Where is this bridge?

He said he didn't understand, so Niu Youdao pretended not to understand either. Otherwise, it would be too far-fetched for a country boy to grasp these things.

After chatting casually for a while longer, Niu Youdao returned to his courtyard.

He loitered in the courtyard for a bit before entering Peach Blossom Hall and sitting on a meditation cushion. He casually pulled over a small basket for odds and ends beside him. Inside were things like needles and thread, scissors, and two bronze mirrors. They seemed to be everyday items, with nothing particularly unusual about them. However, one of the bronze mirrors was the very one he had brought with him.

Dongguo Haoran had entrusted this item so solemnly, yet he stored it so casually. It was a case of the most dangerous place being the safest. Hiding it too well might arouse suspicion if it were discovered.

He fiddled with the bronze mirror in his hands, wondering what to do with it.

Dongguo Haoran's instructions were clearly extraordinary. Someone had entrusted him with something involving their life. In his past life, having grown up in the Jianghu and achieved such a reputation, he naturally understood the meaning of 'righteousness.' However, Tang Mu was dead, and Dongguo Haoran had solemnly warned him that the item could only be given to Tang Mu and that no third party should know about it. This put him in a difficult position.

He also hesitated about whether to hand the item over to the Shangqing Sect. His hesitation stemmed not only from Dongguo Haoran's instructions but also from the fact that the Shangqing Sect had treated him poorly, essentially keeping him under house arrest. Therefore, he wanted to study the bronze mirror carefully, see if he could uncover its secrets, and then decide whether to hand it over to the Shangqing Sect based on the situation.

However, so far, he had tried various methods on the bronze mirror, including heating it with fire, soaking it in water, exposing it to light, and tapping it to listen to the sound, but he had not been able to discern anything. The bronze mirror seemed to be a single, solid piece. Judging by the sound it made when tapped, there were no signs of any mechanisms inside.

He was beginning to suspect that the bronze mirror might be some kind of token.

He examined it back and forth, but it was still the same. Niu Youdao bared his teeth and casually tossed the bronze mirror back into the small basket.

Afterward, he engaged in some daily physical training, such as doing split squats with weights and doing flips while hanging from a rope. It wasn't about developing brute strength, but rather about improving his body's flexibility. Based on his experience in the Jianghu, he knew that unlocking more angles for combat and self-defense could save his life in critical moments. Both the news from Xiaomiao Village and the Shangqing Sect indicated that this world was in a time of turmoil. Regardless of what the future held, he wanted to make some preparations.

Cultivation was divided into martial and civil aspects. Besides practicing martial arts and physical training, he took out the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone in the residence to practice the common Small Seal Script of this world, copying from books. For someone like him, an "experienced archaeologist," deciphering the Small Seal Script was no problem. He was also good at calligraphy, but he had never formally written in Small Seal Script before. The brush strokes were different, so he needed to practice.

Fortunately, his existing calligraphy foundation was good. After a month of initial awkwardness, his writing had become quite proficient.

There was a charcoal basin beside the desk. After writing, he would burn his calligraphy.

The Shangqing Sect provided ample supplies for his calligraphy practice, which was a benefit he received from Song Yanqing's good mood.

Having been under house arrest until now, he had no other options with his current abilities, so he kept his days very full.

The next day, a brand-new lounge chair, still emitting the scent of wood, clearly newly made, was placed under the peach tree.

Chen Guishuo pointed at the lounge chair and winked at Niu Youdao, "Junior Brother, the lounge chair you wanted is here."

Niu Youdao was surprised by how efficient he was. He figured it was related to the fact that the lounge chair was brought for Chen Guishuo himself. He cupped his hands and smiled, "Thank you, Senior Brother Chen."

Also present this time was Song Yanqing, whom he hadn't seen in a while. Song Yanqing seemed to be in a good mood. As soon as he saw Niu Youdao, his face lit up with a smile, the playfulness in his eyes unconcealed, with a hint of mischief. He patted Niu Youdao on the shoulder and asked, "Junior Brother, how are you settling in here?"

Niu Youdao replied, "It's alright, it's a million times better than the food in the village. It's just a bit stifling being confined here and unable to go out."

Song Yanqing chuckled, "You've only been here a short while. Calm your mind first. How can you cultivate if your mind isn't calm? Don't worry, there will be times for you to move around later." With that, he walked to the edge of the cliff with his hands behind his back, gazing at the Shangqing Palace opposite, his expression filled with pleasant anticipation. At times, he would frown in thought, and finally, he let out a light sigh, "It's a pity it's not in the Capital City!"

Niu Youdao leaned closer, curious, "Senior Brother Song, what about the Capital City?"

Song Yanqing sighed vaguely, "A place in the wilderness, it can't compare to the prosperity of poetry and songs in the Capital City!"

Niu Youdao was immediately confused. Poetry and songs? You're a cultivator, and you're sighing over poetry and songs, what's the meaning of this?

Chen Guishuo's lips curled up, secretly amused. He and Xu Yitian were essentially Song Yanqing's followers, so they understood what was going on perfectly. Song Yanqing had been in love with Tang Yi for many years, and Tang Yi liked that refined, poetic style. To please her, Song Yanqing would have people send him any good poems that came out of the Capital City, which he would then present to Tang Yi for her appreciation. This time, Song Yanqing must have had a strange impulse. Perhaps there hadn't been any good material from the Capital City for a long time, and he got an itch to write a poem himself. He asked Chen Guishuo and Xu Yitian what they thought of it. Of course, they couldn't say it was bad, so they praised it. As a result, Song Yanqing eagerly presented it to Tang Yi. He didn't know the exact details of what happened, but when Song Yanqing returned, his expression was not good, and he even scolded him and Xu Yitian to vent his frustration. Chen Guishuo could guess what had happened.

