Chapter 1038: Sorry for Not Welcoming You from Afar

Chapter 1038: Sorry for Not Welcoming You from Afar

Today Wei Bo came to the bamboo building at Luopo Mountain. Mountain Lord Chen said he had important matters to discuss and asked Wei Mountain Lord to come here.

Chen Ping'an rose from the stone table by the cliff to greet him, smiling. "Old Cook asked me to pass along a message. He wants to know if he can buy a plot of land over at Piyun Mountain to spend the summer there to escape the heat."

Wei Bo looked puzzled. "Just for this?"

Such a trivial matter—why specifically call him over?

It turned out that Wei Bo had built a separate residence in a secluded spot on Piyun Mountain. The architecture was exquisite, stretching out like a long scroll. At the Mountain Lord's study spot, two old pines from the Lu family prince's former mansion had been transplanted there. The shade was as dense as a pine canopy. Gazing into the distance from beneath the trees, whenever white clouds rose from the foot of the mountain, all the peaks would vanish, leaving only the pointed tops of Luopo, Xiandu, and other places to the south, looking like a Mi-family snow mountain painting. Outside the study hall was a pond of lotus flowers, with lotus leaves standing tall. During the scorching summer, one could moor a boat there, toss two or three watermelons into the water, and then take a nap. The fragrance would stain one's clothes. After a daytime dream, one would retrieve the melons, come ashore, split them open, and eat them—they were like something from an ice cellar, as if there were no three hottest days in the human world.

Chen Ping'an smiled and got straight to the point. "Of course, there's also the real business. According to my Teacher, the five of you Bottleneck Continent Mountain Lords can actually come up with your own divine titles. Of course, in the end, the Confucian Temple still needs to nod in approval for it to count. Do you and Jin Mountain Lord have any thoughts on this? If you do, you can start preparing early. I'll talk to my Teacher and Senior Brother Mao in advance, and when the Confucian Temple discusses this matter later, it might be able to help a little."

Wei Bo was somewhat surprised. "The Confucian Temple hasn't mentioned anything about this."

In fact, the Confucian Temple had not yet leaked any news about the enfeoffment of the five peaks and the granting of divine titles. But there was no wall that could stop the wind. Although the Confucian Temple hadn't said a word, it didn't mean that the top figures of Haoran hadn't heard any rumors. It was said that the five peak Mountain Lords of Bottleneck Continent were about to receive divine titles. The rumors outside were vivid and detailed, but the Confucian Temple had never informed them, the Mountain Lords. Central Peak Mountain Lord Jin Qing had even sent a flying sword message to Piyun Mountain to inquire about the matter. In the letter, he said, "You're familiar with Chen Ping'an, and Chen Ping'an has good ties with the Confucian Temple. Ask him to confirm it. If it's really true, you don't need to reply. I, Jin Qing, will prepare early and plan to hold a grand Night Tour Banquet." That left Wei Bo unable to pretend he hadn't received the letter. He replied, saying he was busy and that Mountain Lord Chen was even busier. As for the truth of the matter, Mountain Lord Jin should either ask Mountain Lord Chen himself or find another way to gather information.

"If you guys don't bring it up, the Confucian Temple won't mention it either. Better to have less trouble than more."

Chen Ping'an laughed. "Having the Confucian Temple proclaim the divine titles for the five peaks and great rivers is a rule established by Ritual Sage in ancient times. Later generations have followed it for so long that it's been treated as an unchangeable golden rule. But in the Confucian Temple archives, it's not recorded that way. If we don't carefully check the files, we simply wouldn't know that Mountain Lords and Dukes of Great Rivers can actually define their own divine titles."

Wei Bo was silent for a moment, then bowed to Chen Ping'an in gratitude.

Even though the outside world said that he, Wei Bo, and Piyun Mountain had such a close relationship with Luopo Mountain that they might as well be sharing the same pair of pants.

Still, for such a major matter, no matter how good the relationship with Chen Ping'an and how informal friends were, a proper thank you was necessary.

Chen Ping'an began to spout nonsense with a straight face. "The matter is urgent, and the Confucian Temple is pressing hard. So I took the liberty of acting on my own. I told my Teacher that I thought the 'Night Tour' divine title would be quite good, and my Teacher also agreed that it's indeed excellent, a matter of popular expectation. In the long run, it will greatly benefit the landscape and qi of the entire North Peak domain. In the future, when the cultivators of the entire Haoran world mention Piyun Mountain in words, or think of it in their minds, or when it appears in landscape gazettes, the frequency will only increase..."

Wei Bo's face turned ashen. He suppressed the urge to curse loudly. Before Chen Ping'an could finish, Wei Mountain Lord suddenly flicked his sleeve with a sharp crack and prepared to return to the Mountain Lord Mansion.

