First Arrival in Kyoto

As dawn broke on the horizon, a subtle fish-belly white light appeared, mingling with the lingering morning mist along the official road, where a steady stream of people flowed. Most were ordinary folk, bustling toward the city to attend the market, each consumed by the busyness of their own lives.

Yang Fan, dressed in a scholar's robe, with a slightly pale complexion, walked along the official road alongside a few farmers who carried bags and baskets. Ahead of them trotted a donkey laden with firewood, its owner a robust man with a thick-set figure and a somewhat simple demeanor. Turning to glance at Yang Fan, he called out in a booming voice, "Young scholar, you look frail, unsteady on your feet. Why not hop onto our donkey cart for a ride?"

Yang Fan understood the man's good intentions and nodded, "I won't be polite, then." 

"Hey, let me help you up!" 

With a hearty chuckle, the sturdy man brought the donkey to a halt and extended his hand. 

"Thank you." 

Yang Fan felt the man's rough hand and, using a bit of leverage, nimbly vaulted onto the cart, settling beside the burly man. "Oh? Didn't expect you to be so agile," the man remarked, surprised, and soon struck up a casual conversation with Yang Fan.

Sitting atop the coarse wood pile, Yang Fan felt the hardness beneath him, cold and unyielding, especially as the cart jostled along the uneven path. The burly man, having worked up a sweat from his morning labors and the exertion of driving the donkey, decided to shed his upper garments.

Thus, an odd juxtaposition formed within the donkey cart: the brawny, bare-chested laborer beside the refined, gentle, and elegant scholar. Onlookers, bewildered by this unlikely pairing, cast strange glances and murmured among themselves, some even pointing in quiet curiosity.

"Hmph! What are you looking at? Be careful, or I'll gouge your eyes out!" 

With a fierce glare, the robust man flexed his muscular arms, causing several nearby farmers to flinch and withdraw their gazes in fear.

Yang Fan stifled a chuckle, basking in the crisp wind as the donkey cart rattled along, surrounded by the clamor of ordinary folk, which oddly offered him a sense of connection.

"May I ask your name, big brother?" Yang Fan inquired.

"They call me Zhang Sanniu; you can just call me Sanniu," the man replied with a hearty grin.

"Sanniu?" Yang Fan murmured, suddenly recalling a fellow from his hometown, Tie Niu, who had recently learned impressive martial skills and was likely to marry soon. "Brother Sanniu, I've just arrived in Kyoto and have a few matters to inquire about."

As they conversed, the landscape gradually unfolded before them, revealing a grand and majestic cityscape. The sun peeked through the clouds, casting a warm, reddish glow over the ancient city, adding a touch of solemnity to its imposing structure.

Before them stood the outer walls of Kyoto, towering several tens of meters high, built from sturdy stone and adorned with the wear of countless years. As they approached the city gate, the road widened, and they found the entrance flanked by eight soldiers clad in iron armor, holding long spears, their gazes sharp and vigilant.

When Sanniu's cart rolled to a stop at the gate, two guards halted them. 

"Two coins," one of the soldiers said curtly.

"What? That's too much... Just the other day, it was only one coin," Sanniu grumbled.

"Hmph! The other day you were just carrying wood alone, but today you have a cart full and an extra passenger. One coin won't do," the older soldier chuckled, clearly recognizing Sanniu.

"Fine." 

Reluctantly, Sanniu fished out two coins, muttering, "I can't even sell this load for ten coins…" 

Yang Fan observed this exchange with a smile but chose not to comment. 

Once inside the city, Yang Fan leisurely resumed his conversation with Sanniu. 

"By the way, do you know where 'Hanyuan Mountain' is located?" he asked, maintaining a casual demeanor.

"Hanyuan Mountain? That's one of the most famous scenic spots in Kyoto! It's said to be quite remarkable, and there's even a temple on it called 'Qingyuan Temple.' Once you're in the city, just ask anyone, and they'll direct you there…" 

"Qingyuan Temple?" 

Yang Fan's expression shifted subtly, sensing something peculiar. **Hanyuan Mountain, the Mountain of Injustice?** 

He found the association unsettling but refrained from probing further. After all, he still had four to five months until the appointed meeting at "Hanyuan Mountain," ample time to gather information. 

"Best to first get a handle on the situation in Kyoto," he thought.

He was well aware that the capital of Yuyang Kingdom housed numerous immortal cultivation factions, with the four prominent immortal families being the most noteworthy. Among them, the Yang family in Kyoto could even be considered a half-adversary to Yang Fan. Thus, this visit was not merely for a clandestine meeting; he had many tasks ahead.

As they traveled a bit further, the streets grew increasingly bustling and lively. Yang Fan bid farewell to Sanniu, gifting him a few pieces of silver before parting.

Sanniu stared at the silver in his hand, momentarily dumbfounded. Biting down on it, a look of sheer delight spread across his face. "Looks like I've run into a benefactor!" 

When he turned back to look, the scholar had already disappeared from sight.

Yang Fan navigated through the thronging streets, unconsciously slipping into a state of omniscience. In that moment, he became just one among countless souls, yet as he moved, he remained untouched, as if detached from the very world around him.

The ordinary folk around him ignored his presence, treating his actions as nothing out of the ordinary.

