Chapter 962: Flowers Bloom Again on the Path
On a moonlit night, moonlight was like water everywhere. A group of people left the Nà Yún Pavilion. Pei Qian pulled Li Baoping along and returned to her own dwelling. They had reunited after a long separation, so they had far too many things to chat about.
After Chen Ping'an and Cui Dongshan had both verified that Cao Qinglang was free of any hidden dangers, Cui Dongshan still suggested that Cao Qinglang didn't need to rush into formal sword refining. It would be better to wait until he had stabilized his Golden Core realm before going into seclusion at Jingxing Peak. Cao Qinglang naturally had no objection to this.
Cao Qinglang left with Zheng Youqian. Their dwellings were very close to each other.
Walking along the quiet mountain path in the dead of night, Zheng Youqian tentatively asked, "Senior Brother Cao, could I talk to you about a little worry?"
His main thought was that this student of the young master's uncle was cultured and refined, clearly someone very learned in scholarly matters. Indeed, Senior Brother Cao was the Tanhua (third-place scholar) of the Great Li dynasty. Every time Master mentioned this, he was quite happy too.
Zheng Youqian felt that Sect Master Cui was a strange person. As for Senior Sister Pei, Zheng Youqian was also afraid of her—how could he not be?
On the intercontinental ferry he had read those landscape gazetteers. Regarding the female Grandmaster on the Golden Armor Continent battlefield back then, no fewer than three or four gazetteers had mentioned "Zheng Qian." They made Zheng Youqian's heart pound with fear every time. Back then, he always felt that "Zheng Qian" was a figure far away in the heavens, not related to him at all. But as it turned out, she was the young master's uncle's first disciple, suddenly becoming his Senior Sister Pei. Now, just being able to talk to Senior Sister Pei without stuttering already made Zheng Youqian feel quite heroic.
Cao Qinglang smiled and said, "Is it because of your own background? Meeting my master, as well as us senior and junior brothers and sisters, and feeling a little awkward inside?"
Zheng Youqian nodded vigorously. "Yeah, I'm worried about it. At first, I didn't think it was a big deal, but because of a certain friend who always likes to bring it up, even if I didn't want to think about it, I started to. The more I think about it, the angrier I get at myself. It really is pretty pathetic."
Cao Qinglang laughed. "Then tomorrow, you should sincerely thank Tan Yingzhou."
Zheng Youqian was completely confused. "Huh? I think not being angry at her is already very magnanimous of me. Why should I thank her?"
Cao Qinglang slowly explained, "Some things—I'm just saying some things—seem like everyone deliberately doesn't mention them, but in fact, they've been deliberately mentioning them all along. Such kindness is certainly very good, but over time, it might also become a burden. Sometimes it's better to bring it out into the open. If you don't hide from it, it will run away on its own. If you hide from it, it follows us like our shadow. The way others look at us, the private gossip we imagine—it's like on the road of life... the sunlight during the day and the moonlight at night, making the thing we most want to let go of follow us like a shadow. Of course, this kind of alternative companionship has both good and bad aspects. It's not necessarily all bad, but the good and bad within it, as well as the specific size and proportion, affect our state of mind differently. I, Senior Brother Cao, dare not say too much yet, but if I gain some insights later, I'll share them with you. Tan Yingzhou is young but thoughtful. She deliberately plays the villain on your side to help you get used to this awkwardness sooner. It's like an open-book exam."
Zheng Youqian suddenly understood. "I get it! Senior Brother Cao, your knowledge is truly great!"
Cao Qinglang smiled slightly. "Compared to Master and Senior Brother Cui, I'm far behind."
Zheng Youqian said, "But that's only compared to Young Master's Uncle and Sect Master Cui. It doesn't mean Senior Brother Cao's knowledge isn't great."
Cao Qinglang was momentarily speechless.
That tone... really sounded like his master?!
No wonder Master liked Zheng Youqian so much.
Unconsciously, they arrived at the entrance of the house. Zheng Youqian gently pushed the door. It didn't open. He pushed harder. Still no luck—the door was actually bolted from inside.
This Tan Yingzhou, she had agreed not to bolt the door, but she never remembered. Her forgetfulness was terrible; no wonder she was always losing things.
Cao Qinglang raised his chin, a full smile on his face, signaling Zheng Youqian to "climb over the wall."
Suddenly, a furious shout came from inside the door: "Which little thief is outside?! Report your name quickly! If you're a vicious bandit, I'll make sure you never return!"
Zheng Youqian scratched his head. Having Senior Brother Cao witness this was quite embarrassing. "It's me."
Tan Yingzhou roared angrily, "What divine being has such a strange name as 'Me'? I advise you to show some sincerity! Since you're a wanderer on the night road trying to make a living, we're both from the jianghu. Those who travel don't change their names, and those who sit don't change their surnames. Draw your path and spar with your granny! Whether it's fist fighting or sword fighting, I don't mind!"
