Unbeknownst to him, the ferry had already entered the territory of the Huang Ting Kingdom, a land of towering mountains and deep waters.

Chen Pingan stood at the bow, admiring the scenery. The ferry company was considerate, deliberately lowering the craft’s altitude, so it sometimes brushed past treacherous peaks, accompanied by the flight of birds.

This region, once part of the ancient Shu lands, was now divided into numerous independent territories. Besides the registered immortal masters from various large sects, who often contacted other forces and consulted local chronicles and folk legends, they would pay off local immortals and the Huang Ting Kingdom’s court. Then they would extensively excavate rivers, forcing them to change course and expose dry riverbeds, all in search of the so-called Dragon Palace secret realms. Rogue cultivators frequently came here to try their luck, hoping to stumble upon something valuable. The blind old Daoist and his disciples had similar ambitions in the past, but fortune was an ethereal thing, unless one was a wealthy cultivator, able to pull strings, spend lavishly, and cast a wide net, it was difficult to gain anything.

The ferry’s destination was Changchun Palace, north of the Great Li capital, which would pass by Ox Horn Mountain in Dragon Spring County. Chen Pingan didn’t plan to disembark there. Following his established route, he wanted to first visit the former residence of the vengeful female ghost, to check on Gu Can’s father. Then, following the familiar path along the Embroidered River, Red Candle Town, Chess Mound Mountain, and the Iron Talisman River, he intended to return to Fallen Peak at full speed, using his sword as a vehicle. Riding a horse would be too slow and would delay his departure on the intercontinental ferry to the Northern Ju Continent.

Since a ferry couldn’t land solely for one passenger, Chen Pingan had already informed the crew that he would leave his horse at Ox Horn Mountain. He asked them to notify the people at the Ox Horn Mountain ferry terminal to send the horse to Fallen Peak.

The ferry manager looked troubled. Even just flying over Great Li territory was enough to make people nervous, afraid that a passenger might accidentally spit over the railing and onto the mountain of a Great Li immortal, who would then unleash a magical treasure and obliterate everyone. Furthermore, the Ox Horn Mountain ferry terminal was the second to last stop on the route, and a detachment of Great Li iron cavalry was stationed there. They wouldn’t dare to deal with those warriors on matters other than cargo loading and unloading.

Chen Pingan explained further, saying that he had good relations with Ox Horn Mountain and that his own mountain was adjacent to the terminal. A single horse wouldn’t cause any trouble.

The old manager wore a distressed expression, neither refusing nor agreeing. Eventually, Chen Pingan secretly slipped him a few Snowflake Coins, and the Sea Gazing Realm cultivator reluctantly agreed.

The real reason, of course, wasn’t greed for those few coins, but fear of offending this young man with a Great Li identity. Since he possessed a Fallen Peak, he was a local strongman. This route was a new source of income that the manager’s ancestor had established at great personal expense. They would inevitably meet again in the future, so helping with a small favor was a way to become acquainted. Managing a business, the longer it went on, the more trivial matters arose. Who knew when they might need a favor?

Fortunately, the young man was sensible. After gaining the advantage, he reciprocated, saying that whenever the ferry docked and he had free time, they were welcome to visit Fallen Peak as guests. His name was Chen Pingan, and he had wine and tea on the mountain.

The old manager finally showed a genuine smile. Regardless of sincerity, the young swordsman’s words were better than nothing. In business, simply knowing someone’s name, even if they weren’t truly friends, could lead to others making assumptions.

Later, one day, when the ferry had entered Great Li territory, Chen Pingan surveyed the mountains and rivers below, bid farewell to the old manager, and directly released his sword spirit, leaping over the railing.

He stepped onto the golden thread, rapidly drawing an arc as he descended.

The old manager slapped the railing, his face full of surprise. He would definitely inquire about this “Chen Pingan” when they reached Ox Horn Mountain. How could he be so deeply hidden? Traveling with only a horse? Usually, cultivators from immortal residences had a certain divine air.

