The moon shines without regard for rich or poor, its light entering homes unbidden, gracing both the grand Jade Tablet Streets and the humble Alleys of Beauty and Ugliness.

The Great Sun dispels evil, its warmth in winter like a comforting cotton coat, traversing both the Alleys of Beauty and Ugliness and the Jade Tablet Streets.

Chen Pingan sat alone in the Dragon-Slaying Cliff pavilion for the entire night, ultimately lacking the courage to knock on Ning Yao’s courtyard gate. To hell with the saying that alcohol emboldens cowards, it’s utterly useless.

As the sun climbed high, Chen Pingan once again soared out of the city on his sword, heading towards the Summer Retreat Palace. Sorrow-Sprout and Dong Bude, the local sword cultivators, with the exception of Pang Yuanji, were all gone. The out-of-town sword cultivators, such as Deng Liang and others, with the exception of Lin Junbi, had also gone to visit their respective hometown sword immortal seniors or to catch up with familiar friends. In the end, only Lin Junbi and Pang Yuanji remained, engaged in a game of Go. Chen Pingan watched in silence. Lin Junbi’s Go skills were superior to Pang Yuanji’s, and the outcome was not in doubt. After watching for a while, Chen Pingan went to the archives to browse through the records. Then, Lin Junbi came over and said that Great Sword Immortal Mi Hu had specifically requested to see the Hidden Official Lord. However, this Great Sword Immortal was still mindful of etiquette and did not enter the premises.

Chen Pingan told Lin Junbi to continue playing Go while he went to the front gate to meet Mi Hu, the elder brother of their Hidden Official lineage’s stalwart, Mi Yu, and the latest, and youngest, Immortal Realm sword cultivator of the Great Wall of Sword Qi.

Chen Pingan clasped his fist in greeting and said with a smile, “A rare guest.”

Mi Hu did not engage in much pleasantry, saying, “Let’s talk as we walk.”

The two walked side by side, and Mi Hu cut straight to the point, “Chen Pingan, I’m looking for you today with a request. It’s both official and personal.”

Chen Pingan smiled and said, “Speak freely.”

Mi Hu said, “I hope that, relying on my meager war merits, after the war ends, my younger brother, who is currently in the Upside-Down Mountain, can go wherever he wants, such as your Vast Expanse.”

Chen Pingan said, “The war merits should be enough. However, Mi Yu is, after all, a Jade Pure Realm sword immortal. The disposition of each sword immortal, according to unwritten rules, requires the approval of the Eldest Sword Immortal. Once we, the Hidden Official lineage, sign off on it, the matter is settled. Then, no one can say anything.”

Mi Hu said, “The Eldest Sword Immortal has already agreed.”

Chen Pingan smiled and said, “Since the Eldest Sword Immortal has already agreed, Great Sword Immortal Mi Hu doesn’t need to consult with me. Mi Yu’s path is assured. In the Vast Expanse, an exceptionally precious sword immortal can go anywhere. As long as he wishes, whether it’s a mountain immortal’s ancestral hall or a dynasty’s golden palace, he will be a guest of honor.”

Mi Hu said, “I’m still uneasy if my younger brother has no one to look after him in that foreign land. The mountain cultivation of the Vast Expanse is nothing like our sword practice at the Great Wall of Sword Qi. Although I haven’t been there myself, I know exactly what it’s like. Backstabbing, a foul atmosphere, a complete den of liars. Mi Yu is good at dealing with women, but once he gets into some dog-shit Dao dispute with cultivators, my younger brother, with his simple mind, will suffer a great loss.”

Chen Pingan understood what this Immortal Realm Great Sword Immortal meant, that he, a Vast Expanse outsider, should pay more attention to him.

However, there were some things, such as his agreement with the Eldest Sword Immortal and his own future situation, that Chen Pingan could not prematurely reveal. Therefore, he could only first consider his words carefully.

As for whether Mi Hu’s words contained any veiled criticism of him, this Hidden Official Lord, being magnanimous, would simply ignore them.

Mi Hu said, “As long as you nod, I will definitely repay you handsomely. If it’s a business deal, I trust Second Shopkeeper.”

Misunderstood again.

Chen Pingan did not explain, “You don’t need to repay me handsomely. Mi Yu has accumulated quite a bit of war merit in the Hidden Official lineage in these two years. You don’t need to pay anything extra. It is just that, in this matter, whether it succeeds or not, in addition to our private agreement, what Mi Yu himself thinks is the key.”

