A man and a woman turned into the Mud Bottle Alley. The young man wore a tall crown and a green pendant at his waist. Compared to the town's wealthiest family, the Lu family, he looked more like a wealthy young master. The woman's age was hard to determine. At first glance, she appeared as a young girl, with delicate skin and a sharp chin, resembling an icicle hanging from the eaves in winter. But after a second look, she looked like a woman in her thirties, with almond-shaped eyes and a graceful figure. From head to toe, she exuded an undeniable charm, with a walk that swayed her waist, giving off an air of elegance that no woman in the town possessed.
The woman glanced around, filled with curiosity, even reaching out to touch the yellow mud walls, but she couldn't discern anything of note. She asked curiously, "Fu Nanhua, is this really one of the hidden paradises you spoke of? Why wasn't this alley marked prominently on the geomantic map that my ancestors gave us?"
The young man answered without addressing her question, "If you and I were to gain an unexpected fortune here, how would you repay me?"
The woman turned to the side, her fingers interlocking behind her back, which accentuated her bust, making her appear even more voluptuous. She half-jokingly, half-seriously replied, "Take whatever you like, how about that?"
The young man hadn't expected her to be so direct, and it threw him off. Besides, the reason he was here to "visit relatives and friends" was not a simple one. He bore the heavy responsibility of ensuring the prosperity of his entire family for hundreds, even thousands of years. No matter how flirtatious he was, he could never dare to have a casual relationship with the woman in front of him in a small town, especially under the "watchful eyes" of so many people.
So, he quickly changed the topic. Pointing toward the depths of the alley, he smiled and said, "Cai Xianzi, friends are friends, business is business. I have to repeat this again. According to our previous agreement, there are two households in this alley—one is a master-servant pair, and the other is a mother-son pair. You may choose whichever you prefer. The stake will be your Yunxian Mountain's specialty, Yun Gen Stone. You'll send us ten pieces every year."
The woman nodded with a flirtatious smile, "Of course, that's fine."
The young man continued walking slowly and said, "Next, if you gain any unexpected opportunities here that are beyond your family's expectations, that item must be assessed by both of our ancestors for a fair price. Then, your Yunxian Mountain must give half of the equivalent value in Yun Gen Stone. Cai Jinjian, do you have any objections? Or can you guarantee that, after you've made the deal and secured your profits, you'll be able to convince your ancestors at Yunxian Mountain to approve of this agreement?"
The woman's face changed completely, becoming solemn and dignified, as if she had transformed from a fallen courtesan to the queen of the land. Cai Jinjian, who was known as the woman from Yunxian Mountain, spoke with unwavering determination, "I agree!"
Fu Nanhua narrowed his eyes, his face darkened. He stopped and looked directly at the tall woman who was about his height. "Let me say this upfront. The alliance we are forming today is not because we share mutual affection or common ideals. It's because for hundreds of years, our ancestors in both Old Dragon City and Yunxian Mountain have built up a deep connection. If we mess this up and provoke the anger of those old men, don't just think that I, Fu Nanhua, or you, Cai Jinjian, will be punished. Even our parents and teachers won't escape the consequences."
Cai Jinjian smiled, "So, during our time in this small town, we must be honest with each other and work together, right?"
Fu Nanhua, still looking handsome in the dim alley, smiled and said, "Aside from that..."
Fu Nanhua turned his head, looked at the alley, and lowered his voice, "We still need to be cautious of the other two. After all, they're not from Zhengyang Mountain, and they're not known as reputable sects. I've heard those two are wild and not very disciplined."
The tall woman squinted her almond-shaped eyes, as if saying, "That's why I chose you, Young Master Fu."
Fu Nanhua whispered, "Let's go. Although this place is under the protection of the sages and the forces are balanced, it's better to be cautious. You never know when something might go wrong. In any case, whether we can leap over the dragon gate and make our fortune here depends on us."
This well-known young prodigy became even more resolute, silently reciting in his heart: "The Great Way is achievable. Whoever blocks my path, be they immortals or Buddhas, shall be killed!"
