Chapter 1135: Meeting Chen Ping'an Again

Chapter 1135: Meeting Chen Ping'an Again

A simple home-cooked meal, with liquor that was homemade distilled spirits. During the meal, Xu Yuanxia used a long bamboo pole to knock down a piece of cured meat hanging from the ceiling beam of the courtyard, then went to the vegetable patch to pick some green peppers, specially stir-frying a plate of green peppers with ham for Chen Ping'an. Chen Ping'an picked up a piece with his chopsticks and said it was a bit salty. Xu Yuanxia told him to go squat by the door and eat.

At the dining table, the mink-hatted girl lowered her head and shoveled rice into her mouth, mumbling indistinctly, "Mountain Lord, Xiao Mo, I might need to go back to the Barren Wilderness World for a bit, take care of some business, and try to return early."

Chen Ping'an glanced at Xiao Mo without changing his expression. Xiao Mo was still arm-wrestling with Xu Yuanxia, sleeves rolled up, shouting out "brothers together, five champions" and all that.

This made Chen Ping'an furious. Besides drinking and practicing the sword, what else can you do? The things you ought to know, you don't know a single one.

Xie Gou lifted her head, cheeks puffed out, still smiling, "Don't worry, it's just some personal matters, same old rule, won't get involved in the grudges between the two worlds, absolutely won't make things difficult for the Mountain Lord and White Boss."

Chen Ping'an was expressionless, kicking Xiao Mo under the table.

Xiao Mo, prompted by his young master's reminder, asked, "When are you leaving?"

Chen Ping'an took a deep breath, almost throwing his wine bowl at him. After going to the Azure Dragon World, he's gotten pretty cocky, huh.

Xie Gou reached up and scratched her face, "After I finish eating, I'll help clean up the dishes and then I'll go."

Xu Yuanxia squinted and smiled. Interesting. They're both old Qi refiners from the mountains, so why do they act like love-sick teenagers?

In the end, Xie Gou did indeed clear the dishes from the table, busied herself in the kitchen for a while, then said her goodbyes. She walked alone toward the main gate. The mink-hatted girl turned her head, beaming, and reminded him, "Mountain Lord, make sure you prepare a walking stick."

Chen Ping'an replied with an "Mm," "Once I'm back at Fallen Mountain, I'll go to the neighboring peak to cut some bamboo."

The mink-hatted girl nodded vigorously, turned, and walked toward the gate, raising her arm with her thumb up, shaking it, "No need to see me out."

After Xie Gou left, Chen Ping'an sat on the steps and lit his tobacco pipe. Xiao Mo squatted beside him like an idiot, and Chen Ping'an couldn't even be bothered to speak.

Xu Yuanxia lay on a rattan chair, gently tapping his stomach with a palm-leaf fan.

Chen Ping'an broke the silence first, asking, "How is it going?"

Xiao Mo replied, "Still need to deliver one sword strike, as if announcing it to the world."

That sword light would traverse all five worlds, passing through various famous mountains and great rivers. Delivering the sword itself was merging with the Dao. When it returned to its sheath, that would be attaining the Dao, officially stepping into the Fourteen Realm.

Chen Ping'an was puzzled.

Xiao Mo explained, "It's not about showing off. It has to be this one sword strike to prove that this swordsman, a stranger, has indeed achieved a sword path that is both lofty and distant."

Chen Ping'an immediately seized the key point, "When the sword light passes through the five worlds, there will definitely be powerful individuals who try to block it."

Xiao Mo nodded, "Indeed, this action is very easy to be seen as a provocation by various Dao masters. Fellow Daoist Bixiao did a rough divination. In the five worlds, along the Path of Darkness and Light, there are several masters who will intercept the sword, about seven or eight in total."

Chen Ping'an frowned and asked, "Would failing to retrieve the sword mean failure in merging with the Dao?"

Xiao Mo smiled, "That's not the case. According to Fellow Daoist Bixiao, I've already stepped over that threshold with both feet. It's just because I'm a swordsman, so it's like my sword is being blocked outside the door."

Chen Ping'an thought for a moment and asked casually, "Does Xie Gou know about this?"

He thought it was a redundant question, but unexpectedly Xiao Mo shook his head and said, "She didn't ask, so I didn't say anything."

Chen Ping'an was so angry at this answer that his liver hurt. He said "Good, good, good" a few times.

Xiao Mo said aggrievedly, "Young master, if I were really a blockhead, I would have delivered that sword strike back at Fellow Daoist Bixiao's Haocai Daoist Realm."

Chen Ping'an's expression softened a bit, "There's still hope."

Xiao Mo said softly, "Up on the mountain, through Zhu Xiansheng's reminder, I already knew that the swordsman Bai Jing is very proud. So no matter whether she is now Bai Jing or Xie Gou, she doesn't know how to face a Xiao Mo whose realm suddenly got a bit higher than hers. To be honest, she doesn't know how to deal with me from now on, and I don't know how to get along with her either. So I just thought about hurrying back to Fallen Mountain, to ask the young master for a good idea or two."

Chen Ping'an said helplessly, "You should have asked the old cook."

Xiao Mo was even more helpless, "I did. But Master Zhu said he is a heartless person, unqualified to teach any principles to those who are deeply affectionate or infatuated. Asking him about matters of love between men and women is like asking a blind man for directions."