Mi Hu frowned and said, “Based on the Hidden Official Lord’s popularity at the Great Wall of Sword Qi, even if my younger brother doesn’t want to go, you can just find a few sword cultivators to knock him unconscious and take him to the Vast Expanse.”

Chen Pingan asked, “If Mi Yu can’t resolve his inner struggles when he arrives in the Vast Expanse, it will be very troublesome on his path of cultivation. Cultivating there, carrying the identity of a sword immortal from the Great Wall of Sword Qi, accidents will not be frequent, but when they happen, they will be major.”

Mi Hu said decisively, “Living is the most important thing. Being able to live one more day is one more day. Moreover, don’t underestimate my younger brother’s Dao heart, it’s not as fragile as you think.”

Chen Pingan nodded and said, “That’s true.”

Chen Pingan said, “Then let Mi Yu go to the Northern俱蘆洲, the Taiwei Sword Sect, or Li Cai Sword Immortal’s Floating Duckweed Sword Lake. Both places need a sword immortal to worship, and Mi Hu doesn’t have to fight to the death. Let Mi Yu choose where to go in the future.”

Mi Hu asked in confusion, “Why not go to your mountain?”

Chen Pingan shook his head and said, “I have a lot of old debts on my hands. Even if Mi Yu leaves the Upside-Down Mountain and arrives at Solitary Peak, he still won’t have many peaceful days. There’s no need.”

Mi Hu said, “Then let Mi Yu go to your Solitary Peak to serve as a consecrator, the kind who offers incense, worships portraits, and has his name recorded on the lineage scroll.”

Chen Pingan said helplessly, “Great Sword Immortal Mi Hu, you are a straightforward person, so I will speak frankly with you. If it were just a business deal, only a fool would refuse a sword immortal consecrator. It is precisely because I regard your younger brother as a friend that I don’t want him to wade into the muddy waters of Treasure Bottle Continent. In the Northern俱蘆洲, which has the most connection with the Great Wall of Sword Qi, Mi Yu’s identity is the best amulet. The other eight continents don’t have this advantage.”

Mi Hu said, “You’re being fussy like a woman. Mi Yu will go to Solitary Peak on Treasure Bottle Continent, no more nonsense, we’ve agreed!”

I’m trying to reason with you, Great Sword Immortal Mi Hu, and you’re calling me names?

Chen Pingan was about to say a few “impartial and peaceful” words when, unexpectedly, Great Sword Immortal Mi Hu, with a gloomy expression, said in a low voice, “My younger brother always feels that he has embarrassed me, his elder brother. Has he ever thought that if it weren’t for his elder brother’s fortunate talent in sword practice, his only skill in life being sword practice, then he would have become a Jade Pure Realm sword immortal? How could he be embarrassed? How could the entire Great Wall of Sword Qi laugh at him? So who owes whom, don’t you understand? I, Mi Hu, only hate that my sword Dao realm is not high enough, that I have to struggle to reach the Immortal Realm, that I can’t stop people from laughing at Mi Yu.”

Chen Pingan took down the gourd hanging from his waist, took a sip of wine, and gently advised, “It would be better to say these heartfelt words to Mi Yu face to face.”

Mi Hu shook his head and said, “Forget it. Heartfelt words should stay in the heart. If we really met, I wouldn’t be able to say them.”
Having said his piece, Chen Ping’an ceased his attempts to dissuade.

Mi Hu abruptly burst into a tirade, “A bunch of old, unmarried drunkards who don’t even know what a woman’s touch feels like, daring to laugh at my brother! Laugh at your ancestors! Looking like you’ve been run over by a cartwheel, how can you compare to my brother? These lonely bastards, their eyes glued to a woman’s big breasts and ample backside, pathetic creatures…”

Chen Ping’an turned to look at Mi Hu.

*You*, Mi Hu, have the gall to talk about others?

Mi Hu, being a Great Sword Immortal after all, immediately understood the meaning in the young Hidden Official’s eyes and changed his tune, “Some people, though not unmarried, are as good as. Before I came, I heard that someone was drinking with Ah Liang at Miss Xie’s tavern, without paying a single copper. And I also heard that after Miss Xie opened her business today, her eyes were filled with smiles, her face radiant, as if she had become a different person.”

Chen Ping’an responded with a smile, pretending not to understand, and silently pulled out a small ledger in his heart, recording this debt under the name of Mi Hu’s younger brother, Mi Yu. He swore that he would send a letter back to Fallen Mountain, ordering Mi Yu to toil on Fallen Mountain for a whole year on that illusory “Mirror Flower, Water Moon” project, and keep him detained until he earned a large sum of Grain Rain money.

