Chapter Thirty-Two: Entering Jianzou

On horseback, Ye Sansi held Li Taiyi tightly.

Li Taiyi coughed a few times and said, "Sanshi, you’re really strong—you're holding me so tight I can barely breathe."

Ye Sansi laughed and loosened his arms, then asked, "Taiyi, I heard you talking about the Sword God earlier. How is a Sword God different from a Sword Immortal?"

As he guided the horse, Taiyi explained, "There’s definitely a difference. An immortal is an immortal, a god is a god. We mortals tend to call them both godlike, but the reality is quite different. We mortals lack the natural talent of spiritual creatures, so to become immortals, we must work hard, practice immortal arts, and, when we comprehend the immortal way, we can achieve the immortal body and ascend to the immortal realm."

Ye Sansi asked in confusion, "Comprehend the immortal way? Is it a must? Uncle Tree never mentioned that."

"Sanshi, I was talking about how mortals cultivate immortality. Uncle Tree is a spiritual tree, and he grew atop Mount Buyun, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth, so he naturally ascended. Birds and beasts cultivate first by developing spiritual power, then gaining enlightenment to become monsters, and when their merits are complete, they survive a heavenly tribulation and can ascend. But for them, it’s much harder than for mortals—cultivation can take hundreds or thousands of years. The hardship is unimaginable. Many monsters dream of becoming immortals, but for some, that dream is a lifelong pursuit."

Ye Sansi continued, "So is it easier for mortals to become immortals?"

Li Taiyi smiled. "That I don't know. In all the ages, those who have truly ascended are but a handful, and even those are more legend than fact. No one has seen it with their own eyes. Because it's so hard, there are those who, by the end of their lives, still don’t know what the immortal way is."

Ye Sansi nodded and declared loudly, "I see. That’s why King Qingjianxi practiced demonic arts—he wanted to live forever, to become a monster first, then transcend again and become immortal."

Li Taiyi said, "Sanshi, you're clever. Over the centuries, many mortals have tried such shortcuts, but all have failed. Some are cursed to remain monsters forever, others become demons. Such methods are never accepted by the great goddess Nüwa."

"By the way, you mentioned ‘gods’—how do mortals become gods?"

"Haha, Sanshi, it’s hard enough for mortals to become immortals, let alone gods! Gods are unique beings born of heaven itself, truly powerful—other races cannot cultivate to that level."

Taiyi paused, then added, "But—I have heard a legend about the Sword God. He was once a mortal, who fought for all the people under heaven, and in the end, understood the way of the gods. His spine turned to golden feathers and, in a single leap, he became a god. But it’s only a legend; no one knows if it’s true."

Ye Sansi exclaimed in awe, "Wow, that’s amazing."

"Haha, of course! But not all mortals can become gods as he did."

"What I mean is, to fight for all the people under heaven—that’s what’s truly amazing. I want to be like him one day. Uncle Tree once told me that my father died for all the people, but back then I thought he just died for a name, and I felt it wasn’t worth it. After leaving the mountain, I met many poor people and learned a lot. Only then did I realize that those who fight for all the people are true heroes."

Taiyi smiled. "I never thought your sense of purpose was so much higher than mine. That’s right—fighting for the people is the work of immortals. Everyone wants to become immortal, but few do the work of an immortal. If all people fought for the sake of the world as immortals do, then everyone could be an immortal."

"Whoa." Liu Lingshuang pulled her horse to a halt, and Li Taiyi did the same. Ahead lay the city of Jianzou.

Jianzou truly deserved the name of royal capital. Its walls were thick, and the city gate much larger than that of Qingyang. Lingshuang and Taiyi rode their horses slowly into the city.

At the gate, the checks were strict: five soldiers examined entrants, and two rows of eight armored guards stood watch. Liu Lingshuang grew flustered and whispered, "This is bad, this is bad. They’re probably looking for us. If Wei Xikun isn’t dead and managed to report back, we’re finished!"

Taiyi coughed once to steady himself and said, "Lingshuang, don’t panic. We’ll go in as usual. If we turn back now, we’ll draw attention. Stay calm—watch the situation, and if we must, we’ll escape."

