Chapter 65: Immortal Mansion's Fine Brew and Mortal Hua Diao Both Intoxicate

Dragons hold immense significance for the Chinese people. Even if the dragons in this world are perhaps less mighty than those in his previous life's China, the supreme ruler of a nation still dons dragon robes, and the word 'dragon' itself carries profound weight.

Ji Yuan was undeniably nervous. Yet, surprisingly, despite the intense internal tension and excitement, his physical reaction remained remarkably calm. Perhaps he had already prepared himself psychologically during their earlier conversation, or perhaps the nature of the current question itself consumed his thoughts.

The *Waidao Chuan* did not, in fact, record this particular story; there was no mention of a dragon providing rain for Jizhou for two centuries. Ji Yuan wasn't sure if the old man had read the entire text, but the question at hand was largely unrelated to the *Waidao Chuan*, or even to the ideological leanings of its compilers.

'Is he seeking some kind of validation?'

Ensuring favorable weather and ample rain for Jizhou wasn't necessarily a great challenge in itself, as climate patterns are natural occurrences. As long as there were no unusual circumstances, seasonal rains would arrive. The true difficulty lay in maintaining this for two consecutive centuries, preventing major droughts or other unforeseen calamities. Ji Yuan dimly sensed that it might involve more than simply possessing the ability to make rain.

Anyone can offer praise, but wouldn't others have heard it countless times? Did he truly just desire a mere compliment? Ji Yuan vaguely felt this was a deep-seated emotional knot, one that belonged to the dragon or jiao.

Yet, perhaps due to the old man's amiable and reasonable demeanor, or perhaps because he had encountered a 'dragon'—a figure of immense importance to all Chinese people—Ji Yuan's resolve strengthened after the initial rush of excitement.

Ji Yuan's pale, placid, and unfocused eyes fixed directly on the old man beside him, and his reply was somewhat tangential to the question.

"From my personal perspective, I deeply admire this dragon for safeguarding this region with abundant rain for two centuries, and I am even more pleased to witness its benevolence. However, had I encountered the malevolent jiao three hundred years ago and possessed the ability, I would have certainly slain him!"

The old man frowned and squinted, a wisp of white mist escaping from the corners of his mouth.

"Then, Master, do you believe this dragon's two centuries of meritorious deeds can atone for the wickedness of that ancient flood?"

The old man's tone and demeanor made Ji Yuan's heart skip a beat; even without overtly displaying power, there was an unparalleled sense of oppression. It seemed the dragon only *appeared* approachable but might not *actually* be so...

Indeed, if he had previously suspected the old man was either a dragon or a jiao connected to the *water chi jiao*, Ji Yuan was now certain the old man was *that* dragon.

He had just spoken his mind, but Ji Yuan had no intention of immediately resorting to flattery simply because fear had surged within him. If he were in the old man's position, sitting opposite, he would surely despise such a sudden change in demeanor driven by apprehension.

Despite his inner apprehension, even a touch of regret, Ji Yuan acted as if he hadn't noticed the old man's change, gently tucking the *Waidao Chuan* into his satchel. He used this brief averted gaze to desperately steady himself, nearly losing his composure.

After stowing the book, Ji Yuan then returned his gaze, meeting the other man's eyes with composure.

"I must first ask you, Elder, if everyone were to believe that your two centuries of meritorious deeds could indeed offset your past transgressions, and that your merits were boundless, would you still continue to bring clouds and rain to Jizhou?"

This statement directly alluded to the old man's dragon identity; while it began softly, it ended with Ji Yuan adopting an accusatory tone, as if to defy his own fear.

Despite his inner apprehension, even a touch of regret, Ji Yuan gritted his teeth, determined to maintain his outward composure.

The question rendered the old man speechless.

He frowned, gazing out of the grotto at the dark clouds that, though the rain had ceased, had yet to disperse, and found himself utterly unable to respond.

"In my view," Ji Yuan stated, "merit is merit, and fault is fault. There is only making amends for wrongs with good deeds, never offsetting them. I abhorred the former malevolent jiao; I admire the present true dragon. These are not contradictory!"

He finally delivered this statement, maintaining his composure throughout. Ji Yuan inwardly steeled himself, yet outwardly, he still dared not make any significant movement.

At these words, the old man, who had been deeply frowning, felt a slight tremor in his heart and turned to gaze at Ji Yuan.

"Well said, indeed!"

After these two affirmations, the old man seemed to have either realized something or become somewhat distracted, leaning back against the grotto wall, stroking his beard and occasionally smiling as he shook his head, indulging in a moment of self-deprecating reflection.

'Phew...'

