After finishing his arrangements in Xi'an and handing the city's planning and development over to Gao Family Village's administrative department, Li Daoxuan shifted his attention back to the banks of the Yellow River.
The river was rising.
Dragon Gate Ferry, Qichuan Ferry, Gudu Ferry—every major crossing along the upper Yellow River had been affected. Merchant ships no longer dared to sail. Historically, navigating the upper reaches of the Yellow River had always been dangerous; now, with torrential rains, fierce winds, and swollen currents, only those with a death wish—or truly extraordinary skill—would risk it.
Li Daoxuan scanned the river channel within his field of view.
Not a single boat.
Even Gao Family Village's motorized vessels remained tied up at the docks, motionless. No one was willing to gamble against the river itself.
Fortunately, Li Daoxuan had already constructed two massive bridges across the Yellow River: the Longmen Yellow River Bridge and the Linyi Yellow River Bridge. Now, with river transport completely paralyzed, those two bridges revealed their true worth.
All supplies were being rerouted over land.
Gao Family Village's logistics teams moved day and night across the bridges, barely maintaining the flow of goods.
As May of Chongzhen Year Five arrived, the rain did not ease.
If anything, it fell harder.
At this moment, Li Daoxuan sat before the diorama box, calmly enjoying a bowl of sour fish soup.
The box's view was fixed on Gudu Ferry.
Inside the miniature world, rain poured down relentlessly. Most of the little figures stayed indoors, sheltering from the storm, leaving the streets nearly empty. There wasn't much to watch—until a group of figures suddenly emerged from the rain.
They were busy.
One sack after another—salt, tightly wrapped in oilcloth—was being loaded onto carts.
Li Daoxuan gave a soft "Oh?" and activated the focus function.
Upon zooming in, he recognized the man directing the work.
Jiang Cheng.
A salt merchant from Luoyang.
In late April, Jiang Cheng had departed Luoyang by boat, heading toward Gudu Ferry. A violent storm had nearly capsized his ship. Li Daoxuan had intervened, lifting both man and vessel out of the Yellow River and setting them down safely at the dock.
Li Daoxuan hadn't expected that more than ten days later, Jiang Cheng would still be here.
Wearing a straw rain cape, Jiang Cheng shouted hoarsely at his subordinates, "Careful! Don't let the oilcloth tear! If the salt gets wet, it's all ruined!"
The men answered loudly, working with great care. The salt sacks were stacked high on the carts, then covered again and again with oilcloth until not a single seam was exposed.
Only then did Jiang Cheng clap his hands.
"Alright! That's enough. We're leaving!"
He was about to urge the carts forward when—
The golden embroidery on his chest seemed to curl into a smile.
A low chuckle sounded.
"So much rain, and you're still in such a hurry to leave?"
Jiang Cheng froze.
Then he dropped to his knees.
"Greetings, Dao Xuan Tianzun!"
His subordinates followed instantly, kneeling as well.
The memory of being plucked from the raging Yellow River by a giant hand, lifted through the sky, and placed gently at the dock was still fresh in their minds. From that day on, every one of them had become a devout believer of Dao Xuan Tianzun.
Jiang Cheng bowed deeply.
"Reporting to Dao Xuan Tianzun—this humble one came to Yongji to transport salt. The rain delayed us for many days. I worry for my wife, my children, and the elders at home. My men feel the same. Everyone is anxious."
Li Daoxuan understood.
Who could stay calm after being away from home for so long?
Even with thunder overhead and floodwaters rising, the longing to return home was only human.
"The river is dangerous," Li Daoxuan reminded him gently.
"We know," Jiang Cheng replied at once. "That's why we won't use boats. We plan to haul the salt by cart to Fengling Crossing. When the rain and wind ease, we'll ferry across to Tongguan Road, then travel overland to Luoyang."
"Overland transport," Li Daoxuan said. "That's not a bad plan."
He said nothing more.
After waiting a long time, Jiang Cheng finally dared to lift his head, certain Dao Xuan Tianzun had departed.
He let out a long breath—then broke into an ecstatic grin.
"Did you see that?! Dao Xuan Tianzun manifested on the embroidery on my chest! Hahaha! He's acknowledged me!"
His subordinates stared at him with unconcealed envy.
If Dao Xuan Tianzun would manifest on their chests just once, they'd be able to walk through Gudu Ferry with their heads held high, revered by all.
Morale surged.
With renewed energy, Jiang Cheng's group pushed their carts southward from Gudu Ferry, following the official road toward Fengling Crossing.
Puzhou was now entirely under Gao Family Village's control.
The newly appointed Deputy Commander, Lao Nanfeng, governed the region. Development here was thriving: cement roads crisscrossed the land, and satellite villages and factory towns dotted the countryside.
Along the way, Jiang Cheng and his men passed vast cotton fields, white bolls stretching endlessly into the distance.
Soon, a small town came into view.
Yongle Town.
The famous hometown of Yang Yuhuan—Yang Guifei herself.
They planned to rest briefly, entering the town to drink some hot tea at an inn.
But the moment they stepped inside, Jiang Cheng sucked in a sharp breath.
The inn was full.
Everywhere he looked were soldiers of the Gao Family Village militia—fully armed, alert, and disciplined.
They sat and stood throughout the inn, clearly guarding someone seated in the center.
It was a young woman in her early twenties.
Delicate, graceful, calm.
She sat at a table, quietly sipping tea, as if the storm outside did not exist.
Jiang Cheng's heart leapt.
A legendary figure flashed through his mind.
He hurried forward and bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Saintess!"
He was right.
This was Gao Yiye.
Recently, she had spent much of her time in Puzhou overseeing the cotton fields. Hearing that this was Yang Guifei's hometown, she had come to take a look—but the relentless rain had dampened the outing, leaving her to pass the time with tea and the sound of rainfall.
Seeing Jiang Cheng bow, Gao Yiye smiled softly.
"Master Jiang, I admire your resolve. Transporting salt to Luoyang by land is far harder than by river."
Jiang Cheng was stunned.
How does the Saintess know my name? And that I'm heading to Luoyang by land? I only told Dao Xuan Tianzun…
Then realization struck.
Of course. How could the Saintess not know what Dao Xuan Tianzun knows?
He straightened immediately, becoming even more respectful.
"Thanks to Dao Xuan Tianzun's blessing, and yours, Saintess, this journey will surely be safe."
Gao Yiye smiled.
"Dao Xuan Tianzun says he enjoys traveling far and wide. Seeing you has sparked his interest in visiting Luoyang."
Jiang Cheng bowed again.
"This humble one is honored beyond words."
"You must reach Luoyang safely," Gao Yiye added gently.
"Thank you for your blessing, Saintess."
Jiang Cheng and his men retreated to a corner of the inn, not daring to disturb her further. They ate quickly, drank their tea, rested briefly, and then set off once more toward Luoyang.
Gao Yiye watched their figures disappear into the rain and sighed softly.
"Oh… I wish I could visit Luoyang too. They say it's one of the ancient capitals. It must be magnificent."
The golden embroidery on her chest gave a quiet chuckle.
"No hurry. Let's wait a little longer. Once we confirm Luoyang is safe, you can go and enjoy yourself properly."