The two walked towards a Sword Immortal’s private residence, named “Planting Elm Immortal Pavilion,” which was precisely the house with an unusual foundation. The former owner, a Sword Immortal, had refined a plaque inscribed with poetry about a flying moon. However, the residence had been abandoned for many years. Sword Immortal residences within Sword Qi Great Wall, but not inside the city walls, were mostly like this. When a Sword Immortal died, if their direct disciples had also perished in battle, completely cutting off their lineage, the land would become unclaimed and would be reclaimed by the Hidden Official lineage as per regulations, to be leased or gifted to new Sword Immortals.

For example, the Armory of the Taihui Sword Sect’s private residence was obtained through meritorious service. The female Sword Immortal, Li Cai, upon arriving at Sword Qi Great Wall, first leased the “Ten Thousand Ravines Residence,” a private residence left behind by a deceased Sword Immortal. But she coveted the “Stopping Cloud Pavilion” nearby, entirely crafted from a piece of Immortal Jade, and was willing to pay an exorbitant price to purchase it. However, the Summer Abode Palace initially refused, deeming it against the rules, which infuriated Li Cai, who directly sent a flying sword message to the young Hidden Official, giving Chen Ping’an a thorough scolding.

Later, as the war became more urgent and Immortal Money became scarce, Chen Ping’an had Dong Bude notify the Ten Thousand Ravines Residence that as long as the price was doubled, they could purchase the entire Stopping Cloud Pavilion.

Subsequently, the Guimiao Island ferry arrived at Upside-down Mountain, carrying chests of Snow Coin transported by the Jiang Clan of Jade Decree Sect.

Mi Hu stopped, as someone was descending on a sword from afar, seemingly looking for the young Hidden Official beside him.

It was the Middle Earth Sword Immortal with a sorrowful face, Ku Xia (Bitter Summer).

Mi Hu then communicated telepathically, “Chen Ping’an, I leave the matter I entrusted to you today in your care.”

Chen Ping’an replied, “I will do my best.”

Mi Hu, having received the promise, glanced at the Ku Xia Sword Immortal, then tossed a Sword Nourishing Gourd to Chen Ping’an, saying, “Ancient method refinement, the grade is decent,” before directly ascending on his sword and soaring towards the city walls.

Chen Ping’an took the ice-smooth Sword Nourishing Gourd, temporarily accepting it, intending to hand it over to Mi Yu later.

The Ku Xia Sword Immortal arrived beside Chen Ping’an, his face etched with difficulty, making him appear even more sorrowful.

Chen Ping’an, hanging the two Sword Nourishing Gourds on his waist, “Good things come in pairs,” smiled and asked the Sword Immortal from the Shao Yuan Dynasty, “Is Lin Junbi about to leave?”

Ku Xia nodded, “Knowing it’s not appropriate. Therefore, within half a month, a cross-continental ferry from Middle Earth Divine Continent will offer some gestures to the Summer Abode Palace, a token of our Shao Yuan Dynasty’s sincerity.”

Chen Ping’an felt somewhat helpless.

The Sword Immortal Ku Xia was truly an honest soul.

Truth be told, Lin Junbi could have left Sword Qi Great Wall long ago if he hadn’t chosen to stay with the Hidden Official lineage.

If Lin Junbi wanted to leave, any Sword Cultivator in Summer Abode Palace would have deemed it justified.

But with Ku Xia’s words, it seemed that Lin Junbi’s departure would make him out to be an ungrateful person, to the point where the Shao Yuan Dynasty’s National Preceptor, Lin Junbi’s mentor, had to spend money to resolve the situation, exchanging it with Sword Qi Great Wall for Lin Junbi’s return home.

However, Chen Ping’an felt at ease earning the natural treasures and Immortal Money from the Shao Yuan Dynasty, the more the better.

Therefore, Chen Ping’an didn’t bully the honest man too much and directly said that he would go to Summer Abode Palace to call Lin Junbi out for a meeting with the Ku Xia Sword Immortal.

Ku Xia, however, didn’t move, looking towards the gate of Planting Elm Immortal Pavilion, and asked, “Hidden Official, do you know the origin of this residence’s name?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Not very clear.”

In truth, Chen Ping’an, during his years as Hidden Official, enjoyed flipping through and searching the Summer Abode Palace’s many dusty secret files, as a way to relax amidst his busy schedule.

