Chapter 10: Heart-Home
Pei Qian needed to make a trip to Ai'ai Continent. Liu Jùbǎo had personally written a letter to Jise Peak last night, saying he wanted to invite Mr. Chen to discuss an important matter. The specifics couldn't be detailed in the letter. If Mr. Chen was too busy, he could send his senior disciple instead, it wouldn't be a problem. Wasn't Grandmaster Pei also a guest elder of the Ai'ai Continent Liu Clan? Chen Ping'an told Pei Qian to treat it as a chance to clear her mind, and she could take the opportunity to visit Hongwu Dynasty and see the local customs there.
The farming busy season was almost over. Zhao Shuxia and Ning Ji needed to return to the village school. Deng Jianping had a sudden idea, saying he wanted to go back to his elder sister and brother-in-law's Daoist temple in Beiju Luzhou. Chen Ping'an told him to bring his two personal disciples along to Luopo Mountain. Deng Jianping asked if that was appropriate. Chen Ping'an smiled and said, "What's inappropriate about it? When we meet, they'll have to call me Grandmaster."
Old Deaf Boy needed to rush back to Huaying Peak to start teaching. Zheng Dafeng was going to Yingyu Peak to teach boxing. Wen Zixi, who was at the "Double Gold" realm, needed to secretly escort Millet and the others all the way to Old Dragon City.
Nie Cui'e and that group of sword cultivators from other continents—some were guest elders of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, others were offerings priests of the Green Duckweed Sword Sect—were also heading back home. They were all satisfied, feeling the trip had been worthwhile.
Daoist Xian Wei, along with his personal disciple Lin Feijing who had come from afar, headed to Fragrant Fire Mountain to continue their work of cutting through mountains, crossing waters, paving roads, and building bridges. As the master and disciple walked up the mountain path, they passed pavilion after pavilion along the way, all of which were the handiwork of the master-disciple pair. Lin Feijing asked curiously about the strange omens from the previous night, wondering if his master knew the truth. Xian Wei was taken aback. He had slept like a log last night and even forgotten to eat his midnight snack. This morning, Big Wind Brother said his snoring was so loud it nearly lifted the roof. How would Xian Wei know anything about strange omens or not? His face couldn't take it, so he waved his sleeve and lectured his disciple with a few grand principles. Lin Feijing was so impressed and full of admiration that he sincerely felt he still had a long way to go to catch up to his master.
Yes, indeed. "The mountain's height matters not; sincerity moves the divine. Cultivate the Dao by virtue, roam freely beneath heaven's vast courtyard. In my family's Daoist temple, what lack is there?"
"Feijing, what do you think of that old cook's rattan chair? The craftsmanship? To escape the summer heat, one hand holding a palm-leaf fan, the other a Daoist scripture, reposing like that—I'm quite envious, you know."
"Master, this disciple will go gather some ancient rattan right away."
"Feijing, tell me honestly: since I haven't yet asked Mountain Lord Chen to add you to Luopo Mountain's registry of cultivators, have you been feeling anxious?"
"Disciple has absolutely no such intention."
"Not ambitious enough, eh."
As for our Mountain Lord Chen, he finally stopped being a hands-off boss. It was like an old man back in his hometown: after the lively New Year's celebrations, he had to send them off to different distant places, where they would have better futures.
Millet and the others didn't immediately fly to Ox Horn Ferry. Instead, they took the winding mountain road out of the mountain, walking first to the small town to purchase some necessities for their travels through mountains and rivers. They also wanted to say goodbye to the shopkeepers and clerks of the New Year's Money Shop and the Grass Tower Shop.
From the mountain gate, once they could no longer see their figures, Chen Ping'an walked up the steps and watched their silhouettes for a while longer. The blue-clad boy and the black-clad girl bounced and skipped along, playfully scuffling. Beside them walked a lazy-looking man carrying a large backpack, his breath steady and his steps firm.
According to Ning Yao's estimate, Zhu Su would break through her cultivation realm today at midday, entering the Immortal realm.
She would head to the Youyi Peak of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect earlier today, because she needed to be the bridesmaid for She Yue.
As for Fuyaolu, that private Daoist retreat, Chen Ping'an had temporarily lent it to Xie Gou. Moreover, Xie Gou needed to protect Daoist Ding during his cultivation breakthrough.
