The three of them, carrying the dried provisions and water given by the village chief, each with a wood chopping knife on their backs, entered the mountains.
The wood chopping knives were for self-defense and for clearing a path.
The weather in the mountains was unpredictable, especially in Jianzhou Province in December, which was already in its rainy season, with overcast skies and the constant possibility of rain.
The three of them were entering the mountains carrying the hopes of the villagers.
Upon setting off, Yan Shouyi released the sparrow, which housed the soul of the sorcerer, to lead the way, and simultaneously released the wooden bird Sanyuan to supervise the sparrow.
Sanyuan's appearance was unlike any bird in the world. Though small, its build was not delicate at all, resembling a miniature eagle.
Sanyuan's body was crafted by Yan Shouyi's grandfather, who imbued it with the most formidable organs of all birds. It could be said that for its size, Sanyuan was an invincible being.
Even if its size was inferior to its opponent, Sanyuan could still borrow Yan Shouyi's power to perform the Wood Puppet Heaven technique, enlarge its body, and continue to crush the opponent.
Because of Sanyuan's advantage, the sorcerer, disguised as a sparrow, was often bullied.
As it flew along, Sanyuan would suddenly dart over and peck at it.
Flying too fast meant being pecked, flying too slow meant being pecked, and flying at a moderate pace also meant being pecked!
Essentially, it was being deliberately tormented!
However, the sorcerer was now under someone else's roof and had no choice but to comply, swallowing his pride and silently leading Yan Shouyi and the others.
After crossing a stream and fields, they followed a winding dirt path into the mountains. Just as they entered, they saw an orange grove.
The oranges were now ripe, their golden fruits bending the branches, looking incredibly sweet.
Long Feicheng couldn't help but lick his lips and asked, "Brother Yan, are these oranges ripe? Can we eat them?"
Yan Shouyi replied, "They are ripe. If you want to eat them, pick them yourself. Take a few, don't take too many. The owner of the orange grove won't be angry."
"These oranges cost two or three yuan each in Rongcheng!" Long Feicheng said a bit sheepishly.
Yan Shouyi smiled, "Things that are common in the countryside are rare in the city, and things that are rare in the city are common in the countryside. Eat as much as you like. The oranges you eat in a day are less than what the birds in this grove steal."
"Then I'm relieved!"
Long Feicheng breathed a sigh of relief, ran into the grove, picked four or five oranges, wiped them with his clothes, and then shared a few with Yan Shouyi and Lin Zihong.
After peeling the thin orange skin, the flesh inside was tender and juicy. Each bite filled their mouths with orange juice, leaving a lingering sweetness.
As the three of them ate oranges, they started chatting. Lin Zihong said,
"You big fool, why did that child riding the ox chase you away?"
"I don't know," Yan Shouyi shook his head.
Speaking of this matter, Yan Shouyi also found it strange.
Putting aside the reason why the child riding the ox chased him away, it was already puzzling enough that he was the only one who could see the child riding the ox on the bus yesterday.
Could there be a connection between him and this child?
Long Feicheng suddenly thought of something, his mouth opening wide in surprise. Then, he seemed to come to his senses and quickly closed his mouth.
Seeing his expression, Yan Shouyi and Lin Zihong felt annoyed. This guy had definitely thought of something strange but was keeping it to himself.
So Yan Shouyi asked, "Little Long, have you thought of any clues?"
Long Feicheng shook his head.
"If you've thought of something, say it. At this time, why are you still being secretive!" Lin Zihong urged.
"Then... then I'll say it, but you have to promise, if I say it, you absolutely cannot blame me!" Long Feicheng's tone was filled with unease.
"Just say it!" The two of them glared at him.
Long Feicheng whispered, "Brother Yan, do you think that child might be a vengeful spirit? And only you can see him. Either it's a mistake your father made when he was young, or a mistake you made before going to Rongcheng... Think carefully, before leaving the village, did you really do anything that wronged your sister-in-law?"
Upon hearing this, Yan Shouyi's eyes widened, and he burst into laughter out of anger.
Lin Zihong also looked utterly exasperated.
"I didn't want to say it just now, but you insisted. After I said it, I was afraid I'd ruin your relationship!" Long Feicheng said dejectedly.