Cao Qinglang stepped forward a few paces and said softly with a smile, "It's me, Cao Qinglang."
Tan Yingzhou quickly opened the door. The little girl stood at the entrance, forcing a smile, looking shy. "Greetings to Immortal Master Cao."
Cao Qinglang smiled and nodded. "Sorry to disturb you. I won't come in. I'll find Senior Dragon Gate another time to ask about the authenticity of that painting 'Yellow River Surging Forward.'"
Tan Yingzhou nodded vigorously—small matter, no trouble at all.
Her master had said that this Mr. Cao had great stamina on the path of cultivation. His future achievements would be no less than those of his fellow disciple, Pei Qian.
Out of the corner of her eye, Tan Yingzhou noticed Zheng Youqian standing nearby, staring straight ahead with a stiff face and no expression. Only then did she feel a bit better.
Cao Qinglang walked alone in the night, but instead of returning directly to his dwelling, he retraced his steps and came back to the Nà Yún Pavilion. He kicked off his boots and sat cross-legged.
Cao Qinglang's dojo was at Jingxing Peak on Chou Mou Mountain. According to Cao Qinglang's plan, this so-called dojo would neither be luxurious—he wouldn't imitate those earthly immortals who built grand mansions, continuous estates, and jade towers—nor would it be too simple. After all, those rare books and fine editions, as well as some favorite calligraphy and paintings, were quite precious and delicate. So he needed a dedicated two-story building for book storage. A scholar's study usually had a name. Earlier, when they were sitting around the brazier, Cao Qinglang had asked his master to help name it.
His master seemed to have had an answer ready, giving the name without hesitation.
Huo Ran Zhai (Suddenly Enlightened Study).
If one singled out the character "Huo," it wasn't actually a "beautiful character." Whether used as a verb or a noun, its meaning wasn't favorable—it could refer to weeds and crops growing together. But once "Huo" was paired with "Ran," the meaning became completely different. For example, in reading and scholarship, "huoran yijie" (sudden understanding) felt like a chronic illness cured at once. And the most common usage, "huoran kailang" (suddenly enlightened), could describe either a person's field of vision or a certain state of mind.
Moreover, Cao Qinglang's name itself contained the character "Lang."
But at the moment his master gave such a fine name for the study, Cao Qinglang saw in his master's eyes a kind of unfamiliar cautiousness—though not the first time he'd seen it.
Deep within his master's expression and eyes was guilt.
As if placing such high expectations made his master feel guilty.
Why was that?
Cao Qinglang finally knew the answer. Back in his hometown of Lotus Flower Blessed Land, when the Chen who wasn't yet his master was walking him to the school, Chen held an umbrella for him. They stopped at a street corner, and Chen held the umbrella and halted. Several times he seemed about to speak but stopped, ultimately remaining silent and continuing on their way.
His master had been through it himself. He clearly knew how to help a child get through mental barriers and endure hardships. But at that time, Chen still dared not speak. Probably because his master felt that for someone still a child, learning a good lesson early—so-called early maturity—was a kind of cruelty.
Because in Cao Qinglang's ancestral home back then, there were two children of the same age. So Chen didn't want to make a pitiful child who was already very sensible become even more sensible for the sake of a pitiful child who wasn't sensible. There was no such logic under heaven.
Cao Qinglang leaned against the pavilion pillar. Unfortunately, he didn't have the habit of carrying alcohol with him.
Such a good master—how had he managed to find him?
Mi Li left the Big White Goose's dwelling, then quietly returned. Since she had nothing else to do anyway—Chief Commander Pei and the Alliance Leader were discussing important matters, and her official rank wasn't high enough yet.
She found the Good Man Mountain Lord sitting in the courtyard, surrounded by piles of green bamboo tubes of various lengths.
Mi Li squatted beside him and discerned what he was doing. It was the Good Man Mountain Lord's special skill—making bamboo boxes.
Mi Li asked softly, "Good Man Mountain Lord, can you make a book box for me too?"
Chen Ping'an smiled and said, "Of course, no problem."
Back on the study tour to the Great Sui Cliff Academy, he had made a bamboo box for Baoping, but it was already too small.
Mi Li said, "You can make my book box last. Just use the leftover bamboo. A small one is fine, really."
Chen Ping'an laughed. "This pile of bamboo is more than enough to make three book boxes."
Baoping, Youqian, and Mi Li—no problem at all.
Cui Dongshan shouted from the study desk inside, "Master!"
Without looking up, Chen Ping'an said, "Scram."
Cui Dongshan immediately beamed and replied, "Sure thing!"
Sure enough, Master treated his most prized student with the least formality. The weather was cold, but the student's heart was warm.
Senior Sister, Junior Brother Cao—have you ever been scolded by Master? Not to mention scolded—I've even been hit!
