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

Chapter 171 Jiang Xi's Wedding, Rescuing a Monk in the Mountains

Jiang Rui stayed at home, and the days passed slowly, like raindrops falling from the eaves. In the blink of an eye, more than half a month had passed.

The murderous aura of the military was left outside the house the moment he stepped across the threshold.

He was dressed in only ordinary cloth at the moment, which made him appear more unassuming.

During the day, he would either hold his daughter and squat in the yard watching ants carry rice, or stroll with his wife around the village.

Occasionally, I would tell my younger siblings interesting stories about Luoyang and old tales of Liangzhou.

The tranquility of ordinary people even warmed his face, which had been hardened by wind and sand.

When he had free time, he would go to the backyard to look for Jiang Xi.

Jiang Xi didn't teach him any magic tricks to move mountains and overturn seas, but only casually gave him some tips on regulating qi and blood and calming the restless mind.

Jiang Rui's physique, forged in the crucible of battle, was naturally robust, and he was adept at the circulation of qi and blood.

Although his cultivation level did not improve significantly after learning, it seemed to have opened up a new path. Amidst the clash of swords and shadows, his mind and spirit also found a place to settle down.

He secretly pondered that he might need this composure when planning military formations in the future.

If his aunt sat quietly, he would go to find his grandfather.

Jiang Yi didn't argue with him about swords, spears, fists, or martial arts. Instead, he brought out a few old primers or flipped through a Taoist scripture he'd somehow found, and talked about principles that he only vaguely understood.

Jiang Rui knelt on the prayer mat, listening to his grandfather's unhurried voice, with the incense smoke from the ancestral hall lingering in his nostrils. He felt even more at ease than listening to a general analyze a situation in a military tent.

In such leisurely days, it's natural to seek out those childhood friends who grew up together, practically naked.

We'd meet under the old locust tree at the village entrance, a few plates of fennel beans, a pot of turbid wine, and chat from the rising sun to the moonlit willow branches.

When it comes to the perilous parts of the battlefield, everyone boasts loudly.
When they started talking about family matters, they burst into laughter and playful banter.

The atmosphere at the banquet was lively, and laughter often carried far.

Life is comfortable, and it goes by in the blink of an eye.

The time to leave home was drawing near.

Three days before Jiang Rui was scheduled to depart, on an ordinary afternoon.

In the orchard of the Jiang family's house, the wooden door of the treehouse, which had been tightly closed for over a month, suddenly creaked open from the inside.

Hearing the sound, everyone in the courtyard looked up and saw Liu Zian, dressed in a blue robe, slowly walking out of the door.

Bathed in sunlight, he showed no sign of his former sharpness.

The heavy, mountain-like aura that had been there before had now completely subsided and settled deep within his bones.

It looks like a rock that has been weathered by wind and rain for a thousand years. Its edges are still there, but its fiery temper has long been gone, leaving only calmness and harmony.

Those eyes, as clear as ever, had gained a touch of depth, as if they could reflect the full moon in the sky.

He smiled slightly at everyone in the courtyard, then bowed to Jiang Yi and his parents, his voice gentle:

"I'm sorry to have kept the elders waiting."

Jiang Yi stroked his beard, looked him up and down, and slowly nodded.

This blessing of "both life and death" fell upon the daughter, making her as pure and bright as a clear-headed person.

When it falls upon this young man, it signifies the weight of mountains and rivers, and the virtue that sustains all things.

The two complement each other quite well.

That evening, Jiang Yi, for the first time ever, killed two spirit chickens and summoned the people from Liu Family Village to gather together for a meal.

Jiang Rui had been away from home for many years, and only now was he able to taste the flavor of his own family's spirit chicken again.

During the meal, the inevitable topic of conversation was Jiang Xi's marriage to Liu Zi'an.

The elders of both families had already prepared everything, and with just a shout, the entire Liangjie Village would come alive.

The celebration was neither extravagant nor hasty, and it was held just before Jiang Rui took office.

In Liu Family Village, there were no drums and gongs, nor were there many distinguished guests.

