Chapter 001: Drought in Jiangnan

Suddenly, an aged voice echoed in the silence, "What day is it today"

This year cannot be considered a good time; the winds are unfavorable and the rains are unseasonable, natural disasters are incessant, and calamities occur frequently, merely described in later writings as a phrase of light understatement

In the distance along the official road, a vast cloud of yellow dust rises as a long convoy approaches Jingzhou

People dare not approach, nor are they willing to give up, and the crowd behind the vehicle continues to grow longer.

The elder no longer spoke much, "Look more, use the sword less, go on."

The middle-aged Taoist bowed to the old man and urgently inquired, "Master, did you instruct Su Xuan to descend the mountain immediately?"

The elderly refugee rarely had the opportunity to boast, proudly stating, "The most prominent family in Jingzhou is the Ke family. Lord Ke can even speak before the emperor; otherwise, how could the Wang family of Langya have married their daughter over? It is said that recently they have even set up a porridge stall in the city. If one can get in, there is no fear of starving to death"

A person who goes a day without food finds it unbearable to endure hunger, yet what lies before them is a desolate landscape, devoid of grain, with withered crops consumed entirely by locusts, leaving nothing to fill the stomach. Hunger drives people to dig up grasses, roots of ferns, and strip bark from trees, searching for anything edible. The vast countryside is bleak and desolate, with not a sound from chickens or dogs, and people continue to perish.

The North Star Master paused for a moment, intending to say more, but the old man shook his head, "You can see for yourself that the child possesses extraordinary talent and a strong will; in the future, it is uncertain whether the Zhengyang Palace will be able to provide him with protection"

Tiandu Peak is formed by more than ten clustered peaks, majestic and towering, with breathtaking scenery, and is widely regarded as a sacred mountain. Inside the main hall of Zhengyang Palace at the summit, the highest Taoist deities, the Three Pure Ones, are enshrined, while the copper furnace outside emits a blue smoke, resembling the myriad desires of the mortal world, which burn eternally.

Every day, people die silently. Under extreme hunger, individuals begin to consume fresh corpses. Some of the elderly and weak have already been partially devoured. If not for the exhaustion from starvation, they might even fight over a piece of flesh. The white bones by the roadside accumulate thicker and thicker, glaringly pale. When vehicles pass by, the bones are crushed, producing a creaking sound that sends chills down one's spine.

Su Xuan's world is very small, small enough to consist of only one mountain, one sect, and a sword that is never far from him. In just one day, it became immensely large, so vast that he found himself at the foot of the mountain, utterly lost and unsure of where to go.

The gradually brightening morning sun cloaked the morning mist in a layer of warm gold, as a young man stepped through the mist, his figure also tinged with gold

The person remained silent for a long time before responding with a simple "yes"

Those who cannot wait for hope begin to leave their homes, piling their meager belongings onto wooden carts and fleeing with their wives and children. The disaster victims swarm like starving ants, continuously converging on distant cities. However, at this point, even if there is grain in the city, it cannot satisfy the endless tide of hungry mouths. Moreover, fearing the turmoil brought by the refugees, the cities unanimously choose to close their gates, rejecting the large number of barely surviving refugees from entering.

"Do you think the carriage is the residence of the Langya King? Fool, those nobles cannot leave their fiefs at will." The older refugee spat out a toothpick, "If they are willing to stop and distribute grain, it is most likely the old lady of the Ruan family; she is compassionate, but her guards are ruthless. Before you even get close, you would be riddled with seven or eight transparent holes. Only a fool would dare to approach."

The youth replied clearly, "Returning to the ancestral master, it is the sixth day."

