Ning Yao diligently refined her Qi atop the Dragon-Slaying Cliff.

Chen Ping’an didn’t head towards the pavilion but remained within the small abode to cultivate.

Ning Yao was somewhat perplexed, as the Dragon-Slaying Platform clearly possessed a richer concentration of spiritual Qi, making it the finest place for cultivation within the entire Ning Manor. Even though Chen Ping’an wasn’t a sword cultivator, the benefits would be lesser, but it would still be the premier location compared to anywhere else.

Chen Ping’an felt rather helpless, only looking at Ning Yao.

Ning Yao then left a single sentence, “No wonder your cultivation is so slow.”

Chen Ping’an was even more speechless.

At the Spring Dew Garden in the Northern Entirety Continent, Cloudtop City, and the Misty Mountains of the Treasure Bottle Continent, attaining the Fourth Realm of Qi Refinement within a decade wasn’t slow at all.

However, at the Great Wall of Sword Qi, Chen Ping’an’s cultivation speed was, as Pei Qian put it, a snail’s pace, an ant moving house.

Yet, even this senior disciple of his, not to mention her fist techniques, just her mastery of the Eighteen Sword Qi Stoppages, this master of hers never had the chance to impart any experience from his own learning.

Especially Ning Yao, when they discussed the Eighteen Sword Qi Stoppages taught by A Liang, Chen Ping’an asked people of similar age at the Great Wall of Sword Qi how long it would take to master it. Ning Yao mentioned how long it would take for Yan Zhuo Diezhang to master the technique of refining Qi as refining swords. Chen Ping’an was already astonished, but he couldn’t help but ask about Ning Yao’s speed. Ning Yao’s smile was the answer.

So at that time, Chen Ping’an even felt that Grand Old Sword Immortal’s words about him possessing the aptitude of an Earth Immortal were just words of comfort.

Approximately two hours later, Chen Ping’an, utilizing the cultivation method of Internal Vision of the Grotto-Heavens and immersing himself within the mustard seed of thought within the wooden house, slowly withdrew from the microcosm of his own body. He exhaled a long breath of stale air, marking a temporary end to his cultivation. Chen Ping’an didn’t practice fist forms or stances as he usually did. Instead, he left the courtyard, standing in a corridor some distance from the Dragon-Slaying Platform, gazing towards the pavilion. He discovered an unusual phenomenon – the sword Qi of heaven and earth coalesced into iridescent, glazed colors, like birds nestling close, gently swirling. Looking higher, he could even see structures similar to “water veins.” This was likely the link between the two Grotto-Heavens, the greater and lesser, heaven and man, connected by a bridge of immortality, man and heaven becoming harmonious.

Chen Ping’an folded his hands in his sleeves, leaning against a corridor pillar, his face full of smiles.

“Look, the girl I chose with a single glance, how formidable she is when she cultivates with her whole heart!”

As Chen Ping’an was secretly reveling, the old man silently appeared beside him, seemingly astonished. He asked, “Young Master Chen can see the pure sword immortal essence lingering in heaven and earth, and is greatly fond of our young lady?”

Chen Ping’an hurriedly stood straight and replied, “Grandpa Nalan, I can only discern some clues, not see clearly.”

Nalan Yexing nodded and smiled, “Just the fact that Young Master Chen’s eyesight already surpasses that of our Earth Immortal sword cultivators.”

Chen Ping’an softly asked, “When will Ning Yao be able to break through the Golden Core bottleneck?”

Nalan Yexing said, “At least after the next great battle ends, I presume.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “When Ning Yao and her friends leave the city walls, how many sword masters escort them, and what are their realms?”

Nalan Yexing smiled, “When Young Master Chen left, during that battle, there were thirty-odd individuals, including our young lady. Every time they leave the city walls to the south, they all have sword master escorts. Diezhang naturally does as well, because this group of children are the most precious seeds of the Great Wall of Sword Qi. In this matter, the sword cultivators of the Northern Entirety Continent were of great help, otherwise the native sword cultivators of the Great Wall of Sword Qi wouldn’t be enough. There’s no way around it, there are simply too many geniuses in the young lady’s generation. The sword masters serving as escorts are often those with great killing power, their swords decisive. Their goal is to exchange their life for that of an assassin from the demon race, at the very least.”

“In addition to that, there’s also this old servant of the Ning Manor, secretly protecting the young lady. Yan Zhuo and Chen Sanqiu each have a family sword master serving as a deathsworn guard. By the second battle, these juniors had all broken through, and according to the rules of the Great Wall of Sword Qi, regardless of age or status, once they reach the Golden Core Sword Cultivator level, they no longer need the sword masters arranged by the Great Wall of Sword Qi to protect them. The young lady and the others are in a squad, and their paths are all promising, so they no longer have ordinary sword masters. Instead, a Sword Immortal will personally impart their sword techniques, serving as both protector and mentor. However, this Sword Immortal doesn’t need to overly care for the juniors, they’re mostly responsible for their own lives and deaths. To put it bluntly, even if the young lady and the others all die in battle, the Sword Immortal who survives alone won’t be held accountable in the slightest by the Great Wall of Sword Qi.”

