Chapter 634: Moving Mountains and Overturning Seas

Chapter 634: Moving Mountains and Overturning Seas

The Hidden Master of the Sword Qi Great Wall?
Wasn't that the legendary little girl with the twin horn-like braids? Rumors said she could shatter the true forms of ancient monsters from the barbaric wilds with just her fists, making her the most battle-hungry of the Sword Qi Great Wall.
How could she have turned into this unfamiliar young man?

But no matter how hard to believe, at this moment, they had to believe.
With so many sword immortals seated here, there was no room for a young man to speak recklessly.
Or, even if they refused to believe, they had to pretend to. Otherwise, if a sword immortal from their own continent actually cut off their heads with a flying sword and casually tossed them off Hanging Mountain, whose grievance would that be? Could they form a faction, unite in shared hatred, and seek revenge from the Sword Qi Great Wall together? Don't forget, fellow travelers were often enemies. The business of many ferry boats had always been in conflict with each other.

An old steward from Aiai Continent weighed the situation, stood up, then bowed and said slowly, "Congratulations to Sword Immortal Chen on his promotion to Hidden Master. My surname is Dai, given name Hao, and I humbly serve as the steward of the Aiai Continent's 'Tai Geng' ferry. My cultivation realm is unworthy of mention, I'm afraid to dirty the Hidden Master's ears. As a junior, I dare to say that tonight's council, with the Hidden Master appearing alone, is already our greatest honor. Since the Hidden Master has spoken, how dare we disobey? In truth, there was no need to trouble so many senior sword immortals. I am dull and my eyes are dim; I am temporarily unaware of the progress of the war at the Sword Qi Great Wall. I only know that any senior sword immortal is a supreme powerhouse with the greatest killing power under heaven. For them to linger even a moment at Hanging Mountain means they will use fewer swords, which is truly a pity."

Wu Qiu's lips curled up and then pressed down.
Dai Hao's words contained both soft and hard tones, making a good start. Truly worthy of being a Golden Core cultivator on the path of cultivation, and an upper fifth-level realm in the world of business.

So many sword immortals renowned across one or several continents, instead of staying here to haggle with these lowly merchants, would be more suited to heading to the Sword Qi Great Wall to slay demons.
That would better match the bearing and style of a sword immortal.

Wu Qiu felt he should remember this kindness from the "Tai Geng" ferry, since Dai Hao had taken such a great risk to speak, fighting for the interests of all ferries from the eight continents.
If any sword immortal suddenly rose up to kill, he, Wu Qiu, would definitely step in to stop them.

The female sword immortal seated opposite the Aiai Continent ferry steward, Xie Songhua, raised an eyebrow.
Good heavens. Was her own Aiai Continent the first to jump out and become the "inquirer" challenging the scene?

Chen Ping'an listened patiently as the old Golden Core finished speaking, his eyes always fixed on Dai Hao, whose words were laced with hidden barbs. But he reached out and made a pressing motion toward Xie Songhua twice, indicating it was no big deal, a trivial matter.

Chen Ping'an nodded to the old Golden Core steward and said with a smile, "First, I am not a sword immortal. It's even debatable whether I am a sword cultivator. If you're interested, you can guess. I've taken many cross-continent ferries before. I know that traveling across continents, the road is long; without some way to pass the time, it's really unbearable. Second, these true sword immortals present, such as Sword Immortal Xie sitting right across from you, Dai Hao—when they draw their swords and when they sheathe them, outsiders can earnestly advise them. Kind-hearted people willing to speak sincere words are a good thing. Dai Hao, you've made a good start. From now on, when we discuss matters between our two sides, this is how it should be: open and honest, speaking frankly without reservation."

This disappointed many ferry stewards who had expected the young man to become angry and embarrassed, turning the tables on the spot.

Chen Ping'an paused slightly, reached out and tapped the table lightly, his smile undiminished. "But in the end, you can't control them. Not even me, nor even our great Old Sword Immortal, ever constrains them. Why? Very simple: a sword immortal is ultimately a sword immortal, body and flying sword free. Otherwise, how could they be the most troublesome ghosts among the four great mountain powers? Isn't it precisely because they have never much cared about immortal money, sage principles, or sect rules?"

Bai Xi, steward of the "Wa Pen" ferry from Fúyáo Continent's Landscape Grotto, sat opposite the continent's wild cultivator-turned-sword immortal, Xie Zhi.
The steward of the Golden Armor Continent ferry sat opposite the female sword immortal Song Pin, who had first offered a toast and then a penalty drink.
The steward of Liuxia Continent sat opposite Sword Immortal Pu He, the one who had picked up an infant Yuan Ying ferry steward like a chick and thrown him out of the Spring Pennant Studio, claiming he would bring two or three friends to visit Li Xun's ancestral hall.

The spokespersons of these three continents' ferries felt the deepest impact from the new Hidden Master's words.

Chen Ping'an's expression remained amiable, as if chatting casually with an old acquaintance. "Dai Hao, I appreciate your good intentions. But if those words had been spoken by someone from a different continent, it would have been better. For you to say them is somewhat inappropriate. Sword Immortal Xie has drawn her sword twice. Once she destroyed the fundamental path of a Jade Pure realm demon sword cultivator. Once she shattered all of an ordinary Jade Pure realm demon—soul scattered and utterly destroyed, leaving not a trace. As for Infant Yuan and Golden Core, naturally they also ceased to exist. So Sword Immortal Xie has already achieved complete merit. Not only will she not return to the Sword Qi Great Wall, but she will instead leave Hanging Mountain with you all and return to her home continent of Aiai. Regarding this matter, didn't Sword Immortal Xie previously mention it while reminiscing and drinking with her fellow countrymen? Or did she not?"

