Chapter 1170: Green Robe Takes a Seat

Chapter 1170: Green Robe Takes a Seat

This pavilion had a very long name—the "Long Life and Eternal Joy, Gazing at the Green Mountains Unaging Pavilion." Not far away, there was also a "Pavilion Pavilion."

Wei Bo asked with a laugh, "What was that sword light about? The commotion was far too loud—could it be Mr. Xiao Mo?"

In truth, it wasn't just the territory of the Northern Sacred Mountain, Piyun Mountain. The newly ascended deities of the other four sacred mountains had also issued strict orders: all departments and spiritual officials within their jurisdiction were forbidden to investigate the matter, and gatherings to discuss it were prohibited. Anyone found violating this would have their next evaluation reduced by one grade.

Mountain and river spirits could remain silent, but they couldn't stop the mountain cultivators from buzzing with discussion. Could it be that young Hidden Official of Luopo Mountain had done something again? The continental mountain gazettes were all busy, and the sword immortals at Zhengyang Mountain could hardly be expected to be in a good mood.

Chen Ping'an didn't hurry to reply. He sat down in the pavilion, crossed his legs, and flicked his long gown, looking leisurely and utterly at ease.

Wei Bo sat across from him. "Don't dawdle. Give me a straight answer."

Chen Ping'an smiled. "Xiao Mo has already reached the Fourteen Realm."

Although Wei Bo had long suspected as much, hearing the confirmation still left him utterly stunned.

Just how vast was the difference between the Ascension Realm and the Fourteen Realm? Heaven and earth!

And just how difficult was it to successfully merge with the Dao? Like using a mountain to fill the sea!

Wei Bo leaned back against the railing, silent for a long time, then said lazily, "Comforting."

Suddenly, he heard Chen Ping'an call out, "Wei Bo."

Wei Bo stopped in his tracks, turning in confusion. "Hm?"

Chen Ping'an straightened up, reached out with his hand to form a fist, knocked on his own chest, then tapped his forehead with a bent finger, and said, "All these years... thank you."

Wei Bo was startled for a moment, then laughed and cursed, "So sappy."

He strode away, raising his arm, back to the boy who had once worn straw sandals. The former earth god, with a golden ring dangling from his ear, waved his hand.

Everything was understood without words. A beautiful scene, warming the heart.

But then Chen Ping'an suddenly threw out, "That 'Immortal Ascending the Void Calligraphy' that Lord Wei borrowed?"

Wei Bo turned his head. "What borrowing? What calligraphy? Would Sword Immortal Chen mind speaking up a bit louder?"

Chen Ping'an stood up with a laugh, quickly walked out of the pavilion, and slung his arm around Wei Bo's shoulder. "Why are you getting angry?"

Wei Bo shrugged his shoulder to shake off the hand. "Don't, you. We're not that close. I'll go get the Ascending the Void Calligraphy right now and have someone deliver it to Grandmaster Chen."

Chen Ping'an laughed heartily.

Wei Bo felt a bit sheepish himself but kept a straight face. After walking a few steps side by side, he couldn't help but chuckle.

They strolled together, chatting about some matters. Chen Ping'an asked Wei Bo to keep an eye on Ma Kuxuan's close disciple. If he returned to the Northern Sacred Mountain territory, have him come to Luopo Mountain and go directly to the Fuyao Foothills training ground to find him. That boy with the straw hat and knife had once asked Chen Ping'an from atop the City Wall of Sword Qi, right in front of Ma Kuxuan, whether he was still accepting disciples. Chen Ping'an certainly wasn't trying to steal Ma Kuxuan's personal disciple; he just wanted to pass down a thunder method Daoist scripture.

Next, he asked Wei Bo if the Ritual Department of the Northern Sacred Mountain could send an invitation to Zhou Qionglin of the Green Plum Temple, inviting her to visit Piyun Mountain for "scenery." And mention in passing that she could also tour Luopo Mountain, but she would have to agree to one condition: the income from her Mirror Flowers Water Moon shows would be split fifty-fifty with Luopo Mountain.

The first matter was simple. Hearing the second, Wei Bo laughed. "If memory serves, that Immortal Zhou's Mirror Flowers Water Moon show has a... mediocre reputation among mountain folk. Those old sticklers and moral guardians absolutely detest her. Why would you go out of your way to invite her here?"

Chen Ping'an smiled. "Just following fate."

Wei Bo couldn't be bothered to dig deeper. "Anything else, Grandmaster? Feel free to instruct."

Chen Ping'an said, "Earlier, I made a deal with Cai Jinjian of the Green Cypress Peak. To this day, Luopo Mountain still hasn't received the fifty catties of Cloud Root Stone and two hundred tubes of Cloud Mist Incense. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to send a flying sword letter to dun him. Why don't you take care of it and give him a nudge?"

