Night Ferry, Rhinoceros City.

As dusk settled, Ning Yao planned to depart for the next city. With a casual flick of her wrist, she unleashed a sword light that pierced the heavens, shattering the Night Ferry’s restriction, signaling its movements to the Central Earth Confucian Temple.

Before leaving, Ning Yao, accompanied by Pei Qian, Xiao Mili, and the White-Haired Child, sought out the city lord, a woman renowned throughout the Vast Expanse as the Bard of Graceful Lyrics. Besides expressing gratitude for Rhinoceros City’s hospitality, she also carried a message for Jiang Shangzhen, a friend of Chen Ping’an.

Lady Li, along with a handsome youth adorned with antlers and several travelers, strolled along a covered bridge soaring above the sea of clouds. The sunset painted the sky with vibrant hues, resembling a precious crimson tapestry unfurled across the heavens. The scenery was breathtaking, a symphony of mountain mists and homeward-bound birds, the world steeped in tranquility and peace.

Suddenly, Lady Li’s mood soured, for a group of uninvited guests approached from the direction of Appearance City.

Her admiration for Ning Yao didn’t extend to all sword cultivators.

Ning Yao’s standing in the world of swordsmanship mirrored her own in the realm of poetry, unmatched by any man, past or present.

Ning Yao furrowed her brows slightly, puzzled by the sudden appearance of an Ascension Realm sword cultivator on the Night Ferry.

Could this person be targeting Chen Ping’an?

However, the individual seemed to be carrying injuries.

Turning to Lady Li, Ning Yao said, “They’re here for us. Please, just observe from the sidelines. If I happen to damage Rhinoceros City, I’ll compensate you accordingly.”

She might lack funds, but Chen Ping’an had plenty.

Lady Li nodded, unwilling to entangle herself in the Vast Expanse’s disputes and mountain feuds. She departed with the antlered youth, a manifestation of literary fortune.

刑官 (Xíng Guān – Punisher Officer), Direct Disciple Du Shanyin, Handmaiden Ji Qing, an Avatar of Ancestral Coins.

Du Shanyin, upon seeing the woman with the sword, grew nervous. He greeted her with “Sword Immortal Ning,” then identified himself and his address on Sword Qi Great Wall.

Ji Qing smiled sweetly, performed a curtsy, and addressed her as “Miss Ning.”

Ning Yao nodded in acknowledgement.

The Punisher Officer’s usually deathly face broke into a rare smile as he announced his name, “I am Hao Su. Formerly of Sword Qi Great Wall, I resided within the prison.”

Understanding dawned in Ning Yao’s eyes. Clasping her hands in a fist, she said, “Greetings, Senior Punisher Officer.”

She hadn’t met the Punisher Officer, but had heard of “Hao Su.” Chen Xi, who renamed himself Chen Ji in Ascension City, mentioned him a few years ago, stating that if he were willing to serve as Punisher Officer upon returning to the Fifth Heaven, he would be a great asset to Ascension City.

Punisher Officer Hao Su held a natural prejudice against Chen Ping’an, stemming from the latter’s possession of a blessed land.

He harbored no affection for any master of a blessed land.

However, he viewed Ning Yao with a certain elder’s fondness for a junior.

This was the first time Du Shanyin, his only direct disciple, had learned his master’s given name.

He wondered if his master was originally nameless or had deliberately omitted his surname.

The White-Haired Child felt a chill run down her spine. She inched closer to Pei Qian, then reconsidered and hid behind Xiao Mili, finding it safer to stand behind the small, stout girl. Crouching slightly so she couldn’t see the Punisher Officer, she pretended he couldn’t see her either.

Hao Su glanced at the White-Haired Child and communicated to Ning Yao through voice transmission, “I was entangled by Wu Shuangjiang in Appearance City and forced into a battle. I was unwilling to risk my life, so I sustained some injuries.”

Unwilling. The Punisher Officer’s choice of words was subtle.

Ning Yao nodded.

The act of a sword cultivator defeating an enemy beyond their realm encountered an immense hurdle at the true pinnacle.

Ning Yao had recently experienced how difficult it was to kill the Sui Chu Palace’s Wu Shuangjiang.

Ning Yao asked, “Are you seeking vengeance upon your return to the Vast Expanse, Senior?”

She disliked idle chitchat and beating around the bush. If this sword cultivator wasn’t the Punisher Officer, they would have nothing to discuss.

Hao Su nodded. “I seek vengeance for my homeland. There’s Nan Guangzhao in Central Earth Divine Continent, his cultivation is decent, Ascension Realm, but he only has the realm, not skilled in combat. The rest are a bunch of good-for-nothings. After all these years, even those still alive are merely clinging to life, not worth mentioning. But after killing Nan Guangzhao, if I’m lucky enough to escape, I’ll go to Azure Abyss Heaven. If I’m unlucky, I’ll probably join Liu Cha in the Hall of Merit. I won’t be going to Ascension City for now. Anyway, I wasn’t a very good Punisher Officer.”

Ning Yao merely listened to these old grievances.

The Punisher Officer inexplicably said, “Anyone but Chen Ping’an.”

Ning Yao shook her head. “You have no right to comment on this matter, Senior.”

The White-Haired Child secretly turned around and gave a thumbs-up. Only Ning Yao dared to say such things.

Look, this so-called Punisher Officer didn’t dare to utter a peep. Oh, and he had the nerve to smile. Why didn’t he laugh his teeth out?

Hao Su cast a sidelong glance in that direction.

