The sword cultivators of the Hidden Official lineage were all undeniably gifted cultivators, peerless prodigies. Their temporarily lower cultivation realms stemmed from one simple reason: their youth.

Therefore, the concept of the Astral Projection, a journey of the spiritual soul, was naturally not foreign to them. However, for a Qi Refinement cultivator in the third realm, such a feat was a rarity. To be able to project their souls within the Sword Qi Great Wall for extended periods, traveling through this land brimming with sword intent without leaving a trace, was even more peculiar.

Yet, such oddities occurring on Chen Ping’an were hardly a cause for concern, even to sword cultivators like Mi Yu. They barely bothered to delve into the matter.

Lu Zhi, however, saw deeper. She inquired directly via mind transmission, “Chen Ping’an, when you baited Yang Zhi and Huang Luan to attack, did you intend for them to succeed from the very beginning?”

Chen Ping’an, busy circling and marking in the Book of Records, helping Wang Xinshui select twenty local Earth Immortal sword cultivators for their side, replied via mental ripples to Lu Zhi, “The bait used by ordinary fishermen, once cast into the water, attracts larger fish. Even if the larger fish is eventually dragged ashore, can the bait be preserved? You yourself have said that old animals like Yang Zhi, who have lived to his age, are not foolish. The means to hinder their retreat must still come from me first, otherwise, the encirclement and annihilation scheme of our sword immortals would not be secure.”

Lu Zhi frowned, “Once the spirit soul collapses, it leads to fundamental damage to one’s Dao. As the Hidden Official, why would you resort to such measures?”

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “Trading the spirit soul of a third-realm cultivator for one or two Ascended Realm pinnacle Great Demons from the Wilderness is a worthwhile bargain.”

Lu Zhi hesitated. She wasn’t fond of Chen Ping’an’s roundabout way of speaking earlier, so she said frankly, “Please be forthright with me.”

Chen Ping’an remained silent for a moment. “For the Hidden Official lineage to gain a foothold, relying solely on intangible battle merits is insufficient. The biggest problem of the Hidden Official lineage lies in being hidden behind the scenes, too secure. Everyone is a sword cultivator, yet they haven’t delivered a sword strike. This isn’t an issue when the battles are going smoothly. However, when the Sword Qi Great Wall suffers heavy losses, the Hidden Official lineage will inevitably face criticism. This is human nature. So, if I pay a small price early on, it can lessen the impact on the overall state of mind of the Hidden Official lineage. And if the Hidden Official lineage can focus wholeheartedly on planning and strategizing, in the long run, the Sword Qi Great Wall will benefit greatly.”

Lu Zhi shook her head, “What you said is likely true, but I know you haven’t revealed the entire reason.”

Chen Ping’an didn’t deny it, “Some innermost thoughts are best left unsaid for now. Great Sword Immortal Lu, there’s no need to pry into the details at this moment. It’s meaningless.”

For instance, why wasn’t Chen Ping’an inconsolably grieved when his senior brother Zuo You suffered grievous injuries? Was it truly just because he was deep and skilled at hiding his emotions? Naturally not.

Because deep down, Chen Ping’an hoped that his senior brother Zuo You could live, and live with a clear conscience. In short, it absolutely could not be “Zuo You’s death is inevitable.”

The Old Great Sword Immortal, at the Ning residence’s martial arts training ground, once said that if the result is good, looking back at life, one sees kindness everywhere.

That’s the principle at play.

Therefore, Chen Ping’an wasn’t angry or resentful towards the Old Great Sword Immortal for confining his spirit soul back then, preventing him from alerting his senior brother and warning him to be wary of the Hidden Official’s ambush.

Afterwards, when Chen Ping’an visited his senior brother at the thatched hut, he held no anger or resentment towards the Old Great Sword Immortal.

One should speak less of “what ifs” in this world. There was no “what if” Zuo You was struck dead by a single punch from the previous Hidden Official, Xiao Xun.

Chen Ping’an ended the conversation, “Lu Zhi, just focus on protecting the Hidden Official lineage’s formation with all your might. With your sword, there’s no need to worry about anything else.”

Lu Zhi rarely joked, “Hidden Official, you have quite the official air about you.”

