Chapter 231
Chapter 231
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 231
Chapter Title: Enduring the Lurking Claws and Fangs
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Baili Mu's heart skipped a beat. He immediately led his group to charge outward, intent on taking down Chen Shi.
But he promptly halted his steps, his expression shifting between gloom and uncertainty.
Prefect Gao Chang of Niandu had just instructed him not to lay a finger on Chen Shi within a hundred li of the city. Otherwise, he would wipe out the entire Moving Mountain Sect.
Gao Chang had barely left, and if he turned around to kill Chen Shi—what would Gao Chang think?
Gao Chang commanded the Niandu garrison troops. Eradicating the Moving Mountain Sect would be effortless for him!
Would the Young Master truly go against this border lord and the Gao family for his sake and that of the Moving Mountain Sect?
But a single talisman had just killed over a hundred Moving Mountain Sect members—and this culprit was now charging in with overwhelming momentum!
The Ying Saintess whispered softly, "Sect Leader Baili, stay calm.
High Lord will handle this matter himself
and give you a proper accounting."
Baili Mu steadied his breathing. His face remained impassive as he said, "Lord Gao had better handle it fairly. Otherwise, it won't convince the crowd!"
Chen Shi entered Niandu City and looked around. He saw workshops everywhere crafting carriages, making the city far livelier than other provincial or county seats.
Here, carriage production was specialized: some workshops focused solely on yokes, others on wheels, still others on axles.
There were also shops dedicated to ornate canopy designs and talisman inscriptions, stables raising exotic beasts and fine steeds, and even a market hiring coachmen!
Shops selling complete carriages abounded, each with its own signboard.
There were all sorts of carriages: horse-drawn, ox-drawn, canopied, open-topped, two-horse, four-horse, six-horse, and even war chariots.
Carriage ornaments lined the streets too—pearls, glass beads, agates, tassels. Treasures prized elsewhere were displayed in heaps, gleaming brilliantly under the sun.
Every street teemed with people, shoppers from all regions haggling noisily in diverse accents.
"Xiao Wangsun would surely linger here endlessly if he came.
It's just that I'm short on cash."
Chen Shi slowed his pace, eyeing the shops on both sides.
He wanted to buy some decorations for his wooden cart.
He had turned the wooden cart into a living thing with a Creation Talisman. Once, he'd planned to upgrade it by spending a fortune on two horses with dragon blood, intending for them to pull the carriage. But no sooner had he hitched them than the wooden cart devoured them.
He'd tried riding other carriages, but the wooden cart ate those too.
The wooden cart was his grandfather's heirloom—simple and practical, with four wheels linked by mechanisms for easy turning and excellent shock absorption. It handled all but the worst roads smoothly.
Yet it lacked a roof or canopy, and had no horses or beasts to pull it.
The interior was cramped: two people, a dog, a book chest, and a talisman stall made it feel crowded.
And sitting inside without a cushion chafed the butt.
As Chen Shi scanned about, a voice called out: "Has Chen Jieyuan come from afar to seek vengeance, or to buy a carriage?"
Chen Shi stopped and turned. A middle-aged man in casual attire stood not far off, flanked by two attendants.
The attendants looked like officials, exuding bureaucratic airs. The middle-aged man, by contrast, carried no official haughtiness—his face was mild and approachable.
Hearing "Jieyuan," Chen Shi felt an instant kinship. He smiled and said, "Does sir know me?"
The middle-aged man laughed. "Chen Shi, the Number One Scholar from the provincial exams of Xinduo and Gongzhou provinces—who doesn't know, who hasn't heard?
I am Niandu Prefect Gao Chang. Greetings, Chen Jieyuan."
"No need for such courtesy!"
Chen Shi's heart bloomed with joy. He hurriedly returned the salute and laughed, "I stumbled into becoming Jieyuan by sheer luck—I'm still a bit dazed.
Though I have some learning, with talents abounding in Xinduo and Gongzhou, how could I deserve the top spot? It was simply heaven's favor."
Gao Chang stepped forward with a hearty laugh. "No need for modesty, Chen Jieyuan.
Even across the West Niu New Continent, your talent ranks among the best.
With the new year approaching, when do you head to the Western Capital?"
In a few words, he grew chummy with Chen Shi—as if they were old friends reuniting to catch up.
Chen Shi smiled. "Once Niandu matters are settled, I'll return to Xinduo. After the new year, I'll go to the Western Capital for the metropolitan exams."
Gao Chang nodded lightly. "The road to the Western Capital is long—you'll need a fine carriage indeed.
I've long admired you, Chen Jieyuan. Allow me to gift you a good one, and wish you triumph in next year's spring exams—securing the top three with flying colors!"
Chen Shi shook his head. "Many thanks for your generosity, my lord.
I already have a wooden cart. Though worn, it's my grandfather's keepsake—I can't bear to discard it.
This trip is just to buy some odds and ends for modifications."
Gao Chang said solemnly, "Chen Jieyuan is a true gentleman, cherishing the old and staying true to your roots—that is the way of a gentleman! I admire you."
