The carriage moved forward, the copper bell tinkling.
Looking at the copper bell hanging on the carriage, Xiang Qingniu felt like crying. He was now even more certain that this black-clad youth was no good person; even if he wasn't a demon descended from the Asura Path, he was still an utterly wicked villain. After learning that he was from the Mushan Temple and that he had several thousand taels of silver in savings there, the young man refused to believe he was penniless. He forcibly searched him and, finding only a copper bell on him, even stole this worthless item.
He had thought encountering a carriage was luck, but now he realized it was the beginning of a nightmare.
"That's my livelihood," he said, looking at Fang Jie with a wronged expression, trying to get the copper bell back from the carriage.
"You'd be more like a conman."
Fang Jie rolled his eyes at him and said, "You think I don't know what that's for? Usually in remote, isolated places, you'd be holding a cloth banner in one hand and waving this copper bell in the other, shouting things like 'I know five hundred years of the past and five hundred years of the future,' right?"
Xiang Qingniu said seriously, "I never said 'I know five hundred years of the past and five hundred years of the future'... I usually shout 'I know a thousand years of the past and a thousand years of the future.'"
"Impressive!"
Fang Jie clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Consider this bell your meal money. It'll keep you entertained swaying along the way. By the way... you said you're going to the capital too, what are you going there for?"
"I'm going to the Martial Arts Academy."
"Huh? You're going to the Martial Arts Academy too?"
Xiang Qingniu was taken aback, looking at Fang Jie and asking, "You mean, you're also going to the Martial Arts Academy? Otherwise, why did you use the word 'also'?"
"I'm not..." "!"
Fang Jie shook his head and said, "But I have a friend waiting for me outside Xiangcheng City. We'll go to the capital together. He's a candidate for the Martial Arts Academy exam this year, and he comes from a wealthy and powerful family. A wealthy family means money, and money means we won't have to worry about food and drink along the way."
"That's great!"
Xiang Qingniu instantly forgot his previous worries and fears, and immediately opened his eyes wide, saying seriously to Fang Jie, "Do you know what I'm going to the capital for? I bet you can't guess."
Fang Jie looked at him and said with a smile, "You still haven't said whether you're sure I'm dead? Whether you're sure I crossed over from the Asura Path? If you're really sure, you shouldn't be so smug in front of me... Do you believe I'll reveal my true form and swallow you whole?"
"Actually... I don't even know if the Six Paths truly exist."
Xiang Qingniu smiled sheepishly and replied. Fang Jie, slightly annoyed, said, "Then why were you so scared just now!"
Xiang Qingniu replied, "This is a saying left behind by the Dao Ancestor. The Dao Ancestor's cultivation was profound, his wisdom and skill so great, surely he wouldn't spout nonsense? Since the Dao Ancestor said it exists, there must be some truth to it."
Fang Jie snorted, "The Dao Ancestor and Buddha are nothing but charlatans... What exactly are you doing in the capital?"
"I'm an invigilator!"
Xiang Qingniu puffed out his chest and said, "I'm the invigilator for this martial arts academy's admissions!"
"Ouch!"
Thump!
Xiang Qingniu was kicked in the backside by Fang Jie. He cried out and fell off the carriage, his face, utterly lacking the composure of a master, landing face-first on the road, his obese body kicking up a cloud of dust. If you could replay the moment he landed in slow motion, you would see the beautiful sight of his fat face rippling like waves.
The fat man, whose status in the Daoist sect was second only to Master Xiao of Qing Le Mountain, couldn't help but curse angrily. He then got up, wiggling his fat buttocks, and chased after them again. Despite his outrageous weight, he was surprisingly fast. He soon caught up with the carriage and climbed aboard from the back.
He intended to crawl inside, but then he remembered the stunningly beautiful woman inside, a woman with snow-white legs and a slender waist. The thought terrified him, and he jumped off the carriage and ran to the front, squeezing Fang Jie aside to sit beside him.
As soon as he got in, the drowsy horse pulling the carriage groaned in pain.