As he arrived at a particular spot, Yang Fan's keen senses suddenly detected a faint ripple of spiritual energy. Turning his gaze, he saw a crowd gathered around a sign that read: **"Exorcise Evil Spirits."** 

Next to the sign stood a tattered old man holding a stack of talisman papers, shouting, "Exorcise evil spirits! One silver coin per talisman!" 

Beside the old man stood a strikingly handsome youth, holding a talisman brush and skillfully crafting symbols on the table.

Yang Fan's attention was instantly drawn to the youth. 

"Drawing talismans?" 

Intrigued, he approached, having sensed that the spiritual energy he felt earlier originated from the youth's brush.

At that moment, beads of sweat glistened on the youth's forehead, but his eyes shone brightly as he moved the brush fluidly, creating an intricate array with seamless strokes. 

As he finished, the youth lifted his brush with an ethereal grace, releasing only a hint of spiritual energy.

"Impressive craftsmanship!" 

Yang Fan marveled inwardly, stepping closer to watch. 

Although his expertise in talisman crafting was limited compared to his skills in alchemy and medicine, he had grown up in a family of cultivators, granting him experiences that surpassed those of ordinary cultivators. After just a glance, he recognized that the youth displayed extraordinary talent in talisman crafting beyond that of his peers.

Yang Fan's gaze then shifted to the tattered old man, revealing a hint of surprise. To his astonishment, the old man was a practitioner at the peak of Qi Refinement.

How could someone of such skill be reduced to drawing talismans for money on the street? 

As Yang Fan scrutinized the duo, the old man's gaze suddenly fell upon him. A flicker of keen insight sparkled in his eyes, recognizing Yang Fan as a practitioner.

"Exorcise evil spirits! One talisman for one silver coin!" the old man continued to call out, glancing at Yang Fan and feigning ignorance.

"One silver coin? That seems quite steep…" Some bewildered onlookers protested.

"Hmph! This talisman is no ordinary one; it's a celestial talisman made from special materials. Not only does it exorcise evil spirits, but if placed within a room, it can also calm the heart and provide restful sleep…" The old man spoke nonchalantly.

"No kidding! Elder Cheng is renowned in Kyoto as a master exorcist. Just last week, when the Yan Prince's residence was haunted, Elder Cheng was summoned, and the effects were immediate."

"Is that true?" 

"Can there be any doubt? Otherwise, how could the talisman be worth one silver coin each? Everyone who's purchased one has felt its efficacy." 

Most of the ordinary people in attendance displayed reverence and trust towards the old man.

Yang Fan wore an expression of disbelief, internally questioning, "Could this Elder Cheng be like the 'Hu Bansian' from Wuliu Town, deceiving the masses and harming the innocent?" 

However, this Elder Cheng clearly possessed superior skills compared to Hu Bansian, exuding a much calmer aura.

"One silver coin? I'll buy one to try," Yang Fan declared, feeling intrigued as he approached the youth.

"Are… are you also interested, young master?" the youth stammered, momentarily taken aback. Realizing Yang Fan was a practitioner, he promptly corrected himself, "Pardon me, esteemed friend."

Yang Fan chuckled but did not respond. Instead, he handed over a silver coin in exchange for a talisman that the youth had just completed.

Bringing the freshly crafted tal

isman close, Yang Fan inspected it thoroughly. He could feel the lingering spiritual energy emanating from it. 

"Not bad!" 

"Thank you! This is the first time I've crafted one; it's just a simple talisman," the youth replied, his face lighting up with pride. 

At that moment, the old man suddenly erupted in anger, "Hey! What are you doing? Young master here is a distinguished guest, not a common folk like you! You shouldn't be selling your work for one silver coin!" 

Yang Fan, feeling awkward, quickly stated, "I only wish to give it a try." 

"No need to worry! It's not easy to craft a talisman!" Elder Cheng roared, creating an air of intimidation.

"Don't worry about it," Yang Fan reassured. 

"Once I sell a few more talismans, we can craft more; we can't waste our time on a single customer!" 

Amidst their chatter, Yang Fan carefully tucked the talisman away. 

Elder Cheng seemed to sense Yang Fan's adeptness and, after a moment, hesitated before adding, "Young master, you wouldn't mind revealing your name, would you?" 

"Yang Fan," he replied casually. 

"You're the Yang Fan who..." 

Before Elder Cheng could complete his question, Yang Fan cut him off, "Let's not delve into that." 

"Ah! I see, I see. My apologies!" 

Elder Cheng smiled, clearly indicating he wished to establish a closer connection.

Yang Fan glanced at the crowd surrounding them, many still watching eagerly, unaware of the nuances of their conversation. 

The youth observed Yang Fan for a while, then hesitantly inquired, "Is it possible you're in need of someone to accompany you? I'm Chen Qiang, and I'm quite familiar with the city." 

Yang Fan contemplated for a moment, then nodded, "Fine." 

As the trio began walking, Elder Cheng stealthily pulled Chen Qiang aside, whispering, "Take care of this esteemed young master; he's certainly a valuable client!" 

Yang Fan chuckled, but both Chen Qiang and Elder Cheng took him quite seriously, neither of them realizing he was merely a passing scholar, merely taking a detour through Kyoto on his way to Hanyuan Mountain.

Little did Yang Fan know, this encounter would soon embroil him in a cascade of events beyond his control.