Chen Pingan landed on the familiar road. This time, he didn’t need the Yang Essence Illuminating Talisman to guide him. He directly arrived at a mountain wall, lightly tapping it as if knocking on a door, instead of using a Barrier Breaking Talisman to forcibly “break in and intrude upon the residence.” Previously, he had done so, and was coldly ridiculed by the Embroidered River water deity, whose arms were entwined with green snakes. He was reprimanded with Great Li mountain laws, and told that it was not to be repeated. Although the other party seemed arrogant, Chen Pingan was indeed in the wrong. Therefore, even if Chen Pingan wasn’t a true sword immortal today, even if he became one in the future, he would still need to “knock” here.

Ripples appeared, and the mountain and water barrier suddenly opened. Chen Pingan stepped inside, and his vision suddenly opened up.

Chen Pingan frowned and walked slowly, looking around. The aura here was far superior to what it had been in the past. The mountain and water formations were stable, and the spiritual energy was abundant. These were all good signs, suggesting that Gu Can’s father, as the new master of the estate, had been successful in repairing the mountain’s roots after three years. This was a substantial achievement in the eyes of the mountain and water deities, recorded in the Merit Ledger by the Ministry of Rites and preserved by the Ministry of Personnel’s Evaluation Office. However, Gu Can’s father wasn’t there to greet him today, which was unusual.

When he returned to Fallen Peak previously, Chen Pingan had inquired about the “Exquisite Scenery and High Virtue” Chu residence in detail from Wei Bo. As the North Mountain God, Wei Bo’s domain included both the old residence and the new master of the house, so he knew a great deal. However, Wei Bo had also said that the Ministry of Rites’ Sacrificial Affairs Department was specifically responsible for a few “managed” back channels personally overseen by the imperial court. Even Wei Bo only had the right to know, but not to interfere. The old Chu residence was on this list and had only been included last winter. When Chen Pingan signed the agreement with the Great Li court at Cape Cloud Mountain, the Vice Minister of Rites mentioned this matter to Wei Bo, briefly explaining it in a courteous manner, so as not to make Wei Bo suspicious. Wei Bo naturally had no objections. He wasn’t foolish. If he truly regarded all the nominal territory of the North Mountain as his private domain, then even the Great Li capital would be considered his territory. Could he, Wei Bo, really go to the Great Li capital and act like a hooligan?
Regarding the Yin God of the Gu family, according to official accounts, Gu Tao has remained reclusive for the past three years, diligently mending the fortunes of the mountains and rivers, for which his hard work is greatly appreciated. The Imperial Court is said to be preparing further rewards and appointments. It is even rumored that Wei Bo and Zhu Lian made a bet regarding Gu Tao’s new position, each writing their answer on a slip of paper and entrusting it to the pink-skirted girl. The loser would treat the winner to drinks. Wei Bo had asked Chen Pingan to guess what position they had written, but Chen Pingan was too preoccupied with teaching and sparring, his head swimming with thoughts. He now regrets not having paid more attention, as it might have better prepared him for the news. Wei Bo also mentioned that after moving back to the ancestral home in Mud Bottle Lane, Gu Can’s mother immediately sought out Gu Tao. However, although she entered his domain, the husband and wife, separated by the veil of Yin and Yang, were unable to meet.

Today, it was once again the Embroidered River Water God, clad in golden armor, waiting for Chen Pingan at the mansion’s gate.

However, compared to their previous tense encounter, the countenance of this seasoned Water God, whose rank was slightly inferior to Yang Hua of the Iron Talisman River, was much more amicable.

Chen Pingan clasped his fist in salute, “Greetings, Water God Lord.”

The Embroidered River Water God nodded in acknowledgment, “Are you here to reminisce with Lord Gu Tao, or to seek vengeance against Lady Chu?”

Chen Pingan smiled, “I’m here to see Uncle Gu.”