Wei Bo retorted, "It's inappropriate for you to send a letter to dun him, but it's appropriate for me, who has nothing to do with this deal, to send a flying sword letter?"

Chen Ping'an pretended not to hear and continued, "Lord Wei could also take the opportunity in that letter to congratulate the doubly blessed Huang Zhonghou? Ha, I played quite the matchmaker. Honestly, Fellow Daoist Huang should thank me."

Huang Zhonghou of Gengyun Peak had not only become Mountain Lord of Cloud Mist Mountain but, with Chen Ping'an's matchmaking, had finally married Wu Yuanyi to become her Dao companion.

Wei Bo's interest was piqued. "How exactly did you play matchmaker? Tell me all about it."

Chen Ping'an then smilingly recounted how he had cadged drinks from Huang Zhonghou, how Huang Zhonghou had threatened him, and how he had "repaid hatred with kindness" and played matchmaker. Wei Bo found it amusing and laughed heartily.

When they reached the vicinity of the "Pavilion Pavilion," since both were rarely so free to chat, they sat down again.

Chen Ping'an recalled something. "On Fan Junmao's Southern Sacred Mountain, they're preparing a celebration. How many experienced divine officials for banquet procedures did she borrow from you? At least fifty or sixty?"

Wei Bo rubbed his brow. "She had the audacity to ask for two hundred. I barely scraped together a hundred and fifty, and she still wasn't satisfied. Suspects I'm jealous of her success."

Chen Ping'an chuckled. "Why didn't she just hold the Night Revel Banquet at Piyun Mountain?"

"Exactly what I thought," Wei Bo said, twirling his gold earring between two fingers. "She said either she doesn't do it, or she goes all out. I tried to fob her off, but she was too sharp. She had a thorough command of all the nuances and subtleties of the Piyun Mountain ritual system. It doesn't seem like her first time organizing a Night Revel Banquet. I suspect Wang Juan, the mountain god of Caizhi Mountain, gave her quite a few clever ideas."

Chen Ping'an rubbed his chin and nodded. "I'd wager it was Mountain God Wang Juan's advice. I've dealt with her a few times—she's extremely methodical in her work, very impressive. Her bearing is also outstanding: the emperor's crown, purple robes and ivory tablet, and especially that bead the size of a green plum—it's the finishing touch. At first glance, one forgets all worldly concerns. After interacting with her and chatting a bit, one realizes she's a master at business, a natural-born merchant. With a crown prince mountain like that, Lord Fan will never be poor."

Wei Bo hadn't thought much of it, but when Chen Ping'an started praising Mountain God Wang Juan so effusively, he grew suspicious. Sure enough, Chen Ping'an asked, "With all those borrowed hands, did you negotiate a cut with Lord Fan?"

Wei Bo shook his head. "After all, we're colleagues. Didn't have the gall to bring it up."

Chen Ping'an nodded repeatedly. "Of course, of course."

Wei Bo suddenly laughed and cursed. "Keep up the act. Fan Junmao already spilled everything in her letter to me. I was just seeing if Sword Immortal Chen would be honest. Well, no surprises there."

Chen Ping'an sat there as calmly as an old turtle and spat, "Don't try to bluff me."

Wei Bo said, "After all, the Southern Sacred Mountain territory isn't part of the Great Li Empire's map these days. Fan Junmao's attitude toward the Great Li court is both delicate and important."

Chen Ping'an closed his eyes to rest for a moment, hands tucked into his sleeves, and said slowly, "I hear there's a vassal state near the great river. They've been sneaky, making small moves for years, always wanting to shed their vassal status. Especially since the new monarch ascended the throne earlier this year, they've become even more brazen. They're practically defying their suzerain, the Great Li Empire, out in the open. Rumor has it that from the emperor and ministers to the mountain immortals, they're of one mind—none fear death. They'd rather die gloriously than live in shame before their ancestors. So, not long ago, they assembled and mobilized two elite border armies from the interior provinces, demanding an explanation from the Great Li court. Even the emperor's own brother, the prince, and the middle-aged Minister of Rites dared to go to the Great Li capital without any attendants, just waiting for Great Li to swing the blade and cut off their heads."

Wei Bo said, "Over at the auxiliary capital, Prince Song Mu of Luo, along with the capital's Ministry of Rites and the Court of State Ceremonial, can't find a good way to deal with these thick-skinned types. The two Ministries of War, in the capital and the auxiliary capital, naturally want a swift solution—just muster the armies from two provinces and march straight to the vassal state's capital. Jin Qing was also quite angry about this. Around the turn of spring and summer last year, he went specifically to meet with the new monarch and the young empress dowager, who only gave up regency last year. Anyway, he couldn't talk sense into them. The other side was extremely stubborn, especially the empress dowager. She dropped a harsh ultimatum: better to shatter jade than to keep a broken tile. But there's some debate within the court, and the emperor likely has his own plans, so it's dragged on until now."

