Chapter 6, Wuli
Wu Cheng seemed to have noticed this as well, and with a light laugh, he said: "There are a few other families living in my Wu residence, and you can meet them all when we return!"
In the midst of the witchcraft, Qiu Yuan resided in a separate courtyard, featuring a three-story building typical of this era
Soon, Tao Xiaowu met several other households in Wuli.
The owner only gave me this much money, so although I wrote a land purchase certificate for that family, I only wrote it for three-tenths of an acre
Qiu Yuan and his son hurriedly returned the greeting, but Tao Xiaowu could sense that Qiu Yuan seemed to have some objections towards him. Although his attitude was respectful, there was an underlying indifference.
He cast a glance at Tao Xiaowu, his gaze sharp as a knife, which startled Tao Xiaowu greatly
However, Tao Xiaowu also noticed that Qiu Yuan held a very high reputation among the Wu, seemingly second only to Wu Cheng
Then let Tao Xiaowu go rest first, and trouble him to return only late at night
In this day and age, even the walls of the palace are constructed of rammed earth.
This sleep was exceptionally sweet, and by the time Tao Xiaowu woke up, it was already dusk
The first floor is often a place like a pigsty, while the second floor and above are where people reside
Tao Xiaowu wanted to help, but Wu Cheng coughed and refused, simply saying to Tao Xiaowu: "You don't need to worry about these things, go rest for a while. There will be troubles to deal with in the evening!"
If I do not find disciples now, I fear that there will be no opportunity in the future
However, before long, entranced by the fragrance of the medicine, one unknowingly fell asleep
It is important to note that Tao Xiaowu has also entered the city of Hengyin, and even in the neighborhoods where the wealthy families reside, the walls are constructed of rammed earth.
Tao Xiaowu hurriedly took out the money pouch and the gold hairpin, recounted yesterday's events, and said: "I heard that without around 100,000 yuan, one cannot write the land purchase certificate"
Regardless of the circumstances, Tao Xiaowu finally has a home to return to
"Trouble?" Tao Xiaowu was slightly taken aback
Tao Xiaowu woke up too early last night, feeling unwell, and accordingly sought out an empty room
Many areas of the inner wall are covered with moss and vines, giving it an indescribable sense of ancient solemnity
Then Wu Cheng revealed a faint smile on his thin face: "Since you are hungry, you should eat a bit more. Someone like me, in my old age, can no longer eat much even if there are many good things available!"
Wu Chengda looked at Tao Xiaowu with profound meaning and said, "Whether there are ghosts or deities, you will know tonight"
Tao Xiaowu understood that the "Yin God" mentioned by Wu Cheng refers to the deity of the Yin realm, which has no relation whatsoever to the Yang and Yin gods associated with the alchemical cultivation he had heard about in his previous life.
Upon hearing these words, a somber expression appeared on the face of the middle-aged hunter
The so-called witch's dwelling is located outside Hengyin City, in a rather remote mountainous area, where the roads are somewhat rugged and difficult to traverse
His name is Wu Cheng, becoming the Witch Master? It sounds as if he is a servant of Wu Cheng
Upon meeting Tao Xiaowu, he was also referred to as the Young Master, unlike Qiu Yuan, who was rather indifferent
Again, he said: "Tell me about what you did yesterday!"
Tao Xiaowu quickly responded, but in his heart, he thought that being able to build such a large courtyard, judging by its appearance, this Wu Cheng was much wealthier than he had imagined
Upon hearing about the meal, Tao Xiaowu's stomach immediately began to rumble
Although the scale is not large, the inner walls of the Wuli are all built of blue stones, which have turned black over the years.
The inexpensive master I just recognized seems to be wealthier than I had imagined
You may choose any vacant room here to live in, and shortly I will have someone bring you bedding and other necessities
The inner walls of this witch's dwelling are surprisingly constructed of stone; this alone is enough to demonstrate the extraordinary nature of the witch's abode
And that witch appears even more astonishing
Wu Cheng coughed twice, a strange smile appearing on his face: "How long do you think my body can hold out?"
It is important to note that Wu Cheng's courtyard wall is not made of rammed earth, but rather constructed from blue bricks
If I am not mistaken, this Qiu Yuan should be the second-in-command in Wu. No wonder Master Wu Cheng asked me to build a good relationship with him
After hearing this, Wu Cheng let out a sigh of relief and unexpectedly praised Tao Xiaowu, saying: "It is done quite well; this makes the remedy even more convenient!"
Tao Xiaowu is currently very obedient; he does exactly as Wu Cheng says. He immediately steps forward and bows to the father and son.
Upon meeting Wu Cheng, he showed great respect and referred to him as Master Wu.
In this era, such small buildings are quite common
However, for Tao Xiaowu, what he thinks about is more practical
Later, during the Wei and Jin dynasties, when the world was in chaos, the forts built in various regions also evolved and developed from such courtyards
As Tao Xiaowu followed Wu Cheng into the empty courtyard, the first thing he noticed was the pervasive scent of medicine wafting through the air
"Have you woken up? I have already sent someone to bring food; you should eat a little first!" said Wu Chengdao
Tao Xiaowu remembered his previous life, having seen some murals from tombs dating back to the Eastern Han and Wei-Jin periods, or ceramic models, all resembling the scene before him.
This master does not seem to have been worshipped in vain
With its layered flying eaves, the structure, at first glance, resembles a wooden pagoda from later generations
Upon seeing the lavish meal prepared by Wu Cheng, Tao Xiaowu was quite impressed. There was wine and meat, and it was genuine beef and lamb, not the dog meat typically consumed by ordinary families
Wu Cheng's house does not raise pigs; the first floor is used for storing miscellaneous items, while the second floor is occupied by residents
It has been a whole day without eating, and I am already very hungry
As soon as Wu Cheng returned, he began to brew medicine
Why are this person's eyes so bright? Like a light bulb? Could they be the legendary martial arts master?
In addition to the Qiu Yuan father and son, who are both bachelors, there are also the Gong family of five, the Qin family with their entire household, and the Wu family. The total number of people is only about twenty to thirty!
He was taken aback: "Master, could it be that there are truly ghosts and deities in this world?"
Rather than being a village, it is more accurate to describe it as an estate
I dare not, I dare not. We, as subordinates, are not worthy of such great courtesy reserved for the master...
At the beginning, he was still somewhat unable to sleep, faced with an unfamiliar place, an unknown environment, and an uncertain future
Saying this, he brought Tao Xiaowu back to his home.
A manor surrounding Wu becoming the head of the family
There is even some concern about whether this witch is truly well-intentioned
Including Qiu Yuan and his son, the other families can be considered as mere servants and followers of Wu Cheng
This place is not very large, and there seem to be only four or five households in total
As for pork, it is consumed by the most impoverished families
It is not to the extent of being homeless, even living in that dilapidated shrine!
At this moment of thought, I already heard the shaman say to Tao Xiaowu: "Get up, this is my hunter Qiu Yuan from the shaman clan, and that is his son Qiu Shan. In the future, you will have to rely on them for many matters, so why not quickly pay your respects to them?"
The witch spoke ominously: "Buying land certificates means seeking the spirit of the underworld to purchase land. Do you think that just because the mountain spirit was startled away yesterday, everything will be so easily resolved?"