Chapter Five: The Immortal Imparts the Way

Qingshan County, bearing the title of a county in truth as well as name, was a place of considerable size, home to ten thousand households. Not only was it blessed with mountains and rivers, but copper mines could also be found within its bounds. With a dense population and abundant resources, Qingshan County had seized the first share of prosperity, claiming its slice of fortune ahead of others. In terms of wealth and numbers, it was already dominant in the region.

Within the county itself, however, the divide between rich and poor was stark. Ordinary folk—the tradesmen, artisans, and laborers—mostly struggled to make a living in the Zhi'an Quarter, taking on menial, dirty, backbreaking work and scraping by as best they could. The truly wealthy—merchants, aristocratic families, landlords—all resided in the Liyue Quarter. The difference was unmistakable: in Liyue, every few streets would see petty officials patrolling, keeping order. Such privileges were never extended to the often turbulent Zhi'an, where chaos reigned unchecked.

The well-to-do feared disorder more than the common folk; their lives, gilded and prosperous, bred an ever keener concern for personal security. Those truly in need were kept firmly at a distance, left only to gaze upward in longing. For many poor families, the dream of a lifetime was simply to buy a house in Liyue Quarter and find steady work. And to step into Liyue at last was to witness a world apart: pavilions and towers, grand mansions, teahouses and taverns, theaters and pleasure houses lined the streets in abundance.

Even the roads were paved with uniformly cut blue stone, broad enough for six horses to ride abreast—a scale remarkable for any county. Though it was still early morning, Liyue Quarter was far from quiet; many guests who had spent the night in pleasure houses and taverns stumbled out onto the streets, still drunk and boisterous, bidding their companions farewell with loud shouts.

The wealthy were numerous in Qingshan, and Liyue Quarter was famed as a den of luxury and indulgence; countless souls lost themselves in its pleasures. Xu Yuan walked among them, his gaze unwavering, moving purposefully toward a particular destination. Not far behind him, a small tail followed “stealthily.”

Ji Wu, cautious and curious, kept behind Xu Yuan. At first, he tried to hide behind the houses along the street, but having followed for half the way and seeing that Xu Yuan never once looked back, he simply walked along the roadside, neither too close nor too far, trailing him openly.

He meant no harm; he was simply eager to see what this extraordinary figure intended to do. After all, the man who had brazenly seized the Immortal’s Brew was the son-in-law of the county magistrate—a person not to be trifled with. As for Xu Yuan’s earlier suggestion that they wait for a meal? Ji Wu scoffed at the idea; he barely listened to his own parents, had been beaten many times for it and never changed—how could he possibly sit obediently and wait?

He had to see for himself.

Walking and following, step by step. Xu Yuan moved at an unhurried pace, his stride steady and precise; if one observed closely, it would be clear that each step was measured, the distance exactly the same.

At last, the gates of the Li Residence loomed ahead.

The vermilion doors stood open, flanked by two imposing stone lions that lent an air of authority.

Beside the right-hand lion, a carriage was already parked; the gatekeeper had not yet had time to lead it away.

Xu Yuan, without pausing, walked toward the entrance of the Li Residence.

“Young master—”

As Xu Yuan drew near, one of the gatekeepers finally reacted, hastening to greet him. After scrutinizing him for a moment, the gatekeeper bowed deeply, his manner exceedingly polite.

To serve as a gatekeeper in such a place required keen judgment. Recognizing who was a guest, who was a person of importance, and who was trying to slip by—these distinctions had to be made clear. It was no exaggeration to say that among the wealthy families of Liyue, even if one didn’t know everyone’s background, one had to recognize most; only then could one avoid offense.

Xu Yuan’s face was unfamiliar, but his bearing and refined appearance could not be faked. The gatekeeper had seen many privileged people, and knew that different environments produced different temperaments. With years of experience, he could tell at a glance that Xu Yuan was no ordinary man; best not to provoke him.

“May I ask, young master, are you here to see someone in the Li Residence?”

The gatekeeper half-blocked Xu Yuan’s path, leaving room to pass, and asked deferentially.

“Yes,” Xu Yuan replied simply.

“Young master, your face is quite new; is this your first visit? May I ask whom you seek?”

The gatekeeper inquired with a smile, his tone low and friendly. It was his duty to ask; politeness was expected, but questions were necessary.

“Is Li Licheng in the residence?” Xu Yuan asked without hesitation.

The gatekeeper’s smile froze.

Li Licheng was the master of the Li Residence, son-in-law to the county magistrate! Since the magistrate moved to Qingshan, Li Licheng had accomplished much, earning the magistrate’s favor; at banquets, he was repeatedly praised as a worthy son-in-law. Who in Qingshan did not know his name?

To address him so directly—who was this visitor?

“Master Li is indeed at home, but a distinguished guest has already arrived. May I ask, young master, if you have an invitation or letter of introduction?”

The gatekeeper’s mind raced, uncertain of Xu Yuan’s identity, but his manner grew even more respectful.

“No,” Xu Yuan replied crisply.

The gatekeeper drew in a sharp breath, unable to suppress a glance at Xu Yuan. Seeing his commanding presence, calm and unruffled, with his brows faintly furrowed as if in anger, the gatekeeper wondered—

Who was this dragon from across the river? Could he be an old friend from Li Licheng’s school days?

“If you have no invitation or letter, may I ask your name, young master? I will report at once, and you shall not be kept waiting.”

The gatekeeper dared not press further; he retreated politely. For the modest wage he earned each month, it was not worth antagonizing someone who was clearly either wealthy or noble. Asking and reporting was procedure; whether Xu Yuan was received or not, the outcome was not his to decide, nor could he be blamed either way.

Those above had their rules; those below had their own ways. Such was the art of living.

“Xu Yuan.”

Xu Yuan did not force his way in; letting this respectful gatekeeper inquire was just as well. Whether he was received or not, he could confirm Li Licheng’s presence and avoid alarming anyone unnecessarily—or wasting time on a second visit.

“Please wait a moment, Master Xu.”

The gatekeeper bowed again, then hurried inside to report.

In the reception hall, Li Licheng was chatting amiably with his guest scholar.

“Master, this Immortal’s Brew lives up to its name. Lord Chu has praised it highly, saying it is fit to be offered to the imperial court!”

The guest scholar beamed with pride. “Your trust in me was not misplaced, master.”

Li Licheng laughed heartily, brimming with confidence. “Even the finest wine fears obscurity. Lord Chu delights in drink; now that he has tasted the Immortal’s Brew, we have pleased him! With this as a starting point, whether the Li family rises further depends on how we handle matters.”

“Master, you are quite right. Good wine is but one piece; there are many fine wines, but what we lack is a reputation to match. Today, a strange omen appeared—an idea came to mind. Since it is called Immortal’s Brew, it must be that an immortal, longing for wine in a dream, bestowed it upon you to satisfy your thirst. This is wine granted by the gods; its strength is unparalleled. An ordinary man is drunk after half a cup, a brave soul cannot finish a full cup. Only those with true immortal wisdom can drink three cups without falling, a whole jar without intoxication. What do you think?”

The guest scholar clearly had a plan, presenting it as a strategy.

“Excellent!” Li Licheng was overjoyed. “With you at my side, I am as a tiger with wings!”

Just as the two were about to continue their discussion, the voice of the gatekeeper came from outside the door.

“Reporting to master: Xu Yuan, Master Xu, is here to pay his respects!”