The Dao Sovereign of Shennong

Climbing the mountain to harvest spiritual essence was open to all officials, meaning that regardless of whether they were from the Shennong Office, the Tiangong Workshop, the Weaving Bureau, the Military Division, the Cultural Office, or the Temple... as long as they were government officials, they were eligible to participate.

"These past two days have been lively! Aside from the Spring Festival, the Autumn Equinox Mountain Opening is probably the most bustling event of the year," Chen Ziyu said, walking along the street and smiling as he observed the crowd.

His family ran a shop in Anping District, so the larger the crowd, the better the business. Naturally, he was happy.

"Qian Dong, are you going to the Autumn Equinox Mountain Opening?" Chen Ziyu asked his companion Qian Dong, not bothering to ask his older brother Zhao Xing, knowing full well that he would be attending.

"Why wouldn't I go?" Qian Dong replied.

"Aren't you afraid of getting beaten black and blue? I hear plenty of strong experts are attending this year," Chen Ziyu teased.

"Afraid? Me?" Qian Dong scoffed, puffing out his chest. "The more experts, the better! If there were fewer experts, I wouldn't even bother going!"

"Oh? And why's that?" Chen Ziyu asked, confused.

"I've just entered the second stage of Essence Gathering. If I clash with a top-tier expert at the eighth or ninth stage, they'll have to beg me not to die," Qian Dong declared, full of confidence.

Zhao Xing: "..."

Wait, what exactly are you proud of?

Chen Ziyu said, "Dongzi, it's true that killing is forbidden during the climb, but you can't expect others to leave you alone just because you're weaker."

Zhao Xing added dryly, "If you run into a ninth-stage expert, they could cut you a hundred times and still avoid hitting any vital points."

Qian Dong: "..."

"Still, I can't just skip it. It only happens once a year," Qian Dong said, feeling deflated.

"You shouldn't go. You're only at the second stage of Essence Gathering. If you run into one of the mountain's fierce beasts, you won't even know how you died," Zhao Xing warned.

"Understood, big brother," Qian Dong muttered.

"You need to be cautious too," said Xue Wenzhong earnestly. "You're only at the fourth stage of Essence Gathering. If you encounter a real expert, avoid them. If you find anything valuable, come down immediately. Don't push yourself too hard."

He had initially advised Zhao Xing not to go, but Chen Shijie had argued otherwise, saying that Zhao Xing was capable of handling it. Zhao Xing himself wanted to participate, so Xue Wenzhong had been convinced.

"I understand, teacher. I'm only going to test my luck, prioritizing safety first. Only then will I search for spiritual essence."

The profession of a Shennong Officer was somewhat weak in terms of combat, so Xue Wenzhong's concern was reasonable.

After the reminder, Xue Wenzhong led Zhao Xing to his study and handed him a large, half-person-tall bamboo box with shoulder straps.

"This is a bamboo box I made myself. Inside is a collection of seeds."

"Included are 'Diamond Bamboo' and 'Evergreen Vine,' both of which you're familiar with."

"You excel at using the straw puppet technique, so on the first day of the mountain opening, don't rush to the top. Make some straw puppets for protection first and explore the base of the mountain."

"Also, inside the box, there are five Speed talismans, ten Essence Protection Pills, and fifteen Heavenly Origin pears..." Xue Wenzhong listed off, helping Zhao Xing strap on the bamboo box.

"Thank you, teacher," Zhao Xing said.

As he turned around, the weight on his shoulders sank heavily.

The bamboo box was indeed heavy. Just how much had been packed inside?

The box was made of Wen Bamboo, a special type of bamboo that could preserve fruit from rotting and keep seeds fresh for a long time.

Climbing the mountain to gather spiritual essence was dangerous, but officials weren't forbidden from bringing tools or treasures, as long as they didn't exceed third grade.

Zhao Xing, as one of Gucheng's more promising candidates for official appointment, had both Xue Wenzhong and Chen Shijie worrying about him missing out on this opportunity while also fearing for his safety. So, they had packed the bamboo box to the brim.