Chen Ping'an called out to Xiao Mo, who was heading to the Snail Shell Temple to recover from his injuries, and Xie Gou, who was following him to put on airs as the "senior wife" in front of those jade figures. Together, they walked toward the bamboo building. Chen Ping'an went inside and took out a newly made green bamboo staff, which had two seal inscriptions carved into it: "Luopo Mountain" and "Second Seat."
It was a mountain-walking staff he was giving to Xie Gou.
Chen Ping'an explained, "I made this a while ago, so it's still engraved with 'Second Seat.' Now that you're the First Seat, you can re-carve a new inscription yourself."
The young girl in the sable hat glanced at the green bamboo material and the carving marks. It was easy to "date" the staff—it was made by the Mountain Lord not long after their last return from the Flying Ascension City on the Five Colors World. Xie Gou grinned, a silly, happy grin. The white-haired child, who had nearly been removed from the registry this morning, let out a string of "aiyo wei," "tch tch tch," sounding sour with jealousy. "Comparing people really can drive you crazy. Squadron leader Xie sure knows how to brown-nose. Her official career is soaring."
Xie Gou hastily took the staff while feigning politeness, saying things like, "Such a great gift! I haven't done anything to deserve it."
Back then, she had taken it upon herself to lead a group of female ghosts "illegally" to Bottle Gourd Continent, nearly causing a huge mess.
Chen Ping'an said, "Didn't I promise you that as long as you could mind your own business properly, I would give you a mountain-walking staff?"
Xie Gou laughed. "I did mind that business, but I didn't handle it well. Accepting it with gratitude is shameful, but declining it would be impolite. Haha."
On Luopo Mountain, whether one was a cultivator or a martial artist, having a mountain-walking staff wasn't a matter of ceremony, nor did one need a specific status to carry one. If someone liked it, they could just make their own bamboo staff. But whether it was personally crafted and given by the Mountain Lord—that had a different significance.
Chen Ping'an asked, "How is Daoist Ding doing?"
Xie Gou said, "Slow as a turtle crawling. Progress is sluggish."
Chen Ping'an said, "That's fine. Steady and solid wins the race."
Xiao Mo asked, "Young Master, what about the matter of helping Patriarch Lü with his protection?"
Chen Ping'an rubbed his brow. "Still waiting for news."
Wei Bo arrived at the bamboo building and reminded him, "The morning court has already started in the capital. You, the new National Teacher, have been absent for quite a while. The civil and military officials in the hall are all talking and guessing wildly. They're saying that with such a big commotion in the capital's official circles yesterday—one of the Nine Great Ministers missing, two of the Lesser Nine missing—His Majesty is waiting for you to show up before setting the tone. Since you're already late, you might as well delay a bit more and just attend the small court session in the Imperial Study. I can inform His Majesty."
Last night in the Great Li capital, it had been pure chaos—a total mess that never stopped. As the Northern Peak God in charge of the capital region's mountains and rivers, it was Wei Bo's duty to have a bunch of mountain-and-river officials from various yamen keep watch over many message-flying swords. Through that one night, he had seen every shade of officialdom's ups and downs and the myriad forms of human life.
In the world's hearts and minds, there was nothing new. For example, destruction without construction—merely tearing down without being able to build up—was nothing more than a certain rebellion in the history books. If one could both destroy and build, that was founding a state. The rise and fall of dynasties were like this; immortal mansions and aristocratic clans each had their own "moments of revolution."
Chen Ping'an withdrew his gaze from the distance and said, "I'll go to the capital now. I still need to attend the morning court."
He waited a moment, but saw no sign of Wei Bo using his divine powers. Chen Ping'an was puzzled and turned to look at this Night-Wandering God, who was almost a household name in the Great Sui capital. He asked, "Is there something you can't discuss with me? Go ahead, let's see what matter or what person could make Wei Bo hesitate..."
Wei Bo's face was expressionless. "I can't move you."
Chen Ping'an was stunned. "What?"
Wei Bo explained, "You're now an Eleventh Realm martial artist. Your soul is extremely condensed. It's really hard for me to lift you. You're like an iron ox used to suppress river floods—moving you by pure human strength is too exhausting. I can't just casually use the mountain-and-river qi of the Northern Peak. Besides, if I had to do this twice every day, no one could take it."
