Chapter 1037: Heaven Helps Those Who Help Themselves
The crescent moon shone upon the nine provinces.
Within that Law Sect temple in Dayu Country's Yuzhou territory, moonlight streamed through the window like reading a book. On the table, a piece of slightly rough paper bore the words "Far from inverted dreams."
By the river near Bamboo Branch Sect's Caijade Mountain, the outer gate greeter Chen Jiu was fishing upstream, while downstream a young Daoist cast his line into the water. Ha, fishing at the downwind big side would catch big fish.
In Changning County, capital of Yuxuan Country, within a courtyard filled with blooming flowers, under the Moon-Flying Pavilion's flowing light, a woman finished painting her eyebrows and then painted hibiscus. Both she and the moon had captivating eyes.
On the first floor of Fallen Mountain's bamboo tower, Chen Ping'an in his green robes extinguished his reading lamp and walked out of the bamboo tower. In the dead of night, he came alone to the cliffside stone table, covered in moonlight.
The moon was bright and the breeze clear; the pine waves roared like sounds of nature.
On this mountain ridge cliff not far from Harmony Mountain, besides the Green Apricot Country's National Guardian True Person who looked like a child, there was also the white-haired and white-bearded old patriarch of the Tiancao Commandery Zhang clan, the female sword immortal Zhang Caiqin, the young sword cultivator Zhang Yujiao, the Zhang clan's honored retainer Qi Gu with his spear-like beard and frog-like belly—a Golden Body realm martial artist. The female disciple Lü Mo. The Golden Que Sect's Chuijing Peak lineage female cultivator, Jin Lü. And an outsider, a young female Qi refiner from Fengle Town at the foot of Harmony Mountain, named Ni Qing, with the Dao name "Qing Ni." She carried an oilpaper umbrella slanted on her back and had a cotton bundle under her arm.
Messaging talismans that streaked through the night sky with flowing light continuously delivered intelligence to this mountain ridge. The various troops advanced in an orderly fashion, breaking through resistance like splitting bamboo, even more smoothly than expected. Cheng Qian became increasingly certain that the rebellious abandoned disciple of Golden Que Sect, Zhao Fuyang, was already a turtle in a jar.
Just then, ripples appeared outside the cliff as if stirred by wind on water.
A middle-aged Daoist wearing a lotus flower crown appeared out of thin air outside the cliff. After revealing himself, the Daoist took a step onto the cliff and landed gracefully.
He could have arrived silently, so those deliberately stirred spiritual energy ripples were like a greeting, a knock on the door for the hosts, reminding them that a guest had arrived.
But Qi Gu and the others were still startled, mistaking him for an assassin from Harmony Mountain who had jumped the wall in desperation, sneaking here to fight to the death with them.
However, when Qi Gu saw the Daoist's garb, he relaxed slightly. But then he looked more closely at the Daoist crown on the other's head, confirmed he wasn't seeing things, and immediately his heart jumped to his throat. For a moment, he was at a loss.
Based on this type of Daoist crown, uncommon in the mountain world, one could determine his orthodox lineage must come from Nanhua City in the White Jade Capital.
Zhang Qiong fared slightly better than Qi Gu. He had rarely seen such genuine mountain-top great cultivators in his life, let alone being this close. After thinking for a moment, he cupped his fists: "Zhang Qiong of Tiancao Commandery pays respects to Lord Cao Tian."
In the Hao Ran World, besides a few nearly extinct small Daoist temples of the Shengao Sect, there were only two Daoist lineages: Lingfei Temple in Bottle Gourd Continent and Qingliang Sect in North Julu Continent. Both Cheng Qian and Zhang Qiong, as Core Formation earth immortals, had participated in that war, so they recognized this Daoist at a glance. He was Old Temple Master Cao Rong, Heavenly Lord of Lingfei Temple from the south. He was also one of the direct disciples left in the Hao Ran World by Lord of Teaching Lu of White Jade Capital.
But before Lingfei Temple was elevated from temple to Daoist palace, Cao Rong had already stepped down as temple master and gone wandering down the mountain.
Cao Rong made a Daoist salute and smiled in return, not looking down on Zhang Qiong just because he was only a Core Formation cultivator. He said with a smile, "Greetings, Daoist Zhang."
Especially Cheng Qian of Chuijing Peak, upon seeing this Daoist Heavenly Lord who had shone brilliantly in the Old Dragon City battle, immediately performed a rare grand Daoist bow.
Three bows and nine kowtows. The Green Apricot Country's National Guardian True Person, looking like a child, knelt on the ground, both hands on the ground, but without his head touching the ground, knocking on the back of his left hand—a Daoist "empty head" bow.
Cheng Qian knelt and said loudly: "Cheng Qian, current sect leader of Golden Que Sect of Chuijing Peak, pays respects to Patriarch Zheng!"
Cao Rong was a pseudonym. His real name was Zheng Ze, with the Dao name "Tian Rui." Zheng Ze hailed from Qi Land and had once been a poetry collector.
These secrets only appeared on the gold and jade registers of Lingfei Temple. Lingfei Temple had always had heavy rules and strict hierarchy—who would dare leak such patriarchal secrets to outsiders?
It was only because Golden Que Sect had that "incense friendship" with Lingfei Temple that Cheng Qian, as the current sect leader, could learn this inside story through the oral transmission of successive sect leaders.
Cao Rong extended a hand and lifted it slightly, saying calmly, "Rise."
Facing Cheng Qian, who was effectively a grand-disciple of his own Daoist lineage, Cao Rong wasn't so affable.
Cao Rong also spoke through spiritual sound: "Cheng Qian, just now at the Splashed Ink Peak, the Master of Teaching personally issued a Dharma decree, allowing Golden Que Sect's founding patriarch to restore his status as a registered Daoist of Lingfei Temple. From now on, Golden Que Sect and Lingfei Temple count as one family, with the ancestral court both at Nanhua City in White Jade Capital."
Facing the never-before-seen patriarch Zheng Ze, Cheng Qian used the empty head bow without touching the ground—not out of disrespect for Lord Cao Tian, but because Golden Que Sect's incense had continued for so many years without being able to "return to the ancestral lineage" with Lingfei Temple. So when he saw Zheng Ze, Cheng Qian performed this bow.
Cao Rong naturally accepted this.
Core Formation Cheng Qian was indeed a promising talent.
Cheng Qian was shocked in his heart. Hearing that the "Master of Teaching" had also appeared at Splashed Ink Peak. Even with a Dao heart as firm as a rock, Cheng Qian couldn't help but be extremely excited. Waves stirred in his heart lake, but he struggled to stabilize his Dao heart. His expression remained solemn as he faced the direction of Splashed Ink Peak and performed another grand kneeling bow, this time with his forehead touching the ground, making a thumping sound.
Cao Rong nodded in approval.
Speaking of tonight's major disturbance in the Harmony Mountain region, its root cause was essentially an "internal conflict" within their own Daoist lineage.
