Chapter 564: Teacher and Student Amid Mountains and Waters

Chapter 564: Teacher and Student Amid Mountains and Waters

The atmosphere in the Spring Dew Garden's Founder's Hall was somewhat strange. Some felt heavy-hearted, like the few reclusive elders of Spring Dew Garden and several resident elders and guest retainers cultivating there. Others were watching the show with rather good spirits, such as Tang Xi, the master of the Night-Shining Thatched Cottage, who sat in the very last seat. He was the teacher of the ferry Golden Core cultivator Song Lanqiao. This old woman exchanged a glance with Tang Xi, whose previous relationship with her had been indifferent. Both nodded slightly, with some subtle amusement in their eyes.

Some felt conflicted, such as Tan Ling, who sat in the seat of honor.

Because Song Lanqiao had sent two flying sword messages to the Founder's Hall in succession. The first was a secret message saying that a foreign cultivator of unfathomable depth, a divine immortal in pure white robes with a youthful countenance, had ridden the Linen Clan's cross-continental ferry to Skeleton Beach, then dropped a rain of treasures on Capital View City. Gao Cheng and Ghost Valley had both shown no reaction, seeming quite wary of this person. The second secret message stated that this person claimed to be the student of a young sword immortal, repeatedly addressing a certain young man surnamed Chen as "teacher." His temperament was eccentric and hard to fathom, and Song Lanqiao admitted that if he were to fight this person, he would have no power to resist.

Tan Ling passed the two secret letters around for everyone to read. When they returned to her hands, she tucked them lightly into her sleeve and said, "I have already personally sent a flying sword message to Wood Garment Mountain of the Linen Clan to inquire about this person's background. There is no reply yet. Everyone, regarding how Spring Dew Garden should respond, do we have any good strategies? We cannot place all our hopes on the Linen Clan, because this person clearly has a good relationship with Wood Garment Mountain. Furthermore, I suspect that this 'Teacher Chen' is precisely the sword cultivator who last year, in the territory of Lotus Country, conducted the sword offering ceremony together with Sword Immortal Liu of the Grand Crest Sword Sect."

The Founder's Hall fell silent, so quiet that a pin dropping could be heard.

Spring Dew Garden was considered a top-tier mountain among second-rate immortal forces in Northern Jambudvipa, similar to Infant Mountain Thunder God Residence and Lion Peak. It had a good reputation, wide connections, and deep foundations. It was only one Jade Pu Realm grand cultivator, who could serve as a pillar, away from becoming a true sect. Spring Dew Garden's awkward position lay in the fact that Tan Ling would never be able to break through the Nascent Soul bottleneck in this lifetime, and was destined to have no hope for the upper five realms.

Now, facing this pair of teacher and student, they were caught completely off guard.

Tan Ling asked again, "Tang Xi, what do you think of this… Teacher Chen's character?"

This form of address made Tan Ling's expression somewhat unnatural.

Tang Xi, sitting nearest to the Founder's Hall entrance, gently rubbed the armrest of his chair, carefully choosing his words. He said slowly, "I cannot clearly see his level of cultivation, nor his origin and background—it's all shrouded in mist. But when it comes to doing business, Teacher Chen is fair and square."

This was the first time Tan Ling had seriously asked for Tang Xi's advice during a Spring Dew Garden Founder's Hall meeting.

The old woman said with a beaming smile, "Sir Chen is a man who values reciprocity. He is a very well-mannered young man. You may not have dealt with him and don't know him well, but I, as an old woman, quite like him. Sir Chen has visited me twice, and I have accepted a spiritual tool and a Small Dark Wall Tea Cake from him for nothing. Now I'm worrying about what gift I should give in return when he next visits the mountain. I can't let him leave empty-handed three times in a row. Sir Chen himself said, 'Bad things come in threes; save them all up.' Unfortunately, I have a thin family fortune. I'm afraid I might drag Spring Dew Garden down and make a fool of myself with a shabby return gift."

The old woman's words carried hidden meanings, full of subtle implications.

Tan Ling's smile grew a bit more sincere. "Junior Sister Lin need not worry about this. Junior Sister Lin can pick a suitable gift from the Spring Dew Garden Founder's Hall treasury today."

