# Chapter 986: Warriors, Behold My Bamboo Tower
Spring trees bloomed like brocade, and flocks of orioles rose and fell in the mountain.
Lü Yan smiled and said, "For a sect like Fallen Mountain, having so few registered disciples is rather lacking."
It was curious that despite possessing over a dozen vassal peaks, there were many mountains but few people.
In his recollection, on the Beiju Continent, Huolong Zhenren's Prostrate Peak was already considered a lineage with few people among the Haoran sects, yet it still had four doctrinal lines: the Tai Xia Li Yu line, which had always excelled at exorcising demons and commanding ghosts and had the deepest worldly involvement; the Peach Mountain line whose registered Taoists were proficient in thunder magic; the White Cloud line whose Qi refiners specialized in talisman arrays; and the Yuan Ling Hall's Finger Mystery line, which belonged to the Daoist sword immortal school. Adding up these four lineages, there were certainly over a hundred registered Taoists. In contrast, Fallen Mountain had never undergone the large-scale proliferation typical of ordinary immortal estates. Perhaps the threshold for accepting disciples was high for all members of the Patriarch Hall.
Chen Ping'an laughed. "Over at Cui Dongshan's Green Ping Sword Sect, in a few years the numbers might double several times over. 'Beat the branches whether there are dates or not'—our Sect Master Cui has grand aspirations. He boasts that in the future, whenever a subordinate sect pays homage to the superior sect, they'll cross continents in a mighty procession to offer sacrifices to the ancestors. In terms of numbers, they must surpass Fallen Mountain, absolutely can't lose face."
Afterward, Lü Yan took the initiative to say he wanted to go to the Jise Peak Patriarch Hall to offer incense. Though Chen Ping'an was somewhat surprised, it was ultimately an unexpected delight, so of course he wouldn't refuse such a good thing. Lü Yan chuckled, saying that while wandering the Azure Sky World, he'd had the fortune to observe several Three Teachings debates, most of which had made him want to doze off. But the debate attended by the Old Scholar Wen Sheng had been the most brilliant and invigorating.
Just as they were about to move, a white-haired child holding a book and a chicken-feather brush arrived, with a sword talisman issued by the Dragon Spring Sword Sect hanging at his waist, hastening over on the wind in a great flurry.
Previously, the Hidden Officer Ancestor had permitted him, as a miscellaneous duty disciple, to compile the chronicles, recording distinguished guests' visits—this was also the chronicle compiler's responsibility. As for the title of chronicle compiler, of course the white-haired child had bestowed it upon himself, much like the patrol envoy title the little water monster among the Black and White Pair had claimed. Earlier at Qilong Lane, this outersky demon had sensed the unusual phenomenon atop Fallen Mountain's secondary peak and been thoroughly startled.
The white-haired child rushed to the top of the Qilong Lane steps, wide-eyed, gazing into the distance at Fallen Mountain.
Like a sun falling to earth.
He employed a secret art of aura observation passed down from the Year-End Removal Palace. Layers of crimson halos rippled outward. Even from far away at Qilong Lane, merely looking from a distance, the white-haired child felt as if he were placed inside a furnace coiled with several fire dragons. After an intense inner struggle, he still steeled himself to come to Fallen Mountain. To be a good chronicle compiler, he was truly risking his life—such was the "three fires of a new official"!
Lü Yan glanced at the white-haired child, rather astonished. Hidden within the Huaihuang County town was a flying-ascension realm outersky demon?
Didn't that break taboos with the Literary Temple? But Lü Yan quickly let it go. The Literary Temple must have long known of this and chosen to turn a blind eye.
Besides, with Chen Ping'an having a senior brother like Cui Chan to help protect his path, and with the Old Scholar Wen Sheng having had his divine statue restored at the Literary Temple, even if someone wanted to make an issue of such a thing, it probably wouldn't stir up any waves.
Chen Ping'an said via heart voice, "It's a long story."
Lü Yan nodded. Every family has its own hard-to-read scripture; as an outsider, he wouldn't ask further.
The reason the Literary Temple was willing to tacitly accept this was mainly because this outersky demon came from the Sword Qi Great Wall.
The three principal and vice-chancellors of Confucianism, the head of the academy, and the many accompanying sages of the Literary Temple might not have to give face to a young Hidden Officer, but they had to give face to the Elder Sword Immortal.
The white-haired child became increasingly flustered upon seeing the Pure Yang Daoist. It felt like he had jumped into a alchemy furnace and was spinning around inside. He bitterly regretted coming—absolutely should not have come.
This Daoist must have cultivated some divine ability that naturally suppressed outersky demons.
Lü Yan had to deliberately gather his Daoist techniques, condensing them into a single, exquisitely pure beam of true yang, letting it perch within a natal acupoint. An almost imperceptible ripple passed over his Daoist robe.
The white-haired child was instantly relieved and reluctantly thanked the True Person.
Chen Ping'an introduced with a smile, "This True Person Lü, with the Daoist name Pure Yang, is originally a native of our Bottle Gourd Continent. Senior Lü, her name is Konghou. She hasn't formally joined Jise Peak's registry yet and helps out at Qilong Lane. Currently, she's in charge of compiling the mountain's chronicles."
Fallen Mountain's main peak was Jiling Peak, with the Patriarch Hall built on the secondary peak, Jise Peak. Chen Ping'an led Lü Yan to Jise Peak. After they offered incense in the Patriarch Hall and stepped outside, Chen Ping'an noticed that besides Xiao Mo, who had one hand pressed on the head of a marten-capped girl, there were also the white-haired child and Xianwei, who had come to join the excitement. After closing the door and putting away the key into his sleeve, the white-haired child explained with a grin that since this was a special gathering, there should be a memento. The chronicle she was compiling ought to be distinct from those of ordinary sects. Chen Ping'an looked bewildered and didn't immediately agree or disagree, inwardly wondering—a memento? Compiling a chronicle was a serious matter. What mischief was this one planning? The white-haired child said she was actually a deeply hidden landscape painter at heart. Since everyone was gathered at Jise Peak, why not use the Patriarch Hall as a backdrop? Everyone line up—or sit if they wanted, though chairs would need to be brought—and leave behind a painting like those famous gatherings, so the chronicle would come alive: "On such-and-such a year, month, and day, the mountain lord and distinguished guest True Person Pure Yang, outside the Jise Peak Patriarch Hall, with attendant Xiao Mo, gatekeeper Xianwei, etc., all together in one landscape scroll."
Chen Ping'an said with a narrowed smile, "A chronicle with illustrations—besides written records, there are pictures, and in color, right? That's your idea of 'different'?"