Cheng Qian was someone who most respected the master and the Dao. It was only because Zhao Fuyang, expelled from Golden Que Sect's register, had occupied Harmony Mountain and dared to act presumptuously, secretly hiding a portrait of Lu Chen and creating a lotus flower Dao crown, that Cheng Qian made that murderous harsh statement: "No such Dao but wearing such attire, his crime is death."
Lu Chen had previously chatted casually with Cao Rong about this matter, complaining verbally and blaming that little bastard Cheng Qian for causing him great trouble.
But Cao Rong knew in his heart that his master still had some appreciation for Cheng Qian.
Cao Rong glanced at Lü Mo. According to his master, three thousand years ago, she had been a maidservant attending to an old acquaintance's grooming, extremely loyal.
This life she was a female martial artist. It was only because Lü Mo, in a shabby alley in Fengle Town, was gently breathed upon by Lu Chen, whom she had long parted from and didn't recognize face to face, that in her daze she obtained her "original appearance," was reborn, and acquired a golden branch and jade leaf earth immortal bone. From then on, she had the capital to switch to cultivating immortal arts.
Regarding Lü Mo and the stone turtle at the Dragon King Temple of Hundred Flowers Lake, the master had arrangements.
Especially that small-town girl with the Dao name Qing Ni—the master cared quite a bit about her. As for how to close the matter, in the end, it was up to Cao Rong, as the disciple, to share some of the master's worries.
Cheng Qian stood up silently. He didn't even dare to recklessly speculate where Lord of Teaching Lu currently was.
Cao Rong continued via spiritual sound: "Blessings and misfortunes have no doors; only people invite them. The Master of Teaching personally came here because of the sincere hearts of you two."
Cheng Qian silently made a Daoist salute as a pious return bow for this praise from the patriarch.
But Cao Rong's "you two" made the extremely clever Cheng Qian instantly understand: over at Harmony Mountain, it probably wasn't his turn to clean up the sect.
Cao Rong had previously exerted his divine powers at the top of Splashed Ink Peak to observe from afar Zhao Fuyang's Daoist countenance at the Yin Yun Mansion. If not for the master "blocking the way," this mountain serpent that should have successfully coiled around the mountain would have grown horned antlers and already taken on a dragon appearance.
In terms of cultivation aptitude, Zhao Fuyang was indeed excellent—even across all the mountains and rivers of Bottle Gourd Continent, he counted as top-grade.
Zhang Caiqin, honored retainer Qi Gu, and the others, upon learning the illustrious identity of this Daoist, hurriedly bowed to Lord Cao Tian. Cao Rong again smiled and returned the salute.
Cao Rong spoke: "The various countries' troops have been carefully planned for a long time. The siege of Harmony Mountain is like an arrow already loosed. Since things have come to this, I dare not ask you to retreat. So all parties can follow the planned itinerary and advance all the way to Fengle Town at the foot of Harmony Mountain. However, on Harmony Mountain, Lingfei Temple's Xiang Jun, Wen Zixi, and Jinxian Temple's Xing Zi are currently all inside Fenwan Mansion. They will give an account to the Green Apricot Country emperor and the Tiancao Commandery Zhang clan. I will stay here until noon. If anyone is dissatisfied with the result, they can come to me and demand an explanation."
This was equivalent to a Daoist Heavenly Lord giving a final verdict on the disturbance.
Cao Rong's words were extremely polite—saying "dare not." Not just old hands like Zhang Caiqin and Qi Gu wouldn't believe it; even young girls like Jin Lü and Ni Qing, innocent of worldly affairs, wouldn't believe it either.
Cheng Qian naturally had no objection.
Zhang Qiong frowned slightly but said nothing.
"If anyone is to blame, it's our Lingfei Temple for not disciplining our disciples strictly, leading to Zhao Fuyang's actions."
Saying this, Cao Rong laughed self-deprecatingly: "As written in a certain popular supernatural novel in the markets down the mountain, it seems that monsters with roots and origins always have a way out when they get into trouble."
Zhang Qiong smiled, his brows relaxing somewhat.
How many years had it been since Zhao Fuyang left Golden Que Sect? And Golden Que Sect wasn't a branch of Lingfei Temple—how could Lingfei Temple be blamed?
For Lord Cao Tian to say this was equivalent to actively taking responsibility for the chaotic Harmony Mountain. That was already generous.
Cao Rong continued: "Next, Lingfei Temple will establish a Daoist field here. The size of the field will depend on your subsequent negotiations. Temple Master Xiang Jun plans to purchase some mountain peaks from you with money. If the price can't be agreed upon, the matter is dropped—no forcing. If an agreement is reached and the deal succeeds, that would be best. The Daoist field will later, according to fate, grant registrations and accept disciples from surrounding countries including Green Apricot Country."
Zhang Qiong breathed a sigh of relief. Lord Cao Tian and Lingfei Temple's conduct indeed showed sincerity, giving the several countries' courts and his Tiancao Commandery Zhang clan several face-saving outs. In public and private, it wasn't forcing anyone. Otherwise, Cao Rong didn't need to show up at all. He could have just had Patriarch Xiang Jun secretly take Zhao Fuyang and the others away. There was no need to waste half a sentence with Zhang Qiong, a mere Core Formation cultivator.
Cao Rong spoke through spiritual sound: "Daoist Zhang, I have a pellet here that is somewhat useful. Later, Xiang Jun will bring it to you."
Zhang Qiong was greatly surprised: "No merit, no reward. Lord Cao Tian, what is this?"
Even though Cao Rong didn't reveal the name of the pill, Zhang Qiong knew very well that this "somewhat useful" gift carried significant weight.
To put it bluntly, would a dignified Daoist Heavenly Lord, direct disciple of Lord of Teaching, hand out ordinary elixirs?
Cao Rong smiled and explained: "I have a friend who greatly admires you, Daoist Zhang. He said that earth immortal seniors like you are the kind that should be more numerous in Bottle Gourd Continent. He also said that the style of a clan's household, the wider the family's reach, the more it can influence the atmosphere of other families and surnames. Moreover, Xiang Jun hasn't had much experience going down the mountain and dealing with down-mountain courts, so she's inevitably inexperienced. When she establishes her Daoist field here, she'll be neighbors with Tiancao Commandery Zhang clan. A distant relative is not as good as a close neighbor—this has always been true, both on and off the mountain. I ask you to give Xiang Jun some guidance, and don't hesitate to tell her some unpleasant truths, lest she relies on her lineage and realm and acts without care, leaking everywhere."
Zhang Qiong hesitated for a moment, stopped being pretentious, and smiled: "Then I'll shamelessly accept this heavy gift. I thank Lord Cao Tian here."
But the old Core Formation cultivator couldn't help but be puzzled and alarmed. If it was Lord Cao Tian's friend, why would he call him "senior"?
Thinking of Zhang Caiqin's previous journey with Hong Yangbo, and the hospitality of Fallen Mountain, Zhang Qiong, as an old Core Formation cultivator, understood the hint and immediately formed a guess.
In truth, Cao Rong had just made up a reason to give the pill.
Providing timely assistance to Zhang Qiong, whose lifespan was nearly exhausted, and adding luster to the young Hidden Officer of Fallen Mountain.
