Chapter 1203: Opened the Door to a New World

Chapter 1203: Opened the Door to a New World

Within the Imperial Study, Emperor Song He, who had been reviewing memorials, set down his vermillion brush, placing it on a celadon brush rest shaped like an Ao turtle carrying three mountains, a piece crafted for the inner court by an official kiln in Xitou County, Baoxi Commandery. Song He rubbed his wrist, then picked up a secret dossier just delivered from the Ministry of Justice, its contents already condensed for his perusal. The Emperor read for a moment, then said, "An Immortal realm cultivator. And one who knows how to pick his day and place."

Inside the room at that moment were the two Seal-bearing Eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial and the Directorate of Imperial Horses, the commander of the Capital Patrol Battalion responsible for capital security, the elder transcendent master overseeing the Song royal family's offerings, and a Vice Director of the Imperial Observatory. All held their breath, silently awaiting the moment of the Dragon's wrath.

Song He casually flipped through a few more pages, the leaves rustling loudly.

Suddenly, Song He thrust his arm out and slammed the booklet heavily onto the imperial desk. "A bunch of useless oafs! Do I need to drag all of you to the National Teacher's Residence myself, apologize to the National Teacher, and explain how such a blunder occurred?!" he roared.

The relatively inexperienced Seal-bearing Eunuch of the Directorate of Imperial Horses, and the official Hong Ji, who had been promoted to command the Capital Patrol Battalion less than a month ago, were especially tense, their mouths dry. The latter just started to open his mouth, to explain to His Majesty how Liu Laocheng's escape technique could successively bypass the three grand arrays of the capital, how it could even slip past the Imperial Observatory... But out of the corner of his eye, he caught the slightest twitch of an eyelid from the Seal-bearing Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial. The chief eunuch of the Directorate of Imperial Horses immediately swallowed all his words, chewed them up, and vowed never to speak of them again. His Majesty the Emperor was usually lenient in his dealings with others, rarely given to anger. Today was an exception; they had indeed been gravely derelict in their duty.

Just then, another eunuch, robed in serpent-patterned silk and with hair and beard as white as snow, hurried over. The old eunuch’s expression was peculiar as he bowed and reported, "Your Majesty, we have just received word. There was an intruder who scaled the wall at the National Teacher's Residence..."

Even with his usual abundant patience, Song He could bear no more. The Great Li Emperor, enraged to the point of laughter, pointed a finger at them. "Fine, fine, fine. I am a diligent and enlightened monarch, and you are all efficient and capable ministers. So, by this logic, is National Teacher Chen the one who has married above his station?! Is this the Great Li court that seeks to contend for the title of the first dynasty under Bright World? Is this the capital of the Great Li Song clan? Is this our congratulatory gift to the National Teacher, who achieved his Ascension amidst attending the imperial court session?!"

Hong Ji’s face turned pale. This young official, a trusted aide of the Son of Heaven, was no longer just lamenting his bad luck; he was in utter despair. He had thought the celebration had concluded smoothly, that he and the Capital Patrol Battalion deserved at least credit for their efforts, if not all the glory. But now, it was all over. *Damn you, Liu Laocheng!* Hong Ji thought, *Immortal realm Sect Leader of the True Realm Sect, are you?! You just wait! As long as I don't lose my official cap today, or even if I do, as long as I remain in the imperial service, even if I am demoted, I swear on my life I will be at odds with your True Realm Sect from now on!*

Just as a storm of anger was about to break, a young man with a faint resemblance to Emperor Song He appeared at the doorway. It was the Second Prince, Song Xu, one of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches of Great Li, a Golden Core bottleneck Sword Cultivator.

The factional divisions within the Terrestrial Branch lineage had long since dissipated. Ever since the Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator Yuan Huajing had made a trip to the Fallen Mountain Sword-Worshipping Platform and devoted himself to sword forging, forgoing ambition, he seemed to have privately had heart-to-heart talks with Gai Yan and others. Thus, the remaining eleven of the Terrestrial Branch now tacitly acknowledged Song Xu as their leader. As for the Vice Minister of Personnel, Cao Gengxin, since he was the candidate designated by National Teacher Cui and not denied by National Teacher Chen, he was the nominal leader of the Terrestrial Branch cultivators. But Song Xu and the others had not yet truly come to recognize Cao Gengxin.

The moment he caught sight of Song Xu at the door, Emperor Song He restrained his anger. He felt he owed this son a debt, a feeling of partiality he could not explain to anyone, not even Empress Yu Mian.