The White-Haired Child immediately retreated, shrinking her neck.

Xiao Mili, oblivious to everything, simply held her walking stick, standing motionless, shielding the white-haired dwarf behind her from wind and rain.

The black-clad girl grinned at the man, then quickly turned it into a tight-lipped smile.

Hao Su smiled back as a greeting to the little girl.

Xiao Mili immediately imitated the kind mountain master, clasping her green bamboo staff and bowing her head, a seasoned veteran.

Ning Yao introduced her, “Xiao Mili is the Right Protector of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.”

Hao Su was slightly surprised. Chen Ping’an had chosen this little sprite from the cave dwelling realm as a mountain protector for his hometown mountain?

The man stood on the covered bridge, the same scenery evoking different emotions in different observers.

Cold mountain, cold water, setting sun, white grass, red leaves, yellow flowers.

Originally intending to greet Ning Yao and leave, the man hesitated, then spoke through voice transmission, “Tell him to be careful of schemes in the shadows. There are about twenty people scattered across the Nine Continents. As for who they are, I can’t say more due to an oath.”

That was all he would say.

Even if he could say more, he wouldn’t bother.

Ning Yao smiled. “It’s uncertain who should be careful.”

Hao Su sighed. Was it the same for all women? Once they fell for someone, they became unreasonable?

Hao Su said, “Putting aside my unreasonable prejudices, he’s surprisingly good as Hidden Official, not easy.”

Ning Yao said, “I’m not surprised.”

Hao Su was speechless.
Ji Qing chuckled to herself, thinking that this Ning Yao and the young Hidden Official seemed to have completely opposite personalities. How did they ever get together?

Hao Su laughed and said, “During those years in the Great Wall of Sword Qi, compared to Xiao Xuan and Chen Ping An, I, the Punishing Official, had the easiest time. Once I’ve settled my grudges and paid back my debts this time, if there’s ever a chance in the future to wield my sword purely as a swordsman for Ascending City, I will not shirk my responsibility.”

Ning Yao cupped her fist in thanks.

Hao Su bid farewell and departed, his sword cleaving the night, taking his direct disciple and servant girl with him, leaving the Night-Traveling Ship. After settling them down, he would journey alone to the Central Earth Continent. As for the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land, he wouldn’t go. Longing was futile; it was better not to meet.

Leaving the Night-Traveling Ship, the vast sea stretched out, direction unknown. Hao Su glanced at the constellations and, finding his bearings, reminded his disciple as he rode the wind: “Du Shanyin, remember your promise. Once you’ve mastered the sword arts, you must exterminate the flower-picking thieves of the Grand Brightness World. If you break your word, even if I cannot personally seek you out, you will still die.”

Du Shanyin had been somewhat distracted earlier, but upon hearing this, he shuddered and respectfully replied, “Master, this disciple will certainly keep his promise. The day I reach the Ascending realm will be the day the flower-picking thieves are wiped out.”

He wondered what connection his master had with the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land, that he harbored such hatred for the flower-picking thieves.

Hao Su nodded. “With Ji Qing by your side, even if you want to establish your own sect in the future, it won’t be difficult. But when you have your own mountain, don’t hang my portrait in the ancestral hall. Just consider yourself a wild cultivator of the mountains and marshes, with no lineage. Du Shanyin will be the founding ancestor. However, if you encounter difficulties, as long as I can draw my sword, I promise to help you three times. I’ve left a sealed letter for Ji Qing. When you’re in dire straits, it will be your escape route. Remember not to read it beforehand.”

Hao Su looked up at the sky.

*When I was young, I was so arrogant.
I admired Xiang Xiu’s simplicity and entrusted my heart to Hao Su.
I realized the past was wrong and the present is right, watching the full moon several times.*

Du Shanyin was cautious and prudent, never asking more than he needed to. In Hao Su’s eyes, he was far less unrestrained than the servant girl, Ji Qing.

Ji Qing curiously asked, “Master, are we really not going to take a look at the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land?”

Deep down, she still hoped to stay by the Punishing Official’s side for a few more days. To be honest, her impression of this Du Shanyin was rather ordinary.

Hao Su shook his head. “We’re not going. You and Du Shanyin can travel there on your own in the future.”

Ji Qing was puzzled, wanting to say something but holding back.

Hao Su said, “Don’t ask too much.”

Ji Qing smiled sheepishly.

In truth, what Hao Su truly couldn’t forget wasn’t the Flower Goddess of the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land. She merely resembled a woman from his hometown. Back then, after Hao Su killed a cultivator above the Fifth Realm, he fled to escape danger and, by chance, arrived at the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land, where he spent several peaceful years recovering and practicing his sword skills.

Before he ascended from his hometown blessed land to the Grand Brightness World, he had made a promise to a woman that he would return to find her.

At the time, Hao Su was filled with ambition, regarding the “ascension” mentioned only in ancient books as something within his grasp, vowing to pave a path of immortality for the sentient beings of his hometown.

*Hao Su is the one who opens a new path for future generations.*

But he never imagined that his “ascension” would attract the covetous eyes of the major sects of the Grand Brightness World, ultimately leading to the collapse of the blessed land, the sinking of mountains and rivers, and the suffering of all living things.

*When the traveler returns, his homeland is ten thousand miles away, and his old friends are gone.*

That’s why the Punishing Official of the Great Wall of Sword Qi didn’t like any owner of a blessed land. But the man he truly hated was Hao Su, himself.

