Lingbei Circuit, Rongzhou, Linling County.
“So, last time you came, you did not take this official road?” Liu Qingyan asked.
“No…”
Lu Zheng looked at the mountain pass before him, which was not exactly bustling but still saw a steady stream of travellers, and felt a wave of speechlessness.
“I went straight through Ling Mountain using the earth-walking technique.”
Between Lingbei Circuit and Lingshan Circuit lay a vast mountain range, the Ling Mountain range.
Apart from roads skirting the mountains on both sides, since ancient times, there had also been mountain paths piercing through the range, connecting the two circuits.
Though most mountain paths were rugged and difficult trails between peaks, over dynasties, through gradual exploration, a relatively easier route had been found, qualifying as an official road.
Of course, the price of an easier path was utilising sections of several mountain trails, looping around several large bends, making the distance at least three or four times that of other small paths.
Even so, this distance was far shorter than going around Ling Mountain entirely. Moreover, the court maintained this road constantly, with official post stations along the way and inns, teahouses, and wine shops run by mountain folk, so there was no worry of sleeping outdoors.
Thus, generally, large merchant caravans or groups seeking safety would travel together on the official road.
While those eager to earn money, familiar with the paths, carrying light loads, or bolder by nature might take the small paths.
“Come on, into the mountain.”
Last time, Lu Zheng had been in a hurry and did not want trouble, so he had used the earth-walking technique. But this time, heading south to the southern border with Liu Qingyan, besides attending Hu Zhou’s wedding, it was also to accompany the lady on a scenic journey. Naturally, he could not stow Liu Qingyan in the gourd and earth-walk the whole way.
Lu Zheng took Liu Qingyan’s hand, and the two prepared to enter the mountain.
“Young sir, are you two planning to tour the mountain, or head to Lingshan Circuit?” A voice sounded beside them.
Lu Zheng turned and saw a lean middle-aged man approaching with a smile.
“What is it, brother? Something to say?” Lu Zheng asked.
“The sky is getting late now. I see you two still intend to enter the mountain. Could it be urgent business, rushing to Lingshan Circuit?”
“And if we are? If we are not?” Lu Zheng asked curiously.
“The official road is safe, but crowded with travellers. At several large bridges, you must queue. To cross Ling Mountain takes at least ten days.” The middle-aged man said. “If you two are in a hurry, you could travel with my small caravan. I know a mountain path that crosses Ling Mountain in four days.”
Lu Zheng followed the man’s gaze to the roadside, where seven or eight wheelbarrows stood, accompanied by four sturdy men armed with knives and guns.
“I hear Ling Mountain is not safe inside. Ordinary wild beasts are one thing, but they say there are all sorts of mountain spirits and tree demons.” Lu Zheng said. “The official road has court inns and garrisons for safety. Other paths would not be dangerous?”
“Where are there so many mountain spirits and tree demons in the world? If everywhere was full of anomalies, how could Da Jing Dynasty hold power?” The middle-aged man laughed. “I have walked this path for two years. I have encountered wild beasts a few times, but the guards drove them off.
This time, seeing you two in haste, I spoke up. If you are willing, just pay some fee for hiring guards, and I will take you into the mountain together.”
Small business meant time was money. This middle-aged man did not wish to waste the ten-plus days crossing Ling Mountain.
Now, seeing Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan dressed finely, he invited them, hoping to save on guard hire.
“How much?” Lu Zheng asked.
He had not planned the official road anyway, as it was too slow and inconvenient for showing abilities in public. His idea was to follow the official road and veer onto small paths when possible, surely shorter than the looping official route.
Now, with an insider guiding who knew the ways, Lu Zheng naturally would not refuse.
“Two strings of cash will do!” The middle-aged man glanced at the light bundles behind Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan. “Do not worry about food on the road. I have plenty.”
Lu Zheng drew a handful of banknotes from his bosom, pulled out two, and handed them to the man. “Just lead the way. No need to worry about food.”
Seeing the roll of banknotes in Lu Zheng’s hand, the middle-aged man jumped in fright, then quickly scanned around and whispered urgently, “Young sir, put the banknotes away quickly. Remember, wealth should not be revealed. Ling Mountain has few people. Do not attract those with ill intentions!”
“Thanks for the reminder, but no matter. I have some self-defence ability.” Lu Zheng smiled, twirling the white jade folding fan between his fingers in a flourish.
The middle-aged man grinned wryly, thinking that explained daring to bring a lady into the mountain: a martial practitioner, after all. But without reaching warrior level, he could only handle ordinary folk.
So…
Was this young sir a warrior?
The middle-aged man stealthily sized up Lu Zheng twice but could not tell.
“You two, this way. By the way, may I know your names?” The middle-aged man mentioned, then introduced himself. “I am surnamed Luo, Luo Jin. Call me Old Luo.”
Lu Zheng nodded. “Lu Zheng.”
Liu Qingyan replied, “I am surnamed Liu.”
“Young sir Lu, Lady Liu!”
Luo Jin led the two to his group. “It is just past noon now. We can set off. We should reach a mountain hut prepared by hunters by evening. Do you two need to prepare anything?”
“No need.” Lu Zheng shook his head.
“Right!” Luo Jin nodded, then called to the four guards. To the leader, he said, “Brother Zhang, we can go!”
Seeing Luo Jin bring Lu Zheng and the other over, the group had prepared and rose one after another.
That Brother Zhang glanced at Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan, nodded to Luo Jin, and teased, “You really found two stragglers. True to your name as stingy old Luo!”
Luo Jin chuckled. “Small business, save where you can.”
The Zhang fellow then looked at Lu Zheng, focusing on Liu Qingyan. “The small path is quick, but rough. You sure? We are used to mountain roads and will not wait.”
Liu Qingyan smiled faintly. “Big brother, rest easy. We come from hard days too. Mountain paths are like going home.”
The Zhang fellow’s eyes lit up. “Oh, you with your fine skin, I would not have guessed. Fine, you will see once we walk. Into the mountain!”
The Zhang fellow actually did not mind. He had walked this mountain path for over three years, dozens of trips back and forth. Mostly, he met mountain cats, occasionally leopards or tigers, and once a wolf pack, but he had handled them with no real danger.
So, two more weaklings? No matter. He could cover them!
Packed up, the group entered the mountain.