Song Xu, recently entrusted with some of the inner palace guard duties, said, "Your Majesty, the cultivator from the Northern Parasol Continent who was persuaded by a friend to scale the wall is not an assassin. His surname is Du, given name Yu. He took his surname from one of his parents' clan names. He is a registered cultivator of the Ghost Axe Palace, not yet at the Golden Core stage. Du Yu came to the capital with the group of sword cultivators from the Floating Lotus Sword Lake. In years past, when Sir Chen traveled alone through the Northern Parasol Continent, he happened to meet Du Yu near Cangyun Lake. They became friends after a fight that led to mutual understanding. It is said, though merely rumored, that Du Yu once saved Sir Chen’s life, but this matter has not been confirmed and cannot be verified."

Song He was full of confusion, increasingly bewildered. What did this mean? If Du Yu had a good relationship with Chen Ping'an, a life-and-death friendship forged through shared hardship, why would he and his friend rush to the Great Li capital to offer congratulations, only to pretend to be an assassin and scale the wall, when he surely could have entered the National Teacher's Residence through the main gate?

The Emperor glanced at the Seal-bearing Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial. The old man understood immediately, quickly left the room to retrieve the detailed files on Du Yu and the Northern Parasol Continent's Ghost Axe Palace.

Song Xu continued his explanation. "'Three Moves Conceded' on the Twin Sword Immortal Seal Script probably refers to Du Yu. It seems that after Du Yu parted ways with Sir Chen back then, his personality changed. He began chivalrous deeds in the martial world, righting wrongs and upholding justice. But he has a strange habit: he never lets anyone know his name or identity, always slipping away after doing a good deed. Since Du Yu prefers to do good deeds without leaving his name, he probably also dislikes entering a friend's home through the front door. Right now, at the National Teacher's Residence, they should be having lunch together."

Hong Ji found this amusing, truly an eye-opener. This fellow Du Yu was quite the eccentric.

Emperor Song He couldn't help but smile. "I see."

The oppressive atmosphere in the room, which had been like a restricted area forbidding entry, eased somewhat. Whether it was due to this amusing incident at the National Teacher's Residence or the presence of the Second Prince Song Xu was unclear.

Song He’s expression softened. "Hong Ji, find an opportunity to visit the National Teacher's Residence and explain the matter clearly to the National Teacher. You must understand, given your current official position, if the National Teacher has any objections, there is absolutely no need for a minor court session or a grand imperial council to discuss it."

Hong Ji, bracing himself, spoke in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I fear that when I see the National Teacher, I will stumble over my words. Perhaps it would be better if Vice Director Ma accompanied me to visit the National Teacher's Residence?"

Vice Director Ma of the Imperial Observatory felt a stir of excitement. This was a good thing! Go? Why not? As long as His Majesty nodded, he would go through fire and water without hesitation. The old man glanced at Hong Ji. *Thank you, Commander Hong!*

The Emperor chuckled. "No, it will be just you, Hong Ji. Go and be scolded and lectured alone."

Hong Ji cupped his fists in acceptance, putting on a pained expression but feeling ecstatic inside. Which official in Great Li these days had the opportunity to actively seek out a scolding at the National Teacher's Residence? It seemed His Majesty the Emperor was, overall, satisfied with the arrangements of the Capital Patrol Bureau.

When the Seal-bearing Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial returned, the Emperor asked, "Besides Du Yu, does the Ghost Axe Palace have any notable deeds here in Great Li?"

The old eunuch placed the files on the imperial desk and shook his head. "The Ghost Axe Palace is merely a minor cultivation sect. Aside from Du Yu, no other cultivator from there has ever visited Bottle Gourd Continent."

The Emperor looked towards Song Xu, seemingly asking casually, "Do you know who suggested Du Yu scale the wall?"

Song Xu replied, "Chen Li, a youth from the Floating Lotus Sword Lake. A native sword cultivator of the Sword Qi Great Wall, known by the epithet 'Little Hidden Official.' Chen Li has not yet reached the age of capping but is already at the Golden Core realm."

The Emperor murmured to himself, "Then he is not someone of a frivolous nature."

Song Xu answered, "Certainly."

The Emperor sighed with emotion, "This young sword immortal is undoubtedly destined for great things."

At the National Teacher's Residence, a separate meal had been prepared, and a boisterous crowd had gathered around a table for lunch.

