The twenty-second day of the second month, Ming year 448. Clear and Bright.
Guangxin Prefecture, within the bounds of Yu Zhang.
Dawn had yet to break, but Graceful Splendor Mountain, a sacred Daoist site, was destined to be exceptionally lively that day.
Who knew where all these people had come from? Not a single room could be found in Camphor Fragrance Town below the mountain. Many parked their carriages on the town's stone roads and slept inside, while those with less money wrapped themselves in mats, pitched tents, and sat on the ground.
Green-Tile Alley in particular had not a vacant spot along its walls.
Those who arrived late could only camp outside town.
Bright moonlight illuminated every face. Not a single person was truly asleep.
Around the hour of the tiger, while the sky was still a bruised blue, they began rousing themselves, ready to set off.
Green-Tile Alley was home to immortals, and its residents naturally carried themselves differently. Early that morning, they opened their doors and handed out food, letting everyone fill their bellies before leaving.
From princes and young noblemen to fishermen, farmers, woodcutters, and hunters, everyone accepted with profuse thanks.
Once they had eaten their fill and wiped their hands clean, and the residents had given permission, everyone went in orderly fashion to touch the plaques hanging beneath each household's eaves in Green-Tile Alley. This was an auspicious blessing beyond measure.
As for the "Cloud Journey Brings Prosperity" plaque at the alley's first residence, no one dared lay a hand on it. They merely gazed at it with burning eyes.
"Higher, Dad."
A sturdy-looking child of eight or nine was held up by a hunter, reaching for a plaque.
The hunter answered and lifted the child higher.
"I touched it! I touched it! Put me