Chapter Eight: The Dragon Crossing the River
Yang Fan returned home and surveyed his surroundings carefully.
It was decent enough—a small, independent courtyard, three unfinished rooms, a kitchen, and a simple latrine built in the corner. As for water, he would have to fetch it from the well outside.
“For a bustling place like South Mountain Town, even the townsfolk live in unfinished houses. What about the other villages?” Yang Fan shook his head.
He tidied up briefly, then lay down on his bed inside. Before his eyes, his personal information appeared:
[Seal Holder: Yang Fan]
[Fate: Mountain Patrol Envoy]
[Awakening Progress: 7%]
[Awakened Abilities: Qi Consumption, Earth Sense]
[Ability Available for Awakening: Intimidation. Conditions: 5 units of Essence]
[Earth Essence: 3.9]
He did not expend any extra essence. Even if he increased his awakening progress, it would only strengthen his constitution; but after seeing the python and the ghost-backed spider, Yang Fan had resolved to awaken “Intimidation” first. At the very least, he would have some defensive power the next time he entered the mountains.
The next morning, at dawn.
Yang Fan took stock of his possessions. Good heavens, he had only fifteen taels, six coins, and twelve copper pieces in total—most of it gained from yesterday’s haul. He put the silver in his purse and carried it all close to his chest, then went out and ate breakfast at a nearby food stall.
After the examination, there were three days of rest; soon he would have to report to the Hall of Healing to learn the craft. He planned to stroll around the streets and become more familiar with the town’s environment. Just as he was about to set off, he saw a group of people approaching the alley entrance.
One of them was the town chief, Yang Chun, who was quietly conversing with a portly man wearing a silk robe, gesturing as he spoke.
Lin Dashan emerged, his face dark and troubled as he watched the group.
Yang Fan walked over. When the town chief and his company departed, he asked, “Uncle Dashan, what’s going on?”
Lin Dashan wasn’t old, just a little over thirty.
“While you were in the mountains these past few days, someone wanted to buy up all the houses in this area,” Lin Dashan answered without hiding anything. “They’re very aggressive.”
“The town chief agreed?”
“Yes.”
“Uncle Dashan, do you all want to sell?”
“Of course not!” Lin Dashan’s response made it clear.
So, Yang Fan understood the situation. Outsiders had come to seize the land.
“How are they compensating you?” Yang Fan pressed.
“Ten taels of silver per household,” Lin Dashan said, clearly irritated. “Damn it, this is bullying.”
“Ten taels?” Yang Fan was shocked.
South Mountain Town was prosperous, with many merchants passing through, and it was a vital route to another county. Even Lin Dashan’s modest tavern, being street-facing, would never sell for less than a hundred taels—let alone include the main house.
This was more than just bullying.
“It’s ten taels. Then they said we could build new houses ourselves up north, where the rocky ground is,” Lin Dashan’s voice was icy.
Yang Fan couldn’t help but laugh in anger.
“Xiao Fan, don’t worry about it. We’ve all discussed it; tonight we’ll ask the clan elders if they’ll intervene,” Lin Dashan suppressed his fury. “Now that you’re a medicine apprentice at the Hall of Healing, study hard and aim for a good future. These days, don’t bother cooking—just eat here, we won’t miss your portion.”
“All right, Uncle Dashan!” Yang Fan took his leave.
This was the main street, six or seven hundred meters long, lined with taverns and shops of every kind. In the heart of the street was a crossroad, east-west and north-south intersecting, and the three-story Taifeng Restaurant stood at the junction.
Most merchants and hunters from out of town stayed here; it belonged to Yang Tian’s family.
On the east end of town was the town chief’s house—large enough for ten ordinary households, with high walls, a spacious courtyard, and two small two-story buildings. Stone lions guarded the gate, lending an air of grandeur.
Yang Fan turned and walked away, wandering and pausing as he went. He reached the southwest corner of town, where the trading market bustled with activity—a place for trading mountain goods.
Many hunters, after returning from the mountains, chose not to sell to shops but to trade their goods here. Because rare finds showed up from time to time, even people from the county would visit, and nearby villages often brought mountain products to sell.
While surveying the market, Yang Fan activated his “Earth Sense” ability, hoping to spot something valuable.
There were chickens for sale, ducks, and he even saw a small leopard cub in an iron cage before a vendor.
The smell was rather unpleasant.
Seeing the small stalls ahead, Yang Fan strode over, narrowed his eyes, and approached a middle-aged man dressed like an old farmer.
On a tattered cloth lay jars and bottles, as well as several broken stone figurines.
Feigning curiosity, Yang Fan squatted down. “Uncle, did you just pick these up randomly?”
“You little rascal, would I put random finds here?” the man snorted. “I found these in the mountains. I heard that place used to be a temple to the mountain god. These are relics left from the temple, all imbued with divine power. They may not look impressive, but they’re, what’s the term... right, divine objects concealed in impurity.”
“It’s called ‘divine objects in self-effacement’,” Yang Fan replied with a smile.
The man wasn’t bothered, and carried on, “These figurines are very efficacious. Want to take one home?”
“How much?” Yang Fan casually picked up one, glanced at it, then put it down and examined another.
“You seem destined for them. Just ten taels of silver—guaranteed to bring peace for life!” The man hesitated, then gritted his teeth and made his offer.
“Do I look like a fool?” Yang Fan laughed.
“Anyone can see you’re from a wealthy family. Your looks, your bright eyes—absolutely the most handsome in ten villages,” the man winked and flattered him.
“That’s enough!” Yang Fan waved his hand. “I live right here in town, often go into the mountains. Seeing these figurines, I thought I’d offer a prayer before heading out, just for peace of mind. Give me a fair price—if it’s right, I’ll take it; if not, I’ll walk away.”
“So you’re a little mountain lord!” The man quickly praised him, then hesitated. “These really are good things—I nearly got eaten by wildcats fetching them. Since you’re fated with them, name your price.”
“One coin of silver. I’ll take this one!”
Yang Fan tossed the broken-armed stone figurine in his hand, set it down, and stood up, clearly ready to leave if there was no deal.
He could tell—the middle-aged man wasn’t a farmer at all, but a peddler skilled in reading people, quick-witted and slick.
The man sized him up, saw Yang Fan’s plain clothes and impatient look, sighed, and said, “Fate it is then. One coin, it is.”
“Straightforward!” Yang Fan tossed a coin onto the stall, took the figurine, and left.
He wandered around some more, but found nothing worthwhile.
Near noon, he grabbed a quick meal and returned home. Before he could sit down, someone knocked at the door, and an elder entered the courtyard.
“Second Grandfather, you’re here!” Yang Fan hurried to greet him.
He was a relative of the family, of high standing.
“Xiao Fan, I heard you became a medicine apprentice at the Hall of Healing, so I came to visit,” Second Grandfather Yang Zhonghai said with a smile.
Once inside, Yang Fan apologized, “Second Grandfather, I rarely have visitors, so I haven’t prepared tea. Please forgive me.”
Second Grandfather waved it off. “As long as you’re doing well, I’m happy! I came to talk to you about something.”
He hesitated, a little embarrassed.
Yang Fan’s eyes flickered, but he smiled. “Please, go ahead.”
“Ahem…” Second Grandfather coughed lightly. “Xiao Fan, someone wants to buy your apprentice’s position at the Hall of Healing—offering ten taels of silver. With ten taels, your life will be much easier, no more worries.”
“Second Grandfather, do you take me for someone easily bullied?” Yang Fan’s face darkened.