Chapter 2, A Fortuitous Encounter

With Zhang's adept conversational skills, he quickly grasped the situation of the Han brothers in just a few words, even managing to extract a considerable amount of information from the wary Qingyan through indirect questioning. In the end, Qingyan, in a fit of anger, distanced himself from him.

Han Jun seemed to know what Zhang Fang was thinking. He did not speak, but silently took an arrow from his backpack and handed it to Zhang Fang

As he walked out of the woods and climbed a peak, he followed a clearly trodden path that wound around the mountain several times. Faintly, the sound of trickling water reached his ears. Zhang Fang felt a surge of joy and quickened his pace, passing through a wild apricot grove. Before him loomed a towering peak, resembling a giant Buddha seated facing east. What was astonishing was that at the very center between the giant Buddha's "legs," a waterfall cascaded down, pouring into a clear pool. The spring water flowed through the scattered rocks, gathering into a stream that rushed down along the gentle terrain. What was astonishing was that at the very center between the giant Buddha's "legs," a waterfall cascaded down, pouring into a clear pool. The spring water flowed through the scattered rocks, gathering into a stream that rushed down along the gentle terrain

Zhang Fang took the arrow, knowing that Han Jun's action must have its significance. He carefully examined the arrow: the shaft was made of hard wood, straight and smooth, with a very deep color, clearly having been used for a long time; the fletching was new and neat, indicating it had been recently replaced; ... then there was the arrowhead ...? ... Zhang Fang's eyes widened in surprise. Could it be? The arrowhead was actually made of bone, crafted from animal bones ... He tested it with his finger and found it to be quite sharp. If the bow's strength was sufficient, it could penetrate the flesh of an animal, but it might not be fatal for larger animals ...? The arrowhead was actually made of bone, crafted from animal bones ... He tested it with his finger and found it to be quite sharp. If the bow's strength was sufficient, it could penetrate the flesh of an animal, but it might not be fatal for larger animals ... ...

Zhang Fang was lost in thought for a moment when suddenly every hair on his body stood on end. In an instant, he crouched down, grabbed the long sword beside his feet, and with a sharp sound, drew the sword from its sheath, swiftly turning around.

The boy on the right side of the face smiled foolishly and said: "I often see my second brother flipping through that broken bamboo slip, probably learning from it."

The three young boys exchanged glances, and after a brief moment, the slender boy on the left, with a bow slung over his shoulder, took two steps forward. With a somewhat timid expression, he clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and said: "This young gentleman is most welcome. It is indeed an honor to have a distinguished guest visit our humble abode. However... our thatched cottage is rather modest, I fear..."

Clear and sweet, this is the true essence of Nongfu Spring

On both banks of the river, one can see a patchwork of uneven fields. ... On the southern side of the stream, dozens of thatched cottages are distributed in a staggered manner along the mountainside, with glimpses of figures both inside and outside the fences, and the sound of barking dogs echoing ...! ... The stone that had been hanging over Zhang Fang's heart finally fell to the ground; it feels truly wonderful to see kindred spirits, even if separated by a thousand years.

Han Chong rubbed his ribs and said with a pained expression, "I didn't say anything wrong, A Li is the most beautiful woman in Qingxi, yet this young gentleman is a man..."

Zhang Fang felt cold sweat streaming down, suddenly stood up, lifted his robe, and reached down to touch between his legs—thank heaven! It was a male! Moreover, it was not small. Judging by the smoothness of the skin, this body could not be older than thirteen.

The frail young man respectfully bowed: "I am Han Jun, and this is my younger brother Han Chong, that..." Han Mo turned to look at the young girl, his eyes filled with inquiry

Qing Yan stopped in her tracks, turned around, her gaze sharp as a needle, her thin lips moved: "From where does the guest come?"

Unfortunately, no matter what, the other one cannot be found, most likely buried under a pile of rubble. There is only one shoe, and it is a thick-soled wooden clog; how can one escape wearing it? Therefore, Zhang Fang simply threw away this clog as well. Running barefoot on the rugged mountain path, it is only natural for the skin to break and bleed.

Ah! More than ten steps away, three people who were quietly approaching were startled and retreated in shock by Zhang Fang's sudden action, one of them even letting out a piercing scream

As a psychologist, having keen observation skills and the ability to see beyond appearances to understand the psyche is an essential professional standard, let alone making a judgment about a person's gender based solely on their appearance.

I... I am being unreasonable?" Han Chong stared blankly at Qing Yan's back, shaking his head. If he had read Confucius's famous saying, he would surely blurt out, "Only the petty and women are difficult to raise."

Zhang Fang believes that where there is a road wide enough for a carriage to pass, even in the depths of the mountains, there will certainly be people living there, and they will not be too far away

Zhang Fang noticed Han Jun's somewhat strange behavior, and suddenly realized that in ancient times, it was inappropriate to casually ask a woman for her given name. His question was indeed improper. With this thought, he smiled apologetically and respectfully saluted Qing Yan from a distance

"Because you are speaking nonsense with your eyes wide open," Qing Yan said with a stern face. "In the past, you said that Sister A Li was the most beautiful woman in Qingxi, but now... hum hum.

