Atop Flourishing Grace Peak within the Taiwei Sword Sect, only Bai Shou remained.

With Bai Shou achieving the Golden Core realm as a sword cultivator, and Liu Jinglong being the Sect Master, they had moved to the ancestral mountain. Thus, the Taiwei Sword Sect held a simple peak-opening ceremony, and Flourishing Grace Peak became Bai Shou’s cultivation abode.

If Bai Shou wished, he could begin accepting disciples.

However, Bai Shou had been listless lately. Whenever he wasn’t practicing his swordsmanship, he would sit on a bamboo chair, lost in thought.

He didn’t particularly enjoy alcohol, never having acquired the taste. So whenever he carried a wine pot, he would inevitably leave it unfinished.

Previously, he had gone down the mountain for trials with several other sword cultivators from the sect, traveling to the Land of Orchid Chambers. At the border fortress known as Iron Cast Pass, they had fought against a small group of demonic cultivators from the desolate world who were causing trouble. The skirmish was decisively won because the desolate cultivators were of relatively low cultivation levels. The Taiwei Sword Sect and other affiliated sects suffered few losses, and only minor injuries.

However, there was also an unexpected confrontation that was a surprise to both sides. A Golden Core realm demon cultivator, also a ghost cultivator skilled in concealment, had somehow failed to escape back to the desolate world through the Returning Sea market. Instead, it had slipped into the Northern Clime Continent, remaining dormant for several years, only to harm dozens of members of a small Jianghu sect in order to break through into the nascent soul stage. Its methods were vicious and secretive, turning them all into walking corpses. If Bai Shou hadn’t relied on his assassin’s keen senses to detect a subtle anomaly, they might have missed the demon.

In a perilous battle, Bai Shou contributed the most. He delivered the fatal blow, successfully killing the enemy, severing its head, and shattering the ghost cultivator’s Golden Core with his flying sword. However, a nephew-disciple from another peak in the sect, a Dragon Gate realm sword cultivator, who was actually older than Bai Shou even though he was a generation lower, was seriously injured in the battle. He was struck in the heart by one of the demon cultivator’s spells, extinguishing all hope of becoming a Land Immortal level cultivator.

After Bai Shou returned to Flourishing Grace Peak, he became even more taciturn than before.

Even Liu and that nephew-disciple had come up the mountain to comfort him, but Bai Shou couldn’t shake off the feeling. Especially when that nephew-disciple took the initiative to visit Flourishing Grace Peak and drink with Bai Shou, his uncle-master. He said it was nothing to worry about.

While speaking these words, the sword cultivator whose cultivation level had dropped looked sincere, with a smile on his face. Finally, he said that if Bai Shou really felt bad, he should cultivate to make up for his lost cultivation level. He said that if Bai Shou didn’t reach the Jade Purity realm, he would come to Flourishing Grace Peak every day and curse him.

Now, Bai Shou was sitting on the small bamboo chair, hugging the back of his head. How could he not worry? How could it be nothing?

The wine was already hard to drink.

His heart was even more distressed.

That sword cultivator’s magnanimity was actually what troubled Bai Shou the most.

He had fought in the Sword Qi Great Wall for many years without losing his cultivation level, but upon returning to his homeland, in such a small place, he had lost his cultivation level.

And it happened right under Bai Shou’s nose, by the hands of a mere beast at the Golden Core bottleneck, while Bai Shou was also in the same realm, and a sword cultivator!

Earlier, on the way to Iron Cast Pass during that demon-slaying trip, that sword cultivator had heard Bai Shou say that he and Chen Pingan were sworn brothers, which he refused to believe. He said that unless the Hidden Official visited Flourishing Grace Peak and Bai Shou could introduce him, allowing him to speak a word with the young Hidden Official, he would not believe it. At the time, Bai Shou had patted his chest and guaranteed it, saying it was a small matter.

Liu was even worse. The second time he came to Flourishing Grace Peak, he scolded Bai Shou sternly, saying that if he couldn’t understand this simple principle, it meant he wasn’t a true Taiwei Sword Sect disciple, nor a true sword cultivator.

Liu left after saying those infuriating words.

