“Ritual Director, I will personally write a letter. You will send someone with lavish gifts to Hongfu Prefecture, to Hongfu’s Military Director. He will report to Immortal Official Liu. Do it discreetly.”
The Ritual Director stepped forward and acknowledged the order.
Qianqu Prefecture bordered Hongfu Prefecture to the east. The Immortal Official there surnamed Liu, came from Mingxia Peak of Huawei Sect and was the clan brother of Liu Hong Feng, the Great Elder of the Discipline Hall.
Ten years ago, during a severe drought in Qianqu Prefecture, the people of Qianqu tried everything possible to migrate to Hongfu. However, the border guards were brutal, directly killing those who were caught fleeing and leaving the corpses to bake in the sun at the border, which gradually discouraged anyone from risking their lives.
When the elderly man proposed sending a letter to Immortal Official Liu of Hongfu Prefecture, everyone immediately understood what he wanted to do.
“Elder Li, please reconsider. This is no different from luring the wolf to drive away the tiger!”
“The surnamed Song is no good, but the surnamed Liu is not easy to deal with either.”
“Ah, I still miss the surname Zhao the most. As long as Zhao Ren was given enough benefits, he would let everything be. Unlike Song Qian Ji, we’ve offered nearly everything at the divine temple except our trousers, yet how does he treat us? He wants to implement the vicious policy of ‘land tax’!”
Having dealt with Immortal Officials for years, they knew well that Immortal Officials were also mortals, sometimes even greedier than mortals.
Cultivators from noble families and sects focused solely on cultivation and were supernatural in terms of power. Precisely because they were too supernatural, they were almost ignorant of certain common sense.
The wealthy families weren’t truly afraid of Immortal Officials. They maintained a facade of respect, carefully serving and complying, but were actually constantly calculating how to use the Immortal Officials.
Old Master Li coughed heavily and said in a deep voice:
“Luring the wolf to drive away the tiger? Indeed, Song Qian Ji is a fierce tiger, and Liu Hong Shan is a greedy wolf, but at least we know what Immortal Official Liu wants. As for what Song Qian Ji truly wants, can any of you explain?”
No one answered.
It was said that Meng He Ze, under Song Qian Ji, had locked the divine temple gates, forbidding anyone to worship.
Song Qian Ji even forbade mortals from kneeling to him.
What could a cultivator want if not offerings and incense?
And what was this “One Thousand Jin per Mu”? He couldn’t even eat food.
“Song Qian Ji’s behavior is completely unpredictable. In this life-or-death moment, our only option is to take a dangerous path, cutting our flesh to lure the wolf, seeking a turning point.”
Seeing everyone’s grave expressions, Old Master Li shouted: “Raise your spirits, unite together. The real struggle has not yet begun. Those with flesh must cut their flesh; those with blood must let their blood. Our land is here, our families have lived here for generations; we are the true masters of Qianqu!”
“For the glory and dignity of our family legacies, for your sons to inherit estates and granaries, for the good days of future generations…”
Outside the hall was the vast darkness, while inside, the lamps blazed brightly.
The atmosphere of confusion, fear, and anxiety receded like the tide, leaving only pairs of bloodshot, ruthless eyes.
“Drive Song Qian Ji—” the elderly voice lowered but echoed throughout the hall.
Everyone responded in unison: “Out of Qianqu!”
…
After coming to Qianqu Prefecture, Ji Chen truly felt fulfilled and reborn.
He could delve into the Way of Chess, learn formations from Song Qian Ji, change Fellow Daoist Zhao Ren’s dressings, and use Zhao Ren as a prop to practice various formation techniques.
The outer disciples were very friendly to him, with no one discriminating against or lecturing him. Places with many young people always had exceptional vitality.
He believed that following Brother Song to Qianqu was a wise and incomparably brilliant decision.
This was a thousand times happier than staying at home waiting to die, being called useless behind his back.
“That’s it for today.” Song Qian Ji closed the old chess manual.
“Brother Song, I take my leave.” Ji Chen was somewhat reluctant as he opened the self-made soundproof, ventilated well cover and looked down at the bottom. “Fellow Daoist Zhao, see you tomorrow.”
Zhao Ren shuddered violently, looked up, and forced a smile uglier than crying:
“There’s no need to see me, no need to be so polite.”