The previous owner who changed the residence’s name to Planting Elm Immortal Pavilion was a woman, a native Sword Immortal of Sword Qi Great Wall who, like Guo Jia, possessed some literary inclinations and enjoyed planting Immortal flowers. She once entrusted Upside-down Mountain to purchase an elm tree from Fuyu Continent and transplanted it into the small courtyard. Suddenly, it blossomed a flower, towering over the roof ridge, which pleased the Sword Immortal and led her to change the residence’s name. However, after the Sword Immortal died, with no disciples, the residence was left unattended for many years. Planting Elm Immortal Pavilion also had a layer of Immortal prohibition, preventing outsiders from intruding. Therefore, whether the scenery inside the residence was withered or lush, whether the flowers bloomed or withered, was no longer known.

Ku Xia said, “During my first visit to Sword Qi Great Wall with a friend, my friend admired a disciple of this Sword Immortal. However, the rules were unchangeable, and the two could not become Immortal Dao companions.”

Chen Ping’an said, “If your friend had stayed, wouldn’t they have been able to become a couple?”

Ku Xia’s sorrowful face became even more sorrowful, lamenting, “How many Sword Cultivators in our Vast Expanse World are unburdened, wandering cultivators? Even if they are initially, like Deng Liang of Ai’ai Continent, they will eventually be taken in by the ancestral hall of a large sect. Moreover, my friend was held in high regard since childhood, a registered Immortal Master with a heavy debt of gratitude to their sect. How could they say to sever the connection? Within the sect, there was also an elder whom my friend deeply revered.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Hard to have both.”

The Ku Xia Sword Immortal turned his head and said, “Therefore, my friend and I both admire the Hidden Official greatly.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “Sword Immortal Ku Xia, if you can’t lie, then don’t lie.”

There was no friend, nor was there any Sword Immortal’s disciple.

It was clearly Ku Xia herself, that female Sword Immortal.

The Ku Xia Sword Immortal helplessly said, “On that previous trip to see you off to Southern娑婆洲, everyone persuaded me along the way. Yu Juanfu and Jin Zhenmeng, Zhu Mei, these younger generations all persuaded me, as if I had done something so great. I truly feel ashamed in my heart and don’t deserve their admiration.”
Chen Ping’an said, “If Senior Bitter Summer Sword Immortal speaks his mind, do you believe that Yu Juanfu and Zhu Mei would only respect him even more?”

Bitter Summer Sword Immortal was first bewildered, then enlightened, and finally somewhat relieved. “It’s better not to speak of it, much better. As an elder, it’s inappropriate to discuss such romantic entanglements with the younger generation.”

Chen Ping’an asked a question, “The owner of the Elm Planting Immortal Hall died in battle back then while trying to accumulate military merits. Do you not resent the Great Sword Immortal, do you not resent this Sword Qi Great Wall?”

Bitter Summer Sword Immortal shook his head, “Without the environment of the Sword Qi Great Wall, would I have met her?”

This was Bitter Summer Sword Immortal’s true feeling. He didn’t resent the Sword Qi Great Wall. What was there to resent? If he was to resent anyone, it would be his own incompetence.

Chen Ping’an nodded.

First Lin Junbi, then Bitter Summer Sword Immortal, Chen Ping’an’s impression of the Shao Yuan Dynasty improved a bit.

Ah Liang had revealed a mystery yesterday, and today Bitter Summer Sword Immortal solved another puzzle.

Bitter Summer Sword Immortal suddenly asked, “Hidden Official, didn’t you say you weren’t familiar with this place at all?”

Chen Ping’an said with a straight face, “I said earlier that I ‘wasn’t very clear’. As for the Elm Planting Immortal Hall, which is right under the nose of the Summer Retreat Palace, as the Hidden Official, it is my duty to have some understanding of it.”

Bitter Summer Sword Immortal was helpless.

Dealing with scholars from the lineage of the Second Sage would definitely not be like this.

Taking Bitter Summer Sword Immortal back to the Summer Retreat Palace, Chen Ping’an shouted, and the white-robed youth Lin Junbi gracefully walked out of the gate, full of immortal aura.

Seeing Bitter Summer Sword Immortal, Lin Junbi immediately understood his intention, and clasped his fist to Chen Ping’an without a word.

Leaving the Summer Retreat Palace and the Sword Qi Great Wall at this time, shedding the burden of a Hidden Official lineage sword cultivator, would ultimately carry a hint of desertion, a feeling that Deng Liang, Cao Gun, and others would feel. However, Lin Junbi would definitely not have such thoughts.

