The seven hundred *li* journey before reaching Swordwater Manor had been somewhat subdued, due to Chen Pingan’s heavy thoughts. This trip to the border’s immortal ferry crossing, however, was a world apart. With many things brought out into the open, and each revealing their secrets, their bond grew increasingly strong. Even the tragic tale of his friends’ deaths was discussed, with Xu Yuanxia, during a night’s rest on a mountaintop, divulging some of the details while drinking wine. Zhang Shanfeng also rareily mentioned his family background and sect, taking the wine gourd offered by Chen Pingan and taking a big swig. He cursed his master, the Fire Dragon True Man, with a stream of harsh words, but despite the cutting remarks, the young Daoist’s face was filled with longing. He held his peach wood sword across his knees and, when overcome with emotion, could only use the wine to hide the tears in his eyes.

During this time, the young Daoist sneezed several times. The bearded man joked, “What’s this? Can your master hear your complaints from across a continent? Is he some outer sect celestial master from Dragon Tiger Mountain?” Zhang Shanfeng sullenly replied, “Celestial master, my ass! The old coot hasn’t been to the Central Earth Divine Continent his whole life. He’s always yammering about paying respects to the ancestral master at Dragon Tiger Mountain, but it’s always ‘my back aches today’ or ‘my legs hurt tomorrow,’ or he’s just snoring away. He can sleep for ten days, half a month at a time! The longest stretch was when the mountain was covered in a blizzard that lasted two months, and the old geezer just slept through it, standing in the wind and snow on the cliff for the entire time! Only when the snow completely melted did he wake up. Before that, the disciples had prepared everything, ready to follow the master on the planned journey to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but it was all for naught again. In short, the old man has no sincerity! The fellow disciples grumbled endlessly, dropping hints time after time, but the old guy just brushed it off like a gentle breeze against a great mountain ridge.”

Chen Pingan also proactively mentioned Mr. Qi, after all, Mr. Qi had appeared at the ancient temple in Shuishui Country that night, and had met with both Xu Yuanxia and Zhang Shanfeng.

However, he only mentioned the Hidden Blessing Grotto-Heaven from his hometown, saying that he was a native there, and that Mr. Qi had taught in the local private school for many years.

It wasn’t that Chen Pingan didn’t want to say more. If he truly opened up, fueled by the wine, he could talk about Mr. Qi with his two friends for an entire night.

Rather, he dared not say too much.

During the brief return trip with the youth, Cui Chan, that shameless disciple and student complained that Chen Pingan was too quiet, and it was always him showing off and rambling, speaking much about the “interesting” plans of the various Sage-Philosophers in the great continents. Even if the youth, Cui Chan, only spoke a few words each time, fragmented and intentionally vague, so that the true secrets were like flood dragons partially hidden in the clouds, Chen Pingan already knew the importance and danger.

Chen Pingan also spoke of his process of enduring the waterfall and his rise in realms.

Xu Yuanxia, being a martial artist, was amazed. Even though she had expected it, she still gave Chen Pingan a thumbs up, saying that his future was bright and that he was guaranteed to become a Grandmaster of the Refinement Realm.

Seeing Zhang Shanfeng’s blank expression, Xu Yuanxia gave an example, saying that Chen Pingan’s current realm, in the mountains, was like someone about to break through the bottleneck of the Lower Five Realms, ready to step into the Sixth Realm, the Cave Mansion Realm, at any moment. Only then did Zhang Shanfeng understand, and then the young Daoist wailed, “Has all my diligent cultivation gone to the dogs?”

Chen Pingan laughed heartily, joining the bearded man in making fun of Zhang Shanfeng.

Because Zhang Shanfeng didn’t need to be comforted. This guy’s resilient nature was actually no less than Chen Pingan’s, never fearing anything except one thing: having no money in his pockets and not being able to eat his fill.

If there was one more thing, it was that the young Daoist’s demon-quelling on his southern travels had not been good enough, and his conscience was always uneasy.

After that, the journey was smooth, with calm winds and gentle waves. Having experienced the intrigue of Rouge County and witnessed the Jianghu liveliness of Swordwater Manor, the three of them felt a little lonely. Fortunately, they soon reached the border pass. All three had proper travel permits, and although the inspection was strict, they smoothly passed through the city gates and headed to the Grand Commandant’s Manor.

Among the packages given by Song Yushao, in addition to nearly two thousand small snow coins, there was also a handwritten letter from the old man. As long as Chen Pingan delivered it to the Grand Commandant’s Manor in Shuishui Country on the border, he would be able to obtain the imperial court’s permission to enter the forbidden land.

Chen Pingan arrived at the heavily guarded gate of the manor and went up to speak, but he didn’t expect that these border soldiers couldn’t understand the Elegant Speech of Treasure Bottle Continent. Chen Pingan also didn’t know the official language of Shuishui Country. For a time, it was like a chicken talking to a duck, very awkward. Fortunately, the gate soldier signaled Chen Pingan to wait a moment, and sent someone in to report. Soon, an old scholar in a Confucian robe, fluent in the Elegant Speech of the continent, came out. Chen Pingan handed over the letter, “To be opened by the Grand Commandant himself,” signed by Song Yushao of Swordwater Manor.

