Zhang Tie followed the old man up from the foot of the mountain along a stone path. Hutuo Mountain was beautifully scenic and rich in spiritual energy. Beside the path, mountain streams murmured along, their waters crystal clear; giant salamanders hidden among the streambed rocks, green-haired turtles, and fish could be seen everywhere. Trees layered upon trees lined the path, monkeys occasionally leaping through their branches, while crisp birdsong rang in his ears from time to time. Zhang Tie nodded to himself. This place truly was excellent—nourishing to both body and soul.
In little more than ten minutes, the two reached the mountainside of Hutuo Mountain. From here, they could already see vast clusters of buildings built into the mountain and quite a few people bustling about. Zhang Tie saw people in the square amid those buildings directing a group of servants as they carried enormous bamboo winnowing baskets, each over a meter in diameter, out of the rooms and set them in the square to dry.
Steam billowed from some rooms, where medicine was being brewed. Other rooms blazed with firelight, where pills were being refined. Upon arriving here, Zhang Tie found his nose filled with the scents of every variety of medicinal herb and medicinal pill.
The busy workers paid Zhang Tie no heed, each attending to their own tasks. The old man led Zhang Tie straight through the buildings, then through two riotously colorful medicinal gardens, before finally reaching a relatively secluded area. He settled Zhang Tie in a flower hall, had someone serve him tea, and told him to wait there. He would take the item Zhang Tie had given him to Bian Heng for inspection. If Bian Heng wished to see him, he would come out; if he did not, the old man would return