Since he was already there, Lu Zheng simply stayed on Baiyun Mountain for ten-odd days. He soaked in the scripture repository again and copied some manuals on refining Baiyun Temple’s unique dharma artefacts.
When he left the repository, he paid respects to several seniors living in seclusion at the back of the mountain. He drank tea with them, played a few games of weiqi, and only then took his leave and flew home on a cloud.
…
When he reached Tonglin County, before his cloud even descended, he noticed the city had gained a crowd of scholars of all ages.
Lu Zheng’s eyes flashed. “The annual provincial examination is starting again?”
Concealing himself, he landed at the entrance of the county academy. Lines of scholars were being searched by bailiffs before entering the examination compound.
“It’s already begun?”
His curiosity surged. Without even going home first, he shot straight up into the clouds and flew toward Yizhou Prefecture.
“I have to see whether Zhu Yushan, after staying home for half a year just for this exam, finally manages not to miss it again.”
In moments he was above Yizhou Prefecture. Before he could even search the academy for Zhu Yushan’s aura, he sensed Chu Jin hovering over the prefectural offices.
“Lord Chu?”
“Young Master Lu!”
Seeing Lu Zheng arrive on a cloud, Chu Jin moved to greet him. “What brings Young Master Lu to Yizhou Prefecture?”
Lu Zheng cupped his hands politely. “Nothing important. Just passing through for a look.”
Chu Jin grew curious. “Just a look?”
“Exactly.” Lu Zheng nodded solemnly.
Only Zhu Yushan’s closest friends and family knew of his legendary ability to miss every single exam. It wasn’t widely known in cultivation circles, so Lu Zheng couldn’t explain it outright.
Thus he said, “I just returned from Baiyun Mountain and saw many scholars gathering in the county for the exams. It looked lively, so I thought the prefecture would be even more so. Also, I’ve been craving the pastries from Anhezhai in the city, so I came to take a look and bring some back.”
Chu Jin couldn’t help laughing. “Young Master Lu truly leads a carefree life.”
Lu Zheng chuckled. “I’ve grown a bit lazy and unmotivated. Forgive me.”
“Not at all!” Chu Jin said seriously. “Cultivation requires both talent and state of mind. Young Master Lu’s relaxed, indifferent nature perfectly matches the orthodox Daoist principles of harmony, tranquillity, emptiness, and naturalness. By seeking nothing, your cultivation advances by leaps and bounds. You are a model for all of us.”
Lu Zheng, “…”
Jade Seal in his mind, “…”
Impressive. If I didn’t have a jade seal in my head, I might actually have believed that.
“What brings Lord Chu here…?”
“Today is the provincial examination. Countless scholars are gathered. To prevent any supernatural interference, I am stationed here for the day to watch over the entire city.”
“No wonder. You work hard, my lord!”
“One eats the ruler’s grain and serves the ruler’s affairs,” Chu Jin smiled. “The exams are a major local event. Though it concerns common civilians, the prefectural yamen, the Anomaly Suppression Department, and the City God Temple all mobilise together to prevent incidents.”
Lu Zheng glanced around. Sure enough, hundreds of bailiffs patrolled the streets, Anomaly Suppression experts guarded key points, and a faint golden divine light radiated from the City God Temple, suppressing all spirits in the area.
“Then I won’t disturb Lord Chu further. I’ll wander around below, buy some pastries, and head back.”
Chu Jin cupped his hands. “Please make yourself at home. Forgive me for the poor hospitality.”
“Not at all. After you.”
Lu Zheng returned the salute, then descended into a quiet alley, dismissed his concealment, and stepped out.
Right across the street stood the prefectural academy—the examination venue.
Lu Zheng stood there for a moment, then his expression turned strange.
He had just swept the compound with his senses and found no trace of Zhu Yushan’s aura.
Meaning: Zhu Yushan had missed the exam again.
Lu Zheng was utterly speechless. What on earth happened this time?
Did he lose track of time? Or run into trouble on the way? He was a century-old cultivator now; how could mundane matters still delay him?
Shaking his head in resignation, Lu Zheng walked past the examination grounds, went to Anhezhai, and bought several bags of pastries.
These were made with traditional methods and premium ingredients, expensive but every bit as good as modern Daoxiangcun.
Carrying the pastries, he passed the anxious servants, maids, and attendants waiting for their young masters, then slipped out of sight in a blind spot.
Exiting the east gate of Yizhou Prefecture, he stored the pastries in his gourd, strolled along the road, and soon reached the Lushui ferry crossing. Still no sign of Zhu Yushan.
Raising an eyebrow, Lu Zheng shook his head, cast the water-avoidance spell, and dived into the river. He soon arrived at the opulent Lushui River God Mansion.
Outside the mansion gates stood a grand carriage pulled by two giant catfish.
“Hm?” Lu Zheng’s eyes flickered. “The Lushui River God has guests? Could this be why Zhu Yushan missed the exam?”
“Who goes there!”
Two aquatic guards approached from either side.
“Young Master Lu?”
“Greetings, Young Master Lu!”
“Has Young Master Lu come to see our young lady and her husband? I’ll announce you at once.”
As the guards spoke, the mansion gates creaked open. The River God couple and Li Hanyu emerged, escorting three others.
“Young Master Lu?”
“Uncle Li! Aunt Li!” Lu Zheng cupped his hands to the River God couple, then nodded to Li Hanyu. “Greetings, Sister-in-Law.”
“You’ve arrived at the perfect time, Brother Lu. Let me introduce you,” Li Hanyu said with a smile, pulling forward a beautiful young woman.
“This is Lu Zheng, disciple of Baiyun Temple, extraordinarily gifted and unfathomably profound in the Dao.”
“This is the newly appointed River God of Wanyuan and his family. This is Miss Huang Yuying, whom I hit it off with instantly.”
Lu Zheng revealed a trace of Baiyun true qi and saluted. “A pleasure to meet you all!”
“Young Master Lu, the pleasure is ours!”
The Wanyuan River God family hurriedly returned the courtesy. Lu Zheng’s cultivation far surpassed theirs. As they bowed, they inwardly marvelled that the Lushui River God, after a century in office, truly had wide and impressive connections.
“Young Master Lu, you must have business here. We won’t keep you.”
After the introductions, the Wanyuan River God bid farewell to the Lushui family, boarded the catfish carriage with his household, and departed under the escort of four aquatic guards, riding the current away.
On the other side, the Lushui family turned to Lu Zheng. Li Hanyu asked, “Did Brother Lu need something?”
Lu Zheng glanced around. “Is Brother Zhu here?”
Li Hanyu laughed. “Today is the provincial exam. Didn’t Brother Lu know?”
Lu Zheng blinked, utterly confused, and asked again, “So Brother Zhu went to take the exam?”
Li Hanyu nodded. “Of course! Lord Huang’s family arrived this morning. My parents were receiving them, and I had to entertain Miss Huang, so Yushan went to the prefecture alone.”
Lu Zheng, “…”
