Chapter 280: Song Yingxing’s Travels

Young Master Bai immediately pulled out “Middle School Physics, Second Grade, Volume Two” and placed it into Song Yingxing’s hands. “Uncle, it seems you’re quite interested. This book’s for you. Ah, actually, this text is too advanced. Without foundational knowledge, it won’t make sense to you. I didn’t bring any basic books with me… And before tackling physics, one must first learn mathematics. Otherwise, you won’t grasp the formulas.”

With limited books on hand, Young Master Bai pointed toward Gaojia Village’s direction. “Uncle, better head to Gaojia Village instead. At Gaojia Village School’s library, all the books are available for free reading.”

Song Yingxing replied, “Many thanks, young friend.”

He turned to seek Daoist Ma, only to find Daoist Ma bright-faced. The old priest was deeply engrossed in bowing and reciting sutras to the cloud floating in the sky while recounting his experiences traveling to Jiangxi.

Ever since finding evidence proving “deities truly exist,” Daoist Ma took immense pride in his profession. When preaching to others, he no longer felt the doubt and guilt that once troubled him. Now his sermons exuded absolute confidence.

During his journey to Jiangxi to locate Song Yingxing, he’d preached energetically to many. His voice boomed with a powerful vitality he’d never before experienced. It felt like a rebirth.

This pilgrimage profoundly matured him, lending him a truly immortal radiance.

Upon returning and encountering the Deity, he promptly knelt to express his gratitude for this transformative rebirth.

To Song Yingxing, however, such behavior seemed utterly irrational.

Hesitating briefly, Song Yingxing decided against asking Daoist Ma for guidance. Just over thirty li remained to Gaojia Village. With two servants guarding him, he could manage the route alone.

Enquiring among workers about Gaojia Village’s direction, Song Yingxing learned the very road under construction led straight there. Following the excavated roadbed, he set off.

Li Daoxuan observed the small figure of this “wild scientist.” Determined to secure this person’s talents, Li fixed his focus squarely on Song Yingxing, trailing along mentally as he journeyed.

Not far along the path toward Gaojia Village, Song Yingxing encountered a grayish road stretching onward.

He stooped down, running his fingers over its surface. “Cement! This matches what Daoist Ma showed me… Astonishing. To witness actual cement used in road construction here in Chengcheng County is remarkable.”

Proceeding along the cement road presented unparalleled comfort. Its firm flatness made the journey effortless. Suddenly, the public sun chariot approached. Packed aboard sat laborers heading toward a worksite.

Frightened momentarily, Song Yingxing exclaimed, “What bizarre vehicle is this?”

Unlike Daoist Ma’s reckless habit of leaping before traffic, he prudently stayed clear, letting the peculiar wheeled transport zoom past him.

Now lacking any chance to examine that chariot, Song Yingxing continued his hike.

Closer to Gaojia Village, the surroundings grew increasingly peculiar.

Colorful, enigmatic structures lined the road’s edges. Pinching one’s surface material baffled Song Yingxing—neither wood nor metal nor earth could define it.

“What alien substance is this?” Puzzled but undeterred, he pressed further.

Dusk approached as Gaojia Village emerged ahead.

Night settled, yet Gaojia Village awoke with vibrant nightlife. Peasants completed their daily labor, shouldering hoes and shovels while journeying back home, converging with Song Yingxing’s path.

Gleaning directions, Song Yingxing queried, “Fellow villagers, is this Gaojia Village?”

A farmer carrying a hoe grinned. “Aye, here stands Gaojia Village. First time visiting, sir?”

Song Yingxing confirmed, “Indeed. I heard about this place’s ‘school,’ overflowing with books.”

“Night’s fallen; the school closed until tomorrow. You’ll find it bustling come morning,” advised the farmer.

Wondering about lodging, Song Yingxing asked, “Then… where should I lodge tonight?”

That hoe-carrying local indicated Gaojia Business Circle. “Seek shelter at the inn over there!”

Scanning where gestured, Song Yingxing spotted an illuminated, multicolored cluster crowning the hillock.

Every twilight, Gaojia Business Circle lit dazzlingly.

Those colorful lights originated from lanterns crafted by lamp makers accompanying Xu Dafu from Xi’an.

Brilliant hues burst throughout the business circle’s expanse. Its glow interplayed strikingly with technicolored plastic structures, evoking disco-like rapture.

Surveying such bizarre architecture, Song Yingxing muttered half in shock, “This… this must embody debauchery itself!”

Summoning courage, he entered the business circle…

Turbulent excitement arose nearby as people discussed an approaching theater troupe’s performance.

Following their movement led Song Yingxing to view Shaanbei Diaoqu. As a Jiangxi native witnessing this northern drama for the inaugural time, he halted captivated.

Tonight’s Dao Emotion play enacted “Dao Xuan Deity’s Demon Elimination Tale.” Eager for novelty, this troupe adapted comic books conceived by Gao Yiye onto stage.

Peasants knelt miserably sobbing before brutal bandits swung swords threatening violence. Suddenly, a colossal paper palm descended from overhead, squashing villains against earth.

Feigning death, one bandit howled dramatically.

Accompanying sanxian and sihu string instruments ushered peasants’ songful ode to Dao Xuan Deity’s mercy…

Rapt viewers yelled thunderous: “Magnificent!”

Pieces of silver and other coins showered upon performers.

Enchanted by his premiere Shaanbei Diaoqu experience, Song Yingxing contributed handfuls of coppers too.

Turning toward attendants, he mused, “Severe drought in Shaanxi renders lives unbearably harsh. Witnessing suffering universally along our trek, yet… Gaojia Village residents thrive amid such blissful vivacity. Extraordinary!”

Servants whispered uneasily, “This settlement brims with outlandish weirdness, Master.”

Song Yingxing’s smile broadened. “Such peculiarities fascinate me profoundly.”

Amid his remark, a boisterous vendor’s cry erupted nearby: “Spectators here! Savory rice noodles await!”

Song Yingxing peered curiously toward the source. Beside that theatrical platform, unmistakably sat a rice noodle shop marked “Laba Rice Noodles.” Amazement seized him utterly.

“Am I bewildered? Rice noodles? That’s distinctly southern cuisine!”

Equally startled followers stammered, “Master… it indeed is such a shop here… Utterly bewildering…”