"Tomorrow, senior officials from the prefecture will be visiting. Chen Shijie and I won't have time to see you, so take these next two days to rest and conserve your strength. Don't overexert yourself," Xue Wenzhong advised.

"Understood, teacher," Zhao Xing replied, listening attentively until Xue Wenzhong had finished, then taking his leave.

On September 21st, several officials from Nanyang Prefecture arrived in Gucheng by flying cloud boat. These included Ji Ming, a sixth-rank official from the Surveillance Department, and Fan Dongping, a sixth-rank official from the Shennong Division, along with several other seventh- and eighth-rank officials from various departments.

Li Wenzheng led a delegation to greet them three miles outside the city gates, with a ceremonial procession beating drums and sounding gongs as they escorted the guests into the city.

The people of Gucheng quickly realized that high-ranking officials had arrived.

The junior clerks from the Shennong Division were not important enough to participate in the formal greeting.

However, in the afternoon, when Fan Dongping visited the Shennong Division for inspection, they had the chance to witness the presence of a sixth-rank official.

"They sent a sixth-rank official? Chen Shijie is really held in high regard," Zhao Xing observed from a pavilion in the Huailiu Courtyard.

Given that this wasn't a major mountain opening, they could have just sent a seventh-rank official to fulfill the ceremonial duties. The fact that a sixth-rank was sent meant that Chen Shijie must be valued highly by those above him.

"How are you finding Nanyang Prefecture after three years? Is it to your liking?" Fan Dongping asked, smiling.

Chen Shijie, whose courtesy name was Jingong, followed half a step behind Fan Dongping, smiling as he replied, "Thank you for your concern, my lord. Nanyang Prefecture has such beautiful scenery and rich resources that even my tough bones have softened a bit."

Fan Dongping raised an eyebrow, "So you're saying Nanyang's Shennong officers have grown complacent and soft, neglecting their duties?"

"How could I dare? Lord Fan, in my eyes, has always been both wise and valiant," Chen Shijie replied with a laugh.

"Hahaha," Fan Dongping laughed heartily.

The other officials, such as Gao Linong, Tang Wanchun, and Pang Yuan, all exchanged glances, slightly surprised by how relaxed and friendly the conversation between Fan Dongping and Chen Shijie was. Could it be that Chen Shijie had some backing, and Fan Dongping had come for his sake?

On September 22nd, the Autumn Equinox.

At the base of East Lake Mountain, in the Earth Altar Plaza.

From the early hours of the morning, priests from the temple were busy preparing for the opening ceremony, setting up the sacrificial offerings.

Around the perimeter of the plaza, various departments had their own marked sections for viewing the ceremony.

Zhao Xing arrived early, heading to the section designated for the Shennong Division.

In the center of the plaza were dozens of long altars, adorned with sacrificial offerings of livestock, jade ritual vessels, incense, and yellow paper.

By the end of Mao Hour, the officials and clerks had gradually filled the viewing area, with soldiers from the East Lake Military maintaining order as tourists and merchants flocked to witness the event.

At the first quarter of Chen Hour, the ceremony officially began.

First, the temple's priests recited prayers, paying homage to the many gods (officially enshrined Yin gods), with special reverence for Lord East Lake and Lord Caoxi.

Then, County Magistrate Li Wenzheng made his appearance, his voice booming across the crowd, offering prayers for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and peace and prosperity for the people of Gucheng.

By the end of the prayers, it was already the first quarter of Si Hour.

The crowd, far from dwindling, only seemed to swell.

After all, this was one of the year's grandest events.

"When will it end? I'm falling asleep over here," someone in the crowd muttered.

"Be patient. The big moment is coming. Chen Shijie will be stepping up soon."

"Shh, don't let him hear you."

"Who are you kidding? You just called him by name too!"

"…"

"There he is!"

"Mom, look! They're opening the mountain!"

Amid the anticipation of both officials and commoners, Chen Shijie, the chief officer of Gucheng's Shennong Division, along with seven other Shennong officers, ascended the Earth Altar and began the ritual to open the mountain.