Piyun Mountain had to quickly send a message to the Confucian Temple: as long as it wasn't "Night Tour," any divine title would do.

Chen Ping'an quickly grabbed Wei Bo's arm, forcibly stopping Mountain Lord Wei. He laughed. "Wei Mountain Lord, why are you getting angry? Your cultivation of mind and nature hasn't reached the mark, has it?"

Wei Bo ground his teeth. "Only if I want to lose face all the way to the Confucian Temple and the Central Earth Divine Continent, would I be happy?"

Chen Ping'an felt a bit guilty. Probably, in fact, Bottleneck Continent's famous North Peak Night Tour Banquet had already been heard of even in the Azure Underworld.

Moreover, there was Lu Chen, who loved to watch the fun and didn't mind the bigger the better. Given Lu Archmage's usual temperament, this trip back to the White Jade Capital would certainly help spread the name. No, he had to remind Lu Chen not to get himself mistaken by Wei Bo.

Chen Ping'an pulled Wei Bo to sit down at the table. "Do you really detest 'Night Tour' that much?"

Wei Bo sneered. "What do you think?"

Chen Ping'an said, "Falling at one punch defeats the Second Manager, from afar looks like A Liang, up close looks like the Hidden Official—sayings and nicknames like that fill more than one big basket. Look at me, learn from me."

Wei Bo snorted dismissively. "In life, you can't be so concerned with saving face that you suffer, but you also can't be completely shameless!"

Chen Ping'an tentatively asked, "Really not reconsidering? The book says that when you're overjoyed, you shouldn't easily make promises to others, and when you're furious, you shouldn't reply to others. I think these two sayings are very reasonable."

Wei Bo said, "No discussion. If you have nothing else, I'll go back. Don't think I'm idle. The meetings and paperwork are no joke. Not to mention the North Peak domain outside the mountains, just the twenty-four departments of the Mountain Lord Mansion—I have to participate in meetings non-stop every day."

Chen Ping'an said, "I previously promised Ritual Sage that I would produce a detailed strategy. During this time, aside from my own cultivation, I've devoted almost all my thoughts to this matter. I've already written nearly three hundred thousand characters. After a little revision, it will be sent to the Confucian Temple. I can add your name to it. That way, when Piyun Mountain proposes its own divine title, the chances of it passing the Confucian Temple will increase a bit."

Wei Bo's expression softened slightly. "No need. The Confucian Temple isn't stupid. Such a pretentious move on my part would only make me a laughingstock."

Chen Ping'an laughed. "You fool, if I really added Wei Bo's name, wouldn't you have to personally write a few tens of thousands of words?"

Wei Bo asked curiously, "Write what?"

Chen Ping'an said, "I'll show you the initial draft later. If you're willing to write something, try to finish it within ten days. Then you can hand it over to the Confucian Temple, and address the recipient as Classicist Xiping. If you feel there's nothing to write and don't want to add your name at the end, just return the draft to me. By the way, let me advise you one last time. Truly the last sentence. Regarding Piyun Mountain's exclusive claim to 'Night Tour,' me, my Teacher, and Lu Chen, the three of us all think it's excellent—the best, with no equal."

Wei Bo nodded. "I'll read the draft first before making a decision."

Chen Ping'an pulled three thick volumes from his sleeve. "Take them back to read. Remember to take good care of them."

Wei Bo put the three volumes into his sleeve. "Anything else?"

Chen Ping'an smiled. "Emperor might soon be making a private visit out of the capital to the Yuzhang Commandery Timber Yard. I'll go over there to take a look. Do you want to come with me?"

Wei Bo hesitated for a moment. "His Majesty left the capital earlier than expected. He's probably already entered Yuzhou territory by now."

Chen Ping'an said, "I see. I'll go on my own then. I won't drag you along."

After Wei Bo returned to Piyun Mountain, on the back mountain path of Luopo Mountain, walking alongside the blue-robed Chen Ping'an was a ghostly figure in the form of a burly young man. Having finally seen the light of day again, he cherished every breath of "living world" outside this prison.

It was none other than Silver Deer, the deputy city lord of the Immortal Hairpin City in the Barren Wilderness. Chen Ping'an had captured one of his souls and imprisoned him. During this time, he had been diligently writing about the secrets of the Barren Wilderness, racking his brains and working tirelessly without complaint. He had actually produced a "magnificent masterpiece." Of course, to pad the word count, Silver Deer had written a lot of trivial nonsense. But the young Hidden Official didn't mind. In fact, he quite appreciated some details that Silver Deer was sure he would delete.