The old advisor of the manor took the letter with both hands, daring not to be negligent, and led the three to sit in a side hall. After serving tea, he hurried to the Grand Commandant’s office to handle military affairs. After a while, a short, dark-skinned old man walked in. He was neither wearing armor nor official robes of a military official. His expression was dull, and he held three bronze seal talismans in his hand. He directly handed them to Chen Pingan, then turned and left without saying a word.

When the three left the Grand Commandant’s Manor, Chen Pingan and Zhang Shanfeng were both a little dazed. The unassuming Grand Commandant of Shuishui Country was too decisive.

The bearded man, with his long and short swords at his waist, explained, “True martial generals who have climbed to high positions from the bottom are not boastful personalities.”

Then he smiled and said, “In the officialdom, this is called ‘a noble’s words are slow’.”

Zhang Shanfeng said angrily, “He didn’t even say a word, slow my ass!”

The two had heard Chen Pingan talk about the upheaval at Swordwater Manor, and knew the imperial court’s attitude towards the manor. Xu Yuanxia couldn’t help but sigh, “To be willing to meet the three of us at this time, and even take out three pass talismans, this Grand Commandant is quite righteous. His friendship with the old Sword Saint Song must be excellent.”

Chen Pingan nodded and said, “Anyone who can be friends with Senior Song must not be bad.”

Xu Yuanxia and Zhang Shanfeng exchanged smiles. The latter clucked his tongue and said, “Chen Pingan, your words are skillful! You’re even obliquely boasting about yourself?”

Chen Pingan then said, “It shouldn’t be bad to be friends with someone who is friends with Senior Song.”

Xu Yuanxia gave a thumbs up, “That’s thick and chewy!”

Zhang Shanfeng put his arm around Chen Pingan’s shoulder and praised, “Smooth transitions, impeccable!”
The three of them laughed heartily as they left the checkpoint through the south gate, continuing their journey south, each with the seal token hanging from their waist.

After traveling another hundred-odd *li*, they would enter the forbidden territory under the jurisdiction of the Immortal Ferry.

On a small hilltop along the way, the three of them paused to rest. Chen Ping’an started a fire to cook. During this time, someone watched them from the shadows in the distance. Upon seeing the seal tokens on their waists, they lost interest and quietly departed.

The three ate their meal without drinking any wine. As they were about to enter the ferry, a place where *qi* refining cultivators gathered, caution was paramount.

Xu Yuanxia’s primary purpose was to see Chen Ping’an and Zhang Shanfeng off. However, if there was a ferry heading to the Azure Luan Kingdom in the southeast of the Treasure Bottle Continent, that would be even better. As for the shops at the ferry that peddled magical artifacts and heavy treasures, Xu Yuanxia, a pure martial artist, and now possessing a divine weapon, had absolutely no interest.

Zhang Shanfeng wanted to purchase a sword for offensive magic, replenish some rare talismans like the Swift Travel Talisman, and find someone to appraise the price of the Azure God Mountain Sky Pivot Bamboo chopsticks. The white bowl that condensed spiritual energy into sweet dew and the Ancient Elm Kingdom armor that Chen Ping’an had half-sold, half-given to him, the young Daoist would never sell. He wouldn’t even take out these two treasures, lest he arouse covetousness and invite unnecessary trouble.

Chen Ping’an would definitely not touch any of the items he brought from the Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

He would keep the superior snake gallstone that He Xiaoliang of the Divine Edict Sect had given him on the Kun ship. After the fall of the Carp Pearl Grotto-Heaven, the Dragon Whisker River and the Iron Talisman River no longer contained any snake gallstones; they had all turned into ordinary pebbles. It was said that snake gallstones were a specialty of the Carp Pearl Grotto-Heaven, which meant that every time one was used, there would be one less in the world. Chen Ping’an now understood this was called a rare commodity, and the later he sold it, the more profit he would make.

The Golden Body Literary Courage presented by City God Shen Wen of Rouge County had to be kept hidden. The golden body fragments and silver fragments he had obtained twice also could not be shown to others.

The Celestial Master Seal engraved with “The Rouge County City God of the Colored Robe Kingdom, Marquis of Manifest Benevolence” was most valued by Shen Wen, who even said, “Only the virtuous may wield a divine weapon.” It was said that this seal needed to be used in conjunction with the Five Thunder Righteous Method to unleash its majestic power. Chen Ping’an immediately thought of Zhang Shanfeng, the outer sect Daoist of Dragon Tiger Mountain, and Lin Shouyi, who was studying at Cliffside Academy and cultivating the *Cloud Above the Heavenly Scriptures*. However, after careful consideration, Chen Ping’an felt it was inappropriate to give it to either of them. It wasn’t that he was unwilling to part with it, but he felt that even if he were to give it away, it should be later. Firstly, he would wait until Chen Ping’an understood what “the virtuous” meant, and secondly, by that time, he would see who among Zhang Shanfeng or Lin Shouyi could be considered worthy of those three words.

If it had been before, Chen Ping’an would have given it away without a second thought.

