Chen Ping’an and Cui Dongshan, teacher and student in a foreign land, walked together towards the wine shop, a place that felt like half a home despite its alien locale.

Cui Dongshan softly inquired, “Did you fail to persuade him, Teacher? Does Tao Wen still refuse to leave the Great Wall of Sword Qi, determined to die here?”

Just as a single grain of rice can nurture a hundred different souls, the Great Wall of Sword Qi would naturally have both sword cultivators like Cui Wei, who clung to life, and sword immortals like Tao Wen, who yearned to die in their homeland.

Historically, the numbers on both sides were actually quite substantial.

Why did the topmost echelon of old and great sword immortals, whether still alive or already fallen in battle, universally detest the spread and deep rooting of the three schools of thought and the myriad philosophies of the Vast World within the Great Wall of Sword Qi? There was, of course, a reason, and it was definitely not as simple as looking down on these schools of thought. The answer from the Great Wall of Sword Qi was simpler and singular: too much knowledge leads to too much contemplation, muddling the heart. It would then become difficult for sword cultivators to maintain purity in their sword practice, and the Great Wall of Sword Qi could not possibly be defended for ten thousand years.

Regarding this matter, even the ordinary local sword immortals of today knew very little. Many years ago, atop the Great Wall of Sword Qi, the Old Sword Immortal Chen Qingdu had personally presided, isolating a region of heaven and earth, and convened a gathering of sages from all sides to conduct a deduction. The ending was not a happy one. After that, the sage scholars from the Rites School and the teachings of the Second Sage, before departing from the Great Wall of Sword Qi, regardless of their understanding, would receive instructions, or rather strict orders, from the academies and schools, mainly focusing on supervising the war effort. During this time, even if some risked punishment to act on their own, wanting to do more for the Great Wall of Sword Qi, the sword immortals would not deliberately suppress or ostracize them. However, these Confucian disciples almost invariably ended up disheartened.

Chen Ping’an said, “At the wine table, I was too busy drinking to offer any persuasion. Truly, drinking clouds the mind.”

Chen Ping’an didn’t walk quickly, and Cui Dongshan was even less rushed.

The two of them ambled along, unhurried to reach the wine table and taste the new wine.

The streets and alleys concealed countless stories, each with a less than ideal ending.

Cui Dongshan consoled, “Sending the seal will make you feel better, Teacher, but not sending it would be better, as it would make Tao Wen feel better. Why do you burden yourself so, Teacher? Why must you? You shouldn’t.”

Chen Ping’an changed the subject, “How did your chess game with that Lin Junbi go?”

Cui Dongshan flicked his sleeve. Ripples spread around them, and faint golden lotus flowers bloomed and withered. However, this was a smokescreen, a unique secret art employed by Cui Dongshan. One had to first see the flowers – impossible for sword immortals below the fifth realm – before eavesdropping on their conversation. Yet, seeing the flowers meant forcefully breaking the array, revealing a trail. Cui Dongshan could then trace the path and return the favor, asking the sword immortal if they knew who he was. If they didn’t, he would inform them of his identity.

The bait was Cui Dongshan’s true identity, Lin Junbi’s fate, and whether the Shao Yuan Dynasty’s trajectory would undergo earth-shattering changes, all used to verify and ascertain who Cui Dongshan really was.

In any case, those who were willing could take the bait.

He, Cui Dongshan, hadn’t begged anyone to bite. The Great Sword Immortal Yue Qing had already provided an example of the consequences of an uncontrolled tongue. If they were still unwilling to give up and insisted on weighing the significance of the literary sage’s lineage, they shouldn’t blame Cui Dongshan for calling for reinforcements, asking his eldest martial uncle to support him, his martial nephew.

Cui Dongshan smiled and said, “Lin Junbi is intelligent, but young, thin-skinned, and lacks experience. Of course, I am a bit smarter than him. It wouldn’t be difficult to completely ruin his Dao heart, a small matter done casually, but there’s no need. After all, I have no life-or-death feud with him. The one who truly bears a grudge with me is Master Xilu, who wrote the ‘Happy Pavilion Chess Manual.’ Really, his chess skills are so terrible, yet he dares to write a book teaching others to play chess! It’s said the manual sells quite well, almost better than ‘Rainbow Spectrum’ in the Shao Yuan Dynasty. Can I tolerate that? Of course not! It’s actually hindering my ability to make money! Cutting off someone’s wealth is a great feud, right?”