Chen Ping'an turned his gaze to Xie Songhua.

Xie Songhua stared hard at Dai Hao and said, "I did mention it. I suppose Old Immortal Dai must have forgotten."

Chen Ping'an waved his hand, glanced at the heavy snow falling outside the central hall of the Spring Pennant Studio, and said, "It's fine. Consider it told again now. Meeting a fellow countryman in a foreign land is such a rare thing; it's always worth reminding a few more times."

Dai Hao had stood up and dared not sit down. Even if he did sit, it would probably feel like sitting on pins and needles.

"Standing for what? When everyone else is seated, standing alone inevitably gives the impression of looking down on sword immortals."

Chen Ping'an's smile faded, and he said to the old Golden Core, "Sit."

Dai Hao immediately sat down.

Wu Qiu and his neighboring seat, Tang Feiqian, both Central Earth Jade Pure realm cultivators, quickly exchanged a glance.

It seemed this new Hidden Master was very unlike a sword immortal.

Jiang Gaotai, the Jade Pure realm cultivator of the "Nan Ji" ferry from Aiai Continent, whose identity had been concealed, was extremely old but had a youthful appearance. His seat was very close to the front, adjacent to Tang Feiqian. He had some connection with Dai Hao of the "Tai Geng" ferry, and since the Sword Qi Great Wall had directly exposed him, tearing off his disguise, among the seated merchants—all old foxes with sharp eyes—Jiang Gaotai worried that future business in the Dragon Trench might be sabotaged.

This made Jiang Gaotai feel that, for public and private reasons, and logically and emotionally, he ought to say a few words. Otherwise, would the entire Aiai Continent really be choked by a woman like Xie Songhua?

Jiang Gaotai didn't even stand up; he directly said, "Hidden Master, our realms are insignificant. When it comes to fighting and killing, perhaps if all of us combined, and two or three sword immortals attacked together, the guests of the Spring Pennant Studio would all be dead."

Xie Songhua narrowed her eyes, raised one palm, and gently stroked the armrest of her chair.

Jiang Gaotai ignored this and continued, "We who reek of copper coin are skilled in things other than slaughter. Naturally, we can't even talk about preserving our lives. All we can do is engage in petty trade, earning a bit of hard-earned money. If the Hidden Master deems it possible to negotiate, then let's talk properly. If he thinks there's no need to negotiate with us, then to save our lives, we'll accept any deal, no matter how unsuitable. I don't care what colleagues from other continents think. I, Jiang Gaotai, along with one broken-down 'Nan Ji' ferry, will take the lead. Hidden Master, just name your price. Even if it's a losing deal, I'll take it—as a celebration of Sword Immortal Chen's promotion to Hidden Master of the Sword Qi Great Wall."

Wu Qiu, Bai Xi, and others all gained a new respect for Jiang Gaotai.
No hesitation whatsoever.
Excellent.

Wu Qiu's only concern, for the moment, was not the smiling-dagger young Hidden Master, but rather the infighting among "his own people," such as the longstanding hatred between Beiju Continent and Aiai Continent.

Earlier, Shao Yunyan of the Spring Pennant Studio had deliberately arranged for the stewards of each continent's ferries to gather in one courtyard, and then had sword immortals from the same continents host them. Truly, the malice was deep.

The discord between Beiju Continent and Aiai Continent was known to all.

So an old, cross-continent Infant Yuan sword cultivator steward from Beiju Continent immediately wanted to knock Jiang Gaotai off his "high platform." Even if he hadn't drunk the wine with Li Cai, the Sect Master of the Floating Lotus Sword Lake, as long as some whelp from Aiai Continent was throwing his weight around, Beiju Continent was willing to oppose him. Now that two stewards from Aiai Continent had spoken in succession, did they think Beiju Continent was dead?!

Throughout the Entire World, of all cross-continent ferries heading to Hanging Mountain, Beiju Continent earned the least money!

But all the ferry stewards, including the old sword cultivator, had received a mental message from Li Cai: "Ignore this fellow. Tonight's council, you just watch the show."

Chen Ping'an smiled and said, "Stand up to speak. The Entire World places the greatest emphasis on etiquette."

As soon as the young Hidden Master said this, most of the ferry stewards opposite the sword immortals changed color.

He made Dai Hao sit, then Jiang Gaotai stand?
Damn it, you, Chen Ping'an, have taken all the reasoning for yourself, haven't you?

Jiang Gaotai's face darkened. Throughout his life, he had been mostly smooth, with continuous opportunities. Even when doing business with the big shots of the Aiai Continent's Liu Clan, he had never suffered such humiliation—only courtesy.

Chen Ping'an clasped his hands in his sleeves, just smiling at Jiang Gaotai.

Dai Hao had told the Sword Qi Great Wall that he didn't want to delay sword immortals from killing demons. The young Hidden Master had rambled on about this and that, but the truly weighty words were actually that Sword Immortal Xie had shattered an Infant Yuan and Golden Core of a Jade Pure realm great demon—"Golden Core" mentioned after, referring to the old Golden Core Dai Hao himself?

Jiang Gaotai had retreated to advance, clearly showing both that he wouldn't give the sword immortals a chance to strike and that he could test the Sword Qi Great Wall's bottom line. And the young Hidden Master countered with the Entire World's etiquette?