The Qingxi Gathering is located in a vast range of peaks known as Tuo Luo Mountain, which belongs to a region called Beidi County. From the name, it seems to be situated in the northwest of China. The Han family has three brothers, with the eldest named Han Yi. The family consists of an elderly father, a sister-in-law, and a young nephew. Han Jun is sixteen years old, and Han Chong is fourteen, both older than Zhang Fang. However, when the three walk side by side, Zhang Fang is the tallest among them. Moreover, in terms of physique and complexion, the Han brothers cannot compare to him. Han Jun is sixteen years old, and Han Chong is fourteen, both older than Zhang Fang. However, when the three walk side by side, Zhang Fang is the tallest among them. Moreover, in terms of physique and complexion, the Han brothers cannot compare to him.

The girl behind curled her lips and said, "This guy Asher, I have never seen him so polite on ordinary days"

Zhang Fang silently returned the arrow to Han Jun, and he now understood why Han Chong had looked at his sword with such a gaze

The youth's face was filled with fear, and he repeatedly expressed his reluctance to speak

To be able to return to the age of thirteen is a great joy for Zhang Fang, who has already reached the age of maturity in his past life. However, is it truly good to find oneself in such a youthful body, lost in the depths of ancient mountains and forests?

Zhang Fang could hardly bear to see Han Chong's greedy expression and said with a smile: "Did you make the bow yourselves? Your craftsmanship is quite good. Is it for hunting?"

The young girl bit her lip, placed the round stone in the small cloth bag tied to her waist, and raised her small face: "My name is Qingyan"

Zhang Fang smiled and said: "No matter what, it is still a house, which is much better than me sleeping outdoors. Thank you."

Gazing at the vast mountains and the sun gradually setting in the western sky, Zhang Fang knew that the urgent task was to find a place with human habitation; otherwise, once night fell, not to mention the hunger and cold, and the exposure to the elements, it was still uncertain whether that pack of wolves would be satiated or not

Zhang Fang reined in his smile, paused, fell silent for a moment, lowered his head, and pushed aside his hair with both hands, revealing the swollen bump on the back of his head for the three to see. Amidst the three pairs of astonished gazes, he calmly said: "After the accident, my head was injured, and I can't remember anything—I have amnesia"

These are three boys around ten years old, their heads wrapped in gray cloth, wearing short grayish-white narrow-sleeved shirts on top, and matching trousers below, with leg bindings. Their clothes are full of patches. The three boys are of similar height, with sallow faces and thin bodies. Two of the boys are holding homemade short bows, with a few arrows slung diagonally over their shoulders, while the boy in the middle is gripping two round stones in his hand, poised to throw—his sharp scream is indeed emitted by him. It is this cry that makes Zhang Fang realize that this boy is unusual. Two of the boys are holding homemade short bows, with a few arrows slung diagonally over their shoulders, while the boy in the middle is gripping two round stones in his hand, poised to throw—his sharp scream is indeed emitted by him. It is this cry that makes Zhang Fang realize that this boy is unusual

The stream is very clear, so clear that it is utterly irresistible to those whose throats are parched.

It is like this... my carriage was struck by falling rocks on the other side of the mountain, resulting in the destruction of the carriage and loss of life, but I managed to escape... It is getting late, would you all be so kind as to allow me to stay overnight? As Zhang Fang spoke, there was a strange feeling. This voice, with the awkwardness of a boy going through voice change, this formal and stilted manner of speaking, and this refined and unfamiliar accent... Is this really something that came out of my own mouth? This voice, with the awkwardness of a boy going through voice change, this formal and stilted manner of speaking, and this refined and unfamiliar accent... Is this really something that came out of my own mouth?

I am Zhang Fang, may I ask for the names of the three esteemed individuals

"Unreasonable argument." Qing Yan shot him a sidelong glance and turned to leave

Han Chong felt a bit embarrassed as he explained: "We are not going up the mountain to hunt, but rather to see if there are any animals that have fallen into the traps."

The original owner of this body originally had shoes; Zhang had picked up one when he was on the slope. Upon seeing that shoe, he understood why he was barefoot—that was a wooden clog

Zhang's gaze naturally fell upon the waists and hands of the two brothers—empty, devoid of any prey.

It is likely that they have never seen peers so elegantly dressed and graceful; the three young boys and girls stood with their mouths slightly agape, frozen in motion, utterly mesmerized.

Zhang Fang wiped his face, cupped his hands into a bowl shape, and drank a few mouthfuls of water with satisfaction, letting out a long sigh of relief. Suddenly, his movements froze, and his eyes slowly widened—reflected on the water's surface was a clear and complete face: glossy black hair, bangs covering the forehead, delicate features, well-groomed eyebrows, bright double pupils, a nose like a suspended gallbladder, lips like they were painted red... This face was so handsome it hardly seemed like that of a boy; could it possibly be...