Chen Ping’an asked, puzzled, “Cutting off your wealth? What do you mean?”

Cui Dongshan blushed slightly and said, “Leaving aside a few exceptions, generally speaking, every time a copy of ‘Rainbow Spectrum’ is sold in the Vast World, I get a share. However, White Emperor City never mentions this, nor do they ever proactively make such a request. It’s all calculated by the mountain booksellers themselves for the sake of stability. Otherwise, earning money would mean losing their heads, which isn’t worth it. Of course, I gave a slight hint, worried that the White Emperor City Lord would be magnanimous, but the people around him would be narrow-minded, and if they weren’t careful, the person who printed the chess manual would be held accountable by White Emperor City later. People of the demonic path are unpredictable, so it’s best to be careful and sail for ten thousand years. Besides, being able to send money to White Emperor City openly and honestly is a rare opportunity to build goodwill.”

Chen Ping’an was speechless. If Cui Dongshan hadn’t said it, he wouldn’t have known about such a subtle, long-term, and lucrative arrangement. He laughed and said, “You’re paying for the wine later. You make money so unscrupulously; you should drink a few jars of Bamboo Sea Grotto Heaven wine to cleanse your heart and innards.”

Cui Dongshan nodded in agreement, saying the wine was sold too cheaply, the Yangchun noodles were too delicious, and Teacher was too generous in business. He then continued, “There’s also Lin Junbi’s teaching master, the national preceptor of the Shao Yuan Dynasty. But the grievances of many older generations shouldn’t be passed down to their disciples. What others think has never been important. What’s important is whether we, the lineage of the literary sage, can uphold this thankless task. In this matter, Pei Qian doesn’t need to be taught too much, but Cao Qinglang needs to see more things and hear more reasons.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and asked, “So, what happened to Lin Junbi?”
Cui Dongshan chuckled, “Therefore, Lin Junbi was patiently enlightened by your student, a fog lifted from his mind. He awakened, overjoyed, and willingly became my chess piece, his Dao heart strengthened to new heights. Teacher, you can rest assured, I have not altered his Dao heart in the slightest. I have merely helped him become the Shao Yuan Dynasty’s Grand Preceptor and the most influential figure beside the Emperor, surpassing his predecessor. Not just in Daoist lineage and learning, but also in worldly power, Lin Junbi will acquire more than his teacher ever did. What your student has done is merely the icing on the cake. Lin Junbi carries the weight of the Shao Yuan Dynasty’s national destiny, so he has the right to dream big. The root of the problem lies not in what I said or did, but in Lin Junbi’s spiritual guide, whose teachings were insufficient. He mistakenly believed that year after year of patient guidance would mold Lin Junbi into another version of himself, ultimately growing into the pillar of the Shao Yuan Dynasty. Little did he know, Lin Junbi’s ambition soared higher than the heavens, unwilling to be anyone’s shadow. Thus, your student had the opportunity to seize the moment. Lin Junbi obtained what he desired, a bounty beyond measure, and I acquired the paltry gains I sought. A win-win situation for all. In the end, it is because Lin Junbi is intelligent enough that your student is willing to teach him the true art of strategy and the ways of the world.”

At this point, Cui Dongshan said, “Teacher shouldn’t have asked such a question, wasting your time and ruining your mood with these irrelevant matters.”

Chen Pingan shook his head and said, “Teacher’s affairs are my affairs, and how can my affairs not be your teacher’s affairs?”

Cui Dongshan raised his sleeve, intending to feign wiping away bitter tears, but Chen Pingan laughed and said, “Spare me the flattery, just remember to buy a few more jars of wine later.”

Then Chen Pingan reminded him, “Madam Yu is a good person, don’t deceive her.”

Cui Dongshan smiled and said, “For her and the Yu family, it may not be a particularly good thing, but it is certainly not a bad thing. My relationship with that old Yu, whose chess playing is better at regretting moves than actually playing, has always been decent. Teacher, rest assured, your student has a sense of propriety these days. The reason Madam Yu can be considered ‘good’ in your eyes today is, of course, due to her own diligence, as well as the subtle influence of the family’s values. As for the cultural atmosphere of the Shao Yuan Dynasty, it’s about the same principle. When judging pigs, look at the pigsty. As long as you focus on the majority and avoid the exceptions, the reasoning will be correct.”

