Chapter 1159: Carefree Wandering
Wei Bo chose a relatively quiet mountain path with fewer pilgrims. Passing by a small shrine, the incense offerings seemed not bad. Outside the shrine stood an old osmanthus tree, its trunk as thick as a bucket, with exceptionally lush branches and leaves that cast shade over about an acre. At this moment, a large group of sedan chair bearers were resting there, some holding flasks and gnawing on dry rations, others chatting in groups. Among them was a man nearing sixty, likely a local, who was talking about Chen Ping'an of the Fallen Mountain, how things were in the Mud Vase Alley back in the day, how unpopular he was as a child, and how fortunate it was that his own family had helped out, allowing the poor child to survive a difficult New Year... Then someone teased him, "Why hasn't that Chen Mountain Lord, who's become an immortal official, repaid you? Giving you a pile of immortal coins wouldn't be too much, would it? Converted to silver, you could buy any fine mansion in the prefectural city. Why bother coming here every day as a coolie?" The old man, a bit embarrassed, gave a strained explanation, "Isn't it written in the books? Once someone goes up the mountain, they don't care about things below. What's it called? Ah, severing the red dust. We wouldn't understand..."
Wei Bo stopped to listen to those mundane gossip. Chen Lingjun glanced at this shrine, which he had never heard of before. He saw the main hall with the plaque "Department of Lingering Attachment," its floor paved with gold bricks, incense smoke curling upward. Inside the hall, behind yellow silk curtains, sat three statues made of clay and gold, shining brilliantly with majestic authority. One main deity with two attendants. In the center was the Envoy of Mist and Haze, in charge of marriage affairs in the Northern Sacred Mountain domain. He wore a purple-gold crown, a crane-feather cloak, and held a book of matrimonial fates in his hand, his eyes clear and lifelike. On either side were goddesses with cloud-like coiffures and pearl hairpins, their brows beautiful.
The main deity of this shrine, sensing the arrival of Lord Wei, thought that if the god did not stop, he would not disturb his mountain-strolling pleasure with friends. Seeing the god halt, he silently counted to ten, then hurriedly "stepped out" of the statue, while signaling the two attending goddesses to "hold their positions." He formed a spell to conceal his aura, turned into a mass of colorful mist, and swiftly drifted out of the shrine. He appeared as a middle-aged scholar, holding a jade tablet, his expression solemn. He bowed and said, "Minor deity Shang Yun pays respects to Lord Wei."
Wei Bo nodded in acknowledgment. "We are just passing by. No need for formalities."
In the eyes of the various gods and female officials of the Northern Sacred Mountain, their lord always maintained this demeanor—neither cold enough to push people away, nor warm enough to feel close. He gave a sense of being near yet far.
After paying respects to Lord Wei, he naturally dared not ignore the Nascent Soul realm immortal who had preserved his youthful appearance, especially since that "child" was said to be one of the earliest followers of Chen Yin Guan. He slightly turned his body and bowed again, saying respectfully, "Minor deity Shang Yun pays respects to Ancestor Master Jingqing, and to the immortal maiden."
Just what he wanted! Chen Lingjun grinned from ear to ear. On the way here, Old Chen had been pondering a scenario.
On the Fallen Mountain, staying by his master's side, you can call me Jingqing or use my given name—I won't fault you.
But outside, what should you call me? What, Fellow Daoist Jingqing? Call me Ancestor Master Jingqing!
The green-robed child wiped his mouth, grinning foolishly. Just imagining this kind of domineering scene made him happy.
Thinking back to when he first met his master, returning to the small town, haha, he had even encouraged the master to act like a local tyrant, bullying the weak and abusing women.
Now, seeing this local deity, whose official title was Envoy of Mist and Haze, so in tune with his thoughts, Chen Lingjun felt this shrine was too small.
Wei Bo saw the fool still standing there grinning, patted the back of the green-robed child's head, and reminded, "Aren't you going to return the courtesy?"
Chen Lingjun shook his head, then took the opportunity to bow with a smile, "An honor to meet you."
In the Golden Jade Registry of the Great Li Ministry of Rites, the Department of Lingering Attachment on Piyun Mountain was only a rank 6c official position. Shang Yun immediately bowed again, "I don't dare, I don't dare. Ancestor Master Jingqing is overwhelming me."
