Five hundred years ago, the cold wind howled and rolled across the earth, causing snow foam to rise and fall from the rooftops of the town's buildings.
A small two-story inn facing the street was deserted, with only two tables of guests having drinks.
In the backyard of the inn, in a square courtyard, "Ji Ping'an", who has not yet become a national master, is wearing linen clothes. His body is thin and his face is expressionless. He walks to the courtyard carrying a wooden bucket, and then pours water into the courtyard. In the tub full of cups and plates.
"Enough, enough! If you pour it any more, it will get cold!"
Squatting beside the huge wooden basin was a half-grown boy about his age, with messy hair tied into a bun on top of his head.
At this moment, he was testing the temperature of the water with one hand, and covering his face with the other hand, shouting.
White water vapor rises and quickly condenses into cold mist.
"Ji Ping'an" looked at the half-grown boy who had not yet become the God Emperor and said:
"Who asked you to drag me here to eat the King's Dinner? But after paying the bill, you said you had no money and asked me to wash the dishes here with you to pay off the debt."
The God-Emperor smiled playfully, moved his buttocks to make way, threw another rag, and said confidently:
"Didn't you enjoy your meal too?"
"Ji Ping'an" had a dark face, squatted down, dipped his hands in the basin of warm water, wiped the dishes, and listened to the murmuring of the God Emperor next to him:
"There's nothing I can do. I don't have any money. I told you that it was stolen by thieves on the road. It's snowing in the middle of winter and there's no place for us to beg for food. Why don't we take advantage of the fact that we still look respectable and have a meal?"
"You can't cheat even if you're a beggar, and I'm pretty sure about people. The innkeeper's daughter seems to be kind-hearted at first glance. It's not a big problem. Look, even if we were asked to wash the dishes, we were given hot water. "
"Ji Ping'an" said: "That's because cold water can't wash it clean..."
But in the end he didn't continue talking.
In this year, the court was in a state of confusion, the local area was in turmoil, and disaster victims were everywhere. When I walked out of the mountain village, I bumped into this familiar guy.
Claiming that he wanted to make a career in the world and do something big, he said that he had a good eye for people and felt that he was a talent, so he dragged him to join the gang, but in the end, there were only two pitiful people in the whole gang.
He also said that to celebrate joining the family, he would treat himself to a meal.
As a result... In my previous life, I was a dignified Zhenren Liyang, a famous and invincible strongman in the entire world of cultivation, and was forced to wash dishes here...
If my old friends knew about it, wouldn't they laugh out loud?
In silence, the two of them washed the dishes and chopsticks. By this time, the water was also cold.
The curtain of the inn was lifted, and a young girl wearing a cotton coat, a square scarf, and slightly rolled up cuffs came over. She had a pretty face and glanced at the two of them with disgust and said:
"Did you wash it off?"
The God Emperor put on a smile: "It's clean. If you don't believe it, just smell it."
"Get lost." Pei Sanniang spat.
He was not very old at this time, but he was just trying to act mature. He glanced at their hands, which were red from the cold, and said:
"Okay, let's move the things into the kitchen and then come over for dinner."
There is also food... "Ji Ping'an" looked at each other with the Emperor, a little surprised.
The two men who would later single-handedly create the entire Great Zhou Empire worked together to put the things back, then wiped their hands and eagerly sat down at a square table in the kitchen.
There were plates of dishes on the table, "Ji Ping'an" said curiously:
"So rich? What's left over from the guests?"
But these days, how could anyone waste food like this?
Pei Sanniang sighed, her delicate little face dimmed, and she cursed in a low voice:
"He's an official, a bastard who's here to eat and drink."
The two people who were insinuated were filled with indignation and cursed the subordinate officials. These days, the subordinate officials are the tyrants in the countryside. How can they get paid for meals?
Only such people would waste food at will.
"It's an advantage for you two." Pei Sanniang said suspiciously.
He turned around again, walked to the counter, opened the third cabinet door on the left, took out a sieve with a mesh, and turned sideways to open the second pottery vat on the right. Inside was a vat of turbid wine, which he sifted Jug of wine.
He came over with a dark face, put it on the table with a "dong" sound, and said:
"Yours."
And wine... The God Emperor's eyes lit up.
Is this because they thought we were freezing outside, so they warmed us up? ... "Ji Ping'an" thought and couldn't help but ask:
"The old shopkeeper won't be angry when he sees this."
The innkeeper's surname was Pei, and he was the culprit who kicked them out to wash the dishes.
Pei Sanniang sat down, shook her head and said:
"My dad went to get some medicine. He won't be able to come back for a while."
Then they picked up their chopsticks and without saying a word, the three of them began to sit around the table and feast on a table of leftovers.
"Ji Ping'an" originally wanted to be more elegant, as he was a person of status after all... But seeing the two of them using their chopsticks like flying, he suddenly became anxious and ate hard, picking up the wine bottle from time to time.
