Chapter 927: Borrowing Thousands of Mountains and Rivers from All of You (8)
Chen Ping'an had originally planned to go directly to the Lingyuan Duke's water mansion, but he changed his mind on a whim and decided to head elsewhere instead. As soon as the thought arose, he ignored the distance between mountains and rivers. Dressed in a blue gown, he stood under a wutong tree within the capital of the Dayuan dynasty. He raised his head to glance into the distance, then took another step and arrived at a palace that was only black and white, as if he were a man without any realm, entering a place devoid of people.
This Dayuan dynasty was founded on the virtue of water. Last time Chen Ping'an had been at the Chongxuan Office's Yunxiao Palace, negotiating a deal with the Lu clan's emperor, the emperor had only brought along a young prince named Lu Jun, who was now the crown prince. Besides giving Prince Lu Jun a handwritten calligraphy copy from his teacher, Chen Ping'an had also given the youth a hand-copied martial arts manual—the Mountain-Shattering Fist by Gu You, a Martial Arts Stopping Realm master from the Great Seal Dynasty.
As for Lu Jun's aptitude for cultivation and martial arts, it was actually quite ordinary. Chen Ping'an had been honest with him back then, telling him the truth without any polite perfunctory words. In the end, somehow or other, they became unregistered master and disciple.
Before dawn, with still some time before the morning court session, Emperor Lu Yang had woken up early and couldn't fall back asleep. He simply had the eunuch light a lamp and sat cross-legged on the heated brick bed in a small warm pavilion, reviewing memorials. He rubbed his brow. The pavilion had underfloor heating, making it warm as spring even in the depths of winter. However, occasionally the emperor would order the palace to stop burning charcoal, saying that freezing a bit and enduring hardship would actually strengthen the body. In contrast, the Lu clan princes studying in the southern corridor of the Wenying Hall would only be given hand warmers if they encountered bone-chilling cold that happened only once every few decades. Otherwise, they would have to read aloud loudly while secretly stamping their feet and shivering. Their schedule was immovable: entering at the mao hour and leaving at the shen hour. Just studying wasn't exactly hard, but it wasn't easy either.
Unconsciously, he began to feel drowsy. In his hazy state, Lu Yang vaguely heard a knock at the door and subconsciously said, "Enter."
Outside the threshold of the warm pavilion, a figure in a blue gown smiled and said, "Your Majesty. I apologize for the sudden visit; please forgive me."
Lu Yang opened his eyes and looked at the blue-gowned figure outside the door. He was momentarily stunned but quickly returned to normal. He got off the heated brick bed, casually slipped on his boots without properly putting them on, and walked briskly toward the door, laughing heartily, "So it's Mr. Chen. Your visit honors me. I failed to welcome you from afar; please forgive me, forgive me."
Chen Ping'an stood still, clasped his fists in apology, and said, "It happened suddenly, so I couldn't go through the gate notification. I promise this will only happen once."
"Extraordinary people have extraordinary ways. Mr. Chen is a man of the Dao; why bother with such trivial formalities?" Lu Yang reached out and grasped the blue-gowned visitor's arm, smiling. "I actually hope Mr. Chen can come here often as a guest. Come, let's sit inside and talk."
After Chen Ping'an stepped over the threshold, Lu Yang released his hold. They sat on opposite sides of the heated brick bed. Lu Yang left the memorials spread out on the small table without any concern.
After hearing Chen Ping'an's concise explanation and learning the truth, Lu Yang was astonished and couldn't help but exclaim, "Incredible. Strange and wondrous indeed."
This Lu clan emperor, known for his great talent and bold strategies across the continent, said without hesitation, "Actually, Mr. Chen didn't need to come to the capital at all. Making an extra trip might delay important matters."
Chen Ping'an smiled and said, "Although the Chongxuan Office holds a transcendent status, it is still one of the institutions under the Dayuan court. Even if the Yunxiao Palace's Heavenly Lord Yang is highly revered and the Yang clan's disciples are selfless, they are ultimately subjects of the Dayuan dynasty."
Lu Yang laughed heartily, showing genuine emotion. From start to finish, he never glanced at the door.
Nice words? Of course, they were nice words.
Merely pleasant words? No.
This itself was a clear statement from the young Hidden Official about the relationship between the Dayuan imperial clan and the Chongxuan Office.
Mountain-top immortals and earth-bound emperors were like one governing the heavens and the other the earth. Their relationship was complex, involving both shared glory and mutual dependence, as well as unspoken conflicts, superficial harmony, and even mutual scheming and opposition.
His Jun'er was fortunate, had good luck, and hadn't taken on this boxing master in vain. This Mr. Chen, with his heavy status, always favored his own side.
Similarly, being the Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall, whether one had inscriptions or not made a world of difference.
Last time when they met at the Yunxiao Palace, Chen Ping'an had not yet traveled to the Desolate Wilderness and had no wall inscriptions.
Lu Yang smiled and asked, "Since there's still half an hour before the court session, could I accompany Mr. Chen on a tour of the Yunxiao Palace and Chongxuan Office?"
It wasn't a test, nor did he distrust the other party. Lu Yang simply, as a monarch, the supreme ruler, still had some yearning for riding the clouds and mists.
Chen Ping'an nodded and smiled, "Please forgive my rudeness."
As soon as the young Hidden Officer finished speaking, Lu Yang was somewhat disappointed, because he felt as if he had only blinked and already been transported to another place—the very place where they had last met. He had no experience of riding the clouds or flying like an immortal; it had nothing to do with the ethereal, cool sensation he had imagined.
Chen Ping'an and Lu Yang stood side by side. Soon, an old true immortal appeared at the Chongxuan Office—it was the National Preceptor Yang Qingkong. The old true immortal held a white jade-handled whisk engraved with the characters "Wind God."
Chen Ping'an, now adept at this, apologized to this Daoist Heavenly Lord. Yang Qingkong smiled and said, "No harm done. I'll just consider it a divine excursion."
Yang Qingkong made a Daoist bow to the emperor. "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Lu Yang clasped his hands behind his back and nodded to the National Preceptor, saying calmly, "I'm just here to join the fun, National Preceptor. Treat me as if I weren't here."
If the Chongxuan Office was a government institution set up by the Dayuan court, then the Yunxiao Palace, like the Celestial Master's Residence of Dragon Tiger Mountain, was a hereditary forest monastery. Although the Dayuan court had established a Daoist office here, it was essentially a decoration. All Daoist officials either surnamed Yang or had their ordination certificates issued at the Yunxiao Palace.
The Yunxiao Palace's Daoists were not water deities, but this National Preceptor Yang valued both Daoist aura and water fortune. Moreover, the shrine of the Great River Upper Shrine Water Master, who had not become a duke or marquis, Situ Jidang, was nearby.
The three of them each sat down on stone stools beneath a tree, essentially the same seats as last time. After hearing about Chen Ping'an's business, Yang Qingkong smiled freely and said, "Just considering this delivered merit, if I still harbored any resentment, it would truly be insufficient cultivation and insatiable greed."
Chen Ping'an felt greatly relieved. This trip was not in vain.
However, he couldn't just leave immediately after the deal was settled, so he proactively chatted with the old Heavenly Lord about the recent situation of Yang Ningzhen and Yang Ningxing brothers in the Five Colors World. But he didn't mention his meeting with "Brother Mumao"; he only said he had heard rumors at the Feisheng City's Summer Resort. Yang Qingkong initially listened calmly upon hearing about the two brothers—one breaking through realms repeatedly, the other becoming friends with Yuan Qingshu from the Tianyu Cave Heaven. Only when the young Hidden Official seemingly casually mentioned some matters about the Qingqing Dynasty in the Azure World and the elegant minister Yao Qing did Yang Qingkong glance at the blue-gowned swordsman, smile faintly, and nod slightly.
Yang Qingkong suddenly said, "Houjue has long admired Mr. Chen. How about taking this opportunity to meet and talk?"
Chen Ping'an assumed it was just a polite remark from the old true immortal and nodded, "Of course."
Yang Qingkong smiled, lightly flicked his whisk, and a young-looking Daoist appeared as if summoned there.
After appearing, the man looked around, his Dao heart as calm as an ancient well. He quickly made a Daoist bow to the three, "Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Ancestor. Greetings, Hidden Official."
Yang Houjue, Jade Capital Realm, Daoist name "Tuanni."
In the North Juzhou Continent, even in the entire Haoran World, he was an extremely young Upper Five Realm cultivator. Although Yang Qingkong still held the titles of National Preceptor and Heavenly Lord, in reality, both the Dayuan court's Chongxuan Office and the Yang clan's Yunxiao Palace had their court affairs and family matters managed by Yang Houjue. Additionally, Yang Houjue was not only an elder to those two brothers but also their half-way preacher.