A new monarch ascends the throne. Nobles and high officials, mountain immortals, each have their own selfish motives and demands. Since becoming a vassal of Great Li, just the matter of Great Li clearing out the royal estates of local princes, the land occupied by powerful families, and the fertile fields surrendered by wealthy landlords—how many local interests have been harmed? Not to mention over a dozen Great Li policies that have been like digging up their ancestral graves. Add to that several new kingdoms in the south colluding with them behind the scenes, fanning the flames. The common people there don't understand these court intrigues. And through five or six years of management by the empress dowager and a group of civil and military officials, they've deliberately enacted many policies that sound different from Great Li's and greatly benefit the people. With the pens of many literati and the tongues of scholars' societies, from the court to the streets, even children just starting school view the Great Li court as their mortal enemy.

No wonder there were rumors that the young empress dowager rebuked Jin Qing, the deity of the Central Sacred Mountain, saying, "This is my family's rivers and mountains, and the people's hearts are with me. Let the Great Li iron cavalry come charge at our passes and plunder! Whether we win or lose, live or die, is of no consequence!"

Chen Ping'an said, "Was Jin Qing truly angry, or just putting on a show for the court?"

Wei Bo said, "Truly angry."

Chen Ping'an smiled. "What a coincidence. Over in the vassal state, it's also brothers. Probably disgusted both the emperor and Song Jixin."

"I remember back when the Great Li iron cavalry marched south, this state surrendered very quickly. During the central campaign on Vase Bottle Continent, it was the first to defect to a certain demonic camp. Grandmaster Cui killed quite a few civil and military officials and mountain cultivators back then. When the war ended, Grandmaster Cui settled scores again, killing a wave of idle literati who had been stirring up trouble. The old emperor's head was personally chopped off by the former Patrol Envoy Su Gaoshan."

Wei Bo smiled bitterly. "If war breaks out, the ones who suffer will be the common people. They've only had a few years of peace. And those young border troops—reportedly most are just over twenty years old..."

Wei Bo looked at Chen Ping'an. "What should be done?"

Chen Ping'an said calmly, "I'll handle it."

Wei Bo said, "Then don't take any detours to the capital. Get a move on. Chen Ping'an, I'm not begging you on behalf of the emperor."

Chen Ping'an said, "Alright."

Wei Bo laughed at himself. "Speaking to the Grandmaster like this—is that a great disrespect?"

Chen Ping'an nodded. "A bit."

Wei Bo stood up, laughed, and cursed, "Have some shame!"

Chen Ping'an stood up as well and walked out of the pavilion together with him.

Wei Bo couldn't help asking, "Is it not difficult? Can you really handle it?"

"I can handle it."

Chen Ping'an nodded. "I remember a hero once said: 'If you try to reason with someone who is destined not to listen to reason, then you are the one being unreasonable.'"

Wei Bo was curious and smiled. "If you get a chance, introduce me to this unreasonable hero."

"No problem," Chen Ping'an said, keeping a straight face. "Lord Wei has already met that dashing young hero back at Qidun Mountain."

Wei Bo reached out and slapped Chen Ping'an heavily on the shoulder. "What a simple, honest boy he was. Look at him now—lies without blushing, drinks and smokes a pipe!"

Chen Ping'an was silent for a long time, then said, "I will never let the City Wall of Sword Qi and the Great Li Empire deteriorate under Chen Ping'an's watch."

Wei Bo gave a knowing smile and spoke through heart voice: "Fellow Daoist Meizheng has come to see you. I'm off. By the way, this fellow Daoist, whose new name is 'Lingqu' and alias is Zhou Ai, her true form is... Hai."

Chen Ping'an immediately grabbed Wei Bo's arm. "Don't you run off!"

But Wei Bo simply headed straight back to Piyun Mountain, his laughter echoing around the pavilion.

On life's road, how many difficult passes? Solve them with ease, and all becomes clear.

We met when the duckweed was barely floating—no words needed, just a heartfelt meeting of minds.

Zhou Hu descended the mountain path slowly, clasped her fists in salute. "Greetings, Mountain Lord Chen."

The woman was of moderate fullness and serene bearing, with the elegance of a hermit beneath the forest.

Chen Ping'an stood at the foot of the steps outside the pavilion and said, "Welcome, Fellow Daoist Lingqu, to establish your thatched hut on Tiaoyu Mountain for cultivation."