This was probably why Cao Rong was so well-liked among those at the mountain peaks.
Zhang Qiong said, "I've been thinking, and I can't hold it back. I must ask Lord Cao Tian a question that might spoil the mood."
Cao Rong had already guessed his thoughts and said frankly, "Zhao Fuyang will be taken by Xiang Jun to Lingfei Temple to reflect behind closed doors. Barring surprises, he will become my direct disciple."
At the same time, Cao Rong isolated a space and took out from his sleeve what could be called a "counterfeit" scroll of time. It was a parting gift from his master Lu Chen, who instructed Cao Rong to show it to Zhang Qiong and no one else.
In this scroll, there was no back-sword-bearing youth Chen Ren, nor any young Daoist climbing the mountain with a green bamboo staff. Zhao Fuyang successfully coiled the mountain, transforming from serpent to mountain serpent-dragon, and his Dao partner Yu Chunzhi also advanced to the Nascent Soul stage.
After Zhang Qiong finished viewing the time-horse scroll alone, he finally felt relieved. "I have no more questions."
Cao Rong put away the scroll, dispelled his divine power, and smiled through spiritual sound: "Good."
Then Cao Rong turned to look at the female martial artist: "Lü Mo, at the Dragon King Temple of Hundred Flowers Lake, there is a mountain opportunity waiting for you. Go or not, it's up to you. It lasts half a year. Miss the deadline and it's gone."
Finally, Cao Rong's gaze shifted to the dark-skinned, thin, weak girl, but he smiled through spiritual sound: "You're called Ni Qing, right? You have fate with my master. My master ordered me to take you up the mountain to cultivate. Are you willing?"
The girl timidly asked, "May I ask who Lord Cao Tian's master is? Have I met him?"
Cao Rong smiled: "You've already met him. He's the one you least suspect in your heart."
In the world, there were those like Yu Dou who was truly invincible, and Gao Gu of Huayang Palace, such taciturn individuals who could keep people at arm's length without speaking.
There were also those like Ritual Sage, White Jade Capital's Great Master of Teaching Kou Ming, Dragon Tiger Mountain's Heavenly Master Zhao Tian Lai—figures with peaceful dispositions, like a spring breeze.
And there were those like White Emperor City's Zheng Juzhong, Embroidery Tiger Cui Chan—beings that everyone seemed to want to keep at a distance.
In short, each had their distinct personality and mountain-top style.
But there were also those like his master Lu Chen, and Old Scholar, and Sun Huaizhong of Xuandu Temple—people who were very easy to talk to.
The girl's next question surprised Cao Rong: "Lord Cao Tian, who is the youth by his side? The one carrying a sword and wearing straw sandals?"
Cao Rong smiled: "Chen Ping'an, mountain master of Fallen Mountain, and the last Hidden Officer of Sword Qi Great Wall."
The girl's mouth gaped open, her face full of disbelief.
Him? How could it be?!
That "youth" was clearly a smooth-talking, unreliable swindler.
But if it really was him, then wasn't he the sword immortal that Sister Zhou and Uncle Liu and the others constantly mentioned, who could drink more just by saying his name?
She remembered hearing so much about him that she couldn't help joking that the name "Chen Ping'an" was the best appetizer for drinking.
Inside Harmony Mountain's Fenwan Mansion, a thunderclap erupted from flat ground, making all the various wild cultivators and licentious shrine spirits not dare to breathe loudly.
Because in the smaller side hall where few guests were gathered, Lingfei Temple's Temple Master, the Patriarch Xiang Jun, had removed her concealment, revealed her identity, and personally came out to begin cleaning up the sect.
At Harmony Mountain's Yinyun Mansion, Zhao Fuyang, and at Fenwan Mansion, Yu Chunzhi—this pair of wild cultivator Dao partners, both originally monsters and spirits—submitted without any resistance.
They led their several children and knelt together before the Patriarch Xiang Jun, whose Dao name was "Dongting."
In the eyes of the motley crowd of guests at the marriage recruitment banquet, this was the most normal and wise choice. One Harmony Mountain, with only two Core Formation earth immortals, facing a Jade Tablet realm Daoist True Lord who could open up a battlefield site as her own Daoist field—they simply couldn't match. If they stubbornly resisted, what could the outcome be but annihilation in the snap of a finger?
Without anyone needing to remind them, all the guests in Harmony Mountain territory, following Zhao Fuyang's whole family, knelt in various flower halls.
In this perilous moment where even a pin drop could be heard, some bold hero, untimely, let out a wine belch.
But no one dared to raise their heads. They could only judge by sound—wasn't that coming from the side hall where Patriarch Xiang Jun was?
At this moment, Xiang Jun had a "ledger" in her hand, respectfully presented by Yu Chunzhi. It exposed in exhaustive detail the shady deeds done by the various "heroes" of Harmony Mountain territory who should have been united in spirit—along with Shuyue Mansion of Hundred Flowers Lake, and Wuteng Mountain's mountain god Li Ting, who had served faithfully for so many years—recording what unspeakable acts were committed on which year, month, and day.
Xiang Jun's expression was cold. She quickly finished flipping through it, closed the ledger, and casually tossed it at the feet of the fox spirit. She said calmly, "Later, take this book and voluntarily hand it to those several courts. Let them handle it. Kill those who deserve death. For the rest whose crimes don't warrant death, arrest or accept them as appropriate."
The young Daoist sat in his original seat, crossing his legs, grinning, picking his teeth with a bamboo stick.
This was the bold fellow who had just belched.
Xiang Jun had finished a spiritual sound conversation with Zhao Fuyang beforehand.
Afraid of frightening Zhao Fuyang, she didn't dare say that Patriarch Lord of Teaching Lu had already visited Harmony Mountain. Xiang Jun only said that her master was not far away, watching the commotion.
Zhao Fuyang would temporarily be an unregistered disciple of Heavenly Lord Cao Rong, cultivating within Lingfei Temple with the status of a sinner.
As to whether he could later enter the hall and eventually become a direct disciple of the Heavenly Lord, it depended on Zhao Fuyang's "fate."
Xiang Jun said, "Return the three-sided national seals to the Green Apricot Country court as soon as possible."
Zhao Fuyang, this unruly loose immortal and ambitious leader, placed his hands on the ground, knocked his head on the floor, and said in a deep voice: "I obey the Temple Master's decree."
Leaving aside "unregistered," in terms of seniority, Xiang Jun even counted as Zhao Fuyang's senior sister. But after all, she also held the position of Temple Master.
Before this, two maidservants at Fenwan Mansion who served tea, Yu Yiyou and Yu Rongyu, had actually been predicted by that nonsense-talking young Daoist, and their words became reality.
Each of them received a great fortune—truly "if the hour and the eight characters match, great luck shall descend."