Since the matter of Scripture Lake had concluded, there was no need to dwell on it. No one was a fool. This loyal Embroidered River Water God was clearly acting on the secret instructions of National Preceptor Cui Chan back then. Perhaps their play-acting with Uncle Gu, deceiving the heavens, was meant to ensure his route change, allowing him to reach Scripture Lake sooner, averting an even greater disaster. Had he arrived a month or two later, if Ruan Xiu and the imperial guards clashed with Gu Can of Green Cliff Island, their conflict, like water and fire, would be guided by fate. Any casualties on either side would have been an unimaginable catastrophe for Chen Pingan.

Therefore, this Water God, who was remiss in his duties back then, had likely already received a reprimand from Cui Chan.

The Water God gently stroked the head of the azure serpent coiled around his arm, and said with a faint smile, “Chen Pingan, although I am still somewhat annoyed at being fooled by you two back then, allowing you to sneak off to Scripture Lake, wasting my time watching your old servant for so long, it was your ability. Rest assured, as long as it’s official business, I won’t let personal grudges cloud my judgment.”

Chen Pingan nodded, “Since you are here, Water God Lord, you must possess that magnanimity. I believe you. From now on, we are neighbors in these mountains and rivers. We will interact accordingly.”

The burly Embroidered River Water God revealed a hint of admiration. His words were not exactly pleasant, implying that since he, the River God adjacent to Dragon Spring County, would not let personal matters interfere with official duties, what would happen if personal grudges arose between them in the future? Naturally, they would settle them privately. The young man’s response was impeccable, neither issuing threats nor feigning weakness.

The Water God gestured behind him, smiling, “The matter of repairing the mountain roots is a long and arduous task. This time, it’s not that I’m deliberately making things difficult for you and Gu Tao, preventing you from catching up. It’s just that he’s temporarily unable to leave his duties. However, if you’re willing, you can come inside and have a seat. I’ll treat you to a drink on Gu Tao’s behalf. In fact…regarding Lady Chu’s matter, I have some private words I’d like to say to you. Many past events are destined not to be recorded in the Ministry of Rites’ archives, but after getting drunk, saying some harmless drunken words isn’t a transgression. What do you say, Chen Pingan? Will you grant me this honor?”

Chen Pingan nodded and smiled, “Competing with a Water God in drinking is not very wise, but I’ll bite the bullet and suffer the consequences.”

They walked into the mansion together, side by side. Chen Pingan asked, “Has the spirit night banquet at Cloud-Cloaked Mountain ended?”

The Embroidered River Water God hummed in affirmation, “You might not believe it, but three former Great Li Sacred Mountain Gods attended the banquet, along with numerous tributary state deities. Since the founding of Great Li, we have never had such a grand night banquet. Grand Deity Wei, the host, was especially extraordinary. I’m not just praising my superior, but Wei Bo’s charm was truly unexpected, a divine figure surpassing all others. Countless female deities were captivated by our Northern Peak Deity at first sight, and were still lingering after the banquet ended, reluctant to leave.”

Mentioning Wei Bo, the familiar “Land Deity of Chessboard Mountain,” the Embroidered River Water God seemed sincerely respectful.

Chen Pingan thought of his own experience on Fallen Phoenix Mountain, where he was mistaken for a lecherous rogue. Compared to Wei Bo?

After being seated in the brightly lit hall, only a few ghost-maidens served them before being dismissed with a wave from the Water God.

The Water God produced two jars of wine, imbued with the essence of the Embroidered River’s water veins, tossing one to Chen Pingan. They each drank.

The Water God was clearly an old acquaintance of the mansion’s former mistress, Lady Chu. The Water God was candid about his intentions, not expecting Chen Pingan to reconcile with her, but hoping that Chen Pingan would not engage in an irreconcilable feud. The Water God then recounted the story of the ghost bride and the Great Li scholar in detail, describing how she was once kind and devoted to the scholar. He also did not conceal her cruel acts after feeling betrayed, recounting one by one the pitiful corpses she had planted as “flowers and plants” in the backyard, which remained unremoved to this day, shrouded in resentment and unable to find release.