Over at Rhinoceros City, Ning Yao, because the Punishing Official had broken the ferry’s restriction with his sword and left, worried that Chen Ping An might misunderstand that she had clashed with the Punishing Official, bid farewell to Lady Li, the city lord. Then, she cleaved the Night-Traveling Ship with her sword and led Pei Qian and the others to another city.

Ning Yao asked with a smile, “Little Rice Grain, do you remember how many swords I drew?”

Little Rice Grain pondered seriously. “I don’t remember, it didn’t seem like many.”

Ning Yao smiled. “That’s good.”

Pei Qian, carrying the large basket on her back, breathed a sigh of relief and silently added another merit to Little Rice Grain’s account.

Little Rice Grain sighed and scratched her face while poking the ground with her mountain-walking stick, pitifully saying, “Although Good Man Mountain Lord went to do important work, he must feel like every day is like a year. Thinking about it, it’s quite pitiful.”

The White-Haired Child slapped his forehead and rubbed his face hard. This Little Rice Grain was truly not a waste as the Mountain-Protecting Offering of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

Pei Qian asked, “Master, do the swordsmen of Ascending City miss Master?”

Ning Yao nodded with a smile. “They do.”

Pei Qian hesitated. “Is the impression good?”

Ning Yao nodded. “The old and the young all have a decent impression of him. Of course, there are certainly some bad ones, but they are few.”

Especially the younger generation of swordsmen, cultivators, and martial artists in Ascending City.

What were their thoughts on that Hidden Official, who was left alone on the city wall?

*It’s fortunate that he’s one of us.*

Pei Qian laughed. “Then I’ll travel to that world in the future.”

Ning Yao pondered. What was the reasoning behind that?

In the arched bridge of Rhinoceros City, the Horned Boy, with his hands in his sleeves, softly asked, “Master, are you really going to resign from the position of city lord? Who should we give it to? Over the years, among the passing ferry travelers, Master hasn’t chosen a suitable candidate. Master doesn’t like the cultivators stationed in the city, and we have no connection with those outside the ferry.”

Lady Li smiled. “Don’t worry, I definitely won’t let that Immortal Raft become the city lord.”

The Horned Boy rubbed his temples with a finger. Just thinking about that old boatman made him feel annoyed.

Many years ago, Immortal Raft sailed the sea and inadvertently encountered the Night-Traveling Ship. Even though Lu Chen wasn’t with him, he still insisted on boarding the ship again, saying that he had to thank Lady Li in person for no apparent reason. Rhinoceros City didn’t open its gates, so Immortal Raft drifted around, bumping into the Night-Traveling Ship in various cities, getting the cold shoulder here, and running into a brick wall there. Every so often, the old boatman couldn’t help but curse people, and after cursing, he would be beaten. After being beaten, he would run away, and after running away, he would curse again, tough as nails…
The old ferryman had stubbornly wasted a century, clinging to the notion of visiting Spirit Rhinoceros City before disembarking. It seemed that unless he entered Spirit Rhinoceros City, the Star Raft would wander endlessly on the Night Voyage Ship.

Finally, the master couldn’t bear it any longer, and with the approval of the Shipmaster Zhang, who didn’t want the Star Raft lingering on the Night Voyage Ship for too long, lest the Third Sect Leader of Jade White Capital take too much notice. If Lu Chen, separated by an entire world, were to seize the secrets of the Great Dao of Ferrying, the Night Voyage Ship might accidentally drift away from the Great Azure World and into the Azure Heavens. What couldn’t Lu Chen do? In fact, one could say that this Third Sect Leader of Jade White Capital only enjoyed doing things that no one else could.

Only then did Madam Li meet with the Star Raft. Unexpectedly, the old ferryman was truly addled, trapped in a time loop for over a century, just to thank her and say that Madam Li’s poem was the best in the world, the absolute best! Those Su Shi, Liu Yong – their writings were worthless garbage compared to Madam Li’s ode to flowers.

It turned out that Madam Li had once casually written an ode to osmanthus flowers, comparing herself to the flower.

“The finest among flowers, the plum jealous, the chrysanthemum ashamed…”

And the Star Raft had “ordained” it as the best poem in the world.

After thanking her, the Star Raft was politely escorted out by Shipmaster Zhang, who reminded him with a smile not to return, as the Night Voyage Ship was not welcoming.

Unexpectedly, the old ferryman spat and said, “A wretched place, I wouldn’t come even if you invited me!”

Thinking of the troublesome Star Raft, the Deer-Horned Youth quickly changed the subject, saying, “That taciturn female martial artist had remarkable eyes.”

Madam Li nodded absentmindedly and said casually, “If people’s eyes can hold the sun and moon, why can’t the mountain ascetics and the worldly scholars tolerate a few people before them?”

The master was saddened, and the Deer-Horned Youth was saddened along with him.

The master spent his final days in a foreign land called Lin’an, yet he never wrote a single poem or ode about that picturesque place.

Yi’an, Jian’an, Lin’an, Qizhou, Qingzhou, Hangzhou.

At the Temple of Literature, the Grove of Merit, visitors came and went, staying only briefly to chat with the Literary Sage.

Liu Qi and his friend Cao Zu, Abbot Lianran of Xuan Kong Temple, Huaiyin of Flying Immortal Palace, the Daoist couple from Heavenly Corner Grotto-Heaven, Liu Tui of Soaring Support Continent…

Four of the Five Peaks Mountain Gods of the Central Earth came. Except for the Great God of Sui Mountain, they all came.