He was already regretting letting this one preside over chronicle compilation. Well, before the next formal Patriarch Hall council, he'd better sound out Zhu Lian, Nuan Shu, Xiao Mili, and the others first.
Having personally recommended you for this post, if only the mountain lord nods while no one else agrees—everyone opposes—that won't cut it.
Xie Dog gave up pestering Xiao Mo, adjusted her marten cap with both hands, patted her cheeks, and chimed in loudly, "Good, good idea! I want to stand next to Xiao Mo."
Unexpectedly, Lü Yan stroked his beard and laughed. "Having a painting made before a Patriarch Hall as a keepsake to be included in the chronicles—that's a first for me. I think it's not bad at all."
The white-haired child was moved to tears and sniffled. Finally, someone who understands!
True Person Pure Yang was such a good person. No wonder his cultivation was so high. Might as well snag a fourteenth realm first, then come to our Jise Peak as a nominal vice mountain lord.
Chen Ping'an had to go along with Konghou's idea. "But since you're the mastermind, don't think you can run."
The white-haired child first had the five people stand in a row. Then he went to the opposite side, where he began performing hand seals and pacing the Dipper, hopping and humming. Chen Ping'an watched with a straight face—are you performing a ritual over there? Seeing the Hidden Officer Ancestor's displeased expression, the white-haired child quickly stopped and stood still, placed his hands at his dantian to sink his breath, then twisted his wrist. In his place appeared a woman's ethereal figure without a clear face. With her left hand, she spread out a pure white scroll, and with her right hand, she held a multicolored brush that shimmered with five colors. She was about to start painting. Chen Ping'an kept his face expressionless. It actually looked quite convincing.
Mountain Lord Chen Ping'an and guest Lü Yan stood in the middle, with Xiao Mo and Xie Dog on the left and right, and Xianwei and Konghou next to them.
Before setting brush to paper, the woman with the colored brush carefully examined everyone. Her voice was clear and she smiled. "Mountain Lord, don't be so stiff. Show a little smile. Mm, still not sincere enough—it has to come from within. Right, hands in sleeves looks too lazy. Hands behind your back seems a bit arrogant. How about folding your hands? No, no, just let your arms hang naturally. Hidden Officer Ancestor, don't get impatient..."
"Look beside you. True Person Pure Yang is doing great—calm and composed, holding a whisk with a sword on his back, truly an immortal presence."
"Daoist Xianwei, are you too nervous? Quickly, wipe the sweat off your forehead. This painting won't be plastered all over Huaihuang County's streets. Don't be so tense. Take a deep breath. Ah, much better now."
"My dear Konghou, don't smile so unladylike. Close your mouth a little. Are you about to eat someone?"
"Xie Dog! No tiptoeing! Straighten your head, and stop leaning into Xiao Mo's arms. Arms crossed is fine, but lower your head a bit more—you're showing your nostrils to the sky."
"Xiao Mo, you don't need to stand shoulder to shoulder with Xie Dog, but don't push her away either."
This day was the twenty-second of the first month, the sixth year of Dali's Chunping era.
At the Fallen Mountain Jise Peak Patriarch Hall plaza.
Mountain Lord Chen Ping'an, wearing a white jade hairpin, a green long gown, and cloth shoes.
Fallen Mountain gatekeeper, Daoist Nian Jing, in a cotton Daoist robe and cloud-treading shoes, with the Taoist name "Xianwei."
Rogue Immortal Lü Yan, Taoist name "Pure Yang."
Attendant Xiao Mo, in a yellow cap and green shoes with a green bamboo staff, using the alias Mo Sheng, Taoist name "Xi Zhu" (Joy Candle).
The marten-capped girl, now using the name Xie Dog, who had once used many Taoist names: Bai Jing, Chao Yun, Wai Jing, Yao Ling, etc.
The white-haired child, an outersky demon, using the name Konghou, true name Tian Ran.
A total of six individuals: one Martial Realm warrior, four Flying Ascension realm cultivators, and one fake Taoist of the lower five realms.
When the white-haired child merged with the "woman" who had put away the colored brush, Chen Ping'an and Lü Yan went down the mountain together. Xiao Mo silently followed behind them.
The marten-capped girl approached the white-haired child and gave a wink.
The white-haired child made a face. "What?"
Xie Dog extended her hand. "Don't play dumb. Hurry it up. Cut out a section of that painting—I only need just me and Xiao Mo in it. Give me one as a keepsake."
The white-haired child crossed his arms and snorted. "With your realm, you could paint a landscape scroll however you like. Why beg me?"
Xie Dog's gaze instantly turned icy. She stared at the white-haired dwarf for a moment. Konghou tilted his head and craned his neck, as if to say, "If you've got the guts, try cutting here."
With the Hidden Officer Ancestor around, who's afraid of you? A Flying Ascension perfected sword cultivator? Impressive. Oh, I'm so scared. Haha, but I'm not even human.
The marten-capped girl suddenly broke into a smile, showing a rare fawning expression. She lowered her head and rubbed her hands together, whispering, "How could it be the same? We're good sisters, isn't there anything we can discuss? You want money, right? Name your price. How many snowflake coins?"
The white-haired child patted his chest, feigning terror, and pressed his advantage, "I wonder who wanted to kill with their eyes just now?"
Xie Dog's mouth twitched, but she laughed loudly, "A great person has great magnanimity—a prime minister's belly can hold a boat. Why bother arguing with a little girl like me?"
The white-haired child was about to say more.
Xie Dog deliberately turned to look and muttered to herself, "Those three... they've walked a bit far."
The white-haired child immediately put on an even more ingratiating smile, his face blooming like a flower. He pulled a small cut-out painting from his sleeve. It combined fine brushwork with freehand, the outlines and washes exquisitely seasoned, the brushwork imbued with the spirit of courtly painting. In the painting were only Xie Dog and Xiao Mo, standing side by side. But somehow, a newly added inscription bore a signature. After handing over the scroll, the white-haired child looked up, eyes sincere. "Sister Xie, do you need help with mounting?"
Xie Dog took the scroll, slapped the white-haired child hard on the shoulder, and said spiritedly, "Konghou, I owe you one. Next time you need someone taken out, I've got your back!"
On the way down the mountain, Chen Ping'an asked, "Senior Lü, compared to Haoran, does the Azure Sky World have more or fewer eccentric individuals?"
