This is what an immortal should be like

Chapter 309 "Old Neighbor"

Because of the Ghost Festival, Zhuang Lin knew that his identity as a Confucian immortal had been revealed to all the sects in the world, and naturally he could no longer disappear without a trace as before.

Although Aluo Tuo probably wouldn't publicize the matter of the grass hut in the Taihang Mountains, as long as one is willing, this kind of information that is already out in the open is enough for many people to know. Therefore, it is not convenient for Zhuang Lin to leave for a long time, and living in this grass hut was something he had planned in advance.

So while a lot of information and data were being sent back to Hidden Immortal Valley and further plans were being discussed internally, Zhuang Lin was still staying in the thatched hut by the Taihang Mountains.

The feedback was quite simple: besides Wuming being there, Ximiao would also frequently visit the grass hut. This was consistent with the information on the surface, because judging from the Ghost Festival, the fairy fox goddess and the Confucian immortal should have a close relationship, and the former seemed to have feelings for the latter, so it was quite reasonable for her to frequently appear at the grass hut.

Being alone in the thatched cottage might have been a bit boring for Zhuang Lin in the past, but for him now, reading books and writing down his thoughts is quite pleasant, and there is a faint scent of ink around the cottage.

A few days later, in the early morning, Xi Miao returned to the thatched cottage once again and went straight inside to see Zhuang Lin writing something in the hall.

"Is there any result?"

Zhuang Lin did not stop writing. He glanced up at Xi Miao, who was approaching gracefully, and then continued to focus on the paper.

With light steps and a smile on her face, Xi Miao arrived at the hall in the blink of an eye.

"Oh, sir, I've at least dressed up a bit. On the surface, I'm the fox fairy who's devoted to the Confucian immortal. Won't you even give me a second glance?"

Hearing the slightly joking tone, Zhuang Lin chuckled, looked up, and shook his head with a smile, "I know you too well."
However, Zhuang Lin saw through it but didn't say anything. He did take a serious look at Xi Miao. Although he was too familiar with her and had some preconceived notions, Xi Miao was indeed a stunning beauty who could be described as both ethereal and alluring.

"One must be serious and composed when looking directly at someone. Shouldn't the kind of Confucian sage that people are familiar with be like me?"

Xi Miao looked down at what Zhuang Lin had written. The writing in the thatched cottage was not the kind of straightforward cultivation content. Instead, it really had the feel of a great Confucian scholar's writing, and also had that sense of righteousness. There was very little pure cultivation content.

"Ah, you're right, sir. It's truly a case of unrequited love."

After making the joke, Xi Miao still had a smile on her face.

"The Bureau of Extraordinary Investigations has already devised a meticulous plan. They'll start in the human world, find suitable candidates, and then infiltrate the underworld. It's all here!"

Xi Miao took out a scroll from her sleeve. Zhuang Lin put down his pen, took it, and unfolded it. The scroll was covered with neatly written characters.

"It makes sense that the imperial power would also be integrated into the great city!"

Xi Miao, who was standing to the side, also leaned closer to watch. Even though she had gotten used to it by now, she still couldn't help but sigh.

"Such terrifying efficiency! Even someone like me is awestruck by it!"

The scroll contains a list of candidates compiled based on intelligence gathered from agents of the Bureau of Extraordinary Investigations and various secret agencies established in ancient times, combined with all known intelligence.

These agents, who have been deeply involved in their respective regions for years while maintaining contact with multiple parties, could be considered the most terrifying intelligence agencies in the world.

They were already familiar with the local culture and geography, and knew about the local celebrities and anecdotes, ranging from high-ranking officials to ordinary people. They knew who was highly respected and who was unworthy of their positions.

The scroll contains a set of regulations summarized in just a few days, including a list and some operating methods, with certain specific regions and more suitable areas as priority candidates, and other regions further detailed.

This laid out the initial framework for the City God's underworld system and listed suitable candidates to head the City God.

Looking at the almost meticulous details on the scroll and listening to Xi Miao's words, Zhuang Lin couldn't help but nod.

"It is indeed daunting."

Even Zhuang Lin admitted that he couldn't have made such a meticulous plan in such a short time. The Da Yan group maintained their high enthusiasm, which seemed to be growing stronger.

It must be said that, to some extent, there is also an element of fanaticism among those who have converted to Buddhism. They have broken some old ideas, and they also have the self-awareness of pioneers of spiritual practice in the new era, while at the same time having the overall perspective and way of life of modern people.

Of course, the Bureau of Investigation only sets up plans to investigate good people; at most, they are the behind-the-scenes promoters and it is inconvenient for them to appear in public.

Especially after the Ullambana Festival, when all the realms of heaven and earth knew what the Confucian immortals wanted to do, the first step naturally had to be pushed forward by Zhuang Lin.

"Sir, as this plan states, once all parties realize what's happening, various factions in the world may vie for the right to establish the City God's Office, leading to chaos."

The direction described in this scroll is highly probable.

Zhuang Lin nodded.

"That's true. Ultimately, the interests of the Netherworld aren't just about competing for subordinates in the territories and the primordial energy of heaven and earth, but also about competing for incense offerings and vows. Besides obstacles, there will inevitably be conflicts of interest, but..."

