Since Feng Jihu had already given his permission, Cheng Xinzhan didn’t hold back and immediately began selecting the items he wanted.
First, he picked the morning glory Feng Jihu had just used to cast his voice transmission spell.
It was also known as "qian niu zi," and its butterfly-shaped flower was a type of orchid called the "colorful butterfly orchid," with each plant bearing flowers of different colors.
Next, Feng Jihu proactively dug up some medicinal herbs with healing properties, such as bai wei, calamus, san qi, and ginseng grass.
These could be used for medicine or alchemy.
Finally, they needed to choose a main tree for Cheng Xinzhan’s cave dwelling to balance the five elements and feng shui.
"From what you said earlier, your bamboo grove has plenty of wood energy, the pond provides water energy, and the stone cave gives you metal and earth energy. The only thing missing is fire. For fire energy, you should choose a persimmon or pomegranate tree. I’ll take you to the orchard to dig up a big one. It’ll bear fruit this year."
"Then let’s go with the persimmon tree."
Cheng Xinzhan preferred the persimmon tree.
In spring and summer, it would be lush and green, and in autumn, it would bear bright red fruit.
In winter, after the leaves had fallen, the twisted branches would be adorned with fiery red persimmons, swaying like lanterns in the snow—a truly beautiful sight.
Especially in late autumn, when the frost set in, he could pick a basket of persimmons and make dried persimmons, a delicacy he had loved since childhood when his mother was still around.
So Feng Jihu gathered the dug-up herbs and led Cheng Xinzhan out of the courtyard to a nearby orchard, where they found a thick, low-hanging old persimmon tree.
Feng Jihu, being the first to open a wood mansion, was skilled in such matters.
With a simple hand seal, the old persimmon tree seemed to uproot itself, its roots emerging from the soil on their own.
Feng Jihu carried the tree and followed Cheng Xinzhan to Mingzhi Mountain, where he planted it with ease.
The herbs he had dug up earlier weren’t just randomly placed either—soil quality, sunlight, and water sources were all carefully considered.
Cheng Xinzhan was naturally pleased, but he didn’t want Feng Jihu to carry the tree all the way.
He took it and stored it in his cave stone, which had enough space.
Feng Jihu was surprised.
He also had a cave stone, but it was only the size of a small pebble and had cost him a fortune.
Its interior space was only five square feet, far too small to fit the tree.
"You actually managed to get your hands on something like this."
"I saved a wealthy young master while I was out, and he gifted it to me as thanks."
Cheng Xinzhan smiled.
The two then rode off on clouds—one red, one green.
It was a far cry from their first meeting, when Cheng Xinzhan had been riding a green cloud.
They landed directly by the water-green bamboo grove near the Wuyou Cave on Mingzhi Mountain.
"This is quite the treasure spot. The scenery is unique!"
Feng Jihu complimented.
"Not as elegant as your courtyard, brother."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, they got to work.
Feng Jihu was clearly an expert in garden design.
He first cleared the bamboo from the path between Wuyou Cave and the pond, opening up the view.
Then, he cultivated a medicinal herb garden by the pond and planted the herbs they had brought from Azalea Valley.
The calamus, which loved water, was placed on a rock in the pond.
Next, he asked Cheng Xinzhan for the persimmon tree and planted it to the left front of Wuyou Cave.
It immediately became the focal point, breaking the monotony of the bamboo grove and highlighting the tender green of the water bamboo.
By autumn and winter, it would stand out even more.
The cave currently had no furniture, so the two used the bamboo they had cleared to make chairs and a table.
They split the bamboo with a sword, bent it with fire, and wove it with their thoughts.
Soon, several bamboo chairs were ready.
When they ran out of bamboo, they cleared a path from the open area to the edge of the cliff.
From then on, they could land their clouds there and follow the path straight to Wuyou Cave.
The cleared bamboo was used not only to make a long table but also two bamboo beds.
By the time they finished, the sun was already setting.
They moved one of the bamboo beds to the edge of the cliff and half-lay on it.
The white dog jumped up happily and settled down.
Beyond the cliff, a sea of clouds stretched endlessly, and the sun hung like an orange in the sky.
"Such a view is truly unforgettable, isn’t it?"
Feng Jihu mused.
"Isn’t the pursuit of immortality all about coveting such magnificent landscapes and endless beauty?"
Cheng Xinzhan agreed.
The two quietly watched the sunset, saying nothing more.
The white dog wagged its tail, rested its head on its master’s lap, and dozed off.
The setting sun cast a golden glow on the dog.
As the sky darkened, the two men and the dog arrived at the Xiaowan Mountain Kitchen Courtyard.
Cheng Xinzhan had arranged a celebration banquet on an open-air platform.
A long table was set up, surrounded by persimmon and orange trees.
Though the trees bore no fruit yet, they were adorned with red lanterns shaped like persimmons and oranges, illuminating the platform brightly.
A few people were already there when they arrived.
"Brother Wanhua!"
"Brother Lingzhi!"
"Qunyu!"
Cheng Xinzhan greeted them warmly.
The others stood up and responded with smiles.