The Five Lakes Water Lords even arrived together, including Li Yehou of Bright Moon Lake, with his maid Huangjuan and his guardian Shaqing, the heroic spirit of a Tenth Realm martial artist.

Li Yehou brought several jars of his homemade wine to the Old Scholar, indicating a close relationship, their banter unrestrained.

Each time the Old Scholar received visitors, he brought Chen Ping’an along.

Jun Qian was too lazy and unsuitable for such matters. A silent gourd, he would likely give guests the cold shoulder.

But bringing his closed-door disciple was different. He handled people with impeccable grace, smiling when appropriate, speaking when needed, complementing his teacher perfectly.

The Nine Peaks Mountain’s gift was a pot of thousand-year-old calamus, emerald green, with water droplets clinging to a few leaves, about to fall. The Mountain God said with a smile that the droplets could be caught with ancient inkstones or brush washers, and used to refine water pills, or…

The Old Scholar said he accepted it with pleasure and immediately handed it to Chen Ping’an, muttering to his closed-door disciple that Nine Peaks Mountain had a few pots of three-thousand-year-old calamus, whose droplets were immense, the size of a fist. Chen Ping’an said that his teacher’s hearsay was unreliable, as books stated that the droplets were at most the size of copper coins.

Hearing this, the Nine Peaks Mountain God trembled, fearing that this master and disciple might raid his mountain tomorrow.

Another Lake Lord gifted a calligraphy scroll with the three characters “utterly drunk,” on water-patterned paper, faintly visible with worms swimming within, thin as threads. The scroll reeked of wine, fragrant and intoxicating.

According to ancient books, the worm nurtured in this precious scroll was called “wine mud,” which lived in water and became drunk when it emerged onto land. It could secrete wine, filling a bowl or even a vat. This creature was miraculous, extremely difficult to catch, requiring a pot of fine wine placed in the water, using the wine as bait and the pot as a trap, with only a one in a hundred chance of success, and even more difficult to raise, with many rules.

As the precious scroll was placed on the table for everyone to admire, the Old Scholar asked how much it was worth.

The Lake Lord’s head throbbed.

However, the Old Scholar also had some gestures. He had prepared scrolls and couplets to give to each guest as a return gift.

Coupled with Chen Ping’an’s familiarity with the customs of the Central Earth, listing them like treasures, he spoke with the visitors, offering only sincerity as a junior with nothing else to give.

Chen Ping’an could see that each guest who received the Old Scholar’s gift had a pleasant surprise.

The surprise was twofold. First, the gift was valuable. After all, the scrolls and couplets were genuine works of the Literary Sage of the Temple of Literature, and especially those written by his teacher, who had “Literary” before “Sage,” carrying significant weight. Moreover, the Old Scholar wrote each character with great care, so much so that the Lake Lord Li Yehou’s maid Huangjuan had initially offered to help her master receive the scroll, but stumbled, nearly dropping it. Chen Ping’an was the first to bend down and catch the scroll, then handed it to the Tenth Realm martial artist named Shaqing with a smile.

Secondly, it seemed that all the guests who came to the Grove of Merit probably didn’t expect the Old Scholar to actually return a gift.

The female Mountain God of Smoke Branch Mountain, named Zhu Yuxian, had a strange Daoist name, Bitter Vegetable.

She brought Zhu Mei, a young swordsman from the Shao Yuan Dynasty. The two had a karmic connection as immortals.

Zhu Mei and Chen Ping’an reunited after a long separation, smiling and playfully clasping her hands, “This humble one greets the gentle, virtuous, courteous, and yielding Hidden Official!”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Miss Zhu is too kind.”

The Old Scholar stroked his beard and nodded, “Miss Zhu speaks well. The Zhu family of Immortal Clouds has produced a Miss Zhu, truly a blessing from the ancestors.”

Chen Ping’an spread out paper and brush, and the Old Scholar temporarily wrote a poem about the Immortal Cloud Ancient Road to give to Zhu Mei.

As a congratulatory gift from Smoke Branch Mountain, Zhu Yuxian, the only female Mountain God of the Central Earth, also presented a long bamboo box filled with twelve boxes of rare rouge and powder.
She even produced a paper-folded black-feathered swallow, infused with two portions of rich literary fortune and mountain spirit energy. It could be placed on the roof beam of a house, or behind the plaque, essentially adding a minor deity to the household, receiving incense offerings. However, there was a requirement: the ancestral home where the paper swallow was placed had to be near a mountain, within a hundred miles of a tall peak, preferably one of the orthodox mountains of a kingdom. It couldn’t be a house located in a flat plain or by a large body of water.

After all, only a minority came to the Hall of Merit to congratulate the old scholar on the restoration of his position in the literary shrine. Most cultivators had already left the vicinity of the shrine one after another.

For example, the Mohist Grand Master had already set out for the Great Wall of Sword Qi after the meeting, accompanied by the wandering knight Xu Ruo.

When Xu Ruo mentioned that young Hidden Official, the taciturn Mohist Grand Master shook his head without a word, clearly unwilling to discuss him.

Xu Ruo knew the reason: it was due to Gu Can. The Mohist Grand Master had once killed his own son for the sake of righteousness.

Therefore, if nothing unexpected happened, Chen Ping’an, who had not killed Gu Can, would maintain a well-water-does-not-interfere-with-river-water relationship with the various branches of the Mohist school in the future.

Guo Outing of Iron Tree Mountain, the female immortal Cong Qian of Flowing Rosy Continent, and others did not return to their sects first, but set off directly.