Those who came to the wedding banquet were mostly familiar neighbors from the village, and a group of brothers from the Gujin Gang who had grown up together since childhood.

Jiang Xi took off her plain dress and put on a red wedding gown.

Without makeup, her pure and ethereal beauty was accentuated, adding a touch of earthy charm.

Liu Zian remained composed, but a hint of undisguised joy appeared between his brows.

At the head of the table, Jiang Yi watched the newlyweds bow to each other.

The candlelight and warmth were reflected in his cloudy eyes.

He picked up his cup, took a sip, and his smile never faded.

Even on Master Liu's usually dignified face, a hint of joy was hard to hide.

After the wedding was over and the last guest had left, the newlyweds did not rush into the bridal chamber.

Master Liu summoned his son, daughter-in-law, and the two elderly relatives of his in-laws to the main hall.

He took out the steel fork he had carried with him for many years from the cabinet and handed it to Liu Zian and Jiang Xi.

"I've carried this burden for half my life, it's time for me to rest."

He glanced first at his son, then at his daughter-in-law, whose demeanor had become increasingly serene, and spoke in a steady voice:

"From this day forward, the title of 'Guardian of the Mountain' and the duty of protecting the villagers and sheltering travelers will be entrusted to you two."

This responsibility is both a duty and an opportunity.

Doing good deeds and accumulating virtue in the mountains and forests may seem trivial, but it is the best way to temper one's character and accumulate unseen merit.

The promises made during the marriage proposal are now being clearly stated in front of the prospective in-laws.

Liu Zian bowed respectfully and solemnly replied, "Father, don't worry."

Master Liu waved his hand, his previous imposing demeanor vanishing instantly, replaced by a slightly teasing smile, which he directed at Jiang Xi:
"Don't think I'm a lazy old man. I just hope you can give me a big, fat grandson soon, so that this old geezer with nothing to do will have something to amuse me."

Upon hearing this, even Jiang Xi's usually clear mind couldn't help but blush, and she simply lowered her eyes and softly replied, "Yes."

Master Liu and Jiang Yi exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with anticipation.

These two seemingly ordinary yet divine beings, if they were to have a child, no one would dare to speculate on what the child's natural talents would be.

After the explanations were given, the newlyweds returned to their bridal chamber.

In the courtyard, only Jiang Yi and Master Liu, the two old relatives by marriage, remained, sitting facing each other under a dim lamp and with a pot of warm wine.

The moonlight was high in the sky, and its clear glow poured into the courtyard, casting long, thin shadows of the two people.

Master Liu was in high spirits today, and his usual solemnity had been washed away by the wine, leaving only a drunken smile on his face.

Jiang Yi poured him a full cup, and couldn't help but smile as he watched, but his words took an unexpected turn as he raised his glass:

“My dear in-laws, look at this young couple. One is as steady as a mountain, and the other is as graceful as water. They are truly a match made in heaven.”

"That's right, that's right." Master Liu stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly, his smugness evident in his expression.

Jiang Yi took a sip of wine, glancing sideways out of the corner of his eye, his tone carrying a hint of probing:

“I’m thinking that this family will surely prosper in the future. If you don’t mind my old bones talking too much, if we have a few more children in the future… could you spare one of them to take his mother’s surname and be part of the Jiang family?”

His words were half-joking, half-testing.

Upon hearing this, Master Liu's smile froze, and his hand holding the wine cup stood still in mid-air.

His expression was strange for a moment, as if he was in a dilemma, or perhaps he was feeling a bit of inexplicable emotion.

He slowly put down his wine glass, and after a long while, he began to speak in a rambling manner:
"In truth, I am absolutely willing to do so."

He paused for a long time before lowering his voice and slowly saying:

"It's just that we're in-laws, and you might not know this. My Liu family, ever since we moved here to stay in these mountains, has been guided by our ancestors, and each generation has been a single-lineage family."

He held up one finger, his tone carrying a hint of mystery:
"Moreover, it must be a male offspring. After one child is born, no more will be born. It has been passed down to my generation, no more, no less, exactly the fifth generation, without any accidents."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi's expression faltered slightly, and he stopped drinking from his cup.