But not anymore.

As for the piece of ebony struck by lightning, still possessing a trace of vitality, the large white bowl painted with the True Form Map of the Five Peaks, and the talisman hiding a skeletal ghost, Chen Ping’an would take them out to inquire about their prices, how many Small Snow Coins each could be sold for. As for whether he would pawn them off, he would see at that time. He believed the shops at the ferry wouldn’t be able to force a sale.

The nearly two thousand Snow Coins from Sword Water Manor, plus the Snow Coins and Minor Heat Coins from the little green-robed boy, added up to a total of about four thousand Small Snow Coins.

Chen Ping’an felt quite cheerful when he thought about this.

However, another thought occurred to him, and he no longer felt cheerful.

Wei Bo and the old man surnamed Cui had said something similar, that Chen Ping’an must reach the fourth realm of martial arts before entering Inverted Mountain, because only in this way could he gain a foothold on that Great Wall. Using the most abundant intangible sword intent in the Vast Heaven, he could temper his body and solidify his spirit. This would be of great benefit to any pure martial artist in the third realm of *qi* refining. According to the old man, if he didn’t even reach the fourth realm, he shouldn’t go and make a fool of himself on the city walls. Even if he could walk up there, he might not be able to climb down. He could only send the sword to that girl at the foot of the Sword Qi Great Wall, and then Chen Ping’an would have to go back to Fallen Phoenix Mountain to be a mountain king.

Chen Ping’an wanted to stay there a little longer.

Soon, a group of people passed by on the road below the hilltop. There were seven or eight of them, old and young, dressed in various styles, none of them looking like ordinary people. The three on the hillside glanced at them and then looked away.

When traveling outside, be careful of Daoists and monks. When entering the mountains and crossing the water, avoid children and women.

This was an unwritten rule among cultivators. If you encounter fellow cultivators of unknown depth, don’t stare carelessly, as you never know if you might encounter someone with a bad temper.

Those people also scanned the three of them and then stopped scrutinizing them.

Although they had not yet reached the ferry, how long could a few dozen *li* take? With farewells imminent, they had originally agreed not to drink, but just because Chen Ping’an habitually took a sip of wine, Zhang Shanfeng said he wanted to drink too. Chen Ping’an passed him the wine gourd, and then Xu Yuanxia also took a sip. And so, taking turns, the three of them sat on the top of the small hilltop, each taking a sip of wine, silently drinking without stopping.

Finally, the big bearded man murmured, “I used to be in the military, even in the border army where the battles were fierce. I just couldn’t stand people dying around me every day, so I started wandering the pugilistic world. I never thought that people would still die in the end. You might not believe it, but I, Xu Yuanxia, come from a scholarly family. I once belonged to those who abandoned the pen for the sword. Of course, my family wasn’t a wealthy clan with chiming bells and dining tripods, but it could be considered a local eminent family. It’s been so many years since I’ve been back. A hometown where my parents are still alive now seems like a forgotten land.”

The big bearded man drank until his beard was full of wine. He sat cross-legged, his eyes glazed with drunkenness. “During those years in the border army, I had read some books before, and I still had some sense of loyalty to the country. Most of my brothers in arms didn’t talk about these things. They earned military merits, made money, and avenged the brothers who had gone ahead. Killing enemies on the battlefield was just killing enemies, it was just satisfying. But if you got cut with a knife or shot with an arrow on the battlefield, then when they were stitching you up and pulling out the arrow, there was only pain, no satisfaction. A bunch of old men, lying in the wounded soldier’s tent filled with blood and foul air, howling in pain, no one could laugh at anyone…”
The young Daoist priest leaned back, utterly unable to drink anymore. Chen Pingan couldn’t possibly carry two people at once. He gazed at the azure sky. “Master always said I possessed comprehension and a strong foundation. Choosing mountain cultivation over the imperial examinations would undoubtedly benefit me in this life. But where am I to find this comprehension and foundation? If even those were stolen by dogs, I’d beg those canines to return them! You have no use for them, but I, Zhang Shanfeng, am destined to descend the mountain to vanquish demons and subdue monsters. I need them! With Daoist power, I wouldn’t be filled with remorse, and I’d no longer cause the families who hired me to suffer separation and displacement.”

Chen Pingan, at least, had the virtue of silence when drunk.

So he quietly listened to his two friends pour out their hearts. Seated on the ground, he cradled the wine gourd, gazing into the distance, a glance north, then south. For a moment, Chen Pingan felt no overwhelming worry.

Finally, they made their way down the mountain towards the ferry crossing. The young Daoist, determined to remain sober, was already being carried on the burly man’s back.

Xu Yuanxia’s steps were still steady, but his drunken ramblings were copious. He loudly recited border poems, finally reaching “A thousand cups of fine wine are too little…”

A hiccup interrupted him, and he trailed off.

Chen Pingan chuckled, finishing the line, “And two beauties…are too many.”

Xu Yuanxia rolled his eyes. “What a waste of a sword immortal!”

Chen Pingan immediately corrected, “A Grand Sword Immortal!”