Zhou Hu smiled. "I can hardly believe that someone of demonic origin would be re-cultivating the Dao on the Hidden Official's mountain."

Chen Ping'an said, "We both owe it to Mr. Zheng."

Zhou Hu actually had many questions she wanted to ask the young Hidden Official in person, but when they actually met, she felt there was no need to say much. With great mutual understanding, they nodded in farewell, passing each other—one heading back to the mountain top, the other continuing down the mountain.

In his mind-realm, Chen Ping'an carefully and tentatively practiced "copying" a technique that could be called either a Daoist art or a sword technique.

Unfortunately, his Dao power was insufficient, and it was ultimately a castle in the air.

An empty frame, completely devoid of any Dao resonance or spiritual essence.

On a whim, he called Xiao Mo over and casually gave him a few instructions: when he got to the Guandao Temple, he shouldn't be too formal, but also not too informal. Xiao Mo nodded with a smile. Chen Ping'an also asked about Fu Xuanjie of the Green Spirit Dynasty, just about his realm and aptitude. Xiao Mo told him the truth: Fu Xuanjie's aptitude was quite good, but clearly still a notch below Chai Wu.

But Mountain Lord Chen couldn't help grumbling to himself: this Fu Xuanjie had an awfully big nerve. Asking for the seal was one thing, but those two lines of inscription...

Wouldn't their next meeting be awkward?

Forget it. If we don't have to meet, let's not.

Chen Ping'an said, "I'll see you off to the sky curtain. I need to explain a few things to that master."

A flash of green robes shot up from the ground, riding the wind straight through the clouds to the sky curtain of Vase Bottle Continent.

He leaped through layers of clouds and seas as if climbing a ladder to the blue sky.

Xiao Mo followed closely on his flying sword.

Unexpectedly, the mink-hat girl also joined in the fun. When they reached the sky curtain, while the mountain lord was chatting amiably with the old master, Xie Gou wanted to follow the mountain lord's wife's example and straighten Xiao Mo's collar for him.

But Xiao Mo got there first. He reached out and pressed down on her mink hat, saying gently, "While I'm away from the mountain, you must take good care of the mountain lord's protection."

Xie Gou sniffled. "Xiao Mo, you'll be in unfamiliar territory over there. Take care of yourself."

Xiao Mo said helplessly, "I have an excellent relationship with Fellow Daoist Bixiao. It's not exactly unfamiliar territory."

Chen Ping'an stood next to the old master guarding the sky curtain and said with a smile, "You can chat a little longer."

Xie Gou waved her hand with heroic grandeur. "A thousand years of devotion should not be measured by mere mornings and evenings."

Xiao Mo stepped through the gate, his figure disappearing into the river of time. He turned his head to glance at the mink-hat girl hopping on one foot.

He arrived in the bright moonlight, his figure landing outside the Guandao Temple. There, he saw a door god holding an iron mace, who barked sternly, "Who goes there? State your Dao name!"

Xiao Mo smiled. "I'm from Luopo Mountain in the Haoran world. My Dao name is Xizhu. I'm here to drink with Fellow Daoist Bixiao and chat about a few unrelated matters."

Gu He frowned in displeasure. "Drink?!"

This mountain guardian waved his hand in a dismissive gesture, while sending a heart-voice message: "You, sir, have no manners! Fellow Daoist Bixiao? That's no way to address him! Shoo, shoo, shoo. I won't bother reporting you to the temple master. Don't mistake my kindness for ill intent—I'm saving you from trouble! You needn't thank me for the favor. When you return to your training ground, remember not to go out for a while... And if some heavenly thunder or such happens to fall on your mountain, don't be too alarmed..."

Xiao Mo had actually already recognized this door god's identity, but he pretended not to know, so as not to disturb the man's Dao heart.

A thin, withered Daoist came running out of the temple in a hurry, explaining, "Mr. Xiao Mo, my master is personally in seclusion, concocting pills of the highest grade. Before he went into seclusion, he told us that he would not see any visitors for the foreseeable future."

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Wang." Learning that Fellow Daoist Bixiao was actually concocting pills for once, Xiao Mo was a little surprised but went along with local customs, giving a Daoist salute. "I'm in no hurry. I'll just wait inside the temple."

Wang Yuanlu hastily returned the salute, bowing deeply without raising his head, and said with trepidation, "I dare not, I dare not. Please just call me by my name, Mr. Xiao Mo. You and my master have been friends for many years—we mustn't confuse seniority."

There was no help for it—it wasn't that the little Daoist had too many formalities, but rather that Mr. Xiao Mo had been very generous on his last visit.

Gu He was bewildered. Damn it. It's only been a few days, and I've run into another tough nut?

