34 (Xie Guicai Bob Alliance Leader)

Filled with the ease that came after his breakthrough, Zhang Rongfang fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

Early the next morning.

He did not join the other Cultivation Disciples for morning practice. Instead, he went to the Liaofang, the place that managed and arranged all sorts of affairs for the disciples.

A Wen Xiu deacon arranged for him to head down the mountain and prepare for the county.

The deacon's surname was Xu, and his given name was Zhongchun. He was a plump Old Taoist wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses.

The glasses had no temples. Instead, a cord looped around the back and tied them together with his Daoist topknot.

Zhang Rongfang was not surprised. Great Ling shared many similarities with the ancient China he knew from his Previous Life.

It was perfectly normal for there to be glasses.

"Martial Nephew Zhang, Qinghe Temple in Huaxin County already has three ranked Martial Cultivators stationed there. The one leading them is Martial Nephew Li Heng.

"Once you get there, listen to Li Heng's arrangements in all things. If you have any miscellaneous or personal matters, you may report them to Li Heng.

"Also, you must depart sometime today.

"There are many wild beasts in the mountains and forests. It is best not to stray from the path. Take the Official Road more often to avoid danger.

"This is your bundle of provisions."

Xu Zhongchun smiled as he handed over a dull gray little bundle.

"Thank you for the reminder, Martial Uncle Xu." Zhang Rongfang hurriedly accepted it, nodding as he bowed.

In this place, one had to observe etiquette properly. A single misstep could bring trouble.

"This time, Martial Nephew Zhang, you will be leading three people. They are all heading to the county to take turns on duty. These are your Wen Dies. Keep them safe."

Xu Zhongchun handed him a stack of small booklets made of parchment, their pages densely covered in tiny writing.

They listed things such as name, native place, where one's Daoist Registry was registered, where one had been, seals from every place visited, the place where the Wen Die had been issued, and other such information.

This was the ancient equivalent of a passport.

Zhang Rongfang accepted them carefully.

Without these, no one in Great Ling was permitted to enter a city. They had to be kept safe.

After leaving, meeting the other three who would be departing with him, and gathering his luggage, Zhang Rongfang went to bid farewell to his Master Zhang Xuan and his fellow disciples. Only then did he slowly walk out through the Three Cave Mountain Gate of Qinghe Temple.

After the group of four had walked several hundred meters, Zhang Rongfang suddenly turned back to look at Qinghe Temple's Three Cave Mountain Gate.

The three openings of a Daoist mountain gate symbolized the Three Realms: Supreme Ultimate, Wuji, and Xian Shi.

Crossing through the mountain gate represented stepping beyond the Three Realms.

The saying, "Leap beyond the Three Realms, untouched by the Five Elements," referred to these Three Realms.

As Zhang Rongfang looked back now at Qinghe Temple's tranquil clusters of buildings, an inexplicable feeling of impending parting rose in his heart.

Qinghe Temple had been his true haven since arriving in this world, the first place where he could settle down and shelter from the rain.

Now, he was finally leaving this place, leaving his comfort zone behind, and stepping into the real Great Ling.

This time, stationed in Huaxin County, he would have to remain outside for at least a year before he could rotate back according to the rules.

A year. "Senior Brother?" came the voice of another Daoist behind him.

Zhang Rongfang came back to himself.

"Let's go."

He turned around and looked toward the boundless Sea of Trees ahead. Feeling the abundant strength and stamina brought by his recent breakthrough, all fear vanished from his heart. He strode forward in great steps.

***"Golden Silkworm Beans, crisp and fragrant! Eat a handful, and your whole mouth will be filled with fragrance!"

"Cooked Duck Eggs, five coins each! Glossy with oil, fragrant and tender!"

"Repair boots! Fifteen coins a pair! Fine craftsmanship, no scars left behind!"

"The finest lamp oil at Hong's Shop! Sesame Oil, Fish Oil, Fragrant Fruit Oil, White Tung Oil—we have every kind!"

The bustling market surged with people. Peddlers carrying shoulder poles walked along as they shouted their wares.

The shop assistants before the storefronts each displayed their special talents, hollering and calling out to attract customers.

Performers and acrobats outside the Wine Houses drew plenty of passersby to stop and watch.