Nalan Yexing said here, smiling, “There’s nothing strange about it. When the young lady and the others truly grow up, they will also serve as escorting sword masters for future juniors. The Great Wall of Sword Qi has always been this kind of inheritance. Family names and such are of course useful in the city. During peaceful times between the two great battles, in terms of resources for cultivation, compared to those of humble origin, the children of great families have a real advantage. But on the southern battlefield, what your surname is matters little, as long as your realm is high, the danger is great. Historically, our Great Wall of Sword Qi has had those who are greedy for life and afraid of death, possessing talent and family background, but with a lacking sword heart. They deliberately waste their time, never setting foot on the city walls more than a few times in their lives.”

Nalan Yexing looked towards the Dragon-Slaying Platform and sighed, “But the Great Wall of Sword Qi has one good thing, the emergence of every great family is inevitably accompanied by a fascinating story, and it’s only related to slaying great demons. Therefore, every seed of a sword cultivator who is born into poverty but cultivates rapidly understands from a young age that for themselves, or for their descendants, what they do is nothing more than killing more demons, and then surviving, surviving long enough, to have the chance to create their own residence and become a new story in the mouths of future generations.”

His own master, from the Ning Manor, one of the biggest desires in his life was to continue the bloodline, revive the family, and help the Ning surname return to the ranks of the leading families of the Great Wall of Sword Qi.

The other desire, of course, was that his daughter, Ning Yao, could marry into a good family worthy of entrusting her life to.

Chen Ping’an said, “Many people in the Vast World wouldn’t think that way.”

Then Chen Ping’an laughed, “When I was young, I was one of those people. Watching the peers in my hometown, without any worries about food and clothing, I would tell myself that it was just because their parents were alive and their families were rich. What’s so good about the pastries in Riding Dragon Lane? If you eat too much, they wouldn’t taste good at all. While secretly swallowing my saliva, thinking like that, my mouth wouldn’t water so much…”
“My stomach rumbles! Even if I can’t have the real thing, I have a solution. I run back to my own courtyard and gaze upon the small dried fish I caught from the stream, plastered on the wall to sun-dry. Just a few more glances, and I can stave off the hunger, satisfying the craving.”

Thus, Chen Ping’an and Pei Qian, before they became master and disciple, were like two different sides of the same coin; the people were the same, but the circumstances were entirely different.

Speaking of which, Chen Ping’an felt a bit embarrassed, “Grandpa Nalan, listening to me talk about this must seem rather trivial.”

Nalan Yexing smiled, “It’s alright. Here, one hears about grand matters all day long. It’s rare to hear about such commonplace affairs. The last time was when Miss returned from the Vast Expanse, but unfortunately, Miss isn’t one for chatting, so we didn’t talk much. Miss spoke of the customs and landscapes of the Vast Expanse, and her travels through those lands. For those of us who have never left Upside-Down Mountain, it’s quite enticing.”

Nalan Yexing said to Chen Ping’an, “Although Young Master Chen isn’t a sword cultivator yet, that sword you carry on your back, along with those flying swords, whether they are natal treasures or not, should be tempered and refined. Don’t waste that Dragon-Slaying Platform. The Ning family protects it, refusing to sell it to anyone. They aren’t thinking of using it as an ornament. If Young Master Chen can’t understand this, it will be disappointing. The old master often said that the day a Ning family descendant is able to devour the entire Dragon-Slaying Platform through their own abilities, that would be a momentous occasion.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Then I won’t stand on ceremony.”

Nalan Yexing waved his hand, “Young Master Chen is always so formal; it’s not good.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “If Grandpa Nalan hadn’t taken the initiative to say so, I would have happily run off to hone my sword. Wouldn’t Grandpa Nalan have a little knot in his heart? Thinking this young man, well, he’s passable, but he lacks manners and upbringing?”

Nalan Yexing was slightly stunned, then burst into hearty laughter, “That’s true, indeed!”

Chen Ping’an laughed along, “I’ve been waiting for Grandpa Nalan to say that for a long time.”

Nalan Yexing slapped the young man in the green shirt on the shoulder, feigning anger, “Little rascal, full of cleverness! Luckily, you’re sincere in front of Miss, otherwise, I’d give you a good thrashing! I guarantee you wouldn’t be able to stay even if you entered the door!”

Chen Ping’an didn’t dodge, and his shoulder was knocked askew by the blow.

The Sword Qi Great Wall is a natural blessed land, a place of cultivation that practitioners dream of. The prerequisite, of course, is to withstand the ravages and attrition of the invisible sword intent in this world. Those with slightly weaker aptitudes will greatly affect the progress of all qi refiners except sword cultivators. Tranquilly refining qi, once a cave abode is opened, sword qi, spiritual qi, and turbid qi will pour into the key acupoints like a tidal wave. Just the matter of stripping away the intrusion of sword qi is enough to give qi refiners a headache and cause them no end of suffering.