Chen Ping'an patted Wei Bo on the shoulder. "The fame of the Night-Wandering God has gone up, but your Dao power hasn't caught up yet."
Wei Bo suggested, "Should we set up a Cloud Nest Formation at Jiling Peak and the National Teacher's Mansion?"
Chen Ping'an smiled and reached out to draw a "cruder" imitation of a Three Mountains Talisman in the air. If Xie Gou's imitation of Master Three Mountains and Nine Marquises' talisman was like official imitation within the imperial kilns, then his version was a typical folk imitation of official ware—good enough if it worked. But hoping it could cross half a continent like Bottle Gourd Continent was nothing but wishful thinking.
Earlier, at the Great Sui Jade Firmament Palace, Chen Qingliu had passed along a message from Master Three Mountains and Nine Marquises to Chen Ping'an, saying that in the future, when using the Three Mountains Talisman, there was no need to burn incense or show reverence.
Chen Ping'an chose three locations: the nearby Yellow Lake Mountain, a nameless wild mountain, and Qingxuan Cave by the Monkey Trampoline Boardwalk in the Great Li capital region.
When he arrived at Yellow Lake Mountain, he saw Liu Cha already sitting on a stool, wearing a bamboo hat, linen clothes, and straw sandals, holding a fishing rod. A wine jug sat beside his feet. He looked very much like a leisurely rustic hermit.
Chen Ping'an crouched down beside him. Without the cultivator's trick of "sleeve universe," and since he was about to attend a court session, he couldn't conveniently carry a wine jug or smoking pipe with him. Truly, it was hard to go from luxury to frugality.
Liu Cha asked curiously, "Can you still continue cultivating the Dao?"
Chen Ping'an smiled. "Of course."
Liu Cha frowned. "Did all your destined flying swords get destroyed in that Heavenly Earth Fusion?"
Chen Ping'an shook his head. "They're all still here, but I can't use them for now."
Liu Cha fell silent, frowning. Who did he take me for? Since we already have this gentleman's agreement with the Literary Temple, no oath required, how could I be so treacherous as to make you, Chen Ping'an, worry about a knife in the back?
But since Chen Ping'an wasn't willing to be frank, Liu Cha didn't press further. For other cultivators, it was only human to guard against others and keep a trump card hidden away. But who are you, Chen Ping'an? The former Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall, a man used to walking strange roads. And I, Liu Cha, though a member of the Barbarian race, once roamed the world with a sword. Since we are both wanderers and knights-errant, why must the two of us be so guarded against each other?
Chen Ping'an smiled and explained, "They're temporarily locked inside a few time-space vortexes, like a very advanced sword-locking technique. It's a method I came up with to protect myself at the last minute. Just in case... just in case I lose to Zhou Mi and become the greatest sinner of the entire world, even if it takes a thousand or ten thousand years, I'll still have a faint chance to redeem myself on my own, to truly become a pure sword cultivator in the form of a ghost. Except for Chen Qingliu, even you, Liu Cha, a Fourteen Realm cultivator, wouldn't be able to see through this."
Liu Cha nodded. It seemed he had misunderstood him.
Chen Ping'an said, "Though you're nominally my personal bodyguard, you don't have to follow me around like a shadow."
Liu Cha laughed. "With you being an Eleventh Realm martial artist, who could kill you now?"
Chen Ping'an said, "The pinnacle battles in your Barbarian lands are cruel and ruthless, but they aren't insidious enough."
Liu Cha nodded. "Not comparable to your humans' patience and cleverness, experts at plotting against enemies in the invisible."
The Literary Temple had let Liu Cha leave the Forest of Merit, saying they were making him Chen Ping'an's bodyguard. But in truth, it was just a face-saving formality for both sides.
Chen Ping'an had taken the lead in resolving a threat that had existed for ten thousand years. Naturally, the Central Earth Literary Temple needed to show some appreciation.
Giving him the title of "Gentleman" would be an insult. But if they actually gave him a position like Deputy Leader of the Literary Temple or Grand Sacrificial Priest of a newly established academy, Chen Ping'an might not accept it either.