The young Daoist mumbled in his sleep, “And a Grand Celestial Master…”

This immortal ferry crossing, bordering the Shuishui and Songxi kingdoms, was unexpectedly a bustling town without city walls, giving Chen Pingan a fleeting sense of returning to his Longquan hometown. Pedestrians thronged the streets, cultivators were surprisingly few. More were ordinary folk rooted in this land for generations, and merchants of all kinds. Shops lined every street. Upon reaching the town, Zhang Shanfeng had sobered up, but still felt a headache and dizziness. Chen Pingan and Xu Yuanxia had long since dispelled their drunkenness.

Xu Yuanxia softly advised, “Forget about comparison shopping. Let’s head straight for the best located, biggest establishment.”

This was invaluable Jianghu experience.

Then the three discovered a large shop with a “Qingfu Workshop” plaque. Its five stories towered over the others, dominating the landscape. Moreover, it occupied a vast plot, with what appeared to be a large courtyard behind the building, ancient trees reaching for the sky, and the sound of flowing water. The precise purpose was still unknown.

The couplet flanking the entrance read: “Honest with children and elders, our prices are fair; Understanding your needs, esteemed customers, please return.”

This was the wealthy Qingfu Workshop!

No shop assistants solicited business on the street in front, but as soon as the three entered the cool main hall, a beautifully dressed young woman approached with a graceful gait. On each shoulder perched a shimmering blue insect, like carved jade. She addressed them directly in the refined language of Treasure Bottle Continent, “Do the three guests wish to appraise treasures, or purchase items from our collection?”

As she spoke, the two azure insects fluttered, circling the four of them, emitting faint chirping sounds.

Evidently, this was to shield their conversation from the ears of others within the shop.

Xu Yuanxia smiled, “First, we’d like an appraisal. Then we’ll examine the quality of your collection. If anything suits our needs, and the price is indeed fair, we’ll consider a purchase.”

The woman gestured toward a direction, smiling faintly, “Heavy treasures are appraised on the first floor, spiritual artifacts on the second, and magical treasures on the third. The stairs are that way. Please, choose your own path, esteemed guests, and I shall accompany you.”

Xu Yuanxia nodded, striding toward the staircase, undoubtedly intending to stop on the second floor. Spiritual artifacts, however good, still had a price ceiling. As for immortal magical treasures? Even if Chen Pingan and Zhang Shanfeng wanted to sell them, the burly man would advise against transacting here at this ferry crossing.

The woman followed behind the three, smiling gently.

Since they were heading straight to the second floor, her luck was good this time. She might even make a decent profit.

The other women on the first floor, of similar beauty and grace, cast envious glances. But Qingfu Workshop had a set order for greeting customers, a matter of chance. Wealth varied, but over a year, things evened out. Even if someone suddenly struck it rich, Qingfu Workshop’s five-hundred-year-old ancestral rules prevented the others from knowing, unless that person let it slip.

Upon reaching the second floor, the woman once again led the way. The corridor was covered in an intricately woven carpet from Colorful Robe Kingdom, its embroidery as exquisite as the one in Sword Water Manor’s main hall. She led them to a door, gently rapping her knuckles. After receiving permission from a raspy old voice, the woman opened the door and stood aside, waiting until the burly man and his companions had crossed the threshold before softly closing the door.

Inside the room was a large desk, behind which sat a spirited old man. A small incense burner released wisps of fragrant smoke. There was also an ancient cypress bonsai. The gnarled cypress stretched out horizontally, its branches occupied by a row of tiny green-clad figures. They had been whispering amongst themselves, but upon seeing the arriving guests, they stood up in unison, bowed on the cypress branches, and said in childish voices, “Welcome, esteemed guests, to our humble shop and room! May you prosper!”

Truly a work of immortals.

Chen Pingan stared, dumbfounded.

Xu Yuanxia was a seasoned Jianghu veteran, able to conceal his emotions. Zhang Shanfeng, originally a mountain dweller, although now impoverished, had actually seen quite a lot during his cultivation within the sect.

So the country bumpkin revealing his ignorance was none other than Chen Pingan.

Based on this minor detail, the young woman shifted her attention primarily to Xu Yuanxia and Zhang Shanfeng, deciding that the straw-sandaled, sword-bearing youth was likely a wild, untrained cultivator who had stumbled upon some minor opportunity. He wouldn’t require much of her attention.

The old man asked with a smile, “An appraisal? What spiritual artifact? I specialize in the identification of bronzes, calligraphy, paintings, and fine wood. I also have some experience with various other items. I dare not claim mastery of everything, but having sat in this room at Qingfu Workshop for over forty years, the number of times I’ve misjudged is exceedingly rare. Rest assured, esteemed guests, and present your treasured items.”

Zhang Shanfeng then retrieved the pair of bamboo chopsticks from his sleeve and handed them to the old man.