Chen Ping'an laughed and said, "Esteemed Chivalrous Du, truly bold with your skills! Risking your neck for a bit of fame, eh? And scaling the wall! Why didn't you just toss your head in first?"

Rong Chang felt a twinge of envy. Chen Ping'an was truly comfortable with Du Yu. Sui Jingcheng, listening to the teasing, picked up a bite of food with her chopsticks, chewing slowly. It was a familiar, delicious taste.

Du Yu was mortified, wishing he could find a hole to crawl into. He could only say he would punish himself by drinking three cups. Picking up the floral deity cup, he downed three gulps of wine in quick succession.

Earlier, Chen Li had urged him to play the thief, swearing that if anything went wrong, he, Chen Li, would take the blame. And if there were any unexpected benefits, they could share the spoils. Du Yu asked if doing such a deed wouldn't lead to instant execution without a chance to explain. As for any spoils, he didn't even dare to think about it and didn't bother to ask. Chen Li assured him simply to scale the wall, nothing would go wrong. Du Yu trusted this "Little Hidden Official" of the Sword Qi Great Wall, gritted his teeth, and did it. Haha, at worst, he'd get a beating for a chance to make a name for himself in Bottle Gourd Continent. He'd have capital to boast about for decades back home. "Aren't you that Du Yu, Du the Chivalrous, who dared to scale the wall to see National Teacher Chen?!"

As soon as he landed after scaling the wall, he was caught red-handed by a young woman claiming to be a maidservant of the National Teacher's Residence. Even with Du Yu's thick skin, it was incredibly awkward. What difference was there between this and defecating in the street?!

Rong Yu was also inwardly shocked at the time. She, of course, knew the background of the group from the Floating Lotus Sword Lake. But why would you, Du Yu, not use the main gate and sneakily scale the wall instead? First, there was Liu Laocheng of Bottle Gourd Continent openly blocking the gate; now, Du Yu of the Ghost Axe Palace from the Northern Parasol Continent was stealthily scaling it? Rong Yu's mind suddenly cleared. This way, His Majesty and the court could dismiss it all as much ado about nothing, giving them a graceful way out. Liu Laocheng and Du Yu were both old acquaintances visiting in different ways. The National Teacher's Residence would handle it; the court need not pursue the matter further.

Chen Ping'an had Chen Li on his left and Gao Youqing on his right. He tapped Chen Li on the head with his chopsticks, scolding with a smile, "You're the slyest one. Who taught you that?"

Chen Li grinned. "Hidden Official, I'll definitely be hanging around Bottle Gourd Continent a lot in the future. I'll have to deal with all sorts of local governments under the Great Li court. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Entering a temple and burning incense is the rule. Anyway, since I have to burn incense, I might as well burn the biggest stick of incense. Just get myself a familiar face with the Great Li Emperor, leave him with a passable impression."

Gao Youqing had no idea what Chen Li was talking about. Sui Jingcheng, however, had long understood. When Du Yu scaled the wall earlier, her senior brother Rong Chang was completely baffled, but she immediately guessed it was her junior brother Chen Li's idea.

Chen Ping'an nodded, reminding him, "Still, you need to mind your measure."

Chen Li hummed in agreement. "The Hidden Official said in the Summer Retreat Palace it's like squeezing one more Go stone into an already full bowl. That faint creaking sound is the feeling of probing into people's hearts."

Chen Ping'an said, "I never said such a thing in the Summer Retreat Palace."

Chen Li retorted, "Anyway, outside the Summer Retreat Palace, everyone says it's the Hidden Official's unique insight."

Chen Ping'an said, "Ah, I remember now. I think it was Lin Junbi, that terrible Go player, who said it."

Chen Li's expression cleared in understanding. "No wonder I felt that saying didn't have enough gusto. I kept thinking I hadn't thought deeply enough, failed to grasp the deeper meaning. Now it seems it was just Lin Junbi being pretentious, using flowery language but saying very little. There's some meaning, but not much."

Chen Ping'an smiled slyly. "I got it wrong. My apologies to Lin Junbi. It was indeed me who said it."

Chen Li was stunned. "Huh?"