The old woman gave a fake smile. "Senior Sister Tan, wouldn't that make Spring Dew Garden spend money? That doesn't seem appropriate, does it? Actually, I could sell everything I own and borrow some immortal money from that useless disciple of mine, Song Lanqiao, to scrape together a treasure."

Tan Ling's expression remained calm as she smiled. "There's no need to trouble Song Lanqiao. Song Lanqiao has worked diligently for many years, managing the ferry business for Spring Dew Garden. That's already quite an achievement."

The old woman pretended to realize something. "Oh, Senior Sister Tan is truly a Nascent Soul grand cultivator. Your memory is much better than mine, this useless Golden Core junior sister. I almost forgot that I still have a Golden Core disciple like Song Lanqiao, who has been traveling far and wide all year round."

The old foxes in the Founder's Hall became more alert. From the tone of it, was this old woman trying to pull her disciple into the Founder's Hall?

That was no small matter.

"Let's not talk about that hard-luck disciple of mine. That child was born without a life of comfort."

Unexpectedly, the old woman quickly changed the subject and didn't mention adding a seat to the Founder's Hall at all. She just turned to look at Tang Xi and said slowly, "We're all not as easygoing as our honored retainer Tang Xi. It's not just hard work; he has great merit too. So why is he still sitting nearest to the door? Half of Spring Dew Garden's business comes from the Night-Shining Thatched Cottage. If I remember correctly, the chairs in this Founder's Hall were made with resources and labor from the Night-Shining Thatched Cottage. We old folks, living in comfort, should have some conscience. In my opinion, it would be better if I switched seats with Tang Xi. I'll move to the door, so that Senior Sister Tan and everyone else won't have to be troubled."

Tang Xi immediately stood up, cupped his fists, and bowed, speaking solemnly, "Absolutely not! I, Tang, am a businessman. My cultivation aptitude is poor and contemptible. As for my business, though it's not small, it is only successful because of Spring Dew Garden. I have always known my own measure. Being able to sit in this Founder's Hall and discuss matters with everyone is already a stolen blessing. How would I dare have any more presumptuous thoughts?"

The old woman muttered, "Tang Xi, you only have that one daughter. She's getting married soon. With the Wei clan of the Iron Hull Manor in the Grand View Dynasty as in-laws, and that Emperor as well, don't you think they mind that you, Tang Xi, are just a door-keeper in the Spring Dew Garden Founder's Hall? Those idle rumors—you, being broad-minded and tolerant, can endure them. But I, an outsider, feel upset just hearing them. I'm really upset. I don't have any proper wedding gift, so I can only switch seats with you. Consider it a small effort."

In truth, Spring Dew Garden had an old patriarch who managed the finances, but Tang Xi was widely recognized as the garden's god of wealth. Compared to the former's reputation, Tang Xi obviously had more support both inside and outside the garden.

The old woman addressed Tang Xi by his given name repeatedly. This was not disrespect; it was a clear sign of closeness.

One of the old men in charge of the Founder's Hall treasury, his face dark, snorted, "Aren't we discussing countermeasures? How did we end up talking about Honored Retainer Tang's daughter's marriage? If in the future this strict and orderly Founder's Hall can slide like stepping on a watermelon rind, going wherever it takes them, should we discuss whether the gloomy tea of Skeleton Beach is good or not? Should we stock a few catties in the Founder's Hall, so next time we can sip tea while casually chatting about trivial matters for seven or eight hours?"

The old woman smiled and said, "In the eyes of the esteemed and powerful Senior Gao, the marriage of Tang Xi's only daughter and the private friendship between Spring Dew Garden and the Grand View Dynasty's Emperor are, of course, trivialities."

The old patriarch in charge of money slammed his hand on the armrest and bellowed, "Lin, stop muddying the waters here! Your little calculations are clattering like thunder. Do you really think all of us here are blind and deaf?!"

The old woman gave a sarcastic "Oh." "So you're not?"

Tang Xi gave a faint, bitter smile and began to hold his breath and concentrate. This new ally of his was still a bit too impatient. If he added fuel to the fire now, it would only backfire. Better to sit back and watch.