Over the years, he has read many books, and his understanding of the divine has gradually become clearer.

This seemingly absurd "single-lineage succession," upon closer examination, actually aligns with the natural order.

The responsibility of guarding the mountain, accumulated good deeds over lifetimes, transcends the cycle of reincarnation...

Such an extraordinary opportunity fell upon the Liu family.

The greatest truths are impartial; every gain has its limits. Since your Liu family is granted boundless fortune, an invisible shackle will also be placed on your descendants.

To avoid the blessing becoming so excessive that its preciousness is lost.

Upon realizing this, Jiang Yi's little scheme vanished like smoke.

He immediately laughed heartily, downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, and waved his hand, saying:

"I see. It was I, this old man, who had a few too many drinks and got the wrong idea."

Having said that, he stood up and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Master Liu:
"It's late, my dear in-laws, you should rest early. I'll take my leave now."

After saying that, he turned and walked away.

The moonlight was cold and clear. His figure quickly disappeared into the depths of the village road, leaving only the aroma of wine and the shadows of lamplight, silently facing each other.

The afterglow of this joyous occasion lingered in the village for several days.

As the last trace of joy dissipated, it was time for Jiang Rui to set off.

His luggage was extremely simple, consisting of just a few changes of clothes, a bag of water, and a bag of dry rations—the typical attire of a soldier.

This time, however, he had two more items on him.

That yellowed old talisman was carefully wrapped in oilcloth and kept close to his body.

There was also a stick as tall as a person, which he carried on his back without finding it cumbersome.

The stick was dragged out of his room by his seven-year-old cousin, Jiang Jun, the night before he left.

The staff was made of tough wood found in the back mountain, and it was polished to a fairly smooth finish. Both ends were bound with rough copper rings, giving it a somewhat simple and sturdy appearance.

The little guy puffed out his chest and said that if the Qiang people ever invaded, he would let his older brother use it to hit their heads a few more times.

Jiang Rui simply smiled and ruffled his hair, saying nothing, but steadily placed the stick on one side of his bag.

The next day, the rooster crowed a few times before dawn broke.

He was already dressed in a smart outfit and stood in the courtyard.

Zhao Qiqi silently straightened his clothes and tied a cloth bag full of dry food around his waist.

The movements were swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

She came from a military family and had seen many partings on the battlefield. She knew that at this moment, unnecessary tears were the most useless.

Only at the very end did he whisper, "It's very windy and dusty outside, drink plenty of water. I'll take care of things at home."

Little Jiang Han didn't understand any of this; she only knew that her father was going on a long journey.

She stretched out her small, lotus-root-like arms and hugged his neck tightly, saying in a childish voice, "Daddy, come back soon."

Jiang Rui gently kissed her cheek before handing her back to his wife.

Under the eaves, Jiang Yi stood with his hands behind his back, uttering only two words: "Go."

Jiang Xi then handed over a small porcelain bottle containing pills for regulating breathing.

Jiang Rui said no more, clasped his hands in a salute, and turned to leave.

As dawn broke, his shadow stretched long on the dirt road at the village entrance.

Alone, with a staff and a bag on his shoulder, he disappeared into the ancient, desolate road leading to Liangzhou and the vast Qiang lands.

After Jiang Rui left, life in Liangjie Village returned to its unhurried pace.

Master Liu kept saying he wanted to enjoy a peaceful retirement and play with his grandchildren, but his body seemed to be born unable to stay still.

He delegated the family affairs accumulated over the years to the two deputy leaders of the Gujin Gang, and ended up filling the original vacancy himself.

Every day before dawn, he would walk with his hands behind his back to the training ground in the west of the village.

Listening to a group of teenagers humming and hawing as they performed a set of rough punches that sent dust flying, he didn't find it noisy at all.

Occasionally, I would walk over, extend two fingers, and gently tap on the crooked shelf of one of the kids, saying casually, "The anger has dissipated."

Sometimes when I have some free time, I'll wander into the school.

There, members of the Jiang family on duty would give lectures and interpretations of scriptures, sometimes quoting the writings of sages and sometimes the profound principles of Taoism.