Unfortunately, even if they can endure this hurdle, they still can’t stay for too long. It’s no longer related to cultivation aptitude, but because the Sword Qi Great Wall has never favored qi refiners from the Vast Expanse, unless they have connections and money. Because it is definitely a sum of immortal money that will make any realm qi refiner’s heart ache, the price is fair, with each realm having its own price. This is the regulation given by Fatty Yan’s ancestor. There have been eleven price changes in history, without exception, all rising like the tide, with no possibility of price reduction.

Earlier, Chen Ping’an had chatted with Granny Bai about many past events of the Yao family, as well as Ning Yao’s childhood.

Today, he asked the sword cultivator senior, Nalan Yexing, for details of the recent two great battles at the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Chen Ping’an chatted with the old man for a while longer, then bid farewell and left.

Before leaving, he asked a question: who was the Sword Immortal who escorted Ning Yao, Yan Zhuo, and the others last time? The old man said it was a coincidence, it happened to be a sword cultivator from your Treasure Bottle Continent, named Wei Jin.

Chen Ping’an had a deep impression of Wei Jin. Back then, when he took Li Baoping and the others to the Great Sui to study, it was Wei Jin who broke through the firmament with a single sword at the site of the ghost in bridal gown.

That magnificent scene of sword qi like rainbows stirred Chen Ping’an’s heart for many years when he was a boy in straw sandals.

A jade purity realm sword cultivator who was not yet sixty years old was considered an extremely young upper five realms sword cultivator in the history of the Sword Qi Great Wall. The old man had a good impression of Wei Jin. In fact, the entire Sword Qi Great Wall had a good impression of Wei Jin, in addition to Wei Jin’s own remarkable sword Dao and the courage to give up the great prospects of the Vast Expanse at a young age to come here to fight desperately. Crucially, Wei Jin also mentioned that his rapid breakthrough and shattering of the nascent soul bottleneck was thanks to A Liang’s guidance. Otherwise, according to the old ancestor of their Wind and Snow Temple, he would have needed to stagnate in the nascent soul realm for sixty years, relying only on the slow and steady effort of dripping water to wear away stone, in order to hope to become a centenarian Sword Immortal. In fact, this statement was both right and wrong. Among the hundreds and thousands of paths of cultivation in the world, sword cultivators spend the most immortal money, and sword cultivators are also the most particular about aptitude. If Wei Jin’s own foundations were not sufficient, even A Liang would not have been able to forcibly pull Wei Jin into the jade purity realm.

After Chen Ping’an returned to the small residence.

Bai Lianshuang appeared beside the old man.

The old woman ridiculed, “Nalan, the great Sword Immortal who can’t even fart when hit with a stick, you’re talkative today! Are you taking advantage of the fact that no one is helping our future son-in-law dig up your old secrets, so he has no chance to know your past embarrassing stories?”

Nalan Yexing laughed, “I only chat with you about trivial things, mostly matters of martial artists. With me, he discussed both major events of the Sword Qi Great Wall and trivial matters of daily life. In this way, it’s obvious who the future son-in-law is closer to.”

The old woman scoffed, “You’re the most shameless.”

Nalan Yexing said helplessly, “Can we stick to the matter at hand?”

The old woman asked in return, “You know you’re shameless at all?”

Nalan Yexing sighed, put his hands behind his back, and walked away.

Ning Yao has always been focused on cultivation.

Therefore, for the next two days, she would at most open her eyes during her cultivation intervals and see if Chen Ping’an was near the Dragon-Slaying Cliff pavilion. If he wasn’t, she wouldn’t walk down the small mountain, at most standing up and taking a stroll.

After one time, after two times, when Chen Ping’an finally appeared not far away, Ning Yao would pretend not to see him and begin cultivating.

Chen Ping’an had no choice but to watch for a while and then leave.

It’s not that Chen Ping’an is being inconsiderate. It’s just that while cultivating in the Ning residence, he discovered that after entering the fourth realm of qi refiners, the speed of refining the thirty-six Daoist temple blue bricks had increased by 30%, until…
After leaving the Sword Qi Great Wall, there was an unexpected joy. Chen Ping’an finally managed to banish distracting thoughts, allowing him to think more of her. He could truly calm his mind and cultivate, focusing on both refining objects and Qi within the small residence, sometimes losing himself in reverie.

However, this time after leaving, Chen Ping’an didn’t head straight to the small residence. Instead, he sought out Granny Bai, saying he had something to discuss with the two seniors and would need to trouble them to visit his residence.

Bai Lianshuang nodded and set off with Chen Ping’an, not even bothering to call for Nalan Yexing. However, upon reaching the entrance of the small residence, she stomped her foot and shouted, “Old codger, get out here!” Nalan Yexing then silently appeared nearby.

Chen Ping’an led the two seniors into the side room and poured them two cups of tea.

On the table lay the Sword Immortal sword obtained from the Fu family of Old Dragon City, the golden *Jin Li* robe with a significant history, and a jade pendant purchased from Lingzhi House on Upside-down Mountain.

Chen Ping’an, unusually, blushed crimson. He hesitated for a long time, unsure how to begin.

Nalan Yexing broke the silence. “Young Master Chen, is this a betrothal gift?”

The old woman smiled, unable to contain her joy. She raised a withered hand, covering her nose, and laughed for a long while before finally managing to restrain her mirth. She softly said, “Young Master Chen, who ever heard of personally delivering a betrothal gift?”

