A leisurely mountain breeze blew past, rustling the forest trees across the peak and casting dappled shadows.
The monkey spoke: "Though unorthodox sects abound in this world, their founding patriarchs are generally only at the Golden Core or Yin Spirit realm. While remarkable in the eyes of mortals, they ultimately cannot glimpse the true path of immortals. But Master Yuyang, the loose immortal of Xuandong Mountain, was already close to immortality several thousand years ago. When he later attempted to break through, he fell short at the final step, yet still managed to escape with his life from the Heavenly Tribulation. If he possesses great perseverance and survives the nine tribulations of a loose immortal, he can still shed his mortality and become a true immortal—and at that point, his lineage will no longer count among the unorthodox sects."
At this, the monkey smiled. "How about it? A fine path to immortality, wouldn't you say? Even among the unorthodox sects, Xuandong Mountain ranks in the first tier. Still, at the end of the day, you must pass the mountain's Heart-Testing Array; otherwise, even if you lay eyes upon the immortal path, you will find it hard to enter."
"It is indeed a fine path. Thank you for your guidance, Immortal Monkey!" Huang Tian said earnestly.
"Little boy, now you know to call me Immortal Monkey, do you?" the monkey chuckled. "Never mind. Now that you know the way, when do you intend to seek immortality?"
Without hesitation, Huang Tian replied, "Tomorrow, I shall set out."
"So soon? Very well." The monkey showed a trace of surprise. "If one day you achieve some cultivation, remember to come back and bring me fine wine and delicacies."
"I would never dare forget!" Huang Tian said solemnly.
Seeing the child's serious demeanor, the monkey chuckled and waved his right hand. "Enough of this. Eat the fruit! The immortal path is far away, but the fruit is right before your eyes. It is better to satisfy our bellies first."
Huang Tian said no more, sitting down upon the dirt to eat wild fruit with the monkey as the fresh breeze drifted by.
After they ate for a while, the evening sun slanted low. Only then did Huang Tian rise and brush the dirt from his clothes. "I must go. The ox is still waiting for me to drive it back."
The monkey waved his hand. "Off with you, off with you."
Before departing, Huang Tian added, "I will return."
The monkey smiled. "I'll be waiting for you to bring me fine wine."
Watching Huang Tian's receding back, the monkey sighed wistfully. "Immortals, the Dao... the path of immortals is arduous, the path of the Dao fraught with hardship... I wonder whether he can gain entry to Xuandong Mountain. If he succeeds, even if true immortality remains far out of reach, he can at least extend his life by several centuries. Consider it my thanks for the fruit he gave me."
Driving the ox back to the hamlet, Huang Tian entered the courtyard just as dense cooking smoke rose. He led the beast into its pen and came to the main hall.
Inside, Mo Hong sat bent over writing calligraphy characters, scratching his head and sighing from time to time. Old Man Mo sat on a wooden bench, mumbling and lecturing that he must practice his writing and study hard, so that in the future he might earn an imperial stipend from the court.
"Old Man Mo," Huang Tian called out as he walked over.
Old Man Mo turned his head and looked at him. "Back from herding the ox? Sit on the bench and rest. Supper will be ready soon."
Huang Tian remained standing and got straight to the point. "Old Man Mo, I plan to journey far tomorrow to seek immortals and inquire of the Dao."
Old Man Mo froze at once. Mo Hong looked up in surprise. "Seek immortals? Real immortals?"
Huang Tian nodded. "Only after that grave illness did I realize how frail the human body is. I fear sickness and death, so I wish to venture out in search of immortals, obtain the true Dharma, prolong my years, and achieve immortality."
Hearing Huang Tian's words, Old Man Mo was deeply shaken. It seemed that after surviving a great catastrophe, a person truly changed; even a child ignorant of worldly matters could speak such words.
After a moment of silence, he said, "You speak of seeking immortals, but do you know where they dwell? And as a mere child, do you mean to trek such a long distance all alone? Along the way, the wind and rain are fierce, the dust and sands heavy, wicked bandits sharpen their blades, and tigers and leopards devour men. I fear you will meet with disaster before you even arrive."