Bai Shou didn’t say anything. He could never win an argument against his bookworm master.

Bai Shou rubbed his face hard and sighed deeply. He stood up from the chair and began to practice random punches.

Suddenly, he stopped, pointed his fingers together toward the front, imagining a dark-skinned fellow standing not far away, and laughed, “Hey! You dark-skinned fellow, listen up! If you keep pestering me, I’m going to punch you!”

Bai Shou changed his fingers into a palm, waving it from side to side, as if slapping someone, “I was trying to reason with you, but you wouldn’t listen, would you? Now you’re suffering, right? Remember this in the future, show some respect when you meet your Grandpa Bai Shou!”

In the air, no more than half a mile away from Flourishing Grace Peak, a group of people hovered, concealed by someone’s illusion technique.

The white-haired child had an expression of deep admiration, sincerely praising, “He’s a real man! I must toast this hero later.”

Assuming this fellow can still drink.

Liu Jinglong couldn’t help but smile wryly, but he didn’t remind that disciple.

Pei Qian was expressionless, twitching the corner of her mouth.

Xiao Mili scratched her face, cautiously glancing at Pei Qian. It seemed there was no chance to salvage the situation.

Chen Pingan nodded and smiled, “Indeed, fine boxing skills.”

Bai Shou twisted his waist, jumped into the air, and kicked out a leg with what he thought was an extremely dashing movement. After landing, he clapped his hands, “I won’t see you off.”

Then, the group gracefully landed and revealed themselves.

Bai Shou closed his eyes, then opened them, then closed them again and opened them again. Okay, he could run away now.

Without a word, he flicked his finger, and the long sword on the wall inside the house rang as it was unsheathed. Bai Shou stepped onto the sword and hastily left Flourishing Grace Peak, riding it.

Pei Qian looked at her master.

Chen Pingan smiled, “Just catching up.”

Pei Qian looked at Liu Jinglong again, who smiled and said, “Just be mindful of your limits.”

Pei Qian took off her book box, handed the Walking Mountain Staff to Xiao Mili, and disappeared in a flash, as fast as lightning, instantly catching up with Bai Shou on his sword.

Bai Shou was riding his sword with all his might, but that girl beside him remained calm and composed, keeping pace. Bai Shou could only force a dry laugh, “What a coincidence. Are you here to visit?”

Pei Qian just kept pace with Bai Shou, not saying a word, wearing that trademark slight smile, and looking at him sideways.

Bai Shou, who feared neither heaven nor earth, was most afraid of Pei Qian’s expression.

Bai Shou began to act recklessly, “I won’t fight back.”

Pei Qian threw a punch straight at him.

Bai Shou, along with the long sword under his feet, fell straight to the ground.
His lips twitched, his entire body trembled, and most of his body was buried in the mountain soil. He hadn’t fainted, but the pain was excruciating. He would rather have just slept and woken up to find that ruthless, charcoal-faced fellow had already left Flitting Peak.

Pei Qian stood to the side and asked, “What’s the next step? Should I give you three moves in a sparring match?”

Bai Shou’s voice trembled as he said, “One move is enough!”

Pei Qian raised her palm, then twisted her wrist, pulling Bai Shou entirely from the ground and pushing him back two steps.

Bai Shou swayed, his eyes blurred and his head spinning.

Acting, still acting.

Pei Qian’s earlier punch had used finesse; it shouldn’t have left Bai Shou so drunk-like.

She lightly stamped her foot, and the longsword instantly leaped out. With another wave of Pei Qian’s hand, the sword flashed back towards the thatched hut on Flitting Peak, circling back into its scabbard.

Bai Shou seemed to sober up instantly, laughing heartily, “Pei Qian, why didn’t you say you were coming to Flitting Peak?”

Pei Qian chuckled, “Afraid of getting beaten.”

Bai Shou complained, “Don’t say such harsh words. We’re practically family, of the same generation.”

Pei Qian asked, “Want to ride the wind back together?”

Bai Shou said, “Let me recover a bit.”

He had lost too much face today. Going back now, he was sure to be laughed at by Brother Chen. It would be best to wait until he got back there, and Chen Ping’an had already drunk the Liu fellow into oblivion.