What Gu Kuang, Qin Zhengxiu, and this group of upright gentlemen all hoped for was that Chen Ping'an would serve as a "battle supervisor" on the Barbarian battlefield, akin to his role as both Hidden Official and Executioner on the Sword Qi Great Wall—a compromise that wasn't bad.
Keeping Liu Cha locked up indefinitely was a bit wasteful. But to let Liu Cha, a former Fourteen Realm pure sword cultivator, roam freely through the Righteous Qi World without restrictions—the Literary Temple wasn't that generous. What if Liu Cha's mind snapped, or he did something like Xiao Xun? No one could bear that consequence. But to say Liu Cha should make amends by working for the Righteous Qi World on the Barbarian battlefield—Rite Sage certainly wouldn't do that. Nobody had that much face.
Back when Zhou Mi was around, he could use the righteous principle that "since you're a Barbarian cultivator, you should at least strike one sword for Barbarian" to force Liu Cha to wrap up the Fuyao Continent campaign. But here in the Righteous Qi World, what excuse could they use to persuade Liu Cha? "You look human"?
Liu Cha said, "Chen Ping'an, let's be clear first: I'll only be your attendant in the Righteous Qi World. I won't go to the Barbarian lands."
Chen Ping'an looked as if he was getting worked up. He complained loudly, "So much nonsense! You're insulting both me and yourself!"
Liu Cha nodded. Those words were agreeable to the ear.
Chen Ping'an went to the next mountain.
Liu Cha turned his focus back to his fishing. The big-bearded man suddenly jolted awake. That bastard! He'd deliberately shouted, scaring away a black carp that was about to bite the bait.
The mountain where Chen Ping'an chose to stop was actually a good place for gathering wind and water. It had an obscure little sect whose founding patriarch had merely been a Cavern Dwelling realm cultivator. They had seven or eight members in the registry, "three generations under one roof," and they hadn't even established a Patriarch's Hall. The founding patriarch, who had fled here during a chaotic war, had set up a crude camouflaging spell. They devoted themselves purely to cultivation and had no contact with the mortal world outside. Occasionally, they would go out, sell some mountain goods, and buy clothes, rice, oil, and salt in the marketplace.
A few second-generation disciples were discussing something with their master: they planned to go to the Great Li capital to start a security escort agency. Every family has its own troubles. Following their master here to establish a sect, they could cultivate in peace, but life was too meager. The main problem was lack of money, which hindered cultivation. For instance, the medicinal meals needed for cultivation consumed a lot of real gold and silver. The master didn't mind them going down the mountain to gain experience, but he was worried they weren't worldly enough and would get taken advantage of. It wasn't easy to get a foothold in the Great Li capital, a place teeming with hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Moreover, deep in his heart, the old man feared they might be dazzled by the bright lights and intoxication of the mortal world, and once down the mountain, they might find the ascetic life of mountain cultivation too bitter and never return. Still, after a thorough discussion, the old man rambled on, teaching them some worldly wisdom and the tricks of dealing with local government offices. He prepared to write a few letters to old friends in the mountains whom he hadn't contacted in a long time, asking them to look after the escort agency.
The old man suddenly smiled, a look of pleasant surprise on his face. "Brother Cao Mo! Have you come to the mountains to mine and gather herbs again?"
At the sight of that familiar figure in a blue robe, the faces of the old man's second-generation disciples showed various expressions. A young woman of no ordinary beauty gave a glance that sparkled with autumn waves, but she deliberately turned her head to look at the green mountains to the side.
The other men and youths all looked as if facing a formidable enemy. This girl was their only junior sister or senior sister. And this man called Cao Mo, a martial mortal, had been coming to their sect several times recently. What thief's heart wasn't clear? No matter—he was just a martial artist who knew some fist and footwork. In another ten years, he'd be old. What they feared was his sweet talk deceiving her. As the old saying goes, a good woman can't stand a persistent suitor.
Chen Ping'an cupped his hands in greeting. "Old Brother Hong! Passing by your treasured land, I'm disturbing your peaceful cultivation again."