"Alright."

When they reached the gate, Taiyi dismounted and said, "Sirs, we’ve come from Fox Immortal Village to rely on a relative here."

The lead soldier asked, "From Fox Immortal Village? Did you pass through the Jianzou border post?"

Taiyi replied, "Of course we did, but it was all in ruins—must have been that the station guards knocked over a candle while sleeping and burned the place down. Truly unfortunate."

"Unfortunate, is it? Simple folk shouldn’t meddle in official business. Go on in."

"Thank you, sir."

The four entered the city safely, led their horses as directed to a cloth merchant’s stable in the south of the city, and then took to the streets.

Ye Sansi patted his stomach and said, "Sigh, it’s been hours since lunch, and I’m starving. Shall we eat something first?"

Liu Lingshuang took a hairpin from her head, waved it, and said, "Sanshi, see this? If I pawn this hairpin, it would feed you for three months."

Li Taiyi quickly stopped her. "Lingshuang, this hairpin must be important to you. It would be a shame to pawn it. Just trust me here—none of you will go hungry."

Ye Sansi scratched his head. "Taiyi, what trick do you have that lets us eat for free? Teach me, too!"

"Just watch."

With Taiyi leading, the four entered the largest inn in Jianzou. As soon as he walked in, Taiyi called out, "Is there any staff here? Young master’s arrived and no one greets me? This is outrageous. Let’s go, let’s go!"

The innkeeper, thinking some noble had arrived, hurried over, stooping low and bowing repeatedly. "Forgive my poor hospitality, honored guests. Will you be dining or staying? I’ll arrange everything to your satisfaction."

Taiyi swaggered to a table, sat down, and slapped the table. The innkeeper was visibly terrified. Taiyi said, "Bring your best wine and dishes, and give us four top rooms, all together. Understand? Serve us well and you'll be rewarded. Serve us poorly and not even ten heads will save you."

The innkeeper’s legs nearly gave out; trembling, he rushed off to see to their food.

Liu Lingshuang covered her mouth to stifle a laugh and leaned closer. "Taiyi, you really know how to put on a show. I never imagined you could act the part of a rich wastrel so perfectly."

"Haha, Lingshuang, don’t tease me. When I traveled with my father, I used this ploy more than once. This inn is a proper business, so we can't really cheat them. The bill will be paid."

"What? Taiyi, where will you get the money? We’re penniless, and if I pawn my hairpin now, it’ll be too late."

"A man of the mountains always has a plan."

Dish after dish arrived, each more exquisite and delicious than the last. Ye Sansi threw caution to the wind and ate ravenously, all the while making comments about the food—which made things even harder for the innkeeper.

The innkeeper stood nearby, ears straining, terrified to hear a single complaint. For a full half hour as Sansi ate, the innkeeper sweated in anxious silence.

Liu Lingshuang whispered, "Taiyi, what’s your plan? If you don’t act soon, we’ll really be in trouble."

"Don’t worry." Taiyi sipped his wine, while Sansi kept eating, occasionally nodding approvingly at the dishes.

Soon, a young man in fine clothes finished his meal, threw down his chopsticks, and made to leave. The innkeeper hurried to stop him. "Young Master Zhao, you haven’t paid for your food and drink! You can’t just leave!"

Young Master Zhao kicked the innkeeper and snapped, "Old fool, you ought to be grateful a man like me even deigns to eat in your shabby inn. You dare ask me for payment? You must have a death wish."

The innkeeper fell, and Zhao moved to kick him again, but Taiyi blocked him and slapped him across the face.

Zhao spat, "Who are you to meddle in my affairs?"

Taiyi sneered, "You want to know who I am? Listen well: I’m someone you can’t afford to provoke."

Zhao faltered, intimidated by Taiyi’s bearing, and beat a hasty retreat.

The innkeeper got up to give chase, but Taiyi stopped him. "Don’t bother. People like him aren’t worth the trouble."

The innkeeper bowed repeatedly. "Honored guest, you have no idea. My inn may look prosperous, but I hardly make any money. Those so-called young masters eat here all the time, never paying a single coin. There’s nothing I can do."