There was a loud bang from the furnace room, and the entire temple shook. Quite a few of the formation barriers were dispersed.

The fire-tending boy stood there with a dazed expression, covered in dust and ash, standing amidst the ruins.

Just a few hours shy of completion! A few hours—not days, not years!

Couldn't the master have waited just a little while?

Not only was a furnace of guaranteed-to-succeed elixirs lost, but a perfectly decent-quality pill furnace was ruined as well. The old Daoist, unconcerned, waved his horsetail whisk to dispel the dust, draped it over his arm, and came straight to the temple gate. He said irritably, "What took you so long? Not much sincerity!"

"I just got back to Luopo Mountain and came straight here. What more do you want?" Xiao Mo said exasperatedly. "If you really had sincerity, why didn't you come to Luopo Mountain to drink with me?"

Gu He's Dao heart, which he had always claimed was as firm as a rock, began to waver.

That incredibly skilled swordsman Chen Qingliu had visited the temple master earlier, and both sides had been cordial, addressing each other as fellow Daoists without any distinction in status. But this fellow's tone was far more abrupt.

What, could it be that the temple master thought the temple needed a new gatekeeper?

The old Daoist pointed his horsetail whisk at Xiao Mo. "You and your silver tongue."

Xiao Mo said, "Before we go inside to drink, I need to discuss two things first."

The old Daoist frowned. "We'll talk after drinking."

Xiao Mo didn't budge.

The old Daoist said resignedly, "Keep it brief. Don't hold up the drinking. I've brewed a new type of liquor. See how it compares to the Ten-Thousand-Year Brew."

Xiao Mo said, "The important matter: after we finish drinking, you'll accompany me to the Suichu Palace. I need to pick up a few things there."

"There's also a trivial matter: the Bixiao Mountain in Fuyao Continent—I think giving it to Tianyao Township is the right thing to do. That Liu fellow's character is decent enough. During the Fuyao Continent campaign, he almost died. If Qi Tingji hadn't saved him, it would have been more than just a realm drop. So in that sense, his lineage hasn't disgraced the name of Bixiao Mountain. Let me be clear: after we return from Suichu Palace, I'll be coming back to your temple. I'd like you to arrange a room for me—I plan to stay a few more days."

The old Daoist asked with a sly grin, "Was it Chen Ping'an's idea to give away Bixiao Mountain?"

Xiao Mo stepped over the threshold without a second thought and said casually, "It was my idea. What about that liquor of yours, fellow Daoist?"

He didn't even bother to ask if the old Daoist had agreed to the two things.

The old Daoist laughed heartily and hurried after him. "Plenty to go around."

Gu He whispered, "Who is that? Has he got more face than heaven?"

The fire-tending boy was in a foul mood and didn't feel like talking. He crouched on the steps, wanting to die.

Wang Yuanlu explained with a smile, "He's my master's best friend. The best, bar none."

Gu He asked doubtfully, "A revered figure at the Ten-Thousand-Character level? I couldn't tell."

Wang Yuanlu said, "I'm not entirely sure of Mr. Xiao Mo's identity either."

The fire-tending boy stood up, hung his head, and went back to his room to sulk.

Not long after, a grand cultivator manifested a dharma image, soaring up to the blue sky and arriving within the bright moon.

To do so was to come pay respects to the old temple master before the eyes of an entire world.

Gu He was somewhat surprised. The temple master hadn't just swatted him back down to earth.

The visitor, a Daoist with a refined countenance, withdrew his dharma image. He was Yao Qing, the Elegant Prime Minister of the Green Spirit Dynasty.

Yao Qing spotted the skinny Daoist at the temple gate and said, "Wang Yuanlu, I'm not here to see Senior Bixiao. This visit is for you."

Wang Yuanlu, cowering and not daring to get up, didn't even dare to look the Elegant Prime Minister in the eye. He said glumly, "What does the Elegant Prime Minister want with me?"

Even among the young nobles of the Five Tombs, there were differences in wealth and status.

And for a thousand years, who among the young nobles of the Five Tombs didn't admire Yao Qing, and who didn't fear Yao Qing?

Yao Qing didn't hurry to speak. He looked at the beautiful scenery of the mortal world.

The moon over the sea, solitary smoke beyond the frontier, orchids in a deserted valley, a beauty applying makeup before her bronze mirror.

A green crane soaring through the sky, bright clothes and spirited horses, love and hate clearly distinguished, a youth braving mountain rain with wine in hand.

Yao Qing asked directly, "Wang Yuanlu, in your view, is Sun the Daoist dead?"

Wang Yuanlu was taken aback. He slowly rose to his feet. The scrawny little Daoist's aura changed completely as he stared intently at this new Fourteen-Realm cultivator and shot back, "Yao Qing, what do you think?"

