The Demonic World I designed-Chapter 61 - 58 Mountain God

61: Chapter 58: Mountain God….

61: Chapter 58: Mountain God….

Many people followed to watch the spectacle, not just the scholars, because many traveling merchants were also aware of the Insect Demon matter, but this is precisely the hardest to avoid.

The Lyuzhou Canal extends to the north, and it can also connect to the Northern Sea and West Sea.

Although traveling to the north means shorter trips, those with enough capital aim for the Western Ocean—there lies the real fortune.

Yet, to do business at sea, one inevitably ends up eating fish to satisfy hunger, as no matter how much dry food is prepared, it can run out.

Many times, to save the emergency provisions, fresh seafood is considered a priority.

Most Insect Demon cases can be avoided by cooking thoroughly, but it’s not completely safe.

There have been numerous incidents where eating cooked fish still led to trouble.

For example, if the chef is negligent and doesn’t cook the food long enough in pursuit of better taste, or even worse, if a Water Ghost has replaced the chef and added insect larvae directly into the food.

After all, whenever veteran seafarers witness a colleague’s head explode, they develop a profound unease about eating fish, yet many times, when faced with hunger at sea, seafood is all there is to eat…

Now, listening to the words of the Gate Deity hinting at some substance that could remove insect larvae, many of the older generation of merchants became quite interested, including the Shen family members who had been observing in the crowd.

Following the Gate Deity’s announcement, not only did people from outside the city join in, but many merchants who had already unloaded their goods in the city also joined the crowd.

The large group quickly swelled to several hundred people, and they made their way to the Government Office entrance in a formidable procession.

Ma Erniang, selling food at the entrance to the Government Office, saw the throng of people and could not help but flash a wide grin, hurriedly offering her recently cooked meat porridge.

It was dinner time, and many who had not yet eaten bought two large bowls each.

Even the scholars couldn’t resist their hunger and followed suit.

“This is really salty…” one of the scholars, frowning as he sipped the meat porridge, said, “I remember a Southern Hunan restaurant used to set up shop here at the Government Office entrance, right?

Was their food this bad?”

Master Feng shook his head, “I guess no one is in charge now; these stalls are being used arbitrarily.”

“That’s also true,” another scholar laughed and said, “Without up-to-date news, the original owner of that restaurant would be quite upset knowing their stand has been taken over yet doing such good business.”

“Probably would be so happy they’d be beside themselves…” Master Feng, however, chuckled, “Starting a food business in a new location is very susceptible to local conditions, and unless it’s necessary, they wouldn’t leave easily.

Now with the people returning to Lyuzhou, those who used to run restaurants would be the happiest, probably not minding their stands being occupied for a few days.”

“That makes sense.” The previous scholar agreed, nodding.

After another sip of meat porridge, he placed his bowl aside and asked, “Master Feng, do you think there’s truth to the Gate Deity’s claim?”

They had inquired earlier, and this Gate Deity had revealed its presence five days ago, supposedly able to detect any demon or evil being that came near—it was truly miraculous.

“I don’t know…” Master Feng recalled what he had just witnessed, “I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, but just now…”

It certainly did not seem fake a moment ago—who would gamble their life to stage such a thing?

And if it were a setup, that would be incredibly challenging, given demons need to cooperate.

But if it were true…

Thinking this, Master Feng’s breathing quickened a bit.

Who wouldn’t want a safe and comfortable environment?

If there were no threats from demons, he would be willing to live in a simple hut; no one fears demons more than those who know the truth.

“If it’s true, Lyuzhou might become the hottest spot in Jiangnan before long!” a scholar in blue robes said resolutely as he gazed at the Provincial Government Office entrance, “And if this Magistrate can also resolve the Insect Demon issue, then Lyuzhou might just become worth its weight in gold!”

Hearing this, all the scholars felt a thrill of excitement, grateful that they had the foresight not to sell their properties.

Master Feng, too, looked toward the entrance of the Government Office with anticipation.

If this new Magistrate really had the ability, Lyuzhou’s status might surpass that of Nanming Prefecture!

Just as he mused, the grand doors of the Government Office slowly opened, and the merchants who couldn’t wait any longer approached and knelt in front of the gate, while onlookers crowded around.

“Is this the Prefectural Governor?” the kneeling merchants repeatedly kowtowed, “We beg Your Excellency to show mercy and save us!”

The merchants afflicted with larvae knelt and wept bitterly while the surrounding spectators talked amongst themselves, turning the entrance of the Government Office as noisy as a marketplace.

“Silence!”

The young man who emerged from the Government Office, under the escort of government officers, scolded the crowd.

His voice was not loud, but it instantly drowned out all the other noise, allowing everyone to hear him clearly.

In that moment, everyone instinctively fell silent.

Master Feng, watching this scene from a distance, took a deep breath and said in a low voice, “This new Prefectural Governor seems to be a Magician!”

The other scholars nodded in agreement.

He had the appearance of a scholar but possessed divine skills—it was very likely he was a Magician official.

It seemed the Imperial Court also recognized Lyuzhou’s situation and needed a Magician official to take charge.

He was just a bit too young.

“What is the situation here?

Speak slowly…” Chen Qing stood with his hands behind his back, trying his best to appear authoritative.

Unfortunately, his youthful appearance somewhat detracted from his imposing aura…

“Reporting to the Prefectural Governor…

We are merchants who have come from Suyang Dock, and as we entered Lyuzhou City’s gates, we were fortunate to receive guidance from the Gate God, who alerted us that we were in imminent danger.

