Chapter 970: Rolling Snowballs

Chapter 970: Rolling Snowballs

They sat on the railing of the arched bridge, just like they had back then.

Chen Ping'an suddenly said, "I once heard a rather bizarre conjecture, saying that the world we live in has actually cycled and repeated itself countless times, and that it is a repetition that makes no changes whatsoever."

"All living beings and inanimate objects exist within a single kalpa. When the kalpa rises, heaven and earth are born; when the kalpa falls, heaven and earth are destroyed. Then it starts anew, cycling over and over, without the slightest deviation. However, there are differing opinions on the number of years in this kalpa. Some say it is thirty thousand years, some say a hundred thousand, or even longer. Thus, later generations came up with the saying 'hard to escape a kalpa.' The ancient sages had already spoken of it, but people just couldn't see through it."

"Is it really like this?"

She listened quietly to Chen Ping'an's words. When he asked the question, she smiled and said, "Not a bad idea, novel and interesting, but it's completely off the mark, wildly wrong."

Chen Ping'an breathed a sigh of relief and said softly, "Good, it's not like that."

Otherwise, a person's words and actions, their entire life's trajectory—from the vast, boundless movement of stars beyond the heavens down to the blooming and withering of plants on the earth, even the path each snowflake takes as it falls to the ground—would all be predestined. Then what would be the point of so-called present life and present self?

She chuckled and asked, "Is this a guess derived from the sayings 'gods make no mistakes' and 'fate is decreed by heaven'?"

Chen Ping'an stood up, walked along the railing, and slowly threw punches as he said with a smile, "Fretting about things that will never happen—can't even tell if that's good or bad anymore."

He stopped walking. Even straining his eyes to their utmost, he couldn't see a single star beyond the heavens.

Only the golden bridge beneath his feet, surrounded by a vast sea of clouds.

As if she could see the regret in Chen Ping'an's heart, she flicked her white sleeve. In an instant, within Chen Ping'an's field of vision, brilliant stars spread out like chess pieces, a magnificent sight.

Many dense clusters of stars converged, their rays of light coalescing into a splendid river, trailing like sword light. Other stars gathered together, forming something like a magnificent palace.

Chen Ping'an stared blankly for a moment, then asked curiously, "The flow of martial vitality throughout the world—it seems the Three Teachings don't interfere. Is it because it's troublesome to manage, and interfering would only be thankless work? Or is it that they simply cannot interfere, to the point that the founders of the three teachings long ago reached some kind of agreement to let things be and observe silently as changes occur?"

She countered, "Hasn't the master already been to that peculiar mountain peak?"

Chen Ping'an's mind instantly became clear. He asked in confusion, "Could it be that this mountain is not on the ground, but beyond the heavens?"

"Beyond the heavens, there are countless suns and moons. Every cave heaven and blessed land belongs to someone, but certain stars with special significance are unique examples. Once they shatter, they are gone forever. During that battle to ascend to heaven back then, many such 'residences and mansions' of the gods were broken, but some were preserved. This was because the Heavenly Dao Founder and that Mr. Three Mountains and Nine Lords who first created the talisman arts once conducted a meticulous deduction; which ones needed to be left behind was a matter of some careful consideration."

As she spoke, she smiled and extended a finger, pointing vaguely into the void of the Beyond.

Following her guidance, Chen Ping'an seemed to be temporarily granted something akin to the Buddhist concept of "heavenly eye" that sees through all leaks, allowing him to spot a star that was not unfamiliar to him at all.

In the mortal world's view, it was Venus among the Five Elements. At dawn, only this star shone alone, as if it drove away all other stars with its light. Hence it was also called Long Geng or Lucifer. According to the "Book of Heavenly Offices," the ancient star Long Geng, if its movement deviated, signified a 'change of heaven,' meaning war would arise in the world. The Imperial Astronomical Bureau of secular dynasties would always assign expert 'heavenly masters' versed in celestial phenomena to monitor this ancient star's position and movement at different solar terms and times.

"This pitiable first ancestor of the Military Strategists largely opened a path to heaven for martial arts under heaven, but only walked halfway. He couldn't truly connect heaven and earth. Had he succeeded, his very existence would have been equivalent to a third Ascension Platform. This merit—the mortal world must acknowledge it—and thus there was a ten-thousand-year pact between the founders of the three teachings and him, though it was kept secret and left no trace in records. Now that the ten-thousand-year term is approaching, the Imperial Astronomical Bureaus across the world, big and small, will have their hands full."