Chen Ping’an waved his hands and explained. “Granny Bai, Grandpa Nalan, I will definitely find a matchmaker. I have someone in mind already. I understand these customs. However, I’m not familiar with the marriage rites of the Sword Qi Great Wall. I have no one here to ask about such matters, so I had to call upon you two seniors to help me plan things out. I’m afraid that sending these items might be too meager a gift or might violate some taboo. I wanted to share my intentions with you two first, to avoid making mistakes and causing any shame to the Ning family.”

Bai Lianshuang and Nalan Yexing exchanged smiles, neither rushing to speak.

Chen Ping’an took a deep breath and said solemnly, “Regarding these matters of etiquette, I can only do my best to avoid mistakes, strive to do well, and be thorough. But regarding the matter of proposing to Lady Ning, I, Chen Ping’an, will definitely speak my mind. Whether the Ning family, you two seniors, agree or disagree, you can be frank. Whether the Yao family has any objections, they can have them. I will listen, but I, Chen Ping’an, want to marry Ning Yao. This is non-negotiable. No matter who tries to dissuade me, no matter how right or good their reasons may be, it’s not going to change my mind.”

The old woman and Nalan Yexing exchanged another glance, remaining silent.

Chen Ping’an stood up, walked to the side, clasped his hands in a bow, and lowered his head. The young man said with remorse, “I, Chen Ping’an of Mud Bottle Alley, have no elders left. On my cultivation path, I respect elders. Both of you have already passed away one after another, and there is an old teacher who is not in the Vast Expanse now. I cannot find him. Otherwise, I would have certainly asked one of them to accompany me to the Sword Qi Great Wall to pay a formal visit to the Ning and Yao families.”

Nalan Yexing was about to speak but was glared at by the old woman, and he was forced to remain silent.

The old woman smiled warmly. “Young Master Chen, please sit down and speak.”

Chen Ping’an sat down again, straightening his back and sitting properly opposite the old woman at the table. Even though he feigned composure, he still appeared slightly uneasy.

The old woman pointed to the sword and robe on the table and said with a smile, “Young Master Chen, could you tell us about the origins of these two items?”

Chen Ping’an nodded quickly and explained the origins of both items in general terms.

Nalan Yexing, who had been silent all along, sat between them and took a sip of tea. The old man, who had seen many storms, was actually somewhat shocked in his heart.

The Sword Immortal sword, which Chen Ping’an claimed he didn’t know how it had risen half a grade in quality, had been personally examined by the Fire Dragon True Man of the Northern Ju Continent, who deemed it to be a Celestial Weapon.

The *Jin Li* robe, which was originally just a magic robe, had also become a Celestial Weapon by consuming the golden coins that were extremely rare on the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Nalan Yexing was somewhat amused. On the Sword Qi Great Wall, even among the marriages of the Chen, Dong, and Qi families, being able to present a semi-Celestial Weapon or a Celestial Weapon as a betrothal gift was already a significant event. Moreover, one rather awkward point was that these rare semi-Celestial and Celestial Weapons almost always appeared during the marriages of direct descendants of major families. It might be every hundred years or several centuries, but they would appear again, going back and forth, from this family to that family, and then back to this family. They were often passed around among a dozen or so families on the Sword Qi Great Wall. The tens of thousands of sword cultivators on the Sword Qi Great Wall were long accustomed to this and were not surprised. In the past, when A Liang was here, he liked to take the lead in opening gambling houses, leading a large group of idle bachelors to bet on what the betrothal gifts of the marrying couple would be.

“Chen Ping’an, you are young and a pure martial artist. The *Jin Li* robe is rather useless to you. It is actually very suitable to use it as a betrothal gift.”

Nalan Yexing finally couldn’t help but ask, “But since you promised Miss that you would become a Sword Immortal, why would you send away a Sword Immortal sword of Celestial Weapon grade? What, are you thinking that since you are giving it to Miss anyway, it’s like moving it from your left hand to your right, and it will still end up staying with you? Then I must remind you that the Ning family is easy to talk to, but the Yao family may not let you have your way. Be careful that in the future, the only time you see this Sword Immortal sword again is when a Yao family talent on the city wall draws their sword.”

The old woman raged, “Foul words from a dog’s mouth! Nalan old dog, no one will think you’re mute if you don’t speak!”

This time, Nalan Yexing didn’t back down at all and sneered, “Tonight’s matter is important. I am an old servant of the Ning family. When Master was young, I guarded Master and the Dragon Slaying Platform. After Master left, I protected Miss and the Dragon Slaying Platform. To say something shameless, I am half an elder to Miss. So in this room, I am more than entitled to speak. You, Bai Lianshuang, even if you block me with your fists, I’ll just dodge and speak. I’ll say whatever I want to say. After I leave this room today, if I say another word, then consider Nalan Yexing a disrespectful old man.”

The old woman was so angry that she was about to throw a punch.

Chen Ping’an quickly tried to mediate. “Granny Bai, let Grandpa Nalan speak. This is a good thing for me.”

She turned to the old man and said, “Nalan Yexing, for every word you say next, you will take a punch. Think about it carefully.”