As for the monarchs and national preceptors of various dynasties, they didn’t need to rush to the wild battlefield. They would return to mobilize troops and summon mountain cultivators, and temporarily build ferries suitable for long-distance intercontinental travel—all were matters of importance.

Before heading to the wild world, the Fire Dragon True Man came to the Hall of Merit and called the old scholar his brother, embracing and drinking wine incessantly, both getting flushed and drunk.

Staggering to his feet, the Fire Dragon True Man pulled Chen Ping’an aside. Walking shoulder to shoulder, the old True Man hiccuped with wine and said with a smile, “Making a name for oneself early is right, it’s a good thing. Among all the good things in the world, the only thing to fear is ‘but’. You have to be mindful yourself. The logic of others, the experience of old people, are not as reliable as your own careful consideration.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “This junior will pay attention.”

The Fire Dragon True Man pulled out two sets of the Xi Ping Stone Sutra copies from his sleeve.

Chen Ping’an couldn’t help but admire him. In matters of business, he was still too young and inexperienced.

The Fire Dragon True Man handed the two sets of Xi Ping handwritten copies to Chen Ping’an, and smiled, “One of them, when you arrive at Crawling Peak, give it to the mountain peak yourself. This other set, this old daoist bought for you. Kid, since you’re doing business, then having a thin skin won’t do.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “I’ve been taught.”

The Fire Dragon True Man said softly, “It’s only been a few years since the world was peaceful, and storms are rising again. This old daoist just received some news: a dynasty’s emperor was attacked on his own ferry, and the national preceptor and the enshrined cultivators were all slightly injured. The two assassins were death soldiers, destined to become another unsolved mountain case. Internal strife has erupted in Heavenly Corner Grotto-Heaven. Feng Xuetao’s Green Palace Mountain, that former sect leader who was in seclusion to reflect on his mistakes, died suddenly. Chao Pu, the former national preceptor of the Shao Yuan Dynasty, his mountain, which served as his old nest for layouts in other continents, has also been tossed about quite a bit, suffering heavy casualties. The Ancestral Hall was inexplicably slaughtered by someone, who then left triumphantly. Hundred Flower Blessed Land and Madam Dan Dan are the ones who have been plotted against most fiercely. Don’t think that this old woman Qing Zhong is easy to talk to on our side. Her methods are not bad, and she has a keen sense of smell. On the contrary, she struck fiercely, wiping out everything, both overtly and covertly.”

Chen Ping’an clasped his hands in his sleeves, silent, calculating in his mind.

These large and small disturbances were all happening near the literary shrine.

It was clearly a show of force from the wild world and Crescent Moon Mountain against the literary shrine. It seemed like several meaningless displays of bravado, wasting those deeply buried sleeper agents in vain, but the matter wasn’t so simple.

The Fire Dragon True Man patted Chen Ping’an on the shoulder and suddenly said, “Cherishing life without fearing death, seeking survival without sacrificing integrity, not showing personal courage in ordinary times, but being willing to go forward even if it’s a million people when it’s critical—that is a true man.”

Chen Ping’an said, “I don’t deserve it.”

The old True Man glared, “Was I talking about you?”

Chen Ping’an said, “I’ve admired your ancient chivalrous spirit for many years, True Man, but this junior has never been able to emulate it.”

The old True Man smacked the young man on the head and laughed, “You little rascal.”

The old scholar huffed in the distance, “What are you doing?!”

Chen Ping’an asked, “What about Mr. Yu and the young Yuan Zhou?”

The old True Man smiled, “That’s why this old daoist will help Xuan Mi escort him for a while. One can’t just take advantage of others.”

After the Fire Dragon True Man left, Chen Ping’an returned to his teacher’s side.

“Let me tell you something harsh that might not be pleasing to the ear: except for the old man and the Sage of Rites, everyone in the entire vast world thinks that if they were gone, the sky would fall.”

The old scholar said, “So you can wait until you’ve rested and recovered your energy before killing those big thieves and villains. It’s not too late.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “Understood.”

After that, the Lady Master of Mid-Earth Chan Juan Cave Heaven also came to visit the Literary Sage. She was a woman whose beauty remained constant, with a youthful appearance.

Accompanying her was a temple attendant named Chen Xi, holding a peach-blossom silk fan, on which were painted bright moons and written bamboo branch lyrics.

This time, the old scholar insisted on bringing along Zuo You, who was at a loss, not knowing his teacher’s intention.

While Lady Master Jun Xiu was speaking with the Literary Sage, that temple attendant was looking at that Mr. Zuo, whom she hadn’t seen for a hundred years since their separation.

At first, Zuo You would nod and smile when he saw the girl’s inquiring gaze. But after one or two times, he turned a blind eye.

Since this temple attendant, whose name he didn’t remember, had missed Cui Chan for so many years, why hadn’t she gone to Treasure Bottle Continent to see him in the past hundred years?

Chen Chunhua, the current family head of the Southern Suo Po Continent Chen Clan, besides visiting the Literary Sage, also had a conversation with Chen Ping’an, during which they talked about Liu Xianyang, who had once traveled far away to study.

The old master Fu Sheng still came to find Chen Ping’an, to talk about Liu Qingfeng of Lion Garden on Treasure Bottle Continent.

In addition, Yang Qingkong, the national preceptor of the Great Origin Dynasty’s Chongxuan Bureau, took this opportunity to discuss some business matters with Chen Ping’an.

