Chapter 394 - Chapter 394: Chapter 381: Draw a Circle (1/2)

Chapter 394: Chapter 381: Draw a Circle

“The green plant’s leaves are plump, and buds have formed at the top, seeming ready to bloom at any moment. Everyone says that this bunch of flowers is the embodiment of good fortune. When it blooms, blessings will be bestowed upon the earth.”

“Those who can come to pay their respects will undoubtedly receive ample blessings, protection, and success in their endeavors. Hence, many people have come to Cuiwei Mountain these past few days.”

“However, despite seeming like a paradise within, Cuiwei Mountain’s narrow passage is very cramped. The towering cliffs almost meet at the top, leaving only a thin sliver of light. This is why it’s known as a ‘one-line sky’. The entrance is even darker and narrower, making it extremely difficult for larger men to enter. It’s said that being there can be quite uncomfortable. Hence, many people choose not to enter, but rather pay their respects from outside.” Banqing vividly described the scene.

“I see.” Zhuang Qingning nodded.

Regarding this so-called auspicious sign, she reasoned that either someone had mistaken the flowers’ significance, or someone with ulterior motives had spread news of the sign to advance their own agenda.

Zhuang Qingning clearly understood this, but seeing everyone’s interest in the auspicious flowers, she kept her thoughts to herself.

During this time, most people believed in spirits and deities, and even those who didn’t were not averse to actions believed to bring good luck.

Speaking too much about it might make her seem meddlesome.

Furthermore, if this belief led to heightened spirits and increased confidence, then it wasn’t entirely without merit.

“Why don’t we go and see what the auspicious flower looks like?” Chu Jinzhou suggested.

“Sounds good.” Fan Wenxuan stroked his beard and nodded.

“Then let’s keep moving up the mountain.” Zhuang Qingning helped pack up some items, and everyone continued to ascend.

The ‘One-Line Sky’, situated at the peak of Cuiwei Mountain, still involved a long climb according to the one-third of the route they had completed so far. Especially as they ascended higher, the mountain path grew steeper. Close to the peak, even the carefully laid stone steps had disappeared, replaced by a narrow path worn by travelers, surrounded by wild grass and bushes.

Many people chose to stop here, especially the elderly, who would offer their respect here and continue no further.

However, some continued to the One-Line Sky, and Zhuang Qingning and her companions were among them.

After two more breaks, Banqing returned from scouting ahead and said smilingly, “Another hour’s walk and we’ll be there. It looks like there aren’t too many people right now. If we go up, we might be able to enter the One-Line Sky to take a look.”

Upon hearing that there weren’t many people there and that they might have a chance to enter, Zhuang Qingsui and Chu Jinzhou, who had previously complained of fatigue, suddenly regained their energy. They merrily bounded ahead, chattering and laughing.

Zhuang Qingning, bolstered by her strength and agility, didn’t feel tired at all. Seeing the two children recover quickly, she laughed and followed them.

Fan Wenxuan, however, couldn’t go on.

Bent over, with his back rounded and his hands on his knees, he panted heavily. “Master, let me help you.” Seeing Fan Wenxuan fall behind, Zhuang Qingsui and Chu Jinzhou returned to assist Fan Wenxuan, acting as human crutches.

Fan Wenxuan, on the other hand, looked up at the increasingly steep mountain and arduous path, and immediately became discouraged. He waved his hand vigorously, “You go on, let me rest here for a while.”

“Master, aren’t you going to go up and see the flower from the auspicious sign?” Chu Jinzhou craned his neck to look at him.

“I won’t go up. The flower is not rare. Nothing will change whether I see it or not, you go ahead and look.” Fan Wenxuan smartly gave himself a way out without saying much, and just found a fairly smooth rock to sit on, “I’ll wait here for all of you.”

“Alright then.” Chu Jinzhou obediently responded, “Since Master is physically exhausted, forgive us for leaving you here. When we get up there, I will pray on your behalf.”

“Hmm.” Fan Wenxuan nodded slightly, stroking his beard, and watched them continue to ascend.