Chapter 57: The Opening Ceremony

The Climbing Spirit Show was open to all officials, meaning anyone from the Department of Agriculture, Heavenly Workshop, Weaving Supervisors, Martial Division, Wen House, and the Temple... as long as they belonged to a government department, they were eligible to participate.

"These past two days have been truly lively. Apart from the Spring Festival, the Autumn Division Mountain Opening is probably the most bustling event of the year," Chen Ziyu remarked as he walked down the street, watching the crowds come and go, unable to suppress a smile.

His shop was located in the bustling Anping District, where the foot traffic was great, and business was naturally thriving, making him quite pleased.

"Qian Winter, are you going to the Autumn Division Mountain Opening?" Chen Ziyu asked the person beside him, Qian Winter. He didn't bother asking Zhao Xing, knowing his brother would definitely go.

"Of course, why wouldn't I?" Qian Winter replied.

"Aren't you afraid of getting beaten up? There are quite a few experts coming this year," Chen Ziyu teased.

"Afraid? Me?" Qian Winter scoffed. "The more experts there are, the more reason for me to go. If there were fewer, I wouldn't even bother!"

"Oh? And why is that?" Chen Ziyu was puzzled.

"I've just entered the second stage of Gathering Essence. If I were to clash with someone at the eighth or ninth stage, they'd have to beg me not to die," Qian Winter boasted, puffing out his chest.

Zhao Xing: "..."

Why are you so arrogant?

Chen Ziyu said, "Winter, the Climbing event has rules against killing, but you can't expect others to see your weakness and not compete with you, right?"

Zhao Xing suddenly chimed in, "If you really encounter a ninth-stage Gathering Essence warrior, they could cut you a hundred times with their superior control, and you'd have to dodge every blow."

Qian Winter: "..."

"Well, I can't just not go. It's only once a year," Qian Winter sighed.

"I don't recommend going. You're only at the second stage of Gathering Essence. If you run into a fierce beast on Spirit Mountain, you might not even know how you died," Zhao Xing advised.

"Got it, big brother."

"This time at Climbing, you need to be extra careful. You're only at the fourth stage of Gathering Essence. If you encounter an expert, just take a detour. If you gain anything, come down the mountain immediately. Don't force it," Xue Wenzhong advised earnestly.

He originally didn't recommend Zhao Xing to go, but Chen Shijie held a contrary opinion, believing Zhao Xing could handle it. Plus, Zhao Xing himself wanted to go, so Xue Wenzhong was persuaded.

"I understand, teacher. I'm going up the mountain just to try my luck. I'll ensure my safety first, and then seek the Spirit Show," Zhao Xing assured.

Sinoong's profession was somewhat weak, not known for combat prowess, so Xue Wenzhong's concern was understandable.

After a few more words, Xue Wenzhong took Zhao Xing to the study and gave him a bamboo box half the height of a person.

"This is a Wenzhu Box, made by myself. It contains a batch of seeds," he explained.

"Inside are the 'Diamond Bamboo' and 'Evergreen Vine' you're familiar with."

"You're skilled in Scarecrow Technique. After the Mountain Opening, don't rush up the mountain to fight for incense. First, make some scarecrows for protection, then wander around the mountain base."

"Inside are also five Divine Travel Talismans, ten Protective Pills, and fifteen Tianyuan Pears..." Old Sinoong listed as he helped Zhao Xing strap on the bamboo box.

"Thank you, teacher," Zhao Xing said, turning around and feeling the weight on his shoulders.

The bamboo box was quite heavy. How much stuff was inside?

Wenzhu, originally called warm bamboo, was used to make bamboo boxes that could keep fruits from rotting and seeds preserved for a long time.

The Climbing Spirit Show was dangerous, so officials were allowed to carry treasures, but they couldn't exceed three stages.

Zhao Xing was considered one of the more promising officials in Valley City. Xue Wenzhong and Chen Shijie didn't want him to miss the opportunity, but they were also worried about his safety, so they packed the bamboo box full.