Chen Pingan remained silent for a moment, then turned to look at the “big white goose” in his eldest disciple’s words, Cao Qinglang’s beloved shixiong, and smiled knowingly, saying, “Having a student like you by my side puts my mind at ease.”

Cui Dongshan said regretfully, “It’s a pity that I cannot always be by your side, unable to do what I can to alleviate your minor worries.”

Chen Pingan shook his head and said, “Regarding Pei Qian and Cao Qinglang, as their shixiong, you should take extra care of them, both in terms of their state of mind and their cultivation. To those capable, much is expected, and even if you feel wronged, I will pretend not to notice.”

Cui Dongshan chuckled, “There is only oneself’s heart that is never fully cultivated in this world. Upon closer examination, there is actually no grievance that can truly be considered a grievance.”

Chen Pingan turned his head and asked, “Is this teaching your teacher how to be a person?”

Cui Dongshan replied in a wronged tone, “Your student is aggrieved to death.”

Chen Pingan said, “Those skilled at calculating human hearts are easily targeted by Heaven’s calculations as they get closer to the will of Heaven. You must be careful yourself. Only by ensuring your own well-being can you ensure the long-term well-being of others.”

Cui Dongshan nodded and said, “Your student has his own plans and will consider everything.”

In reality, their last words held unsaid meanings.

For the lineage of the Sage of Literature, ensuring one’s own well-being is, of course, premised on not harming others or hindering the world. However, these words are difficult to say to Cui Dongshan. Chen Pingan is unwilling to pressure others with his own half-baked principles, using his own sense of morality.

Cui Dongshan’s answer also did not agree with his teacher, because he would not guarantee “ensuring his own well-being,” nor would he guarantee “long-term.”

In this world, reasoning with people always comes with a price, be it big or small.

Then protecting the reason and unreason of countless people will only cost more. For example, Cui Dongshan’s temporary abandonment of so many important matters on Treasure Bottle Continent, and his rush to Upside-down Mountain and the Great Wall of Swords, required him to pay a price. In fact, Cui Chan said nothing, and did not bargain. The letter only said four words: “Go quickly and return quickly,” which was considered agreeing to Cui Dongshan’s laziness. But Cui Dongshan himself knew that he was willing to do more. Since you, Old Turtle Cui Chan, can give me an inch, then I, Cui Dongshan, am not you, Cui Chan, so I can take two steps more myself.

Cui Dongshan knew what his teacher had done at the Great Wall of Swords.

Not only that, but he was also able to bring in Qi Jinglong of the Taiwei Sword Sect.

Cui Dongshan only does things that are interesting, meaningful, and profitable at the same time.

Therefore, he can only win over intelligent people like Lin Junbi, and can never become like-minded companions with people like Qi Jinglong and Zhong Kui.

Teacher is not like that.

Because Teacher is Teacher.

Many disciples in the world always think about what they can get from their teachers, knowledge, reputation, protection, stepping stones, money.

Cui Dongshan was too lazy to talk about the good and bad of those things. Anyway, it had nothing to do with him, so he hung them high outside the gate.

When they arrived at the wine shop, it was crowded, so Chen Pingan took Cui Dongshan and bought two jars of wine, squatting by the roadside, surrounded by many unfamiliar sword cultivators.

Cui Dongshan’s reputation at the Great Wall of Swords was not small now. He was skilled at chess, and it was said that he had won many games against Lin Junbi, with the longest game lasting over four hundred moves.

There were local sword immortals who were proficient in chess, who said that Cui Dongshan, the third-generation disciple of the Sage of Literature, had a godly chess skill, and was definitely invincible at the Great Wall of Swords.

As a result, many gamblers and drunkards felt much better. Presumably, the second shopkeeper, who was Cui Dongshan’s teacher, must have even higher chess skills. So being scammed out of some money by the second shopkeeper for selling wine and gambling was not that embarrassing, right? At the same time, many people felt that they had wronged the second shopkeeper. Although his drinking and gambling habits were undoubtedly bad, his chess skills were still good. He had never flaunted it, and still had some conscience left, not completely snatched away by the dogs of the Vast Heaven.
Now, the wine shop’s business is booming. Manager Diezhang intends to purchase the two adjacent storefronts. Initially, he feared overstepping and braced himself for a reprimand. He cautiously shared his thoughts with the Second Manager, unexpectedly receiving an approving nod. Diezhang felt a surge of confidence, realizing he might possess some business acumen after all.