Chen Ping'an scolded him with a laugh. "What 'huh'? Eat your meal!" Chen Li glanced sideways at Gao Youqing, who wanted to laugh but didn't dare, so she tugged at the Hidden Official's sleeve. Chen Ping'an immediately slapped Chen Li on the head, scolding him again, "Only know how to frighten your junior sister! What a way to show off!" Gao Youqing finally felt she had an ally. Smiling with narrowed eyes, she picked up some food and placed it on the Hidden Official's plate. Chen Li muttered "Sycophant" under his breath, then, as if foreseeing it, tilted his head. But the Hidden Official didn't seem about to strike. Feeling a bit foolish, Chen Li picked up his floral deity cup and took a sip of wine.

Chen Ping'an told Gao Youqing some recent news about Ascension City's Quanfu and Gao Yuye. Gao Youqing listened intently, her ears perked up. When she heard the Hidden Official relay her brother's slightly nagging advice, telling her to take care of this and that, the girl's face scrunched up tightly, tears welling in her eyes.

Around the table, with only trusted companions, the conversation flowed freely. The atmosphere was as relaxed as a family banquet. They casually chatted about the Floating Lotus Sword Lake's partnership with the Rainbow Sparrow Manor in making ceremonial robes and bracelets for sale. Chen Ping'an asked, "Sword Immortal Rong, any interest in becoming a nominal honored offering here in Great Li, getting paid for doing nothing?"

Sword Immortal Rong? The Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator Rong Chang wore a thoughtful expression. If he could truly become a registered honorable offering of the Great Li dynasty and obtain a token of office, it would bring honor to his master's face.

Chen Ping'an explained, "On the Sword Qi Great Wall, calling a Jade Purity realm cultivator 'Sword Immortal' is an insult. Calling an Earth Immortal realm cultivator 'Sword Immortal' is a form of advance congratulations."

Rong Chang smiled and nodded. "Since the National Teacher himself invites me, I won't be coy. I accept the position as offering."

Chen Li chimed in, "Senior Brother Rong, the Hidden Official's first statement is true. The second one only works at the Second Boss's tavern. Outside that tavern, it's still an insult."

Rong Chang wasn't bothered. "I must find a chance to visit that tavern in Ascension City. Hidden Official, how about a toast?"

Chen Ping'an clinked glasses with him. After they finished their respective cups, Chen Ping'an said, "Do sword cultivators from the Sword Qi Great Wall and the Northern Parasol Continent need a reason to drink?"

Seemingly stronger than any wine, these words made Rong Chang decide immediately to drink freely. He had decent capacity for drink but poor conduct. The normally cautious and prudent senior disciple of Li Cai eventually even started complaining about his master's faults.

Chen Li rolled his eyes and told Gao Youqing not to snitch. He then helped his stumbling senior brother, who was insisting he wasn't drunk and could still drink more, out of the room. Sui Jingcheng hesitated for a moment, then stood up too, but not to leave the table permanently. She went to help Yu Qing, the National Teacher's Residence cook, preparing some snacks to go with the wine and eagerly bringing them to the table, all while saying how wonderful Yu Qing's cooking was.

Du Yu, slightly tipsy, started to kick off his boots and sit cross-legged on the bench, but suddenly realized this was the National Teacher's Residence, not some place where one could casually eat and drink heartily.

Chen Ping'an told him just to be at ease. Du Yu hesitated, then complied. This Chivalrous Du, still not very famous in the Northern Parasol Continent's orthodox circles, had built a small name for himself in the martial world. He was even more cautious doing good deeds than a thief was doing bad ones. From start to finish, he wore a mask, never spoke a word, and fled as soon as he saved someone. He struck with the speed of lightning and escaped on the wind even faster.

Back then, the man called "Good Deeds Chen" had "humbly sought guidance" from Du Sanrang, who he'd befriended after a fight. He learned two talismans, both secret art of the Ghost Axe Palace and family heirlooms: the Stelae-Bearing Talisman and the Snow-Mud Talisman.

Earlier, when Talisman Sage Yu Xuan visited Fallen Mountain, Chen Ping'an seized the rare opportunity. He deliberately concealed the origin of the talismans and drew the two of them on the spot, unconcerned about looking foolish.

An expert knows the quality the moment they see the work. With Yu Xuan's keen eye, he picked up the Snow-Mud Talisman and probed, "I once executed a Talisman-Carrying-Mountain technique. Fellow Daoist Chen has been thoughtful, adding a bit of Bird-Seal Script's meaning."

Thus, Chen Ping'an indirectly learned an unexpected secret. The founding ancestor of the Ghost Axe Palace might have visited that mountain in Flowery Haze Continent, seen that talisman with his own eyes, and by some stroke of luck, gained insights and developed his own understanding?