He looked down the alley and saw a thin young man walking towards them.
It was the second time they had met.
The two of them continued walking slowly, like a pair of immortal lovers who had fallen into the mortal world.
The tall woman saw the young man too and teasingly said, "In the alley over there, we've met twice now. Do you think this young man..."
She didn't finish her sentence, but Fu Nanhua knew exactly what she meant. He smiled helplessly and said, "My Cai Xianzi, there are about six hundred households in this town, plus nearly five thousand people including servants and slaves. Even if this town hides some dragons and crouching tigers, there's a limit. Moreover, over the years, the promising ones with potential have already been secretly taken. The only reason we were able to 'pick up the leftovers' this time is because some unpredictable great beings are intentionally letting things slip."
The woman smiled self-deprecatingly, feeling embarrassed about her naïve thoughts.
After hesitating for a moment, Fu Nanhua continued, "I don't know how your ancestors teach you the heavenly secrets, but my father once told me, once you enter this place, if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, you must avoid them and stay respectful. Never provoke or challenge them. After all, this town is full of dragons and tigers, and it's deep and unpredictable. The people who give you bad vibes are most likely our rivals in this treasure hunt. As for those who make you feel close, they might be blessed and lucky, and could become an opportunity for you. As long as you don't kill anyone and don't break the old rules, after that, whether it's buying, cheating, or forcefully taking something, it depends..."
Cai Jinjian smiled and said, "It depends on our mood."
She suddenly frowned, "Young Master Fu, why don't you let me bring along the Zhao family descendants who are rooted here? Though I did learn some of the local dialect before I left..."
Fu Nanhua interrupted her, shaking his head, "Those big families have secret channels that are still connected to the outside world. They can send messages under the noses of the sages without crossing the line. These families have deep roots and strong support, and Old Dragon City and Yunxian Mountain are slightly weaker in comparison. Besides, relying on outsiders is not the best approach. It can cause unnecessary complications and delay important matters. If you don't want to speak, I'll take care of it."
She smiled, "It's alright. It's just some awkward words, I'm not that delicate."
Fu Nanhua smiled dismissively, and Cai Jinjian didn't say anything further.
Ultimately, allies who joined halfway could never compare to family.
And for some ambitious individuals seeking to achieve immortality, what were ancestors, fathers, sons, or siblings?
Fu Nanhua's smile was serene, and he appeared noble and dignified, like the heir of a prominent family.
The reason he revealed his father's secret teachings and shared his "mental method" with Cai Jinjian was simple.
Compared to the other two companions he traveled with—a dull middle-aged man and a cold, black-clad girl—Fu Nanhua had felt murderous intent the moment he entered the town gate, directed at the woman beside him, Cai Jinjian of Yunxian Mountain!
Fú Nánhuá instinctively reached for the green pendant hanging at his waist.
The old dragon brings rain, skillfully and ingeniously.
A gentleman does not part with his jade without reason.
Cài Jīnjiǎn thought for a moment, closed her eyes, and after a moment, opened them and said, "Sòng Jìxīn, Gù Càn... I'll choose Gù Càn."
Fú Nánhuá raised an eyebrow. "Alright. It's settled!"
In their line of sight, the young boy, who had been skipping and hopping through the alley, was about to unlock the door and enter.
Fú Nánhuá quickly stepped forward with Cài Jīnjiǎn and smiled, "What a coincidence, we meet again."
The shabby young man was none other than Chén Píng'ān, who had just come out from Gù Càn's home. Hearing the voice, he turned around, nodded, and asked, "Is there something you need?"
Fú Nánhuá spoke smoothly in the local dialect, "This is Mud Bottle Alley, right? I wanted to ask if there's someone named Sòng Jìxīn living here, and a kid named Gù Càn. I'm from the capital, and our family has a long-standing friendship with Sòng Jìxīn's father. This lady beside me is Cài, she's Gù Càn's maternal relative. We happened to be traveling together and ended up in the same alley, isn't that a coincidence? Everything seems to have come together, really is a great coincidence."
