At the border of the Shushui and Guyu Kingdoms, nestled amidst verdant hills and clear waters, under a gentle breeze and warm sun, a man and woman walked side-by-side, ascending a mountain path towards a small shrine at its peak.

The man, with a sword strapped to his back and a jade hairpin adorning his hair, wore a long azure robe and cloth shoes. The woman carried a sword case, clad in a snow-white gown.

Both figures and the scenery formed a picturesque scene.

The mountain was named Jingling. About twenty years ago, a small shrine dedicated to a mountain goddess was erected. The shrine wasn’t of high rank, and the goddess, known as “Liu Qian,” was unheard of by the local populace. The consecration ceremony was presided over by a Vice Minister of Rites from the Shushui Kingdom. Initially, scholars from the surrounding states tried to trace her lineage, hoping to find connections to their ancestors, but to no avail. They scoured official histories and local chronicles, failing to identify “Liu Qian” as any historically recognized noblewoman.

A famous river, the Huang River, flowed nearby. During the rainy season, it was known for its spectacular spring floods. In these peaceful times, following the end of the chaotic era, people cherished these sights, especially now. The Huang River Lord’s manor was hosting a wedding banquet, a once-in-a-century event where the river deity was taking a consort. From local officials to commoners, everyone celebrated as if it were New Year’s, indirectly benefiting the incense offerings at the Jingling Mountain Goddess’s shrine, which saw a slight increase.

The couple visiting the Jingling Mountain Goddess’s shrine were none other than Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao, journeying south on the wind.

On their way, Chen Ping’an had shared details about the old Jianshui Manor, the reason Senior Song had relinquished his ancestral property and relocated to this secluded place, the secret dealings with the Shushui Kingdom’s court, Liu Qian’s true identity as one of the former Four Fiends of the Shushui Kingdom, and the Qingzhu Sword Immortal Su Lang from Songxi Kingdom. He now chuckled, saying, “This hilltop is locally known as Heart’s Desire Peak. Over there on the Huang River, there’s a cliff inscription, eight characters in crimson: ‘Baxia Autumn Residence, Dragon Slumber Reborn.’ The Huang River Lord thought it was a good omen, so he built his water manor beneath the cliff in the water. However, according to typical Feng Shui principles, water manors shouldn’t be so close to mountains, as it can easily cause conflict.”

Ning Yao asked, “The Huang River Lord? What’s his background?”

Chen Ping’an chuckled softly, “His true form is a giant catfish. The Huang River is murky, and he’s naturally aligned with its Dao. But I’ve heard that this river deity usually likes to present himself as a Daoist priest, enjoys refined conversation, and doesn’t particularly like being called the Huang River Lord. However, the people along the Huang River in both kingdoms still prefer that name, and it’s hard to change.”

Ning Yao said, “If he wants to take a concubine, he should just say so. Why call it a river deity’s wedding?”

Chen Ping’an immediately restrained his smile and said nothing more.

Arriving at the Jingling Mountain Goddess’s shrine, they found a few scattered worshippers, mostly scholars, as the Vice Minister of Rites who consecrated the mountain was also in charge of this year’s imperial examinations in the Shushui Kingdom.

Chen Ping’an took three sticks of mountain incense, lit them, and unlike the common folk who simply kowtowed and prayed, he paid respect to the heavens and earth. He didn’t bow to the Mountain Goddess statue inside the hall, as it wouldn’t have been proper. Chen Ping’an merely paid his respects to the four corners of the world, offered a silent prayer, and placed the incense sticks in the burner. Ning Yao didn’t even light incense. It wasn’t that she looked down on Liu Qian’s status as a mountain deity. After all, Liu Qian’s small shrine couldn’t possibly bear Ning Yao’s three bows with incense. So even if Ning Yao had been willing, Chen Ping’an would have stopped her.

The painted statue of the goddess shimmered with light. From within the golden statue, a woman in flowing robes emerged. Liu Qian used an illusion technique, a divine power that prevented the ordinary scholars who came to the shrine from recognizing her.

Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao stood in a secluded spot. Liu Qian gracefully bowed. Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao returned the greeting with clasped hands.

Liu Qian softly said, “Young Master Chen, is this the Sword Immortal Ning from the Sword Qi Great Wall?”

She wouldn’t dare ask such a question to just anyone. If she asked the wrong person, and the woman wasn’t named Ning, the consequences would be unimaginable. But with Chen Ping’an, Liu Qian was confident.

Ning Yao smiled and nodded.

She had previously heard Chen Ping’an talk about Liu Qian and Song Fengshan’s past. It was truly difficult for them to have come together.