Chen Ping’an patted Lin Junbi’s shoulder, “A good gathering and parting is not an easy thing. Take care.”

Lin Junbi stood upright and still clasped his fist, “During these years by the Hidden Official’s side, I have learned a lot and benefited greatly. Junbi will remember it in his heart, a gentleman focuses on the root, when the root is established, the Way arises!”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “Less polite words, more practical deeds. As for that agreement from earlier years, I will definitely help you fulfill it.”

Lin Junbi immediately understood and said with a sincere face, “Hidden Official is proficient in chess, so the chessboard and box will be left in the Summer Retreat Palace.”

Chen Ping’an heavily patted Lin Junbi on the shoulder, smiling, “It seems that Junbi has learned some real skills.”

Bitter Summer Sword Immortal was relieved.

He had previously worried that the young Hidden Official would deliberately make things difficult for Lin Junbi because of the Shao Yuan Dynasty’s imperial tutor and that group of young sword cultivators.

It seemed that he had judged a gentleman’s heart with his own petty mind.

Bitter Summer Sword Immortal took out a secret letter and handed it to Lin Junbi, saying to the young man, “Junbi, if nothing goes wrong, you should leave tomorrow, just in time to take a returning intercontinental ship from the Southern Subhaga Continent. This letter, your teacher just sent a flying sword message to Spring Pennant House of Upside Down Mountain not long ago, asking me to give it to you.”

Lin Junbi would definitely stay in the Summer Retreat Palace today, otherwise, the residence of Sword Immortal Sun Juyuan in the city would not have an acquaintance. Moreover, Sword Immortal Sun now had a very bad impression of the young sword cultivators of the Shao Yuan Dynasty, and later there was the matter of the border, so Lin Junbi wouldn’t go looking for trouble.

Besides, Lin Junbi had a good relationship with all the sword cultivators of the Hidden Official lineage, especially with the cheerful Cao Gun and Xuan Can, with whom he was now very close.

Guo Zhujiu had been encouraging the three of them to swear brotherhood, saying that she had already prepared everything, all was ready, only the three of them were needed to kowtow!

Bitter Summer Sword Immortal bid farewell and left, instructing Lin Junbi to be careful on this return journey.

Bitter Summer Sword Immortal did not return directly to the city wall but strolled to the Elm Planting Immortal Hall.

The old man with a bitter face looked at the house, and after a moment of daze, a smile appeared.

Lin Junbi returned to the Summer Retreat Palace and continued to play that unfinished chess game with Pang Yuanji, the outcome of which was already decided.

Pang Yuanji laughed, “Is this the last game of chess we’ll play?”

Lin Junbi asked, “Then should I let you win once?”

Pang Yuanji said, “No need to let me win, just have the Hidden Official help you play.”

Chen Ping’an watched the game with his hands in his sleeves, annoyed, “I’ve never lost a game when I play chess seriously.”

Pang Yuanji asked, “How many games of chess have you played?”

Chen Ping’an glanced sideways, “Is that any of your business?”

Pang Yuanji gently placed the chess piece in his hand back into the chess box, “Residue.” (Meaning the game has no conclusion and is unresolved)

Lin Junbi’s eyes lit up, “Alright.”

Chen Ping’an also breathed a sigh of relief, took off the sword-nurturing gourd that Mi Hu had given him from his waist, and carefully examined it. He was still its owner for the time being.

The bottom of the sword-nurturing gourd was engraved with the two characters “Hao Liang”.

The material of the sword-nurturing gourd was unknown, and he didn’t know what a Great Sword Immortal meant by “the grade is okay.”

Pang Yuanji turned his head and said, “If I remember correctly, Mi Hu picked it up from the body of a Nascent Soul stage demon on the battlefield in his early years. After Mi Hu obtained it, he never let anyone help him appraise it, so it’s hard to say what the grade is.”

Chen Ping’an stared intently at the sword-nurturing gourd in his hand, almost pressing his face against it, and casually said, “I dare not say how good something is, but whether it’s a good thing or not, I can tell as soon as I pick it up. You wouldn’t understand, this is a great learning that depends on talent.”

Pang Yuanji didn’t want to respond and changed the subject, “How did you survive the previous five-person siege? Sword Immortal Chou Miao said he might not have been able to escape.”

Bamboo Slip, Li Zhen, Rain Four, Beach, Flowing White.

A siege by five top talents, plus the prior setup by a Throne Realm great demon.

Therefore, Pang Yuanji was not the only curious person in the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Many things about the young Hidden Official, if you only knew a rough idea, even if you saw and heard it with your own eyes and ears, it would be the same as knowing nothing.