Fú Nánhuá spoke with ease, even bending slightly to accommodate the boy's height, showing a gentlemanly demeanor. Despite speaking with someone from the lower rungs of society, he maintained a warm, courteous manner that made him appear refined and gracious.
The young man, looking up, gave a shy smile and softly replied, "It is quite a coincidence."
Fú Nánhuá's smile deepened, his voice warm as he asked, "So, where do these two families live?"
To his surprise, the boy shook his head and replied, "I was just an apprentice at a dragon kiln outside town. I've only recently moved here and don't know the neighbors well. Maybe you could ask someone else?"
Fú Nánhuá smiled, not rushing to speak, as if mulling over his next words.
The tall woman, Cài Jīnjiǎn, smiled and said, "Little brother, it's not good to lie. Do you think we look like bad people? Just think about it, in broad daylight, what bad thing could we do?"
Chén Píng'ān blinked and replied, "But I really don't know."
Cài Jīnjiǎn turned back to Fú Nánhuá, asking, "Do you think this boy wants a reward?"
Fú Nánhuá's expression remained unchanged. "I don't think so."
Cài Jīnjiǎn's eyes revealed a subtle trace of irritation, barely perceptible. "If not, we can ask house by house. We'll still find them."
Fú Nánhuá waved his hand, patiently persuading the boy, "Help us with a small favor, and I'll give you something in return. How about it?"
The boy scratched his head, his frame slender, with clear eyes.
Suddenly, Fú Nánhuá stood upright.
To his surprise, a scholarly-looking young man had appeared, sitting on the low wall not far off, observing them.
Near the elegantly dressed young man, a girl stood, showing only half of her face—delicate, neat, with brows like ink.
In that moment, Fú Nánhuá's mind was made up.
This boy was undoubtedly his target.
The young man stood up and asked loudly, "Are you looking for someone?"
Fú Nánhuá and Cài Jīnjiǎn both looked up, and he replied, "Yes, I'm looking for you. This lady here is looking for Gù Càn. Can you help us?"
The young man frowned and asked, "Do you know me?"
Fú Nánhuá smiled, "Of course, I don't know you, but I do know Lord Sòng, who is currently serving in the Ministry of Rites."
Sòng Jìxīn got straight to the point and asked, "Help you find the snot-nosed Gù Càn? Fine, what's in it for me?"
Without a second word, Fú Nánhuá took off the green pendant from his waist and tossed it high toward the boy on the low wall. "It's yours."
When Sòng Jìxīn caught it, he was slightly taken aback, but his face showed no change. He lowered his head and said to his maid, Zhì Guī, "Go."
She nodded and left the courtyard. As the young girl stood quietly in the narrow alley, the entire Mud Bottle Alley seemed to brighten all at once.
Fú Nánhuá smiled at the boy in straw sandals, "Little one, I'll give you a piece of advice—though the rain may be wide, it does not nourish rootless grass."
Then he started walking toward the young girl.
Cài Jīnjiǎn did not move, her eyes playful. She leaned toward the boy and whispered, "Do you know what that means?"
Her eyes were sparkling with interest. Before the boy could respond, she laughed and said, "It actually means you've missed a great opportunity. As long as this young master takes a little from his fingertips, it's enough for you to live a much better life down here. But the lucky part is, you'll probably never know what you missed today. It's truly a stroke of luck. Otherwise, you'd regret it for the rest of your life."
Fú Nánhuá, hearing this, felt she was speaking to no one in particular.
Outside the town, the gap between people, especially between the high and low, was even greater than the distance between heaven and earth.
Cài Jīnjiǎn stepped backward toward the maid, still facing the boy in straw sandals. "Though the rain may be wide, it does not nourish rootless grass. Remember that."
The boy showed no change in expression, but suddenly shouted, "Watch out behind you..."
Cài Jīnjiǎn froze, her body stiff.
The boy lowered his voice and muttered, "Dog shit."