Journey to the West: The Immortal Clan Begins by Feeding Monkeys at Five Elements Mountain

Chapter 151 Counterattack on Qiang Territory: Insidious and Poisonous Attacks
The flames of war are raging along the Liangzhou and Bingzhou line.

Smoke billowed across the sky, the sounds of battle filled the air, day and night mingled together, and even the hooves of horses seemed to shatter the wind.

Fortunately, the mountains here are connected to the mountains, and the ridges are layered upon ridges, so no matter how much the sparks jump, they can't jump over the layers of mountains;
Despite their fierce attacks, they can't possibly make their way into this mountain valley right now.

Liangjie Village remains unchanged, peaceful and tranquil, with the days passing by, the sounds of chickens and dogs filling the air, and wisps of smoke rising from chimneys.

Several new sentry posts were erected at the entrance of the village, and at first glance they looked quite presentable.

The men, with knives at their waists and eyes bulging like copper bells, took turns guarding the area.

But after just over a month, that tension dissipated.

Most of them leaned against the wooden railings of the watchtower, basking in the sun and dozing off, letting the mountain breeze flutter their clothes.

Such a peaceful life is, in the eyes of others, a blessing.

But in Liu Xiulian's heart, it was like old charcoal in a stove; the fire was gone, but the heat lingered, burning day and night.

Every day she would move a small stool and sit in front of her house, holding an old, worn-out scripture in her hands.

His lips moved as he read the words, but his gaze drifted far away, landing on the old locust tree at the village entrance.

Whenever she heard the sound of horses' hooves, cart wheels, or someone walking faster in the distance, her hand would slowly drop, her fingers would loosen, the pages of the book would turn crooked, but her ears would twitch.

Once the commotion subsided, or after turning a corner and entering someone else's yard, she slowly turned back to the original page of the scripture and lowered her head.

But the words on those old books are no longer something I can understand or appreciate.

Today's Liangjie Village is no longer the poor mountain village where people lived behind closed doors.

With the land expanded and roads widened, there were more peddlers and laborers, and news traveled much faster.

The battle report, which was still spreading like wildfire in Longshan County, could soon follow the peddler's load all the way to the ridges of the fields here.

Sometimes, it was porters from the south who would chew on dried beans and say in a low voice that the government troops across the Wei River had won a great victory, beheading over a thousand people, and that a junior officer surnamed Jiang had been appointed on the battlefield.

As Liu Xiulian listened, she ate her chopsticks more lightly, ate more in her bowl, and even found the sparrows pecking at the corner of the wall more pleasing to the eye.

But sometimes, the rumors would change, saying that the Xiongnu cavalry had outflanked them, and that a general had lost half his men and his entire army, leaving no trace of them.

Upon hearing this, she gently placed her chopsticks on the rim of the bowl and didn't move them again.

His eyes were fixed on the courtyard wall, and he looked at everyone as if they were messengers bringing bad news.

These rumors, half true and half false, somehow managed to slip into her ears, no matter where they came from.

After listening for a while, one's heart is drawn to the unseen sound of the wind, rising and falling three or five times a day, busier than the evening drum at a temple.

Jiang Yi had no say in matters concerning the battlefield.

All he could do was tighten the reins on the two little ones in the yard a bit more.

As soon as it gets light, people have to get out of bed.

Punches and kicks should be heavy, and steps should be steady.

Firstly, they hoped that the two children would develop some skills soon, so that when Jiang Liang returned, they would look better to the eye.
Secondly... if he can really train and his body has energy, he can make the trip to Luoyang to visit his parents.

As for whether they go there to fight for their future or pick up that medical book to save the world, that's up to them.

As a grandfather, he has done his duty by paving the road to this point.

Fortunately, the two younger ones are also doing well.

With a clear and upright constitution, one's energy channels will naturally flow smoothly, like two seedlings in arid land suddenly receiving sweet rain. Once they have the water and soil, they will strive to grow upwards.

At just over six years old, the true energy in his dantian has already flowed like a stream, and he is only a thin layer of paper away from the threshold of "perfection," as if he could break through it with a single poke.

In addition, with the savings accumulated by the family over the years, there is no shortage of medicinal rice every day, and the spiritual energy in the courtyard is also abundant.

In terms of physical and mental development, they are much faster than their two older brothers were back then.

In these days that make people feel unsettled, an occasional letter from the Li family is like a ray of light shining through a thick fog.

News about the Li family is always more reliable than gossip in the marketplace, and it lacks the exaggerated,江湖-like feel of the past.

The letter stated that the battle in Liangzhou remained deadlocked, and the fighting on the battlefield continued unabated.

But Jiang Liang's performance in the army only improved with each battle.

Whether it was finding the Qiang people's lair in the Gobi Desert or taking the head of a fierce general from a crowd, these were all solid achievements that earned them recognition in the army.

Therefore, whenever the Li family's carriage entered the village, it was as if the Jiang family's courtyard had already celebrated the New Year.

Life was thus guided by a series of letters, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.