Chen Ping'an tapped the steps with his pipe, then took out a booklet from his sleeve and handed it to Xiao Mo.

Xiao Mo flipped through it, reading carefully, and said, "These records of landscapes and travels don't look like her writing. It's obvious that the young master helped polish it for her."

Chen Ping'an then handed the draft to Xiao Mo. After reading it, Xiao Mo laughed, "This is more like her."

But then he realized that the young master was glaring at him fiercely. Xiao Mo was completely baffled, having no idea what he had said wrong.

Not far away, Xu Yuanxia gently fanned himself and said softly, laughing, "The two booklets are actually the same thoughts. What's there to compare? So, Xiao Mo, you're wrong. Completely wrong. Zhu Lian isn't someone who doesn't understand love between men and women. On the contrary, it's precisely because he understands it too well that he can't give you the single most correct answer. People who see love too clearly often lose the ability to love others. I don't know how old Miss Xie is, or what realm she's in, but when it comes to liking someone, she's always just a girl who matches her current appearance and age. You think that real booklet is Miss Xie's true nature, like a rustic country girl without makeup, naturally simple and lovely, carrying a bamboo basket and picking wild vegetables barefoot, leaving a string of shallow footprints along the ridge. And the booklet you think wasn't written by her hand is like a straightforward girl who bought rouge and powder, awkwardly facing the mirror to put on makeup, shyly walking out the door to meet that boy."

"If the boy looks away, it's a little better. The girl would just feel a bit disappointed."

"If the boy insists on saying something blunt and out of place, he deserves to be single."

Xiao Mo suddenly understood, then asked, "Brother Xu, what should I do now?"

Xu Yuanxia pointed his fan at Xiao Mo and laughed heartily, "If I knew what to do, your sister-in-law would be cooking dinner tonight."

Chen Ping'an snickered. Xu Yuanxia threw his fan at him, "You were no better back then. You didn't know a damn thing. You only managed to trick Ning Yao into marrying you because you had thick skin."

Chen Ping'an caught the fan with one hand, put away his tobacco pipe, lay back on the ground, crossed his legs, and gently waved the fan. A cool breeze brushed his face. He smiled, "Tricked, my ass."

Xiao Mo asked, "Young master?"

Chen Ping'an said in a leisurely tone, "Hurry up and catch up to her. Tell her that if she's going to the Barren Wilderness, go together. If she's busy with business, then busy with business. If she wants to travel the mountains and rivers, then travel together. Then sincerely tell her that after you deliver your sword strike, let her help protect your Dao."

Xiao Mo nodded, turned into a rainbow, and vanished in an instant.

Xu Yuanxia asked curiously, "Can he catch up?"

Chen Ping'an wasn't sure either, "It depends on how much Xie Gou is sulking."

Xu Yuanxia said, "An ordinary woman from the market would at least be awkward for a few days, let alone a Qi refiner with a firm Dao heart."

But it felt like just a few blinks later, Xiao Mo, in his yellow hat and green shoes, appeared at the door of the martial arts school side by side with the mink-hatted girl.

Xie Gou put her hands on her hips, "I was walking halfway, and suddenly remembered that there's really nothing to do in the Barren Wilderness. Haha, what a mess. How awkward."

Chen Ping'an and Xu Yuanxia looked at each other.

Is that the best excuse she can come up with?!

No wonder she called herself Doggy.

Xu Yuanxia asked with a smile, "So you've eaten and drunk. Great Mountain Lord Chen, when are you setting off?"

Chen Ping'an said, "The landlord has no grain left. Looks like your martial arts school business is doing well?"

Xu Yuanxia waved his hand, "Get lost, get lost. Busy with this and that, I won't say anything. Just don't forget to take care of the real business. Remember to send Zhang Shanjeng and me an invitation when the time comes."

Chen Ping'an stood up, hesitating.

Xu Yuanxia smiled, "Just don't put Zhang Shanjeng and me in some corner seat. I'd lose face."

Chen Ping'an said, "You've never been to my mountain peak."

Xu Yuanxia raised his hand, "I'll go, and I probably won't give you a heads up."

Maybe he'd leave tomorrow, maybe the day after, maybe a little later. In any case, this former bearded wanderer wanted to dedicate his last journey through mountains and rivers to a trip to Fallen Mountain.

Chen Ping'an walked over and returned the fan to Xu Yuanxia, hesitating again, the words on the tip of his tongue.

Xu Yuanxia took the fan and said, "After all these years of friendship, there's no need to say things to Xu Yuanxia that don't sound like Chen Ping'an."

In the end, Chen Ping'an still said nothing.

Together they flew on swords out of Xianyou County. On the way, Xie Gou sent a mental voice, "Xiao Mo, Xiao Mo, it's rare to see the Mountain Lord so... how should I put it, at a loss, confused?"

Xiao Mo nodded, "In front of Brother Xu, the young master never has any presence."

"Do you think the Mountain Lord really wants Xu Yuanxia to go to Fallen Mountain?"

"Definitely."

Xie Gou thought for a moment and said out loud, "Mountain Lord, I think Brother Xu actually wants to go to Fallen Mountain. It's just that he feels you aren't sincere enough, so he can't bring himself to agree."

Xiao Mo's head ached.

Chen Ping'an asked doubtfully, "Is that really the case?"

