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

Chapter 190 Jiang Qin's Engagement, Mysterious Family Background

The mountain range of Snake Coil Mountain is not particularly majestic, but it is still quite winding and entangled.

The old tree's gnarled branches resemble dragons, and the vines hang down like curtains.

The mountain path wasn't carved out by anyone; it was simply left by countless footsteps amidst the rocks and vegetation, creating a winding trail.

Sunlight filters through layers of branches and leaves, casting dappled patterns of light with a touch of dark green, making the entire mountain appear heavy and oppressive.

Jiang Yi walked unhurriedly, stepping on the thick layer of decaying leaves. The rustling sound seemed to be someone whispering.

From the moment we entered the mountains, the sound of the water in Eagle's Sorrow Stream could be heard from afar, first as faint as a wisp of smoke, then as loud as thunder.

Occasionally, the mountain wind would blow closer, and my chest would tremble slightly with the roar.

Since his grandson had gotten into that mess, as the grandfather, he had to go there in person.

Reason should be sought, and human feelings should be considered, but one's own child should never be wronged for no reason.

Logically, the local deity should have sensed his presence the moment he stepped into Snake Coil Mountain.

Old Gui was always like that; even before he arrived, his smiling face would be already a mile away.

But today, things are strange.

The atmosphere in the mountains and fields was unusually still, like a stagnant pool.

There was no sign of anyone, not even a trace of divine consciousness.

Since the other party wasn't in a hurry, Jiang Yi remained calm.

He simply walked past the shrine hidden among the trees without even lifting his eyelids.

The ancestral hall was tightly closed, not a trace of incense smoke could be seen, making it look like a dilapidated temple in a desolate mountain.

He didn't stop, continuing towards the place where the sound of water grew increasingly deafening.

This matter involves three parties.

The Gui family is the aggrieved party, Qin'er is the one involved, but the instigator is still squatting in the ravine.

If we don't get to the bottom of things first, everything else will be a mess.

Before Eagle's Sorrow Stream, the misty air hits your face, and a deep chill permeates your senses.

The cliffs on both sides are sheer and steep, and the stream rushes and churns below, crashing against the rocks and creating foam with a thunderous roar.

Jiang Yi stood on a smooth, mirror-like blue stone by the stream, his clothes fluttering in the wind, but his expression remained calm and serene.

Before he could even unleash his divine sense, whirlpools began to form on the water beneath his feet, spinning faster and faster.

In an instant, a loud "splash" was heard, and a huge, snow-white object burst out of the water, splashing water several feet high.

Its dragon horns were jagged, its golden beard fluttered, and its eyes opened and closed like lightning.

The enormous dragon head hovered in mid-air, yet it curved into a smile that was neither quite a smile nor a frown, which diminished its imposing presence and gave it more of the air of a carefree wanderer.

"Why did the old master come in person?"

Ao Lie's voice was mixed with the sound of water, yet it remained clear.

"It was just a small matter, done on a whim, nothing to mention. Let the younger generation express their gratitude, and we'll host a wedding banquet later, and that will be enough."

Hearing his matter-of-fact, even slightly boastful tone, Jiang Yi couldn't help but furrow his brow.

He didn't beat around the bush, but asked in a deep voice:

"What exactly is the Third Prince's intention this time?"

Ao Lie seemed completely unfazed, tilting his dragon head to the side, causing water droplets to scatter like broken jade.

He spoke lazily, yet his words carried a hint of self-righteousness:

"What else could it mean? They're a perfect match, both handsome and beautiful. One is in love, and the other is interested, but they're just dragging their feet and can't seem to break through that barrier."

Those golden dragon eyes glanced sideways at Jiang Yi, as if they were complaining that his grandson was not up to par.

"As the third brother, I was worried and naturally had to give him a push."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi felt a slight pang in his heart.

He had heard from his son that Qin'er and the Gui family girl had been together for over a year and were indeed very close.

The way the girl looked at Qin'er didn't seem fake at all.

But... even if it's true that both parties are in love, such behavior is still rather undignified.

Moreover, the origins of the Gui family were like a stone weighing on his mind.

However, there was always a faint, sinister undertone about the other person that made him uneasy.