The old man, who had been sitting casually, suddenly shone with brilliance, making no attempt to conceal his surprise. He stood up, accepted the green bamboo chopsticks with both hands, sat back down, and carefully placed the chopsticks on the desk in front of him. He then retrieved a specially made silk cloth from a drawer and meticulously wiped his palms and fingers before picking up the chopstick engraved with “Divine Firmament Bamboo.” He examined it patiently, speechless for a long time.
Setting down the “Azure Bamboo,” and picking up “Verdant God Mountain,” the old man sighed deeply. Raising his head, he looked at the young Daoist, his face full of regret, and lamented, “This material is utterly superb! Not only is it certainly from the Bamboo Sea Grotto-Heaven, but it is most likely crafted from Azure God Mountain’s Divine Azure Bamboo. After Azure God Mountain sealed its peaks for a century, artifacts made from its unique Divine Azure Bamboo have seen their prices skyrocket, a truly insane surge! Alas, it was not fashioned into a pair of exquisite ghost-vanquishing whips, but instead, turned into… chopsticks! Such extravagance! Utter… waste!”

By the end, the old man was gnashing his teeth, nearly pounding his chest and cursing the previous owner’s wanton squandering of such a treasure.

He reached out, caressing the characters for “Verdant God Mountain” on the bamboo chopsticks, and could only console himself softly, “But if they were made into Divine Azure Bamboo ghost-vanquishing whips, the guest could have gone straight to the third floor. Where would I have the chance to witness such a wonder? The Azure God Mountain of the Bamboo Sea Grotto-Heaven… such a vast Grotto-Heaven only has one Mountain Deity, the Bamboo Consort of Azure God Mountain! You must know, my family’s founding master once recorded and described this legendary Mountain Deity Consort thus: ‘A beauty of peerless grace, who delights in bare feet, with hair of purest azure.’ With just a few strokes of the pen, he sketched out the elegance of an unparalleled goddess…”

The old man was utterly lost in his own reverie.

Although the guide from Azure Coin Emporium felt somewhat awkward, she was secretly overjoyed. She would be earning a hefty commission today! And thankfully, it wouldn’t be snatched away by those snobbish hussies on the third floor! Those women upstairs, each appearing more ethereal than the last, seemed aloof, but were full of scheming. Whoever had the most money was the most handsome man in the world to them, regardless of age. Every single one of them was a bewitching vixen, eager to seduce men. After closing a deal, they would shamelessly offer themselves, leading the guests to the private residences in the courtyard behind, for a bout of passion. Shameless! Unblushing!

Alas, she wondered when she could be assigned to the third floor. Her skills in serving men in bed were second to none! Even female guests, she had unique methods to ensure their complete satisfaction.

Zhang Shanfeng had no choice but to interrupt the old man’s thoughts. “Esteemed elder, esteemed elder, this humble Daoist merely wishes to know the value of these chopsticks.”

The old man quickly snapped back to reality, smiling warmly at the woman, “Cuiying, do I still have one remaining slot this year in Azure Coin Emporium?”

The young woman was somewhat surprised, but quickly smiled charmingly, “Master Hong, you indeed have one last opportunity to acquire a treasure, but as per the usual rule, it must first be appraised by the Second Proprietor on the top floor before you can privately collect it.”

The old man laughed heartily, “Of course!”

Then, the old man said solemnly to the young Daoist, “These chopsticks, if we speak of their benefit to cultivation, it’s truly not much. However, placed within the mortal dynasties at the foot of the mountain, they would undoubtedly be a treasure fought over by ministers, dukes, and prominent officials, for each time they are used to pick up food, they impart a trace of spiritual energy, thus strengthening the body and prolonging life. As long as one doesn’t encounter major illnesses or disasters, ordinary mortals could easily gain three to five years of life. Furthermore, the reputation of Azure God Mountain and Divine Azure Bamboo will inflate the price greatly, especially for those who truly appreciate them, for it would truly be worth a thousand gold pieces for a moment of happiness.”

The old man glanced at the azure bamboo chopsticks on the table, his face full of joy, “My Azure Coin Emporium… or rather, I, Hong Yangbo, am willing to offer four hundred and fifty Snow Coins. Rest assured, esteemed guest, I can guarantee that throughout Azure Coin Emporium, whether upstairs or downstairs, or even in the other sixteen stores in this ferry town, no one will offer a higher price. The general market price would at most range from three hundred to four hundred Snow Coins. It is truly my own fondness for this item, and the fact that I have one remaining opportunity to acquire an appraised item this year, that I am willing to offer such a high price. This Daoist, what say you? Are you willing to part with these bamboo chopsticks?”

The old man looked at the young Daoist with pleading eyes, pitifully, “Four hundred and fifty Lesser Snow Coins… this price truly cannot be raised any further. If you fear I am getting a steal, and distrust the reputation of Azure Coin Emporium, and fear I am swindling you, that’s fine. We can go together to see the Second Proprietor, or you can go to the other stores on the street…”

Zhang Shanfeng glanced at Xu Yuanxia. The bearded man nodded lightly.

Zhang Shanfeng grinned, extending a palm, “A fixed price: five hundred Snow Coins, and I’ll sell them!”

The young woman turned her head, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh.

“Alright, with Master Hong’s stubborn nature, he only cares about fate when collecting items, regardless of price. Once he sets his eyes on something he likes, he will definitely bear the pain and part with the money.”