The two and a half-year-old boys didn't even use the wine cups, so they opened the two pots and blew on each other. You took a sip, and I took a sip. The sake entered the stomach, and the chill in the body suddenly subsided.
Pei Sanniang drank a glass of wine by herself.
After an unknown amount of time, the three of them were all drunk and started chatting. The topics were miscellaneous and somehow turned to their imagination about the future.
The God Emperor said in high spirits:
"I am a person who is destined to build a great career. This court has become corrupt. In the future, I will at least be a prince."
Are you rebelling against the prince... "Ji Ping'an" complained.
Pei Sanniang said "ha", her delicate face was a little red, and she said drunkenly:
"Fuck you. As for me, I just want to save enough money one day to open an inn in Qiantang. I heard that it is very prosperous there. Then I can save more money and buy a big house. After a few generations, maybe my Pei family will You can take root there.”
When the God Emperor heard this, his chest beat loudly, and he said:
"It's simple. When I become a big shot, I will give you a house and land. The Pei family will become the largest family in Qiantang in the future. How about repaying this kindness?"
Pei Sanniang rolled her eyes, ignored him, and looked at "Ji Ping'an":
"Hey, where's your ambition?"
The young future Imperial Master was startled for a moment, thought about it, and said with a smile:
"As for me, if your descendants of the Pei family are in trouble in the future, I will take action."
Pei Sanniang fell down laughing:
"One can blow better than the other..."
It was not until many years later that Pei Sanniang became old.
The two and a half-year-old boys who kindly fed him a meal at the beginning, one became the first generation God Emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and the other became the Great Zhou Imperial Master who suppressed the spiritual world for hundreds of years.
Qiantang was renamed "Yuhang", and the Pei family also jumped from a small family to Longmen.
…
…
Inside Yunqi Inn.
Ji Ping'an gently swallowed a cup of wine and slowly ended the story:
"How about this story?"
Pei Sanniang sat opposite him, with her legs together and a glass of wine in her hand. She didn't drink it, but looked like she was listening to the story. She frowned and said:
"Are you trying to trick me into not paying the rent?"
As she spoke, she loudly accused her with determination: "I'm telling you, no one in this town dares to use my house for nothing!"
Sure enough, it was Sanniang's character... Ji Ping'an smiled. Although he understood that she had passed away, he was still very happy.
"Why are you laughing? You look so cunning." Pei Sanniang was suspicious, and then said:
"Okay, the story I made up is very good, but it is impossible. I have never been to Qiantang. My family has been in the mountains for generations."
Hmm, it's very good. The air in the mountains is really good... Ji Ping'an was in a good mood. He made a joke, put down the cup with a smile, and said:
"So, for the sake of making up such a good story and seeing that I know you so well, is there any information you can share? About immortal fate?"
When he came down tonight, he didn't just want to relive drinking with old friends and satisfy his feelings, but he also came here for the fate of immortality.
Many of the people in the town were old friends who had followed him to conquer the world with the God-Emperor... when they were young.
Although I don’t know what that dead girl Xin Yaoguang is hiding in the lonely garden, writing and drawing all day long, what is on her mind.
But since it is arranged in this way, the clues are obvious from the perspective of "strategy".
Since a group of veteran veterans have gathered here and want to dig out clues from them, the competition may be based on the understanding of these people.
Everyone's biographies are sold all over the Great Zhou Dynasty and are fair to everyone.
This is destined to be a game that tests reasoning and thinking... It's a pity that someone like Ji Ping'an sneaks in.
In terms of understanding this group of people, is there anyone in the world today who can compare to him?
He knew even Pei Sanniang, a character who was not very famous and only appeared briefly in the local chronicles of Yuhang and the daily records of the first generation of God Emperors.
Sanniang is sweet-tongued and loves to listen to stories.
"If you are destined to be immortal..."
Sure enough, Pei Sanniang hesitated for a moment and seemed a little confused, but she still whispered:
"You can ask the blacksmith, prostitute, and beggar. All three of them have had contact with immortals."
Are there really immortals?
Ji Ping'an looked at her as if she was sharing a big secret and thought that the background setting was quite realistic...
He whispered:
"Thank you very much. Then let me tell you a secret. Did you see that the fat little licking dog who came in with me today is also named Pei?"
After saying that, he got up and walked upstairs.
Pei Sanniang was left confused, not quite understanding this sentence.
It's like no one knew that Ji Ping'an brought Pei Qian in just for the sake of his grandma.
It was as if for Huayang's sake, he favored Yu Yu.
"Stop hiding, everyone has seen it." Ji Ping'an stepped upstairs and said angrily to the little girl hiding behind the pillar.
Zhao Yuanyang poked his head out, a small one still wrapped in a quilt, with round and big dark circles under his eyes, and a curious look on his face.
