In this chapter, we find Zhou Chun and his disciple arriving at a restaurant called "Zhi Wei Lou" to have their meal. They notice something unusual hanging in the cabinet - it's the red lacquered gourd used by the drunken Taoist they had encountered earlier near the foot of Mount Emei. Although they initially think it's just a common item, they begin to find it strange. They inquire with the tavern keeper about where he acquired the gourd. The tavern keeper explains that a destitute Taoist visited their place five days ago. He dressed poorly and carried the gourd on his back, becoming a regular customer who could drink a large amount of alcohol without getting drunk. After a while, the tavern staff noticed that he had no intention of cheating them and was a loyal customer who could spend large amounts daily. This destitute Taoist would buy their liquor, drink, and then leave, carrying the large gourd. Before his last departure, he told them he had forgotten to bring money but promised to come back within two hours to settle his bill. To ensure he remembered the bill, he left the gourd as a deposit.
However, after waiting for hours, the Taoist did not return, and there was no sign of him. This raised suspicions. Zhou Chun offers to cover the Taoist's bill, and the tavern keeper reluctantly agrees after initially doubting Zhou's intentions regarding the gourd. They merge the Taoist's bill with theirs, amounting to two taels of silver and one qian and five fen.
Zhou Chun settled the bill for the wine and paid extra to the tavern keeper, then headed to Yanyun's home. Upon arriving, Yanyun's mother, Madam Zhao, was waiting at the doorstep, gazing in their direction. Yanyun rushed to embrace her mother, leaving Zhou Chun with an approving nod. Madam Zhao, helping Yanyun, invited Zhou Chun into their home. Though their dwelling consisted of just three simple mud-brick rooms, they were well-kept.
Upon entering, they noticed a loom in the main room, with unfinished cloth stretched on it. Next to it lay a cotton robe, identical to the one Zhou Chun had given the destitute Taoist. There was also a large package that seemed to contain silver. Yanyun inquired about the robe, recognizing it as the one they had given to the Taoist. Madam Zhao explained that the Taoist had visited and claimed that Zhou Chun and Yanyun might have been delayed on their journey, burdened by carrying so much silver. He left the robe and silver as a deposit with the assurance that they would return soon. Madam Zhao, initially doubting the story, finally agreed to hold onto the robe after the Taoist provided it as collateral.
Zhou Chun inspected the silver package, finding it contained over three hundred taels. Inside was a note reading, "Gift from the Drunken Taoist to the Virtuous Wife and Filial Child." The note was adorned with artistic dragon and serpent motifs. Zhou Chun remarked on the mysterious Taoist, emphasizing how their paths had crossed briefly but were enough to recognize his extraordinary skills and exceptional abilities. He noted that the Taoist had traveled over two hundred miles in such a short time, which was nothing short of remarkable.
Madam Zhao was eager to learn more about the encounter, and Zhou Chun began recounting the events starting from their meeting at Mount Emei and stopping at the tavern for the bill. He discussed their intention to take Yanyun with them on their journey. Zhou Chun advised Madam Zhao to accept the silver without hesitation.
The following day, Zhou Chun embarked on his journey to Chengdu. He went first to the tavern, hoping to find the Drunken Taoist and strike up a friendship with this unconventional traveler. To his surprise, both the Taoist and the precious gourd were gone. Zhou Chun inquired with the tavern keeper, who explained that the Taoist had returned with urgency and taken the cherished gourd, saying they would meet in Chengdu. Zhou Chun realized the Taoist had left without a trace, leaving him no way to track him down.
Disappointed but with no other option, Zhou Chun set out for Chengdu with Yanyun, continuing their journey.
After traveling for several days, Zhou Chun and Yanyun reached a place called "Three Forks." To the southwest lay the main road to Chengdu, while a smaller western road also led to Chengdu, though it was about 200 miles closer, albeit with challenging terrain, including mountains and rugged paths. Zhou Chun had heard of the unique landscapes along this route and decided to take it for the adventure. They ventured down the smaller road and soon found themselves amid the scenic beauty of Yunling Mountain.
Yunling Mountain was a place of ancient trees and strange rock formations, with many picturesque sights. The journey made them a little thirsty, so they sought a small stream along the way to quench their thirst. The clear, clean stream was teeming with fish, and they used a wooden ladle they had brought to enjoy a refreshing drink. With the sun lowering in the sky, Zhou Chun knew they needed to keep moving to reach a place for the night.
As they walked, they heard a crane's cry. Zhou Chun mentioned that this was the third time he had heard a crane's cry on this journey, with the previous occurrences near Mount Emei. He looked up but saw only a clear sky without any signs of cranes. Suddenly, Yanyun called out, "Teacher, it's here!" Zhou Chun followed her gaze and saw an enormous celestial crane standing on a large boulder nearby. This majestic crane had a vivid red crown on its head, pure white plumage, and gleaming golden eyes with iron-like beak. It stood at least eight to nine feet tall and was busy preening its feathers.
Before they could fully take in the sight, a green snake suddenly dashed towards the crane, measuring about seven to eight feet long. The crane, aware of the snake's presence, swiftly pecked at it. However, the snake was too quick, and it managed to slip into a crevice in the rock before the crane could catch it. Frustrated, the crane started to peck at the boulder, sending sparks and stone fragments flying. The snake, still inside the crevice, twisted its body around the crane's legs, trying to subdue the bird. The crane, undeterred, swiftly bit off the snake's head with its long beak, and then, using its beak, gently untangled its feet from the snake's body. The snake was then divided into dozens of pieces and consumed by the crane.
The crane ruffled its feathers, let out a resounding call, and took flight, soaring high into the sky until it disappeared among the clouds.
By this time, it was becoming dark, and the landscape was shrouded in mist. Zhou Chun and Yanyun quickly pressed on. They covered a distance of three miles, and night had fallen. They found a nearby house and knocked on the door to seek shelter for the night. It took a while, but they eventually heard a voice from inside, asking who they were and their purpose.
Zhou Chun explained their need for shelter, but the person inside replied that it was perilous to stay there. They were directed to a small thatched hut five miles to the southwest, where a great master resided. Zhou Chun and Yanyun were advised to request lodging there as the master could protect them from the looming danger. Upon receiving this advice, the person inside ceased speaking. Zhou Chun knocked again, but there was no response.
Despite the warnings, Zhou Chun's curiosity led him to leap over the wall to investigate further. The moon had risen by this time, illuminating the courtyard like a painting. Zhou Chun noticed a person lying on a bamboo bed in the courtyard, who, upon Zhou Chun's arrival, exclaimed, "You didn't listen to my advice! Get away from me quickly. Don't come near. It would be detrimental to your well-being."
Zhou Chun replied, "In this vast world, all are friends. If you are in trouble, don't hesitate to speak. If there is any way I can assist you, why suffer in silence? We could overcome any hardship together." The person replied, "I am afflicted by a demonic poison. Within three feet of me, you risk infection. I've struggled for my life here for three days, and now, I'm starving. If you have any food, please share it with me. The demon will return soon, and you'll be in grave danger as well. If you hurry and go seek assistance from the Great Master of Baiyun, you might still have a chance. Tell her my story, and she might be able to help."
The person was severely weakened, and Zhou Chun took notice of seven distinct red birthmarks on their arm. Zhou Chun threw some dried rations near the person and quickly retreated. He called for Yanyun, but she was nowhere to be found. To know what happens next, stay tuned for the next chapter.