Yu Xuan's evaluation of the talisman was "Quite presentable, slightly conveys a divine intent."

After all, it was a talisman drawn personally by Fellow Daoist Chen; he needed to show some face. He couldn't bluntly say it only scratched the surface and hadn't entered the inner sanctum.

But given Yu Xuan's temperament, his significance to Bright World talismans, and his familiar relationship with Chen Ping'an, he couldn't help adding a relatively tactful but honest remark. "The names and alternative titles of these two talismans are better than the talismans themselves."

In other words, Fellow Daoist Chen, you are indeed skilled at naming things. As for the actual rank and quality of the talismans, we both know the truth.

What Yu Xuan didn't know was that Chen Ping'an had been waiting for this very remark from the old Sage. Chen Ping'an then took the opportunity to ask Yu Xuan to draw the two talismans for him. Naturally, they were of the highest order, infused with perfect divine intent.

Only then did Chen Ping'an explain the origin of the talismans to the old Sage. After hearing it, Yu Xuan laughed heartily, finding it both amusing and satisfying.

Such seemingly trivial and delightful matters were precisely what truly pleased a Daoist like Yu Xuan, who had achieved perfect merit and attained the Fourteenth Realm. Otherwise, concerning the campaign for Fuyao Continent, no matter what others said, he always had to maintain some reserve.

The old Sage naturally took note of the Ghost Axe Palace, a minor sect he had never heard of before.

Chen Ping'an had intended to give these talismans to Du Yu later, as a means of self-protection during his chivalrous deeds in the world.

However, he could also guess Du Yu's thoughts. Protective charms and life-saving talismans for a journey down the mountain? No chance. He would have to place these immortal talismans, these grand talismans, on the incense altar of the Ghost Axe Palace's patriarch hall and offer them proper worship!

Now that they had met, Chen Ping'an slapped the two talismans on the table. "Old rules, they're yours. Good thing I kept them separate, or you wouldn't even have gotten to see these fine talismans."

Du Yu leaned forward, grabbed the talismans, squinted his drunken eyes, shook his head, and forced his eyelids open. "Who drew these?"

Chen Ping'an said, "Personally drawn by Talisman Sage Yu Xuan."

Du Yu was stunned, then bellowed, "What?! Whose?!"

His loud voice could be heard throughout the entire National Teacher's Residence. In the official hall, young officials who had finished lunch and were back at work were curious. Who was this, daring to be so unrestrained and speak so freely?

Rong Chang had been helped to sit on a stone bench under a pine tree in the second courtyard, where he lay slumped over the table, snoring like thunder.

Gao Youqing didn't quite understand why Senior Brother Rong had drunk so excessively. Chen Li, with his hands in his sleeves as if dozing, said, "Senior Brother has always felt he doesn't live up to the title of chief disciple."

In the kitchen, Yu Qing dried her hands, wiped her apron, and looked at Sui Jingcheng, who was still helping with the dishes. The gentle woman asked softly, "Sui Jingcheng, why bother?"

Sui Jingcheng suddenly broke into a radiant smile, but asked the cook a strange question. "What about you?"

Yu Qing gave a mute laugh and shook her head. "What in the world are you talking about?"

Lin Shouyi was inside a room, consulting with Cao Qinglang about the art of writing. Yu Shiwu and a few others were in an official hall that Rong Yu had specially cleared for them. Everyone had a clear division of labor, each person checking and copying files into registers. Amid not delaying their official duties, Xu Jiaoqie and Xiao Xing would always exchange a few insults.

At the entrance to a side room, Xie Gou said, "If he keeps drinking like this, the Mountain Lord will really be drunk. What do we do?"

Xiao Mo chuckled. "Then let him drink. It's better if he's drunk."

Xie Gou said, "You keep an eye on the Mountain Lord. I'm going to take a stroll over by the Thousand Step Corridor. A lot of top scholars and palace laureates are there. I'll soak up some literary aura. Maybe next time I write my travel notes, I'll have divine inspiration and my prose will be even more brilliant..."

Xiao Mo said, "You stay put right here."

By the end of the drinking session, only 'Good Deeds Chen' and 'Chivalrous Du' were left at the table.

Drifting clouds part, and after many autumns in the human world, how many times have flowers bloomed and withered, how many times has the wheat turned yellow?