As for Pei A’xiang of Thunder God Temple, and her female disciple Liu Suiyu, followed by an old martial artist named Wang Fusu, they came for Chen Ping’an. Pei A’xiang came to meet Chen Ping’an, the master of Pei Qian, because of Pei Qian. Both parties agreed that in the future, disciples of the Thunder God Temple and Fallen Mountain could frequently visit each other, exchanging martial arts and sharpening their skills.

As for Wang Fusu, he initially intended to spar with this young Hidden Official, but when he caught sight of Zuo You sitting by the table, holding a book in one hand, he thought about it and decided against it.
No need to rush. Besides, if I, with my advanced age, were to bully a youngster who’s only been learning the fist for a few years, it would be unseemly and a victory won without honor.

Liu Caishen of Aiai Continent, with his wife and children, paid a visit. Without a word, he retrieved a mountain of gifts from his spatial treasure, piling them high on the stone table.

Not subtle enough? Would it be unseemly? What’s unseemly about money?

And when they left, the wealthiest couple in the world seemed to have forgotten to take their inconspicuous spatial treasure.

Liu Youzhou greeted the young Hidden Official with a beaming smile, calling him by name.

Chen Ping’an smiled and nodded, then rose, clasped his fists in thanks to the family of three, and said with solemnity, “On behalf of the Great Wall of Sword Qi, I thank the Liu family. If there is ever a need for my services, simply send a flying sword message to Fallen Peak, and Chen Ping’an will immediately rush to Aiai Continent.”

The Ape-Taming Manor on Upside-Down Mountain was given to the Great Wall of Sword Qi by the Liu family.

Not only that, but many hidden industries of Upside-Down Mountain, wealth and goods alike, were all handed over to the Summer Palace.

Liu Jubao stood up, returning the fist salute with a smile, “Hidden Official, you are too kind. The Liu family would never act in such a way. Some things are not a transaction. We only hope that when the Hidden Official passes through Aiai Continent in the future, he will definitely visit our home as a guest.”

Then Chen Ping’an said something that surprised both the Old Scholar and Liu Jubao.

“Could this junior seek to be an unlisted guest elder of the Liu family?”

Liu Jubao was stunned for a moment, then, without hesitation, laughed heartily, “Then it’s settled!”

Zuo You glanced at his junior brother.

He understood the reason.

The Great Wall of Sword Qi had two sword immortals from Aiai Continent, Li Ding and Zhang Shao. They disliked their hometown greatly, but in the end, they still died as sword cultivators from Aiai Continent.

Among the masters of the myriad schools of thought, those who could come, all came. After all, unlike ordinary great cultivators, they were “officials,” and needed to be mindful of the Wen Temple’s opinion.

Two masters of the military school took the lead in visiting. Ancestor Jiang stood beside Xu Bai, looking at the red-clad woman in the distance.

Master Fan, from the business school, was the last to arrive. He chatted more with Chen Ping’an than with the Old Scholar, and mentioned the Caique Court’s Dharma robes from Northern Ju-lu Continent. When Master Fan said he wanted to “shamelessly get a share,” Chen Ping’an, of course, welcomed it, offering three parts. He planned to take out two parts himself, and discuss it with Sun Qing and Wu Qun of Caique Court, hoping they would also be willing to contribute one part.

The Old Scholar felt that Master Fan deserved his wealth.

Several current heads of the Sage’s Mansion, and some heads of families, including the Jiang family of Yunlin, Treasure Bottle Continent, also came to Merit Grove.

The Old Scholar originally intended to speak less. Always annoying people with his principles, once or twice is fine, but saying it too much can easily be annoying.

But facing those descendants of the Sage’s Mansion, the Old Scholar couldn’t help but nag them each with his thoughts, praising them naturally when they deserved it, and not being stingy with compliments. He was also very blunt, scolding two of them. As for whether they listened, and how much they sincerely took to heart, he didn’t care.

Just entertaining these guests took up two days.

Finally, there was a rare moment of tranquility. Ancient trees towered, beneath which was a pavilion, with a chessboard carved into the stone table inside.

Li Baoping and her martial uncle Jun Qian were playing chess, with Zuo You and Li Huai watching on the sidelines. The little imp sat on a long chair reading a book. He didn’t understand his master’s chess game, but he recognized the words in the book.

The Old Scholar walked with Chen Ping’an outside the pavilion, smiling, “Welcoming guests and seeing them off is troublesome, but never despise the trouble. There’s knowledge in everything. Prick up your ears, listen carefully to what others say, and then think about what their words hide, especially why they would say a certain thing. Thinking more is learning…”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “To the door, to your own door.”

The Old Scholar nodded, “It seems superfluous to say this to you. Hmm, your wine shop business is very good. A scholar can compete with a businessman for money, and even earn it, how could you be someone who fears trouble. You’ve never been afraid of trouble since you were a child… Right, next time you open, go to the Five Colors Heaven, don’t close that little wine shop, whether the business is good or bad, you can’t close it.”

There was something he didn’t say, children from poor families mature early, perhaps the world and life do not allow that child, that later youth, to be afraid of trouble.

Chen Ping’an nodded, then smiled, “I’m just the second shopkeeper, the big shopkeeper is Miss Diezhang.”

Then he chatted with his teacher about Diezhang and the Confucian gentleman.

The Old Scholar listened attentively, his spirits soaring as they talked about this. After all, his own literary lineage, strangely enough, would have been full of bachelors if not for this closed-door disciple “breaking new ground.”

Back in the pavilion, the Old Scholar walked around with his hands behind his back, occasionally helping Jun Qian to give pointers.