This founding patriarch of the Cavern Dwelling realm, an old man named Hong Zhengyun, had no Daoist title. His aptitude for cultivation was mediocre. Though he was a wild cultivator of the mountains and marshes, he had a kind heart. The disciples were all orphans he had gathered around him during the great war years. Apart from two disciples who barely managed to refine their qi and learn basic breathing techniques, the others had only learned some Daoist boxing arts and swordsmanship to strengthen their bodies and prolong their lives. Cultivating to become an immortal was a pipe dream. They were more like martial arts heroes who could walk on walls and leap over roofs; they knew no immortal arts for subduing demons.
So, though it was called a Daoist immortal sect with registered cultivators, the old man and his disciples all knew the truth: the tradition could only continue through two people.
That was also why the second-generation disciples wanted to start an escort agency. With the money earned, they could save up some spirit money for her and a young third-generation disciple, to buy the so-called cultivation resources from the immortal ferry ports—those things that cost a jaw-dropping amount—and send them back to the sect. Otherwise, relying solely on the mountain's produce, the two of them were destined never to become immortals.
The visitor chuckled. "I've reached the Qi-Refining stage of martial arts. I can hear the buzzing of a mosquito flapping its wings from a hundred zhang away. I overheard your sect's discussion just now. My apologies."
A young man rolled his eyes. He hated Cao Mo's tone the most—always bragging about his Martial Dao Qi-Refining Third Realm, as if afraid people wouldn't know he was a Fourth Realm martial arts grandmaster.
If you're so awesome, why not teach me a few cool techniques? Then maybe I'd consider becoming a matchmaker for you and Senior Sister Zhao.
Hong Zhengyun didn't see anything wrong with Cao Mo's attitude. Didn't he himself often pull out his nearly forgotten Cavern Dwelling realm and show it off to his disciples, repeating himself endlessly?
In life, one always needs one or two things to boast about to the world and to outsiders.
Then Cao Mo laughed again. "Old Brother Hong, what a coincidence! I happen to have some influence in the capital. I know a hall master of Liu Kun's Fish-Dragon Gang, and I've also met Magistrate Han of Yongtai County. If you really go to the capital to start an agency, on opening day, I can help invite a few local big shots from both the lawful and the underworld to lend you some support. That'll save you many unnecessary troubles."
Hong Zhengyun stroked his beard with a smile, afraid his disciples didn't understand the weight of Cao Mo's words. The old man explained on his behalf, "I've heard of that chieftain. This martial grandmaster, in his early years, supposedly won great fame alongside the Fairy Hexian of the Invincible Fist God Gang in the old capital. As for Magistrate Han of Yongtai County—don't let the title 'magistrate' fool you. A county magistrate in the Great Li capital is no less than a minister in a vassal state. Brother Cao, you have a wide network and solid connections!"
A brash, blunt-faced young man retorted, "Grandmaster Cao's martial arts are world-shaking. How far away did you catch sight of these martial arts big shots and officials? Also from a hundred zhang, right?"
Sure enough, Cao Mo was momentarily speechless, as if caught in a lie. His face showed a hint of discomfort.
Everyone except her burst out laughing. The old man quickly scolded them for being disrespectful and apologized, saying, "My discipline has been lax. Brother Cao, don't take it to heart."
Cao Mo nodded and smiled. "If I were to argue with the younger generation, it would mean my own magnanimity isn't broad enough."
After chatting with Cao Mo a couple of times, Hong Zhengyun knew that this martial mortal who claimed to love wandering was extremely worldly-wise and quite talented. He knew a bit of the teachings of the three religions and hundred schools, and had a thorough understanding of the customs of the entire continent. That was no small feat. What Fourth Realm martial artist? He was at least Fifth Realm!
The old man waved his hand, telling the disciples to disperse and cultivate on their own. Only his most promising—or rather, his only hope of reaching the Mid-Five Realms—female disciple, Zhao Li, remained.
Hong Zhengyun asked quietly, "Brother Cao, can you really get the escort agency connected with Magistrate Han of Yongtai County?"
Cao Mo countered, "Is the escort agency a legitimate business?"
Hong Zhengyun let out a wry chuckle and said slowly, "Our little sect wouldn't have the guts or the know-how to go down the wrong path."
Chen Ping'an smiled. "I happen to know of an abandoned cave dwelling in the capital region called Qingxuan Cave. It's been without an owner for a long time. Why don't you move your sect there instead?"