One moment I'm thinking about how he's gone to make a name for himself, and the next I'm worried that he'll get too famous and run into trouble.

Spring goes and autumn comes, the old locust tree in the yard turns green and then yellow, and when the wind blows, it makes a rustling sound, as if it is counting the days.

As you count, another year has passed.

The northwest wind, at this time of year, softens a bit.

No longer clinging to sand and dust, it carries a cool, collected feel, calming the mind and bringing peace to the heart.

The letters from the Li family were becoming increasingly encouraging.

It is said that the government troops advanced steadily, and the Qiang and Xiongnu were chased all over the place.

The once overwhelming smoke signals now only dare to rise stealthily from some secluded valley.
As the battle situation became clearer, the reputation of "Longxi One-Hit Wonder" shone brightly. With each victory report, news of victory was sent from the border back to Luoyang, and then spread from Luoyang to all corners of the country.

These days, it's not just Chang'an and Luoyang that are talking about it.

Even under the tea stall in Liangshanji, there was an old man with a white beard slapping the table and talking animatedly about the heroism of "Longxi One Stick".

Judging from this situation, everything is getting better.

The two little ones in the yard, Jiang Qin and Jiang Jin, are almost eight years old.

With persistent effort, the physique has improved, and the body is full of energy and vitality; all that's missing is the right mindset.

This matter cannot be rushed, but it is not insurmountable either.

With the nourishing medicine from the Liu family and the calming herb behind the old house, the inner fire will eventually be extinguished after some more time.

Just then, the letter that the Jiang family had been waiting for finally landed on the bluestone steps at the door.

This time, it was sent by Jiang Liang from Liangzhou City.

The paper was clean, and the handwriting was much more steady, no longer hurried like before. The ink even exuded a calmness honed on the battlefield.

The letter stated that all the Qiang tribes had been eliminated, and the border was temporarily at peace.

That Shaodang tribe, they bowed and kowtowed one moment, and then turned their backs on us the next.

This time, the imperial court is serious. They probably want to take advantage of the war's momentum to completely eradicate the tumor in one fell swoop, lest it sprout again next year.

If this battle goes smoothly, Liangzhou should enjoy a few years of peace.

This is naturally fantastic news.

But what really concerned Liu Xiulian was a trivial matter mentioned at the end of the letter.

Jiang Liang said that a few days ago he was catching up with a high-ranking Taoist priest who was with the army, and he heard rumors about his eldest son, Jiang Feng.

It is said that the young man was cultivating Taoism on Crane Cry Mountain, but he did not just bury himself in Qi cultivation. Over the years, he has actually found someone he admires on the mountain.

Their mutual affection was common knowledge in the mountains, even the old Taoist priest guarding the alchemy room knew about it.

Judging by his age, Jiang Feng was almost sixteen, which was the time for him to discuss marriage. Jiang Liang wrote cautiously in his letter, saying that once the war was completely over, he would personally go to Heming Mountain to find out the woman's background.

If the family background is respectable and the person is of good character, then this marriage should be arranged, which would be a joyous occasion for the Jiang family.

This letter was written specifically for this purpose, saying that it was "to give my parents some breathing room first."

After reading the letter, Liu Xiulian hadn't even put it down yet when her eyes narrowed into slits with laughter, and she kept repeating the word "good" over and over.

As he read, his gaze drifted toward the courtyard gate, as if his granddaughter-in-law, whom he had not yet met, was already standing there with a beaming smile.

As her children and grandchildren gradually settled down, each becoming successful and finding their place, she was happier than anything else.

Jiang Yi held his teacup, looking at her with a smile on his lips, but his expression remained indifferent.

This kid hasn't even figured out the other person's background yet, and he's already thinking about arranging a marriage. He still has that youthful impetuosity.

West Sea Dragon Palace...

These four words flashed through his mind, and his hand holding the teacup paused slightly.

This marriage may not be as easy as it seems in the letter.

However, he glanced at his wife beside him, who was still secretly wiping her eyes with a handkerchief and smiling, muttering "granddaughter-in-law" and "good days."

Looking into the courtyard, the two little ones were chasing a butterfly, rolling around on the ground, their laughter like soybeans scattered everywhere.

The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed them back down.

How many truly carefree days can one experience in this life?
Why must you pour cold water on us right now?

He put down his teacup and said with a smile, "Let's add two more main dishes tonight as a way of congratulating you in advance."

When the food was served, Jiang Yi personally placed a piece of glistening braised pork in each of the two children's bowls, his tone both teasing and serious:
"Your father will be coming back to see you soon."

Before the words were even finished, the two little ones burst into joyful shouts, their mouths still smeared with sauce. Their laughter, along with the chirping of cicadas outside, created a lively and bustling atmosphere in the small courtyard.

The gloom of the past year seemed to have been mostly blown away by this crisp laughter.

In the days that followed, rumors of a counterattack against the Qiang region would occasionally drift back, warming hearts more than a spring breeze.

The sound of the messenger's horse's hooves became the most beautiful melody in the village.

