Chapter 5: Coming Out of the Mountain

The moment he thought of being regarded as a potential rival in love, and even the lackeys of the other party eagerly jumping out to cause trouble, Fang Yuan's expression suddenly became somewhat awkward

... ...

Since the decision has been made to go out, it is only natural to be prepared

Rouge and powder

This young brother, I too am worried about my father's illness, which is why I acted hastily and rudely. I hope this young brother and the shopkeeper will not take offense

Fang Yuan calmly analyzed and presented a plate of medicinal materials: "This is the medicinal material for this time, the payment is settled."

Although Fang Yuan was reluctant to part with the secluded valley, he was not a fool; he naturally knew how to make the right choice at critical moments

Silently, he thought to himself, and Fang Yuan spoke directly: "Old Tian, rest assured, I have no intention of fleeing, nor do I need your assistance!"

Taking advantage of the other party's tears and sobs, Fang Yuan hurriedly asked.

The young lady was probably around seventeen or eighteen years old, about the same age as Fang Yuan, and she asked directly

Fang Yuan was also aware that despite the shopkeeper's smiling demeanor, if one were to present something too precious, it was highly likely that the shopkeeper would harbor some ill intentions.

Because this ginseng is nearly flawless in terms of appearance, preservation, color, and other aspects, I can only conclude: "Unfortunately... it is still too young in terms of age, I can only give it..."

... ...

After all, in the event that the situation truly deteriorates to an unparalleled extent and one needs to flee, carrying gold and silver is certainly much more convenient than bringing along other miscellaneous items

He grew up here since childhood, and the emotional investment is not so easily erased

After all, one can tell at a glance that he is just a poor boy from the mountains, with no backing whatsoever

Eh?

But to stake all of one's fortune and escape together? Old man Tian scratched his head, feeling as if he had not been kicked by a donkey either

The old man is not a human... sob...

The items that Fang Yuan took out cannot be considered particularly precious, but they are still quite good. The shopkeeper instinctively wanted to look for flaws in order to drive the price down, but upon closer inspection, he couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

If it really doesn't work, we might as well go find Mr. Lin. After all, this trouble was ultimately caused by the other party, and it wouldn't be appropriate to just stand by and do nothing

At this moment, seeing Fang Yuan's gaze directed towards him, he felt even more distressed, fearing that Fang Yuan might truly be tempted to take him along in a hasty escape

For him, as long as it can reduce some trouble, face truly does not matter

Wait a moment, I want this thing!

After paying the entrance fee, Fang Yuan wandered aimlessly through the streets of the county town, silently contemplating in his heart

After the old man Tian had a change of heart, he actively urged Fang Yuan to seek a way out

On the ground, the old man Tian was still weeping profusely: "The old man has seen through it all. My life has truly been pathetic. In my old age, I barely have a bit of status, yet I still have to act against the disciples of my benefactor under pressure from others. I am not a human... The old man has made up his mind. To hell with that damned Gui Ling Sect. Even if I wash my hands of it, I cannot let my benefactor suffer any grievances... The old man has made up his mind. To hell with that damned Gui Ling Sect. Even if I wash my hands of it, I cannot let my benefactor suffer any grievances..."

After passing through several villages and towns, Fang Yuan felt a sense of relief upon entering the county seat: "If it were truly the Gui Ling Sect that was after me, with their immense power, I would have been unable to move an inch by now... It seems that my suspicion is indeed correct, perhaps a warning from someone below?"

Fang Yuan felt a moment of embarrassment in his heart; in his memory, that girl did not seem particularly beautiful, and her face had become somewhat blurred.

To prepare the fire liquid, it requires firewood away from the flame, rootless water, and also realgar powder... I have the first two items produced in my own valley along with the books, but the key is the realgar powder, which I must purchase in large quantities!

Could it be that another disaster has been caused by Lei Yue?

Where, where, your sister's pure filial piety will surely move the heavens!

Before he could finish speaking, a hand beside him directly took the red ginseng and examined it closely: "Unfortunately... the year is insufficient"

Moreover, there are spirit tea and spirit rice, and in a hurry, it is even less likely to be transferred over long distances

Eh?

Well, I need high-quality realgar powder! Additionally... do you accept medicinal herbs here?

The supplies in the valley are indeed sufficient for use, and there is no shortage of salt, oil, and similar items

Old man Tian sighed repeatedly, but he could see that Fang Yuan's intentions were very firm, so he could only leave helplessly

Fang Yuan was contemplating as he arrived in front of a grocery store

How much silver do you want

I am all alone, unburdened and without any attachments, and I have nothing. However, as for you, Mr. Tian, as long as you do as they say, they have no reason to trouble you

At this moment, a young man dressed in a blue robe stepped out from behind the girl and apologized.

This time, the provisions prepared by the old man are quite ample, and coupled with the reserves, they should be sufficient to meet the living needs for the next few months

Hmm

Who made you do this

Alas... take care, little practitioner!

... ...

Could it be that they are still unwilling to give up? Wait a moment! No, that’s not right! If they truly were unwilling to relent, they would have come directly to eliminate me. This indecisiveness instead resembles the actions of subordinates acting on their own accord, akin to a child's prank...

An outer gate steward, who seems to have heard some news from somewhere, knows that the old man has dealings with you... Young monk, shall we leave? Even though the Gui Ling Sect has its dominance within a hundred miles, who would recognize it beyond a few hundred miles? The old man still has some savings and has seen the world, so the journey will be absolutely worry-free... The old man still has some savings and has seen the world, so the journey will be absolutely worry-free...