Liu Qian smiled radiantly, realizing, “No wonder Young Master Chen was willing to travel thousands of miles to the Sword Qi Great Wall to find Miss Ning.”

Chen Ping’an asked with a smile, “Is Senior Song at home now?”

Liu Qian nodded, “The last time Grandfather returned home after wandering the Jianghu, he heard that Young Master Chen had returned to his hometown and was traveling the Jianghu again. He only came as far as the gate.”

Speaking of this, Liu Qian couldn’t help but smile. The usually stern grandfather was now like an old child. Fengshan controlled his drinking, so he would secretly drink. Each time he pretended to take a walk to the gate, he would deliberately avoid Fengshan. Later, Fengshan intentionally asked if he should send another letter to Luopo Mountain, urging Chen Ping’an to come. The old man would puff up his beard and glare, saying that he was begging him to come? He could come or not, he didn’t care. But recently, the old man had stopped drinking, as if he was saving it up.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Did Sister-in-law just come from the Huang River Lord’s manor? Will it interfere with official business?”

Liu Qian shook her head and smiled, “It won’t interfere. Jingling has a good relationship with the Huang River. This time, for the river deity’s wedding, Fengshan and I went there to help receive guests. Just now, I heard Young Master Chen’s silent prayer, so I returned first, sending a message to Grandfather with a mountain sparrow. Fengshan has already set off as well. He’s going directly to the residence, so he doesn’t have to go around, keeping Grandfather waiting.”

One of the reasons Liu Qian chose this place to build the shrine was that Song Yushao and the Huang River deity were old friends and confidants. They were kindred spirits, and a close neighbor was better than a distant relative.

Chen Ping’an clasped his hands and said, “Then please lead the way, Sister-in-law.”

Liu Qian took the lead, soaring into the distance on the wind. Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao followed behind. The residence was still a hundred miles away from the shrine by mountain road. After Song Yushao retired from the Jianghu, he lived in seclusion in the mountains and forests. For many years, even when he occasionally wandered the Jianghu, he no longer carried a sword, and certainly wouldn’t consult the almanac before going out again.

The three figures landed in front of the residence. Compared to the Jianshui Manor in Qing Song Prefecture, once a martial arts mecca, the residence before them was quite humble. An old man with white hair and beard stood at the gate, his hands behind his back, slightly hunched over, squinting and smiling.

With a flick of his wrist, Chen Ping’an produced a bamboo-yellow sword sheath and tossed it gently to the old man.

Song Yushao was stunned, reached out to catch the sword sheath, and asked in confusion, “Boy, how did you get it back? Did you buy, borrow, or steal it?”

Finishing his question, the old man laughed to himself. Who cared how the rascal got it back? He got the sword sheath back, didn’t he?

Chen Ping’an strode forward and said with a smile, “According to Jianghu rules, you return it the way it was taken.”
Song Yushao was a little worried, “More than twenty years ago, that fellow was already a Grandmaster in the Distant Travels realm. Judging from his arrogant spirit back then, he didn’t seem like someone destined for a short life. His path in martial arts must have continued upwards. Are you alright, kid?”

It was clear that Chen Pingan was currently suffering from some injuries. Could it be that he was hurt just for the sake of obtaining the sword sheath? Such actions were not worth it.

That imposing dragon crossing the river, with a simple shake of its head or flick of its tail, would create waves upon waves for the martial world of Shushui and Caiyi, and a dozen other countries.

Chen Pingan laughed, “His name is Ma Quxian. He’s a great warrior from the Central Plains, and also a commanding general. When I went to exchange blows with him, he was at the bottleneck of the ninth realm.”

Liu Qian’s face paled slightly.

Even though she already knew that Chen Pingan was the last Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall and one of the most promising young individuals from those several realms, Liu Qian still felt a sense of dread when she heard that the man was a martial artist at the bottleneck of the ninth realm.

Song Yushao gripped the bamboo sword sheath in his hand, asking, “Was the exchange of blows very dangerous?”

Chen Pingan shook his head, softly saying, “The minor injuries on my body were from sparring with others. They have nothing to do with the exchange with Ma Quxian. It wasn’t dangerous at all.”

Song Yushao glared, “Such arrogance! Why don’t you just fight Cao Ci then?”

Chen Pingan nodded and winked, “That’s who I fought.”

Anyway, I came here today solely for the sake of drinking. Besides, when it comes to urging others to drink, who’s better than whom is hard to say now.

Song Yushao was momentarily speechless and simply ignored the kid. Doing something incredibly impressive, yet describing it in such a nonchalant manner, he was just like Song Yushao himself when he was younger. Song Yushao turned to smile at the woman, “Ning Yao?”