The two walked on foot towards Flitting Peak.

Pei Qian was silent for a moment, then said, “I heard about the matters of Ironclad Pass and Orchid Chamber Nation.”

Bai Shou simply grunted and then remained silent.

Pei Qian continued, “Some things cannot be remedied. In truth, all you can do from now on is practice your swordsmanship diligently, to avoid making the same mistakes. If you feel guilt, then continue to feel it. It’s not a bad thing. It’s better than being heartless and forgetting about it immediately, but don’t let it hinder your sword practice. Whether it’s martial arts or swordsmanship, once your spirit wavers, all is lost.”

Bai Shou still just grunted, but the young sword cultivator’s eyes regained some of their former luster.

Pei Qian said, “Still just a Golden Core, and you dare to call yourself Mister Liu’s first disciple, and of the same generation? Who’s of the same generation as you?”

In truth, for Bai Shou to have already become a Golden Core sword cultivator at this age, even in the sword cultivator-heavy Northern Majestic Continent, he was a well-deserved genius.

Bai Shou walked sideways, grinning cheekily, “Oh, Grandmaster Pei is certainly talking big.”

Pei Qian simply stared ahead, quietly saying, “I speak with the weight of my fists. If you don’t like it, don’t listen.”

Mister Liu was one of her Master’s best friends, and Bai Shou was Mister Liu’s first disciple, so Pei Qian hoped that Bai Shou could ascend to greater heights in swordsmanship, the higher the better, and one day stand beside her Master and Mister Liu.

Otherwise, if it were an outsider, Pei Qian would never have said a word.

Bai Shou stared blankly at this somewhat unfamiliar Pei Qian. He turned around, nodding, “It has to be like that.”

Pei Qian suddenly said, “Those eight slaps you took earlier, consider them payment for the seven punches you still owe me.”

Bai Shou wailed, “Pei Qian! When are you going to get rid of your annoying habit of keeping score?”

Pei Qian sneered, “Alright. Eight punches now.”

Bai Shou was in despair.

Pei Qian hesitated for a moment, then said, “Bai Shou, you can’t let Mister Liu down, because not everyone can be as lucky as you and I to meet such a good Master.”

Bai Shou laughed, “I know, I know, alright. I have yet another person around me who likes to lecture me.”

Pei Qian nodded, “Nine punches.”

Bai Shou decided that when he returned to Flitting Peak, he would carve an eight-character motto on the table: “Calamity comes from the mouth; be careful of words and actions.”

When they arrived at the thatched hut on Flitting Peak, Bai Shou couldn’t bear to watch. What was going on with the Liu fellow and Brother Chen? They were drinking so timidly.

Chen Ping’an, were you even trying? Back when Xu Xingjiu and Liu Zhiqing came to visit, the Liu fellow never drank so effeminately.

Bai Shou lamented, “Master, you are, after all, the former master of Flitting Peak. You are not treating your guest well. Drink more with Chen… Mountain Lord. I have plenty of wine here. What a waste of your good drinking capacity.”

Chen Ping’an waved his hand, “Not drinking much. In a while, we’ll be going to your ancestral hall to offer incense.”

The Grand Tenuity Sword Sect, former Sect Master Han Huaizi, former Law Enforcer Huang Tong.

And all the sect’s sword cultivators throughout history who had traveled far with their swords and never returned home.

Among them, thirty-six had previously died on the battlefields of the Sword Qi Great Wall and Treasure Bottle洲(Zhou).

And many more sword cultivators, even if they returned alive to the sect, were no longer able to cultivate, let alone be sword cultivators.

Moreover, the Grand Tenuity Sword Sect’s sword cultivators’ distant travels with their swords were never anything less than the sect’s highest realm, most lethal members!

Therefore, the Grand Tenuity Sword Sect suffered a severe blow to its vitality.

The Northern Majestic Continent’s number one sword sect now only had one Jade Purity Realm sword cultivator.

Liu Jinglong, Bai Shou.

Chen Ping’an, Ning Yao.

Today, only four sword cultivators entered the Grand Tenuity Sword Sect’s ancestral hall.