Tan Ling gently waved her hand. "Naturally, these are not small matters. After we resolve this urgent crisis, we will discuss them. And we will do so today. First, we need to determine the departure date of those two. Second, during this period, how to smoothly resolve the troublesome issues. As for whether we can forge a bond of incense, I, Tan Ling, and Spring Dew Garden as well, do not hope for it, nor force it. Finally, as to who will step forward, everyone should deliberate and propose a candidate. It could be Song Lanqiao, or anyone else. I will also state clearly upfront: regardless of the final outcome—good or bad—Spring Dew Garden will record merit for this person. If the result does not meet expectations, whoever dares to gossip, dig up old grudges, or make snide remarks afterwards, don't blame me, Tan Ling, for invoking the ancestral law."

Having said this, Tan Ling smiled. "If you think I, Tan Ling, should personally negotiate, as long as it's a decision reached through deliberation in this Founder's Hall, I will not shirk my responsibility. If I fail and you have complaints, even if you confront me here in the Founder's Hall, I, as the mountain master, will accept it sincerely."

A stick of incense later, Tang Xi was the first to leave the Founder's Hall.

The rest of the Founder's Hall waited for news.

The old woman chuckled to herself, "Who does the work and who shrinks back—it's as clear as day."

Hearing this, Tan Ling frowned.

The old man, furious, shouted, "Lin Cuo'e, say that again?!"

The old woman retorted, "Hard of hearing?"

Tan Ling said sternly, "Gao Song! Lin Cuo'e! Shut up!"

The old man and old woman, one angry and one laughing, finally stopped their verbal sparring.

Tan Ling sighed inwardly. These two fellow disciples, who had once almost become dao companions, with their tangled web of gratitude, resentment, love, and hate—it was impossible to sort out.

A guest retainer of Spring Dew Garden suddenly spoke up, "Mountain Master Tan, should we use the 'Grasp Mountains and Rivers' divine ability to observe the signs at Jade Lustre Cliff? If Tang Xi messes things up, we can prepare in advance."

The old woman laughed. "First the deaf, now the blind."

Tan Ling and the guest retainer both ignored Lin Cuo'e's sarcasm. Tan Ling shook her head. "That's not appropriate. The other party is at least an old Nascent Soul, likely a Jade Pu Realm senior. If it's just a Nascent Soul, it might still be manageable. But if it's a Jade Pu Realm, no matter how careful I am, they will detect traces. Then Tang Xi's trip to Jade Lustre Cliff would be fraught with danger."

The old woman said insinuatingly, "Hasn't Tang Xi always been an outsider to Spring Dew Garden? There are quite a few in this Founder's Hall who covet his property. If Tang Xi dies unjustly, using his assets to buy peace and appease Sir Chen and his student's displeasure might even turn a profit for Spring Dew Garden."

The guest retainer smiled bitterly.

Tan Ling was extremely exasperated. She stood up and glared at the old woman, whose every word today was as sharp as a knife. "Lin Cuo'e! Do you still want to help Song Lanqiao get a seat in the Founder's Hall or not?!"

The old woman snickered. "I won't talk anymore, I won't. It's not like I usually had a say. Today, the sun rose from the west for once, so I couldn't help but speak a bit more. As long as my disciple can enter the Founder's Hall—even if Song Lanqiao only gets to sit on a little stool by the doorstep as a door guard—I, Lin Cuo'e, guarantee here and now that I will be as mute as I was before, and remain so in the future."

After saying this, the old woman looked toward the open doors of the Founder's Hall.

Tan Ling had meant to scold her a few more words to prevent Lin Cuo'e from overstepping her bounds in the future, but when she saw that shriveled face, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

Besides, the Spring Dew Garden Founder's Hall could use a few people willing to actually do things.

The Night-Shining Thatched Cottage's Tang Xi, Song Lanqiao, who had managed the ferry for many years, and Lin Cuo'e, who had made promises today—the three in alliance. Tan Ling felt that the emergence of this small faction within Spring Dew Garden was not entirely a bad thing.

—

Tang Xi did not fly away on wind, but instead took a Spring Dew Garden talisman boat to Jade Lustre Cliff.

Before putting away the talisman boat, he spotted from afar that the young sword immortal in blue robes was actually in the mountain stream with that white-clad youth, both of them feeling for stones. Truly a leisurely and refined pastime.

Chen Ping'an had heard that Song Lanqiao's ferry would arrive at Fushui Ferry tomorrow, so he and Cui Dongshan simply waited. Back in the stream, Chen Ping'an was feeling for stones, picking and choosing, while listening to Cui Dongshan talk about his experiences during this cross-continental journey.

After discussing Skeleton Beach and Capital View City, Chen Ping'an asked a question: since the Linen Clan Sect Leader Zhu Quan was stationed at that small town, with Gao Cheng's cultivation and the military forces of Capital View City and its vassal territories, could they uproot this thorn in one fell swoop?

Cui Dongshan answered without hesitation, saying it was simple. If Zhu Quan was willing to live alone, he could of course escape and return to Wood Garment Mountain. But given Zhu Quan's temper, he was ten out of ten likely to die fighting within Ghost Valley. He would sacrifice his own life and the Green Cottage Town formation to make Capital View City suffer a crippling blow, so that the next generation of Wood Garment Mountain could grow up—for example, Du Wensi, the Golden Core bottleneck cultivator who had been stationed at Green Cottage Town for many years, a direct disciple of the Founder's Hall, and the youth Pang Lanxi.

However, Cui Dongshan also said that Gao Cheng seemed to hold Zhu Quan in some regard, which was why he was unwilling to tear off the veil.

Chen Ping'an asked with a smile, "You only arrived at Skeleton Beach for such a short time, and you know all this?"

Cui Dongshan smiled. "To deduce the big from the small is one of your student's few talents."

Then Cui Dongshan lowered his voice, "I've made small gains during this journey through Northern Jambudvipa regarding Gao Cheng's background before his life. With the help of the Linen Clan, I now have Gao Cheng's exact birth date and hour, his hometown and native place, and even the feng shui of his ancestral graves. These things would normally be irrelevant. Even a Northern Jambudvipa Immortal Realm cultivator couldn't do much to Capital View City with such information—at most, it would be like scratching an itch. But unfortunately for Gao Cheng, he met your student, so they matter a lot."

Chen Ping'an picked up a white pebble and tucked it into the pouch formed by rolling up his blue shirt in front. "What Gao Cheng did to Zhou Mili was the most underhanded thing."

Cui Dongshan nodded. "He's simply not human."

Then Cui Dongshan added, "Brother Gao was never human in the first place."

Chen Ping'an glanced at Cui Dongshan.

Cui Dongshan blinked. "Brother Gao now has a little brother. Unfortunately, I didn't bring him on this northern journey. Later, Teacher, you might have a chance to meet that little Gao brother. The kid is quite handsome, just a bit dimwitted and unenlightened."

Chen Ping'an asked, "Similar to the young book boy beside Mr. Li?"

Cui Dongshan nodded. "One is a practice piece, the other is carefully carved. They're a bit different."

Chen Ping'an hesitated for a moment, then said, "If possible, I hope one day we can truly treat them as people. But you can judge the balance yourself. I'm just sharing my thoughts, not insisting you do anything."

Cui Dongshan's eyes were bright, even brighter than a youth's. He smiled and said, "Since Teacher says it's possible, why wouldn't your student agree?"

Both of them sensed Tang Xi and the talisman boat at about the same time and stopped talking.

Tang Xi slowly approached the stream bank, cupped his hands and bowed. "Tang Xi of the Night-Shining Thatched Cottage pays respects to Teacher Chen."

Chen Ping'an, holding a pouch of pebbles with one hand, walked ashore and greeted Tang Xi with a smile.

Behind him, Cui Dongshan's pouch was even larger and heavier, requiring both hands, which looked somewhat comical.

Chen Ping'an walked side by side with Tang Xi, who cut straight to the point: "Teacher Chen, Spring Dew Garden is a bit worried, so I boldly took credit and came to disturb Teacher Chen's peaceful cultivation."

Chen Ping'an smiled. "Immortal Tang, please tell Lady Tan to rest assured. My disciple and I will soon take Senior Song's ferry and need to go to Skeleton Beach immediately. We will absolutely not cause trouble for Spring Dew Garden. That would be repaying kindness with enmity. From this Jade Lustre Cliff to the Ant Shop on Old Locust Street, to you, Immortal Tang, and Senior Lin, we have received too much of Spring Dew Garden's goodwill. When I reach Wood Garment Mountain of the Linen Clan, I will try to put in a good word for Spring Dew Garden with my acquaintances there. I hope that the already friendly relations between the Linen Clan and Spring Dew Garden can go a step further. However, my words carry little weight, so I can't guarantee they will have any effect. If my fine words hit Wood Garment Mountain and make no splash at all, I hope that when I visit Spring Dew Garden again in the future, the door of your Night-Shining Thatched Cottage won't be closed. At least let me have a cup of tea."

Tang Xi felt relieved, and there was even some sincere gratitude. He bowed again. "Teacher Chen's great kindness, I, Tang Xi, will remember in my heart!"

Chen Ping'an chuckled. "The shop is being managed very well by Wang Tingfang. Immortal Tang need not trouble yourself too much in the future. Otherwise, I would feel guilty, and Manager Wang would be nervous too."

Tang Xi nodded. "Since Teacher Chen has spoken, I'll let Wang Tingfang handle it himself. But Teacher Chen can rest assured. Spring Dew Garden may be big or small. If there is the slightest mistake, I will give Wang Tingfang a talking-to. If he dares to slack off while making money so comfortably, it would be a problem with his conscience. It would mean I have failed to manage my Night-Shining Thatched Cottage and betrayed Teacher Chen's goodwill. If that happens, the next time Teacher Chen comes to my thatched cottage for tea, I, Tang Xi, will first drink wine and penalize myself three cups before daring to drink tea with Teacher Chen."

Chen Ping'an smiled and nodded.

Tang Xi acted with swiftness and decisiveness. He bade farewell and left, frankly stating that he needed to return to the Founder's Hall to report.

This time, he didn't take the slow talisman boat but flew away directly on the wind.

Cui Dongshan had remained silent throughout.

Chen Ping'an turned to look at Cui Dongshan. "With you here, I'm borrowing a bit of your authority as a fox pretending to be a tiger."

Cui Dongshan said seriously, "It's only natural for Teacher to scold his student."

Chen Ping'an laughed angrily. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

The two arrived at the pavilion. Chen Ping'an sat down on the steps, and Cui Dongshan sat beside him, intentionally one step lower.

They had piled up the "pebbles they couldn't finish" together.

Cui Dongshan placed his elbows on the step behind him, leaned back, and gazed at the distant mountains and water. Though it was autumn, everything was still lush and green. But not all places in the world would have such evergreen colors.

Chen Ping'an smoothed his sleeves and trouser legs. He was barefoot, his shoes placed on the long bench in the pavilion behind him, the boot tips pointing at the bench.

Cui Dongshan's mountain walking staff leaned against a pavilion pillar.

Chen Ping'an smiled. "When I was an apprentice at the Dragon Kiln, I would look at the soil everywhere I went, wondering if it was suitable for making porcelain. When I became a Bundle Almsman, I would think about making money wherever I went, hoping to accumulate a fortune."

Chen Ping'an sighed a little. "Kneading the Purple Gold Clay was a big deal. Firing porcelain and opening the kiln was an even bigger deal. Even if the blanks and glazes looked beautiful beforehand, a mistake in firing would ruin everything. A tiny mistake would make all the effort of dozens of people, at least half a year's hard work, go to waste. So opening the kiln was always something Old Man Yao personally supervised. He wouldn't even let his favorite disciple, Liu Xianyang, do it. Old Man Yao would sit on a stool and keep watch over the kiln fire himself all night. But he often said that once the porcelain was in the kiln, whether it succeeded or failed, good or bad, better or best, it ultimately depended on fate, no matter how much you controlled the heat. And it was true. Most of it ended up as broken shards on the porcelain mountain. Back then, I heard it was because they were the Emperor's private wares—they would rather have nothing than something imperfect. If it was even a little off, they would smash it to pieces. At the time, I thought about the old saying from my hometown, 'The sky is high and the Emperor is far away.' It really struck a chord."

Chen Ping'an smiled again. "But back then, I thought the top of the old locust tree was very high, and the pointed peak of the old porcelain mountain was also high. As for far or not, going up the mountain to cut firewood and burn charcoal—that was far. At least farther than going up the mountain to gather herbs as a child."

Cui Dongshan had been staring off into space.

When he heard this, Cui Dongshan said softly, "When I was little, locked up in the attic reading books, I didn't feel what 'high' meant. I could only see the distance through a small window. At that time, what I hated most were books. I had a good memory—I never forgot anything I read. I actually remembered everything, but at the time I swore that when I grew up and sought a teacher, I would find one with shallow knowledge, few books, and who wouldn't boss me around. Later, I found the Old Scholar starving in a back alley. At first, I didn't think much of his knowledge. But later, I realized that the teacher I had just casually picked actually had quite profound learning. Even later, when the yet-unsuccessful Old Scholar took me wandering the lands, we ate many closed doors and met many true scholars. When he said he was going back to compile a book, I felt we had traveled a very long road. At that time, the Old Scholar confidently declared that if this book was printed, he could sell at least a thousand copies! It would definitely reach other prefectures. When he shouted that, his voice was loud, so I knew he was bluffing."

Chen Ping'an smiled faintly. "She chose me because of Teacher Qi. It had almost nothing to do with me, Chen Ping'an, at first. When you pestered me shamelessly to become your teacher, it was the same: the Old Scholar made you kowtow. At the very beginning, it had little to do with me, Chen Ping'an."

Cui Dongshan wanted to say something.

Chen Ping'an waved his hand and continued, "But 'little to do' still meant there was something. Because at a certain moment, I was that 'one.' Maybe just one in ten thousand, or even one in a hundred thousand—very small—yet it was the beginning of everything. This kind of thing is not unfamiliar to me. For me, there was an even greater 'one,' which was everything. For example, after my father left and my mother fell ill, I was the only 'one.' If I didn't do something, there would be nothing at all—absolutely nothing. Back then, that door to Gu Can's courtyard, that bowl of rice on their table—those were also the only 'one.' If the door hadn't opened, Chen Ping'an of Mud Vase Alley might have lived another way. But the Chen Ping'an sitting here talking to you today would definitely not exist."

Having said this, Chen Ping'an lightly clenched his fist and knocked on his chest. "When we care deeply about this world, we make life very hard for ourselves."

Chen Ping'an turned his head and smiled. "But luckily, I fear everything except hardship. I even feel that the more hardship I suffer, the more it proves I am alive in this world. I have no choice but to think that way. Otherwise, life would be even harder to endure."

Chen Ping'an looked at that white-clad youth. "Only in this one thing are you not up to me. The disciple is not as good as the teacher. But don't learn this. It's not that it's bad—it's just that you don't need to."

Cui Dongshan nodded.

Chen Ping'an leaned back, lying on the step, hands clasped behind his head. He said softly, "Pei Qian started martial arts because of Cao Qinglang, right?"

Cui Dongshan hummed in affirmation.

Pei Qian had started martial arts. His teacher had figured it out himself. As for why she started, that too.

Chen Ping'an said, "When I see her, I will tell her: she may miss Senior Cui, but she must never feel guilty. If Pei Qian agrees but can't do it, that's even better. I believe she will definitely be that way. Pei Qian, you, me—we're all the same. We know the truth, but we just can't get past that hurdle in our hearts. So when we grow up and return to our hometowns, whether it's from longing or from walking, our hearts will ache a little. The older we get, the less it shows. For Pei Qian, the bamboo tower on Fallen Mountain is her hurdle. For the Nanyuan Kingdom, Senior Cui could help her cross it. Now that Senior Cui is gone, the new hurdle will be something she can never cross in this lifetime. But I think some hurdles should remain on the heart's path forever, never smoothed over. We can only secretly go around them. There's nothing wrong with that."

Finally, Chen Ping'an said, "The worst thing is when I feel I have a clear conscience, when I feel my conscience is at ease, when I feel something is taken for granted—one 'I feel' after another."

Cui Dongshan turned his head. His teacher had stopped talking, his eyes closed, as if he had fallen asleep.

So Cui Dongshan also closed his eyes, his thoughts drifting far away.

Only the sound of water gurgling, as if speaking the word "gurgle." The mountains were steep and dangerous yet silent, as if explaining the character "steep."

Cui Dongshan felt a sense of peace and drifted off to sleep as well.

After an unknown amount of time, Cui Dongshan suddenly said, "The more sadness you feel seeing Little Baoping and Pei Qian grow up, the more comfort Qi Jingchun felt seeing you, Teacher, grow up."

Chen Ping'an did not speak, as if still in deep sleep.

Cui Dongshan was silent for a long time, then couldn't help asking, "Teacher?"

Chen Ping'an said softly, "I'm here."