Those tired of standing naturally went inside, ordered something to eat and drink, and watched as they ate.

At the discounted Fruit Stall, even roughly dressed farmers could roll up their sleeves and buy a few pieces to satisfy their cravings.

The wives and young ladies of wealthy households drifted in and out of Scented Powder Shops and Silk and Brocade Shops under the protection of Maidservants and servants.

Young men in Round Top Hats and long robes gathered in groups of three or five. Some laughed and chatted, speaking grandly with spittle flying everywhere.

Others strolled with their hands clasped behind their backs, their gazes wandering all over the place.

Still others suddenly ran into acquaintances and stepped forward to exchange greetings.

"Hey, Senior Brother, look! What have they put out in front of this Ready-made Clothing Store?"

Along the side of the market street, four figures in Qinghe Temple's blue Daoist robes were leisurely following the flow of people inward.

Walking at the very front was Zhang Rongfang, who had grown to one hundred seventy-eight centimeters, with a sturdy and well-proportioned build.

He wore the blue Daoist robe of a Cultivation Disciple, with a white outer jacket draped over it. A large gray cloth bundle was strapped to his back, while a copper crescent clasp secured his long hair atop his Daoist topknot.

Compared with before, his complexion had lightened somewhat. He had shed his former darker tone and now looked within the normal range.

Hearing the question from behind him, he turned to glance back.

The one who had spoken was his junior sister, Du Jiu.

Because she was the youngest, everyone called her Xiao Jiu.

Xiao Jiu was lively and cheerful, yet quite sensible and understanding. Though neither her looks nor her figure amounted to much, she was very good at enlivening the atmosphere during the journey.

"What is it?" Zhang Rongfang looked in the direction Du Jiu was pointing.

Before a store called Li's Clothing Store stood several upright wooden boards, each bearing a line of writing.

The first read: 'Ask not about your future prospects.'

The second read: 'Ask only about your attire.'

The third read: 'Disheveled attire.'

The fourth read: 'An insincere future.'

The fifth read: 'Copying contest. The best entry may enter the store at twenty percent of the price.'

The calligraphy danced like dragons and snakes, possessing quite a bit of beauty.

"Twenty percent! Shouldn't we join too?" Xiao Jiu was a little tempted.

Daoists did not have to wear Daoist robes at every moment. Some relatively plain dresses and skirts were also acceptable.

"We should settle into the Daoist Temple first," another male disciple Said Solemnly. He was comparatively steady.

"Fine. I'll remember the place and come try it myself later! I think my handwriting is pretty good." Jiu'er was brimming with excitement.

"Which of you has been to Qinghe Temple? I've been to the county before, but never to the Daoist Temple here." Zhang Rongfang frowned.

The three of them, including Jiu'er, all shook their heads.

Yet none of them noticed that while they were talking, a shop assistant waiting inside the Ready-made Clothing Store had shifted his eyes slightly and listened intently.

Upon hearing that they were looking for Qinghe Temple, the shop assistant remained motionless, pretending to doze by the entrance.

Only after Zhang Rongfang and the others had gradually gone far away did he lift his head and swiftly turn into the store.

Not long after, a little girl came out of the Ready-made Clothing Store and hurried into an alleyway next door.

Quite a few shops on this street had people from the Rice Gang. If they arrived too late, they would not get the reward money.

Half an hour later, Zhang Rongfang's group finally found Qinghe Temple.

After they handed over the assignment, several Daoists who had been taking turns on duty in the temple packed their belongings and left with some reluctance.

Temple Master Li Heng was young and strong, a Second Grade Martial Cultivator. Now in his early thirties, he had a great round belly.

After arranging lodging for Zhang Rongfang and the others, he waved a hand generously and told them to act on their own. The Daoist Temple was left in their charge.

He himself hurriedly departed the Daoist Temple, his whereabouts unknown.

Zhang Rongfang did not care. Li Heng had reeked of alcohol when they met. He was probably heading either to a distillery, a Wine House, or perhaps a Goulan.

Daoists did not have as many taboos as Buddhists. Li Heng had spent so long in bustling Huaxin County that he had long since become a local tyrant.

Looking at his plump physique, although he was supposedly Second Grade, if he truly fought, he was probably not even as good as a First Grade fighter.

