Chapter 291: Preparations in Mingsha City
by xennovel“That’s good!”
Xu Hao nodded.
Although the International Magic Competition is a niche event – not nearly as hyped as Su Province’s Tourism Festival from two years ago – Mingsha City has treated it fairly!
This time…
The opening ceremony performance is set on the plaza in front of Penglai Pavilion.
“Brother Hao, can we take down the barricades now?”
After a brief pause, Zhu Qiang spoke up again.
Even though Penglai Pavilion and Three Immortals Mountain were completed a few days ago, the barricades still stand, especially around the man-made lake. Removing them now means the lake is officially open to the public.
No other reason.
This man-made lake covers a vast area and borders the guesthouse along the river to the south. Since its waterway is shared with Oasis 1 and the Qingming Scroll, there isn’t any main gate.
Even the man-made mountain at Penglai Pavilion never had a main gate—only two enormous bronze qilin statues flanking the stone steps.
“Yes! But we need to set aside certain zones so that visitors don’t disrupt the performers during the competition.”
Xu Hao nodded.
He had originally planned to open Three Immortals Mountain to the public after the competition, but that idea didn’t seem quite right, so he arranged it this way instead.
“Alright, Brother Hao!”
“That settles it. I’m heading over to see Daoist Yougong soon to check on his preparations!”
Xu Hao glanced in the direction of Three Immortals Mountain.
At that moment…
On the central artificial island, wisps of scented smoke could faintly be seen rising.
“Alright, Brother Hao! I’ll call if anything else comes up.”
“Yes!”
A few minutes later, Xu Hao stepped onto a black awning boat by the river and began rowing.
By late April, the northwest was lush with greenery. All the ice brought in for the lake had melted, and thanks to extra water from the Qingming Scroll waterway, the lake now stood about 1.5 meters high. Though it didn’t reach the planned two-meter depth, it was sufficient.
After the ice melted, Mingsha City even stocked the lake with fish fry – grass carp, carp, goldfish, and even loaches! Mist swirled over the lake’s surface, and Xu Hao’s figure soon disappeared into the haze.
About the time it took for two incense sticks to burn, Xu Hao reappeared on the island’s center.
At that moment…
The island no longer looked artificial but rather like a timeworn natural isle, draped in verdant trees and massive boulders. A small plaza paved with bluestone marked the boat landing spot.
At one end of the plaza, a winding set of white marble steps led straight to the island’s peak.
Surveying his surroundings, Xu Hao ascended the stone steps. The path grew steeper, with towering pine branches arching overhead like a celestial canopy, evoking the feeling of climbing to the heavens.
Fortunately, after a few minutes the stairs leveled out and more ancient structures came into view along the sides!
These old buildings were oriented differently – some facing south, others north – mostly hidden among trees, lending them a distinctive charm.
After another ten minutes…
At the base of the stairs stood a white marble archway gate with the bold inscription of ‘Biyou Palace’ in strong, elegant characters.
“City Lord, you’ve arrived!”
Daoist Yougong, who had been tidying up water stains on the stone steps behind the gate, looked up when he saw Xu Hao and quickly approached.
“Daoist, leave these minor tasks to the workers. There’s no need for you to handle them yourself.”
Xu Hao nodded.
“Ah, the workers are so careless!”
Daoist Yougong glanced over his shoulder before replying.
“By the way, City Lord, what brings you here?”
After a brief pause, Daoist Yougong continued.
“Daoist, with the competition starting in just two days, we need to submit some details as per the event’s schedule.”
Xu Hao looked at Daoist Yougong.
“The competition starts that soon?”
Daoist Yougong was briefly taken aback.
“Yes!”
“Oh, time really flies.”
Coming back to his thoughts,
Daoist Yougong sighed, adding with a touch of melancholy, “I’ve been busier than those shift workers these past three months. Even the smallest tasks require my personal attention—I’ve lost track of time.”
“Does this mean that once the competition begins, Biyou Palace will also open its doors to devotees?”
After a moment,
Daoist Yougong looked back at Xu Hao.
“Almost. However, during the competition visitors won’t be allowed to climb the mountain; full access will only be granted afterward.”
“So, City Lord, have you selected a Daoist to host Biyou Palace?”
After a brief hesitation, Daoist Yougong asked,
“Daoist, regarding that matter, I was wondering if you might recommend a suitable candidate. The options from the Daoist Association don’t seem quite right—they’re not inclined to settle in Mingsha City!”
Xu Hao shook his head slightly.
In fact, while Biyou Palace was being built, he had even phoned Dong Liping. Once the temple was complete, it needed a host for daily incense offerings and ritual ceremonies; without that, it wouldn’t truly be a temple, nor would the island forever be filled with the aroma of incense.
“Recommend?”
Daoist Yougong hesitated, then after a moment gathered his courage and said rather apologetically, “City Lord, since you haven’t found a suitable candidate, would it be acceptable if I take on the role?”
“You?”
Xu Hao was momentarily taken aback.
