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Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 509 - 280: Together
Chen Li also nodded gently, having been taught by their parents since childhood that one ought to return a favor with even greater kindness, let alone a life-saving one.
Walking on an overgrown path, Lu Xun looked around at the dense trees and felt very pleased. After getting over his initial regret, Lu Xun felt a great sense of satisfaction. Although the apricot given by Old Apricot was precious, using it to save a young girl's life was certainly not a waste of its efficacy.
He hoped that the siblings would be able to lead a happy life in the future, Lu Xun wished in his heart.
"Lu Xun, wait for us!" A robust voice called out on the road. Lu Xun turned around and saw Chen Xiong, carrying his sister and panting heavily as he caught up.
Lu Xun noticed the miscellaneous items tied to Chen Xiong's back, thankful that Chen Xiong possessed Divine Power, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to carry so much.
"What is this?"
"We plan to follow you. You saved my sister's life, and the journey to Mountain Luoxia is long and fraught with dangers and difficulties. That's why we decided to accompany you, so you won't be lonely on the road," Chen Xiong said with a smile.
Lu Xun glanced at the siblings. Seeing Chen Xiong's determined face and Chen Li biting her lip and nodding firmly, he smiled and said, "I am more than happy, actually. I was just thinking how terrifying it would be to make the long journey to Mountain Luoxia alone, and here you two came."
Thus, the three of them started on their journey together towards Mountain Luoxia.
Meanwhile, on Mountain Luoxia, which Lu Xun had longed for, Lu Yu had just returned from the Underworld with Liu Qingyun, dealt with various matters for his junior relative, and then returned to his own cave.
As soon as he entered his cave, he sent two Child Servants to call over Big Black Donkey, Ruyi True Immortal, and Little White Elephant, gently instructing them on a few things.
Big Black Donkey shouted, "Don't worry, master. We'll handle this small task meticulously, without a single slip,"
Lu Yu glanced briefly at Big Black Donkey. Among these fellows, the one he trusted the least was this simpleton, who often bungled things in a comedic fashion, just completely unreliable. As for Little White Elephant who was still young and likewise unreliable, it was really Ruyi True Immortal, with his mature and stable personality and experience in the human world, who could be entrusted with important matters.
"Keep an eye on them for me and don't let them mess things up," Lu Yu whispered to Ruyi True Immortal.
Ruyi True Immortal, looking at the unsound pair of black and white beside him, suddenly sported several lines of frustration on his forehead. Being with such unreliable partners, he felt the path ahead darken considerably.
"What's that look for? With me taking care of matters, what could possibly go wrong?" shouted Big Black Donkey, noticing Ruyi True Immortal's expression and feeling insulted. He felt belittled by the dull ox, even though he was the first to join their master. Why should he listen to him?
Lu Yu paid no attention to this simpleton. Speaking purely of capability, the lazy, gluttonous Big Black Donkey was no match for Ruyi True Immortal. With Ruyi's cunning nature, Big Black Donkey was bound to endure much suffering along the way. Nevertheless, Lu Yu couldn't be bothered; characters like Big Black Donkey needed a firm hand, a typical case of 'spare the rod and spoil the child.'
After sending off the three mounts, Lu Yu then called Liu Qingyun to his side and said, "When Lu Xun arrives, you are to instruct him. No objections, right?"
Liu Qingyun smiled and shook his head, saying, "When Lu Chengqian was in the Underworld, he specifically asked me to drink with him and entrusted me to look after his descendants. Rest assured, sir, I will not slack off."
Lu Yu smiled and said, "Give him a good training. Born into wealth and comfort, he has faced too little adversity and suffering, making his will somewhat weak. However, Old Apricot Tree mentioned that the young fellow has performed well."
"Indeed, he has," said Liu Qingyun with a smile, nodding his head. "He is well-mannered but not pedantic, sentimental yet not impulsive. He has already shown the potential of a leader." He would not have agreed so readily had he not already learned some of Lu Xun's stories.
"Ha-ha, as long as you're satisfied, I'll be waiting in my cave abode for you to bring him to see me," Lu Yu said with a laugh.
"Rest assured, sir!"
During their conversation, the group led by Lu Xun that was heading toward Mountain Luoxia encountered a problem; a mighty river appeared before them.
"What a huge river!" exclaimed Chen Li, seeing such a broad river for the first time. She couldn't help but express her astonishment and dashed excitedly a few steps toward the riverbank.
Even Chen Xiong showed a shocked expression. Having grown up in the mountains, he had never seen such a majestic river and involuntarily stood by the water with his mouth agape.
The river was tumultuous, flowing eastward with waves crashing against the banks, creating a loud whooshing sound. Lu Xun looked around and noticed, with a frown, that there was not a single boat on the river.
He walked gently to the riverbank, scooped up a handful of clear water, and drank it to quench his dry throat. He then slowly said, "This river, if I'm not mistaken, is Qinghe, the second largest river in Great Chu. The renowned minister Chu Feng from Great Chu was conferred the title of River God and has been worshipped by the populace ever since. However, it's strange that today there isn't a single boat in sight."
Just then, a voice came from nearby, saying, "The young man indeed has wide knowledge. Many know the name of this river as Qinghe, but few know that the River God of Qinghe is called Chu Feng."
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The three of them looked intently and saw an old man, wearing a straw raincoat and a conical hat, slowly emerging from the reeds in a small boat. The old man appeared very old, his face covered with wrinkles and hair completely white, with a long white beard hanging from his face. Yet, his voice sounded remarkably strong.
"This old man looks quite old, but I didn't expect him to be in such good shape, and despite the distance, he was able to hear Lu Xun speaking. Truly impressive," Chen Xiong muttered to himself.
Lu Xun was keenly aware that this old man was extraordinary. He possessed a remarkable demeanor, reminiscent of the high officials he had seen in the grand hall of the Imperial Court.
"Duke Chu had once inspected Qinghe, initiated hydraulic projects, developed the livelihood of the people, entered the cabinet three times, and was appointed as the prime minister twice. His contributions benefitted the state and the welfare of future generations. It's only fitting he was revered as the River God of Qinghe after his death," Lu Xun said softly, recounting what he knew about Chu Feng, leaving Chen Xiong and his sister mesmerized beside him.
With just those few words from Lu Xun, they could envision a great man who deeply cared for the people and the nation. Coming from a humble background themselves, they deeply respected and adored such an official who could bring prosperity to the populace.
The old man, hearing this, laughed heartily and said, "Rare indeed, rare indeed, that there are still people in this world who remember the name of Chu Feng."