Chương 33: Golden Lotus Mountain

Lianshan Prefecture City sat nestled in a valley, surrounded by mountains on all sides. The southern gate was the only entrance to the valley. Fang Cheng had finally arrived at this prefecture city. Counting the days, it had been ten days since he'd left White Flower City. Inside the city, shops lined the streets on both sides. The air buzzed with merchants' calls, customers' chatter, and children's laughter. Everything was lively and bustling.

At the center of the city stood a tall, imposing building, several zhang high.

"That's the Hall of Eternal Life's branch hall in Lianshan Prefecture." Qin Hao introduced it. He knew the branch hall well. He used to come here to collect his meager salary from the immortals above.

"Lord Pei Tang doesn't live in the branch hall. He resides on Golden Lotus Mountain in the north of the city." Fang Cheng followed Qin Hao through the city to the north gate. Just past the gate, they could see Golden Lotus Mountain a few li away, towering and steep. From a distance, it looked like a giant sword planted in the earth. They hurried to the foot of the mountain and looked up at the cloud-wreathed peak. It was like an ancient primordial beast opening its eyes.

A desolate, somber aura washed over them, and a chill ran through their hearts. Qin Hao couldn't help stepping back several paces. This was his first time at Golden Lotus Mountain. If Fang Cheng hadn't been there, he would have turned and run. Even so, his face was pale, his forehead beaded with cold sweat, his breathing ragged. He sat on a stone by the roadside to rest and sighed.

"I've heard that Golden Lotus Mountain is the whetstone the Violet Star Emperor left in the mortal realm. I always thought it was just a tall tale. But now... maybe not entirely false." Fang Cheng patted Qin Hao's shoulder.

"Wait here at the foot of the mountain. I'll go up alone." Qin Hao knew he couldn't make it up. He clasped his hands apologetically.

"Sorry, Brother Fang." During their days of travel, they'd talked a lot. Qin Hao had learned that Fang Cheng didn't like being called "senior," so he'd switched to "Brother Fang."

"The branch hall cultivators say Lord Pei lives in a villa halfway up the mountain." Fang Cheng nodded, understanding, and began climbing. The mountain path was a wide, flat stone staircase flanked by lush bamboo groves. Birds sang in the forest from time to time. Following the path, the scenery opened up after a short while. The bamboo thinned out, and a paved brick road stretched to a graceful villa at the end. Fang Cheng quickened his pace and knocked on the door. Creak. The door opened.

An old man stood there, his face beaming with kindness. He was dressed like a servant. He looked at Fang Cheng. He knew that anyone who made it this far was no ordinary person. But he could see Fang Cheng's cultivation level wasn't high. Perhaps this young man had exceptional willpower. His smile grew warmer. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"Young man, what brings you here?"

"I am Fang Cheng. Underworld Officer Han Bingxuan sent me." Fang Cheng clasped his hands respectfully.

"Oh, you're Fang Cheng. Come in. Lord Pei has been waiting for you." The old man stepped aside and gestured for him to enter. Fang Cheng nodded and walked through the gate. The villa was spacious, with lush bamboo and trees, flowers and plants of all kinds, rockeries, and flowing water. Fragrant scents filled the air. Fang Cheng followed the old man through the courtyard, turning left along the stone path. Along the way, Fang Cheng learned that the old man was surnamed Tang and served as the villa's steward.

Soon they arrived at a pavilion. Inside the pavilion was a round table with tea brewing on it. A middle-aged man sat beside the table, drinking tea. He wore a purple-black robe. His eyes were deep, his brows sharp, his whole bearing radiating authority.

"My lord, Fang Cheng is here." The steward bowed and withdrew. Fang Cheng stood outside the pavilion. He felt it would be rude to barge in. Pei Tang used his divine sense to examine Fang Cheng carefully. According to Han Bingxuan's letter, Fang Cheng was on the brink of falling to demonhood. But Pei Tang saw nothing unusual.

"You are Fang Cheng?" Pei Tang asked, his voice low and refined. Fang Cheng nodded and produced Han Bingxuan's flying sword.

"I am Fang Cheng, my lord. I hope you can help me break free from the demon sword's influence." Pei Tang glanced at the sword. It was indeed Han Bingxuan's. He beckoned to Fang Cheng.

"No need to stand on ceremony. Come in and sit." Fang Cheng stepped into the pavilion and clasped his hands respectfully.

"Sit. Have some tea." Pei Tang poured a cup from the kettle on the stove. Fang Cheng didn't stand on ceremony. He took the cup and drained it in one gulp. The tea was cool and refreshing. After days of travel drinking nothing but cold mountain water, it was a welcome change. Pei Tang chuckled at Fang Cheng's way of drinking. He refilled the cup and asked, "How is the tea?" Fang Cheng replied, "It's good. I don't know much about tea, but I'd take this over Hehuai Mountain white tea any day.

Honestly, Hehuai Mountain white tea isn't fit for human consumption. It's just a way to fool us, cultivators." Pei Tang laughed and shook his head.

"Whatever you say, Hehuai Mountain is where the Everlasting Emperor ascended. It holds a special place in the hearts of the Hall of Eternal Life's elders. If you ever meet one, don't say that. Their beards will stand on end." Fang Cheng smiled and nodded, inwardly cursing: damn elders. Pei Tang saw Fang Cheng's expression and guessed his thoughts. He smiled but said nothing, turning to business instead.

"Bingxuan's letter was thorough. I've also looked into your records and background, very interesting. But I trust Bingxuan's observations more than any file. Hmm... could you show me that demon sword?" Fang Cheng nodded and tried to summon the sword, but it refused to budge. Ever since it had eaten its fill in the Everlasting Mountains, it had been too lazy to stir. Fang Cheng had benefited from this. His mind was clearer, not constantly consumed by bloodlust.

"My lord, the demon sword has... gone dormant."

"Oh?" Pei Tang inquired. Fang Cheng told him about his experiences in the Everlasting Mountains, killing King Tiger, King Yellow, and King Green, along with all the minor demons, and saving Qin Hao. He didn't mention the three Li brothers. Pei Tang listened, frowning in thought. Then he stood, walked over to Fang Cheng, and pressed his right index finger to Fang Cheng's brow. Closing his eyes, he slowly extended his spiritual thought into Fang Cheng's mind.

Fang Cheng felt nothing unusual, just a slight tingle, like a bug bite. After a full half-incense stick's time, Pei Tang opened his eyes, a flicker of confusion passing through them. He muttered, "Strange. Very strange." Fang Cheng was puzzled.

"My lord, what did you see?" Pei Tang shook his head and said nothing. He walked back and forth in the pavilion, hands clasped behind his back, lips moving slightly as if talking to himself, or to someone else. Fang Cheng watched silently, bewildered. After a long while, Pei Tang stopped pacing and glanced at the sky. He said to Fang Cheng, "Let's put your matter aside for now. We have guests coming. Let's deal with them first."

"Understood." Fang Cheng agreed, then asked, "Do I need to leave?"

"No. Stay and receive them with me." Pei Tang smiled faintly and offered Fang Cheng more tea. Before long, the steward led a man over. He looked around fifty, with a square face, thick brows, and wide eyes. A hint of authority, but not much. Pei Tang introduced him to Fang Cheng.

"This is our first guest of the day, the Prefect of Lianshan Prefecture."