Unlike other sects and immortal abodes, this hall not only displayed portraits of past patriarchs, but also portraits of all sword cultivators who died on the battlefield.

Liu Jinglong offered three incense sticks each with Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao, smiling, “I believe my Master and Uncle Huang, and all the sword cultivators whose portraits are hung here, will be very happy to see the two of you.”

A final Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall, an Ascension Realm sword cultivator of the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Chen Ping’an held the incense with both hands, saying in a deep voice, “Fallen Mountain, Chen Ping’an. I pay my respects to all the predecessors.”

Ning Yao stood to the side, her expression solemn, “Sword Qi Great Wall, Ning Yao. I pay my respects to all.”

There were no elaborate rituals. Two outsiders entered this ancestral hall, only offering three incense sticks and a few words.

Chen Ping’an walked towards the door of the ancestral hall, stepped over the threshold, glanced back, and then, after turning his gaze to the outer plaza railing, folded his hands in his sleeves, leaning against the railing. “Why didn’t you participate in the Wen Miao discussions?”

Liu Jinglong shook his head, saying calmly, “No more people can die. It’s not that I don’t dare, it’s just that I really can’t. I’m afraid if I go to the Wen Miao, I won’t be able to hold back.”

Chen Ping’an was silent for a moment, then asked, “I heard that some people have even dared to make wild claims, thinking that the Grand Tenuity Sword Sect is just an empty shell?”

Liu Jinglong smiled bitterly, “It’s only human nature.”

Chen Ping’an said, “You can tolerate it, but I can’t.”
Liu Jinglong slightly raised his head, gazing into the distance, and softly said, “It’s just that the current Sect Master of the Taiwei Sword Sect can endure, but in truth, I, the sword cultivator Liu Jinglong, cannot.”

Chen Ping’an turned to look at Ning Yao.

Ning Yao nodded and said, “We’ll wait here.”

Between Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao, at crucial moments, it was always like this, without a single unnecessary word.

Chen Ping’an reached out from his sleeve and grabbed Liu Jinglong, “Let’s go! To seek a sword duel!”

Let me put on a different face, who the hell would recognize who? And what if they do? Just deny it.

The atmosphere in Northern Ju Luzhou is so agreeable; if I didn’t have this level of awareness, what business would I have mixing in the martial world, traveling down the mountain?

Anyway, Chen Ping’an has plenty of masks; they’re essential items for traveling the world, with versions for youths, adults, and the elderly. There are even women’s masks, and more than just one.

He heard that the sword sect, with few sword cultivators, had once visited the Great Wall of Sword Qi in history, but hadn’t returned for hundreds of years afterward. This was because one of the old ancestor’s direct descendant sword cultivators had a falling out with the local sword cultivators as soon as he crossed Upside-Down Mountain. The gathering ended unhappily. Since they didn’t even go to the city walls, there was no talk of slaying demons.

Especially in the last hundred years, itinerant sword cultivators and Qi refiners throughout Northern Ju Luzhou have been dying, yet this sect seems to have risen in status within their homeland.

They have an Immortal Realm old ancestor in secluded cultivation, a Jade Purity Realm current Sect Master, and even a Ninth Realm martial artist as a guest elder.

However, compared to the leadership of the continent, the gathering of sword cultivators at Righteous Sun Mountain, they still seem to lack a bit of heat.

Might as well use them to warm up.

Liu Jinglong began discussing the details with Chen Ping’an.

Eventually, the two transformed into sword rainbows and traveled far away.

Bai Shou felt his eyes had been opened today. That Liu really was led away by Chen Ping’an, going off to seek a sword duel together?

He inexplicably thought of the sword ceremony at the summit of Fuyu Kingdom, when his master and Chen Ping’an presided.

It seems that some people, once they meet, are destined to become friends?

Bai Shou suddenly glanced at Pei Qian, not far away. Why is it like this for you surnamed Liu, but for me, Grandpa Bai?!

The white-haired child clicked his tongue in wonder and said, “The Hidden Official Ancestor’s friends are all extraordinary.”

