Leaving the Mountain (Seeking Recommendations)

"Who told you to do this?"

While the other party was weeping profusely, Fang Yuan quickly asked.

This Heart-Questioning Tea only had the effect of cleansing the mind; it did not have the effect of making people abandon evil and turn to good.

Old Man Tian was not inherently bad, and he felt guilty. It was only under the effect of the spiritual tea that he suddenly repented. If his nature were evil, he would at most feel that the tea leaves were very good and tasted excellent, but it would not have such an effect at all.

"This old man is not human... Wuwu..."

On the ground, Old Man Tian was still shedding tears: "This old man has seen through it. My life has been truly pathetic. In my old age, I finally have a little status, but I still have to harm the disciple of my benefactor under pressure. I am not human... This old man has thought it through. To hell with that damned Gui Ling Sect. Even if I wash my hands of it, I cannot let my benefactor be wronged..."

"Gui Ling Sect?"

Fang Yuan's heart suddenly jolted upon hearing this.

'Could it be they are still not giving up? Wait! No! If they really weren't giving up, they would have come to kill me directly. This indecisiveness is more like the subordinates acting on their own, like a child's prank...'

Thinking of this, he continued to ask, "Did the Gui Ling Sect instigate this? Who threatened you?"

"An Outer Sect Steward. He heard the news from somewhere and knew that this old man had dealings with you... Young Layman, why don't we leave? Even if the Gui Ling Sect has absolute power within a hundred miles, who would recognize them after a few hundred miles! This old man still has some savings and has seen the world. We will be absolutely safe on the journey..."

After his conscience awakened, Old Man Tian actively advised Fang Yuan, looking for a way out.

Looking at him acting as if he would sacrifice his family to help, Fang Yuan was speechless: "No hurry! No hurry! Let's wait a bit more..."

After speaking, he sat down cross-legged and tasted the tea by himself.

"Huh?"

A moment later, Old Man Tian's hot blood subsided, and his usual smooth personality reappeared. He immediately regretted it: 'What was wrong with me? Why would I want to go against the Gui Ling Sect to help the Young Layman, even abandoning my foundation?'

Now, when he asked himself, it was possible for him to tip off Fang Yuan and urge him to leave quickly.

But to bet his entire fortune and flee together? Old Man Tian touched his head, feeling as if he hadn't been kicked by a donkey.

Seeing Fang Yuan's gaze turn towards him, he felt even more distressed, fearing that Fang Yuan would actually be moved and want to run away with him.

Fang Yuan looked at his restless and extremely awkward appearance and secretly chuckled.

'This person's true heart is not bad, but he has too many worldly attachments, making him indecisive and hesitant...'

Muttering to himself, Fang Yuan spoke directly, "Old Man Tian, don't worry, I have no intention of escaping, nor do I need your help!"

"How can that be?"

Old Man Tian replied weakly, but in his heart, he breathed a long sigh of relief.

Although he was surprised that his conscience had awakened today, since he had already spoken, he reminded him: "Since ancient times, the common people do not fight with officials. Although the Gui Ling Sect is not an official, they are even more powerful than officials. Young Layman, how did you offend them? If there is a way to turn back, it is best to find a mediator to help. If there is no way to turn back, then leave quickly!"

"Thank you for your kindness, Old Man Tian, but I can't bear to leave here..."

Fang Yuan exhaled, speaking the truth.

He had grown up here since he was a child, and the emotional investment was not so easy to eliminate.

Furthermore, there were spiritual teas and spiritual rice, and it was even more impossible to move them long distances in a hurry.

Besides, Fang Yuan also believed in his own judgment. His marriage contract had been canceled, he had accepted an apology gift, and he had been humble and submissive. There was no need for the other party to be so ruthless.

This matter was most likely some subordinate acting on their own initiative to curry favor.

'Could it be that Lei Yue has caused some trouble again?'

Fang Yuan felt a little awkward. In his memory, that girl didn't seem that pretty, and her face was somewhat blurred.

However, in the dream world, many novels had this trope, especially a bunch of inexplicable love rivals, who were simply born to be supporting characters.

"Besides, the embargo on supplies is not a big deal!"

He smiled: "Old Man Tian, you won't have to work so hard in the future!"

"Eh?"

Old Man Tian looked at Fang Yuan, a little uncertain and surprised.

"I am alone, with no attachments, and I have nothing. But you, Old Man Tian, as long as you do as they say, they will have no reason to trouble you!"

Fang Yuan analyzed calmly, then brought out a plate of medicinal ingredients: "These are this time's medicinal ingredients. The money and goods are settled."

"Alas... Young Layman, take care of yourself!"

Old Man Tian sighed and lamented, but seeing Fang Yuan's firm resolve, he could only leave helplessly.

"The supplies in the valley are sufficient, and there is no shortage of salt and oil..."

After sending off Old Man Tian, Fang Yuan looked through the bamboo basket on the ground.

The old man had prepared a generous amount of supplies this time, and with the reserves, it should be enough for the next few months of living expenses.

"However, for the materials needed for the Fire-Returning Liquid, one ingredient must be purchased from the outside. I originally wanted to ask Old Man Tian to do it this time... Now it seems I have to make a trip myself!"