In the sixth year of Yonghe, there was a drought in Jiangnan, and people resorted to cannibalism

"Where destiny leads, even the blessings are in vain; I only hope he can carve out his own fortune." The old man sighed softly, raising his long pole, and under the sunlight, a silver glimmer appeared as a fish leaped out of the water

A black bird perched on a branch was disturbed by the voices of people beneath the tree, and it let out an unhappy call. With a flap of its wings, it broke through the morning mist, passed through the tall ancient locust trees, and flew into a secluded and tranquil place beyond layers of deep courtyards

The smell of cooking meat wafted over, and Su Xuan touched his painfully hungry stomach, sighed amidst the floating dust, and stepped back a little. Having descended the mountain for over a year, he had witnessed various tragic scenes; at this moment, martial skills were of little use. He could not avoid being deceived by the foolish, could not conjure food from thin air, and certainly could not escape hunger and thirst.

A group of devout men and women, assisting the elderly and carrying the young, entered the temple with bamboo baskets filled with incense candles to pay their respects. The long line stretched far into the distance, and occasional scuffles would break out among the crowd, only to quickly subside.

The mountain bird is bold, showing no fear of humans, and continues to tilt its head and observe even as the young man approaches.

However, entering the city on ordinary days is effortless; at this moment, it is nearly hopeless

The ancient locust tree at the mountain peak sways in the wind, and the old man, holding a long pole, speaks in a calm voice, "On the sixth day of the third month, it is suitable for breaking ground, conducting sacrifices, praying for blessings, and traveling. It is a good day; you should pack your belongings and go down the mountain."

A frail woman stumbled over a wheel track, dropping the infant she was holding, and struggled to crawl over to pick it up. The baby cried out, its voice weak like that of a kitten on the verge of death. The surrounding refugees did not waste their energy to help, numbly following the convoy like a group of soulless puppets

An intangible sense of reverence causes people to instinctively restrain themselves. This reverence arises not only from the deities worshipped in the hall but also from the Daoists clad in cloud-patterned robes who traverse the temple. Since its founding, Zhengyang Palace has upheld a tradition of sword cultivation, producing numerous talented individuals over the years. Each modest practitioner may possess extraordinary skills, and even the most arrogant of ruffians would not dare to indulge themselves in this place

The young man stopped and bowed, "Good morning, Master Ancestor."

Unlike the incense swirling in the grand hall, this place is shrouded in mist with towering pines, the mountain air is serene and clear, a bend of emerald green water is as pure as frozen jade, the small courtyard by the water is empty and tranquil, allowing the blackbirds to rest at ease, stopping by the pond to drink a few sips of water before pecking at the wild fruits scattered on the ground

His eyes were clear and bright, his eyebrows elegantly raised and relaxed, exuding a refreshing spirit and a rare composure and confidence. A light sheen of sweat from his morning exercise glistened on his forehead as he walked towards the blackbird.

For a hundred years, the legends of mountains and swords have been numerous, just like the countless stone steps leading up the mountain, where every brick, every stone, every blade of grass, and every tree seems to possess a spirit

The young man behind Master Beichen stepped forward and respectfully said, "Master Ancestor harbors great wisdom and has his own plans, but may I request that my junior brother delay his departure for a few days?"

Where can the North Star Master find peace of mind? He cannot blame his own master, so he can only offer earnest advice, "Although that child has great talent, he has no experience in worldly matters. Master has nurtured him for many years, so why fear the dangers of the martial world? What mistakes could he make as a novice?"

Currently, the land is filled with refugees, and there are very few caravans that can pass through, unless they are accompanied by a large number of guards. Su Xuan observed the approaching convoy and noticed that the horses were strong and robust, the drivers were sturdy, and the well-trained attendants were clad in fine armor, clearly indicating that they hailed from a noble household

You have already comprehended the formless heart method of Xuan Yi, and you have also mastered the Nine Techniques of Heavenly Dao. Why must you remain on the mountain, wasting time? The old man's gaze was as clear as autumn light, as if he could see through to his inner thoughts. "Your skills have matured; it is time for you to enter the world and gain some experience."