Chen Ping’an could only imitate his own disciples and students, adopting a bit of the unorthodox methods of Falling Cloud Mountain, and said with a smile, “Great Sword Immortal Lu’s swordsmanship is transcendent, nearly capable of reaching the heavens. Whether this junior’s official air is great or not, in the eyes of a senior like you, isn’t it just a joke to be savored as a snack with wine?”

Lu Zhi dismissed it with a smile.

Chen Ping’an focused on three things at once.

Circling and marking the Earth Immortals from the Book of Records, communicating the details with Wang Xinshui, who was responsible for writing the book, via mental communication at all times.

Paying attention to the movements on the two long scrolls on the post road. This was the responsibility of the Hidden Official; delegating power was not the same as abandoning control.

He also needed to carefully observe the eleven sword cultivators, listening to their conversations and exchanges, just like an official in the Ministry of Personnel responsible for the capital assessment.

Chen Ping’an put down his pen, habitually rubbing his wrist, and inexplicably recalled Volume Six of the book *The Pearl Boat*, which listed the item “Early Wisdom.”

Looking around, among the eleven sword cultivators present, if they were in the Blessed Land of Haoran, with their aptitude and talent, whether in cultivation or scholarship, they would probably all be qualified to join the ranks of “Early Wisdom.”

Among them, some had particular strengths that stood out. For example, Xuan Can was practically a living map. His attention to and memory of the two paintings surpassed even Chen Ping’an’s. Xuan Can had an extremely detailed record in his mind of every geographical feature on the battlefield, such as a certain pothole – why it appeared, when it appeared, and what impact this place would have on the subsequent fighting between the two sides. If others wanted to achieve Xuan Can’s level, they could certainly do so with effort, but it would require extra mental energy, far from the effortless and enjoyable way Xuan Can did it.

Therefore, Chen Ping’an specifically asked Xuan Can to write an additional field record, which would be used as a reference book that other sword cultivators must browse in the future.

Wang Xinshui possessed an astonishing intuition for predicting small-scale battles. So, when Chen Ping’an didn’t have urgent matters at hand, he liked to observe Wang Xinshui, a break akin to drinking wine. Wang Xinshui felt that the sword strikes of many sword cultivators at crucial moments in the paintings were not perfect, and even had too many flaws. Wang Xinshui’s expression would slightly change, or the exquisite coordination of the enemy’s magical treasures would make Wang Xinshui extremely anxious. However, the battlefield changed in the blink of an eye. In order to remember these details, Wang Xinshui would often stare intently at the painting, writing non-stop with his hand, his handwriting incredibly scrawled. Occasionally, Wang Xinshui would feel a little depressed, seemingly not knowing whether what he saw, thought, recorded, and wrote was useful, after all, as a sword cultivator of the Hidden Official lineage, he was too far from the battlefield. Even if he were on the battlefield, could he replace a sword cultivator and deliver a sword strike? So, Wang Xinshui was the person with the richest and most complex expressions. Perhaps in just a few blinks of an eye, Wang Xinshui’s face would be filled with joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. In addition, Wang Xinshui liked to mutter to himself, which was quite interesting.

Lin Junbi’s overall planning was a unique skill similar to a natal divine power. As long as he was given enough information and intelligence to support a battle situation, Lin Junbi almost never made mistakes.
Guo Zhujiu always anticipated the “unexpected,” the worst-case scenario, even thinking a step further ahead.

Therefore, coupled with the *Sword Immortal’s Heart Sutra* co-authored by Dong BuDe and Lin Junbi, after Chen PingAn’s true self took his seat, in addition to XuanCan being explicitly tasked with writing the battlefield records, he also had Wang Xinshui, Guo Zhujiu, and others each write a “personal notes” volume. Chen PingAn’s earlier outlined twelve main and subsidiary books were all named after the Heavenly Stems. These upcoming volumes could perhaps be named after the Earthly Branches.

With the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches complete, and the sword cultivator at the center, it would represent the harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Man. A propitious omen, as it were.

Dong BuDe suddenly said, “My greatest fear is that the sword cultivator formation of the Barbarian World will simply advance with the most foolish method, focusing only on their own coordination, without overthinking anything else, and never seeking personal merit. If that’s the case, our subsequent calculations will all fall flat. The most troublesome aspect is that if we don’t gain anything, it’s a loss for us. If that happens, what can we do?”

