Chapter 60: The Cross-Cross Gathering of the Ancients (Part Two)

Everyone wore solemn expressions as they began the act of intimacy. Yet, unlike in adult films, there were no constant, obscene noises, nor was there an atmosphere of debauchery; it was as if all present were engaged in a noble undertaking.

Sometimes, it is not the act itself that carries meaning, but rather the attitude held while performing it.

Zhang Chi had never experienced anything like this before. The sheer spectacle left him awestruck. Now, finding himself amid these people, he felt genuinely awkward, unsure how to proceed.

Seeing Zhang Chi’s discomfort, Miss Ruoshui took the initiative to disrobe him. She understood that although she and Zhang Chi had reached the heart of the sacred ground by uttering secret incantations of the Heavenly Master Dao, any deviation in their conduct during this ceremony would immediately arouse suspicion. Leaning in, she whispered softly in his ear, “Sir, the greater cause comes first.”

Miss Ruoshui was so beautiful that Zhang Chi did not feel he was being shortchanged by what might unfold. Still, in broad daylight, under so many watchful eyes, he found it difficult to accept. By nature, he had never feared being exposed, always acting on impulse without regard for consequences. But this time, he was here to rescue the Wine Maiden. If he were discovered as soon as he arrived at the sacred ground, how would he ever find her?

Zhang Chi said nothing as Miss Ruoshui began to undress. She was a true beauty—her face and figure equally exquisite. Although Zhang Chi had seen her perfect form before just days prior, now, seeing it again, he could not help but feel his heart race, his spirit waver. He felt a pang of reluctance, not wanting such perfection to be exposed before so many eyes.

So, the moment Miss Ruoshui’s robes slipped away, Zhang Chi acted on instinct, reaching out to cover her chest with his hands.

Feeling the warmth of Zhang Chi’s palms, Miss Ruoshui embraced him tightly, her burning lips pressing gently to his cheek.

Zhang Chi had never dared imagine such intimacy amidst a crowd, always feeling as though every gaze was fixed on him. Yet when he glanced around, he realized that everyone was absorbed in the sacred ritual, with no attention to spare for him.

He watched for a long while, but the uneasy feeling of being watched lingered. At last, he noticed the High Priest who had led the ceremony, standing at a distance, eyes trained on him, suspicion apparent in his expression.

While the other men and women had already joined in union, only he and Miss Ruoshui hesitated and delayed, no wonder the High Priest was becoming suspicious. It was clear there would be no avoiding this today. Zhang Chi thought to himself that, considering Miss Ruoshui’s beauty, he was hardly suffering, but he still could not shed his reserve in public. As he hesitated, he noticed a large stone not far behind, half his height. He and Miss Ruoshui slowly moved behind it, partially concealing themselves. With this cover, Zhang Chi felt much more at ease.

The climate in the land of Wu and Yue was warm and pleasant, and it was late spring. The mountains of Kuaiji were alive with flourishing vegetation and wildflowers everywhere. In such surroundings, if not for the crowd nearby, an amorous encounter with a beauty like Miss Ruoshui would be a true delight.

Even so, with the stone as their shield, the presence of so many people nearby did little to diminish the pleasure.

By now, the arrow was drawn and could not be held back. Besides, with a beauty like Miss Ruoshui already undressed before him, Zhang Chi saw no reason for restraint. He was a traveler from another era who had once considered his views on intimacy far more liberal than those of the ancients, but now realized how narrow his perspective had been, laughing at himself. The two of them disappeared behind the stone.

(Here, several hundred words are omitted out of decorum. Friends, use your imagination.)

By this time, the followers of the Five Bushels of Rice Sect had also finished their unions, donned their robes, and gathered again before the bamboo pavilion. The High Priest reappeared on the platform, signaling that the ceremony was not yet finished; there were still more rituals to follow.

“How much longer will this ceremony last?” Zhang Chi asked Miss Ruoshui.

“The union of energies is only the beginning. Next, we must offer thanks to the spirits. I’m afraid it will take most of the day,” Miss Ruoshui replied.

Concealed behind the stone, Zhang Chi saw that no one was paying them any attention. Most of the villagers had gathered at the bamboo pavilion. With the ceremony still ongoing, now was the perfect opportunity to slip away and investigate.

With this in mind, Zhang Chi dressed quickly and led Miss Ruoshui quietly around the crowd. Everyone was absorbed in the ceremony and noticed nothing.

Since the Wine Maiden was to impersonate the Sacred Maiden, Zhang Chi reasoned that her status in the Five Bushels of Rice Sect must be quite high. Resolving to search for her, he made his way toward the largest dwelling in the center of the village.

The Five Bushels of Rice Sect gathered here in the Kuaiji Mountains, where followers farmed their own food and shared everything within the sect. Conditions were harsh, and even the central hall of the sacred ground was but a simple structure made of thatch.

When Zhang Chi crept quietly to the outside of the house, he overheard voices conversing within.

“Master, there are now many noble families in Shanyin City who are followers of our Heavenly Master Dao. We have thoroughly scouted the city’s garrison. To seize Shanyin should not be difficult, but it must be done swiftly. In front of the Thunder Gate in Shanyin, there is a great drum. Once struck, its sound reaches as far as Luoyang. Should the Kuaiji garrison beat the drum to call for reinforcements and we fail to take the city quickly, when the imperial army arrives, our situation will become dire,” one person said.

The Master was the leader of the Five Bushels of Rice Sect, Zhang Chi knew. Hearing they planned to attack Shanyin, Zhang Chi was startled and held his breath, listening intently.

“In your opinion, how should we attack Shanyin to ensure a swift victory?” another asked.

The first speaker replied, “Shanyin was built by Fan Li for King Goujian of Yue upon his return from Wu. The city’s circumference is over twenty li and seventy-two paces. The southern side lies close to the lake, making it easy to defend and hard to attack. If you ask me, we should lay ambushes on all sides and focus our main assault on the east. The eastern gate has three entrances: the East Guo Gate to the southeast, the main eastern Thunder Gate, and the Dusiming Gate to the northeast. Of these, only the Thunder Gate is on land and allows for a direct assault. Moreover, the great drum that can be heard in Luoyang hangs before the Thunder Gate. If we seize this gate first and strike with overwhelming force, it will demoralize the city’s defenders.”

This analysis was sharp and thorough—it seemed the speaker was quite a capable strategist. Zhang Chi listened outside, pondering their words.

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