Nalan Yexing began to drink tea.

Chen Ping’an said slowly, “Giving the best of oneself to the person one loves, I think, is a matter of course.”
The matters at hand… Take this golden-thread robe, for example. Upgrading its quality came at a considerable price, yet I hesitated not, nor do I regret it. With Ning Yao wearing it, I can rest assured that even if future battles arise, she will be much safer. That is all I think of. As for the sword immortal, it has accompanied me on my journeys for many years. To say I have no feelings for it would be a lie. An immortal weapon, regardless of its value, to claim ignorance or indifference would be self-deception. However, compared to Ning Yao’s significance in my heart, it cannot compare. Regarding whether to give away the sword immortal, it’s not devoid of emotional consideration and weighing of benefits. It exists. If, in my hands, it could better protect Ning Yao in the next great battle, I would not give it away. I would not do it for mere vanity, to prove that a mud-legged boy from Mud Bottle Lane can offer a betrothal gift that rivals any noble clan. I would absolutely not do that. As a child, alone, surviving into my youth, then embarking on solitary travels for many years, Chen Ping An understands very well when to be a generous benefactor, when to be frugal, when to be emotional, and when to be cautious.”

Chen Ping An smiled, “I’ve considered everything. Under the premise of ensuring a relatively stable future for Ning Yao and myself, while also striving to bring honor to ourselves, I can proceed with peace of mind. During this process, the words and gazes of others are not so important. It’s not youthful ignorance, feeling that I am the world and the world is me, but a deliberate choice after contemplating the customs and rules of this world. It is to act with a clear conscience, and to bear the subsequent costs, as mere labor, not a burden on the heart.”

Chen Ping An’s eyes were clear, his words and state of mind increasingly steady, “If I had said these same words ten years ago, it would have been ignorant arrogance, the words of a youth who had not experienced the hardships of the world, thinking that simply liking someone meant unconditional love and ability. But ten years later, my cultivation of both the Dao and the heart has not been neglected. Having traversed thousands of miles across the three continents, I speak these words now as Chen Ping An, without elders to guide him, having grown up on his own, understanding the principles, having proven that I can take care of myself, and therefore can try to begin caring for the woman I love.”

Chen Ping An finally smiled slightly, “Granny Bai, Grandpa Nalan, since childhood, I’ve been given to introspection, preferring to hide away, weighing the pros and cons, observing the hearts of others. Only regarding Ning Yao, from the moment I first saw her, I never overthought. I believe there is no logic to this. Otherwise, how could a half-dead Mud Bottle Lane boy have dared to like a Ning girl who seemed so high above? Later, daring to use the excuse of sending a sword to find Ning Yao in Daoshan? This time, daring to knock on the Ning residence’s door, seeing Ning Yao without feeling guilty, seeing both of you seniors, I feel no shame.”

The old woman nodded, “Speaking to this extent is enough. This old woman has no need to nag further.”

She looked towards Nalan Yexing.

Nalan Yexing had intended to remain silent, but the old woman seemed to have something to say in her eyes. Nalan Yexing then weighed his words and said, “The words are good, but how you perform in the future, Bai Lian Shuang and I will be watching. We cannot allow Miss to suffer even the slightest grievance.”

Chen Ping An smiled wryly, “In major matters, please watch over me closely, seniors. But regarding some minor matters, like ordinary strolls around the Ning residence, I implore you to spare me.”

Bai Lian Shuang pointed to the old man beside her, “It’s mainly that someone has ruined their sword practice and has nothing to do all day.”

Nalan Yexing coughed, picked up an empty cup and drank tea, taking a sip with an air of importance, then rose and said, “I will not disturb Young Master Chen’s cultivation.”

The old woman suddenly asked, “Allow me to ask a presumptuous question. I wonder who Young Master Chen has in mind as the matchmaker for the marriage proposal?”

Chen Ping An said softly, “It is the Great Sword Immortal who cultivates in a thatched hut atop the city wall, but I have no confidence, I don’t know if the Great Sword Immortal will be willing.”

Nalan Yexing gasped.

Good lad, you have ambition.

That old immortal, nicknamed Great Sword Immortal by A Liang, seems to have been on the city wall since the first day of Sword Qi Great Wall’s construction, unmoved by anything. Even for the marriage or funeral matters of Chen family’s own favored descendants or the demise of Chen clan’s sword immortals, Chen Qingdu has never stepped down from the city wall, a precedent unbroken for ten thousand years. The Chen family’s descendants have no recourse.

Bai Lian Shuang laughed heartily, “If this matter can truly be accomplished, it would be an unparalleled honor.”

Chen Ping An said helplessly, “I can only say that I will try my best to shamelessly beg the Great Sword Immortal, but I have no confidence at all. Therefore, I implore Granny Bai and Grandpa Nalan not to have too many expectations because of this, lest I become a scapegoat and truly have no face to stay in the Ning residence.”

Nalan Yexing laughed, “Daring to think this way is already far better than your peers!”

Bai Lian Shuang sneered, “Nalan old dog finally spoke some human words.”

Nalan Yexing laughed, “You flatter me, you flatter me.”

