“I wonder where the Shifting-Sea Teahouse you all are talking about is located, and if it's really that mystical?”
He Xiuyuan leaned forward, asking with a curious expression.
If this Shifting-Sea Teahouse was truly that mystical, He Xiuyuan would definitely want to go see it.
The scholar who had just spoken glanced at He Xiuyuan after hearing his words, then nodded slightly and smiled at him.
“Of course it is. Your Excellency also appears to be a candidate preparing for the Spring Exam, correct? If you can visit the Shifting-Sea Teahouse, perhaps you will attain official recognition this time.”
“As for where the Shifting-Sea Teahouse is, it's not far from here. It should be about ten li further ahead.”
The person in front of He Xiuyuan, seeing that he was also dressed as a scholar, simply assumed that He Xiuyuan wanted to seek official recognition or something similar.
All of them were preparing to go there to get a divination, so if He Xiuyuan wanted to go, he could join them.
He Xiuyuan wanted to go to this place not for official recognition, but because he was very curious about the divination techniques there.
Moreover, if what the other party said was true, he might even encounter fellow Cultivators.
Therefore, He Xiuyuan felt even more anticipation in his heart.
“In that case, may I inquire if I can travel with you all?”
He Xiuyuan also cupped his hands and asked.
“Of course you can. I am Lin Yuanfan.”
“I am He Xiuyuan.”
After He Xiuyuan and the other party introduced themselves, the group had rested enough and immediately set off for the Shifting-Sea Teahouse.
These scholars were all traveling on foot, so He Xiuyuan, seeing this, did not take his carriage but followed beside them, listening to their conversations.
He Xiuyuan had initially thought that these people would continue to discuss matters concerning the Shifting-Sea Teahouse, but once they set off, they began discussing the Four Books and Five Classics again.
Although He Xiuyuan understood these topics, he had little interest in their content.
When the group had walked about ten li forward, they saw a grand, ancient courtyard built by the roadside, nestled against a mountain, in the distance.
Outside the teahouse, a flag with the character for 'tea' written on it fluttered in the wind.
Although it was called a teahouse, it occupied a considerable area, and the most striking feature inside was a massive teahouse, with a large courtyard outside it.
There were many people coming and going, indicating that the place was very popular.
“This is it, the Shifting-Sea Teahouse!”
Lin Yuanfan seemed very happy to have found the place.
He Xiuyuan, however, paused slightly, his gaze fixed on the enormous teahouse before him, a strange look in his eyes.
This teahouse... something seemed off.
He Xiuyuan's eyes focused on the teahouse in front of him, and faintly, he seemed to see wisps of something rising from within, like faint gray mist.
If He Xiuyuan remembered correctly, the first time he saw that Mountain Lord, he had seen similar things emanating from him.
If He Xiuyuan wasn't mistaken, this might be Demonic Qi.
So... there's a demon here?
He Xiuyuan frowned at this thought, his gaze involuntarily scanning his surroundings vigilantly.
If there was a demon here, then the fortune-teller that Lin Yuanfan and the others had mentioned earlier, could it be a demon spirit?
If that were the case, it would somewhat disappoint him.
He had originally thought he might finally see a Cultivator.
Moreover, it was unknown whether this demon spirit was good or bad, so he needed to be extra careful.
“Gentlemen, are you stopping for the night?”
Just as He Xiuyuan was hesitating, a waiter had already emerged from the teahouse and enthusiastically greeted He Xiuyuan and the others.
He Xiuyuan heard this, and before he could speak, Lin Yuanfan and the others immediately said, “Yes, we're all staying. Are there still rooms in the teahouse?”
“This Shifting-Sea Teahouse has produced countless Xiucai and Juren. We must stay here, no matter what, to soak in some scholarly Qi.”
After Lin Yuanfan finished speaking, he added another sentence, but the latter part was directed at He Xiuyuan.
At this point, it was too late for He Xiuyuan to refuse.
Seeing this, He Xiuyuan hesitated for a moment before nodding. He still didn't know if the fortune-teller was truly a demon spirit.
Moreover, if the other party's divination was truly accurate, perhaps he could ask them to help divine information about Cultivators.
With that thought, He Xiuyuan no longer refused.
“Alright, please come in, esteemed guests!”
Hearing this, the waiter immediately flicked the rag in his hand and invited everyone inside.
Steward Song also looked around curiously at this moment; he had only heard of this place before and was now somewhat curious.
By the time the group entered and booked their respective rooms, the sky had gradually darkened.
As He Xiuyuan stepped out of his room, he saw a familiar figure at the turn of the stairs. Upon seeing this familiar figure, He Xiuyuan was momentarily stunned, then looked at the person in surprise.
It was the woman he had met yesterday, Zhong Xiuyun.
Yesterday was just a brief encounter, and seeing her again today, it seemed they were traveling the same route.
He Xiuyuan didn't think she was following him, as they had only met once, so he naturally wouldn't think that way.
Zhong Xiuyun, upon seeing He Xiuyuan, was also momentarily surprised, then her eyes lit up with joy.
However, this hint of joy quickly receded. She was worried He Xiuyuan might notice something amiss.
“Young Master, what a coincidence, to run into you!”
Zhong Xiuyun clasped her hands, performing a graceful curtsy towards He Xiuyuan, appearing very proper and dignified.
Seeing her demeanor, He Xiuyuan couldn't help but feel a moment of admiration; ancient women truly were well-versed in etiquette and polite.
Then He Xiuyuan also bowed, “It is indeed a coincidence. May I ask where the young lady is headed on this journey?”
Zhong Xiuyun's beautiful eyes brightened upon hearing this. She actually wanted to inquire where He Xiuyuan was going as well, as that way, they might be able to travel together.
Moreover, it would satisfy her curiosity.
However, as a woman, it was ultimately difficult for her to ask such a question, but now that He Xiuyuan had asked first, there was no problem.
Therefore, after listening, Zhong Xiuyun smiled and immediately replied, “I am going to Chang'an. And Young Master...?”
If she hadn't guessed wrong, He Xiuyuan should also be going to Chang'an.
After all, the people with He Xiuyuan were all dressed as scholars, and it seemed very likely they were going for the Spring Exam.
He Xiuyuan immediately smiled upon hearing this, “What a coincidence, I am also going to Chang'an.”