Many old stewards felt deeply uncomfortable. Wasn't this precisely the way they in the Entire World excelled at reasoning?

Jiang Gaotai laughed, stood up, clasped his hands, and said, "I have indeed lost my manners. I apologize to the Hidden Master."

Wu Qiu, Tang Feiqian, Bai Xi, and others secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
They had really feared Jiang Gaotai would give the young man a chance to kill the chicken to scare the monkeys.

But then the young man laughed again and said, "Apology accepted. You may sit down and speak now."

Jiang Gaotai, a dignified upper fifth-level Jade Pure cultivator, stood frozen, his face iron-colored.

If he were to face off against the young Hidden Master in the business arena, no matter how difficult it was privately, Jiang Gaotai, as a businessman, wouldn't be so humiliated. What truly worried him was that his face had been skinned and thrown on the ground, stepped on, and then stepped on again in the Spring Pennant Studio tonight. This would affect many secret deals with the Aiai Continent's Liu Clan.

Jiang Gaotai pretended that he didn't want to be made a monkey of, and made to flick his sleeves and leave.

Xie Songhua said, "Hidden Master, then I'll take this 'Nan Ji' ferry home. No need to see me off."

But Shao Yunyan went even further. He stood up, headed towards the door, and said, "The Sword Qi Great Wall and the 'Nan Ji' ferry—business may fail, but goodwill remains. I believe the Hidden Master won't stop him. I, an outsider, have even less say. It's just a coincidence that I, Shao Yunyan, am the master of the Spring Pennant Studio. So before Sword Immortal Xie leaves, allow me to first accompany Captain Jiang on a tour of the Spring Pennant Studio."

Shao Yunyan ultimately did not wish for Xie Songhua to act too extremely, lest it affect her future path. As for himself, a lone person, it didn't matter.

Jiang Gaotai stopped, laughed heartily, turned to look at the smiling young man, and said, "Hidden Master, do you take us for fools? Is this how the Sword Qi Great Wall opens its doors for business? I'll be watching: half a year from now, how many ferries will still dock at Hanging Mountain after forcing sales?!"

Chen Ping'an smiled and said, "Captain Jiang is a very clever man; otherwise, how could he have become a Jade Pure realm? It's not that he doesn't know etiquette. Most likely, from the start, he wasn't very willing to do business with the Sword Qi Great Wall. That's fine. Captain Jiang is free to leave, and the host, Sword Immortal Shao, can accompany you to enjoy the scenery. To avoid misunderstanding, let me mention something here: Sword Immortal Shao has nothing to do with us. For tonight's council, choosing the most scenic Spring Pennant Studio—I actually paid Sword Immortal Shao on behalf of the Sword Qi Great Wall."

Shao Yunyan smiled and said, "For such a distinguished gathering of sword immortals to grace my humble Spring Pennant Studio, it's an honor. So naturally, there was a discount."

Chen Ping'an sighed, a look of melancholy on his face, and said to Jiang Gaotai, "The big hat of 'forcing sales'—I'm not surnamed Dai, so it won't fit me. If the Sword Qi Great Wall can't make a deal with the 'Nan Ji' ferry, even if I'm heartbroken, I can only blame my own abilities. It's a pity I didn't even get a chance to name my price. Captain Jiang didn't even want to hear my offer. Truly, as the old saying goes: when one's words carry little weight, one should be sensible. But I insisted on speaking lightly to persuade others; the poor crowd the crowd. I've made a fool of myself before you all."

Chen Ping'an stood up, looking at Jiang Gaotai, who still hadn't moved a step. "I won't hold it against Captain Jiang for his lack of patience. Captain Jiang, don't mistake my sincerity and instead slander me. When a gentleman cuts ties, he speaks no ill words. In the end, let's both maintain decorum, part amicably."

Then Chen Ping'an stopped looking at Jiang Gaotai and glanced at Wu Qiu, Tang Feiqian, Bai Xi, one by one. "The Sword Qi Great Wall treats its guests with great sincerity. Dai Hao has spoken, Captain Jiang has spoken. Next, there is someone else who can say a few words to the Sword Qi Great Wall. After that, I'll come to discuss matters. But the principle is only one: from today on, if I cause you captains to earn less money than before—such a deal, not to mention you wouldn't make it, I and the Sword Qi Great Wall wouldn't either."

At this point, Chen Ping'an shifted his gaze from that side to the sword immortals' side. "Sword Immortal Xie, won't you accompany Sword Immortal Shao to see Captain Jiang off?"

Xie Songhua stood up, looking at the young Hidden Master who had personally helped her accumulate two great military merits. This female sword immortal, who hated owing favors more than anything, unexpectedly showed a hint of guilt.

Chen Ping'an shook his head gently.

Xie Songhua broke into a smile. Too lazy to be sentimental, she turned to Jiang Gaotai and said, "Once I step out that door, Xie Songhua is merely Xie Songhua, a sword cultivator of Aiai Continent. Captain Jiang, why don't you let Shao Yunyan and me, two sword cultivators of the same realm as you, accompany you on a tour of the Spring Pennant Studio?"

Jiang Gaotai's mind raced. He asked, "Hidden Master, is it true that the Sword Qi Great Wall won't let us lose money?"

Chen Ping'an walked to the other side of the four-immortal table, reached out and pressed down on the jade tablet engraved with the ancient seal script "Hidden Master," then faced both sides—everyone present—smiling, and said nothing.