Du Yu, thoroughly drunk like a reckless sot, rambled about his recent exploits in the martial world. Doing good deeds while constantly looking over his shoulder was already so hard. Then what about you, Good Deeds Chen? Was it hard or not? If you said it wasn't, then you weren't drunk enough and looked down on him, Du Yu, not truly treating him as a friend. They'd have to drink another round...

Across the table, the man in the blue robe wore a helpless expression, his eyes filled with tenderness. He could only smile and nod, raising his glass. "Alright, alright. One more round, one more round."

---

At the private residence near the Flower God Temple, the gatekeeper maidservant suddenly realized that the master of the house was standing on the street outside, for some reason not asking her to open the door. She didn't actually know the old transcendent's true identity, only that his surname was Liu.

Earlier, the man in the scholar's robe who called himself Zhou Shou, with the Dao name Flower Guardian, had visited, mentioning Gongliu Island and saying he was looking for Old Transcendent Liu and Old Chieftain Gao. This had caught her attention, making her inwardly anxious. She knew that on Gongliu Island, the most famous registered cultivator with the surname Liu was naturally the third sect leader of the True Realm Sect and former co-lord of the Book and Letter Lake, Liu Laocheng! She was at a loss. If the old man was indeed Liu Laocheng, then couldn't her life be in danger at any moment? Fortunately, she hadn't heard Liu Laocheng had a predilection for refining cauldrons for dual cultivation. On the other hand, if he truly was Liu Laocheng, then the talisman freely given by the old Daoist who came to visit might actually be what he boasted it was – a priceless treasure talisman?

The gatekeeper maidservant's expression shifted between shock and confusion. She was entranced, forgetting to open the door. When she came to her senses, she found that the scholar-robed man called Zhou Shou had already opened the door and was standing on the steps. He was clapping and exclaiming in admiration, "First, use the Sword-Sealing Talisman to intimidate this Jiang fellow. Trap the first sect leader of the Green Duckweed Sword Sect, Cui Dongshan, with water techniques. Then, go toe-to-toe with Liu Tui, the sect leader of Tian Yao Township, and not be at a disadvantage. Both using their full repertoire, your battle spanned a thousand miles. You treated the grand formation of the Great Li capital as if it were nothing, swaggered right up to the gates of the National Teacher's Residence, got stabbed several times by Fallen Mountain's second-rank offering Xie Gou, yet still didn't die. You even managed to walk out of the National Teacher's Residence lively! Brother Liu, this is no mere Immortal realm cultivator! This is clearly a powerful Ascension realm cultivator just half a step away from achieving the Dao!"

The man who called himself a wild cultivator from the Book and Letter Lake didn't use telepathic communication. The gatekeeper maidservant paled with fright, feeling dizzy. She supported herself against the door, on the verge of tears. Why was her fate so bitter? With a figure as notoriously evil and magically connected as Liu Laocheng, wherever he went, that place became the Book and Letter Lake.

A handsome white-clad boy with a beauty mark between his eyebrows stood outside the gatekeeper's room. His snow-white sleeves were so long they almost touched the ground. He smiled comfortingly. "Elder Sister, with me here, don't be afraid. This old villain Liu Laocheng, whose crimes are too numerous to recount, is someone everyone wants to kill. Since you and I, sister and brother, hit it off at first sight, together we can surely capture this scoundrel, eliminating this menace for the people. From now on, there will be a beautiful tale in the martial world about a certain young hero and a certain young heroine joining forces to slay the evil brute Liu Laocheng!"

The gatekeeper maidservant stared blankly at the white-clad youth. *You must be crazy, right?*

Liu Laocheng didn't bother with telepathic speech this time. "Your Mountain Lord, Sir, just said he still owes me a winter crucian carp. Only after that do you two have your chance to make a move."

Jiang Shangzhen said aggrievedly, "Ah, Brother Liu! You really don't know what's good for you! You always take a kind gesture for ill intent! From my initial visit until you turned hostile, did I ever once speak of fighting or killing? I was just here to properly discuss and partner in a business deal! The True Realm Sect and the Book and Letter Lake have no place for you anymore. Beyond a single Book and Letter Lake lies the vast sky and earth! With your realm, Brother Liu, your temperament, your skills, and especially your record of single-handedly taking on Immortals and Ascension cultivators, all you need is to change your face and identity. You can build a new fortune anywhere in two or three hundred years!"

Liu Laocheng said, "As I suspected. You deliberately forced me to go to the National Teacher's Residence to see Chen Ping'an."

