Chapter 875: True Sincerity

Ji Yuan, from his distant location in the Dragon Palace of Tongtian River, had a premonition when Lian Ping'er was testing Min Xian with elixirs and magic. A quick calculation confirmed that someone had found Min Xian, though he wasn't sure of the identity. It could have been Min Xian's fellow disciples, Lian Ping'er herself, or even a stranger who stumbled upon him and realized his former status as an immortal cultivator, though the last option seemed less probable.

However, Ji Yuan soon observed that Min Xian appeared to be unharmed, remained within Dayun Prefecture, and faced no imminent danger to his destiny. This left Ji Yuan puzzled.

Logically, even without Ji Yuan's direct intervention, locating Min Xian would have been challenging. It seemed that whoever took the trouble to find him must have been an acquaintance, yet they hadn't taken him away, which raised questions.

Pondering these matters, Ji Yuan decided to check on Min Xian's current state. He also observed the banquet, where most guests were now simply socializing over drinks or discussing insights gained from the book. Ji Yuan concluded that the main proceedings of the Dragon Transformation Banquet had concluded.

With this in mind, he rose after exchanging a few words with Yin Zhaoxian. He then sent a telepathic message to the Old Dragon and the Dragon Girl, explaining he had to depart briefly, and promptly left the main hall.

Upon exiting the Dragon Palace, Ji Yuan found the riverside banquet outside far more bustling than the one within.

People were excitedly discussing how Ji Yuan had transported thousands of Dragon Palace guests into a world within a book. Many yearned to experience it themselves, speculating about its landscapes and the majestic phoenix. Some even questioned if the accounts were exaggerated or if it had been an illusion, given how extraordinary such an event would be, even within the cultivation world.

Naturally, skeptics were in the minority. This was no mere mortal rumor; the guests within the Dragon Palace were all reputable figures. Many of them were now mingling at the riverside banquet, vividly narrating their experiences from the "Discourse of Birds" realm. The likelihood of deception was exceedingly low.

Ji Yuan emerged to witness the vibrant festivities, a smile gracing his face. He found he actually preferred this outdoor dining atmosphere, with many people gathered around a single table, creating a lively buzz, rather than the more reserved setting inside with one or two individuals per table.

Soon after stepping out of the Dragon Palace, Ji Yuan ascended from the river, using water to propel himself away. As he rose from the riverbed, some guests at the riverside banquet faintly observed his departure. Their subsequent announcements to others inside prompted many curious onlookers to crane their necks.

Currently, Ji Yuan's swiftest escape method remained Sword遁, utilizing the light of his immortal sword. However, even without it, his speed was extraordinary after mastering the Art of Wandering Dreams. Although he wasn't rushing, he reached the skies above Dayun Prefecture in Tongzhou in less than an hour.

It was still midday in Dayun Prefecture city, arguably the busiest period on the streets. Vegetable vendors, having carried their produce into the city, offered the freshest greens at their stalls, and shopkeepers along the thoroughfares were at their most boisterous, calling out to potential customers.

Ji Yuan bypassed the city gate, descending instead into a specific part of the city. The location was similar to where Lian Ping'er had chosen, but unlike her intuitive selection, Ji Yuan had precisely calculated Min Xian's whereabouts.

The streets were bustling with activity. Instead of appearing directly on the main thoroughfare, Ji Yuan materialized in a nearby alley and then stepped out, seamlessly blending into the pedestrian traffic.

With the New Year fast approaching, the streets were adorned with lanterns and festive decorations. Most people wore smiles as city residents meandered through the thoroughfares and alleys. Many individuals from surrounding villages and even smaller towns had also flocked to the prefecture city with their families, either to purchase New Year provisions or simply to enjoy the sights.

As Ji Yuan passed by, vendors repeatedly called out, eager to sell their wares. Even owners of calligraphy and painting stalls emerged from their stands to solicit him on the street, showcasing their remarkable enthusiasm.

Ji Yuan continued walking and observing, with no intention of stopping, until he noticed an old man slowly approaching, carrying a shoulder pole. The old man's gaze was also wandering, but he wasn't looking at people; he was searching for a suitable spot on the street.

Min Xian had been occupied by Lian Ping'er for the previous day, but with Lian Ping'er gone, he clearly didn't intend to let the day go to waste. He had still ventured out with his carrying pole. However, because he had left earlier, the street was already lively, and many prime spots were already claimed by vegetable and sundry goods stalls, making it exceedingly difficult to find a suitable place.

The once arrogant Immortal Min Xian now walked with a noticeable stoop. Yet, Ji Yuan found him considerably more agreeable to observe, not out of schadenfreude due to a past dislike, but because he genuinely seemed more pleasant.

Ji Yuan smiled, glancing to one side before stopping. He then walked a few steps across the street. He knew that the small vacant spot along the roadside, precisely where he had just been standing, was the most suitable remaining place on the entire street for a stall.

As expected, it wasn't long before Min Xian, burdened with his pole, finally noticed the spot Ji Yuan had observed. His face brightened with delight, and he quickly made his way to the empty space. As he set down his load, he glanced around, relieved to see that no nearby vendors paid him any attention, confirming the spot was unoccupied. He then proceeded to set up his stall with a sense of calm.