Shao Yunyan had already walked towards the door.
Xie Songhua had already released a trace of sword intent, and within the bamboo sword box on her back, a sword hummed.

Tang Feiqian stood up, turned slightly sideways, and clasped his hands to the young man, saying, "I implore the Hidden Master to keep Captain Jiang here. A parting of displeasure is ultimately unseemly. If the Hidden Master would allow the 'Nan Ji' ferry to contribute what little it can, wouldn't that be even better?"

Tang Feiqian wasn't trying to save Jiang Gaotai's life. He was saving his own, and the lives of everyone here tonight who did business with the Sword Qi Great Wall in fear.
They had to hide their resentment for now.
As long as they left the Spring Pennant Studio and got far away from Hanging Mountain, everything could be sorted out later.

Chen Ping'an asked, "The mountain scenery of the Entire World has its twists and turns; you all are familiar with it, but I am not unfamiliar either. Forget business for now. Just tell me: if Captain Jiang walks out that door, what will be his fate? Don't you, Tang Feiqian, know? Or does Captain Jiang himself not know? How do you propose to 'keep him here'? Why should he stay? You are the third person to speak with me. Explain yourself properly. For now, I'll be patient and listen."

Chen Ping'an tapped the jade tablet lightly with his finger and said with a grin, "In this hall, if we're discussing business, there are rules for discussing business. These rules are greater than even my authority as Hidden Master. In short, all transactions can resolve enmity over immortal money. Get along with me a little longer, and you'll naturally realize that I am the most fair-minded businessman on the Sword Qi Great Wall. At the very least, I deserve the title 'one of them.'"

Sword Immortal Xie Zhi smiled. "Exactly."

Chen Ping'an immediately said, "When one's own people speak up for each other, it only backfires."

Xie Zhi glanced at the group of ferry stewards from Fúyáo Continent and said, "Hidden Master, those words are quite unreasonable. I, Xie Zhi, was born in Fúyáo Continent. These people in front of me, all fabulously wealthy registered immortal masters, are my impoverished countrymen."

Wei Jin of the Wind Snow Temple, from beginning to end, sat expressionless in his chair with his eyes closed, meditating. Hearing this, he felt somewhat helpless.

Wild cultivator Sword Immortal Xie Zhi's words—surely Chen Ping'an hadn't taught him that beforehand? It must have been a spur-of-the-moment heartfelt remark.

Tang Feiqian pondered his phrasing and said cautiously, "If the Hidden Master is willing to let Captain Jiang stay for the council, I am willing to make an exception and act on my own: next time our ferry docks at Hanging Mountain, the price will be reduced by ten percent."

Chen Ping'an took the jade tablet and hung it at his waist, then sat back down and said, "Why should I let an upper fifth-level fool who doesn't want to make money continue sitting here making himself miserable? Do you really think my title of Hidden Master is worth less than a 'Nan Ji' that only sneaks some dragon aura from the Dragon Trench? Ten percent? The dragon qi that the Aiai Continent's Liu Clan sold to the backers behind you, Tang Feiqian—is it only worth you offering ten percent of the profit? You've already looked down on me, and now you're looking down on Jiang Gaotai's path and life as well?!"

Tang Feiqian frowned.
Such confidential matters—how did the Sword Qi Great Wall know about them?

Chen Ping'an said in a deep voice, "Sword Immortal Kǔxià."

Sword Immortal Kǔxià prepared to stand up. "Present."

If Xie Songhua owed Chen Ping'an a huge favor,
then the Shao Yuan Dynasty, where Sword Immortal Kǔxià belonged, owed a favor even greater than heaven.

Lin Junbi, the future pillar of the Shao Yuan Dynasty, had a bright path ahead.

Sword Immortal Kǔxià didn't have many convoluted thoughts. Repay one with one—it was that simple.
If he couldn't repay it himself, as a disciple-nephew of Zhou Shenzhi, he had never begged his uncle-brother for anything in his life. He could at least let Lin Junbi carry a few words to him after returning to the Central Earth Continent.
As for whether Uncle-brother Zhou Shenzhi would deign to listen to his disciple-nephew's few undistinguished dying words, whether he would act—Sword Immortal Kǔxià wouldn't think about it anymore.

Bai Xi knew that among the seated sword immortals, the most easygoing was this Kǔxià. If even he was about to speak harshly, it would be another great calamity shaking morale for their side.
So Bai Xi, even if he had to steel himself, would stop Kǔxià and speak first!

Bai Xi figured it out. Doing business with this young Hidden Master, who was even more "Entire World" than the Entire World, simply couldn't be done with scheming.

Bai Xi stood up, his expression calm. "If the Hidden Master insists on Captain Jiang leaving, then count me, Bai Xi of the Landscape Grotto's 'Wa Pen' ferry, as one."

Bai Xi even smiled, not hiding his sarcasm. "I only hope Sword Immortals Xie and Shao won't think I'm too low in cultivation to be worthy of accompanying you."

Xie Songhua just said, "Oh," and then casually remarked, "Not worthy is not worthy, but it doesn't matter. I have plenty of sword qi in my bamboo box."

Shao Yunyan stood at the doorway.

Sword Immortal Kǔxià turned to look at the young Hidden Master.

Chen Ping'an smiled and made a pressing gesture with his hand, indicating he didn't need to stand up or speak.

With Bai Xi surprisingly willing to break the deadlock even at the cost of his life, preventing the Sword Qi Great Wall from leading them by the nose step by step, soon a cultivator from the same continent who knew Bai Xi also stood up. "Count me in."