For example, now everyone guessed that Chen Ping’an’s Natal Sword should be able to isolate a small world, but even a small world had different grades and different magical powers.

Chen Ping’an put away the sword-nurturing gourd and reattached it to his waist. After Lin Junbi put away the chess pieces, Chen Ping’an put him into his Close Proximity Space.

Chen Ping’an did not say the specific process but only told Pang Yuanji and Lin Junbi about the other five people’s flying swords and methods.

If they needed to fight side by side and go out of the city to fight, Chen Ping’an wouldn’t mind telling them more about the inside story, but since they didn’t need to, saying more would be useless.
After all, genuine interaction doesn’t necessitate the constant pouring out of one’s heart. If one party offers their sincerity, and the other clumsily fumbles the reception, it can wound both individuals.

Lin Junbi inquired, “So, it’s that Liu Bai’s Natal Flying Sword that poses the greatest danger?”

Chen Pingan nodded, “If you encounter her in the future, exercise extreme caution. Once she ascends to the Upper Five Realms, that Natal Flying Sword will become incredibly lethal and troublesome.”

Had that ambush relied solely on brute force, several Chen Ping’ans would have perished there.

Speaking of which, Chen Pingan chuckled, “However, we’re destined not to encounter her for the time being. So, that deal, I didn’t profit much, but I didn’t lose too much either.”

Lin Junbi sighed, “This is the first time I’ve heard of such a bizarre and treacherous flying sword. At most, I knew that some Sword Immortals’ Natal Flying Swords were extremely minute, unlike Liu Bai’s, which is so exaggerated.”

Chen Pingan stated, “The Great Thousand Worlds are full of wonders.”

Utilizing the Spatial Shrinkage technique, Chen Pingan arrived directly from the Summer Heat Avoiding Palace to the Cold Weather Sheltering Palace.

However, he didn’t see Granny Bai, who taught martial arts, but instead encountered an unexpected yet logical uninvited guest.

It turned out to be Guo Zhujiu, carrying her bamboo box. Instead of staying at home, she had come to the Cold Weather Sheltering Palace early in the morning and was currently in the training grounds, narrating the harrowing ambush to the circle of budding martial artists.

Guo Zhujiu hadn’t witnessed the battle. Chen Pingan had been recuperating in the Ning Manor and hadn’t uttered a single word about it to her, so she was entirely fabricating the tale, a pure invention.

However, Chen Pingan didn’t stop her. He sat on the corridor railing at a distance, allowing his disciple to act as a storyteller.

Leaving aside her fist techniques, Guo Zhujiu had truly inherited the essence of “storytelling.”

Guo Zhujiu struck a one-legged stance, her face solemn. “The situation was perilous! Five sword cultivators, with bloodshot eyes, and their five Natal Flying Swords, all of extremely high quality, at least the size of two Elemental Creations, arrived together! Are you afraid? Don’t mention you, I’m afraid! Think about it, that Li Zhen is the closed-door disciple of Mount Tuoyue, and Zhuxie is the chief disciple of Liu Cha. As for Liu Bai, she’s the direct disciple of the cunning old fox Zhou Mi! How powerful are their backers, how great are their origins? Furthermore, Yu Si and Tan must be no simpletons to be in that Jiashen Camp. Otherwise, how could they, at such a young age, be among the Hundred Sword Immortals of the Desolate Lands? But it was fine, no problem at all. My master remained calm in the face of danger, just like this, his aura was terrifying. You are all learning martial arts, so you should know that every stance of a grandmaster is significant…”

Chen Pingan truly couldn’t bear to listen anymore. Moreover, his disciple’s posture was devoid of any demeanor of a high-level, grandmasterly figure.

He quickly stood up, leaped into the training grounds, and coughed, reminding his disciple, who was more of a hindrance, that she could finish.

Guo Zhujiu turned her head and saw her master. Fearing that her master was too noble and wouldn’t allow her to say a few fair words, she became somewhat anxious. Without changing her stance, she rattled off hundreds of words about the subsequent battle’s progression at an extremely rapid pace.

Chen Pingan walked to Guo Zhujiu’s side and placed his hand on her head.

Guo Zhujiu assumed a posture of gathering Qi in her dantian. “I won’t speak anymore, I won’t speak anymore. Anyway, I can only express one ten-thousandth of my master’s grace when he threw his punches. What a pity, what a pity.”