Wei Bo led them to continue walking up the mountain. Shang Yun stood in place, watching them go, filled with envy. If only Lord Wei would slap him like that, how wonderful that would be.
Chen Lingjun asked a question that had puzzled him for a long time, "Those heartfelt wishes for incense—seeking wealth, riches, marriage, fame, longevity, or complaining, reporting crimes, making vows, repaying vows, giving thanks—can you really hear them all without missing a word?"
Wei Bo nodded. "Of course."
Chen Lingjun exclaimed in amazement, "That must be so noisy! Especially on the first and fifteenth of each month, and especially on your enlightenment day—don't your ears get calloused? Can you really distinguish them all?"
Wei Bo laughed, "I have to listen to them all. No mixing them up. I also need to record them one by one, without any errors. The sincere ones, their voices enter loudly; the insincere ones, I can ignore. The chaotic sounds of mortals making wishes are like polishing a golden body. Sincere vow fulfillment is like applying colors and gold leaf to the statues in the hall. Actually, this kind of scene is similar to a newly ascended Qi refiner. When a cave abode first opens, any slightest movement in heaven and earth sounds like thunder. Over time, you get used to it. The Water and Mountain Department of the Great Li Ministry of Rites, the Archives Office and the Inspection Department, both conduct regular spot checks and cross-references. This is a rule set by Grand Tutor Cui, included in performance evaluations. If good, the office expands; if bad, the office is abolished, divine authority is reduced, and statue height is lowered."
Chen Lingjun sighed with emotion, patting Wei Bo's arm. "It's not easy."
I'll be nicer to you from now on.
After careful thought, Chen Lingjun seemed to find a loophole. "You said that mortal vow fulfillment is like putting gold on the statue's face. So why not just let all their wishes come true, regardless of sincerity or whether they're asking for too much? Donate a few taels of incense oil money and dare to ask for ten thousand taels of gold."
Wei Bo laughed, "In a little while, when Ancestor Master Jingqing enters the main hall of the Northern Sacred Mountain and kowtows vigorously, wishing to be at the Flying Ascension realm by tomorrow, do you think it will come true?"
Chen Lingjun looked a bit embarrassed, muttering quietly, "If it really works, what's a few kowtows? I'm not one for face. I'll kowtow to you right now a few times."
The cultivation of dragon aquatic beings is indeed different from ordinary Qi refiners. They have advantages, like natural longevity, but also troublesome disadvantages, such as a tough physique becoming a burden. For some cultivation barriers, for Qi refiners, they might be as thin as paper and easily passed, but for dragon species, they are as hard as stone walls. Even if they bang their heads bloody, they still can't get through.
Zhou Hu couldn't help but speak up to explain, "Each region nurtures its own people. The same goes for gods who receive incense. Their inherent nature before death affects their posthumous enshrinement and statue-making as gods. Also, in a county, the court differentiates between rich, poor, bustling, and remote—one can only eat according to the size of one's bowl. Allowing mortals to fulfill their wishes also consumes the essence of mountain and water gods..."
Wei Bo stopped Zhou Hu from revealing heavenly secrets, saying with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Lingqu, there's no need to discuss these incense matters with Ancestor Master Jingqing."
Zhou Hu nodded.
Chen Lingjun shook his head, "Fine, don't talk about it. Who wants to hear it anyway?"
Earlier, Zhou Hu had made up her mind to stay at the Fallen Mountain and establish a thatched hut on the Flower Shadow Peak of Tiaoyu Mountain. She had told Wei Bo her new alias and Daoist name: Zhou Ai and Lingqu. Wei Bo understood the implication and said he would inform the relevant office on Piyun Mountain to fabricate an identity and registered residence for her, using a transitional official identity, and then have her transferred to the Fallen Mountain registry via the Northern Sacred Mountain Rites Department. Later, she could settle her household registration at the Huaihuang County Office.
Zhou Hu thought about it and felt this was more secure. It also killed two birds with one stone—she could have an inconspicuous official position in the mountain and water officialdom, receive a salary from Piyun Mountain, and still cultivate quietly on Tiaoyu Mountain.
In high spirits, Zhou Hu, for some reason, smiled and reached out to pat the green-robed child's head.
Ah, even Mr. Zheng had to call her aunts.
Chen Lingjun's face changed dramatically. He quickly stepped aside, glared at the frivolous woman, and stared back angrily.