"You’ve timed this banquet perfectly. Over the past two years, some of us have been in seclusion, while others have left the sect. We haven’t gathered like this in a long time. Last year, many of us opened our mansions, but since not everyone was around, we didn’t celebrate. Now that we’re all here, let’s make the most of tonight!"
Tian Lingzhi laughed heartily.
He had opened his wood mansion shortly after He Jiyuan and was now a direct disciple of an elder on Nishan Mountain, with the Dao name Jian Gong, making him a generation above the others present.
Luo Wanhua had opened his water mansion last winter and was now a junior disciple of Pu Jixuan, with the Dao name Ji Shi.
Nie Qunyu hadn’t opened his mansion yet, but it seemed he was close.
As they chatted, more people gradually arrived.
"Brother Wanchun!"
Deng Wanchun arrived.
He had opened his gold mansion last autumn and was now focused on cultivating flying swords at Toujian Mountain.
Shortly after, He Jiyuan arrived with his booming voice.
"Huh?"
Amid the laughter, a stranger walked in—someone Cheng Xinzhan didn’t recognize.
But Feng Jihu, He Jiyuan, Luo Jishi, and others from Lantern Street immediately stood up.
"Xianyou!"
Hearing the name, Cheng Xinzhan guessed who it was—Wang Xianyou, the leader of Lantern Street, much like Tian Lingzhi’s position in Ancient Vine Street.
He was said to have exceptional talent and profound Daoist skills, having guided many.
Wang Xianyou lived up to his reputation.
Dressed in wide robes with flowing white sleeves, his chest bare and hair loose, he looked like a figure from the Wei-Jin period.
However, his cultivation method was unique, and opening a mansion had been difficult for him.
He had been in seclusion when the sect’s clouds entered the mountains and hadn’t emerged by the time Cheng Xinzhan left.
It was unexpected to see him here today.
"I came uninvited. I just came out of seclusion and returned to the street, only to find it empty. I asked around and found out you were having a gathering."
Wang Xianyou smiled and clasped his hands in apology.
The others pulled him to the table, bombarding him with questions.
"Xianyou, you’ve finally come out of seclusion. Did you succeed in opening your mansion?"
"What mansion did you open, brother?"
"..."
Wang Xianyou, however, turned to Cheng Xinzhan.
"This young brother looks unfamiliar. I don’t think we’ve met."
Feng Jihu introduced them.
"Xinzhan, this is Wang Xianyou. He entered the sect the same year as me and is registered at Baicao Mountain. Xianyou, this is Xinzhan. His Dao name is Xinzhan, and he’s now a direct disciple of Su Kongyu on Mingzhi Mountain. His surname is Cheng. He joined after you went into seclusion."
Wang Xianyou’s eyes lit up.
"Young brother, you’re truly gifted. Opening a mansion in just two years is rare. As for me, I’ve wasted many years."
Cheng Xinzhan smiled and replied, "Brother, you flatter me. It’s a pity I never had the chance to learn from you during your seclusion."
Once everyone was seated, Wang Xianyou finally spoke.
"After two years in seclusion, I’ve finally succeeded. I’ve opened both gold and water mansions and am now a direct disciple, with the Dao name Miao Yuan."
He had opened two mansions at once!
Everyone was stunned.
No wonder his seclusion had taken so long.
As for his high seniority, they had already known he was registered under an elder at Baicao Mountain, so it wasn’t surprising.
Cheng Xinzhan was reminded once again that there were always greater heights to reach.
When the last few guests arrived, the banquet officially began, and dishes and wine were served in abundance.
"It’s a pity there’s no moon tonight, even though we’re all gathered here!"
Wang Miaoyuan lamented.
Everyone agreed.
The moon was hidden behind dark clouds, and nothing could be seen.
Cheng Xinzhan, however, smiled and said, "No moon, but we have wine. Let’s all try this strong liquor I brought back from Miaojiang."
He brought out a jar of "White Blade," a gift from a Miao village, and filled everyone’s cups.
"To victory!"
"To victory!"
They raised their cups and drank.
"So spicy!"
"So strong!"
"Good wine!"
The reactions varied, and Cheng Xinzhan couldn’t help but laugh when he saw some people tearing up from the spiciness.
Unexpectedly, Wang Miaoyuan, who looked frail, immediately fell in love with the rough, strong liquor.
He downed his cup in one go, his chest turning red, and asked Cheng Xinzhan for more.
"Good brother, fill it up again!"
After the first round, the strong liquor loosened everyone’s tongues, and they began chatting about everything under the sun.
Those who had opened mansions shared their thoughts on opening two or three mansions, while those who hadn’t asked for advice on the process.
Some who had never left the mountain asked about the sights beyond.
During the second round of drinks, someone suddenly pointed to the sky.
"Look, the moon’s out!"
Everyone looked up.
Sure enough, a bright moon hung high, casting a silvery glow that illuminated the outlines of the surrounding dark clouds.
Wang Miaoyuan, delighted by the moon, stood up and said, "Friends, with wine and the moon, why don’t we perform some magic to liven things up? It’ll go well with the drinks!"
Everyone agreed and asked what they should compete in.
