her doubts from yesterday had been completely dispelled by Labutan's words, making her even more convinced that Feng Xi loved her. As for the past she couldn't remember, the road ahead was long; she could deal with it whenever she remembered.
But Rabtan said they had the same goal. Could it be that he's also investigating the Power of All Spirits?
Labutan said, "Do you two still remember Tianjia Mountain?"
The two men looked at each other, both startled.
Tianjia Mountain is the original birthplace of the gods and, besides Yunhuai Mountain, another forbidden area.
Tianjia Mountain is a divine mountain located in the mortal realm. There is a barrier around the divine mountain, where all kinds of immortals and gods live. They can hide their identities and travel freely to various parts of the mortal world. Humans and gods live together in the same realm, and their relationship is relatively harmonious.
There was no Tiandu back then.
Until the chaos of all spirits broke out, all the gods perished, and Yaoqi personally beheaded Mizhen on Tianjia Mountain, established Tiandu, and sealed Tianjia Mountain, thus the Three Realms were formed.
Yan Chao asked, "Why did you mention Tianjia Mountain?"
Labutan said, "This is the turning point for the previous generation of the Four Heavenly Sovereigns. They were caught in the game, and so are you. If you want to break the deadlock, you may want to go to Tianjia Mountain to find out the truth."
Feng Xi said, "Since the four of us have become one, why are you sending only the two of us?"
Rabtan coughed and said, "The time is not right, so there's no point in saying more. But now that we're in the game, it's all up to fate."
Feng Xi said, "I don't believe in fate. Only what is in our own hands counts." He looked at Yan Chao and said, "Chao Chao, it seems we'll have to leave them behind this time."
Yan Chao scoffed, "I've had this idea for a long time. Now that it's been brought up here, I have no choice but to go."
I hadn't planned to stay long in the first place, but now that I had something important to do, I naturally couldn't stay any longer.
Yan Chao and Feng Xi explained the situation to Yao Xu and Mi Qing. The next morning, the four of them bid farewell to the Ke Qiang people.
Before leaving, the tribespeople filled a pot with hot milk tea and freshly roasted glutinous rice for the four to take on their journey.
Ak reluctantly pulled the four women's hands together and said, "Sister Abu, can't you stay a little longer?"
The four looked at each other. Although they had gotten along well with everyone in the tribe during this time, Ak had always been by their side, and their feelings for him were always a little different. Now that they were parting, even though they were reluctant to part, they had to meet again eventually, and they only hoped to meet again someday.
Yao Xu squatted down, patted Ak's head, and said, "Kid, thank you for taking care of us and keeping us company these days. But we still have important things to do. If fate allows, we will meet again."
Ak, his eyes red, asked, "Really?"
The three said, "Really, I believe we will meet again."
Yan Chao took out a packet of dried apricots and handed it to Ak, saying, "These dried apricots will bring happiness. Ak, you and everyone else, you must be happy!"
Ak happily accepted the necklaces, then took out four necklaces made of animal bones from his pocket and put them around the necks of the four people, saying, "These necklaces are the best amulets; they will always protect Abu and the sisters!"
The tribespeople bowed to the four as a farewell gesture, saying in unison, "The Keqiang will always be with you!"
The four said, "Thank you everyone! Thank you!"
Labutan slowly stepped forward and said, "We Keqiang people have a saying: 'A campfire can dispel the bitter cold, and unity can drive away difficulties.' The current predicament is not the final outcome. I wish that no matter what difficulties and obstacles you encounter, you four can work together hand in hand and trust each other without doubt."
Whether it was Yan Chao's imagination or not, she felt that Rabutan was acting strangely today. He seemed very weak, which made her feel inexplicably uneasy.
Yan Chao grabbed Rabutan's hand. His pulse was normal, but she still asked worriedly, "Are you alright?"
Upon hearing this, Labtan paused, chuckled twice, and said, "I'm just getting old, and I've been busy with clan affairs these past few days, so I'm a little tired." Labtan's gaze was kind, and he said meaningfully, "You've investigated the case and rescued many people along the way. Everything you've done will surely be rewarded to you in the future."
Yan Chao didn't understand the deeper meaning, taking it as Rabtan's blessing to them, and said with a smile, "If that's really the case, then I'll take your good wishes."
Rabtan and his people said, "Take care."
The four said, "Take care."
......
The four left Keqiang and exited the forest, but Bangling never appeared.
Yao Xu said, "Is this Ranking Spirit slacking off? He should have shown up long ago in the past."