What's wrong with you, woman? Trying to seduce Old Chen with a beauty trap?
Sorry, I'm not like Zheng Dafeng or Chief Zhou, those playboys who would go along with it!
Zhou Hu smiled and withdrew her hand. This was because her mind had been infused with Cen Yuanji's temperament. If it were purely the great demon Zhou Hu, she would never be so "frivolous."
Chen Lingjun frowned in annoyance but couldn't bring himself to get angry at a woman.
Wei Bo kept his eyes straight ahead and asked, "What are your plans next?"
Chen Lingjun spoke without thinking, "I made an appointment with Zhong Diyi to go to the old cook's place tonight for stinky mandarin fish. Tomorrow or the day after, I'll take him to the Iron Talisman River Water God's mansion to broaden his horizons and have an early morning drink."
Wei Bo asked, "Planning so far ahead?"
Chen Lingjun tested, "Is that not a veiled sarcasm, Brother Wei? Are you saying the opposite?"
Wei Bo sneered, "What do you think?"
"Just kidding you."
Chen Lingjun chuckled, "Naturally, I have a long-term plan. I've already agreed with Xiaomili. When we've prepared our bags, we'll go visit White Emperor City in the Middle Earth Divine Continent, see the Dragon Gate there, and check out that waterfall in the Yellow River Cave Heaven—how exactly is the water of the Yellow River coming from the sky."
Wei Bo nodded. "Feasible."
The Pure Yang patriarch Lü Yan had given Xiaomili a water talisman, self-created, named "Dragon Gate." With this talisman, water beings could cross the Dragon Gate and directly enter the Yellow River Cave Heaven.
A fish leaping over the Dragon Gate, no effort wasted.
Gu Can had also invited her to visit there.
With these two opportunities by her side, Xiaomili's water walking there was timely.
Wei Bo asked abruptly, "Isn't it that you yourself want to go out and play, so you're coaxing Xiaomili to go with you?"
Chen Lingjun beat his chest and stamped his feet, "Furious, so furious! Do you think I'm that clueless?! Wei Bo, how can you say such conscience-less rubbish? From now on, we're sworn enemies, no longer brothers..."
"Oh?"
Wei Bo's expression remained unchanged as he said to himself, "I wonder if the new Water God of the Iron Talisman River has any backbone. Would he be willing to share a common hatred with a close friend..."
Chen Lingjun dropped to the ground with lightning speed, hugging Lord Wei's leg, wailing, "Brother Wei, children speak without thinking. Why take it out on others?"
Wei Bo lifted his foot in disgust, "Get up and talk. A dignified Nascent Soul, what kind of behavior is this?"
Chen Lingjun let go, stood up, and said gloomily, "Xiaomili thinks that relying on eating to grow taller isn't reliable. After thinking it over, she wants to see if she can go outside, choose some mountain streams and small rivers that are in drought season. I'll use water magic from the sky, and she'll gather courage to walk on water a few times to increase her realm. In Lord Wei's Northern Sacred Mountain domain, everything is harmonious—there's no such opportunity."
Wei Bo laughed and cursed, "What a flatterer."
Chen Lingjun continued, "After seeing the spectacular scenery there, if we still have leisure, we'll go to Old Immortal Jing Hao's Liuxia Continent to look around. Recently, I've collected some mountain and water gazettes about Liuxia Continent and Qinggong Mountain. Hah, with my temperament of shouting when I see injustice, if I were alone, I wouldn't care. At worst, I'll take responsibility. But taking Xiaomili along to roam the jianghu, I need to be more cautious. At first, I was worried that Old Immortal Jing couldn't handle things. When a bunch of men drink together, their words are always discounted—you understand. At the table, they pound their chests loudly, promising everything, but outside, when something happens, there are always difficulties."
Wei Bo smiled, "You have self-awareness."
Chen Lingjun hated Wei Boye's sarcastic scholar demeanor the most, but since they weren't on the Fallen Mountain, he'd endure it for now.
"The result? I collected dozens of expired old gazettes. Guess what? Unexpected joy! I found that Old Immortal Jing understated things on the table. Too modest. Saying things like 'If something happens, mention my name; I have a bit of face there. People on and off the mountain will do me favors. They probably won't be too harsh with you. Some grudges, small obstacles on the mountain, will naturally become misunderstandings—no fight, no acquaintance.' Ha, after reading the gazettes, I realized that in his hometown, Old Immortal Jing speaks firmly, acts domineeringly, has extremely high prestige, and is quite a hero! Except that the Tianyu Cave Heaven doesn't really buy his account, the entire Liuxia Continent, on and off the mountain, everyone gives this old immortal a thumbs up!"