Chen Shi felt as if his heart had been smoothed by a hot iron—utterly comfortable.
Gao Chang pressed his advantage. "Chen Jieyuan, I have an unworthy request.
Look at Niandu: half the carriages in the West Niu New Continent come from here. Trade thrives, the people live in peace and plenty—no evil thoughts, no bandits. It's truly a feng shui treasure of the continent."
Chen Shi nodded.
He'd noticed Niandu's folk lived better than elsewhere. The city had real industry, sustaining many.
Industry meant food and clothing.
Simple logic.
Gao Chang continued, "In my inadequacy, I govern this place. I truly hope nothing disrupts Niandu's trade, leaving the people destitute.
Thus, I earnestly ask: please set aside all grudges within Niandu. Resolve them beyond a hundred li outside."
He bowed deeply, utterly sincere. "Gao Chang beseeches Chen Jieyuan!"
Chen Shi quickly returned the bow. "Lord Gao, rise quickly—you'll overwhelm me!"
They straightened.
Chen Shi smiled. "Lord Gao knows my sort: simple and honest, raised in a village. I never start trouble.
Others provoke me, and I merely defend myself.
The world misunderstands me greatly."
The two officials behind Gao Chang twitched their faces.
Gao Chang glanced back at them, then turned with earnestness. "I especially understand you, Chen Jieyuan. We're both students of the Master—naturally cultured and refined. How could we stir up trouble?"
Chen Shi felt deeply understood and praised, "I never expected Lord Gao to also practice the Master's teachings—we're kindred spirits! I had no intent to harm, but Moving Mountain Sect struck first, leaving me no choice but to counter.
Today, having heard the Way, I could die content at dusk."
Gao Chang was somewhat baffled, puzzled.
Chen Shi thought to himself, "Lord Gao has some learning, but not enough to grasp the Master's deeper meaning."
Yet Gao Chang caught Chen Shi's unwillingness to cause trouble. He smiled. "Rest easy, Chen Jieyuan. I've already ordered Moving Mountain Sect and Hundred Refinements Hall: within a hundred li of Niandu, they won't touch you.
Settle all grudges beyond the commandery.
What say you, Jieyuan?"
Chen Shi agreed gladly. "With Lord Gao's command, how dare I disobey?"
Gao Chang laughed heartily. "Your talent is exceptional, Chen Jieyuan—you'll surely top the exams. When we serve together one day, don't forget old Gao, future Grand Scholar Chen!"
Chen Shi demurred in alarm. "I dare not claim Grand Scholar! The exams haven't even happened!"
"It's inevitable!"
They chatted and laughed, both well pleased.
Gao Chang saw the Xuan Saintess approaching and smiled. "This is Ji Xuanxuan of Bodhi Dojo, known as the Ying Saintess.
Bodhi Dojo is one of Buddhism's three sacred sites. The Ying Saintess studies under Abbess Miaoyin—a true scion of prestige."
The Ying Saintess approached and gracefully saluted Gao Chang and Chen Shi.
Gao Chang returned it. "Jieyuan, I have some trifles to attend. Farewell for now."
"My lord, safe travels."
Chen Shi's gaze fell on the Ying Saintess. Her attire was exquisite, her figure balanced with a slender waist and fair skin.
Most captivating was the small black mole at the upper right of her lip, drawing eyes to her mouth and stirring unbidden desire.
Yet her aura held a Buddhist ethereal chill, untouched by worldly dust.
Tall and graceful, she wafted a faint, elegant fragrance as she neared. Softly, she said to Chen Shi, "Xuanxuan greets Young Master Chen."
Chen Shi's expression shifted slightly. He sidestepped to avoid it.
The Ying Saintess blinked in surprise, puzzled.
Chen Shi shook his head. "I take offense to 'Young Master'—it always feels insulting."
The Ying Saintess's brows curved in a smile. "Then how shall I address you? Little Ten? Or Chen Shi?"
Chen Shi said, "We're not that familiar yet, Saintess.
You may call me Chen Jieyuan—or Lord Jieyuan."
The Xuan Saintess giggled, radiating charm. "Very well, Lord Jieyuan."
She sought to draw closer, avoiding "Chen Jieyuan" and adopting the playful "Lord Jieyuan" to lower her stance.
Admittedly, she was the sort hard to dislike: lovely features, a rare beauty with swaying curves.
Her Buddhist origins evoked both reverence and profane urges.
Chen Shi grew curious. "Bodhi Dojo is one of Buddhism's three sacred grounds—is it a nunnery?"
The Ying Saintess shook her head. "Bodhi Dojo has nunneries, but isn't one itself. My master Abbess Miaoyin resides at Stillwater Nunnery.
If Brother Chen is interested, you could stay at Bodhi Dojo for a time."
Chen Shi shook his head. "No interest.
Are you a nun? Why do you still have hair?"
The Ying Saintess frowned slightly.
The question felt offensive to her.