Fang Yuan sighed lightly: "And this deliberate targeting must also be investigated clearly..."

To be honest, he lived in seclusion in the valley and rarely went out. Now, he did have some longing for the outside world.

Since he had decided to go out, he naturally had to be prepared.

Fang Yuan first picked a few more precious medicinal ingredients with a certain age for this trip. He then changed into a new set of clothes, shoes, and socks. Of course, the most crucial thing was to pack enough dry food.

How could ordinary rice from the outside compare to the delicious Pearl Jade Crystal Rice he cultivated himself?

Having grown accustomed to the vegetables and grains he cultivated, eating ordinary food from outside was no different than eating pig slop.

After finishing his preparations, he hung a cleaver around his waist for basic self-defense, and Fang Yuan then leisurely set off.

Qingling Mountain was vast, spanning several commanderies and counties.

The closest to the secluded valley was Qinghe Commandery.

Although Fang Yuan rarely left the deep mountains, he had accompanied the Heart-Questioning Hermit out a few times and had secretly memorized the path, so he wouldn't get lost.

After passing through several villages and towns and entering the county town, Fang Yuan felt a sense of relief: 'If the Gui Ling Sect were really targeting me, with their immense power, I would already be unable to move. ... It seems my guess is correct, a warning from someone below?'

The thought of being seen as a potential love rival, and even the scene of his subordinates eagerly jumping out to cause trouble, made Fang Yuan's expression turn a little awkward.

"If all else fails, I'll just go find Steward Lin. This trouble was ultimately caused by him, so he can't just stand by and do nothing, right?"

After paying the entrance fee, Fang Yuan walked aimlessly on the streets of the county town, contemplating silently.

For him, as long as it meant less trouble, face was truly not important.

However, constantly bothering others was not a long-term solution, and besides, meeting each other was somewhat awkward. Therefore, if he could solve it himself, he would try his best to do so.

"Cooked cakes!"

"Rouge and powder!"

"Fine gold and silver jewelry..."

Even though it was just a small county town, the main street was lined with many shops, and various shouts echoed, making it very lively. Fang Yuan watched with great interest. Of course, he also received a few contemptuous glances from those who saw a bumpkin entering the town, but he paid them no mind.

"To concoct the Fire-Returning Liquid, I need Fire-Leaving Wood, Rootless Water, and Realgar Powder... I have the first two produced within my valley. The key is the Realgar Powder; I need to buy a large batch!"

Fang Yuan calculated in his mind and arrived in front of a grocery store.

"What can I get for you, sir?"

The shopkeeper was a middle-aged胖子 (fat man) who smiled kindly.

"Hmm, I need the finest Realgar Powder! Also... do you buy medicinal ingredients?"

Steward Lin had given him some gold and silver last time, but Fang Yuan subconsciously still wanted to use his own things. He directly buried the gold and silver for safekeeping, to be used later.

After all, if the situation really worsened to an unbearable degree and they needed to flee, carrying gold and silver would naturally be much more convenient than carrying other miscellaneous items.

Although Fang Yuan was reluctant to part with the secluded valley, he wasn't a fool. At a critical moment, he naturally knew what choice to make.

"Sell! Sell!"

The shopkeeper was stunned, then said with a smile, "Little brother, bring whatever medicinal herbs you have!"

"Hmm!"

Fang Yuan also knew that despite the shopkeeper's smiling face, if he brought out something too precious, the shopkeeper would likely harbor ill intentions.

In any case, he looked like a poor kid from the mountains, what kind of backing could he have?

After some thought, he took out a cloth bag, which immediately caught the shopkeeper's attention. But as he opened it layer by layer and saw a stalk of Red Ginseng, disappointment appeared on the shopkeeper's face.

"Red Ginseng, twenty years old, the quality is quite good! Let me take a closer look..."

What Fang Yuan took out wasn't extremely precious, but it was decent. The shopkeeper subconsciously wanted to find some flaws to drastically lower the price, but after a careful look, he couldn't help but gasp.

Because this stalk of Red Ginseng, in terms of appearance, preservation, color... in all aspects, it was almost impossible to find fault. In the end, he could only say, "What a pity... the age is still too shallow, I can only give you..."

"Wait a moment, I'll take this!"

Before he could finish speaking, a hand from the side directly took the Red Ginseng and examined it closely. "What a pity... the age is insufficient!"

The voice was like a yellow oriole, ethereal and tender. Fang Yuan turned his head and looked at the Girl in Goose-Yellow Robe, her face showing displeasure. "Miss, this Red Ginseng is still my property!"

"How much silver do you want?"

The girl, about seventeen or eighteen years old, around Fang Yuan's age, asked directly.

"This is not a matter of money, but I was planning to exchange it with the shopkeeper for other goods. Your actions, Miss, are akin to extortion!"

Fang Yuan shook his head, making the girl's face turn red with anger. "You!"

"Little brother, my sister is worried about our father's illness, which is why she was impatient and rude. Please forgive her and the shopkeeper!"

At this time, from behind the girl, a Boy in Blue Robe walked out and offered an apology.

"Not at all, not at all. Your sister's filial piety is truly touching!"

The other party seemed to have considerable influence here, as the shopkeeper repeatedly rubbed his hands and smiled apologetically.