Previously, Chen Ping'an had helped the Colorful Sparrow Manor find three nominal guest elders, all with extremely impressive backgrounds.
Apart from Yuan Lingdian of Pazhi Peak's Zhixuan Peak, and Rong Chang, a Nascent Soul swordsman and Li Cai's senior disciple, the third was Yang Houjue, the manager of the Chongxuan Office.
Later, Chen Ping'an heard that Lu Yang himself had recommended the person, and Yang Houjue had agreed without hesitation.
This was actually a rather unconventional matter.
Aside from Yang Houjue, who was still standing, the other three present were all worldly and experienced.
But there was an extremely subtle pause between the young Hidden Official and the old National Preceptor.
Lu Yang immediately understood the crux of it.
Chen Ping'an needed some buffer time to confirm whether the old Heavenly Lord could personally summon Yang Houjue, or whether he needed to do it himself.
And Yang Qingkong, seizing the opportunity, displayed a consummate immortal technique, directly "teleporting" Yang Houjue from outside the world into Chen Ping'an's dream realm.
After Yang Houjue sat down, he happened to be facing Chen Ping'an. With a sincere expression, he smiled and said, "I happened to be busy last time and missed the chance. Actually, I've wanted to meet the Hidden Official for years. Today, my wish is fulfilled. Very fortunate."
Yang Qingkong had roughly explained the reason to this highly regarded younger clan member. Yang Houjue nodded lightly. Then the old Heavenly Lord teased with a smile, "Actually, there are two other honored guests at the Chongxuan Office right now, much like Houjue, who have long admired Mr. Chen. I wonder if Mr. Chen has heard of Gao Xianting?"
Chen Ping'an's expression turned solemn, and he said gravely, "Grandmaster Gao's name thunders in my ears like thunder. Moreover, Qunyu Mountain, where Chief Gao resides, although not a sword cultivation sect, has been a frequent visitor to the Sword Qi Great Wall for the past millennium."
From the perspective of North Juzhou, after Gu You's death, there were only three Martial Arts Stopping Realm martial artists left in North Juzhou. The unbridled old rogue Wang Fusu, after re-emerging, had earned considerable military merits and regained his freedom, no longer required to report to Heavenly Lord Xie Shi annually.
And Li Er, a guest elder at Lion Peak, was a suddenly emerged grandmaster. The remaining one was Gao Xianting, just over a hundred years old. When he was in the Distant Travel Realm, Gao Xianting, as a pure martial artist, had served as the chief offering priest of a northern sect called Qunyu Mountain. It proved that Qunyu Mountain's patriarch had excellent foresight. This young martial artist's subsequent realm breakthroughs weren't too fast, but his ascent was extremely steady, eventually becoming a Stopping Realm martial artist with the potential to reach the Guizhen level. Gao Xianting's wife, a Daoist partner from the mountains, was a female swordsman who had entered the Jade Capital Realm a few years prior, named Zheng Yuanzhi, with the Daoist name Qingluo. Ultimately, Gao Xianting went from chief offering priest to Qunyu Mountain's son-in-law.
Qunyu Mountain's current sect master, Xiao Shu, was Zheng Yuanzhi's senior brother, a Celestial Immortal Realm cultivator. Though not a swordsman, he led over thirty disciples from the sect to cross continents southward with Taichang Sword Sect's Han Huaizi to rush to the Sword Qi Great Wall. Because he fought too fiercely and ventured too far from the wall, he was severely wounded and nearly dropped in realm. That group from Qunyu Mountain were all direct lineage cultivators of the Ancestral Hall, and they suffered heavy casualties.
However, it was rumored that Zheng Yuanzhi and Li Cai had a... less than harmonious relationship. It was all because of some culprit named Jiang who had thoroughly offended Zheng Yuanzhi.
And this Jiang, notorious throughout North Juzhou, happened to be the current chief offering priest of Chen Ping'an's Luopo Mountain—a complete mess.
After some idle chat, Yang Houjue suddenly stood up, took three steps back, and made another Daoist bow to Chen Ping'an. His voice trembled as he said, "Thank you, Mr. Chen. Back then in the Ghostly Valley, you resolved a karmic bond from my previous mortal existence for me. I, Yang Houjue of this life, and the former man of Longshan Kingdom, sincerely thank Mr. Chen on behalf of myself and her."
Lu Yang was bewildered, and even Chen Ping'an himself was initially confused. Only when he heard Yang Houjue's self-identification as "former man of Longshan Kingdom" did he suddenly understand.
Standing up, Chen Ping'an hesitated for a moment, then, defying his own nature, returned Yang Houjue's Daoist bow and said softly, "Duckweed gathers and scatters. If fate allows, we shall meet again."
The old Heavenly Lord sighed softly, but his expression was still more relaxed.
It turned out that back then, Chen Ping'an and "Brother Hao Ren" had once traveled together to a secret chamber within a cave where there were two skeletons: one from a female cultivator of Fengming Peak of Qingde Sect, and the other from the monarch of Longshan Kingdom, who in his early years had also been one of Qingde Sect's "thirty immortal talents ascending the emerald heights" for cultivation. However, later, when the kingdom faced disaster, he had to abandon cultivation midway, descend the mountain, and inherit the throne.
Thus, it made perfect sense that Yang Houjue was willing to serve as a nominal guest elder for the small Colorful Sparrow Manor.
It also explained why "Brother Hao Ren" would go to that summer resort lady's mansion at Boluo Mountain and "coincidentally" find that secret tunnel.
After sending Lu Yang back to the capital's imperial study, Chen Ping'an then made a trip to the Yao Ye River shrine and met the river god named Xue Yuansheng again.
During his first journey to North Juzhou, after leaving the Mural City, this river god, who liked to act as a boatman, had carried Chen Ping'an for a ride.
Xue Yuansheng was still the same: an old man with dark skin, like an elderly farmer who faced the soil and turned his back to the sky year after year.
But back then, Chen Ping'an had been dressed in a bamboo hat and wine gourd, crossing the river by boat.
After confirming Chen Ping'an's identity, the old river god clicked his tongue in wonder, shaking his head, "Unbelievable, that my humble little shrine once received the incense offerings of a Hidden Official."
Back then, Xue Yuansheng had mistakenly thought he had encountered an ignorant fool.
Someone who would let such a great fortune slip through his fingers, missing the chance to become the master of a deer-riding goddess from the Mural City.
Xue Yuansheng and the blue-gowned swordsman walked out of the shrine together, strolling to the riverside. It was hard to imagine that this old man, whose golden body was no less than that of the great river's water master, was still an unaccredited river god without official recognition.
Xue Yuansheng pointed to a spot by the river and chuckled, "That's where the little girl surnamed Pei broke through her realm back then. The momentum was terrifying. Well, just a few years later, now she's called Grandmaster Pei."
After Luopo Mountain's ceremony following the Zhengyang Mountain battle, this matter had become quite a talking point for Xue Yuansheng and his old friends over drinks.
This old man had once stood still by the river and taken a punch from Grandmaster Pei's breakthrough.
After that, they became acquaintances in the martial world—he had ferried her across the river, and they had a good chat.
Chen Ping'an smiled and nodded.
Pei Qian's breakthrough opportunity back then lay in a battle between her inner principles and the world's principles.
Chen Ping'an had once asked Li Huai in detail about the various incidents during his journey with Pei Qian.
The little girl had grown up, become a young woman, and then a mature woman. Naturally, she would harbor some secrets.
Even Chen Ping'an, as her master, couldn't inquire too much.
Xue Yuansheng habitually squatted down, rubbing the dirt, and chuckled, "What were you thinking back then? Others would beg for such fortune, but you avoided it. At first, I thought you were an insensitive blockhead, or just a fool who couldn't think straight, because it was simply inexplicable. Now that I think about it, how could someone who became a swordsman and a Hidden Official be stupid? So back then, you must have been playing dumb."
Chen Ping'an sat casually on the bank and nodded, "I was indeed playing dumb back then, but I was also genuinely afraid."
Xue Yuansheng laughed, "That deer-riding goddess was very aloof. She only had disdain for others. Then out of nowhere, this outsider appeared. Back then, she was already furious with you. If she heard such nonsense, she'd be livid again."
Chen Ping'an smiled, "Everyone has their preferences. There's no distinction between high and low."
The old river god couldn't help but grumble inwardly—strange indeed. It seemed that when this young swordsman passed through, the eight colored mural goddesses of the Mural City—Spring Official, Treasure Canopy, Lingzhi, Long Staff, Immortal Staff, Deer Rider, Rain Walker, and Inkstone Bearer—all became plain line drawings. Of course, the first five had left the Mural City long ago, each with their own life and death, their own fate.