She spoke with a hint of mockery, lightly clapping her hands on the railing as she slowly continued, "So if we trace it back to the source, strictly speaking, the difference between martial arts and magical arts is not clear-cut. They originate from the same source but diverge into different streams. They seem to be like well water and river water that don't interfere with each other, but in the end, they are still from the same lineage. This is why the master, though a pure martial artist back then, could still practice talisman arts. It was because Kou Ming saw this point, and after improvements by the Great Master of Training of the Jade Capital, it became suitable for martial artists to practice—a clever trick, like entering a large mansion through a side door. This is also why there are mountain peaks like Pu Mountain in the Parasol Leaf Continent, where pure martial artists can concurrently cultivate immortal techniques. The reason it couldn't be widely promoted was still due to the high threshold and relatively high requirements for aptitude. So-called great cultivators are often obsessed with attaining the Dao and achieving immortality, so they must be undivided in attention. The higher their position, the more they need to abandon external things. Naturally, there's no need for them to learn martial arts. Over time, it became a chicken rib—something barely worth having."

"But in truth, the martial path beneath the feet of pure martial artists is the one most promising for achieving a divine body through physical means and attaining true spiritual immortality. It's just a bit harder to walk—one needs to reach the eleventh realm within two to three hundred years. For people today, if they have a bit of cultivation aptitude, since they can take a shortcut or a smooth road, why risk taking a narrow, dead-end path? Among those who can see through this matter, Lu Chen counts as one. So, if I'm not mistaken, aside from the White Bone True Man, this Great Master of Training Lu has another secret avatar that has been secretly practicing martial arts all along. When he went to Leap Month Peak to see Xin Ku, it might not have been as simple as it seemed. Perhaps within the Five Cities and Twelve Buildings of the Jade Capital, Jiang Zhaomo's martial arts skill might not be as good as Lu Chen's—far from it."

Chen Ping'an narrowed his eyes and smiled, "So Lu Chen also learns martial arts? That works out well."

Inside the main hall of the city, on the wine table, Chen Ping'an seemed to have only sent his yin spirit on a distant journey beyond the heavens, which did not hinder his normal conversation with Qin Buying and the others.

Chen Ping'an asked casually, "Senior Qin and Senior Brother's Hidden Sword of West Mountain lineage—do you know quite a bit about me?"

Qin Buying shook his head, "Not much, and there's no need for much. For example, during your travels in the Northern Juzhou Continent back then, Mountain Lord Chen once encountered a group of cavalry from the Yan Kingdom of the North, which also harbored several assassins from Gelu Mountain. When the narrow paths met, the brave prevailed."

Chen Ping'an nodded, not denying this. That was the first time Chen Ping'an had truly gone on a killing spree.

Even when he first struck out as a youth, fighting alongside Song Yushao against an elite cavalry force from the Shuishui Kingdom, back then on the battlefield, Chen Ping'an would deliberately avoid ordinary soldiers.

Mr. Zeng smiled, "A single leaf falls, and one knows autumn is coming."

Cui Dongshan grinned, "Don't need to, or is it that they can't? The Bottle Gourd Continent is small, and being small has its advantages—at the slightest sign of trouble, you can't hide the dragons and snakes."

Qin Buying nodded, "What Sect Leader Cui says is indeed the truth."

Senior Brother Liu Taozhi's Hidden Sword of West Mountain lineage had indeed wanted to take root in the Bottle Gourd Continent early on, but later, due to differences in governance philosophy with the Embroidery Tiger, the whole group was politely escorted out of the country. To call it a polite escort was practically deportation. However, Cui Chan still spared Senior Brother Liu some face—he neither publicized the matter nor mobilized the Great Li court's cultivators, and from start to finish, no one was harmed.

Cui Dongshan raised his thumb and exclaimed in admiration, "Sister Qin speaks frankly and quickly. This friend I, Dongshan, am determined to make!"

Qin Buying brushed it off with a smile and asked, "Mountain Lord Chen, why are you unwilling to serve as the Great Li National Preceptor?"

As soon as these words were spoken, even Jian Ming pricked up his ears, waiting for the answer Chen Ping'an would give.

Sending charcoal in the snow for the Great Li dynasty while adding flowers to the brocade for oneself and Fallen Mountain—what was not to like?

In terms of lineage, achievements, reputation, strength, and connections within the mountains... Chen Ping'an was suitable in every way, the most suitable candidate, bar none.

Chen Ping'an took a sip of wine, smiled, and said nothing.

Could it be that the three lineages of the Blood-Washing Innocence, including Liu Taozhi's Hidden Sword of West Mountain, were like the Luoyang Woodcutters descending the mountain, planning to come to the surface? Could they have made secret agreements with some founding masters of the Hundred Schools of Thought, intending to join in the grand endeavor and, during the upcoming scattering of the Dao by the founders of the three teachings, step outside and 'catch the water' from heaven with buckets?