Even the Infant Yuan captain who had been thrown out of the Spring Pennant Studio by Pu He earlier, despite having apologized to the sword immortal like a dog, still resolutely stood up to follow Bai Xi. "'Fu Zhong' captain Liu Yu also wishes to experience the scenery of the Spring Pennant Studio and, along the way, experience Sword Immortal Xie's sword qi."

Not only that, but also an unknown young Golden Core ferry captain, a woman of special status—an immortal family from the southwestern sea of the Entire World. Her seat was very far back, close to Shao Yunyan. She also stood up. "'Ni Chang' captain Liu Shen. I wonder if I have the fortune to have, in addition to Sword Immortals Xie and Shao, another sword immortal join in the tour of the Spring Pennant Studio."

She had the lowest cultivation and was a female cultivator.
This way of dying was highly deliberate.

The last to stand was the Central Earth Infant Yuan female cultivator who had earlier communicated telepathically with Mi Yu. She slowly rose, smiling at Mi Yu. "Great Sword Immortal Mi, a pleasure. I wonder if, after all these years, your swordsmanship has improved again."

Mi Yu smiled. "I wouldn't bear to."

The female Infant Yuan laughed coldly.

Wu Qiu, who had remained motionless all along, felt a surge of gratification in his heart.
This was right!
This was the "small-world atmosphere" that the ferries of each continent should have when doing business with the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Weren't sword immortals fond of and best at killing?
Now there were people—not just one—sticking their necks out, truly offering them to be killed.
Would they draw their swords or not? Kill or not?

Jiang Gaotai clasped his hands and said loudly, "I thank you all!"

Tang Feiqian, who had stood up and hadn't sat down yet, felt much the same as his good friend Wu Qiu.

Did that young Hidden Master really think that by summoning a bunch of sword immortals to back him up, and relying on a jade tablet, he could have everything under control?
An ignorant brat who didn't know the immensity of heaven and earth! What did he think he was?

Li Cai extended a finger and rubbed the corner of her mouth. She was tempted to just swing her sword and kill one to be done with it.
But the young Hidden Master's telepathic voice sounded in her mind again: "Don't rush."

Only then did Li Cai hold back from drawing her sword.

Wei Jin had already opened his eyes.
The two stewards from Old Dragon City, who had been about to make a move, immediately became docile.

The captains from Southern Bodhisattva Continent remained fairly quiet.
As for Beiju Continent, they had no intention of getting involved at all.

At this moment, amidst the hall's surging emotions and impassioned declarations, people gradually noticed that the young man who should have been in a tight spot was instead resting his cheek on one hand early on, leaning sideways against the four-immortal table, simply smiling at everyone.

Beiju Continent, Vase Continent, Southern Bodhisattva Continent—all were easy to negotiate.
One due to ancient customs, one because it had little say, one because it was too close to Hanging Mountain—after all, there was the Chen Clan of pure Confucianism, and Chen Chun'an had just left the Sword Qi Great Wall not long ago.

Central Earth Continent, Aiai Continent, Fúyáo Continent—the hardest to negotiate.
One was accustomed to acting arrogantly, belittling the heroes of the eight continents. One believed nothing was greater than immortal money. One had ruined the business at Hanging Mountain but also had the greatest ability to make money.

Golden Armor Continent, Liuxia Continent—whether they were easy or hard to negotiate depended on the situation.
And now it had become a situation that was not so easy.

Chen Ping'an finally let his gaze skip past the two stewards from Old Dragon City, glancing at them a few extra times.

The cross-continent ferries of Vase Continent were essentially the six ferries of Old Dragon City: the Fu Clan's Devourer Whale, the floating island known as the "Little Hanging," the Sun Clan's mountain-sea turtle captured and tamed by their ancestors, and the Fan Clan's Osmanthus Island.

The two stewards visiting the Spring Pennant Studio tonight were one steward of the Fu Clan's Devourer Whale, and one old captain of the Ding Clan's cross-continent ferry.

Having visited Old Dragon City several times, Chen Ping'an had never crossed paths with them. He guessed that even if these two big shots of Old Dragon City had heard the name "Chen Ping'an," they would take it as a coincidence.

The young Hidden Master said lazily with a smile, "What's this, what's this? A perfectly good mutually beneficial business deal—do we have to take our heads off, put them on the business table, and weigh them by the pound? I don't think that's necessary."

Tang Feiqian sneered. "Weren't it your side that was shouting for killing, using the sword immortals' prestige to casually decide life and death?"

Chen Ping'an maintained that posture, smiling. "Isn't it just because I'm young and hot-headed? Having just climbed to power, I'm a bit dizzy with success."

Wu Qiu took a sip of the Spring Pennant Studio tea, gently set down his cup, and laughed. "People like us, our whole lives won't amount to much. There's a gap between us and the Hidden Master like clouds and mud. We're not the same kind of people, can't speak the same language. We really earn money with difficulty, each one risking our lives. How about we change the venue, change the time, and talk again? Still that sentence: just one Hidden Master is enough to speak with authority. No need to trouble so many sword immortals. Perhaps the Hidden Master need not even appear in person. An envoy like Clan Head Yan or Sword Immortal Nalan dealing with us little people would be more than sufficient."