But could this Hidden Officer be considered the one who looked on from the sidelines and closed the matter?
Chen Ping'an took out his sword-nurturing gourd and took a sip of wine. This was truly drinking fake wine in the most genuine way.
Back then, only three colored murals remained. The Deer Rider goddess, whose heart had been broken by that young outsider, had, due to karmic coincidence, turned to the Qingliang Sect's sect master, He Xiaoliang, whose Dao heart resonated with hers. And the Rain Walker goddess, skilled in chess, was named Shu Shi. She had made a sixty-year pact with a young cultivator holding an ancient jade tablet who knelt and kowtowed until his forehead was bare. Then she went to "Li Liu" to confess her guilt.
As for the Inkstone Bearer goddess, she had followed her master to Liuxia Continent. Before leaving Haisu Beach, she went to the Ghostly Valley and collected the miniature thunder pool from Jixiao Mountain into her possession.
And the master she recognized was none other than the city lord of Appearance City from the Night Boat, Shao Baojuan.
Every time Chen Ping'an thought of this matter, he was furious. "I dug a few Jixiao Mountain thunder whips by my own skill. How did that become a conflict on your Great Dao? Could it be that your Great Dao is just a field path? Even if it were a field path, we could just sidestep each other and pass by, continuing our separate ways."
Xue Yuansheng asked curiously, "Are we in the Hidden Official's dream right now?"
Chen Ping'an nodded.
Xue Yuansheng couldn't help but exclaim, "This works too?! Truly cultivation accomplished. 'A scholar who leaves for three days is a new man.'"
"Just a clever trick."
"You scholars always speak impenetrably."
"It's only worth eight taels of silver."
Xue Yuansheng was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Alright, what do you need me for this time?"
After hearing Chen Ping'an's answer, Xue Yuansheng frowned, "What's the point? Is it worth it?"
Chen Ping'an shook his head, "This question can be asked by anyone, but it's superfluous for Mr. Xue to ask."
If it were about worth it, then River God Xue Yuansheng's golden body height would be at least fifty percent higher.
If that were the case, with the current Great River official recognition, Xue Yuansheng would be more than qualified to fill the position of a river temple water master.
Xue Yuansheng raised both hands and vigorously rubbed his face, nodding, "Alright, let's settle it that way. A sincere incense stick is enough. Consider it a tribute to the 'not worth it' in our hearts."
When it came to business, they were both straightforward people. It was just a matter of a few words.
But when they started talking about Pei Qian, they immediately opened the floodgates. One wanted to talk more, and the other enjoyed listening, unwilling to leave.
Xue Yuansheng said it was impossible to connect the young girl obsessed with money back then with the later "Zheng Sanqian" and "Pei Qian."
He recounted how the girl had once set out an entire set of tools, used a steelyard to weigh silver, then meticulously cut out eight taels with small scissors. Besides the small bamboo steelyard, there were also a bunch of weights, two of which were engraved with "Never Lose Money" and "Only Make Money"... No wonder she later adopted the alias Zheng Qian (earn money) when wandering the martial world...
After apologizing to Xue Yuansheng, she would also be frustrated, saying she had practiced boxing to no avail, practicing a hammer of a punch.
At the time, there was also a young scholar in Confucian robes who was very kind, but honestly, he didn't seem particularly bright in his studies.
Chen Ping'an had nothing to say about Xue Yuansheng's assessment of Li Huai.
Chen Ping'an put away his sword-nurturing gourd into his sleeve and asked, "River God Xue, are you willing to accept an official appointment as a river deity?"
If Xue Yuansheng agreed, a Minister of Rites from a kingdom through which the Yao Ye River flowed would soon arrive, holding an imperial golden decree, to preside over the official appointment ceremony. At the same time, a vice mountain master from the Yufu Academy would also be present.
This was also why Chen Ping'an had changed his route earlier—he needed the Dayuan Emperor Lu Yang and the Chongxuan Office to help make the connections.
The official appointment of mountain and water spirits consumed a kingdom's fortune. And Xue Yuansheng was famously indifferent to incense offerings. As a result, everyone respected this Yao Ye River god, but all the kingdoms through which the river flowed dared not approach Xue Yuansheng voluntarily, fearing that the expense might outweigh the gain and affect the kingdom's fortune.
However, Chen Ping'an had his own means to balance the books and ensure that the kingdom wouldn't be disadvantaged afterward.
Xue Yuansheng's expression turned strange, and he chuckled, "You insist on pushing my unorthodox shrine to this position, Mountain Lord Chen. What exactly are you after? Are you planning to partner with me in business, similar to what you did with Pima Sect and Chunlu Garden? Hoping that I, as a newly promoted river god, would give some favors in river transportation, and then we split the profits—you get rich, I get flourishing incense?"
Chen Ping'an smiled, "River God Xue, you're overthinking."
Xue Yuansheng teased, "What, are you going to beg me?"
Chen Ping'an suppressed a laugh, "Then consider me begging you."
Xue Yuansheng looked puzzled, "A dignified swordsman and sect master, is your face really that worthless?"
Chen Ping'an replied, "Though it's not worth much, it's worth something. And Mr. Xue deserves it."
Xue Yuansheng shook his head, still insisting, "If I wanted to be a great river's official water master, I would have been one long ago. I don't want to—too many restrictions, not as free as I am now."
They say a close neighbor is better than a distant relative. It's true. Zhu Quan, the former sect master of Pima Sect, was a very generous mountain woman. She had come to him twice with similar talk: "Old Xue, being a mere river god, aren't you ashamed? Give me a definite answer, and I'll help you arrange it. I guarantee I'll knock on every door, and in the future, along both banks of the Yao Ye River, if there aren't seven or eight shrines popping up, then my face isn't worth anything. What do you say?"
But Xue Yuansheng never agreed.
Xue Yuansheng turned his head and said, "Please, Mountain Lord Chen, give me a straight answer from the bottom of your heart. Otherwise, even if I refuse today, I'll still be troubled and have lingering doubts in the future."
Whether swordsmen from the world are easy to talk to is something the Ancestral Halls of North Juzhou know best.
Chen Ping'an waved his hand and chuckled, "River God Xue, don't overthink it. If you don't agree, that's fine. I just had a sudden thought and mentioned it casually."
Xue Yuansheng said irritably, "I don't believe a word of that. Show some sincerity!"
Chen Ping'an thought for a moment and gave the answer he had in mind. "Although I'm not old, I've traveled to many places in this life. I haven't met too many old veterans of the world."
Xue Yuansheng sighed, "Having you say that is better than being a high-ranking river deity. Much more comfortable."
Chen Ping'an spoke telepathically, "River God Xue, if you remain an unorthodox river god, you might miss out on a significant opportunity."
Xue Yuansheng reached out and patted the young man's shoulder, laughing, "Chen Ping'an, I appreciate the thought. You go ahead and attend to your business. Time is pressing."
Chen Ping'an nodded.
Xue Yuansheng stood up and asked with a smile, "These years haven't been easy, have they?"
"To put it simply, it's just..."
Chen Ping'an paused briefly, then continued slowly, "People do things, and things teach people."
Xue Yuansheng nodded, "When you get down to it, that's the ultimate truth."
Chen Ping'an beamed a bright smile and clasped his fists in farewell.
Xue Yuansheng silently returned the gesture.
It was only today that the old river god realized that the Sword Qi Great Wall and its final Hidden Official had mutually achieved each other, neither failing the other.
---
Jidu Lingyuan Duke's Mansion.
At dawn, a group of women who didn't yet need to report for duty at their offices gathered in a covered corridor, chatting idly. Since this area wasn't part of the water mansion's "official road," they knew no outsiders would pass by, so they didn't need to be too strict about etiquette. Their identities were mostly female officials and clerks from the Water Mansion's Tracing Source Department and Boundary Division. The former was responsible for surveying the origins of all major and minor water veins and maintaining the seals that prevented mortal scholars from accessing these water sources. The latter's duties were similar to the Imperial Observatory's geomancers—they drew clear boundaries, regularly patrolled the borders of all rivers, lakes, and streams, and guarded the boundary markers. Both were truly idle posts with little authority, no perks, and few regular tasks.
These women ranged from water immortals and female ghosts who had been part of the old Nanxun Water Hall to young female cultivators who had recently entered the water mansion. Most were still youthful and lively, their edges not yet completely worn away. Gathered together, they chattered noisily and boisterously. Such a charming scene would never be seen near prominent departments like the Inspection Department or the Reward and Punishment Department.
A girl from a powerful clan in the Great Seal Dynasty couldn't help but ask, "According to Mr. Xu's explanation of characters, 'du' means a small ditch. So it's just a small water channel? What's going on?"