When the drought first began, no one anticipated its far-reaching consequences. In the Jiangnan region, rainfall had been scarce since the end of last autumn, and the situation worsened after the new year. For several consecutive months, not a single drop of rain fell, causing the ground to crack in numerous places, ditches to dry up, and crops to wither. Even more alarming was the drought's trigger of a locust plague, with swarms of locusts darkening the sky, casting shadows like clouds, and turning the daylight into a dim twilight.

Food is undoubtedly enticing, yet a sharp blade is far more terrifying. The refugees, filled with trepidation, suppress their urge to rush and grab, forming a long line as commanded by the guards, receiving a bowl of rice in turn. Many, fearing they might be robbed due to their frailty, do not even bother to cook it, consuming it raw instead.

The youth has departed, yet the elder remains fishing

The more he was persuaded, the worse it became; Ye Ting could only swallow his words.

Just like the city of Jingzhou, the sides of the official road are strewn with the starving dead, and white bones cover the path, having turned into a hell on earth

Not long after, a lean middle-aged Taoist priest hurried along the mountain path. He had a dignified demeanor and wore an elegant Daoist robe, resembling a graceful immortal from an ancient painting. Following him was a young man in his twenties, poised and steady, like a green pine.

Two guards took several bags of rice flour from the supply cart, and the starving people immediately became frantic, jostling each other in a rush. The scene was on the verge of chaos when the sergeant shouted a stern warning, and the entire line of guards drew their weapons, exuding a fierce aura, delivering a strong warning.

A young and strong refugee, after receiving his rice, looked at the sturdy supply cart outside the crowd and spat in dissatisfaction, "Which wealthy household has brought so many lackeys"

The complexion of the young and strong vagrants changed dramatically, and their greed was instantly extinguished

A fifteen-year-old youth rode a gentle gray donkey, with a bundle containing a few pieces of clothing and a long sword wrapped in cloth hanging by the saddle. He stroked the donkey's neck, lost in thought for a while, then casually chose a path and stepped into the vast and chaotic world.

An older beggar next to me, holding a bowl of grain, approached with a few companions and laughed mockingly, "Fool, even the convoy of the Wang of Langya wants to rob you. Turn around, and the sharp soldiers in the city will come out and chop you into eighteen pieces, just right for cooking and eating"

The old man was not surprised by the arrival of his disciple, "Not bad."

The North Star Master once again urged, "The master has the intention to train, and there is no need to rush. At the very least, let Ye Ting take him on a journey and advise him on some taboos of the martial world"

Su Xuan found it impossible to resort to cannibalism, yet she did not wish to become a victim of starvation. Thus, she had no choice but to find a way to enter the city of Jingzhou before her, otherwise, the disciples of Zhengyang Palace, who had studied swordsmanship for over ten years, would perish by the roadside, causing their previous master to rise in anger from his coffin.

Within the convoy surrounded by layers of guards, someone in a luxurious and elegant carriage spoke a few words softly. At the command of the captain of the guards beside the carriage, the refugees were pleasantly surprised to find that the convoy had come to a halt

The expansive official road in Jingzhou has been stripped bare of trees, surrounded by a stretch of red earth. A swarm of locusts rises, creating a cloud of darkness, which disperses to reveal the blazing sun once more. Along the roadside lie countless ragged refugees, their faces marked by a desperate grayish-yellow, their emaciated bodies resembling living skeletons

Emperor Wuzong of the Jianchao Dynasty, who revered Daoism, personally visited Tiandu Peak and engaged in discussions about the state of the world with the Daoist masters of Zhengyang Palace. He bestowed a significant amount of silver, money, and silk, which led Zhengyang Palace to become the foremost institution of Daoism in the realm. High-ranking officials and aristocrats flocked there, and literati and distinguished individuals regarded the practice of Daoism as a refined pursuit

