Chapter 1: Fang Yuan

After everything was completed, Fang Yuan came to the edge of the clear spring to wash the dirt off his hands and feet

He appears to be around seventeen or eighteen years old, with bright, expressive eyes. While he cannot be described as particularly handsome, his appearance is quite ordinary and plain. He is dressed in coarse cloth garments, with his sleeves rolled up and the cuffs of his trousers stained with mud, resembling a dedicated old farmer.

The door creaked open, and Fang Yuan stepped out, holding a wooden box in his hands: "This is the marriage certificate between me and Miss Lei Yue. Since our engagement, I have pondered several times and felt that I am not worthy of Miss Lei Yue. Today, with Uncle Lin's arrival, it truly resolves a matter that has weighed on my mind."

The official was somewhat taken aback, but the old man with the goatee beside him pushed the door open without any courtesy: "Hmph! Putting on a show!"

He asked himself that even if he were young, he would absolutely be unable to remain so calm in the face of such a situation

Mr. Lin sighed and quickened his pace

The two individuals walked further and further away, and in the blink of an eye, they disappeared beyond the mountains

Valley outside

Fang Yuan smiled wryly and murmured a phrase

The display within the hermitage is exceptionally simple; apart from the essential living utensils, there is only a quiet room. However, behind the hermitage, there is a small door, and upon opening it, a larger flower garden unfolds before one.

The more he responded with such indifference, the more Lin Yuanwai felt embarrassed, and he directly grabbed Yu Qiuleng and quickly left.

Yu Qiuling snorted and said, it seems that if it weren't for the nearby Lin Yuanwai holding him back, he would have already taught this ignorant young man a good lesson

Now that one's own support has collapsed, and the other party's daughter has climbed to a higher branch, being able to discuss the dissolution of the marriage politely, rather than directly confronting one, is already a sign of considerable restraint

Since there is no fear of losing face, the compensation from the female party is indeed something that should be taken without hesitation

First, the soil is loosened, followed by watering and fertilizing. The water used for irrigation is spring water, which has been left to stand for two days. His movements are not hurried, yet meticulous, giving a pleasing aesthetic impression.

He did not expect things to go so smoothly, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Eh?

However, Yu Qiuleng, with a gaze that seemed to say "You still have some awareness and sensibility," stood up and was about to leave

At this point, do you still call him your esteemed nephew

... ...

Sigh... No matter how I put it, I have known his master for several decades, and moreover, this time it is I who feel guilty towards him... Sigh...

This valley is not large, yet it exudes a warmth, with a clear spring gently flowing through it. The environment is exceptionally serene, and in the center stands a delicate villa, surrounded by a fence. A variety of jade crystal rice is planted around, with plump grains that are vibrant and thriving, presenting a very pleasing sight.

Fang Yuan listened, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said: "Please wait a moment, both of you!"

After finishing his grooming, Fang Yuan slowly walked into the room and saw the old man with a face full of impatience

He was dressed in a dark blue robe, his gaze cold and sharp, with a hint of disdain. As he glanced around, he resembled a fierce tiger, causing a middle-aged gentleman beside him to only manage a forced smile while wiping the cold sweat from his face: "Indeed... there is a private residence in this valley, built by my dear friend, and my esteemed nephew is also there."

Although it was not explicitly stated afterwards, the metaphor of the toad and the swan's flesh was still vividly apparent

If one does not agree, should we shout a few more phrases like 'Do not bully the poor youth', and then be completely eradicated to prevent future troubles

The official shook his head

For someone like him, a recluse living deep in the mountains, could those mountain chickens and wild rabbits possibly mock him for losing face?

Fang Yuan weighed the jade bottle in his hand, a look of joy on his face

Knock knock

Very good! Very good!

Mr. Lin felt somewhat cold-hearted, and glanced at Yu Qiuleng beside him, who, however, cast a calm glance back, the meaning very clear.

This spring water emerges from the ground, providing an unparalleled coolness to the touch, yet devoid of any bone-chilling sensation, making it a superior quality among the finest.

The old man with a goatee shook his head

Perhaps feeling guilty, Uncle Lin said with an awkward smile

Fang Yuan greeted with a very sincere smile

One does not actually have much room for choice

Two individuals approached, crossed the fence, and knocked on the door

Hmph, if your daughter were to achieve the status of a Martial Sovereign in the future, what young talents would she not be able to choose from? Why must she be so infatuated with a poor country boy?

A spring emerges in the center of the flowerbed, bubbling with fresh water, producing a tinkling sound, harmonizing beautifully with the surrounding vibrant colors.

Uncle Lin, who is this?

Uncle Lin

He naturally understood that the reason why this Lin gentleman initially arranged a marriage with Lei Yue was entirely due to the fact that his master, the recluse Xinxin, had miraculously saved his life, coupled with a desire for social advancement, which led to the engagement being established

The official sighed deeply, and the bitterness in his brow was even more pronounced

Hello, Mr. Yu

What is the matter? Is Mr. Lin feeling worried?

Regarding this, Fang Yuan raised an eyebrow and replied in a nonchalant manner, then turned to Lin Yuanwai and asked, "Uncle Lin, what brings you here this time?"

He rose directly and moved into the inner room

Mr. Lin was taken aback as he received it, and upon opening it, he saw the marriage certificate from before, which was not a forgery

As long as one does not take it to heart, the praise or criticism from the outside world is akin to a gentle breeze brushing against the face

Oh? Hongyu rice seeds?