Mentioning the tragedy of the poor scholar in Lake-Viewing Academy, the Water God was also sympathetic, his expression solemn and heavy as he took a sip of wine. “Before Great Li’s rise, any ambitious scholar would have faced prejudice and injustice. The more talented they were, the more they were suppressed. This scholar was an example. One of the academy students who harmed him was from a Sui Dynasty aristocratic family, and still holds a high position in the Imperial Court today!”

The Water God looked out the hall door, sighing, “A muddled account, how can one reason?”
Chen Ping’an took a sip of wine and slowly said, “If I really have to explain, it’s not impossible, just a matter of sequence, then proceeding step by step. But there’s one crucial premise, and that is, the person who speaks reason must be able to bear the price of that reasoning.”

The Water God smiled, “Why don’t you give it a try? Miss Chu is too deeply involved, she can’t see things clearly. Actually, you, Chen Ping’an, are the best choice, half involved, half an observer. If you’re willing, I’ll owe you a great favor.”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “I don’t have that kind of ambition anymore, and I have no reason to do so.”

The Water God hadn’t placed much hope in it, so there was no disappointment, just a bit of regret. He raised his wine pot, “Then let’s just drink.”

Chen Ping’an followed suit, raising his pot. The wine was good, probably quite expensive, so he thought to drink as little as possible, treating it as a way to earn money in disguise.

Aside from the woman in the wedding dress, there wasn’t much to talk about, so Chen Ping’an quickly got up to leave. The Embroidery River Water God personally escorted him to the “entrance” of the landscape barrier.

Seeing Chen Ping’an cupping his fist in farewell, then his sword unsheathing with a clang behind him, man and sword soared into the sky, carefree, disappearing into the sea of clouds.

Although he had already witnessed this Sword Immortal’s style through the water curtain spell when he arrived, the Embroidery River Water God couldn’t help but be shocked, now seeing it up close.

Chen Ping’an landed outside Red Candle Town and walked into it on foot. He paused for a moment, gazing at the post station as he passed by, before continuing on. He first looked at Fu Shui Bay from afar, then went to the Guan Shui Street, which intersected with Guan Shan Street, and found the bookshop. He actually found the shopkeeper there, wearing a black robe, holding a folding fan, sitting on a small bamboo chair with his eyes closed in rest, holding a delicate teapot, sipping tea leisurely, humming a tune, and tapping his knee with the folded fan, completely ignoring the bookshop’s business.

It was still the same as back then, the handsome young shopkeeper didn’t even bother to open his eyes, lazily saying, “The prices of the books in the shop are clearly marked. It’s all voluntary, depending on your judgment.”

Chen Ping’an had spent money here back then to buy a copy of “Great Water Cliff” for Li Huai, which seemed to have been printed not many years ago, for nine taels and two qian. But it turned out to be an old book, with a literary spirit manifesting within. That Li Huai kid really had dog-shit luck wherever he went.

At the Azure Coin Workshop at the Dilong Mountain ferry, Chen Ping’an had immediately taken a liking to the veiled clay figurine, because judging by the craftsmanship, it was very likely part of the same set of clay toys as Li Huai’s, all made by the immortals of White Emperor City, as Hong Yangbo had said. Even if “Qing Cai,” the Azure Coin Workshop maid, whose sword intent wasn’t concealed well enough, hadn’t given it to him, Chen Ping’an would have found a way to get it. As for the Shen Shui Kingdom’s Imperial Pine Soot Ink, Chen Ping’an really didn’t have enough immortal money to buy it at the time, and he planned to ask Wei Bo, who had once been the Mountain God of Shen Shui Kingdom, whether it was worth buying after he returned to Fallen Mountain.

But this wasn’t Chen Ping’an’s reason for coming here. In fact, this young shopkeeper, who had been transformed from a water spirit in the Swift River, had now soared to the sky, rising from a mountain and lake spirit who had come ashore to roam the human marketplace to become the Swift River Water God, officially conferred by the Great Li Dynasty. Not only that, but this was also the first orthodox Water God of the Swift River since the founding of the Great Li. Truly a “carp leaping over the dragon gate.”

Like the Embroidery River Water God, he was now considered a neighbor. For mountain cultivators, this distance of mountains and rivers was no more than the distance from Mud Bottle Lane to Apricot Blossom Lane.