Lü Yan laughed. "Eccentric individuals? How would you define them? That's hard to say. But if we're just talking about realms, the number of summit-level cultivators in the two worlds is roughly equal for now—only for now. As for the changing times, after a dharma rain falls, the next hundred years will be quite chaotic. Some Flying Ascension cultivators will gain great opportunities and enter the fourteenth realm; old and new fourteenth realm cultivators will unshackle themselves and slaughter Flying Ascension cultivators. As for seizing the moment before the situation settles, Flying Ascension cultivators settling old grudges or starting new conflicts—believe me, there will only be more."
"The Barren World, originally the most revered for pure freedom, because it now has Bai Ze, might actually be the most stable world. I've heard that in the Western Buddhist Kingdom, the sect of meditation masters who advocate examining thoughts and the strict monastic discipline school are almost at daggers drawn. Add to that the disagreements between the Esoteric and Chan schools, and within Chan itself over the doctrinal lineage of a certain historically famous monk—the dissent runs so deep that each side compiles its own patriarchal genealogy, claiming him for itself. This directly affects where two prominent Chan lineages should sit—no small matter. As for the ancient scripture debate, in the last thousand years, though some Buddhist 'dragons and elephants' have tried to blur the lines, divisions remain significant. In the Azure Sky World, where I've traveled for years, a view that until recently cultivators only dared to hold in their hearts—'the world has suffered under Yu Dou long enough'—has now surfaced like receding water revealing the rocks. It has become a common saying circulating among the fourteen prefectures' Daoist officials. The Jade Capital seems not to have deliberately suppressed this discussion, and it has the momentum of wildfire. You must understand, currently it's not Lu Zhangjiao sitting in charge of the Jade Capital—it's Yu Dou himself."
"Rest assured, regardless of what happens, someone like me—three thousand years before and three thousand years after—will remain one in a countably few."
Near the foot of the mountain, Lü Yan said, "Mountain Lord Chen, you need not see me off any further."
Chen Ping'an stopped.
Lü Yan smiled. "A thousand years of flowing water, following the mountain through ten thousand turns. Enter the temple to burn incense, then leave the mountain gate—each must cultivate on their own."
Chen Ping'an nodded. "A hundred years in the mortal world, but a heart that lasts ten thousand years. Cultivators on the mountain often live for centuries or millennia. So-called cultivation is nothing but this one heart."
Lü Yan asked, "No invitation received?"
Chen Ping'an said wryly, "Even if invited, I wouldn't dare go. No matter who tries to persuade me, I won't agree."
Lü Yan said, "That's because you haven't truly convinced yourself yet. That's why having too many principles isn't good either. The White Bone Immortal once made an analogy—it's like a gang fight or raising gu insects."
Chen Ping'an thought for a moment. "A good analogy."
Lü Yan made a Daoist hand gesture and said, "Next time we meet, I'll trouble Mountain Lord Chen to help escort me for a stretch."
Chen Ping'an returned the gesture with a cupped fist. "I will certainly do my utmost, living up to Senior's trust."
Lü Yan pointed toward the mountaintop with his whisk. "Just now, Daoist Konghou invited me via heart voice to serve as your Fallen Mountain's deputy mountain lord, insisting it was her own idea, absolutely unrelated to the mountain lord. Isn't that a case of 'it takes a thief to catch a thief'? 'Beat the branches whether there are dates or not'—give it a try?"
Chen Ping'an smiled awkwardly and cupped his hands again. "I apologize for the impertinence. I'll apologize to Senior on behalf of Konghou."
Lü Yan waved his hand. "Get used to it."
Chen Ping'an asked via heart voice, "Dare I ask, Senior, how is Lin Jiangxian's fist technique in the Azure Sky World?"
Lü Yan smiled. "This Master Lin's fist technique is extremely high, and his swordsmanship is even higher."
Chen Ping'an didn't ask further.
Lü Yan said, "Having sent out that fire talisman, my karmic affinity with Chen Nuan Shu has come to a close, marked with a period. Fortunately, it started and ended well. As for future fate, we'll let it follow its course."
Chen Ping'an nodded.
Lü Yan withdrew his whisk and looked around. "A mountain needs a hundred flowers to bloom. Don't let it become so silent that everyone learns to imitate someone else without being anyone. Ten steps of fragrant grass are better than one towering tree."
Xiao Mo said, "True Person Pure Yang, I won't say much else, but you wasted this lesson. My master has already done his best in this regard."
Lü Yan smiled and nodded. "I've grown accustomed to life in the marketplace. Before leaving, if I didn't toss out a few immortal-sounding words from a lofty person, I'd feel something was off. Forgive me, forgive me."
Xiao Mo laughed. "Then let me also invite True Person Pure Yang to be a deputy mountain lord of Fallen Mountain—sincerely and without any polite pretense."
Lü Yan clicked his tongue in wonder. "Your Fallen Mountain's atmosphere is truly formidable. Even my Pure Yang dharma can barely withstand it."
Chen Ping'an said guiltily, "It's my fault for being an absentee manager for too many years. I lack authority. One by one, they're far too 'not silent as cicadas in winter.'"
According to an unwritten rule on the mountain, visitors enter the mountain gate and leave the mountain gate. Lü Yan, upon reaching the foot of the mountain, directly performed a technique of shrinking the earth, crossing half the Bottle Gourd Continent in one step. Arriving at the northernmost immortal ferry port, he looked north toward the Beiju Continent. Employing aura observation, he saw three glimmers of light scattered near the mountain where Bai Shang was in seclusion. It seemed that He Xiaoliang wouldn't make a move for now. Lü Yan then shrunk the land again, instantly appearing above the sea. Fixing his gaze, he waved his whisk, casually parting the sea and raising a hundred-foot wave. The Daoist's figure flashed and vanished, heading toward a seabed dragon palace site that Zhenlong Wang Zhu had yet to discover. The layers of restrictions were like nothing to him—the Pure Yang Daoist strolled as if entering an empty realm.
On the mountain path, Xiao Mo reminded via heart voice, "Master, Xie Dog has an unpredictable temper. If she stays on Fallen Mountain, she could cause trouble at any moment. Perhaps I should find a way?"
To a pure sword cultivator, especially one from the Barren World's demon race, the way of viewing the world outside oneself was actually very simple—carefully assess combat strength. Facing different cultivators, how many sword strikes would he need to deliver? In Bai Jing's eyes, even a reclusive expert like True Person Pure Yang, whose depth she couldn't yet gauge, didn't make her afraid. If it were the Barren World, Bai Jing would have already provoked a sword duel long ago. Since she couldn't see his depth, she'd just find out through fighting.
Chen Ping'an joked, "A way? What way? Offering yourself? Xiao Mo, is this how a death warrior behaves—by selling your looks?"
Xiao Mo opened his mouth to speak but stopped.