Chen PingAn raised his head, smiling softly, “There is a solution. The defense of the Sword Qi Great Wall, accustomed to grand, sweeping tactics and heroic spirit, isn’t necessarily the best approach. On the battlefield, amidst the carnage, the beasts of the Barbarian World throw themselves into the fray, surrounded by the familiar faces of fallen comrades. We shouldn’t treat them as unfeeling puppets devoid of emotions. After the Thirteen’s competition, the demon race’s two city sieges, in hindsight, were well-prepared exercises and trials. Now, the Barbarian World has sixty military encampments. What does this signify? It signifies that countless eyes are watching every battlefield. The human heart, or demon heart, is contagious.”

“Therefore, to prevent the worst-case scenario of the enemy sword formation ‘seeking stability and avoiding defeat,’ three things can be done. First, our sword formation must emulate Qi Shou, ruthlessly slaughtering the enemy. Second, those who can be killed but aren’t, should be severely wounded instead, making them wish they were dead. Once withdrawn from the battlefield, these wounded become a natural source of resentment. Third, we choose those skilled at arguing and fond of it, such as the two seniors, Zhao GeYi and Cheng Quan, who seem well-suited. While wielding their swords, they should curse heaven and earth, especially the sword cultivators of the Barbarian World, accusing them of ‘returning to their roots’ with this city siege. These words must be uttered by sword immortals, and even more so by young sword cultivators with loud voices and lower cultivation levels. If we do these three things well, the sword cultivators of the Barbarian World, whose lives are most precious, won’t be able to resist the urge to do more. The more they do, the more opportunities we’ll have.”

At this point, Chen PingAn smiled, “Earlier, when I fought Li Zhen, do you really think I wasn’t resentful or angry at his words? Of course, I was. I wanted to tear him limb from limb and devour him raw. But because it was a one-on-one duel, I couldn’t afford to be distracted in the slightest, so I suppressed those emotions. But now, with tens of thousands of sword cultivators facing off, there’s more room for emotional play. Remember, while we’re focused on the two paintings right before us, just beginning to understand the emotional currents of our own sword immortals, we need to put ourselves in their shoes and consider how the Barbarian World views this war and all battlefields. Once we understand that, we can anticipate many things, not only riding the current but also creating our own momentum, turning it into a strategic maneuver that forces the Barbarian World to enter our game.”

Lin Junbi was deeply moved, nodding, “Indeed, on the battlefield, if our Hidden Official lineage can transform the entire battlefield into a small world, we can gain the upper hand everywhere.”

Chen PingAn said, “Imagine, if we fully understood the Great Ancestor’s thoughts and the desires of the fourteen peak Great Demons of the thrones? What would that scenario be like?”

Everyone was stunned.

Chen PingAn laughed, “Of course, that’s impossible. Human power has its limits. Knowing how to accept fate is also a skill.”

Guo Zhujiu suddenly said, “With the two volumes of *Yi*, I can follow the clues and delve into the secret archives of the old Hidden Official lineage to learn more about the secrets and inside stories of the Barbarian World. Perhaps I can try to guess the thoughts of those Great Demons. I certainly won’t neglect my duties. You don’t need to worry a hundred times, Master. Worrying once is more than enough…”

However, as soon as the word “Master” left her lips, Guo Zhujiu immediately shut up, annoyed at her own inappropriateness and ashamed of embarrassing her Master. After all, the rules of the Hidden Official lineage still need to be observed.

Chen PingAn said, “Calling me Master is fine. Just like I think it’s better if others call me Chen PingAn instead of awkwardly calling me Hidden Official, Lord.”

Gu Jianlong was relieved, his smile radiant, just about to say something fair.

Chen PingAn turned to look at him, laughing, “Gu brother, are you admitting to your own ‘awkwardness’? So easily caught, your cultivation isn’t sufficient. Do you really think that Hidden Official, Lord’s polite words are an invitation to be impolite? If you were in the Vast World, you could only rely on your talent to make a living through cultivation; you wouldn’t even dream of getting involved in the officialdom, literary circles, or the martial world.”

Gu Jianlong looked crestfallen, as if he were about to be targeted.

