This is what an immortal should be like

Chapter 16: Rumors of Peach Blossom Spring
In Wuling County, in the famous Zuifeng Tower, Zhao Chenyu ordered wine and food to entertain Tao Yuanming and Liu Hongyu.

On the way to the restaurant, Tao Yuanming had already roughly told Zhao Chenyu that during his trip, he accidentally came to a place that seemed like a paradise on earth. Just a few simple words made Zhao Chenyu feel itchy.

When they arrived at the restaurant, the wine was served before the dishes were served. Zhao Chenyu hurriedly poured wine for Tao Yuanming.

"Brother Yuanliang, the wine is here, hurry up and tell us, don't keep us in suspense!"

Tao Yuanming took a sip of wine from the cup, then frowned slightly. This taste was far worse than that in the Hidden Immortal Valley.
But Tao Yuanming was not a pretentious person, so he overcame it and continued drinking.

"Brother Qiming, please let me make it clear that you must not tell anyone else what I said today!"

No one in the Yinxian Valley asked them not to speak. This sentence was just Tao Yuanming's own thought. He had the selfish desire to keep the mystery, and to a certain extent, he did not want the tranquility of the valley to be disturbed.

Tao Yuanming was still a rookie at the time, and he was proud of his talent. Being young and energetic, it was natural for him to show off in front of his friends.

This is just like for young people in any era, bragging in front of friends is a necessary spiritual enjoyment!
"Hey, Yuanliang, don't worry, just tell me!"

Zhao Chenyu naturally agreed.

Liu Hongyu sat quietly beside them, not disturbing their conversation, but occasionally looking elsewhere, observing his surroundings or looking out the window at the street.

The bustling Wuling County and the tranquility of Yinxian Valley formed a sharp contrast, which also had a great impact on Liu Hongyu.

Tao Yuanming put down the wine cup and pointed to the rim of the cup. His friend opposite him immediately understood and poured the wine, which also caused him to laugh.

Zhao Chenyu glanced at Liu Hongyu who was a little absent-minded, and poured him a glass.

It was not until then that Liu Hongyu came back to his senses and waved his hands repeatedly, saying "No need".

"Okay, I won't keep you in suspense anymore."

Tao Yuanming's words attracted the attention of both of them. He moved closer to the table, glanced at Liu Hongyu before looking at his friend and speaking in a lowered voice.

"A few days ago, I was boating along the Wuling River, looking for a quiet and peaceful place to enjoy the scenery and cultivate my sentiments. Unconsciously, the number of boats around me gradually decreased, until only my boat was left behind."

In the narrative, Tao Yuanming was boating and sailing downstream. The surrounding mountains and rivers were beautiful and the scenery was pleasant. The boatman was intoxicated by it. Suddenly, he found that a thin mist was gradually rising, and the waterway was getting denser. He was actually a little lost!
As Tao Yuanming spoke, Zhao Chenyu listened attentively, and even Liu Hongyu pricked up his ears.

"I took things as they came, not panicking, and just letting the fog dissipate. It wasn't too late, but suddenly."

Tao Yuanming paused before continuing.

"I saw a brilliant light appearing in the sky above the distant mountains. Its brilliance was as brilliant as a colorful haze. Given my personality, I naturally wanted to find out what it was all about!"

Zhao Chenyu couldn't help but nodded.

"It would be the same if I were in your place!"

Tao Yuanming's expression also became serious.

"But at this moment, the current became strange. I was originally flowing forward, but suddenly it seemed to change direction. I was sailing in the fog and had to row hard to continue moving forward."

"Is there such a thing?"

“It’s not an empty statement!”

Tao Yuanming didn't waste any words and continued speaking.

"I don't know how long I've been sailing, my arms are already sore, but I noticed red petals drifting in the water. Looking towards the shore, I've unknowingly discovered a peach blossom forest. The peach blossoms are in full bloom, what a beautiful sight!"