Firstly, the incomplete soul and spirit caused his cultivation to plummet. Secondly, even if he were at his peak, what could he do? In front of this young Hidden Official who had broken Immortal Hairpin City in half, Silver Deer would grovel as much as possible. After taking just a few steps, Silver Deer had already exhausted all the flattering words he had accumulated in his life. For example, he said that the dojo of Lord Hidden Official was one of the best places in the world.

The listener wasn't embarrassed at all and just let Silver Deer disgust people there.

This gradually made Silver Deer himself feel awkward. He had truly run out of tricks, and he was also getting a bit sick of it.

Silver Deer cautiously said, "Lord Hidden Official, to be honest with you, in this ghostly form, I fear every step I take defiles this beautiful landscape."

Chen Ping'an smiled slightly. "Oh? Then go back and stay there?"

Silver Deer was left speechless, not daring to say another word.

Chen Ping'an, with his hands in his sleeves, reached out one hand, twisted his wrist, and a fly whisk called "Duster" draped over his arm.

Seeing this object, Silver Deer's heart tightened. "Lord Hidden Official, I think I'd better go back."

During his time eating prison meals, Silver Deer had suffered terribly. This bastard Chen Ping'an would come to check on the book's progress every few days. Every time he appeared silently behind Silver Deer, who was writing at his desk, he would raise his hand without a word, holding a green brick, and smash it on Silver Deer's head. Each time it left Silver Deer dizzy and rolling on the ground clutching his head. Only when Chen Ping'an occasionally saw something in the pages Silver Deer had written that caught his eye would he put the green brick aside on the desk, reminding Silver Deer that he had written well and escaped disaster.

Chen Ping'an smiled. "You rarely get to come out for some fresh air. If you go back so urgently, are you trying to embarrass me?"

Silver Deer bowed and scraped, quickly clarifying. "I just worry that if outsiders see me, they might misunderstand that Lord Hidden Official is associating with ghosts and lose face."

Chen Ping'an said, "I wonder what the owner of that ancient Daoist hairpin, and your Patriarch Gui, would think if they saw disciples like you?"

Silver Deer sighed. "They probably wouldn't want to look, and would turn a blind eye. Even if they passed by Immortal Hairpin City, they wouldn't bother to go inside and sit down."

The founding patriarch of Immortal Hairpin City was Gui Lingxiang, a female cultivator without a Daoist title. She was also the second owner of that ancient Daoist hairpin.

The second city lord was a ghostly creature with the Daoist title "Qiong Ou," whose true form was actually a mosquito. She had long been hidden on the Yellow Spring Road. That fly whisk was her personal treasure used to avoid the gaze of the Fengdu underworld officials. But after two thousand years, the old woman had never been able to fully refine it; otherwise, she would have long since returned from the underworld to the Barren Wilderness to compete for the throne.

Then came the great demon Wu Ti, who had stepped out of a painting and was then betrayed by his master Qiong Ou. According to Immortal Hairpin City's lineage, he was also Silver Deer's patriarch.

After that came the current city lord, Xuan Pu, a Flying Ascension cultivator who had his head chopped off by Executioner Hao Su.

For ten thousand years, the highest place in the Barren Wilderness was not Tuoyue Mountain, but Immortal Hairpin City.

Then this last Hidden Official of Swordmound City took a trip to the Barren Wilderness, and there was no more "highest." Now the highest had become Swordmound City.

The fly whisk in his hand was an undeniable top-grade immortal artifact of the mountain sect. It had a purple wooden handle, over three thousand snowy white threads, and a small gold ring attached to the whisk head.

Chen Ping'an planned to give the fly whisk to the Ancestral Hall of Flying Ascension City.

Silver Deer mustered his courage to ask, "Lord Hidden Official, the cultivator I passed by earlier outside the gate—what was his background?"

Chen Ping'an switched hands to hold the fly whisk. "His name is Lu Wei. He's a Yin-Yang practitioner at the bottleneck of the Immortal realm. He's from the Central Earth Lu Clan, a half-hometown fellow of mine. Old scores and new scores are all a messy account."

Silver Deer was terrified—not because of the name Lu Wei or the Central Earth Lu Clan, but because of the fly whisk in the young Hidden Official's hand. The more he looked at it, the more it stung his eyes. Could it be that his own master's so-called ultimate creation, Patriarch Qiong Ou, had also fallen victim?

Chen Ping'an casually asked, "If you were to fight against the Central Earth Lu Clan, what would you do?"

Always dealing with these empty and flashy things, Silver Deer found that just chatting with this young Hidden Official was exhausting. But since he asked, Silver Deer had to seriously think about this absurd question. After a moment of thought, he tentatively said, "Even in Immortal Hairpin City, I've long heard of the Central Earth Lu Clan. To fight them would be like fighting against a Fourteen Realm grand cultivator. If it were me, I'd find a place to hide, somewhere with a big backer that could contend with the Lu Clan. If it were a death feud and the Lu Clan were hunting me, I'd go to the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, ally with Senior Tao Ting, and at least manage to keep my life. Of course, Lord Hidden Official has nothing to worry about—it's the Lu Clan who should be troubled."

Chen Ping'an gave no indication of agreement or disagreement. He said, "Don't follow me. Take a walk to the front mountain of Luopo Mountain by yourself. Remember not to stray too far from the mountain gate, or you'll bear the consequences."

Silver Deer didn't dare wander around casually. After all, this was Chen Ping'an's dojo. Not only was he worried about saying the wrong thing, but he also feared that when he left Chen Ping'an's side and walked to the front mountain, a mere glance or expression that displeased someone might lead to him being killed on the spot. Silver Deer thought it over and decided it was safer to stay by Chen Ping'an's side. But for a moment, he didn't know how to say it. After all, in Immortal Hairpin City, it was others who flattered him. When did he, the de facto deputy city lord, ever need to gauge the situation and choose his words carefully?

Chen Ping'an said, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Guest follows host. Don't you understand even this simple principle?"

Silver Deer felt immense bitterness in his heart. If you're going to say that, Chen Ping'an, then I have nothing to say.

When you came to Immortal Hairpin City, why didn't you follow the guest's rule of following the host?

Along the way, there were many pavilions. Just the names of the pavilions were eye-opening.

Yiran, Gaozuo, Yunzhong, Yueman, Xuxin, Yuxia, Bafeng...

The longest name was a pavilion called "Long Growth Long Joy, Let Eyes See the Green Hills, Together Not Old." The shortest name was even more interesting—"Pavilion" Pavilion.

*Treading the Stars*

A building came into view, with white walls and black tiles nestled among green bamboo. Chen Ping'an put away the fly whisk. "Go on."

Silver Deer had no choice but to make a bow. "I humbly obey the Hidden Official's decree."

On the back mountain of Luopo Mountain, a pair of young Cao family disciples were cultivating and practicing martial arts.

The gate was wide open. A young girl was performing walking stakes and practicing boxing in the courtyard training ground. Chen Ping'an stood at the entrance, lightly knocking on the door with his finger. The girl finished a round of boxing stakes and saw the Mountain Lord. She was clearly still very nervous.

This was their third meeting.

The first time, she had accompanied her young master to the bamboo building to meet Mountain Lord Chen. They hadn't talked much.

The last time, Mountain Lord Chen had personally come here and even taught Cao Yang some boxing techniques. After sparring, Cao Yang was thoroughly convinced. Later, she pondered it repeatedly, and the experience greatly benefited the young martial girl.

Just as Cao Yang was at a loss, Cao Yin quickly walked out of the study, descended the steps, and bowed. "Mr. Chen."

Chen Ping'an smiled. "Fengsheng, I heard that Wutong has broken through to the Fifth Realm, so I came to offer my congratulations. I won't stay long. Just a short visit and then I'll leave. I don't want to disturb your cultivation."

The young man before him was a collateral descendant of the Shangzhuguo Cao family. His given name was Yin, styled Fengsheng. He was also a Sword Cultivator at the bottleneck of the Guanguan Sea Realm, truly worthy of the title of a young prodigy.

It was only that the Cao family didn't want the young man to become famous too early; otherwise, Cao Yin would have already made a name for himself in Great Li. As for Cao Yang, nicknamed Wutong, the young girl had just broken into the Fifth Realm. This was attributed not only to Mountain Lord Chen's personal boxing instruction but also to Mr. Zhu's frequent visits to help train her during this time. Particularly the last time Mountain Lord Chen was on the training ground, he demonstrated over forty stance frameworks and boxing techniques to Cao Yang in one go, which was like opening a door to a brand new world of martial arts for her.

So it was inevitable that Cao Yang was nervous. Now, seeing Mountain Lord Chen again, how could she not revere him like a deity?

Chen Ping'an entered the main hall. Cao Yang quickly brought tea, her hands trembling. Chen Ping'an pretended not to notice and chatted with Cao Yin about their recent cultivation progress. When the young girl placed the teacup on a side table, he turned to thank her with a smile. Cao Yang, her face tight, forced a slight smile. Her forehead was covered in fine sweat. She quietly walked to Cao Yin's side but did not sit down. The etiquette and rules of powerful families and clans were not neglected just because they were outside the family. Cao Yin had once advised her not to be so formal at Luopo Mountain, but it was to no avail. He couldn't persuade her, so he let it be.

Here, after asking about their cultivation matters, Chen Ping'an simply chatted with Cao Yin about everyday things. Listening to these ordinary conversations, Cao Yang gradually relaxed as well.

Silver Deer had parted ways with the young Hidden Official and was walking alone, trembling with fear. His posture suggested he was afraid of stepping on a fallen leaf on the path.

Then, at the end of the path, Silver Deer saw a strange little girl in black. She had faint eyebrows, a cotton satchel slung diagonally, a small golden carrying pole on her shoulder, and a green bamboo walking stick in her hand. She was hopping and skipping along the mountain path. When they met, they both stopped almost simultaneously. Silver Deer had lost his Immortal realm cultivation, but his eyesight remained. He found that she seemed to be just a little water spirit at the Lower Fifth Realm. Silver Deer felt a bit more at ease. However, the black dharma robe the little girl wore was of extraordinary quality. But as soon as this thought crossed Silver Deer's mind, he wished he could slap himself. What are you thinking? Looking for death?

The little girl in black stopped timidly, then slightly moved to the side of the road, silently turning sideways, as if facing the wall in self-reflection, standing like a punishment.

Although Sister Guo had taught her street smarts—don't panic when encountering trouble, immediately run—still, Mi Li felt that since she was patrolling the mountain, there was no reason to be so cowardly.

Silver Deer was also panicking, afraid that this little water spirit was a handmaiden of some Luopo Mountain immortal, a young maid who served tea, or a cauldron boy who tended the furnace.

So Silver Deer tried to make his expression as kind and gentle as possible. He smiled. "My name is Silver Deer. I'm a cultivator brought to Luopo Mountain by the Hidden Official. And you?"

Zhou Mi Li was relieved. She turned around, her smile bright. "Ah, is that so? Hello, Immortal Silver Deer. My name is Zhou Mi Li. Mi Li, like a grain of rice. I am the... I am the officially appointed Patrol Envoy of Luopo Mountain, appointed by Mountain Lord himself. A small official, haha. Mi Li's a tiny sesame-seed officer."

Silver Deer was taken aback. Patrol Envoy? What was that? Did Luopo Mountain have such a position? But since it was appointed by the young Hidden Official, Silver Deer became even more amiable. He walked forward slowly with his hands behind his back, explaining as he went. "So you are Daoist Zhou, responsible for patrolling. I was just taking a walk with the Hidden Official earlier. He thought I was new here and unfamiliar with the place, so he told me to look around freely and go see the front mountain."

Zhou Mi Li grinned, then quickly closed her mouth, reminding herself not to show her teeth when smiling. She straightened her back, her voice clear and crisp. "That's great! I'll be your guide, Immortal Silver Deer. I know all the big and small paths on our Luopo Mountain like the back of my hand."

Silver Deer weighed the pros and cons and decided it was feasible to take this seemingly not-so-bright little girl along. It would also show that he was approachable, giving the Luopo Mountain immortals a first impression that wouldn't be too bad. He didn't seek merit, just sought no fault!

The big one and the little one passed by various shapes of pavilions, some rustic and some exquisite, along the mountain path. Mi Li was full of excitement, introducing the origins of each pavilion's name to Immortal Silver Deer, and taking the opportunity to praise her Mountain Lord's profound naming skills. Silver Deer naturally didn't dare not to agree. During the walk, Mi Li reached out and asked if Immortal Silver Deer wanted to have some sunflower seeds. Silver Deer looked down and chuckled, then politely declined the little girl's offer. Mi Li scratched her head, not daring to eat alone, and put the seeds back in her sleeve.

Up high, in an octagonal pavilion called "Dreamlike Command," Xiao Mo, wearing a yellow hat and green shoes, leaned against one of the pillars. He held a green bamboo staff in his arms, his expression gentle as he watched the little girl in black chattering nonstop.

Beside him, a girl in a marten-fur hat fumed angrily. "What a guy, this Silver Deer. He's being ungrateful. Xiao Mo, Xiao Mo, should I go teach him a lesson?"

Xiao Mo said softly, "No need. Don't hinder Mi Li's hospitality."

Xie Gou said aggrievedly, "I just can't stand to see Mi Li humiliated like that."

Earlier, at the bamboo building, while Mi Li was counting the clouds passing by the cliff, Guo Zhu Jiu had brought Xie Gou and the White-Haired Boy to play a prank. They had flown into the sea of clouds early, and their three heads "floated" on the white clouds, all looking up at the cliff and rolling their eyes and making faces. They had indeed scared Mi Li a lot. But after she discovered the truth, she was overjoyed, laughing heartily, beyond delighted.

Xiao Mo smiled. "Don't go to the Jade Liquid River Water Mansion to scare the Water God Lady again. No more of that."

The Jade Liquid River Water God Lady, already living in constant fear, had been dealing with a "haunted" water mansion recently, with everything in chaos. She became even more determined to switch territories. As long as she could leave the area around Luopo Mountain, even a demotion or filling a vacancy would be fine.

Xie Gou turned her head to look at Xiao Mo. Her heart felt warm. She quietly shuffled closer, tilting her head, trying to lean on Xiao Mo's shoulder, acting like a delicate bird, yearning for love.

But Xiao Mo reached out and blocked her head, not letting her succeed.

Xie Gou stood on tiptoe and, with lightning speed, rubbed her face against that warm hand. Xiao Mo withdrew his hand and sighed softly. Was his young master and Mr. Zhu really not setting him up?

Xie Gou was already satisfied. She said, "That Jing Hao from Liuxia Continent, and that little flood dragon called Bai Deng, have already gotten very chummy with Chen Lingjun. They've had several drinking sessions in Qilong Alley in the town. Why doesn't Chen Lingjun just bring them up the mountain directly?"

Xiao Mo smiled and explained, "Because the last time he went down the mountain, he sneaked out. Jing Qing was afraid of being caught by the young master, so he discussed with Jing Hao and Bai Deng that they would first pretend to meet for the first time in the town, and then come here as guests. That way, not only would he avoid a scolding, but after leading the two seniors up the mountain, he might even get praised by the young master."

Xie Gou rubbed her brow. "Does Chen Lingjun genuinely think Chen Ping'an doesn't know anything, or is he just pretending?"

Xiao Mo squinted and smiled. "No doubt about it. Jing Qing genuinely thinks so, and the young master will definitely pretend he didn't know in advance."

Xie Gou withdrew her gaze. "Speak of the devil. Chen Lingjun has just started back from the town."

Years ago, at Qilong Alley, the old immortal Jia had once, after drinking, spilled the truth. Drunk and sitting under the table, the blind old Daoist raised his voice, giving two thumbs up. He said that besides the Mountain Lord, he admired two people the most: one was the Right Protector of the mountain, Zhou Mi Li; the other was Chen Lingjun, who liked to come down to the town to hang around. One was on the mountain, one was outside the mountain—the two of them were the great contributors to calming the hearts of our Luopo Mountain. All other immortals, even Head Butler Mr. Zhu, had to stand aside...

That was truly insightful.

Xie Gou suddenly asked, "What if Silver Deer couldn't control his thoughts earlier and started coveting that Hundred-Eyes Greedy Glutton Dharma robe and didn't know when to stop?"

Xiao Mo said indifferently, "Then I would send him to meet his master, Xuan Pu."

Xie Gou asked doubtfully, "Would your young master let you make a move?"

Xiao Mo smiled. "My young master let Silver Deer out precisely to let him seek his own life or death."

Xie Gou suddenly understood. "This guy has pretty good luck."

On the path, Immortal Silver Deer was accompanying that little girl. It seemed they were getting along quite well.

Xiao Mo said, "This is just the beginning. The road ahead is long and difficult."

Xie Gou muttered under her breath, "Scholars have dirty hearts."

Leaning against the pillar, Xiao Mo stood up straight. Xie Gou noticed the change in Xiao Mo's aura and quickly tried to cover up, making amends for herself. She laughed. "A compliment! Absolutely not a bad meaning!"

Xiao Mo was the first to descend the steps. "Bai Jing, I think Mr. Zhu has a point. There is no absolute good or absolute bad in character. Everything is a double-edged sword."

Xie Gou nodded vigorously and hopped down the steps.

Mr. Zhu, whatever he says is right.

After all, he's a man who regards appearance as dirt.

Today, the young boy in blue had gone down the mountain early in the morning, swaggering over to Qilong Alley. He walked into the Ya Sui Shop with his hands behind his back, looked at the shopkeeper Shi Rou, sighed, put on the airs of a mountain senior, and left behind a remark full of "sorrow for her misfortune and anger at her lack of ambition." "Stubborn and unrepentant, unwilling to better yourself. I can't even be bothered to talk about you."

The little mute boy, who was close to Shi Rou, immediately became unhappy and started arguing with Chen Lingjun directly. Chen Lingjun argued a few words and found it boring. He didn't want to lower himself to argue with a child. He went next door. Now Old Brother Jia wasn't in the shop; he had been promoted from a small shop owner in Qilong Alley to a deputy manager of a cross-continent ferry. With an excellent drinking buddy gone, Chen Lingjun felt a bit lonely. He entered the Caotou Shop, assumed the role of a half-uncle, and gave Tian Jiuer a few pointers on cultivation. Then he left Qilong Alley and went to a restaurant on the main street, where he set up a table and waited for his friends, Qinggong Taibao and Zaojun, to come and have an early morning drink.

After the early morning drink, Chen Lingjun led them into the mountains.

At the mountain gate of Luopo Mountain, Chen Lingjun found Mi Li sitting at a table drinking tea. Across from her sat a guest with an unfamiliar face.

As for Daoist Xianwei, he was the same as always, sitting on a bamboo chair by the gate, reading a book that had been re-covered. That lazy fellow Zheng Dafeng was probably still sleeping and dreaming spring dreams.

Chen Lingjun coughed a few times to clear his throat, shook his sleeves, and said, "Mi Li, we have guests."

Mi Li quickly got up, greeted them, and went to boil water for tea. The little girl was happy, having something to do.

Bai Deng, whose Daoist title was Zaojun, had been in the town for a few days and was already bewildered.

Although the distinction between mountain and town was still clear, through drinks with the young boy in blue, Bai Deng had learned some inside information about this Li Zhu Cave Heaven.

He found out that three thousand years ago, the final battle of the Dragon Slaying Campaign had taken place here!

And now, the only true dragon in the world, the East Sea Water Lord Zhu, had risen from that Bottle Alley.

No wonder when Bai Deng walked alone in Fortune Street and Peach Leaf Alley, he felt both a chilling, bone-penetrating yin energy and as if he were in a cauldron of boiling oil, his soul being cooked, causing his Dao heart to become unstable.

According to Chen Lingjun, there used to be a Dragon Spring Sword Sect in the western mountains, which had now moved north. The previous sect master, Master Ruan, was a Martial Saint of the Jade Purity Realm. Now there were a few more Jade Purity Realm cultivators, including the current sect master, Liu Xianyang, a forty-year-old Sword Immortal. This guy was a childhood friend of his master's, and also a good buddy of his. As for seniority, well, they figured it out as they went...

This was just one of the seventy-two minor cave heavens, yet it was already this terrifying?

If Bai Deng was already "advancing cautiously," Jing Hao, as a Flying Ascension cultivator, could naturally see even more clues and was even more horrified.

Ma Kuxuan of Apricot Alley, Gu Can of Bottle Alley, Zhao Yao of Fortune Street, rumored to be Bai Ye's half-disciple. Xie Shi, descendant of Great Master Xie Shi of Beiju Continent, Xie Ling of Peach Leaf Alley...

These young cultivators, each rising to fame, were all crowded together in this tiny town?

A blue long gown appeared. Mountain Lord Chen was sitting at the top of the main path steps on Jise Peak of Luopo Mountain.

He stood up, took one step, and directly descended to the foot of the mountain. Chen Ping'an smiled at Chen Lingjun. "Guests? Your friends?"

Chen Lingjun's eyes darted around nervously. He felt a bit guilty, but he couldn't show weakness in front of his new friends.

At the drinking table, he had boasted a lot. As a founding member of Luopo Mountain, especially in front of his master, he had real influence. Face was everything!

But in reality, Chen Lingjun knew well that his status on Luopo Mountain was even lower than that of Nuan Shu and those little dunces.

Still, after a few drinking sessions, Chen Lingjun had bragged about his own experiences in the martial world. He even boasted about his sworn brotherhood with Mountain Lord Wei. But on the drinking table, he never talked about his master's deeds.

It was best if they knew; if they didn't know yet, they could find out later themselves.

Chen Ping'an rubbed the head of the boy in blue. "Since they're your friends, they're also friends of Luopo Mountain. First, have some tea here. Then we'll go up the mountain for a chat."

Only then did Chen Ping'an turn to look at the two guests and smile. "Two Daoist friends, sorry for not welcoming you from afar."

It was only then that Chen Lingjun belatedly remembered something: there were very few honored guests that his master would personally go out to welcome—not even enough to count on one hand.

Thinking this way, Chen Lingjun felt a bit empty inside. He felt that these friends he had just met a few days ago shouldn't have been brought back to Luopo Mountain to trouble his master into personally receiving them.

While Chen Ping'an was saying polite words, his thoughts were far from hospitable. "Jing Hao, I've heard of you. A Flying Ascension cultivator who never dares to leave Liuxia Continent and head south. If it weren't for Chen Lingjun leading the way today, even if you came to Luopo Mountain, it would be meaningless. After all, we don't owe each other anything. Let's keep our distance and not interfere with each other."

"Bai Deng, you can board a Night Voyage Ship in the future. There's an old friend of yours there, in a similar state to yours now. He's the former chief of Sishui Pavilion who once killed the white snake on the road. Now he's the city lord of Chuigong City, one of the four cities of the Night Voyage Ship."

Jing Hao's expression stiffened but quickly returned to normal. He immediately replied telepathically with a smile, "Lord Hidden Official is straightforward and speaks his mind. Even if I were turned away today, this trip to Luopo Mountain would still be worth it."