Chen Ping’an sat with the little imp. For some reason, this little guy, who was technically his grand-nephew, seemed a little nervous.

Jun Qian’s first disciple, whose real name was Zheng You, was just a demon cultivator. The matter of a real name was extremely important, so Zheng You, at his master’s reminder, had recently given himself a name, Zheng Youqian, saying that in the immortal secret book that had led him onto the path of cultivation, according to the preface, the knowledge all came from the Qian trigram, and the immortal master who wrote the book was named Zheng. Since he had learned immortal techniques, he had inherited the grace of the immortal master, and was protected and blessed by that predecessor in the dark, so the little imp had solemnly given himself the name Zheng Youqian.

Besides, not talking about the real name, just the pseudonym used when traveling the world, the homophone is so good, really rich!

In the future, as long as he had money, he would definitely return to his hometown and build a good tomb and erect a monument for that immortal master Zheng.

Chen Ping’an heard Jun Qian say that this little guy liked to read and write, and was also a little hot-tempered.

Zheng Youqian came from the Feather Transformation Blessed Land of Tongye Continent. In that blessed land, if a Qi Refiner formed a Golden Core, they could “ascend to immortality.” It used to be a lower-grade blessed land that belonged to a “Upper Sect Immortal Class” that was typically poorly managed. Because the sect’s foundation was insufficient, it was truly powerless to upgrade the Feather Transformation Blessed Land to a medium-grade. Once it was forced, it would easily implicate the sect and be dragged down, making wedding clothes for others.

Zheng Youqian trembled, “Hidden Official Master.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Just call me junior uncle.”

Zheng Youqian clenched his fists, his palms full of sweat, and nodded with a tense face, “Okay, Hidden Official Junior Uncle.”
Chen Ping’an felt increasingly strange and a bit worried, so he immediately used his mind to ask, “Senior Brother Junqian, is it because I bear the true name of a great demon that Zheng Youqian is so afraid of me?”

Liu Shiliu shook his head and laughed, “No, you’re concealing it quite well now. With Zheng Youqian’s current cultivation, he wouldn’t be able to detect it at all. It’s just that this kid is naturally timid. Earlier, when I took him to travel the wild lands, I heard a lot about your deeds over there. Something about a Southern Official of Reward and a Northern Hidden Official, whose swordsmanship is treacherous and who slaughters demons like cutting grass. As soon as he catches a demon cultivator, he either cleaves their head or cuts them in half at the waist. And something about how you like to devour your opponents alive on the battlefield… Zheng Youqian became even more afraid after hearing that you were that Hidden Official and finally seeing the ruins of the Sword Qi Great Wall. He says he admires you, his little uncle-master, but he just becomes like this when he actually meets you. It’s almost like you… when you see Zuo You.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “But I’m not afraid of Senior Brother Zuo.”

Zuo You, having heard Liu Shiliu’s mental “message,” nodded and said, “He relies on the Master’s presence, so he’s indeed never afraid of me.”

Chen Ping’an said helplessly, “Senior Brother Junqian, that’s inappropriate.”

Liu Shiliu chuckled, “I didn’t tattle to the Master.”

Chen Ping’an turned his head and said, “Youqian, Little Uncle-Master doesn’t have a particularly suitable greeting gift on hand right now, but I’ll make it up to you later.”

Zheng Youqian lowered his head and waved his hands vigorously, “No need, no need.”

When they arrived at the Confucian Temple, which had previously been arranged by his master in an immortal inn, it was bustling with rumors about this little uncle-master.

A green-robed sword immortal who would beat people up at the sight of them, fought fiercely, and had a terrible temper.

His little uncle-master’s temper, honestly speaking, was like a firecracker.

At the slightest disagreement, he would grab a large basket full of firecrackers, dump it over people’s heads, and let them go off, crackling and popping. Who could stand that?

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “Youqian, did you hear some untrue rumors about Little Uncle-Master outside?”

The little guy lowered his head and didn’t raise it again, only quickly turning his head to wipe away the sweat.

Now, hearing his little uncle-master’s question, he wore an extremely awkward smile. Lying was definitely not an option, but if he didn’t lie, would he say it directly? He scratched his head while wiping away the sweat.

Zuo You laughed, “This is a very imposing uncle to be.”

The Old Scholar slapped Zuo You on the head, “A true gentleman remains silent when watching chess. No wonder you only have the title of a Sage. Look at Li Huai, how old is he, and he’s already a Sage!”

Li Huai felt like he had been struck by lightning and thought disaster had fallen from the sky. “What?!”

The Old Scholar said with a chuckle, “Look at my memory, I forgot to tell you. Li Huai, you’re now a Confucian Sage. Don’t worry, our line of the Sage of Culture doesn’t rely on connections or backdoor deals. It was the result of discussions among several patriarchs of the Confucian Temple and several Chancellors and Directors of the academies. Keep up the good work, and strive to earn the title of a Gentleman in a couple of years. When Senior Uncle Zuo sees you then, he’ll have to ask you for guidance!”

Li Huai was sweating profusely, scratching his ears and cheeks. “That’s impossible!”

Zuo You nodded. This child is very humble. As for the level of his scholarly achievements, as long as he has this attitude, there’s no need to rush.

Li Huai hurriedly said, “Grand Ancestor, the Confucian Temple can’t just do things haphazardly like this. Bao Ping isn’t even a Sage yet, why am I one?”

The Old Scholar smiled, “You kid has made great contributions.”