With this plan in mind, Diezhang consulted Zhang Jiazhen, a part-time helper. The lad agreed to become a full-time worker at the shop. Besides Zhang Jiazhen from Lingxi Lane, there was also Jiang Qu, an acquaintance of similar age from Suoli Lane. Jiang Qu had privately approached Diezhang, hoping to work at the wine shop, even offering to forgo wages, only asking for enough food to fill his belly. Diezhang, of course, refused this, promising a salary, albeit a modest one initially, with the promise of more as the shop prospered. Consequently, Jiang Qu frequently sought out Zhang Jiazhen, seeking advice on various tasks around the shop. The two youths, hailing from different impoverished lanes but sharing similar backgrounds, grew closer.

After enjoying some wine, Chen Ping’an headed back to the Ning Residence, with Cui Dongshan carrying two jars of Qingshen Mountain wine, each worth five snowflakes of silver per jar. Of course, he wouldn’t dare to ask the wine shop for credit.

The sight sent shivers down the spines of the local drunkards, chilling them to the bone. Was the Second Manager even willing to fleece his own student’s immortal coinage? If he would exploit his own protege, would he show any mercy to outsiders?

Rumor had it that a Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator at the Sword Qi Great Wall, claiming to be the number one gambling expert who never lost a coin to A’Liang, had begun to focus on how to make money betting on the Second Manager. He intended to write a book documenting his research, which would be distributed freely at Baoguang Tavern, owned by the Qi family, where customers could simply pick up a copy while enjoying a drink. It seemed Qi’s Baoguang Tavern was openly challenging the Second Manager.

Nalan Yexing opened the door, pleasantly surprised. Delighted by the two jars of wine, he momentarily forgot his role as gatekeeper and enthusiastically greeted, “Brother Dongshan!” Cui Dongshan, with a smile, addressed him as “Grandpa Nalan,” thinking that the old Nalan was getting forgetful in his old age. Previously, his words had only caused Bai Mama a little discomfort, but this time, he was going to strike Nalan hard and teach him a lesson. “A good beating is a sign of affection, so take it and learn!”

To prevent Nalan Yexing from backtracking, Cui Dongshan, after crossing the threshold of the Ning Residence with his teacher, remarked softly, “Thank you for the personal escort, Sister Luo Shan.”

Chen Ping’an responded, “It is my duty, no need to dwell on it.”

Cui Dongshan brushed his sleeves, “Of course. I’m only a bit uneasy, wondering if this attire pleases Sister Luo Shan.”

Nalan Yexing laughed, “Dongshan, you are a rare and handsome youth. Luo Shan Sword Immortal will surely remember you.”

Cui Dongshan nodded, “Yes, indeed.”

In the Mustard Seed Paradise training grounds, Pei Qian was undergoing a rigorous training regimen under Bai Mama’s guidance.

Chen Ping’an did not watch, unable to bear the sight.

Chen Ping’an himself could endure the most brutal training from a tenth-realm martial artist, but he couldn’t stand to see his disciple subjected to the same.

The real reason was that Chen Ping’an feared that if he watched too closely, he wouldn’t be able to bear to punish Pei Qian if she ever made a mistake, and he would be less strict with her.

After all, during those years at Shujian Lake, Chen Ping’an had already suffered enough from his own soft-heartedness.

It was not difficult to sever ties with others, but to sever ties with his own past self was the hardest, a task as difficult as ascending to the heavens.

The Hidden Official’s summer retreat outside the city.

The Hidden Official stood on a chair, clutching her pigtails, the chair hovering in the air. From her vantage point, she surveyed a detailed map of the city, even including the private gardens and pavilions of the grand mansions along Taixiang Street.

However, the map now featured routes drawn in crimson ink. These vivid lines originated from the Ning Residence, with their endpoints varying. They included Diezhang Wine Shop, the corner where the storyteller set up his small stool, and the places where swordsmen practiced at the Sword Qi Great Wall. In essence, the routes marked the Second Manager’s movements.

Pang Yuanji once asked, “Chen Ping’an is not a demon spy. Why is Master so concerned about his movements?”

The Hidden Official replied, “No battles to fight, no wine to drink. Master is bored.”

Pang Yuanji asked no more, finding his master’s logic reasonable.

According to his master, the Hidden Official lineage, having been passed down to her, was, if not the best, certainly qualified. Moreover, she had gone above and beyond in her duties, deserving more credit than she received. Yet, the Eldest Sword Immortal continued to find fault with her, which was unfair, as she was already overworked as it was.

