Chapter 2: Five Taels Of Immortal Fate
Hong Yuan was not some ruthless character whose face remained unchanged even if Mount Tai collapsed before him, with a heart and will as firm as iron or stone.
With one close and one open of his eyes, he suddenly transmigrated to a completely unfamiliar world, changed into a new body, took on a new identity; he was also confused and panicked.
Like thorns pricking his back, like sitting on pins and needles, like a fishbone stuck in his throat…
Panic and fear weighed heavily on his heart, only barely suppressed; he couldn’t just shout and scream to vent, that would be too weak.
Especially since he started in this unpredictable and unknown Biwu Immortal Realm, Hong Yuan’s brain, which had been baptized by a large amount of films, TV dramas, novels, and horror games, couldn’t help but let his imagination run wild, growing more and more uneasy the more he thought.
Now discovering that his body had beneficial changes beyond the ordinary also slightly alleviated his unease.
No time to study the ‘transmigration benefit’ on his body, Hong Yuan focused his gaze and saw in the misty, white stone pavilion, a head suddenly emerging from the bottom.
Then the upper body.
The bottom of this lakeside stone pavilion surprisingly connected to a passage, from which drilled out a beautiful woman in plain white dress and loosely tied cloud-like hair, holding a zither. She raised her face, looking around the lakeside like a thief, although knowing the thick fog obscured everything beyond three or two zhang, she still appeared somewhat guilty.
She exhaled, bent down to pat the dust off her skirt hem, placed the zither on the wooden table in the pavilion, then knelt on the cushion. Still unsatisfied, she readjusted the skirt folds and the slightly crooked cushion, only then lightly nodding, her slender jade hands hovering over the strings.
Hong Yuan didn’t know what expression to make, his face wooden, when he heard someone muttering and cursing nearby: “This filthy fog is truly annoying, blocking my view of the immortal fairy’s beauty, really making one irritated.”
Several people nearby nodded in agreement.
Ha! If you could really see clearly, I’m afraid the filter would shatter all over the ground.
Of course, maybe not, after all, that white-dressed woman had an extremely beautiful appearance, standing amid the fog, quite possessing the immortal poise of riding the wind in the void, ethereal as if about to fly.
Zheng! Zheng zheng!
Strands of clear tones rose again, penetrating the hazy white fog, like warm spring breezes, like babbling streams flowing through, wafting over the courtyard.
Hong Yuan focused his gaze.
That white-dressed woman had changed to a faint, cold expression, her pearl hairpin swaying, reflecting the last traces of rosy glow, making her seem even more unattainable. Her hands rose and fell within her cloud sleeves, her slender white fingers like elves dancing on the strings, each leap bringing forth pleasing notes.
The zither music started soft and gentle, like tender whispers, like lovers’ zither and lute in harmony, lingering and tender, giving one endless reverie, then suddenly a high-pitched, soaring cry burst forth.
The clear tone abruptly rose high, transforming into an immortal crane spreading wings and soaring, in a breath riding clouds and driving mist, straight into the blue heavens, high above the jade terrace immortal realm.
As if eternally separated by heaven and earth, the former lovers one fallen into the mortal world, one ascending to the heavens on rosy clouds, from then on immortal and mortal paths parted, never to meet again for a thousand or ten thousand years, making one unable to hold back tears.
The zither sound also became ethereal and spiritual at this moment, distant and lingering, as if illusory music from the nine heavens’ palaces falling into the human world amid the banquet of immortals and saints.
Hong Yuan felt like he was listening to ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
Having changed to a new world, the aesthetics were also universal; this zither piece was undoubtedly pleasing and wonderful.
The others listened as if entranced, their souls floating to the ninth heaven beyond the clouds with the melody’s changes.
Especially as the fog slowly dissipated, everyone craned their necks to gaze, beholding the snow-white robed woman in the pavilion. Even separated by seven or eight zhang, not seeing too clearly, but precisely this faint haziness was enough to outline ten points of beauty in their minds.
The distance between the lakeside and the lake heart pavilion was like the chasm between mortals and immortals, insurmountable, only able to hold one’s breath, admire the immortal visage, and quietly listen to the immortal music.
When the zither tones gradually slowed, the lingering sound suggesting an end, suddenly a crisp, sweet voice rang out: “Twelve jade tower false phoenix cranes, colorful dress darkly locks the cloud corridor. Little maid chants spell holding toad light, alchemy furnace emptily spits fog, silk stockings self-generate fragrance…”
Footsteps sounded from the nearby serene corridor, several lanterns slowly approaching, all held by pretty maidservants. The leader was especially delicate and beautiful; though also a maid with a bun, she wore a colorful dress, holding an ornate palace lantern, gracefully walking to the large incense burner, smiling as she recited: “This servant is named Xiao Chan, lamp bearer under the immortal aunts, greetings to all immortal seedlings!”