Chen PingAn said, “Earlier, if Sword Immortal Mi hadn’t given that answer, I would have regretted bringing up that topic. Everyone, we’re sitting here, doing these things, not because we have to. Not just the foreign sword cultivators like XuanCan, but even locals like Dong BuDe and Pang Yuanji shouldn’t be using their slender arms to carry such heavy burdens. One wrong step could crush their Dao hearts. Compared to a carefree sword strike on the city wall, Pang Yuanji, which do you choose?”

Pang Yuanji said honestly, “The sword strike.”

Wang Xinshui was about to speak.

Chen PingAn said with a smiling face, “Oh? Xinshui also has fair words to say?”

Wang Xinshui immediately changed his tune, “Hidden Official, Lord, I wanted to second Pang Yuanji’s opinion.”

Wang Xinshui was indeed unique, a genius sword cultivator whose thoughts moved faster than his sword. Because his cultivation level wasn’t high enough, he was always causing trouble on the battlefield. It couldn’t be said that Wang Xinshui was simply messing around; in fact, every suggestion from Wang Xinshui was perfectly timed, but Wang Xinshui himself couldn’t express it with his sword. His friends were the same. That’s why Wang Xinshui had the title of one of the Sword Qi Great Wall’s newest five oddities: “I can do it before the battle, blame me after the fight.”
Fortunately, there haven’t been any truly devastating casualties. However, Wang Xinshui has extremely complex feelings about going into battle. It’s not that he’s afraid of dying, but he feels incredibly awkward, like his true nature is constantly being obstructed.

Chen Ping’an laughed and said, “We’ve exchanged enough pleasantries. I’ll likely be away from here often, wandering around. If you harbor any resentment, remember to keep it well hidden. Also, you’ll definitely not have the chance to fight outside the city from now on, but I will, so you can all be envious.”

Deng Liang, a man of steady temperament but not lacking in wit, asked, “The saying ‘A son of a thousand gold should not sit near a collapsing wall’ is utter nonsense in the Sword Qi Great Wall, but on our side, Honorable Hidden Official, I must still urge you to think carefully before acting. Even if you truly intend to leave the city and fight, be careful to conceal your whereabouts. Our Hidden Official lineage cannot be without the Honorable Hidden Official at its helm, forcing us to improvise on the battlefield; that’s a major taboo in military strategy.”

“I appreciate the good intentions. Such straightforwardness is precisely what our Hidden Official lineage should be like. Behind closed doors, we’re all family. It’s a good thing for family to say a few harsh words.”

Chen Ping’an said, “However, those capable of killing me, like Yang Zhi and Huang Luan, still wouldn’t dare to recklessly make a move. As for the other beasts, if they lack memory and don’t believe in fate, they’re welcome to come and test me.”

Deng Liang recalled the successful sword strike of the female Sword Immortal Xie Songhua earlier, and fell silent.

Chen Ping’an stood up. “I’m going to chat with Senior Nalan Shaowei and Senior Yan Ming.”

Chen Ping’an picked up the “Hidden Official” jade token and hung it on his waist. He wanted to find those two kindred spirits to discuss the matter of the trans-continental ferry to the Upside-Down Mountain. This couldn’t be explained clearly with just a few words from the “Hidden Official” flying sword; it required a face-to-face conversation.

Some things could only be said by him, using his identity as the Honorable Hidden Official.

Walking on the ramparts, Chen Ping’an, looking rather dejected, muttered to himself, “Of all the knowledge in the world, the *Night Navigating Boat* is the most difficult to deal with.”

Mi Yu glanced at the young man’s back, a strange and indescribable feeling welling up in his heart.

If Chen Ping’an’s earlier actions, having his distant wandering nascent soul oversee the Hidden Official lineage, were considered…

…eccentric.

His words and actions gave people a sense of danger and peculiarity, every sentence was deliberately profound, subtly accumulating authority, gradually tightening his grip on the Hidden Official’s power, even causing people to unconsciously speculate on Chen Ping’an’s intentions.

Then, the current Chen Ping’an seemed to have a more upright mindset.

Which was better, Mi Yu couldn’t say.

Actually, neither was good at all!