After Ji Chen left, Song Qian Ji squatted by the well and smiled:
“Brother Zhao, how are your wounds healing?”
“Good, completely healed!” Zhao Ren hurriedly called out. “Senior Brother Song, Brother Song, I’ve given you everything you wanted. I’ve sworn on my dao heart not to reveal anything or seek revenge. Please let me go!”
Song Qian Ji said: “Let’s discuss this. If you do one last thing for me, I’ll send you away. How about that?”
Zhao Ren was about to agree but then showed despair on his face.
Then he heard Song Qian Ji ask: “I’ve written a letter. Would you deliver it to the Immortal Official of neighboring Hongfu Prefecture for me?”
Is it really that simple?
“What do you want to do?” Zhao Ren asked vigilantly. “Just a letter?”
His thoughts raced.
He had been careless this time and admitted defeat, but he’d heard that Liu Hong Shan was about to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. With that cultivation level, no matter how exquisite a Qi Condensation stage formation master’s formations were, they couldn’t restrain him.
He smiled ingratiatingly: “Hongfu is prosperous. Immortal Official Liu has gathered countless treasures over the years. His family and business are extensive, overflowing with wealth. Extorting me isn’t as profitable as extorting him!”
Song Qian Ji sincerely replied: “Fellow Daoist Zhao, as a farmer, I have no interest in extorting others.”
Zhao Ren, covering his shoulder, thought: Lying through your teeth as if I’d believe you.
But on the surface, he nodded repeatedly: “Yes, I shouldn’t judge a farmer’s mind with a cultivator’s heart!”
Since arriving, Song Qian Ji had examined many maps.
The southern part of Hongfu Prefecture flooded in spring, causing disasters. If the river channels could be dredged, the embankments reinforced, and a canal dug to bring water from Hongfu Prefecture into Qianqu, then Qianqu would have water to irrigate fields, and Hongfu would no longer suffer from floods—a win-win situation. Qianqu would also truly have a canal, taking a small step toward “living up to its name.”
But this was just a proposal. If the other side disagreed, Song Qian Ji didn’t plan to insist.
He had plenty of methods. At worst, he could dig a canal to draw water from the Poisonous Barrier Forest. It would take some effort to refine a set of water-filtering magical tools to filter out toxins and impurities before the water entered Qianqu, but the prefecture would still have water for irrigation.
Thanks to his previous life, having many skills was never a burden. He happened to know a bit about tool refinement.
The communication talisman flew into the night sky, heading east. Zhao Ren breathed a sigh of relief and asked hopefully: “Senior Brother Song, can you remove the formation and let me go now?”
“Senior Brother Song!” Another youthful voice called from the entrance of Song Manor.
“Wait.” Song Qian Ji went to meet Meng He Ze.
“Hey, Brother Song!” Zhao Ren protested, but the well cover above his head closed again.
Why come now, not earlier or later? Zhao Ren hated Meng He Ze to death.
This hatred even surpassed his feelings toward Ji Chen.
As for Song Qian Ji? Compared to the others, Song Qian Ji had already become a kind and gentle good person.
“How’s the situation?” Song Qian Ji asked while looking Meng He Ze up and down.
Meng He Ze felt warmth in his heart: “Senior Brother Song’s plan was thorough. Everyone is fine, Senior Brother needn’t worry!”
Song Qian Ji thought parents worry about their children traveling far from home—it’s only natural.
Meng He Ze took out a storage pouch: “These are all varieties of flowers and grasses from the edge of the Poisonous Miasma Forest. As per Senior Brother’s requirements, one of each type was picked.”
Song Qian Ji brought out a stack of talismans: “Replace them with these tomorrow.”
“We didn’t venture deep into the forest. The miasma-avoiding talismans aren’t used up yet,” Meng He Ze said softly. “Senior Brother needn’t work so hard.”
“It’s not hard work,” Song Qian Ji said.
The miasma-avoiding talismans already existed in his previous life. Unlike when creating the light-gathering talismans, which required thought, he could easily create these with just a brush stroke, effortlessly.
The outer disciples had previously split into two teams. One team, led by two female cultivators and two gamblers, delivered chickens everywhere.
The other team, led by Meng He Ze, went to the northern border of Qianqu Prefecture—the Poisonous Miasma Forest.
