At 1:20 PM, we arrived at Blackwater Town.
The Blackwater River flows through here, because it is surrounded by large mountains.
Looking down from above, the river water was pitch black, bottomless.
Thus, it was called Blackwater Town.
Legend has it that when Kongming campaigned north, a lot of grain and military supplies were stored here.
Every time they campaigned north, they used Blackwater Town as a transfer point, constantly transporting supplies to the northern front lines through the Blackwater River.
After getting off the bus, I found it was just a small, not very large town.
Even, it was rather remote.
The journey had been bumpy, and we were all hungry.
We found a restaurant nearby, ate something, and then hurried on our way again, dust-covered.
Because we still had to go further into the mountains.
Before getting on the bus, I called my grandmother back home.
I didn't know if I would be able to return safely this time after going into the mountains.
If I couldn't come back, Grandma would be my only concern.
The call was quickly connected.
Grandma's kind and familiar voice sounded:
"Hello! Ze Wa!"
"It's me, Grandma. What are you doing?"
"Grandma is chatting with the matchmaker Li from the next village! I was thinking of having matchmaker Li find you a marriage partner.
You're not young anymore.
Get married early and give Grandma a little grandchild.
Grandma can also help you look after the child.
When Grandma can't move around in a few years, she won't be able to help you look after the child..."
As soon as I said something, Grandma started chattering endlessly, saying a whole lot.
I forced a smile on the phone.
Every time we talked, Grandma's conversation always revolved around my marriage.
But this time, I didn't interrupt her.
Actually, I just wanted to hear Grandma's voice more.
"Got it, Grandma! I'll listen to you and go on a blind date when I get back!"
I said calmly.
Grandma was very happy to hear that and said:
"That's right! A grown man should get married!"
"Yes, I understand."
I didn't find Grandma annoying, and responded calmly.
But after listening, Grandma was slightly taken aback.
After a brief silence, she spoke again:
"Ze Wa, did something happen?"
"No, what could happen to me?"
I still spoke calmly.
But Grandma clearly understood me. She used to say this, and I was always very resistant.
But this time, I listened patiently and even agreed.
Grandma didn't ask further, she just said:
"The TV says that working in big cities is hard.
Young people are also under a lot of pressure.
If you are bothered or tired.
You can come back. Everything is here at home.
Feed chickens, grow some crops.
Although we can't be rich and noble.
We won't worry about food or clothing.
And there's no pressure.
Do you understand?"
Grandma's voice was very kind, very gentle, and very calm.
But when I heard it, I felt very sad.
I felt that if I continued listening, my emotions might become agitated.
So I said:
"Got it, Grandma. Take care of yourself.
I'll come back when I have time. "
"Okay, you also take care of yourself.
It's getting cold, don't catch a cold..."
"Okay, Grandma. Um, I'm hanging up now."
As I said this, I felt my voice suddenly choke up.
That emotion came so suddenly, so spontaneously.
Thinking of how hard Grandma worked to raise me, it was truly not easy.
This time, going out was a matter of life and death.
I really didn't know if I could still come back, if I could take care of her in her old age.
But I couldn't say it, couldn't tell Grandma the truth.
I was afraid she wouldn't be able to accept it, afraid she would worry about me.
After speaking, I quickly hung up the phone.
Uncle and Old Mo were beside me.
They had also heard me on the phone and seen that I was a bit emotional.
Uncle said nothing, but Old Mo patted me on the shoulder:
"It's okay, it's just a soul stone!
With my master here.
With my two demon-exterminating brothers joining forces, we can get any stone back."
Old Mo's words made me feel much more relaxed.
I nodded.
Uncle also spoke:
"Let's go! There's a tricycle over there, we'll take it."
Old Mo and I both nodded, and then walked towards that tricycle.
It was a modified motorized tricycle for disabled operators, with a sign.
They were common in townships.
After getting in, Uncle said to the middle-aged driver:
"Driver, go to Blackwater Mountain."
The middle-aged man was startled and said:
"Blackwater Mountain again? Are you going to Blackwater Temple?
I've made three trips already today.
All of them were going to Blackwater Temple!"
Blackwater Temple, also known as a small Taoist temple in Blackwater Mountain.
It was also the gathering place for various Taoist sects this time.
Uncle nodded:
"Yes, Blackwater Temple."
The driver smiled:
"Is Blackwater Temple having some kind of conference recently?"
The driver asked while starting the vehicle.
Old Mo and I said nothing.
Uncle replied with a smile:
"Yes! Having a conference. We are believers, going to offer incense."
"Oh, no wonder."
The driver didn't think much of it, and just chatted with Uncle intermittently.
The tricycle drove for more than forty minutes, the journey was bumpy, and we even had to get out and push the vehicle twice before arriving.
The driver pointed to a large mountain ahead and said:
"The Blackwater Temple you're going to is on the mountain. My car can't drive up, so you can just follow the mountain path up.
It will only take twenty minutes at most."
We got off the tricycle one by one, paid the fare.
After thanking the driver, we turned and started walking towards Blackwater Mountain...