Ning Yao clasped her hands in greeting, “Junior Ning Yao, greets Grandpa Song.”

Song Yushao returned the gesture, stroking his beard and smiling, casting a sidelong glance at someone, “You little rascal, you have such good fortune.”

They entered the residence together. Liu Qian brought out the wine and a few dishes to accompany it. After Ning Yao and Liu Qian each offered a toast to Song Yushao and Chen Pingan, they left the table, allowing the two men to drink alone.

Song Fengshan was still on his way, because he was only a seventh-realm martial artist and unable to travel freely through the air, he naturally couldn’t come and go as swiftly as his wife, Liu Qian, who was a local mountain deity.

Song Yushao held a wine bowl in one hand and tapped the bamboo-yellow sword sheath lying on the table with his other hand, sighing, “You make it sound easy and casual, but I know how difficult this matter is.”

He wasn’t just talking about winning against Ma Quxian, who was at the peak of the ninth realm. The old man was talking about how Chen Pingan was able to reach this point today, to arrive here and sit down for a drink.

Chen Pingan raised his wine bowl, smiling and saying that he was late, so he would punish himself with three bowls first. After drinking three bowls in a row, he refilled his bowl and gently clinked it against Senior Song’s bowl. They each drank it in one gulp, then refilled their bowls. Chen Pingan picked up a large portion of the side dishes, needing to take a breather.

Song Yushao laughed, “How did you exchange blows with Ma Quxian? Tell me about it.”

This was the real accompaniment to the wine.

Chen Pingan only briefly described the process, anyway, it didn’t involve many punches.

Song Yushao took a drink, wiped his mouth, and clicked his tongue, “You beat him so badly that he fell in cultivation?”

Chen Pingan nodded, raising one foot and placing it on the long bench, “If he dares to ask for another exchange, I’ll make him fall in cultivation again, until he doesn’t dare to ask for it.”

Song Yushao raised his chin. Chen Pingan began to play dumb. Song Yushao had no choice but to remind him, “Asking for such heavy blows, you must drink from a large bowl! The bowls in the house are small, you should drink two bowls as a token of respect. This homemade liquor, besides filling you up, won’t get anyone drunk. Don’t be so hesitant. Urging others to drink at the table harms one’s character, but only eating the dishes and waiting to be urged to drink, isn’t that even more damaging to one’s character?”

Chen Pingan said helplessly, “Wait until Brother Song comes to the table later, you can say these words to him, Senior. Let Brother Song learn from me, drink three bowls before sitting down.”

Song Yushao laughed, “Fengshan is holding back some mischief. In recent years, he has been constantly saying that if he has a daughter in the future, she might be able to become someone’s mother-in-law. Now it’s all over, completely hopeless. Wait a while, you’ll have to handle it yourself. If it were me, I wouldn’t be able to stand it.”

Chen Pingan wiped his face, “Looking for a drink.”

Song Yushao kicked off his boots, sat cross-legged, his eyes shining, and asked with a smile, “Over at the Sword Qi Great Wall, you must have seen many sword immortals, right?”

Chen Pingan nodded, “I’ve seen them all.”

After that, Song Yushao didn’t ask a single question about Chen Pingan’s past at the Sword Qi Great Wall, how a young outsider became the Hidden Official, how he became a true sword cultivator, who he drew his sword and exchanged blows with in that great battle, which sword immortals he fought alongside, how many times they raised their cups on the wine table, how many silent farewells they had on the battlefield, the old man didn’t ask.

Chen Pingan also didn’t ask why he hadn’t seen Steward Chu and Old Qi at the gatehouse, he only asked about the recent events in the martial world of Shushui Country, learning that Wang Yiran, the martial arts alliance leader of the Hengdao Manor, had improved his swordplay even further, becoming the second seventh-realm martial artist in the martial world after Su Lang, the Green Bamboo Sword Immortal of Songxi Country, breaking through a few years earlier than Song Fengshan. As for Su Lang, he was currently in seclusion, said to be hoping to ascend to the Distant Travels realm upon emerging. Before entering seclusion this time, Su Lang, carrying a green bamboo sword and hanging a blue bamboo, had also made a special trip to visit this place, reminiscing with Song Yushao, as a way of settling past grievances with a smile.