Because it was close to the border and the primeval forest, the air in northern Qianqu was relatively humid, second only to Tiancheng.
Ordinary people’s livelihoods were limited to farming, gathering, fishing, animal husbandry, and hunting.
Qianqu’s natural conditions were harsh, with no fish to catch and no fruits to gather, leaving hunting as the livelihood with the quickest returns.
But the forest miasma was poisonous, and the fierce beasts were no ordinary creatures—most were demon beasts. For mortals entering the forest, it was a one-way journey to death.
In recent years, demon beasts had become increasingly rampant, occasionally leaving the forest to prey on villagers and livestock, and arbitrarily trampling and destroying farmland.
“Any harvest today?” Song Qian Ji asked.
Meng He Ze boasted: “Today, we worked together to kill an initial-stage Red-Eyed Wolf. We gave the meat to the villagers. Bonfires were lit at the village entrance, and the whole village had an outdoor barbecue, eating to their fill! Once everyone’s coordination improves, we’ll be able to take down level-one demon beasts with demon cores!”
The best way to enhance combat power was through actual combat. Fighting demon beasts with unpredictable moves was perfect for honing battle techniques and methods.
The outer disciples felt that Senior Brother Song was thoughtful, considering both their cultivation and safety. The miasma-avoiding talismans could resist miasma, and the light-gathering talismans could signal for help.
With comprehensive planning and proper methods, the Poisonous Miasma Forest became a natural training ground.
Meng He Ze shared many interesting hunting stories. He didn’t want other disciples to come so that he could be the center of attention.
Song Qian Ji listened patiently before understanding that the other party wanted praise.
“Well done,” he tried to praise. “Hmm, really well done.”
Meng He Ze was greatly encouraged and rolled up his sleeves as he rushed to the stove: “I’ll make noodles for Senior Brother.”
“Very well,” Song Qian Ji nodded.
He couldn’t help thinking that even after coming to Qianqu, becoming the great Immortal Official of a prefecture, with endless fields to cultivate—
Despite the outward glory, behind closed doors, he was still eating noodles.
The night had deepened, yet cooking smoke drifted into the night clouds, making the hazy moonlight even hazier.
From the kitchen came the simple wheat fragrance of flour, the fresh scent of vegetables and green onions, and the slightly sour rich aroma of tomato sauce.
Amid these hot, fiery fragrances, Song Qian Ji sat at the stone table, examining the plants and grasses Meng He Ze had brought by the dim moonlight.
With these items, he could, based on experience, judge the current miasma situation in the forest.
For instance, this small herb, smoke-cyan with bell-shaped leaves, was called Miasma Bell Grass.
The denser the miasma, the deeper the color of its leaves.
In his previous life, when he entered the forest, it was already a hundred years later, and the Miasma Bell Grass at the forest edge was dark red, like congealed fresh blood.
The current situation was much better than he had anticipated.
But from this, it was evident that the poisonous miasma was becoming increasingly severe over the hundred years.
Song Qian Ji frowned slightly. Was this world getting worse? What caused this change to occur?
“Senior Brother Song, noodles are ready!” the youth called out.
The aroma of the soup wafted over. Song Qian Ji set down the grass between his fingers.
He advised himself not to think about these matters.
In this life, he didn’t need to care about the world; he only needed to look after the fields.
…
There were plenty of people concerned about the world; it wasn’t Song Qian Ji’s responsibility alone.
After the Grand Audience Meeting concluded, various sects departed from Huawei Sect one after another. A group of young people, famous or nameless, gathered and then separated.
He Qing Qing followed her sect members to the Celestial Sound Gate in the Southern Continent. Former classmates from the academy came to see her off, offering warm blessings and calling her the Senior Sister who emerged from Qingyan.
“In the future, it won’t be easy to hear you play the zither. As former classmates, please play one more piece for everyone,” someone suggested.
Everyone echoed the sentiment. The Six Talents of Qingyan also joined in, loudly applauding and cheering.
“If you want me to play the zither, you must first send a formal invitation,” He Qing Qing said calmly.
The classmates’ expressions instantly became awkward. They dispersed sheepishly, saying behind her back that she had become arrogant and put on airs after her meteoric rise due to luck.
In truth, He Qing Qing dared not be arrogant.
After she entered Celestial Sound Gate, her master, Immortal Jiang Yun, left the mountain on a distant journey.