The recluse, known for his introspection, avoids worldly affairs and remains detached from mundane matters. However, he possesses considerable expertise in both medicine and agriculture. By a stroke of fate, I came to know him. My virtuous nephew is, in fact, the orphan he has adopted

Only the periphery leads further in, the mist thickens, and there are no discernible paths; even the seasoned hunters who have entered the mountains for years can easily become lost

Fang Yuan did not look at what was inside, but directly took it into his hands

Mr. Lin Yuanwai laughed heartily and said: "This is Mr. Yu Qiuleng, the outer sect steward of the Gui Ling Sect... as you know, Lei Yue has also just joined this sect..."

A hint of confusion was evident on his face

Mr. Lin hesitated for a moment, and after a long pause, he finally spoke with a flushed face: "Leiyue has joined the Gui Ling Sect, which is one of the top sects within a hundred miles, presided over by a Martial Sovereign. The sect master took a liking to Leiyue's talent and accepted her as a direct disciple. However, to practice the martial arts of the sect master’s lineage, one must possess a pure Yin constitution, therefore... your marriage with Leiyue..." your marriage with Leiyue..."

Qingling Mountain

Oh, Fang Yuan, you go ahead with your work, I am not in a hurry

Accepting an apology is also for this reason; otherwise, it would lead to harboring resentment, which can easily invite trouble

After they left, Fang Yuan opened the package and found a land deed inside, several pieces of gold and silver, and a jade bottle, which made him smile.

At this moment, Yu Qiuleng spoke directly: "Miss Lei Yue is a highly esteemed disciple of our sect leader, possessing exceptional talent. In the future, she may very well be able to break through to the realm of Martial Sovereign..."

Fortunately, he is open-minded and optimistic, and he has only met Lin Lei Yue a few times, without any feelings of admiration, so he is not particularly troubled

No, no!

Oh! I see!

Hmm? Is there no one?

This mountain stretches for hundreds of miles, its depth unknown, and its abundant resources have greatly supported a group of nearby mountain dwellers

Alas... with this incident having occurred, how can I still have the face to bring it up...

Yu Qiuling's expression was playful: "Of course, if you are still reluctant, you can always marry another daughter over! As long as it is not Miss Lei Yue, our sect leader will not interfere at all"

The old man with a goatee sneered and retorted

Sigh

I apologize for the humble accommodations and for neglecting our esteemed guest

This is indeed a rare spiritual seed, highly cherished. Fang Yuan searched for a long time and had previously entrusted Lin Yuanwai with the task. This time, it has finally been sent over together.

Mr. Lin waved his hands in confusion: "I just think that young Fang Yuan is quite a good person, what a pity for Lei Yue..."

Amidst several flowers, a young boy raised his head: "So it is Uncle Lin who has arrived? Please wait a moment! Let me finish planting this camellia!"

One of them, with a goatee, sharp features, and hands resembling chicken claws, asked.

Hmph

As they spoke, the two had already entered the valley

Before long, a valley appeared ahead, with vapor rising from the ground, wisps of mist swirling around, forming dewdrops on the green leaves, reflecting a spectrum of colorful halos in the sunlight

This ... ... that ... ...

Within the jade bottle lies a cluster of grains, glistening like jade, round and large, encased in a red husk, exuding a tantalizing spicy aroma that whets the appetite

Could it be that there is hidden anger in the heart, wishing for the fish to die and the net to break

This posture, however, surprised Mr. Lin somewhat

Hello ... ... let me introduce you!

The clear sound echoed in the valley, yet there was no response

Even if that young man is driven to desperation, he would certainly not be a match for this cold-faced iron eagle

Well... this courtyard, this land, is quite nice... your old friend seems to have been a person of great depth, but unfortunately, he has already passed away

Hmm?

Cultivating tea is quite particular, especially for this tea flower, which prefers shade over heat. Fang Yuan specifically found a spring and, in a cool location, gradually planted the tea flower.

Alas... Fang Xianzhi, I shall not say much more. You and Leyue are truly fated yet without a bond... Here is a small token of my humble regard, I sincerely hope you will accept it!

At this moment, two figures walked side by side, gradually delving deeper, whether it was the jagged rocks or the dense jungle, everything felt as easy as walking on flat ground

When he counted them one by one and opened the jade bottle, he couldn't help but exclaim in surprise

Mr. Lin sighed deeply; although he had long made up his mind, seeing Fang Yuan's composed demeanor today, neither servile nor arrogant, still left him with a sense of regret

Well, this is the land deed for the entire valley. It can actually facilitate connections. Obtaining this, Mr. Lin is quite generous and seems to have some connections, doesn't he

... ...

Mr. Lin, blushing, took out a small package from his bosom and handed it over

Since it is a gift from the elder, I shall not refuse it disrespectfully

Well, this red corn is inherently yang, yet it must be planted during the yin period. Let us plant them tonight in that newly opened land...

As for insults, reputation, and so on

Well... the air is rising, the seasons are like spring, it is indeed a nice place, is that person here?

Yu Qiuling smiled from the side and said: "The marriage contract has been returned, and compensation has been received. Even if he causes a scene in the future, he will be in the wrong... Of course, if you are still not at ease, I can also turn back again and conveniently eliminate this troublemaker."

Hmph! Indeed, they are uncivilized mountain dwellers, lacking in manners. We have waited here for half a day, and not even a cup of tea has been offered!