He was, after all, a Jade Purity Realm sword cultivator, yet here he was, the one with the least say. Especially when Mi Yu thought about his minor feud with the Literary Saint’s lineage, he felt even more disgruntled.

Mi Yu finally rubbed his chin and murmured, “Is my mind truly not working properly?”

Chen Ping’an suddenly turned his head and shouted, “Sword Immortal Mi, come with me. I estimate Sword Immortal Mi will be quite busy soon.”

Mi Yu braced himself and followed.

However, after speaking with Chen Ping’an, Mi Yu breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out to be a good thing; he could even get some fresh air on the Upside-Down Mountain.

Not only that, Chen Ping’an even proactively asked Mi Yu if some of his ideas were feasible.

Mi Yu spoke truthfully, rejecting them one by one.

This young Honorable Hidden Official didn’t seem particularly discouraged.

Shao Yunyan, the owner of the Spring Banners Abode, was known for his reclusiveness on the Upside-Down Mountain.

Today, Shao Yunyan strolled through the Ape Tussle Manor, Water Crystal Palace, and Plum Blossom Garden, all within the four private residences, merely passing by, catching a glimpse from afar.

Because he was using illusion techniques, and Shao Yunyan wasn’t one to show his face, few could recognize this Sword Immortal.

Shao Yunyan eventually found a tavern, used a technique to knock on the door, and ripples spread out. The door opened, and Shao Yunyan stepped over the threshold. The business inside the shop was still deserted, with no customers except himself.

Drinking a cup of Forget-Worry Wine in this remaining Yellow Millet Blessed Land was almost a must for all the reclusive experts who traveled to the Upside-Down Mountain.

The old man was dozing behind the counter, a jade-green poetry-inscribed treasure birdcage placed on the counter, the little yellow sparrow inside dozing as well, just like the old man.

The young man named Xu Jia saw Shao Yunyan and was very happy, mainly because he was thinking about the Spring Banners Abode owner’s gourd vine. Therefore, Xu Jia, known for his laziness among the many familiar drinkers, was particularly attentive today, quickly moving a jar of wine to the table. Xu Jia hadn’t actually interacted with Shao Yunyan before, but he had heard that this Sword Immortal from the Northern Entirety Continent had come to this place long ago, admiring its name, and had drunk wine here. Unable to pay for the wine, he had used a sword-nurturing gourd from that gourd vine to exchange for a jar of wine, getting completely drunk. Later, after earning money, he regretted it somewhat and wanted to settle the bill with a large sum of Valley Rain coins at market price, but the shopkeeper refused. Sword Immortal Shao was probably sulking with the shopkeeper and never came to the shop to drink again.

Shao Yunyan stood under that wall, examining it for a few moments, and laughed. “It’s been seven or eight hundred years since I came here, and it’s almost filled an entire wall. Is the shop doing that well?”

Xu Jia complained, “Comparing people is infuriating. I heard there’s a wine shop in the Sword Qi Great Wall that sells that inferior wine, and it’s only been open for a little over a year, but those nameless plaques are almost covering three walls.”

Shao Yunyan apologized to the young waiter, picked up the jar of Forget-Worry Wine, and sat back at the table where he had first come to drink wine many years ago. He poured a bowl of wine, looked towards the counter, and laughed. “Shopkeeper, that gourd vine has already been taken by a young girl to the Water Sutra Mountain in the Northern Entirety Continent. In another ten years or so, that sword-nurturing gourd will ripen and fall. When that happens, please trouble the shopkeeper to make an extra trip. Regarding the ownership of this sword-nurturing gourd, I have already informed Water Sutra Mountain. Someone will appear, take the gourd, and that’s all.”

The old man hummed in acknowledgement, opened his eyes, and glanced at Xu Jia. “Are you going?”

Xu Jia asked, “If I leave the shop, what if Miss comes back? What am I supposed to do?”

The old man scolded with a smile, “I just don’t understand, why do you have to hang yourself from a single tree? My daughter has no face, no figure, and her mind is unclear. She already has someone in her heart; how is she worthy of you?”

Xu Jia angrily said, “I’ve been here since I was a child; how many women have I seen? If I don’t like Miss, who am I supposed to like?! You, this wretched old man?”