In an unfamiliar place, seeking out areas inhabited by people cannot be accomplished through aimless wandering; a practical method must be employed. Zhang Fang, who was a backpacker in a previous life and has considerable experience in outdoor living, naturally knows where to start: first, locate a water source, and then search upstream and downstream; this is currently the only viable plan.

Zhang Fang raised his feet, revealing the fair and rosy soles, which seemed to indicate that his 'self' had a rather good background. These soles were better maintained than the palms of the modern body. However, this did not help much for walking on mountain paths. Of course, this small matter did not trouble him; he used his sword to cut off the hems of two garments, wrapping and binding his soles to make a pair of 'cloth shoes.' After trying a few steps, they turned out to be quite effective. Of course, this small matter did not trouble him; he used his sword to cut off the hems of two garments, wrapping and binding his soles to make a pair of 'cloth shoes.' After trying a few steps, they turned out to be quite effective

The Han brothers exchanged a glance and nodded silently

After Zhang Fang escaped from the pack of wolves, he ran a full five hundred meters, darting into a patch of woods by the roadside. Leaning against a large tree, he gasped for breath, then pressed his hand against his ribs, sliding down slowly to sit on the ground. A sharp pain surged through the soles of his feet, reminding him that he was still barefoot.

This picturesque mountain landscape, how could there be no prey? ... It is precisely because I was made so miserable by a pack of wolves ...

"It is difficult to shoot flying birds, and as for the terrestrial beasts, the smaller ones have been nearly hunted to extinction. The larger wild animals, with such arrows..." Han Jun shook his head and fell silent.

The quietly walking Qingyan slightly turned her head and pouted: "Having dug so much from us, are you satisfied? May I also ask you a question?"

Puh! Zhang Fang plunged his head into the stream, and the water surface bubbled vigorously. After a dozen seconds, Zhang Fang raised his head with great satisfaction, shaking it left and right, splashing water droplets everywhere

At this time, Zhang Fang was still unaware that in the era he lived in, common people were prohibited from wearing various colored garments and could only wear plain linen. The restrictions on merchants were even stricter; even wealthy families could not wear silk, as doing so would be considered a transgression and a grave sin. In other words, the luxurious attire worn by Zhang Fang indicated that his current body did not belong to just the rich or the noble, but rather to a family of great wealth and high status, hailing from a prestigious and noble lineage.

Along the way, every villager who saw Zhang Fang would, in astonishment, respectfully bow to him with a sense of awe. At first, Zhang Fang was unaware of this, but gradually he understood that it was due to the clothing he wore. Up to this point, everyone he had encountered was dressed in coarse linen garments, in shades of grayish-brown, all patched up, and none were as splendidly attired as he was. Zhang Fang estimated that the owner of this body was most likely from an official or wealthy family. Up to this point, everyone he had encountered was dressed in coarse linen garments, in shades of grayish-brown, all patched up, and none were as splendidly attired as he was. Zhang Fang estimated that the owner of this body was most likely from an official or wealthy family.

Three newly acquainted young men and women: Han Jun is relatively clever and speaks appropriately; Han Chong is a reserved person, answering questions when asked but remaining silent otherwise; Qing Yan is a stubborn girl resembling a tomboy, which aligns with the upbringing of an orphan.

Han Chong's eyes were somewhat dazed as he murmured, "This young gentleman's smile is truly beautiful... even more so than A Li's... oh!" He was suddenly jabbed in the ribs by Qing Yan's elbow, causing him to gasp in pain, "Why did you hit me..."

Zhang Fang noticed that Han Chong's eyes occasionally stole glances at the sword hanging at his waist, revealing his admiration without reservation. Several times, Zhang Fang almost considered gifting the sword to him, but after some thought, he held back. The two seal characters inscribed on the spine of the sword were a crucial clue for him in tracing the origins of "himself".

Zhang Fang sheathed his sword, opened his arms wide, and displayed a charming smile, extending goodwill towards the three young men and women.

Zhang Fang raised his hands to shoulder level, with both elbows parallel to his shoulders, his left palm resting on his right hand, and his sleeves folded in a gesture of respect. When he performed this action, it was natural and smooth, without any hint of awkwardness. It seems that, like language, some instincts do not fade away with the original owner of this body.

Zhang Fang smiled and said, "Of course, it is possible"

The people in the mountains are warm-hearted, especially towards esteemed guests like these. Under the guidance of the Han brothers and Qingyan, Zhang Fang crossed the single-log bridge over Qingxi, traversed a tall spruce forest, and entered a small mountain village called Qingxi. In this era, such a village, no larger than the size of a palm, is referred to as a "gathering"

Qing Yan is an orphan, taken in by the village elders. As for her age, she refuses to disclose it. However, according to Zhang Fang's estimation, she is probably around eleven or twelve years old, in any case, younger than himself

Compared to the other two bow-wielding boys, this boy has delicate features and a soft facial contour. Although he glares and grits his teeth, he cannot conceal a certain charm of the opposite sex, especially with that crisp, high-pitched scream...! ... This is a girl! Although her attire is similar to that of the other two boys, she is indeed a girl