As they chatted, their interest grew, and before they knew it, time had passed quietly.
Until a loud rooster crowed in the distance,
Zhou Kao was suddenly taken aback and exclaimed in surprise: "Ah, it's dawn!"
He had actually been chatting with the "Snail Girl"—Yuniang—from yesterday afternoon until now...
Changing the subject, Zhou Kao asked about the matter of whether to stay or go: "What are Yu Niang's plans for the future? Do you want to stay in Beiguo County, or return to your sister Bingyi?"
"I was originally on this trip as part of a ceremonial procession, intending to deliver gifts to the East China Sea. However, we encountered a daring monster that attacked the group. I don't know if the gifts were stolen. Fortunately, I still have some left..."
Yu Niang's mood instantly dropped, and she sighed slightly.
"I want to make amends for my mistake and go to the East China Sea to pay a visit and tell Sister Dragon Girl the truth so that she can have an explanation."
"Although Beiguo County isn't too far from the East China Sea, it's still three or four hundred miles away. Since you can run fast in the water, once I get you out of Beiguo County, you can jump into the river and escape much more easily."
Zhou Kao suggested.
“…” Yu Niang remained silent, looking at the ground quietly.
Seeing that she didn't respond, Zhou Kao couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"
A faint blush appeared on Yu Niang's cheeks, like the rising clouds in the sky, showing her shyness.
Her voice also unconsciously became soft and sticky: "My power is weak, even if I enter the river, it will be difficult for me to display my skills.
If I were to travel in my true form, I'm afraid several years would have already passed before I even reached the East China Sea. It would be faster to travel in human form..."
"Then let's travel in human form." Zhou Kao said casually.
Yu Niang bit her lower lip lightly, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes: "If I were in human form, I would be just a weak woman. If I were to meet a strong man, I would have no power to protect myself."
"You are a demon, how dare you be afraid of mortals?" Zhou Kao raised his eyebrows, with a hint of doubt in his tone.
Yu Niang looked serious and said solemnly, "Among mortals, there are many talented people who can slay demons and eliminate evil. How dare I look down on the heroes of the world?"
Then Yu Niang nodded at Zhou Kao and said, "My dear, as a human, you don't know that humans are blessed with unique advantages. Ordinary spirits and monsters can sometimes not catch up with humans who have only practiced for a hundred years and have only awakened for decades. This aspect of awakening wisdom has blocked many obstacles..."
"My provincial examination is coming soon..." Zhou Kao frowned tightly and began to weigh the pros and cons in his mind.
To be honest, he was eager to pass the imperial examination. As long as he could pass it, his social status in the Dayu Dynasty would instantly rise, and he would become a member of the ruling class, and many things would go smoothly in the future.
In his view, passing the civil service exam is crucial, and being an official is even more meaningful.
However, Zhou Kao's conscience was aching at this moment.
Whether before or after the time travel, he is a person who loves to help others without judging them.
Helping the weak, punishing evil and promoting good have long been deeply engraved in his heart and become the principles of his actions.
After a brief silence, Zhou Kao slammed the table with such force that the jade snail on the table swayed back and forth. "Well, let's be good people to the end and send the Buddha to the west. I will send Yu Niang to the East China Sea. It's about three or four hundred miles away. I can take a boat back and forth in a few days."
"Your Excellency cannot do this! The provincial examination is approaching, and fame and honor should be prioritized! You must not lose the big picture for the sake of small things."
Although Yu Niang tried her best to dissuade him, she was secretly delighted in her heart.
This was exactly her strategy of "retreating to advance". She would spend every day with her benefactor on the road, cultivate feelings, and slowly walk into his heart, while at the same time not delaying her husband's imperial examination.
So, when the time is right...
"If I can run fast, I can catch up with the provincial examination. Maybe I can even get some of your spiritual energy and pass it on my first try, haha."
Zhou Kao looked relaxed. After making the decision, he began to pack up and prepare to leave immediately.
It worked! Yu Niang was so happy that she almost laughed out loud. Fortunately, she covered her face with her sleeves in time and managed to maintain the image of a gentle girl.
While Zhou Kao was not paying attention, she quickly extended her tongue and gently licked the crystal fingertips.
In addition to the slightly salty smell of sweat, there was also a lingering "literary aura" that only female fairies could keenly perceive.
In the end, I came out on top.
Yu Niang was secretly proud of herself, and her thoughts drifted away.
Speaking of which, my sister was the first one who was truly released by the young master after he personally applied ointment and bandaged his wounds.