Zhao Chenyu was stunned for a moment. It sounded like a large peach blossom forest was discovered deep in the mountains?
“Maybe someone planted it?”

"I thought so too, and wanted to see what was going on. Soon, I found the source of the shallow water in front of the peach forest. I stopped the boat and walked forward. At the end of the peach forest, I found a gorge. I saw a faint glow in the gorge, so I continued forward."

Lost in a raft, sailing through the fog, the water flows in the opposite direction, and peach blossoms appear in the distance.
Finally, the forest ended and water came to the mountain pass. After a difficult journey, they stepped into a strange valley where people actually lived.
The valley was so magnificent that when Tao Yuanming recalled and recounted it now, he still felt as if he had stepped into a dreamland, and his arrival also alarmed the people in the valley.

Both parties ask
"Those among them have hidden themselves from the world and do not know the years. They are all the survivors of the pre-Qin period! When asked what era it is, they do not even know about the Han Dynasty, let alone the Wei and Jin Dynasties."

Zhao Chenyu's expression was already somewhat dazed. This story was too bizarre. How was it possible that someone had lived in seclusion from the pre-Qin period until now?

"Among them are many extraordinary people. Some have extraordinary skills and excellent craftsmanship, some have superb medical skills and are well-versed in all kinds of herbs, and some are well-educated and proficient in many schools of thought. However, everyone is indifferent to fame and fortune and is detached from the world. Even the fine wine has an extraordinary taste!"

"Yes, the ancient Qin dialect has a certain difference in intonation from the current Mandarin, but it's understandable. The key is that every word is clear and more melodious. This is the ancient elegant Luo language, but the current version has the same name but a different pronunciation. It's obviously misleading, which is really regrettable!"

Although Tao Yuanming's words sound a bit boastful, they are largely his true feelings.

While speaking, Tao Yuanming subconsciously looked at Liu Hongyu. This young man Liu, who arrived in the valley first, had already spoken the ancient elegant music very well, with only occasional slight awkwardness.

This was probably due to his amnesia, which required Master Liu to adapt to many new things, and he even managed to learn the ancient elegant music by accident!

Liu Hongyu, who was standing on the side, saw Tao Yuanming looking at him and thought he was seeking approval, so he nodded subconsciously, not realizing that his words were closer to the so-called ancient elegant Luo language than those of the Jin Dynasty.

Zhao Chenyu, who was standing next to him, was stunned when he heard this. He then repeatedly asked Tao Yuanming if he was joking with him, but the latter always said seriously that he was not lying.

"Does that valley have a name?"

When Zhao Chenyu asked this, Tao Yuanming was about to speak, but hesitated. Then he glanced at Liu Hongyu who was sitting next to him, and thought of the peach blossom forest with fallen petals before entering the valley. Then he smiled and said.

"That's the Peach Blossom Spring!"

Zhao Chenyu got goosebumps when he heard this, and felt extremely envious. Tao Yuanming was very satisfied with his friend's performance.

Not far away, the restaurant waiter who was carrying the dishes was stunned for a while. Only then did he react and hurriedly serve the dishes.

"Dear guests, the food is here~~~"

Tao Yuanming watched the waiter serve the dishes, and then looked at his friend who was still in a trance. Remembering that the other party was looking for him so urgently, he asked a question.

"By the way, is there anything special going on while I'm away for a few days?"

Zhao Chenyu came back to his senses after hearing that, shook his head and was about to say something, but the waiter at the restaurant next to him opened the door first.

"Ah, this little guy knows very well that there have been bandits roaming around Wuling County recently, and several murders have occurred. Tsk tsk, I heard those people died tragically."

Zhao Chenyu also nodded.

"That's why I'm in such a hurry to find Brother Yuanliang. I'm also worried that he might be harmed by bandits."

As he spoke, Zhao Chenyu sent the waiter away and personally told Tao Yuanming about the recent situation and the government's response.

