Chapter 12: The Ancients Did Not Deceive Me

Even though the current situation remained unclear, Tao Yuanming’s arrival sent a tremendous shock through everyone in Hidden Immortal Valley.

Naturally, Tao Yuanming himself was no exception to this overwhelming impact.

The children around were filled with curiosity, while most of the adults in the valley grew increasingly puzzled. Their unease over possible plot spoilers gradually gave way to wild guesses, some so absurd even they doubted their own thoughts.

For Tao Yuanming, he was extremely exhilarated. And, naturally, the one most excited was Liu Hongyu.

The discussions and exchanges between the newcomer and the valley residents at the Ningxin Study had lasted continuously from morning until noon. Tao Yuanming was unusually talkative.

Ordinarily, he did not consider himself a man of many words, but today’s excitement was simply too great.

“So, your ancestors have been living in seclusion here since the pre-Qin era, for several hundred years! How enduring...” Tao Yuanming’s voice trembled with emotion as he pictured that long stretch of time.

“Have you never thought of leaving?” Zhuang Lin asked, breaking the moment.

Others hesitated to answer, but Zhuang Lin spoke plainly.

“Though we have secluded ourselves in the valley, far from the world’s splendor, we have also escaped countless calamities. As you just said, in these hundreds of years, the land has been in turmoil repeatedly, with suffering for all. Outside... what is there to seek?”

Tao Yuanming’s fervor cooled somewhat; he fully understood Zhuang Lin’s words were truthful.

Looking around the schoolroom, he saw others either curious or silent, likely weighed down by the tales of the Chu-Han contention and the Three Kingdoms chaos they had just heard.

A subtle but distinct rumbling sound suddenly broke the brief silence.

Tao Yuanming felt immediately embarrassed. After all, he had been traveling by boat, walked quite a distance, and then talked all morning; his stomach was empty.

Zhuang Lin smiled, and the elderly Master Mu stroked his beard with a smile. The latter was the first to speak.

“Enough talk of the valley and the outside world for now. Our honored guest has come a long way; how could we fail to extend our hospitality? Quickly, prepare a meal for our guest!”

Someone nearby eagerly responded with curiosity and excitement.

“Yes, yes, come have lunch at my place—it’s close! Wife, start the fire and cook, kill two chickens!”

The man shouted toward outside, and immediately, some women who had been watching the lively scene called back.

“All right, I’m coming! Second Aunt, help me out!” “Okay!”

No matter who this Tao Yuanming was, the atmosphere was set—he had to be well treated!

---

Hidden Immortal Valley was lively all day. Even after the school session ended, discussions buzzed everywhere about the outsider Tao Yuanming.

Some couldn’t help but critique the plot’s radical twists, others voiced absurd suspicions, and some worried whether Master Zhuang could keep up with the unfolding drama.

But aside from Zhuang Lin, even those who had once been trainers only dared to feign ignorance.

Fortunately, many in the valley had studied or at least were familiar with "The Peach Blossom Spring." As part of the Delusion-Breaking Plan and through long training and learning, the residents shared a tacit understanding. This travelogue was essentially a ready-made script—a common basis for everyone’s responses.

At that moment, Tao Yuanming, as the guest, had also left the school. Unable to refuse the hospitality, he headed with others to the home preparing lunch.

Zhuang Lin accompanied him, and Liu Hongyu shamelessly insisted on tagging along.

The valley was filled with the sounds of barking dogs and crowing roosters, bustling with activity.

---

As Zhuang Lin and Tao Yuanming walked, they talked. Tao Yuanming answered every question openly, while Zhuang Lin did his best to explain everything.

Liu Hongyu trailed closely, his excitement surpassing everyone’s, even Tao Yuanming’s.

The guide, a man walking ahead, occasionally chimed in to avoid seeming too dull. When they neared the house, he quickened his pace.

“Wife—how’s the food coming along?”

“Almost ready—”

The woman’s reply came with vigor, and a rich aroma of cooking soon wafted out.

Just from this brief exchange, Tao Yuanming imagined the deep affection between the couple, or rather, to him, the pre-Qin descendants in the valley all seemed full of life.

The man turned with a smile.

“Master Zhuang, honored guest, please forgive the humble abode. Come inside!”

“Thank you, please!” “Please!”

Inside, the aroma grew richer, the scent of stir-fry making Tao Yuanming’s mouth water. The fragrance was even finer than that of a grand banquet at a restaurant, evoking vivid anticipation of taste.

In the courtyard, mats were spread, tables set with cushions, and two women skillfully busied themselves in the kitchen.

After seating the guests, the man hurried to bring out a clay jar sealed with mud.

There were several bowls of stir-fried vegetables, a small bowl of pickles, a pot of stewed chicken, and a large plate of poached chicken served with a locally made sauce.

To Tao Yuanming, the spread was abundant. Already famished, his eyes widened—not because he was inexperienced, but because the aroma was simply irresistible.