She curtsied gracefully, attracting nearly everyone’s gaze.
Only Hong Yuan noticed thick fog spreading again over the lake surface, waves rising, the stone pavilion silently vanishing, and that ‘Miaoyun Immortal Fairy’ naturally disappearing with it.
Hong Yuan glanced at this scene, remaining expressionless.
If not for his hearing and eyesight having sharpened greatly, and being immersed in this atmospheric rendering, he might really believe this was some immortal realm.
Of course, now Hong Yuan hadn’t completely denied it either.
After all, he knew very little about this world; the original host’s ten-plus years of memory were mostly spent studying, rarely leaving the county town, one leaf blocking the eye, little reference value.
It could only be said that Hong Yuan already harbored doubts about this so-called ‘Biwu Immortal Realm’, secretly speculating if it was some people’s trick of playing god and ghost.
He didn’t act rashly either, still keeping silent, his gaze falling on Xiao Chan and her group of maidservants.
If this immortal realm was real, it naturally inspired awe; if fake, the displayed wealth and resources were even more shocking.
How could Hong Yuan not be cautious?
Yang Lie, the hook-nosed youth, and other ‘veterans’ bowed familiarly: “Greetings to Xiao Chan Immortal Maiden.”
The others, seeing this, hurriedly followed suit, Hong Yuan no exception.
“Mm, no need for excessive courtesy!” That maidservant Xiao Chan nodded and smiled lightly after everyone bowed, her enchanting eyes sweeping over, her autumn-water-like pupils seeming to hold seductive charm. Those swept by her gaze felt their muscles and bones go soft, unable to shift their eyes.
Xiao Chan smiled at the corner of her mouth, sizing up everyone in the garden, satisfaction appearing on her pretty face, “This batch of new seedlings is several more than last time, hopefully more can stay…”
She waved her sleeve, pointing to one maid behind her, “Guo’er, you take the immortal seedlings who have already entered the room first, don’t keep the immortal aunts waiting.”
“Yes!” Guo’er nodded to Yang Lie, the hook-nosed youth and others, leading the way ahead, the group turning into a corridor.
Over a dozen remained in the garden; before Xiao Chan could speak, someone impatiently asked: “Xiao Chan Immortal Maiden, what should we do next?”
Xiao Chan smiled: “Don’t be anxious; since you were selected to enter the immortal realm, most of you can stay, just test your capacity and pass!”
“What is capacity?”
“If we can’t pass, what then?”
Xiao Chan waved her hand, quieting the crowd, her pretty face serious: “Seeking immortality and the true path, how difficult is that? Ancient kings, marquises, generals, and ministers exhausted endless wealth and energy to no avail, only our Biwu Immortal Realm’s immortal aunts, out of compassion for the world, open this immortal gate, recruiting immortal seedlings…”
“But even with the immortal path granted by the immortal aunts, whether one can step onto it depends on two things: first natural talent, second capacity. Your natural talents are all good, but this capacity…”
Xiao Chan paused, then smiled again: “But even if you don’t enter this time, no need to lose heart; there may be opportunities later, and our immortal realm won’t send you away empty-handed, naturally five taels of immortal fate as a gift!”
Five taels of immortal fate!
Does this ‘immortal yuan’ refer to silver?
Hong Yuan’s face twitched; Xiao Chan had already circled among the crowd holding her palace lantern, suddenly arriving before him, tilting her pretty face up to stare closely at Hong Yuan, eyes shining with unusual light.
“Xiao Chan young lady, is there something off about me?” Hong Yuan touched his face, smiling slightly, showing a modest gentlemanly demeanor, though inwardly more vigilant.
Xiao Chan’s cheeks flushed, feeling his smile too dazzling, hurriedly saying: “No! It’s just that this servant had long heard of Young Master Hong’s reputation, never thought to see you today; you… you are even more handsome than I heard!”
Hong Yuan’s gaze flickered: “Oh, Xiao Chan young lady knows me? Truly Hong’s honor!”
He smoothly changed ‘immortal maiden’ to ‘young lady’, drawing closer, his mind racing.
In Qingxu County, Hong Yuan did have some fame; after all, he was known for his talent, a promising student of Qingxu Academy, born with good looks, talented and handsome, hard not to be famous.
Of course, with the imperial court abolishing the imperial examination, that bit of fame had long vanished with the wind.
And this Xiao Chan knowing his name meant one thing: this Biwu Immortal Realm, even if not in Qingxu County, was absolutely not far away.
