Chapter 173: Chapter 139: The Gift from the Mountain God and the Monarch – 2
Translator: 549690339
The growth of the Sun Tree requires Feng Qing’an’s soul power, but it equally needs the omnipresent Yin Qi in the underworld. The same applies to the giant skeleton. As Feng Qing’an provided it with more and more spirituality, the skeleton could also absorb Yin Qi and would no longer remain just a uniquely shaped stone mountain.
Therefore, Feng Qing’an had never harvested it until now, out of necessity. However, it wasn’t an impossible task. The mountain where the Sun Tree rooted had turned into a near-black crystal, which stored copious amounts of Yin Qi, enough for some time. He could figure out how to replenish it when it’s used up.
A young boy brought a girl back to the human world and spent a passionate night. The phoenix was singing unceasingly. When dawn arrived, Nangong reluctantly returned to Youyou, while Feng Qing’an received greetings and blessings from friends, relatives, and villagers.
Because news of his plan to take the imperial examination had spread, he naturally received treatment completely different from his elder brother’s when he participated in the examination years ago.
Feng Qing’an remembered when his elder brother took the imperial examination. Due to his inclination for a low-profile life and an unremarkable reputation, apart from Feng Qing’an’s absolute confidence in him, only Mr.
Zhang, who imparted knowledge to him, had expectations for him.
Therefore, when his elder brother planned to take the imperial examination three years ago, apart from the family’s support, friends and neighbors dissuaded him and subtly mocked him. They suggested their family not to waste money.
For ordinary families, raising a scholar and covering the expenses for food and accommodation during the examinations could strain a family’s resources. What happened next needs no further elaboration. His elder brother rose to fame and stood at the top.
From a laboring farmer, they nurtured a true dragon and phoenix amongst men. Even before reaching adulthood, he became an official. Those who once ridiculed him now wanted to curry favor, but couldn’t even find an opening.
Now, the younger brother of the Six Dominant Scholar, who kept a low profile before the examinations, claimed to attend the examination at an even younger age. Nobody dared to mock or tease him anymore, let alone talking about wasting resources.
Anyway, today, Feng Qing’an saw everyone who came to his house with sincere smiles and blessings. Everywhere he looked, there were good people.
“By this time next year, we will see the imperial edict declaring him the top scholar! ”
“I reckon another flagpole stone will appear in front of our village temple by tomorrow!”
“Exactly, by next year, Qing’an will be a genuine top scholar, two top scholars from one family, bringing glory to the ancestors, and honoring the family!”
The long-quiet Feng estate was bustling again today. The noise and commotion were stronger than the day when the imperial edict was read out. It was as if Feng Qing’an had already topped the examination.
Everyone who came to the Feng Family’s household today seemed to have decided that the top scholar title was Feng Qing’an’s to lose. They seemed to believe he could replicate his brother’s astounding achievement in the imperial examination.
“Mr. An, will you be the top scholar next year?”
Some companions who Feng Qing’an used to take climbing trees for bird eggs and catching shrimps also came over to inquire secretly.
For these country kids from farming or hunting families, participating in the imperial examination was something that would only happen in their dreams. As for becoming the top scholar, that’s something they would not even dare to dream about.
“The top scholar isn’t that easy to achieve. Don’t listen to their nonsense. I’ll be satisfied if I can rank as Child Student this time. If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll become a Successful Candidate!”
Feng Qing’an did not lose himself among the villagers’ flattery. He would not be intoxicated by such honeyed words. It’s not over until it’s over, right?
Although he practiced soul power, his keen senses, and the ability to not forget what he saw, his aspiration wasn’t focused on the imperial examination. Taking the examination was simply a closure for his years of learning, even though it was not his main focus.
His primary goal was to take the chance of the imperial examination to travel and see around Da Jin, with the identity of a scholar as an excellent excuse and disguise.
“That’s still impressive!”
The adolescent boy who came to ask looked at him with eyes full of longing and admiration. Becoming a Successful Candidate was already an unattainable noble person in his eyes, but for Mr. An, it was within reach.
“There’s nothing impressive about it. If you study hard for a few more years, you can also become a Successful Candidate.”
“I can?”
“Of course, you can. I won’t be surprised if one day you become a prime minister or a general!”
Feng Qing’an laughed loudly.
“I can become a general? My dad is just a mountain hunter!”
The adolescent boy’s eyes revealed a sense of hesitation and a hint of shyness. However, even so, the longing deep within wasn’t concealed. Which boy wouldn’t dream of being a general?
“What’s wrong with a hunter? My father was just a farmer slogging in the fields a few years ago. But look at my elder brother, he’s already a high-ranking official!”
Feng Qing’an patted his childhood friend’s shoulder.
“Remember, one’s social status is not inherited, men should seek to strengthen themselves!”
“One’s social status…”
There was a sparkle in the eyes of the village boy.
“You brat, calling who a ‘farmer ?
Suddenly, a slap landed ruthlessly on the back of Feng Qing’an’s head. He had already expected it, yet didn’t dodge. He turned his head and looked at the man in front of him who was dressed splendidly, and immediately chuckled, “Dad, why are you back?”
“Your son is about to take the Imperial examination. As a father, how can I keep out of it? Of course, I had to come back to accompany you!”
Feng Shouli, no longer the honest and simple farmer he used to be, naturally replied.
“You even remember that your son is going to take the Imperial examination. You didn’t hold back when you smacked me, did you?
Yin Shi pushed her husband discontentedly, then tenderly rubbed the back of Feng Qing’an’s head.
Upon receiving the news, the couple had thrown everything aside and rushed back in a hurry. Nothing was more important than this.
“This kid called me a ‘farmer’!”
“Did he say something wrong? Weren’t you just a farmer working in the fields back then?”
“He isn’t wrong, but which son talks about his father like that!”
Feng Shouli murmured, but ultimately went to greet the guests who had come to congratulate them.
It was customary for families to treat relatives and close friends with a feast before their children took the Imperial examination. However, Feng Qing’an was exceptional. His elder brother held such a high position, and his previous performance dazzled everyone.
Because of this, what should have been an ordinary feast had turned into a series of floating banquets in the village to entertain the congratulatory guests upon hearing the news.
When night fell and the day’s bustle finally subsided, Feng Qing’an, who had been praised all day, was just about to take a rest when he sensed something. He got up, left the room, walked into the courtyard, and looked towards the courtyard door.
Before he could touch the door, the heavy solid wood door was quietly opened. This was the effect of soul power. However, it was used in a very rough way, disturbing physical matter with pure power.
As the door swung open, Feng Qing’an saw his nocturnal visitor – a lithe and graceful white wolf carrying a luminous, smooth long sword in her mouth.
The white wolf, of course, was very familiar. She was the daughter of the white wolf chief, who was the lover of Black Mountain.
“It’s not a good time for you to come today. Black Mountain hasn’t returned yet. You’ll have to wait a while before you can see him again!”
Feng Qing’an looked at the white wolf and chuckled.
“Young Master Feng, I’m here on behalf of Mountain God to present a parting gift to you!”
The white wolf, with a sword in her mouth, stepped into the courtyard. Her crisp and vibrant female voice caused Feng Qing’an to grumble, “Black Mountain is such a lucky chap”.
But while he grumbled about Black Mountain, his hands moved swiftly to receive the sword brought by the white wolf. The sword felt warm and smooth as jade in his hands. Its snow-white delicate texture made Feng Qing’an perceive something,
“What sort of sword is this?”
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