Chapter 639: Five hundred thirty-nine, Guo'er Gifts an Elixir

Five hundred thirty-nine, Guo'er Gifts an Elixir

The campfire drove away a patch of darkness.

"Many thanks."

Ouyang Rong reached out to wave away the mosquitoes in the air, then reached out to take the wine gourd Lu Ya handed over.

Lu Ya and Zhang Wang walked over to the campfire opposite Ouyang Rong and sat down.

The night was already deep.

"No need, Junior Brother Lu, you drink it."

Zhang Wang waved his hand, politely declining the wine Lu Ya offered. He took a compass from his sleeve and lowered his head to fiddle with it.

Lu Ya's deadpan face showed no expression; his eyes were fixed on the campfire, drinking wine from time to time, and he had already finished more than half of the gourd.

Ouyang Rong looked at the two Daoist priests with their vastly different styles.

Zhang Wang was the standard type of Zhengyi Daoist; as a direct descendant of the Celestial Master's Mansion on Mount Longhu, he had many rules and regulations to follow. He looked ascetic, abstaining from alcohol, and his conduct was upright, his attire clean.

He was like an outstanding young disciple who could serve as the face of a prestigious sect.

Lu Ya, on the other hand, appeared much more slovenly and casual; his Daoist robe was dirty, he drank wine in large gulps, and as for his lust—that was currently unknown, but looking at Lu Ya's usual straight-man, low-EQ demeanor, he was likely still a little virgin.

Ouyang Rong smiled silently, feeling that compared to the rigid, rule-following Taiqing Daoists of Mount Longhu, the Shangqing Daoists of Mount Mao were much more interesting.

No wonder the Xiao Shimei said that the former was the "face" while the latter was the "substance." In essence, the Three Pure Daoist sects were one, all belonging to the same "Blood-Lineage" generation of the Three Mountains.

Lu Ya suddenly spoke up:

"Ru Shixiong Zhang, stop fixing it. I'll take it to Mount Gezao later and ask Senior Uncle Wan to repair it."

Zhang Wang shook his head, still lowering his head to tinker with the compass:

"I was the one who broke it; it was damaged by Li Congshan. It is my fault as a Ru Shixiong, so I will fix it for you." He paused, then whispered: "This was left to you by your master; there is one less for every one used. I am sorry."

Ouyang Rong lowered his eyes to look, only then noticing the compass.

It had been retrieved from Li Congshan's corpse. He remembered that not long ago, after Li Congshan used it to track them, the martial artist had crushed it, leaving it covered in cracks...

Lu Ya did not look at Zhang Wang, seemingly acquiescing. He looked past the dancing, sprite-like flames toward the paper, brush, and scroll by Ouyang Rong's side and asked softly:

"What was Young Master Ouyang writing just now?"

After Ouyang Rong had taken Wang Caozhi and Pei Shiniang to purchase supplies for the journey north that afternoon, the road to the county seat was long, and it was already late at night when they returned to the camp.

After instructing Shiniang and Wang Caozhi to go rest, Ouyang Rong had come to stand guard alone, taking the opportunity to prepare some things with talisman paper and spiritual ink.

Although it had been agreed that Ouyang Rong would stand guard, Lu Ya and Zhang Wang seemed uneasy and had come over to sit with him.

Ouyang Rong put away the "Peach Blossom Spring" scroll into his bosom and silently folded the few talisman papers he had drawn with Kui Star patterns and red-black talisman scripts.

He waved his hand:

"It's nothing. I had some inspiration during the night, so I was just writing and drawing."

Lu Ya didn't pay much mind and gave a grunt of acknowledgement.

Ouyang Rong stopped drawing the Kui Star talismans and red-black talismans, tucking them into his sleeve. Being interrupted meant he couldn't get the work done, so he simply followed suit and started drinking and resting.

Zhang Wang asked: "Is Young Master Ouyang really not going back to the capital with the Prince?"

Ouyang Rong smiled and said nothing.

Zhang Wang nodded slowly:

"This time, the Prince's family was able to escape and head north thanks to you. Everyone else is preparing to return to the capital to enjoy wealth and glory, and to see the smoke and splendor of Luoyang, yet Young Master Ouyang, on the contrary, wants to remain in this corner of Jiang Nan."

Lu Ya gestured with the wine gourd toward Ouyang Rong, offering a cup.