Hong Zhengyun said helplessly, "I've never heard of Qingxuan Cave, but an abandoned Daoist temple in the Great Li capital region? There's no way it would be left for us to take over. It must be a precious geomantic spot that the court has its eye on in secret."
Chen Ping'an nodded. "I was being careless and taking things for granted."
Hong Zhengyun seemed to want to say something but hesitated.
Zhao Li said softly, "Grandmaster Cao, my master wants to ask if you have any friends in the mountains who could recommend me to another immortal mansion for apprenticeship in the Dao. But I'm unwilling to do that."
Hong Zhengyun's old face flushed red.
Chen Ping'an asked, "If I were to brag and say I could take you to Ever-Spring Palace to start your Dao cultivation from scratch, would Old Brother Hong agree? Would you be willing to go?"
Zhao Li's face suddenly reddened. She bit her lip, turned her waist, and walked away slowly, tossing back a remark, "Lecher!"
Even Chen Ping'an was puzzled. He had said it with the premise of "bragging." He had just wanted to see how Hong Zhengyun and Zhao Li viewed cultivation. How did this turn into him being a lecher?
Hong Zhengyun suppressed a laugh. "Brother Cao, you blew your horn too big. Zhao Li misunderstood, thinking you had ulterior motives, luring her down the mountain to some Ever-Spring Palace while traveling the scenic route... eh?"
Chen Ping'an couldn't help but laugh. He didn't bother to explain. "Old Brother Hong, they don't understand and have their misunderstandings. I believe you know that I have absolutely no improper intentions here."
Hong Zhengyun chuckled. "I was young once too, full of fire and energy. Who doesn't love beauty?"
The old man liked chatting with Cao Mo. Apart from both being well-traveled and knowledgeable, it was also because Cao Mo could take a joke. Perhaps why they got along was because they both knew how to laugh at themselves.
Hong Zhengyun patted Chen Ping'an's shoulder. "Brother Cao, don't trouble yourself with the escort agency for now. If something really comes up later, we'll talk then."
Though the old man wasn't very familiar with the situation in the Great Li capital, since his disciples were preparing for the escort agency, he had asked around a bit and knew the surnames of the magistrates of Changning County and Yongtai County.
Chen Ping'an tucked his hands into his sleeves and said softly, "What I don't understand is this: when a mountain-and-marsh wild cultivator, during his years of wandering in such chaotic times, when even saving one's own skin was as hard as reaching heaven—how did he have the heart and the means to spend all his personal wealth to rescue over three hundred women and orphans, and settle them all properly?"
The old man was silent for a moment, then smiled. "You understand."
Chen Ping'an smiled knowingly.
After a few more pleasantries, Cao Mo took his leave, saying he needed to go deeper into the mountains to find some valuable herbs. In the old man's eyes, his figure, small as a mustard seed, moved nimbly along the distant cliff faces like an ape, with only ancient pines and white clouds for company.
If a master craftsman uses measuring lines to set standards, then a great physician can take the pulse of a nation, diagnose its ills, and save the people.
Everyone says the life of immortals is wonderful—on the mountains, no summer or winter, roll up the curtain to see green hills, smile at the spring breeze.
At Qingxuan Cave by the Monkey Trampoline Boardwalk, Gu Can had already investigated the place earlier. It was an ancient relic site with no particular marvels. According to records, it had once been a temporary resting place for a wandering Daoist in history. Later, embellished by storytellers, it took on a strange, mystical, immortal hue. From here, Chen Ping'an looked into the distance at the road entering the city. He first used the Earth-Shrinking Technique to go to the National Teacher's Mansion and change into court robes.
The Chief Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial had been waiting at the palace gate for a long time.
Chen Ping'an said, "I've kept His Majesty waiting."
The head eunuch of the Great Li court smiled. "Not long."
The Chief Eunuch asked quietly, "National Teacher, may I ask when Miss Xie's travelogue will be published?"
Chen Ping'an asked, "Would you really buy it?"
The Chief Eunuch smiled. "Depends on the price, and who wrote the preface."
Perhaps life itself is a travelogue written by each person alone—pausing and starting, resting and departing, remembering and forgetting, meeting and parting, traveling far and reuniting—hometown and other lands and heart-home.