Chen Ping’an wouldn’t deliberately try to curry favor. There was no need, and it wouldn’t be useful. But since he had passed by, it was only proper to say hello.

When down on your luck, you must take yourself seriously. After rising in power, you must take others seriously.

These principles that could be found in the mud of Mud Bottle Lane, shouldn’t be forgotten just because one has walked far and climbed high.

Chen Ping’an picked out a few expensive books that could be considered decent copies, and suddenly turned to ask, “Shopkeeper, if I were to buy all the books in your shop, what kind of discount would you give me?”

The young shopkeeper, resembling a handsome young master, opened his eyes and said, displeased, “I rely on this small shop to rest and eat. What can I do with a sack of silver if you buy everything? Go to Fu Shui Bay to drink flower wine? With my appearance, who would be taking advantage of whom is hard to say. What kind of discount do you want? Eleven percent off, twelve percent off, are you buying or not?!”

Chen Ping’an nodded and smiled, “I’ll buy.”

The young shopkeeper placed the teapot on the waist-high incense table next to him, opened the folding fan with a snap, and gently fanned a breeze in front of him, smiling, “Not selling!”

Chen Ping’an had no choice but to give up, paying more than thirty taels of silver for the ancient books.

With the silver in hand, the shopkeeper smiled and sent Chen Ping’an to the door of the shop, “Welcome to visit again.”

Chen Ping’an knew he had overpaid, seeing his expression.

After Chen Ping’an left Guan Shui Street, the shopkeeper sat back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment, then got up and closed the shop, heading towards a riverbank.

Red Candle Town was an important commercial hub near Dragon Spring County, at the confluence of the Embroidery, Jade Liquid, and Swift Rivers. The imperial court was now carrying out large-scale construction, with dust flying everywhere, making it very noisy. If there were no accidents, Red Candle Town would not only be incorporated into Dragon Spring County, but would also soon be elevated to become the county seat of a new county. Dragon Spring County was also about to be upgraded to a prefecture. The mountains were busy now, and the officialdom below was also busy. Especially with the existence of Piyi Mountain, countless mountain and water deities were racking their brains to get closer to this place. It should be known that mountain and water deities didn’t just rely on a shrine and a golden statue to sit on the mountain. They always had their own well-connected mountain immortals, court officials, and Jianghu figures, and the network of relationships that extended from them. So, with Piyi Mountain and Dragon Spring County City as the two major centers above and below the mountains, the rapid rise of the new Great Li Prefecture was unstoppable.

After the young man in black arrived at the riverbank, he used a blinding technique. After entering the water, he strolled leisurely within the “softest” Embroidery River.
Three rivers flowed, each with its own distinct character. The Embroidery River possessed gentle, long-lasting currents, its waters brimming with spiritual energy. The Roiling River, in stark contrast to its name, was a torrent of rapids, its waters the most violent. The Jade Nectar River, the shortest of the three, was the most capricious, its spiritual energy unevenly distributed, with the river deity’s abode located in the most auspicious feng shui spot. One shouldn’t underestimate this point. If a Golden Core Earth Immortal, lacking a place to cultivate, happened to choose from these three rivers, they would naturally opt to serve as a venerated guest of the Jade Nectar River. In the mountains, this was known as a minor paradise that money couldn’t buy.

The Embroidery River fell under a colleague’s jurisdiction. Unless one was visiting the river palace, it would normally be considered trespassing. However, the aquatic sprites responsible for patrolling the river, upon seeing the black-robed River God, were not only unsurprised but greeted him with beaming smiles, eager to curry favor. This wasn’t because the newly appointed River God of the Roiling River was easy to get along with, but rather to deliberately provoke him. The black-robed River God didn’t stoop to their level, keeping his replies brief. He only stated that he was heading to the Mántou Mountain, located at the confluence of two tributaries. Once he was a safe distance away, the sprites clad in armor and wielding weapons erupted in laughter, their words unrestrained, mostly mocking the former spirit for being unworthy of his position, having relied on sucking up to a powerful figure to ascend to godhood. Compared to their own Embroidery River God, who had secured his position through meritorious deeds both in life and after death, what was a mere tail-wagging carp worth?

The black-robed River God arrived at the dilapidated earth shrine located on a solitary island in the river. The shrimp soldiers and crab generals of the Jade Nectar and Embroidery Rivers disdained this place, and the city gods of the nearby counties were even less willing to acknowledge it. The Mántou Mountain Earth God, the most insignificant deity in the kingdom’s register of mountains and rivers, was like a rock in an outhouse—foul and unyielding.

The small shrine remained desolate, its incense dwindling, barely surviving. The local populace disliked burning incense here, as it required a ferry ride to reach the island, which was too much trouble. Moreover, the Three Rivers region was now filled with numerous god shrines. Who wouldn’t seek help from someone else? Besides, which deity didn’t hold a higher rank and position than this minor Earth God?

The young man in black robes crossed the threshold. A squat, disheveled man sat on the altar, while a scarlet-clad incense spirit was wailing and howling inside the old bronze incense burner, sitting with his bottom planted firmly in the ash-filled vessel, beating his tiny hands against the sides, covered in soot. He loudly lamented, mixing in a few complaints about his master’s lack of ambition and progress. The black-robed River God found this commonplace. It was already strange for an earth shrine to give birth to an incense spirit. This scarlet-clad sprite was brazen, never respecting hierarchy, and often wandered around, only to be bullied by his counterparts at the city god’s temple, whereupon he would return and vent his anger on his master. His catchphrase was that he would find a good incense burner to be reborn into in his next life, making him a local oddity.

Even knowing that a proper River God was gracing them with his presence, the man didn’t even bat an eye.

The palm-sized, scarlet-clad sprite quickly jumped up, his hands gripping the edge of the incense burner, and shouted, “River God Lord, what brings you to our humble abode today? Please, sit, sit, make yourself at home! The place is small, the incense is poor, we don’t even have fruit or tea to offer. We’ve truly neglected you, River God Lord! Forgive us, forgive us…”

The man slammed his hand down, pushing the scarlet-clad sprite directly into the ash to keep him from chattering on.

The black-robed River God dragged a tattered chair from the far corner of the wall, sat down, and glanced at the little fellow peeking out of the incense burner, asking with a smile, “Such a big matter, and you didn’t even tell your little companion who depends on you for everything?”

The man said expressionlessly, “Nothing’s been decided yet. What’s there to say?”

The black-robed River God took out a folding fan and gently tapped the armrest, laughing, “Well, there’s a difference between a big happy event and a small one. You certainly know how to hold your composure.”

This man had been sitting on the sidelines for hundreds of years, with no hope of promotion. There was clearly a reason for it. Otherwise, he should have managed to become a county city god by now. Many of his old acquaintances were doing well. No wonder the scarlet-clad incense spirit complained every day, staring blankly at the shrine roof, waiting for a pie to fall from the sky and land on his head. The man answered casually, “Over the years, I haven’t even had a warm bite of shit. I haven’t said anything. What’s a few more days?”

Who would feel comfortable hearing such words?

The scarlet-clad sprite rolled his eyes. Good news? What good news could possibly fall on his master’s head? If this little broken shrine could just maintain its status as an earth shrine, he would run to every mountain god temple, river god temple, and city god temple to offer incense. He had completely given up hope. As long as he wasn’t kicked out of the shrine, forced to carry the incense burner around, it would be a great joy. Now, several city god temples were secretly spreading news that after the Dragon Spring Prefecture was elevated to a state, all the gods, high and low, would be re-evaluated. This time, he had even resorted to the bitter ruse of kowtowing, but his master still refused to budge and attend the Night Banquet hosted by the Great God of the Northern Peak. Lately, it had been said that Mántou Mountain was doomed, causing him to live in constant anxiety, wishing he could perish with his master and strive for a good rebirth in his next life.