"I dare not deceive you, Old Man Mo. When I was gravely ill, my soul seemed to drift into the nine heavens, where I met an extraordinary figure who pointed out where an immortal's grotto abode lies," Huang Tian said. "As for the wolves and villains along the way, there is no need to worry. That extraordinary figure also instructed me in a few minor protective arts."
With that, he brought two fingers together and pointed at the ground. A spark of lightning flashed.
*Tss!*
A thumb-sized crater was blasted into the earth.
Old Man Mo leaped to his feet in shock. "True magic?!"
In all his years, he had never seen a cultivator. He had only heard that the imperial Court of the Dao housed great masters, and that scions of prominent clans and noble families also cultivated magical arts. But such figures were far beyond what a field-working farmer like him could ever meet.
Yet now, he had witnessed magic from a child—
Mo Hong's eyes sparkled. "Amazing! That's amazing! I want to seek immortals too! I want to learn magic!"
Old Man Mo's heart stirred as well. Looking at Huang Tian's calm, composed expression, he hesitated. "Tiannu, where is that immortal abode?"
Huang Tian answered, "Twelve hundred li from here. However, even if one finds the immortal dwelling, one must first endure a trial. Only after passing the trial can one be taught immortal arts; otherwise, one can only return from whence one came."
"Twelve hundred li?!"
Old Man Mo's mind went blank. The farthest place he had ever traveled in his life was the neighboring county seat; he had never even visited the commandery seat, let alone a place twelve hundred li away. The mere thought took his breath away.
He looked back at the excited Mo Hong, remained silent for a long time, and finally said, "Tiannu, if you are determined to seek immortals, go on your own. Tonight, I will prepare some dry rations for you to eat on the road."
Mo Hong was stunned and looked up. "Father, I want to go too."
Old Man Mo patted his head. "You focus on studying and reading at home. In the future, wear an official seal and live a life of comfort and wealth; that will be enough. Immortals are not for the likes of us to dream about."
At first, he had indeed been tempted to take Mo Hong along in search of immortals. But the journey was far too long, and one had to undergo a trial. In his eyes, such a trial had to be exceedingly difficult; otherwise, couldn't just anyone enter an immortal's sect?
Since the odds were slim, there was no reason to take the risk. Moreover, the farming season was in full swing. If he took Mo Hong and accompanied Huang Tian on a distant journey, who would tend to the family's nearly one hundred mu of fields? Who would look after the pigs and the ox?
It was not that he coveted petty gains; rather, those farmlands and livestock were the fruits of a lifetime of hard work and frugal saving. To cast all of that aside for an elusive immortal destiny struck him as thoroughly unwise.
Seeing that Old Man Mo had made up his mind, Mo Hong could only respond dejectedly, "Oh."
Old Man Mo continued, "Tiannu, if this journey goes smoothly and you obtain immortal arts, please do not forget Que'er. Give him a helping hand so he can share in your glory. As for me, I am already an old man with one foot in the grave. By the time you return after completing your studies, I will probably have long since passed away..."
Huang Tian looked toward Mo Hong and nodded slightly. "If I succeed in my studies, I will not forget."
Mo Hong glanced at Old Man Mo, then at Huang Tian, an indescribable feeling rising within him. He thought to himself: *Huang Tian is truly different now. Before, he used to herd cattle, feed pigs, and roll around in the dirt with me, but now his speech and bearing look just like the master at the schoolhouse.*
"Supper is ready!" An elderly woman entered carrying two dishes of food. This was Old Man Mo's wife.
"Let's eat first." Old Man Mo told Huang Tian and Mo Hong to begin eating, while he pulled his wife outside and spoke with her for quite a while before returning to the hall to eat.
After supper, Huang Tian washed up simply and returned to his thatched hut. He sat cross-legged on the wooden bed. There was no lamp inside, only the slanted moonlight spilling across the room in quiet beauty.
*Inhale... exhale...*
Rhythmic breathing sounded as Huang Tian steadily regulated his breath. He was not doing this to raise his cultivation quickly; there was no rush, and it would not be too late to begin cultivation upon reaching Xuandong Mountain. For now, he was using a secret technique to temper and cleanse his body, expelling turbid breath and nurturing pure qi, rendering his physical form translucent and clear to heighten his affinity with spiritual qi.