The child named Jiang Yun crossed his arms. “Chen Pingan, Sister Guo said you shattered that female sword cultivator named Liu Bai with one punch. Is it true? What’s wrong with you? There were five sword cultivators, four men, but you didn’t punch them to death. Instead, you specifically targeted the woman. Are you picking on the weak?”

Saying this, Jiang Yun chuckled and raised his eyebrows repeatedly. “Picking on the weak, where did that punch land? I heard that the battlefield was very strange at the time, not very clear, like a quilt was covering it, and outsiders couldn’t see who was lying under the quilt…”

Guo Zhujiu shook her head, her eyes filled with pity. “Jiang Yun, we’ve formed a grudge.”

The fearless Jiang Yun was unusually anxious. “Sister Guo, don’t! We’re sworn siblings. Don’t hurt our harmony for an outsider. Even if we hurt our harmony, please don’t bang gongs and drums outside my window in the future…”

Chen Pingan laughed, “Alright, start practicing your punches. Guo Zhujiu, watch from the side.”

Guo Zhujiu obeyed her master’s orders and stood aside.

Chen Pingan often came here to help these children “feed” their fists for an hour.

The so-called “feeding” meant letting the children punch him as they pleased, without regard for any fist techniques.

Jiang Yun glanced at the Lord of Hidden Grace. “Seeing that you’re seriously injured, I’m afraid I’ll knock you down with one punch. Take it easy, don’t be reckless. You haven’t seen me for a few days, haven’t you? I’ve achieved great success in fist techniques now. My punches have no control, and one punch can cause the heavens to collapse and the earth to split.”

Chen Pingan looked at this child, who had the best martial arts aptitude and even more natural talent for talking.

Jiang Yun immediately retreated a few steps, assuming a fighting stance. He stomped his foot, retreated and then advanced, leaping high and directly in front of the young Hidden Grace, throwing a punch.

Chen Pingan, with one hand behind his back, tilted his head, and with the other hand, pressed on Jiang Yun’s head and gently pushed him, causing the latter to crash heavily to the ground, rolling several times before getting up.

After Jiang Yun took the lead, the tomboy named Yun Zaozao followed closely behind. She swept her leg from behind the young Hidden Grace. Chen Pingan turned to the side and struck down with his elbow, throwing the little girl directly to the ground, then kicked her head, causing the little girl to slide backward instantly.

Chen Pingan’s “feeding” of punches naturally required suppressing their power, and he never failed.

According to the agreement, when Chen Pingan was hit by a punch, it would be considered that these children had completed their training and could each go home for a visit.

A child was pushed by Chen Pingan’s hand on his shoulder and collided with the one behind him, both flying out together.

A child who got close to Chen Pingan had his face grabbed by five fingers and his wrist twisted, immediately hanging in the air, flung away.

“Form follows intent, Qi moves through the dantian, intent permeates the entire body. We martial artists stand between heaven and earth. Our punches are as fast as flying swords, and our fist intent doesn’t lose to Sword Immortals.”
Chen Ping’an strolled along leisurely, as if wandering in his own courtyard. He landed a punch on a child’s neck, tilting the boy’s head to the side. Changing his fist to an open palm, he pressed down on the child’s shoulder, causing him to stumble and fall. With a light tap of his foot, explosive fist intent shot out from beneath his cloth shoes, sending the child, who was desperately trying to throw a clumsy punch, flying. At the same time, he blocked another child’s incoming fist, the boy standing with feet in a line, delivering a forceful splitting punch.

“Fierce and unyielding, able to shatter all obstacles, one must contemplate the cessation of the fist. When the fist intent transforms, becoming as fine and numerous as needles, one must contemplate the advancement of the fist.”

Chen Ping’an shifted his body and landed a punch on the back of the child’s head, sending him sprawling onto the training ground, blood streaming from his nose.

Another child rapidly changed his trajectory, his elbows drawn back and overlapping, his palms flipping with great speed. Combined with a six-step stance, he closed in on Chen Ping’an with startling swiftness, his fist techniques already showing a hint of prowess.

Yet, Chen Ping’an effortlessly countered with elbow against elbow, palm against palm, a series of dazzling deflections that pushed the child back to his starting position.

Jiang Yun surreptitiously kicked at Chen Ping’an, only to be met with a swift counter-kick to the chest. As he lay on the ground, about to curse Chen Ping’an for using his height to his advantage, he noticed that the young Hidden Official had delivered the kick with a backward lean. Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, Jiang Yun slammed a palm on the ground and somersaulted to his feet.