It turned out that Yu Yiyou was designated by Patriarch Xiang Jun to immediately become a registered cultivator of Lingfei Temple. As for who would be her teacher, it was to be decided. After returning to Lingfei Temple, there would be a patriarchal hall meeting to discuss it. Yu Rongyu was "taken in at first sight" by Jinxian Temple's Xing Zi for her cultivation aptitude, becoming her direct disciple. Thus, they both obtained immortal fortunes that could be called "stepping to heaven in one step." From being wild cultivators of humble origin as low as grass, they were promoted to registered cultivators, and moreover, one would enter the patriarchal hall of a sect Daoist palace, and the other be a direct disciple of an earth immortal. This was something they wouldn't even dare dream of.
The two female cultivators couldn't help crying tears of joy on the spot. But amidst their surprise and joy, they exchanged glances, both puzzled and alarmed.
That young Daoist's mouth—had it been blessed?
The shabby Daoist, leaning back in his chair and picking his teeth with a bamboo stick, grinned at them and winked.
Bai Mao, the master of Xieziling's Qingbai Mansion, watched enviously, wishing the immortal lord patriarch would look at his own aptitude and see if he might barely count as good cultivation material. Lord Bai's requirements weren't high—even the most menial outer disciple would do.
But this ghost in crane cloak literati attire was completely unaware that tonight's greatest fortune, bar none, belonged to himself.
That picture album nearly forced on him by Daoist Lu, which Lord Bai thought made him a sucker, actually only cost him two snowflake coins.
One hand paid, one hand delivered. On two pages of the album, two golden-character Daoist scriptures appeared. Lu Chen seemed to be boasting, saying the "more than a thousand characters were supremely wonderful," but one could say without doubt that they were the most genuine "Immortality Formula" in heaven and earth.
The first part of the Dao scripture directly pointed to Core Formation. When Bai Mao became an earth immortal, it would naturally happen, and he would see the middle part, with Daoist methods pointing directly to Jade Tablet.
After all, it was the fundamental cultivation root of the White Bone True Immortal, one of the reserves of the Dark Green Sky. Even a Flying Ascension cultivator wouldn't dare underestimate it.
So, when Lord of Teaching Lu traveled, he could eat and drink well everywhere, all thanks to his superb acting skills of "only the hand is familiar."
At this moment, besides several pots of Fenwan Mansion's secret brew, the one with the most bitter water was probably Lake Lord Zhang Xiangdao of Shuyue Mansion.
A perfectly good alliance through marriage had gone awry. Not only had they just left home for a few days only to have their lair smashed to pieces, but misfortunes never came singly—they even encountered Lingfei Temple's Patriarch Xiang Jun!
As for the young man with the Dao name "Long Sai," his lust was strong. When dragged to his knees by his parents, he still didn't grasp the gravity of the situation and couldn't help taking a quick few looks at Xiang Jun's appearance.
Xiang Jun's gaze shifted. She casually flicked her sleeve, sending that lewd young man flying, knocking him unconscious on the spot, embedded in the wall like a nail.
Then she beckoned to the mountain goddess of Zhuiluanshan, her expression softening slightly, and smiled: "Come here and talk. I have something to discuss with you."
That mountain goddess, trembling with fear, quickly moved over. Her face was pale and colorless. She didn't know why Dongting True Lord, such a lofty mountain immortal, was singling her out.
When she reached the side hall and was about to kneel, Xiang Jun raised a hand to stop her. Smiling, she asked in a questioning tone: "Over in the southern Bottle Gourd Continent, the Xiaoyun Hong clan court currently lacks a mountain god in a certain place. The divine rank isn't high—according to the rules set by the Literary Temple—it's just barely entered the ranks. Would you be willing to go there to fill the vacancy?"
This licentious shrine mountain goddess was first dazed, then tears welled in her eyes. She gave a bow to the lenient Patriarch Xiang Jun, and said tremulously, "This slave is willing, extremely willing."
In fact, Xiang Jun didn't know why her master had arranged this.
Of course, Xiang Jun's master, Cao Rong, similarly didn't know why his master had specifically issued a Dharma decree for this mountain goddess.
The back-sword-bearing youth and the young woman with her hair in a bun took the opportunity when almost everyone had their heads down to walk out of the side hall.
Bai Mao was grabbed by the young Daoist, who lowered his voice: "Brother Bai, if you don't run now, when will you? Stay here drinking, and you'll only get punishment drinks later."
Bai Mao didn't dare be the sticking-out peg at a time like this. He was determined to stay rooted to the spot and not move. He tried to pry off Daoist Lu's fingers, but was still yanked by the young Daoist, stumbling to his feet and heading straight for the door. Such strength! Bai Mao's mind went blank, but he kept silently repeating, "No one can see me..."
Xiang Jun didn't stop them. Since they weren't in Yu Chunzhi's book, they were just a few unlucky passersby—no need to bother with them.
As for that ghost from Xieziling, according to the records, he hadn't done anything evil. In Harmony Mountain territory, he was an exception.
At the side hall entrance, the young Daoist turned his head and beckoned to Wen Zixi with his finger, provoking again: "Come, come, you gutless piece of trash. If you have any skill, go find an open space outside and spar with your Dao grandfather."
Wen Zixi stood up and said via spiritual sound: "Palace Master, I truly can't tolerate this bastard anymore."
Xiang Jun reminded him: "Be careful with your strength. Remember not to hinder him from walking down the mountain."
She was somewhat puzzled. Since the other party knew her identity, unless he was brainless, he could guess that Wen Zixi was from Lingfei Temple.
And he still dared to provoke Wen Zixi like this? What was his intention? Under normal circumstances, Xiang Jun might have been cautious, to avoid encountering those legendary eccentrics who hid their names and delighted in playing games among mortals. But tonight, both her master and Lord of Teaching Patriarch Lu were nearby or far away, so she really wasn't afraid of him having malicious intent. Let Wen Zixi gauge the depth of his Daoist skills or the weight of his fists.
Wen Zixi, hearing Patriarch Xiang Jun's words, caught her meaning and was about to sit back down.
But then the "young monk" leaned back outside the door and poked his head in: "Your Dao grandfather has traveled north and south, but this is the first time I've seen such a turtle shrinking its head as you."
Wen Zixi smiled and stood up, cracking his knuckles: "Alright, let's have a practice session and see exactly how much you're worth."
Inside the covered corridor, the sword-carrying youth and the young woman slowly walked toward the outside of Fenwan Mansion.
Lu Chen walked backward, facing Wen Zixi, a martial arts grandmaster, throwing punches continuously and going "hmm, ha," saying, "Don't cry for mommy and daddy later."
Wen Zixi squinted and smiled: "Fine by me."
Lu Chen mimicked his tone and expression, squinting and smiling: "Fine, fine by me."
Wen Zixi was almost impressed. How did he end up with such a shameless character? Would he not cry until he saw the coffin? If not for Patriarch Xiang Jun's warning, in the past when Wen Zixi encountered such types in the down-mountain martial world, regardless of who they were, they'd end up lying on the ground waiting to be carried away.
Lu Chen kept walking backward, grinning mischievously: "Young man, do you know where your problem lies? It's that when you throw a punch, it seems to have no killing intent, but your murderous heart is too heavy. Can't hide it—it hits you right in the face. Not good, not good at all. So you youngsters need to eat some bitterness early, or you'll have great bitterness later. If I were your patriarch's patriarch, I'd definitely curse you a few times when we first met, then give you a solid beating, so you know there's always someone better..."