Bai Deng's expression was dark and unclear. He suppressed his indignation and held back the urge to turn around and leave. He replied telepathically, "If there's a chance, I'll definitely go see this person."

Compared to Chen Ping'an's words to Jing Hao, what Bai Deng heard in his ears was still acceptable.

Regardless of their feelings, both Jing Hao and Bai Deng now looked at the boy in blue with newfound respect.

Chen Lingjun couldn't hear the telepathic exchange between Chen Ping'an and the two friends. He just said telepathically, "Master, I promise it won't happen again."

Chen Ping'an said, "I don't trust you. I'll give you another two 'it won't happen again' opportunities."

Hearing this was more comforting than any words of consolation. Chen Lingjun immediately perked up, the gloom on his face disappearing.

Ha! As long as his master was on the mountain, he had someone to back him up.

Chen Lingjun's buttock was kicked. He turned to see Zheng Dafeng, looking slovenly, holding a kettle and grinning cheekily. "Brought friends? Is it that much-missed Bai Mang and Chen Zhuoliu?"

Chen Lingjun crossed his arms and said grumpily, "No!"

The young coachman Bai Mang and the poor scholar Chen Zhuoliu were both from Beiju Continent. Before they parted ways, Chen Lingjun had given them some spirit coins for travel expenses to cross continents and come to Bottleneck Continent to catch up. But Chen Lingjun thought that with their spending habits like running water, it probably wasn't going to happen.

Chen Ping'an suddenly squinted his eyes, looking toward the end of the mountain path. One person was unexpected yet reasonable, and the other he didn't recognize. But walking side by side with the former, his aura was in no way inferior.

Chen Qingliu.

As for the person accompanying Chen Qingliu, his identity was unclear for now.

Xiao Mo appeared at the mountain gate, along with the spirited girl in the marten-fur hat, who was gently rubbing her hands, eager to try.

Just one glance at the man in blue walking slowly on the path made Bai Deng feel as if his liver and gall were splitting. Out of instinct, he only wanted to kneel and kowtow.

Jing Hao's expression was even more embarrassed, like a thief caught red-handed by the owner.

Chen Lingjun followed everyone's gaze and turned his head. Huh? He looked again. The boy in blue laughed heartily, shook his sleeves, and strode forward. He jumped up, raised his hand high, and slapped it hard against the palm of his long-lost good brother.

This scene made Jing Hao and Bai Deng's eyelids twitch.

Chen Lingjun landed on his feet and immediately went for a "monkey steals the peach." The poor scholar reached out and blocked it, but Chen Lingjun twisted his body and swept his leg at the scholar's waist.

Chen Qingliu brushed off his clothes. Chen Lingjun retracted his leg and nodded. "Good brother. You listen to advice. You didn't spend all the money in brothels."

Jing Hao knew that Chen Lingjun had a good relationship with the Dragon Slayer, but he never imagined it would be this close. He now wanted to make amends by kowtowing a few times to the boy in blue.

Bai Deng was already oblivious. He stumbled back a few steps, knocking over a long bench behind him without even realizing it.

Chen Lingjun put his hands on his hips. "I just thought, were you too busy drinking and chasing girls to remember your good brother?"

The poor scholar complained, "Little brother, what nonsense are you talking? You'll have to punish yourself with three cups later."

Chen Ping'an stood beside Chen Lingjun.

Chen Qingliu showed a completely different face in front of Mountain Lord Chen. His expression was calm as he introduced his friend telepathically. "His name is Xin Ji'an. He's been a close friend of mine for many years. I can't compare with you, Lord Hidden Official, who has friends all over the world. I have very few friends, and this one beside me is one of them. He's a scholar of the same caliber as Bai Ye, Su Zi, and Liu Qi. Back then, when he wanted to go to Swordmound City, I saw him all the way to Daoxuan Mountain. Only after that did I start slaying dragons. Not long ago, he accompanied a proud disciple of the First Sage on the Barren Wilderness side. They ran into three beasts with formidable killing power and fought a fierce battle. If it weren't for the fact that the enemy kept increasing in number, and one particularly strange one appeared..."

Xie Gou was about to take a step forward, but Xiao Mo held her arm.

Chen Qingliu sneered, glancing sideways at the girl in the marten-fur hat, the sword cultivator Bai Jing.

This scholar, who had just returned to Haoran from the Barren Wilderness, seemed unwilling to let Chen Qingliu reveal more inside information. He took the initiative to speak, smiling. "In the Barren Wilderness, I have long heard of the Hidden Official's great name. It thunders in my ears."

Chen Ping'an bowed to him in greeting, and the man returned the bow.

One was at Swordmound City, the other in the Barren Wilderness. The junior and the senior, each had drawn their swords at different times, but both were scholars of Haoran.