Chen Ping’an, upon sighting his own mountain, broke into a frantic sprint, forsaking all pretense of proper gait, devoid of any homesick sentiment. He ran, the baskets upon his back rattling with the earth he carried, a rustling symphony to his shoulder’s ascent.

Trailing behind were the boy cloaked in verdant hues and the maiden adorned in rose-tinted skirts. The former, his gaze darting about, had sensed a peculiar spiritual energy upon entering the lands of Longquan County, Dali – a sensation that soothed and invigorated. Now, beholding the mountain before them, the water dragon within him stirred, salivating as if presented with the most lavish of feasts.

The boy, in a moment of unguarded candor, had confessed that their kind, dragons, considered the consumption of clouds and dew but a mere starting point in their training, a path leading to slow growth. Only through the absorption of mountain roots and the swilling of waters could one truly embark on the arduous, yet rewarding, journey of cultivation.

Alas, the renowned mountains and rivers, those overflowing with spiritual power, had long been claimed by immortals, transformed into hallowed grounds, or consecrated by the imperial court as sites for temples to divinities. Even Jiangze monsters of formidable cultivation, such as the lad in emerald, dared not trespass lightly. For once one tangled with enlightenment and immortality, especially among ghosts and monsters, even kin would turn upon comrades and confidants on the path to ascension.

Conversely, the fire python, having been steeped in the fragrance of scrolls since its youth, possessed a restraint absent in the boy in verdant garb. Though both were scions of dragon lineage, their paths to proving their worth diverged greatly.

Nearing the foot of Luopo Mountain, Chen Ping’an slowed his pace. His keen eyes detected a haze of dust swirling about the peak, unsettling him. He reasoned that under the protection of the esteemed Ruan, such events should not occur upon Luopo Mountain. Though Wei Bo, lord of Qidun Mountain, had pledged to erect a bamboo dwelling upon this very slope, it should have been completed swiftly, with Wei Bo returning home, and not lingering long. Why, then, did Luopo Mountain bear such an ominous aspect?

Could it be that the black python, unable to shed its vile nature, had chosen to prey upon the denizens of the mountain, enraged by the county’s attempts to encircle and suppress it?

Chen Ping’an was about to bid the boy in green to assume his true form and ascend the mountain with haste when a recent passage from a cherished book echoed in his mind: In moments of strife, resist the urge to panic. He repeated the words, savoring their cadence, finding himself less coarse. He had even inscribed them on bamboo slips for future reflection. Drawing a deep breath, he sought to calm himself, murmuring, “Hold fast, be patient. The wisdom in books mirrors the careful crafting of porcelain.”

As he prepared to scale the mountain, his eyes caught sight of a figure in white, standing at the foot of the slope, a smile gracing their face. “Wei Bo!” Chen Ping’an blurted out, recognizing the figure.

The maiden in rose skirts stifled a gasp, her innocent heart fluttering with surprise. This was but the second celestial being she had encountered in her life, after the lad Cui Feng. He was breathtakingly handsome, even beyond reason. A blush crept upon her cheeks, and she sought refuge behind Master Chen Ping’an.

The boy in green stood aghast, then whirling around, demanded, “Master, is this knave attempting to steal our territory?”

“Of course not,” Chen Ping’an replied, shaking his head, his gaze shifting to the mountain lord, who seemed even more refined than he had been upon Qidun Mountain. “Why are you still bound to these hills and rivers? Is it not difficult for a spirit to remain absent from its domain for long?”

Wei Bo chuckled. “A fortunate turn of events. I have taken residence upon Piyun Mountain, becoming your neighbor. Chen Ping’an, know that you shall receive my utmost care.”

With this, the North Mountain God, once fallen from grace, now on the cusp of becoming the esteemed ruler of Dali’s Northern Mountains, bowed playfully before Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an, uncomfortable with such deference, hastily evaded the bow, inquiring with a smile, “Has the bamboo dwelling been raised?”

