Chapter 40: Living in Seclusion at Green Screen, Shaking the Eastern Prefecture

"When will Daoist Jiang emerge from seclusion?"

"Little Daoist, we truly only wish to enter the temple to offer a stick of incense."

"Indeed, Little Daoist, we have traveled a long way; please, we implore you to announce our arrival!"

Before the mountain gate of Qingxuan Temple on Mount Qingping, gentry and wealthy merchants from across the Dong Prefecture had gathered, all hoping for a glimpse of Jiang Sheng. Surprisingly, the number of local gentry from Qingshan County was even greater than that of the outsiders. Ever since these elites learned of Jiang Sheng’s prowess, many had hoped to gain his protection to ensure the safety of their clans. As for the local gentry of Qingshan County, they would rather travel to Mount Qingping to beg for an audience with Jiang Sheng than deal with the exorbitant demands of County Magistrate Zhang Qingyun. After all, Zhang Qingyun demanded the bulk of their assets and landholdings, and while the Magistrate appeared imposing, his authority was essentially borrowed from Jiang Sheng’s influence. Why bother paying respects to the Magistrate when one could go directly to Daoist Jiang? In all of Qingshan County, who did not know that Daoist Jiang was the only true deity across its fifteen towns?

Tian Ming’an had truly experienced what it meant to be in the spotlight. In recent days, countless gentry and merchants had come seeking talismans and blessings, and everyone addressed him with utmost respect as "Little Daoist." This deference was certainly not because of Tian Ming’an’s own profound abilities, but because he was Jiang Sheng’s only disciple. Though these people tried every trick to curry favor with him, Tian Ming’an was not dazzled by their promises or flattery.

Standing before the gate of Qingxuan Temple in his simple gray Daoist robe, Tian Ming’an remained expressionless. "My Master is currently in seclusion and has no time to attend to you. This is not a place for you to clamor."

"Disperse. My Master is a man of quiet cultivation who does not concern himself with worldly affairs. Do not create such a disturbance here."

A mere thirteen-year-old boy standing before the mountain gate, Tian Ming’an managed to hold back the gentry, making them afraid to step forward. It was not as if they hadn't brought servants—they had traveled thousands of miles, so how could they be without guards? Yet, they dared not act rashly. Whenever they thought of the figure standing behind Tian Ming’an, they lost all desire to use force. Even Tian Guofu, who had brought a large group of servants up the mountain to bolster his grandson’s position, found his efforts entirely useless. Tian Ming’an had used only a single sentence from Jiang Sheng to cow the gentry into submission. Consequently, they were forced to wait at the foot of the mountain, unwilling to leave even without seeing the Daoist. As the Lantern Festival approached, they still lingered, hoping for a miracle.

Inside Qingxuan Temple, Jiang Sheng had just finished refining a batch of pills. After counting his stock and confirming it was sufficient, he ceased his alchemical work. Prolonged mental tension was not beneficial for cultivation, so he turned to drawing talismans to soothe his mind.

"Ming’an."

Hearing the summons, Tian Ming’an hurried to the back hall. "Master, I am here."

"What is all that noise outside the mountain gate these days?" Jiang Sheng asked while drawing a talisman.

Tian Ming’an explained, "Master, it is the gentry from various counties seeking talismans and blessings, and those from our own Qingshan County are particularly desperate to see you."

Jiang Sheng chuckled softly. "I never saw them display such devotion to the Dao before; now they suddenly know how to seek incense and worship gods."

Tian Ming’an added, "When the demons flooded the six towns, countless people were forced from their homes, left with nothing but bare walls. These merchants and gentry have entrenched themselves in Qingshan County for years, squeezing out land and wealth, yet now that they are asked to contribute a portion to disaster relief, they offer endless excuses. Their hearts are not upright, yet they presume to seek you, Master. It is truly absurd."

Jiang Sheng’s brush moved with precision, spiritual power flowing into the cloud-script. As the final stroke was completed, a second-tier "Light Feather Talisman" was finished. Examining the talisman, Jiang Sheng remarked, "As the saying goes, 'When the military turns to the marketplace, they pay little mind to the gods.' If they wish to stay at the foot of the mountain, let them. As long as they do not ascend, leave them be."

Though Jiang Sheng was of a cold and detached nature, he did not enjoy taking lives unnecessarily. As long as they stayed off the mountain, he would not harm them. Finding peace in the mountains, he continued his secluded training, focusing his efforts on reaching the Purple Mansion realm.

With the arrival of the Lantern Festival, lanterns were hung high across Qingshan County. Recently, Zhang Qingyun had used the assets and land confiscated from the gentry to subsidize the victims of the disaster, even distributing a bonus to the staff of the county office. For a time, the common people of Qingshan County heaped praise upon him, and the county office was firmly under his control. The current Zhang Qingyun finally carried the air of a true local magistrate.