Liu Lingshuang asked, "Can’t you report them to the authorities?"

He snorted and beckoned them to a corner, lowering his voice. "You must be outsiders, so let me be frank. Life in Jianzou is unbearable. The prince has raised taxes and armed his soldiers; the people are suffering. The city’s gentry curry favor with Prince Wei, growing ever more arrogant and oppressive. I still have this inn, but the truly poor have no hope."

Taiyi shook his head, pulled a bulging money pouch from his robe, and tossed it to the innkeeper. "Here, see how much is inside."

The innkeeper opened it, eyes gleaming, hands trembling. "This—this is too much, sir. What do you mean by this?"

"Not all of it is for you. Settle the accounts of those debtors, and if anything’s left, use it to buy porridge and food for the poor. Do it in your own name."

The innkeeper took the pouch, bowed low, and said, "Such kindness, I will never forget. I thought you were just like those wastrels, but never imagined you’d be so generous and good-hearted. On behalf of the people of Jianzou, I thank you."

Taiyi said, "Innkeeper, we have some things to ask you. It’s crowded here—let’s talk in private."

"Certainly." The innkeeper signaled a servant to watch the floor, then led them to a private room.

When everyone was seated, Taiyi asked, "Do you know why the city’s so heavily guarded?"

The innkeeper glanced around, lowered his head, and covered his mouth to whisper, "This is risky to say, but given your kindness, I’ll speak plainly."

"It’s like this: This morning, word spread that the prince’s heir was assassinated. He arrived gravely wounded, managed to say only ‘Fangcun Immortal Isle,’ and died. They say it happened at the border post. The prince has now ordered that anyone suspected of ties to Fangcun Immortal Isle be executed without mercy, and he’s increased taxes and the military presence, strictly checking all who enter the city."

"King Qingjianxi is truly a tyrant, punishing the people for his son’s death," Liu Lingshuang said indignantly, slapping the table.

"Miss, keep your voice down! If some treacherous person overhears and reports you to the prince, it will be trouble."

Lin Nian’er said, "Innkeeper, I’m from Qingyang. I’ve always heard King Qingjianxi praised for his virtue."

"Sigh, miss, appearances in officialdom are never to be trusted. Corrupt officials praise one another, and though there are still honest men, few survive long. In this world, reputation means nothing."

Ye Sansi said angrily, "Such a man cannot be allowed to live!"

The innkeeper blanched. "Sir, I’ll pretend I never heard that. Truth be told, we all think the same, but none of us dare to act. The prince’s armored soldiers are not to be trifled with; commoners like us can’t get near him."

Liu Lingshuang agreed, "The innkeeper’s right, Sansi. You must be careful in Jianzou—no reckless moves."

Ye Sansi nodded, stood abruptly, and declared, "He must be dealt with. I’m not strong enough now, but when I return as an immortal, I, Ye Sansi, will settle accounts with him properly."

The innkeeper, startled, dropped to his knees. "So you’re immortals—please forgive my offense!"

Li Taiyi hurriedly helped him up, laughing. "Innkeeper, we’re just ordinary folk, no different from you. We’re not nobles or immortals. There’s no need for such ceremony. You have a good heart, and we will help as we can, but we’re no match for the prince. Still, we promise, one day, Jianzou—and not just Jianzou, but Xizhou and Qingyang too—will know peace again."

"Thank you! Even if you can’t restore peace, your goodwill is enough for us to be grateful for generations."

They chatted for a while. When Sansi grew tired and yawned, the innkeeper got up, bowed, and took his leave.

The others each returned to their rooms to rest. Ye Sansi lay on his bed, eyes open, lost in thought.

He wished time would pass quickly, so he could master immortal arts and rid the world of evil. In the past, he had only wanted to learn quickly so he could return to Nameless Peak and live with the Tree Spirit. But now, he had matured—he no longer thought only of himself.

With a sigh, Ye Sansi murmured, "If only the world could be free of suffering."

Drifting into this beautiful dream, he slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep.