Just as Zhu Lian felt this ghost-hunting trip probably wouldn’t involve him much, the manor’s gates swung open, and a figure emerged.

Zhu Lian couldn’t help but ask, “Young Master, is that the female ghost’s paramour? Quite the impressive presence. This fellow looks no less imposing than Lady Xiao Luan’s White Egret River God position.”

The person who emerged was burly and imposing, clad in armor. A golden-eyed azure serpent coiled around his arm, and his breath exhaled into swirling white mist, like the incense smoke within a temple.

Chen Ping An recognized this figure. He had once appeared on the Embroidered River alongside Xu Ruo. This man was most likely one of the River Gods of the Embroidered River or the Jade Dew River.

The Embroidered River, the Jade Dew River, and Chessboard Mountain, along with this manor, were all significant. Wei Bo had frankly stated that they were all hidden means of suppressing the remaining fortune of the Divine Water Kingdom. Therefore, although they were both River Gods, the Embroidered River and Jade Dew River Gods had slightly higher ranks than the Great Li River God, whose water territory was about the same size.

The Embroidered River God said in a deep voice, “Chen Ping An, for privately breaking through the mountain and water barrier of this place and trespassing on the Chu family’s manor, according to the Great Li’s established mountain-sealing laws, even a recorded immortal master will have their household registration revoked, their name removed from the records, and be exiled thousands of miles!”

Chen Ping An asked in confusion, “That Lady Chu?”

The Embroidered River God waved his hand. “She has already left the manor. Furthermore, this place already has a new owner. Considering you possess the Peace Talisman and have a recorded file in the Ministry of Rites, you are permitted to leave quickly, but let this be the only time.”

Chen Ping An cupped his fist and asked, “May I ask, River God, where is Lady Chu now?”

The River God, manifesting in golden divine form, frowned and glanced at the long sword Chen Ping An carried on his back. “I only know that Lady Chu went to the Lake-viewing Academy. A scholar died there, and she wants to collect his bones. However, she certainly won’t return here anytime soon.”

Chen Ping An sighed. It seemed he was on a wild goose chase. He felt somewhat sorry for those two yellow paper talismans. He apologized to the River God, “My visit to Lady Chu was indeed presumptuous. I will certainly be more careful next time.”

The River God sneered, “There will be a next time?”

Before Chen Ping An could speak, the River God glanced askance at the hunched old man. “What’s this? Think you can act recklessly just because you’re a Distant Wanderer realm martial artist?”

Zhu Lian wiped his face, turned his head, and said to Chen Ping An, “Young Master, please just let me have a fight! This guy’s attitude is just begging to be beaten. I’ll return a gold essence coin to Young Master later.”

Chen Ping An first signaled with his eyes that Zhu Lian didn’t need to probe the situation. The bridal-gowned female ghost was most likely not in the manor.

Chen Ping An smiled at the River God, “We’ll leave immediately.”

Just then, from behind the Chu family’s manor, a surge of billowing black smoke erupted, creating a tremendous commotion. It swept over and transformed into a humanoid figure clad in a black robe upon landing.

The Embroidered River God remained expressionless. “Prefect Gu, aren’t you supposed to be repairing the mountain roots and water veins?”

Chen Ping An never would have imagined that the current prefect was the Gu family Yin God who had escorted them all the way before. He was also Gu Can’s father.

The Yin God nodded slightly to Chen Ping An, then smiled and explained to the River God, “Earlier, I sensed that a cultivator had broken through the barrier. I thought that since the River God was conveniently in the manor inspecting the progress, I didn’t bother with it. However, considering the current chaotic situation within Great Li, I worried that Great Sui cultivators were trying to forcibly destroy the foundations of this place. I didn’t expect it to be a visit from acquaintances.”

The River God narrowed his eyes. “Prefect Gu escorted Chen Ping An to Great Sui back then. That certainly qualifies as acquaintance. I wonder if Prefect Gu will invite Chen Ping An inside, set up a feast, and welcome an old friend with dust-washing wine?”

The Gu family Yin God laughed heartily. “Since I’ve become the Prefect of this Gu family manor, I naturally wouldn’t dare to neglect my duties. I’ll just chat with Chen Ping An for a few words and send him out of the Chu family’s manor territory.”

“Repairing the water veins and mountain roots is a delicate task that cannot be interrupted. I hope Prefect Gu doesn’t delay for too long. Otherwise, I will definitely handle it officially and record it in the official documents,” the River God said before turning and striding into the manor.

The Gu family Yin God cupped his fist in thanks, then came to Chen Ping An’s side. Before Chen Ping An, who looked surprised, could speak, he laughed loudly, “There’s no helping it. That errand back then earned me a bitter, unrewarding merit in the Ministry of Rites. I got a strange mountain god identity, so everything is beyond my control. I can’t invite you to the manor to be a guest.”

Chen Ping An smiled, “It’s alright. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. This place isn’t too far from Dragon Spring County.”

The Gu family Yin God suddenly bowed deeply, then said with a look of emotion, “I left without saying goodbye during that last distant journey. Due to having a mission on my shoulders, I didn’t dare to speak of a personal matter. Now that I am one of the Great Li deities, although I can’t leave my post without permission, I can take this opportunity to no longer hide anything, so as to relieve a worry.”

Saying this, the Gu family Yin God smiled and activated his divine power, making his originally fleeting and blurred face even clearer. He laughed, “Who do you think I look like?”

Chen Ping An examined him for a moment, then said in shock, “Could it be?”

The Gu family Yin God laughed heartily and cupped his fist again. “Chen Ping An, if it weren’t for you, Gu Can wouldn’t have gained such great fortune for no reason! This kindness, greater than the heavens, wouldn’t be enough to repay even if I died!”

Chen Ping An seemed to be unable to recover for a long time, “No wonder I always felt you were secretly peeking at me back then. I even mistakenly thought you had ulterior motives. Uncle Gu, you should have told me earlier!”

After that, they chatted about some trivial stories of old friends from Mud Bottle Lane. Soon, they arrived near the mountain and water barrier. The Gu family Yin God said bitterly, “I don’t dare to violate the rules. By the way, as the River God said, the Chu family manor was poorly managed. The mountain roots and water veins are tattered and barely holding on. I can’t leave for too long. I won’t see you off any further. Let’s part here.”

Chen Ping An asked with a smile, “I’m returning from Old Dragon City this time. Because Jade Tablet Lake is located in the central part of Treasure Bottle Continent, and the war is raging, even immortal ferries are unwilling to tempt fate. I plan to go to Jade Tablet Lake soon to see Gu Can. Does Uncle Gu know how Gu Can is doing now? Is the River-severing True Monarch treating him well?”

The Gu family Yin God laughed heartily, “They are doing very well, mother and son. Little Can has already become the River-severing True Monarch’s direct disciple, with no worries. Otherwise, how could I be at peace staying here?”

Chen Ping An nodded and cupped his fist. “I wish Uncle Gu an early promotion in his divine position!”
Gu’s spirit god softly reminded, “By the way, Chen Ping’an, have you heard that many immortal clans and sects that bought mountain lands back home are now selling them off cheaply? You’d better hurry back. You might be able to acquire a mountain or two at a low price. Don’t miss this opportunity.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “I’ve already heard. That’s why I sent a flying sword message to Pi Yun Mountain, asking Wei Bo to take a look.”

Gu’s spirit god waved his sleeve, and a gate appeared in the landscape barrier out of nowhere. Chen Ping’an stepped into it, turning his head to cup his fist in farewell.

Walking on the mountain road again, Chen Ping’an mused, “I never expected Uncle Gu to become a spirit god and even the lord of this manor. I wonder when his family of three can reunite.”

Zhu Lian smiled slightly, “Although we didn’t see that ghost in a wedding gown, this trip wasn’t in vain. Just like the Chess Mound Mountain you mentioned earlier, it was originally the desolate place where Wei Bo was a lowly local deity, but it also became the place where he rose to become the True God of the Northern Mountain of Great Li. Therefore, the affairs of the world are unpredictable.”

Chen Ping’an took a deep breath. “Let’s go, to Red Candle Town.”

The two quickened their pace slightly, heading towards Red Candle Town, where Pei Qian and Shi Rou were.

After walking dozens of miles away from the mountain, the two chatted idly. Zhu Lian slowed his pace, cautiously using his martial artist skill to transmit sound in a line, suddenly asking, “Young Master, what’s the next step?”