Chen Ping'an said, "I know what you're thinking. You want to set rules for her, like a three-part treaty, telling her that if she crosses the line, you'll unleash your natal flying sword. You're serious, and Bai Jing will believe you're serious. But I don't think it's necessary. Fine, fine, stop worrying about this. Since I've agreed to let her return to the mountain, just relax and focus on your sword training. Damn it, this Bai Jing earlier kept going on about how your talent is inferior to hers, droning on and on, nearly pissing me off. You probably heard it too, so Xiao Mo, you need to cultivate hard."
Xiao Mo said helplessly, "I haven't slackened in cultivation since following you, Master."
Otherwise, he might have found a path into the fourteenth realm already—he was just half a step too late.
Chen Ping'an smiled. "When the Dao Ancestor came to the town earlier and asked me about cultivation insights, I answered with a poem by Master Su: 'Dan Prefecture's clouds and Qiantang's tide—not seen, a hundred regrets won't subside. When arrived, it's nothing more, just Dan Prefecture's clouds and Qiantang's tide.'"
Xiao Mo smiled knowingly. "Master Su is hailed as the foremost poet-critic, yet this poem has deep Chan meaning. A scholar discussing this with the Dao Ancestor—you're the only one under heaven, Master."
Chen Ping'an sighed like his own teacher, "Stop it. You're overthinking. I didn't have any such competitive intention."
He explained, "The reason I brought this up is to tell you that matters of love between men and women are often like this. The things we yearn for and can't obtain are nothing more than the 'Dan Prefecture clouds and Qiantang tide' in our hearts. We worry endlessly, with a thousand regrets and ten thousand grievances—how can a single word 'sorrow' capture it? But when we actually get what we want, the Dan Prefecture clouds and Qiantang tide remain the same, but our hearts have changed. Is it the wind moving or the banner moving? It's only the heart moving."
"I'm not worried about what Xie Dog might do. I'm only worried about the day you actually come to like her. Then the situation will reverse. You said it yourself—Bai Jing's heart is fickle. Her affection will go from intense to shallow. Then it'll be your turn to pay back debts, and you'll suffer for it. I don't want to see you drowning your sorrows in drink every day, looking disheveled like a drunkard."
"As for why I'm tolerant toward Xie Dog? It's because I think it's remarkable that someone can love the same person for ten thousand years, and then, after ten thousand years, actively cross two worlds to find that person for a reunion."
Xiao Mo was silent.
Chen Ping'an said, "Xiao Mo, worst-case scenario—even if you still don't like her, you should at least be aware. Don't just feel annoyance. Be a little patient in your words."
Xiao Mo nodded, then suddenly said, "Master's reasoning sounds reasonable, but it loses persuasiveness coming from you. You and Miss Ning—from meeting, knowing, understanding, to longing, loving, and cherishing—you've never changed your heart."
Chen Ping'an moved very quickly and winked.
Xiao Mo was puzzled.
Chen Ping'an didn't explain anything. He just patted Xiao Mo on the shoulder, put his hands back into his sleeves, and slowly continued up the mountain.
Xiao Mo, you and Xie Dog being a pair isn't without reason. High realm, few thoughts—to put it simply, you're naive and easy to fool.
This is what's called "speaking of a thing is not hitting the mark." With Bai Jing's one-track stubbornness, if I said something, she'd have to prove me wrong out of spite. But if you one day come around and like her, then she'll like you even more, Xiao Mo.
The newly befriended marten-capped girl and white-haired child crouched together on the white jade railing at the edge of the plaza, craning their necks as if eavesdropping.
The white-haired child asked curiously, "Sister Xie, what did the Hidden Officer Ancestor and your man talk about?"
Xie Dog fiddled with her marten cap. "Heartfelt words between two grown men—mostly cursing me, so they were sincere. But they were moving. Very moving."
The white-haired child was extremely curious. "What exactly did they say? Tell me."
Xie Dog suddenly said, "Instead of standing or sitting, we're crouching—bad posture, like squatting in an outhouse."
The white-haired child burst out laughing.
Xie Dog had a sudden inspiration. "Konghou, let's form a little faction too. First, we can recruit that Left Protector, and we can give him whatever official title we want."
The white-haired child frowned. "Unofficial appointments don't have much weight. Hard to convince people. And Fallen Mountain has so few people, it's hard to trick anyone into joining. Ah, I knew I should have agreed to the Hidden Officer Ancestor and gone to Tongye Continent to deceive a few fresh faces who don't know the real story."
Xie Dog nodded. "No rush. Those who build great achievements must plan far ahead. Let's set a time to discuss it properly later."
The white-haired child said, "We've read so much—you with your 'oxen sweating and books filling the house,' me with my 'learning enough to fill five carts'—but we can't end up like scholars whose rebellion never succeeds even in ten years."
Xie Dog rubbed her chin, looking troubled, then relaxed her brow and slammed her fist into her palm. "This is what they call 'mistakenly thinking to steal leisure and learn from youth'—'the gentleman dwells in ease and awaits his fate.'"
The white-haired child nodded vigorously. "That has some learning to it. Zhou Mili's faction can't compare to our little mountain, which for now is just the two of us. No contest!"
"Why are you so close to Chen Ping'an?"
"No matter what something is, if it's clearly a certain way, pretending it isn't—that's always hard work. For example, Chen Ping'an: he's a lovelorn fool who once burst into tears just hearing a story about Liu Laocheng of Palace Willow Island, his heart thoroughly broken. So deep down, he actually pities me, but he never shows me an ounce of pity. That makes me grateful."
"Yes, 'This body originally knew no sorrow, yet fears the moment it meets tenderness.'"
The white-haired child rolled his eyes. If that line wasn't from Zhu Lian, I'll eat shit.
"If Zhu Lian were willing to show his true face and hold a few Mirror, Flower, Water, Moon performances, I can guarantee that within a year, at least a hundred female cultivators would switch sects and flock to Fallen Mountain."
Xie Dog nodded in agreement. "If we're just talking about looks, my Xiao Mo and Old Mr. Zhu are probably about a hundred Chen Ping'ans apart."
The white-haired child changed his tune. "Miss Xie, friends are friends, but I won't allow you to disparage the Hidden Officer Ancestor like that!"
"Then only ten?"
"That's more like it."
A natal flying sword silently departed.
Xie Dog grinned. Thinking that because the flying sword has become ethereal, hiding in the Daoist aura that stinky Daoist left in the mountain—like a fish diving into the deep—do you think I can't guess your tricks, Mountain Lord Chen?
Xie Dog pulled out a flask of local rough-brewed liquor from the town, sold by weight. She took a swig and was silent for a long time, then asked out of the blue, "From carefree and unrestrained to becoming neither human, ghost, spirit, nor immortal—do you hold any resentment?"