They even met before the young master paid homage to the Queen Mother of the West. I don't know what happened to the young master later, but he started releasing goblins in large numbers...
Unfortunately, this good sister, Longnu, is always worried about gains and losses. She is afraid of revealing her dragon body and displeasing her lover, so she procrastinates and drags her feet, and misses a great opportunity in vain.
Yu Niang is a clever little girl who knows how to learn from experience!
I am also a dragon seed, a trace of disdain flashed through Yu Niang's mind.
However... Although my sister had taught me a lesson before, after I appointed her to call her sister, although it was true in terms of blood relationship, the meaning was different. Sister Dragon Girl really took good care of me.
But—— no matter how good he is, it’s not a reason to give up a man!
The dispute over persimmons (officials) is coming soon!!
Although Langjun has been practicing martial arts for many years and is strong and powerful, he is also a human being. No matter how powerful he is, he is still a human being and his energy is limited.
I am also a hungry wolf in the boudoir, starving and thirsting for hotness for many years! !
Don't worry, sister! I will definitely help you take good care of your husband!
At worst... I'll give you fifty in a year. No! Thirty... No, let's just have three days!
Yu Niang was calculating in her heart, with a bit of cunning in her eyes, "Within a year! I'll get the young master drunk and let you play with him for three days!"
I will also use the circular light technique to send to you, my sister, the scenes of me and the young master making love.
Sister, you really made a fortune...
Otherwise, with your personality, you will probably never be able to get close to the young master in this life - I am such a good sister!
Thinking this, the mermaid was deeply moved by her own generosity.
Seeing Zhou Kao's decisive and resolute actions, leaving as soon as he said he would, Yu Niang felt an indescribable feeling of being moved. She secretly sighed in her heart: Everyone says that ordinary people pursue fame and fortune, but people like this benefactor who value friendship and loyalty are the foundation for the prosperity of the human race...
Zhou Kao acted quickly. He rummaged through the boxes and drawers, carefully found some silver and copper coins, then hung the tiger-patterned sword firmly around his waist and neatly wrapped his hair with a square scarf.
Afterwards, he carried a box on his back. In the box were not only a few sets of clothes for changing, but also a water jar specially prepared - that was a shelter prepared for Yu Niang. After she hid in the snail shell, she could temporarily soak in the water jar to keep her body moist.
As soon as I went out, many neighbors greeted me warmly.
"Where is Mr. Zhou going?" an old lady asked with a smile, leaning on a cane.
"Brother Kao, why do you look like you are going on a long journey?" The uncle next door stopped and looked at him curiously, carrying a hoe.
"Young master, are you going on a long journey?" The woman selling tofu raised her head from the bamboo basket and couldn't help asking.
Hiding in the cage, Yu Niang heard all these conversations clearly, her heart filled with joy, and she thought to herself: "My dear husband, he is indeed extraordinary. If not, how could he have such a good relationship with others? Neighbors treat each other sincerely."
When the neighbors heard about it, they sent their blessings, and the words "Have a safe trip" and "Take care" were heard one after another.
This heartwarming scene made Yu Niang's admiration for Zhou Kao even stronger. She sighed softly in her heart: I often hear people say that it's hard to find a good man in the world, but I guess it's just hearsay...
Chapter 20 Crazy Teenager
Zhou Kao held the ebony oar and slowly rowed the boat into the inland river.
The spring sunshine shines obliquely on the water, creating ripples and reflecting the white-walled and black-tiled houses on both sides of the river.
He thought to himself that he had a small boat, so he planned to row the river eastward, and then take a big ship when he reached the neighboring Taohua County. This way, he would be able to get there much faster.
Thinking of the goblins that had been confirmed before - that useless mandrill was naturally not included,
He couldn't help but feel that this bizarre world was indeed full of unknowns and challenges, and was really worth exploring.
How come I haven't come across it before, despite searching everywhere? Or maybe I've already come across it, but I just didn't notice it?
The most important point is that after a long talk with Yu Niang all night, Zhou Kao had a clear idea in his mind: monsters can kill people, and people can also kill monsters. In the final analysis, it is just a contest of strength and magic power.
Since monsters are living creatures, there are traces to follow.
As long as it's alive, there's always a way to kill it. Dead? Once dead, you can die again.
Strength is relative. It doesn't make sense that monsters can hurt people, but people can't do anything to monsters.
While rowing the boat all the way, although Zhou Kao's rowing movements were skillful and neat, his sense of direction was really average.
Fortunately, the inland rivers are crisscrossed and connected in all directions. As long as you face the east, you can reach Taohua County in half a day at most.