The Big White Goose continued to bury his head in accounting. In one hand he held a brush to write down accounts, while the other hand worked an abacus with a crisp clatter.
On the account books of their own Green Ping Sword Sect, because of the congratulatory gifts for the ceremony, several more Gu Yu coins had suddenly been added.
From the Great Spring Dynasty, Minister of Rites Li Xiling brought eighty Gu Yu coins. For the Great Spring's Ministry of Revenue, which was already stretched thin, this truly added insult to injury.
From the Jade Gui Sect, eight hundred Gu Yu coins. With such deep pockets, no wonder they were the top seat on Tongye Continent!
For the Huangheji and Yanshan of the Jiang Family Cloud Grotto Blessed Land, based on annual income over the years, after deducting costs, the average was about seventy to eighty Gu Yu coins per year. Not much? That's a lot!
And that was for a full five hundred years of long-term income? Chief Zhou didn't act often, but when he did, he never disappointed.
Originally, Sect Master Cui wanted to follow popular sentiment and write a secret letter to a certain ferry port in the Barren Wilderness, to kindly advise Chief Zhou, who was already half an outsider, that if he had nothing to do, he shouldn't visit the Green Ping Sword Sect as a guest. We were all worried that Xiao Mo would misunderstand.
Now it seemed that this letter still needed to be written, but without that line—it would hurt feelings, not appropriate. Instead, he should write to Chief Zhou to reminisce and ask about his well-being. Since the chief offering of Luopo Mountain was half an outsider to Xiandu Mountain, he was also half a family member. Our Green Ping Sword Sect must welcome Chief Zhou home.
Actually, Pei Qian had previously secretly given that item of "within reach" to Cui Dongshan behind Master's back.
Senior Sister said that along with the item of "within reach," plus those one thousand Gu Yu coins, it counted as a loan to Junior Brother and the Green Ping Sword Sect, with no interest.
Cui Dongshan naturally dared not accept it—clearly it would get him scolded by Master. But looking at Senior Sister's demeanor at the time, he went from not daring to accept to not daring not to accept.
Being scolded by Master to his face was better than being put on Senior Sister's ledger.
Damn it. Find a chance to offer up Bai Xuan's "Heroes' Register" and see if he could wipe out all his debts with Senior Sister.
As for the distinguished guests like the venerable Liang Shuang, their congratulatory gifts combined were less than twenty Gu Yu coins—but they were real Gu Yu coins after all. If converted to Snow Flower coins, it would be a huge pile.
And that ferry "Tongyin" had already docked at "Qingshan Ferry," neighbors with the intercontinental "Fengyuan" ferry—one big, one small.
Chen Ping'an asked, "In the Great Spring Dynasty, within sixty years, how many sword cultivator seedlings can we probably find? Can you make a rough estimate?"
Cui Dongshan thought for a moment. "The sword qi fortune on Tongye Continent is truly... hard to describe. Under normal circumstances, within sixty years, even if they dug three feet deep into the entire country, they'd probably find only two? Three? But times are different now. With Master here to oversee, and the Great Spring Yao family themselves being able to absorb the continent's qi fortune, the number might double?"
Chen Ping'an said, "The Great Spring side isn't easy either. Everything is in ruins and requires money everywhere. They also need to maintain border troops befitting the number one dynasty of Tongye Continent. Let's assume five sword cultivators come to Xiandu Mountain to cultivate. The rules remain the same. For the heavenly materials and earthly treasures consumed in their sword refining, you negotiate with the Great Spring Ministry of Revenue at half price and report that number. After sixty years, if the Great Spring Dynasty has fully recovered, then no discount—charge however many spirit coins it costs."
Cui Dongshan hummed in acknowledgment. "As Master says."
From Pu Mountain, they had sent two land deeds, worth at least five or six hundred Gu Yu coins. One mountain peak had been abandoned for many years, but it covered a large area and had had silver mines since ancient times, with intermittent mining and sealing in history. If it hadn't been a private territory of Pu Mountain's Yuncao Hall, the newly restored dynasty would have been chomping at the bit to start mining. The other was an enclave; since it wasn't considered a feng shui treasure site, it had survived the war. Currently, a small immortal sect registered with Tianmu Academy had several dozen displaced registered cultivators who had become wild cultivators. They had simply banded together for warmth and formally established a sect. The founding sect master was an old Dragon Gate realm cultivator. Because he had a bit of a connection with Pu Mountain, and Pu Mountain had always been magnanimous, they just made a token gesture—accepted a few Small Heat coins that the old man had scraped together by selling everything—and leased the mountain to him. Previously, Zhong Qiu had said this place could serve as a dojo for a Golden Core earth immortal, which wasn't an exaggeration.