Xie Gou said with conviction, "Trust me, Mountain Lord. I'm a great judge of character. Brother Xu is a man of the martial world. He has a lot of pride. It's just a matter of a few solid words."

Chen Ping'an said helplessly, "It's not like I haven't said similar things."

Xie Gou waved her hand, "That's simple. Just tie him up and take him to Fallen Mountain!"

Chen Ping'an hesitated, "Is that a good idea?"

Xie Gou said boldly, "Xiao Mo can do it. It's like stealing a woman to be a bandit chief's bride, same principle. Once you've tied up Brother Xu and taken him to the mountain, I'll grit my teeth and complain a little with the Mountain Lord, scold Xiao Mo a bit, and that'll be fine."

Chen Ping'an said nothing.

Xiao Mo sent a mental voice, "Don't give bad advice."

Xie Gou rolled her eyes, "Xiao Mo, can't you see? The Mountain Lord has already silently agreed."

After that, Xie Gou made up a very Xie Gou-like excuse, saying she saw a nice scenic spot below and wanted to talk privately with Xiao Mo. The Mountain Lord could go ahead, and they would catch up later. Mountain Lord Chen said, "Oh, is that so?" Deputy Chief Xie said, "Yes, yes. A little separation makes the heart grow fonder, hahaha." Listening to their "underworld jargon," Xiao Mo felt it was wise to return to Fallen Mountain early.

Later, Xiao Mo and Xie Gou sneaked back to the martial arts school in Xianyou County in the dark. They found Xu Yuanxia resting with his eyes closed. A near-Fourteen Realm cultivator and a peak Ascension Realm cultivator could easily take a pure martial artist traveling across mountains and rivers. It was no problem.

Chen Ping'an stood at the archway and mountain gate of the main peak, Jiling Peak, with his hands in his sleeves, looking forward eagerly. When the Mountain Lord appeared, the Daoist Xianwei was about to shut down for the day. Earlier, Xiao Mili had come to the foot of the mountain to pass on a message from Master Zhong, saying that the old cook had some late-night snacks tonight. Even though Xianwei wasn't hungry, he still trotted up the mountain to mooch a meal. After eating and drinking his fill, his stomach was a bit full, so a walk down the mountain was just right. So he sat at the mountain gate for a while, sighing to himself, remembering the bitter and savoring the sweet. Now he was really living the life of an immortal. Thinking about a certain well-thumbed book, Xianwei was about to return to his study to review old knowledge. But when the Mountain Lord arrived, Xianwei had to put down his small bamboo chair. Even though Chen Ping'an told him to go about his business and not to wait, the Daoist Xianwei, having been the gatekeeper for so long, and not being a fool, said he had nothing to do anyway and would wait with the Mountain Lord for the distinguished guest.

Daoist Xianwei was a bit curious about who they were waiting for. The Mountain Lord coming out in person to greet guests wasn't common, but it had happened a few times. However, none of those times seemed quite like this night.

It was as if they were waiting for a truly remarkable figure.

A short while later, it turned out to be Mr. Xiao Mo and Deputy Chief Xie bringing someone to the mountain's foot.

Xianwei was a bit confused. It looked more like a kidnapping?

Chen Ping'an's eyes were full of laughter, but his mouth was complaining, "Xiao Mo, what's going on? This is ridiculous..."

Xu Yuanxia said impatiently, "Ridiculous? Then tell Xiao Mo to take me back to Xianyou. Cut your crap."

Chen Ping'an quickly walked forward, and Xu Yuanxia looked up at the mountain gate archway.

Chen Ping'an introduced, "This is Brother Xu Yuanxia. Nian Jing, Daoist name Xianwei, the new Mountain Lord of our Incense and Fire Peak."

Daoist Xianwei hurriedly made a Daoist salute to this distinguished guest.

Xu Yuanxia immediately returned the gesture with a cupped fist, laughing, "Greetings, Immortal Master Xianwei."

Xianwei smiled, "I've long heard of your great name. Previously, the Mountain Lord showed me a travelogue of mountains and waters. The literary grace was superb. You described the peaks as graceful, likening them to 'wearing spring flowers like hairpins in the topknot'—vivid! You wrote about the stirring of the Kong Gorge, using nine 'or' characters in succession, daring to think and write what ordinary people dare not. You described a trip to Zheshui, depicting the summit, as 'still and unmoving, roaming with the Great Void and the Great Void Sky'—what great spirit!"

Xu Yuanxia's old face reddened, and he was at a loss for how to respond politely.

From somewhere popped out a white-haired child, paper and pen in hand, muttering, "Traveling together, traveling ten thousand miles, seeing and hearing, recording one by one, depicting myriad forms, a brilliant pen producing flowers."

Chen Ping'an took Xu Yuanxia's arm and they climbed the mountain together.

Xianwei wore a slightly regretful expression and said, "Mr. Xiao Mo, the old cook's late-night snacks just ended a little while ago."

Xiao Mo nodded with a smile, "Let's do it together tomorrow."