A female official from the Boundary Division, originally from the Nanxun Water Hall, nodded and smiled, "Indeed, the Sage of Literature also wrote in his chapter on self-cultivation: 'Block its source, open its ditch, and rivers can be drained.' It's obvious that in the eyes of our Sage of Literature, 'du' is smaller than rivers. This confirms Mr. Xu's explanation. As for how 'du' evolved into 'great river,' I used to work in the archives of the Former Water Hall and read plenty of official records and unofficial histories, but I never found any written record."
Another cultivation seedling from a common background asked timidly, "How is he 'our' Sage of Literature?"
She knew that the grandmaster who had regained his position in the Wen Temple was from the Central Lands, wasn't he?
The Jidu water region, though divided in two, was still vast. The Lingyuan Duke's Mansion governed nearly eighty kingdoms and vassal states. For instance, the Great Seal Dynasty, near the Jidu estuary, had issued a decree a few years ago, along with the Great Seal Zhou clan itself and over a dozen vassal states, to "offer" nearly fifty cultivation seedlings to the water mansion in one go. Additionally, there were extra "shadow promotions," similar to backdoor deals in officialdom, allowing some to enter the water mansion for cultivation. This was essentially a gilding method for children of aristocratic families—by obtaining a registry identity in a great river's water mansion, regardless of whether they achieved success in cultivation within ten years, whether they stayed or were eventually sent back home, they would have a future.
Right now, a girl sitting on the railing at the edge of the covered corridor was studying a paper horse water-carrying talisman. It was a hand-drawn golden talisman on gold foil paper, featuring a divine general in armor riding a horse. It was similar to mountain-top immortals' rapid travel methods or earth-shrinking techniques, but it employed the secret methods of the water mansion, taking the path of spirits and incense offerings. Because it required an extra sacrificial burning process to be truly effective, ordinary talisman cultivators couldn't draw it. This talisman was praised as "paper money and armored horses truly penetrate mysteries, thousands of miles appear before the eyes."
Cultivation passed without noticing the arrival of spring; every inch of time was worth an inch of gold.
"You don't even know that?"
The former female official from the old Nanxun Water Hall archives snorted, "Back then, our North Juzhou swordsmen formed a mighty force and sailed across the sea, landing at the Baibai Continent to demand justice from the continent's cultivators. It was the Sage of Literature who kindly advised them, preventing a fight. But we didn't go for nothing. After that, the Baibai Continent lost the character 'North' in its name. This was recognized by the Wen Temple. In the past ten thousand years, the Nine Continents of Haoran have only had one name change. Could that be a small matter?"
As she spoke, the female official became spirited. "So you see, the Sage of Literature clearly favored us. He's half a family member of North Juzhou."
"Besides, the Sage of Literature's direct disciple, Zuo You, Mr. Zuo, Great Swordsman Zuo, has the highest swordsmanship in the world. Even Pei Min's swordsmanship would have to step aside. When Great Swordsman Zuo traveled overseas back then, he came to our region. Several swordsmen from Yuan Cry Mountain, Ji Yue and others, flew their swords to the coast to test Mr. Zuo's swordsmanship and, of course, lost. But they lost with honor. Think about it—ordinary swordsmen with insufficient quality or realm might go enthusiastically to challenge Great Swordsman Zuo, but would he bother? In my opinion, he wouldn't even lift an eyelid, let alone raise his hand."
"Even if we don't talk about those old histories, just a few years ago, the young Hidden Official who seemed to emerge from nowhere at the Sword Qi Great Wall—what's his relationship with Taichang Sword Sect and Floating Sword Lake? Everyone knows now. Chen Li and Gao Youqing of Floating Sword Lake were the two swordsman seedlings personally handed by the young Hidden Official to Lake Master Li Cai. Chen Li even has the title of Little Hidden Official. I heard from Old Nanny Liu that Chen Li claimed on that token that he would definitely become a swordsman in a hundred years. Hah, bragging? Wrong, that's modesty. It's possible for him to enter the Upper Five Realm within sixty years."
The girl from the powerful clan nodded eagerly, "I know, I know. Before coming to the water mansion, my grandfather told me that the young Hidden Official and Sect Master Liu of Taichang Sword Sect are the best drinking buddies. Even so, he can't outdrink Sect Master Liu. So, you see, our North Juzhou swordsmen might lose in swordsmanship to the Sword Qi Great Wall, but when it comes to drinking ability, we're absolutely not afraid of their native swordsmen. The old law keeper of Taichang Sword Sect, Huang, also said that back when he left the Sword Qi Great Wall and was at a tavern, he made the old swordsman Dong Sangeng, who was seeing off guests, vomit from drinking."
She seemed to recall something and lowered her voice, "There's a rumor that the Dragon Pavilion Marquis claims to be sworn brothers with the Hidden Official, having chopped off a chicken head and burned yellow paper. Is that true?"
If it were true, that would indeed be impressive. Although being a great river marquis was slightly inferior to their Lingyuan Duke, it seemed that the marquis's mansion had scored a point in this matter.
The female official from the Nanxun Water Hall old administration said dismissively, "Bragging! Whoever believes that is a fool. That Dragon Pavilion Marquis's character—outsiders might not know, but we old neighbors from the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven..."
An instructing nanny who happened to pass by the corridor heard this from a distance and immediately hurried forward, scolding sternly, "Presumptuous! Rude children, speaking arrogantly!"
This Old Nanny Liu now oversaw the Ritual Department among the water mansion's sixteen departments. She had once been an official of a great river dragon palace ruin in North Juzhou and was most particular about etiquette. The elderly, decrepit woman walked up to these young girls and said angrily, "How dare you gossip and spread rumors! No sense of propriety at all! If outsiders hear this, they'll think our mansion has no laws! Any of you who spoke will be recorded in the Registry Department for one demerit. If there's similar talk again, once discovered, you'll be expelled from the mansion on the spot!"
The old woman's gaze was like that of a hawk staring at chicks. Not just the old water hall official, but all the women were frightened into silence, their faces pale.
The old woman's harsh words were born of genuine anger. It wasn't as if she was deliberately making a big deal out of nothing to show off her authority. At her position, that was entirely unnecessary. But such reckless talk could be either minor or major. If it reached the ears of the Dragon Pavilion Marquis's mansion, it could lead to trouble. It might cause friction between her master and the Dragon Pavilion Marquis, who had a harmonious relationship.
Even if the Dragon Pavilion Marquis was magnanimous and didn't take it seriously, there might be stubborn officials in his mansion who upheld the ancient sentiment of "the master insulted, the subject dies." With the two mansions' water territories bordering each other extensively, conflicts could easily arise. In the countryside, disagreements over water often led to armed brawls, let alone between the mansions of a great river's duke and marquis.
Moreover, you ignorant little girls, do you really think Li Yuan, who as Water Master didn't even put the Water Dragon Sect in his eyes, is someone easy to deal with?
Take the westernmost Infant Mountain Thunder God's Residence, which had two characters removed from its gate plaque. In the end, why did they hold their noses and let it go? Because Li Yuan had spoken: if they didn't release him, this Dragon Pavilion Marquis would flood the Thunder God's Residence! A newly appointed Dragon Pavilion Marquis, a former Water Master, dared to blatantly disregard official rank and Wen Temple rules. Why? Did he think the Dragon Pavilion Marquis was a fool?
Unfortunately, the Dragon Pavilion Marquis wasn't present, or he might have retorted: "You're wrong. I act purely on hot blood and brotherhood."
This is called going through fire and water for a friend, first stabbing yourself, then asking if the other is afraid. If they're not afraid, stab them. Repeat the cycle. Whoever is tougher and can withstand it more wins.
A woman appeared, dressed in palace attire like an empress, with a dignified and graceful appearance, stunningly beautiful.
She had a clear spirit and elegant bones, like a distant mountain hibiscus.
This woman was the former master of the Nanxun Water Hall, now the Great River Lingyuan Duke Shen Lin. Behind her followed two water mansion goddesses, the leading female officials of the Inspection Department and the Pure Offering Department—one holding high power, the other responsible for... receiving gifts.
Shen Lin smiled gently and said, "This time, let it slide. No need to record demerits in the Registry Department."
The old woman immediately performed a curtsey to the Lingyuan Duke. Since the Lingyuan Duke had spoken, it was the immense fortune of those little girls.
The female officials and clerks all bowed to Shen Lin.
Shen Lin told them to rise, then patted the heads of the girls who had been chatting most enthusiastically. With a gentle expression, she said softly, "In the future, when outside, you must be more cautious in your speech. Nanny Liu's intention was good, and she was acting according to the rules. But if you return to your own quarters and close the doors to whisper, that's less of a problem. Don't be too constrained. But pay attention to one thing: don't let your 'Old Stickler Liu' hear you. Then everything will be fine."
