A Top Scholar in Everything-Chapter 904 - 890: Crossing the River

Upon witnessing this scene, the martial artists around who hadn't yet approached the river hurriedly retreated in fear.

Baiyu was no exception.

Although he never intended to enter the river from the start, he hadn't anticipated just how perilous this river would be. No matter one's cultivation, once entering the river, one could never make it out unscathed.

No exceptions.

As progress was halted, a group of martial artists quickly gathered by the riverbank to discuss how to cross, for it was visible beyond the river that there lay a mystical mountain, lush with Spiritual Qi, beyond a stretch of woodland.

The mountain peak soared high, covered in verdant trees and rugged, strange rocks, filled with Spiritual Qi. What's more, the mountain housed a sprawling complex of palatial structures, with various phenomena rising within—there were Five-Colored Treasure Trees and a Lotus Spirit Platform. At the highest point was a palace surrounded by Divine Dragons, which encircled a radiant orb emitting a rainbow of colors.

These Divine Dragons were constructed from Spiritual Qi, appearing overwhelmingly full of allure. This was evidently the Blessed Land where great cultivators once lived, undoubtedly possessing significant treasures. Upon seeing the situation atop the mountain, the martial artists on this side of the river were drooling with envy.

So, despite the deadly river before them, they wouldn't back down. Martial artists are destined to defy the heavens; if they don't fight for it, they might never reach the Peak of the Martial Dao within their lifetime. Courageous advancement is the necessary mindset of martial artists.

However, no matter how they thought of it, they couldn't cross this river.

Even.

Some tried flying over, but upon entering the river's domain, they plunged straight down as if pulled in by a black hole, crashing into the river and soon transforming into thick blood, flowing away with the river.

As everyone was at their wit's end, trapped by the river.

Upstream.

A small black-roofed boat slowly drifted down, reaching the middle of the river. At the helm was an elderly man with wrinkled skin, clad in a black cloak. After maneuvering the boat to the river's center, he sat at the bow, ceasing all action.

Upon witnessing this, everyone was at a loss momentarily.

Of course. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

No one dared casually ask the old man, as he was the only one who could remain on the river. The river spared no one, regardless of their cultivation; evidently, this individual had significant issues.

The thought of killing to seize the boat did cross many minds.

However.

No one dared act on it.

Putting aside the old man's strength, even if one seized the boat, maintaining control would be impossible with so many martial artists ashore; none could guarantee they'd have the last laugh. Thus, for now, the peculiar scene remained at a stalemate.

No one dared to act rashly.

Until the old man slowly spoke: "To cross the river, ten copper coins per person."

Charging a fee?

Upon hearing the old man's words, everyone's faces changed instantly; ten copper coins weren't hard to get, but they hadn't known their use before and hadn't collected them in Reincarnation Ghost City.

So, for the moment, none of them had enough money.

"Sir, are other items acceptable?" someone asked.

But the old man merely shook his head, refraining from answering, indicating through action that he only accepted copper coins, nothing else at all.

Soon.

Someone boldly jumped aboard, displaying ten copper coins. The boatman did not stop him, allowing him to find a spot on the boat and sit down. Given the size of the small black-roofed boat, it could accommodate only six or seven people at most.

Seats are limited.

Now that someone boarded without being corroded by the turbulent waters, others were tempted.

Soon, four more people sat on the boat.

Including Baiyu.

Thanks to the Mad Monk, he had enough copper coins for the fare, even enough to make a round trip.

"Quick, do you have any copper coins? Gather them for me, let me cross first."

"Sir, we really don't have copper coins, and even if you go over, we wouldn't feel at ease."

"That boatman might not be trustworthy; it's very likely he harbors ill intentions. Once the boat reaches mid-river, it'll be exceedingly easy for him to kill the people aboard."

A group of martial artists ashore was fiercely discussing.

Soon,

The last two also boarded the boat. With the small boat filled, the boatman began pushing the bamboo pole, cautiously steering the boat towards the opposite bank.

Though the river was only about twenty meters wide and not particularly swift.

The boatman navigated very cautiously, the small boat progressing at a tortoise-like pace, taking a full half hour for such a short distance. Throughout, the boat remained silent; no one spoke, nor did anyone question the boatman's speed.

Soon.

The small boat gently docked.

Everyone stepped onto the land on the opposite bank, and unlike before, there lay a path. It was a man-made stone road, winding and twisting, leading all the way to the highest peak.

"Everyone, we're now in this eerie Blessed Land, trying to truly gain benefits; relying solely on solo efforts won't do. So, how about we act together? It's good to have some company, and the opportunities on that mountain are ample enough for us to share."

A middle-aged man suggested.

But now that they were already across, how could they easily form alliances? Everyone sought to gain the opportunities above, unwilling to share with others.

Moreover.

Many paid their fare collectively, being leaders of small groups, each with a significant number of followers.

Sure enough.

The initial few who crossed paid no heed to the middle-aged man's suggestion, instead acting independently.

Meanwhile, the group on the opposite bank.

Upon seeing Baiyu and others safely crossing, they believed the boatman could truly ferry people across. After delivering Baiyu and others, the boatman returned and waited silently for the next batch of passengers.

Ten copper coins.

Though seemingly simple, it wasn't necessarily easy. Quickly, everyone thought of Reincarnation Ghost City—where it was easiest to obtain copper coins. The city recently saw a major battle; according to those who'd come from there, even the city walls were damaged.

Thus.

Entering the city wasn't much trouble.

Soon.

Some began to return, heading to Reincarnation Ghost City to make a good fortune for the passage fee.

In a moment.

The lively riverbank suddenly saw most people dispersing like startled birds and beasts, rushing to earn the hard-won boat fare.

Meanwhile, although Baiyu had crossed the river, he encountered danger.