Chen Ping'an laughed. "Like I said before, leaving the door has its rules; sitting here has its rules here. Again, all problems can be resolved with immortal money. Just now, it was all a ruckus; you weren't thinking enough. So let me make it clearer. This time I came to Hanging Mountain, I intended to replace a large batch of captains—for example..." Chen Ping'an looked at the female Golden Core cultivator seated far back. "'Ni Chang' captain Liu Shen. I am willing to spend two hundred Grain Rain coins, or supplies from the elixir workshop equivalent to that price, to let Fairy Liu's junior sister take over the 'Ni Chang.' Is the price unfair? But the person is dead, so what can be done? Are they not going to come to Hanging Mountain to earn money in the future? The person is gone, but the ferry is still there—at least they still earn those two hundred Grain Rain coins. Why pick you first? Very simple: you are a soft persimmon. If I kill you, your mountain sect and teachers won't dare to let out a single fart."

The female Golden Core's face instantly turned pale.

Jiang Gaotai immediately asked with a smile, "I wonder how many Grain Rain coins the Hidden Master thinks my head is worth?"

Chen Ping'an shook his head. "You are a dead man; I don't have to spend a single immortal coin on you. The Aiai Continent's Liu Clan—Sword Immortal Xie will handle the mess. The Central Earth Continent—Sword Immortal Kǔxià will say a few words to his uncle-brother Zhou Shenzhi and settle Tang Feiqian and his backers. We're all businessmen. You should understand very well: realms or not, it's not that important."

Chen Ping'an said, "Sword Immortal Xie, don't go out yet. If Captain Jiang says one more word, kill him. Let's save them the trouble of thinking I, this Hidden Master, don't even dare to kill the chicken to scare the monkeys."

Xie Songhua exhaled heavily.
Finally, she could draw her sword and kill someone.

Chen Ping'an turned to look at the Landscape Grotto's Infant Yuan cultivator Bai Xi. "Your ancestor has old grievances with the Sword Qi Great Wall—a great enmity. The previous Hidden Masters ignored you. I'll handle it. Don't leave tonight. I'll have Sword Immortal Xie Zhi make an extra trip, escort your 'Wa Pen' ferry safely back to the Landscape Grotto of Fúyáo Continent, and make it clear to your ancestor: grievances cleared. After that, business as usual—come or not as you please. If you don't come, you bear the consequences."

This time, it was the row of sword immortals that began to rise.

Wild cultivator Sword Immortal Xie Zhi stood up, laughing emotionally. "It's been many years since I last killed a registered immortal master. How nostalgic."

Chen Ping'an continued, "Those who didn't stand up and make a fuss tonight are all honored guests of the Sword Qi Great Wall."

Chen Ping'an smiled. "If we don't bring all the grimy details, all the dregs of character, up from the mud pond and put them on the table for all to see—allowing cross-continent ferries and the Sword Qi Great Wall, and also ferry captains among themselves—to look each other over thoroughly, how can we do long-term, worry-free business?"

Chen Ping'an said, "Mi Yu."

Mi Yu stood up, his gaze cold, fixed on the female Infant Yuan cultivator. "I'm sorry. That was the last time I lied to you. The truth is, I would bear to."

The female Infant Yuan's heart felt as if it were being cut.

Then Mi Yu pulled out a booklet from his sleeve, looked around, randomly picked a steward captain who hadn't stood up but had almost done so, and exposed his family history for eighteen generations.

Not only did he reveal connections, true disciples, who was most favored, the children and grandchildren spread out in the mortal world, the locations of various private residences—not just properties at Hanging Mountain but also mansions and estates across the continent, even in other continents like those of Wu Qiu and Tang Feiqian—all were recorded in detail, casually revealed by Mi Yu. He even mentioned affairs with various fairies that were not legitimate couples but more than lovers, with many hidden details.

Mi Yu then detailed the assets of two more captains, recounting them as if they were his own.

Then Chen Ping'an laughed. "That's enough. Third time's the charm."

Mi Yu nodded.
Did he think his current position as the top enforcer of the Hidden Master lineage, personally appointed by the Hidden Master, was for nothing?

Chen Ping'an called another name. "Pu He."

Pu He stood up, glaring at the Infant Yuan cultivator who had apologized to him earlier, his eyes dark and fierce. "I can't figure it out. There's a businessman in this world who almost died but insists on dying again. Let me see if that Jade Pure realm Ling Ran, when I board his ship, will kneel down and beg me to save face."

Chen Ping'an looked at the backbone figures among the eight continents' ferry captains. "Wu Qiu, Tang Feiqian. Old immortals of the upper fifth-level. The two of you even bought mansions over at the Grinding Stone Mountain of Beiju Continent, and then you put on an act in front of me, calling yourselves 'little people' and saying you earn money with difficulty."

Li Cai stood up. "I won't leave Hanging Mountain, but I can send a flying sword message to Floating Lotus Sword Lake and Taiwei Sword Sect, saying there are rumors here at Hanging Mountain—two old immortals colluding with demon beasts. By the way, Sword Immortal Kǔxià, haven't Yu Juanfu and Zhu Mei, those juniors, not yet left the Sword Qi Great Wall? Let them also tell the Central Earth Continent about this, so these two old immortals can clear their names and avoid wronging good people."

Sword Immortal Kǔxià immediately stood up. "Not difficult. It ought to be done."

Chen Ping'an finally blinked, a puzzled expression on his face. "Did you think I wanted to make enemies with the mountain sects behind you? Is it necessary? It's not necessary. I just don't like the look of you. Except for a very few who must die, I do things with restraint. Moreover, I'll offer apologies afterward, plus plenty of money for compensation. All of that will happen. In the long run, no one loses. Did you really think I called all these sword immortals here just to drink tea and wine with you? You useless trash who can't even take money for nothing—are you worthy?"