Wei Bo straightened, nodding. “Indeed, crafted with utmost care. I had initially chosen a Feng Shui treasure, a place ripe for spiritual growth, but it was claimed by the mountain temple. I had to select another site, yet it is not without its merits – a sweeping vista, a boundless sky, a landscape of unmatched beauty. I would linger there myself were it not for other matters this year. You must not cross the river and destroy the bridge, lest you drive me away.”

The maiden in rose skirts, captivated by the beauty of the figure before her, marveled at his gentle demeanor. A surge of pride welled within her. Her master was formidable, and even his companions were so remarkable.

The boy in green scrutinized Wei Bo with increasing suspicion. Suddenly, Wei Bo bared his teeth, brandishing his claws, striking a threatening pose. The boy yelped, leaping back a dozen feet. Wei Bo roared with laughter. “And that black python upon the hill! Our mountain will be anything but dull.”

Chen Ping’an, his tone stern, rebuked him, “Luopo Mountain is not yours.”

Wei Bo feigned despair. “Aye, aye, Chen Ping’an is the master. I am but a guest, nothing more.”

The party began their ascent, Wei Bo explaining to Chen Ping’an with understanding, “These hills, both large and small, to the west of town, are now possessed by the masters of illustrious destinies. They are breaking ground, toiling to develop their peaks. They build not only mountain paths, but also pavilions and the like.”

“The Dali court’s Department of Works is spending lavishly. Besides the ten thousand or so prisoners and refugees from the Lu Dynasty, who can be driven with coin or coercion, the governments of Longquan County are also employing many of your local youths to construct immortal abodes, as if determined to leave no stone unturned. It is a profligate affair, to say the least.”

Wei Bo gestured to the wide expanse of yellow soil. “In time, this will be paved with flagstones brought from afar. They will surpass even the bluestone of Taoye Lane and Fulu Street. I insist on it.”

Chen Ping’an asked cautiously, “I am not expected to bear the cost myself, am I?”

Wei Bo smiled, pointing heavenward. “As long as you do not seek to construct a bridge suspended in air, connecting to other hills, you will not spend a single copper.”

Chen Ping’an gasped. “Are there those who are doing such a thing?”

Wei Bo nodded. “Indeed, more than one or two. Families have dispatched ancestral offerings or hired skilled Qishi practitioners, specializing in crafting blessed caverns, to build vast bridges between the northern hills. One is not merely a wooden bridge upon iron chains, but a bridge of stone. I hear the stones were salvaged from the lake. The undertaking will surely cost millions of taels of silver, but the result is undeniable. To walk upon that stone bridge, enveloped in mist, is to witness the dawn and dusk painted across the skies.”

Chen Ping’an said, “They are truly rich.”

Wei Bo jested, “Were you willing to part with Caiyun Peak or Xiancao Mountain, you could become extravagant beyond measure.”

Chen Ping’an retorted, “What do you take me for? What use have I for those fleeting vapors? Each mountain is the very foundation of one’s existence.”

Wei Bo laughed heartily.

Coin is obsessed.

The second realm or the second realm.

He changed his straw sandals, but the boy was still that boy.

The boy in emerald robes thought Wei Bo harbored ill will toward him, and he longed to kick the man’s backside and send him sprawling!

Along the way, they encountered several groups of Lu Dynasty prisoners, old and young, men and women, most of whom were gaunt and weary. Yet the Dali soldiers, who served as overseers, seemed to have received instructions from the court, refraining from deliberate cruelty. Those weakened and faltering were supported by kin to the burning stoves, where they were offered sips of warm water.

Wei Bo spoke calmly. “Such kindness was absent at first. The Lu prisoners died of exhaustion and frostbite, and others succumbed to beatings or took their own lives in despair. In but two months, over six hundred souls perished. Wu Yuan, who would later become governor of Longquan County, risked his very office to submit a memorial to the court, thus stemming the tide of death.”

Chen Ping’an asked in bewilderment, “County magistrate?”