Occupying a high position, she was cautious in every step, always fearing she couldn’t fulfill the role of Senior Sister well, bringing shame to her master.
In terms of cultivation and zither playing, she worked harder than anyone.
But her fellow disciples had enjoyed the best resources since childhood. Their cultivation levels were much higher than hers, and there was no reason for her to catch up in a short time.
Night had deepened, yet He Qing Qing was still pressing the strings, her expression extremely focused.
The tea on the table had grown cold, the lamp flame had nearly burned out, and behind her, the maid Ping’er leaned against the wall, yawning sleepily.
“Senior Sister, that person has returned!” Another maid, Xing’er, entered, suddenly breaking the stillness.
“Quickly, invite him in!” He Qing Qing rose abruptly.
A small outer disciple, looking timid, was brought in by Xing’er.
The tea was replenished, the lamp trimmed, and the feast reopened. He Qing Qing poured a cup of tea and personally handed it to the outer disciple:
“No rush, take your time.”
The other person was somewhat nervous: “As per Senior Sister’s instructions, this disciple went down the mountain to gather news about the Immortal Official Song of Qianqu Prefecture. But Qianqu Prefecture has been managed by the Zhao clan of Beidi for years, with little news coming out.”
“No news…” He Qing Qing lowered her head, the light in her eyes dimming.
The small outer disciple hesitantly said: “There is only one piece of information. It’s said that Song Qian Ji sealed the divine temple and forbids others from kneeling to him, though I don’t know if it’s true or false.”
“It must be true!” He Qing Qing smiled. “Thank you very much!”
“I’ve barely done anything worth mentioning, I dare not accept such thanks. This disciple takes his leave!”
“Alright, I’ll see you out,” He Qing Qing said.
“Wait!” Xing’er stopped her and first sent the outer disciple out. “You wait outside for a moment.”
He Qing Qing was confused.
Ping’er covered her mouth and laughed: “Senior Sister almost made a mistake again.”
He Qing Qing was startled: “What?”
“Celestial Sound Gate is far from the foot of the mountain, and going down the mountain isn’t easy. When outer disciples run errands for the inner division, the immortal ladies usually give some small rewards,” Xing’er said. “You can’t send him away empty-handed.”
“Is this also a rule?” He Qing Qing asked.
Ping’er earnestly advised: “It’s not exactly a rule, but everyone does it this way. Of course, not rewarding is fine too, but the next time you need someone to run errands, will they be as diligent? They might use only eighty percent of their ten percent effort, and we can’t find fault with that, can we? Similarly, when gathering news, they could report one piece or ten pieces. There’s a world of difference between completing a task and completing it wholeheartedly.”
He Qing Qing listened quietly and slowly nodded.
“How much do others usually reward?” she asked.
“It varies, depending on status, wealth, and cultivation level. Among the immortal ladies of the sect, Immortal Lady Miao Yan is the most generous.”
He Qing Qing was somewhat curious: “How much does Senior Sister Miao Yan reward each time?”
She and Miao Yan addressed each other as “Senior Sister,” which was considered a peculiar sight at Celestial Sound Gate.
“Immortal Lady Miao gives eighty-eight spirit stones each time, which is very auspicious.”
He Qing Qing was shocked: “Ah? So many?”
Though her wealth was substantial, it was given by her master, and she always felt reluctant to spend it.
Ping’er advised: “Senior Sister is the face of our Lotus Peak. She must never appear stingy. Why not reward ninety-nine stones in the future? Nine times nine returning to one, an even better omen, surpassing Immortal Lady Miao Yan, what do you think?”
“This… very well,” He Qing Qing hesitated briefly but ultimately nodded.
Xing’er clapped her hands: “When the disciples know that Senior Sister is generous, they will compete to run errands and deliver messages for you in the future. Your prestige will grow higher and higher.”
Nine times nine returning to one, ninety-nine.
He Qing Qing counted out a bag of spirit stones: “You give it to him.”
The excitement on her face had faded, and weariness appeared in her eyes, but behind her veil, no one could see.
“You may all leave now. I want to be alone for a while.”
The two maids acknowledged and respectfully withdrew.
Once they were out of the palace, they exchanged smiles, and their respectful demeanor completely vanished.