But the result was obvious. The brutal bandit was not caught, and there was not even a witness. The government could only post a notice to solicit clues.

This kind of notice is more about reassuring the people than having any actual effect, and it is likely to end up in nothing.

After all, these thieves are unlikely to linger in one place for a long time.

Zhao Chenyu was talking about the recent dangers and expressing his concern for his friend, but Tao Yuanming became a little absent-minded as he listened.

Tao Yuanming thought of the things that happened in Yinxian Valley, what the people there said, and what Zhuang Lin said.

Mr. Zi'an is a scholar of profound learning, yet he is unwilling to leave the valley. He is right. In fact, the outside world is so chaotic, it cannot compare to the Peach Blossom Spring.
"Yuanliang, Brother Yuanliang?" "Huh?"

Tao Yuanming came back to his senses. Zhao Chenyu in front of him smiled and shook his head, then spoke with great interest.

"Brother Yuanliang, please tell us more about Peach Blossom Spring!"

"Hahahaha. Okay, let's talk more about this dish. The deliciousness of the cooking is incomparable to anything else out there."
-
Before the sun set, the three of them came out of the restaurant.

Originally, he looked down on the wine in this restaurant, but perhaps when he was talking about the Peach Blossom Spring, he thought of the delicious wine there, which aroused Tao Yuanming's craving for wine, so he drank quite a bit.

Well, Tao Yuanming was drunk again, and Zhao Chenyu and Liu Hongyu supported him on both sides as he walked home.

Zhao Chenyu was quite influential in Wuling, and the courtyard of his home was much larger than that of ordinary people. Tao Yuanming had lived here since he came here before.

After helping Tao Yuanming lie down in his guest room, Zhao Chenyu stretched his arms to relax, and saw Liu Hongyu still busy there, taking off Tao Yuanming's shoes and covering him with a quilt.

As if realizing that Zhao Chenyu was still there, Liu Hongyu turned around and saluted him again.

"Don't worry, Mr. Zhao, I'm here. I will take good care of Mr. Yuan Liang. There's no need to arrange a special place for me. I can just spread a blanket on the floor under Mr. Yuan Liang's bed!"

"Uh, okay, then I'll take my leave first. If Young Master Liu needs anything, just let the people in the courtyard know, and the servants will come to help! I'll have someone bring the bedding over later!"

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Zhao!"

Liu Hongyu bowed again. As for addressing Zhao Chenyu, he did the same because some people in the restaurant called him that. It must be said that his learning ability was not bad.

Zhao Chenyu nodded, looked at Liu Hongyu again, then returned the greeting and turned to leave.

At first, Zhao Chenyu thought that this Mr. Liu was probably a follower that his friend had picked up on the road.

However, Yuan Liang's behavior towards this person in the restaurant did not seem like that of a servant. Moreover, if you look closely at Liu Hongyu's appearance, his slightly delicate skin does not make him look like that of an ordinary citizen. His family should be well-off.

Adding to the problem of his accent, it seems that he is a learner who has come from afar and is eager to learn.
Knowledge has always been in the hands of famous families and sages. It is very difficult for ordinary people to gain knowledge. Zhao Chenyu regarded Liu Hongyu as such a person, and to a certain extent, he was right.

At the same time, Zhao Chenyu also sighed. Although he knew that his friend would achieve something in the future with his talent, he did not expect that someone would follow him to study now.

After Zhao Chenyu went out, he looked back at the guest room.

Is Wuling isolated from the news? Is he already so famous?
-
After a while, the Zhao family servant brought hot water. Liu Hongyu asked him to leave. After taking the basin of water, he personally wiped the corners of Tao Yuanming's mouth and cheeks.

Young Master Liu, who had been used to being served since he was a child, was able to do these things very well.

In Liu Hongyu's mind, he should do his best to take care of his master, otherwise he will not pass the test!