Yao Qing's answer was oblique. "Do you dare, as a remnant of the Five Pecks of Rice Way, to accompany me to the Suichu Palace and meet Wu Shuangjiang?"

Wang Yuanlu narrowed his eyes. "When?"

Yao Qing said, "Now."

Wang Yuanlu said, "Fine."

Yao Qing smiled. "No need to think it over?"

Wang Yuanlu didn't reply. He walked down the steps, turned around to face the temple, and began to kowtow heavily.

"Master, from this day forward, your disciple is no longer an ordained Daoist of the Guandao Temple."

"Take good care of yourself. All the best. In the future, find another personal disciple who is more accomplished and more filial."

"Your unworthy disciple bids you farewell."

The old temple master, who hadn't appeared in person, was at the wine table. He let out an "oh" of surprise. "In all the world, there are masters who drive away disciples, but is there really a disciple who expels his own master from the school?"

Wang Yuanlu pressed his forehead to the ground, sobbing. "It is your disciple who is rebellious! I will remember your kindness for the rest of my life, never daring to forget!"

Wang Yuanlu kowtowed a few more times.

The old temple master said impatiently, "Enough, enough. Get up and speak. When you're out there, just don't go around casually telling people you're my disciple."

Wang Yuanlu wanted to kneel a while longer. Tears and snot covered his face, mixed with the mud.

The old temple master snorted coldly. "If you don't get up right now, I'll cripple your Dao cultivation and throw you out to the Suichu Palace!"

Wang Yuanlu scrambled to his feet. His face was caked with mud, but he didn't bother to wipe it. He just looked bewilderedly at Yao Qing. What should he do?

Yao Qing smiled slightly. "Didn't your master tell you? Once you're outside the temple, don't just go around casually revealing your lineage, don't use the banner of Xuandu Temple to bully others, and don't rely on your master's reputation to commit misdeeds."

Wang Yuanlu scratched his head. This was actually okay?

After thinking it over, Wang Yuanlu said, "Master, if someone ever beats me to death, you have to avenge me!"

At the wine table, the old temple master stroked his beard and smiled. Xiao Mo, take a look. This is the sort of rotten disciple I've taken in.

Xiao Mo gave a heartfelt compliment. Birds of a feather flock together. Fellow Daoist, you've taken in an excellent disciple. I'll drink a toast to that.

At Difei Mountain, at the Great Tree Temple, sword cultivator Gao Qiong and the scion of the Hongnong Yang clan set off together for her hometown of Ruzhou, Xu County in Yingchuan Commandery.

At Ruzhou, the Crimson Gold Dynasty, at Crow Mountain, Lin Jiangxian introduced Su Dian for someone named Zhu. That Zhu was most curious about the Pear Blossom Cave Heaven and asked many anecdotes and local customs.

At Luopo Mountain, the Bamboo Tower.

Pei Qian with her hair in a bun, the pink-skirted little girl, the black-clad little girl, and the little incense-fire figure from the Town God Temple who had come to check in for the day.

They were secretly hiding on the second floor of the Bamboo Tower, sitting in the corridor, leaning against the wall, all cracking melon seeds together.

Nuan Shu helped the little incense-fire figure peel a melon seed. The tiny fellow sat inside one half of the seed shell, clutching the seed with both hands.

The lineage of their Bamboo Tower—could its threshold be any less lofty?

Nuan Shu had a thimble on her finger. She bowed her head slightly to bite off a thread. At her feet was a camphorwood tray that gave off a fresh fragrance, filled with needlework.

Nuan Shu asked casually, "Has that guy made plans again for an early-morning drink or a late-night supper?"

Little Mi Li scratched her face. "Jing Qing told me not to say. I have to keep it a secret."

The little incense-fire figure leaned back against the melon seed and sighed. "Jing Qing's good in every way, but this habit of drinking early in the morning—it really worries people."

Nuan Shu said gently, "Good in every way? I wouldn't say so."

The little incense-fire figure said, "Sister Nuan Shu, it's really not that I'm trying to talk Jing Qing up. You know me—I'm of decent character, but I suffer from being too outspoken and not knowing how to choose my words. For example, Jing Qing has plenty of minor faults. But then again, he's a rough man, so that's normal. Still, he's always been righteous to the core. He never hesitates when it comes to his friends. If he has something good, he never keeps it to himself. He always thinks of his master first, and then of us kindred spirits."

Little Mi Li nodded vigorously. "That's right, that's right. Jing Qing never looks down on anyone."

Nuan Shu nodded, but she bent her fingers and tapped Little Mi Li lightly on the forehead. "You're close to him, so your praise comes with a fifty percent discount."

