Southwest region of Shangqing Town, Guixi County, Yingtan City, Jiangxi Province.
This area is filled with endless mountains, rolling hills surrounded by lush waters, resembling a natural scroll painting. The peaks twist like giant dragons, the dense forests seemingly hiding tigers and leopards within, full of mystery and vitality. It's like a vivid ink-wash landscape painting, shrouded in mist with picturesque scenery—truly a paradise on Earth.
This is Longhu Mountain, one of Taoism's famed seventy-two blessed places.
A large tour bus with the words "Go As You Please Travel Group" printed on its side slowly pulled into the visitor service area parking lot. After stopping, a middle-aged man with a slightly bulging belly and an unremarkable appearance got off. A small blue card hung around his neck.
Holding a small red flag, he called out toward the bus.
"We've arrived at our destination. Everyone, please get off quickly. Time is tight!"
Soon, elderly men and women wearing hats and clothes marked with the same "Go As You Please Travel Group" logo came down in groups.
After confirming most had arrived, the middle-aged man continued, "Hello, everyone. I'm Yan Shouyi, your guide for this tour group. I'll be leading you through the sights of Longhu Mountain."
"Attention: we're now at the foot of Longhu Mountain. Soon we'll take a sightseeing bus up the mountain. There are restrooms at the visitor service center nearby. If you need to go, do so now. To be clear—there are no toilets along the way!"
"If you need to buy water, do it now. You know how it is with the prices up there. Also, please don't litter."
The chubby guide spoke monotonously, like a chanting monk, his tone devoid of any emotion, as if simply completing a task.
Yamcha was nearly the last to step off the bus. He too was now dressed in a "Go As You Please Travel Group" T-shirt and hat. He turned to the two men in suits standing beside him and said:
"When you get back, thank President Feng for me. His help these past few days saved me a lot of trouble."
"I owe him a favor. I'll repay it when I get the chance."
"Mr. Yamcha, are you sure you don't need us to accompany you? If anything happens, it would be easier if we handle it," one of the suited men said nervously, clearly uneasy around Yamcha.
Yamcha didn't respond directly. Instead, he gazed at the distant peaks and said, "One favor to President Feng is enough. If I owe too much, I might not be able to repay it."
"Understand?"
That single word, "understand," landed on the suited man like the weight of ten thousand mountains. Sweat poured down his face like raindrops.
"Our first stop is the Shangqing Palace Scenic Area!"
"Follow me, everyone. Stay with the group, don't fall behind."
The guide's voice echoed from not far away.
"Go back and deliver my message to President Feng. I don't think he'll blame you."
Yamcha patted the man on the shoulder and walked toward the guide.
"Brother Le Ping, what about your two friends? They're not joining us?"
"They had to return to the company to work overtime."
"What kind of company makes people work weekends? That's just exploitation!"
The chubby guide kept rambling, then suddenly narrowed his small eyes at Yamcha. "By the way, even if they leave now, the tour fee is non-refundable."
"It's fine. Their boss will reimburse them."
"Well, that's a pretty nice boss then."
The two chatted as they walked away.
"President Feng, he didn't allow us to accompany him."
The suited man then relayed Yamcha's words over the phone.
After a moment of silence on the other end—
"I understand. Come back. Don't linger there. Don't take any unnecessary actions. He's not someone you can afford to offend."
The last sentence was a stern warning.
"Yes, President Feng."
The suited man now only wanted to leave—fast and far.
Especially when he recalled that single word, "understand". He considered himself a skilled fighter, but in front of Yamcha, he didn't even have the courage to respond.
It wasn't just strength.
They weren't even on the same level.
On the other end of the call, the silver-haired middle-aged man wearing sunglasses folded his hands in front of his nose and lips, silently staring at an unassuming capsule on the table.
The curtains were tightly drawn, allowing only a sliver of light into the room, as if fearing someone might peek inside.
And with good reason.
Because of that capsule.
It's hard to imagine that such a small capsule could hold something that, if leaked, would drive billions of people mad. There would be chaos, bloodshed, and a frantic scramble for it. And right now—it was lying quietly in front of him.
If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed it.
That night had left a deep impression on him.
Taking a deep breath, he tucked the capsule safely away.
Danger and opportunity go hand in hand.
This seemingly kind middle-aged man was none other than Feng Zhenghao—the true power behind the Tianxia Association.
Meanwhile, the "Go As You Please Travel Group" had finished touring Shangqing Palace and arrived at the second stop—the Celestial Master Mansion.
Its full name is "Qingsi Han Celestial Master Mansion," covering an area of about 42,000 square meters, with a building area of 14,000 square meters. Built by the mountains and water, it was grand and majestic.
A massive Taiji (Yin-Yang) diagram stood right in front of the main entrance.
Several young Taoist apprentices were sweeping the grounds and occasionally sneaking curious glances at the tour group.
"Finally, I'm here."
Yamcha's gaze fell on the entrance of the Celestial Master Mansion.
What others saw and what he saw were completely different. If someone observed closely, they'd notice that Yamcha's eyes were far brighter than those of ordinary people.
This was due to a Nen technique—Ren.
Under the effect of Ren, Yamcha could clearly see a brilliant aura radiating from the entire complex.
Ren allows one to see through disguises and detect "Nen" lingering on objects—this Nen could be obsession, or longing.
But to see a Nen this tangible covering the Celestial Master Mansion—it was a first for Yamcha.
His guess had been right.
He had come to the right place.
A smile crept onto Yamcha's lips.
He left the group, passing through the entrance alone, past the Jade Emperor Hall, walking straight ahead without pause until he arrived before the Hall of the Celestial Master.
Facing the grand and imposing statue, Yamcha placed down his leather suitcase.
He took a deep breath and then spoke.
His voice, full of penetrating force, echoed through the hall and throughout the Celestial Master Mansion.
"I am Yamcha, here to pay my respects to the Old Celestial Master!"
(To be continued)