Sun Juyuan also stood up, smiling. "I have some connections with all of you present, as well as the sects and ancestors behind you. I've never had personal enmity with anyone. So, for the matter of apologies, I won't trouble our Hidden Master. I'll handle it."

Yan Ming stood up. "As for compensation, my Yan Clan still has some assets. I, Yan Ming, will handle it, until everything is fully compensated."

Nalan Caihuan did not move.
Tonight's events had far exceeded her expectations.

Chen Ping'an shifted his gaze. "Don't let outsiders laugh at us. My face doesn't matter. The face of Nalan Shaowei is worth something."

Nalan Caihuan could only slowly stand up.

Chen Ping'an's smile completely vanished. Though he still kept that lazy posture, his eyes were locked firmly on this Infant Yuan sword cultivator who had been in business for too long.

Nalan Caihuan steeled herself and remained silent.

Chen Ping'an asked, "Was your seat placed wrong? Should you, Nalan Caihuan, be sitting over there?"

Nalan Caihuan's eyes flashed fiercely. She was about to speak.

Sword Immortal Gaokui stood up, turned to look at Nalan Caihuan.

Nalan Caihuan's words, which had been on her lips calling Chen Ping'an by name, immediately went back down her throat one by one.

This inexplicable turn of events made Wu Qiu and the other "outsiders" feel even more horrified.

This young Hidden Master, who claimed to be a "newly empowered petty man"—if he really got angry, would he even kill his own people?

Whether he was a petty man with power or not was up for debate.
But this young man had a black heart!

As for the claim that he had great power—there was no ambiguity about that.

Wu Qiu finally stood up, clasped his hands, and said, "Hidden Master, there's no need for this. Business is just business. Let both sides take a step back, seek a joyful outcome for all, and ensure a steady flow of money."

The young Hidden Master simply rested his cheek on one hand, gazing at the heavy snow outside the gate.

Chen Ping'an seemed to be talking to himself. "Do you really think the Sword Qi Great Wall has no goodwill, no connections in the Entire World? Do you think that if we don't use them, they don't exist? It's just that we don't engage in your filthy practices, which is why you mistakenly assume that sword immortals have no brains. Do you know why you're still standing here alive?"

Chen Ping'an answered his own question. "It's because in the nearly ten thousand years of history, ever since Southern Bodhisattva Continent had the first cross-continent ferry to Hanging Mountain—starting with that 'Pillow Water'—if I remember correctly, the second was the vanished sect of Fúyáo Continent, Cloud Cross Mountain, and its 'Looking Up and Down' ferry. The third was Tongye Continent, which no longer has a single cross-continent ferry—the 'Tong Umbrella,' which capsized in a storm, everyone dead. When the news reached the Sword Qi Great Wall, the sword immortals could only silently draw their swords and offer distant condolences. This matter is too ancient; I'm afraid many of the local sword immortals here at the Sword Qi Great Wall don't even know about it anymore."

Chen Ping'an sat up straight.

"In the earliest days, almost all ferries coming to Hanging Mountain were not for making money. They essentially gave money to the Sword Qi Great Wall. Over time, things changed—in fact, they changed a lot. That's fine. The Sword Qi Great Wall will still remember the kindness of all eight continents' ferries in the Entire World. We have never forgotten. Why do you think Nalan Shaowei was furious back then but still didn't go to the Dragon Rain Sect territory to draw his sword? Now you know the reason? It wasn't because the ancestor of Landscape Grotto was so clever, or because his alliances were so brilliant. One sword strike, and it all disappears."

"You make your money, that's fine. But in the end, ferry after ferry, supplies were sent unceasingly to Hanging Mountain and then moved to the Sword Qi Great Wall. Without you, the Sword Qi Great Wall would have long fallen. We at the Sword Qi Great Wall must acknowledge this, and we will."

Chen Ping'an stood up, suddenly broke into a smile, and extended both hands, pressing downward a few times. "Everyone sit down! What are you standing there for? Do you really believe I'll kill someone? Where's the reason in that? And you actually believed me?"

Seeing the young Hidden Master grinning, he said, "Captain Jiang, sit. Liu Shen, also sit. Everyone sit and talk. Harmony brings wealth. We are businessmen. Fighting and killing is unseemly."

Mi Yu did not sit down.
So no one dared to sit.

Xie Songhua, Pu He, Xie Zhi, and the other sword cultivators from the Entire World—their killing intent was clearly still present.

Chen Ping'an walked behind Nalan Caihuan's chair, extended his two fingers pressed together, lightly touched her shoulder, and said telepathically with a smile, warning her, "Be the first to sit down, or die. In your hands, so many cross-border deals—the secret archives of the Hidden Master lineage have every one recorded. So you are still too foolish. Did you really think your ancestor's business acumen was inferior to yours? You are ten thousand miles behind the Old Sword Immortal. Nalan Shaowei saved your life once. He won't save you a second time."

Nalan Caihuan felt as if she had been struck by lightning, her mind blank, her face bloodless. She slowly sat down.

Then the young Hidden Master placed both arms on the high back of Nalan Caihuan's chair, looked at the ferry stewards across from him, who were all at a loss, and said with a helpless expression, "Treating you with courtesy, suppressing you with power, making you understand with reason, moving you with emotion—I, a mere Hidden Master, have done all I can tonight. Yet you still won't show me any respect? Hmm?!"

So everyone sat down.