Chen Ping'an remained silent, and a slightly awkward atmosphere of silence settled over the main hall.

Cui Dongshan broke the silence, "If I didn't open my mouth, would we be in dead silence for half an hour?"

Seeing that Chen Ping'an was unwilling to speak further on the matter, Qin Buying acted as if she had never asked.

Song Zhi asked, "Sect Leader Cui seems well-versed in all kinds of secret histories?"

His own Luoyang Woodcutter lineage was an unrefined, reclusive wilderness clan with no foundation beyond the mountains. But this young-looking sect leader could even reveal the true name of the founder of the Peddler's Guild at a single word. And judging by his demeanor, no matter what they talked about, he could always keep the conversation going. The Nine Continents of Haoran were filled with extraordinary people and recluses; tales of mountain wilderness and immortal deeds were countless, especially some secret matters never recorded in any gazetteer—only passed down by word of mouth within small circles. For an outsider to get the inside scoop was as hard as finding a needle in a haystack. Yet this man seemed skilled at fishing through the sea of history, always able to do so with ease, reeling off details like a connoisseur of folk tales. Cui Dongshan was like a master storyteller intimately familiar with unofficial histories. To achieve this, age of Dao, realm, and connections—all were indispensable.

Cui Dongshan pressed his palms against the wine bowl, rotating it gently, and chuckled, "Picking wheat ears in the fields, sorting bean sprouts in the drying ditches—idling away, nothing worth mentioning."

Cui Dongshan probed, "Brother Song Zhi, since we've already reached the Immortal Mountain territory, it would be a shame not to pass through. After we finish drinking tonight, you all can go to Immortal Mountain first and rest a while. Later, I'll personally take you to the Phosphorus River to see if there's a suitable spot to establish an immortal ferry that can top the Parasol Leaf Continent in scale. Today, I'll lay down the harsh words in front of my master: if Brother Song Zhi sets his sights on it, I will throw away all face and risk my life to secure a flourishing, branched legacy for you!"

The honest man said in a low voice, "Sect Leader Cui, just call me by my name: Pang Chao—'Pang' as in countenance, 'Chao' as in transcendence."

The problem was that the other party kept calling him "Old Brother Song Zhi" and "Brother Song Zhi," giving Pang Chao goosebumps all over.

Cui Dongshan said solemnly, "That won't do. Calling each other Daoist is too distant. If Old Brother Pang doesn't call me 'Little Brother Dongshan,' it means he looks down on me. It's fine if Brother Pang looks down on me, but I've made up my mind to claim kinship with Old Brother Pang."

If he and Pang Chao became sworn brothers, then in the future, when Zhang Zhi encountered him, he'd have to call him Uncle Cui.

And that Zhang Zhi was a bastard who never got up early without profit and always tried to grab every last feather from a passing goose. Now that there was this layer of kinship, when uncle and nephew met, would Zhang Zhi still have the nerve to haggle over business?

Pang Chao was not good with words. Facing a slick talker like Cui Dongshan, he was even more at a loss. He could only drink in silence, neither responding nor picking up the thread. He thought he had politely declined, but the other party took it as Pang Chao's tacit agreement.

In the snowy night, they had met by chance, drunk wine, talked business, and now parted ways, each heading their separate direction.

Mr. Zeng would travel north alone, a lone cloud and wild crane, accustomed to making a home wherever he went.

As for that dharma blade "Famous Spring," which Jian Ming had stolen from Yao Ling's side, it would be handed over to the Yao Emperor of the Great Spring through Han Guanghu. How to handle this divine weapon that the previous Great Spring dynasty had used to suppress national fortune was now the business of Empress Yao Jinzhi.

Han Guanghu, meanwhile, would take Jian Ming back to Mirage City. Earlier at the table, the old man had made a decision. Through coded messages, he agreed to Mr. Zeng's proposal, promising to find a position in the Great Spring dynasty's court and devote himself to assisting Yao Jinzhi for at least thirty years. In this way, the Great Spring dynasty, which for years had lacked a mountain-top combat force to stabilize its nation, would suddenly gain a Stopping Realm martial artist. Moreover, although Han Guanghu was no longer at his martial peak, fame casts a long shadow—a martial artist who had dominated the Golden Armor Continent for a hundred years with his fists would be a tremendous deterrent to the current Parasol Leaf Continent. For the Yao clan of Great Spring, it was truly a "Happy New Year" in every sense.

Qin Buying and Pang Chao did not need Cui Dongshan to guide them. They took to the wind and headed for Secret Snow Peak, planning to spend some time at the Green Ping Sword Sect, then follow Cui Dongshan on a trip to the Phosphorus River in the central part of the Parasol Leaf Continent.