Jiang Shangzhen gestured towards the white-clad youth leaning against the doorframe inside, whispering with the woman. "Probably his idea. I didn't think that far ahead. I came initially to discuss business with you. Since I was willing to part with a Cloud Cavern Blessed Land in exchange for the True Realm Sect, I was naturally willing to offer you a good price. But you are suspicious and bloodthirsty. What can I do? Of course, the moment you ran to the National Teacher's Residence, I truly wanted to kill you."

The woman listened, growing more frightened. Her face as pale as death, her body trembling like a sieve, she sobbed, "'Zhou Shou' is actually Jiang Shangzhen? The patriarch of the Jiang clan of Cloud Cavern Blessed Land..."

Cui Dongshan raised his hand to cover his mouth and whispered, "Sister, rest assured. I am not actually in cahoots with this dog thief Jiang. We are just putting on an act. I have endured humiliation and bided my time for years, waiting for the perfect moment to strike a fatal blow."

The woman sobbed, her voice trembling. "You're lying! Jiang Shangzhen is the chief offering of Fallen Mountain. You are Cui Dongshan, the sect leader of the Green Duckweed Sword Sect in Parasol Leaf Continent. I've heard of you..."

"So Sister knows my name is Dongshan after all," Cui Dongshan said with a chuckle, reaching out his hand. The woman fumbled in her sleeve, pulling out the talisman and obediently handing it to him. Holding the talisman, which could allow a Golden Core cultivator during the eighth revolution to be guided by an Immortal to tour the Purple Mansion Crimson Palace, Cui Dongshan stepped over the threshold. He plopped down onto a chair, raised his arm, and called for brush and ink. The woman was momentarily stunned but then frantically helped prepare the brush, spread the paper, and grind the ink. Cui Dongshan wrote swiftly, composing a Daoist formula. He lightly blew on the ink to dry it and cheerfully handed it to her. The woman had just managed to steal a few glances at the content; it seemed a detailed annotation on how to use the talisman?

She hesitated for a moment, then mustered the courage to reach for the paper. Unexpectedly, the white-clad youth pulled it back. She froze on the spot.

Cui Dongshan communicated via telepathy. "Sister, ah, who are we trying to fool? Let's stop pretending. I am Master's student, and you are his hidden agent. In terms of relationship, we siblings are actually from the same path that started in Clay Vase Alley!"

Her expression was blank.

Cui Dongshan stood up, smiling as he handed the paper over. "Take it. It's not hot to the touch. You've worked hard, Sister. Consider this an advance payment."

Liu Laocheng was inwardly alarmed. This inconspicuous gatekeeper maidservant was actually someone Gu Can had placed here? How was that possible? His decision to purchase this residence near the Flower God Temple was a whim. No, was Gu Can's real target his friend, whom he had only met a few times? In the final analysis, Gu Can’s aim was still against him?!

A young man in a scholar's robe appeared from around the corner and walked over. He said to the gatekeeper, "You need to leave immediately. I'll arrange a new identity for you later."

She nodded without hesitation and silently left the street.

Cui Dongshan asked in surprise, "How did you manage that?"

Gu Can replied calmly, "Cast a wide net and rely on luck. With enough patience and sufficient groundwork, you can trust that one or two people will be useful, and one or two things will succeed."

Jiang Shangzhen chuckled. "Brother Liu, the person who really wants to take you down is here."

Gu Can made a bow to Liu Laocheng, then straightened up, saying with a smile, "Island Lord Liu. Until we meet again, take care."

Liu Laocheng laughed freely. "Then let us reunite if fate allows."

Liu Tui arrived at the door and said, "Gu Can, that student of yours, Huanghuashen, seems to be looking for you. You know, the wild cultivator with the Dao name 'Chinese Tallow'."

Gu Can stopped, cupped his fists, and smiled. "Thank you, Lord Liu, for informing me of this."

Liu Tui said, "If you want the titular identity of a continent's lord, you only need to take it."

Gu Can replied with a subtle smile, "There is no need for the elder to offer gifts, nor for the junior to seize them. What is meant to be will naturally be. Forced retention is impossible, and forceful acquisition is also impossible."

Liu Tui nodded. "I spoke poorly. When I return home and send word to Tian Yao Township, I will visit the Bracelet Suppression Sect."

Gu Can said, "I await your esteemed visit."

At the foot of Fallen Mountain, the green-clad boy sat on a bamboo chair, radiating high spirits. He said to the young Daoist beside him, "Old Cook said we can go on our travels starting tomorrow."

