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墨書 Inktalez
The Old Man led Wu Kong through layers of mist, arriving at a celestial cave. Wu Kong looked up and saw towering mountains, shrouded in clouds and vibrant hues, which seemed oddly familiar. "This place is not my humble abode," the Old Man chuckled, stroking his beard. "It is called ' Imitation of the Ancient Tai Kun Pond.'"
Only then did Wu Kong notice that the peaks surrounding them were not ordinary mountains but a hundred uniquely shaped emerald summits. Some reached skyward, as if seeking the secrets of the heavens; others bowed down to the water, eager to drink from the clear lake; some resembled galloping steeds, brimming with life; while others lay like ancient stones, exuding timeless tranquility. As Wu Kong observed closely, he noted that some peaks roared like tigers in the valley, deafeningly loud; others sat like scholars in calm contemplation; some soared like eagles in flight; while others danced like spirits, enigmatic and unpredictable. There were even those resembling cattle and sheep, vividly lifelike.
Wu Kong couldn't help but laugh. "These Stone Men and Stone Horses are quite well carved, but there are no tombstones. I suppose no one has written their epitaphs yet?" The Old Man laughed heartily. "Do not jest, Elder; just look at that pool of water."
Following his gaze, Wu Kong saw that the tranquil lake surface acted like a giant mirror, reflecting the hundred emerald peaks. The water shimmered with light, like a painting gently rippling in the breeze, showcasing the beauty of the mountains and forests in vivid detail.
As he was lost in admiration, several small boats slowly emerged from the reeds along the lake's edge. In each boat sat a few Old Men wearing straw hats and cloaked in raincoats. They paddled their oars while singing an unknown tune—neither as cheerful as fishermen's songs nor as gentle as lotus-picking melodies. Their voices carried a hint of desolation, a touch of nonchalance, and an air of enlightenment that came from seeing through worldly concerns.
They sang:
"Conflicts drift away from anglers,
Honor and disgrace accompany travelers.
If you wish to ask where to find Meng Tong World,
Gently push your oars,
Slowly row your boat,
Push and push,
Row and row,
Meng Tong World will soon be here."
Upon hearing "Meng Tong World," Wu Kong's heart stirred as he recalled Qin Shi Huang and the artifact known as the Mountain-Driving Bell. He asked, "May I inquire where this Meng Tong World is located?"
The Old Man lifted his head, his murky eyes gazing at Wu Kong before responding with a question of his own: "Which one does the Elder seek?"
Wu Kong scratched his head and said, "It's a long story. My nephew, Qin Shi Huang, has moved to the Meng Tong World, and I wish to send him a message."
The Old Man pointed across the lake to the rolling green mountains and said, "If the Elder wishes to go, you only need to cross this body of water; those mountains over there are the back door to the Meng Tong World."
Wu Kong gazed at the mountains that seemed so close yet were filled with uncertainty. He pondered, "If that's the case, then the Meng Tong World must be vast. Where would I even begin to look for him? Perhaps it's better not to go at all."
The Old Man chuckled and said, "What a coincidence! I have also met Qin Shi Huang a few times. If the Elder is unwilling to go, you can tell me your message, and I will seek him out tomorrow and convey it for you."
Wu Kong's heart stirred, and he relayed the emperor's request to the Old Man, saying, "I have a distant relative, the Tang Emperor. He wishes to borrow Qin Shi Huang's Mountain-Driving Bell for a while. Would you be able to pass on this message?"
Upon hearing that Wu Kong wanted to borrow the Mountain-Driving Bell, the Old Man's smile froze on his face, replaced by an awkward expression as if he were hesitant to speak. He stammered for a long time before finally managing to say, "Oh dear! How unfortunate! I heard that the Mountain-Driving Bell was borrowed yesterday."
Wu Kong's brows furrowed into a knot at this news. His golden eyes rolled as he asked, "Who borrowed it? There should be some order in borrowing things!"
The Old Man hesitated as if afraid of disturbing something and lowered his voice to say, "It was borrowed by Han Gaozu."
"Hahaha!" Wu Kong couldn't help but laugh loudly upon hearing this. His laughter echoed through the empty valley, startling a flock of birds. He pointed at the Old Man and scolded playfully, "Are you trying to make a fool of me? Have you learned to lie like a young person? Back in the day, Han Gaozu stood against Qin Shi Huang's enemies and brought down the Qin dynasty. If these two were to meet here, wouldn't it be like enemies encountering each other with fierce glares? How could Han Gaozu possibly borrow something from him? Do you think this Great Sage of Heaven from five hundred years ago is now just a clueless fool?"
The Old Man felt embarrassed by Wu Kong's retort and cleared his throat before stroking his beard to explain, "Little Elder does not understand; those are grievances from their past lives. Now that we are in this realm, they seem trivial. Moreover, both Qin Emperor and Han Martial Emperor unified the world and were mighty emperors; some matters are beyond our comprehension as mere mortals."
Although Wu Kong still had doubts after hearing this explanation, he realized that pressing further would yield no results. He took a step back and said, "In that case, please convey my message when you see Qin Shi Huang. Just tell him that I will come back in two days after Han Gaozu has finished using the Mountain-Driving Bell."
Seeing Wu Kong relent, the Old Man felt as if a great burden had been lifted and quickly nodded in agreement. "That sounds wonderful!"
After chatting for a while longer, Wu Kong felt parched and exclaimed, "Tea! Let's have some tea!"
The Old Man chuckled, "Little Elder is a relative of Qin Shi Huang, and I, too, can be considered an old friend of Qin Shi Huang. We are like family; if you want tea, we have tea; if you want food, we have food. Please follow me to my humble abode for a chat."
Wu Kong did not hesitate and followed the Old Man as they rose to their feet. They walked past Cui Wei Peak and found a quiet little path. Before long, they arrived at a place called Green Bamboo Cave Heaven.
This place truly lived up to its name. As far as the eye could see, moss covered the ground, ancient trees towered above, and emerald bamboos surrounded them, creating an exceptionally tranquil atmosphere. Compared to the lifeless lake they had seen earlier, it felt like entering a different world. Wu Kong took a deep breath and was greeted by a refreshing fragrance that seemed to dissipate the heaviness in his heart.
Deep within the cave, four houses constructed from purple bamboo were nestled together. Upon entering one of the houses, they noticed that the main beams were made of Xiang Fei Bamboo, while the rafters were crafted from Mud-Green Bamboo. The two doors were woven from Wind-Borne Bamboo into Bamboo Mats. Inside was a Square Bamboo Bed, and even the curtains were made from Bamboo-Clad Paper, exuding an air of elegance and refinement.
The Old Man walked into the back room and soon returned with two bowls of steaming Orchid Jade Tea. Wu Kong accepted a bowl, unbothered by the heat, and gulped down several large mouthfuls. Only then did he feel his thirst quench somewhat. He let out a long sigh of relief and praised, "What excellent tea!"
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