Chen Ping’an’s expression remained unchanged, and he replied using the same technique, “Don’t rush. We’ll make the next move when we get to Red Candle Town, or Uncle Gu will be in big trouble.”

At the gate of the Chu Clan’s manor.

The Embroidery River Water God’s face was gloomy as he looked at the manor lord slowly returning. He said sternly, “Gu Tao, I told you to stay obediently near the main vein of the manor’s water system and not leave! How dare you run out on your own?!”

The burly water god with a green snake coiled around his arm shook his arm. The green snake with golden eyes landed and coiled on the ground, turning into a giant serpent as thick as a water bucket. Then, it slowly swam, encircling its master and the manor lord in a large circle. It raised its head high, coldly staring at Gu’s spirit god.

The water god reached out and grabbed a refined long spear, with golden light flowing like water. He sneered, “The National Preceptor has ordered that if you make the slightest transgression, I can scatter half of your soul! If you are not convinced, you can rely on the Chu Clan’s manor to resist.”

Gu’s spirit god remained motionless, his face helpless. “The reason I appeared this time was only to speak out that secret. It had been accumulating for too long, and I had to say it. Water God, you came here on orders and gave me a warning beforehand. I accept the punishment! But I hope that before you carry out the sentence, you can tell me why I can’t even see Chen Ping’an? I hope you can give me a clear answer, otherwise, even if I accept the punishment, I will not be reconciled!”

The Embroidery River Water God stared intently at this spirit god. He wasn’t hesitating whether to scatter half of this spirit god manor lord’s soul, but whether to directly destroy all of his soul.

Gu Tao’s life or death was uncertain.

Suffering a punishment was inevitable. However, Gu Tao was currently needed to repair the Chu Clan’s manor’s luck. After all, this place now belonged to the Northern Mountain region. As the first new Five Sacred Mountains deity of the Great Li Dynasty, Wei Bo was increasingly showing the demeanor of a divine尊, so when exactly to scatter half of Gu Tao’s soul, in addition to asking the National Preceptor, according to the Great Li’s mountain and water laws, he also needed to report to Wei Bo.

This was called the local magistrate being more powerful than the county magistrate.

If Gu Tao hadn’t shown the slightest sign of persuading Chen Ping’an to go to the Book Brief Lake from beginning to end, but instead persuaded Chen Ping’an to return home to buy mountains, Gu Tao would have been annihilated by now.

This was also reasonable. The rumors about Book Brief Lake that Gu Tao had secretly learned from Red Candle Town were actually messages that the Great Li spies wanted this manor lord to know.

The water god threw the long spear out without warning, piercing through the spirit god’s abdomen and skewering him into the ground. The long spear’s golden light bloomed, directly burning a hole in Gu Tao’s body. Gu Tao’s body, which had transformed from a yin creature to a golden body of a deity, still suffered a heavy blow.

Gu Tao was indeed a tough nut to crack, and he didn’t say a word. His face began to contort, and black smoke billowed from his body.

The water god reached out and spread out a painting. All the scenes within the Chu Clan’s manor’s jurisdiction moved with the water god’s will. The scenes in the painting quickly flowed and changed, and the people and things in the painting were clearly visible.

He then opened another painting, which was the Embroidery River’s jurisdiction.

He said in a cold tone, “As long as there is the slightest hint that I suspect you, I would rather kill you by mistake.”

Gu Tao, whose abdomen was still pierced by the golden long spear, roared, “Are you crazy?! How could the National Preceptor allow you to be so reckless! Do you really think I don’t know that you have been in love with Lady Chu for hundreds of years?! What, now that I occupy Lady Chu’s manor, you are displeased with me and want to get rid of me quickly? Giving a crime to someone, you can always find a reason. Very well, I have learned the measure of your Embroidery River Water God!”

The water god completely ignored the grief-stricken Gu Tao, only lowered his head and stared at the Chen Ping’an and Zhu Lian in a painting, observing their expressions, conversations, and not willing to let go of every detail.

As for what the National Preceptor was planning, the Embroidery River Water God was not interested at all, and dared not have the slightest thought of exploration.

For more than a hundred years in the Great Li Dynasty,

For this National Preceptor who always stood in the shadows of His Majesty the Emperor, every time he stepped out of the shadows, he would bring a bloody storm, with heads rolling to the ground. Whether it was a powerful noble family or an immortal master on the mountain, there was no exception, no matter how important a central minister you were, a high-ranking official, or what kind of earth immortal you were,

Either you disappeared without a trace, or you lived a life worse than death.

The water god beckoned, and the long spear returned to his hand. “You quickly return to the bottom of the manor to repair the local luck and await orders. Whether you live or die, you can only pray for yourself.”

Gu Tao reached out to cover his abdomen. The injury to his golden body and the loss of his cultivation made this spirit god very painful. “You should know my approximate roots, so this matter is not over!”

The water god’s expression was indifferent. “In our Great Li, the biggest backer is the law established by the National Preceptor to help His Majesty the Emperor.”

Along the Embroidery River, which had gentle and beautiful water, they arrived at the still noisy Red Candle Town.

Once in a bookstore here, Chen Ping’an had bought Li Huai a copy of “Great Cliff Cuts Water.”

Pei Qian and Shi Rou lived in the inn where Chen Ping’an had stayed before.
Entering the room, Pei Qian, who was about to tell her master about the fun things in Red Candle Town, immediately fell silent after glancing at Chen Ping’an.

Zhu Lian closed the door and stood near the window, while Chen Ping’an remained silent.

Chen Ping’an’s first words were direct, “I plan not to return to Dragon Spring County yet. Zhu Lian, you protect Pei Qian and Shi Rou to the Fallen Mountain. There’s an immortal ferry in Huang Ting Country. I’ll try there to see if there’s a ferry to Shujian Lake. If not, I’ll walk there. Once we’re in Dragon Spring County, it will only become more difficult to leave.”

Zhu Lian pondered for a moment, then slowly said, “This old servant possesses a passable disguise technique. How about I impersonate Young Master, and Young Master disguise as someone else? Then we can find a suitable opportunity for Young Master to leave Red Candle Town first, while we stay here for a few more days. It might not completely fool everyone, but it’s better than nothing.”

Shi Rou was utterly confused.

Pei Qian was even more bewildered.

Zhu Lian softly said, “Young Master, you yourself said it, don’t rush things, take it slow.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

Zhu Lian nodded, “Young Master is indeed meticulous. Otherwise, I fear Cui Dongshan would surely lose this contest of wits once we reach Dragon Spring County.”

From the moment the Embroidery River Water God revealed himself, followed by Uncle Gu’s arrival, Chen Ping’an had sensed a familiar aura.

Therefore, Chen Ping’an chose to remain silent at the time, waiting for Uncle Gu to speak, rather than blurting out “Uncle Gu”.

As expected.

Uncle Gu’s words contained hidden meanings, hinting at Gu Can’s father’s identity for the “first time”.

Chen Ping’an then cooperated with Uncle Gu in acting out that scene.

The seemingly kind reminders for Chen Ping’an to quickly return to Dragon Spring County to purchase a mountain peak.

The assurance that the mother and son would be safe and sound in Shujian Lake.

Chen Ping’an simply needed to interpret everything in reverse.

Furthermore, the two understood each other implicitly, not saying a single extra word or exchanging an extra glance.

Because that Embroidery River Water God was definitely watching from the shadows.

Next, Zhu Lian began to help refine the details. For example, they would first go drink the unique boat girl wine of Red Candle Town tonight, a place bustling with people, perfect for attracting spies. Chen Ping’an would take off the magic robe, the Golden Livery, that he needed to wear to Shujian Lake, and put on a green shirt, so that Zhu Lian could later impersonate Chen Ping’an and travel to Fallen Mountain. Without the Golden Livery, it would be too conspicuous.

Zhu Lian and Chen Ping’an thus worked together to fill in any loopholes.

Pei Qian obediently sat aside, not interjecting with jokes at this time.

Shi Rou guarded the window position.

She no longer thought that Zhu Lian’s suggestion to drink the flower wine was a personal indulgence disguised as official business.

That night, Chen Ping’an and Zhu Lian left the inn and drank flower wine. Chen Ping’an sat upright and proper, while Zhu Lian was in his element, chatting with the boat girls in a way that made the young ladies feel as if they were born too late.

The next day, Chen Ping’an took Pei Qian around Red Candle Town, buying various items, as if they were near their hometown and winter was approaching, so they could start preparing for the New Year.

A middle-aged man with ordinary features quietly left Red Candle Town.