"If you knew whose ass you kicked, you'd regret it."
Fang Jie sneered, "You're so shameless, I kicked you down and you climbed back up yourself."
Xiang Qingniu looked at Fang Jie seriously and said, "If people knew I was the proctor for this year's Martial Arts Academy, can you imagine how many people would rush to carry me in a sedan chair? Can you imagine countless riches and jewels piled up in front of me, too much for your carriage to hold? Can you imagine even high-ranking officials of the third or fourth rank in the capital would treat me with utmost respect? I'm actually giving you face by riding in your carriage… Ouch! You kicked me again!"
Thump! Fang Jie watched the obese body land for the second time and couldn't help but sneer, "I may also be a swindler, but I wouldn't dare to boast like this. If you're the proctor of the Martial Arts Academy, then I'm Zhou Banchuan, the dean of the Martial Arts Academy!"
The fat man struggled to climb onto the carriage a second time, brushing the dust off his clothes and pleading, "I'm just hitching a ride, can't you at least have some hospitality?"
"I won't kick you if you don't boast."
"Sigh...why don't you believe me?"
Xiang Qingniu rested his chin on his hand, seemingly recalling something, his expression somewhat bitter: "Back when I was in Jianghuai Road, no one doubted me when I said I was the reincarnation of the Dao Ancestor. I fooled countless people with such a huge lie, and now that I'm telling the truth, I get beaten up...what kind of world is this?"
...
...
Fifteen miles east of Xiangcheng, at the Farewell Pavilion.
Fang Jie looked at the middle-aged man in brocade robes standing outside the pavilion with a somewhat gloomy expression and his hands behind his back, and couldn't help but feel uneasy. This middle-aged man exuded a special aura of authority. While his appearance wasn't particularly imposing, he certainly carried a sense of oppression.
The man didn't speak, but his cold gaze swept over the crowd, making everyone uncomfortable.
He had a square face, a neatly trimmed beard, and looked to be in his forties. Aside from a slightly protruding belly, he maintained a remarkably good physique—a remarkable feat. Although he didn't currently hold a substantive official position in the Sui Dynasty, he possessed the title of a county marquis.
Such a person would always be high above ordinary people.
Therefore, when Fang Jie saw the faint contempt in the middle-aged man's eyes, he felt no aversion. Fang Jie had once said that those who look down on others are always inferior. However, he maintained a seemingly sincere respect on his face, then bowed deeply in a gesture of respect befitting a junior.
"Greetings, Senior."
"Senior?"
The middle-aged man paused slightly, then shook his head. "You are Lue Shang's friend, and you helped him a great deal last night. In a way, you are a benefactor of my Cui family. If you don't mind, call me Uncle."
Before Fang Jie could offer any further pleasantries, the middle-aged man continued, "Lue Shang has already explained everything to me in detail last night. Although you acted hastily, you were ultimately forced into this situation. While my Cui family may not be considered a prestigious clan in Xiangcheng, we are not a family that anyone can bully."
"Lue Shang needs to go to the Martial Arts Academy to take the exam; this matter cannot be delayed. You are old acquaintances, and close friends at that. Traveling together will provide mutual support, and I will be less worried."
He waved his hand, and several servants led over several tall horses. The middle-aged man glanced at the somewhat dilapidated carriage and frowned slightly. "Since you're taking the Martial Arts Academy exam, riding horses is naturally better. Otherwise, once you arrive in the capital, people will think you're too comfortable and lazy, which isn't good. These horses are for you. I'll arrange a few skilled servants to protect you along the way, and all your food, drink, and other necessities will be taken care of."
He turned to Cui Lueshang and said, "You've always been carefree, and I didn't have high hopes for you. I originally planned to hand over the family's lands and properties to you once you settled down. But your aunt went to such great lengths to help you with the Martial Arts Academy exam..." "Now that you've secured the spot, you can't let her down. This trip to the capital...do your best, don't disappoint your aunt."
Cui Lueshang quickly lowered his head and said, "I understand."