The old woman knew she was nicknamed "Stickler Liu" by the water mansion officials, but she didn't mind. Hearing the Lingyuan Duke's teasing now, the old nanny couldn't help but smile.
Shen Lin smiled and said, "It's still early. You can continue your chat. It's never wrong to praise others more and belittle them less in your words."
Then she turned to the old nanny and said, "Nanny Liu, I'd like to discuss something with you."
After leaving the covered corridor, the old nanny asked, "Master, are you still troubled about the name of the Daoist field?"
Shen Lin nodded, "I can't keep putting it off. The Dragon Pavilion Marquis has already thought of a name, and after reporting it to the Wen Temple, news says it's already been approved."
For example, in the southern Vase Gourd Continent, the Great River Evergreen Marquis Yang Hua had one mansion with two plaques: Evergreen Marquis Mansion and Azure Sky Palace.
One was the official title recognized by the Wen Temple; the other was the spirit's established Daoist field.
The Linli Marquis of Qidu, who was an old flood dragon from a feng shui cave with the former divine title Qiantang Elder, had long hung a plaque reading Cloud Literature Palace.
They were calligraphies from the mountain masters of Linlu Academy and Guanhu Academy, respectively.
Only Lingyuan Duke's water mansion had no progress. Initially, Shen Lin had harbored the hope of seeking a name from that existence. However, when the mansion was first being built, she had secretly sent a flying sword message to Lion Peak, but it was like a clay ox entering the sea—no response at all. Clearly, the other party didn't want to pay her any attention. Shen Lin then dared not disturb that person's quiet cultivation again.
Another option was to follow the example of Evergreen Marquis and Linli Marquis, asking the mountain master of a continental academy for a name. If she had personal connections or access to the Central Wen Temple, she could even invite a libationer or a chancellor. That would be even better. But unfortunately, not only with the Wen Temple, but even with the Yufu Academy's principal and vice principals of North Juzhou, she had no incense-bond. Asking for a name was not a simple matter of giving two characters.
Think of one herself? Shen Lin honestly didn't think she was any better at naming than Li Yuan.
Shen Lin rubbed her brow. It was indeed a headache. The matter was significant, but it couldn't be rushed. How could she not be anxious? She couldn't help but sigh. "Nanny Liu, you are somewhat acquainted with Vice Principal Zhao of Yufu Academy. Find an opportunity to visit him and see if he might be willing to come to the water mansion. No need to explicitly mention the naming."
The awkward part of this matter was that if the other party agreed and earnestly came up with a name and provided a calligraphy piece, but she ended up disliking it and feeling it didn't suit the water mansion's Dao—wouldn't that be slapping the other party in the face?
The old woman nodded. "I understand the gravity of the matter. Master, rest assured. With our water mansion's feng shui and Dao affinity, I believe everything will work out."
Shen Lin forced a smile and said, "I hope so."
The old woman immediately set out, using her water mansion token to go to Yufu Academy to visit Vice Principal Zhao.
Shen Lin walked into the territory of the old Nanxun Water Hall. Most of the various departments were staffed by goddesses, though there were some men, but relatively few.
Some diligent water mansion officials, though not yet on duty, had already taken their seats in their offices and begun handling their tasks.
Shen Lin returned to her study, where a horizontal plaque hung, bearing the golden characters "Long and Continuous Flow."
Shen Lin said, "Spread the word: for one month, I'm closing my doors to visitors. Decline the Great Seal Zhou clan's spring ceremony for me. Let Cui Wan of the Registry Department ghostwrite the letter. Take my official seal to her now. Unless it's urgent, don't disturb me."
A personal goddess standing outside the study, who also served as the female official in charge of the Water Mansion's Seal Department, said respectfully, "I obey your command."
Shen Lin waved her sleeve, closing the door. She formed hand seals with both hands, activating layers of extremely hidden mountain and water restrictions. Then her form dissipated, transforming into an esoteric scroll painting resembling a water map.
Half of the golden main vein of the great river, pale golden great rivers and lakes, some relatively minor rivers appearing silver-white, and the most numerous gray streams and ravines.
Shen Lin quietly arrived at a secret realm within the Nanxun Hall, her true Daoist field, equivalent to the Ancestral Hall of a mountain sect. This was where one of Shen Lin's golden bodies was placed. Her true form in this Daoist field was a green spiral-shelled creature that had been refined into a Dao—a true snail's shell making a Daoist field. This "Dharma Conch" came from a now-extinct great sect and was one of its ritual vessels. The inner walls were inscribed with a profound water method Daoist formula. If not for this item, Shen Lin probably wouldn't have lasted until her reunion with the supreme being.
The Daoist field wasn't large, about the size of the study outside, but it was a manifestation of the Daoist "mind fasting." It showed just how profound the original owner of this dharma conch was in Daoist arts—to an unimaginable degree.
Inside the Daoist field, aside from a purple-golden talisman, there was nothing else.
This talisman, surrounded by purple qi, was as large as a vertical landscape painting, suspended in the void. A string of golden characters shone brightly: "Chamber of Uprightness and Brightness."
Threads of incense offerings converged here from various water mansions and river temples. Particles of the pure fortune of human incense floated like starlight within the room, drifting aimlessly.
Shen Lin had originally planned to take a month's respite from her busy schedule to thoroughly refine her golden body. The water mansion's myriad affairs were numerous, and unlike Li Yuan, who liked to be a hands-off manager, Shen Lin was more meticulous, personally attending to many matters. However, since her status changed, she hadn't slackened at all. Ultimately, for spirits like them, using incense to refine their golden bodies and elevate their divine rank was the root of their Dao.
Shen Lin suddenly sensed something amiss. She immediately touched her brow with her hand, and subconsciously closed her eyes, where a faint golden heavenly eye seemed to open. However, Shen Lin's originally tense heartstrings relaxed slightly as she silently withdrew a water method offensive technique.
Shen Lin smiled radiantly. She performed an elegant curtsey to this utterly audacious uninvited guest and said softly, "Shen Lin of the old Nanxun Water Hall pays respects to Mr. Chen."
The blue-gowned visitor was the outsider whom "Li Liu" had called "Mr. Chen."
Shen Lin was indeed deeply grateful to him and felt she owed him much.
Looking back, if she hadn't encountered "Li Liu," then when it came to the two prominent positions of great river duke and marquis, the Water Dragon Sect would certainly have supported its inseparable Water Master Li Yuan to occupy one seat. Even if she had the support of Floating Sword Lake and Li Cai's swordsmen, with the foundation of the Dayuan dynasty's Chongxuan Office, they would have tried their utmost to prop up Situ Jidang, the Upper Shrine Water Master of the Jidu. She would have had no chance of winning.
But if this Mr. Chen hadn't traveled to the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven, Li Liu would never have returned to that former summer resort among many—the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven—and would never have helped Shen Lin restore her golden body.
Therefore, this Mr. Chen was truly her benefactor, Shen Lin's.
Chen Ping'an returned the bow and said, "I intruded without invitation. Please forgive me."
Shen Lin smiled, "You only bring luster to this humble abode."
Unlike Water Master Li Yuan, in those years when Shen Lin nominally controlled the wind and rain of the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven, the Nanxun Water Hall was like water without a source, and Shen Lin's golden body was like a tree without roots.
The Dayuan Yuan dynasty, through the Chongxuan Office of Yunxiao Palace, had set up checkpoints to intercept the great river's water fortune. The amount flowing into the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven was maintained at an extremely delicate level, just enough to prevent Shen Lin's golden body from collapsing due to water fortune depletion, but not enough for her to use that fortune to refine and stabilize her golden body or repair its cracks. It was like waiting helplessly for death.
Therefore, when Chen Ping'an first visited the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven and encountered Shen Lin, and since the water goddess hadn't bothered to use any concealment techniques to hide her true appearance, his first impression was that her face was shattered like a blue porcelain glaze, covered in countless fine cracks. It was a ghastly sight—a golden body on the verge of collapse, hanging by a thread. It was no exaggeration to say she was at death's door.
Water Master Li Yuan's appointment as the Great River Dragon Pavilion Marquis was a promotion, icing on the cake.
But for the Nanxun Water Hall goddess, it was a lifeline, a rescue.
After years of living under someone else's roof, like a meek daughter-in-law, she had finally endured to become the mother-in-law.
Chen Ping'an didn't spare a glance at this Daoist field and asked, "Can we change places? I have business to discuss with the Lingyuan Duke."
Shen Lin smiled without speaking.
Mr. Chen, have you forgotten that in your... dream, the host-guest roles have long since swapped? How can I lead the way?