All the children who attempted to attack were casually repelled by Chen Ping’an. One was sent rolling on the ground by an elbow strike to the crown of his head, while another was sent flying by a shoulder barge, feeling as if his entire body had fallen apart. Still, he gritted his teeth and rose to his feet. Generally speaking, their punches would inevitably be slightly slower after taking a hit, but not only them, all the children training here, including Jiang Yun, remembered a saying from the young Hidden Official: if a martial artist’s body is injured, it would affect his fist intent. If the fist intent is affected, that is akin to courting death. Only when one can strike faster even when injured can he be considered a novice.

Yuan Zao Hua’s feet were like arrows, shooting forward.

Some children swung their arms wildly, each throwing furious punches.

Others, who were familiar with each other, coordinated their attacks, hoping that at least one punch would land on Chen Ping’an.

One by one, the children were repelled, none seriously injured, but certainly not unscathed.

Chen Ping’an continued to move slowly, “If the fist intent is not alive, even if you can forget life and death in your techniques, you are still dead.”

Chen Ping’an slightly crouched, his hands suddenly stopping at a child’s chin, who was leaping high in the air. He gently lifted, sending the child flying backwards for dozens of feet. “The fist originates from the low ground. No matter how good your techniques or legwork, if your footing is unstable, how can you hope to leave the earth?”

An incense stick later, most of the children were lying on the ground, with only a few able to sit up. No one was standing.

Chen Ping’an stood in place and said, “Continue. The movements can be slow, but the intent must be heavier. Otherwise, I will not be so lenient.”

The children almost simultaneously struggled to their feet.

On the corridor, A Liang and the old woman sat and stood, observing Chen Ping’an’s instruction.

A Liang chuckled softly, “Straightforward and practical fist techniques are not difficult. Straightforward, practical, and beautiful is what is truly difficult. If this were to be used in the Great Realm of the Azure Vault, every strike would be like a garden of a hundred flowers.”

The old woman smiled slightly, “Young Master’s fist techniques are indeed remarkable. His strikes complement his appearance perfectly. It is only natural that he attracts the affections of young women. But Young Master won’t pay them any mind, and his character is even more reassuring.”

A Liang laughed, “Does this kid not have any flaws?”

The old woman thought for a moment and shook her head.

A Liang looked at the children and sighed, “Carrying burdens on the shoulders is merely tiring. Carrying burdens in the heart, where is the end?”

The old woman deeply agreed, whispering, “That is the only thing about Young Master that is not quite right.”

Another incense stick passed, and this time, all the children were lying on the ground.

One sharp-eyed child, lying prone, happened to glimpse A Liang in the corridor, recognizing him. Soon, the children were whispering to each other, grinning with pain.

Chen Ping’an turned and smiled, “A Liang, how about you teach them next?”

A Liang was eager to try.

*My* fist techniques are quite something.

He placed one hand on the railing, gracefully landing on the training ground. He took a deep breath, shook his shoulders, and shouted, before unleashing a series of fist techniques that he considered fluid and effortless, showing off his footwork as well.

Jiang Yun jumped up, his face unusually serious, and said, “Chen Ping’an, let’s continue with you teaching us.”

The other children nodded in agreement.

A Liang stood there, rubbing his chin, thinking this shouldn’t be.

My fist techniques are beautiful and sturdy, even Dao the Second suffered greatly from them.

Guo Zhujiu softly comforted him, “Senior A Liang, your swordsmanship is already so high. There’s no need to be ashamed that your fist techniques are not as good as my master’s.”

A Liang asked, “Did you see that my fist techniques are not very good?”

Guo Zhujiu shook his head vigorously.

A Liang tentatively asked again, “Are they not beautiful?”

Guo Zhujiu sighed, “Senior A Liang, do you want to hear the truth or a lie?”

A Liang said, “A lie!”

Guo Zhujiu immediately became spirited, thinking that this was the right way to talk to Senior A Liang, without hurting feelings or getting a knuckle sandwich from her master. He raised both thumbs up and praised loudly, “Senior’s fist techniques are amazing, truly amazing! As beautiful as Senior’s appearance!”

A Liang didn’t care, as long as it was a pleasant word. He smiled and asked, “Zhujiu, do you want to learn swordsmanship? Uncle A Liang isn’t bragging, my fist techniques might not be as beautiful as your master’s, but my swordsmanship, tsk tsk tsk.”

Guo Zhujiu shook her head, “I don’t want to learn.”

A Liang asked, “Why?”

The little girl shuffled her feet, her shoulders swaying, the small bamboo box bouncing along with her. “I only have one master.”