Lin Junbi hadn’t anticipated that Pang Yuanji possessed such a loose tongue. The news of his departure had spread amongst all the sword cultivators of the Hidden Official lineage.

At the break of dawn, Lin Junbi packed a simple bundle and took one last stroll through the Summer Palace, finally returning to the main hall to gaze upon the rows of tables.

For cultivators unburdened by worldly concerns, a few years passed like the snap of a finger. Yet, for Lin Junbi, his time here felt like a grand dream, and he felt a pang of reluctance to awaken.

Shaking his head, Lin Junbi collected his thoughts, deciding that a silent farewell might be for the best.

Unexpectedly, one by one, the sword cultivators arrived on their flying swords. Aside from the young Hidden Official, everyone was present, even Guo Zhujiu, who carried a gong and drum.

Lin Junbi straightened his robes and bowed to express his gratitude to the assembled group.

It was tradition for friends departing from the Sword Qi Great Wall to drink together. The group headed to the Second Manager’s wineshop. The early hour meant plenty of seats. Everyone took only a small sip, as farewell drinks were never a raucous affair, just a token gesture. Lin Junbi asked the First Manager, Diezhang, for a blank wooden tablet and, as a Golden Core sword cultivator, inscribed the words, “Lin Junbi drank this wine, broke through three realms in three years, that’s all.” He personally hung it on the wall.

The wooden tablets stood alongside each other, as if aligned with the sword cultivators themselves.

Gu Jianlong spoke fairly, “Junbi’s words are imbued with the Hidden Official’s spirit. The phrase ‘that’s all’ is simply marvelous.”

Lin Junbi raised his wine bowl one last time, drained it in a single gulp, and smiled, “Being in your company has been like dwelling amongst fragrant orchids.”

Lin Junbi said to Guo Zhujiu, “When I return to my hometown and venture out again, I will definitely need a bamboo box and bamboo staff.”

Finally, everyone stood and clasped their fists, not seeing Lin Junbi off for a long distance. Guo Zhujiu was a little disappointed that the gong and drum hadn’t been put to use.

The white-robed youth, with only a small satchel slung across his shoulder, left the wineshop alone, heading towards the gate leading to the Upside-Down Mountain. Located between the city and the mirage city, it was further from the city than the old gate guarded by the Daoist nun from the Master Saber Pavilion, and also much more bustling. Trade between the Spring Banner Studio and the Eight Continent ferries of the Vast Sky World was becoming increasingly smooth. Chen Chun’an of South婆娑洲, the Yu family of Yu Juanfu, Zhou Shenzhi, the martial uncle of the Bitter Summer Sword Immortal, Jiang Shangzhen, the new Sect Master of the Jade Tablet Sect in Tongye Continent, several large sects from North俱蘆洲, and the goodwill established by many foreign sword immortals in their respective continents, were all contributing, whether openly or in secret. As a result, the worst-case scenario worried about by the young Hidden Official and the Worried Seed Sword Immortal had not materialized. The Central Earth Confucian Temple did not support the new格局created by the Eight Continent ferries, but had not explicitly opposed it either.

Lin Junbi’s satchel contained only ordinary items: a finely printed collection of images of a hundred sword immortals, a jade bamboo folding fan purchased from the Yan family’s shop, and small gifts from friends like Pang Yuanji. Though the gifts were small, the sentiment was great. Overly formal gifts and etiquette were for those not close enough; true friends were more casual.

The road was heavily guarded. At the gate, Lin Junbi saw the young Hidden Official, his face uncovered, and a woman of average appearance. A natural fragrance of plants and trees seemed to surround her. The woman had likely used an illusion technique to conceal her true face. In the Sword Qi Great Wall, only a handful of people needed to do so: sword immortals disdained it, and sword cultivators didn’t need it, except, of course, for the Hidden Official, who, when provoked, would even wear a woman’s face. According to Gu Jianlong, the young Hidden Official, disguised as a woman, had quite the graceful figure when he unsheathed his sword on the battlefield. This statement, overheard by Guo Zhujiu, was as good as heard by the Hidden Official himself, resulting in Gu Jianlong limping for over a month.