The white-haired child let out a "hey" and said calmly, "The trees and grass in the mountains, the crops in the fields—each has its own fate. What can you do about it if you want?"
Xie Dog drank. "At the height of unfreedom—could that also be freedom?"
The white-haired child was silent for a long time, then suddenly raised a fist and pumped his arm. "I've figured it out! Victory or defeat rests on this one move!"
Xie Dog said, "Don't be so loud."
The white-haired child lowered his voice. "Sister Xie, if we want to come from behind and overshadow the line of Chief Fei and the Little Dwarf, there's one absolutely crucial move!"
Xie Dog asked, "Old Mr. Zhu?"
The white-haired child shook his head, grinning. "Guo Zhujiu!"
Over there, Xiao Mo noticed that his master had taken out the gourd sword-nurturer again, took a sip of wine, and seemed gloomy.
Chen Ping'an said, "Xiao Mo, do you think a hundred or two hundred years from now, or even longer, when Fallen Mountain has hundreds or thousands of people, if we look back at today, would it feel a bit foreign?"
Xiao Mo smiled. "Perhaps it will, perhaps it won't."
Chen Ping'an laughed in exasperation. "Easy for an idle person to say."
Afterward, Xiao Mo returned to his residence to refine his sword, while Chen Ping'an went to the bamboo tower to continue agonizing over how to begin the preface of a certain fist manual.
With the outstanding example of the Shaking Mountain Fist Manual before him, Chen Ping'an had been racking his brains over this. He sat at the desk for a long time before simply picking up a book to read.
Late at night, silence all around.
Chen Ping'an opened the door and stepped onto the several green bricks laid on the ground together with Cui Dongshan. He walked the circle six times back and forth.
Then he returned to the room, took off his cloth shoes, dismissed all thoughts, and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
How could Chen Ping'an not have selfish motives? He was already so serious and earnest when teaching fists to Cao Yin and Cao Yang. And Zhao Shuxia was a direct disciple registered in the Patriarch Hall's rolls—of course he would be even more dedicated.
So Chen Ping'an had Zhao Shuxia move from Qilong Lane to Fallen Mountain itself.
Eventually, he set the place for teaching fists on the second floor of the bamboo tower.
Ever since receiving the apprentice's tea and formally accepting Zhao Shuxia as a direct disciple, Chen Ping'an had been seriously considering how to teach fists.
Writing a custom fist manual was just one part of the plan.
What to teach—should he continue with the Shaking Mountain Fist, plus the "Straightening the Great Dragon" learned from Zhong Qiu's stances, or Zhu Lian's fist stances, or Huang Ting's White Ape Back-Bearing Sword Technique, or the new frames evolved from the six immortal figures of the Pu Shan Cloud Grass Hall, along with the fist manual gifted by Konghou? Should he help Zhao Shuxia climb from low to high, sampling from a hundred masters to achieve complete mastery, wait until Zhao Shuxia reaches the fifth realm, then temper his physique through the sixth realm...? Or should he teach directly the Divine Man's Drum Stance and Chen Ping'an's own creations that blend fists and swords—"Blooming Flowers" and "Slice Moon"? And how exactly to teach—should he suppress his realm, and if so, by how many realms? Or not suppress it at all, like on the Deer Hold the Zhi ferry boat, when he fed fists to the knife grinder Liu Zong? Should he choose a vassal peak like Yellow Lake Mountain or Grey Fog Mountain to imitate the Cloud Steam Mountain of the Green Ping Sword Sect, using Zhao Shuxia as a starting point to specifically train pure martial artists, thereby establishing a precedent for Fallen Mountain martial artists learning fists? Or should he choose the bamboo tower's second floor? If the location ends up being the bamboo tower, should he inherit an unwritten tradition and teach fists in the style of Senior Cui Cheng, or should he use his own method? If both are possible, how much of each should he mix to best suit Zhao Shuxia? These were all very real questions before Chen Ping'an. As a master, he had to have a clear plan and a method before formally teaching his disciple. These days, Chen Ping'an had been repeatedly considering and overturning one idea after another. But this process also gave him the chance to review his own martial arts career.
This morning, just before dawn, Chen Ping'an sat alone at the stone table by the cliff. Before long, Nuan Shu and Xiao Mili walked over together. Both girls carried bags slung across their bodies, and together they carried a... wooden clothes rack?
Chen Ping'an was amused. He stood up and asked with a smile, "What are you two doing?"
Zhou Mili laughed loudly. "Sister Nuan Shu said that since you're going to stay on the mountain for a long time this time, we two put our heads together last night and decided to tidy things up properly."
Chen Ping'an teased, "So you even brought a clothes rack? Looks like the old cook's handiwork. You didn't rush him to make it overnight, did you?"
Xiao Mili quickly pressed her lips together.
Nuan Shu nodded and smiled. "I asked Mr. Zhu to help."
Xiao Mili immediately added, "Together, together!"
Actually, it had been her silly idea last night. Sister Nuan Shu had originally wanted to bring it up in the morning, but couldn't resist her instigation and went to knock on the door in the middle of the night.
Alas, she still wasn't iron-boned enough. No wonder Pei Qian was the Chief Leader.
Nuan Shu explained, "Mr. Zhu said that given your current status, you need to receive guests often. It's not that we need to judge people by their appearance, but some cultivators who are half-acquainted and can ascend the mountain genuinely admire you. You're so handsome, with first-class immortal charisma, but always wearing a green long gown—it gets a bit monotonous. Occasionally changing into different clothes and dharma robes—not to mention how outsiders will marvel—can also please our own eyes and lift our spirits. Xiao Mili and I both think Mr. Zhu makes sense..."
Xiao Mili nodded vigorously. "Right, right! The old cook's few words spoke our minds."
Nuan Shu's eyes sparkled. After setting up the clothes rack, Zhou Mili crouched on the ground, looking left and right, saying it was perfect! The pink-skirted girl then busied herself opening the two bags, taking out a complete set of clothes. She clearly had already rehearsed what to say. She took the initiative to ask her master for that green gauze Daoist robe.
Chen Ping'an originally wanted to say "Cut it out," but seeing Nuan Shu and Xiao Mili so enthusiastic, he had to hold his nose and keep quiet. He silently took out the green gauze dharma robe from his item-space and handed it to Nuan Shu.