Little Mi Li frowned, her two faint yellow brows drawing together. She puffed out her cheeks, hands on her hips, and shrugged her shoulders.

Pei Qian had been resting with her eyes closed. Now she opened them, took a piece of almond pastry from her sleeve, and dangled it in front of Little Mi Li.

Ha! Little Mi Li didn't move a muscle, but her eyes followed the pastry. Heh heh, trying to tempt me? The black-clad little girl opened her mouth wide and took a big bite!

Nuan Shu asked softly, "Pei Qian, is it really true between them?"

Pei Qian kept her expression unchanged and hummed in affirmation.

Little Mi Li stuffed her cheeks and said indistinctly, "Happiness should be shared, and anger too. It's not like money—you don't need to save it."

Pei Qian tugged at her cheek. "You're the smallest, yet you know the most."

The little incense-fire figure immediately chimed in, "The smallest—me, right here."

Little Mi Li gave a thumbs up. Got it. I'll record a merit for you in my book of achievements.

Nuan Shu asked, "Little Mi Li, did you really agree to go all the way to the Central Plains Divine Continent?"

Little Mi Li scratched her head. "It's not good to stay stuck at the Cave Dwelling Realm and never move. I also want to grow my realm a little bigger. On the journey, I won't cause trouble or hold anyone back."

Nuan Shu said, "I'm not talking about you. Being willing to go on a wandering journey is a good thing. I'm just worried that Jing Qing is too rash and careless. So far from Luopo Mountain, not even on Vase Bottle Continent anymore—I'm afraid he'll mess things up at the first sign of trouble and won't be able to take care of you."

Little Mi Li shook her head. "Jing Qing is very experienced and has good judgment. Fellow Daoist Yun of Huimeng Mountain respects Jing Qing the most!"

Pei Qian laughed. "Sister Nuan Shu, there's definitely nothing to worry about. Master has already given his approval, so we can rest easy."

Nuan Shu sighed softly. She had been up several nights recently, stitching new cloth shoes—large ones and small ones, two pairs each.

Actually, even the little incense-fire figure had two extremely tiny pairs of cloth shoes. But he was reluctant to wear them; only during festivals and temple fairs at the Town God Temple would he take them out.

Apart from Little Mi Li's Cave Dwelling Realm, there was Nuan Shu's bottleneck at the Dragon Gate Realm. She was a Fire Python of Literary Fortune born from the Orchid Pavilion of the Cao clan in Huangting Kingdom. She had a long-standing Daoist karmic connection with that True Man Lu Yan, whose Dao name was Pure Yang.

Nuan Shu said softly, "Little Mi Li, when you get out there, remember to keep him in check."

Little Mi Li immediately sat up straight, her expression solemn. "Orders received!"

At the back mountain of Luopo Mountain, the Cao scion Cao Yin—both a maid and a close martial guard named Cao Yang—saw a woman strolling toward their gate. She introduced herself as a newly registered cultivator from Tiaoyu Mountain, Zhou Ai, with the Dao name Lingqu.

At Huaying Peak and Yingyu Peak, martial arts prodigies and cultivation talents, under the instigation of Grandmaster Zheng Dafeng and the goading of the newly appointed assistant coach Wen Zixi, had engaged in a truly fitting "no battle, no acquaintance" between the two peaks.

Ever since their first clash, where their "army was routed and retreated in defeat," the old deaf man, whose Dao name was Longsheng and alias was Gantang, had also become determined. He moved over from the Sword Worship Platform and built a thatched hut here to live in permanently. He had truly put his heart into teaching—not only giving each Qi refiner separate supplementary lessons but also supervising their cultivation daily and tracking their progress.

Previously, he had just been going through the motions. But since he was now on this boat, the old deaf man had no choice but to do his best for Luopo Mountain.

Now, however, it was: you little bastards think you can choose not to learn? You don't care about opportunities? But I can't afford to lose face like that.

Although there was no formal master-disciple appellation, if the Dao is taught and the Dao is heard, can the dharma of the Dao take root if it's so soft and ineffective?

Besides, there was Bai Jing's teaching, and Xiao Mo had even broken through to the Fourteen Realm. The old deaf man also wanted to consult with them again.

Zheng Dafeng brought Master Wen over to wander around again, listening to the old deaf man diligently teaching and instructing.

Those few Daoists from Taofu Mountain were both lecturing teachers and half-students of the old deaf man, so they all found seats in the back.

Wen Zixi's skin had thickened considerably. Eavesdropping? Against mountain taboos? Now they were all one family at Luopo Mountain. Why split hairs?

Zheng Dafeng glanced at a certain young girl. These days, when she saw that rakehell surnamed Zheng, it wasn't quite disgust—just annoyance.

The old deaf man came out of the "school," instructing one of the Daoists to continue teaching talismans. He walked out and told Wen Zixi not to stand around. Since he was already here and wouldn't leave even if chased, he might as well go in and sit down. Wen Zixi didn't stand on ceremony; he went in and filled the empty seat.

The old deaf man, his figure stooped, hands clasped behind his back, spoke through heart voice: "Brother Dafeng, I'm not being petty. I let you all come here as you please, never interfering. In the future, when you speak with the two honored guests Bai Jing and Xiao Mo, could you put in a good word for me?"

Zheng Dafeng smiled. "Easy to say."

They walked together along the mountain path, where wildflowers and weeds grew in abundance.

The old deaf man sighed deeply and said out of the blue, "I've always wanted to be a true sword cultivator in the fullest sense of the word."

He had always considered himself a sword cultivator; otherwise, back then on the City Wall of Sword Qi, he wouldn't have had that sword duel at the city gate with Chen Qingdu.

Zheng Dafeng made a drinking gesture, tipping his head back. "How about some? I've got nothing better to do anyway. I'll drink the good stuff, and you can pour out your troubles."

The old deaf man nodded and led Zheng Dafeng off to find some liquor. He didn't have any Immortal Family brews himself, but as long as those Daoists had some in their thatched huts, that would do.

It wasn't that the old deaf man had no lifebound flying sword, but every family has its own difficult scroll. His sword path was extremely special. He actually possessed two lifebound flying swords. The problem was, their innate divine abilities were mutually incompatible in terms of the Great Dao! If he cultivated just one, it would conflict with the other. Cultivating both together? It sounded simple, but it was like a pure martial artist who, without a training partner to spar and guide him, had to punch himself to temper his physique.

The hardships involved were not for outsiders to know.

Cultivating the Dao was not difficult!

But refining the sword was truly bitter!

However, this kind of secret, touching on the very foundation of the Great Dao, the old deaf man never told anyone. And on the City Wall of Sword Qi, as a demonic sword cultivator, who could he have told about it anyway?

Many years ago, the great swordsman Chen Qingdu had said that this kind of situation wasn't rare ten thousand years ago, and of course there were ancient methods to solve it.

At the time, the old deaf man had been overjoyed, as if receiving a pardon. He knelt right there at the thatched hut at the city gate, begging Chen Qingdu to teach him the solution.

Chen Qingdu then added that he didn't know the solution either. "You're praying at the wrong temple and crying at the wrong grave."

The old deaf man was heartbroken, but he remained prostrate, wailing loudly.

Perhaps Chen Qingdu took pity on him and said, "Just be patient and wait. Maybe one day the tide will turn. If it's your tribulation, you can't avoid it. If it's your opportunity, you'll receive it when the time comes."

The old deaf man stood up and wiped his face.

Chen Qingdu tossed out another remark: "But I think it's unlikely."

The old deaf man immediately knelt back down and stayed prone.

In the end, Chen Qingdu actually helped him to his feet and said with a smile, "With such a heart for seeking the Dao, what opportunity can you not obtain?"

Originally, the old deaf man had only meant to have a small drink, but Brother Dafeng's talent for pressing drinks was too great, and before he knew it, the old deaf man was drinking until tears of sorrow streamed down his face.

Chen Ping'an left the sky curtain with Xie Gou and returned to the land, but not to Luopo Mountain. Instead, he came to the outer city wall of the Great Li capital.

It was high noon. The sun blazed brilliantly, as if a giant spirit was scattering countless specks of gold across the earth.

This was the second time Chen Ping'an stood here. The first time, he had appeared amidst the deep darkness of night.

A man in a green gown, a long coat, and cloth shoes, along with a girl in a mink hat—the mountain lord and his offering. One looked out over the city wall for a long time without speaking, the other sat on a battlement. One was a bit bored and held up the third-grade offering plaque issued by the Great Li Ministry of Justice.

The outer city barracks soldiers all recognized Sword Immortal Chen. They had asked a few cursory questions earlier and then didn't disturb the young Hidden Official.

From noon to dusk to deep night, until the edge of the sky began to glow with the light of dawn, several shifts of patrol soldiers came and went.

That green-robed figure just kept watching the road outside the city and the travelers on that road.

At dawn, after the great court session, the imperial study held its regular small court meeting. Today, there were noticeably more people than usual. The emperor and the assembled Great Li civil and military ministers discussed one matter after another, but it was obvious that even His Majesty was somewhat distracted.

They kept glancing at an empty chair.

Just as the small court was about to conclude, a figure in green robes walked straight into the room, one hand behind his back and the other raised in a slight pressing gesture.

Chen Ping'an took his seat in the empty chair and said, "How many idle sword boats does our Great Li currently have?"