The old man wasn’t angry. His daughter had been away from home for many years, and the shop was just him and his disciple, guarding such a deserted place. He could only rely on his disciple to add some liveliness. He couldn’t bear to scold him; if he scolded him too harshly, he might also run away from home, and the shop would lose too much.
The old man chuckled, “Then I should definitely tell you to scram! Go out and take a look, see some truly beautiful women, enough to dazzle your eyes!”

Xu Jia nodded. “I do miss Cao Ci a bit. Once I get the Sword-Nourishing Gourd in Northern Club Continent, I’ll go find him in Central Earth Divine Continent.”

Saying this, Xu Jia stood up and walked to the counter, picked up the birdcage and shook it, scolding, “You dimwit! Why couldn’t you see through Chen Ping’an’s martial arts foundation back then? You just liked to play dead, huh?”

The yellow bird in the cage was the same species as the yellow bird belonging to Lu Chen, one of the three leaders of Azure Billow World.

Except one measured literary fortune, the other martial fortune.

Shao Yunyan laughed, “Shopkeeper, there’s a story there. Care to tell it?”

The old man waved his hand. “Drink your wine. You’re treating Forgetfulness Wine like common swill, wasting a good thing. If it weren’t for that Sword-Nourishing Gourd, I wouldn’t even bother selling you wine.”

Shao Yunyan drank his wine, casually asking, “Is Water Crystal Palace still dreaming of raking in money? They only think about profits, never changing. But Ape Rend House has already emptied their coffers. Still, none of that matters. I just want to know where you plan to open this shop next. There are thousands of Immortal family brews in the world, I’ve tasted almost all of them. The only ones I drink and still crave are your Forgetfulness Wine and the Azure God Mountain wine from Bamboo Sea Grotto Heaven.”

The old man glanced at his disciple, still bickering with the yellow bird in the cage. He went around the counter, carried a jar of wine himself, sat down at Shao Yunyan’s table, poured a bowl of wine, and they drank in silence.

The old man said, “I’m a person outside the world, you’re an outsider to the game. Naturally, you’re more comfortable. Why are you interfering so much? Since you’re involved, whether my shop opens before your eyes or at the edge of the world, even if you find out, will you be able to drink the wine?”

Shao Yunyan asked with a smile, “Can we talk frankly?”

The old man nodded. “The shop’s rules, you know them. The drunken ramblings of those who drink, not a word gets out.”

Shao Yunyan looked toward the entrance of the wine shop, shrouded in white mist, and softly said, “I promised Sword Qi Great Wall something long ago, something I have to do.”

The old man asked, “Can’t run away?”

The old man quickly nodded. “Difficult.”

Shao Yunyan smiled, “No need to run. As long as I don’t leave Upside Down Mountain openly, doing things surreptitiously is fine.”

The old man was silent for a moment. “In that case, you still dare to stay? Your cultivation level and swordsmanship aren’t enough. You’re just courting death. Dying foolishly is indeed worse than dying drunk. Fine, I’ll give you another jar of wine for free.”

Shao Yunyan said, “The Hidden Official of Sword Qi Great Wall has already defected to the Savage Desolate World.”

The old man raised an eyebrow. “Xiao Xun, that little girl, harbors so much resentment towards Vast Brightness World?”

Shao Yunyan laughed. “I heard they have a new Hidden Official. If you can guess who it is, I won’t drink a jar of your wine for free. You get three guesses.”

The old man thought for a moment. “Is it that gloomy kid who followed Ah Liang and picked up the most money from the furthest distance? Or that girl Ning Yao? It wouldn’t be the child Xiao Xun favored, would it? What was his name again?”

Xu Jia said, “I think it was Pang Yuanji.”

Shao Yunyan laughed heartily. “Drinking a jar of Forgetfulness Wine for free, I’m in a great mood.”

After Shao Yunyan drank two jars of Forgetfulness Wine in one breath, he staggered out of the wine shop, feeling the trip was worthwhile.