Yan Shouyi raised his hand, "I swear to heaven, that child riding the ox has absolutely nothing to do with me. I've been honest in Chenjia Village. In my life, I've never slept with another girl!"
*Boom!*
As soon as Yan Shouyi finished speaking, a bolt of lightning descended from the sky.
It struck a peach tree right next to Yan Shouyi!
The perfectly fine peach tree was instantly blackened by the lightning and was emitting smoke.
Even Yan Shouyi jumped up in fright, almost falling into the ditch beside him.
Long Feicheng exclaimed, "Brother Yan, don't just make random oaths. This time, heaven struck the wrong target. You won't be so lucky next time!"
Yan Shouyi, still feeling the shock, felt a sense of dread, "N-no way it's that weird, right? Can't even make an oath?"
He suddenly remembered that besides Lin Zihong, he had indeed slept with another girl.
That girl was Liu Yiren.
Thinking of this, it seemed that heaven striking him was not a coincidence!
Turning back, he met Lin Zihong's suspicious gaze.
Yan Shouyi couldn't help but shudder.
Heaven knew his conscience, that night it wasn't him who slept with Liu Yiren, but Liu Yiren who slept with him!
Long Feicheng narrowed his eyes and asked, "Brother Yan, could it be that you..."
"Nonsense!"
Yan Shouyi said angrily, "We must believe in science and not resort to superstitious practices!"
Then, he turned and put his arm around Lin Zihong's waist, comforting her, "That was just a coincidence. Let's focus on our task and get going."
Unexpectedly, Lin Zihong stood still, scrutinizing Yan Shouyi from head to toe, "Are you sure?"
Yan Shouyi swallowed his saliva, "What do you want?"
"Ordinary people swearing oaths won't have any issues, but we are cultivators, and it's taboo to swear carelessly. How do I feel that the lightning just now wasn't a coincidence, but clearly aimed at you?" Lin Zihong suspected.
Lin Zihong was too intelligent to be easily fooled. She could see through Yan Shouyi's guilt at a glance.
Long Feicheng silently quickened his pace. He didn't want to get caught up in Yan Shouyi and Lin Zihong's marital dispute.
Ordinary couples just had arguments.
If these two great immortals, Yan Shouyi and Lin Zihong, were to fight, the entire mountain might be destroyed.
Sweat beaded on Yan Shouyi's forehead. Suddenly, he had a burst of inspiration and shouted, raising his hand:
"I swear to heaven, that child riding the ox has absolutely nothing to do with me. I've been honest in Chenjia Village. In my life, I've never slept with another woman!"
His voice was so loud that it echoed in the mountains for a long time.
After about ten seconds, his head remained quiet, with no sound of thunder.
Only then did Yan Shouyi heave a sigh of relief, "See? That lightning strike earlier was just a coincidence. I'm upright and have a clear conscience!"
Lin Zihong's expression softened considerably, "Alright, it seems I've misunderstood you!"
"Of course!"
Yan Shouyi put his arm around Lin Zihong's waist again, relieved.
Fortunately, Liu Yiren was a "girl" and not a "woman." He had played a word game with heaven just now, and heaven was merciful enough not to quibble.
Otherwise, today, not only the sorcerer would have died, but he himself would have lost his life.
Having resolved the immediate crisis, Yan Shouyi turned his attention to the peach tree that had taken the blow for him.
"Speaking of which, this is quite a great fortune for us. This is lightning-struck peach wood, the most yang substance in the world. We must collect it!"
Lin Zihong also regained her composure, "If this lightning-struck peach wood is carved into a peach wood sword, it would have considerable power against Yin creatures and malevolent spirits!"
Upon hearing this, Long Feicheng, who had already walked more than ten steps ahead, immediately ran back. He took out his wood chopping knife and prepared to act, "Why didn't you say so earlier? I'm in need of a handy weapon!"
"In that case, the task of cutting the tree will be yours," Yan Shouyi smiled. "You cut it down, and I'll help you craft it into a weapon and carve a few talismans on it for protection. The effect might even be better than the Palm Thunder Talisman!"
"Really?!"
Long Feicheng's spirits immediately lifted, and he began to chop the tree with all his might, determined to get a ghost-dispelling weapon all to himself.