Chapter 476 - 306: Bustling Temple Fair, Gathering of Heroes, Each Displays Their Talents, Winds and Clouds Assemble (Part 2)

There are "Nine-foot Dragon Saliva Incense," "Eternal Peace Incense," "Seven-Colored Glazed Incense," "Purple Qi from the East"...

These exotic incenses have unique appearances, and when lit, they can create wondrous landscapes between heaven and earth. It seems like a divine miracle descending upon the world, inviting endless imagination, hence they are quite favored. Only those with distinguished backgrounds and considerable wealth dare to touch such exotic incense. Gu Nianjun asked, "Xiaofan, these incenses carry meanings, which one do you think is better?"

Li Xiaofan replied, "I originally thought this Eternal Peace Incense has a good name with a profound meaning. Unfortunately, the incense body is nine feet nine inches and is carved with golden dragons and phoenixes, extremely extravagant, and priced at nine hundred and ninety-nine taels, which contradicts its meaning. It seems more like an excuse to flaunt wealth. Whether the world is at peace is unknown, but the incense burner surely enjoys wealth, spending lavishly; a simple three-inch ordinary incense seems more sincere..."

Zhou Shijie suddenly interrupted, "I don’t think so. In these chaotic times, showing signs of disorder, why is there disorder? It is because the Dynasty is weak, and no one can pacify all the feudal lords. In other words, if you want eternal peace, you must achieve the ultimate, require a great spirit, great fearlessness, great aura. Therefore, the Eternal Peace Incense is inlaid with gold dragons and carved with golden phoenixes, the two saints in heaven, intending to deter the treacherous. The incense body is nine feet nine inches, implying long-lasting peace, endless."

The owner chuckled, "This young master has a grand spirit! Yes, indeed, that’s the meaning."

Li Xiaofan laughed, "Brother Zhou has a point." and then stayed silent. Zhou Shijie felt quite pleased and said, "Brother Xiaofan, you’re still young, your knowledge is still shallow, you need to learn more."

Gu Nianjun said, "We came from afar, not seeking to make a spectacle. Keeping eternal peace in mind is enough, this incense is indeed a bit flashy. Xiaofan, which incense do you prefer?"

Li Xiaofan smiled bitterly, "Sister Gu, you really put me in a difficult position. I grew up in poverty, counting every Wen Coin for porridge and water. Now, to choose exotic incense costing hundreds of taels, I have never seen so much money in my life. If I truly had such wealth, I would rather distribute thousands of gold so people can buy clothes and food; burning it like this to worship ethereal things is truly... heart-wrenching."

Saying so, fearing ruining Gu Nianjun’s mood of interest, he said, "So I’ll let Sister Gu decide."

Gu Nianjun felt somewhat guilty and smiled, "Brother Xiaofan having this thought is very good. In that case, we shall buy three-inch ordinary incense. We shall experience a while, the common people’s incense offering."

"Oh dear!" The owner said, "Three customers, it’s not right, not right. This young brother’s words seem reasonable, but in fact, they are unreasonable."

Li Xiaofan blinked and asked, "Please go ahead." He was humble, admitting his humble knowledge. The journey of studying is to seek advice from different people. Good people, bad people, cunning people, all have their reasoning. Even if it’s misguided reasoning, it needs to be heard, then reflected upon and debated.

The owner said, "This young master just said, purchasing incense is equivalent to wasting money. These words are quite inappropriate. Clearly, the money goes into my account."

Li Xiaofan, Gu Nianjun, and Zhou Shijie exchanged smiles. The owner continued, "This Incense Pavilion sells incense, candles, ingots, tribute tea... It requires a lot of manpower. The money goes into my account first, and I pay wages monthly, so it enters the accounts of the people below. Their food, clothing, and daily use circulate money to the accounts of countless others."

"In this way... how can this money be considered wasted? Clearly, it blesses the people, it’s a great good deed! Furthermore... when the Eternal Peace Incense is burned, Flying Dragon Temple reveals wonders, reflecting upon the people, and they rejoice, consolidating people’s will. Isn’t it utilizing its purpose?"

Gu Nianjun laughed, "I didn’t expect you to have such an understanding." Li Xiaofan nodded, "I have learned."

Zhou Shijie laughed, "Xiaofan is young, he ultimately needs more experience." Li Xiaofan didn’t argue, sinking into contemplation. The owner’s misguided reasoning was easily resolved, and he was suddenly inspired, thinking further.

Gu Nianjun laughed, "After all, this incense is quite extravagant; let’s buy a three-inch ordinary incense." Completely unfazed by it.

The owner quickly called out, "Three customers, wait a moment..." Feeling slightly displeased, Zhou Shijie thought Gu Nianjun favored Li Xiaofan too much.

Gu Nianjun asked, "Is there anything else?" The owner said, "I see the three of you young and vigorous, dragons and phoenixes among people, not ordinary people. Surely your backgrounds, martial arts, knowledge, demeanor, and experience are remarkable. This temple fair is grandly organized; frankly, several young heroes have already come to purchase exotic incense this morning. When the temple fair begins, they will certainly shine. If the three of you truly have a tranquil disposition, completely indifferent to fame and fortune, then it’s no worry."

The underlying message... implies the temple fair hides competing talents, showcasing wealth and power. Zhou Shijie, already displeased, was provoked by this speech, deliberately singing a different tune, truly wanting to showcase his uniqueness, persuaded saying, "Nianjun, this festival is quite meaningful, a good opportunity to make peers’ connections. If you are truly stingy with such money, truly... it would be a pity!"

Gu Nianjun’s eyes shifted lightly. Indeed she had thoughts; she was also young, witnessing the temple fair’s lively scene; it’s rare to hear such magnificent spectacle. Moreover, there are quite a few peers revealing their presence; she wouldn’t willingly accept loneliness.

Gu Nianjun whispered, "Fine... Xiaofan, I will purchase an exotic incense for you too. Since you travel widely, you should make good friends and meet extraordinary talents. Be frugal when you should be, spend when necessary. This opportunity is rare, you need to see the world."

Li Xiaofan, though pained by money, thought Gu Nianjun and Zhou Shijie’s words weren’t wrong. He obediently said, "Okay."

...

...

The temple fair was bustling with people, Li Xian finished purchasing incense, ingots, red candles, wrapped them in coarse cloth, and climbed the mountain along the stone steps. Many locals lined the path, either talking about daily life, or gossiping about neighbors’ affairs, very noisy and lively, fully displaying the various aspects of people’s lives.