Seeing Chen Lingjun waving his thumb, Wei Bo chuckled.
If Jing Hao didn't say it that way, would he tell Chen Qingliu that he was a big shot walking sideways in Liuxia Continent?
Wei Bo said, "Pass a message to Bai Deng: Don't keep staring at the Yuye River. Be careful not to overdo it."
"What's this about? I didn't know."
Chen Lingjun rubbed his chin, "Don't worry, I'll deliver the message. Let Zeng Cuo be careful."
Wei Bo glanced at the green-robed child out of the corner of his eye—he had made some progress in worldly affairs and officialdom.
Now there was an inconspicuous "unauthorized shrine" small mountain, where three brothers shared joys and sorrows, extremely loyal.
Those three brothers, on the Fallen Mountain, had seen quite a bit of the world. Although there hadn't been any thrilling battles or duels, they had drunk at the same table with Chen Qingliu, met Liu Shiliu, and Bai Ye wearing a tiger-head hat... Each of their Dao hearts had been tempered to be extremely tough. They always advanced and retreated together, supporting each other. Wasn't that true brotherhood tested in adversity?
Bai Deng, from the noble lineage of the Land Dragon Palace, had just been promoted to the Water God of the Iron Talisman River. The previous water god, Yang Hua, now had an extremely noble status. Officialdom also talks about feng shui auspicious sites. So Bai Deng's strong appointment to this position, though unexpected, was reasonable. Having someone in court makes it easy to be an official. Besides, Bai Deng had more than one person in that "court."
Zeng Cuo, who had been acting as the family manager and writing tirelessly these days, was now staying at the Water God's mansion as a dog-headed military strategist, contributing to the grand undertaking.
Old Flying Ascension Jing Hao's beloved disciple, Gao Geng of the Jade Abyss realm, was now the esteemed national teacher of the Jinpu Dynasty. He had become a neighbor of the Fuyao Sect, which Gu Can had established at Quanjiao Mountain.
The Iron Talisman River Water God's mansion and the Jinpu Dynasty National Teacher's mansion frequently exchanged letters, updating each other on their situations and reporting safety.
Chen Lingjun said quietly, "I've reminded them. Don't hold a grudge here. Don't give the Iron Talisman River any trouble."
Wei Bo said, "With Ancestor Master Jingqing protecting it, does the Iron Talisman River need to worry about that?"
Chen Lingjun said gloomily, "More strange talk."
Wei Bo said, "When you get to the Middle Earth Divine Continent, remember not to cause trouble, but don't be afraid of trouble either."
Chen Lingjun immediately became elated. Wei Boye, when he didn't speak strangely, was still very good.
Wei Bo said, "I estimate that the matter of opening a new peak on the Fallen Mountain will be put on the agenda soon. You can start thinking about it."
Chen Lingjun tilted his head, his eyes clear or perhaps blank, staring blankly at Wei Bo.
---
The Dragon Elephant Sword Sect was near the sea. High cliffs stood tall, the sea met the sky. Whenever the tide crashed against the shore, waves surged toward the blue sky, high tides filled the sun and moon.
On the cliff was carved the extremely bold phrase "Below the Feet, Sea and Sky." The majestic tide surged and rushed like sword qi pressing in.
As soon as Drunken Yan left, Qi Tingji sat on the bamboo mat, his face immediately darkening. He waved his sleeve to isolate heaven and earth, and got straight to the point, "What's going on?"
Lu Zhi was puzzled and asked back, "What do you mean?"
Qi Tingji said angrily, "Your Dao and your life—are they such a joke?!"
Lu Zhi asked doubtfully, "How is it a joke?"
Qi Tingji slapped the table, "Lu Zhi!"
From the Sword Qi Great Wall to the Southern Bodhi Continent, Lu Zhi had never seen Qi Tingji so out of sorts. She was silent for a moment, then said, "I'm a Flying Ascension sword cultivator now, aren't I?"
Qi Tingji laughed in anger, "Fine, fine, fine. Lu Zhi doesn't even listen to the Great Sword Immortal. Why should she care about the opinion of a mere sect leader?"