Xianwei nodded, "That's great." With Xiao Mo joining, tomorrow's late-night snacks would be assured. Tonight, the old cook asked Zhong Qian, "Do you need me to move the restaurant to Yingyu Peak, where Grandmaster Zhong teaches boxing tomorrow? To save you, venerable sir, from taking an extra trip." Zhong Qian was picking his teeth with a toothpick at the time and said, "A hundred steps after a meal, you'll live to ninety-nine. No need for such trouble. A few more steps won't hurt." The old cook smiled and asked, "So I suppose I should thank you?" Zhong Qian, still picking his teeth, said, "We're good brothers. Fewer formal words, and all the friendship is in the wine bowl and the dish." Xianwei, watching and listening on the side, worried that the old cook might add something to the food tomorrow. But if Xiao Mo was joining, it would be safe.

Xie Gou said cheerfully, "Xianwei, you've seen the Deputy Chief Supplicant, don't you need to make a Daoist salute?"

Xianwei smiled awkwardly. No help for it. Miss Xie always liked to make fun of him for pretending to be a Daoist.

Xiao Mo frowned, "Don't mess around."

Xie Gou let out an "Aiyo," as if she had sprained her ankle, leaning toward Xiao Mo, but Xiao Mo reached out and pressed down on her mink hat. The girl's bright eyes sparkled as she shook her head.

On the mountain path, as they climbed the stone steps together, Chen Ping'an kept raising his hand, pointing here and there, probably telling Xu Yuanxia about the various subordinate peaks of Fallen Mountain.

The Mountain Lord was triumphant, proud, his brows and eyes soaring, full of high spirits.

The white-haired but straight-backed old man had his hands behind his back, following Chen Ping'an's finger to look in a certain direction, nodding occasionally, saying a few words.

From the foot of the mountain, their figures gradually became distant and high, but their laughter grew louder and louder.

----

Earlier, Deng Jianping had been brought to Fallen Mountain by Xie Gou, thrown onto the Sword Worshiping Platform without a second thought, and left with just a line: "If you're bored, go to Tiaoyu Mountain and find Gan Yiban."

Deng Jianping, standing on the Sword Worshiping Platform—one of the subordinate peaks—and holding a green bamboo staff, felt a bit lost. It certainly wouldn't be appropriate to rashly go find that Supplicant named Gan.

Soon, a white-clothed child emerged from a crude thatched hut, holding a purple clay teapot, and asked with an air of maturity, "Who goes there?"

Deng Jianping was a bit at a loss. He always felt awkward saying he was the master's newly accepted disciple the moment he arrived at Fallen Mountain. So Deng Jianping only went halfway, first giving his name, then saying he was a swordsman from Beiju Continent who had just parted with the Mountain Lord in Xianyou County, brought here by Deputy Chief Xie.

As soon as Bai Xuan heard "Xianyou County," he nodded, "Since you know Brother Xu, you definitely aren't some bold thief sneaking up the mountain. These days, there's a huge number of swordsmen who desperately want to become disciples of the Hidden Official. I need to keep an eye out."

Deng Jianping felt even more ashamed.

Bai Xuan sized up this unfamiliar young man and asked, "Are you also a swordsman?"

Deng Jianping nodded, "Yes, I'm a swordsman."

Bai Xuan asked, "How old are you, and what realm?"

Deng Jianping replied, "Nearly forty, and I'm only at the Golden Core realm."

Bai Xuan opened his eyes wide, "'Only,' what big talk!"

Deng Jianping was speechless.

But then the child took a sip of his goji berry tea and nodded, "Being only at the Golden Core realm at that age, your aptitude is indeed a bit lacking. No matter, diligence can make up for it. Don't feel pressured just because you're my neighbor and it affects your Dao heart."

Deng Jianping was at a loss for words.

Bai Xuan continued, "Let me introduce myself. I'm Bai Xuan. Bai of Bai Ye, Xuan of Yu Xuan..."

Deng Jianping could only stay silent.

But then a figure silently arrived beside Bai Xuan, raised a hand, and brought it down directly on his head, a solid knock. Bai Xuan yelped.

Deng Jianping was startled inwardly.

The girl said bluntly, "Deng Jianping, you're the master's newly accepted disciple?"

Deng Jianping was speechless.

Guo Zhujiu laughed, "Easy to guess. By the way, I'm Guo Zhujiu. Like Bai Xuan, I'm also from the Sword Qi Great Wall. We're close with Beiju Continent. I guess it's making it even closer?"

Deng Jianping came to his senses, hugged his bamboo staff, and bowed with his head down, "Deng Jianping greets Senior Sister Guo."

Guo Zhujiu raised her palm upward and said with a straight face, "Junior brother, you may rise."

Bai Xuan rolled his eyes... Hey, I'm out of here!

But Guo Zhujiu didn't knock his head. Instead, she kicked Bai Xuan flying. Bai Xuan just protected his purple clay teapot with both hands. He swaggered down the mountain but looked back at Deng Jianping. Poor guy, he's become Guo Zhujiu's junior brother.

Guo Zhujiu said, "The Sword Worshiping Platform is for swordsmen. Doggy said you should learn swordsmanship from Gan Tang?"

Deng Jianping had to silently skip over "Doggy" and nodded, "That was Deputy Chief Xie's intention."

Guo Zhujiu said, "Then I'll take you to Tiaoyu Mountain first to look around, so you know the way. From now on, you can go as you please."

Deng Jianping immediately thanked her.

Guo Zhujiu smiled. This junior brother was a lot like Xuan Shen and the others. Guo Zhujiu took out a talisman sword from her sleeve and explained, "It's fine to fly freely between our own peaks. But across the entire old Pearl Bead Cave Heaven territory, there's an unwritten rule. If any cultivator wants to fly by wind, they need to wear this sword talisman. Even our Fallen Mountain registered cultivators are no exception."