After settling the people who had arrived with him, he took a stroll around the small Daoist Temple.

Qinghe Temple was extremely simple: a square layout, one Main Hall, more than ten side rooms, a small open space before the hall for an Incense Burner, and then the main gate.

Altogether, it was merely the smallest kind of courtyard house.

Apart from their group, the entire Daoist Temple contained only Temple Master Li Heng and two sweeping servants.

Once he had put away his belongings and made his bed, Zhang Rongfang took the letter that Senior Brother Zhang Xintai had entrusted to him and left the Daoist Temple to find Sister-in-law Yang Hongyan's residence.

***Inside Qinghe Temple.

Zhang Xuan sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, basking in the sun and dozing in the open space of the Backyard.

Two sparrows hopped about on the opposite wall, chirping noisily enough to make him somewhat displeased.

"Father, Father?"

Zhang Xintai entered the Backyard excitedly, a smile on his face.

"I'm planning to go to the county tomorrow. I promised Yanzi last time that I'd accompany her around the Mountain Market."

"What is there to see in the Mountain Market?" Zhang Xuan did not want to be left alone on the mountain and was somewhat displeased.

"It's all mountain goods. It's not as if you haven't seen them before."

"Isn't the betrothal coming up soon? I was planning to bring some things to my father-in-law and mother-in-law." Zhang Xintai was full of enthusiasm.

"The Chen Family matter has only just been settled, and the county's affairs haven't been dealt with yet. What the hell are you in such a hurry for?" Zhang Xuan curled his lip and turned his head away, unwilling to look at his son.

"With Chen Baihu keeping watch over there, the Rice Gang is probably already running around like headless flies. They have no time to bother with us at all," Zhang Xintai said indifferently.

"Besides, if the Chen Family wants revenge, they should go after the Supervisor and the others. What does it have to do with us?"

"You brat, fine, fine, fine. Go on, then. Be careful on the road. Remember to bring that thing." Unable to overcome his son's insistence, Zhang Xuan could only wave a hand.

"Leave this old man all alone, lonely and helpless, in this cold, empty loft to wait for death."

". . . Uh." Zhang Xintai's expression froze. "Father, don't you want me to hurry up and have a few big, fat sons?"

"Mm." Zhang Xuan pondered. "That's true. You brat, this is all you'll amount to in this life. You might as well have more children for me to raise and cultivate, to strengthen the family name! Go on, go on, hurry up and get lost!"

"Understood!" Zhang Xintai immediately beamed with joy and turned to quickly pack his things.

"Oh, right, Father, don't forget the betrothal date. You have to attend too." Only after he had run far away did his voice drift back from the distance.

"I know. The First Day of the Month in February. I'll definitely be there on time."

Zhang Xuan calculated the days. There were only a dozen or so days until the first day of next month. Sigh. He let out a long sigh. More money would be flying away again. ***Huaxin County was divided into four districts, named for the four directions: east, west, south, and north.

Each district had more than ten streets and several hundred homes.

Qinghe Temple was located in the eastern district, while Sister-in-law Yang Hongyan's home was in the western district. He needed to pass through the center of the County Town.

Zhang Rongfang asked around everywhere and finally found Sister-in-law Yang Hongyan's home before sunset.

After delivering the letter, he breathed a sigh of relief and leisurely made his way back.

Under the setting sun, rows upon rows of single-story homes throughout Huaxin County, along with the occasional one- or two-story Small Building, were all bathed in red light.

Zhang Rongfang tightened his Daoist robe and walked straight along the wall of a wealthy household.

To his left, an ox cart slowly passed by. The driver cracked his whip again and again, and on the road behind it remained a clump of cow dung crushed apart by an ox's hoof.

Zhang Rongfang wrinkled his nose and quickened his pace, wanting to avoid the stench.

But after only a few steps, several dark-skinned men with their sleeves rolled up quietly appeared around the bend at the end of the wall ahead.

Their eyes gleamed sharply, all fixed on him.

Zhang Rongfang halted, swiftly turning his head to cast a glance sideways.

Sure enough, several more people had emerged behind him, solid wooden clubs in their hands, watching him like tigers eyeing prey.

Though they were only clubs, the ones in those men's hands were at least as thick as a forearm. If one struck him, it would likely shatter bone.