Climbing the mountain to gather spiritual essence is applicable to all officials. This means that regardless of whether one is from the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, Heavenly Crafts Workshop, Weaving Maiden Bureau, Martial Division, Literary Office, or the Temple of Divinity... as long as they belong to a government department, they are qualified to participate.
"The past few days have been quite lively. Aside from the Spring Festival, I think the Autumn Equinox Mountain Opening is the most bustling event of the year," Chen Ziyu said while walking down the street, watching the throngs of people, unable to help but smile.
His family operated a shop in Anping Lane, where the foot traffic was high, leading to good business, which naturally made him happy.
"Qian Dong, are you going to the Autumn Equinox Mountain Opening?" Chen Ziyu glanced at Qian Dong beside him, not bothering to ask Zhao Xing, as he knew his brother would definitely go.
"Of course, why wouldn't I?" Qian Dong replied.
"Aren't you afraid of getting beaten up and ending up with a bruised face? This year, there are quite a few experts coming," Chen Ziyu asked.
"Am I afraid?" Qian Dong snorted. "The more experts there are, the better it is for us to go. If there were fewer experts, I wouldn't even bother!"
"Oh? Why is that?" Chen Ziyu scratched his head in confusion.
"I just entered Gathered Essence Second Level. If I clash with an expert at Gathered Essence Eighth or Ninth Level, they'll have to beg me not to die," Qian Dong puffed out his chest.
Zhao Xing: "…"
What are you so proud of?
Chen Ziyu said, "Dongzi, there are rules against killing when climbing the mountain, but you can't expect others to not rob you just because they see you're weak, right?"
Zhao Xing interjected, "If you really encounter a Gathered Essence Ninth Level martial artist, they could use their superior control to strike you a hundred times, avoiding all your vital points."
Qian Dong: "…"
"Well, I can't just not go. It only happens once a year," Qian Dong said, somewhat deflated.
"I don't recommend going. You're only at Gathered Essence Second Level. If you encounter fierce beasts on the spiritual mountain, you won't even know how you died," Zhao Xing advised.
"I understand, big brother."
"For this mountain climb, you need to be extra careful. You're only at Gathered Essence Fourth Level. If you encounter an expert, just take a detour. If you gain anything, come down immediately; don't push your luck," Xue Wenzhong said earnestly.
He originally didn't want Zhao Xing to go, but Chen Shijie held the opposite opinion, believing Zhao Xing had the ability to handle it. Since Zhao Xing himself also wanted to go, Xue Wenzhong was persuaded.
"I understand, teacher. I'm going up the mountain to try my luck. My first priority is to ensure my safety, and only then to seek spiritual essence."
The Agricultural Affairs profession is somewhat disadvantaged, not known for combat strength, so it was normal for Xue Wenzhong to have this concern.
After the old Agricultural Affairs official's instructions, he took Zhao Xing to the study and handed him a half-person-high, strap-style bamboo box.
"This is a literary bamboo box that I made myself. It contains a batch of seeds."
"Among them are the 'Vajra Bamboo' and 'Evergreen Vine' that you are familiar with."
"You are skilled in the straw man technique. After the mountain opening, on the first day, there's no need to rush up the mountain to compete for the first incense. First, make some straw men for self-defense, and then just stroll around the foot of the mountain."
"Inside, there are also five Divine Movement Talismans, ten Protective Organs Pills, and fifteen Heavenly Origin Pears..." The old Agricultural Affairs official continued to list as he helped Zhao Xing strap on the bamboo box.
"Thank you, teacher."
Zhao Xing turned around, feeling a weight on his shoulders after putting it on.
The bamboo box was quite heavy; just how many things were packed inside?
The literary bamboo, also known as warm bamboo, when made into a bamboo box, can keep fruits from rotting and preserve seeds for a long time.
Climbing the mountain to gather spiritual essence carries risks, so officials are not prohibited from carrying treasures, but they cannot exceed the Third Level.
Zhao Xing was considered one of the more promising officials in Grain City, and since Xue Wenzhong and Chen Shijie didn't want him to miss the opportunity while also worrying about his safety, they filled the bamboo box to the brim.
"Tomorrow, an official from the county will come. Neither Chen Shijie nor I have the time to see you. Don't overexert yourself in the next couple of days; make sure to rest well," Xue Wenzhong kept nagging.