“Let you have your heart’s delight, let you have your moment of happiness worth a thousand gold pieces!”

The old man slapped himself, then stood up, feeling more joy than heartache, and said magnanimously, “It’s settled then! Cuiying, carefully take these chopsticks and send them to the top floor for the Second Proprietor to appraise, lest I be suspected of using my position for personal gain. After confirming that the price is fair, then I can personally pay the guests. Of course, your share will not be lacking!”

The woman carefully took the bamboo chopsticks, and gracefully departed.

The bearded man knew that Zhang Shanfeng had profited from this deal, and quite a bit.

Only Chen Ping’an still stood by the table, secretly lowering his head and bending over, staring wide-eyed at the green-clad little attendants. He found these little fellows amusing, simple-minded, and rather adorable. He was thinking of collecting some in the future to give to the pink-skirted girl on the Fallen Mountain, whom she would likely enjoy, thus saving her from boredom in the Bamboo Pavilion. And those little fellows found this rustic bumpkin, who didn’t even recognize them, rather amusing as well.

Truly, they gazed upon each other without annoyance; both parties were quite happy.

The old man sat behind the table, humming a little tune, even happier.

The young woman quickly returned, smiling as she handed over the Azure God Mountain bamboo chopsticks, “The Second Proprietor said, ‘Congratulations on averting a regret,’ but also said, ‘Next time you invite him to drink, you are not allowed to show off these chopsticks to him.'”

The old man spat, “How can I not show off?”

Then, he quickly put away the bamboo chopsticks, opened a drawer, and took out five Lesser Heat Coins, handing them to the young Daoist carrying the peachwood sword, “Although generally speaking, in large stores, a Lesser Heat Coin is worth one hundred Snow Coins, but everyone knows that in private transactions, each Lesser Heat Coin is worth an extra four or five Snow Coins.”
Zhang Shanfeng chuckled and nodded, accepting the five Minor Heat Coins. Seeing Chen Ping’an still acting foolish, winking at the green-clad children, he nudged him with his elbow and said, “Stop playing dumb with me. Take this. This is the interest. The principal is still owed. If you feel bad, deduct five Minor Heat Coins from the principal. The rest, I really can only owe you for now, and we’ll settle it later.”

Clearly, after learning the true value of that Ancient Elm Kingdom military talisman, Zhang Shanfeng didn’t feel he deserved the word ‘friend’. Pretending nothing happened was the only way to truly treat it as a debt of five hundred Snowflake Coins.

Chen Ping’an calmly accepted the five Minor Heat Coins, tucking them into his sleeve, and said, “So, we’re even on this! Or do I return the money, and you return the talisman?”

Zhang Shanfeng remained silent.

Xu Yuanxia chuckled and patted Zhang Shanfeng’s shoulder. “Let it be. Otherwise, it’s just being pretentious.”

Only then did Zhang Shanfeng grunt in agreement.

Chen Ping’an put an arm around Zhang Shanfeng’s shoulder and chuckled, “If you really feel bad, sell that peachwood sword, maybe?”

Zhang Shanfeng elbowed him again, laughing and scolding, “Go cool off somewhere else!”

Chen Ping’an jumped back. “A gentleman uses words, not fists!”

Xu Yuanxia shook her head. They were like two children.

The woman from Azure Coin Shop was somewhat surprised, gazing at the sword-carrying youth’s profile. Could he be the true wealthy patron?

Zhang Shanfeng said to the old man, “This poor Daoist has nothing left to sell.”

The old man was greatly disappointed.

But Chen Ping’an quickly followed up, saying, “I have something I’d like the esteemed sir to appraise.”

The old man immediately straightened up, smiling and extending a hand. “I believe I shall feast my eyes once more.”

Chen Ping’an took out the white bowl adorned with the Five Peaks True Form Diagram from his sleeve and placed it on the table.

The old man’s gaze was steady. He held the bowl with both hands, slowly rotating it. After setting it down, he said, “The drawing on the bowl should be the Five Peaks True Form Diagram of the Ancient Elm Kingdom. Azure Coin Shop is willing to offer one hundred and fifty Snowflake Coins. If it were the Five Peaks True Form Diagram of a great dynasty, the price would be several times higher. However, the spiritual energy contained within the Five Peaks of the Ancient Elm Kingdom is limited, so the efficacy of drawing it on this spiritual artifact white bowl is greatly diminished.”

At this point, the old man grew somewhat sentimental, recounting a past commercial mishap on the mountain. “Back then, the shop that profited most from these bowls was Baggage Abode, which secretly hoarded a large number of Great Li Five Peaks bowls decades ago. They made a killing for years. Afterwards, countless small shops followed suit, buying them up. Who would have thought that the Great Li Emperor would go insane and directly change all the Five Peaks? Haha, how many merchants lost their fortunes because of that! Fortunately, our shopkeeper had keen eyes and, against all opposition, refused to buy even a single Great Li Five Peaks bowl at a high price. This saved Azure Coin Shop from a disaster.”

After patiently listening to the old gentleman’s words, Chen Ping’an softly asked, “Esteemed sir, what is the function of this bowl?”

