What Happens in the Book Now

"I heard the Mountain Lord here is seeking a Temple Tablet; he probably wants to become an Earth God. Also, because the Immortals in heaven are extremely harsh on Ghosts and Monsters, and the human court is also extremely wary of Ghosts and Monsters, this Mountain Lord is being exceptionally cautious right now. The reason he sniffed the air was likely to detect if you carry any Evil Qi and Fiendish Qi, or Impure and Mixed Qi."

The old Taoist said with a smile to the two of them:

"No need to worry."

Lin Jue nodded in acknowledgment, while the young girl honestly listened, not uttering a word, and continued to walk forward.

There was no path here anymore; tall grass grew everywhere. Stepping down, one wouldn't know if there were pits or stones below, making it very difficult to walk.

Lin Jue climbed and scrambled, following with difficulty.

From time to time, he had to reach out and pull the young girl along.

The old Taoist, however, walked as if on level ground.

They continued until the wild boar led them to the mountaintop.

"Roar..."

The wild boar let out a low growl, turned around, and left.

Lin Jue climbed to the very top and still pulled the young girl up. Straightening up and looking forward, his heart leaped in surprise.

This was already the summit of the mountains. The view was incredibly expansive; distant mountains and waters were all beneath their feet, with only the vast sky and white clouds overhead. Upon this high mountain was another flat area, not very spacious, but with a few ancient pines and patches of grass. At this moment, it already had the makings of a banquet.

Monsters, many Monsters.

Sitting on an ancient pine in front was a monkey. If one only looked at its appearance, it was just an ordinary monkey, perhaps a bit cleaner. However, its demeanor and expression were far too dignified. It sat cross-legged with its eyes closed on the ancient pine. Therefore, even without displaying any other unusual signs, one knew it was extraordinary.

Seeing the group approach, it finally opened its eyes.

On the silky green grass to the right, a leopard sat, and a wild deer stood. Yet, they were close together, their heads bowed as if discussing something.

They too turned their heads upon seeing the group arrive.

To the left, a large snake was coiled in the shade cast by the canopy of an ancient pine. It flicked its tongue, turning its head to quietly stare at the approaching group. Its vertical pupils looked exceptionally cold.

There were also sparrowhawks, spirit cats, pangolins, black eagles, and yellow bulls, and great black bears.

All were in the forms of flying birds and wild beasts. Some differed in size from ordinary birds and beasts, while others were completely identical. However, even those that were completely identical could generally be distinguished as monsters by their demeanor.

They were roughly arranged in a circle.

At the very front was a piece of granite, about a person's height, serving as the Mountain Lord's seat. Sitting atop it was the only monster that resembled a human –

A dark, burly man with the head of a black wild boar on his neck and a mane covering his chest.

This scene was incredibly fantastical, widening Lin Jue's eyes.

Furthermore, because this was the summit of the mountains, not a deep, old forest, it was already bright, not gloomy. The sun had not yet set, and the summer sunlight was still scorching, with blue skies and white clouds hanging overhead. Thus, this scene did not appear eerie at all. Instead, due to the orderliness, it even possessed a certain solemnity.

As for this Mountain Lord...

It seemed to be a wild boar that had achieved sentience?

That's right, there were no tigers here originally. The so-called Mountain Lord would naturally be the one with the highest cultivation.

Lin Jue couldn't help but turn his head to look at the old Taoist and the young girl. He saw that the old Taoist's expression was as usual, as if he had seen such scenes many times. The young girl's eyes were wide with fright, her face pale, but her lips were tightly shut, and she still made no sound.

"More guests have arrived?"

The Mountain Lord, seated at the head, beckoned. He spoke human language, his voice deep and resonant, "Esteemed guests, please make some room."

The deer and leopard, closer to Lin Jue's group, immediately moved aside upon hearing this. The large snake, looking at them coldly, also shifted aside. However, it seemed unwilling to be exposed to the sun, only moving to the edge of the shade.

Lin Jue paused for a moment and then walked over to sit down.

The old Taoist came and sat cross-legged beside him.