The old shopkeeper also told him some interesting stories, such as some inside information about the Fifth World. Vast lands of beautiful rivers and mountains, one feng shui treasure land and ancient ruins after another, new Blessed Lands of Grotto Heaven being established, waiting to be claimed. Azure Billow World seemed to be getting a slice of the pie. All sorts of unimaginable fortunes were awaiting those with destiny. The most significant thing the old shopkeeper said was a secret Shao Yunyan had never heard of, even imagined. The old man said that many Confucian Sages were not only expanding territory and stabilizing the world in the River of Time, for which they had fallen silently. The number of people who died in battle was not small. Fortunately, the Sage of Rites who “severed the connection between heaven and earth” was still leading one Confucian Sage after another, bravely facing ancient gods beyond the curtain of heaven for a long time.

Shao Yunyan couldn’t help but ask a question, “The other three worlds don’t need to do this?”

The old shopkeeper shook his head and said, “No need to do this.”

Shao Yunyan wanted to ask the reason.

As an ancestor of one of the Hundred Schools of Philosophers, the old man said, “It’s better not to know.”

Shao Yunyan strolled back to his own residence, which was as dilapidated as Ape Rend House.

Every step he took was fraught with danger.

Because he was on Upside Down Mountain.

He had traveled with the Sword Immortal Ku Xia and Lin Junbi along the border of Sword Qi Great Wall, neither staying on the city wall to fight the enemy, nor following Jiang Guancheng and the other young people to Southern Bhasvara Continent.

He stayed in the Plum Blossom Garden on the border, playing chess with Lady Tuoyan, a very romantic scene.

But today, Bian Jing left the garden and went to Capture and Release Pavilion to watch the intercontinental ferries come and go.

Capture and Release Pavilion was considered the most unworthy scenic spot in Upside Down Mountain, but it was still bustling with people every day. The small pavilion, except for late at night, was always crowded.

Bian Jing didn’t go there to join the crowd. He sat on the railing of a white jade viewing platform outside Capture and Release Pavilion, muttering to himself.

Bian Jing asked with a smile, “Don’t you often brag that you’re old acquaintances with that Old Deafie? There are no other Sword Immortals guarding Old Deafie’s prison. Is there really no possibility of causing a stir?”

“No possibility. Don’t go looking for trouble.”

Bian Jing sighed. “I’m just puzzled. You guys in the Savage Desolate World, your realms are so high, why are you still so stubborn?”

“Scheming and plotting, is that also considered the Great Dao of cultivation?”

Bian Jing brought up sore subjects, asking with a smile, “Is Dao Lao Er, who caused you to fall to this state, truly invincible?”

“Without truly fighting him, you will never understand how terrifying that smelly Daoist is.”

Bian Jing regretted somewhat: “It’s a pity that Lady Gui of Old Dragon City in Jewel Bottle Continent didn’t accept our Lady Tuoyan’s invitation.”

“It’s a pity. After all, that woman’s true form is the most orthodox Moon Palace breed. If she was willing to conspire with us, we would have a better chance of success.”

Bian Jing smiled. “We? It’s you, actually. I’m just a pawn, not in control of my own destiny.”

“Your body may not be your own, but your heart is. Stop acting like a whore who wants to build a memorial arch.”
Border Guard said, “According to Madam Rouge’s latest intelligence, quite a few Sword Immortals who were tempted are currently in a very awkward situation, practically stewing in their own juices. I reckon each and every one of them wishes they could just hack that Second Shopkeeper into mincemeat.”

This time, that “Old Fossil” did not speak with Border Guard.

Border Guard watched those intercontinental ferries. Everyone’s face was filled with an almost uncontainable joy. Border Guard chuckled, “Seeing so many of these people, my mood improves considerably. I no longer feel guilty.”

Coming to Inverted Mountain to do business with the Great Wall of Sword Qi, trading goods for goods, is the most lucrative. They arrive laden and leave even more so. Once back in their own continent, a simple transaction yields an astonishing profit margin.

“Three years without a sale, one sale lasts for three years,” that’s what they say about these intercontinental ferries doing all sorts of business.

Moreover, the larger the war, the more profitable each round trip becomes, because they have the leverage to ruthlessly drive down prices.

Border Guard nodded and said, “There’s no right or wrong, only perspective. Profound words, I deeply agree.”

A ripple arose in his mind, “Sarcasm?”

Border Guard shook his head, smiling. “No, I genuinely feel that way. Just like how might makes right is the only truth, I readily accept it.”

Border Guard looked around.

Soon, the world will be transformed.