Song Yushao, having hit it off with Han Guanghu, would travel south with him to see the famous Mirage City. Then he would head to Peach Leaf Ferry, board the Kite Wind Ferry, follow the continental ferry south to the Expelling Mountains Ferry in the Parasol Leaf Continent, then head north across the sea to the Bottle Gourd Continent. The old man would disembark at Old Dragon City, walk half a continent, and slowly make his way back to the Shuishui Kingdom.

Chen Ping'an wanted to see Song Yushao off to the city gate, but the old man waved his hand, indicating it was unnecessary. So Chen Ping'an only saw him off to the street in front of the residence.

Han Guanghu stopped and said, "Master Chen, next time you come to Mirage City, make up for the duel we owe each other today."

Chen Ping'an smiled, "I'm good at suppressing territory and asking for a bout, junior."

Han Guanghu was momentarily speechless. Young people certainly had a way with words.

Jian Ming, still carrying the blade under his arm, winked and teased, "Chen Ping'an, this time I'm going to the Great Spring with Old Han. I'm sure to meet someone. Do you have any words you want me to pass along?"

Chen Ping'an put on a stern face and put on seniority, "Your drinking etiquette is a bit lacking. Remember to drink more and talk less at the table in the future."

Jian Ming was deflated.

Mr. Zeng smiled and reminded his disciple, "A man of worth speaks slowly. Remember that."

Song Yushao and his two companions gradually walked away along the snow-covered road.

Suddenly, Jian Ming turned around and walked backward, looking at Mr. Zeng in his green cotton robe, shouting loudly, "Master, take care!"

Mr. Zeng smiled and nodded, "Take care of yourselves, each and every one."

Cui Dongshan squatted on the steps, rolling a snowball. Mr. Zeng stood shoulder to shoulder with Chen Ping'an and said, "Mr. Chen, when we first met in the past, I offended you greatly. I hope you'll be magnanimous and not hold it against a petty man."

Earlier, when the woman in white had appeared on the city wall and called Chen Ping'an "master," and then casually reversed the river of time—even Qin Buying and Pang Chao, both ghost immortals, had been completely unaware of it. Mr. Zeng had traveled the world for thousands of years and seen many storms, but this kind of skill was something he had encountered for the first time, and it was an eye-opening experience. As for saying a few humble words when under someone else's roof, that was hardly a grievance.

Chen Ping'an cupped his hands in a fist salute, "Mr. Zeng, you're too kind. We met by chance and didn't make enemies. If we can meet again in the martial world and sit at the same table to drink and laugh, that's a good affinity. Besides, Jian Ming has a good nature, just as Mr. Zeng said: 'A single leaf falls, and one knows autumn is coming.'"

Mr. Zeng gave a knowing smile and returned the salute.

Chen Ping'an said, "Mr. Zeng, I won't see you far. If you have time in the future, come visit Fallen Mountain. I'll be spending more time in my hometown from now on. As for the Green Ping Sword Sect, Cui Dongshan handles everything there, so I'm at ease. Besides, he's the sect leader anyway. I won't be a freewheeling boss."

Mr. Zeng smiled, "No need to see me off. Walking alone through wind and snow has a special charm."

Cui Dongshan, holding the snowball in both hands, said with a resentful look, "Master, why do you have to sprinkle another heavy snow on your student's heart, chilling the hearts of the troops?"

Mr. Zeng laughed, "Your ears are already full of praise from the road, which is certainly no easy feat. But when a man becomes renowned throughout the world, praise and criticism often go hand in hand; there are very few exceptions."

Chen Ping'an said, "Practice all good deeds, not seeking others' knowledge. Avoid all evil deeds, not fearing others' knowledge."

Mr. Zeng nodded, "Mr. Chen is already walking on the path of cultivation."

Chen Ping'an turned his head, cupped his hands, and smiled, "Then let me, the junior, share this encouragement with Mr. Zeng."

Mr. Zeng pressed his palm against the pommel of the sword and blade, "My identity forces me to hide and conceal things. I hope Mr. Chen will forgive me."

Chen Ping'an shook his head, "The martial world is not limited to swordsmen, but a swordsman is always a man of the martial world."

Mr. Zeng smiled, "That saying could be ranked first among toasts."

After parting with Mr. Zeng, who was both a Mohist credit-loan man and a former tree-mover, Chen Ping'an was dragged by Cui Dongshan into a room in the residence. Cui Dongshan said this Money Monkey fellow was interesting and absolutely had to meet him.

Inside the room, there was a small brazier. A thin, wiry man was rubbing his hands together to warm them, yawning with sleepiness, but feeling that too many strange things had happened today to want to sleep early.