Xing’er took out one spirit stone and tossed it to the outer disciple who had run the errand: “A reward from the Senior Sister! Now go!”
As they divided the remaining ninety-eight stones between them, they laughed:
“She’s so easy to fool. For everything, just add eight words: ‘It’s all the rules’ and ‘It’s for your good,’ and there’s nothing that can’t be accomplished!”
“Seeing how fierce she was during the zither trial at the Grand Audience Meeting, I thought she would be difficult to serve. But actually, she’s soft, not hard. Be a little nice to her, a little accommodating, and you can have her wrapped around your finger.”
“Becoming the Senior Sister by sheer luck, with cultivation not even as high as mine—where in the world is there such a free lunch? I heard that Senior Sister Liao Hua and the others are looking for an opportunity to deal with her. We’ll get to watch the show too.”
The Celestial Sound Gate had long been divided between the Jiang Yun and Wang Shu factions. After taking on a personal disciple, Jiang Yun hadn’t taught for a single day before hurriedly traveling afar.
This disciple had low origins, weak cultivation, and a face as ugly as a ghost, yet gained prominence at the Grand Audience Meeting with just one piece, “Wind and Snow Entering Battle.”
The piece wasn’t extremely difficult. Some said Immortal Lady Miao Yan played it better, and He Qing Qing had just been lucky to obtain it first.
Things gained by luck would eventually be lost through ability. Some speculated that Jiang Yun had acted impulsively in accepting a disciple, already regretted it, but couldn’t find a reason to renege, so she simply avoided meeting her.
In places beyond He Qing Qing’s sight, these rumors grew wings, spreading throughout the Celestial Sound Gate.
After just a brief chat, Ping’er and Xing’er attracted others to gather around. Together, they covered their mouths and laughed with strange expressions, quickly changing the topic.
“She’s still inquiring about the chess and calligraphy prodigy, Senior Brother Song. She’s daydreaming.”
“If you’re going to dream, dream bigger. I’d choose Zi Ye Wen Shu. He’s so handsome!”
“I heard Senior Brother Song is handsome too, but who has seen him?”
“Song Qian Ji’s reputation precedes him, but few have seen him in person, and even fewer have interacted with him…”
The small outer disciple who had run the errand hadn’t gone far, and no one paid attention to whether he had left or not.
He silently clenched his fist, with the spirit stone’s sharp edges painfully digging into his palm.
…
He Qing Qing leaned against the railing alone.
The night was vast, stars scattered like specks of flying snow.
Though it was early summer, she felt threads of coldness seeping into her bones with the night breeze.
She resided in the Glazed Palace on Lotus Peak, her dwelling magnificent and exquisite, piled with gold and jade, with white curtains floating—the epitome of Celestial Sound Gate’s style.
The rules of a major sect formed a spider’s web, often making her feel suffocated.
She consoled herself that she was just not yet accustomed to it. She wanted to live with dignity, and now she had achieved that. Celestial Sound Gate had given her so much; one shouldn’t be ungrateful.
Every disciple would bow to her, and even if she lifted her veil, no one would shout or scream at her.
The people here, regardless of their thoughts, never showed them, always smiling, with two words written from head to toe: decorum.
He Qing Qing even suspected that even if they saw a real ghost, their expressions would remain the same.
She looked at the stars for a while, then felt that even the stars wouldn’t want to hear what was in her heart.
He Qing Qing returned to her desk and laid out paper and brush:
“Senior Brother Song, everyone here is very friendly to me, but I’m still not used to it. They smile, yet it feels as if they’re very far away from me. You said my master has an extreme personality. I don’t know if becoming her disciple is a blessing or a misfortune. I cannot predict fate; I only know that master is good to me.
“She said my face cannot be delayed any longer, and she hastily traveled far to seek the ‘Miraculous Hands Divine Monk’ who roams the four seas. If a great master can use supernatural powers, perhaps dead wood can return to spring, and my appearance can be restored.
“If heavens will favor me, and it can truly be cured, I want to come down the mountain once, to visit you in Qianqu Prefecture. Just to see you once and then leave, definitely not interfering with your important matters…”
After writing, He Qing Qing read it over silently, let out a long breath, and satisfactorily threw it into the lantern.
Long flames rose in the gauze lantern, and the ink-marked paper was devoured by the tongues of fire.
The ashes flew with the wind, disappearing in an instant.