Lu Zhi found it amusing, and for once showed a smile, urging, "Sect leader, don't say such angry words."
Qi Tingji was so angry he couldn't speak, just pointed a finger at Lu Zhi.
She had learned the bad from Chen Yin Guan, not the good—now she was speaking strangely too.
Lu Zhi changed the subject, "Did the site selection go smoothly?"
Qi Tingji said crossly, "Does the Great Sword Immortal Lu even care about such trivial matters?"
Lu Zhi glared, "Qi, I'm not in a good mood either!"
Qi Tingji was half dead from anger.
The second batch of sword embryo novices who had just entered the mountain was smaller than the first batch of over sixty, only thirty-two people. They mainly came from various dynasties on the Southern Bodhi Continent. Among them were children as young as five or six showing excellent aptitude, as well as teenagers of fifteen or sixteen who had already nurtured their natal flying swords with impressive aura.
Together, they numbered almost exactly one hundred.
It looked like the best young sword immortal seedlings of a generation in one continent would be plucked by the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect.
They were temporarily not registered and could only cultivate in the outer sect, mainly under the supervision of Shao Yunyan and Drunken Yan. After a few years of cultivation, those with poor aptitude, especially those with unstable minds, would be returned to where they came from.
As for whether they could stay in the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect and become direct disciples of Qi Tingji and Lu Zhi, it was still unknown. But this matter was a hot topic in the overseas immortal sects of the Southern Bodhi Continent, and the Sword Qi Great Wall legacy, newly established, was about to gain immense momentum. If the young talents of the Southern Bodhi Continent were indeed absorbed by the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, how could the other immortal sects of the continent survive? They would have to seek another way out. But if these seedlings were ultimately weeded out en masse, the reputation of a "sword immortal holy land" would be greatly damaged. Regardless, soon the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect would secure the leading position among the immortal mansions of the continent.
With favorable timing, geography, and human harmony, Qi Tingji began to prepare for establishing a subsidiary sect. He had gone to Fuoyao Continent alone for this purpose.
Because Gu Can had chosen Quanjiao Mountain to establish the Fuyao Sect, a subsidiary of White Emperor City, and Yang Qian'gu had also been released from the Merit Forest, returning to guard the back mountain, Qi Tingji had to change locations. Two sects should not be too close; it wasn't just a matter of "well water not interfering with river water." The territory suitable for opening Dao fields and cave mansions in the world was always first come, first served. After that came siphoning the spiritual qi of heaven and earth and gathering the luck of mountains and waters. As the number of immortal mansion sects increased on a continent, each staking claims, newly rising peaks had to find every available crack to settle in a barely acceptable so-called "strategic location."
In the war-torn Fuoyao Continent, Liu Tui of Tianyao Township, whose realm had dropped, still had an old Flying Ascension master, Yang Qian'gu. Liu Tui was undeniably the host of the continent. When Qi Tingji landed, after meeting, Liu Tui, who had volunteered to become a nominal consecrator of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, accompanied him throughout the journey.
As for Lu Zhi's secluded cultivation, Qi Tingji had no concerns. Firstly, as a cultivator, Lu Zhi had accumulated Dao power for a long time. Attaining the Dao and achieving Flying Ascension was a natural result. The secluded cultivation succeeding would not be surprising; failure would be the anomaly. Secondly, in the Haoran World, who would dare to cause trouble for Lu Zhi? It would be better if she didn't cause trouble for others.
He, Qi Tingji, delivering swords at the Sword Qi Great Wall was a duty he couldn't shirk. And Lu Zhi never considered herself a person of Haoran, always regarding the Sword Qi Great Wall as her home. Yet now in the Haoran World, who didn't respect Lu Zhi? Especially female Qi refiners—whenever Lu Zhi was mentioned, they would beam with radiance. Their only regret was that the Sword Immortal Lu hadn't carved her name.
To put it bluntly, if Qi Tingji, out of personal grievance, killed a peak cultivator, the relevant officials in the Central Confucian Temple would not speak for him. At most, they would be impartial and act justly. But if it were Lu Zhi, would Old Scholar care? Probably even the Second Sage would say a few words for her, and even the Ritual Sage might speak up.
Qi Tingji asked, "Did Sect Master Lu really say that swapping the two blessed lands is the best choice?"