That Liu Zhiqing of the Golden Crow Palace, advancing to the Jade Purity Realm is almost certain. As for whether he can become an Immortal in the future, it depends on fortune, but at least there is some hope.

And this young Sect Master of the Taiwei Sword Sect, he seems to be only a little over a hundred years old? Yet he is already at a very solid Jade Purity Realm bottleneck.

Within a hundred years, he can become an Immortal, and within a thousand years, he might ascend.

Too slow? Those are Immortal Realm and Ascension Realm sword cultivators we are talking about.

As for the young Daoist of Crawling Earth Peak, the white-haired child didn’t bother to say much. Zhang Shanfeng is currently lacking a sufficiently resilient body, a place that can bear that dharma and fist intent.

Ning Yao then said, “He has many extraordinary friends, but in fact, Chen Ping’an has even more simple and straightforward friends.”

The white-haired child had no objection to this.

Ning Yao looked into the distance where that cyan-robed figure disappeared and said, “If Sect Master Liu can reach the Ascension Realm, he will be very balanced in both offense and defense.”

Balanced in both offense and defense. Especially with that word “very.”

This statement came from Ning Yao, an Ascension Realm sword cultivator.

In her view, Liu Jinglong’s current Jade Purity Realm is in no way inferior to the strongest Jade Purity Realm sword cultivators in the history of the Great Wall of Sword Qi.

Now, people in Ascension City have begun to rummage through the old almanacs. One of the things they are looking at is the selection of the “Ten Great Jade Purity Realm Sword Immortals.”

For example, there’s Wu Chengpei, but this sword cultivator’s inclusion isn’t due to his dueling abilities; it’s mainly attributed to Wu Chengpei’s Grade A flying sword, which is best suited for warfare, so his ranking is quite low.

In addition, the Hidden Official, Chen Ping’an, is naturally selected without any suspense. There was a great deal of arguing about this at the dinner tables in Ascension City. They weren’t arguing about whether Chen Ping’an could be included on the list, but about his ranking. The Hidden Official, Punishing Official, and Netherworld factions of sword cultivators each had their own opinions.

The white-haired child curiously asked, “Why does the Hidden Official Ancestor insist on dragging Liu Jinglong on a journey through the Central Earth?”

Ning Yao hadn’t really thought about this question before. Now, she thought for a moment and smiled, “Maybe it’s because, being around Sect Master Liu, he can be too lazy to think about things?”

Chen Ping’an’s journeys are never easy.

Whether it’s worrying about the impermanence of the world or needing to carefully protect others.

But if there’s a Liu Jinglong by his side, Chen Ping’an can be very at ease, and he can just focus on drawing his sword and throwing his fist?

Ning Yao plans to discuss something with Chen Ping’an when he returns to see if it’s feasible.

She wants to take the initiative to serve as a nominal guest elder of the Taiwei Sword Sect, but this involves the rules and taboos of the mountains in the Vast Expanse World. She will throw the question to him and let him decide.

Heh, someone claims to be the head of the family.

Ning Yao remembered something, turned to Pei Qian, and smiled, “Although Guo Zhujiu hasn’t said anything, it’s clear that she misses you, her Eldest Senior Sister. She often wipes the small bamboo box you lent her.”

Pei Qian, like her master, spread her arms, with a black-clothed girl on one side and a white-haired child on the other. The two short dwarfs were competing in splashing water, their legs kicking wildly in the air.

When Pei Qian heard the name Guo Zhujiu, her expression became a little strange, and for a moment, she didn’t know what to say.

As she grew up, Pei Qian would often think of Guo Zhujiu, her nominal Junior Sister, during her travels, but every time she thought of her, besides feeling pity, she would also get a headache.

Pei Qian followed the Great White Goose to the Great Wall of Sword Qi to find her master, but a girl claiming to be her Junior Sister fell from the sky. When her master was discussing fists with others, she would bang gongs and drums on the wall, and when she spoke to Pei Qian, she would often deliberately bend her knees and legs to be level with Pei Qian’s head. Otherwise, she would say something considerate, “Senior Sister, why don’t we go talk on the steps? I’m always sticking my butt out like this when I talk to you, like squatting in the latrine, it’s not ladylike at all…”

Pei Qian couldn’t win an argument with Guo Zhujiu back then, and she couldn’t keep up with Guo Zhujiu’s wild ideas and reasoning.