Lin Junbi easily guessed the woman’s identity: Madam Tuoyan, the mastermind behind the Plum Blossom Garden, one of the four private residences on Upside-Down Mountain.

Madam Tuoyan had not only escaped being implicated in the Senior Brother’s border affair, but had somehow switched her allegiance to Lu Zhi. This fifth-realm spirit, known for her beauty throughout the Vast Sky World, was atoning for her past transgressions. All of the Plum Blossom Garden’s wealth had been seized and given to the Summer Palace. If it was a beauty trap, it would work on anyone, but it had absolutely no effect on the young Hidden Official. As for the inner workings of the Plum Blossom Garden’s change of hands, the young Hidden Official didn’t elaborate, and no one dared to inquire.

Chen Ping’an said he was heading to the Spring Banner Studio anyway, so he could give Lin Junbi a ride.

Lin Junbi, of course, had no objections.

Now, the Hidden Official could travel between the Upside-Down Mountain and the Sword Qi Great Wall without much concealment. Those who should know would pretend not to know. Those who shouldn’t know were better off remaining ignorant. With the Sword Qi Great Wall’s current state of alert, anyone with ulterior motives who found out would cause immense trouble. The Hidden Official’s lineage held immense power. They could kill with their flying swords without needing to explain why or on what grounds. Even the luxurious residences on Taixiang Street and Yuhu Street, if suspected, could be entered unhindered by the Hidden Official’s lineage.

In the past two years, following intelligence known only to the Hidden Official, many searches and assassinations had been carried out. Lin Junbi had personally participated in two encirclements, both targeting “merchants” from the mirage city. They were airtight, like slicing melons. One incident involved a respected old Nascent Soul cultivator who had operated in the mirage city for many years, wearing a perfect disguise and maintaining excellent relationships. The Hidden Official’s lineage was unwilling to explain the reasons, and half of the mirage city nearly revolted. As a result, six sword immortals, including Gao Kui, hovered in the air together. The young Hidden Official stood outside the building, hands clasped in his sleeves, never uttering a word. Only when Chou Miao dragged the corpse out did he turn and leave. That day, twenty-three stores in the mirage city closed, and the Sword Qi Great Wall did not interfere, allowing them to relocate to Upside-Down Mountain. However, the next day, all the stores had new owners.

The sword cultivators of the Hidden Official’s lineage, from Chou Miao to Dong Bude, to Guo Zhujiu, who was still a young girl, were all decisive in their actions.

However, many sordid matters could not be resolved simply by drawing a sword. Lin Junbi remembered the young Hidden Official spending a full ten days at the Sword Forging Workshop. After returning to the Summer Palace, he unusually did not share the details of the matter with the sword cultivators, only saying that he had resolved a significant hidden danger.

Sometimes, Lin Junbi would daydream: what if our Hidden Official lineage, our Summer Palace, were a sect rooted in the Vast Sky World?

The young Hidden Official would be the mountain lord, the Worried Seed Sword Immortal would be the law enforcer, the Sword Immortal Mi Yu would be in charge of the lineage records, Wei Wenlong would manage the finances, and the remaining sword cultivators would focus on practicing their swordsmanship while also overseeing a peak or branch, each recruiting disciples according to their preferences.
It will undoubtedly be a magnificent sight. Within a century at most, the entire Vast Expanse will be forced to take notice. Alas, it is but a pipe dream of Lin Junbi.

Madam Rouge remained silent, merely casting a few more glances at the young man. “The Frontier” had mentioned this junior brother of hers, holding him in high regard.

Upon arriving at Upside-down Mountain, Lin Junbi, following the instructions in his teacher’s secret letter, headed to Ape’s Playground to meet an old friend of his master. Tonight, he would board an intercontinental vessel returning to the Central Earth Divine Continent.

At the gates of Ape’s Playground, Chen Pingan retrieved a wooden box from his Mustard Seed pouch and said, “It contains some keepsakes from old friends who drank wine at the tavern. Cherish them well, they may prove useful in the future. I only hope you live up to the items within, and that I haven’t misjudged you, sending them to the wrong person.”

Lin Junbi accepted the wooden box with both hands, guessing that it likely contained the nameplates removed from the tavern walls. This farewell gift was exceedingly weighty.

As long as Lin Junbi had the mind, he could immediately convert them into substantial influence upon returning to the Central Earth Divine Continent, bolstering his reputation in court and among the mountains, even translating into tangible benefits.

Lin Junbi solemnly stated, “Lord Yin Guan can rest assured, Junbi will act with even greater discretion from now on.”

Chen Pingan softly said, “One matter is one matter; judge the deed, not the person. Now that you have returned to the Shao Yuan Dynasty, I hope you will balance your studies and cultivation. Once you enter the crowds, the pure are easily stained. Junbi, you must ponder this often.”

Lin Junbi took a step back, cupped his fist in salute, “Junbi bids farewell to Lord Yin Guan.”

Chen Pingan returned the salute with a clasped fist.

As Chen Pingan and Madam Rouge headed toward Spring Banner Pavilion, Lin Junbi gazed at their departing figures and suddenly called out, “A gentleman loves wealth, but acquires it through righteous means. In matters of trade, Junbi has never met anyone as straightforward as Mister Chen.”

Chen Pingan did not turn around, merely waving his hand.

Lin Junbi watched them leave.

Nearing Spring Banner Pavilion.

Madam Rouge smiled charmingly, speaking to the young Hidden Official with her spiritual sense, “Lin Junbi has left. What about the other foreign sword cultivators of the Hidden Official lineage? Will they also flee?”

Chen Pingan chuckled and retorted, “Flee?”

Madam Rouge turned to look at the young Hidden Official, her face filled with mock contriteness, yet uttering words she clearly did not regret, “Perhaps my phrasing was incorrect, but that is the general idea. Anyone who leaves Sword Qi Great Wall alive is essentially fleeing, are they not? Of course, excluding Mister Lu.”

Addressing a woman as “Mister” is a sign of utmost respect in the Vast Expanse.

Chen Pingan said, “Madam Rouge, even the entire Plum Garden can sprout legs and run. How can you bear to say that about us Hidden Official lineage’s outsiders?”

Madam Rouge changed her tone, “To be honest, I still admire the skills and mettle of these young people. When they return to the Vast Expanse, they will likely become powerful figures, remarkable individuals. The reason I speak so flippantly is out of envy. They are young, they are sword cultivators, and their path to greatness is still open, making one jealous with every glance.”

Upon entering Spring Banner Pavilion, Chen Pingan said, “Do you know why I had you make this trip to Upside-down Mountain?”

Madam Rouge gave him a resentful look, biting her lip, and said, “How could I possibly guess? Lord Yin Guan holds a high position and great authority. Whatever you say goes.”

Chen Pingan stated bluntly, “When there are fewer people around, move the entire Plum Garden to Sword Qi Great Wall. It will be of use, and the Summer Palace will remember it as your contribution.”

Madam Rouge complained, “Lord Yin Guan, are you even going to spare an empty shell of a Plum Garden? Bullying a poor woman like this is hardly appropriate, is it? Can’t you let me keep a memento? When I arrive at the Southern Seas, I must do my utmost to provide Mister Lu with a tranquil place for cultivation, no?”

Chen Pingan said, “With or without that conspicuous Plum Garden, given Lu Zhi’s nature, she would still proactively help you sever your past entanglements, allowing you to cultivate in peace. You need not go to such lengths. As long as you can ascend to the Immortal Realm, you will truly have the power to protect yourself in the Vast Expanse. Even if Lu Zhi is not by your side, no one will dare to underestimate Madam Rouge, and all the academies will treat you with respect.”

Madam Rouge lamented, “No more moonlit nights filled with romance, only mundane chores. What a pitiful, melancholy wretch I am.”

Chen Pingan said, “One who knows oneself does not blame others.”

Madam Rouge rolled her eyes, her charm natural, her allure flowing, “Mister Chen is at his most unromantic when lecturing.”

Chen Pingan frowned, “Are you and I that familiar?”

Madam Rouge feigned a pitiful expression, “Is Chen Pingan very familiar with Lady Xie of the town’s tavern?”

Chen Pingan could only smile wryly. He had been thoroughly set up by A-Liang and Shopkeeper Xie.

