Please support the translation by reading the translation and commenting on otakutl official site.
Thank you.
Everyone from Otaku Translation
Chapter 3: Fret Not For A Thousand Miles' Journey
"Young Master, there are rumors that the Fog Fiend on this section of the road is not easy to deal with." The merchant surnamed Li expressed lingering fear. "It has been causing trouble here for several months. Even the skilled individuals invited by Nanhua(南华县) County's government official couldn't resolve the matter. After this heavy rain and with the mountain fog, it conveniently has the upper hand..."
"Yes, and the night is dark, and the road is slippery..."
"How about waiting until tomorrow morning when it's clear before searching for it?"
"If you go, Young Master, I'm willing to accompany you."
Various suggestions were offered, and most people wanted to persuade Song You not to go. Some had genuine concern, while others might have preferred him not to leave easily. But even in the case of the latter, it was human nature. However, with too many words, Song You was momentarily unsure which one to respond to.
Staring at the fire for a few seconds, he decided not to reply individually, only addressing the escort named Chen: "The escort leader should stay here."
This statement conveyed his attitude.
Chen, being a conscientious person with both reputation and courage, deserved some respect regardless of his skills. But after this, Song You didn't want to say much more.
Before long, the drizzle ceased. Song You stood up directly, pulled out a piece of firewood from the campfire, and, under the gaze of the merchants and escorts, walked alone into the thick fog.
The night was silent, and the cold wind rustled through the misty surroundings. Even the wild grass seemed vigilant. The only fearless figure moving forward was Song You.
The merchant group was a mix of admiration and worry, but there was nothing they could do. Huddled by the fire, they anxiously stared into the dense fog, uncertain whether they hoped for the young man's return or feared the appearance of the Fog Fiend.
Soon, bursts of light erupted from the fog, accompanied by eerie howls that sounded like desperate cries and fierce roars, sending shivers down everyone's spine.
"Gasp!"
Goosebumps formed on the merchants' arms, and their hairs stood on end. Concern for the young man increased.
However, no one dared to investigate. Even Chen, the only one with the courage, hesitated to venture into the fog alone.
Soon, the sounds abruptly ceased. After an unknown period, there was movement nearby.
People craned their necks, fixedly watching the fog, hearts pounding. The thick fog refused to disperse, resembling a winter morning in the mountains. Suddenly, a mountain wind swept through, causing the fog to flow, revealing tiny particles illuminated by the firelight. In this dreamlike scene, a figure emerged, walking steadily out of the fog.
The person was young and refined, dressed in a simple Daoist robe. His expression remained calm, as if he had just accomplished something insignificant.
Upon entering the pavilion and sitting back down by the fire, he casually said, "The night is still long; rest early, everyone."
Everyone in the merchant group exchanged glances. Led by the merchant named Li, the others stood up, and in unison, they respectfully bowed.
The flames crackled, and the young man closed his eyes.
The merchants found it difficult to sleep that night. In their mutual gazes, they recalled the scene from earlier – the young man turning back through the thick fog, gradually becoming clearer. It seemed like he carried hope, a moment that some might never forget.
The night, whether long or short, eventually passed.
The mountain wind, accompanied by fog, was chilling. People woke several times throughout the night, unable to sleep well. When dawn barely broke, Song You woke up. The other merchants, each with their own sleepless night, were also awake.
Morning dew weighed down the wild grass, and the air was humid, carrying the scent of soil and vegetation. It was as suitable for cultivation as the evening.
Although Song You was awake, he continued to sit in meditation with his eyes closed.
He could hear the sounds around him.
Dew bent the waist of the grass, dripping along the curve, hitting the stone slabs and shattering. Squirrels were active on the ancient cypress trees, and birds in the woods had also started their morning routines.
The escort named Chen whispered to the merchant Li, explaining that his junior brother was skilled but had never encountered supernatural entities before, leading to a nervous performance. He hoped Li wouldn't mind.
Li and other merchants whispered among themselves, discussing how much money to pool as gratitude for Song You. The deliberation wavered between generosity and frugality.
Nature, human affairs, all were forms of cultivation.
When Song You opened his eyes again, the merchants had rekindled the fire, boiled water in small pots, and respectfully brought him a bowl.
Song You didn't refuse.
Having previously solved problems for villagers below the mountains where his Daoist temple was located, he experienced similar respect. Years ago, he understood a principle – accepting others' goodwill was often a display of magnanimity, not to mention expressing gratitude.
"Ah…"
The mountain morning was cold. A breath over the bowl caused a layer of white fog to rise along the rim. The dry cakes were hard, requiring to be eaten with water. After a night in the mountains, a bowl of hot water was indeed comforting.
A sip of the water warmed his throat and reached deep into his lungs.
Merchants were talkative. During breakfast, they exchanged a few words, and Song You learned more about them. Knowing they were tea merchants from Yizhou, an important hub for tea and horse trade, he gathered that in recent years, although the government's stipulated price for tea leaves remained constant, the actual prices varied by region. Some tea merchants were compelled to transport their tea to Yidu(逸都) to sell to the Tea-horse Department, while others, taking risks, sold directly to brokers specializing in buying tea for the western countries.
As for their specific classification, they didn't disclose, and Song You didn't inquire.
These merchants wanted Song You to accompany them to Yidu, likely to express gratitude for saving their lives. However, Song You's way of traveling was whimsical – stopping wherever he pleased and leaving whenever he wanted. Joining them would burden both them and himself. Hence, he straightforwardly declined, advising them to be careful on their journey and not spend another night in the wilderness.
After finishing the water and dry rations, it was time to part.
Interestingly, Chen, after eating, went to the woods with his junior to find some less damp firewood, chopping it into pieces and placing it in a corner of the pavilion. Perhaps, after airing for a couple of days, it would dry out.
Song You observed silently.
Then, Li, the merchant, presented a small money pouch, respectfully handing it to Song You, expressing gratitude.
It wasn't merely a sign of respect; it was also a formality.
In this world, supernatural beings were common, and there were many people who dealt with exorcism. Some temples even offered such services. Paying for such services had become quite customary. With composure, Song You accepted the money pouch, tucking it away in his clothes. Li and the others finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"We, the Mount Wu Tea Merchants(吴山茶商), have a shop in Yidu, located on the west side of the city. If Young Master needs assistance in Yidu, whether finding a guide or handling any matters, please feel free to look for us."
"Safe travels." Song You's tone was gentle yet indifferent.
"Take care, Young Master."
"Take care, Young Master…"
The merchants loaded their goods and left in haste.
Having travelled less journey yesterday, they needed to make up for it today.
The pavilion was once again left with only Song You.
The sun had just risen, casting a blue hue across the sky. Rays of light slanted through the clouds, almost tangible, initially lacking warmth on the face but gradually turning comfortably warm.
It seemed like another good day.
"Yidu..." Song You looked up at the sky, softly murmuring. Carrying his belongings, he continued his journey.
Fret not for a thousand miles' journey, for the winds of destiny will guide the way.
The ancient cypresses along the road appeared as if washed by water, with droplets hanging from the branches, crystal clear and translucent. The morning fog lingered, forming quiet clusters in the mountain valleys. Seen from afar, it obscured the Emerald Cloud Corridor, making the ancient road seemingly endless.
This stretch of road would no longer be troubled by the Fog Fiend.
Please vote for this novel at
If you would like to support this translation, you may choose any one of the options below.
How to find a list of chapters
Please find the chapter label next to your favorite translator's name, and click the label.
Thanks for the chapter!!!
ReplyDelete