As soon as he finished speaking, a golden light descended from not far away, and a person walked out of the light. That person was not Bang Ling, but the prosecutor—Tao Zhong.
Tao Zhong strode forward with a grin, stopped in front of the four, and said respectfully, "Greetings, everyone."
Last time, he didn't recognize their identities, only knowing they were the Four Lords of the New Heavenly Millet, and his words were mostly polite. Now that he knows one is the son of the Emperor, and another is the acting chief deity of the Bright Beauty Palace, the other two are certainly not to be underestimated either, so this time he can only show genuine respect.
He was of low status and his words carried little weight; how could he dare to act rashly?
Mi Qing asked, "Inspector, why are you here?"
Tao Zhong said, "I have nothing to do and did not mean to bother you. I just came to leave my seal and will leave after that."
After saying this, Tao Zhong immediately turned around, found a tree, gently pressed his mark on it, and then turned back and said, "Farewell, everyone!" He then disappeared.
They really do leave on a whim.
When the four of them got to the tree, they saw that it was printed with the words "Good, another day has passed, good."
"......"
Yan Chao said, "Are your heavenly inspectors really that interesting?"
Yao Xu's lips twitched, and he said, "Interesting, indeed interesting. I am truly impressed."
Mi Qing said incredulously, "I never imagined that the inspector, who is usually so serious, would be like this in private."
After Tao Zhong left, the four of them waited in the same spot for a long time, but the spirit of the banner never appeared.
Feng Xi said, "I think he's just too full to get up. Since he's not coming this time, let's just ignore him completely from now on."
Yan Chao said, "That's right, come if you want, don't come if you don't want!"
Yao Xu and Mi Qing also strongly agreed, since from the moment this spirit appeared, the four of them were in unison that they didn't like him very much.
The matter of the demonic Taoist Jin Xin must be reported to the Heavenly Capital, so Yao Xu and Mi Qing are preparing to return to the Heavenly Capital.
Feng Xi and Yan Chao were going to Tianjia Mountain, but they didn't tell them.
Yan Chao said, "Chunshanlou will open next month. I invite you all to be my guests there. You must come!"
Yao Xu exclaimed excitedly, "That's wonderful! I've wanted to say this for a long time. Actually, I've always had this idea, and now that I've met Yan Chao, I've met someone from Chunshan Tower. This thing will definitely come true!"
Yan Chao asked, "What are you going to do?"
Yao Xu grinned mischievously and said, "I want to set up a food stall in front of Chunshan Tower!"
Yan Chao smiled and said, "Your skills are indeed excellent, and you're quite good-looking too. If you really go, Chunshanlou's business should be even better than before."
Mi Qing retorted, "Yao Xu isn't just 'okay-looking,' he's absolutely stunning!"
Yao Xu put his arm around Mi Qing and said, "My Qing Qing is even better."
Feng Xi: "......"
Yan Chao sighed, somewhat amused and exasperated, and said, "Yes, yes, yes! You two are both the best looking!"
Even after so much time has passed, Yan Chao still can't get used to the two of them being so affectionate. He immediately applauded himself in his heart for not confessing to Feng Xi on New Year's Eve.
She needs to calm down, and they all need to calm down.
Yan Chao said, "Then it's settled! Come to our Chunshanlou on the first day of next month. However, you must first be examined by everyone in Chunshanlou. My decision alone is not enough. Chunshanlou belongs to everyone. If you can win over everyone, you can set up a stall in front of Chunshanlou."
Yao Xu patted his chest confidently and said, "Don't worry! I never fail when I make a move!"
The four parted ways in front of the forest. Feng Xi raised his hand and waved, and the two of them arrived at the foot of Tianjia Mountain.
Before the chaos of the myriad spirits, the gods established their rule over Tianjia Mountain. On Tianjia Mountain stood the golden palaces of numerous officials, and the entire mountainside was covered with picturesque catalpa trees. Every year when they bloomed, the mountain paths were teeming with tourists and pilgrims. The catalpa trees, imbued with the fragrance of incense, seemed to gain a touch of spiritual energy, and believers would often gather petals and dew to receive blessings. Tianjia was a renowned scenic spot, enjoying its peak of popularity.
Outside the barrier are the devout prayers of believers, while inside the barrier are the busy priests receiving these prayers.
Looking at each other from opposite sides, there is a unique kind of fun to be had.
At the foot of the mountain, there is a human market called "Heavenly Materials Market".