“Ah, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Whenever I talk about the greatness of our Azure Coin Shop, I can’t control my mouth. I’ll get down to business with you, young master.”

After apologizing, the old man pointed to the white bowl and smiled. “Five-colored Soil of the Nation is essential for every country and dynasty. Where does the five-colored soil come from? Besides the blessed lands naturally formed by mountains and rivers, it can also be created artificially, which is where these kinds of bowls come in. By placing soil taken from five mountain peaks into the bowl, after a period of time, depending on the quality and rank of the Five Peaks Bowl, a small handful of five-colored soil will be produced in a few days to a week. Of course, the five-colored soil can also be sold. With young master’s Five Peaks Bowl’s condition, if you have enough soil from the Ancient Elm Kingdom’s Five Peaks, you can roughly sell… this much per year!”

The old man spread out one hand.

The young woman began to cover her mouth and giggle again.

Chen Ping’an tentatively asked, “Fifty Snowflake Coins?”

The old man couldn’t help but laugh. “Five.”

Then, the old man explained, “Many spiritual artifacts of this kind that can continuously generate wealth are priced on the mountain based on a cycle of sixty years. Five coins a year, after sixty years, that’s three hundred Snowflake Coins. Haha, young master, don’t panic and think that Azure Coin Shop is taking advantage of you, only offering half the price to buy this bowl. This is because Five Peaks Bowls are somewhat special. Some countries with unstable and turbulent foundations, their Five Peaks True Form Bowls may be worthless. Imagine, if the country is gone, where are the Five Peaks? Then where does the five-colored soil come from? If it weren’t for the fact that the Ancient Elm Kingdom’s situation is still relatively stable, Azure Coin Shop has never been very interested in buying Five Peaks Bowls. Offering half the price is considered ‘fair’.”

Chen Ping’an thought for a while. “Can I choose not to sell this bowl?”

The old man smiled. “Of course, you can. To be honest, if I, on behalf of Azure Coin Shop, were to buy this bowl today, and then the Ancient Elm Kingdom undergoes a sudden change of mountains and rivers overnight, I would have to bear the risk and have my salary deducted.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled and put away the white bowl.

Although it wasn’t a yearly profit of fifty coins, the thought of five coins a year, which was five thousand taels of silver, reminded him of the earliest house in Peach Leaf Lane in Dragon Spring Town. How much did it cost? Not even a thousand taels of silver! Of course, now that the Falling Star Mountain Heaven has shattered and fallen to border the territory of the Great Li Dynasty, the price of houses in the town has skyrocketed, but five thousand taels could still buy several houses in Dragon Spring County City.

The immediate task was to quickly write letters to Wei Bo and the old man surnamed Cui, asking them to try to help collect the soil from the Five Peaks of the Ancient Elm Kingdom… and then, when returning from the Inverted Mountain, he would have to personally take a trip to the five mountains of the Ancient Elm Kingdom and take as many catties as possible. Hopefully, the Flying Sword Fifteen, a treasure with a limited space, would still have enough room to store it.

Xu Yuanxia suddenly said softly, “This bowl can be sold.”

Although the old man had lost his composure because of a pair of Green God Mountain bamboo chopsticks, he was usually very astute when doing business. “This brother, do you think that the Great Li iron cavalry will definitely march south? So the Ancient Elm Kingdom may not be able to protect its country? I don’t think so. With the Lake Gazing Academy sitting in the middle of Treasure Bottle Continent, I believe the Great Li Song Clan won’t be able to drive south so easily. Even if that day really comes, with so many dynasties and tributary states in the middle, and Great Li having to fight through them one by one, how many years would it take for Great Li to march south without stopping?”

Since the old man had spoken so directly, Xu Yuanxia no longer hid anything, laughing, “Even if the Lake Gazing Academy tries to stop them, I still think the Great Li’s southward march won’t take too long.”

The old man smiled without saying a word, unwilling to argue endlessly about this matter. Azure Coin Shop was just in the business of making deals, and harmony generated wealth.

Xu Yuanxia smiled at Chen Ping’an. “A bird in hand is worth two in the bush!”
Chen Pingan looked at the bearded man, who had a resolute look in his eyes. Chen Pingan nodded, unhesitatingly taking out the white bowl and placing it on the table. “Old Sir, still buying?”

The old man laughed heartily, “Fair trade for all, buying for sure! If this deal makes Green Coin Workshop lose money, then it’s just my bad judgment, deduct my pay if you must!”

Money exchanged hands, goods delivered.

Chen Pingan received one hundred and fifty Small Snow Coins, just as Xu Yuanxia had said, safe in his pocket.

Afterwards, Chen Pingan simply took out the ebony wood and the talisman with the attached ghost. The old man appraised them one after the other, praising the ebony wood to no end, promising to offer three hundred Small Snow Coins, saying that cultivators from the Farmer and Medical schools would be interested in it. However, for the talisman, despite its decent material, he was only willing to offer fifty coins.

Chen Pingan thought for a moment, selling only the ebony wood and keeping the talisman.

With Chen Pingan and Zhang Shanfeng having nothing left to sell, it was time to spend money like water.

