The Happy Farmer Wanderer-Chapter 312 Nine Truth Palace_1

Before long, Li Qing realized what Sister Hu was about to do.

She was actually changing her clothes!

Moreover, she changed swiftly, simply pulling on a short skirt over her long dress.

Throughout the process, there was really nothing to see.

With that, there probably was no need for him to stand beside her and block the view, was there?

Li Qing grumbled to himself.

Watching Sister Hu finish changing, Li Qing then returned to his seat.

"Thank you," Sister Hu turned her head and said softly.

Her cheeks were rosy and appealing.

Li Qing just smiled and nodded without saying anything more on purpose.

Soon, the other passengers who had alighted from the bus returned one after another.

After boarding the bus, Qi Xuelan handed Li Qing a bottle of drink and a few duck heads.

"The journey is quite boring, have some snacks to pass the time," she said with a light laugh.

Since being pressed by Li Qing earlier, she had become noticeably more amicable.

This change kindled a silent warmth in Li Qing’s heart.

It was a very good sign.

As the evening approached, the coach entered their destination—Jiuling Mountain.

Through the introduction by Mr. Song, the tour guide, Li Qing learned that Jiuling Mountain, with its long history, had many famous landmarks such as temples and Taoist monasteries. It also boasted a myriad of bizarre legends, just like Gunlong Mountain.

Li Qing and the others were arranged to stay at an inn at the foot of the mountain.

After dinner, the guide distributed their room keys.

Li Qing shared a room with another young male teacher.

The room was very tidy and full of local characteristics; opening the window, one faced a vista of lakes and mountains.

This scenery made Li Qing, a wanderer of the mortal world, instantly feel a sense of returning to simplicity and truth.

There was nothing much to do in the evening, so Li Qing and Han Mei and the others chatted for a bit before getting ready to sleep.

The male teacher he was sharing with was called out by a few colleagues to drink, and Li Qing had no idea when he returned.

Early the next morning, Li Qing was awakened by the tour guide’s knocking.

After a quick tidy up, he rushed to the inn’s dining room.

Once there, Li Qing immediately felt amused.

He wasn’t the only one who hadn’t woken up properly; everyone was yawning incessantly, listless and languid.

Although Sister Hu and Qi Xuelan seemed to have just woken up as well, they both wore beautiful makeup.

Qi Xuelan even had her hair done in an ancient style.

Li Qing couldn’t tell which dynasty the clothes belonged to, but the two buns squeezed outside were really attractive.

The outer garment that looked like it was made of the same material as sun-protective clothing could not conceal her fair and lovely features.

After breakfast, Ms. Song, the female tour guide, explained the day’s activities.

In one word—mountain climbing!

After a brief rest, everyone began to set out.

Mountain paths are often related to the word steep, and Jiuling Mountain was even steeper.

The rugged and winding stone steps spiraled among the various peaks, like a worm stretching across the rugged mountains.

Beautiful vistas were everywhere along the trail.

There were peaks and rocks like pointing fingers to the sky, and ancient pines and cypresses that had seen hundreds of years.

There were deep ravines with spring water, the foothills covered with a sea of flowers, and ancient temples with long chiming bronze bells.

In short, on this trail, Li Qing greatly broadened his horizons and cultivated his sentiments.

No wonder Teacher Guan said she’d been wanting to come to this place for a long time—it truly is worth a visit.

Li Qing, who usually isn’t moved by external things, also thought the place was beautiful, which speaks volumes about its appeal to women.

Sister Hu and Qi Xuelan were following right behind Li Qing, taking pictures non-stop along the way.

By the time everyone reached halfway up the mountain, Li Qing suspected that both of their phone memories were probably full.

"Xiao Li, come on, help us take a picture," Qi Xuelan excitedly called out to Li Qing.

They even wanted a group photo with the Land Temple.

Li Qing was instantly speechless.

"Xiao Li, you should take one too," Sister Hu said to Li Qing after she had helped them take their photo.

While speaking, she even gave Li Qing a knowing wink.

That look made Li Qing feel a sudden jolt in his heart.

On the bus, the moment he had helped Qi Xuelan with her abdomen had indeed been noticed by Sister Hu.

She was clearly telling Li Qing that she knew there was something between them, so there was no need to be reserved.

"Let’s take a picture." Qi Xuelan smiled radiantly and beautifully, seeming to find nothing amiss.

Click!

A photo was quickly taken against the backdrop of the mountains.

Sister Hu even made a special effort to show it to Li Qing and Qi Xuelan.

"Sister Hu, why don’t you and Xiao Li take one together too? It’s rare to come here; make it a memento," Qi Xuelan suggested.

With a gentle smile, Sister Hu looked at Li Qing and happily said, "Let’s take a picture!"

Since Sister Hu wanted a photo, Li Qing had nothing to object to, so he posed appropriately and they took another picture.

Afterwards, the three of them naturally formed their own group.

They chatted and laughed as they walked, taking pictures and playing on their way up the mountain.

A few other teachers joined their small group along the way, but eventually, everyone scattered as they walked.

As they neared the mountain’s summit, a vast palace complex appeared before their eyes.

"Coming to Jiuling Mountain without going to Nine Truth Palace to light incense or seek a fortune would mean this trip was in vain!" Sister Hu told Li Qing and Qi Xuelan, "Let’s also light some incense and seek a fortune!"

"Xiao Li, I’ve heard you’re still single. Do you want to ask for a marriage prediction, for your future?"

Li Qing gave a faint smile.

He’d rather not inquire about marriage; what he was more worried about was how to accommodate his close female friends.

As for the future, well, that could be worth asking about.

"I’d rather ask about my future. Marriage... isn’t a hurry," Li Qing said with a smile.

"Then let’s go, we’ll all go together!" Qi Xuelan said.

In the plaza in front of the palace, quite a few people were hawking incense and candles.

This was almost a standard feature in front of every temple or Daoist abbey with booming incense offerings.

The only difference was that some temples and abbeys provided incense and candles for free, while others did not.

Li Qing bought three bundles of incense from an elderly woman who looked to be in her sixties or seventies.

"Xiao Li, the abbey offers incense and candles; why did you still buy some?" Sister Hu asked in surprise.

"I thought that buying them might be more sincere," Li Qing said shyly with a smile. "Since Nine Truth Abbey allows these people to conduct business here, they probably do it with a benevolent heart. Since we’re here to seek fortunes, I figured we could do the same."

Sister Hu was taken aback by Li Qing’s words, looking somewhat confused.

Qi Xuelan giggled and said, "I never thought you could say something so profound!"

"Being here, the spirit feels enlightened, and I do sense I’ve become more noble," Li Qing said.

His words made both women burst into laughter.

"Xiao Li is just too interesting. If Xiao Li hadn’t already bought them, I’d be tempted to go buy another bundle," Sister Hu laughed heartily, "Seeking peace of mind is also a good thing."