Female Sword Immortal Luo Shan still wore a round-necked brocade robe, though the color had changed. The style remained the same, and she still wore a flower in her hair.

At the Sword Qi Great Wall, both Luo Shan of the Hidden Official lineage and the insane woman Zhou Cheng, who swung on the swings on the city walls, were considered to have extraordinary beauty.

Luo Shan arrived at the main hall of the summer retreat, holding a brush to draw another crimson route.

Bamboo Hermitage Sword Immortal frowned, “Why did he take Cui Dongshan to Tao Wen’s residence this time? What did they seek?”

Luo Shan retorted, “Are you asking me? Should I go ask Chen Ping’an? Or that Cui Dongshan?”

Bamboo Hermitage Sword Immortal casually said, “Go if you want, I’m not stopping you.”

Luo Shan glared at him.

Bamboo Hermitage remained oblivious.

The Hidden Official said, “Probably to persuade Tao Wen to make more money and not seek death. This Second Manager, his heart is too soft. No wonder I disliked him from the first moment I saw him.”

The Hidden Official twisted her pigtails, pursing her lips, “Our Second Manager probably hasn’t seen enough of the world, his time is too short. If he could retain this kindness after seeing more, I would truly admire him. What a pity…”

The Hidden Official didn’t elaborate, and Luo Shan and Bamboo Hermitage Sword Immortal wouldn’t ask further.

The Hidden Official suddenly sighed, her face even more regretful, “It’s no fun that Yue Qing wasn’t beaten to death.”

Bamboo Hermitage Sword Immortal was genuinely curious this time. After all, he had little interest in Chen Ping’an, a Golden Body Realm martial artist, but he was intensely interested in You, who was also a swordsman. He asked, “Hidden Official, what did the Eldest Sword Immortal say that made You stop fighting?”
The Hidden Official reached out a hand.

Sword Immortal Zhu’an tossed over a pot of top-shelf immortal brew from Treasure Light Pavilion.

The Hidden Official stowed it in his sleeve, saying, “He’s probably telling everyone, especially your fellow disciples and grand-disciples who are watching, that they’ve already embarrassed themselves enough by failing to kill anyone despite wielding so many swords. It’s better to simply treat the bout with Yue Qing as a mere exchange of swordplay. Killing him would be too unbecoming for a senior martial uncle.”

Sword Immortals Luo Shan and Zhu’an exchanged glances, finding this explanation rather unconvincing.

The Hidden Official hopped onto the back of a chair and stood there, gaining a better vantage point to survey the map. He muttered to himself, “There are too many about to die. But not a few that could live as well. Losing money, winning money, earning money, repaying money—is that really how business should be done? Who will remember Tao Wen’s paltry life-selling fee in the future? Or the trivial matters you, Chen Ping’an, are doing? Under the grand scheme of things, no one can escape; it’s all meaningless. Why are you all so enthusiastic about it? Sigh, I truly can’t understand what the book-reading swordsmen are thinking; they’ve always been like this. And I can’t even drink. It’s driving me crazy. Zhu’an, hurry up and drink! Let me at least smell the aroma.”

The Sword Qi Great Wall today…

It wasn’t just that Zuo You were somewhat unaccustomed; they were extremely unaccustomed.

Towards Cui Dongshan, it was direct—drawing swords at the slightest annoyance.

Towards Chen Ping’an, they taught him their methods of scholarship, and if anything displeased them, they would instruct their little junior brother in swordsmanship.

But these two before them were both junior nephews!

Plus that Guo Zhujiu, who was inexplicably brought along by their little junior brother; should she count as half?

Pei Qian was determined to speak first this time. Losing to Cao Qinglang once was just bad luck, but losing twice would mean she wasn’t showing enough respect to her grand-master uncle!

So, as soon as her master finished exchanging pleasantries with her grand-master uncle, she would strike!

However, Pei Qian, despite her meticulous planning, overlooked that half-baked fellow disciple, Guo Zhujiu.

Somehow, this person was no longer confined and had been frequently visiting Ning Mansion lately. Bothering their master’s wife during her seclusion was one thing, but what was worse was that she didn’t say a single decent word to her, this senior disciple.

Just because the senior disciple doesn’t acknowledge you as a junior sister, does that give you a reason to not acknowledge the senior disciple? Hmm? Want me to smash your little head? Never mind, remember master’s teachings: a high sword stays sheathed, a strong fist remains hidden.