Cui Dongshan laughed. "Offering Elder Qiu has good eyesight. She kept the three most valuable Dragon Palace antiques. Otherwise, the appraisal wouldn't have been six hundred Gu Yu coins; the congratulatory gift could have doubled."
Chen Ping'an couldn't help but scold with a smile, "That was Qiu Momo's legacy for Hu Chuling. And Hu Chuling is your direct disciple. How do you have the face to say that?"
Chen Ping'an turned to Mi Li. "Right, Mi Li?"
Mi Li scratched her cheek. "Probably not very appropriate, huh?"
The reason Cui Dongshan was using the abacus to keep accounts was mainly to carefully record the treasures from the old Zhenyao Building that Fellow Daoist Qingtong had contributed. The sheer quantity was massive—just the catalog of rare books could fill a book on its own. Accumulating so many treasures, the total value was naturally quite impressive.
Earlier, Zhong Qiu, inside the Ancestral Hall of Qingping Peak, had said the price was twelve hundred Gu Yu coins. It wasn't a "false report" of the price; rather, this price was based on the market conditions of earlier years. On today's Tongye Continent, where spirit tools and dharma treasures were abundant and much sought after, there was a huge premium. There was no worry about sales; people would fight tooth and nail to buy them. Would some cultivators think they were being fleeced? Come on, feel free to slash the price at my wallet. So Zhong Qiu, as the Green Ping Sword Sect's accountant, was initially hesitant. But after much persuasion from Sect Master Cui, he reluctantly reported that price with a guilty conscience. Fortunately, Fellow Daoist Qingtong had also become a nominal offering elder with a seat in the Ancestral Hall.
Plus, there was a few percent of the assets of that fatty Gusu.
This might be the real bulk of the congratulatory gift.
After all, he was a Flying Ascension ghost creature from an imperial background in Fuyao Continent.
Chen Ping'an said, "As for Yu Jin's belongings, aside from what's already been returned, keep the remaining forty percent untouched and don't move a single coin."
Later, when it came to dredging the great river, Yu Jin might need to lend a hand. At that time, these belongings that originally belonged to this ghost immortal would be returned to him one by one.
Cui Dongshan's face showed great surprise. "Ah? Master, Xiandu Mountain only keeps thirty percent."
Chen Ping'an immediately stood up, ready to audit the accounts. Cui Dongshan quickly closed the ledger and laughed. "Made a mistake, made a mistake. It's forty percent."
Chen Ping'an sat back down on the bamboo chair and continued making the bamboo box. "Just in real Gu Yu coins, how many do you have now? Are you people from the Green Ping Sword Sect still going to cry poverty to me?"
Cui Dongshan looked as if struck by lightning, heartbroken. "Mi Li, did you hear that? Master said 'you people' from the Green Ping Sword Sect. Is that proper? Tell me, isn't it hurtful?"
Mi Li shook her head and made a funny face. "You people, you people. We from Luopo Mountain, we from Luopo Mountain."
Cui Dongshan leaned back in his chair, kicked his legs wildly, and waved his sleeves. "This life is unbearable. Even the Right Protector is starting to bully people."
Mi Li quickly ran into the room, stood on tiptoe, reached up to cover her mouth, and whispered into the ear of the Big White Goose, who was lounging sideways on the armrest of the chair.
Although the ceremony had ended, various estates and residences on Mi Xue Peak still had guests visiting.
For example, Zhang Shanfeng went to find the young sect master of the Taihui Sword Sect and blurted out without preamble, "Sect Master Liu, I'm not much of a drinker."
Bai Shou laughed so hard his stomach hurt.
Liu Jinglong smiled. "No problem, I won't pressure you."
He helped Zhang Shanfeng and Bai Shou pour two bowls of wine. Liu Jinglong raised his own wine bowl, lightly clinked it against Zhang Shanfeng's, and asked a question he'd been curious about for a long time.
Liu Jinglong explained with a smile, "Of course I don't like drinking. But those who come to drink with me, instigated by someone—since they are his friends, I think they're definitely worth knowing."
The young Daoist took a big gulp of wine and laughed. "To be honest, sitting at the same table and drinking with Sect Master Liu was something I wouldn't have dared to dream of twenty years ago."
Liu Jinglong smiled. "Not many people would believe that. I'm one of them."
Bai Shou suddenly exclaimed, "That most proud man in the world, and that one in the Barren Wilderness, and Bai Shang up north in Beiju Lu Continent, plus me, Bai Shou—we people with the surname Bai, on the mountains, it's a big surname!"
Zhang Shanfeng began seriously pondering which peak Daoist cultivators with the surname Zhang there were.
Liu Jinglong felt helpless.
Bai Shou took a sip of wine and nodded to himself. "I heard that the dragon slayer is surnamed Chen. Plus that pure Confucian from South Bapo Continent who shoulders the sun and moon, and my good brother Chen Ping'an—the surname Chen comes in second."
Qiu Du brought Cu Cu to visit the three cultivators of the old Yuzhigang Shuyi Building.
The Luopo Mountain Discipline Elder, Ming Ming, along with her direct disciple Nalan Yudie, and the Old Immortal Jia, who was the second manager of the Fengyuan ferry, found the Daoist couple Wu Gou and Xiao Manying.
Old Immortal Jia actually volunteered to be a cook, tied on an apron, and fried a few side dishes for the wine. This naturally flattered the couple, who hadn't yet fully adjusted to the Green Ping Sword Sect's style. They would soon stop being so surprised by such things.
Liu Jubao and Yu Panshui, on the other hand, took the initiative to find the Jade Gui Sect. The latter's lodging was the premier mansion on Mi Xue Peak.
This was one of the reasons why, at many sect celebrations, some registered cultivators would grit their teeth and pay a share of the cost to squeeze their way in.
It wasn't just about getting acquainted on a superficial level. Many real deals, big business, were actually negotiated together like this.
Of course, for a god of wealth like Liu, this wasn't the case.
On the way there, Yu Panshui smiled and said, "Even for a sect-level celebration to collect congratulatory gifts, to accept so many Gu Yu coins in one go—it's rare, isn't it?"
Liu Jubao nodded. "The last time might have been when Wei She advanced to the upper fifth realm. The time before that, probably when Yu Xuan established his lower sect again."
Once a sect's lower sect had its own lower sect, it could be promoted to "orthodox sect" or be honored as "ancestral court."
In the history of Haoran, this was a rare occurrence.
Zhong Kui brought the fatty to find Old General Yao for a chat. Coincidentally, the three from Pu Mountain were also there.
Yu Jin noticed something strange. When Zhong Kui saw that Huang Yi Yun, his voice even changed—he was using flowery language, putting on airs of refinement.
I, Gusu, a true-blooded man, really can't stand this kind of behavior from Zhong Kui. Disgusting!
After drinking and leaving the house, Zhong Kui noticed that the fatty beside him was scowling, so he told him that Cui Dongshan was willing to return sixty percent of his belongings.
The fatty immediately bent his knees, grabbed Zhong Kui's arm, eyes brimming with tears, and said with a sobbing quiver in his voice, "Brother Zhong Kui! Such a great kindness, with nothing to repay—what am I to do?!"
Zhong Kui shook his wrist and sneered. "Next time we have a drinking party, with your drinking style, you can go drink with dogs."
The fatty looked wronged. "I was just afraid I'd steal Brother Zhong's thunder at the table."
Zhong Kui pushed the fatty's head away.
Yu Jin lowered his voice and asked, "Brother Zhong, have you taken a liking to Huang Yi Yun? What a coincidence—you and I have similar tastes. Well, for the sake of brotherhood, I'll reluctantly part with my feelings. Do you need me to help make a match? When it comes to dealing with women, especially such outstanding ones, your little brother has quite a talent."
Zhong Kui laughed. "What are you thinking? It's just that when I was young, I admired Mountain Lord Ye. Of course I like her, but it's not that kind of romantic liking."
Yu Jin sighed in admiration. "I really admire Brother Zhong Kui—a righteous gentleman who speaks frankly and openly!"
When it came to women, Yu Jin stomped his foot in frustration. This Chen Ping'an, did he think he was the honored guest of the entire Flower Blessed Land?!
But then again, touching his conscience, this young man was so accomplished and had a bit of responsibility. If I were him, walking sideways would count as me not putting on airs.
Zhong Kui clasped his hands in his sleeves and walked slowly, looking up at the sky.
How many people come to gaze at the bright moon, only to be gazed upon by the moon instead.
Zhong Qiu found Shao Poxian, Meng Long, and Shi Qiu.
Zhong Qiu's main purpose here was to convey two things. First, Wu Yi of the Ziyang Mansion in the Huangting Kingdom was likely to enter Tongye Continent soon. Not for travel, but intending to formally settle down. Wu Yi was willing to voluntarily serve as the nation-protecting true person after they established their kingdom by the Lin River. Shao Poxian smiled and looked at his maidservant beside him. Meng Long's name on the landscape register was now Dugu Meng Long. She smiled and nodded. Since her young master had no objection, she was naturally happy to go along with it.
Then Zhong Qiu took out two scroll paintings. One was a map of the central region of the entire Tongye Continent. The other was a map of a certain section of the Lin River. He told the three that the Lin River would become one of the main channels of a new great river in the future. Shao Poxian stared at the two scrolls, pondered for a moment, and said, "Our choice of the Five Sacred Mountains may need to be slightly adjusted."
Once a kingdom was established, besides selecting the location of the capital, they would need to perform Fengshan ceremonies for the Five Sacred Mountain Lords, invite water gods to open their mansions, gather the scattered refugees, and so on. These various matters, big and small, still required relying on the Green Ping Sword Sect's many preferences: spirit coins, connections in the mountain world, and ministers to support the dragon.
The Daoist master known as "Dragon Gate," Guo Ran, had already agreed to Huang Ting to become a nominal offering elder of Taiping Mountain.
So two days later, after descending the mountain, Guo Ran would take his disciple Tan Yingzhou and follow Huang Ting and the mountain-protecting offering elder Yu Fushan to the old site of Taiping Mountain.
This immortal had already sent a flying sword letter back to Tieshu Mountain, telling his senior sister, who was currently managing the sect's affairs, that he planned to stay on Tongye Continent for another year or two.
For Upper Fifth Realm cultivators, it was common to spend several years or even decades on a single journey.
In addition, Guo Ran had used his personal connections to send several secret letters to the Central Earth Divine Continent, inviting several mechanism masters and great mountain builders who were also of demon race origin to come "travel" on Tongye Continent.
Mi Yu, Cui Wei, and Xiao Mo—three sword cultivators—rarely gathered together.
Plus, there was Qingtong, who seemed not familiar with anyone on Xiandu Mountain and was only somewhat familiar with one person, but didn't want to be familiar with him.
They also called over the two young sword cultivators who had previously been exceptionally allowed to participate in the Ancestral Hall meeting: Yu Xiehui and He Gu.
Mi Yu, who had been promoted to the position of chief offering elder of the Green Ping Sword Sect, and his direct disciple He Gu would have their dojos and mansions built on Cloud Top Peak of Xiandu Mountain.
Discipline Elder Cui Wei and his disciple Yu Xiehui would have their dojos built on Tianbian Peak, Immortal Palm, of Xiandu Mountain.
These two sword cultivators had never taken disciples back home on the Sword Qi Great Wall, so these two children were their true first disciples.
As for Xiao Mo's temporary dojo on the Green Ping Sword Sect, it was the most simple of all—no contest. At the foot of Xiandu Mountain, by the Falling Treasure Beach, he had built a thatched hut, and that was his dojo.
The group sat around a large fire basin. Mi Yu bent over to warm his hands by the fire and looked up with a smile. "You two aren't stupid. You know why the Hidden Official had you sit in on the meeting, right?"
He Gu didn't want to pay attention to this teacher, who had a notorious reputation back home, especially since it was a meaningless question asked with obvious intent. So he kept silent.
Yu Xiehui nodded. "I know. Because our natal flying swords can help the Hidden Official with a little something. Either way, it's sword refining and sightseeing at the same time. Why not?"
Xiao Mo smiled. "It's the Green Ping Sword Sect."
Yu Xiehui said, "It's the same thing."
Cui Wei didn't say anything. It really was the same thing.
It was only at the Green Ping Sword Sect. At any other mountain, the difference would be huge.
In the history of Haoran, there had been cases where a lower sect's sect master had fallen out or had a bad relationship with the upper sect's Ancestral Hall. While not common, it wasn't unheard of either.
The most extreme case was on the Flowing Sunset Continent. A large mountain had chosen a site on the Golden Armor Continent for their lower sect. For unknown reasons, they directly declared their independence from the upper sect and announced it to the world through landscape gazetteers. Although it ultimately failed, it caused a huge uproar and remains a joke on the mountains to this day. That sect, after this internal strife, within a few years replaced everyone—from the lower sect master to the discipline elder, chief offering elder, and guest elders. The upper and lower sects became estranged, and both the deeply rooted upper sect and the once-thriving lower sect quickly declined.
Establishing a lower sect was not easy, and once morale was scattered, reuniting it was even harder.
Mi Yu laughed. "Being able to participate in the meeting as a non-member of the Ancestral Hall—this is unprecedented not only at the Green Ping Sword Sect but also at Luopo Mountain. So you two can indeed be proud of it."
Yu Xiehui pursed his lips and imitated the Hidden Official by clasping his hands in his sleeves. "What real skill is that? Just superficial stuff."
He Gu nodded in agreement.
Among the nine sword immortal seedlings, He Gu was the tallest. His natal flying sword, "Flying Peak," was extremely mysterious. Once unleashed, it seemed to have a natural divine ability akin to commanding mountains. Of course, the scale of the mountain range driven by the flying sword was directly linked to He Gu's realm.
The He family's residence wasn't on Taixiang Street or Yuhu Street, but their foundation was deep. All generations of He family sword cultivators came from the Executioner lineage.
So the short ancestral sword "Reading Maid" that He Gu wore at his waist was of no low rank.
Back on the Sword Qi Great Wall, He Gu's natal flying sword "Flying Peak" wouldn't have stood out. According to the Summer Palace's rank assessment, it would at most be classified as Grade B, Lower. But arriving in Haoran, it could be raised by two small steps. "Flying Peak" could fully enter the rank of Grade B, Upper. And as Yu Xiehui's realm rose in the future, as long as he chose a suitable battlefield for a sword duel, it would almost be like a grand cultivator presiding over his own small heaven and earth, with killing power skyrocketing.
As for Yu Xiehui's natal flying sword "Decree Breaker," it carried a taboo meaning not only in Haoran but even on the Sword Qi Great Wall and the Summer Palace—it had never been recorded in the books. Because once Yu Xiehui grew to be an Upper Fifth Realm sword cultivator, especially a great sword immortal, for demon race qi refiners, especially those Upper Fifth Realm demon cultivators whose "true names" had been leaked, it would be a disaster where they wouldn't even know where the fatal blow came from.
To give a not-quite-accurate analogy, in a certain sense, a great sword immortal Yu Xiehui—assuming a future Yu Xiehui who could participate in city wall meetings—would be like a... "Little Bai Ze." For any demon whose true name was known by Yu Xiehui, if they were of the same realm, receiving the sword would mean injury. Those of a lower realm than Yu Xiehui, receiving the sword would mean death.
Cui Wei said, "From now on, while you're at Xiandu Mountain, train your swords well."
He Gu almost couldn't help but retort, "You're only at the Nascent Soul realm, and you dare lecture me about this and that?" But for some reason, looking askance at his nominal master's perpetually expressionless face—perhaps softened a little by the firelight—He Gu just nodded.
Mi Yu rubbed his chin and had to add, "Xiehui, you too."
Yu Xiehui immediately shot back, "What 'you too'? Don't imitate the Hidden Official's way of speaking. I train my sword, it's none of your damn business."
He Gu laughed heartily and glanced at the expressionless one.
Cui Wei twitched the corner of his mouth, a rare smile.
Xiao Mo bent down and flipped the few zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) on the wire grill. They would taste best when fried to golden brown.
Qingtong's emotions were mixed. He himself didn't like sword cultivators—that was a well-founded opinion.
Dawn was just breaking.
At noon today, the Jade Gui Sect would board their own ferry and leave the Green Ping Sword Sect's territory.
Liu Jubao and Yu Panshui had already left Mi Xue Peak the previous night.
Xu Xie had also greeted the Jade Gui Sect, descended the mountain alone, and returned first to Qushan Drive Ferry.
Chen Ping'an had personally seen them all off.
Today, led by Bai Xuan, they dragged Mi Li and a few others along to find Qiu Zhi to play.
Actually, Qiu Zhi had already given Bai Xuan the address of the sword letter receiving room at Nine Game Peak yesterday. They had agreed to communicate regularly by flying sword. Bai Xuan hadn't forgotten to hint secretly to Qiu Zhi that he was currently broke, with no money on hand—his entire fortune, as vast as gold mountains and silver oceans, was all left at Luopo Mountain. Qiu Zhi said it was fine. When he returned to Nine Game Peak, he would immediately send a letter to Mi Xue Peak with a few spirit coins inside.
Bai Xuan had then patted Qiu Zhi on the shoulder. "You're young, but you're sharp. From now on, when we wander the jianghu together, our two swords combined will be invincible. Whoever we want to cut, we cut. Oh, and if there's anyone on Nine Game Peak or any other mountain that you can't stand but can't beat, just give me a shout. Tell me their approximate travel route when they go down the mountain. In a few days, my realm will shoot up, whoosh whoosh whoosh. Then I'll find some excuse to go out alone with the Hidden Official, block their path, and help you... take care of that guy. Got it?"
Qiu Zhi's scalp tingled. He quickly shook his head. "No, no. Everyone at Nine Game Peak, inside and out, treats me well."
He was starting to regret putting his fingerprint and seal on that "Heroes' Register."
Today, Qiu Zhi went out alone, following Bai Xuan and the others to tour and explore Mi Xue Peak.
The little girl named Chai Wu suddenly asked Qiu Zhi what kind of wine they had at Nine Game Peak.
Qiu Zhi told her truthfully. Nine Game Peak didn't produce its own immortal wine because Sect Master Wei didn't particularly like drinking.
Chai Wu didn't say anything more.
Qiu Zhi quickly added, "But the emerald wine from Huamei Peak and a few kinds of wine from Cloud Grotto Blessed Land are very famous on our Tongye Continent."
Chai Wu's eyes lit up, and she nodded, saying that if she ever had a chance to travel in the future, she might visit Nine Game Peak as a guest.
But the little girl felt it was unlikely in the near future—she'd probably have to wait decades before going down the mountain.
Sigh. Her aptitude was too poor. When it came to teaching her sword arts and immortal techniques, even Mountain Lord Chen had backed off in frustration.
It was truly worrying.
