Chapter 6, Peach Blossom Spring

Pei Ziyun took a step forward and handed over the letter in his hand: "I am a student of Mr. Zhao from Woniu Village. I have a matter to discuss and have come to visit Daoist Guanzhong. This is Mr. Zhao's letter, and I hope you will kindly pass it on."

Not only that, in the long run, being poor at home and wanting to change one's fate requires having a status. By taking this examination and passing to become a scholar, one's circumstances can be significantly improved

Is this permission

Upon seeing the female Daoist emerge, Pei Ziyun and Ye Su'er paid their respects. Pei Ziyun said: "May you be blessed, Daoist. Just now, regarding the letter from the gentleman, I hope you have had the opportunity to read it. As for the matters requested, I sincerely hope for your permission. Once the situation has passed, I will certainly come to fulfill my vow."

However, I, as a practitioner of the Dao, exist beyond the mortal realm, yet I value fate. There is one matter that you can resolve; if it is indeed fate, I shall protect her from harm inflicted by others. What do you think of this arrangement?

If the original owner were here, it would indeed be difficult. Just now, Pei Ziyun had taken a few steps when he suddenly remembered that there was a river near the Taoist temple. A thought flashed through his mind like a bolt of lightning, and he couldn't help but laugh heartily: "Daoist, go fetch the paper, ink, brush, and inkstone; this matter is easy, I already have an idea."

After speaking, he turned and entered the main door, gently closing it behind him. Inside, one could hear someone calling out: "Master, Master, there is a visitor. It is a student of Mr. Zhao."

Seeing Pei Ziyun agree, Mr. Zhao laughed heartily twice, quite pleased: "Come, I know you are anxious. Drink this cup, and I will personally send the beauty to the Daoist temple to avoid disaster. Remember to come a few more times before the provincial examination, and I will tutor you myself. This time, you must pass and become a scholar, so as not to disappoint your mother's hard work."

The woman took a few steps, appearing somewhat troubled. After pondering for a moment, she said: "You also know that I am a person from outside the world, not involved in the mundane affairs of the mortal realm. It is only because I have an old acquaintance with Mr. Zhao that I hesitate."

Ziyun, I reviewed your article yesterday and found that it is sufficiently mature; you are ready to take the imperial examination. I intended to inform you of this, but I did not expect you to come today.

Oh? Mr. Zhao glanced at Ye Su'er and Pei Ziyun, suddenly smiled, and said: "... of course, doing this in the village is indeed ungrateful. Very well, I will keep her."

There is a task, but now is not the time to discuss it. Pei Ziyun merely smiled, secretly pondering: "Indeed, this place is not a long-term solution, nor is this female academy. To fend off the Black Wind Bandits and the villagers, one must attain a degree of scholarly merit."

On the right side of the corridor, there was a table adorned with writing brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone. It turned out that this female Taoist priest had risen early to practice her calligraphy and transcribe scriptures.

The spring examination is just around the corner. If you go to the capital city and succeed in becoming a scholar, you can persuade the inspection office to include Woniu Village in their patrols. Although the Black Wind Bandits are unruly, they are not foolish and do not dare to confront us directly

Oh, what is it? Please tell me.

At this moment, Ye Su'er showed a troubled expression: "As a mere woman, how can I live together with you, Sir, Pei Gege..."

Mr. Zhao paused here, took out a silver ingot from his bosom, and placed it in front of Pei Ziyun: "This is a little travel money for you, take it and go. During this time, I will ensure your safety, my childhood friend."

At the end of the forest, there is a water source, and there stands a mountain with a small opening, seemingly illuminated... In pursuit of my aspirations, I became lost and could no longer find my way... After that, no one came to inquire about it.

Haha, this matter is easy.

Task 1: Rescue Ye Su'er (Completed), Obtain Permission, First Petal of the Plum Blossom (Virtual)

Occupation: Child Scholar

I am writing you a letter. There is a Daoist temple five miles away where a female priestess resides, and she is a close friend of mine. Ziyun can accompany you there. With this letter, the priestess will surely agree to take you in. You should go there quickly today.