Today they say the government troops captured a certain village, and tomorrow they spread the word about how "Longxi One-Stick" used his superb stick skills on the battlefield to beat a fierce Qiang general so badly that he rolled off his horse, his head bleeding profusely, and he died with his eyes wide open in disbelief.

These stories, embellished by the storytellers in teahouses and taverns, came to life.

It makes one's blood boil, one's body itch, and one wishes to immediately grab a hoe and rush into battle to kill the enemy.

The old threshold of the Jiang family's house suffered as a result, getting worn smooth from being stepped on so many times that the passing neighbors were about to flatten it.

Those who came to offer their congratulations were all beaming with joy, their spittle flying as they spoke, as if they too had a piece of the military medal.

There were also some quick-witted kids who brought their half-grown sons, who had just learned a few martial arts moves, and shamelessly came to ask Jiang Yi for help.

See if you can put in a good word and get Jiang Liang a promotion in the army, so he can get a better position.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi didn't expose him. He simply smiled, poured a cup of hot tea, and handed it to him, chuckling as he subtly changed the subject.

Just then, a horse-drawn carriage covered with a blue cloth curtain rumbled from the village entrance, silencing all the gossip.

The ruts were deep, and the rims were still covered with wet mud, showing that the journey had been long and arduous.

The curtain was lifted, and the tip of a boot peeked out first, followed by Li Yunyi landing on the ground.

The head of the Li family was always a man with a smile on his face and a calm demeanor.

But today, his face was as dark as well water in winter, and even his brand-new silk robe could not hide the weariness and frost on his body.

The clamor in the courtyard seemed to be wiped away by an invisible hand, and suddenly fell silent.

Jiang Yi glanced at his face briefly before putting down his teacup.

He stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful greeting to the villagers filling the courtyard, and spoke in a gentle tone, yet with an undeniable air of authority:

"I appreciate your kind invitations. Let's meet again another day."

The villagers were all shrewd people. As soon as they heard his tone and saw Li Yunyi's face, they knew that something big was going to happen, and they all found excuses to disperse.

The courtyard, which was just a moment ago so lively it could have boiled a pot of water, was now reduced to the rustling of the wind through the old locust tree leaves.

Jiang Yi led Li Yunyi into the house.

Liu Xiulian had just brought over a cup of hot tea, but before she could even put it on the table, Li Yunyi had already raised his hand to stop her.

He sat down, but did not lean back at all; his back was taut, like a string about to break.

The room was quiet for a moment, with only the aroma of tea filling the air.

Li Yunyi's throat bobbed a few times, as if a hot iron was stuck in his throat, and finally he whispered:
"My in-laws... something has happened."

Liu Xiulian's tea tray trembled slightly, and the porcelain cup and tray made a soft clinking sound.

Jiang Yi's expression remained unchanged. He looked up at him without saying a word or urging him, but the light in his eyes was so deep that it chilled one's heart.

Li Yunyi avoided his gaze, his voice hoarse and broken:
"...The counterattack on the Qiang territory was going smoothly. But half a month ago, the army...fell into an ambush."

He paused, his gaze lowered, looking at the worn, shiny old brick floor at his feet, as if trying to dig out words from the cracks between the bricks.

"It was the Shaodang tribe... using their own direct descendants as bait, and somehow they hired some skilled Xiongnu fighters who were ruthless and specifically... aimed at Liang'er."

“Liang’er…” Liu Xiulian’s voice was already tinged with sobs, and her tone trembled at the end.

Li Yunyi closed his eyes, as if the next sentence had to be ripped out from his heart, each word uttered with difficulty:

"With his courage and that stick, he fought his way out and brought the message out, thwarting the enemy's plan."

Liu Xiulian had just breathed a sigh of relief, but before she could catch her breath, Li Yunyi's voice dropped again, as if weighed down by a piece of lead.

"But... he himself was also seriously injured."

"I heard... in the end, he was carried out of the pile of corpses by a black-feathered falcon. Now, he is unconscious and just hanging on by a thread."

There was a bang.

It was the sound of a tea tray falling to the ground.

The porcelain cup shattered, and scalding hot tea spilled all over the floor, leaving a dark, damp stain.

The shattering sound exploded in the room, making everyone's heart tighten.

Jiang Yi remained seated, his back ramrod straight, without moving an inch.

But the hands resting on her knees had quietly clenched, her knuckles turning white, as if she wanted to squeeze water out of her coarse cloth clothes.

After a long while, Jiang Yi finally raised his head.

His eyes, which were usually as calm as an ancient well, now seemed to be covered with dust, unable to let in even a sliver of light.

Where is Liang'er now?

His voice was hoarse, as if it had been rubbed by wind and sand, but he could still speak steadily, word by word.

Li Yunyi lowered his head even further, as if the words weighed a ton, making it impossible for him to lift his head.

"The person was only delivered to Liangzhou Prefecture yesterday."

His voice was so low it was almost inaudible: "Being severely injured is secondary; he was also poisoned with a strange and insidious poison, one I've never heard of before."

(End of this chapter)