160: Taohua Village, Part I
Perhaps it was because it was the first day of the New Year, but the weather today was clear and bright. The mountains, houses, and gardens near An Yan City were immersed in windless silence and bright, clear cold, bathed in dazzling white snow and pale blue shadows, reflecting winter's hardness and cleanliness.
And the cloudless, pale blue sky, like a dome, enveloped the earth, as thousands of twinkling white hexagonal crystals glowed and sparkled, dancing and playing in the sky.
The next morning.
An Yan City, East City Gate.
"Why hasn't Qian Xue arrived yet?"
Han Yi, wearing a black bamboo hat, carrying a Xuan Tie Sword on his back, with spiked gauntlets tucked into his embrace, and all his belongings, fully armed, stood outside the moat, chatting idly with Bai Sanren.
"Hmm, let's wait a bit, it's not like we're short on time. You know Qian Xue only has a Mind's Eye for food. Maybe she's taken a fancy to some delicious pastry again..."
Bai Sanren responded helplessly.
"Here she comes, here she comes! Let's go quickly!"
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
Qian Xue, dressed in a thin silk dress, had a meat-filled bun in her mouth and a hot drink in her hand, while her other hand clutched her skirt, showing not an ounce of a refined lady's image.
Her movements were swift, like a nimble little butterfly, as she gracefully rushed towards Han Yi and Bai Sanren. Wherever she went, people quickly made way for her.
Everyone was perceptive; in the depths of winter, to be able to wear light clothing, move freely, and be so fast, there was no other possibility except for a Martial Artist who had Cultivated beyond ordinary people.
"I'm sorry, did I make you wait long?"
Qian Xue quickly ate the bun in a few bites, stuck out her tongue, and said apologetically.
"You child, eat slowly..."
Bai Sanren didn't mind at all, a doting smile on his face as he spoke.
The distance from An Yan City to Moonveil Taoist Temple was not very far, about a hundred li. If the three of them had set off early, traveling under the stars, they could have arrived in one day. But judging by today's departure time, it would probably take two days.
After a brief tidying up, the three quickly set off.
Moonveil Taoist Temple, a small Daoist temple near An Yan City, was also Qian Xue's birthplace.
The first half of the journey from An Yan City to Moonveil Taoist Temple was on a flat official road. Continuing east, one would reach An Qing Fu City, which was relatively safe.
It was only the latter half of the journey that required crossing a few small mountains, but it wasn't difficult to traverse.
Since there was no need to rush, the three chatted and laughed, and soon, they left the official road.
Evening
The sun's shadow slanted, and the sunset glow dyed half the sky red.
Bai Sanren stood at a fork in the forest path, pulling out a map made of unknown animal hide from his embrace.
He looked at the direction of the setting sun and, based on the surrounding markers, identified his position.
"Alright, Qian Xue, after we cross the next two mountain peaks, we'll reach Moonveil Taoist Temple."
"Phew, I'm so tired. Can we find a place to rest this time? It was so uncomfortable rushing last time and sleeping outdoors!"
Qian Xue wiped the sweat from her forehead, grumbling.
"Walk another three li in this direction. I remember there's a small village here; we can temporarily stay there..."
"Yay! That's great, I can finally get a good night's sleep!"
Qian Xue cheered.
Last time she went home with Bai Sanren, they camped outdoors, and animals would howl constantly at night. They also had to stay vigilant and guard through the night, which was indeed an ordeal.
After all, in this world, traveling in the wilderness is inherently a nerve-wracking affair. Fierce beasts lurking in the wild and bandits hiding in the mountains could all be fatal factors.
Furthermore, there's a saying: 'Three paths not to take, with night paths being the foremost.'
Having traveled all day today, it was truly wonderful to have a place to rest tonight.
"Sanren Bai, have you been to that village before? Don't let this map be wrong and make us waste our efforts and a trip for nothing."
At this moment, Han Yi stepped forward and asked.
In this world with limited information, it was normal for map information to be inaccurate, let alone for a village outside the city, which might disappear at any time.
"I saw this village when I passed by. It's called Peach Blossom Village, at the foot of a mountain called Peach Blossom Mountain, with about seventy or eighty households. There should be no problem."
Bai Sanren pondered for a while and then spoke.
"What problem could there be? Even if there are dozens of villains, can't you two great experts of the Lianxue Stage handle it?"
"That's true, Qian Xue, you have a point. However, when the time comes, you two will act according to my cues. As for food and drink, only eat when I tell you to! Also, tonight, Han Boy and I will take turns on night watch."
Bai Sanren was indeed an Old Jianghu; his arrangements were logical and convincing.
"Okay!"
Han Yi and Qian Xue said in unison.
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After confirming their destination, the three quickened their pace towards Peach Blossom Village.
Sometimes life is like this: when there is no goal and one is in a state of confusion, even if full of energy, one feels utterly exhausted. But once a goal is set, even if the road ahead is arduous and the body is weary, one does not feel tired.
Soon, the three arrived at a small hillside.
It was already dusk, and cooking smoke curled up, spreading into the night. The aroma of cooking lingered on the hillside, warming the heart.
A small village came into view.
Low-lying dwellings were scattered haphazardly, most of them adobe houses, with a few resembling animal sheds.
It was probably just after the New Year; although all were old earthen houses, every household was swept clean, and festive new door couplets were pasted on both sides of the courtyard gates.
On the bumpy dirt road, a few hens occasionally ran by, along with frolicking puppies and children in thick cotton clothes chasing and playing.
They frolicked about, heedless of the adults' loud scolding voices behind them, leaving a string of footprints in the snow.
The outer perimeter of the village was only enclosed by simple wooden fences, and one could faintly discern several spots that had been impacted by wild beasts and subsequently repaired.
At the village entrance, there was a winding, slender small river, but at this time, it was completely frozen solid.
The small river seemed to be solidly frozen, with several middle-aged men on the ice, skillfully using iron picks to break through the ice surface and retrieve fresh fish from beneath. On the riverbank, several middle-aged women chatted idly, while also helping their men sort the fish catch.
A small village full of life slowly unfolded before everyone's eyes.
"Is this it, Sanren Bai?" Han Yi turned and asked.
"Let me see..."
Bai Sanren took out the map, reconfirmed the location multiple times, and then gazed into the distance for a long time before stating definitively.
"This is it. Look, there's a tall Old Peach Tree in the middle of the village. That's right, let's go!"
The three no longer hesitated and quickly walked towards the village entrance.