The two clinked cups and drank together.

Lu Ya began to pour his heart out:

"Young Master Ouyang, apart from my master, I also admire you. During the fire at the Prince's mansion last time, I didn't listen to you and held you back. It will never happen again. I will definitely listen to your instructions in the future."

"Daoist Lu is too polite. The Xiao Shimei mentioned your situation to me, and she also said it was understandable."

Lu Ya still shook his head in shame.

Ouyang Rong turned his head and asked: "Is Daoist Zhang also heading north?"

Zhang Wang shook his head: "I will accompany them for a stretch. Once we reach the territory of Mount Longhu, I will depart. I will let Junior Brother Lu escort the Prince back to the capital, while I must return to the Celestial Master's Mansion to report."

Ouyang Rong suddenly asked: "Is there a lotus pond in the courtyard of your Celestial Master's Mansion?"

"That is correct. Where did Young Master Ouyang hear of it?"

Ouyang Rong narrowed his eyes:

"I heard the Xiao Shimei mention it. By the way, is that lotus pond off-limits to outsiders?"

Zhang Wang thought for a moment, then nodded and shook his head:

"If it were anyone else, of course it would be forbidden. The lotus pond is of great importance and involves the feng shui of my Zhang clan. However, if it were Young Master Ouyang, I could make an exception and take you in for a visit."

"It is of great importance, yet you trust me, an outsider, so much?"

"Young Master Ouyang is not an outsider..."

He paused, then whispered:

"However, Young Master Ouyang, you may look, but the lotus flowers must not be picked, otherwise I would be punished. Although the lotus seeds do not have the effects rumored outside, they are still good for longevity. I can apply for one from the Ancestral Hall at the end of the year and send it to your mansion for your aunt or other elders to consume."

Ouyang Rong pursed his lips.

Zhang Wang asked curiously: "Is Young Master Ouyang going? We can go together."

Ouyang Rong suddenly smiled, shook his head, drank the wine, and muttered:

"I appreciate the kind offer. I will return to Xunyang City to get busy first, and I will visit Daoist Zhang another day when I have time."

"Very well."

Zhang Wang didn't chat further and said softly:

"However, we will meet again soon. I will return to Mount Longhu and then come down the mountain to find you. By the way, I will inquire about the location of the Xiao Niangzi Yunmeng Yunmeng Yunmeng Jian Ze, though I cannot guarantee I will find it.

"The Xiao Niangzi Yunmeng Yunmeng Yunmeng Jian Ze is a hidden upper sect, and the Xiao Niangzi Yunmeng Marsh spans over a thousand miles. Very few people know where the Yunmeng Yunmeng Jian Ze is, and the Sword Maidens of the past have always been elusive."

Ouyang Rong nodded: "Very well, many thanks. I will wait for your news in Xunyang City."

"Understood."

At this moment, Zhang Wang suddenly smiled: "It is fixed."

He happily gestured to the compass to Lu Ya.

Lu Ya suddenly took out another compass from his bosom and handed it to Ouyang Rong:

"You each take one so it will be convenient to stay in touch."

Ouyang Rong instinctively said: "But this is your master's..."

The deadpan-faced Daoist waved his hand, interrupting: "It's fine. Return it to me when you go to Luoyang."

Ouyang Rong nodded.

"I will teach you how to use it."

Lu Ya taught him in detail.

Ouyang Rong listened carefully.

A moment later, Sister Caishou arrived and signaled to Lu Ya and Zhang Wang:

"The Young Xiao Niangzi is looking for you."

"Understood."

The two Daoist priests left.

Ouyang Rong glanced at the tents scattered about.

The lights in several tents had not yet been extinguished.

For example, the tents of Li Guoer and Rong Zhen.

However, the Xiao Shimei's tent had been extinguished long ago; she must have already fallen asleep.

Ouyang Rong hadn't seen them since he left the banquet that afternoon.

Parting was always heartbreaking. Ouyang Rong had originally planned to talk about this matter tomorrow morning before leaving, but seeing everyone enjoying themselves at his expense during the afternoon banquet, Ouyang Rong felt that a quick cut was better than a long one, so he had spoken plainly in advance.

Looking at it now, it had indeed affected the atmosphere.

Ouyang Rong sat alone by the campfire, silent for a long while, then lowered his head to study the compass.