Therefore, he understood Song Yanqing's feelings perfectly. If they were in the Capital City, a place of poetic prosperity, with the Song family's influence, it wouldn't be difficult to find skilled writers to ghostwrite good poems and pass them off as his own to please Tang Yi. However, in this place of quiet cultivation, it was difficult. As a result, he had an impulse and made a fool of himself in front of Tang Yi.

Song Yanqing, seemingly snapping back to reality, didn't want to dwell on the matter. He turned and entered the courtyard, looking around.

He was responsible for watching Niu Youdao and couldn't just ignore him. It was reasonable to check on him occasionally to prevent any accidents.

Niu Youdao, still outside, asked Chen Guishuo, "Why is Senior Brother Song so interested in poetry and songs?"

Chen Guishuo's lips twitched, and he whispered, "Our sect once had an exceptionally talented individual who was not only powerful and renowned in the cultivation world but also exceptionally gifted in poetry and songs. Junior Sister Tang spent time with him from a young age and was his student. She was influenced by his elegance and also developed a liking for poetry and songs!"

Niu Youdao suddenly understood. So, Song Yanqing wanted to win the favor of the beauty. He was also curious about the person Chen Guishuo mentioned. "May I ask which senior Senior Sister Tang followed?"

When it came to this senior, Chen Guishuo paused, a flicker of apprehension in his eyes. He seemed to realize he shouldn't speak carelessly. He glared at Niu Youdao, as if warning him not to ask what he shouldn't, and fell silent. He quickly followed into the courtyard.

Niu Youdao's eyes darted around, and he quickly followed.

Song Yanqing, after looking around, instructed Chen Guishuo a few times and was about to leave with his hands behind his back. Niu Youdao hurried to catch up, calling out, "Senior Brother Song, when I was in the village, my teacher also often wrote poems. I've memorized some, but I don't know if they're any good. Would you mind appraising them for me?"

Song Yanqing didn't even bother to turn his head, continuing to walk. He casually replied, "What good things could a fallen scholar from the wilderness write?" He let out a scoff, his tone full of disdain.

A fallen scholar from the wilderness? Niu Youdao's heart tightened. It seemed the Shangqing Sect had already figured out his background. He had learned about having a fallen scholar as a teacher from the villagers of Xiaomiao Village when they were discussing his basic information.

However, what was he here for after enduring so much hardship? He was here for Dongguo Haoran's formidable abilities, not to be confined and waste time. He desperately wanted to obtain the cultivation techniques of the Shangqing Sect. Unfortunately, after being placed under house arrest, he hadn't found an opening. Now that he had stumbled upon one, how could Niu Youdao let it slip away easily? He shouted, "My teacher said he traveled in the Capital City, and some of his love poems won the favor of many women."

Upon hearing this, Song Yanqing slowly stopped at the entrance of the courtyard and turned around.

Chen Guishuo quickly glanced at Niu Youdao, a hint of surprise in his eyes. Niu Youdao had clearly picked up on his earlier reminder and followed up on it. This kid is cunning and seems more than just simple!

"Oh! Why don't you tell me what poems your teacher wrote so I can appraise them." Song Yanqing, now turned around, seemed a little interested.

Niu Youdao immediately returned to Peach Blossom Hall, knelt beside the desk, ground the ink, pulled out a piece of paper, and spread it out. He placed the paperweights on both sides, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and began writing the Small Seal Script characters.

"As expected of someone who has studied and knows how to read. Your calligraphy is quite presentable!" Song Yanqing, who had walked over and stood beside the desk, praised him briefly. His gaze slowly scanned the characters as he read aloud, "Delicate clouds play with ingenuity, flying stars convey sorrow, the vast Milky Way silently crosses. When the golden wind and jade dew meet, it surpasses countless encounters in the human world..." By the time he reached these lines, his eyes suddenly lit up. He might not be able to write good poems himself, but he had some ability to appreciate good poetry. At least he could tell the difference between good and bad.

By the time Niu Youdao finished writing, Song Yanqing couldn't help but quickly push aside the paperweights, take the ink-laden paper into his hands, blow on the ink, and eagerly continue reading, "Tenderness like water, the cherished meeting like a dream, how can one bear to look back at the Magpie Bridge path. If two hearts endure for eternity, why should they be bound to each other day after day... If two hearts endure for eternity, why should they be bound to each other day after day..." He reread the last line repeatedly, finally shaking his head with a look of wonder, "A good poem! A truly good poem!" He felt as if this poem was written specifically for him, perfectly fitting his situation.

Niu Youdao chuckled inwardly, put down his brush, and stood up, pretending to be ignorant, "Is it a good poem?"

Song Yanqing nodded, his eyes repeatedly scanning the characters. Suddenly, he looked at Niu Youdao with a hint of confusion and asked, "What does the Magpie Bridge mean? Where is this bridge?"

"Uh..." Niu Youdao was speechless. It seemed the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl wasn't known here. He replied blankly, "My teacher wrote it. I don't know where the Magpie Bridge is either."

Song Yanqing thought this made sense. He then gestured to the stunned Chen Guishuo beside him, signaling him to leave.

With no one else around, Song Yanqing smiled at Niu Youdao and asked, "You said your teacher often wrote this kind of poetry?"

Niu Youdao thought to himself, I have a whole repertoire in my head, as many as you want. He nodded, "It seems so."

Please collect, please recommend tickets!