The head of the Cui family, Cui You, sneered, "Your aunt has now been promoted to Imperial Concubine. Everyone in the Li and Liu families knows this, which is why no one is causing trouble. That brat from the Li family and that scoundrel from the Liu family probably haven't heard about it yet, otherwise, how could they have such a vicious and idiotic idea? You don't need to worry about things in Xiangcheng. I want to see who can do anything to my Cui family!"
"Father, I'm sorry to trouble you, I'm unfilial."
Cui Lueshang said, head bowed.
"Go, why act like such a child? The Martial Arts Academy needs upright men, not coy people."
After saying this, Cui You turned to leave. After taking three or four steps, he suddenly turned back to Fang Jie and asked, "Young man, what's your name?"
"Fang Jie, courtesy name Juexiao."
Cui You nodded, looking at Fang Jie calmly but earnestly, and said, "My Cui family will remember this name."
After saying this, he took another step to leave, but Xiang Qingniu was displeased, jumping over to block Cui You and pointing at his own nose, asking, "You asked that kid's name, why didn't you ask mine?"
Cui You was slightly annoyed, but didn't show it: "May I ask what this Taoist priest's Dharma name is?"
"He doesn't have a Dharma name, but that's alright... I'll tell you, but don't be scared. Are you ready? Then listen carefully... I'm the proctor for this year's Martial Arts Academy entrance exams. His Majesty specially sent an imperial envoy to invite me to the capital."
Hearing this, Cui You's lips and brows twitched involuntarily. He took a deep breath, then beckoned his servant over, took some silver, and placed the smallest coin in Xiang Qingniu's hand: "Master, I'll leave the tea to you along the way. My son's exam at the Martial Arts Academy is in your care. Farewell..."
Xiang Qingniu looked at the silver in his hand, barely able to contain his anger.
Fang Jie leaped forward, covered his mouth, and dragged him onto the carriage.
...
...
"Young Master Cui, do you know what I'm going to the capital for?"
Xiang Qingniu, sitting in the carriage, looked at Cui Lueshang, who was riding alongside him, and said, "If you knew my identity, I guarantee you'd be so scared you'd fall off your horse."
Cui Lueshang glanced at Xiang Qingniu, then at Fang Jie, who was still excitedly enjoying the ride. Although Fang Jie was a scout for Fan Gu, there were only four or five warhorses in the city, and no one was allowed to touch them except when on missions. He had always enjoyed the feeling of riding, and now having a horse of his own was indeed a source of joy.
"Do you have any silver on you?"
Fang Jie asked Cui Lüshang.
Cui Lüshang nodded. "My father knows I'm used to spending money lavishly, so he naturally prepared a lot of silver. However, all the money is with those servants; I don't have much on me."
Fang Jie said, "Give this Taoist priest a large red envelope containing one tael of silver, and he'll guarantee you admission to the Martial Arts Academy."
Xiang Qingniu glared at Fang Jie, then looked at Cui Lüshang politely and said, "No need for silver. As the proctor of this year's Martial Arts Academy, I naturally must abide by the laws of the court and will absolutely not accept bribes. However, seeing your extraordinary appearance and unique physique, you are destined for greatness. How about this: you provide me with wine and meat every day, and I'll give you a free divination?"
"Okay."
Cui Lüshang nodded, thinking that he needed to eat anyway, and since they were traveling together, it was fate; making another friend was good.
Xiang Qingniu nodded in satisfaction, leaned back in the carriage, and closed his eyes to rest. Fang Jie glanced at the large dog, then at Xiang Qingniu, then at Cui Lueshang. Inside the carriage was Mu Xiaoyao, who was undoubtedly sleeping with her beautiful legs exposed again. The group was growing larger; the journey to the capital wouldn't be lonely. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sigh, stretching his limbs and saying loudly, "As the ancients said... three people walking together... five people are also fine..."
Cui Lueshang asked in surprise, "Isn't it said that among three people, there must be one who can teach me?"
Fang Jie replied, "Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me; among five people walking together, there must be an idiot."