Ao Lie was no ordinary person; with just a glance, he could see through the unpredictable mood on his face.

With its head held high, the dragon revealed an expression that could only be described as a "sneer".

"Heaven, earth, man, gods, and ghosts—once you embark on that path, it's the right path. Why distinguish between good and bad?"

His voice carried a hint of nonchalance:
"It's a blessing that Qin could get involved with their family; it's something most people could only dream of in several lifetimes."

"He's my own adopted brother, after all. How could I, his third brother, possibly harm him?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi's heart stirred.

The slight resentment in his eyes dissipated, replaced by a hint of doubt:

"Does the Third Prince's words mean he already knows the background of the Gui family?"

In recent days, Jiang Liang has been making inquiries openly and secretly, but he has never heard of this person, let alone the City God and the Earth God.

Upon hearing this, Ao Lie slowly shook his enormous dragon head, a deep, unfathomable glint flashing in the depths of his golden eyes.

"I vaguely know a little bit, but... I can't say, I can't say."

He paused, then changed the subject, his tone becoming serious:
"Grandpa only needs to know that his family is indeed a true family of immortals, and their path is very righteous. If this marriage can be arranged, it will definitely be a great thing for young Qin."

Jiang Yi remained silent, but he was already seven or eight parts convinced.

Given Ao Lie's status, he would never deceive me with such a thing.

It seems that he lived next to Old Gui and, over the years, had learned some things that others didn't.

Seeing that he couldn't get any more information from her, he stopped pressing the matter and simply said:
"I'll discuss this matter after I've met with Elder Gui."

Seeing that he had relented, Ao Lie immediately reverted to his lazy demeanor and said with a smile:

"Don't forget to prepare the wedding feast."

After saying this, the dragon shook its head and sank to the bottom of the ravine, leaving only a few ripples on the surface of the water before being swallowed up by the rushing water.

Returning from the stream, Jiang Yi shook his sleeves and carefully straightened his worn blue cloth shirt before steadily walking up the stone steps toward the village shrine.

Without soaring through the clouds or riding the wind, relying solely on their own two feet, it seemed as if they were deliberately trying to appear at ease.

The ancestral hall door was ajar, with a faint light wafting out from inside, mixed with the aroma of rice porridge.

Pushing open the door, one sees Old Gui holding a rough porcelain bowl, patiently feeding his granddaughter, who is reclining on the couch, spoonful by spoonful.

Upon seeing the newcomer, he showed no surprise. He simply handed the bowl to the girl, turned around to greet her, and remained calm, as if he were merely welcoming an old neighbor to sit and relax.

"Brother Jiang is here."

Jiang Yi, however, dared not accept such composure, and quickly bowed deeply, his voice steady:
"It is my fault for not disciplining your daughter properly, which has caused her distress. I have come here to apologize."

Old Gui waved his hand and sighed, "This matter... alas, it can't be blamed on Qin Ge'er."

As he spoke, he glanced casually in the direction of Eagle's Sorrow Gorge.

Before the words were finished, the meaning was already clear.

Upon hearing this, the girl on the couch also struggled to get up and bow.

Jiang Yi raised his hand to support him, saying, "Just rest well."

Taking this opportunity, he glanced at the girl's face.

She was indeed weak, her face was slightly pale, but her eyebrows and eyes were clear and beautiful, and her demeanor was charming, unlike someone from a humble family.

He didn't want to use his spiritual senses, so he only glanced at it briefly. He didn't see any evil or unclean aura, but felt that his soul was pure. It was just that he had been disturbed too much.

"Good looks, good character."

Jiang Yi sincerely praised him.

Upon hearing this, Lao Gui could no longer maintain his composure, let out a long sigh, and his expression darkened.

"Fine... but what's the use? This is a terrible misfortune, but my daughter's reputation... will ultimately be ruined..."

As he finished speaking, he kept glancing at Jiang Yi's expression out of the corner of his eye. Jiang Yi, of course, understood perfectly.

He simply smiled, showing no sign of panic, and continued:
"Brother, don't worry. I've come here for this very reason. We need to find a way to save face for both of us."

After speaking, Lao Gui remained silent, his eyes fixed on him.