Guo Zhujiu preemptively declared, “Future Grand-Master Uncle, you, alone with your sword, surrounded so many sword immortals, including Sword Immortal Yue Qing. Were you actually very calm? Because during that earlier great battle outside the city to slay demons, Grand-Master Uncle, you alone surrounded so many great demons, chopping them down like vegetables. It must have been commonplace for you; that’s definitely it! Grand-Master Uncle, don’t deny it!”

Zuo You smiled, “I can admit it.”

Guo Zhujiu solemnly said, “If I were from the Barbaric World, I would burn incense and pray that Grand-Master Uncle’s swordsmanship would not improve even a tiny bit further!”

Pei Qian’s face flushed red, and she scratched her head with both hands.

This kind of bootlicking was utterly insincere.

Grand-Master Uncle, please don’t believe it!

Zuo You smiled, speaking kindly to both Pei Qian and Cao Qinglang, displaying the demeanor of an elder. They praised Pei Qian’s Mad Demon swordsmanship, encouraging her to continue her efforts. They even said that Sword Immortal Zhou Cheng’s ancestral sword intent could be studied, but there was no need to admire it; in time, Grand-Master Uncle would personally teach her swordsmanship.

Zuo You also instructed Cao Qinglang to study diligently, ensuring that both cultivation and scholarly pursuits were not neglected, as that was the foundation of the Literary Sage lineage. They didn’t forget to scold Cao Qinglang’s teacher, telling him that Cao Qinglang shouldn’t simply aim to learn from Chen Ping’an in his studies, as that was far from enough. He had to surpass his predecessors, as that was the fundamental principle of Confucian disciples. Otherwise, each generation would be worse than the last, wouldn’t that become a laughingstock for the sages of the past? Other lineages and orthodoxies aside, the Literary Sage lineage would never allow such a thing.

Chen Ping’an felt both pleased and uneasy.

He had never seen this senior brother of his be so amiable and talkative with him.

Could this be the so-called “affection for grandchildren”?

He led them to pay respects to their Grand-Master Uncle.

The Old Sword Immortal’s thatched hut was not far away.

Chen Ping’an hesitated for a moment before leading them to see the old man.

Chen Qingdu walked out of the thatched hut and glanced at Cui Dongshan, roughly telling him to get lost.

Cui Dongshan smiled, “Alrighty then.”

With a turn, he skipped away, his two snow-white sleeves fluttering.

Guo Zhujiu remained in place, extending two fingers to mimic walking on two feet.

The Old Sword Immortal looked at her again. To show her sincerity, Guo Zhujiu’s two fingers walked a bit faster.

Chen Qingdu chuckled, “I didn’t tell you to walk.”

Guo Zhujiu sighed in relief, spun around once, and stood still, indicating that she had left and come back.

Pei Qian sighed inwardly, she really had to advise her master that this kind of dim-witted girl shouldn’t be brought into the sect. Even if he had to accept disciples, this tall but brainless girl should have her seat near the door of the Fallen Mountain Ancestral Hall.

She, Pei Qian, as her master’s first disciple, was selfless and wouldn’t mix in any personal grudges. It was purely out of concern for the sect’s greater good.

Pei Qian couldn’t help but admire Guo Zhujiu. Being stupid was indeed a good thing, daring to be so presumptuous in front of the Old Sword Immortal.

She, on the other hand, would never dare to speak or even look at the Old Sword Immortal directly; it would hurt her eyes.

Chen Qingdu looked at the children around Chen Ping’an and finally said to Chen Ping’an, “Do you have an answer?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Disciples of the Literary Sage lineage always have things they will do, and things they will not do.”

Chen Qingdu nodded, simply saying, “As you wish.”

Finally, on the Sword Qi Great Wall that day, Zuo You sat in the center, with Chen Ping’an and Pei Qian on either side. Guo Zhujiu sat beside Chen Ping’an, and Cao Qinglang sat beside Pei Qian.

Cui Dongshan, who had been driven away by the Old Sword Immortal earlier for some unknown reason, had been called back.

After discussing matters, Cui Dongshan stood shoulder to shoulder with Chen Qingdu, his hands clasped in his sleeves. The Old Sword Immortal didn’t seem to mind, and they both gazed at the distant scenery.

Chen Qingdu smiled and asked, “National Preceptor, what are your thoughts?”

Cui Dongshan said nonchalantly, “I fear it is all just a grand dream.”