Just then, a figure appeared.

It was Ye Weilai.

The white-haired girl was wearing a thin nightgown and walked over to sit beside him.

Ouyang Rong asked curiously:

"Why aren't you sleeping? There are many mosquitoes outside, and you are wearing so little."

Ye Weilai did not answer. She sat beside him, hugging her knees, her small head buried deep.

She was quiet and still.

Ouyang Rong thought for a moment, then asked gently:

"What's wrong?"

Ye Weilai did not answer.

Ouyang Rong thought for a moment:

"Is Auntie asleep?"

"Just fell asleep."

The white-haired girl finally answered.

"Have you packed your luggage? Your luggage, and Auntie's luggage—you have to travel separately."

"Mm."

Ouyang Rong thought for a moment and began to instruct her in detail:

"Although the Xiao Shimei and Xiao Niangzi Historian Rong Zhen bicker, they are both good to you. When you reach Luoyang, if you have any questions, you can ask them. Regardless of whether you become the new Sword Master on the road, you will live in the Prince's Mansion. If you encounter something very tricky that is inconvenient to discuss with them, you can go find the Little Princess and say I told you to.

"For major matters, you can tell her. Her ideas might not be the best solution, but they won't be wrong."

He emphasized the last sentence heavily.

Ye Weilai had already raised her head, looking at him blankly.

Ouyang Rong looked at the sky and nodded: "You go back, get some rest early..."

Ye Weilai suddenly said:

"Nu'er doesn't want to be that Sword Master."

Ouyang Rong frowned, then relaxed his brow:

"Fine, then don't be. If you don't like it, don't go. Go tell Auntie and return to Nalong together..."

Ye Weilai reached out and touched the thick Confucian robe he was wearing, as if worried he might be cold.

She said softly:

"Already told the Eldest Xiao Niangzi."

"What did Auntie say?"

"The Eldest Xiao Niangzi agreed."

Ouyang Rong was stunned and prepared to speak, but Ye Weilai continued slowly:

"However, what the Eldest Xiao Niangzi agreed to was that Nu'er wouldn't return to Nalong either, but would follow you to Xunyang. Nu'er wants to go to Xunyang."

Ouyang Rong's brow furrowed, and he looked straight at Ye Weilai.

Seeing this, Ye Weilai's small face showed some heartache, and she reached out to touch his furrowed brow, her fingertips stroking as if to smooth it out.

Ouyang Rong brushed her wrist away and said sternly:

"No. You go to Luoyang and try to see if you can become the Sword Master. Listen to me, don't be willful..."

She shook her head vigorously, tears welling up as she spoke quickly:

"Nu'er won't go. Nu'er doesn't want to be that Sword Master; Nu'er just wants to accompany you. You always said it was dangerous before. Fine, there is danger, Nu'er will follow the group and won't stay behind to be a burden and distract you...

"But there is no danger now, so why must Nu'er leave? That Sword Master position doesn't lack Nu'er. Sister Sister Caishou can do it, or if Sister Sister Caishou can't, the Prince and Princess don't lack suitable, loyal maids by their side. They can try it too; it doesn't have to be Nu'er.

"Nu'er just wants to stay and accompany you, that's all."

Ouyang Rong pursed his lips and remained silent for a long time.

Ye Weilai looked away and said softly:

"Unless... unless Tanlang wants... wants someone from his own family to be the Sword Master. Even if Sister Sister Caishou is suitable, she isn't Tanlang's own family. In that case, Nu'er is willing to stay."

Ouyang Rong immediately shook his head: "What kind of talk is that? The Night Pearl was a gift the Xiao Shimei and I gave to the Prince. It concerns the big picture; don't be so petty."

Ye Weilai breathed a sigh of relief:

"Nu'er knew Tanlang had such a broad mind. That's perfect. Let them come, and let the Little Princess, Xie Jie, and Sister Rong Zhen oversee it. The final candidate will be reliable."

She paused, then said seriously: "Xie Jie and Sister Rong Zhen care more about Tanlang's interests and the ownership of this Ding Sword than Tanlang does."

Ouyang Rong was also speechless.

Ye Weilai lowered her head, sitting beside him, clutching his arm tightly and refusing to let go.

Her meaning was self-evident.

After a while, Ouyang Rong let out a long sigh.