The market often sells herbs, mushrooms, and wild vegetables that people dig up from the nearby mountains, as well as various wild animals hunted. Occasionally, one can also find some novel and unusual trinkets. It gets its name from being located at the foot of Tianjia Mountain. Even the mountain's immortals often visit the market under assumed names.
Later, the chaos of all spirits broke out, and the people in the market were all infected with the plague and died tragically. The temples on the mountain collapsed, the gods fell, and a great fire burned the entire Tianjia Mountain to the ground, turning it into a wasteland.
Seven hundred years have passed, and everything here remains the same as before—a desolate ruin, barren of everything. The signs of vendors hawking their wares are still faintly visible, their voices and smiles still echoing in our ears, yet everything has changed, and we can never go back to what it was.
This place is shrouded in powerful magic, so it is unaffected by the changing seasons. Anyone who enters this place loses all their magical power and can only ascend the mountain on foot.
Seeing that Feng Xi looked unharmed, Yan Chao asked, "Won't you be affected by entering here?"
Feng Xi chuckled and said, "It's alright. Although the magic here is strong, it might not be enough for others, but it only temporarily suppresses it for me. I'll be fine."
Yan Chao was relieved. He looked up at the towering Tianjia Mountain, sighed, and said, "Although I have no magic power, I won't be affected. But this mountain is so high, climbing it will be exhausting."
Feng Xi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "How about I carry you up?"
Yan Chao immediately refused, saying, "Absolutely not! I was just saying. It's already quite difficult for you to suppress your magic power. It's just climbing a mountain, what's the big deal?" Yan Chao patted the bag at his waist and added, "With food and drink in hand, there's nothing to worry about!" After saying that, he rolled up his sleeves and headed up the mountain.
Feng Xi followed behind, smiling.
The path was fraught with obstacles, including scattered rocks, withered grass, and broken branches, making it extremely difficult to traverse. To make matters worse, apart from the two of them and Momo, there was an eerie silence all around. The two walked and stopped intermittently, and by the time they reached the halfway point of the mountain, they were already exhausted.
The two found a place to rest, ate something, and drank some water. Yan Chao looked at the thorny path ahead and smiled helplessly.
Yan Chao looked at Feng Xi and said, "Feng Xi, can I ask you a question?"
Feng Xi said, "You speak."
Yan Chao said, "Although you already know who I am, you clearly had the opportunity to investigate, but you didn't. You don't seem to be waiting for me to confess to you; your reaction is very indifferent."
Feng Xi wiped the water from her mouth, chuckled, and said, "Who you are doesn't matter, what matters is you. Whether you tell me or not, as long as it's you, that's enough. Didn't Rabtan say that we trust each other? As for your calm reaction, I think I might have caused you some misunderstanding. I'm very happy. Chaochao, I'm really happy to see you again."
MoMo suddenly called out.
Yan Chao was taken aback, then immediately stood up, stammering, "Let's keep climbing! The road is still long!"
Feng Xi stood up, chuckled softly, and asked, "Uncle Mingqi, is he alright?"
Upon hearing Ming Qi's name, Yan Chao immediately calmed down and smiled, "Great, he's doing well. Go see him sometime; he's been talking about you all the time."
Feng Xi said, "Okay, I will definitely go."
Four hours later, the two finally reached the top of the mountain.
Strangely, there wasn't a single crumbling wall or tile on the mountaintop; instead, it was spotless, without even a speck of dust. There was nothing there except a tall wooden pagoda, gradually crumbling with the passage of time. A plaque stood atop the pagoda, prominently displaying the words "Purification Pagoda."
Feng Xi said in a deep voice, "This is not my first time visiting Tianjia Mountain, even after the chaos of the myriad spirits. But I have never seen this tower before."
Suddenly, a faint lotus flower appeared beneath the Purification Tower. Though the flower was weak in form, it contained immense power, unlike a seal or suppression, but rather a guardian.
The two were startled upon seeing it, for they sensed that the flower contained not only Ming Qi's magic but also Feng Yi's.
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Author's Note: Volume One is now finished! Sorry for posting so late (deepest remorse)!!! Because of my late posting, my planned three-day leave for revisions has been extended to two days. I'll be roughly revising the earlier chapters and preparing for Volume Two. Volume Two is set in the past, telling the story of the four's parents, starting from when they left Keqiang. In the latter half, some scenes of Yan Chao, Feng Xi, and Yao Xu as children will appear. Can you guess why Mi Qing isn't there?
Thank you for waiting, see you in Volume 2! Hope you enjoy reading and have a happy day!
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