Money Monkey heard a thunderous knock on the door and quickly got up to open it. He found at the door not only the witty Immortal Master Cui but also the green-robed guest who had nearly gotten into a fight.

While Money Monkey was still formulating his words, the other party, with a sincere smile, had already spoken first: "Sorry to disturb you."

Money Monkey was a bit stunned. This was nothing like Immortal Master Cui.

Cui Dongshan coughed. Money Monkey snapped back to reality, quickly stepped aside to make way, and bowed, "Come in, come in. No disturbance at all, how could it be a disturbance?"

The room wasn't large, but there were many chairs, all collected by Money Monkey, who loved woodworking. They were old pieces, the carpentry excellent. Cui Dongshan carried a chair in one hand and hooked another with his foot. The three sat around the brazier. "Master, although Money Monkey hasn't read many books, he's very studious, a typical self-taught man. He can even argue points with me. Just recently, right in this room, he told me, 'If you don't read for a day, all affairs turn to waste.'"

Chen Ping'an smiled and nodded, "Very insightful."

Money Monkey was completely baffled. He said timidly, "I don't think I said that."

Cui Dongshan asserted firmly, "You seem to have said it."

Money Monkey glanced at the stern-faced Cui Dongshan and said with a shy expression, "If Immortal Master Cui says I said it, then I suppose I said it."

Chen Ping'an couldn't help but laugh. This guy was quite suitable for Immortal Mountain—he could cook well.

Cui Dongshan didn't stand on ceremony with Money Monkey. With a wave of his hand, he grabbed the charcoal-sketch booklet from the table and handed it to the master, "Please, Master, take a look and see if Money Monkey counts as a promising talent."

Chen Ping'an smiled and looked at Money Monkey. The man quickly said, "By all means, take a look. It's just scribbles, only making a spectacle of myself. I'm afraid it will stain the immortal master's eyes."

Cui Dongshan glared, "If you haven't studied much, use less fancy language. That's how you expose yourself. Showing off your learning—that's called making a fool of yourself in front of professionals. It's 'making a fool of yourself.'"

Money Monkey was skeptical. He had seen that idiom in books and had even specifically consulted Miss Little Boat about it.

Chen Ping'an took the booklet and said, "Brother Money, don't listen to Dongshan's nonsense."

Later, as they chatted, Chen Ping'an learned that Money Monkey's real name was Qian Jun and that his hometown also had kilns, making them half-kindred spirits. That gave them plenty to talk about.

Chen Ping'an understood Cui Dongshan's intentions, so he went along with the flow and invited Qian Jun to visit Immortal Mountain. If he found the mountain's atmosphere to his liking, he could settle down temporarily, first earn an identity on the mountain, and if he wanted to move later, having a foundation would mean he wouldn't have to worry about 'having a pig's head but no temple to offer it to.' After all, the saying 'don't ask about a hero's origins' could only be half-believed.

Money Monkey still declined the offer. This third-realm martial artist couldn't help but wonder: with his eccentric Immortal Master Cui and this gentle, warm Mr. Chen, how desperate for people could their mountain stronghold be, to be so... indiscriminate in picking even someone like him?

Seeing that the green-robed man wasn't angry at the refusal, Money Monkey breathed a sigh of relief. After wandering the martial world for so many years, his skills in learning martial arts were terrible, but he considered himself quite adept at reading people's expressions.

The reason for his obstinacy wasn't that Money Monkey didn't want wealth and glory. Rather, he had suffered too many setbacks and learned his lesson. He knew how deep the waters of the martial world were. Even if a pie really did fall from the sky, it would never land in his little broken bowl. In the end, it was because Qian Jun had grown too used to a hard life; he no longer believed he was lucky. If he were like Wang Fanmeng, a mountain immortal, or Hong Chou, a martial grandmaster treated with courtesy everywhere he went, he would probably have started bargaining with the other party long ago: how many offerings per year, and was there a private residence prepared on the mountain?

Chen Ping'an took his leave, taking Cui Dongshan with him. As they crossed the threshold, Cui Dongshan turned back and gave the thin man a thumbs-up, "Money Monkey, there are few heroes that my master would personally invite up the mountain. Even fewer who, after being invited, could refuse. Impressive, impressive!"

Outside the residence, Chen Ping'an walked along the street. The wind and snow were heavy, the night dark. For no particular reason, he recalled a phrase that was the exact opposite of the current scene.

"The great furnace of heaven and earth, burning with yang charcoal, cooking all things, and men cannot escape."

He had first heard this phrase from Liu Xianyang, who had heard it from Master Yao at the kiln. Liu Xianyang had been showing off in front of Chen Ping'an. Back then, when Chen Ping'an went with Master Yao to look for porcelain clay, going into the mountains and returning, they might not exchange three sentences. Then, during his travels in the Northern Juzhou Continent, Chen Ping'an had once had a tag-along named Sui Jingcheng, and he too had felt moved to say this...

