Gao Shan smiled brightly.
"That's right. I'm with a book-selling caravan, and we're from Chengcheng County."
Chen Qiyu nodded slowly.
"So… from Chengcheng County all the way here, the entire route is paved with roads like this?"
"Yes!" Gao Shan laughed. "That's the Huang–Yan Highway. It was only just completed. If not for this road, I wouldn't dare do business here at all. Transport would be far too troublesome."
Chen Qiyu stroked his beard.
"And this Huang–Yan Highway… was it entirely built by people from Chengcheng County?"
At this, Gao Shan's chest puffed up slightly.
"Indeed it was! We poured enormous manpower and resources into it."
Chen Qiyu clicked his tongue in admiration.
"What a display of wealth."
Then his gaze drifted toward the tunnel entrance behind them.
"And what about this Huangqiu Terrace Tunnel? Was that also dug by people from Chengcheng County?"
He expected more bragging.
Instead—
Gao Shan's expression turned solemn. He straightened and spoke with utmost sincerity.
"Oh, I wouldn't dare claim that. This tunnel was created personally by Dao Xuan Tianzun, who used celestial treasures and boundless divine power to accomplish this miracle."
Chen Qiyu choked.
"What? What—what did you say?!"
Seeing the Governor's utterly baffled expression, Gao Shan chuckled. He walked over to the book cart and pulled out a slim comic book.
Its title read:
Dao Xuan Tianzun's Demon-Slaying Chronicles — Volume Eleven
"This is a brand-new release," Gao Shan said proudly. "The print run is still small. I only managed to secure a limited batch. Allow me to present one copy to Your Excellency."
Chen Qiyu took it, puzzled.
The moment he opened it, his expression froze.
On the first page—
A colossal figure descended from the heavens, one hand gripping an entire mountain, the other wielding a strange device that drilled straight through rock and stone.
Turning the page—
The tunnel pierced clean through the mountain.
On the next—
Countless tiny figures cheered wildly at the tunnel entrance. One of them held a brush and paper, carefully writing the words "Huangqiu Terrace Tunnel," which were then mounted above the entrance.
Chen Qiyu stiffly turned his head and looked behind him.
Sure enough—
Above the real tunnel entrance hung a plaque bearing those exact four characters.
His face twitched.
"You're telling me," Chen Qiyu said slowly, "that this tunnel was dug by… that immortal?"
"Yes!" Gao Shan nodded enthusiastically. "That immortal is called Dao Xuan Tianzun. Look—his image is even embroidered on my chest."
Chen Qiyu glanced sideways.
I'd believe in ghosts before I believe this.
With even the slightest common sense, one could tell that such a massive engineering feat must have been carved out by countless laborers over a long period of time.
Yet here it was, brazenly attributed to some so-called immortal.
Charlatanry, plain and simple.
Chen Qiyu lost interest instantly and tossed the comic book back.
"Your entire caravan isn't filled with books like this, is it?"
"Of course not!" Gao Shan hurriedly replied. "My selection is very diverse, Your Excellency. Look—this is a chivalric epic, Breaking Through the Firmament, written by the famous author Gao Sanwa. And this one—Fist Shakes the Cosmos—both tell stories of downtrodden men who master divine martial arts to seek revenge and justice."
Chen Qiyu's eyelid twitched.
"This…"
"Oh! And here's Gao Sanwa's latest work," Gao Shan added eagerly. "Chronicles of a Mortal Cultivator."
Chen Qiyu flipped through a few pages—then covered his face.
"What on earth are these absurd books?"
Gao Shan immediately understood.
"Ah! I see. Your Excellency doesn't enjoy tales of fighting and killing. Then how about this—Shi Laosi's renowned work, Gao Piao?"
Chen Qiyu flipped through it absentmindedly.
"Hm?" His eyes lit up slightly. "This Gao Piao isn't bad. It has an earthy, grounded feel—very much about real life."
"And there's more," Gao Shan said, producing another book. "This one should suit Your Excellency perfectly."
The title read:
Cultivation Methods for Common Crops
Chen Qiyu glanced at the author's name: Zhao Sheng.
That name sounds vaguely familiar…
He shook his head. There were countless people named Zhao Sheng. It meant nothing.
Then he opened the book.
One page.
Two pages.
Three pages—
His eyes widened.
"This book…!"
He clutched it tightly, voice rising.
"This is a divine text! A divine text!"
Moments ago, Chen Qiyu had regarded Gao Shan's caravan as little more than a traveling pile of useless books, especially that ridiculous Dao Xuan Tianzun comic.
He hadn't taken the young merchant seriously at all.
But now—
This single book overturned everything.
"This book is excellent!" Chen Qiyu exclaimed, gripping Gao Shan's hand and shaking it vigorously. "It explains farming methods using pictures, with only a few simple words at key points. Even an illiterate farmer could understand it! If widely promoted, the benefits would be immeasurable!"
Gao Shan smiled.
"That would be wonderful indeed."
"How many copies have you brought?" Chen Qiyu asked urgently. "And what price are you selling them for? If they're too expensive, the common folk won't be able to afford them."
"Not expensive at all," Gao Shan replied. "Five copper coins per copy. Almost free."
Chen Qiyu's hands trembled.
"Such a priceless book… for five copper coins? Are you not losing money?"
Gao Shan chuckled.
"Dao Xuan Tianzun once said—some ventures are for profit, some can bear a small loss. Not every endeavor must earn silver. Sometimes, earning goodwill and reputation is even more valuable, as it paves the way for the future."
Chen Qiyu sighed softly.
"Wise words indeed…"
Only then did he remember that just moments ago, he had dismissed Dao Xuan Tianzun as nonsense.
…How awkward.
Best not to mention that again.
"In any case," Chen Qiyu said firmly, "your caravan is commendable. Proceed to Yan'an at once. I won't delay you."
He paused, then added, "Oh—and I'll write something for you."
He took out paper and brush and quickly penned a note, stating:
This merchant's books benefit the people. He is permitted to sell freely. None are to obstruct him.
He signed his name and handed it over.
"Many thanks!" Gao Shan said gratefully.
The caravan resumed its journey, swaying gently as it passed through the Huangqiu Terrace Tunnel toward Yan'an Prefecture.
Chen Qiyu stood there, staring at the long, wondrous passage, emotions tangled in his chest.
"With this," he murmured, "a natural barrier has truly become a thoroughfare. The common people of Chengcheng County… remarkable indeed."
Just then—
A subordinate rushed over, face pale.
"Governor! Something terrible has happened!"
"What is it?" Chen Qiyu demanded.
"The three great bandit leaders—Xue Hongqi, Yizuo Cheng, and Yizi Wang—have split their forces into three columns and attacked Yanchang County! The magistrate is holding the county seat for now, but the bandits haven't launched a full assault yet. He urgently requests reinforcements from Yan'an!"
Chen Qiyu sucked in a sharp breath.
"Damn it!" he cursed. "Grand General Wang Cheng'en has taken the troops north to resist the Mongols. Where am I supposed to find soldiers now?!"