Nuan Shu bustled about, carefully selecting neatly folded clothes from the bag Xiao Mili held in both hands, all the while smiling and saying she had to match things properly. Last night, Zhu Lian had said to wait and see—with this kind of attire, when he, Zhu Lian, personally crafted a golden crown that wasn't at all vulgar, then whether the master held a white jade lingzhi or a whisk, and wore the cloud-treading shoes Xiao Mo had woven, why, even Sword Immortal Mi would feel ashamed of her own appearance and regret not being born a woman...
Chen Ping'an said nothing.
If the old cook came over to watch the fun, he could go directly to the second floor for a sparring session.
Besides the clothes rack, Nuan Shu and Xiao Mili had also brought some thoughtful odds and ends.
For instance, they hung a string of chimes under the bamboo tower's eaves, and brought a celadon vase with a single plum branch just cut.
Chen Ping'an joked, "Nuan Shu, it's easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to go from luxury to frugality."
Nuan Shu smiled. "Master doesn't need to worry about that."
Xiao Mili nodded like a chick pecking rice.
Chen Ping'an laughed soundlessly, sitting on the bamboo porch outside the door. With nothing to do, he had Xiao Mili help bring out the small bamboo basket filled with invitations, all sorts of cards.
Most were from the Bottle Gourd and Beiju Continents—for instance, the emperor of Stone Hair Country wanted to catch up with him. There were also a few letters from outside the two continents, somewhat unexpected, including an invitation from a female ship owner of the overseas Fuyao Continent.
Over at Cui Dongshan's place, expansion would be fast. Unlike Fallen Mountain's approach, Cui Dongshan had openly stated that the Green Ping Sword Sect would open its doors wide and broadly accept disciples. They had already established ties with several dynasties, including the Great Spring Yao Family. Within their respective territories, as long as there were sword cultivator seeds, as many as there were—you provide the people and the money, and our Xian Du Mountain will help cultivate them. Not long ago, a secret letter came from Cloud Steam Mountain's Our Cao Peak, saying that the Great Abyss Dynasty, which had split into three, was about to reunify. Yuan Li and Yuan Mi, who had declared themselves emperors, were both willing to demote themselves to vassal kings and honor Yuan Ying as emperor. Moreover, Wang Manmeng and Qian Hou'er both admired the master to the point of prostration, refusing to leave, insisting on joining the Green Ping Sword Sect... As for the martial artist Hong Chou, he wasn't bad either—small gambling for pleasure hadn't made him money, so he just went big and bet on Emperor Yuan Ying. A hero gambles his life to repay the Son of Heaven.
But in this letter, our Sect Master Cui had once again obliquely inquired about Zhao Luan's cultivation progress.
Chen Ping'an looked at the invitations one by one.
Xiao Mili lay on her stomach on the porch, her cheeks cupped in her hands, carefully counting the white clouds passing by the cliff. The fog was heavy, so the clouds were fat, really big lumps. Mm, that was a sea of clouds.
Nuan Shu tugged at Xiao Mili's sleeve. Xiao Mili immediately understood. She rolled over, then did a carp jump, springing up and standing steady. "Good Mountain Lord, I need to go on patrol!"
Chen Ping'an smiled and nodded. "Go ahead."
He put the letters and invitations back into the small bamboo basket, stood up, and walked again to the cliff edge. After watching the sunrise and sea of clouds, he stood up and went to Zhao Shuxia's residence on the mountain. He knocked on the door. Zhao Shuxia, who was practicing walking the circle, habitually called out "Mr. Chen." Chen Ping'an didn't mind.
When told they were going to the bamboo tower's second floor, Zhao Shuxia's expression was complicated. He nodded firmly and silently followed.
Now Zhao Shuxia's martial realm was at the bottleneck of the fourth realm—still a fourth realm warrior.
Because years ago Chen Ping'an had given him a copy of "The Standard of Swordsmanship," Zhao Shuxia had also studied swordsmanship alongside his fist practice all these years.
Chen Ping'an said, "Cui Dongshan wants to accept Zhao Luan as his direct disciple. What do you think?"
Cui Dongshan had "coveted" Zhao Luan's cultivation aptitude for a long time and genuinely wanted to take her as his direct disciple.
Cui Dongshan had very high praise for her, saying that even if she couldn't compare to a "Heavenly Talent" like Chai Wu, his Luan Luan could be considered a "Earthly Talent" in every sense of the word.
In any sect in the Haoran world, she would be a sought-after prize worth carefully cultivating.
Chen Ping'an still intended to first ask Zhao Luan herself. If she chose to stay at Fallen Mountain, it wouldn't hurt her cultivation. But the path Cui Dongshan could offer would definitely let her advance faster, and not through shortcut-driven "forcing growth," so there wouldn't be hidden dangers. To be honest, teaching fists was one thing, but guiding others in cultivation—Chen Ping'an wasn't confident about that. To convince the master to agree to this, Cui Dongshan had solemnly sworn that Zhao Luan's formation of a golden core was already fully prepared; they only needed Zhao Luan to arrive at Our Cao Peak on Cloud Steam Mountain. He believed within a year or two, she could formally enter seclusion, with him personally protecting her. At the same time, Cui Dongshan hinted to his master that the next peak master position of Our Cao Peak was naturally fat water not flowing to other fields. Stepping further, a future promotion to the mountain lord of Chou Mou Mountain could also be considered.
The Green Ping Sword Sect had three peaks: Xian Du Mountain was the sword cultivator's dojo; Cloud Steam Mountain was for pure martial artists—this was a "founding precedent" personally set by Cui Dongshan. Qi refiners who weren't sword cultivators were arranged on Chou Mou Mountain. The main peak, Jing Xing Peak, had its first peak master as Cao Qinglang. Since as Cui Dongshan's junior brother, Cao Qinglang was the predetermined next sect leader, whether he was the peak master of Chou Mou Mountain was insignificant. Better to vacate the position for someone else.
Cui Dongshan patted his chest and guaranteed that if Zhao Luan formed her core and it didn't manifest at least a second-grade phenomenon, the master could come to the Green Ping Sword Sect to demand an accounting and hold him responsible.
Chen Ping'an couldn't be bothered to argue with him. If she became his direct disciple, even if Zhao Luan didn't form a second-grade golden core, what could he say?
When it came to shamelessness, Cui Dongshan, as a student, had more talent than the teacher. "A dog lifts the curtain with its mouth"—all talk.
Zhao Shuxia said, "I think Luan Luan might not want to go to the Green Ping Sword Sect. But she always listens to you, Mr. Chen. If you suggest she go there, I think she'll probably agree. Besides, being valued by Sect Master Cui and becoming his direct disciple—I'm happy for her too."
Zhao Luan was currently a Dragon Gate realm Qi refiner. Her cultivation had been smooth, almost without obstacles, breaking through naturally. In contrast, the older Zhao Shuxia, after practicing over two million fists, had struggled and finally reached the fourth realm warrior level, still stuck at a bottleneck.