Lu Zhi nodded, "Lu Chen said it, but whether it's a joke, I'm not sure. Just take it as heard."
Qi Tingji said, "I've already negotiated with Liu Tui. I will personally move the blessed land and exchange it with Tianyao Township's blessed land."
After a pause, Qi Tingji asked, "Do you know the true origin of that ancestral mountain in Tianyao Township?"
Lu Zhi shook her head, "How would I know about such irrelevant Haoran secrets?"
Qi Tingji hesitated.
Lu Zhi frowned, "Is exchanging blessed lands causing difficulties because Liu Tui asked a high price to repair the ancestral mountain? Last time I traveled through the Barren Wastes, I had some surplus. Is it enough to fill the gap?"
Qi Tingji chuckled dryly and shook his head, "It's not related. Two different matters. Liu Tui is a straightforward man, not greedy."
Lu Zhi became more puzzled and directly asked, "Doesn't he want to become my Dao companion?"
Qi Tingji couldn't help laughing and waved his hand repeatedly, "Liu Tui has the thought but not the courage. He would never dare to speak."
To tell the truth, Liu Tui did admire Lu Zhi, but he wouldn't dare seek a beheading, and Qi Tingji certainly wouldn't dare play matchmaker.
The ancestral mountain of Tianyao Township's sect was called Bixiao Mountain.
The subsidiary sect was an exclave located on Liuxia Continent, possessing one of the thirty-six minor cave heavens, the White Porcelain Cave Heaven.
At the last Confucian Temple council, based on war merits, the temple gave out four blessed lands: besides the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, there were Liu Tui's Tianyao Township, the Bottle Gourd Continent's Old Dragon City, and the Parasol Leaf Continent's Yugui Sect. The blessed lands were of similar rank, named Qingni, Xuangong, Shuangli, and Fuyi.
The founding ancestor of Tianyao Township was a rogue cultivator nicknamed "Many Treasures Daoist." Contemporaries did not know he was of demonic origin. The Daoist was famous for his numerous magical treasures. He had no hobbies in life except being addicted to wine. Over time, he guarded a solitary mountain peak. When his end was near, he took on an unregistered disciple and passed down the bag full of treasures.
Thus, the Fuoyao Continent's Tianyao Township branched out.
After the great war, Bixiao Mountain was dilapidated, existing in name only. But at least there was still room for patching up with money. One day, it would be restored to its original appearance.
Qi Tingji had only suspected this earlier. But during their joint tour of Fuoyao Continent, Liu Tui spoke candidly, confirming Qi Tingji's suspicion. Indeed, Liu Tui's Bixiao Mountain was in a similar situation to Liuxia Continent's Qinggong Mountain under Jing Hao.
The former Luobao Tan Bixiao Cave Master, later the Caizhou Daoist, and even later the master of the Eastern Sea's Guandao Temple.
At that time, Liu Tui's expression was dazed. "I have to get a definite answer to put my restless heart at ease."
Even someone as overbearing as Liu Tui dared not seek out that old temple master. He simply lacked that courage.
After hearing these mountain secrets, Lu Zhi said, "For this kind of message delivery, just tell the Hidden Official directly. His retainer, the sword cultivator Xiao Mo, seems to have a very close relationship with Bixiao Cave Master."
Qi Tingji said bluntly, "I'm afraid the Hidden Official will take the opportunity to squeeze me."
Qi Tingji didn't believe Chen Ping'an wouldn't hold a grudge over the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect "intercepting" those few private swords.
Lu Zhi suddenly laughed. "Liu Tui seeks Qi Tingji, Qi Tingji seeks Lu Zhi, Lu Zhi seeks the Hidden Official, the Hidden Official seeks Xiao Mo, Xiao Mo seeks Bixiao Cave Master? Quite a detour. Is it worth it?"
Hearing this from Lu Zhi, Qi Tingji also found it amusing.
"I'll explain roughly to the Hidden Official. As for whether he's willing to help or will make things worse, I don't care."
Qi Tingji nodded. "That's enough."
Lu Zhi issued a dismissal order. "Does the sect leader have anything else to ask?"
Qi Tingji shook his head and was about to leave. On a whim, he asked, "Before going into seclusion, did you secretly go to Quanjiao Mountain and see Bai Jing of the Barren Wastes and Liu Xu of the Luoma River?"
Lu Zhi asked back, "Does the sect leader want to spar with Bai Jing in swordsmanship?"
