Chapter 447: A Boat Journey to Qiong Mountain
“Qiong Mountain is easy to reach!” Qinghuaizi said to Song You, “Yangzhou has an extensive waterway network, and most people prefer to travel by boat. Daoist Master, tomorrow, just go to the ferry dock and find any boat heading towards Yangdu—you’ll be able to reach it that way.
“However, there’s no official dock at Qiong Mountain, so you’d best take a small boat. If you set out early in the morning, you should reach the foot of Qiong Mountain by mid-afternoon or near sunset.
“If you take a large boat, though, you’ll have to disembark at the next official dock, and that means walking an extra twenty li back to your destination.”
Qinghuaizi paused for a moment, worried that Song You might not be familiar with the route, and explained further in detail, “If you’re worried about finding the right ferry, just tell them you're heading to Yinhua County. Traveling east from here, there aren’t many large mountains—just smaller, unimpressive ones.
“As you approach the Yinhua dock, you’ll see a towering mountain range on your right-hand side. Facing the river, there’s a steep cliffside, as if cut by a knife, with no grass growing on it. That is Qiong Mountain.”
Song You remarked, “Sounds like quite the scenic view.”
“It’s one of the rare, truly grand mountains in Yangzhou,” Qinghuaizi said with a smile. “When I was in my twenties, I traveled to other regions as well. I’ve been to Qiong Mountain and Yinhua multiple times for rituals.”
“Then I’ll consider it a trip to admire the autumn scenery from the heights.”
“A refined pursuit, Daoist Master!”
“How much is the boat fare to Qiong Mountain?”
Upon hearing this, the young girl also turned her restless little head, focusing her gaze on Qinghuaizi.