Wang Miaoyuan thought for a moment and said, "We all cultivate different elements and follow different paths. To keep it fair, we shouldn’t compete in the five elements, sword techniques, or talisman arts."
The others nodded.
Among them, some excelled in certain elements, while others were skilled in swordsmanship or talisman-making, making direct comparisons difficult.
"Then what do you suggest, Miaoyuan?"
Wang Miaoyuan had an idea.
"How about we compete in illusions? But with a twist. We’ll use the moon as our theme. One person will recite a poem about the moon, and the other will use illusions to bring the scene described in the poem to life. We’ll judge the results. If the illusion is good, the person who recited the poem drinks. If it’s not, the one who created the illusion drinks. How about that?"
Everyone found the idea amusing and agreed.
Wang Xianyou laughed.
"Then I’ll start. I’ll recite a poem, and Jihu will create the illusion. We’ll go clockwise, and in the end, Xinzhan will recite a poem, and I’ll create the illusion."
Everyone nodded.
He raised his cup, looked at the moon, and after a moment of thought, recited:
"The moon descends like a flying mirror, clouds form a sea of towers."
Everyone recognized it as a poem by Li Bai.
Feng Jihu listened, smiled slightly, and after a moment’s thought, made a few hand seals and pointed outside the banquet platform.
The others saw a scene slowly unfold beyond the cliff:
A great river flowed from the distance, passing by the banquet platform, making it seem as though they were drinking by the riverbank.
The river flowed gently, its calm surface reflecting the moon in the sky, as if a mirror had descended from the heavens.
Mist rose from the river, forming towering cities and buildings, like a mirage of a bustling marketplace.
It was as real as it was illusory.
"Good! Good!"
Everyone clapped and cheered.
"Great illusion! Miaoyuan should drink!"
The verdict was unanimous.
Wang Miaoyuan laughed heartily, accepted his loss, and downed a bowl of White Blade.
Now it was Feng Jihu’s turn to recite a poem.
He thought for a moment and said:
"The moon over Dongting spans a thousand miles, cool winds blow, and wild geese cry above the water."
Luo Jishi was to create the illusion.
He chuckled and scolded Feng Jihu for making it difficult.
"You rascal, Jihu! Your poem isn’t just about the moon—it’s about the cry of the wild geese!"
The others realized he was right.
The previous poem had been about a still scene, but Feng Jihu’s poem was simple in the first half and challenging in the second, requiring the illusion to include the sound of wild geese.
Luo Jishi, however, was confident.
He pointed beyond the cliff and exhaled a stream of smoke.
The smoke swirled and spread, forming a vast lake before their eyes.
Its edges gradually faded into the night, creating the illusion of endlessness, as if the lake truly spanned a thousand miles.
"Quack-quack—"
The lake reflected the moon, and in the distance, the cry of wild geese echoed, accompanied by a cool breeze that rippled the water.
"Good, good!"
Everyone clapped again.
Feng Jihu shook his head, admitting defeat, and drank.
He wasn’t used to strong liquor and coughed a few times, making everyone laugh.
The game continued, with some winning and others losing.
Some illusions were vivid and immersive, while others were rough and clumsy.
For example, He Jiyuan’s attempt at "Alone I step out the front gate, gazing at the fields; the bright moon shines on buckwheat flowers like snow" resulted in a blurry mess of buckwheat flowers under the moonlight, earning him laughter and a self-imposed penalty drink.
Cheng Xinzhan’s turn came with "The moon over Longtou shines brightly on the pass; a traveler on Long Mountain plays a flute at night."
He created an exquisite illusion of a moonlit border pass, thanks to his experience in mental visualization.
The tiles and bricks were clear, and a traveler appeared on the pass, playing an ancient tune on a Qiang flute, earning him cheers.
When it was Cheng Xinzhan’s turn to challenge Wang Xianyou, he recited: "Ten thousand acres of rippling waves shatter the moon’s reflection; the night breeze carries the fragrance of lotus flowers."
This required not only creating the illusion of moonlight reflecting on rippling water but also incorporating the tactile sensation of a damp breeze and the scent of lotus flowers.
Everyone agreed that Cheng Xinzhan had made it difficult.
But Wang Miaoyuan laughed and said it was no trouble at all.
He quickly made a series of hand seals and threw out three array flags, which vanished into the air.
Soon, a vast lake appeared in the void, its surface rippling and shattering the moon’s reflection.
The shimmering light was cold and piercing.
A gentle breeze carried the scent of lotus flowers and the chill of night dew.
This scene brought the banquet to its peak.
Not only did Cheng Xinzhan admit defeat and drink, but everyone else also raised their cups and drank heartily amidst the lotus fragrance.
After countless rounds of drinks, everyone was thoroughly drunk and began collapsing one by one.
Cheng Xinzhan, though barely able to keep his eyes open, held on until even Wang Miaoyuan, who had the highest alcohol tolerance, finally passed out.
Only then did he let out a sigh of relief, wave his sleeve, and collapse as well.
When they looked up at the sky again, there was no moon to be seen.
It had remained hidden behind the clouds all night.
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(End of Chapter)