As for General “Chu Hao”, whose true identity was Han Yuanshan from Xiaochong Mountain, he had already gained great power in the country, completely overshadowing the emperor. Due to the great battle that reached the central part of Baoping Continent, Han Yuanshan had achieved great military exploits, fighting several bitter battles without retreating, deploying troops and generals with great skill, which was very gratifying. His reputation had taken a turn for the better. Chu Dang, the leader of the former party that everyone wanted to punish, had become quite well-regarded in the court, among scholars, and in the martial world. Therefore, it was now rumored throughout the Shushui Country that the emperor intended to abdicate the throne. Because his granddaughter-in-law, Liu Qian, was a spy for Dali, Song Yushao knew more inside information. Shushui Country, which was still a vassal of Dali, the emperor intended to break away from this status, and coupled with the fact that he could not compete with General “Chu Hao” who held several positions concurrently, or rather, Han Yuanshan who was affiliated with the Dali Song clan, so it was equivalent to the emperor, Han Yuanshan, and the Dali Dynasty, making a behind-the-scenes deal. There was no need for the current emperor to abdicate the throne, because the person who would become emperor was nominally an unknown prince of the Shushui Country, of course, that was the identity that Han Yuanshan replaced. So only the era name would be changed, and there was no need to change the country name. And the “Chu Hao” who had achieved great merit would surprise everyone by retiring from office and returning to his hometown. The future Shushui Country would not be a vassal of the Dali Song clan, but it would only be more like a vassal. Dali must have many similar secret plans.
Having arrived at the residence, Song Fengshan was coaxed by Chen Ping’an into drinking three bowls of wine before being allowed to sit down.

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “Earlier, near the Confucian Temple, I encountered two disciples from the Qiu clan of Yu Prefecture. Senior Song, how about we all go to Yu Prefecture for hotpot?”

Song Yushao waved his hand, “I’m too old for that now. I don’t need another hotpot. I’ll only travel as far as the Great Li Dynasty, and when I have the time, I’ll swing by your mountain to take a look. Don’t bother waiting for me; I’ll go on my own. It doesn’t matter if you’re even there.”

As they drank, Song Fengshan, who had once boasted of being able to outdrink two Chen Ping’ans at once, was already seeing double. Every time he raised his wine bowl, the other fellow would toss his head back and drain it in one gulp, then say, “As you wish.” This kind of “non-encouragement” was the most deadly. What was Song Fengshan supposed to do? Chen Ping’an was ten years younger than him; was he now losing in drinking as well as swordsmanship? Of course not. Thoroughly drunk, Song Fengshan insisted on playing a drinking game with Chen Ping’an, just as a test of fists. The result was a complete defeat, with him twice running outside to squat down. Liu Qian gently patted his back. After wiping his face, Song Fengshan staggered back to the table and continued drinking. Ning Yao warned him once, reminding him that he was a guest and should drink less. Chen Ping’an was helpless, inwardly thinking that Song-dage couldn’t handle his liquor but insisted on drinking; he truly couldn’t stop him. Ning Yao then told Chen Ping’an to stop her once she chugged down a mouthful.

Under the eaves outside, Ning Yao had to apologize to Liu Qian.

Liu Qian smiled and said it was nothing. It was a rare opportunity, and Fengshan would only suffer temporarily from being drunk, but he might regret it for a long time if he didn’t.

Song Yushao, being a seasoned veteran, had actually drunk more than Song Fengshan but was still not very drunk, only his face flushed red, and he was hiccuping. He advised both Fengshan and Chen Ping’an to drink less.

It was one thing for Fengshan to pass out drunk. But Chen Ping’an was now a married man. If he got completely wasted tonight, and Ning Yao had to look for him under the table, would there even be a next time?

However, Chen Ping’an’s capacity for alcohol was truly impressive. Towards the end, Song Yushao saw that he was still drinking with bright eyes, showing no signs of drunkenness. The old man had to admit defeat, reluctantly covering his wine bowl and saying that he couldn’t drink anymore, his grandchildren were strict. He had already drunk half a year’s worth of his alcohol quota in one sitting. Besides, he had to go to a wedding at the Huan River Water Mansion tonight; he couldn’t just drink tea there, it would be inappropriate; he needed to treat it with more alcohol.

Chen Ping’an said that after finishing the wine, he had to go to Color Robe Country and then immediately leave on business; he couldn’t stay there.

Song Yushao laughed, saying that business was important, and they could drink to their hearts’ content next time, whether at Fallen Mountain or here, with a proper hotpot, to settle the score once and for all.

Chen Ping’an swayed as he stood up. Song Yushao slowly rose, steadying himself by placing two fingers on the table.

As for Song Fengshan, he had long since passed out on the table.

Song Yushao picked up the bamboo-yellow sword sheath and tossed it to Chen Ping’an across the table, laughing, “It’s yours.”