The old man personally saw them to the door with a smile, not forgetting to say to Xu Yuanxia, “If you have the chance to come again, let’s discuss the situation of the Ancient Elm Kingdom, see who loses and who buys the drinks, how about it?”

Xu Yuanxia laughed, “Sounds good. Actually, win or lose, it’s worth it just to have a drink with Old Master Hong.”

The old man laughed heartily, “For that alone, this old man will treat you to a drink next time!”

Xu Yuanxia cupped her fist in farewell.

Hearing that Zhang Shanfeng wanted to buy a Daoist talisman sword capable of slaying demons and exorcising spirits, the young woman led the three directly to the fourth floor, choosing a large room with a “Frosty Radiance” wooden plaque hanging on it. The entrance was guarded by a Green Coin Workshop attendant. After the woman greeted the person, she gently pushed open the door. Rows of sword racks stood side by side, the air thick with sword qi, and all kinds of swords dazzled the eyes.

As soon as Zhang Shanfeng crossed the threshold, he inexplicably declared that he didn’t want to look anymore.

This made the young woman feel a pang of disappointment.

Chen Pingan, however, said, “Ignore him, let’s look at the swords.”

Zhang Shanfeng stubbornly refused to enter the room, so the bearded man dragged him in.

The young woman introduced more than a dozen magical swords of varying prices. In the end, although Zhang Shanfeng was dejected, he couldn’t help but glance at an ancient bronze sword. The scabbard was long gone, and the characters “True Martial” were vaguely engraved on it. Due to the numerous scars on the blade, even though the sword’s forging material was excellent, Green Coin Workshop only offered four hundred Snow Coins. Chen Pingan paid for it without hesitation. When he was paying, Chen Pingan hesitated slightly. The young woman smiled understandingly and took the initiative to leave the room. By the time she returned to the “Frosty Radiance” room, Chen Pingan had already piled the four hundred Snow Coins on a sword rack. After she counted and confirmed, she placed the ancient sword “True Martial” into a prepared scabbard and handed it to Chen Pingan.

Leaving the Frosty Radiance Sword Hall together, the young woman did not lead the three out of the main entrance of Green Coin Workshop, but instead led them from a second-floor aerial corridor to a tall building in the back courtyard. Then, they exited from a side door in the back courtyard. After the young woman told the three the route and rules/prices for the ferry crossing, she waved goodbye and turned to leave. As she turned, the Green Coin Workshop’s security guard had already closed the side door. With her back to the door, she secretly clenched her fist, her face full of joy. However, she quickly regained her composure and walked quickly back to the main building of Green Coin Workshop, her face full of worry, sighing and complaining to her colleagues about the meagerness of the three customers.

Green Coin Workshop was less than two miles from the ferry crossing. There was a ferry just heading to Cloud Pine Kingdom. Although it was still a long way from Azure Luan Kingdom, compared to Xu Yuanxia’s walking, it was naturally much faster. Moreover, disembarking in Cloud Pine Kingdom, one could immediately board a ferry to Azure Luan Kingdom. Therefore, Xu Yuanxia would take this ship to leave Comb Water Kingdom. As for the ferry that Chen Pingan needed, it belonged to an ancient route with thousands of years of history and a deep origin. Although it would not directly reach Old Dragon City at the southernmost end of Treasure Bottle Continent, it would still greatly shorten the long journey of hundreds of thousands of miles.

As they approached the ferry crossing, Chen Pingan, holding the “True Martial” sword, and the young Daoist priest stopped almost simultaneously.

The young Daoist priest lowered his head, not daring to speak.

Xu Yuanxia sighed and said to Chen Pingan with a smile, “Back then, Daoist Priest Chongmiao of Rouge Prefecture mentioned casually that in the southeastern part of Treasure Bottle Continent, near Azure Luan Kingdom where I’m going, a grand Water and Land Dharma Assembly will be held in half a year. At that time, countless Daoist immortals will gather, and several famous Daoist celestial masters of Treasure Bottle Continent will publicly preach. Zhang Shanfeng certainly wants to see it, but he doesn’t know how to tell you. He feels that if he changes his itinerary on the spur of the moment, it would be too unkind and unfair to you. Now that you’ve bought this magic sword, he feels even more ashamed to say goodbye to you, after all, he initially said that he would accompany you all the way to Old Dragon City. I guess this guy wants to die now. Well, Chen Pingan, just use this True Martial to dig a pit in the ground and bury him, once and for all.”

Chen Pingan jumped up and slapped Zhang Shanfeng on the head, “Look at your silly look, like a woman! Who are we to each other? Are you an idiot or something! Take the sword, owe me the money, and get lost!”

The young Daoist priest did not raise his head, his shoulders trembled slightly.

Chen Pingan stopped talking, threw the True Martial sword to Xu Yuanxia, and then walked away quickly by himself.

When the young Daoist priest with red eyes raised his head, the sword-carrying boy from Longquan, Great Li, had already gone far away. Seeming to notice Zhang Shanfeng’s gaze, the straw-sandaled boy raised an arm high, clenched his fist, and waved it hard.