Zhuang Lin put the scroll in his hand into his sleeve and looked up at the sky outside.

"Those who value virtue and reputation will become gods and spirits. But in time, it won't be up to them to decide. Whoever the people revere will receive the incense offerings and secure their divine position!"

Xi Miao added a sentence.

"It also requires an imperial edict!"

"Yes, that would certainly be better, but in this era, it's not really a strict rule; having it is always best."

As he spoke, Zhuang Lin tidied the table and stood up. "Come on, we should get moving. Everyone in the world is obviously waiting to see what I do, to see if I'll just rely on words or actually put my words into action!"

Zhuang Lin chuckled and walked out the door, with Xi Miao immediately following.

As the two were chatting and laughing as they left, Zhuang Lin suddenly glanced at a corner of the mountain road outside the house, nodded and smiled slightly in that direction.

Xi Miao followed Zhuang Lin's gaze, then smiled slightly and said jokingly.

"Sir, you have lived here for many years and must know the land here. We will surely take good care of your thatched cottage, right?"

Upon hearing this, the person who had already realized that he had been exposed immediately emerged from underground. A wisp of green smoke rose from the ground in the distance, which transformed into a hunched figure with mud-like bumps on his face.

The newcomer was dressed in tattered clothes, looking rather incongruous. He carried a rattan cane and his hair was disheveled. At first glance, he looked like an ugly, hunched old beggar, but upon closer inspection, he was enough to make an ordinary person gasp in horror. He did not look like a real human being at all and appeared as terrifying as a demon.

"Old, uh, I, uh, this humble one greets the master and the fairy!"

Despite his ugly and incongruous appearance, this person was surprisingly fluent and polite. Holding a rattan cane, he bowed and kowtowed to Zhuang Linxi Miao, his already hunched figure appearing to be crawling.

A spirit born from the grass and trees in the mountains, possessing some spiritual power, knowing etiquette, and not inherently evil.

Zhuang Lin and Xi Miao had similar thoughts almost immediately upon seeing the newcomer.

"No need for formalities. How long have you been practicing here? Where did you learn these manners?"

Ever since that grassy reed suddenly appeared at the foot of the mountain that day, the spirit, out of curiosity, had a premonition. Seeing that the other party was speaking to it calmly, the premonition became even stronger, so it hurriedly replied.

"I am unaware of the passage of time, and have lived in a daze for many years. Since I can remember, about eighty years ago I came into contact with human affairs. In the decades that followed, I gradually learned a little from what I saw and heard, and I have never dared to do evil to anyone."

Zhuang Lin nodded.

When was it discovered that I was living here?

Just as the spirit was about to answer that it was only a few days ago, it suddenly had a thought and remembered what Xi Miao had just said. It opened its mouth, paused slightly, and then answered.

"My memory is poor. I only know that you have lived in seclusion here for many years, but I have forgotten when you came. However, you are a person of great virtue, and I have never dared to disturb you. Therefore, I cannot be considered familiar with you."

Xi Miao glanced at Zhuang Lin with a smile, and the latter nodded slightly, showing his quick wit.

"What's your last name?"

The spirit quickly replied.

"I have helped the mountain people a few times with my vines, but I never showed myself for fear of frightening them. The mountain people are grateful and respectfully call me 'Old Vine' in private, so I have adopted that name!"

Zhuang Lin smiled slightly, showing a good sense of propriety.

"In that case, I'll give you a name, how about Teng Mingrui?"

The spirit quickly prostrated itself on the ground.

"Thank you so much for the name, sir! Thank you so much!"

"Well, from now on, you are the local landowner. Let me, Zhuang, lend you my assistance!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a pen flew out of Zhuang Lin's sleeve, its tip condensing into a point of dazzling white light. He pointed it at the monster, and the white light flew towards the monster like a drop of water, landing on its forehead just as the monster looked up.

The next moment, the spirit felt a bright light on its body, and a warm feeling filled its entire body, as if it were constantly surrounded by flowing water.

The bumps on the spirit's face and body cracked and fell off, and its skin gradually became whiter. Although it was accompanied by some pain, it endured it stubbornly.
Before long, some filth and impurities were swept away by the righteous energy. Although he was still dressed in rags, the monster had become an old man. Although he still looked somewhat unlike a human, he had hands and feet, a world of difference from before!
The old man looked at his hands and feet and then touched his face. He was so excited that he couldn't contain himself. He knew that the other party had helped him overcome a great difficulty. He looked at the sky with fear. There was not a cloud in the sky. There was no heavenly tribulation!

"Thank you, sir! Thank you so much for saving my life! Thank you, sir!"

The old man kept kowtowing to Zhuang Lin, but he couldn't keep going after a few kowtows.

"Alright, cultivate diligently, and you will gradually attain human form. Even now, after transformation, you will be no different from an ordinary old man. When I am not around, just look after the thatched hut for me occasionally!"

"Yes, I will certainly take it to heart!"

Zhuang Lin nodded with a smile.

"We've been neighbors for many years, and although we don't know each other very well, I trust you!"

After leaving those words behind, Zhuang Lin and Xi Miao rode the wind away, leaving the old man there to ponder the meaning of "neighbors for many years".

This little incident makes the existence of the thatched hut more reasonable.

(End of this chapter)