The White Young Master casually pulled out a book titled Junior High School Physics, Grade Two, Volume Two, and placed it into Song Yingxing's hands.
"Uncle, it looks like you're interested in this sort of thing, so I'll give you this book. Oh, wait," he suddenly paused, his expression turning slightly awkward, "this one is too advanced. Without a foundation, you won't understand it. I also didn't bring any beginner-level books with me. Before learning physics, you must first learn mathematics, otherwise you won't even understand the formulas."
There was no way he could carry that many books on him, so he simply pointed toward Gao Village.
"Uncle, you should make a trip to Gao Village. In the school library there, you can find all the books, and you can borrow them for free."
Song Yingxing cupped his hands politely. "Many thanks, young friend."
He then turned to look at Daoist Ma, only to see the old man's face flushed red with excitement as he faced the cloud in the sky, bowing, kowtowing, chanting scriptures, and even recounting his entire journey to Jiangxi.
Ever since Daoist Ma had found proof that "immortals truly exist," he had begun to feel an overwhelming pride in his identity as a Daoist. In the past, when he preached scriptures, there had always been a faint unease in his heart, as though he were deceiving others. Now that hesitation was completely gone. Whenever he spoke, his voice was loud, his breath full, his confidence overflowing.
During his journey to Jiangxi to find Song Yingxing, he had preached to many people along the way. His voice rang out powerfully, his spirit was vigorous, and he felt as though his entire being had come alive. He had never felt this fulfilled before.
This journey had also changed him. He now carried an air of transcendence, like a true cultivator who had attained the Dao.
So upon returning and seeing Dao Xuan Tianzun, he naturally had to express his gratitude, thanking the Heavenly Venerable for granting him what felt like a rebirth.
However, in Song Yingxing's eyes, all of this looked no different from the antics of a madman.
After hesitating for a moment, Song Yingxing made a quiet decision. He would no longer ask Daoist Ma to guide him. He would go on his own. After all, Gao Village was only about thirty li away, and with two servants accompanying him, there would be no real danger.
He asked the laborers for directions to Gao Village and learned that the very road under construction beneath his feet led straight there. So he followed the excavated roadbed and continued forward.
Li Daoxuan had already set his sights on this "wild scientist." Without hesitation, he locked his attention onto Song Yingxing, centering his field of vision on him and following along step by step.
Song Yingxing had not walked far before he noticed a gray road stretching out ahead.
He crouched down, reached out, and touched its surface.
"Cement," he murmured. "This is the cement Daoist Ma showed me. I never expected that in Chengcheng County, this material is already being used to build roads. Impressive, truly impressive."
He continued walking along the cement road. It was firm and level, making each step feel remarkably comfortable.
Not long after, a large vehicle approached, making a rhythmic "wu chi, wu chi" sound as it moved, packed full of laborers.
Song Yingxing was startled. "What kind of strange vehicle is that?"
But he was not like Daoist Ma, who would recklessly stand in the middle of the road. He stayed to the side, and the bus simply sped past him, heading toward the construction site.
He did not even get the chance to study it and could only continue walking.
The closer he got to Gao Village, the stranger the scenery became.
On both sides of the road, colorful and bizarre buildings began to appear. Song Yingxing felt that these structures were not made of stone or mud. He stepped closer and pinched one with his fingers, only to find that the material was extremely peculiar.
Not metal, not iron, not wood. What on earth was this thing?
He shook his head and continued forward.
By dusk, he finally arrived at Gao Village.
The sky was already darkening, but the village's nightlife was just beginning. The villagers had finished their day's work and were returning home, carrying hoes and shovels, walking alongside Song Yingxing.
Song Yingxing asked, "Good people, is this Gao Village?"
A man carrying a hoe smiled. "Yes, this is Gao Village. First time here, sir?"
Song Yingxing nodded. "Indeed, it is my first visit. I have heard that there is a place here called a school, where many books can be read."
The man chuckled. "It's already late. The school has dismissed for the day. If you want to go, you'll have to wait until tomorrow morning."
Song Yingxing blinked. "Ah? Then… where should I stay tonight?"
The man pointed toward the Gao Family commercial district. "There's an inn over there. You can rest there."
Following the direction of his finger, Song Yingxing saw a cluster of colorful buildings on a hillside, their lights just beginning to glow.
The Gao Family commercial district lit up every evening.
These lights had been crafted by a lantern artisan who had come from Xi'an together with Xu Dafu.
Colorful lanterns illuminated every corner of the district. In an instant, the entire place became bright and lively. The multicolored lights reflected off the equally colorful plastic buildings, creating a wild, almost theatrical atmosphere, like a bustling entertainment hall.
Song Yingxing stared at the strange scene and could not help but mutter, "So this must be what they call a dazzling nightlife."
With some hesitation, he stepped into the commercial district.
It was lively ahead. From the chatter of the people around him, it seemed a theater troupe was about to perform.
Song Yingxing followed the crowd, and sure enough, a large stage had been set up. A performance of northern Shaanxi Daoqing opera was underway. Being a man from Jiangxi, it was his first time seeing such a performance, and he could not help but stop to watch.
The play being performed was The Tale of Dao Xuan Tianzun Eliminating Demons. The troupe had recently been eager to produce new plays, so they had adapted Gao Yiye's illustrated storybook into a stage performance.
On stage, the actors playing villagers knelt and cried, while the actor playing a bandit raised his blade to strike. Suddenly, from above the stage, a massive paper hand descended with a swift motion and slammed down, knocking the bandit flat.
The actor let out a dramatic scream and collapsed, pretending to be dead.
Then the sounds of sanxian and sihu instruments rose. The villager stood up, now revealed to be a singing role, and began to chant melodiously about the benevolence of Dao Xuan Tianzun, praising how he provided grain, brought rain, and improved the lives of the people.
The audience below erupted.
"Wonderful singing!"
Silver fragments and coins rained onto the stage as tips.
Song Yingxing, watching northern Shaanxi Daoqing for the first time, found himself thoroughly entertained. He took out a handful of copper coins and tossed them onto the stage as well.
Turning to his two servants, he said, "Shaanxi has suffered a great drought, and the people are in misery. Along our journey, we have seen suffering everywhere. Yet here in Gao Village, the people live such joyful lives. Remarkable, truly remarkable."
The two servants lowered their voices. "This village is full of strange and unusual things."
Song Yingxing smiled. "I like strange and unusual things."
No sooner had he said this than a shout rang out nearby.
"Those who've finished watching the show, come have a bowl of mifen!"
Song Yingxing let out a surprised sound and turned toward the voice. There, not far from the stage, stood a shop called "Laba Mifen."
His eyes widened. "What am I seeing? A mifen shop? Isn't this something only found in the south?"
The two servants were equally stunned. "Master… it really is a mifen shop. This is unbelievable."