Next was the young girl, who walked between the two. She still tried her best to maintain her composure, but when she attempted to sit down, her legs suddenly went weak, and with a plop, she fell to the ground.

"Swish..."

It was quiet at this moment. With her sudden fall, all the Mountain Spirits and Wild Monsters immediately turned their heads, many pairs of different eyes staring at her.

"!"

Although her legs were weak, the young girl was also clever. She remained silent, lowering her head to stare at the grass on the ground.

Lin Jue also tensed up.

He didn't know if these mountain monsters had any other peculiar customs. In any case, even among humans, it was impolite to appear extremely frightened of the host when visiting them proactively.

"Fellow Taoists, please do not be alarmed. This is my newly adopted disciple; she hasn't begun cultivating yet. She's so weak-legged from climbing the mountain all the way," the old Taoist said with a long, drawn-out laugh. "It's only to blame, ah, that the Mountain Lord's dojo is established so high. It's like the Mountain Lord's ambition, situated among the Immortals in the clouds, beyond the reach of mortals."

The Mountain Lord heard this and was immediately pleased, laughing heartily.

"Are the guests not familiar?"

"This humble one is He Xianyu, with the Taoist name Cloud Crane Taoist. I have been cultivating in the distant mountains. Now that I am old and don't have many years left, I wanted to visit an old friend from many years ago while I can still walk," the old Taoist said, tidying the hem of his Taoist robe. "It is fate that we meet the Mountain Lord here."

"I am Lin Jue. I have always yearned for the wondrous tales of Immortals. I happened to hear that the Mountain Lord was holding a banquet here, so I dared to come and witness it."

"It's good to have fate! Fate is the best!" The Mountain Lord was quite enthusiastic, seemingly good-natured and honest. After speaking, he looked down, "Are there any other guests who haven't arrived?"

There was a rustle in the grass.

A wild boar ran off to check.

A seated falcon flapped its wings, stirring up a great wind, rising two to three zhang off the ground. It surveyed the area before landing again, then spoke in a voice that was both hoarse and sharp, "No one is going up the mountain anymore."

"Fellow Daoist Hawk sees far indeed! In that case, let's prepare for the feast!"

"I have a treasure to offer the Mountain Lord."

The monkey on the ancient pine immediately spoke up. It leaped down from the tree, holding a bright red fruit. It walked to the granite stone where the Mountain Lord sat and respectfully placed the fruit at the base of the stone.

"A while back, I caught a Thousand-Year Ginseng, so I brought it to offer to Lord Mountain Lord."

"I also have something..."

Numerous Ghosts and Monsters stepped forward one after another, presenting the gifts they had brought.

Some spoke human words, while others seemed unable to, so they carried or clutched various heavenly materials and earthly treasures, placing them beneath the blue stone before bowing to the Mountain Lord and returning.

The scene became increasingly fantastical.

Finally, only Lin Jue and the other two remained.

"This humble Taoist heard that the Mountain Lord intends to pursue the Incense Godhood Path, so I have brought a pot of divine water from the Danxia Well for the Mountain Lord, along with my disciple."

"Hmm?"

Some seemed unaware of what this was, their voices filled with confusion, while others, aware of the water's preciousness, sounded mostly surprised.

The Mountain Lord was among the latter, greatly surprised.

After the surprise came great joy. He repeatedly thanked them, treating Lin Jue almost as an honored guest.

"I happened to obtain some Peach Gum, gifted by a Peach tree with considerable Cultivation. I've brought it to offer to the Mountain Lord."

Finally, it was Lin Jue, holding the Peach Gum.

This did not elicit much of a reaction.

However, no one spoke any idle words.

By now, the sun had gradually descended toward the horizon, faintly touching the edge of the distant mountains. With a wave of the Mountain Lord's hand, a group of macaques immediately climbed up from below, all carrying food.

Some carried rabbits, some half a sheep, some bundles of excellent fodder, and some piles of fruit; the variety was immense.

Another group of macaques jointly carried several wine jars, while others brought firewood and piled it up.

Lin Jue watched, mesmerized.

The wine jars were opened, revealing a viscous, emerald-green liquid that emitted a fragrance of wine and fruit.