Wen Zixi sneered: "Since tonight I can stand beside Patriarch Xiang Jun together with Xing Zi of Jinxian Temple, you little bald donkey, can't you figure out who my patriarch's patriarch is?"
The other party was momentarily speechless, then tentatively asked: "So how about we don't fight? When traveling, harmony brings wealth."
Wen Zixi chuckled: "No, no. Since we're both in the martial world, we should know that one can become friends after a fight. Maybe after sparring, we'll be friends. What do you think?"
That person's skin was as thick as a wall. He actually went along with it: "What do I think? I think it's safer for each of us to go home. Let's agree on that. Goodbye!"
Wen Zixi deliberately pretended to dash forward and threw a punch, scaring that fellow into turning and running, greasing his feet, leaping over the two people in front, and disappearing in the blink of an eye.
Pei Qian condensed her voice into a line: "Master?"
Chen Ping'an said via spiritual sound: "He's always been like this. Get used to it. About this Lord of Teaching Lu, the saying 'can't defeat anyone' is absolutely true."
Pei Qian nodded: "And the one behind us?"
Chen Ping'an smiled: "This bastard can't control his eyes. In the time it takes to drink a cup of wine, he looked at me six times. It's only because I'm limited by this avatar, or I'd have taught him a lesson long ago. Suppressing his realm to ask for a fist fight? There are more people in the world skilled at this than just Grandmaster Wen. When we get outside, you can spar with him."
Pei Qian grinned.
Ha, keeping accounts—master was the best at it. She was far behind, only having learned a little.
Pei Qian asked doubtfully: "Didn't Wen Zixi notice that Lord Bai disappeared?"
Chen Ping'an explained: "Lu Chen didn't want him to know, so naturally he doesn't know."
Pei Qian nodded.
Perhaps to not be in Wen Zixi's situation, one had to at least reach the Spirit Reach layer? Or even Spirit Reach might not be enough?
At the white jade square outside Fenwan Mansion's main gate, Wen Zixi was surprised to find that the fellow whose face was full of "asking for a beating" and the crane-cloaked ghost had both vanished.
This made Wen Zixi instantly tense, reminding himself not to capsize in the gutter. Not that he was worried—it would just sound bad if it got out.
Just like that Cao Ci.
He had clearly won that fist-fight, but it was almost like he hadn't won, or even like he had lost.
Pei Qian walked to the center of the square, turned, and stood still, cupping her fists and smiling: "Want to spar?"
Wen Zixi spread his senses but still couldn't find any trace. He smiled: "Why bother?"
A young woman who looked quite pretty, especially the more you looked at her—what good would a swollen nose and bruised face do?
Pei Qian smiled: "I've heard that you're the best at suppressing your realm to ask for fist fights, and you've never lost."
Wen Zixi rotated his wrist: "Then please state your name, miss."
Truly, there were strange occurrences every year, but today there were especially many.
Everyone thought he had no temper and could be bullied?
Pei Qian said: "Zheng Qian."
Wen Zixi couldn't help laughing. Alright, another one who admired "Zheng Qian." These days, many junior female martial artists in Bottle Gourd Continent who had just started wandering the martial world liked to adopt the alias "Zheng Qian," even imitating her outfits and hairstyles, and especially rolling up their sleeves before throwing a punch.
Wen Zixi's patience had already run out, mainly thanks to that foul-mouthed fellow. Since he couldn't find the main culprit for now, "Let's just say you're Zheng Qian. What realm martial artist are you now?"
He could tell the woman was a martial artist of the Qi Refining realm. Not easy—in her own sect, she was probably praised as a "genius" by everyone around her.
Her master must have spared no effort in cultivating her, and must have been very attentive in teaching and feeding her fists. In small, lowly sects in the martial world, it was normal to treat her like a treasure.
Pei Qian smiled: "What realm I am depends on what realm you suppress to."
Wen Zixi didn't think much of it. Since she knew that he, as a Far Traveling realm martial artist, was skilled at suppressing his realm to ask for fist fights, then saying something that took advantage like this showed she was somewhat of an old hand.
He had heard that during breaks in battles at the Great Li auxiliary capital, martial artists had gone to consult Zheng Qian about fist techniques, and she had always suppressed her realm to spar equally.
Wen Zixi walked forward slowly, smiling: "So should I use the fourth realm or the fifth realm to ask for a fist fight?"
After all, suppressing too much would make things difficult for himself.
Pei Qian rolled up her sleeves and said: "Whatever makes you happy."
Wen Zixi continued walking slowly, extending a hand in invitation: "Miss Zheng, please throw the first punch."
Pei Qian raised a fist and shook it lightly.
From her stance, she was saying the fist had already been thrown.
Wen Zixi laughed angrily. Fine, fine—she actually thought she was Zheng Qian.
He bent slightly, using his fifth realm strength. His form was as fast as thunder. In an instant, he was beside the young woman, slapping the back of his hand toward her cheek.
Pei Qian stood still, not moving a muscle. She raised an arm and blocked the back of Wen Zixi's hand with her wrist.
Softly and silently. Just one movement.
Pei Qian had a measure now. Not a paper-thin Far Traveling realm.
Wen Zixi sidestepped several paces to put distance between them. She actually had a very solid fifth realm foundation? Or... sixth realm?
Chen Ping'an squatted at the edge of the square. Lu Chen similarly squatted nearby, both with their hands tucked into their sleeves in identical fashion.
Like two market farmers basking in the winter sun, listening to people chatter, or beside a spring field ridge, gazing at their own land, envisioning a bountiful year's harvest.
Chen Ping'an asked: "Where's Lord Bai?"
Lu Chen smiled: "He's accompanying me to see the acacia tree at the foot of the mountain. He kept asking why you two didn't follow. I almost couldn't hold him back. I just said you two took a quiet side path down the mountain, and he started complaining about you not being loyal, taking a shortcut without taking us along. But in his heart, he's hoping you won't run into trouble."
Chen Ping'an smiled: "Good person."
"Good person, and good ghost."
Lu Chen smiled: "Didn't you ever think of sending Bai Mao to the Five Island Sect of the Book and Bamboo Lake?"
Chen Ping'an said: "I thought about it before, but given the current situation at Harmony Mountain, it's not necessary. Going to Zeng Ye's Five Island Sect would still be living under someone else's roof. If he stayed too long, Bai Mao might not get used to it. It's better to let him stay at Xieziling—at least it's a home he saved up himself. Growing it slowly, strengthening it gradually—our Lord Bai might have more of a sense of achievement."
Lu Chen nodded: "That makes sense."
Wen Zixi smiled and asked: "So, sixth realm?"
Pei Qian repeated: "Whatever makes you happy."
One exchange of punches.
Pei Qian took a punch to the shoulder from Wen Zixi. She reached out and grabbed Wen Zixi's neck, slamming him toward the high wall of Fenwan Mansion.
Wen Zixi gently braced himself with his elbow against the wall. At first, he didn't think much of it, but then he suddenly saw a woman's face with a slight smile.
His expression changing slightly, Wen Zixi subconsciously tilted his head. The wall instantly had another hole. Thunder exploded by Wen Zixi's ear, and clods of earth fell from the wall.
Wen Zixi no longer dared to be the least bit careless. Using a secret fist technique from Lingfei Temple's early days, "Planchette Divination," it was like inviting a god to descend and attach to Wen Zixi's body. Though it looked like Daoist magic, it was still genuine fist technique—not cheating. Wen Zixi's eyes took on a faint golden hue. Abundant fist intent flowed through all his acupoints. His strikes were more than twice as fast. He slammed a heavy punch into the woman's temple. Wen Zixi was almost worried she would bleed from all seven orifices—don't kill her! Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to explain to Patriarch Xiang Jun.
But the woman only slid sideways five or six paces. Her face seemed calm, but in a fleeting glimpse of her eyes, there was a hint of... heat.
And during that sideways movement, the woman's eyes had already returned to that eerie silence, staring sideways at Wen Zixi, as if waiting for him to throw an even heavier second punch.
Her gaze was full of anticipation.
Wen Zixi, using the "Planchette Divination" fist technique, changed the summoned ancient deity with almost every punch.
Thus, the true meaning of each fist's intent matched the divine authority of those ancient gods. With the first punch, Wen Zixi had to slightly bow, circulating a breath of pure true qi—it was the majestic fist frame of a Thunder Department god "driving the seas and mountains, shifting the four seasons" on the earth. Wen Zixi's second strike, a hand blade aimed at the woman, was the axe-chop style of the Thunder Department's Punishment and Investigation Bureau god. The third punch was the Water Department's Rain Master holding a pennant and rolling water stance. The next several punches were each derived from the majestic aura of various heavenly court gods including Cloud Earl and Fire Lord.
The woman kept her back to the wall, shaking her head. She only occasionally moved a step. Soon, a series of fist pits appeared on the wall at head-height.
Wen Zixi's punches were extremely fast, all aimed at her face.
Only the last punch hit her forehead. Her head snapped back with a loud bang. The back of her head was covered with dust and debris.
Wen Zixi hesitated for a moment.
The woman's expression was normal. She smiled: "It's fine. The fist follows the body—a normal thing."
Watching from the sidelines, Lu Chen fumed: "If it weren't for me cleaning up after him, with Wen Zixi punching like that, that wall would be completely ruined. He's no guest."
Chen Ping'an said: "Daoist Lu is after all his patriarch's patriarch. Reason and emotion demand you intervene."
Wen Zixi stepped back, shook his wrist, took a deep breath: "Seventh realm?"
Pei Qian said: "Whatever makes you happy."
Lu Chen pounded his chest: "So infuriating!"
Chen Ping'an smiled: "Put yourself in his shoes—it is infuriating."
The key was that Wen Zixi still didn't know that Pei Qian had been asking for fist fights at one realm lower than his the entire time, and she hadn't even thought about counterattacking yet.
She probably wanted to learn more about Lingfei Temple's trump card fist techniques.
Perhaps because Wen Zixi's realm wasn't high enough, some of his exquisite fist frames inevitably got distorted, but never mind—Pei Qian could correct them, fill in the gaps, and then incorporate them for her own use.
Wen Zixi changed his mind on the spot and said in a deep voice: "Far Traveling realm?!"
Damn it. If they kept fighting, he was going to think she really was Zheng Qian. No—she was the second of Bottle Gourd Continent's four great martial arts grandmasters—Pei Qian of Fallen Mountain!
Pei Qian's gaze passed over Wen Zixi's shoulder to her master.
Chen Ping'an quietly extended three fingers.
Meaning that this eldest disciple should take three punches, then finish and pack up.
Pei Qian's eyes blazed. She grinned, showing white teeth that had a chilling coldness in the moonlight.
Finally, she stopped saying that repetitive phrase. "Your fist isn't pure, and you still dare to suppress your realm? Who spoils you like this?"
Wen Zixi's heart shook. She was no longer suppressing her aura. In an instant, Wen Zixi found that his own fist intent had become sluggish, as if a breath of pure true qi had turned to ice.
He retreated again and again, no longer daring to hold anything back. He flew backward, leaving not only Fenwan Mansion's white jade square but the entire Harmony Mountain, retreating into midair.
Chen Ping'an was about to warn Pei Qian, but thought better of it and swallowed the words.
Because he could see that Wen Zixi was using cunning, trying to lure the enemy in deep. Once Pei Qian got close, there would be a stacked fist technique like a summary of fist frames, similar to Qi Refiners' stacked formations.
Lu Chen nodded and smiled: "If I'm not mistaken, Lingfei Temple has a killer move fist technique that allows Wen Zixi to jump up one or two steps on the martial arts ladder—a tactic that hurts the enemy a thousand and damages oneself eight hundred. The threshold isn't low. Most people can't learn it. Look, he's getting desperate. I was right—his murderous heart is too heavy. Pei Qian is also right—the fist follows the body. Practicing that way only leads to dead fists. No great future."
Pei Qian, still at the seventh realm, withstood Wen Zixi's punch that had abruptly risen to the mountain peak realm.
Pei Qian took the punch to the face and was knocked back to the square. Her body leaned back greatly, then slowly straightened.
Wen Zixi didn't want to pursue the advantage—he simply couldn't. He had to change a breath of pure true qi.
Pei Qian didn't wipe the blood from her nose and mouth. She was too used to this kind of injury.
On the second floor of the bamboo tower, on different battlefields—it was always like this.
Lu Chen grabbed the arm of the sword-carrying youth beside him, his expression panicked as he advised: "Chen Ping'an, it was agreed that the two of them would spar. What are you thinking, wanting to go down yourself?!"
You're bullying a junior, disregarding martial virtue. Don't you know that? What about martial world righteousness?
Lu Chen continued to advise earnestly: "Besides, you in your current state—what realm are you?"
Chen Ping'an shook his arm. Lu Chen released his fingers, and they both continued squatting.
Lu Chen started cleaning up the mess again: "Let's be clear—Wen Zixi is Wen Zixi, Lingfei Temple is Lingfei Temple. You have to be clear about grievances, judge each matter on its own merits."
Chen Ping'an watched Wen Zixi hovering in the air and said bluntly: "Shut up."
Pei Qian raised her arm, extended three fingers, then bent one, signaling Wen Zixi could throw two more punches.
Wen Zixi knew his own suffering well. If he threw two more similar punches, even without her attacking, he would have a realm regression.
Wen Zixi's mind was somewhat clearer now. They had no grudge—just a sparring match. There was no need to fight to the death.
Pei Qian put one hand behind her back and smiled: "You were right not to go to the auxiliary capital battlefield back then."
Lu Chen gasped. Damn, words like that could hurt.
Good thing she didn't add "hiding" before "not going"—that would have been even more hurtful.
Sure enough, Wen Zixi's face twisted. He was so angry he laughed, his face full of a ferocious grin: "Fine, fine, fine! I'll just treat you as Pei Qian!"
Pei Qian's breathing remained steady, calm and composed. She took a step back and opened a fist frame.
It was also a stacked fist technique, at the same time using Zhong Fuzi's "Schooling the Great Dragon" and Old Cook's secretly passed-down "Back-Carrying Sword Technique."
She clearly intended to continue using the seventh realm to withstand another punch.
Chen Ping'an was both angry and amused, and even more pained. He had to speak: "He's using the Far Traveling realm to deliver a mountain peak realm's force. Don't intentionally lower yourself by one realm anymore. Use Far Traveling against Far Traveling—same realm fist fight!"
Pei Qian scratched her head, her aura completely changing: "Huh?"
Chen Ping'an suddenly became furious.
On the side, Lu Chen covered his eyes. Couldn't watch. It was over.
While the woman and the sword-carrying youth were "chatting," Wen Zixi exerted all his strength, throwing a ferocious punch.
His form was as fast as the Earth-Shrinking Technique, arriving before Pei Qian in an instant.
Pei Qian remained calm, barely blocking his punch, but she was sent flying by the blow, her feet leaving the ground, her back hitting the wall.
Pei Qian didn't even look at Wen Zixi, who had thrown one punch and started vomiting blood himself. She only looked at her master, her smile brilliant: "I did it on purpose."
Chen Ping'an glared: "Quite capable!"
Pei Qian lightly moved her shoulders, shaking off the dust from her back, then reached up to brush the debris from her bun.
Covered in blood, Wen Zixi's vision blurred. He murmured: "You are Pei Qian! You really are Pei Qian..."
Pei Qian turned her head and lightly spit out a mouthful of stagnant blood. "Master, sparring with someone isn't worth getting angry over."
Chen Ping'an was silent for a moment, then forced a smile and nodded slightly.
Just one step away from having Chen Ji, the schoolteacher at the academy, step directly over here.
Lord of Teaching Lu, who had been squatting nearby, went from covering his eyes to pressing his palms together and muttering something. He breathed a sigh of relief and gave Pei Qian a thumbs up: "Magnanimous!"
Pei Qian looked at the tottering Wen Zixi and suddenly stopped. She seemed to sense his situation—both body and mind sinking into the quagmire of fear. She twitched the corner of her mouth, didn't throw a punch at him, just flicked her finger, moved her lips, and said, "You're out."
Wen Zixi fell backward. Before his consciousness completely faded, he only had a secret relief at surviving the disaster, and an even greater despair of helplessness.
He wasn't even worthy of her throwing a punch?
Chen Ping'an turned his head and almost couldn't help cursing. That dog thing had secretly run away.
At the acacia tree at the foot of the mountain, Bai Mao looked at Daoist Lu, whose face was full of misery, and asked worriedly: "Brother Lu, what's wrong? Left something valuable at Fenwan Mansion?"
Lu Chen sighed: "Brother Bai, it's like a mute eating bitter melon—can't speak the bitterness."
Bai Mao wanted to pat the young Daoist's shoulder and say some comforting words.
Lu Chen jumped sideways and said, "Ai, what am I doing, imitating Chen Lingjun?"
Bai Mao was puzzled, put his hand back awkwardly, and said: "Daoist Lu's body movement is excellent."
Ignoring Wen Zixi, who was slumped on the ground,
Chen Ping'an slowed his pace, leading Pei Qian down the mountain, and asked softly: "How is it? Need to take a Sitting Oblivion Pill from Green Tiger Palace?"
Pei Qian held back a smile, scratched her head, and said: "Master, in your impression, am I really that easy to beat?"
Chen Ping'an smiled and said nothing.
Wasn't she?
In her master's memory, wasn't she always that little darkie who cried loudly when her feet got blisters from walking?
It seemed like in the blink of an eye, the little girl had grown up.
On the distant journey back then, the little darkie would often hop and skip, playing hopscotch. How had she suddenly become sensible, turned into a graceful young woman?
Chen Ping'an asked softly: "When you were little, your master managed everything, and managed a lot. Did you find it annoying then?"
If childhood was like a game of hopscotch, then the rules set by parents and elders, their words and examples, were the lines marking the squares.
Pei Qian said: "Of course, I never found it annoying."
Then she got a flick on the head.
Sigh. From small to large, she had never been able to fool her master.
Pei Qian had to honestly say: "When I was very young, I did. But when I got to Fallen Mountain, I didn't anymore."
Maybe because after that, her master soon went on a long journey and stopped reasoning with her. Maybe once she arrived at Fallen Mountain, even without her master by her side, she really grew up. Who knows.
Chen Ping'an pretended to be relaxed and casual: "I heard that Liu Youzhou also participated in the Patriarch Hall meeting in Yunya Country's capital?"
Pei Qian was taken aback, then nodded: "I know. We didn't meet. Not much friendship anyway—nothing to talk about if we met."
Pei Qian then smiled: "Master, Sister Yu is there too."
Chen Ping'an put on a stern face and scolded: "No respect. In the old days, you'd be getting a bellyful of chestnuts."
Pei Qian's steps were light. She gently blew a breath, and a breeze brushed her smooth forehead.
Chen Ping'an said: "Since you're back, the great river excavation project has plenty of unusual people and talents—they don't miss you. You can just go straight back to Fallen Mountain and spend more time with Nuan Shu and Mi Li. Besides, there's the Bottle Gourd Continent's Five Sacred Mountains canonization later. We can go together to Pi Cloud Mountain and watch the excitement, congratulate Lord Wei."
Pei Qian nodded vigorously: "Okay, Master is right!"
Chen Ping'an was speechless.
If he didn't turn his head, it seemed he was still walking with a little darkie.
The bright moon rose over the sea.
A small boat appeared and disappeared among the waves. The old boatman rowed, lit a fire, and stewed a pot of sea fish.
The old boatman with the Dao name "Xian Cha" sat cross-legged alone, holding a bowl, tapping the gunwale and singing.
He patiently waited for the fish stew to cook.
Probably due to limited cultivation aptitude, even though the man who never admitted to being his master, Lu Chen, had taught him some Ascending Immortality methods and Immortality Formulas in return for his services when they sailed out to seek immortals, Gu Qing Song still couldn't find a great path. There were even many cultivation bottlenecks he couldn't break through. It was only after Lu Chen left the Hao Ran world that Gu Qing Song gritted his teeth and tactfully sought advice from Cao Rong and the other junior brothers ashore, barely managing to pass. So often, Gu Qing Song would think, maybe the only advantage of not becoming a master-disciple pair was that he wouldn't embarrass Master Lu Chen.
Unable to become Lu Chen's disciple, unable to win Lady Gui's favor.
Gu Qing Song felt he had no reason not to find life dreary. So occasionally, he would go ashore to clear his mind. When he spoke some honest, fair words to someone, he didn't even know why they got angry.
Sensing a slight vibration at the stern, Gu Qing Song didn't turn his head. Although he admitted he was no good at either quarreling or fighting, he really didn't think anyone could ambush him.
A voice, both familiar and unfamiliar, sounded: "Daoist Xian Cha, long time no see."
