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1
The letter from Tianji Pavilion was kept in Su Tang's pocket for three days.
She would take it out and look at it every day - there was something strange going on in the south.Suspected to be fourth.The handwriting was similar to that on the silver bracelet, but more scrawled, like someone had written it on a bumpy ship.There are no coordinates, no distance, no instructions, just these six words.
The south is getting bigger.From Yunmengze to the south, it takes three days to reach the mortal world, three months to the seaside, and three years to the end of the world.She has already visited three of the four sources - Jianzong Back Mountain, Northern Forbidden Land, and Wugui Mountain.Each one is in an inaccessible place, and each one hides a heavy past.
The fourth one is in the south.Maybe also somewhere no one wants to be.
Xiaoxue has been trying to sense the past few days.She floated in front of the map, her little hand pressed on the blank space in the south, her light blue eyes closed tightly.
Fat Orange squatted next to him, the tip of his tail raised up and down.After waiting for a long time, I couldn't help but ask: Do you feel it?
Xiaoxue shook her head.No.Too far.Xiaotang couldn't sense it either. It might be in deep sleep, or it might be covered by something.
Su Tang stood behind the counter, kneading the dough in his hands, listening to Xiaoxue's words without interrupting.
She knew there was no point in being anxious.It will naturally appear when it should appear.
Bai Zhi walked out of the kitchen with a bowl of osmanthus cake and put the plate on the counter.
“Senior sister, give it a try.I've reduced the sugar today and it's about 30% sweet as you said.
Su Tang picked up a piece and took a bite.It's soft and non-sticky, has a strong osmanthus flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.
It’s ready for sale.
Bai Zhi blushed and turned to write the menu.
2
In the afternoon, an unexpected customer came to the dessert shop.
Su Tang was kneading dough in the kitchen when she heard Bai Zhi calling her senior sister outside, someone was looking for her.She wiped her hands, opened the door curtain and walked out.
There is a woman standing in front of the counter.He is wearing a gray robe, his hair is tied with a wooden hairpin, his face is delicate but there are fine lines at the corners of his eyes.His skin is wheat-colored, and he looks like someone who often spends time outdoors in the sun.
She took out a cloth bag from her sleeve, embroidered with silver cloud patterns - the same pattern as the silver bracelet.
The silver bracelet asked me to come.The woman's tone was crisp and sharp. He noticed something strange in the south and couldn't leave. He asked me to pick you up and take you by sea.
Su Tang’s pupils shrank.Found the location of the fourth source?
The woman nodded, took out a map from her sleeve, and spread it on the counter.
The detailed terrain of the southern coast is marked on the map.A red dot is drawn on the curve of the coastline, with two words written next to it - fishing village.There is also a line of small words next to the red dot: Yongye Village, with more than 300 villagers, makes a living by fishing.There is an ancient well in the village, and the bottom of the well leads to the sealing array at the source.
Su Tang looked down at the red dot on the map.
Yongye Village.The name doesn't sound like a good place. Maybe it's because there are clouds over the village all year round that block the sun, or maybe it's for some other reason.
The woman continued: The silver bracelet is already on its way to Yongye Village.He asked me to pick you up and take you by sea.The land route is too far. It takes five days by riding a crane and two days by boat.
Su Tang looked up at her.What is your relationship with him?
The woman was silent for a moment.My name is Nan Sheng.Many years ago, Silver Bracelet and I patrolled debris fall zones in the North.Later he stayed in the north and I went to the south.We agreed that whoever discovered the new source first would notify the other party.
She raised her head and looked at Su Tang.
The silver bracelet says you can suppress the source.I believe him.So I came to pick you up.
When will you leave?
Tomorrow morning.Take a boat from the port of Yunmengze and go down the river to the South China Sea in two days.
Su Tang nodded.I'll go.
Three
After Nan Sheng left, Su Tang called everyone to the living room on the second floor.
Bai Zhi, Fat Orange, Xiao Qinglong, Xiao Xue, Yun Yin, Yun Yi, Wan Tang, Yin Wuxie, Gu Yan, all crowded into the room.
Su Tang spread the map on the table and repeated the letter from Yin Bang and Nan Sheng's words.The fourth source is in Yongye Village in Nanhai. It is in deep sleep and may wake up at any time. The silver bracelet has gone, and Nan Sheng comes to pick her up and take her by sea.
Bai Zhi stood behind the counter, holding the account book in her hand, and said in a very soft voice: Senior sister, can I go?I...I want to see the outside world.
It’s not a complaint, it’s a request.
Su Tang was silent for a long time.
She looked at Bai Zhi’s red eyes, her clenched knuckles that turned white, and her slightly trembling lips.This little junior sister has been with her since the first day she traveled through time. Every time she went out, Bai Zhi was waiting in the store and never complained.
But this time she said it.
Su Tang took a deep breath.good.You and Fat Orange come with me.Xiao Qinglong looks after the house, Xiaoxue looks after the store, Senior Yunyin and Senior Yun Yi help take care of the business, and Wan Tang helps with the accounting books.
Bai Zhi’s tears finally fell.Not tears of sadness, but tears of joy.She wiped away her tears hard, turned around and ran downstairs to pack her luggage.
Fat Orange jumped down from the table, squatted at Su Tang's feet, and looked up at her.
Boss, you are finally willing to take Bai Zhi out.
Su Tang touched Fat Orange’s head.She has grown up.It's time to go out and have a look.
Fat Orange’s tail curled up.What about me?I have grown up long ago.
You are a cat.Cats don’t need to go out, cats need to watch the house.
Fat Orange snorted, but his tail was raised higher.
Four
Early the next morning, Su Tang, Shen Yebai, Bai Zhi, Fat Orange, Xiao Qinglong, Xiaoxue, six people - no, two people, three demons and a sword spirit - arrived at the port of Yunmengze.
The port is small, with a few fishing boats and cargo ships parked, and the air is filled with the smell of fish and salty seawater.Nan Sheng stood next to a black sailboat, her gray robes rustling in the sea breeze.Seeing Su Tang, he nodded.
Get on board.
Bai Zhi took a sea ship for the first time.When my feet stepped on the deck, it felt swaying, which was completely different from holding a sword.She tightened her grip on the railing and took a deep breath.Fat Orange squatted on her shoulders, his tail wrapped around her neck as a scarf.
Don’t be afraid, the cat is here.
Bai Zhi gripped the railing tightly.
Little Qinglong poked his head out of his purse and looked at the boundless sea water, his golden eyes filled with excitement.Light snow is floating on the top of the mast. I cover my forehead with my little hands and look into the distance.
The sailboat sailed out of the port and went down the river.The scenery on the shore changes from cities to farmland, from farmland to hills, and from hills to coastline.The color of the sea water changes from yellow-green to dark blue, and the wind changes from humid to salty.
Su Tang leaned on the side of the ship and looked at the sea level in the distance.Shen Yebai stood next to her and looked at the sea.
What are you thinking about?Su Tang asked.
Shen Yebai thought for a while.I wonder if the sea has an end.
Yes, there is another continent at the end.
Shen Yebai nodded.Master said.But Master has not been there either.
The corners of his mouth curled up slightly.
Maybe there is nothing on the other side of the sea, just the sea.
Su Tang smiled.Then when the source matter is resolved, let's go take a look.See what's there.
Shen Yebai looked at her.good.
Five
The boat sailed for a day and a night.The next evening, Su Tang saw Yongye Village. Page (1/3)