When the bowls and chopsticks were passed around and the host invited everyone to eat, the atmosphere was warm and inviting.

“Hehe, honored guests need not be polite. Let’s begin!”

Tao Yuanming responded and lowered his head to pick up his chopsticks, only to pause in surprise. In front of him was a ceramic bowl filled with translucent, perfectly separated grains of fine rice.

But soon, he set aside all else. The host placed chicken and vegetables in his bowl, and, drawn by the enticing aroma, Tao Yuanming’s first bite led to an unstoppable appetite.

At first, he tried to keep a scholar’s decorum—eating slowly and carefully, dining with descendants of the pre-Qin era in an unfamiliar place.

Zhuang Lin found this amusing and boldly grabbed a chicken leg, dipping it in soy sauce and biting into it—leaving Tao Yuanming wide-eyed.

“To hell with decorum! How can I be so old-fashioned? The pre-Qin scholars are so free-spirited—such delicacies deserve to be devoured!”

Freed from restraint, Tao Yuanming began to feast heartily. The rice was firm and sweet, the dishes delightful, and the chicken exceptionally fresh.

When he tasted the warm wine the host poured, Tao Yuanming was both surprised and delighted.

Originally intending to chat more and learn, Tao Yuanming now focused mostly on eating.

With the host’s enthusiasm, everyone ate more heartily, especially without the pressure of “performing.”

The meal was a joyful affair for host and guests alike.

Tao Yuanming alone consumed nearly half a pot of stewed chicken and poached chicken, several bowls of rice, and plenty of the warm yellow wine. Now, he slumped over the table, looking drowsy, his face flushed bright red.

“Good wine... such good wine...” he murmured, then tried to raise himself to reach for his cup again.

Zhuang Lin quickly took the bowl away.

“Mr. Yuanliang, you’ve had enough!”

By now, Zhuang Lin and Tao Yuanming had grown familiar enough to address each other by their style names. Naturally, everyone at the table had also become acquainted.

When Tao Yuanming reached for the wine bowl again, Zhuang Lin pulled it away, causing Liu Hongyu and others nearby to smile, while the children giggled uncontrollably.

---

The man laughed.

“Mr. Yuanliang is drunk. Why don’t you rest here at my home, Master Zhuang? What do you think?”

“That’s fine.”

Zhuang Lin nodded.

Having shared the meal, the man’s confidence grew. He found Tao Yuanming to be well-mannered and measured in speech. Even if questions arose, Tao Yuanming wasn’t forceful when others didn’t wish to answer.

Even though it was acting, it wasn’t difficult to play along.

Seeing Zhuang Lin’s agreement, the man helped support Tao Yuanming, and Liu Hongyu rose voluntarily to assist.

Together, they carried Tao Yuanming, who staggered slightly, murmuring as they moved toward the inner room.

“The spirit of the pre-Qin surpasses today... surpasses today...”

Liu Hongyu and the man laid Tao Yuanming on the bed, removed his shoes, and covered him with a quilt.

Throughout, Liu Hongyu watched Tao Yuanming intently, while the man carefully examined Tao Yuanming’s clothes and belongings.

Zhuang Lin stood at the door, observing them with a thoughtful expression.

Suddenly, Liu Hongyu seemed to have a revelation and looked toward Zhuang Lin.

“I understand now, Master! I understand!”

Zhuang Lin and the man’s hearts skipped a beat. What had he realized?

The man behind Liu Hongyu briefly showed a flicker of alarm—had the secret been exposed?

Yet Zhuang Lin remained calm.

“What have you realized, Young Master Liu?”

Liu Hongyu’s face lit up with excitement.

“I know why the ancient sages came here, and when. It wasn’t simply because of war, right? Master, you must know!”

Before Zhuang Lin could answer, Liu Hongyu went on.

“You are learned and well-versed in many schools of thought; the valley has many extraordinary people and countless books in the school! I know—it must have been during that time! The burning of books and burying of scholars, right?”

Tao Yuanming, half asleep on the bed, heard a bit but couldn’t respond, drifting into a deep slumber.

Liu Hongyu didn’t notice anything else. His eyes gleamed with excitement, though he left some thoughts unspoken.

During the burning of books and burying of scholars, a group of wise and determined sages led many extraordinary talents to this place to live in seclusion for generations, preserving knowledge.

War and book burnings were not the whole story.

The First Emperor of Qin sought immortals and the elixir of life... This place, called Hidden Immortal Valley, might have been involved.

Zhuang Lin frowned slightly, while the excited Liu Hongyu stepped outside, afraid he might shout his excitement aloud. Only after quickly leaving the courtyard did he begin taking deep breaths toward the sky.

The burning of books and burying of scholars, the Emperor’s search for immortals, even the Peach Blossom Spring are all real!

The ancients truly did not deceive us!