Deng Jianping began to thank her again.

It turned out that Long Long Er had recently moved out of the Sword Worshiping Platform and officially settled on Huaying Peak. He had built a thatched hut with his own hands and even carried his bedding over. It seemed that Supplicant Gan intended to stay there for a long time. Although the head master and chief instructor there nominally was Bai Jing, the true Dao transmitter was still Gan Tang. There was no other way. That competition between Qi refiners and martial artists had been far too humiliating for Huaying Peak. And most importantly, it determined whether Long Long Er could learn a few exquisite sword techniques from Bai Jing. Had to admit, even among geniuses in cultivation, there were levels. Long Long Er considered himself inferior to Xiao Mo, and even more so to Bai Jing. Generally speaking, once someone went up the mountain, there was a distinction between immortals and mortals compared to the world outside. When Qi refiners went back down the mountain, they would stand out anywhere. But the problem was, on the mountain, everyone around was a Dao seeker. Comparisons were inevitable, easily leading to Dao heart instability, or even collapse. Many beginners who came to the mountain initially had ambitions as high as the sky, but over time they became ordinary, mediocre, and languid. They lost their Dao heart day by day, their spirit worn away like an old tree. If Long Long Er wasn't at the Sword Qi Great Wall, and the Tender Daoist wasn't in the Hundred Thousand Mountains, where would they not be considered heroes ruling one side?

On Huaying Peak today, Long Long Er had a serious expression, like a Dao transmitter sitting in a lecture hall. He began with a discourse:

"You must know that cultivation has three realms: on the meditation cushion in the Daoist hall, in sparring and combat, and in the battlefield of life and death!"

Outside the house, there were even two martial artists with incredibly thick skin, from Yingyu Peak—the sworn enemy of Huaying Peak—openly listening to Long Long Er's teachings at the door.

Long Long Er didn't bother with such trivial matters and continued to lecture the cultivation kids about the strengths and weaknesses of the "Three Realms."

The old swordsman just gave a simple example, and immediately the boys and girls were captivated.

Because the people Supplicant Gan mentioned, whether positive or negative examples, were all significant figures.

There were the Northern Hidden Official and Southern Shouchen from the opposing sides of the Sword Qi Great Wall battlefield, Fei Ran, and the young swordsmen of the Barren Wilderness's Jia Shen Tent.

Zheng Dafeng stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the doorframe. He looked utterly graceful. He smiled and waved to the people inside, but no one paid him any attention. No matter. Those girls pretended not to have Brother Dafeng in their hearts, right? After all, they were shy, he could understand. Back in the day when he was the temporary manager of a tavern in the Ascending City, handsome and witty, how many young and old girls had passed by, glanced, and stood in formation, their eyes practically devouring him. Think of the great willpower it took for me, Zheng, to stay chaste year after year.

Zheng Dafeng whispered to Wen Zixi beside him, "Brother Wen, after living here for a while, there have been some pleasant surprises, haven't there?"

Wen Zixi replied, "If Brother Zheng hadn't dragged me along, I wouldn't have dared to come here in a million years." Wen Zixi had long known that Brother Zheng was informal, but he never imagined he would bring him to openly listen to Supplicant Gan's teachings. Although Wen Zixi had gained the nickname Grandmaster Wen on Fallen Mountain, having forged a brotherhood of hardships with that Zhong Qian, Wen Zixi was also, after all, a proper registered Daoist from Lingfei Palace.

Zheng Dafeng rubbed his hands and smiled, "Then when I go visit Lingfei Palace in the future, Brother Wen, remember to be a good host. Don't be like Wei Po, hiding things like a thief."

Wen Zixi didn't dare agree to that so easily. Zheng Dafeng was not like ordinary people. Even Wen Zixi, a man famously unrestrained, often felt inferior. For example, Zheng Dafeng always said he had watched Mountain Lord Chen grow up, almost claiming to have raised him from infancy. Fortunately, there was that white-haired child who called himself the historian, often running over to Yingyu Peak to expose his old lies. He spoke with such conviction and detail, as if he had been there himself, seeing and hearing everything firsthand. Even Zheng Dafeng wasn't sure anymore. Did I really steal such and such from someone's house, or eavesdrop on a couple fighting under the bed on a certain night?

Zheng Dafeng suddenly said out of nowhere, "Brother Wen, have you noticed that you seem to have changed?"

Wen Zixi was stunned, lost in thought. Had he?

As he pondered, he felt a pang in his heart.

Zheng Dafeng, while raising an eyebrow and flirting with the oldest and best-figured girl in the room, continued chatting with Wen Zixi, "Are you a new person, changed beyond recognition? Or have you returned to your true self? Telling someone who polishes a brick to make a mirror that sitting in meditation won't lead to Buddhahood might make them suddenly enlightened. But telling you this principle wouldn't be very useful. The principle of 'an inch of time is an inch of gold' is different when told to a farmer with his face closest to the ground versus a scholar studying in a cold window."

Wen Zixi, though not lacking in talent, was still dizzy from Zheng Dafeng's words.

A certain girl in the room gritted her teeth and started complaining. Long Long Er endured it for a while, then turned his head toward the door and sent a mental voice, "Zheng Dafeng, it's fine if you want to chat with Wen Zixi, but don't disturb the students in the classroom!"