Ji Yuan, on the other side, let out a massive sigh of relief, even feeling a mistaken sensation that his breath was trembling. Upon hearing the two affirmations, he knew this trial was over.

With this release of tension, his entire body felt unsteady, and he nearly slid back, leaning against his satchel. Fortunately, the movement wasn't too pronounced.

Considering for a moment that it would be wise to offer a gesture of goodwill, he smoothly pulled out the only four remaining large dates from his satchel, offered two, and extended them to the old man.

"Would you care to try these fresh dates?" he offered. "These are fruits from the jujube tree in my humble abode. They possess no mystical properties, but they are remarkably sweet!"

The old man turned his head, his face immediately lighting up with a smile as he took the two dates.

"Dates this season are indeed rare," the old man remarked. "Do you have more? Two are hardly enough for me!"

Ji Yuan could believe that, but while he might have given in when he was afraid, he wouldn't agree now.

"I only have four in total, and I've already given you half. You'll have to make do with those!" As he spoke, he popped both dates into his mouth at once, audibly crunching as a fresh, fragrant aroma wafted from his mouth, acting just like a child guarding his snacks.

The old man sniffed the fragrance, smiled, and mimicking Ji Yuan, put both dates into his mouth, chewing them until their fresh, fragrant essence filled the air.

"Excellent fruits, excellent fruits," the old man praised. "Though the spiritual energy is subtle, the taste is superb. May I ask where your humble dwelling is located? And would it be permissible for me to come and pick more to savor?"

Ji Yuan couldn't help but chuckle; this old dragon was quite a glutton!

"There are none left by now," Ji Yuan replied. "Before I embarked on my journey, I arranged with a friend in the county to pick all the dates after I left and distribute them among the neighbors. Quite some time has passed since then."

The old man immediately felt a sense of regret, yet he didn't seem to give up.

"Might your friend have any extra fruit stored away?" he pressed. "Even a little bit to share with me would suffice."

"Heh, my friend is merely a schoolmaster in a county academy; he possesses no magical power or esoteric abilities. Moreover, with a little gourmand at home, he wouldn't hide dates, nor could he keep them hidden!"

It seemed there were truly no more dates, but Ji Yuan's words piqued the old man's curiosity in a different direction.

"Is your friend a mortal?"

Ji Yuan paused briefly before nodding.

"Indeed."

"Is he a renowned talent of great virtue?"

Ji Yuan thought of the letter and smiled to himself.

"He is not yet widely recognized for his virtue."

This caused the old man to frown.

"A mere mortal village schoolmaster," the old man pressed, "what merits or abilities does he possess to become your friend, Master?"

Ji Yuan spat out the jujube pit he had been sucking on for a moment and replied quite naturally.

"What merits or abilities?" Ji Yuan countered. "Is my choosing him as a friend not sufficient?"

This was the second time the old man had been taken aback today, perhaps even more profoundly than the first.

"Hahahahahaha... hahahahahahaha... Splendid, splendid, well said, indeed! As Master Ji says, who you choose as a friend is naturally for you alone to decide, hahahahahaha..."

This sudden, booming laughter made Ji Yuan visibly flinch, unable to maintain his composure, as the old man, still in his damp clothes, stood up.

"May I ask if I, an old demon, have the qualification to be Master Ji's friend?"

There was an undeniable, palpable sense of expectation in his voice.

Swallowing with an almost imperceptible throat movement, Ji Yuan also rose. Steadying himself, he forcibly suppressed the eager agreement that was about to burst from his throat, replacing it with a different reply.

"That depends on whether you invite me for a drink next time, Elder!"

"Just name the drink you desire, Master Ji!"

"Heh heh, it's not about the wine itself, but the company," Ji Yuan chuckled. "A fine wine from an immortal's palace is good, but even a human *Huadiao* can bring intoxication!"

"Hahaha, what a brilliant line—'even a human *Huadiao* can bring intoxication!'"

The old man cupped his hands in a respectful bow and declared loudly.

"I am Ying Hong of the Tongtian River!"

Ji Yuan, not daring to be remiss, returned the bow in kind.

"I am Ji Yuan, and I consider myself a resident of Ning'an County!"

His face was radiant with a joyful smile; such was the old man's current state. After they exchanged bows, he slowly walked out from the confines of the grotto's stone wall and turned to face Ji Yuan.

"I still need to bring the Mangzhong rain to the various prefectures of Jizhou," he stated. "Next time we meet, I will certainly ensure you drink your fill, Master Ji!"

With these words, he transformed into a blurry, draconic streak of light, vanishing through the clouds in an instant.

"Hooooooowl~~~~~"

The dragon's roar in the sky resonated like the lingering echo of thunder.