Bai Lian Shuang said to Chen Ping An with a smile, “Listen to that, is that human language? So Young Master Chen, in the future, when you are around Nalan Yexing, you don’t need to have any burden. An old thing who has ruined his sword practice still has some sesame-sized skills in concealment and stealth. Young Master Chen might as well give him some face and let Nalan Yexing teach you some of his remaining skills.”

Nalan Yexing said angrily and laughingly, “Bai Lian Shuang, you can just keep insulting a Jade Purity Realm sword cultivator. If I dare to refute half a sentence, Nalan Yexing would be petty.”

Chen Ping An felt that these words held great wisdom, and he could learn from them in the future.

After the two seniors left.

Chen Ping An escorted them to the gate of the small house.

Chen Ping An did not return to the courtyard, but stood on the spot at the gate, turning his head to look in a certain direction.

After waiting for a long time, someone slowly walked out. Chen Ping An walked forward and smiled, “What a coincidence? As soon as I come out, you’ve finished cultivating and are taking a walk over here.”

Ning Yao nodded, “It’s just that coincidental.”

Chen Ping An grunted, “Then let’s help each other out and see if the window paper in the side room has been broken by a little thief.”

Ning Yao blinked her eyes, looking innocent, “What are you talking about? Where would the Ning residence have thieves? You must be seeing things. But if something is really stolen, you’ll have to pay.”

Chen Ping An gently clenched his fist and tapped his chest, his eyes narrowed with a smile, “What a formidable thief, stealing nothing else.”

Ning Yao glared in embarrassment, “Chen Ping An! If you keep being so flippant!”
Chen Ping’an gently embraced her, whispering, “Ning Yao is all the heaven and earth in Chen Ping’an’s heart.”

Ning Yao was about to exert a little force to break free, but found he had already released her, taking a step back.

Ning Yao grew even more displeased.

Chen Ping’an softly explained, “Your friends are here again, and this time they’ve gone a bit too far, sneaking over on purpose.”

Ning Yao calmed her heart slightly and instantly perceived subtle clues.

Ning Yao turned her head. “Come out!”

A stout man crouching by the Feng Shui stone remained motionless, his hands manipulating talismans, but behind him bloomed a flower – it was Dong Huafu, Diezhang, and Chen Sanqiu.

Meeting gazes, Ning Yao wore a stern expression, while Chen Ping’an appeared composed. The group headed toward the Dragon Slaying Platform, not ascending the mountain to sit in the pavilion.

Dong Huafu and Diezhang had agreed to spar in swordsmanship here.

The plump Yan Zhu smiled at Chen Ping’an, saying that when they spar, blood might fly everywhere if they weren’t careful, and he shouldn’t be afraid.

Chen Ping’an nodded with a smile, saying that even if he was afraid, he would pretend not to be.

Yan Zhu chuckled.

Ning Yao watched the ever serious Chen Ping’an, whose words were often at odds with his true intentions. But the moment Chen Ping’an turned to look at her, Ning Yao averted her gaze.

Chen Sanqiu, upon arriving there, felt little interest in watching Dong Heitan and Diezhang’s contest. He tiptoed to the foot of the small mountain where the Dragon Slaying Platform stood, one hand holding scripture, the other adorned with cloud patterns, and began to quietly sharpen his sword. He couldn’t have made the trip for nothing. Otherwise, what would they be hoping to accomplish when they visited the Ning residence, each carrying a sword? Was it to flaunt their strength before the venerable Sword Immortal Nalan? Even if he, Chen Sanqiu, joined forces with Yan Zhu, with one attacking and one defending, a perfect combination, and had even been praised by A Liang as “a pair of perfect gems,” wouldn’t they still lose to Ning Yao?

Chen Sanqiu, while honing his sword, grumbled, “Can’t you two eat a little more? What’s with all the polite restraint?”

On the practice field, the two parties faced each other. Ning Yao waved her hand to activate a landscape formation. This place had once been the training ground for two sword immortal couples, so even if Dong Heitan and Diezhang turned the place upside down, not a single trace of sword qi would leak out of the field.

Chen Ping’an watched Dong Huafu and Diezhang’s sparring for a few moments. Their swords were named Hongzhuang and Zhen, respectively, vastly different in style and size. Each had a Natal Sword, and their approaches were completely different. Dong Huafu’s Natal Sword sought speed, while Diezhang’s sought stability. Dong Huafu wielded Hongzhuang, while the one-armed woman “carried” the massive Zhen. Each time the sword tips rubbed against or slashed the ground of the practice field, a burst of dazzling sparks would fly. In contrast, Dong Huafu’s sword strikes were silent and seamless, striving for minimal disturbance.

Chen Ping’an asked Yan Zhu a question: how much effort were they putting in? Yan Zhu said seven or eight points, otherwise Diezhang would already be drawing blood. But Diezhang wasn’t afraid of that; she liked it. Dong Heitan would often gain small advantages, and then Diezhang would lightly strike him with Zhen. Just once was enough to send Dong Heitan collapsing to the ground, coughing up blood, repaying everything at once.

