Calabash Fairy

Before long, Fang Yan arrived at the city gate, cast a concealment spell, and stepped out from the breeze.

He looked up and saw a plaque with the three characters "Ancient Ferry City" hanging high above the city gate.

Under the setting sun, the gray-brown city walls on both sides of the city gate looked somewhat mottled, obviously having weathered many storms, yet they still appeared sturdy and reassuring.

"Mountain God, I have been waiting for you for a long time."

Fang Yan looked in the direction from which the sound came and saw Lu Zhang, dressed in a white scholar's robe, walking towards the city gate with a smile.

...........................

A moment later, Fang Yan and Lu Zhang walked together on the bustling streets of the ancient ferry city.

"Osmanthus wine! Freshly brewed osmanthus wine! Our osmanthus wine is fragrant and mellow! I guarantee you'll want a second jar after you finish one!"

"Water chestnut flour cake! We sell sweet and soft water chestnut flour cakes~"

"Hey~ sir, why don't you come and visit our Bai Xiang Lou tonight?"

"Our Baixianglou restaurant has Chef Li, known for his swift knives, in the kitchen, and Mr. Qiao, known for his eloquent storytelling!"

"You've never heard of it? That's alright~ The girls at our Bai Xiang Lou are all incredibly beautiful~"

On the bustling street, Fang Yan watched the young man, his face flushed, being half-pushed and half-pulled into the Bai Xiang Lou by several girls, and couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head.

I've learned a lot today...

Lu Zhang smiled and said from the side:

"This Baixianglou has been open here for decades and is now the only one in the city. Every night, it is filled with singing and dancing, and is very lively."

"However, this is also one of the places in the city where the underworld officials come most often..."

Lust is a double-edged sword...

Fang Yan nodded in understanding and then began chatting with Lu Zhang.

At this moment, the two of them were on their way to a restaurant in the city to meet Zhang Chenghuang.

Although the City God Temple was quite busy with the upcoming birthday banquet, Zhang Chenghuang still took the time to personally entertain Fang Yan and meet him after learning of his arrival.

Fang Yan was invited to attend the other party's millennium birthday celebration, so there was nothing wrong with it.

Before long, the two arrived at Shengjinglou, the largest restaurant in the city.

"Oh, isn't this Master Lu? You two gentlemen are here to see Mr. Zhang?"

"He has already booked the entire top floor, so you two gentlemen can go directly to the top floor."

Soon, Fang Yan saw the old man standing by the window on the top floor of this ancient restaurant. He was wearing a wide crimson robe, had black hair and beard, and a serious expression.

Upon seeing Fang Yan and Lu Zhang enter this floor, a glint of light flashed in his eyes. He stepped forward to greet them, solemnly cupping his hands in greeting:

"I have long admired Zhang Zhengyan, the City God of the Ancient Ferry City."

Fang Yan straightened his posture, cupped his hands in return, and said:

"I have long admired Fang Yan, the mountain god of Qingfeng Mountain."

When they went upstairs earlier, Lu Zhang had told him that this City God Zhang was a rather serious and direct person, so when talking to him, one could skip the small talk and just be as direct.

Sure enough, Zhang Chenghuang's expression relaxed a bit upon hearing this, and he gestured with his hand toward the seat behind him, which was laden with fine wine and dishes.

"I have prepared a feast; please, Mountain God, take a seat and have a chat."

Fang Yan smiled and nodded, thanked him, and then stepped forward to sit down with Zhang Chenghuang. Lu Zhang bowed to the Chenghuang and then turned and left.

Don't be fooled by Zhang Chenghuang's serious demeanor, as if he had something important to discuss.

Fang Yan, however, was inexplicably clear that this person had only come to him to get to know each other and make friends.

This person was supposedly this serious and direct even before becoming a god; that was simply his nature.

However, what bothered him was that this person not only governed Gudu City, but also many local deities and gods in the area surrounding Gudu City.

But just now, Zhang Chenghuang's words to him were so solemn and polite...

Fang Yan was at a loss for words, and just chatted with this person casually. He only touched the fine wine and delicacies on the table slightly, until the two started talking about the cultivation of the divine path, and then the conversation really started.

"The method of refining the Mountain God Seal that the Mountain God just explained is actually quite rudimentary in terms of the use of incense for refining, and it failed to fully demonstrate its power."

"When we refine divine magical artifacts, we mostly rely on the power of incense to ignite divine fire, and then use various secret methods to refine them with divine fire to enhance their origin and power."

"Those who possess merit can also rely on..."

Zhang Chenghuang spoke candidly and without reservation across the table, while Fang Yan's eyes grew even brighter.

This trip was definitely worthwhile!

Since his rebirth, he has been exploring cultivation. After obtaining half of the Heavenly Book, he had something to rely on for his cultivation, but he has never received any guidance on the path of the gods.

In just a few words, Zhang Chenghuang taught him a great deal about the application of divine principles, which gave him much insight.

Stones from other hills, can learn.

In the path of cultivation, one truly cannot work in isolation; it is essential to exchange ideas with other fellow practitioners.

At first, Zhang Chenghuang had some intention of giving advice, but gradually he put away that idea and his expression became serious.

He discovered that the person opposite him had exceptionally high comprehension, was able to apply what he learned to other situations, had a profound foundation in cultivation, and possessed a wide range of knowledge, from which he benefited greatly.

It was only then that Zhang Chenghuang realized that, given the cultivation foundation of the person opposite him, they had probably already grasped a trace of the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth...

"As expected of a mountain god personally bestowed by Heaven..."

Zhang Chenghuang sighed inwardly, then immersed himself once again in his discussion with Fang Yan.

The discussion continued for several hours until dawn. The bright moon and stars in the sky outside the window disappeared, and the sun slowly rose on the horizon. The two were still deeply immersed in the discussion.

"In my humble opinion, divine artifacts each have their own characteristics. For example, your Mountain God Seal is as imposing as a mountain, and while my City God Sword is also known for its swordplay,..."

"Your Majesty the City God!"

Before Zhang Chenghuang could finish speaking, he heard a call from beside him.

He stopped speaking abruptly, feeling displeased. He frowned and looked over, only to see the civil and military judges standing together not far away on this floor, looking at him with helpless expressions.

With the birthday banquet approaching, there were many matters in the City God Temple that required the City God's decision. Unexpectedly, the City God did not return home all night, and instead discussed matters with the Mountain God of Qingfeng Mountain.

Judging from their current state, if they don't speak up soon, who knows how long they'll continue their debate...

The City God then seemed to realize something and looked out the window. He saw the sun slowly rising in the sky, and everyone was starting to go out to work.

He couldn't help but turn around and say apologetically:

"Young friend Fang Yan, I am truly sorry, but I have many matters to attend to at the City God Temple. Would you allow me to postpone this discussion?"

Fang Yan had no objections; he was already quite satisfied with today's gains.

"Please go about your business, City God. We'll meet again on the day of your birthday banquet."

Upon hearing this, the City God smiled under Lu Zhang's somewhat surprised gaze, nodded slowly, and took off the black cloth pouch with gold patterns from his waist, handing it to Fang Yan.

"Before the birthday banquet, young friend, you may take a stroll around the city; perhaps you can use these silver coins."

"Please rest assured, I have already paid for the meal here."

"After more than a month, the City God Temple will be waiting for your arrival, young friend."

As the City God spoke, he stood up and, along with the civil and military judges not far away, slowly disappeared from sight.