Tonight, as Chen Ping'an walked slowly through the snow, he turned to look back.

Cui Dongshan also turned and asked in confusion, "Master, something strange?"

Chen Ping'an smiled, "Nothing."

With a flick of his wrist, Chen Ping'an slid a Caozi Dagger from his sleeve, along with that short blade "Evening Glow," whose origin he still hadn't figured out. Both were spoils that Sui Jingcheng had helped him collect back then. Even Liu Jinglong, when he saw the two short blades, couldn't help but exclaim that it was excellent luck. Liu Jinglong recognized the Caozi Dagger, which was recorded in official histories. The other one, Chen Ping'an had named "Cutting Deer," feeling it was a better name than the original "Evening Glow" engraved on the blade.

He had to admit: naming things took talent.

Chen Ping'an twisted his wrist, twirling the blade in a series of dazzling motions, each one bypassing the falling snowflakes.

Cui Dongshan couldn't bear to break his master's peaceful mood, but he just couldn't hold it in any longer. He cautiously asked, "Since the big fish has taken the bait, when will Master raise the rod?"

Chen Ping'an stopped the dagger, tucked it back into his sleeve, and said irritably, "You're asking knowingly. Stop pretending to be stupid."

Who was it that had been eavesdropping earlier? Just like Liu Xianyang—no wonder they called each other brothers and got along so well.

Cui Dongshan said, aggrieved, "Master's thoughts are as deep as the sea, silent and unfathomable. Earlier, you were talking in riddles with Senior Song. Without hearing Master's definite answer with my own ears, this student dares not rest easy."

Chen Ping'an said, "I didn't consult you about this plan beforehand. I need to apologize for that, and I promise it won't happen again."

Cui Dongshan grew even more aggrieved, "This student is no guest. If Master says such polite things again, this student will truly be heartbroken."

Chen Ping'an gave a dry laugh.

Cui Dongshan immediately straightened his back and said in a clear voice, "This student is not wronged!"

Chen Ping'an lowered his head and rubbed his hands, gently exhaling a puff of mist.

Yang Zhi—a king seat great demon—certainly counted as a big fish that had walked into the net.

If not for Senior Song's words, as long as Yang Zhi dared to come to the Parasol Leaf Continent, she wouldn't be leaving.

Himself, plus Xiao Mo, Cui Dongshan, and Mi Yu—that was enough.

Beyond the battlefield, luring with profit, inviting the enemy into the trap, then casting the net to surround and kill—such actions naturally violated the chivalric code of the martial world. That was why Chen Ping'an had had that conversation with Senior Song.

In terms of realm and status, Yang Zhi, confined to the Old Lord's Furnace volcanic group by the Literary Academy, and Liu Cha, imprisoned in a mountain-and-water secret realm within the Merits Forest, were roughly equivalent—both were among the fourteen old king seat great demons. But Liu Cha's seat was higher. Of course, if Liu Cha hadn't been stopped by Chen Chun'an and returned home as a fourteenth-realm sword cultivator, he would now be the undisputed sword dao leader of the Barren Wasteland. As for why Yang Zhi was so "remembered" by Chen Ping'an, it wasn't just because of her fierce fighting and ruthless methods on the battlefield—crossing the Sword Qi Great Wall and making her way to the Haoran World, Yang Zhi had contributed no small effort. But what truly stirred Chen Ping'an's killing intent was that Yang Zhi had, under the watchful eyes of many on the battlefield at the Sword Qi Great Wall, brutally tortured a sword immortal to death.

Cui Dongshan seemed to have a "what's done is done" attitude, as if determined to get to the bottom of it. "Pulling back at the last minute, changing your mind—wouldn't that waste all the effort? Will Master feel long-lasting dissatisfaction in his heart?"

Chen Ping'an remained silent.

The imprisonment without execution of Liu Cha and Yang Zhi was the will of the Middle-earth Literary Academy—more precisely, of Rites Saint.

Originally, within the Literary Academy, this had not been without objections. But since Rites Saint had decided, the arguments stopped.

Cui Dongshan sighed softly, continuously kicking up snow with his toes.

After the master returned home, Fallen Mountain established its sect. Apart from the grand ceremony at Zhengyang Mountain, which caused quite a stir, they soon took an unexpected turn and chose a state akin to sealing off the mountain. Then the master hurriedly chose a site in the Parasol Leaf Continent and rapidly established a subordinate sect.

The former was still reasonable; as for the latter, if one wanted to make up for a continent's geographical deficiencies, one had to have one's own territory. It was also justifiable, both publicly and privately.