Chen Ping'an smiled and explained, "The Lingyuan Duke just needs to casually visualize a familiar scene."
Indeed, as soon as Shen Lin summoned the thought, they were both transported to the study outside the dharma conch.
However, Shen Lin quickly noticed something strange: objects she remembered clearly were in color, while things she had never paid attention to were in black and white.
But when her gaze fell on those black-and-white items, they instantly became colored, as if infused with life at that moment.
Not wanting to draw a sharp distinction between host and guest, Shen Lin brought over two chairs. Chen Ping'an gently adjusted his blue gown and sat upright and proper.
Shen Lin said, "Mr. Chen, just call me by my name."
Chen Ping'an nodded. "Then I'll continue to address the Lingyuan Duke as Madam Shen."
After hearing that it was a matter of an incense stick, Shen Lin naturally knew about it. The most crucial point was that as the incense-burner, one needed to have so-called "sincerity of heart," which was impossible to fake.
Otherwise, the incense stick might be easy to light, but the heart-incense that sustained the incense offering would inevitably fail to ignite.
But for Shen Lin, there was no problem. She genuinely detested those cultivators from Tongye Continent, but since Mr. Chen's branch sect had been established there, what difficulty was there in being sincere?
Consider it as offering distant thanks to her benefactor.
As for the merit, Shen Lin first declined. Seeing Mr. Chen insist, she feigned indignation. Chen Ping'an reasoned with her, and she appealed to emotion, looking aggrieved. When Chen Ping'an continued to formulate his words, Shen Lin became angry, her eyes reddening with tears. "Mr. Chen, are you deliberately trying to trap me in a position of inhumanity and injustice? Or have you always considered me, Shen Lin, an ungrateful and heartless person?" Chen Ping'an had to withdraw his words and even apologize to Madam Shen. But Shen Lin burst out laughing, already wiping tears from the corners of her eyes with her thumb.
Chen Ping'an took a manuscript from his sleeve and handed it to Shen Lin, explaining, "Consider this a belated congratulatory gift for your appointment as Lingyuan Duke, though I do have selfish motives."
Shen Lin took the booklet, opened a page, and exclaimed in surprise, "Is this the golden rule and jade standard of the Water and Land Daoist Rituals?"
Chen Ping'an nodded. "I met a true Daoist in Tongye Continent before and consulted him on some knowledge. The old true immortal generously shared his insights. Madam Shen can give this to Sect Master Sun in the name of Lingyuan Water Mansion."
What Shen Lin called "golden rule and jade standard" was the essence of Daoist liturgy—truly golden words and jade maxims that couldn't be bought with immortal money. They were "old rules."
The liturgical manuals for Daoist altar rites were generally divided into yang rites for blessing and averting disasters, resolving calamities, and thanking spirits, and yin rites for surpassing ancestors, liberating the deceased, and alchemical purification. Among these, original manuscripts were the most precious. As the saying goes, "reciting according to the book," that was how it worked—performing rites according to the text. For instance, the Northern Jin Kingdom emperor in Tongye Continent, who revered Buddhism, had focused on original manuscripts to try to restore old systems.
Previously, by the Chilin River, Chen Ping'an had walked along the riverbank with Liang Shuang, a great celestial master of the Dragon Tiger Mountain's non-clan lineage, and they, well, conversation naturally turned. Besides consulting the old true immortal about Dragon Tiger Mountain's unique rituals, they also talked about the Water Dragon Sect's purification ceremonies. Every year on the tenth day of the tenth month and the fifteenth day of the tenth month, two ancient rites were held in the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven, divided into golden, jade, and yellow talisman Daoist fields depending on the year.
That was why the old true immortal couldn't help but tease, "Are you plucking wool here?"
Shen Lin hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Why didn't Mr. Chen give this to the Dragon Pavilion Marquis and ask him to pass it to Sun Jie or Shao Jingzhi?"
This would be an enormous favor.
Mountain sects valued this kind of steady, long-term benefit the most.
In terms of personal friendship, Mr. Chen was naturally closer to Li Yuan. Before today, how many words had Mr. Chen spoken to her? Barely a handful.
Shen Lin wasn't suspicious that Chen Ping'an had any designs on her Lingyuan Water Mansion or on her personally.
Mr. Chen was as pure as the wind and bright as the moon, a gentleman with an open heart—how could he be anything other than bright and clear?
Chen Ping'an smiled and explained, "Li Yuan can't keep a secret. Once he's drunk, he's prone to pouring his heart out and spilling all his true feelings. It might not have mattered before, but now that he's the Dragon Pavilion Marquis, he needs to be more careful. Li Yuan has high standards for friends—there are only a few. If he suddenly came up with this manuscript, it would likely cause unnecessary misunderstandings at the Water Dragon Sect. In their shoes, I'd suspect that during his long years as Water Master, Li Yuan had this liturgical manuscript but never brought it out. That's only human nature; you can't blame Sect Master Sun for overthinking."
Shen Lin nodded. Mr. Chen's approach was indeed prudent and mature.
Chen Ping'an continued, "But for Madam Shen, there's no such constraint. The Lingyuan Duke's Mansion now abounds in extraordinary talents. You can easily explain it as something obtained from a certain place by someone, and then recognized by Madam Shen's keen eye. So it's only now seeing the light of day. Giving it to the Water Dragon Sect is a natural course of action—a good beginning and a good end, creating new connections for yet another good beginning."
Shen Lin covered her mouth and giggled, barely suppressing her laughter. She said softly, "There's another reason. If I had gotten this precious Daoist liturgical manuscript back then, given my situation, I wouldn't dare to hide it unless I wanted to die."
Chen Ping'an smiled. "As a guest, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to say that kind of blunt truth."
Shen Lin beamed, her face radiant.
Thinking back to their first encounter, the young man had been holding an oil-paper umbrella, his eyes bright like lantern light in the rain.
Chen Ping'an said, "Helping others is helping oneself."
Shen Lin nodded. Earlier, when Mr. Chen mentioned having selfish motives, she understood clearly. Because every year, Li Yuan helped this "sworn brother" with one matter.
Chen Ping'an had purchased Fushui Island in the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven at an extremely low price.
Now, returning the favor was, in a way, a form of good beginning and good end leading to yet another good beginning.
Chen Ping'an prepared to take his leave.
Shen Lin suddenly said, "Gaining the multitude moves heaven; beautiful intentions prolong years."
Chen Ping'an smiled knowingly, stood up, and clasped his fists. "Then I'll borrow Madam Shen's auspicious words."
This was a saying from his teacher, printed in black ink on white paper, recited and annotated by countless scholars—words of a sage.
Madam Shen's timing in saying this was perfect.
Shen Lin also stood up, urging, "Mr. Chen, why rush off? A little while longer won't matter, will it? At least let me guide you to visit the old Nanxun Water Hall?"
Chen Ping'an had to tell the truth. "A dream journey like this, wading through the river of time, requires some expenditure of merit."
Shen Lin looked puzzled. "Just a few steps; surely the loss is limited. Besides, has Mr. Chen expended any merit on my part? Or did you assume from the start that I wouldn't accept that merit?"
Chen Ping'an felt helpless and had to say politely, "Then I'll obey respectfully."
Madam Shen was as formidable as the head of Pima Sect, Zhu Quan, despite appearing to have a completely different personality.
Of course, the one who gave Chen Ping'an the biggest headache was still a certain female swordsman from the Baibai Continent.
After that, Chen Ping'an followed Shen Lin, walking through the water mansion where reality and illusion were hard to distinguish, easily confused.
The space between their shoulders was just wide enough to accommodate another person.
Shen Lin found it amusing. She had heard some mountain gossip that, during his time as the "second shopkeeper," this young Hidden Official had often been locked out by Ning Yao for drinking and spent the night outside without complaint? And he had no temper at all?
Was Swordsman Ning really that formidable?
No wonder she had become the number one under heaven in the Five Colors World—there was certainly a reason.
According to the mountain and water ritual system established by the Wen Temple, the "duke and marquis mansions" of the Five Peaks and Great Rivers could use green glazed tiles.
Compared to Li Yuan's Dragon Pavilion Marquis Mansion, they were roughly the same size, but this one was slightly more modest. Construction was still ongoing. Back then, the Water Dragon Sect had lent Li Yuan money first, providing a large sum of immortal money to help build his mansion. Li Yuan, of course, accepted without hesitation.
Privately, upon Shen Lin's secret instruction, the Water Dragon Sect had prioritized the Dragon Pavilion Marquis, not needing to pay much attention to her side. However, after breathing a sigh of relief, the Water Dragon Sect still invested significant manpower and resources here. Money was low, but talents registered in the sect were not lacking.
Fortunately, the old Nanxun Water Hall had been relocated out of the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven to serve as the hub for various departments. All the buildings had been converted into government offices.