Chen Ping'an said, "Time flies, Shuxia. After the New Year, you're thirty-six this year, right?"
He remembered when they first met in the Yan Zhi County town of Cai Yi Kingdom—Zhao Shuxia had been a skinny boy holding a woodcutter's knife.
Zhao Shuxia grinned. "Yes, that's right. Thirty-six."
Chen Ping'an teased, "Getting on in years, traveled far and wide—haven't met any girl you like? One you like doesn't fancy you, and one who likes you doesn't catch your fancy? No settling for less, so you're dragging it out?"
Zhao Shuxia blushed. "I've never really thought about that."
Chen Ping'an said self-deprecatingly, "Let's not talk about that. After all, pressing someone to marry is as annoying as a dog hating kids. I haven't been your master long enough to pull rank with that kind of unwelcome authority."
As Chen Ping'an's direct disciples, there were currently five: Cui Dongshan, Pei Qian, Cao Qinglang, Zhao Shuxia, and Guo Zhujiu.
Cui Dongshan was already the lower sect's master; Pei Qian was a Martial Realm warrior famous across the world.
Cao Qinglang was a top-notch scholarly seed, a senior graduate of the Dali imperial examinations, now a Golden Core earth immortal and just appointed peak master of Jing Xing Peak.
Guo Zhujiu came from the Sword Qi Great Wall, a Golden Core sword cultivator, from the Summer Palace lineage, a standout among the younger sword cultivators of his home.
It seemed only Zhao Shuxia remained unknown. Not only had he no notable achievements now, but in the future, the gap between him and his senior siblings would only grow larger.
Zhao Shuxia had also imagined his future. Perhaps in twenty or thirty years, at most he'd be a Golden Body realm warrior—maybe not even that, stuck forever at the sixth realm.
So when Fallen Mountain was promoted to a sect and Mr. Chen suddenly accepted him as a direct disciple, registering him in the Jise Peak Patriarch Hall's rolls, no one was more surprised than Zhao Shuxia himself.
Since Mr. Chen often traveled far away, in terms of learning fists, Mr. Zhu had spent a great deal of effort.
But every time Zhao Shuxia broke through a realm, it was always far from the "strongest" that could earn martial destiny.
In Zhao Shuxia's residence, there was a plaque in the study, written in Chen Ping'an's own hand.
"Seeking Truth Studio."
That was probably Chen Ping'an's greatest expectation for Zhao Shuxia.
Chen Ping'an led Zhao Shuxia, one before the other, up the bamboo tower stairs.
Chen Ping'an walked slowly and said, "Shuxia, in my view, a person can have two extremely valuable talents: the visible one is natural aptitude; the invisible one is effort. Zhao Luan is the former, you belong to the latter. I'm not saying Zhao Luan doesn't work hard, nor that you have no talent at all. Becoming a fourth realm warrior already means you've entered the hall—having fist intent in your body is something many martial artists dream of. Outside the mountain, if you were just a jianghu wanderer, you must not be arrogant or look down on others. But Fallen Mountain is special. I need to make sure you don't belittle yourself or deny yourself too much. Pei Qian is Pei Qian; Zhao Shuxia is Zhao Shuxia. Practicing fists comes first; challenging others to determine superiority comes second. You can't get that order wrong."
Here, Chen Ping'an joked, "A master who's too good, a senior sister who's too strong—sometimes that's a burden too?"
Zhao Shuxia hummed in agreement.
Truly a sincere man.
When they reached the second-floor corridor of the bamboo tower, Chen Ping'an didn't hurry to open the door.
"But when we put effort into something over a long time, it's visible—but easily overlooked, because both the one working hard and the onlookers don't see it as talent."
"I've always believed that if you haven't truly gritted your teeth and worked hard, you have no right to talk about talent. Identify a path, find the door, don't get distracted. Keep the right direction, persevere, keep your feet on the ground, then suddenly look up. At that point, you can't see the backs of those ahead of you—the ones walking in front. Those are geniuses. Losing to them is fate. Then you can complain to heaven without blaming yourself. Eat your fill, keep warm, sleep soundly, and have a clear conscience."
"Knowing the gap between you and those geniuses—that's the harvest of your effort. Don't think it's useless. It will be very useful for your martial arts training and your life."
"Because on the martial path, roughly speaking, that's the relationship between Cao Ci and me."
Zhao Shuxia hesitated, then decided to speak honestly. "Master, not everyone can chase Cao Ci and always see Cao Ci's back."
Chen Ping'an smiled and nodded, extremely gratified. Excellent! First there was student Cao Qinglang, now disciple Zhao Shuxia. Who still dares to say our Fallen Mountain's atmosphere is bad?
Chen Ping'an said, "Shuxia, have you ever thought that on our life's path, there might always be some existence like Cao Ci?"
Zhao Shuxia nodded and said solemnly, "I understand!"
Chen Ping'an asked, "Shuxia, in your opinion, what is Senior Sister Pei Qian's greatest strength, or what do you most want to learn from her?"
Zhao Shuxia answered without hesitation. "Senior Sister can endure great hardship and also has her own ideas. She's like you in both those respects, Master."
For example, during the time Pei Qian was here learning fists, she jumped off the cliff every day... to ask the earth a question! That kind of thing, Zhao Shuxia didn't think he could have come up with even if he practiced fists for a hundred years.
So Zhao Shuxia never thought Pei Qian achieved her martial accomplishments just because of talent.
Chen Ping'an stood in the corridor, leaning on the railing, looking into the distance. He smiled and said, "Let me tell you something I've never told anyone else. I've actually always had a wish."
Zhao Shuxia looked serious, waiting for what came next.
Chen Ping'an suddenly changed his mind and said with a smile, "I'll tell you later, once we're behind closed doors."
In the Haoran world, in the central Da Duan Dynasty, the female Martial God Pei Bei had disciples including Cao Ci and three direct disciples including Ma Quxian.
In the Azure Sky World, Lin Jiangxian, revered as "Master Lin," was not only the undisputed number one martial artist under heaven but also said to be highly skilled in teaching fists.
And here at Fallen Mountain, Chen Ping'an and Pei Qian were another pair of masters and disciples both at the Martial Realm.
But Fallen Mountain also had Zhu Lian.
And then there was Zheng Dafeng, now in the Five-Colored World.
Plus Zhong Qiu, Wei Xian, and Lu Baixiang. Among the younger generation, there were Cen Yuanji, Yuan Bao, Yuan Lai, and Zhou Junchen.