But Cui Dongshan had long sensed something was off. Probably Zhu Lian at Fallen Mountain had also noticed, but that old cook was a sly old fox who deliberately played dumb.

Back then, Yang Zhi made poor tactical decisions and poor command, earning a reprimand at the Sixty-Year Camp. To make up for her mistakes, Yang Zhi, along with Huang Luan, temporarily left the battlefield, returning to the depths of the Barren Wasteland to hunt down and intercept Sword Qi Great Wall sword cultivators hiding there.

Chen Ping'an had ordered on the spot that sword cultivators were not to rescue them. Yet a group of sword cultivators still left the city wall.

This incident was also the most criticized point of the young Hidden Officer stationed in the Summer Retreat Palace. To this day, many sword cultivators in the Five-Colored World's Ascending City still harbored resentment, feeling that Chen Ping'an was too cold-blooded and utilitarian, that even if he served well as the last Hidden Officer of the Sword Qi Great Wall, he was still not a pure Sword Qi Great Wall sword cultivator.

Of course, Chen Ping'an didn't develop a killing intent toward Yang Zhi because of such criticism, nor did he scheme to take her to meet Yang Zhi under the pretense of discussing business, luring her to leave that forbidden place voluntarily.

It was like his encounter with the Yan Kingdom cavalry during his travels in Northern Juzhou.

Life is always so full of twists and turns.

Cui Dongshan tested the waters, "Did Master secretly instruct Yu Yue to take He Xiangting and Yu Qingzhang as disciples, prompting them to leave Fallen Mountain?"

Chen Ping'an shook his head and finally spoke, "At that time, how could I have foreseen such a distant thing? It was just a coincidence. It's also fortunate that they left with Yu Yue, so they didn't have to cross paths with Yang Zhi. Otherwise, I wouldn't know how to clean up this mess."

Children are children. There are some things adults cannot expect children to understand. Some truths can only be slowly understood by children as they grow up.

If dreams are like building a snowman, then growth is probably like eating cold rice.

Once Yang Zhi appeared in the Parasol Leaf Continent and participated in the digging of the new central great river, even if Yang Zhi used a cover-up, over time, the paper would surely fail to wrap the fire.

Sooner or later, those sword immortal seedlings from the Sword Qi Great Wall would learn the inside story.

Xiao Mo was different in terms of the Dao roots of the great demons from the Barren Wasteland. He had slept in the bright moonlight for ten thousand years and had no connection to the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Moreover, among the peak Ten Sword Immortals of the past, there was "Old Deaf One," one of the "Five Absolutes." So the native sword cultivators of the Sword Qi Great Wall were relatively open-minded about such matters.

Then there was the Barren Wasteland's Tao Ting, who followed Li Huai and had long resided in the Hundred Thousand Mountains. Given the relationship between the Old Sword Immortal and Old Blind Man, it was hard for Tao Ting to make enemies with the Sword Qi Great Wall; he didn't have the guts.

But Yang Zhi was different.

One thing was to detain her; another was for the two sides not to meet face to face, to have no dealings forever. But if Yang Zhi came to the Parasol Leaf Continent and was not killed, that was another matter entirely.

The Literary Academy had its own considerations.

With Liu Cha and Yang Zhi present, over the years, continuous remnants of the demon race that failed to leave Haoran World, seeing the intensifying searches on each continent, had taken the initiative to identify themselves to the various continental academies. For example, the last time Chen Ping'an was in the Merits Forest, he had specifically asked the scholar Xiping about this matter, indirectly inquiring about the number of Middle Five Realm and Upper Five Realm demon cultivators who were desperate but unwilling to resort to desperate measures. The answer he got—the number was so large it greatly surprised Chen Ping'an.

Of course, the Northern Juzhou Continent was an exception. Many demon cultivators who didn't dare show their heads in the Bottle Gourd Continent would secretly cross the sea and land in Northern Juzhou, trying to find a talisman of protection at an academy. Regardless of how the Literary Academy would deal with them later, at least they needed to save their own lives first. Because once they were flushed out by cultivators from the various continents, it would be a bloodbath. Yet, many demon cultivators still failed to reach the academies; they were intercepted and killed halfway. Similar incidents occurred frequently in the Fuyao and Golden Armor Continents.

The Literary Academy and the continental academies did investigate, but when it came to what clues they found—especially whether the academies were truly diligent—that was always a question mark.

As for academies like the Yufu Academy, no question mark was needed.

Chen Ping'an asked, "If it were Senior Brother Cui, what would he do?"

Senior Brother Cui Chan's practical learning had its own severe style.