Having a rough idea, and especially after seeing Diezhang’s arm being pierced by Dong Huafu’s Natal Sword and detecting a slight change in her aura, Chen Ping’an stopped watching their sparring. He went to Chen Sanqiu and squatted down beside him.

If he were to imagine himself facing either of them, in a deadly duel or a simple match, he would have a way to respond.

Watching any longer would be pointless. He couldn’t very well pretend to be pale, lips trembling, and panicked in front of Yan Zhu, while also pretending not to know that the other party saw through his act but chose not to expose it. With anyone else, Chen Ping’an wouldn’t mind, but since they were in the Ning residence, and these were Ning Yao’s closest friends, who had fought alongside her in many battles, deserving the title of life-and-death comrades, he had to uphold the ancestral hall’s spirit of honesty.

Chen Sanqiu was still there, sharpening his scripture sword and wiping the Dragon Slaying Platform with his cloud-patterned sword, his movements practiced and smooth.

Chen Sanqiu turned his head and asked with a smile, “Chen Gongzi, don’t mind me.”

Chen Ping’an folded his hands in his sleeves, squatted down beside him, carefully gazing at the blades of the two swords and the subtle wear on the Dragon Slaying Platform, and smiled. “I don’t mind. If Chen Gongzi doesn’t mind, I can help sharpen the swords.”

Chen Sanqiu shook his head. “That won’t do. A Liang said that if a Natal Sword is a Sword Cultivator’s lifeline, then their carried sword is their little wife, and should never be handed over to another.”

Chen Ping’an nodded with a smile, watching the two swords slowly gnaw at the Dragon Slaying Platform, like ants trying to move a mountain, the effect almost imperceptible.

Yan Zhu muttered, “These two Chen Gongzis, listening to them talk gives me the creeps.”

Ning Yao remained expressionless.

Yan Zhu asked, “Ning Yao, what is this guy’s cultivation realm, is he really a Lower Five Realms cultivator? And what level is his martial arts? Does he really have a Golden Body Realm? I may not think much of pure martial artists, but the Yan family has had some connections with the Inverted Peak Mountain over the years, and I’ve dealt with Distant Travel and Mountain Peak Realm martial artists. I know that those who can reach the Refinement of Spirit’s Three Realms are no easy feat. Moreover, Chen Ping’an is still so young. I’m itching to try him out. Ning Yao, why don’t you agree to let me exchange blows with him?”

This was Yan Zhu’s little scheme. He was a Sword Cultivator, with the title of a true genius. But when it came to Ning Yao, there was no need to say more. But among Dong Huafu and the others, in the matter of sparring, he had never gained the upper hand. Now he finally caught a pure martial artist who hadn’t even reached the Distant Travel Realm. The Ning residence’s practice field was divided into two parts, a smaller front area and a much larger one at the back. The latter was renowned throughout the Sword Qi Great Wall as a “Mustard Seed World,” seemingly small, but upon entering, one would realize its profundity. If Yan Zhu were to spar with Chen Ping’an, of course, he would go to that small world. Then, Yan Zhu would spar with his swordsmanship, and Chen Ping’an would spar with his fist techniques. He would fly in the sky, and Chen Ping’an would run on the ground, how exciting would that be?

Ning Yao said, “If you want to spar, go ask him yourself. If he agrees, I won’t stop you. If he doesn’t, asking me is useless.”

Yan Zhu rolled his eyes. “Grandma Bai is the only Martial Arts Grandmaster among us. If Grandma Bai doesn’t bully Chen Ping’an, and deliberately suppresses her realm to the Golden Body Realm, how many punches could Chen Ping’an withstand from Grandma Bai? Three or five punches, or ten punches?”
Ning Yao’s lips curled upward, but she quickly suppressed the fleeting smile, making it almost imperceptible. She said, “Granny Bai once taught a short sparring session of fist techniques, which ended quickly. I wasn’t present at the time, but I heard Grandpa Nalan mention it afterward. I didn’t ask much about it. Anyway, Granny Bai was simply demonstrating some fist techniques in the martial arts field. They exchanged only a few punches and kicks before stopping.”

Fatty Yan began to rub his hands together, saying, “Good heavens, to be able to exchange a few blows with Granny Bai, even in a friendly exchange between Golden Body Realm cultivators, is a testament to Chen Ping’an’s skill! Truly impressive! I must ask for a lesson.”

Ning Yao nodded, saying, “As I said before, as long as Chen Ping’an agrees, you’re welcome to spar with him however you wish.”

Fatty Yan cautiously inquired, “What if I’m a little careless and accidentally injure Master Chen with my flying sword? What if I graze his hand or foot? Would you help Chen Ping’an teach me a lesson? But I can guarantee, a hundred times, a thousand times, that I would never aim my sword at Chen Ping’an’s face, or I’ll admit defeat!”

Ning Yao remained silent.

Letting Yan Zhuo act foolishly on his own.

When Dong Huafu and Diezhang had flaws in their swordplay, Ning Yao would point them out directly and accurately.

The two sparring partners kept each point in mind.

Actually, when this group of peers first met, Ning Yao used to point out the flaws in others’ swordplay as well. But Fatty Yan and the others always felt that Ning Yao’s advice made little sense, and they even thought it would make things worse.