Just as Lian Ping'er had witnessed, Ji Yuan observed Min Xian closing his wooden box, extracting a small folding stool and a covering cloth, and then meticulously arranging his brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

The difference now was striking: earlier that morning, Min Xian had been trembling from the cold. But after a substantial meal, coupled with slightly warmer weather and a cheerful disposition, his movements were considerably more nimble.

Once his items were arranged, Min Xian took his seat and called out.

"Get your Spring Couplets! Auspicious 'Fu' characters! Letter writing services available..."

Ji Yuan watched from not far across the street. The words written beneath Min Xian's stall cover were somewhat blurry, but it was clear they offered various writing services.

While the world within the Dragon Palace appeared sharper, and these human streets seemed somewhat indistinct to Ji Yuan's eyes upon emerging, this bustling street on the eve of spring unfolded a different kind of beauty in his heart—a vibrancy unique from any other magnificent scenery.

Despite being a true mortal, Min Xian was not entirely indistinct in Ji Yuan's perception. Above his face, there was a clear radiance, a glimmer that many ordinary people also possessed. It emanated from the depths of his heart, an aspiration known as hope.

Many ordinary individuals captured Ji Yuan's attention, often due to this simple, unassuming beauty that, in truth, was anything but ordinary.

Merely witnessing Min Xian's active engagement with life, his face radiating discernible hope, uplifted Ji Yuan's spirits.

Ji Yuan had initially planned to leave discreetly, not wishing his presence to distress Min Xian. After all, Ji Yuan was likely a formidable figure in Min Xian's memory, and especially during the New Year, Ji Yuan had no desire to frighten an old man.

However, Ji Yuan then felt that having come all this way, merely observing and departing would be somewhat ungracious given his long journey. Therefore, after a brief consideration, Ji Yuan began walking towards Min Xian's stall. Yet, after only a few steps, his imposing appearance as a distinguished master transformed into that of a simple, ordinary man, dressed and looking just like a common villager who had come to the city for provisions.

"Excuse me, old sir, what do you charge for writing Spring Couplets and 'Fu' characters?"

Ji Yuan, a smile on his face, inquired at the edge of the stall. Min Xian was pleased to have a customer so soon after sitting down. He knew that if no one showed interest, passersby might ignore his stall, but if someone commissioned couplets, others would observe, a crowd would gradually form, and business would pick up.

"Certainly, certainly. Prices are fair, and paper and ink are included. It's five coins for a pair of couplets, three coins for one 'Fu' character. Letter writing fees depend on length, but typically a letter won't cost more than ten coins..."

The prices seemed fair, especially since the paper on the stall was of decent quality. Ji Yuan smiled.

"Alright, it's only the cost of a few bowls of noodles. I'll take one pair of couplets and one 'Fu' character, please."

"Excellent, excellent, please wait while I prepare the ink!"

Min Xian began to grind the ink, while Ji Yuan watched from the side, reaching into his clothes and slowly extracting copper coins, one by one.

While grinding the ink, Min Xian observed the man before him. Watching him carefully count out coins, coupled with his guileless expression, Min Xian assumed he was an honest farmer who toiled in the fields year-round, possibly supporting a large family. However, the man only managed to produce six copper coins before awkwardly fumbling around, his face betraying embarrassment.

"Oh, right, you're my very first customer today! I forgot to tell you, I can offer you a discount—half price! Four coins will be enough!"

The embarrassment on the man's face instantly vanished, replaced by delight. He profusely thanked Min Xian, carefully arrayed the four copper coins on the small stall, and then offered a reminder.

"Old sir, is the ink ready now?"

"Ah, oh, yes, yes, it's ready."

Min Xian, having been somewhat captivated by the man arranging the coins, now snapped back to attention. He quickly spread out the red paper and dipped his brush in the ink.

"Do you have any specific requests for the writing?"

"No, no, I'm just a simple farmer; I wouldn't know. Old sir, please write whatever you think is best."

"Alright then, I'll write something auspicious and wish you a prosperous New Year!"

Min Xian smiled and offered a blessing, then lowered his head to write. As Ji Yuan watched, while Min Xian was writing the 'Fu' character, he instinctively read aloud the already completed couplet and horizontal inscription.

"Labor brings wealth and joy, diligence and frugality brighten the home for spring... A bountiful harvest. Truly well written!"

Ji Yuan could distinctly perceive the sincerity in his words.

Upon hearing the praise, Min Xian's face beamed with a smile. He set down his brush, gently blew on the ink, then carefully rolled the finished couplet and 'Fu' character into a loose cylinder. After securing it with straw, he handed it to Ji Yuan.

"Here you go. It'll dry with the breeze; try not to smudge it."

"Oh, thank you, old sir!"

After expressing his thanks, Ji Yuan immediately stood up and departed, holding the newly written couplet and 'Fu' character.

Min Xian stroked his beard, nodding and smiling as he watched the man depart, only then reaching for the four copper coins on the table. The moment the coins touched his hand, however, he paused, a slight jolt of realization hitting him. Recalling the man's recent compliment, it dawned on him.

The man, who by all appearances seemed illiterate, had just fluently read out the couplet?

'This man can read?'

Min Xian looked up, scanning ahead and then around. The man, who should have just departed, was nowhere to be seen.

While Ji Yuan now viewed Min Xian with newfound respect, he had no intention of helping him regain his cultivation; at least, it wouldn't happen in this lifetime. Whether Min Xian would have such an opportunity in a future life, or if he could atone for his misdeeds then, remained uncertain. Nevertheless, a thread of hope lingered.