Madam Rouge composed herself, turning curious, and said, “I only heard that Lady Xie was once a Nascent Soul sword cultivator, but later her path was severed, her flying sword broken, and her sword heart shattered. Why is she so impressed by you in particular? It can’t be just your looks that made her fall in love at first sight. If Mister Chen is willing to elaborate, I will move the Plum Garden willingly.”

Chen Pingan ignored her, having never seen such a bored Fifth Tier spirit.

He saw Wei Wenlong alone in a room, while Shao Yunyan, Mi Yu, Yan Ming, and Nalan Caihuan were negotiating business with a group of ferry managers in the assembly hall.

In the next room, several of Shao Yunyan’s disciples from Spring Banner Pavilion were helping with the accounting.

Madam Rouge removed her camouflage, assuming a languid posture, leaning against the doorway. Her face was bare of makeup, possessing a natural, unadorned elegance.

Unfortunately, Wei Wenlong glanced at her and then dismissed her, his heart unmoved. The woman’s beauty was indeed captivating, but it paled in comparison to the allure of the ledgers.

After Chen Pingan sat down, he randomly picked up one of the towering stacks of account books and, while browsing the entries, inquired about the recent state of commerce with Wei Wenlong.

Madam Rouge, finding herself with nothing to do and hesitant to randomly sit down and rummage through the ledgers, could only sit on the threshold, facing away from the room, leaning forward, her hands propping up her chin.

After Wei Wenlong finished answering the young Hidden Official’s questions, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of Madam Rouge’s back at the doorway and was unable to avert his gaze.

It turned out that there was scenery beyond the ledgers.

Chen Pingan, noticing Wei Wenlong’s unusual behavior, did not disturb the fellow’s appreciation of the view.

After all, Wei Wenlong was a bachelor. A few more glances wouldn’t hurt, and perhaps, as he watched, he would gain some insight.

However, Chen Pingan had only flipped through two pages of the ledger before Wei Wenlong had already regained his senses, seemingly finding the ledgers on the table more appealing.
Mi Yu returned alone from the council hall, muttering curses all the way. He was truly wounded by those ferry stewards with their eyes glued to money. Unexpectedly, he was pleasantly surprised to see Madam Tuoyan, and immediately his steps became light and his face glowed.

However, Madam Tuoyan had already stood up, keeping people at a distance, not giving Mi Yu any chance to cozy up. She said to Chen Ping’an, “If Lord Yin Guan trusts me, I will move the Plum Blossom Garden myself.”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

Madam Tuoyan vanished in a flash.

Mi Yu stood at the doorway, gently waving his hand to stir up a breeze, and smiled at Wei Wenlong, “You blockhead, you’ve already had your fill of the scenery, haven’t you? If I were you, I would have sincerely asked Madam Tuoyan if she needed my hands as a small stool.”

Wei Wenlong was speechless.

Chen Ping’an got up and strolled with Mi Yu in the Chunfan Study. Two groups of merchants would be arriving together today. Chen Ping’an planned to listen in on the second meeting, and go to the council hall after the first group of ferry stewards left.

Mi Yu said something unexpected, “This Madam Tuoyan of the Plum Blossom Garden is also a woman with a bitter life. That’s why she is most annoyed by people like me.”

Chen Ping’an did not hang the “Haoliang” sword-nurturing gourd. The affairs of the Mi Hu and Mi Yu, the two Sword Immortals brothers, since Mi Hu had made a decision, he, Chen Ping’an, would not add to the painting.

Mi Yu suddenly said, “I have always been afraid to return to the Great Wall of Sword Qi because I don’t know what to say.”

Chen Ping’an then knew that this Jade Purity Realm Sword Immortal, infamous in the Great Wall of Sword Qi, already understood his brother Mi Hu’s intentions.

Mi Yu was silent for a moment, “But I still have to go back. There’s no escaping it.”

Only then did Chen Ping’an take out the sword-nurturing gourd and hand it to Mi Yu.

Mi Yu only glanced at it and shook his head, “My brother gave it to you. What would it be if I took it? Lord Yin Guan, you should keep it. My brother will be more at ease. Anyway, my natal flying sword no longer needs a sword-nurturing gourd to nourish it.”