“Yes, rest assured – if you entrust the temple to me, I’ll ensure it radiates a divine aura, and the ceremonies will be just as grand as those held by the Daoist Association.”
Once his point was made, Daoist Yougong hastily added,
“Daoist, didn’t you enter the competition to win the prize money for renovating your former temple? Of course! If you’re willing to stay and host the temple, Mingsha City would be delighted!”
Xu Hao looked at Daoist Yougong.
To be honest, he hadn’t expected Daoist Yougong to intend to remain in Mingsha City long-term. After all, such reclusive experts usually have their own places for cultivation, and helping build Biyou Palace was already a significant favor.
Now that Daoist Yougong was considering staying, it was even better!
An individual of his caliber resident on Mingsha City’s artificial island was exactly what even dubious characters would think twice about encountering.
“City Lord, it’s not that I disregard ancient traditions; I only wish to help our lineage gain more devoted followers. Who wouldn’t want their legacy to flourish?”
Taking a deep breath,
Daoist Yougong began to explain his reasoning in detail.
In truth…
His idea had taken shape the moment he saw Xu Hao determined to spare no expense for Biyou Palace. In these times, few places support Daoism, and with Xu Hao being as capable as he is, Mingsha City was undoubtedly the ideal location for Long Kingdom Daoism to establish a temple.
Moreover, with Mingsha City’s robust investment, the feng shui of Biyou Palace rivaled that of its predecessor.
But he had hesitated until now—if he didn’t speak up, Biyou Palace might truly slip away from their lineage.
“Since you’re interested, City Lord, Mingsha City welcomes it wholeheartedly!”
Bringing himself back to the present,
Xu Hao agreed without hesitation.
Such a benefactor arriving at their doorstep was too good to decline—unless one were completely out of their mind.
“I’ll call my disciples tomorrow. Once they arrive, I’ll hold the ceremonies to bless Mingsha City!”
Upon seeing Xu Hao’s agreement, Daoist Yougong was overjoyed.
“Great! If you need any assistance, just call President Luo and have him arrange for your disciples.”
Xu Hao nodded.
After a brief chat, Daoist Yougong asked again,
“By the way, City Lord, when you mentioned the competition earlier, what exactly did you mean?”
“Well, contestants are now required to submit the names of their performance pieces – three main entries in total. I’ve already registered you for each, take a look.”
“Three program names?”
“Yes!”
“City Lord, I plan to perform.”
Time flew by, and soon it was noon.
In Yan City’s Second Ring,
inside an office, two leaders sat around a tea table, chatting casually.
These two were none other than the main organizers of Long Kingdom’s traditional Cultural Expo and the deputy leader who had proposed hosting the International Magic Competition in Mingsha City.
“Leader, the contestants for the International Magic Competition have already arrived in Haishi City and will start arriving in Mingsha City by tomorrow!”
Setting down his tea cup, the deputy leader spoke.
“It’s finally happening!”
At that, the main leader couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief.
“No one knows how we managed to endure these past few months!”
The deputy leader forced a wry smile.
Ever since Taiyi Hospital in Mingsha City showcased the Zhu You Technique at the Cultural Expo, there has been no respite – inquiries about the technique have been non-stop, mostly from acquaintances asking for introductions to the hospital’s doctors.
And that wasn’t all.
Several leaders from medical colleges have phoned their superiors, complaining about serious difficulties in teaching!
Students frequently mention the Zhu You Technique, hoping for a detailed explanation. Theoretically, blood pressure and heart rate shouldn’t normalize within minutes, yet the Zhu You Technique manages it! Although the buzz about it has faded, its impact is growing, even influencing people’s outlook on life.
With that in mind…
the International Magic Competition had become an event that simply couldn’t be missed.
“We just hope the contestants are skilled enough to perform feats so dazzling that the Zhu You Technique won’t seem so unbelievable.”
After a pause, the deputy leader continued,
“Yes! But on another note – although Long Kingdom’s Traditional Magic was debunked by a foreign video that has steered many back towards science – this matter needs to be thoroughly investigated. It’s clearly aimed at us Long Kingdom folk!”
Lifting his tea cup for a small sip, the main leader’s expression darkened.
In his eyes,
if our own people had to gradually reveal the secrets of Traditional Magic out of necessity, that might be acceptable. But if outsiders expose everything at once for ulterior motives, that simply won’t do.
“Leader, I’ve already sent someone to investigate! I believe we’ll have results very soon.”
“That’s good!”
The main leader nodded.
“And by the way, no matter what, Mingsha City has suffered enough. We must ensure the previously agreed compensation is implemented promptly for a place that promotes Long Kingdom’s traditional culture.”
After a brief moment…
the main leader spoke again.
Just then, a knock sounded at the office door, followed by another voice: “Leader, there’s trouble.”
PS: Brothers, I went out to buy two pounds of supplements today. I got back late, so this update is only the first installment! I’ll update again tomorrow after I finish the supplements.