"I'm not yet sixteen, my karmic ties unbound. I'm merely tonsured with hair for now. Once those ties are severed, I'll shave my head for true practice.
Then, these three thousand strands of worldly silk will be gone."
She explained.
"Ah, I see."
Chen Shi lost interest in her. Eagerly, he eyed the roadside shops for wooden cart fittings.
The Ying Saintess followed at his side, saying softly, "Brother Chen's talent is extraordinary..."
"I never went to school."
Chen Shi replied.
He entered a shop selling carriage canopies for sun and rain protection.
Canopies weren't for commoners, though—only nobles could use them. For the lowly, it was usurpation, punishable by prison.
But in the West Niu New Continent, rites and music had long decayed—who cared?
With money, you could use one.
The Ying Saintess trailed behind, speaking gently, "Brother Chen achieved such learning without schooling—proof of your exceptional wisdom.
Xuan wishes to mediate: please sit with Sect Leader Baili, share wine, and turn swords to silk."
Chen Shi examined the canopies hanging on walls and ceilings. Some were exquisitely wrought, embroidered with dragons, phoenixes, mountains, and rivers. Others gleamed with tassels, agates, and pearls.
Some prioritized defense, inscribed with countless protective talismans—hundreds per canopy, formidable shields.
"Many thanks for your kind intent, Saintess."
Chen Shi stared fixedly and said, "Sect Leader Baili heads Moving Mountain Sect, which robs tombs for a living. By Great Ming law, that's extermination for the whole clan.
How could I share wine with such lawless scum? Speak of it no more... Shopkeep, take down that canopy!"
The shopkeep pointed to an umbrella-like canopy. "This one?"
Chen Shi nodded.
The shopkeep fetched it. Unlike others that couldn't fold, this had an umbrella structure—collapsible when unused.
Towering a man's height, it covered a zhang when open, with 108 rigid wooden pleats, yet to be inscribed.
The shopkeep said, "Customer, this canopy is blank."
"Just this one.
How much?"
"Five taels of silver."
Chen Shi haggled. The Ying Saintess waited. Soon, he bargained it to three taels seven mace before paying.
The Ying Saintess's expression turned odd. She thought, "This boy of twelve or thirteen bargains like a petty vendor."
The canopy Chen Shi bought was plain, clearly for his own inscription—stingy, in her eyes.
Still, she waited quietly as he paid, and the shopkeep made change in coppers. Then she said, "Brother Chen, since you won't turn swords to silk, Xuan won't press further."
Chen Shi looked surprised. "You're still here? I thought you'd left ages ago."
The Ying Saintess flushed faintly, a touch annoyed. Softly, she said, "That Nether Spring Soaring Dragon Sword belongs to the Young Master. Taking it, Brother Chen, steals his love.
Could Young Master Chen do Xuan this small favor and return the sword?"
Chen Shi glanced at her. "You're a nun—why stir mortal passions?"
The Ying Saintess said, "It's not Xuan stirring passions. But with chaos rising across the land—
the outer true gods repeatedly hasten nightfall, shortening days and lengthening nights. A calamity beyond imagining looms.
This heralds an age of strife.
The Young Master aspires to stabilize the realm—he is heaven's chosen, the only one to end the chaos and unify the West Niu New Continent!"
She stepped closer, urging softly, "Brother Chen, why not return the Nether Spring Soaring Dragon Sword and pledge to the Young Master? In time, you'll share in founding merits..."
"Merits"
The word barely left her lips when Chen Shi kneed her abdomen, shattering her primal yin amid unimaginable agony.
The Ying Saintess stared in shock, doubling over in pain.
Chen Shi smashed a fist into her right ear, toppling her. He raised his canopy to smash down, thought better, set it aside, and grabbed another canopy's pole to whip her!
"Pa! Pa! Pa!"
Crisp lashes rang out. The pole bore sturdy talismans, but Chen Shi's strength was immense—after a dozen strokes, it cracked.
He swapped poles, whipping dozens more until it splintered, then stood straight and tossed it away.
The Ying Saintess lay covered in welts and bruises, face swollen black-and-blue. She endured at first, but soon screamed hoarsely.
"Shopkeep, how much for the two poles? I'll pay."
Chen Shi asked.
The shopkeep, panicked, didn't dare overcharge. "Those poles were inscribed by a grand talisman master—cost over eighty taels in materials."
"Expensive."
Chen Shi shook his numb arm, pulled a hundred-tael note. "Give me ten back."
The shopkeep hurriedly made change.
Chen Shi pocketed it, slung his canopy over his shoulder, and walked out. Still unsatisfied, he kicked the Ying Saintess viciously in the rear twice,
sending her tumbling from the canopy shop.
"Instead of meditating on Buddha in your temple, you come lobbying for the Young Master! What gall!"
Chen Shi strode out, hawked a loogie at the Ying Saintess. "If not for promising Lord Gao face and no killing in the city, you'd already be a fellow daoist in my Ten Thousand Souls Banner!"