Yet, in his heart, there remained a thorn: Jiang Sheng on Mount Qingping. He could not forget how he had knelt and groveled before him. Especially now, as he was lauded by the people, feared by his subordinates, and fawned over by the gentry, the more he was elevated, the more he could not forget the mountain that loomed over him. Jiang Sheng was simply too powerful; even in seclusion, his every word and action influenced the entire county. It was infuriating that so many gentry ran to the mountain to see Jiang Sheng, while he, the Magistrate, dared not send men to arrest them. Though he knew they had waited for days without success, it still rankled him.

However, Zhang Qingyun kept these feelings buried. As his daughter Zhang Qing had said, a figure like Jiang Sheng was merely residing in the mountains for now; he was destined to soar through the Nine Heavens. Reflecting on his current glory, Zhang Qingyun sighed, "Should I go to Qingxuan Temple to offer a stick of incense?"

Watching her father’s struggle, Zhang Qing said, "Father, you certainly should."

"Daoist Jiang doesn't like that," Zhang Qingyun hesitated. He truly did not want to go. Every time he visited the temple, he felt like anything but a magistrate; he felt he had no dignity at all. Because every time he met Jiang Sheng, it was he who had to bow and scrape. There were even rumors in the marketplace that he had obtained his position by kneeling to Jiang Sheng—how could he be content with that? But it was the truth; in Jiang Sheng’s eyes, he was no different from a beggar, for to the Daoist, they were all but ants.

Knowing his internal resistance, Zhang Qing said, "Father, it is true that Daoist Jiang does not like to be disturbed. But today is the Lantern Festival. He may not care, but you cannot afford not to go."

The words dispelled Zhang Qingyun’s hesitation. "You are right, Qing’er. Prepare the gifts; I shall go to Qingxuan Temple to offer incense."

Soon, the servants prepared the gifts, and Zhang Qingyun and his daughter, accompanied by bailiffs, hurried toward Mount Qingping. At the same time, Cha Liangping also arrived in Qingshan County with several gifts, his destination also being Mount Qingping.

Thus, Zhang Qingyun and Cha Liangping arrived at the foot of the mountain one after the other. Seeing the gathered gentry and the Magistrate’s entourage blocked from ascending, Cha Liangping realized the true extent of his friend Jiang’s prestige in the county. Not wishing to be presumptuous, he took out his calling card and used his spiritual power to send it into the mountain.

Before long, he saw a young Daoist in a gray robe descending the mountain. "Greetings, Senior. My Master learned of your arrival and sent me to welcome you. He is waiting at the mountain gate."

Cha Liangping smiled and produced a red envelope. "I have long heard that Daoist Jiang has taken on a talented disciple; seeing you today, it is clear you are a youth of great promise. I brought no special gifts for such a festival, so please accept this as a token for pocket money."

Tian Ming’an took the envelope with both hands. "I dare not refuse a gift from an elder. Thank you, Senior."

With that, Tian Ming’an led Cha Liangping up the mountain, while the gentry at the base watched with wide eyes, unable to fathom the identity of the middle-aged man who appeared to be nothing more than a wealthy merchant.

At the mountain gate, Cha Liangping met Jiang Sheng. Dressed in a cyan Daoist robe and wearing a crown, Jiang Sheng smiled from afar. "You have traveled a long way, and I failed to meet you earlier. Please forgive my discourtesy."

"It is I who arrived unannounced, Daoist Jiang. Do not blame me for such intrusion," Cha Liangping replied with a sincere smile.

Jiang Sheng invited him into the temple. Cha Liangping first offered incense in the front hall, then toured the grounds with Jiang, sighing with admiration from time to time. "The mountains are serene, and the temple is elegant. It is no wonder you choose to live here in seclusion. If I were not tied down by my family, I, too, would seek a mountain to live as a hermit."

Jiang Sheng laughed. "You jest, my friend. This is a barren, desolate place. It is only because I am accustomed to a life of simplicity that I can endure it. If there were a better place, I would not be cooped up here."

After the tour, Jiang Sheng invited him to the side hall and brewed some spiritual tea. "There is nothing of value here; only the mountain spring is crisp. The tea is a coarse blend I prepared myself. Please, do not take offense."

Though Jiang Sheng spoke modestly, Cha Liangping was solemn. The fragrance wafting from the tea was clearly not of the mundane world; otherwise, it would not have left even him, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, feeling so refreshed and clear-headed.

"Please."

"After you, Daoist."

After finishing a cup, Cha Liangping smiled. "You have made quite a name for yourself in Dong Prefecture recently. Now, throughout the entire prefecture, and even half of Qing Prefecture, who does not know that a high-ranking master from Penglai is in seclusion on Mount Qingping, having defeated a Purple Mansion demon while still in the Foundation Establishment stage? You have truly made a name for yourself."

Jiang Sheng chuckled softly. "That is hardly good news. A tall tree attracts the wind. With so much attention, I fear I shall no longer find peace on Mount Qingping."

Cha Liangping fell silent for a moment before finally revealing his true purpose. "In truth, I came here on behalf of my elder brother to give you a warning. Daoist, your calamity is fast approaching."