After returning from Yingchoujian, Jiang Yi had already made up his mind about seven or eight points after hearing Ao Lie's words.

He didn't beat around the bush, and with a smile, said softly:

"I just wonder, has Brother Gui's family ever agreed to marriage between ordinary people?"

These words, while seemingly a statement, also hinted at a probing question.

Upon hearing who Old Gui was, everyone knew immediately. The worry on his face vanished instantly, and he stopped pretending. Instead, he stroked his beard, chuckled, and said simply:
"Although my lineage follows the path of the Ghost Immortals, my granddaughter has half human blood, so there is no problem with her."

Having said that, we've already gotten straight to the point.

Jiang Yi didn't beat around the bush, taking a step forward and speaking calmly:

"There's no point in saying more now. I've noticed that the two young people seem to have a lot in common. If the young lady doesn't mind and you agree, I'll find a suitable matchmaker and arrange the marriage."

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Lao Gui became even more carefree, waving his hand and laughing heartily:

"We are both practitioners, living on wind and dew in the morning and sleeping under clouds at night. Why should we be bound by worldly etiquette? It would only invite ridicule."

After saying that, he glanced back at his granddaughter, his eyes filled with both inquiry and doting affection.

The young lady Gui's eyes met Jiang Yi's, and her face immediately flushed red. She lowered her head in embarrassment and whispered as softly as a mosquito's buzz, "I leave it to my grandfather to decide."

After saying that, she leaned against the wall and went into the inner room by herself, leaving only her slender back view.

Seeing this, Lao Gui laughed loudly, picked up an old copper kettle from the table, and filled Jiang Yi's rough pottery bowl with warm tea.

"Brother Jiang."

He pushed the bowl forward, a hint of chivalrous spirit appearing between his brows:

"Let's drink this cup together, brother, and this marriage is settled. What do you say?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi felt relieved.

Finding a proper matchmaker in this desolate mountain range of Xiniuhezhou is truly difficult.

He didn't say much at this moment, but just smiled and nodded, picked up the ceramic bowl, and gently tapped it against him, making a muffled sound.

The two looked up and took a sip of warm tea.

A marriage was settled silently.

With the marriage arranged, the atmosphere in the courtyard immediately eased a bit.

Jiang Yi's gaze inadvertently swept over the corner, where an unfinished saddle lay, with reins and a lining hanging beside it.

A slight thought crossed my mind. Holding the teacup in my hand, I spoke as if in casual conversation:
"Brother Gui, you are now enjoying peace and tranquility. Your journey must have been difficult. I wonder where you are from? If we become in-laws in the future, we can visit each other often."

Although his words were gentle, they still carried a hint of unfinished exploration.

Upon hearing this, Lao Gui simply chuckled, continuing to pour tea, but offered no reply.

Instead, he looked up and slowly asked:
"I heard from Qin that Brother Jiang was originally just a farmer in the mountains. How did he suddenly get such a divine connection and even become related to the Dragon Palace of the West Sea by marriage? I am quite curious about this matter."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Yi paused slightly in his teacup.

Looking up, I met Lao Gui's eyes, which seemed cloudy but held a sharp glint in them.

Their eyes met, and they remained silent for a moment.

Immediately, the corners of their lips curled up at the same time, their smiles becoming more and more hearty, until they burst into laughter.

After they laughed, neither of them asked any further questions.

Adding another cup of tea made the atmosphere even more intimate than before.

When the conversation turned to the details of the wedding, the pretentious probing disappeared, and the conversation became much more straightforward.

Since the two families had formed a bond by the Eagle's Sorrow Stream and arranged this marriage, they naturally had some thoughts of not wanting to make it public.

So they decided to keep the wedding simple, without inviting guests or making a fuss.

Once Miss Gui has fully recovered from her injuries, we will choose an auspicious day to have Heaven and Earth bear witness, and that will be considered to have fulfilled our proper etiquette.

After a moment of contemplation, Jiang Yi slowly took off the dark, bronze thumb ring he had worn for many years and pushed it over.

"It's not exactly a valuable item."

He spoke casually, as if he had just picked up something: "Just a small token for my granddaughter-in-law."