The elderly refugee, with a head full of yellow sweat, waved his sleeve to wipe his brow and said, "Ignorant fool, the eldest daughter of the Langya King was promised to the son of Master Ke, and she married far away in Jingzhou, where she held a month-long banquet in the city. Unfortunately, she was unable to bear children for several years after her marriage, and it was only recently that she finally had a son. This group must be here to visit relatives"

The scorching sun caused beads of sweat to form on Su Xuan's forehead, and her clothes were stained with dust, making her appear disheveled and destitute. The money she had brought down the mountain had long been exhausted, and the donkey had been devoured by a group of starving people. At this moment, she could hardly help but wish to encounter a band of marauding thieves, as at least she could snatch some food and drink from them. Unfortunately, all she could see around her were a bunch of half-dead refugees.

The old man had a calm expression, unmoved by external circumstances. "Entering the world is like entering the Dao; if one does not encounter hardships and dangers, how can one see their true heart? Convey my command: within two years, Su Xuan is not allowed to return to the mountain, and disciples of this sect are also prohibited from accompanying her."

Before the convoy finished delivering the grain, the heavy gates of Jingzhou opened, and the refugees immediately surged forward, clamoring to rush inside, desperately attempting to break into the city. However, several hundred city guards, fierce and intimidating, formed a line to block the crowd, using swords and arrows to clear a path for the distant convoy to enter the city. They then mercilessly closed the city gates, shutting out the many hungry eyes from the outside

The young man was taken aback, "Did my master ancestor ask me to descend the mountain today?"

The young and strong vagrant mocked, "Why not rush up and plead desperately? Who knows, he might take pity on you and benevolently allow you to enter the city."

The mountain bird was suddenly startled, flapping its wings and taking flight, only to discover that there was an old man by the pond.

The young man was momentarily taken aback, but quickly regained his composure and bowed deeply, saying, "As commanded by the master ancestor, the disciple shall certainly comply with utmost diligence"

The old man gazed calmly at the tiny bubbles on the water's surface, "Everything is the work of fate; even if there are unexpected events, they are but tribulations destined in one's life."

The Wang family of Langya was granted a fief in Yizhou. Since the Jin Dynasty, the Ruan family has been the largest aristocratic clan in the region, producing numerous officials and countless renowned scholars and gentlemen. Their high reputation and prestigious lineage are well known even to common villagers and passersby.

The middle-aged Daoist sighed and stamped his foot. As the headmaster of the Zhengyang Palace, commanding thousands within the temple, he found himself powerless against his own master. "He is only fifteen; how can we possibly drive such a young child down the mountain? I implore you, Master, to reconsider!"

The old man casually tied his hair into a topknot, his face thin and serene, quietly fishing under the tree, resembling a moss-covered gray stone, easily overlooked, showing no sign of existence.

The old man replied slowly, "Why should Beichen worry? He has studied for many years and possesses the ability to protect himself."

The young and strong refugees were fearful, yet they still refused to submit, saying, "Who says it must be the King of Langya? There are so many refugees; why would he leave Langya to run to Jingzhou?"

The beggars by the roadside were gradually startled by the formation of the convoy, gathering in groups behind the vehicles in hopes of begging for a morsel of food. Having witnessed such scenes along the way, the guards remained unfazed, sternly driving away the approaching beggars, and any sign of defiance was met with the threatening gleam of a sharp bayonet.

Jingzhou is a prosperous place, a crucial point for defense, with its walls built high and sturdy. Recently, to prevent the influx of refugees from breaching the city, all six gates are tightly shut and seldom opened. Even the remarkable agility of the Zhengyang Palace would find it difficult to scale the walls that rise eight or nine zhang high. Su Xuan has been observing for two days and is genuinely troubled, until at this moment, she accidentally turns her head and is instantly invigorated.

With the clear morning bell, the mountain gate opened, and the mist-covered Tiandu Peak gradually became lively

The young and strong migrants fell silent upon hearing him speak with such clarity and conviction