Wei Bo drew a grand circle in the air. “The vast territory of Lizhu Cave, once separated by a thousand li, is now fought over by the border regions, each bleeding for their share. They each plead their case before the court, and then they divide and divide. I left a little, but if Longquan is still just a county, I still can’t control it. Even if I upgraded to Longquan County, it is actually a bit far-fetched.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, his mind piecing together the size of the nations, prefectures, and counties. After all, he had measured it step by step. He asked, “The black python of Qidun Mountain has arrived. Has it not caused trouble?”

Wei Bo shook his head. “It has practiced diligently upon Luopo Mountain, harming none. Now, even when it seeks water, it is not uncommon for it to be harassed. Yet it bears it all in silence. Some local youths, emboldened, cast stones, and it endures.”

Chen Ping’an frowned. “This is not right. I must speak with someone. Wei Bo, do you know who is in charge? Regardless of the outcome, I must make my stance clear. There is no reason to torment in this manner.”

“Torment ‘people’? That is a mountain python, barely enlightened.”

Wei Bo chuckled, then jested, “Besides, the black python possesses thick hide and flesh. It feels little pain. Chen Ping’an, do not overreact. And if my memory serves, you were not fond of the black python. Why do you now defend it, having just returned to Luopo Mountain?”

“If the black python dares to harm first, I will personally slay it and bear the consequences,” Chen Ping’an declared, shaking his head. “But if it does not, then it matters not whether it dwells upon Luotu Mountain or anywhere else. If it remains calm and ascends the mountain without disturbance, yet is provoked, then such behavior is not playful, but a pursuit of death. Had I acted so, I would have perished a hundred times in the mountains.”

“Well said.” Wei Bo narrowed his eyes, smiling. “I will put in a good word. I am well acquainted with the inhabitants of these mountains.”

The maiden in rose skirts clutched the rope of the bamboo box, her curiosity piqued.

This mountain is vast, and after walking for so long, we have yet to reach its heart. Yet it belongs to my master.

The master did not boast. He is indeed wealthy!

The boy in green felt a surge of joy, hearing the long-absent principles spoken once more. It was not that he found Chen Ping’an’s words just, but that he refuted the fairy in white who could not see the depth, which made the little boy in blue feel very excited.

Chen Ping’an asked casually, “Wei Bo, do you know Ruan Xiu? The daughter of the blacksmith from Longxu River.”

Wei Bo feigned contemplation, then exclaimed, “Ah, the daughter of the esteemed Ruan Qiong! I have seen her from afar on several occasions. The Shenxiu Mountain of her lineage is being diligently constructed by the Dali court. She has visited the mountains, such as Baolu Mountain and Caiyun Peak, to observe the progress. Before the bamboo dwelling was raised, she even came to Luotu Mountain once. She watched me craft the bamboo roof, inquiring whether she could lend a hand. I declined, but she lingered, gazing upward for a long while, making me ill at ease. In the end, she departed quietly.”

Chen Ping’an turned, smiling at the maiden in rose skirts and the boy in emerald. “Miss Ruan is my good friend. She manages my two shops in town. When you meet her, you will address her as Sister Ruan.”

The maiden in rose skirts nodded eagerly. “Of course, Master!”

The boy in emerald was less enthusiastic. “My age is fine, she is not a problem with her ancestors. Why do you call her sister? She lost eighteen generations in vain…”

Chen Ping’an glanced at him, his expression stern. The boy beat his chest with both hands, as if drumming, declaring righteously, “Master, I could call her mother!”

Chen Ping’an, amused by the performance, felt generous. “Very well, I shall grant you two additional common snake gallstones.”

The maiden in rose skirts cheered, leaping in place.

The boy in emerald stammered, “Master, if I were to call her ‘Madam,’ might I receive yet another snake gallstone?”

Chen Ping’an rubbed his brow. “Miss Ruan would surely beat you to death, and I would not intervene.”

The boy recoiled, suddenly recalling Wei Bo’s mention of “Sage Ruan Qiong’s daughter.” He had heard tales of Ruan Qiong’s legendary wrath upon Zhenwu Mountain, how she dragged interlopers into her territory only to slay them on the spot.