Mi Yu, as a sword cultivator of the Hidden Official lineage, had taken turns in battle with the other sword cultivators. It was true that he had exerted all his strength in his swordsmanship, but Mi Yu had always been afraid to truly forget life and death. The reason was simple: if he were to find himself in a desperate situation, the one who would save him, the one who would die first, would only be his brother.

Chen Ping’an kicked Mi Yu, “Then hurry up and go.”

Mi Yu left the Chunfan Study.

After the first group of ferry stewards left the Chunfan Study council hall, Shao Yunyan and the other two needed to see them off. Only then did Chen Ping’an enter the empty hall.

When Shao Yunyan and Yan Ming and Nalan Caihuan returned, Chen Ping’an did not sit in the main seat, but sat in Mi Yu’s seat, closer to Yan Ming and Nalan Caihuan.

Shao Yunyan then sat casually in the opposite seat.

Nalan Caihuan reported in detail on the progress of the Eight Continents ferry trade. The matter of the Divine Immortal Coins of Aiai Continent was still the most difficult. The Liu clan of Aiai Continent had not made a clear statement. Nalan Caihuan mentioned this matter, worried and then with some angry expression, “Why not just rob that Ape Playground Mansion directly? What does it matter if it’s not a refined object like the Plum Blossom Garden and the Chunfan Study? Just tear it down! Those pavilions and towers, beams and pillars, stone slabs, are all Divine Immortal Coins! Anyway, the Liu clan has no intention of moving. The place is empty, almost like an unowned object. At worst, let Jiang Gaotai of the Nanji Ferry secretly send a message to the Liu clan of Aiai Continent, just as if we owed them a favor, and let Sword Immortals like Xie Songhua help repay it in the future.”

Shao Yunyan smiled wryly, what a whimsical idea.

Just one thing, could anyone persuade Sword Immortal Xie Songhua?

Unexpectedly, Chen Ping’an said, “Don’t rush. We will definitely tear it down. The Liu clan of Aiai Continent is probably just waiting for us to tear down the Ape Playground Mansion, sitting at home, waiting for us to send this favor to their doorstep. But friends are friends, business is business, and we must also think in advance about the rewards that Xie Songhua and the helping Sword Immortals should receive for undertaking this matter, whether the Pill Workshop needs to provide something, or the Summer Retreat Palace needs to provide some confiscated spoils of war. The three of you will help to calculate it later, and then you don’t have to ask the Summer Retreat Palace, just give a result directly.”

Yan Zhuo asked, “Does the fact that Li Cai of Floating Ping Sword Lake is buying the Tingyun Pavilion mean that we can have one more ferry route? Connect with the Yu Gui Sect of Tongye Continent? Tongye Continent is rich in resources. If we can let the several ferries of Old Dragon City transport everything to Upside-Down Mountain, maybe we can get two more percent of supplies.”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “It can only stop here. Jiang Shangzhen sent those Divine Immortal Coins as the head of the Jiang clan. This itself is a statement.”

Although Jiang Shangzhen is now the new sect master of the Yu Gui Sect, the newest Ascension Realm of Tongye Continent, Xun Yuan, will definitely not agree to this, and Jiang Shangzhen would not be so insane.

If Jiang Shangzhen really dared to put personal interests above public interests, he might immediately lose his position as sect master.

Xun Yuan would definitely do it, and might even replace the head of the Jiang clan. The Cloud Cave Blessed Land would have to change to a new Heaven.

To govern well in one’s position is a major principle that all recorded Immortals cannot avoid.

Mountain and wild cultivators have their advantages and disadvantages, and recorded Immortals have their gains and losses.

Madam Tuoyan suddenly appeared outside the gate, holding a bonsai in her hand. Inside the pot were pavilions and towers, and lush trees, all exquisitely detailed.

The small bonsai was the entire Plum Blossom Garden. It was vastly different from Chen Ping’an’s impression of moving a house.

This was probably the so-called pure and exquisite place in the world, a small mountain range in the palm of one’s hand.

Madam Tuoyan stood at the door, gently tossing the bonsai to the young Hidden Official, and asked with a smile, “Is it related to Shouchen?!”

Shao Yunyan and others were confused.

Chen Ping’an put the bonsai into his pocket dimension and said, “Actually, I don’t know either. You can ask Lu Zhi.”