This young Hidden Master, who had appeared from nowhere, had a sinister hand, a venomous heart, and was insane!

Chen Ping'an returned to his seat but did not sit. He said slowly, "I cannot guarantee that you will earn more than before. But I can guarantee that you will not earn less. You can trust that. If you don't, it doesn't matter. In the future, the increasingly thick account books on your desks will not lie."

Mi Yu stood up, shook his sleeves, and from his sleeve-space a series of booklets flew out, hovering in front of all the ferry stewards.

Chen Ping'an continued, "All future supplies needed by the Sword Qi Great Wall are on these lists. They are carefully categorized by the Heavenly Stems, with levels. The prices are written on them. How specifically to discount depends on your ability to dig three feet into the ground in the Entire World. For other cross-continent ferries not participating in tonight's council, please pass on the message. Because some materials that were previously accepted, the Sword Qi Great Wall will no longer accept at all. But certain materials, the Sword Qi Great Wall will accept unconditionally, and the prices will only be higher. Each of the eight continents has its specialties."

"As for agreeing to credit from the Sword Qi Great Wall—if you refuse to extend credit, the former is a matter of friendship and goodwill, the latter is the duty of a businessman seeking profit. Both can be discussed privately with me. Whether credit can be exchanged for real benefits elsewhere—that can also be discussed."

All the ferry stewards began to carefully browse through the booklets.

At this point, Chen Ping'an smiled at the Landscape Grotto's Infant Yuan cultivator Bai Xi. "Are you surprised? One of your secret plans, it seems, was to first unload cargo before loading new cargo before arriving at Hanging Mountain, trying to sell several types of supplies exclusively on one ferry to get a high price, avoiding undercutting and selling cheap to the Sword Qi Great Wall. Isn't that exactly what the Sword Qi Great Wall was already helping you do? Old Immortal Bai Xi, ask yourself: the Sword Qi Great Wall has been doing business with you openly and aboveboard like this. Why are you sneaking around and not acting properly? What's the point? As for who leaked your ideas, don't bother investigating. With Fúyáo Continent's abundant resources and Landscape Grotto's capabilities, you'll be too busy making money from now on to bother with such trivial matters."

The cultivators of Aiai Continent, seeing a certain entry, were stunned. The Sword Qi Great Wall would henceforth purchase a large quantity of Snowflake Coins?!

The steward of the Fu Clan from Old Dragon City, when he turned to a certain page, found it interesting. The price of Cloud Root Stones, specialty products of Cloud Gorge Mountain—which had already formed an alliance with the Fu Clan—had increased!

Even the ferry stewards from Beiju Continent, who were least inclined to earn big money, found it amusing. Well, it seemed that after returning home, they would have to sit down for a good talk with the Skeleton Beach Burial Clan.

Chen Ping'an concluded, "The money from now on is freely available for you to earn. If anyone stops their cross-continent ferry in their continent, refusing to earn this immortal money, like a child sulking, engaging in a war of pride—that's fine too. The green hills remain, the stream flows long. This friendship can be slowly settled. Also, beyond public business, you ferry captains should also think about your own path. If you need extra items from the elixir workshop, certain immortal treasures, the Sword Qi Great Wall will record each one. As long as it's possible, we will help you trade item for item. If you need to supplement some immortal money, we will naturally tell you directly. During this period, I guarantee that the Sword Qi Great Wall will not earn a single extra Snowflake Coin from anyone. Consider it a little extra benefit we offer you."

Jiang Gaotai calmly flipped through the thick booklet and asked telepathically, "Hidden Master, you really won't kill, only do business?"

Chen Ping'an smiled. "I only look at results, not the process. Shouldn't I be thanking you instead? The day we stop doing business, we'll settle the score later. But don't worry. Every successful deal—the price is there. It's a mutual agreement, and it can also count as a bit of goodwill for you. So there's hope of evening things out. After that, the world is vast. Whether we ever meet again in this life is another matter."

Jiang Gaotai was dubious.

Chen Ping'an either replied telepathically to some people's quiet inquiries or took the initiative to speak.

"How is your young city lord, Fu Nanhua? What realm is he in now?"

"Fairy Liu, earlier I was just talking nonsense. That junior sister of yours, your right hand—she has always deeply respected you."

"Don't hold a grudge against our Sword Immortal Mi Yu. How could he bear to kill you? He was just putting on a show for this Hidden Master. If you're sad because of this, it would make him even more sad. Affection betrayed by devotion—a great regret in the human world."

The young Hidden Master's words were casual, as if he were greeting old acquaintances.

But when those words fell into the minds of the ferry stewards, each had to carefully chew on every word, afraid of missing some hidden meaning.

Because everyone, even without any communication, unanimously felt a lingering fear.

At some earlier moment, this young man had wanted to kill everyone in the room on the opposite side of the sword immortals.

It might have been true, or maybe false.
But what if it was true?

Chen Ping'an continued to rest his cheek on one hand, gazing at the snow outside the door.

At this moment, Liu Xianyang's ferry should have almost reached Southern Bodhisattva Continent.

On that ferry, which had long since left Hanging Mountain far behind.

Liu Xianyang was in his room, reading by lamplight. On the table lay a seal.

Side inscription: "Grand Sword Immortal Chen Ping'an's First Seal, for Brother Liu Xianyang's Keepsake."

Seal text: "Move Mountains, Overturn Seas."

Liu Xianyang glanced at the seal, smiled knowingly.

Good lad. When it comes to boasting, he still learned from me.