A great river's duke or marquis mansion was essentially a small court, with many departments. According to Wen Temple regulations, it generally had sixteen departments, with slight variation allowed.
Although the Lingyuan Duke and the Dragon Pavilion Marquis held equivalent official ranks on the Wen Temple's golden jade registry, there were still some differences. For example, Shen Lin could build two river temples, with two water masters responsible for incense, while Li Yuan only had one. Additionally, the number of river water masters under Shen Lin's jurisdiction was twenty percent more than the Dragon Pavilion Marquis's. As for river gods and goddesses, there was no fixed number, depending on the number of tributaries.
When Shen Lin approached the Incense Department, she asked softly, "Does Mr. Chen have any suggestions for the candidates for those two river temples?"
Chen Ping'an shook his head. "In my previous two journeys to North Juzhou, I didn't interact much with the mountain and water spirits along the Zhengyi River."
Now, all the mountain and water spirits along a great river, previously under various kingdoms, suddenly had two new superiors.
However, unlike Li Yuan, who took up his post alone, Shen Lin not only brought the Nanxun Water Hall goddesses but also took a group of water immortals and ghosts from the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven. It was a case of "one person attaining the Dao, chickens and dogs ascending to heaven." Additionally, Shen Lin had gathered a considerable number of spirits and demons, including Middle Five Realm cultivators and those who voluntarily submitted. The instructing nanny in charge of the Ritual Department was a good example.
Now, the Lingyuan Water Mansion's departments totaled eighteen, all well-organized, with each performing its duties.
In terms of management, probably several Li Yuans combined couldn't match one Shen Lin.
After all, Li Yuan was used to being a solitary figure—if he could lie down and enjoy himself, he would never sit. Shen Lin, on the other hand, was known for her domestic skills. In the past, with only a Nanxun Water Hall in the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven, she had been a clever cook without rice. But times had changed. Whenever she went on inspection tours, her retinue was strict and imposing.
When they reached the Pure Offering Department, Shen Lin showed a hint of embarrassment.
Inside, a group of female officials were reconfirming a list.
It turned out that every water spirit in the Haoran World had an annual "day of attaining the Dao," similar to mortals' birthdays.
However, most mountain and water spirits of low rank didn't bother with this and wouldn't celebrate grandly. At most, their temples might see a bit more incense. If they celebrated annually, who could bear it? The etiquette of reciprocity among neighboring spiritual officials, like gift-giving among mortals, required proper exchange. Thus, an unwritten rule had evolved: usually, it was celebrated once every sixty years, or simply ignored.
But for a great river duke or marquis like Shen Lin, newly appointed just a few years ago, she couldn't simply simplify the matter.
And Shen Lin's day of attaining the Dao happened to fall this month. So the leading female official of the Pure Offering Department had been busy every year-end, overwhelmed. Not to mention hosting guests, but simply collecting and inventorying various gifts, or rather tributes, was a monumental task. Tributes came from various kingdoms, powerful clans, mountain sects and immortal mansions, river water masters, mountain gods and earth spirits, and city god temples in prefectures and counties...
There were the priceless orchids from the Orchid Chamber Kingdom, the meticulously bred falcons from the Golden Gate Kingdom, and the several koi from the Golden Scale Palace. And then there were gifts from Chunlu Garden and the Great Seal Dynasty...
Which ones would require return gifts in the future, and what kind of gifts? Which ones just needed recording in the registry, then categorized and filed with previous gifts? All these had to be settled by the Pure Offering Department and then discussed with the Ritual Department. Not a single error could be made.
During his first journey to North Juzhou, after leaving Haisu Beach, Chen Ping'an had traveled on foot through the Orchid Chamber Kingdom, Golden Gate Kingdom, and finally reached Chunlu Garden, where he encountered their great drunkard, Liu.
He remembered that the Orchid Chamber Kingdom was commercially prosperous, so women married to merchants often threw gold coins into the water to divine fortune. Releasing life was also a craze throughout the court and populace. During floods or droughts, they liked to take out their anger on paper dragon kings.
North of Chunlu Garden, over a dozen kingdoms, including the Great Seal Dynasty, had been martial since ancient times, with fierce customs and rampant martial artists. They often took the Great Seal Dynasty as their suzerain. Martial fortune flourished there. It was common for hundreds of martial artists to gang up and besiege a mountain sect. This was probably unique in the entire Haoran World. Poor Golden Scale Palace—its Nascent Soul old immortal was utterly miserable. Every time his disciples went down the mountain to travel, they would get ambushed and bagged. It was no joke.
Mountain-Shattering Fist, Senior Gu You. He had once used the alias Qiu Fengjia, an old steward of a manor.
In the end, he and Ji Yue, the swordsman of Yuan Cry Mountain, exchanged punches and sword strikes.
It was said that the Great Seal Zhou emperor's personal bodyguard was a female martial artist who used a sword.
She had been considered to have reached a dead end when she entered the Distant Travel Realm, but unexpectedly, she reached the Mountain Peak Realm.
At the Construction Department, a young Minister of Works from the Green Oriole Kingdom was discussing matters with relevant officials. Hearing that the Lingyuan Duke had just returned from a patrol but had announced she was closing her doors, the young minister felt some regret. He had hoped to see her—just meeting would be good; he dared not hope for more.
As the Green Oriole Kingdom was at the Jidu estuary, they had taken the initiative in recent years without informing the Lingyuan Duke's Mansion. They had begun construction to build a temporary palace for her inspections. In just a few years, the Green Oriole Kingdom had not only emptied its national treasury but also taken on external debts that were probably astronomical. Shen Lin naturally didn't want the Green Oriole Kingdom to spend so much.
But the Green Oriole Kingdom itself didn't complain about poverty. They claimed the treasury had a surplus, no problem. When several female divine attendants from the Construction Department personally visited the Green Oriole Kingdom with the Lingyuan Duke's decree to take over all expenses, they only reported a low price. This kind of "slapping one's face to appear fat" behavior made Shen Lin both amused and exasperated. She had to issue another stern secret decree, not giving the Green Oriole Kingdom any room to haggle. The remaining half of the project must be handed over entirely to the Water Mansion Construction Department. Otherwise, let it be abandoned. Whoever wanted to occupy it in the future, the Green Oriole Kingdom could deal with it themselves.
At the Ritual Department, officials were currently in a bind.
Because the head, the old nanny Liu, had just left the water mansion, and the Lingyuan Duke had closed her doors. But precisely at noon today, two distinguished guests would soon arrive.
Shen Lin smiled and said, "These social obligations are truly exhausting."
Chen Ping'an nodded. "I know the feeling."
Shen Lin asked, "Do you have any tips for dealing with this kind of thing?"
Luopo Mountain's reputation among the mountain sects in southern North Juzhou was excellent.
Chen Ping'an put his hands in his sleeves and shook his head with a smile. "I can only tell myself: either remove the matter and not the mind, or remove the mind and not the matter. You have to achieve at least one of the two—don't end up failing to remove both."
After a moment's silence, he suppressed a laugh. "Actually, there's a shortcut: find a competent steward and then confidently become a hands-off manager."
Shen Lin shook her head. "I can't learn that."
In recent years, the Lingyuan Duke's Water Mansion had been bustling with visitors, a constant stream of carriages and horses at the gate. But in a few more years, the situation should improve.
After touring the departments, Chen Ping'an stopped. Shen Lin said, "Mr. Chen, the next time you travel to North Juzhou, whether you have business or not, please come here as a guest."
Chen Ping'an clasped his fists and smiled, "Certainly."
Shen Lin suddenly said, "Mr. Chen, I have a favor to ask!"
Chen Ping'an smiled. "No problem. I can send a letter to my teacher."
He had already guessed—it was about the plaque naming. And she had indeed come to the right person.
Not just one plaque, but ten plaques—with his teacher's knowledge, he could easily handle it for the Lingyuan Duke's Water Mansion.
But Shen Lin looked embarrassed and said, "How dare I trouble the Sage of Literature? Could Mr. Chen do it personally?"
Chen Ping'an was dumbfounded. Madam Shen, you're so whimsical! Such a big matter can't be handled so casually. He immediately waved his hand and said, "Naming is not really my forte."
Shen Lin's expression turned playful. She smoothed her hair and said softly, "That's not what Chen Lingjun said back then."
Chen Ping'an shook his head.
Shen Lin took a deep breath and decided to play her trump card. She steeled herself and said, "Mr. Chen might not know, but I've actually been the one presiding over the golden and jade talisman Daoist fields in the Dragon Palace Cave Heaven all along."
If it weren't absolutely necessary, Shen Lin would never have brought this up. She truly hoped Mr. Chen would leave a piece of calligraphy, so she had to resort to this.