Tao Yuanming didn't sleep for long. He woke up in a daze when a hot towel was applied to his face. He squinted his eyes and saw that it was Liu Hongyu who was taking care of him again.

"Mr. Liu"

"Ah, Mr. Yuan Liang, you're awake!"

Liu Hongyu looked surprised, while Tao Yuanming waved his hands and wanted to sit up. The former hurriedly put down the towel and helped the latter sit up from the bed, and then took the cups from the table on the side.

"Mr. Yuan Liang, please drink some water!"

Tao Yuanming took the cup and took a sip. It was still warm, which showed that Liu Hongyu was very concerned.

"Alas, Master Liu, you don't have to be like this. Since I promised to help you find your relatives, I will definitely not break my promise!"

Liu Hongyu smiled and replied "yes", but did not say much. He understood that testing something like this could not be accomplished overnight!
Tao Yuanming looked at the other person's expression and frowned slightly, as if he had thought of something.

"Oh, right, Mr. Zi'an mentioned that Young Master Liu and I studied literature together at the academy. I wouldn't say I'm versed in all the schools of thought, but I've been reading since I was a child. Since you're staying with me for the time being, how about I teach you?"

Liu Hongyu looked surprised. Is this it?

As the saying goes, success depends on one’s own efforts and sincerity is the key to success. Master has seen my sincerity!

In ecstasy, Liu Hongyu kowtowed while expressing his gratitude.

"Thank you Master!"

"Boom boom boom!"

"Thank you Master!"

"Boom boom boom!"

"Thank you Master!"

Tao Yuanming was stunned for a moment, and then he was frightened. He was almost sobered up by the fright and hurriedly got out of bed to support Liu Hongyu.

"No, no! Master Liu, I, Tao Yuanming, dare not call myself your teacher! This is unacceptable—"

After some effort, Tao Yuanming finally supported Liu Hongyu, and the latter had a red mark on his forehead, which showed that he had really been hit.

Tao Yuanming's forehead was covered in sweat. No wonder, back in the valley, someone seemed to hint that Master Liu might have more than just amnesia.
"Uh, haha, Mr. Liu, I don't know what your foundation is like. By the way, do you have any interest? Where would you like to start?"

Liu Hongyu couldn't suppress his joy, and then he knelt there and spoke seriously.

"I have come here by destiny, crossing the boundaries of ancient and modern times to seek a master to inherit the immortal way. I still have no foundation. I hope that Master will teach me everything so that I can continue on the immortal path! Please teach me the immortal method!"

Tao Yuanming was stunned again, and the cold sweat that had just been wiped off his forehead quickly seeped out again.

It’s over, it’s not just amnesia, it’s also hysteria!

"Master, Master?"

"Uh ah. This."

Tao Yuanming's thoughts were a little confused at the moment. He had never encountered such a situation in his life and didn't know how to deal with it.

Suddenly, Tao Yuanming had an idea. He got up from the bed and walked to the corner beside the bed. He opened the book box he had not touched since he came to Wuling. After rummaging through it for a while, he finally found a scroll of old bamboo slips.

"Huh~"

Tao Yuanming blew twice and patted his hands, then walked to the bed and handed the bamboo slips to Liu Hongyu who was still kneeling there after a moment of hesitation.

It is better to focus on comforting first.

"I don't understand the so-called immortal methods, but here is an ancient book that can help people calm their minds. I stumbled upon it while traveling. You might find it helpful if you take a look at it!"

Liu Hongyu knelt there and excitedly took it with both hands.

Liu Hongyu had learned some characters in Yinxian Valley before. Among the characters engraved on the outside of the bamboo slips, he recognized the character "Jue". It must be a secret book!
"Thank you Master, thank you Master!"

Liu Hongyu bowed repeatedly while holding the bamboo slips. Tao Yuanming helped him up with one hand and rubbed his temple with the other.

(End of this chapter)