Later, A Liang revealed the secret, saying that Ning Yao’s insights were beyond their current cultivation and sword heart realm, and that they would not understand until their cultivation improved in a few years.

As it turned out, A Liang was right.

Privately, when Ning Yao wasn’t around, Chen Sanqiu once said that his greatest wish in life was to be the owner of a tavern, and that the reason he practiced his sword so diligently was to ensure that he wouldn’t fall more than two realms behind Ning Yao.

A confrontation between sword cultivators rarely takes much time, especially when only a victory is sought. If Dong Huafu and Diezhang weren’t deliberately sparring, it wouldn’t even take half an incense stick’s worth of time.

After the dark-skinned youth and the one-armed woman each recalled their natal flying swords, Ning Yao walked into the martial arts field, came to their sides, and began to point out even smaller flaws.

The two listened attentively, not feeling ashamed of being instructed in sword techniques by a friend. Otherwise, all the peers in Sword Qi Great Wall, this generation of sword cultivators who were highly anticipated by all their elders, would have to feel inferior in front of Ning Yao. Because the Great Sword Immortal had once joked that the children of Sword Qi Great Wall were divided into two types of sword cultivators: Ning Yao, and everyone else besides Ning Yao. If anyone was not convinced, they could keep it to themselves, because they could not defeat Ning Yao anyway.

However, the Great Sword Immortal had said something similar to Ning Yao, but it was not about sword cultivators, but about martial artists in the Vast Sky World.

The younger generation of martial artists in the world was also in a similar situation, divided into only two types.

Ning Yao didn’t think much of it at the time, and directly said that Grandpa Chen was wrong. But now she couldn’t prove it, but one day, someone would be able to prove it for her.

The old man seemed to be waiting for the little girl to say those words, neither refuting nor acknowledging them, only saying that Chen Qingdu would wait and see. Seeing is believing.

But Ning Yao felt some rare regret at the time, because she had just said it casually. Why did the Great Sword Immortal take it seriously?

So Ning Yao had no intention of telling Chen Ping’an about this. She really couldn’t say it, or he would take it seriously again.

With his temperament, back in Lizhu Cave Heaven, she had casually told him to practice fist techniques and stances, starting with a million punches before anything else. And what was the result? When they reunited at Upside-down Mountain, he actually said that he was only tens of thousands of punches away from a million!

Ning Yao almost couldn’t resist punching him and knocking on his wooden head. Was Chen Ping’an stupid? Couldn’t he tell that it was just a casual joke? Was it not allowed for her, Ning Yao, to make small talk sometimes?

Fatty Yan squatted down beside Chen Ping’an and said softly, “Master Chen, I have also created a set of fist techniques. How about you take a look first, and then decide if you want to give me some pointers?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “No problem.”

Yan Zhuo immediately jumped up and started panting and shouting, performing a set of fist techniques that Chen Sanqiu found unbearable to watch.

Chen Sanqiu felt that way, and Dong Huafu and Diezhang also took one look and felt disgusted, absolutely unwilling to look any more, afraid of going blind.

Unexpectedly, the young man in green robes watched Fatty Yan’s entire set of crazy fist techniques from beginning to end, with a smile on his face, feeling that it had the same effect as his first disciple’s crazy swordplay.

Yan Zhuo struck a pose of gathering his Qi in his Dantian and laughed loudly, “Master Chen, how are these fist techniques?”

Chen Ping’an nodded and smiled, “Very imposing. In terms of momentum, you’ve already achieved an invincible position. Meeting an enemy, you’re already undefeatable. This is one of the tenets of a martial artist.”

Chen Sanqiu’s hand, which was sharpening his sword, trembled. He felt that familiar, strange feeling from years ago.

Chen Sanqiu was puzzled. Could it be that Chen Ping’an’s martial arts were taught by A Liang? But A Liang was skilled in both swordsmanship and the Way of the Sword, and he also knew a lot of miscellaneous immortal techniques. But he never said that he was a pure martial artist who knew fist techniques, at most just saying that he was a wandering swordsman.

Yan Zhuo smiled and said, “Since that’s the case, will Master Chen be willing to give me some guidance?”

Chen Ping’an shifted his gaze to Ning Yao.

Ning Yao deliberately ignored him.

Chen Ping’an thought for a moment and said, “Let’s just forget about it.”

Yan Zhuo put away his smile and playful nature, and slowly said, “Chen Ping’an, as long as you still go out, as soon as you step out of the Ning residence, you will not be able to avoid a few fights. In three days, not to mention that scoundrel Qi Shou, even Pang Yuanji and Gao Yehou, two guys who are more difficult to deal with than Qi Shou, are watching you. They may not have bad intentions, but at least they are both very curious about you.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Oh.”

Among the younger generation of Sword Qi Great Wall, apart from Ning Yao, according to Granny Bai and Grandpa Nalan, the innate sword embryos and sword geniuses could be roughly divided into three types: Pang Yuanji, Qi Shou, and Gao Yehou. These three were the most outstanding and were praised as having the aptitude of a Great Sword Immortal. Although having such aptitude does not necessarily mean