Xian Wei quickly turned sideways, cupping his fists. "I wish Fellow Daoist Jingqing a smooth journey and may you enjoy your time with Little Millet."

Chen Lingjun waved his hand grandly. "Absolutely!"

He then chuckled slyly. "Let me tell you another piece of news. Brother Zhong is coming with us on the martial world trip."

Xian Wei was dumbfounded. If Brother Zhong wasn't at Fallen Mountain, who would hold the fort? And what about their midnight snacks?

Chen Lingjun laughed heartily. "Little Millet has already discussed it with Clumsy Warm Tree and Old Cook. Even if Zhong Qian isn't on the mountain, rest assured, you'll have a hearty midnight snack every single time!"

Xian Wei smiled gently. "Fallen Mountain is truly fortunate to have such a guardian offering."

Chen Lingjun tossed a set of keys to the Daoist. He said earnestly, "Xian Wei, don't feel lonely while I am away. I've stolen some books from Old Cook's library, a whole big sack. They're in my room. The key's for you. Just let yourself in and read them. Over a hundred volumes, definitely enough to keep you occupied. Later, when Old Cook finds them missing and starts cursing the thief, don't you worry either. Just blame it all on me. That might even get us a better midnight snack that night."

Xian Wei accepted the keys, gently tucked them into his sleeve, and repeatedly expressed his thanks. But the green-clad boy chided him for being so formal between sworn brothers, lacking in gallantry.

Chen Lingjun suddenly cautioned, "Xian Wei, Little Millet told me not to tell you ahead of time. She wants Warm Tree to inform you all suddenly tomorrow evening and summon you to Old Cook's place for a surprise. So don't let it slip, okay? You're a teacher now, Xian Wei. You need to be more steady, understand? More cautious in speech, you know?"

Xian Wei nodded vigorously.

Chen Lingjun looked skeptical. "I don't want to be blamed by Clumsy Warm Tree. Daoist Xian Wei, swear an oath."

Xian Wei pressed his index and middle fingers together, pointed them towards the sky, and was about to swear on the spot.

Chen Lingjun burst out laughing. "You were actually going to stupidly swear an oath?! We're sworn brothers! What's all this?" The green-clad boy raised a hand. The young Daoist, suddenly understanding, gently high-fived him.

A blazing sun at the center of the sky.

An enormous, indescribable Cypress Wood Boat slowly sailed through the boundless, formless void.

Ripples spread from the Cypress Wood Boat were actually Dao waves that drowned countless stars.

Legend has it that the Ultimate Sage himself selected and compiled the songs, resulting in the phrase "Three hundred poems, pure of thought." Among them was an anonymous poem titled "Cypress Wood Boat."

At the National Teacher's Residence, reeking of alcohol, Chen Ping'an rubbed his temples. He had indeed drunk too much. He had given his resting room to Du Yu and could only go to the study for a nap.

In a daze, Chen Ping'an found himself inexplicably before a majestic golden gate that seemed to connect heaven and earth. Countless ancient scripts and patterns were carved upon it. He stood still for a long time, pondering deeply, but could not decipher the meaning. After much hesitation, Chen Ping'an summoned his dharma image and gently pushed against the gate. It wouldn't budge. His dharma image retreated, then smashed its fists heavily against the door. The sound was like a great bell in the silent, empty void. The gate remained completely unmoved. After that, Chen Ping'an exhausted all his means. He used the Divine Beating-Drum Style, even all his destined flying swords. Yet this magnificent gate connecting heaven and earth remained utterly immovable.

The blue-robed swordsman, wearing his jade hairpin, was panting heavily. He planted his hands on his hips, pointed a finger at the gate, and cursed, "Senior Brother, don't force me to curse you out!"

That jade hairpin from days gone by, which had somehow found its way into the boy's hair bun, now inexplicably departed from the blue-robed swordsman's bun.

The gate slowly began to open.

But there was clearly still an invisible barrier, as if reminding Chen Ping'an that he was only allowed a peek.

To truly enter and take his place within, a different key was still needed.

Chen Ping'an abruptly looked up. He only caught a single glimpse of the scene inside, but a chill ran down his spine. He was stunned for only an instant before he bellowed, "Close the door!"

The next moment, Chen Ping'an found himself back in the study, sitting properly in his chair. Life is but a dream, the same for past and present. Who first woke from this great dream? He had opened the door to see a new "world."