The black-robed River God said helplessly, “Others may say what they want, and you can ignore them, but how many years have we known each other? Wouldn’t you say we’re friends in adversity? When my shrine was completed, you didn’t even attend?”

The man said, “If I went, would you remember my kindness even more? It’s still just a minor friendship. One must have something to offer when visiting, and I don’t have any money. I can’t afford to put on a false front.”

The scarlet-clad sprite was furious. He stood up, put his hands on his hips, and glared up at his master, “Have you lost your mind? How dare you speak to the River God Lord like that?! You ungrateful fool, apologize to the River God Lord immediately!”

The man glanced at him askance.

The scarlet-clad sprite was on the verge of tears. He turned his head, looked at the black-robed River God, and mustered all his strength to squeeze out a few drops of tears, “River God Lord, you’re an old friend of my master. Please, I beg you to persuade him. If things continue like this, I won’t even have dust to eat. My life is miserable…”

The black-robed River God joked, “It’s not like there aren’t city gods inviting you to move to their mansions, with incense burners and plaques for you to choose from. What a blessing! Since you know your life is miserable, why don’t you enjoy the good life and insist on enduring it here, where you can’t achieve anything?”
The crimson-robed child clapped, striking his chest with gusto, but misjudged the force. The result was a mouthful of incense ash, followed by a few coughs. He then declared in a loud voice, “This is called integrity!”

Having proclaimed such lofty words, his stomach began to rumble. The crimson-robed child felt a pang of embarrassment. He was about to crawl out of the incense burner, thinking, “I’ll just go drink the northwest wind. I don’t want to offend you two cronies.”

Unexpectedly, the burly man pulled a stick of landscape incense from his sleeve. He rubbed it between his fingers, and a spark of light appeared, a cheap, low-grade variety, of course. He casually tossed it into the incense burner. The crimson-robed child pounced on it, grumbling that even pigs ate better, but then quickly settled down in the ash heap, cradling the incense stick like sugarcane, nodding his head and beaming with happiness.

The black-clad River God laughed heartily, opening his folding fan, sending forth gusts of cool breeze and misty water, refreshing the heart and lungs.

The burly man hesitated, then said seriously, “Please, convey a message to Wei Bo and the Minister of Rites you’re acquainted with. If it’s not the City God of the Prefecture, just the City God of some Commandery or County, tell them not to bother looking for me. I’ll just stay here.”

The black-clad River God frowned. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

The burly man scratched his head, a dazed expression on his face, as he gazed at the surging river outside the temple.

The black-clad River God teased, “You’re so familiar with Wei Bo, and if I remember correctly, you once did him and that poor woman a great favor. Why not tell him yourself?”

The burly man scoffed, “It was just doing something that didn’t violate my conscience. Does that count as a favor? Does it necessarily require repayment? Then how am I different from those guys who are all busy climbing the ladder, getting rich, and adding incense to their burners? This new City God matter isn’t me begging the Great Li. I’m just putting the word out there. Who they choose is their business. Choosing me might not be a good thing, and not choosing me isn’t necessarily a bad thing either. I won’t make things difficult for anyone.”

The black-clad River God nodded. “Alright, I’ll just pass on the message. As for the rest, you’re on your own. If it works out, then good for you. But I think it’s unlikely, difficult. If it doesn’t work out, the new Prefecture City God will inevitably make things difficult for you. He might not even need to do it himself. The Commandery and County City Gods will be all too eager to ingratiate themselves, constantly finding excuses to harass you.”

The burly man looked indifferent.

After all, the Wenwu Temple, needless to say, would certainly enshrine the ancestral spirits of the Yuan and Cao families. The other mountain and river deities, large and small, were already settled in their positions: the Dragon Whisker River, the Iron Talisman River, the Fallen Phoenix Mountain, the Cool Breeze Mountain. So the three vacant seats of the City Gods, plus the Prefecture City God after the upgrade to a Prefecture, became the only remaining “sweet pastries” that could be negotiated and maneuvered. The Yuan and Cao families were determined to secure at least one of these three positions, only arguing over the prefix of Prefecture, Commandery, or County. No one dared to compete with them. After all, two of the main generals in the Great Li’s southern expeditionary iron cavalry, Cao Ping and Su Gaoshan, were Cao family members. Su Gaoshan, who rose from humble border army origins, owed a great debt to the Yuan family, more than once, and Su Gaoshan still cherished feelings for a certain Yuan family miss. Thus, he was considered half a son-in-law of the Yuan family by the Great Li officialdom.