According to Great Sword Immortal Mi, back on the Sword Qi Great Wall, there was a certain Dong who was a good friend of Mountain Lord Chen. He never brought money when he went out and drank freely wherever he went.
She was truly envious.
That black-clad little girl named Zhou Mi Li had a green bamboo staff and a golden carrying pole. She didn't talk much, but her status was far from simple.
When Qiu Zhi first learned in the Ancestral Hall of Qingping Peak that she was the mountain-protecting offering elder of Luopo Mountain, he had indeed been shocked.
Mi Li took out the only remaining sunflower seeds from her cotton cloth satchel and gave them all to Qiu Zhi, saying they were just ordinary seeds bought from the market down the mountain. Please don't mind.
Last night, after returning to her own house, she had been too busy admiring her new bamboo box to recruit followers, and then early this morning, Bai Xuan had dragged her here.
Qiu Zhi took the seeds and quickly said he wouldn't mind.
Mi Li pressed her lips together and smiled.
Qiu Zhi glanced at the boy his age named Sun Chunwang.
Sun Chunwang always seemed to look at him coldly, with a disgusted expression.
Qiu Zhi felt a bit downcast.
He wasn't so happy anymore.
At noon, the group found the Jade Gui Sect cultivators and together flew down the mountain toward that Qingshan Ferry.
Besides Chen Ping'an and Cui Dongshan, they also brought Mi Yu, Cui Wei, and Zhong Qiu.
One could say that everyone who truly managed the Green Ping Sword Sect was present.
The meeting had already concluded. To treat guests with such solemn ceremony, at least on the surface, the Jade Gui Sect could find no fault.
Arriving beside the Jade Gui Sect's ferry, Chen Ping'an got straight to the point. "Business is business. In the previous meeting, Sect Master Cui and I had to deliberately speak rather bluntly. If we offended anyone, please forgive us."
Jiang Heng noticed that the young Hidden Official's wandering gaze included her as well. A bit surprised, this young lady of the Cloud Grotto Blessed Land smiled and returned the salute with cupped fists, saying something she didn't find insincere: "I can understand."
Zhang Fenggu said candidly, "If both sides—the Jade Gui Sect and the Green Ping Sword Sect, one in the south and one in the north—can truly recognize each other's sect style and way of doing things through the tedious business of dredging the great river, then when we formally form an alliance, it will come naturally. I certainly look forward to that day."
Wang Ji was quick-tempered and hadn't been without complaints earlier. He felt that the Green Ping Sword Sect was putting on too many airs, not giving the Jade Gui Sect any face at all. Forming an alliance was clearly a mutually beneficial matter, so what was the fuss about? But after Zhang Fenggu's detailed explanation the previous night, he had calmed down quickly.
Wang Ji couldn't help but sigh, "In the jianghu, one can meet someone and entrust them with life and death at first sight. But you people on the mountains, it's really not the same."
Wang Ji was, after all, a newly appointed Ancestral Hall offering elder of the Jade Gui Sect's Divine Seal Peak, only a few years in.
Zhang Fenggu could only smile wryly at the time and say, "Perhaps like rivers winding across the land, they ultimately flow to the sea."
Wang Ji nodded silently, hoping so. Otherwise, if the Jade Gui Sect and the Green Ping Sword Sect fell out, the consequences would be unimaginable. Their homeland, Tongye Continent, simply couldn't endure such internal strife.
Cui Dongshan clasped his fists and said with a grin, "Don't blame Master. It's all my fault."
Chen Ping'an casually walked shoulder to shoulder with Wang Ji and said via thought transmission, "Venerable Qingjie, it's possible that our Green Ping Sword Sect's actions in this matter were indeed not very straightforward. Consider it 'good things come to those who wait.' I hope we can form an alliance in the future. Then I'll have a good drink with Venerable Qingjie. Even if it fails, on this Tongye Continent, the mountains and rivers are so vast—we won't have to walk a single-log bridge."
Wang Ji was taken aback, then laughed heartily. "Now that's straightforward!"
Cui Dongshan smiled.
Whatever Master had said to this Venerable Qingjie, it didn't matter.
The same words, if he himself said them, would probably be useless. But when Master said them, people believed him.
What had he done to deserve such a Master?
If there weren't outsiders around, he would have to cry in front of Master.
Cui Dongshan clasped his hands behind his head and looked around. At this ferry port, which he had named Qingshan, little by little, the paths would one day bloom with flowers, the grass and trees would flourish, and it would be spring all year round.
Once, on his way home, Master had led a skinny horse, following the water's bends, over winding mountains, on a sunset ancient path, with a lonely village of two or three houses beside the road. The mountains were thin, the water thin, the horse thin, and the man even thinner.
Sun and moon drive the passage of time; the jianghu stirs the traveler's heart.
In the spring breeze of the new year, flowers bloom again on the path.
The next time Master goes on a distant journey and returns home, he certainly won't be full of worries.