He never sat at the front; he would only find a spot in the corner, sit cross-legged, and become the oldest student.

When asked by others, he simply waved his hand and smiled:
"I'm getting old, I need some noise to keep my brain from getting rusty. Those big principles are for you young people, I can't keep up with them anymore."

Despite saying that, he always stood up straighter than anyone else when listening to lectures.

His old eyes were fixed on the scriptures on the table, his expression so focused that he didn't even notice the tea beside him getting cold.

After Jiang Xi and Liu Zi'an got married, they moved into Liu Family Village.

Newlyweds are naturally in perfect harmony, but life isn't all romance.

Having taken on the responsibility of guarding the mountain, the rules passed down from our ancestors must not be abandoned.

Every few days, the couple would always take a stroll through the vast forest to the east.

This job, when it fell into the hands of Master Liu back then, was an incredibly arduous task.

They might not be able to return even after ten days or half a month away, spending their days exposed to the elements and facing wild animals head-on.

But when it came to the young couple, things took a completely different turn.

Although limited by his foundation, he has not yet cultivated any proper supernatural powers, but his cultivation level has already transcended that of a mortal.

With a light touch on the bluestone in the courtyard, his body vanished like two wisps of smoke into the depths of the clouds.

Flying and escaping are as easy as lifting a finger for them.

So he patrolled the mountains and forests, and in just one or two days, he had traversed the surrounding mountains.

Compared to how Master Liu spent years in the mountains back then, this is much less stressful.

Every time he returned, Liu Zian would carry a considerable amount of "mountain goods" on his shoulders.

Sometimes it's a few wild boars, sometimes it's one or two black bears.

Occasionally, they would even bring back a few intelligent monsters.

It's obvious at a glance that they are mostly insignificant little demons under the three demons' tutelage.

This was partly to vent the frustration in Jiang Xi's heart;
Secondly, it also serves to weaken the three demons, preventing them from gaining power and causing further harm to the world.

As for the third one...

The group of teenagers from the Gujin Gang were gathered around the big pot, eating with their mouths full of oil and their blood surging.

The couple would then exchange a smile, which was considered a token of their appreciation as the two "elders" for helping the younger members of the gang to improve their health.

However, ever since they were intimidated and driven away by Jiang Ming last time, those three old demons seemed to have vanished into thin air and disappeared without a trace.

No matter how hard Jiang Xi searched and hunted, she could not find any trace of the three main figures.

On this day, the autumn sun shone brightly, neither too hot nor too cold, casting long, slanted shadows on the few green bamboo stalks in the Jiang family's courtyard.

Jiang Yi moved a bamboo chair and sat on the veranda, with a half-worn scripture lying on his lap.

His old eyes would sometimes scan the pages of the book, and sometimes look up at the small figure with a high ponytail in the courtyard.

Great-granddaughter Jiang Han was imitating the adults, sitting cross-legged on a futon, her little mouth opening and closing as she practiced breathing.

It looked incredibly cute, but it was still too young and lacked composure. Before long, it opened its eyes and curiously chased after a butterfly that had landed on it.

Jiang Yi didn't stop her, but just stroked his beard and smiled, letting her do as she pleased.

The path of cultivation emphasizes following the natural course of things, especially for children of this age, it is even more important not to force things.

Just as they were enjoying their leisure time, a figure came running in through the courtyard gate. It was Jiang Qin.

He rushed into the courtyard, his eyes darting around. Seeing Jiang Yi, he quickly asked:

"Grandpa, have you seen my little sister?"

Jiang Yi closed the book, placed it on his lap, looked up at him, and spoke in a calm and unhurried voice:
"What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"

Jiang Qin took a breath before answering:
“My aunt and uncle just came back from patrolling the mountains. They said they rescued a monk in the mountains.”

He gestured, his face still showing a hint of curiosity:

"The monk seemed to have suffered quite a fright, and he couldn't explain anything clearly. My aunt thought that she should have my younger sister go over and take his pulse to see if his spirit had been damaged."

(End of this chapter)