He patted Ye Weilai on the shoulder:

"It is not appropriate for you to follow me back..."

"What is inappropriate about it? Nu'er heard everything. Tanlang is going back for two things: one is to stabilize Xunyang City, and the other is to find Sister Xiuniang. Neither of these things will be delayed. Nu'er and the Eldest Xiao Niangzi both accept Sister Xiuniang. You go find her; we won't stop you."

"But you have a better place to go."

Ye Weilai's tone was gentle: "Tanlang, that is not a better place, at least not for Nu'er."

Ouyang Rong's tone was solemn:

"This opportunity is very important for you."

Ye Weilai shook her head, her tone firm:

"You are more important to Nu'er."

Ouyang Rong was helpless:

"Don't coax me. Be serious. I am being earnest. Listen well: do you know why I made you study so hard during those days in Xunyang City? Because these are the keys for you to walk into a broader world.

"Now that a new key is placed before you, you must grasp it well. Weilai, you are no longer small. Compared to your peers, if you take one slow step, you will be slow in every step."

Ye Weilai tilted her head slightly and smiled secretly.

This caused Ouyang Rong to frown.

Seeing this, she immediately replied:

"Tanlang, why does Nu'er feel that staying by your side is the fastest path? Mm, this was Nu'er's desired destination all along.

"As for the other young ladies, let them be fast if they want. Nu'er studies and writes just to keep up with you; Nu'er only wants to stay by your side. This is Nu'er's goal. Now that I can stay by your side, why go to the capital? This is reaching the destination in one step. How wonderful."

Ouyang Rong:...

He was completely speechless.

Just then, a fish swam out from the woods.

It was the White Sturgeon that Ouyang Rong had sent to the woods.

Ouyang Rong had found it annoying to have it circling around, so he had chased it into the woods.

He had recently discovered that its bronze body seemed impervious to swords and spears.

The White Sturgeon swam out, and walking with it was a pale pink figure.

It was Li Guoer.

"Will it be alright spending the night in the wild?"

Li Guoer looked curiously at the White Sturgeon and pointed at it as she asked.

Ouyang Rong shook his head, looking at her with an inquiring gaze.

The plum-blossom-painted little beauty held up an index finger and twirled a small pouch.

Her tone sounded casual:

"You two continue chatting. I just came to deliver an insect-repellent sachet. I heard Lu Ya say you were being bitten by mosquitoes over here."

Ye Weilai shook her head and retreated to the side, giving up her spot to Li Guoer.

Ouyang Rong stood up to take the sachet:

"Many thanks."

Li Guoer did not leave, however. She sat down of her own accord and asked:

"Did I disturb you?"

Ouyang Rong looked at her sitting posture, which showed no intention of moving, and his mouth twitched.

"No. Don't let it delay your rest."

Ouyang Rong simply sat down.

Ye Weilai walked over and began to curiously examine the White Sturgeon.

The girl and the fish began to play.

Ouyang Rong and Li Guoer sat on opposite sides of the fire, staring at each other in silence for a while.

Li Guoer reached out first:

"Is there any more wine?"

"No."

He hid the wine behind his back.

Li Guoer suddenly threw something out.

"A gift for you."

Ouyang Rong caught it in mid-air and asked curiously:

"What is this?"

Looking closely, it was a small elixir box with the seal of the Mount Longhu Taiqing Mansion on it.

He wiped the dust off his hands and opened the box, seeing two small pills lying quietly inside.

One was emerald green and pleasant, with a fragrant aroma.

The other was dark brown, faintly floating with golden patterns, but it smelled incredibly foul.

The former was very familiar, as for the latter... Ouyang Rong felt vaguely familiar with it.

"This is..."

Before he could finish, he suddenly gripped the golden-patterned elixir tightly.

His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

The strange stench emanating from this elixir made his dantian and meridians stir restlessly.

It wasn't the spiritual energy in his dantian stirring, but his dantian and the eight extraordinary meridians themselves.

Ouyang Rong had once seen the "Ink Flood Dragon," one of the top-tier qi-replenishing elixirs, and had even used two of them, but even the Ink Flood Dragon couldn't achieve this effect where the mere medicinal scent made his dantian crave it... This was a kind of hunger coming from the deepest part of his marrow.

It was not a simple qi-replenishing elixir!