"Tomorrow, there will be officials from the county coming. Chen Shijie and I won't have time to see you off. Don't overtrain these two days, and make sure to rest well," Xue Wenzhong advised continuously.

"Understood, teacher," Zhao Xing listened quietly until Xue Wenzhong stopped speaking, then took his leave.

On the twenty-first of September, Ji Ming, a sixth-grade official from the Nanyang County Surveillance Department, Fan Dongping, a sixth-grade official from the Department of Agriculture, and several other seventh and eighth-grade officials arrived at the East Gate of Valley City on a Floating Cloud Flying Boat.

Li Wenzheng led a group to greet them three miles outside the city, with ceremonial teams drumming and ringing bells all the way to the city center.

The citizens inside and outside the city soon learned that high-ranking officials had arrived in Valley City.

The lower officials of the Department of Agriculture were not qualified to participate in the reception outside the city.

However, in the afternoon, when Fan Dongping came to inspect the Department of Agriculture, they had the opportunity to witness the majesty of a sixth-grade powerhouse.

"They actually sent a sixth-grade official. Old Chen is really being valued," Zhao Xing observed from the tower of Huailiu Courtyard, watching from afar.

This year wasn't even a major Mountain Opening, so sending a seventh-grade official would have sufficed. It seemed like just a formality.

Since it wasn't for any other reason, it must be because Chen Shijie, the main official, had some influence and was being valued by the higher-ups.

"Advancement, you're from Western Mountain County. Have you gotten used to Nanyang County after three years?" Fan Dongping asked with a smile.

Advancement was Chen Shijie's courtesy name.

Chen Shijie, half a step behind, followed Fan Dongping and replied with a light smile, "Thank you for your concern, Lord Fan. Nanyang County has beautiful mountains and rivers, and abundant resources. Even my tough bones have become a bit crisp."

Fan Dongping raised an eyebrow, "Oh, Chen Advancement, are you implying that our Nanyang County officials are indulging in pleasures and not striving for progress?"

"How dare I? Lord Fan is like a divine warrior in my heart," Chen Shijie replied.

"Hahaha," Fan Dongping laughed heartily.

The accompanying officials, like Gao Linong, Tang Wanchun, and Pang Yuan, were all a bit puzzled. Why was Fan Dongping so casual in his conversation with Chen Shijie? Could it be that Chen Shijie really had some connections? Was Fan Dongping's visit because of him?

On the twenty-second of September, the Autumn Division.

At the foot of East Lake Mountain, Ditan Square.

As the sun rose, temple officials were busy setting up for the Mountain Opening ceremony.

Around Ditan Square, various department banners marked the viewing areas.

Zhao Xing arrived early at Ditan Square, heading to the Department of Agriculture's designated viewing area.

On Ditan Square, there were dozens of long tables, displaying sacrificial offerings, jade ritual vessels, and incense burners with yellow paper.

As the sun reached its peak, officials and clerks took their places, with East Lake soldiers maintaining order due to the large number of tourists and merchants drawn by the excitement.

At noon, the ceremony officially began.

First, the temple officials chanted hymns, offering rituals to the gods (the Yin gods enshrined by the Imperial Court), led by the Earl of East Lake, Cao Xi, and others.

Next, County Magistrate Li Wenzheng took the stage, his voice resonating like gold and jade, praying for favorable weather in Valley City, abundant harvests, and peace and prosperity for its citizens.

This entire process took over an hour.

Yet, the surrounding crowd only grew larger, not smaller.

After all, this was a grand event that happened only once a year.

"Why isn't it over yet? I'm about to fall asleep listening," someone complained.

"Almost done. It'll soon be West Mountain's turn to take the stage," another replied.

"Hush, be careful not to let Chen Shijie hear you."

"Aren't you also calling him by name? What's with the pretense?"

"..."

"Look!"

"Mother, look quickly, the Mountain Opening is about to begin!"

Amidst the anticipation of officials and citizens alike.

Valley City's Department of Agriculture head, Chen Shijie, along with seven other officials, ascended the altar to perform the Mountain Opening Technique.

(End of Chapter)