Except for her master, and of course, Sister Baoping, Pei Qian had never been one to willingly take a loss in her dealings with anyone since she was a child. Then she met Guo Zhujiu at the Great Wall of Sword Qi.

Even now, Pei Qian still feels that she’s truly helpless.

But Pei Qian is very happy that Guo Zhujiu didn’t go and never return in that war.

Bai Shou sensed Pei Qian’s strangeness and was very curious about who this Guo Zhujiu was.
The white-haired child released his grip, landing firmly, and gazed at the white-haired old man. With his hands clasped behind his back, he strolled leisurely, chuckling, “Are you called White Head?”

The old man scratched his head, nodding with a grin, as if saying it was fine if the little girl was named White Head as well.

The white-haired child, with an air of aged wisdom, nodded. “A fine name, with a fine meaning: ‘White-haired, he returns to plant ten thousand pines; light rain falls like butter, gathering as it may.'”

The old man exclaimed in surprise, “For such a young child, you have quite the scholarly knowledge!”

The white-haired child merely pursed his lips, turning back to borrow a blank ledger from Little Rice Grain.

Pei Qian, carrying her bamboo backpack and holding her mountain staff, stood by the railing, gazing afar at the high, blue sky and distant, white clouds.

She remembered what Grandpa Cui had said during his final boxing lesson in the bamboo hut: “Your good-for-nothing master is terribly untalented in martial arts, yet he dares to slack off and practice some nonsense swordsmanship! My lifetime of martial knowledge, relying solely on Chen Ping’an to carry it forward, probably won’t amount to much, quite precarious! So you, as his disciple, can’t be idle or lazy. A martial artist’s boxing practice is akin to learning, quite simple, merely demanding ‘three days of diligence’ – yesterday, today, and tomorrow! So after you leave the bamboo hut, Pei Qian, you must summon a bit of spirit, and in the future, you must teach the martial artists of the Vast Expanse, showing them what it means… that all under heaven, boxing originates from Fallen Phoenix Mountain!”

Meeting her master was like winter’s bitter chill, someone bringing the warmth of spring from the heavens to her life.

Ning Yao walked to Pei Qian’s side, using sword energy to create a small, isolated space. She asked softly, “Since you’ve become a sword cultivator, that’s a good thing. Why haven’t you told your master?”

Pei Qian blushed, feeling guilty. “Master always says that one can choke trying to take on too much. Besides, I don’t feel I have any talent for swordsmanship.”

So over the years, Pei Qian had never practiced swordsmanship, always abiding by her agreement with Grandpa Cui: three days of diligence, practicing boxing without distraction. After all, that Mad Demon Swordplay was just child’s play, not to be taken seriously.

Ning Yao smiled. “Then I won’t tell your master about this just yet.”

Pei Qian nodded vigorously.

Ning Yao asked, “Have you chosen a name for your Natal Sword?”

Pei Qian’s face turned crimson. She shook her head, but with a thought, she summoned a flying sword, hovering between her and Ning Yao. It was about three inches long, its sharpness unconcealed.

Actually, it did have a name, but Pei Qian was too embarrassed to tell her Martial Aunt.

Under Pei Qian’s mental control, the original Natal Sword instantly split into seven swords, even more slender, each with a different color.

Ning Yao looked closely, nodding in approval. “It could definitely rank as first-class at the Summer Abode.”

Ning Yao reminded her, “In the future, when facing enemies, do not readily unleash this sword.”

Pei Qian nodded, agreeing.

Then, Pei Qian hesitated.

Ning Yao asked, puzzled, “If you have something to say, then say it.”

Pei Qian mustered her courage. “Martial Aunt, when will the wedding banquet be held?”

Ning Yao blinked. “Are you talking about Liu Xianyang and Yu Qianyue? The specific date isn’t set yet. Ask your master.”

Pei Qian smiled. “Okay, I’ll ask Master!”

A session of discussion at the Confucian Temple concluded, and the cultivators dispersed.