"Wait a moment." Mr. Zhao waved his hand, his smile vanished, and he spoke solemnly: "However, this is not a long-term solution for me. Although the Black Wind Bandits may not last long, they are not yet at the end of their rope. The villagers are ignorant and may again entertain ill thoughts. You must protect her, and you also need to cut off the source of their power."

One could see that this female Daoist priest was dressed in a Daoist robe, appearing to be not very old, around thirty years of age. Her demeanor was not ordinary, with clear and bright features; upon closer inspection, she was not stunning, but rather somewhat ordinary.

It is indeed so

Upon thinking of this, my heart stirred, and I clasped my hands: "If the gentleman has a command, the student shall certainly comply."

Pei Ziyun let out a quiet sigh of relief as she saw her carefully savoring the paper, seemingly entranced, completely disregarding her presence. Moreover, since this was the female crown's quarters, it was not appropriate to linger. Pei Ziyun exchanged a few words with Ye Su'er before taking her leave.

It seems that the original owner has suffered losses and made considerable progress. This plum blossom spirit treasure will be transferred step by step according to the completion of the task. Pei Ziyun looked at the scene before him and suddenly recalled the memories of the original owner. After a brief moment of distraction, he commanded: "Receive!"

Pei Ziyun remained expressionless, while Ye Su'er turned slightly pale, unable to suppress her irritation

As she was speaking, the door creaked open, and a young female acolyte emerged. This acolyte, a petite girl, was a loli. She glanced at the two individuals before her, performed a bow, and inquired: "Esteemed patrons, may I ask what brings you to this Peach Blossom Garden? Are you here to seek divine guidance or to offer incense? However, please note that this temple is for female practitioners only, and we kindly ask for your understanding."

"Peach blossoms as a theme, yet they must transcend the mundane world!" Pei Ziyun could not help but feel somewhat troubled: "Peach blossoms, peach blossoms."

At this moment, the female champion was stunned for a long time, savoring the meaning within, and then burst into laughter: "Indeed, a good student of Mr. Zhao, possessing such a spirit that approaches the essence of the Dao. I truly love this garden; your green plums, I shall surely protect."

Upon completion, three large characters were inscribed on a blank sheet of paper: "Peach Blossom Spring"

As I approached, the air was filled with the fragrance of peach blossoms. Butterflies and bees danced about, while two large trees stood at the entrance of the temple, shading a patch of open ground in front of it. These were also peach trees, adorned with blooming peach flowers, suggesting that the temple's owner had a deep fondness for peach trees

This is my luck, but I cannot rely on it every time. I have thought of everything, and can only come to seek Mr. Zhao, hoping for his assistance

Peach Blossom Garden, Peach Blossom Spring

Task 2: Obtain the title of Xiucai

In the original owner's memory, although it is referred to as a celestial gate, it is not completely isolated from the world, especially since the branches are intertwined, and this place is no exception

Mr. Zhao picked up the wine cup on the table, covered it with his hand, tilted his head, and drank another cup of clear wine. He then said: "As long as you pass the scholar examination, the land owned by your family can be redeemed at a fair price, and the Li family will not refuse."

Upon exiting the Taoist temple, Pei Ziyun secretly called out: "System!"

Elder Zhao, could it be that this place, which the young disciple claims to be familiar with, is also a stronghold of the Immortal Sect? It must be related to Elder Zhao!

Upon hearing this, the woman in the crown was somewhat surprised. She glanced at Pei Ziyun and, seeing his confidence, believed him to some extent. She then smiled and said, "It seems that you are quite assured, young master. The writing materials are indeed inside, please come in"

Pei Ziyun's body trembled slightly as he bowed and said, "I kindly ask for your guidance, esteemed teacher"

Name: Pei Ziyun

Upon entering the courtyard, one sees the main hall of the Taoist temple inside. The ground is paved with blue stone slabs, and between the gaps of the slabs, some tender green grass is growing. To the right, there is a small door leading to a corridor of side rooms, which, though not large, are quite exquisite, indicating that this is the residence of the female Taoist priest.

