The Days of Being Forced to Become the Savior of a Cultivation Civilization

Chapter 51 Salt Station

Post station.

This post station is not far from the salt lake; it would only take Qian Xintong and Yingzi half an hour to walk there.

The exterior looks relatively new, having been renovated with funding from the owner of Hongquan, but once inside, the retro feel is immediately apparent, with its extensive use of wood and classic decor telling the story of this post station's long history.

As soon as she entered the post station, Yingzi took a deep breath:

"Ah, the familiar smell of wood, the familiar old post station."

"This Thousand Salt Post Station is quite old, and it's even made of wood. Is it eucalyptus wood?"

This was Zhiyue's first time here, and he was filled with curiosity.

Yingzi nodded:

"Yes, it's eucalyptus, and not just any eucalyptus."

I've been to this station quite often before. Back then, I wasn't yet an elder of the Kun family, and I spent my days chatting idly here in the carriages with a bunch of idle people.

Qian Xintong: "A carriage? What carriage? Isn't this where the sabers are parked?"

Yingzi shook her head:

"There is a depot for storing saxaul, but this place is mainly a train station. Look over there."

Following Yingzi's direction, the two saw a huge ravine, one end connecting to the outside world and the other ending right at the boundary of the post station.

"That ditch is where the train stops. This place, Qianyan Lake District, is the final stop of this 'Bosha' train."

Qian Xintong nodded:

"It seems that long, narrow, large vehicles are a universal language of civilization."

Zhiyue: "Speaking of which, if it's a train station, the area is probably a bit small, maybe it can fit five train carriages at most."

Yingzi nodded:

"Indeed, because this post station is not a proper station, and even this route is no longer maintained by the Kun family."

Rumbling--

A tremor ran beneath everyone's feet.

"Oh? Looks like a car is coming."

Zhiyue looked out through the doorway and a huge figure gradually appeared.

As the roar grew louder, a wave of heat rushed into the post station.

The train came to a smooth stop at the end of the ravine.

As the mechanical sounds gradually subsided, there was also the sound of something breaking, just like the tinkling of bells in the salt lake.

What was that sound?

Qian Xintong looked puzzled. Yingzi walked at the very front of the three:

"Seeing is believing, so come with me."

The three approached the train. As the footplate was released, the doors opened, but there were hardly any passengers on board, only a few scattered individuals.

"A soak in a hot spring is so refreshing!"

A passenger got off the bus and stretched.

"That really feels good! Damn, I've been soaking in the lake for three extra days this time. If I don't go to Ward Spring to wash myself, I'll be peeing salt particles!"

I absolutely can't miss a single one. I'd rather fail to meet my sales targets than not go and make up for it later.

Another passenger mocked in a joking tone:

"Come on, don't end up like Hongling, who owes too much and gets tied up and forced into the Yuanchi."

"Hey, I'll go back and ask him about it later. That feeling must be incredibly bittersweet."

The last passenger slowly disembarked from the bus; he was unsteady on his feet, hunched over, and quite old.

"You young people are still too young. You'll understand how good this spring water is when you get older."

He walked slowly, without pausing to talk, simply heading towards the exit of the post station.

"Don't be like that stubborn old Wood. Humph, who knows, one day he might turn into a piece of salt crystal and shatter into pieces if someone hits him."

The young men who had been joking earlier laughed:

"I understand, senior. People don't just die so easily."

The old man shook his head and kept walking towards the salt lake without looking back.

"It seems they are all mirror collectors, and judging from their tone, they came back from that spring that Wen Hongling mentioned earlier."

"It's Ward Spring. Like this salt lake, it's a treasure trove shrouded in mystery."

Yingzi put her hands behind her back and shook her head:

"They just came back from there and don't know what happened yet."

Qian Xintong lowered his eyes and brows:

"Yes, old Wood is already..."

The old man suddenly stopped, turned around sharply to look at the three of them, and his eyes seemed quite unfriendly:

Did he hear us?

Qian Xintong whispered.

"No way, this old man's hearing is that good?"

Zhi Yue's expression remained unchanged, his face calm:

"Sir, what can I do for you?"

The old man narrowed his eyes and stared at Qian Xintong for a long time, seemingly lost in thought. His gaze was sharp, unlike that of an old rogue plotting something.

Even so, Zhiyue cannot simply ignore the situation:

"Sir, if you have something to say, please say so. If not, please don't bother us."

Zhiyue's eyes darkened slightly, and his tone left no room for argument.

The old man was taken aback, then shook his head:

"I'm sorry everyone. It's nothing, I just felt a little dazed when I saw this young lady's face, which resembled someone I knew."

He bowed in apology and left on his own.

Zhi Yue lowered his guard and said nothing more. He then looked at Qian Xintong, a hint of doubt in his eyes:

"You seem like an old friend... Do you have any relatives here, or are you actually here to visit relatives?"

Qian Xintong was speechless:

"You have quite an imagination, huh? It's probably just a coincidence. The world is so big, it's not uncommon for two people to look alike."

Yingzi, being cheeky, retorted:

"But our world isn't that big."

Qian Xintong ignored him.

Yingzi pouted:

"Alright, now you know, right? This post station is a minor section of the sand-rail line, and hardly anyone comes here."

Now, it's been completely contracted out by the owner of Hongquan, and it's practically become a company-only train.

He chuckled softly and slowly walked to the edge of the sand track, the gully covered in yellow sand:

"About ten years ago, before Zhenyueguan Qianhu Tower existed, this guy had already secured the right to operate and maintain this railway independently. Now that it has turned out like this, it doesn't surprise me."

Zhiyue felt admiration:

"I wouldn't be surprised if someone with no cultivation at all built a business empire on their own talent."

Yingzi chuckled softly, glanced at the gap between the vehicle and the sand track, and waved to the two of them:

"Hey, I see it! Come and see what's coming from the mysterious voice."

The two crouched down and peered into the dark crevice, but could see nothing.

"What?"

Qian Xintong was puzzled.

"Tsk, wrong angle, squat down a bit more, like me."

The two leaned down further, and a flash of light shone into their eyes.

"Huh? Something seems to be glowing... no, reflecting light?"

Qian Xintong kept shaking his upper body, trying to see clearly what was in the gap.

Yingzi thought for a moment, then patted Zhiyue on the shoulder:

"It's a simple matter. Just prick it and you'll know."