He came over with his bare feet:
"What are you talking about? Does this boss lady have any secrets?"
Ji Pingan glanced at her helplessly and reminded:
"We are rivals."
Zhao Yuanyang suddenly became a little frustrated and lowered his head. If Zhao Yuanji saw this scene, he would be extremely surprised. To his surprise, the girl did not reply back.
It's simply not her character...
"Wait...wait." Seeing Ji Ping'an about to leave, the little girl suddenly started. A small hand stretched out from the quilt and grabbed the corner of his clothes.
"Huh?" Ji Ping'an turned to look at her.
Zhao Yuanyang hesitated for a moment, but still said: "Do you want to go shopping together in the town tomorrow?"
Ji Ping'an felt slightly amused: "Okay, you can follow if you want, if your brother doesn't care."
He thinks this little loli is quite cute, and is very different from the bad character rumored by the outside world. He can only say that the rumors are too exaggerated after all, which is great.
As for the immortal fate, how could Grand Master Zhou worry about being snatched away by a little loli.
Zhao Yuanyang was very happy. She didn't mean anything else. She was just used to being lonely, and she and Zhao Yuanji didn't get along very well. She felt that her eldest brother was a bit stupid and didn't have many friends.
Looking for a companion, it's all about wandering around looking for clues anyway, and no one in the Beast Control Sect expects Zhao Yuanyang to find an immortal fate. When the time comes to find the magic weapon, just give it to her for use.
In a good mood, she hummed her own tune, walked back to the bedroom, threw herself on the bed, yawned and fell asleep.
…
the next day.
In the early morning, after everyone had a meal in the lobby, they each went their separate ways with a tacit understanding.
Ji Ping'an was not in a hurry. He already had a goal. Considering that he would probably have to fight with a group of people now and then, he got up very late. When he opened the door, he only saw Zhao Yuanyang squatting at the door.
Like a guarding rabbit.
"Shall we set off now?" Zhao Yuanyang was full of fighting spirit, as if the two of them were not opponents but a team.
Ji Ping'an smiled and said, "Let's go then."
The two of them walked out of the inn. The sun was shining brightly outside, and the whole town was actually quite lively.
The townspeople lived as usual. Occasionally, some practitioners could be seen surrounding the townspeople, asking questions and getting to the bottom of things. There were also some who enthusiastically helped the townspeople with their work, trying to get clues.
"Players from Novice Village surrounded the NPC and had a sense of déjà vu..."
"What did you say?" Zhao Yuanyang grabbed the strap on his shoulders with both hands and raised his face and asked.
"nothing."
"Then where should we go first?" Zhao Yuanyang was very interested.
Ji Ping'an glanced at the sky and thought that among the three targets, prostitutes should be the most free at the moment... Although he didn't understand it, there were still prostitutes in a small town as big as a palm.
But at this hour, it should not be open.
"Follow me." Ji Pingan said casually.
Stepping towards an alley somewhere in the town, there was a two-story wooden building at the very end, which was the residence of the prostitute.
At this moment, the two people, one large and one small, had just entered the depths of the alley and arrived downstairs when they heard the man's breathing and the woman's babbling sounds coming from the window.
Occasionally there was applause.
Ji Ping'an stopped, inhaled gently, turned around and saw that the little follower next to him blushed, felt embarrassed, and kept looking through the crack in the door with his eyes wide open.
At this time, a woman walked out of the yard diagonally across the street, glanced at the two of them, and shook her head shamelessly:
"You bunch of outsiders, you messed up on the first day you entered the town, and you even brought your children with you. Is this the case in all cities?"
The country woman was shocked by the openness of the outsiders.
Ji Ping'an asked curiously: "Who is inside?"
"I don't know him, but he's with you. He's quite tall, carries a sword, and his clothes aren't even tight." The woman described him.
Oh...Qin Leyou, Ji Ping'an was not surprised, and said to Zhao Yuanyang:
"Let's go, change places, and come back later."
Zhao Yuanyang was lying on the door panel, disgusted but couldn't help listening. He reluctantly left after hearing the words.
…
Ji Ping'an thought for a while and went directly to the blacksmith shop, but found no one and learned that the old blacksmith was at home and did not come out.
When he arrived outside the blacksmith's yard, he saw several practitioners gathered outside.
As soon as the door opened, Qu Chuchen, who was carrying a scroll on his back, repeatedly begged for mercy and was scolded with his head covered in face. Never had a gentleman been so embarrassed, and he couldn't help but cover his face with his hands.
Zhao Yuanji held the whistle stick and said with a smile:
"What am I talking about? This old blacksmith has a weird temper, is stubborn and tough, and doesn't pay attention to anyone at all. If fighting is not prohibited, I will give him a stick to see if he still refuses to tell the truth?"