Chen Ping'an remained calm. After a moment of silence, just as Shen Lin was about to change the subject, Chen Ping'an nodded and smiled, "Then I'll make a fool of myself."
They returned to Shen Lin's study.
Chen Ping'an flexed his wrist, and a lifting-stroke brush appeared in his hand. He lightly dipped it, and though the brush seemed to touch thick ink, the ink was golden.
In calligraphy, large regular script was far more difficult than small regular script, and writing plaque script was even harder.
After concentrating for a moment, Chen Ping'an said, "If you don't end up using this name, Madam Shen, don't feel any burden. Just consider it a small personal note in our correspondence."
Madam Shen let out a sigh of relief and nodded. "Of course."
Chen Ping'an held the brush in his left hand, and with his right hand, he pressed two fingers together and lightly swept, spreading a sheet of half-ripe white xuan paper in front of him.
Finally, he wrote three characters: "De You Gong" (Virtue Travel Palace).
It was taken from the phrase "The virtuous man travels with heaven."
"The virtuous man travels with heaven, like the autumn moon on a cold river. Daily questioning, monthly learning, the traveler yearns for home."
It also implied that the water of the great river flows endlessly, and only when virtue and merit are stable, like a lotus emerging from mud, can there be a place for the heart to rest.
Shen Lin focused intently, watching each stroke on the paper.
The characters were like a divine dragon emerging from the sea, majestic and powerful.
Chen Ping'an put away the lifting-stroke brush, shook his sleeves, clasped his fists, and took his leave.
Shen Lin stood speechless, stunned. By the time Chen Ping'an had quietly departed, this Lingyuan Duke had even forgotten to say goodbye.
After a long while, she came to her senses, cherishing the treasure. She found the study empty of the blue-gowned figure. Shen Lin bowed in salute, then carefully put away the calligraphy.
The next moment, Shen Lin returned to her Daoist field.
She stood in that "Chamber of Uprightness and Brightness."
Within the void, she was like a distant mountain hibiscus, standing gracefully.
Tomorrow was the beginning of spring.
But today, Shen Lin already felt bathed in a spring breeze.
---
The Cangyun Lake in the Yinping Kingdom was not far from the Suijia City, governing one lake, three rivers, and two canals.
The lake lord Yin Hou, clad in a gorgeous purple robe, had restrained himself considerably in recent years. Although the Wen Temple's golden jade registry rankings for mountain and water spirits hadn't elevated Cangyun Lake, Yin Hou had come to terms with it. Better to have some than none. When he felt unhappy, he would think of Huangyue City and Baodong Fairyland, and that would ease his heart.
As the saying goes, "The mountain stands firm, but the immortals flow like water."
Back then, there was a "crossing dragon" who called himself Chen Haoren, a man of profound scheming and ruthless methods.
At that time, the young swordsman had a follower he had met by chance, a Ghost Ax Palace military cultivator named Du Yu.
Cangyun Lake had really kicked an iron plate; even now, Yin Hou could vaguely feel a lingering pain in his toes.
Otherwise, as the lord of a great lake, why would he need to take the initiative to drink with the little Fire God Temple in Suijia City every now and then?
It would be like a high-ranking official from the capital's Six Ministries needing to fraternize with a local county magistrate.
Today, after his cultivation, Yin Hou planned to go out for some relaxation. But with a stumble, he inadvertently entered... a mountain summit cultivator's landscape secret realm?
Focusing his gaze, he saw a familiar figure with a smile. Yin Hou immediately bowed: "Yin Hou pays respects to Swordsman Chen."
After just a few words from the swordsman, Lake Lord Yin Hou declared decisively: "Whatever the swordsman says, Cangyun Lake's Dragon Palace will follow!"
Same old words, unchanged.
Same words, different intentions.
Last time, it was under duress, as if a knife were at his throat—he had no choice.
The two sides had engaged in a battle of wits and courage, magic and swordsmanship, and both had lost to this scheming, ruthless outsider swordsman.
Cangyun Lake's situation was truly miserable. Especially a few trusted subordinates, who had perished on their own turf. This turned Cangyun Lake from a bustling place into a quiet, desolate spot.
Which mountain immortal from the dozen kingdoms around Cangyun Lake would dare come here to drink? Did they have a few extra lives?
He had agreed so readily, but seeing that the blue-gowned swordsman showed no sign of leaving, Yin Hou's heart sank. With the relationship between us, it's not like we can sit down for a drink, is it?
Could it be that he had done something wrong again, and this troublesome fellow had come to settle accounts? Perhaps Du Yu's visit last time was the issue? The thing was, Yin Hou felt he had done his utmost; he simply couldn't help Du Yu. After all, he wasn't a disciple of a major sect or a rogue cultivator. If he offended the Qionglin Sect, where could he flee? If you, Swordsman Chen, came to blame me for this today, then I, Yin Hou, would... just stick out my neck and let you do what you want. As long as you don't kill me, I'll go to Yufu Academy to cry foul and demand justice!
Chen Ping'an, as if "dragging" the lake lord, walked with him through the familiar underwater dragon palace. Soon, they reached the surface, walking on water as if on land, heading toward the once-dilapidated water immortal shrine.
As for that incense stick,
Many times, genuine fear also brought sincerity.
Chen Ping'an casually asked with a smile, "I imagine the lake lord's dragon palace has many new faces among the assistant officials now?"
Yin Hou carefully savored the lingering meaning of these words.
Was the other party rubbing salt in the wound?
Couldn't be.
He was honored just to have a few words with Swordsman Chen.
A traveler who had willingly shouldered the Suijia City's heavenly tribulation, and also a killer who had unleashed a massacre at Cangyun Lake, sitting high like a deity—truly a fearsome... monster.
Yin Hou, being cautious, nodded and said, "The newly appointed Zaoqi Canal Master was a woman of extreme chastity in her lifetime. If Swordsman Chen doesn't believe me, just take a detour to see the Zaoqi's current mountain and water aura."
As for the other canal master, who could neither accomplish anything nor ruin everything, it was better not to mention him. After all, both he and Swordsman Chen knew each other inside out.
But strangely, the two water immortal shrines from earlier—one like a thriving, high-ranking clan with constant guests, the other a decrepit, fallen household so poor that even the painted deities in the shrine could barely sustain the canal master's golden body.
Yet that foolish, dimwitted woman was the only one among the Cangyun Lake river gods and water immortals to turn misfortune into fortune. Now she had prospered; her water immortal shrine had been renovated to look brand new, and the three mottled painted deities had been repainted with gold paint.
As for the former glamorous Zaoqi Canal Master, she had been the first to disappear in that storm back then.
Chen Ping'an smiled and said, "Of course I trust Lord Yin."
Before going to the dragon palace, he had already seen the mountain and water fortune of that new water immortal shrine. With a change of master, the aura had indeed renewed. It still hung the plaque "Green Waters Flow Forever." Fortunately, back then, he had tried his best to stop Du Yu, persuading him not to let his eyes be stuck on money and to leave some leeway for future meetings... Otherwise, that shrine plaque might have been replaced by now.
Nowadays, that Zaoqi Creek was overgrown with algae at the bottom, each branch several zhang long, beautiful like phoenix tails. The creek was clear to the bottom, flowing elegantly.
And the creek beside this path, though not comparable to the Zaoqi, had also changed significantly. No longer overgrown with weeds, it had a flat, clean cobblestone road that could even accommodate a carriage. Back then, the canal master's shrine was only a few dozen li from the market town, yet incense offerings had withered to the point where the deities inside couldn't even sustain their divine light. She had to rely on borrowing from the water mansion year after year, patching up one hole while another appeared, surviving on debts. But despite years of old debts, she still managed to borrow against incense—that was her skill.
Chen Ping'an asked, "Did her Lianyan Cup come from the Qingde Sect?"
Yin Hou nodded. "Swordsman Chen has good eyes. This item was indeed one of the ritual vessels of the Qingde Sect in its early years."
Chen Ping'an teased, "And the canal master used it to hold amnesia soup and attach love luck?"
Yin Hou's expression turned awkward.
Outside the water immortal shrine, they passed by without entering. Chen Ping'an took Yin Hou with him, shrinking the land and mountains. In an instant, they arrived at a pick-vermicelli ancient road near Cangyun Lake.
Chen Ping'an walked through the mountains and asked, "According to the local county records and geographic maps, this place seems to be called Dashishan. Is there a 'Tiaojianwei' nearby?"
Yin Hou became even more uncertain about what this fellow was planning. He could only nod and say, "Swordsman Chen never forgets things."
Chen Ping'an conjured a staff and lightly tapped the ground, joking, "Flattery doesn't really suit Lord