The boy forced a dry smile. “I shall be polite and respectful to Sister Ruan. I shall even watch over the silly girl, lest she utter ill-chosen words and provoke Sister Ruan to seek my demise, thus troubling you…”

Chen Ping’an suppressed his laughter, deliberately withholding any information about the girl’s gentle nature. Instead, he nodded gravely. “Upon meeting her, be courteous and respectful.”

After some meandering, Wei Bo led them along a bluestone path, announcing, “I laid this path myself, gathering stones from the mountain stream. Chen Ping’an, feel free to replace them if they displease you.”

Chen Ping’an walked upon the sturdy path, smiling. “They are perfect as they are.”

The trees parted, and a two-story bamboo dwelling appeared, its verdant hues vibrant, its appearance exquisite. It faced a panorama of mountains and rivers.

Upon the ground floor stood a circle of adorable bamboo chairs, each with a small cushion of straw.

Chen Ping’an’s eyes widened, his mouth agape.

He had expected Wei Bo’s promise of a bamboo dwelling to be crude and unrefined.

Never had he imagined it would be so wondrous.

Recovering, Chen Ping’an asked softly, “Is it truly mine?”

Wei Bo smiled. “Of course.”

Chen Ping’an clasped his fists together. “Wei Bo, from this day forth, Luopo Mountain is half your home. Dwell here as long as you desire.”

Wei Bo chuckled. “Ah, have you changed your tune? Who was it that declared Luopo Mountain was not ‘ours’?”

Chen Ping’an laughed. “Wei Bo, a mountain lord such as yourself ought not stoop to haggling with a simpleton like me. It diminishes your stature.”

Wei Bo laughed heartily, pointing at Chen Ping’an. “You have changed. Your studies have not been in vain.”

Wei Bo turned and ran up the stairs to the second floor of the bamboo building, and then lay side by side on the railing to look into the distance. A taller head and two shorter heads looked from Wei Bo. , in fact, it is quite like a small hill.

“Master, this place is so beautiful. Can we live here in the future?”

“Of course.”

“Master, just give me this place. I can ask for one less ordinary snake gallstone. How about it?”

“no.”

Wei Bo, who was infected by their joyful emotions, was no longer the landlord of Qidun Mountain. He turned around and looked at the distant mountains and rivers, and also smiled.

Living with good people is like entering a room of orchids, and it will be fragrant after a long time.

————

Chen Ping’an took them down the mountain to the town. Wei Bo was elusive and his figure had disappeared. The little boy in green whispered, “Sneaking, it’s not a good bird at first glance! Master, don’t deal with that guy in the future, I’m a mature and polite argument.”

Chen Ping’an ignored him.

They crossed mountains and rivers all the way. When the three of them saw the houses west of the town from afar, Chen Ping’an sighed softly.

Before, Chen Ping’an had climbed up the inconspicuous Zhenzhu Mountain. He had already looked at his hometown and pointed out the general locations of many places to the two guys around him.

For example, Niping Lane where his ancestral home is located, the school where Mr. Qi taught at that time, Qilong Lane with two shops, Fulu Street and Taoye Lane with the most letters, the blacksmith shop outside the town, and the gods in the east Tombs and the northernmost old porcelain mountain, etc.

Only Chen Ping’an glanced at the blacksmith shop when he looked at the blacksmith shop. Not only did he not introduce any details, he didn’t even pause in his eyes.

I have seen the sinister and strange world outside with my own eyes, so I must be careful.

The young boy in green swayed and said, “Master, let’s go to the Qilong Lane first and see the Caotou Shop and the New Year’s Shop?”

Chen Ping’an whispered, “Go to my parents’ grave first.”

Instead of crossing the town, the three of them walked downstream along the river.

Silently walked past the stone bridge where the old sword strips were gone, passed through the blacksmith shops that stood a long thatched hut and a tall sword furnace, and finally arrived at the small grave. Chen Ping’an took off his back basket and took it out. Those cotton bags that are not as big as fists add soil to the grave.

On the boy’s dark face, there was neither a sad look nor a look of returning home in glory.

The first thing a boy who has walked through mountains and water through thousands of miles after returning to his hometown is just to silently open the bags and add a piece of soil to his parents’ graves.