Qu Chuchen was speechless. A group of them came very early, and they had to fight over the order of entry.
Then, no matter who came in, they would be beaten and scolded before even saying a few words.
At this time, he suddenly saw two people walking towards the entrance of the alley and said with a smile:
"Although I'm embarrassed, at least my junior sister didn't defect."
Zhao Yuanji stiffly turned his head and saw clearly the girl who was following Ji Ping'an like a follower. The young lion-like boy was angry, but he didn't dare to take action and said angrily:
"What are you doing following him?"
Zhao Yuanyang replied "hehe".
Ji Ping'an smiled and said:
"What are you doing standing here? How about I go in first?"
Everyone immediately showed expressions of watching and pity, expecting Ji Pingan to be beaten and scolded. However, after Ji Pingan entered, there was no movement.
After a long time, the door creaked open, and Ji Ping'an stepped out, smiled at several people, and left.
"He... could it be..."
Qu Chuchen and others looked at each other, both shocked and unwilling to believe it. But such different treatment is enough to show that Ji Ping'an is likely to gain something.
Is this guy a monster... The cold and arrogant young man was trembling with anger and unwilling to accept it.
…
Then, Ji Ping'an arrived at the street corner and saw a ragged beggar sitting there basking in the sun next to a low wall with a broken bowl beside him.
Several practitioners also surrounded him, but even though they were talking, the other party didn't say anything.
Seeing Ji Ping'an and the two approaching, Shengzi brushed the ground, turned around, and did not show his masked face to him, and said in a low voice:
"You came."
Ji Ping'an ignored this lunatic. In full view of everyone, he took out two copper plates and threw them into the broken bowl.
He made a crisp "clang" sound and then said:
"I want to ask about Xian Yuan."
The beggar who originally had his eyes closed opened his eyes, smiled, got up and leaned into Ji Ping'an's ear, whispering a few words.
"Okay." Ji Ping'an nodded, turned and left, leaving only a group of practitioners stunned on the spot.
The Holy Son, who was wearing a Tai Chi robe, felt as if he had been struck by lightning, his body trembling violently:
"It's so simple...it's so simple..."
He couldn't accept that he had exuded the aura of king and domineering for a long time, but it was not as good as two copper coins.
For a moment, a practitioner hurriedly took out his money bag, threw it into a bowl, and said urgently:
"I also want to ask about Xian Yuan."
However, the old beggar closed his eyes again and ignored everyone.
…
After leaving, Ji Ping'an estimated the time and returned to the small building where the prostitute lived. As a result, he walked downstairs and heard the familiar sound of applause again.
He was silent for a moment and said to the woman who was facing the door: "Have you been like this since I left?"
The woman said disdainfully: "It stopped three times and then continued again."
No... I looked at you with a look of disdain on your face, so I thought you didn't like it, but you even clearly understood how many times he stopped, so you still hear it now?
Ji Ping'an was helpless and was wondering whether to go outside again, but the applause stopped.
After waiting for a while, the closed door opened.
Wearing a moon-white scholar's robe with his chest half open, the handsome and sunny Qin Leyou walked out with his hands covering his waist. His face was slightly pale. When he saw the two people outside the door, he was startled and said with a bitter smile:
"No need to try, it's useless."
Ji Pingan glanced at him with pity, ordered Zhao Yuanyang to wait outside the building, and walked straight into it.
The first floor is a somewhat dim "inner hall", and the second floor is the bedroom.
When he stepped on the creaking stairs to the second floor, he opened the door curtain and saw an ordinary-looking woman sitting on the bed in disheveled clothes.
Yawning and counting the money, when he saw him coming in, he shook his head and said:
"No more customers today."
Ji Pingan said calmly:
"I have a prescription here that can cure your illness."
The prostitute was startled for a moment, then her eyes shone with light:
"Are you a doctor?"
Ji Ping'an said: "I need clues about immortality."
The prostitute stood up quickly, took out a note from the small box on the dressing table and handed it to him.
Not long after, Ji Pingan stepped downstairs and glanced at Qin Leyou, who was standing at the door and heard the entire conversation upstairs.
This famous "prodigal son" and "brothel poet" stood silently, like a paper flower that had lost its vitality.
Ji Ping'an patted his shoulder and left with Zhao Yuanyang.
…
In the next half day, Ji Pingan visited several more townspeople, trying to get more clues by getting to know each person.
To his surprise, however, he found nothing.
night.
At the round table in the inn, a group of star officers gathered again to share the information they obtained today.
Ji Ping'an spread a piece of paper on the table and said, "Let's all take a look."
Luo Huaizhu and others, who had gained nothing, looked over and were startled at the same time.
On the paper, there are only three lines of numbers, copied in rows with ink pen:
twelve
Thirteen
Sixty-three
"What does it mean?"
(End of chapter)