"I understand, teacher." Zhao Xing listened quietly until Xue Wenzhong stopped speaking, then took his leave.
On September 21st, officials from the Nanyang County Supervisory Office, including the Sixth Rank official Ji Ming, the Sixth Rank official Fan Dongping from the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, and several other Seventh and Eighth Rank officials from various departments, arrived at Grain City's east gate aboard a Flowing Cloud Flying Boat.
Minister Li led the crowd to welcome them three miles outside the city, with the ceremonial procession beating drums and gongs all the way into the city.
The citizens inside and outside the city immediately knew that a high-ranking official had arrived in Grain City.
The minor officials from the Agricultural Affairs Bureau were not qualified to participate in the welcome outside the city. However, in the afternoon, Fan Dongping from the same system came to inspect the Agricultural Affairs Bureau, providing an opportunity to witness the might of a Sixth Rank expert.
"They actually sent a Sixth Rank official over; Old Chen is quite valued," Zhao Xing observed from the pavilion in Huai Liu Courtyard, watching from a distance.
Normally, this year wasn't a major mountain opening, so sending a Seventh Rank official would have sufficed; it was merely a formality.
Since it wasn't for any other reason, it could only mean that Chen Shijie, the main official, had some influence and was valued by those above.
"Jin Gong, you are from Xishan County. Are you still accustomed to Nanyang County after three years?" Fan Dongping asked with a smile.
Jin Gong is Chen Shijie's courtesy name.
Chen Shijie, half a step behind Fan Dongping, heard this and chuckled lightly, "Thank you for your concern, my lord. Nanyang County has beautiful mountains and rivers, and abundant resources. Even this hard bone of mine has become a bit soft."
Fan Dongping raised an eyebrow, "Oh, you Chen Jin Gong, are you indirectly criticizing the Agricultural Affairs Bureau of Nanyang County for indulging in comfort and lacking ambition?"
"How could I dare? In my heart, Lord Fan has always been wise and martial."
"Hahaha." Fan Dongping laughed heartily.
The accompanying officials, such as Gao Linong, Tang Wanchun, and Pang Yuan, were somewhat surprised. Why was Fan Dongping so friendly while chatting with Chen Shijie? Could it be that Chen Shijie indeed had some background? Was Fan Dongping here because of him?
On September 22nd, the Autumn Equinox.
At the foot of East Lake Mountain, in the Earth Altar Square.
Starting from the hour of the rabbit, the Temple of Divinity officiants were busy setting up, preparing for the mountain opening sacrifice.
Around the Earth Altar Square, various departmental insignias marked the designated viewing areas.
Zhao Xing arrived early at the Earth Altar Square, heading to the viewing area belonging to the Agricultural Affairs Bureau.
He saw dozens of long tables set up in the Earth Altar Square, adorned with three offerings, jade and stone ceremonial vessels, incense, candles, and yellow paper.
As the hour of the rabbit came to an end, the officials and clerks attending the ceremony gradually took their places, with soldiers from the East Lake Army maintaining order due to the overwhelming number of tourists and vendors.
At the first moment of the hour of the dragon, the sacrifice officially began.
First, the officiant from the Temple of Divinity recited prayers and hymns, worshipping the various gods (the deities recognized by the court), primarily focusing on the East Lake Duke and True Lord Cao Xi.
Next, County Magistrate Li Wenzheng took the stage, his voice resonating like gold and jade, echoing for miles, praying for Grain City to have favorable winds and abundant rains, and for the citizens of Grain City to enjoy peace and health.
By the time this entire process concluded, it was already the first moment of the hour of the snake.
However, the number of people around only seemed to increase.
After all, this was an annual grand event.
"Why is it still not over? I'm about to fall asleep listening to this."
"Almost done, it's about to be the turn of the Xishan fellows."
"Shh, be careful not to let Chen Shijie hear you."
"Aren't you also calling him by name? What are you pretending for?"
"…"
"Here they come!"
"Mother, look! The mountain opening is about to begin!"
As the officials and citizens eagerly awaited, the main official of the Grain City Agricultural Affairs Bureau, Chen Shijie, along with the other seven Agricultural Affairs officials, ascended the Earth Altar and began the mountain opening ritual.
(End of Chapter)