This person is not inherently bad, but is burdened by too many worldly concerns, making them prone to indecision and hesitation

Fang Yuan exhaled, and this is the truth.

The closest to the Valley of Shadows is Qinghe County

After sending off the old man Tian, Fang Yuan flipped through the bamboo basket on the ground

The Qingling Mountain region is extensive, stretching across several counties.

Having spoken, he sat down cross-legged and began to savor his tea in solitude

This matter is likely the result of someone below taking the initiative on their own, merely to curry favor

At this moment, upon introspection, it is indeed possible to ask him to relay information, allowing Fang Yuan to leave as soon as possible

To speak frankly, he resides in a secluded valley and rarely ventures out of the mountains. Nowadays, he still harbors a certain longing for the outside world.

Seeing his appearance as if he were about to ruin his family to alleviate his difficulties, Fang Yuan was left speechless: "No rush! No rush! Just wait a little longer..."

After preparing, he hung a machete at his waist for slight self-defense, and then Fang Yuan set off leisurely.

Fine gold and silver jewelry

Red ginseng, twenty years old, the quality is quite good! Let me take another look ... ...

The shopkeeper was taken aback for a moment, then immediately smiled and said: "Little brother, whatever yam you have, feel free to bring it out!"

However, frequently troubling others is not a long-term solution, and moreover, when we meet, it can be somewhat awkward. Therefore, it is best to resolve matters on our own whenever possible.

Even though it is just a small county town, there are many shops along the main road, with various calls and shouts rising and falling, creating a lively atmosphere that captivated Fang Yuan. Naturally, he was not spared from a few disdainful glances from those who saw a country bumpkin entering the city, but he paid them no mind.

Fang Yuan shook his head, causing the young girl to become so angry that her face turned red: "You!"

Moments later, the old man Tian's fervor subsided, and his smooth character reemerged, instantly filled with regret: "What is wrong with me? Why would I forsake even my foundation to help the young monk confront the Gui Ling Sect?"

The other party seems to have considerable influence here, the shopkeeper repeatedly rubbed his hands together and smiled apologetically

Thinking of this, he then asked: "Is it the Spirit Return Sect that instigated this? Who is threatening you?"

Although Fang Yuan rarely leaves the deep mountains, he has followed the recluse Wenxin a few times and secretly noted the paths, so there will be no mistakes

In the world of dreams, many novels follow this trope, especially with a bunch of inexplicable rivals, who are simply born to be supporting characters.

Thank you for your kind intentions, Mr. Tian, but I am reluctant to part with this place

This heart-cleansing tea may only serve to purify the soul, but it does not have the effect of prompting one to abandon evil and embrace goodness

Old man Tian was not inherently bad-hearted, and feeling guilty within himself led him to suddenly realize the truth under the effects of the spiritual tea. If he had an evil nature, he would at most think that the tea was excellent and the flavor superb, but he would not experience such an effect at all

Where can you find ordinary rice from the outside world that tastes better than the pearl jade crystal rice he personally cultivated

Steamed cake

Fang Yuan first selected several precious medicinal materials with a certain age as the expenses for this trip, and also changed into a new set of clothing and footwear. Of course, the most crucial aspect was to bring enough provisions.

Old man Tian looked at Fang Yuan, somewhat surprised and uncertain

This voice was as ethereal and delicate as that of a yellow oriole, while Fang Yuan turned his head to look at the young girl dressed in a pale yellow long gown, his face displaying displeasure: "Miss, this red ginseng still belongs to me!"

What does the esteemed guest require

Fang Yuan let out a light sigh: "There is also this matter of intentional targeting, which must be thoroughly investigated..."

Receive! Receive!

Fang Yuan listened, but suddenly felt a jolt of shock

Although surprised by his own sudden sense of conscience today, he reminded: "Since it has been said, let me remind you: since ancient times, the people have not fought against the officials. Although the Gui Ling Sect is not an official entity, it is even more formidable than the officials. How has the young layman offended them? If there is a way to turn back, it is best to seek help from a mediator as soon as possible. If turning back is not possible, then it is better to leave quickly"

This is not a matter of money, but I was about to use it to exchange for other goods with the shopkeeper. However, your actions seem to suggest a hint of extortion!

Moreover, the embargoed supplies are not a significant matter

Furthermore, Fang Yuan also believes in his own judgment. He has already returned his marriage certificate and accepted compensation, humbling himself. There is no need for the other party to go to such extremes.

He smiled and said, "From now on, Mr. Tian will no longer have to work so hard!"

Having grown accustomed to the vegetables and grains cultivated by oneself, consuming ordinary food from outside feels no different from pig feed

Last time, Mr. Lin gave some gold and silver, but Fang Yuan instinctively still wanted to use his own belongings. He decided to directly store the gold and silver in a cellar as reserves for future use

Return to the Spirit Sect

Old man Tian weakly replied, but in his heart, he truly breathed a sigh of relief

How can this be done

There is just one material needed for the fire liquid that must be procured from the outside world. Originally, I intended to ask Old Man Tian to help with this... Now it seems that I have no choice but to make the trip myself

The shopkeeper is a middle-aged man of stout build, smiling in a very amiable manner

After careful consideration, he took out a cloth bag, which immediately caught the attention of the shopkeeper. However, as he unwrapped it layer by layer and revealed a ginseng root, disappointment once again appeared on the shopkeeper's face

Fang Yuan looked at him, fidgeting and appearing extremely awkward, and couldn't help but chuckle inwardly