The old boatman shook his head. He must be dreaming.
The uninvited guest laughed: "The boat's rocking, the wine in the bowl is sloshing—that can't be a dream, can it? If there really is such a strange dream, give me a basketful too."
Gu Qing Song silently put down his wine bowl, stood up, then knelt on the ground, prostrating himself. To an outsider, it would seem like wearing pants to fart.
The old boatman kowtowed several times on his own, then said sullenly: "Gu Qing Song pays respects to Master."
After the kowtows, Gu Qing Song sat up, his back to the Daoist at the stern.
It's true that I consider you my master, but this disciple also has some temper.
Lu Chen was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. Oh dear, still sulking.
Because of the address "Daoist Xian Cha"?
Lu Chen came to the bow, squatted beside the old boatman, reached out and lifted the pot lid. Hot steam billowed, fragrance filling the air. He nodded approvingly: "Your cooking skills are much better than before. Back then, I held back from saying anything because I didn't want to hurt your feelings. Your cooking was really... hard to describe. And you had no tact—you liked asking me every few days if your skills had improved. Honestly, if you weren't so taciturn and didn't chase me for wages, I'd have been happy to have some peace and quiet. Otherwise, I'd have found someone else to sail with long ago."
The old boatman was both dismayed and aggrieved, muttering: "If I truly had no tact, why would I ask if my skills had improved?"
Lu Chen went "oh," his face showing sudden understanding: "So I misunderstood you."
Gu Qing Song sat sideways, still staring straight at the sea: "You're the master. You decide. I don't matter."
Lu Chen got angry and slapped the back of Gu Qing Song's head: "That's enough. Are you going to keep this up forever?"
Gu Qing Song remained silent.
Lu Chen said: "If you keep showing that pathetic face, I'm leaving."
Gu Qing Song still said nothing.
A breeze passed, and Lu Chen was no longer at the bow.
Gu Qing Song was stunned for a moment, looking around in all directions. It seemed his master had truly been angered away by him. The old man began to wail loudly.
Lu Chen was just lying quietly at the stern, looking at the starry sky, stretching out a hand as if he could touch it.
Many words and chatter in the world are what the world wants to hear, not what we want to say.
He remembered the last time he went to the Yellow Millet Sect for the ceremony, he saw that guardian beside Li Huai—Peach Pavilion of the Barren Wild, now the tender Daoist of Hao Ran.
Just now by the Meishu tree beside the bridge over the Ximei River, he had also met a Flying Ascension realm great cultivator, Jing Hao of Liuxia Continent.
Lu Chen had once pulled the tender Daoist into his heart-phase, and the latter, with a burst of ferocity, dared to fight to the death.
He supposed that the Green Palace Grand Guardian, in the same situation, would only kowtow and beg for mercy. Maybe Feng Xue Tao, with the Dao name "Qing Mi," wouldn't be much better?
Lu Chen laughed: "Stop howling. You sound like you're mourning."
Gu Qing Song immediately stopped crying: "Master, the fish is ready. Want a taste?"
Lu Chen sat up: "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and bring the whole pot!"
Gu Qing Song quickly carried the pot to the stern, took two pairs of chopsticks from his sleeve, wiped them under his armpit, and handed one pair to Lu Chen.
Lu Chen took the chopsticks with one hand and lifted the pot lid with the other, fuming: "How did we get so poor we can't even open the pot? Who says my path lies where the pot can't open!"
In the kitchen of that village school, the two just-acknowledged junior and senior brothers were sleeping on the floor, head to head.
Ning Ji tentatively whispered: "Senior Brother Zhao."
Zhao Shu Xia opened his eyes: "Hmm?"
Ning Ji asked: "Am I really not dreaming?"
Zhao Shu Xia was silent for a moment, raised his head, pillowed his hands, and laughed: "Don't be embarrassed. I've asked myself the same question. And for many years, more than once."
Ning Ji, who had been somewhat shy, also laughed. So the mature and steady Senior Brother Zhao was just like him.
Zhao Shu Xia asked: "Earlier, Master and Lord of Teaching Lu had two different statements. Which do you think makes more sense?"
Ning Ji thought it over, then honestly replied: "I think Daoist Lu's statement was good, but the Teacher's statement was better."
Zhao Shu Xia smiled: "Ning Ji, when you go to Fallen Mountain later, you'll adapt quickly."
Ning Ji asked doubtfully: "Why?"
Zhao Shu Xia said: "You'll get along well with Little Senior Brother and Senior Sister Pei. You'll have things to talk about. When you meet, you won't feel awkward."
Ning Ji was even more puzzled: "Really?"
Because the boy had always worried about not getting along with his seniors and juniors on Fallen Mountain.
Zhao Shu Xia nodded: "Really. Besides them, there's a Senior Brother Cao. He'll like you too."
Ning Ji nodded heavily.
Senior Brother Zhao seemed to have something indescribable about him. The words he said could convince people. And standing beside Senior Brother Zhao made one's heart calm.
Zhao Shu Xia said: "There's something, as your senior brother, I need to tell you."
Ning Ji was a bit nervous: "Senior Brother Zhao, go ahead. I'm listening."
Zhao Shu Xia said: "Next time before sleeping, remember to wash your feet. It's a bit pungent."
Ning Ji grinned.
Zhao Shu Xia closed his eyes and smiled: "Lord of Teaching Lu's words are indeed good: Be honest in living, sleep peacefully. Ning Ji, go to sleep. We have to get up early."
Ning Ji said foolishly: "Senior Brother Zhao, I don't think I can sleep yet. You go to sleep first. Don't mind me."
Zhao Shu Xia smiled: "But don't wait until I start snoring. Then you won't be able to sleep even if you want to."
Ning Ji said: "It's okay, Senior Brother Zhao. I have a little skill—I can fall asleep whenever I want."
In fact, besides that, every time before he slept, as long as Ning Ji wanted to wake up at a certain time, he would indeed wake up at that hour with almost no error.
But the boy felt such a thing was too strange, so he didn't say it.
And this skill wasn't innate—it seemed to have appeared during his childhood years on the run.
Senior Brother Zhao was really amazing.
Because intuition told Ning Ji that when Daoist Lu had asked about the world's first talisman earlier, Senior Brother Zhao had clearly known the answer; he just hadn't spoken.
Zhao Shu Xia actually had a sentence on the tip of his tongue, but in the end, he didn't voice it.
Ning Ji, you and I have encountered the same Teacher and Master. From now on, let's cherish it and cultivate diligently.
Under the eaves of the school, Old Scholar opened his eyes. Unbeknownst to him, dawn had come.
Beside him sat his last disciple, who had kept watch all night.
Old Scholar hurriedly sat up, his face full of guilt: "This is all my fault. Your Teacher got muddled."
Chen Ping'an nodded: "Master knows it himself."
Old Scholar laughed heartily. Only our Little Ping'an could say such words.
Chen Ping'an asked curiously: "Master, what were those eight characters you wanted to say?"
Old Scholar looked up at the bright sky after dawn, stroked his beard, and laughed: "Holding a candle and wandering at night, then dawn arrives."