This involved a complex web of official connections, requiring all the local deities to demonstrate their unique abilities.

The crimson-robed child, who had been busy “eating sugarcane” to fill his belly, looked up, dazed, and asked, “What were you guys just talking about?”

The burly man said impatiently, “We were wondering who your parents are.”

The River God began to talk about the previous customer at the bookstore, explaining his speculations.

The burly man’s expression turned serious.

With a full stomach, the crimson-robed child was in a good mood. He let out a satisfied burp and said with a chuckle, “You know, I just met a friend from Dragon Spring Commandery. I went to Hongzhu Town a while ago, and went a bit further, near Qidun Mountain. I met two girls, one big and one small, who said they were waiting for someone there. One of them was really pretty, and the other… well, I don’t want to lie just because I’m close to her, she wasn’t that pretty, but I got along with her better. We really clicked. She kept asking me where the biggest hornet’s nest was. Well, that’s something I know a lot about, so I took them there. It was a hornet’s nest as big as a wellhead, almost a demon! And guess what? The two little girls got chased by the whole swarm of hornets and got stung into two big pig heads. It was hilarious! Of course, I was very sad at the time, and shed a lot of tears. They were loyal too, and didn’t blame me for leading the way. They even invited me to visit a place called Fallen Phoenix Mountain. The little charcoal girl I got along with, she’s really righteous and powerful. She said she’s her master’s first disciple, and if I go to Fallen Phoenix Mountain, I’ll have good food, good drinks, and lots of fun.”

The burly man immediately seized the key point and frowned. “With your timid nature, you dared to meet strangers?!”

The crimson-robed child said sheepishly, “I was hiding underground at the time. The little charcoal girl dragged me out with a bamboo pole, saying that if I dared to be sneaky again, she would use immortal magic to kill me. I only realized afterwards that I had been tricked. She just saw me, but she didn’t have the ability to pull me out. Sigh, well, no pain, no gain. You wouldn’t believe it, this little girl who looks like a charcoal briquette is knowledgeable, has a noble status, is exceptionally talented, has mountains of wealth, and a spirit of chivalry…”

The crimson-robed child looked up in admiration. Suddenly, he remembered something, squatted down in the ash heap, and threw out a common copper coin. “See this? This is the reward she gave me for guiding them! Isn’t she generous? Do you have friends like this?”

The burly man scoffed, “Is that a Lesser Heat coin or Grain Rain coin? Bring it closer, I want to take a closer look.”

The crimson-robed child put the coin away again, rolling his eyes. “She said that as a mountain person who deals with celestial coins all year round, giving those celestial coins is too vulgar. I think that makes perfect sense!”

The black-clad River God shook his folding fan and said with a smile, “It makes a lot of sense.”

The burly man was too lazy to pay attention to this confused little thing.

In the night.

On the banks of the Iron Talisman River.

A green-robed swordsman walked alone.

In the former Liyuzhu Little Paradise, now the Liyuzhu Blessed Land, the rules set by the Sage Ruan Qiong had always been very effective.

The wilderness stretched far with low-hanging trees, the river clear, and the moon close to the people.

Near the River God’s Temple.

A woman holding a golden-eared longsword appeared on the road. After seeing the longsword on the back of the person approaching, her eyes burned with passion, and she asked, “Chen Ping’an, can I, as a swordswoman, spar with you?”
Chen Ping’an cast a glance at her. Back then, she was a sword-bearing servant girl, with the identity of a palace concubine. Now, she was one of the Great Li Dynasty’s highest-ranked River Gods. He then spoke a single sentence.

“I fear I might accidentally kill you.”

First, let’s set a small goal, like 1 second.