Wen Zixi covered his face with his hand. He couldn't bear to stay and left first.

As Zheng Dafeng walked, he condensed his voice into a thread and said playfully to the girl inside, "Even though the chances are extremely small, I still have to say it: if anyone bullies you, remember to tell Brother Dafeng."

The woman inside blushed deeply and spat softly. Lecher, pervert, shameless!

Zheng Dafeng put his hands behind his head, swaying his shoulders, walking unevenly beside Wen Zixi.

Wen Zixi asked doubtfully, "Brother Zheng, do you have some past connection with that woman inside?"

Zheng Dafeng laughed heartily, "With two vagabonds like us, which girl would have such bad karma from a past life to get involved with us?"

Wen Zixi replied helplessly, "That's not how you say it."

You can curse yourself, but don't drag me into it.

Zheng Dafeng said to himself, "Brother Wen, you know, the two of us really hit it off!"

Wen Zixi forced a bitter smile. He only knew one thing. Take Cen Yuanji, who also taught boxing on Yingyu Peak. She originally only saw him as an arrogant fool. But because he got close to Zheng Dafeng, Cen Yuanji now considered him a useless libertine. Wen Zixi felt extremely wronged. He had no improper intentions toward Cen Yuanji at all.

Zheng Dafeng was reminded of the Embroidery Tiger, which naturally led him to think of playing chess. He said, "Come on, let's play a game. Small stakes for fun."

Deng Jianping followed Guo Zhujiu and landed on Huaying Peak.

Guo Zhujiu stood outside the door and sent a mental voice, "Long Long Er, his name is Deng Jianping. He's my master's newly accepted disciple. He'll be coming here for lessons often. Give him a seat."

Long Long Er was reluctant but still nodded.

Guo Zhujiu said, "It was Xie Gou's suggestion that he come here for lessons."

Long Long Er looked at Guo Zhujiu. Guo Zhujiu gave a faint, ambiguous smile. Long Long Er's smile became awkward. Before leaving, Guo Zhujiu said another sentence that left Long Long Er with mixed feelings.

"Not treating this place as Fallen Mountain the whole time, but as the Sword Qi Great Wall, that's fine too."

Long Long Er said nothing, sighing inwardly. Those young swordsmen who had passed through the Summer Resort were all too sharp.

Deng Jianping first bowed to Supplicant Gan, then quickly went to sit in the most out-of-the-way corner. Since there was no extra cushion, he sat cross-legged on the floor, placing his walking stick horizontally across his knees. He quickly sent a mental voice, "Listening to the elder's teachings."

Long Long Er nodded. Not young, not high in realm, ordinary aptitude, but he knew his manners.

He continued the lesson. It had to be said, Long Long Er's teachings were indeed much more... useful to those cultivation kids than those of a certain chief instructor. At least they could understand every sentence!

On the white jade railing at the top of the mountain, Xie Gou sat beside Xiao Mo.

Xiao Mo was silent for a long time, then said, "You're afraid I'll step into the Fourteen Realm. I'm also a bit worried. If you can not mind it that much, then I won't have to worry."

Xie Gou resumed her true form, swinging her legs, looking straight ahead, pretending to be surprised. "Wow, that doesn't sound like something Xiao Mo would say. Who taught you?"

Xiao Mo shook his head, "No one taught me. It's what I really think."

Bai Jing squinted and smiled, "Then I'll take it seriously."

Xiao Mo said, "It's best if you do."

A black-clothed little girl carrying a cotton bundle slung across her body was returning from a patrol in the back mountain. She happened to come around from the old mountain god temple on the white jade square. When she saw this scene, she was instantly dumbfounded. What to do, what to do? Mr. Xiao Mo with a woman he didn't recognize? Wasn't this what the books called "romantic rendezvous under the moon and flowers"? No misunderstanding, right? What to do, what to do? Should she tell Doggy? If she told Doggy, what about Mr. Xiao Mo?

Xiao Mili had a bright idea. She quickly closed her eyes and backed away, silently reciting in her heart, "I didn't see anything, I didn't see anything..."

But after tiptoeing a dozen steps, Xiao Mili circled back to the back of the main hall, crouched down, frowned, scratched her face vigorously, and began to worry. She felt sad for Doggy.

A voice sounded in her ear, "Supplicant Zhou, what are you doing?"

Xiao Mili was startled and turned her head stupidly, "Huh?"

The mink-hatted girl stretched out a finger and said, "Shh, don't make a sound. I'm catching a cheat..."

Xiao Mili tilted her head, looking miserable, "Huh? Huh?"

Tonight was truly a dark and windy night. The world was dangerous.

If only the good Mountain Lord were here.

Xiao Mo said impatiently, "Don't scare Xiao Mili."

Xie Gou grabbed Xiao Mili and hugged her, rubbing her face against hers, laughing heartily, "Xiao Mili, you're so loyal!"

Xiao Mo explained softly, "Xiao Mili, the woman you saw just now was Xie Gou's true appearance. One of them."

Xiao Mili sighed with relief and laughed along with her. She gave a thumbs up and praised, "Doggy, you're really tall."

Xiao Mo was confused. Doggy?

Xie Gou pulled Xiao Mili to her feet, "Come on, let's go to class. Our Mountain Lord just took on a new disciple, and he's being led astray by Gan Yiban."