"That is excellent, let us go forward and call for someone." After saying this, Pei Ziyun stepped forward, lifted the copper ring at the entrance, and knocked a few times. Someone inside responded, "Coming!"

"Sir, last night the Black Wind Bandits launched an attack, seeking to take away food and beautiful women. The village intends to offer my childhood friend Ye Su'er, with whom I have grown up and shared a deep bond, to the Black Wind Bandits." At this point, Pei Ziyun paused.

On the horizontal plaque of the Taoist temple were inscribed the three characters "Peach Blossom Garden Temple." Pei Ziyun paused slightly, realizing that this temple was the residence of a female Taoist priest. He had studied hard in his past life but had never been here. However, Ye Su'er had heard of it before. She turned to Pei Ziyun and said: "Brother Pei, I have heard of this Peach Blossom Garden Temple. There resides a female priest who is kind-hearted, charitable, and often helps the poor. Her reputation is excellent. I did not expect that the place you mentioned was this one."

Leaving Mr. Zhao's home, it is only five li to the Taoist temple, neither far nor near. Accompanied by Ye Su'er, we arrived near the temple. At a glance, a river flows by, and on the hills, peach trees are in full bloom. The sunlight filters through the clusters of peach blossoms, which are densely packed and blooming profusely on the branches, exuding a faint fragrance, while the temple is situated amidst this peach grove

I am merely a scholar, powerless to resist. Fortunately, the heavens have eyes; the thief who came here, for some unknown reason, was killed by someone in the dilapidated temple. Now the village is in an uproar

A warm current appeared, and then a faint red petal emerged at the center of the brow, merely translucent and seemingly insubstantial

Thank you, esteemed teacher

I have been observing this Peach Blossom Garden for several years. However, the other day an old friend visited and, upon seeing the beauty of my Peach Blossom Garden, expressed great fondness for it, yet was quite displeased with the name of the garden. He remarked that since it is meant to be beyond the mundane world, why should the name be so unpleasant to the ear? I have loved peach blossoms since childhood and do not wish to change the word "peach blossom," while also desiring to transcend the worldly realm. You are a scholar and have a request of me; if you can provide a solution, I shall certainly agree to your request.

Pei Ziyun took the cup of clear wine filled to the brim from Mr. Zhao's hand, raised it, and drank it down. The alcohol was fiery and slid down his throat, bringing great satisfaction, prompting him to exclaim: "Refreshing"

Engaged in fishing as a profession, I followed the stream, forgetting the distance of the road. Suddenly, I came across a peach blossom grove, stretching for hundreds of steps along the banks, with no other trees in sight. The fragrant grass was lush and beautiful, and the fallen petals were scattered everywhere, which greatly intrigued the fisherman. Continuing forward, I wished to explore the depths of the forest

No!

Life species: Human

Permission: None (Parasitic)

You can use this to protect her

Put down the pen: "Master, is this text and this title acceptable?"

Pei Ziyun went up, picked up the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, pondered for a moment, and then revised a few words to write.

After a while, footsteps were heard within the temple, the main door opened, and a female priestess emerged

Skills: Introduction to the Four Books and Five Classics (Incomplete), Introduction to the Pine Wind Sword Technique

This is Mr. Zhao's letter. The young Taoist priest seemed quite familiar with Mr. Zhao, took the letter to examine the handwriting on the envelope, and said: "Indeed, it is Elder Zhao's handwriting. Please wait a moment, I will go and deliver this."

As soon as these words were spoken, Pei Ziyun felt a sudden brightness in the center of his brow, and a small white plum appeared before his eyes, quickly enlarging into a semi-transparent information box

Ye Su'er stared in astonishment as Mr. Zhao took out 10 taels of silver. For an ordinary family, 1 tael of silver could last for three months, 3 taels could sustain them for a year, and 10 taels would be enough for a typical rural family for three years

Not wanting to disappoint Brother Pei's feelings, I couldn't help but show a troubled expression, and the words I started to say were left unfinished, unsure of how to express them.

Suddenly, a small white plum blossom appeared before me, quickly enlarging into a semi-transparent data frame, floating in my field of vision with a faint glow, as data emerged before my eyes