The night flew by in the blink of an eye.
*Cock-a-doodle-doo!*
Roosters heralded the dawn, and the first light of morning peeked over the horizon. Huang Tian ended his breathing exercises. Having gone without sleep all night, he was all the more vibrant and clear-eyed; though clad in coarse hemp, he bore an innate poise and grace.
Pushing open the door and stepping outside, he saw Old Man Mo feeding the pigs by the pen.
"Tiannu, you're awake? Go to the hall and eat breakfast; it's freshly made," Old Man Mo said, turning around.
"All right."
Huang Tian stepped into the hall and ate breakfast with Mo Hong, who had just woken and was still groggy. After they finished, Old Man Mo finished feeding the pigs and walked inside carrying a gray cloth bundle. "Take this bundle with you. It has food and everyday items inside; you cannot do without them on the road."
Huang Tian reached out and took it. It was heavy. Opening it, he found two changes of clothing, a clean pair of shoes, some dry rations, and a small pouch containing broken silver and copper coins.
"I really don't need this..." Huang Tian took out the pouch and moved to hand it back.
"Hey!" Old Man Mo raised a hand to stop him. "How could you not need it? You'll only have no use for it once you become an immortal! But on the path to seeking immortals, while you are still in the mortal world, you cannot manage without money on your person."
He paused, then urged, "If things do not go smoothly, just come back. No matter what, our household can always spare a bowl of rice for you. Of course, with extraordinary arts to protect you, you naturally have courage. If you want to roam far and wide, you may do that as well. Just remember to send a letter back during the holidays so our minds can be at ease."
"I understand." Huang Tian pondered for a moment, then put the pouch away. "Then I shall set out."
"We will walk you out a short way."
Carrying the bundle on his back, Huang Tian walked out of the courtyard. Old Man Mo, his wife, and Mo Hong accompanied him about a li beyond the hamlet. Standing on the level road, Old Man Mo sighed softly. "Go on, go on. Be careful on the road. You are an honest child; do not easily trust others' words, and always stay on your guard. Do not bicker or quarrel with others; take two steps back, and harmony will follow naturally."
Huang Tian did not argue, answering simply, "I understand."
Old Man Mo's wife added her own advice. "Keep your money hidden carefully so no one sees it. Stick to the main thoroughfares when traveling; small trails might have bandits. It's best to travel with merchant caravans; they know the routes."
Huang Tian nodded.
Mo Hong's eyes were red, reluctant to see his best playmate leave for afar, yet knowing his mind was set. He choked back tears and said, "You must remember me! Don't go forgetting me just because you meet new playmates in a new place."
Huang Tian smiled warmly. "I won't forget."
With that, he said, "I'm off."
Turning away, he set off into the distance. His silhouette grew farther and fainter until it vanished from sight. Only then did Old Man Mo and the others head back to the hamlet.
Along the way, the villagers naturally asked all sorts of questions. At first Old Man Mo was reluctant to speak, but after being pressed repeatedly, he told a half-truth: a Daoist had taken a liking to Huang Tian and brought him to a temple to serve as an acolyte.
Only then did the men and women of the hamlet understand.
"Being a Daoist acolyte is good! Learning some skills from a Daoist master means never having to worry about food or drink."
"Indeed. In all these hamlets of ours, which family doesn't hire a Daoist to chant scriptures for a funeral?"
"Sigh, why didn't a Daoist take a liking to my Ernu? Ernu is quite clever too!"
"You don't understand. When capable Daoist masters take disciples or acolytes, they care most about destiny and personal affinity; they don't care whether you're clever or bright."
"Jinu lost his parents early and truly had a bitter lot in life. Fortunately, he met Old Man Mo, and now he has been taken by a Daoist to learn skills. His hardships are finally turning to sweetness..."
Leaving the hamlet, Huang Tian headed directly southeast. He was in no hurry, taking his time and traveling about eighty li each day, admiring the sights and scenery along the way as he walked.
Of course, the road was not without obstacles. Mountain bandits, robbers, wolves, leopards, tigers, and vicious beggars had all set their sights on him. The outcome was beyond question: all of them were struck down by his hand.
