Chapter 29: Merit, and Finally Arriving at Tengyou Mountain

“Enough, let us speak no more of it,” the Mountain God could not help but interject at that moment, his heart shaken, his resolve wavering. He felt as though he had been offended by a mere book. According to its words, fortune, wisdom, and affinity—he possessed none of these, and was directly labeled as a dull commoner. Was he to have no dignity at all?

Cao Kong gave a light cough, wishing to peruse the book further, but out of consideration for the Mountain God’s pride, decided it was best to read it another time. By the book’s reckoning, he ought to be among the luminous and profound or the wise and mysterious. As for his younger brother, the Golden Leopard, it was clear he was the one blessed with deep fortune, since none of the other categories fit him.

After the Mountain God spoke, the air grew heavy with silence. The Golden Leopard kept quiet as well; he was no fool. Having received the Mountain God’s gift, he had inadvertently uncovered the god’s shortcomings, and felt uneasy because of it.

“Many thanks for your precious gift, Mountain God. I am Cao Kong, and I gratefully accept your favor.” Cao Kong broke the awkward silence, bowing respectfully to the Mountain God.

The Mountain God quickly returned the gesture. “Kind benefactor, you are too courteous. This treasure fell into my hands, but it was like a gem gathering dust. Only by serving you can it reveal its true worth. Moreover, your saving grace is as if I were reborn; had the tiger demon refined me, I might not even be granted entry to the cycle of rebirth. I possess another treasure within this mountain, a gem nurtured by the earth’s pulse over centuries, but it needs another month to mature. When the time comes, I shall present it to you.”

Cao Kong shook his head gently. “I saved you only as a matter of course. Now that I have received the Heaven-born Book, I am content. You are the Mountain God of this place; treasures born of the mountain belong to you.”

Yet the Mountain God bowed again, fervently. “A debt of life is greater than the heavens. Besides, I have my own considerations. I am but a spirit born of this mountain, by chance shaped into clay by passing travelers, my origins humble. I possess no spells or divine arts, no lineage or tradition, only a wild god who feeds on incense, tending the earth’s veins, my power feeble. Even if I have treasures, I lack the fortune to enjoy them. Please, benefactor, do accept it. Should you attain immortality, I hope you might enlighten me when the time comes.”

Cao Kong understood—the Mountain God was investing in his future, wagering on his destiny. He nodded. Since that was the case, what reason had he to refuse? If he truly became immortal someday, what harm in lending the land god a helping hand?

“Then I thank you, Mountain God. There is no need for formality—just call me by name from now on. The rain is heavy; let us return to the temple.”

“As you wish, benefactor,” said the Mountain God, not changing his address, and Cao Kong did not press him further.

Soon, the three returned to the temple. As the door creaked open, they were greeted by a group of trembling merchants. All nine burly men were huddled in the corner, clutching short knives or daggers, their eyes full of fear. Who could say how terrifying this night had been for them—hungry ghosts, the man-eating tiger demon, and the clay statue that had suddenly appeared and disappeared.

“No need to worry; the tiger demon is dead. You may rest here tonight, and leave when the rain stops tomorrow.” Cao Kong, understanding their terror, spoke with a calm and gentle aura that soothed their hearts.

The merchants finally came to their senses. Wang Hong slapped his forehead as though recalling something and immediately knelt before Cao Kong, kowtowing repeatedly. The others followed suit, especially the two young men who had previously mocked Cao Kong—they bowed most fervently.

Bang, bang, bang.

“Thank you, Immortal, for saving our lives!”

“I was blind and foolish before, offending the Immortal—please forgive me!”

The merchants kowtowed and thanked him, their efforts earnest; their foreheads quickly became swollen and red.

Cao Kong, who had been revered by countless in dreams of the mortal realm, had never before been bowed to by anyone in reality. He accepted it calmly, then raised his hands gently; the merchants felt a soft force lifting them, and could not help but rise.

The Golden Leopard, watching from the side, thought his elder brother was truly impressive, and looked at him with admiration.

“No need for such ceremony. Doing good is but following Heaven’s way, and besides, you first bestowed kindness upon me,” said Cao Kong. He did not notice that, within the sea of consciousness, the jade ruyi was glowing faintly—a barely perceptible light, yet real.

“You merchants often travel through mountains and forests. At night, you should stay in temples rather than venture out at another’s behest. Remember—in wild places, there are often spirits and monsters. Acts of kindness must be founded on your own ability.”

“We shall remember your words,” the merchants replied, full of gratitude.

“May I ask the Immortal’s name, so we might later dedicate a plaque for your eternal life?”

Cao Kong wished not to forge deep bonds with mortals, but could not resist their persistent entreaties. A thought struck him, and he said, “No need to thank me. If you wish to pray, pray to the Supreme Savior of Suffering, the Great Lord of Taiyi. He is merciful and compassionate, answers all prayers, and rescues the afflicted. If you sincerely worship him, you shall receive his protection.”

The merchants all agreed, then brought out hot water and food for Cao Kong, who accepted only a small portion, declining the rest. He understood their gratitude—accepting nothing would make them anxious, yet he also knew their lives were hard, so he took only what was necessary.

Night deepened. Though it was time for rest, after such a strange and wondrous evening, none of the merchants dared sleep. As for Cao Kong, he sat and conversed with the Mountain God. Upon learning that Cao Kong intended to go to Mount Tengyou, the Mountain God remarked that the Willow Immortal was known for kindness, but warned Cao Kong to be wary of other demons at the gathering—both human and demon hearts are difficult to fathom.

He added that, should Cao Kong return by way of Mount Funiu after a month, he would present the rare treasure then.

Cao Kong nodded. Noticing the Mountain God’s clay statue and the temple were in disrepair, and recalling the god’s words about feeding on incense, he remarked, “Mountain God, a ruined temple is unlikely to draw mortals for worship or incense offerings.”

The Mountain God looked embarrassed. “It will take time, but I believe that as long as I sincerely aid others, the incense of this mountain will eventually flourish again.”

Cao Kong smiled gently. The Mountain God was honest and kind, and since he had shown openness, Cao Kong felt moved to act. He stepped outside, and when he returned, he carried a thick piece of timber.

Taking up a ring-handled broadsword, he worked the wood and, using his powers, joined the pieces seamlessly, as though made by Heaven itself. The merchants, seeing this, rose to help. By dawn, the once dilapidated temple was largely repaired, and the mess inside cleaned.

The Mountain God was deeply moved. Though a small matter, the gesture warmed his heart.

At daybreak, as the rain ceased, the merchants took their leave of Cao Kong. After they departed, Cao Kong bade farewell to the Mountain God and continued northward with the Golden Leopard.

Thus, on the eve of the Treasure Exchange Gathering, Cao Kong arrived at the foot of Mount Tengyou, where demon energy filled the air, and all manner of spirits gathered.