Upon hearing this, Lao Gui paused slightly on his face, then smiled and reached out to take it.

"Brother Jiang, you are too polite."

His thin, bony fingers naturally nestled the thumb ring in his palm, rubbing it a couple of times; the touch was warm and smooth, without any sign of anything amiss.

After a moment, he slowly added:
"But her soul is not yet stable, so this item... is probably not suitable for her right now. I will keep it for her for now."

Jiang Yi's gaze, which had been fixed on the ring, was then casually withdrawn.

Meanwhile, Old Gui seemed completely oblivious, calmly slipping the ring into his sleeve as if it were just an ordinary gift from an elder.

With the general direction set, the tea was served for two more rounds, making the atmosphere in the courtyard even warmer.

Old Gui, holding his teacup, seemed about to speak several times, but in the end, he rubbed his hands together, his expression somewhat hesitant.

"Brother Jiang... I have another favor to ask of you."

Seeing this, Jiang Yi smiled instead, gently put down the teacup, and said:
"From now on, we'll be family. Feel free to speak your mind."

Having heard this, Old Gui seemed to have made up his mind. His expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice:
"Now that Eagle Sorrow Gorge is relatively peaceful, I'm thinking of... getting a water god's position for my granddaughter."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yizheng's teacup stopped in mid-air, and he paused for a moment, his expression blank.

It wasn't that he was unwilling, but rather that such offerings and prayers were never something that could be bought or sold, and that anyone could simply obtain if they wanted them.

If a mortal is to be deified, he must have truly performed meritorious deeds that benefit the world, so that the people of the region will be grateful from the bottom of their hearts. Over the years, shrines will be built in his honor, incense will be burned, and every bit of his goodwill will be gathered together to form a divine position.

Even his own grandchildren, Jiang Qin and Jiang Jin, had to save countless people from the dead during the great disaster before they were able to have this opportunity.

Even so, it still relies on temples and year-round incense offerings to barely maintain its footing.

This Eagle's Sorrow Gorge is nothing but a desolate mountain and wild water, with no permanent inhabitants around.

Let alone worshippers, they can't even gather enough people to burn paper money, so how can they build a shrine to worship them?
Therefore, although Jiang Qin had been stationed here for a long time, he only dared to call himself a temple keeper, slowly accumulating good karma with the help of the meager incense offerings, waiting for the right opportunity.

Jiang Yi knew in his heart that even if he wanted to agree to this matter, he didn't know where to start.

Old Gui noticed the hesitation in his eyes, but instead smiled, his expression calm, yet his words were firm:

"Brother Jiang, there's no need to worry."

He paused, then slowly said:

“It might not work for others, but my granddaughter is an exception.”

"Her body is indeed ordinary."

"But her soul is that of a ghost immortal."

At this point, Old Gui picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then slowly uttered the last sentence:
"She could not bear the incense offerings that others could not."

Since the Gui family girl is about to become my granddaughter-in-law, if I can really get this opportunity, I can stay with Qin'er in the mountains and rivers forever and no longer suffer the pain of separation and death.

Both logically and emotionally, Jiang Yi was naturally pleased to see this.

However, holding the teacup in my hand and looking at the smiling old face opposite me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, as if I had been completely figured out.

Old Gui was a man of great experience and wisdom; he saw through the silence on the man's face at a glance.

He then laughed, dispelling the awkward atmosphere, and said:

"In this matter, my Gui family has benefited. How about this: after the two of them get married, all the wedding gifts they receive, no matter how much or how little, will belong to Brother Jiang's household. What do you say?"

What Jiang Yi cared about was not these personal gains and losses, but the feeling of being led by the nose.

Seeing that the other party had offered a way out and seemed quite sincere, he didn't want to delve too deeply into it.

So he simply waved his hand and laughed:
"What are you saying? We'll be family from now on, so why bother with these formalities?"

Even so, the lingering doubts in my heart had not completely dissipated.

According to Prince Ao, the Gui family has a distinguished background.

But judging from the current situation, the fact that even his granddaughter had to go to such lengths to secure a position as the Water God of the Desolate Ridge doesn't seem like she has any powerful family background behind her.

(End of this chapter)