Rebirth of The Deer and the Cauldron, Wei Xiaobao Becomes a God

Hearing this, Wei Xiaobao couldn't help but take a deep breath, his heart filled with shock and grief. He widened his eyes and asked, "So, what about Situ He? How is he?"

The waiter replied, "He was seriously injured and captured by soldiers. A few days later, he was taken to Caishikou, Jiyuan County, and publicly beheaded."

Wei Xiaobao asked again: "Is there any news about Zeng Rou? Where is she now?"

The waiter shook his head, indicating that he didn't know the details.

He went on to say, "I heard that she married that bastard official and became his concubine. We haven't heard any news about her in all these years."

Wei Xiaobao was in a heavy mood, he lowered his head silently, thinking a lot. He knew that it would not be easy to find Zeng Rou, but he was determined not to give up and must find her whereabouts.

At this time, a middle-aged man walked in and said to several men and women at another table: "Big news, the ancestor of the Ziwei Palace on Mount Wangwu has come out of seclusion!"

As soon as this was said, the people drinking tea in the hall began to discuss:

"Really? He must have been sitting here for thirty years!" a young man exclaimed.

"Yes, I remember the last time I saw Patriarch Ziwei was thirty years ago." An elderly man nearby said with emotion.

"How old do you think Patriarch Ziwei is?" someone asked curiously.

"I don't know. My grandfather said that Ziwei Patriarch was here when he was a child." Another man recalled.

"I heard that Ziwei Patriarch participated in the fight against the Mongolian invasion at the end of the Song Dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty!" someone whispered.

"Ah? It might be 300 years old!" everyone exclaimed in surprise.

"Can people in this world live to be 300 years old?" someone questioned.

"Yes, Zhang Sanfeng of Wudang lived for more than 300 years. I also heard that there was Peng Zu in Sichuan who lived for 880 years?" someone retorted.

"You don't know, they are all hermits. It is said that when he was young, Ziwei Patriarch followed the great hero Guo Jing, also known as Guo Daxia, to resist the Yuan Mongols. In the late Yuan Dynasty, he also helped Emperor Hongwu to resist the Yuan Dynasty. Later, Emperor Yongle allocated a large sum of money to repair the Ziwei Palace, and engraved the achievements of Ziwei Patriarch on a stone tablet for future generations to admire." Someone said proudly.

……

After hearing this, Wei Xiaobao thought to himself that according to Xu Fu's memory, one could live to be 300 years old. If one was a martial artist, that was a lifespan that only those above the Heavenly Man Realm could have, and this world simply could not bear it.

Up to now, the highest level of martial artist I have met is the abbot of Shaolin Temple, Monk Huicong, who has achieved the great perfection of heaven and man.

If he is a cultivator, a lifespan of 300 years would have reached the peak of the Qi Refining Realm.

As for Peng Zu who is 800 years old, he can only be at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage, which is also the limit of cultivation that this planet can withstand.

In any case, whether it is martial arts or cultivation, the appearance of Ziwei Patriarch aroused Wei Xiaobao's great interest, and he was eager to visit this mysterious figure in person.

Sharing the same idea as Wei Xiaobao, when the news that Ziwei Patriarch’s retreat had ended spread throughout Jiyuan City, the people in the city and believers from surrounding areas flocked to Wangwu Mountain, hoping to receive the protection and blessing of this living immortal.

The Ziwei Palace was good at seizing opportunities and took this opportunity to hold a grand incense ceremony, which was as lively as a Buddhist temple fair.

People burn incense and pray for blessings at the incense meeting, but what is more eye-catching is the bustling market outside the Taoist temple.

There are all kinds of pastry stalls and a wide range of accessories here, which will make people linger.

The men of letters and poets were not to be outdone. They gathered together to hold poetry readings. Some wrote couplets, while others recited poems and composed lyrics to show off their talents.

Even the young men from the opera theater came on stage, performing all the roles of sheng, dan, jing, mo and chou, setting up the stage and singing a great opera, which won rounds of applause from the audience.

Wei Xiaobao was dressed in gorgeous brocade and silk, with an extraordinary temperament, like a wealthy young man who was well-read in poetry and books.

When he passed by a poetry meeting, he was stopped by several scholars, who enthusiastically invited him to join them.

One of the scholars said, "This brother has a handsome face and a noble bearing. It is obvious that he has made great achievements. May I ask your name?"

Wei Xiaobao smiled and replied, "Excuse me, my surname is Wei and my name is Xiaobao."

Another scholar quickly introduced himself: "So you are Master Wei, I have heard of your great name for a long time, I am Huang Luzhuang!"

Hearing this name, Wei Xiaobao was secretly delighted, because he knew that the Huang Luzhuang in front of him was one of the most outstanding inventors during the Kangxi period. He had invented many novel gadgets such as bicycles and thermometers, more than a hundred years earlier than Europe!

He is an absolute talent and must be recruited under your command.

So, Wei Xiaobao said with a smile on his face: "It turns out to be Mr. Huang! You are a big shot in the invention world. I have heard of your great name for a long time. Please accept my humble greetings."

As he spoke, Wei Xiaobao bowed deeply to show his respect. Huang Luzhuang was surprised to see this and asked, "Brother Wei, did you know me before?"

Wei Xiaobao smiled and explained, "Mr. Huang is keen on tinkering with machinery and has invented many practical things. Xiaobao has long been familiar with your reputation."

Huang Luzhuang was filled with excitement and pride at this moment. He couldn't help but raise his voice and asked proudly, "Who is Mr. Wei?"

Wei Xiaobao smiled and replied: "I am from Yangzhou and currently working in Fujian."

A hint of curiosity flashed in Huang Luzhuang's eyes, and he continued to ask: "Fujian is a good place! Many of the new and interesting things here come from Fujian. There are also many Western gadgets there that we don't have in Henan Province." As he said this, he couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

Wei Xiaobao nodded with a smile and continued, "Mr. Huang loves inventions, so you can go to the official workshop in Fujian to try your hand at it. As long as you have any ideas for inventions, the government will not only provide the necessary materials, but also give you a salary as an encouragement."

Huang Luzhuang's eyes lit up, but then he said with some disappointment: "That's great, but unfortunately I don't know anyone in Fujian."

Wei Xiaobao patted his shoulder and consoled him, "Now that you know me, you are no longer alone. If you are interested in going to Fujian, you can go directly to the Governor's Mansion to find the Governor-General Wu Xingzuo and explain that I, Wei Xiaobao, recommended you."

Huang Luzhuang opened his mouth in surprise and asked in disbelief, "Really? Brother Wei actually knows the governor?"

Wei Xiaobao nodded confidently and explained, "Don't worry, I have business dealings with the government, and Governor Wu will make sure you make proper arrangements."

Huang Luzhuang was filled with gratitude and thanked him repeatedly: "Thank you for your help, Master Wei. I will leave for Fujian immediately tomorrow."

A scholar nearby interjected, "Well, the poetry reading is about to begin, let's go!"