This time, there was no need to traverse all of Hezhou again, nor even to pass through the entirety of the region. They merely cut through a small corner of Hezhou, taking a shortcut into Angzhou.0

From there, they followed the familiar path back toward Changjing.0

On the last day of autumn, the group arrived once more at the Yuqu River and the plank road along the cliffs.0

The last time they had passed this way was in the early spring of the fifth year of the Mingde era.0

Now, it was late autumn in the seventh year of Mingde.0

Nearly three years had passed, missing by just one season.0

During their previous journey, the river was full of spring water, and the light spring rain fell like fine silk, covering the water’s surface with delicate ripples. This time, the autumn waters were tranquil and jade-green, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. The river ran alongside a nearly vertical cliff face, where humans had carved out a plank road.0

The Daoist walked ahead, leaning on his staff. The jujube-red horse followed behind, while the calico cat darted freely, sometimes running ahead, sometimes lagging behind. The swallow skimmed along the river’s surface, its wingtips grazing the water and leaving a fine trail across the emerald expanse like a ribbon being gently parted.1

Suddenly, the crisp sound of clank clank clank echoed through the air.0

The Daoist listened as he walked forward, looking ahead.0

The sound was...0