ALL NOVEL Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Beginning of the Journey
Zhang Hao left the palace of King Zhou, the mysterious little boy's words echoing in his mind: "Qingchuan Sect is very far from here; it will take you several days to get there." The palace of King Zhou was located at the heart of the country, while Qingchuan Sect was situated on the remote border, separated by numerous mountains and vast plains. Since their last meeting on the mountaintop, the boy had not reappeared, leaving Zhang Hao with a sense of longing.
Walking through the bustling streets of the royal city, Zhang Hao was captivated by the lively scene. Vendors hawked a variety of goods, their cries rising and falling: "Fresh fruits, sweet and juicy!" "Just baked buns, hot off the stove!" The clamor of the market was unending, filled with the breath of life.
In the restaurants, people sat together, eating and chatting, discussing neighborhood gossip. Zhang Hao overheard their conversations: "You know, ever since Minister Bi Gan made the salt we produce available, our meals have more flavor," said a man who looked like a worker.
"Yes, I feel stronger when I do heavy work," another person agreed.
These words warmed Zhang Hao's heart, his efforts had indeed brought tangible benefits to the people of this era. He had not only solved the scarcity of salt but also made it circulate in the market, reaching the hands of the common people.
Zhang Hao's attention was drawn to a stall selling pottery. Although simple, these earthenware pieces reminded him of the modern world's porcelain, the exquisite tableware and decorations that were an integral part of modern life. These pottery items carried his thoughts afar, recalling his life in his original world, the familiar faces, warm embraces, and laughter. He remembered his friends, the joyful times they shared, and the care and encouragement from his family. Those memories were like the patterns on the pottery, both familiar and distant, stirring a faint trace of melancholy within him.
He continued on, reaching the fields outside the city. There, he encountered an old farmer struggling to push a cart of heavy vegetables. Zhang Hao stopped and offered his help.
"Old sir, let me help you," Zhang Hao said, lifting the cart handle with ease.
The old farmer looked at him gratefully and sighed, "Young man, you are a kind-hearted person. There are not many young people like you these days."
As they walked and talked, the old farmer spoke of the year's harvest and King Zhou's tyranny. "King Zhou only cares about his own pleasure, building luxurious palaces and gardens like the Deer Terrace and the Pool of Wine and Meat, while we common folk bear heavy taxes and labor," the old farmer's words were tinged with helplessness and anger.
Listening, Zhang Hao felt a surge of respect. He thought of his mission, not only to become a strong cultivator but also to bring hope to these ordinary people.
Soon, they arrived at the old farmer's home. The farmer's granddaughter, Xiao Mei, was playing at the doorstep. Seeing her grandfather return, she ran over joyfully, eyeing Zhang Hao with curiosity.
"Grandpa, who is this big brother?" Xiao Mei asked, her eyes as clear as water.
"This is Minister Bi Gan, a great person from the royal city," the old farmer introduced with a smile.
Zhang Hao squatted down and replied with a smile, "I am Zhang Hao. I come from the royal city and am going to a place called Qingchuan Sect."
"Qingchuan Sect? What is that?" Xiao Mei asked curiously.
"It's a place for cultivators. I am going there to learn and become stronger," Zhang Hao explained patiently.
"Become stronger? Can you teach us martial arts?" Xiao Mei asked excitedly.
Zhang Hao smiled, stood up, and assumed a simple horse stance: "Of course, this is the most basic kung fu. Remember, no matter what you learn, start from the foundation."
Xiao Mei followed Zhang Hao's movements with a serious expression, her laughter echoing in the courtyard. Zhang Hao's heart also felt a touch of warmth; he knew that these children might be the future of this country.
During lunch, Zhang Hao noticed their food was very simple, just some thin porridge. Despite this, Xiao Mei and the old farmer ate with relish, their faces filled with contentment.
This scene deeply moved Zhang Hao. He realized that although he had brought salt to the people, their lives were still hard. King Zhou's incompetence and tyranny prevented these innocent people, especially the children, from living a life of warmth and fullness. Zhang Hao's heart was filled with determination; he needed to become stronger to change all of this.
After the meal, Xiao Mei took Zhang Hao's hand and showed him their small vegetable garden. She proudly showed Zhang Hao the vegetables she had planted herself. Though not many, each plant was the result of her hard work.
As night fell, Zhang Hao found a place to stay at the old farmer's home. He sat by the fireplace, listening to the old farmer tell tales about Qingchuan Sect. The old farmer, in his youth, had also dreamed of becoming a cultivator and tried to join Qingchuan Sect but was eventually expelled for various reasons. He told Zhang Hao that Qingchuan Sect had always been a sect in this country, existing through changes of power, possessing stronger power than ordinary people, and even engaging in secret dealings with those in authority.
Zhang Hao listened quietly, his heart filled with curiosity. These scattered pieces of information, though vague, sparked a keen interest in Qingchuan Sect. He knew this information might be the key to uncovering the secrets of this world.
The next morning, Zhang Hao bid farewell to the old farmer and Xiao Mei, continuing his journey. He traversed fields and climbed hills. In every corner of this country, there were different stories, and he would become a part of these tales.
At this moment, Zhang Hao couldn't help but recall the months since he had been transmigrated to this world. From the initial confusion and helplessness to now grasping the basics of cultivation, and from meeting his childhood sweetheart, Gu's clan, his life had undergone a dramatic transformation. He was no longer an ordinary college student but a part of this world, Bi Gan, a cultivator with potential for the mystical arts. He knew his mission was not only to become a strong cultivator but also to bring hope to these ordinary people.