Xiao Chan, hearing him call her ‘young lady’, wasn’t angry, instead smiling sweetly: “Of course I’ve heard your name, and moreover, Young Master Hong’s ‘immortal-mortal contract’ was signed here with this servant.”
“Immortal-mortal contract?” Hong Yuan’s face stiffened, inexplicably scalp tingling: “What is that? When did Hong sign it? Xiao Chan young lady, don’t tease me.”
“How would I tease young master; signing the immortal-mortal contract means you’re part of the immortal realm, body and soul belonging to it; even if capacity is poor, you won’t be kicked out. Besides Young Master Hong, there’s another in the garden who signed it too…”
Xiao Chan beckoned behind her; a little maidservant came forward holding a silk book. Xiao Chan took it, opened it, and pulled out a thin-as-cicada-wing golden scroll, unfolding it before Hong Yuan.
Hong Yuan scanned the content; it was basically a deed of sale. At the end signature, there it was: his name ‘Hong Yuan’.
But it wasn’t his handwriting.
However, looking at those two characters, the more Hong Yuan saw, the more familiar the writing seemed, gradually recalling an image in his mind of a honest-looking, amiably smiling, chubby fat man.
Hong Yuan’s face darkened.
Xiao Chan pointed to the red imprint beside the signature, smiling, “That day young master was dead drunk; your friend Young Master Huang brought you and signed the immortal-mortal contract in your place. You agreed at the time; this imprint was pressed by young master himself.”
‘You’ve said it so sincerely, how could I not believe you? Would I still be human if I didn’t?’
Hong Yuan didn’t argue; in this space-time similar to a feudal dynasty, that contract was no different from a slave agreement—equivalent to the Biwu Immortal Realm being able to kill him without the government interfering.
If the imperial examination hadn’t been abolished, his student status might make them hesitate a bit, but—
‘Fatty Huang, you really are the original host’s good friend; no wonder someone at the academy called you yellow weasel behind your back!’
Hong Yuan only felt the original host understandably had ‘short-sighted syndrome’; this eyesight really wasn’t great, befriending such a person.
Seeing Xiao Chan chatting idly with Hong Yuan, others showed jealousy; among them, a burly man with thick brows, square face, even more robust than Yang Lie, glanced at Hong Yuan and cupped hands to Xiao Chan: “Xiao Chan Immortal Maiden, this one is Wang Ai; dare I ask how capacity is tested?”
Xiao Chan, hearing this, returned to the maidservants, smiling: “Testing capacity is the top priority; all immortal seedlings, follow me to Ascension Hall, enter the Flying Immortal Pool, wash away mortal dust, shed the mortal body!”
With that, Xiao Chan led several maids ahead.
“Make way!” Wang Ai shoved his sturdy body forward, knocking two blockers stumbling; without stopping, his thick arm swung, half his body crashing toward Hong Yuan.
Hong Yuan sidestepped.
Missing Hong Yuan, Wang Ai snorted coldly, not looking back, striding ahead to catch up with Xiao Chan and the others.
Rockery and streams, winding paths to seclusion.
Passing another courtyard, turning two corridors, boiling hot steam hit their faces, warming the already dim, chilly night.
Ascension Hall’s plaque came into view.
The hall doors were wide open.
Brocade curtains with tassels, incense burner emitting fragrance; in the center was a hot spring pool, steaming mist filling the room, many beautiful maidservants waiting nearby, like an immortal paradise.
This hot spring pool wasn’t large, about four or five zhang long, less than one zhang wide; several screens stood over it for partition, dividing into seven smaller baths.
Pretty maidservants moved between, sprinkling flower petals into the pool water; others held lustrous white jade bowls, pouring viscous medicinal liquid into the water.
“Xiao Chan Immortal Maiden!” Wang Ai stopped near Xiao Chan, looking toward the hot spring pool.
Xiao Chan glanced at Wang Ai, clapped her hands summoning the maidservants, face calm: “Everything as usual; you all take them separately into the ‘Flying Immortal Pool’ to shed mortal bodies… mm, and test capacity.”
“Yes!” The maidservants acknowledged, each leading new seedlings; a little maidservant went to Wang Ai, bringing him to another pool.
Xiao Chan trotted a few steps to Hong Yuan, saying: “Young Master Hong, this servant will test you.”
With that, she pulled Hong Yuan to an empty pool, reaching out her tender white little hand to undo his robe; Hong Yuan ‘greatly startled’: “Xiao Chan young lady, what are you doing? Men and women shouldn’t touch; please conduct yourself.”
Seeing his panicked look, Xiao Chan giggled: “This is the Flying Immortal Pool; if you don’t undress, how to immerse the whole body and shed the mortal shell?”