Qi Tingji shook his head. "No need."
That Bai Jing, who liked to forcefully take Daoist names, could be considered half the founding patriarch of later wild rogue cultivators?
Qi Tingji hesitated, then asked, "What did Mr. Zheng talk about with you?"
Lu Zhi smiled. "All of you are so concerned about Zheng Juzhong? Drunken Yan asked indirectly, Shao Yunyan asked cautiously, even those private sword seniors were curious what Zheng Juzhong and I could talk about."
Qi Tingji said helplessly, "It's not that I'm worried. Just curious. In this matter, I'm no better than them."
He had wanted to remind Lu Zhi not to address Zheng Juzheng by his given name, but he thought better of it.
Lu Zhi couldn't help laughing. "Actually, Zheng Juzhong just asked about the local customs of the Sword Qi Great Wall—quite trivial. I really couldn't be bothered to ramble. Otherwise, I'd write a booklet recording the chit-chat, and you can read it yourselves?"
Qi Tingji said nothing, offering no comment.
He got up and left the makeshift awning. Drunken Yan had planted many plum trees in the mountain, which were growing very well.
Drunken Yan was originally a plum tree spirit. The Dragon Elephant Sword Sect had good soil and water. Additionally, the two favorable words that Sect Master Lu had given her were even more crucial.
Perhaps when those plum trees bore fruit, it would be the opportunity for Drunken Yan to break through to the Immortal realm.
At the foot of the Fallen Mountain, Immortal Wei finished singing his Dao love song. Only then did he notice there was a listener nearby, a spectator.
It was the middle-aged scholar who had come visiting the mountain with Mr. Zheng. He was sitting on the stone steps at the foot.
Even without the fish-drum and clappers to accompany him, the song was melodious.
Immortal Wei was deeply ashamed and casually found a topic. "Mr. Liu, why aren't you staying on the mountain with Fellow Daoist Lu?"
Liu Xiang smiled. "Actually, God Lu didn't stay either. He returned to Tian Du Peak to continue his cultivation. He said this mountain visit might be what they call a 'chance encounter leading to insight.' Or maybe... Anyway, he seems to have gained some sudden enlightenment. He might come to visit this mountain often in the future to absorb some immortal energy."
Immortal Wei nodded. "A distant relative is not as good as a close neighbor. It's good to visit often."
Liu Xiang said, "God Lu asked me to convey an invitation: He cordially invites Immortal Wei to visit Tian Du Peak at his leisure."
Immortal Wei nodded. "I'll definitely go when I have time."
Empty pleasantries.
Like "I'll treat next time" at a dinner table—they're "relatives."
Immortal Wei had to guard the gate here and whenever he had free time, he had to busy himself at the Incense Fire Mountain. When would he have time to wander to other peaks?
Besides, visiting Tian Du Peak for the first time—didn't he have to bring a gift?
Moreover, God Lu was the head of the Yin-Yang Lu family in the Central Plains. Legend said he was a Dao cultivator who had achieved meritorious virtue.
When an old immortal shows you courtesy, it's called propriety. If you take it seriously without any courtesy back, that's foolish, lacking common sense.
Of course, God Lu wouldn't dare to invite this Daoist to Tian Du Peak on his own initiative.
But Liu Xiang saw his pitiful state and, because of the book borrowing, made an exception to help him once.
Liu Xiang asked with a smile, "Immortal Wei, I'd like to humbly ask you something: what exactly is 'achieving meritorious virtue'?"
Immortal Wei's heart immediately tightened. Oh no, was this scholar, full after eating too much, testing the credentials of the Fallen Mountain's gatekeeper? Or deliberately probing to see through his fake Daoist identity?
---
Near the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, a lone boat at sea. An old boatman was squatting at the stern, a pot of stewed sea fish with tofu bubbling hot.
At the bow, a young woman stood gracefully, looking up at the cliff carvings.
The old boatman's Daoist name was Xianchai, the famous Gu Qingsong. The girl went by the alias Cheng Sancai, with no Daoist name yet.
Cheng Sancai asked, "Why are we here? Did you curse at Qi Tingji before and not get enough, so you want to do it again and block his gate?"
The old boatman said, "Little girl, why is your mouth so sharp?"
The girl said matter-of-factly, "Learned from you."