After the graceful Madam Tuoyan left, Shao Yunyan joked, “In this way, of the four private residences on Upside-Down Mountain, only the Water Crystal Palace of the Rain Dragon Sect doesn’t belong to us.”

Yan Ming looked indifferent and said casually, “Since you like to watch the excitement and make sarcastic remarks, then watch your fill and say your fill.”

Nalan Caihuan looked outside the gate, recalled the faces and practices of the Water Crystal Palace and the Rain Dragon Sect cultivators, and sneered, “So many innocent cultivators, if we don’t save them, we will definitely be scolded by the Great Wall of Sword Qi in the future. Very un-sword cultivator-like, unworthy of being a Sword Immortal. If Lord Yin Guan doesn’t stop me, I will go to the Water Crystal Palace and try to persuade them earnestly, to move the sect as early as possible and go to another place to enjoy themselves. A little financial loss is better than losing their lives.”
Chen Ping’an did not participate.

When Shao Yunyan rose to greet the second batch of ferry stewards.

Nalan Caihuan discovered that the young Hidden Official had vanished.

Even though she knew he was nearby, Nalan Caihuan, as a Nascent Soul sword cultivator, could not sense him, not even a ripple of his aura could be detected.

Subsequently, a meeting took place, lasting an hour and a half, mostly filled with haggling.

Shao Yunyan played the amiable mediator, Nalan Caihuan the villain, and Yan Ming sided with neither.

Chen Ping’an had actually been standing behind Mi Yu’s chair, quietly observing the back-and-forth negotiations.

The smaller a caged bird’s world, the stricter the rules of that little world.

When Chen Ping’an focused the natal divine ability of this flying sword into a space of mere inches, even a Nascent Soul sword cultivator like Nalan Caihuan was unaware.

To deal with mountain cultivators below the upper five realms, excluding the four troublesome ghosts, he could rely on pine needles, cough thunder, or spatial talismans, along with his martial artist physique, controlling the wind and sword to instantly close the distance, unleash Caged Bird, and then shrink Caged Bird, face-to-face, one fist, end.

One of the ferry stewards who hadn’t attended the first Spring Banner Fast meeting became agitated during the argument, slapping the small table beside him, causing the teacups to jump. He angrily exclaimed, “How can you conduct business like this, killing prices so ruthlessly! Even if that Hidden Official were sitting here, face to face, I’d still say the same thing. Your Spring Banner Fast’s price-cutting is akin to murder! If you anger me… I wouldn’t dare do anything to you, I fear you sword immortals, alright? I’ll just stab myself first, and recuperate here, and it’d be an explanation for both Spring Banner Fast and my sect…”

Yan Ming rubbed his temples. In truth, this deal wasn’t impossible to negotiate. According to the price offered by Spring Banner Fast, the other party could still earn a substantial profit. It was purely the other party stirring up trouble. The joy of a merchant lies in this.

Yan Ming couldn’t say he was disgusted, after all, business is business. But these old foxes came wave after wave, everyone was the same, every time was the same, which was still tiring.

Nalan Caihuan’s smile was playful.

Then, a dozen or so ferry stewards all looked towards one spot, where a slender figure appeared out of thin air.

Everyone instantly rose.

Across from them, a young man rested his clasped hands on the back of a chair and smiled, “One knife isn’t enough, I have two. After you stab yourself, remember to return them to me.”

Although Nalan Caihuan held a great deal of resentment towards the young Hidden Official, she had to admit that sometimes, Chen Ping’an’s words were indeed refreshing.

One of the ferry stewards who had met the young Hidden Official before respectfully announced his name and cupped his fist, saying, “Greetings, Hidden Official!”

The steward who had been yelling about stabbing himself seemed to have been struck by lightning, speechless with shock.

Chen Ping’an didn’t truly make things difficult for this steward. Instead, he proactively conceded a point and then left the hall.

This time, after leaving Spring Banner Fast and returning to the Sword Qi Great Wall, Chen Ping’an didn’t take the long way around as usual, but took the earliest gate.

It was still the little Daoist boy sitting on the futon reading a book. When he saw Chen Ping’an, he didn’t even look up.

The sword-wielding man on the other side of the gate didn’t appear, and Chen Ping’an didn’t greet that familiar sword immortal named Zhang Lu.