On the intercontinental ferry belonging to the Liu Clan of Blazing Glory Continent, there was an outsider: the old scoundrel Wang Fusuo from the Northern Reaches Continent. He had fought Wu Shu, the Martial Saint of Tongye Continent, to a draw.

Wang Fusuo felt he had lost face to return to the Northern Reaches. Wang Fusuo went with the master and apprentice of the Thunder God Temple to Blazing Glory Continent. Anyway, Liu the Wealth God’s intercontinental ferry had ample food and drink, no need to spend money.

Damn it, do the martial artists of the Northern Reaches Continent rely on money when traveling? They only rely on friends!

Besides, with the frail A-Xiang here, Wang Fusuo was confident of victory.

Aside from anything else, just the sight of Liu Suiyu’s face and figure was pleasing to the eye.

If he were a few hundred years younger, his appearance would be no worse than that of Pei A-Xiang, only better, more masculine. He reckoned the little girl Liu Suiyu wouldn’t be able to take her eyes off him.

After boarding the ship, Wang Fusuo wore a sour expression. He was truly stifled. He had exchanged blows with Wu Shu, yet there were few spectators of significance.

Compared to the “Azure-White Dispute” and the “Cao-Chen Dispute” that went from the Merit Forest to the Confucian Temple Plaza and then to the sky,

There was no comparison.

Firstly, the Confucian Temple discussion had ended, and most cultivators had already departed. They fought late, and the location they chose was not as insane as that of the two young men.

Secondly, Wang Fusuo and Wu Shu, these two Martial Limits cultivators, were, after all, older than Cao Ci and Chen Ping’an, who were only in their early forties.

Inside the room, all three were pure martial artists. Wang Fusuo was indignant. “Even if I had beaten Wu Shu to death, I wouldn’t have gotten as much fame as Chen Ping’an just swelling Cao Ci’s face! Infuriating! I should have exchanged blows with that kid in the Merit Forest!”

Liu Suiyu, while drinking, crossed her legs, the tip of her embroidered shoe lifting almost off her foot, and smiled. “Is it that this junior is blind, or that the senior’s mind is muddled? Wasn’t Wu Shu the one who almost beat you to death?”

Wang Fusuo slammed his hand on the armrest, bristling and glaring. “If we really went all out, both would die!”

The old brute wasn’t boasting.

Pei A-Xiang had poured herself a bowl of wine earlier, but didn’t drink it, merely using a piece of snow-white silk to wipe her green bamboo flute.

The flute was made of green bamboo from Azure God Mountain. In her early years as a ninth-realm martial artist, she had the good fortune to participate in the Azure God Mountain banquet with friends, only to be tricked miserably by A-Liang. After a misunderstanding, the old matron of the Bamboo Sea Grotto-Heaven gave her a precious piece of fine bamboo. Later, A-Liang looked distressed and said, “A-Xiang, you’re so miserable, not only was your background seen through, but you were also insulted! If it were me, I wouldn’t stand for it.”

Pei A-Xiang didn’t understand the deeper meaning, only thinking that A-Liang was again trying to confuse her, and didn’t dwell on it.

Only when she returned to Thunder God Temple in Ma Hu Prefecture did she realize the implication, both amused and annoyed.

The tassel of the bamboo flute had a yellowed pearl, just an ordinary pearl that had turned yellow over time, not worth a cent.

A handsome Martial Limits cultivator who has suppressed the martial arts of a continent for many years, how could she not have her own story?

White robes and jade belt, green flute in hand, Pei A-Xiang of the Thunder God Temple. If she were willing to travel the world, it would be easy for mountain cultivators to recognize her identity at a glance.

Pei A-Xiang glanced at the chair armrest Wang Fusuo had hit, its cracks like a spiderweb. “The ferry is the Liu Clan’s. Remember to pay for the damage.”

Wang Fusuo said, “Paying is no problem. You lend me some money first.”

The old scoundrel acted as if lending him money was doing them a favor.
Wang Fushu grumbled, “Those fellows at the Confucian Temple are so inefficient. Such a grand martial contest between two juniors, and they didn’t even give us a heads-up. We are, after all, renowned martial arts grandmasters. Otherwise, this old man could have offered some pointers to those youngsters, pointing out a few flaws in their fist techniques.”