Xianchai said, "For you dragon aquatic beings, transforming into human form is extremely difficult. Treasure it well. I'm giving you a celestial opportunity—learn swordsmanship from Lu Zhi as a disciple."
"Think about the Yunlin Jiang clan of Bottle Gourd Continent, a wealthy household. Why did you adamantly refuse their sincere recruitment?"
"And before, when I met my junior brother Cao in the overseas areas of Northern Julu Continent, he's a good person. Why still refuse to take him as a master?"
Upon hearing this, the girl's brows lifted. "If there's no affinity, no matter how high the other's realm is, even if they beg me to become their disciple, I won't agree. But if I feel an instant connection, I'll bow and kowtow, refusing to get up, begging them to take me as their disciple. No matter how much they scold or hit me, even if I bash my head bloody, they can't drive me away. Ten years, a hundred years, I'll persist until they change their mind."
Xianchai asked doubtfully, "If this won't do and that won't do, why not directly go to the Fallen Mountain to find that kid?"
Since there's this fate, you should gather together—whether as master and disciple or settling on the Fallen Mountain, it's all fitting.
She was silent for a moment, then said aggrievedly, "I'm terribly afraid of him."
Xianchai smiled. "I didn't think there was anyone you feared."
He looked up at the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect. His master had been here.
Cheng Sancai asked, "You're leaving me with Lu Zhi. What are you going to do?"
Xianchai said softly, "When this is done, I'll go find my master."
Fuoyao Continent.
In its heyday, Bixiao Mountain was as praised in ancient texts: from the ridge upward, the air exhausted and golden light; below half the mountain, pure indigo hue.
Liu Tui was in a pavilion at the top of the mountain, entertaining an unexpected guest—a young Daoist who called himself Xu Xuyuan.
Xuan Du Temple.
Some Daoists who didn't wear the standard Xuan Du Temple robes carried chamber pots, held brooms, or had a string of keys at their waist.
Some were short-term workers, others long-term. They came from all over, gathered here. From the day they entered the temple as laborers, each had their own "Dao age." Their past glories, deeds, and backgrounds were all insignificant here.
Yan Fatty said they could pack up and go home. The laborer Daoists were mixed with joy and sorrow.
The Night Boat.
Last time at the Yulin Ferry in Tongye Continent's Yunya State, on the Qingping Sword Sect's ferry, the Fire Dragon Patriarch, who called himself a "youngster just entering the fourteenth realm," talked with Pei Qian, Xie Gou, Feng Xuetao, and a few others about the differences between weak and strong Flying Ascension and the scenery of the fourteenth realm.
Pei Qian had been a bit puzzled then: why did the old patriarch place Xie Gou and Mr. Xiao Mo after the Dragon Tiger Mountain's Heavenly Master Zhao and the "Elegant Minister" Yao Qing? The old patriarch also mentioned a few "exceptions" at the peak, like Lu Zhi's natal flying sword, which had never been revealed. With just one sentence, Pei Qian understood the weight of that unknown sword—enough to make a fourteenth realm cultivator consider the cost of challenging a sword duel.
The Old Scholar suddenly frowned deeply and sighed heavily.
Among the myriad words in the human world, it seemed that Bai Ye possessed the unique "pride."
And Lu Chen, you possessed "freedom."
Ancient battlefield ruins. Wu Shuangjiang, who had just sent out four imitation swords, stepped down.
Cui Dongshan looked at Old Zheng.
That external heavenly demon wandering in the Green Underworld had once voluntarily descended to White Emperor City to find Zheng Juzhong.
Also within White Emperor City, Zheng Juzhong and Yu Dou had a Dao discussion duel without any observers.
Cui Dongshan asked via heart voice, "Didn't reach an agreement with it?"
Zheng Juzhong shook his head.
"Also, that Yu Dou—how strong is his killing power? Truly invincible?"
Zheng Juzhong laughed it off.
Heartland of the Barren Wastes Heaven.
The great night covered the sky, no stars or moon visible.
A young Daoist wearing a lotus flower crown, his body as large as a mountain, touching the sky and earth.
He descended from above, sat cross-legged, and took root.
The Daoist seemed to become a Buddha sitting on the ground.
He had descended from the bright moon, arrived in the human world, and refined a false fifteenth realm external heavenly demon.
Half of the Daoist's face had closed eyes, while the other half transformed into myriad forms.
It was like writing a book titled *Carefree Wandering*.