Then, the last macaque, which looked somewhat different, came forward. It held flint and steel and bent down, striking them for a long time until the firewood caught fire, forming a blaze.

Truly worthy of the Mountain Lord, to employ so many macaques.

Perhaps all the macaques on the entire mountain are here?

It seems these Monsters and Ghosts lack the magic to breathe fire or ignite things? Or perhaps they feel it lowers their status to start a fire themselves, so they sat still and let this macaque do it?

Lin Jue pondered this.

Glancing sideways out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that the young girl had also emerged from her state of fear. She was now staring intently at the surroundings, just like him, a thoughtful expression on her face.

I wonder what she's thinking.

As if sensing his gaze, the girl turned her head and looked at him. Her eyes were clear, and confusion was evident.

"..."

Lin Jue smiled and withdrew his gaze.

In front of him, a banana leaf had been placed, piled high with raspberries and ground fruits. The raspberries were exceptionally large, each nearly the size of a thumb, deep crimson in color. These were of a quality that would make the children of Shu Village exclaim in surprise if they happened upon them while playing or working in the mountains. The ground fruits were similarly sized, each a premium specimen that would be difficult to find even one of in a full sieve of ordinary ones.

There were also several peaches and plums, and a few loquats, all in season and looking exceptionally good.

The aroma of the fruits wafted towards him, mingling with the scent of wine from the jars, intoxicating the senses.

Lin Jue, not wishing to be impolite, first looked to the side.

The old Taoist and the young girl also had these items before them.

The monkey on the ancient pine had the same spread.

It seemed their treatment was based on this monkey demon's.

As for the fodder, raw meat, and fish, they were provided to different spirits and monsters, avoiding the original forms of the seated guests.

Quite particular...

Lin Jue couldn't help but murmur inwardly.

However, few of the spirits and monsters, unlike him, focused their attention on the food before them. Instead, almost all of them gazed at the wine jars in the center of the clearing.

"Ah! My Thousand Day Wine is produced in ten-year batches, and this is the first serving today!"

The Mountain Lord lazily stood up. He wore a coarse cloth robe and a belt made of vines, quite simple, but it suited his rugged appearance.

He strode to the center of the clearing, before the wine jars, and reached into his waist, producing two small black and white bottles.

"Since I invited everyone to this banquet, it naturally calls for the essence of heaven, earth, sun, and moon."

"Boom..."

The many spirits immediately lost their composure, revealing their animalistic natures. They either craned their necks to stare intently at what was in his hand, or anxiously paced in place, unable to sit still, scratching their ears and cheeks.

Lin Jue watched as the Mountain Lord's wrist turned.

One bottle was tipped over, flowing like molten rock, emitting a scorching rosy glow, much like the setting sun at this very moment.

It was poured into a wine jar.

Another bottle, like black satin, with countless points of light shining in the darkness, like the Milky Way inverted and hung across the heavens, was also poured into the same wine jar.

"..."

A new, exotic fragrance was instantly added to the wine's aroma.

This scent seemed to be perceived not just by the nose, not by some organ's senses, but as a deeper nourishment. Just the vapor it emitted brought a sense of comfort, making the fragrance perceived more like a profound pleasure.

The Mountain Lord personally scooped the wine, filling bamboo tubes with it, and handed them to the macaques, who then delivered them to each guest.

As these macaques walked with the bamboo cups, they couldn't help but constantly sniff the air. The contents in their hands presented an immense temptation to their instincts, yet the Mountain Lord's authority urged them to continue delivering the wine. They could only resort to this compromise, trying to savor the wine's Spiritual Charm, and by the end, their steps had all become unsteady.

A cup was also placed before Lin Jue.

The wine was emerald green, slightly viscous, with impurities resembling tiny black ants, and countless fine grains that emitted a faint glow like myriad stars. Fiery light swirled within, like the sunset clouds on the horizon.

Lin Jue lowered his head, his reflection appearing in the wine.

He still felt a sense of unreality.

The Mountain Lord hosted a feast, spirits attended, treasures were presented, and wine was distributed. It was just like the strange tales told by village elders, yet he never expected such wondrous things to truly exist in the world.

And he was here, at the feast.