Liu Suiyu suddenly stood up, cupping her fist in salute, “Master, I won’t be returning to Aiai Island.”

The gaze of that old codger from Beiju Luzhou truly made her uncomfortable.

Pei Axiang nodded and smiled, “Actually, I’ve been waiting for you to say that. Go, then, and strive to return soon, having forged an exceptional foundation at the pinnacle. If fate allows, we shall meet on the battlefield there.”

Wang Fushu, Pei Axiang, and Wu Shu, among this generation of martial arts grandmasters, were still a significant step behind Pei Bei and Zhang Tiaoxia. Therefore, their expedition to the savage wilderness required coordination with the various continent’s dynasties.

Liu Suiyu rose and departed, leaping off the ferry and riding the wind southward, as swift as lightning.

Just now, Wang Fushu had been keenly observing the woman’s departing figure from the corner of his eye. Only after confirming that Liu Suiyu had left the ferry did Wang Fushu drain his bowl of wine, using it to quench his thirst, shift his posture, and pat his crotch. “Those two cheeks were swaying, nearly unsettling my mind.”

Pei Axiang sighed helplessly, “You are, at least, a senior; don’t be so incorrigibly lecherous.”

Wang Fushu scoffed, “I was only looking, did I touch?”

Pei Axiang didn’t want to get entangled in such matters and asked seriously, “Why did you suffer a qi deviation back then?”

Wang Fushu’s expression was calm, “Why? Naturally, because I had a fist that I couldn’t unleash, so I had to drive myself mad.”

Pei Axiang sighed.

Wang Fushu lowered his voice and asked, “Axiang, do you think Liu Suiyu and I are a good match? Is there a chance? You must seize the opportunity; you can be elevated by a generation for free!”

Pei Axiang helplessly waved her hand, “What nonsense are you spouting? I advise you not to even think about it.”

Wang Fushu stroked his chin, “Really no chance?”

Pei Axiang’s expression was strange as she said helplessly, “My disciple only likes women.”

Wang Fushu was still unwilling to give up, “Only?”

Pei Axiang nodded.

Wang Fushu, still unwilling to abandon hope, tentatively asked, “Couldn’t she just treat me like a woman?”

Pei Axiang, having endured this old rogue for so long, finally reached her breaking point and angrily cursed, “Shameless old geezer, aren’t you disgusted? Can’t you look in a mirror yourself?”

Even when cursing, Miss Axiang wasn’t particularly masculine.

Wang Fushu laughed heartily, “I was just teasing you, look how agitated you got!”

Wang Fushu suddenly stopped laughing and raised an eyebrow at Pei Axiang, “Isn’t it a coincidence that she likes women? I…”

Pei Axiang got goosebumps all over her body.

Wang Fushu rolled his eyes and shook his head. This tender and delicate Miss Axiang was truly easily teased. He leaned back against the chair, took a huge gulp of wine, and sighed, “Seeing youngsters like Cao Ci and Chen Ping’an, damn, they’re all unreasonable. Is there no justice left? They’re even younger than Li Er and Song Changjing. Thinking about my own centuries of existence, except for those years spent in prison, I haven’t slacked off in my martial arts for a moment. It truly makes me feel that practicing martial arts is meaningless.”

Pei Axiang was still in a bad mood, so everything he said grated on her ears, “Then don’t practice.”

Wang Fushu casually tossed the wine pot outside the ferry and laughed, “When you’re young and practice fist techniques, it’s to seek invincibility. When you’re old and practice martial arts, the ambition is gone; it’s only because you’ll die if you don’t practice. But if all that’s left is to wait for death, then what great joy is there in that?!”

The room fell silent, filled only with the sound of drinking.

Wang Fushu abruptly asked, “Can’t I really touch her? Liu Suiyu is your disciple, not your wife. If it’s a mutual desire, why are you stopping me?”

Pei Axiang slammed her hand on the armrest, “Get out of here!”

Wang Fushu said with aggrieved tone, “Am I really leaving now?”