Cui Dongshan said, "Hard to say. That old bastard's actions left no room for retreat for himself or others. He might use things to their fullest, like having Yang Zhi dig the new great river in the Parasol Leaf Continent, or directly placing Yang Zhi in the Bottle Gourd Continent as a marquis of the great river, without any inner conflict whatsoever. He would never be as troubled as Master. As for the thoughts of a few children, they would be completely unimportant. If they are young and don't understand, that's their business. If they're older and still don't understand, that's still their business. Or maybe this game of moves and countermoves would be exactly the same: once Yang Zhi leaves the Middle-earth Divine Continent, it's a dead end. What the Literary Academy and Rites Saint think or do—that's also none of Cui Chan's concern. If they want to follow the rules and bring charges, they can come."

Chen Ping'an hummed in acknowledgment.

Cui Dongshan said, "Putting aside Yang Zhi for now—alive or dead, we'll talk later. But Master, have you considered this: the Great Master of Training of the Jade Capital, back then, did not kill that old immortal master of Divine Thunder City whose dao name was Ni Gu. Chen Qingdu of the Sword Qi Great Wall did not kill Old Deaf One. The Literary Academy's Rites Saint did not kill Liu Cha. This is all the same line of thought, the same thread."

Chen Ping'an said, "I can understand that."

Cui Dongshan grinned.

Immediately, he got a slap on the head and a scolding from his master: "How dare you! Addressing the Old Sword Immortal by his name directly!"

Chen Ping'an withdrew his hand and said self-deprecatingly, "Having a friend like us counts as Old Immortal Lu's misfortune of meeting the wrong people. If he could, he'd definitely refine a furnace of regret medicine."

First, it was about him. Then, he gave two furnaces of medicine to the Cloud Grass Hall of Pu Mountain. Next, he'd probably be asked when the Pure Mirror Mountain would open its furnace to refine pills.

Cui Dongshan smiled, "Is Master planning to ask for a furnace of Sitting Oblivion Pills from the Green Tiger Temple for Old Man Han?"

Chen Ping'an nodded, "Grandmaster Han's character and martial virtue are clear for all to see."

"Master, isn't this repaying enmity with kindness?"

"Grandmaster Han is just finding an excuse to have a chance to gauge my martial skills. That old senior knows full well that Pei Qian will never go learn boxing from him. By the way, don't change the subject. This time, you go and negotiate with Old Immortal Lu. Remember, we must buy the pills with money. We can't let Old Immortal Lu find a way to decline again. We owe too many favors; I won't dare to visit Pure Mirror Mountain in the future."

"Master just said we'd take the Kite Wind Ferry north, which would definitely pass by the Green Tiger Temple of Pure Mirror Mountain. But this student still has to accompany Sister Qin and Old Brother Pang on a southern tour of the Phosphorus River. I can't split myself in two."

"I've changed my mind. I plan to return to Fallen Mountain alone. I can't keep Xiao Mo waiting too long. It's still somewhat dangerous for him to meet Bai Jing alone."

"Master, this..."

"Dongshan, as a student, you can't always be digging at your master's foundation without even blinking. That's not appropriate. Occasionally, you should share some of the master's burdens. Don't you think?"

"Master, I think..."

"I think you think so."

"Alright. The master thinks the student thinks so, so be it."

Cui Dongshan then asked, "Walking back to Immortal Mountain?"

"We just need to get to Immortal Mountain before dawn."

"Master doesn't seem very anxious to hurry?"

"When doing things, one must balance urgency and calm, tension and relaxation. Xiao Mo facing Bai Jing—I'm sure he won't be intimidated."

"Master's strictness with himself and leniency with others—this student has learned something new."

One in green, one in white—master and student. They left the city gate. Cui Dongshan, bored, started rolling a snowball. Half a person tall, one person tall, rooftop tall, hill tall...

The white-robed youth pushed the huge snowball with both hands, laughing heartily.

The green-robed guest beside him cursed him for being childish, but soon Chen Ping'an was rolling a snowball almost as big.

At the golden arched bridge, she had somehow jumped down from the railing and was standing on the bridge path. She said to Chen Ping'an, who was still walking on the railing practicing his punches, "Master, how about we go take a look at the Ascension Platform?"

Chen Ping'an thought for a moment, then nodded, "Okay!"

She smiled, "Not in a hurry. Wait a moment."

Just as Chen Ping'an was confused, he could vaguely see five figures approaching from afar.

She leaned against the railing, looking lazy and weary, smiling, "I really miss this."

She stretched out her hand, pointing one by one, "The first master, me, that fellow I just killed, and then, ten thousand years later, Ruan Xiu and Li Liu."

It turned out that the ones approaching were the former Five Supremes.

The Ancient Heavenly Court's Sovereign Lord, the Sword Bearer, the Armor Bearer, the Fire God, and the Water God.