Word of his deeds reached the ears of some commoners, spreading until it sounded quite miraculous. A scholar fond of tales of ghosts and the supernatural gathered rumors from various sources and penned a short essay:
*"There was a boy possessing wondrous arts who came from the northwest, traveling over a thousand li alone. Passing along a wild path, a dozen bandits ambushed travelers; the boy lifted his sleeve, and as though wind and thunder struck, the bandits died instantly.*
*Resting at dusk on a desolate ridge, he was stalked by a pack of jackals whose eyes gleamed like ghost lanterns; he picked up a pine branch and casually hurled it, piercing two skulls at once, whereupon the rest of the beasts fled in terror.*
*Reaching a great river where no ferry boat could be found, he plucked a single young lotus leaf from the bank, measuring less than two feet across. Sitting cross-legged in its center, the leaf bobbed atop the water, skimming the waves to carry him across, leaving onlookers on the bank wide-eyed with astonishment...*
*Wielding wind and thunder in his sleeves, concealing mountains and seas in a square inch—is this not a wondrous soul?"*
After traveling more than a thousand li, with only several dozen li remaining before Xuandong Mountain, Huang Tian's attire had undergone a complete transformation. On his feet were green rounded-toe cloth shoes; a silk cord bound his waist; his pale-green Daoist robe looked like distant hills washed by rain, its fluttering sleeves subtly shimmering with cloud patterns.
Beneath him was a deer, its entire body as white as snow, its eyes like clear springs, and its antlers resembling white jade, moving with effortless grace.
As for the reason behind this brand-new look, he undoubtedly had to thank the bandits who had been so generous along the way; had they not "emptied their pockets," Huang Tian would never have obtained this new outfit.
As for the deer, he had encountered it by chance in the woods. At the time, its foreleg had been injured for unknown reasons. Seeing Huang Tian, it showed no fear; instead, it called to him with plaintive cries, so Huang Tian treated its wound.
Once healed, the white deer was overjoyed and grew exceptionally close to him, carrying him through the forest.
*Rustle, rustle~*
The white deer moved as lightly as if flying, swiftly traversing grove after grove of trees. By afternoon, a towering mountain finally came into view. Peaks rose one after another in lofty majesty, surrounded by a ribbon of light mist.
"This must be Xuandong Mountain..."
Huang Tian gently patted the deer's antlers. "I have arrived; you may leave."
Yet the white deer shook its head with unmistakable spirit, letting out two gentle calls.
Huang Tian instantly understood its intent and gave a soft chuckle. "In that case, let us enter together. But this mist disorients the senses; you must follow my lead."
This confusing mist was not Xuandong Mountain's Heart-Testing Array, but merely an illusion array meant to keep mortals out.
*Bleat, bleat~*
The white deer slowly stepped into the mist. Guided by Huang Tian, it walked a dozen paces east, then several dozen paces west, circling back and forth. Finally, with a soft *pop*, they passed through the mist, and a breathtaking landscape unfolded before their eyes:
The mountain stood lofty and grand, bathed in golden emerald where the sun struck, and clad in deep verdant hue in the shade. Waters gurgled pleasantly, tinkling as they flowed over rocks like the gentle chiming of jade bells. Wildflowers bloomed in seas, drifting like rosy clouds when swayed by the wind, their fragrance filling the air.
Several dozen people stood before the mountain: some wore rich brocades, appearing to be wealthy merchants; some carried sabers and bows, resembling martial artists of the jianghu; and some wore square scholars' caps, like men of letters...
Hearing the commotion, they all turned their gazes toward Huang Tian. Upon seeing him, every single one of them was stunned.
Before them was a child of jade form and golden bearing, his features refined and his spirit pure, riding a white deer as luminous as fresh moonlight. Together, they presented a sight truly described as:
*A deer's shadow flits past the azure cliff's height,*
*A child's robes tinged with the mountain mist light.*
*Its hooves tread on moss, brushing traces of dew,*
*Its antlers catch peach blooms where clear waters flew.*
*Now hidden deep within glowing clouds as they glide,*
*Sudden jade chime notes ring where the pale mists hide.*
*Across empty peaks falls a shadow by the stream,*
*While floating clouds and waters wander in a dream.*
Chapter 185