Her two little hands grabbed even more fiercely.
“Don’t come over!”
Hong Yuan seemed to see a poisonous snake or fierce beast, trembling in ‘fear’.
He struggled and resisted with all his might, but he was just a ‘weak scholar without the strength to truss a chicken’; even taller than this Xiao Chan by a head, even though she looked like one punch would make her whimper and cry, that was mere appearance—she was truly an ‘immortal realm immortal maiden’, her tender white hands possessing a thousand jin of force, undoing Hong Yuan’s clothes in moments.
Gulp!
Xiao Chan swallowed, her enchanting eyes staring straight, reluctant to move from Hong Yuan’s body, face burning hot, blush spreading, “Young master, this servant originally thought you were just a frail, refined gentleman; turns out… turns out gentlemen are this robust?”
Hong Yuan also paused in a daze.
Looking down.
The original host sat long in the study, neglecting exercise; his body wasn’t weak but far from robust, arms and legs thin, not much strength.
But now it was like described in wuxia novels after eating heavenly materials and earthly treasures, spiritual pills and elixirs; his whole person seemed reborn.
His body like fine iron forged in a furnace, shoulders broad and relaxed, back straight, waist and abdomen lean, the bit of soft flesh on his belly gone, several distinct abdominal muscle outlines rising and falling slightly with breath, like taut bowstrings, filled with powerful burst force.
Hong Yuan was delighted inwardly.
Sure enough, his transmigration benefit wasn’t just sharp hearing and sight, but a full-body optimization.
He reached out one hand, directly pulling Xiao Chan into his arms; this little maidservant was petite but should weigh around ninety jin, yet Hong Yuan merely exerted light force, lifting her with one hand.
“Ah! Young master, don’t do this!” Xiao Chan cried softly, feeling her body go limp, her two little hands weakly pushing against his iron-like chest, just touching felt like her fingers would break.
Of course, this was merely Xiao Chan fearing to use immortal power to hurt Hong Yuan; otherwise, with a million jin force bursting out, how could Hong Yuan, a mere mortal, withstand it?
“Young master, enter the Flying Immortal Pool first, don’t delay proper business; later… when free, this servant will attend you.” Xiao Chan wasn’t afraid, speaking softly.
Hong Yuan then set Xiao Chan down.
Freed, she immediately puffed her cheeks, pushing forward with both little hands, “Young master, you’re too naughty!”
‘Plop’, Hong Yuan was pushed tumbling into the hot spring pool.
See? How can a mortal contend with an immortal maiden? One burst of anger reveals the truth!
Xiao Chan at poolside shed her colorful dress, wearing only thin underwear, leaping into the pool, splashing warm water onto Hong Yuan.
“This servant comes to serve young master in shedding dust!”
She rubbed her tender white little hands over Hong Yuan’s body, eyes gleaming, smiling at the corners of her mouth; warm water soaked her clothes, faintly visible.
Hong Yuan, as a proper gentleman, naturally knew not to look improperly, immediately humming lightly and closing his eyes—who couldn’t pass this little test?
“Ah!” Moments later Xiao Chan suddenly cried out, cheeks flushed red: “Young master, don’t grope randomly.”
Hm? Hong Yuan abruptly opened his eyes, looked at Xiao Chan, then at the pool water covered by flower petals, feeling a bit sore: “Xiao Chan young lady, don’t play the victim.”
Just then, clear voices of maidservants rang out successively from surrounding screen partitions.
“Capacity upper-medium.”
“Medium, passable.”
“Superior!”
Before the voices settled, a disdainful scoff came from a nearby partition: “Inferior; this young master… whoever you are, you can leave; immortal realm has no fate with you. Oh! No, the immortal realm has five taels of immortal fate with you; collect it later and hurry home, don’t delay.”
“Ah!” A man’s anguished wail issued nearby, full of indignation.
“…”
Hong Yuan looked at Xiao Chan: Am I the weird one or are you? What exactly does this capacity test?
“Perfectly average…” Xiao Chan blurted out.
You’re talking nonsense!
Hong Yuan stood tall, waves toppling Xiao Chan backward, choking on water, coughing repeatedly; Hong Yuan just found it noisy—you know what I’m asking and still spout rubbish?
Ears buzzing, at that moment an even louder exclamation rang out, “Wang Ai Young Master Wang, top-top grade… I’ve never seen such a majestic figure…”
“Heh!”
Hong Yuan laughed; he finally confirmed this so-called Biwu Immortal Realm, all the immortal aunts and immortal maidens were pure nonsense—if they were true immortals, he’d be damned!