The Gate God directed us to seek help from the government office.

We beg for your compassion, sir, please save us!”

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing slightly nodded his head and gently lifted his hand, “You need not kneel, stand and speak…”

The kneeling merchants miraculously felt that, with the young Prefectural Governor’s hand gesture, a gentle air seemed to lift them to their feet, causing them to tremble and look at Chen Qing with even greater reverence.

Most magicians and officials tend to hide their skills from common people, rarely using their powers because whether it’s noble blood or a magician’s, their power naturally harbors malice towards humans.

No matter what it is used for, it tends to make ordinary people feel uneasy.

But Chen Qing was different; he used his powers quite casually.

And yet, those affected by his power felt no discomfort, only a deep calmness within, filled with wonder and not a hint of fear.

“Hmm…

they are demon insect eggs…” Chen Qing nodded slightly, “Indeed, that is somewhat dangerous.

There are two solutions to this problem.

One is to head to the Capital City, where a skilled Yin Yang Physician can open up your bodies to remove the eggs…”

At these words, all the merchants blanched.

Setting aside whether they could even survive the journey to the Capital City, the mere thought of someone “opening up their bodies to extract the eggs” filled them with utter revulsion!

“However, given your current situation, I fear you won’t make it to the Capital City in time.

Now the only option is to try and seek assistance from the Mountain God of Nan Mountain.”

All present heard the term “Mountain God” for the second time, their hearts filled with curiosity.

Before the merchants could utter a word, Master Feng from the back spoke up, “Esteemed sir, I have lived at the foot of Nan Mountain for many years and have never heard of a Mountain God there before.

May I ask you to clarify the origins of this Mountain God?”

Upon hearing the voice, Chen Qing looked towards Master Feng’s group and smiled.

It seems that Gu Bei and his group did a good job.

He didn’t misjudge them.

That burly man with a nimble mind could certainly be given a position and put to good use in the future.

“I see you’re dressed as a scholar from an academy,” Chen Qing responded without arrogance.

Despite his Fourth Rank official status, he performed a scholar’s salute.

Seeing Chen Qing’s respectful attitude, Master Feng and others felt even more favorably towards him.

Compared to the Luling County magistrate who was both eager to win them over and keen on flaunting his official status, this young Prefectural Governor seemed much more down-to-earth.

“Your Excellency is most discerning,” replied Master Feng and his companions, returning the courtesy, “We are indeed scholars from the Lyuzhou Prefecture academy and have come to pay our respects upon hearing of your arrival.”

“You are too kind, gentlemen,” Chen Qing said with a smile, “It was remiss of me not to meet you upon your long journey.

I will have a modest feast prepared shortly to welcome and refresh you.

However, with the current troubled state of Lyuzhou, I fear the evening banquet might be somewhat simple.

I ask you to bear with us for a while; things will soon improve.”

“You are too gracious, sir…

too gracious…” the group replied in unison, particularly reassured by his mention of an imminent improvement.

It seemed that this new Prefectural Governor was very confident about restoring Lyuzhou!

After the pleasantries, Chen Qing explained, “This Mountain God of Nan Mountain was born from a Spiritual Spring on the mountain itself, its true form being a Spiritual Bird.

As it often consumed the mountain’s Spirit Fruit and drank from the Spiritual Spring, it gained sentience, and after a hundred years of arduous cultivation, it ascended to its position as a Mountain God.

It has avoided the public eye until recently, when I discovered it during my observations upon arrival in Lyuzhou.”

“I have interacted with this Mountain God for several days and confirmed that it is a benevolent entity, certainly not a demon.

This God governs the mountain springs and can refine Spiritual Liquid, which possesses life-extending and disease-curing properties, as well as the ability to drive out evil and support righteousness.

I have personally tested it, and the effects are indeed remarkable.

It should pose no problem in removing the insect eggs from within your bodies.”

Hearing about such a miraculous elixir, the merchants could not help but ask, “Such a Spiritual Medicine, would the Mountain God be willing to grant us access?”

Chen Qing heard this and smiled, “Though the Mountain God has lived in seclusion for many years, it is a spirit of compassion.

If you seek help with sincerity, you should have a chance.

Follow me.”

“Thank you, sir!

Thank you, sir!” the crowd immediately knelt in gratitude once more.

“All right, all right, get up and keep up,” Chen Qing once again used his wind power to lift the people, beckoning to the government officers and a large group of onlookers eager to see what would happen, and they began to make their way towards Nan Mountain in a grand procession. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

Among the crowd, Chen Ying secretly observed everything, her brows furrowed.

She was still unclear about this Gate God, and now there was this Mountain God too.

What exactly was this new Prefectural Governor up to?

Besides Chen Ying, there were also magicians from the Shen Family of Jiangnan in the crowd.

After receiving a flying message from Shen Yiyang, the Shen Family quickly dispatched family magicians to observe the so-called divine spirits of Lyuzhou.

As magicians, they were the least likely to believe in gods, and even if there were gods in this world, why would they all suddenly flock to Lyuzhou?

They would rather believe that this new Prefectural Governor was a kind of unknown school of magician, and that the Gate Deity at the city gates was actually a form of technique that was not recorded before.

Such a new type of technique was extremely valuable.

Without any foundation…

The Shen Family members watching Chen Qing from the shadows had eyes filled with both excitement and a cold intent…

Then it will belong to my Shen Family!!