Small boats shuttle through the bustling water market, and the boatmen's hawking cries are heard everywhere at the private piers.
The houses here are quite unique. The doors do not face the main road, but directly face the river, giving it a unique water town style.
Zhou Kao walked along the winding river, leaving a long trail of ripples behind him. Looking at this scene, his mood became more and more relaxed.
Just then, a call came from a restaurant in Linhe. "Sir, are you passing by and going to Beiguo County?"
Following the sound, he saw a middle-aged cook wearing a blue and white floral headscarf. She was wiping water stains on her apron with her hands. She had a slightly forced smile on her face and was waving at him.
"It's getting late. Why don't you have dinner here and then find a guesthouse to stay in? The deep pools outside Taohua County have been haunted by monsters these days, so sailing in the evening is very dangerous. Please be careful."
It is said that you have to shout to do business. If you don’t shout, how can you attract customers?
Zhou Kao stopped paddling and looked alert: "Are there monsters here too?"
"A notice has been issued in the capital, and the Imperial Master's disciples have come to investigate. They say the feng shui of several places in the area has changed, and demons have taken advantage of this opportunity to stir up trouble."
The cook lowered her voice, looking a little worried.
The so-called stirring up trouble is exactly what it means.
It is said that a monster appeared from nowhere and wreaked havoc in the waters. Shallows turned into deep pools overnight, and huge whirlpools suddenly appeared on the tranquil lake surface.
Many fishermen suffered as a result, and even large shipping and trading companies suffered heavy losses.
Now the government is following the instructions of the national master's disciples and making every effort to find the monster and implement methods to eliminate it.
After hearing what the woman dressed as a cook said, Zhou Kao thought about it for a moment and then readily agreed.
It’s time to eat. Zhou Kao has been practicing martial arts for many years, so he has a big appetite.
People are iron rice and steel, and if they don't eat a meal, they will be very hungry.
It's also a good opportunity to find out more about this monster.
It just so happens that my hands are itching.
This is called, isn’t it a pleasure to have friends coming from afar?
What? If you don't come, I will come.
"If you don't listen to good advice, you will suffer the consequences. Since the road ahead is blocked, my lady, thank you very much. I will have a meal at your house."
The cook's face suddenly showed a look of joy: "Sir, please come ashore quickly. The wontons in my shop are known as the Thousand Miles Fragrant. Merchants traveling between Taohua County and Beiguo County are well-known. Even the county elder has tasted them..."
"Okay, a bowl of wontons!"
Zhou Kao docked the boat steadily at the pier used exclusively by the shopkeepers, walked up the stone steps of the water station to the shore, and put the boxes aside.
Walking into the restaurant, he looked around. Although the store was not big, it was spotlessly clean, with tables and chairs neatly arranged.
This is a typical store in front and yard in the back layout, but what makes it different is that the store door is also open towards the river, and gusts of river breeze carrying water vapor blow in gently.
"Madam, do you have any guest rooms?"
Zhou Kao stepped into the store, glanced at the slightly old tables and chairs, and asked the lady who was busy behind the counter.
The old lady looked embarrassed, shook her head slightly, and said apologetically: "Sir, the rooms in our inn are cramped and small, I'm afraid they may not suit your taste.
There's an official guesthouse nearby. Turn right when you get out of here, and you'll see a large camphor tree. That's in the courtyard of the official guesthouse, and the conditions are much better."
Zhou Kao waved his hand, his expression calm: "It's okay, I'm not afraid, I just want a place to rest and stay overnight."
Upon hearing this, the old lady was immediately delighted and thanked him repeatedly: "Thank you very much, sir, for taking care of our business..."
Recently, the water trade routes have been blocked, and no one knows when the monster can be defeated. The number of commercial travelers has dropped sharply, business has become increasingly difficult, and life has become tight.
Now this business, although small, is also precious. Moreover, she is still thinking about her only wish in her heart, and she has to save more money for it.
Zhou Kao found an empty seat and sat down, waiting for the cook to serve the wontons.
There were few diners in the restaurant and the atmosphere was a bit deserted.
Suddenly, there was a sound of hurried footsteps in the corner.
"I have a mirror here, please, can you let me look at myself?"
A young man with a crazy look rushed over. He was thin, his face was haggard, his eyes were bloodshot, and his hair was messy like dead grass.
In his hand was a simple bronze mirror, the edge of which was carved with intricate patterns. Due to the erosion of time, it had become a little blurred and exuded an old atmosphere.
Zhou Kao was shocked. After he became attached to Yu Niang, he had a connection with her.
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