Xiao Mili was a bit nervous and asked carefully, "How old is he? How tall is he?"

Xie Gou grinned, "A tall, big lad. A swordsman."

Xiao Mili scratched her face, gave a chuckle, and lifted her green bamboo pole. "Let's go, Doggy. Let's check him out!"

Xiao Mo followed behind them with a gentle smile, listening to their chatter.

At Huaying Peak, where the lessons were being held, Xie Gou arrived. So did Xiao Mo. And of course, Fallen Mountain's Supplicant Zhou Mili.

Long Long Er couldn't help but be nervous. The cultivation disciples present were even more tense.

They said the Mountain Lord was in seclusion on Fuyu Lu. On the entire Fallen Mountain, only Supplicant Zhou could come and go freely?

Actually, the most nervous one was Xiao Mili, who was trying hard to keep a straight face.

Xiao Mo and the others walked to the back of the hall and took out four meditation cushions. As soon as Xiao Mili sat down, she let out a long breath.

Xie Gou sat cross-legged and waved her hand, telling the wooden Gan Yiban to stop gawking and continue teaching. Teach them our sword techniques.

Long Long Er had just glanced at Xiao Mo. Now, barely steadying his mind, another figure in a green shirt appeared at the door.

The newcomer just said with a smile, "Sorry to interrupt. Please continue the lesson."

Long Long Er made a bitter face. With you all here, how can I teach?

Deng Jianping, the disciple who was big on formalities, tried to give up his cushion to her, but he couldn't compete with Deputy Chief Xie, who had already scrambled to offer hers.

But Chen Ping'an just sat casually next to Xiao Mili, hands in his sleeves, a smile on his face.

Long Long Er tried a little trick and asked tentatively, "Maybe the Hidden Official would like to give a lecture himself? Perhaps talk about some details of the battle with the Jia Shen Tent swordsmen?"

Chen Ping'an turned the tables, "Why don't you first elaborate on that internal conflict between Huaying Peak and Yingyu Peak? How did a bunch of mountain immortals lose to martial artists?"

Xie Gou clicked her tongue, "Gruesome, unbearable, outrageous, heart-wrenching..."

Xiao Mili lowered her voice and said, "Doggy, aren't you the chief instructor here?"

Xie Gou sighed, "It's all Supplicant Gan teaching. I'm just a filler. I don't teach much."

Xiao Mo had to stand up and say, "Let me explain why you lost."

----

Xu Yuanxia settled in at Fallen Mountain.

Xiao Mili was responsible for accompanying him as a guest. Perhaps the one on Fallen Mountain who most admired this bearded hero was the Great Water Monster of Yaba Lake. No one else came close.

"Daxia Xu writes travelogues, and I just happen to have a big basketful of landscape stories," she thought. So every morning at dawn, the little black-clothed girl stood guard at the door like a door god.

Chen Ping'an made a trip to Fuyang Continent.

Gu Can had chosen Quanjiao Mountain in Fuyang Continent for the upcoming founding ceremony of his sect. It was kept so quiet that not a single word leaked out.

Although Gu Can hadn't hinted at it with veiled words last time, complaining that Chen Ping'an was too busy, Chen Ping'an would definitely attend no matter how busy he was.

Changing his appearance, Chen Ping'an arrived at a not-unfamiliar ferry port on Fuyang Continent, the Golden Shoal Ferry. By coincidence, amidst the bustling crowd, he ran into two acquaintances. He didn't even need sharp eyes; it was hard to pretend not to see them. One was a pink-robed Headmaster Liu, who was flirting with a few young female cultivators and seemed to be having a lively chat. Next to Liu Chicheng was a listless friend, Fellow Daoist Longbo—not the former number one martial artist of the Haoran World, Zhang Tiaoxia, but a rogue cultivator from Vase Bottle Continent, Chai Bofu. To a certain extent, he could also be considered an "old Golden Core" who could rival the young Hidden Official.

Chen Ping'an walked over and kicked Liu’s flashy rear.

Liu Chicheng was startled. When he turned and recognized Chen Ping'an, he immediately grabbed the latter's arm, overjoyed. "We really are brothers! What timing!"

Chai Bofu quietly moved a step back.

Chen Ping'an resisted his curiosity and didn't ask about this Fellow Daoist Longbo's current realm.

Liu Chicheng said, "The ceremony is tomorrow. Are you staying at the ferry tonight, or heading straight there?"

Chen Ping'an asked, "Are you paying?"

Liu Chicheng grumbled, "Talking about money the moment we meet really hurts feelings."

The few female cultivators were curious about this person's identity.

Liu Chicheng, of course, wouldn't be stupid enough to reveal Chen Ping'an's identity. He just agreed on a date and place with them to visit a scenic spot nearby together.

After they walked away smiling, Chen Ping'an asked, "They didn't recognize you?"

Liu Chicheng smiled, "When Liu Chicheng walks the world, he doesn't rely on his name or sect to win over beauties. It's all talent, looks, and a sincere heart."

Chen Ping'an laughed, "You don't rely on your name, but on your senior brother?"

Liu Chicheng's smile turned awkward. Good thing it was his own brother talking; if anyone else said such nonsense, they'd see what happens.

Chai Bofu mustered the courage to interject, "Mountain Lord Chen, Headmaster Liu, please continue. I saw something I liked in that shop earlier. I'll go take another look."

Chen Ping'an smiled and nodded, "Fellow Daoist Longbo, feel free."

Liu Chicheng was about to scold Chai Bofu for having no tact. He's even a fellow countryman... But that guy slipped into the crowd like a fish and vanished in an instant.

With Liu Chicheng around, people moved out of the way on the street.

Even if they couldn't recognize the Headmaster of White Emperor City, just by the fact that he dared to dress so flashy in public, he was definitely not someone to mess with—either he had the realm or he had the backing.

Chen Ping'an sent a mental voice, "Is Gu Can's sect here the main sect or a branch?"

This was also an interesting matter. White Emperor City was establishing two sects simultaneously. Which would be the main and which the branch? Zheng Juzhong had made no statement, leaving it to his two disciples to decide.

Liu Chicheng answered with a smile, "It's a branch. Fu Jin is, after all, Gu Can's senior brother. Gu Can doesn't care about such things. Fu Jin, though he doesn't say it, cares a lot inwardly. Gu Can sees no need to create a rift over a little fame."

Chen Ping'an said, "It's not just a little fame. There's a huge difference between a main sect and a branch."

Liu Chicheng grinned smugly, "Under the White Emperor City lineage, there's no difference. Neither Fu Jin and the main sect can control the branch, nor does Gu Can and the branch have to offer anything to the main sect."

Chen Ping'an said impatiently, "That's not the point."

Liu Chicheng laughed heartily, "True. In the long run, who can say how things will be? Difference or no difference, I'm not the one to decide."

Liu Chicheng continued, "Senior Sister Han Qiaose is very meticulous. Before going into seclusion, she gave me a sum of Guyu Coins. From now on, I'll handle the book sales with you."

Chen Ping'an frowned, "Isn't that inappropriate?"

Liu Chicheng said angrily, "Chen Ping'an, that's not fair. I wouldn't embezzle anything. I could never do something like taking a cut. Besides, we've known each other for years. You know what kind of person I am, what my character is like."

For example, the steady stream of revenue from the Caiyun Score Book in White Emperor City had always been managed by Liu Chicheng. He handled it perfectly, didn't he? After being personally suppressed by that Dragon-Tiger Mountain Grand Heavenly Master in Vase Bottle Continent for a thousand years, when Liu Chicheng returned to White Emperor City, he discovered that this income stream had no one in charge. It was a complete mess. Liu Chicheng was deeply moved. His senior brother trusted him to this extent. It seemed that White Emperor City could function without him, but it would be a missing piece.

In Liu Chicheng's understanding, being relied upon required ability. But being trusted was a matter of personal preference. Liu Chicheng believed he was someone his senior brother trusted.

Besides, when had his senior brother ever relied on anyone? There was no need.

The current Grand Heavenly Master of Dragon-Tiger Mountain, Zhao, personally descended the mountain back then, carrying the Heavenly Master Seal and an immortal sword, suppressing Liu Chicheng in Vase Bottle Continent for a thousand years.

Anyone with a brain knew that a peak Ascension Realm cultivator didn't need to go to such lengths to teach a Jade Pupil Realm cultivator a lesson.

In the end, wasn't it all because of his senior brother?

It seemed that Headmaster Liu always saw things from an unusual angle.

Chen Ping'an explained seriously, "I heard you're a good businessman. I'm afraid you'll forget our friendship and drive a hard bargain on behalf of your senior sister. Fire Dragon the True Man said you're quite savvy in business—fast and decisive, yet shrewd."

Liu Chicheng loved hearing that. The guy was already wearing a pink Daoist robe; now he was floating even more, his sleeves billowing. With a face full of delight, he exclaimed, "The Old True Man is still a good judge of character!"

Chen Ping'an held back for a long time, said nothing, and just patted Liu Chicheng on the shoulder. Raking in money from fools like this... his conscience would bother him.

Liu Chicheng laughed heartily, "We're brothers, no need for words."

Han Qiaose was currently in seclusion. Her senior brother Zheng Juzhong had opened a Daoist realm for her in a certain secret realm. It seemed she wouldn't be coming out unless she managed to achieve the Ascension Realm.

She had been assigned to Gu Can's side, but Gu Can had no intention of giving her any prominent position.

Chen Ping'an's Fallen Mountain and Qingping Sword Sect's founding ceremonies had already been sloppy enough. Gu Can's was even more careless.

As the orthodox patriarch, White Emperor City, the master Zheng Juzhong, didn't show up.

Senior Brother Fu Jin didn't bother coming from the Barren Wilderness World to offer his congratulations. He just sent a gift via flying sword. It wasn't small, but it was far from generous.

Gu Can hadn't invited any observers.

He only said that the vice sect leader would be Liu Youzhou, the only son of Liu Jubao of Aiai Island. Such a huge event occurred, and the Liu family hadn't made any gesture.

Becoming the second-in-command of a sect was entirely different from being a simple supplicant or guest elder.

Liu Chicheng suddenly clicked his tongue, "As expected, you have the face. He's waiting here especially for you."

Ahead, amidst the bustling crowd, Gu Can stood in the middle of the road, looking their way.

Once upon a time, a reunion full of changes and estrangements had begun with a slap. And the one who was slapped was still smiling.

"Chen Ping'an, you're here."