Guangchuan Continent's water system was well-developed, making boat travel quicker than horseback for long distances, but for Daoists, riding horses was more convenient.
The four riders had not gone thirty miles before the differences in their horses' capabilities were clear; Chong Ling and the two disciples had spirited horses that moved with energy to spare, gracefully and freely, whereas Hou Niao's mount was foaming at the mouth, showing signs of giving out at any moment.
Chong Ling furrowed his brow, having such a companion was a burden, yet he could not leave him behind. Although he knew the man was true to his word, who could guarantee what would happen if he really let him go to Divine City alone?
Between life and death, how many could truly rise to the occasion without hesitation?
"There are a few tricks, draw up your energy, unify yourself with the horse, you may try to pat the horse's head, attempt to build mutual trust…"
After a brief lesson from Chong Ling, Hou Niao inclined his body on the horse and apologized, "Daoist, forgive me, I haven't mastered energy induction yet…"
Chong Ling chuckled wryly, he had forgotten that point; this criminal investigator, despite wearing a faint hint of a Daoist robe, was truly nothing but a robust mortal who could only sense the mechanisms of heaven and earth, how could he grasp the real methods of a true cultivator?
He pointed to a companion, "Xiaosong, switch mounts with him."
This became their method of travel, every thirty miles, Hou Niao and the two Daoist disciples, Xiaosong and Jiyue, would swap mounts, which helped maintain the horses' stamina, allowing them to travel all day with minimal rest.
Among the two Daoist disciples, Xiaosong was in the Grain Avoidance Realm, and Jiyue was in the Essence Building Realm. Each person in their group belonged to different levels of the Daoist Realm—third, fourth, and fifth. Their relationship seemed not that of true master and disciples but rather one determined by their realms, establishing a hierarchy of status. Hou Niao, knowing nothing of the Daoist system, could only imagine.
Traveling together, he felt the Daoists' subtle detachment, clearly considering him an unnecessary presence, a burdensome culprit. Proud and reserved by nature, if others looked down on him, he wouldn't fawn over them.
Thus, they silently continued their journey, from city to city.
Anhe Country's Daoist inspections were not fixed; it could be several times a year or once in a few years; entirely dependent on the cultural sentiment and situation's shifts. The areas visited were largely randomized, except in regions of significant public outrage, reflecting the Daoist style of being unfettered and free.
For instance, Chong Ling's current inspection was an incidental task, even the plan to visit Guangchuan Continent was casually decided by a Daoist master, potentially with a deeper meaning, or perhaps none, which made no difference in the eyes of the Daoist Sect.
However, their main task during this trip was in the cities along the Qingtang River in Guangchuan Continent, aimed at urging various levels of the government to build embankments and manage the river channels. Local internal politics were merely incidental matters, minor details to handle along the way.
Two days later, they arrived at their next scheduled inspection city—Liupan City.
The city was named Liupan because it was located at the confluence of several rivers, interwoven with six winding bends like serpents, encircling the city almost entirely—a true city on the water, where the water currents were exceptionally complex.
Chong Ling and numerous officials of Liupan engaged in a vigorous debate, matching wits and wisdom, yet he could not persuade them to build protective embankments. Hou Niao, along with Xiaosong and Jiyue, stood behind Chong Ling, listening to this debate of Daoist and secular arguments that he had never imagined before.
The high official of Huang respectfully but firmly stated, "Daoist, you should know, it is unsuitable to build embankments in Liupan because of its many tributaries, which can't withstand the labor; a previous dynasty also had Daoists who demanded embankments, and what happened? They were built one year and destroyed the next, exhausting the people and draining the treasury, a clear lesson from the past."
Chong Ling furrowed his brow, for where did he have time to care about matters of the former dynasty? Decades ago, he was but a humble Daoist, devoted solely to spiritual cultivation.
"But is it a lack of funds? Here in Liupan, indeed, there are numerous river bends and the embankment is complex. Our Daoist Sect can seek some support from the imperial court, but you in Liupan must bear the majority, as this is a noble deed that benefits the people of Liupan. Respect for you will rise in the future, earning you considerable merit."
Huangfu Zun remained unmoved, "Not so! The difficulty in constructing the dykes in Liupan lies not in the accumulation of wealth but in the ferocious river demons; these monsters despise human efforts to build embankments, claiming it affects their living environment and thus they stir up the winds and waves. How could we mortals stand against them?
The presence of the Daoist Sect in the area is limited, barely managing to protect the city, let alone safeguard the great river from the monsters' ravages. Once the flooding occurs, the mortals suffer, hence I believe, without solving the river demon issue, there should be no talk of building dykes for safety."
Anhe Country is not some remote utopia. After the celestial mechanisms changed 1,500 years ago, it brought not only cultivation but also numerous calamities to mankind. In a sense, these calamities seem to have a greater impact on this world's environment than cultivation itself.
This involves the issue of different species adapting to the changes in celestial mechanisms. Regrettably, animals acting on instinct have adapted to these changes faster than humans. Perhaps in a few thousand years, humans might dominate this world, but that time is not now.
Thus, there emerged demons and monsters, contesting with newly cultivating humans for control of the world, and not just in Anhe Country but in all human nations, none spared.
Humans excel in learning, growing stronger over time; however, monsters have an easier and quicker entry point, forming combat abilities more readily.
Demons are essentially demon beasts, those wild animals from the deep mountains and swamps who, driven by instinct, awaken the ancient bloodlines within them. They do not require cultivation techniques and inherently possess their own systems, a gift from their bloodlines, which allows them to progress much faster than humans who advance step by step.
Anhe Country is a landlocked nation in the south, with warm seasons all year round, a small territory, but dense population and thriving commerce. It lacks deep forests which could house mountain demons; but the heavens are fair—no nation could escape the currents of history upon the dawn of the cultivation era.
Without deep mountains, there are great rivers instead; fewer mountain demons but more water monsters, basically the same issue.
Whether mountain demons are more dangerous or water monsters cause more evil, such comparison holds no ground; every nation has a general approach to dealing with the demons within, and it can only be general, for human power is still insufficient to resolve this issue completely. It will take time.
The Daoist Sect in Anhe Country faces the same issue, dealing with more than just demons, but also ghosts and devils!
...Upon Huangfu Zun's statement, Chong Ling immediately lost his confidence. He was but a cultivator in the Bridge Connection Realm, not yet reached the critical Tongxuan, hence he could neither fly in the sky nor navigate the waters. If the water demons dared to come ashore, he might be able to cope to some extent, but plunging into the river to negotiate or combat with the Water Clan was beyond what a Daoist of his realm could achieve.
With no evidence at hand, Chong Ling and three others, together with various local officials, ascended the west wall of Liupan's river city. This spot was where the river outside was at its most forceful, Qingtang River roaring and thundering down, mist rising thickly, obscuring the true situation.
But as a Daoist of his realm, Chong Ling had the most direct perception; he knew beneath the thick mists of the water surface lay countless creatures, their blades sharpening, as if they were threatening him!
Indeed,
From the mid-air, twisted platforms arise, rumors of a Divine Carriage coming this way. Clear atop the mountain while it rains below, leaning over the railing, I stand and watch the enshrouded waters!