Instead of taking a ferry downstream along the Embroidery River, he took a bustling official road towards the border, near the pass. He did not use a travel permit to cross into Huang Ting Country, but like a wild cultivator of the mountains and swamps who disliked restrictions, he easily crossed the towering mountains, traveling day and night thereafter.

Covered in dust, he arrived at an immortal ferry in Huang Ting Country. The middle-aged man did not inquire with the ferry officials at the dock, but learned through casual conversation that there were no ferries directly to Shujian Lake anymore. That route had long been discontinued. He then chose a ferry to a place called Mount Gusu, where it was said that he could transfer to a ferry to a vassal state of the Zhu Ying Dynasty. After that, he would have to walk to Shujian Lake.

The man paid a sum of immortal money, requesting a private cabin on the ferry and keeping to himself.

Upon arriving at Mount Gusu, the man heard more bad news: even the ferry to that vassal state of the Zhu Ying Dynasty had been suspended.

The man stayed on Mount Gusu for a day, wandering around. Finally, he spent a fortune, paying well above the market price in immortal money, paying half upfront, and directly hired a private boat that was unwilling to strictly adhere to the rules. Amidst the boat owner’s fawning expression mixed with a look that he was an idiot, the man boarded the ferry, the only passenger.

Wolves and jackals lurked.

The man either lacked experience in the pugilistic world and remained oblivious, or he was skilled and bold, deliberately ignoring them.

During one of the ferry’s announcements that it needed to dock for supplies, the man finally left his cabin, changing into a white robe, carrying a long sword, with a hairpin in his hair and a wine gourd at his waist.

He went directly to the boat owner, a cultivator at the Ocean Gazing Realm, slapped the crimson wine gourd in the eyes of ordinary cultivators, and a flying sword emerged from the sword-nurturing gourd, saying, “Immortal money is easy to earn, but once life is gone, it’s gone.”

The old cultivator boat owner, who had already harbored thoughts of murder and robbery, was also of wild origins. Since he had been seen through by the guest, he no longer bothered to hide anything. He glanced at the wine gourd and laughed, “Guest probably doesn’t know the market price of our profession. A sword-nurturing gourd is worth more than my life and this boat combined. What do you think…”

Before the old cultivator could finish his sentence, the flying sword flashed and disappeared.

The old cultivator was, after all, a wild cultivator who had climbed to the Ocean Gazing Realm, and he was familiar with the troublesome sword cultivators of the mountains. He just so happened to have a trump card spiritual artifact that could slightly restrain it.

However, relying on his natal treasure, the old cultivator barely dodged the flying sword, only for another flying sword from the sword-nurturing gourd to pierce his brow.

It wouldn’t be fatal, but if he moved even slightly, the tip of the sword would pierce a little further, and his life would be gone.

As the Ocean Gazing Realm old cultivator was shocked that a sword cultivator actually had two natal flying swords.

A fist arrived.

Striking the old cultivator’s all qi reservoirs causing his spiritual energy to boil like hot water.

Another punch.

The old cultivator, whose body was tempered by spiritual energy, making him roughly equivalent to a Fourth Realm martial artist in physical toughness, was still punched until he vomited bile and fell to the ground.

The two flying swords pierced into the old cultivator’s two natal qi reservoirs, stirring and crushing them, causing the Ocean Gazing Realm boat owner to fall back to the Cave Mansion Realm on the spot, wailing incessantly.

The man looked around, picked a chair, sat down, and said to the others, “Continue on our way.”

The old cultivator then sat in a small corner of the spacious room, the two flying swords slowly circling around him.

And the guest actually sat there reading books.

The old cultivator mustered his courage and asked if he could heal his injuries on the spot, so as not to lose even his Cave Mansion Realm.
The man nodded, offering no objection.

Thereafter, the man consumed book after book, occasionally dozing off, sometimes rising to slowly pace, and gently practice his fist techniques.

When the ferry arrived at the largest tributary kingdom bordering the Vermilion Glare Dynasty, the man, before disembarking, paid the remaining half of the immortal coins.

After inquiring about the general direction of Scripture Lake from the listless old cultivator, the man unslung the longsword from his back and cast it, scabbard and all, into the air.

He then departed, riding the sword towards Scripture Lake.

First, set a small goal, such as 1 second: