Shennong Dao Master
Chapter 57: Opening the Altar for Priest Rituals

Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Opening the Altar for Priest Rituals

Climbing the mountains to gather Spiritual Beauty was suitable for all officials, which meant that whether they were from the Minister of Agriculture Supervision, Heavenly Workshop, Weaver Supervision, Military Department, Wenfang, or the temple, as long as they belonged to a government department, they were qualified to participate.

"The past two days have been really lively. Except for the Spring Festival, the autumnal equinox’s Mountain Opening might be the busiest event of the year." Chen Ziyu walked down the street, watching the bustling crowd, and couldn’t help but grin.

His family ran a shop in Anping Square. With such a large amount of foot traffic, their business thrived, making him naturally happy.

"Qian Dong, are you going to the Mountain Opening for the autumnal equinox?" Chen Ziyu asked Qian Dong beside him, not bothering to ask Zhao Xing, knowing his brother would definitely go.

"Of course, why not?" Qian Dong replied.

"Aren’t you afraid of getting beaten black and blue? There are a lot of experts this year," Chen Ziyu queried.

"Afraid? Me?" Qian Dong snorted, "It’s precisely because there are many experts that it’s worthwhile. If there were fewer experts, I wouldn’t even bother going!"

"Oh? Why is that?" Chen Ziyu was puzzled.

"I just advanced to the Gathering Essence Second Rank. If I clash with experts of the eighth or ninth ranks, they’d beg me not to die," Qian Dong said, puffing out his chest.

Zhao Xing: "..."

Why are you so arrogant?

Chen Ziyu said, "Dong, it’s forbidden to kill during the climb, but you can’t expect people not to take advantage of you because you’re weak, can you?"

Zhao Xing suddenly added, "If you really encounter a Gathering Essence Ninth Rank Martial Artist, they could use their superior control to slash you a hundred times, each time avoiding your vital points."

Qian Dong: "..."

"But it only happens once a year, I can’t not go," Qian Dong said, feeling a bit dejected.

"I don’t recommend it. You’re only at Gathering Essence Second Rank. If you encounter the fierce beasts on Spirit Mountain, you wouldn’t even know how you died," Zhao Xing warned.

"Got it, big brother."

.......

"This time, be extra careful climbing the mountain. You’re only at Gathering Essence Fourth Rank. Avoid experts when you encounter them, and if you gain any rewards, descend immediately. Don’t force it," Xue Wenzhong advised earnestly.

He originally didn’t recommend Zhao Xing go, but Chen Shijie held the opposite view, believing Zhao Xing could handle it. Plus, Zhao Xing also wanted to go, so Xue Wenzhong was convinced.

"I understand, teacher. I’m going up the mountain mainly to try my luck, prioritizing my safety above all, and then seeking Spiritual Beauty," Zhao Xing promised.

The Minister of Agriculture profession was somewhat weak, not known for combat strength. Xue Wenzhong’s concern was understandable.

After the Old Minister of Agriculture’s advice, he led Zhao Xing to the study and gave him a backpack-sized bamboo box.

"This is a bamboo box I made myself, containing a batch of seeds."

"Among them are the ’Vajra Bamboo’ and the ’evergreen vine’ you are familiar with."

"You are skilled in the Grassman Skill. On the first day after the Mountain Opening, don’t rush to climb. Make some Grassmen for self-defense first and then wander around the mountain foot," the Old Minister of Agriculture said as he fastened the bamboo box onto Zhao Xing’s back.

"Thank you, teacher."

Zhao Xing turned around, feeling the heavy weight on his shoulders.

The bamboo box was quite heavy. Just how many items were inside?

The bamboo, originally named Wen Bamboo, was used to make boxes that preserved fruits and seeds for long periods.

Climbing the mountain to gather Spiritual Beauty was dangerous, so officials were allowed to carry treasures, as long as they were not beyond the Third Rank.

Zhao Xing was considered one of the more promising clerks in Gucheng, and Xue Wenzhong and Chen Shijie didn’t want him to miss the opportunity but also worried about his safety, so they packed the bamboo box to the brim.

"Tomorrow, some higher officials will come from the county. Chen Shijie and I won’t have much time to meet you. So, don’t overtrain in the next two days and rest well," Xue Wenzhong continued to admonish.

"Understood, teacher." Zhao Xing listened quietly until Xue Wenzhong finished before taking his leave.

.......

On September 21, Secondary Sixth-Rank official Ji Ming from the Nanyang County Inspection Bureau, Secondary Sixth-Rank official Fan Dongping from the Minister of Agriculture Supervision, and several other seventh and eighth-grade officials from various departments, descended upon Gucheng’s east gate in the Cloud Flying Boat.

Li Wenzheng led the crowd to greet them three miles outside the city, with a procession beating drums and gongs all the way into the city.

People inside and outside the city immediately knew that a high-ranking official had arrived in Gucheng.

Clerks from the Minister of Agriculture Supervision weren’t qualified for the reception outside the city.

But in the afternoon, when Fan Dongping from the same system came to inspect the Minister of Agriculture Supervision, there was an opportunity to witness the grandeur of a Sixth-Rank official.

"They actually sent a Sixth-Rank official. Old Chen must be highly regarded," Zhao Xing remarked as he watched from a pavilion in the Huai Liu Courtyard.

Normally, this wasn’t a major Mountain Opening, so a seventh-rank official would suffice, just going through the motions.

If it wasn’t for some other reason, it could only mean Chen Shijie, the main official, was highly valued by his superiors.

"Jingong, you are from West Mountain County. Have you gotten used to Nanyang County in these three years?" Fan Dongping asked with a friendly smile.

Jingong was Chen Shijie’s courtesy name.

Chen Shijie walked half a step behind Fan Dongping and chuckled, "Thank you for your concern, my lord. Nanyang County has good scenery and abundant resources. Even my old bones are feeling pampered."

Fan Dongping raised an eyebrow, "So, you’re indirectly accusing the Nanyang County Minister of Agriculture of indulging in comfort and neglecting duties?"

"How dare I? In my heart, Lord Fan has always been wise and valiant."

"Hahaha!" Fan Dongping laughed heartily, stroking his beard.

The accompanying officials, including Gao Li, Tang Wanchun, and Pang Yuan, felt a bit surprised. Why was Fan Dongping so amiable while chatting with Chen Shijie? Could it be that Chen Shijie indeed had considerable backing and that Fan Dongping’s visit was because of him?

........

On September 22, the autumnal equinox.

At the foot of East Lake Mountain, Earth Altar Square.

From the Mao Hour, divine temple hosts were busy setting up for the Mountain Opening ceremony.

The perimeter of Earth Altar Square was divided into sections for various departments as viewing areas.

Zhao Xing arrived at Earth Altar Square early in the morning, heading to the region designated for the Minister of Agriculture Supervision.

He saw several long tables on Earth Altar Square, each holding offerings of three animals, jade ritual tools, incense, and yellow paper.

By the end of the Mao Hour, the officials and clerks attending the ceremony were taking their places, with East Lake Army soldiers maintaining order amid the crowd of tourists and vendors.

At 7:15 AM, the ceremony officially began.

First, the divine temple hosts chanted prayers and worshipped various gods (Yin Gods enshrined by the court), primarily honoring Duke Donghu and Caoxi.

Next, County Venerable Li Wenzheng took the stage, his reverberating voice carrying for miles, praying for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and the well-being of Gucheng’s citizens.

By the end of this process, it was 7:15 AM.

But the surrounding crowd only grew larger.

After all, this was an annual grand event.

"Isn’t it over yet? I’m about to fall asleep listening."

"It’s almost done. The West Mountain guys are up next."

"Shh, be careful not to let Chen Shijie hear that."

"Didn’t you just call him by name? Stop pretending."

"..."

"It’s starting!"

"Mother, look, the Mountain Opening is beginning!"

As the officials and civilians eagerly awaited.

The head of Gucheng Minister of Agriculture Supervision, Chen Shijie, and seven other Ministers, ascended the Earth Altar and performed the Mountain Opening Technique.