As for the Barren World, because the great cultivators were too overbearing, pure martial artists had never really flourished. Even if they managed to reach the Martial Realm, they either became vassals or were beaten to death by cultivators. Almost no grandmaster had established a truly independent school that stood firm.
Thus, across several worlds, a pattern of "three fist lineages" was quietly taking shape.
Zhao Shuxia was still straightforward. He unconsciously changed the address again and said, "Mr. Chen, about future martial achievements, Mr. Zhu once made some predictions to me in the early years. He said that if not for meeting you, I would most likely be three realms behind Senior Sister Pei. I think that must be the truth."
It turned out that Zhu Lian had indeed had a heart-to-heart with Zhao Shuxia. If you had never met the mountain lord, you might have trained diligently all your life, but at best, if you were lucky enough not to be beaten to death in the jianghu, you'd reach the sixth realm, become a top expert in a small country, calling the shots in a pond-sized jianghu—that would be the best outcome. After you entered Fallen Mountain to learn fists, it was like heaven and earth opened wide. You had hope to reach the Golden Body realm, and you could even dare to hope—though it was only a hope—to enter the eighth realm, with true qi ascending, able to travel far like a Qi refiner. If one day you were lucky enough to become the mountain lord's personal disciple, then you'd have hope to reach the ninth realm. Even if you stood at the summit of mortal martial artists, you'd still have to obediently crane your neck and look up at the sky.
Chen Ping'an laughed. "That old cook is just a Distant Travel realm. What does he know? He can't judge people accurately."
A stooped old man, his hands behind his back, was walking along the path. Just as he was about to turn onto the bamboo tower path, he coughed a few times and had to turn back, not wanting to be a nuisance.
Zhao Shuxia heard the coughing and became extremely embarrassed. He held Zhu Lian in great respect.
Chen Ping'an continued, "On this bamboo tower, we'll first build a solid foundation. Then I need to go to Yunzhou, to a place called Sui'an County in Yanzhou Prefecture, to work as a tutor at a school. You'll come with me and settle there. I'll be able to guide your cultivation anytime."
The upper reaches of the White Crane River had the Iron Bond River. The deity shrine was named Accumulated Incense Temple, similar to a family temple of the Ziyang Prefecture. The river god was named Gao Niang, appearing as an old Confucian scholar, but he was a first-rate "interesting character." The several hundred miles of the Iron Bond River waters had been transferred to the White Crane River water manor. The Dali court's Ministry of Rites, the Northern Peak Mountain Lord's manor of Pi Yun Mountain, and the Huang Ting Kingdom court had all separately recorded the files. Therefore, the White Crane River Water God, praised by mountain immortals as a "beauty banana," had merged the Iron Bond River, allowing Xiao Luan to elevate her divine rank by one level, equal to the rank of the Cold Food River Water God.
Gao Niang, who had been transferred away from the Iron Bond River, was also promoted one rank. Because Yunzhou had a new great river officially recognized by the Dali court, Gao Niang got to build a temple and have a new golden statue. Crucially, at the river's source, the Wu Xi, there was an ancient Shu dragon palace site recently discovered by the Dali court. The small stream, similar to the Dragon Whisker River, had a stone arch bridge of about the same size, named Ten Thousand Year Bridge—though no ancient sword hung there, of course. It was said that in Sui'an County, whenever there was a long drought, the elderly had a custom of going up the mountain to call for rain.
Chen Ping'an took out his key, opened the bamboo door on the second floor, turned around, and sat on the threshold, taking off his cloth shoes.
Zhao Shuxia sat beside him and did the same.
Sitting barefoot in the doorway, Chen Ping'an slowly rolled up his sleeves. "The first person to teach fists here was Senior Cui Cheng, a pinnacle Divine Arrival Martial Realm warrior who also had one foot in the eleventh realm. As for your senior sister—when she'll reach Divine Arrival, I dare not say, but I believe she won't take long to reach the Returning Truth level. As for myself, reaching 'Divine Arrival' is of course not easy, but I wouldn't call it a vain hope."
Chen Ping'an raised his hand and extended four fingers. "The old saying says some things shouldn't happen three times, implying that four times is even harder. If I said my expectations for you aren't high, that would be a lie. You might foolishly believe it, but I can't even say it. Of course, I hope that Zhao Shuxia, learning fists here, can one day become the fourth Martial Realm warrior after Cui Cheng, Chen Ping'an, and Pei Qian. Then the bamboo tower warriors will all be Martial Realm."
Chen Ping'an turned to look at Zhao Shuxia and smiled. "So the only question now is you."
Zhao Shuxia straightened his back, his body tense. In truth, his mind was already blank.
Chen Ping'an asked with a smile, "Dare not even think it, let alone do it?"
Zhao Shuxia blushed and nodded.
"Zhao Shuxia, you must dare to think!"
Chen Ping'an stood up. "This is the first fist I, Chen Ping'an, teach you in learning fists, before you officially enter the door from today onward."
"This is the fist technique of 'Daring to Think.'"
Chen Ping'an stood. "If you don't even dare think about something, how can you accomplish it? In this life, tell yourself 'I can't do it' a little less. The Daoist school emphasizes heart-fasting and sitting in forgetfulness—you must sit alone to break through the supreme void, heart-fasting to create your own heaven and earth. The Buddhist school says face the wall in seated meditation—you must sit through the cushion and break through the wall. Even if the road ahead is blocked, use your fists to open the way. Zhao Shuxia, you're different from me. I am both a warrior and a mountain cultivator. A warrior's lifespan is limited. I hope that when you're old and can no longer throw a fist, even if you haven't reached the Martial Realm, you'll have a clear conscience. At that moment, ask yourself, and dare to say: 'I, Zhao Shuxia, in this life of martial training, have never failed the word 'pure.'"
"Enter!"
Chen Ping'an turned and strode into the room, saying in a low voice, "And close the door!"
Zhao Shuxia followed Chen Ping'an into the room, then turned and closed the bamboo door.
If not for Zhu Lian and Zhou Mili's reminder yesterday, Zhao Shuxia might not have realized the true meaning of the master saying "close the door" at this moment.
From this moment onward, Zhao Shuxia, the skinny boy who once held a woodcutter's knife, was the master Chen Ping'an's final disciple on the martial path!
Chen Ping'an stood at one spot in the room.
Zhao Shuxia stood opposite Chen Ping'an, roughly where Chen Ping'an had stood years ago, and later where Pei Qian had stood.
Chen Ping'an smiled. "Now that the door is closed, I can say those words."
"I want the world—not just the Haoran world—to see this bamboo tower, and all warriors shall behold it as they would a Patriarch Hall!"