Not even caring about any so-called contributions, Li Huai blurted out, “Then I don’t want the contributions. Tell the Confucian Temple not to give me any Sage title, okay? Grand Ancestor, please, help me put in a word. Otherwise, I’ll hide here in the Forest of Merit and not leave.”

The Old Scholar looked surprised and said, “Li Huai, impressive. You’re young but you have great ambition. You’re even planning to directly ask the Confucian Temple for the title of Gentleman? No problem, that’s what I thought from the beginning. Giving you the title of Sage is petty. Giving you the title of Gentleman, I think it’s feasible.”

Li Huai was about to go crazy and subconsciously turned to look at Chen Ping’an, “What should I do?!”

I just want to study properly, why give me the title of Sage? If I go back to Cliff Academy, wouldn’t I have to live my days swimming in a spittoon?

Li Huai wasn’t stupid. How many orthodox Confucian academies are there in the vast Treasure Bottle Continent? How many Sages could there be?

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “What should you do? What else can you do? You’re already a Sage and you can’t reject it. Just hide and study hard. If you’re really worried and afraid, discuss it with the Confucian Temple and the academy again and help remind Cliff Academy not to spread the word about this matter, except for the few Chancellors and Vice Chancellors. Giving you the title of Sage and then taking it back, the Confucian Temple won’t agree. Do you think it’s a child’s play? But helping you keep it secret in the academy, that’s not difficult.”

Li Huai thought about it. That makes sense.

Hey, not only will I not attract attention and be laughed at, but it seems I can also get the title of Sage for free. I can just show it off privately to Pei Qian, the alliance leader, and maybe I can get promoted from my position as a petty leader that hasn’t moved in years.

It seems like a good thing.

Liu Shiliu smiled.

It seems that this little junior brother is indeed good at dealing with trivial matters of the heart.

Liu Shiliu glanced at Zuo You.

Zuo You was too lazy to pay attention. If Chen Ping’an can’t even solve this little thing, what kind of little junior brother is he?

How does he have the face to be other people’s little uncle-master?

Li Huai looked at Chen Ping’an, feeling a little sad that he wasn’t his brother-in-law.

Chen Ping’an guessed what Li Huai was thinking and cursed, “Get lost.”

Zheng Youqian looked pitifully at his master. He respected his little uncle-master, but his temper was really bad. He felt uneasy sitting here and couldn’t muster up any courage.

In the twilight of that day, Chen Ping’an sat alone on the steps, sleeves folded, watching the wind blow the fallen leaves on the ground.

Because he was alone, his thoughts became a bit chaotic.

The world is like this, what do you want, what can you do, what should you do?

Self-discipline, self-reflection, self-seeking, freedom.

Read more ancient books to broaden your horizons, and mind your own business to nourish your spirit.

Those unexpected events in life are like a sudden downpour. The strong have umbrellas in their hands, while the weak have nothing.

The strong walk with umbrellas. To shield the world from wind and rain, even for a moment.

Li Huai sneaked over to this side, sat next to Chen Ping’an, and handed out two slightly wrinkled booklets, not thick.

Chen Ping’an opened them and saw that they were filled with questions recorded by Li Huai, big and small, doubts about reading and difficulties in learning. Some had been crossed out, but most remained.
Li Huai appeared somewhat embarrassed, and said softly, “Many questions, I would ask friends, ask my teacher. Some I understood upon hearing an explanation, others I still didn’t grasp even with the answer. I was too shy to keep asking, and afraid I’d forget, so I wrote them down. At first, I thought I’d see you soon, but I didn’t expect it to take so long. That’s how I ended up with two notebooks.”

Chen Pingan tucked them into his sleeve. “I’ll keep them for now, and read them slowly, offering my own answers, though they may not all be correct. I’ll return them to you later, along with that book of talismans.”

Li Huai grew anxious, his face flushing red. “Don’t! Just flip through them, look at them casually, Chen Pingan, don’t be so formal.”

Chen Pingan smiled, “You weren’t casual when you wrote them.”

Li Huai sighed helplessly, “Can our levels of knowledge even be compared? I’m truly hopeless at reading. The questions I can’t figure out are just minor matters you can understand with a single glance and a few words, aren’t they?”

If it weren’t for Chen Pingan, Li Huai would have kept those two notebooks hidden forever.

Chen Pingan patted Li Huai’s shoulder and smiled. “I’ve met your brother-in-law, he seems like a good man.”

Li Huai grinned, “He is my brother-in-law after all.”

That night, under the moonlight, the old scholar drank small cups of wine with his three students, the night breeze cool, the hearts warm.

Zuo You gazed into the distance.

Cao Ci, clad in white robes and carrying a bamboo-yellow scabbard,

came alone to the Merit Forest, visiting Chen Pingan.

The old scholar stroked his chin. “If it comes to a fight, it’ll be difficult.”

If Pei Bei had come, it wouldn’t be a problem at all.

The old scholar would then use his signature skill, convincing people with reason, subduing them with virtue. Scholars only argue, never resorting to violence, especially not against a woman.

Zuo You said, “Since it’s not Pei Bei, if you’re challenged to a fistfight, you’ll have to take the beating yourself.”

Chen Pingan nodded. “I’ll go alone.”

Chen Pingan took the longsword from his back and placed it on the table, then went to meet Cao Ci.

The two youths from the Sword Qi Great Wall, after three rounds of sparring, parted ways for many years, pursuing their own paths, finally reunited tonight.

Half of the world’s martial arts belonged to the white-robed Cao Ci and the azure-clad traveler.