After catching the sheath, Chen Ping’an walked out of the house into the courtyard. Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao bid farewell to the old man and Liu Qian, who was helping Song Gaofeng up, and flew away on the wind. However, after only a few dozen li, Chen Ping’an suddenly covered his mouth, hastily landing, and reached out to support a tree. His hand missed, and his forehead hit the tree trunk. He simply leaned his forehead against the trunk and began to vomit uncontrollably. Ning Yao stood beside him, gently patting his back, and said helplessly, “So concerned about face.”

In her memory, Chen Ping’an had never been drunk before, let alone to the point of vomiting.

Today, Chen Ping’an hadn’t even dispelled the alcohol, allowing himself to be drunk, letting Ning Yao walk with him for a while until he recovered slightly before flying to Color Robe Country.

Ning Yao walked beside him on the mountain path, her steps slow, her green dress swaying. She had to reach out and support his arm.

The drunken man softly called her name, “Ning Yao, Ning Yao.”

She was both amused and exasperated, but she answered him every time.

Back at the residence, the old man sat back at the table, smiling, looking out the door.

The younger generation of martial artists often encouraged drinking just to see the drunken antics of others.

The old veterans encouraged drinking because they didn’t have enough wine for themselves, wanting their friends to drink their fill. Or, if they had enough wine, they encouraged drinking to hear a few more heartfelt words.

Perhaps every old veteran was like a wine vat, filled with a type of wine called “the past.”

Arriving at the residence in Color Robe Country, they saw Yang Huang and Yingying, the married couple. Chen Ping’an didn’t drink this time, only taking Ning Yao to pay respects at the graves, then returning to the residence to sit for a while.

After leaving the residence, Chen Ping’an glanced back.

Forty years passed in the blink of an eye.

In the world of martial arts, many old friends had passed away, only their stories remained, like a series of futile attempts to retrieve a sword dropped from a moving boat.

In Rouge Prefecture of Color Robe Country, a young female cultivator named Liu Gaoxin, a direct disciple of the Divine Decree Sect, had been a court mage for Color Robe Country for several years after descending the mountain. She was not old, her face still young, but she was haggard and her hair was already white.

Tonight, she sat on the roof, having drunk a pot of wine. She placed the wine pot beside her feet and took out a self-made bamboo flute from her waist.

The bright moon hung high, and the flute played a mournful tune. Life was like a dream, the moon in the flute, the body in the wine, drunk or not, she did not know.

She leaned back and lay on the roof, raising her hand and gently shaking a string of silver bells on her wrist. In the sound of the bells, it seemed as if someone had passed through her heart.

But with the crisp and pleasant tinkling sound, they left without a trace.

She looked at the round moon, pitying the moon’s hardship the most.

Wei Wei, the Mountain God of Comb Water Country, was bored today. Taking advantage of the fact that there were no worshippers late at night, she sat on the steps, took out that mountain and water travelogue full of romantic encounters from her sleeve, and enjoyed it endlessly, never tiring of it.

Unfortunately, the mountain bookseller had not reprinted this mountain and water travelogue, so Wei Wei did not get the colored immortal illustrations that she had been eagerly anticipating. The two goddess attendants in the shrine beside her were reading the book with the Mountain God. One of them suddenly lit up and blurted out the words “Zhun Zhun”. Wei Wei looked up, puzzled, “What? Are you, who can’t read more than a few big characters, teaching me to read?”

A woman in palace attire, small in stature but full of a plump and charming aura, left the capital today and revisited Changchun Palace.
Back then, I was driven out of the capital, forced to build a hermitage here. Thus, everything I saw and heard was filled with gloomy clouds and the mournful chirping of cicadas. Even the most beautiful blossoms would wither in an instant. But now, looking around, the scenery is picturesque everywhere, a delight to the eye and heart.

This Grand Li Empress Dowager, who rose to power through her sons, is now the most powerful woman in the entire Treasure Bottle Continent, ruling over its mountains and rivers without question.

Two sons, one destined to be a Grand Li emperor who would be remembered for millennia, the other a Grand Li Prince whose military achievements shone brilliantly. The brothers lived in harmony, weathering that war together.

As for who was the real Song Mu and who was Song He, does it matter? At least, it only mattered to her once, and she had even been heartbroken over it. Now, it’s utterly insignificant.

Prince Song Mu, in the secondary capital by the Great Gully, lacked only the title of emperor, yet how was he different? He even had the Six Ministries. He should be content, not seeking more.

This time, her arrival at the Eternal Spring Palace included several Grand Li royal family members who were cultivators serving in the army, as well as an old cultivator from the Imperial Observatory.

At this moment, the Supreme Elder of the Eternal Spring Palace sat beside her. Behind the Empress Dowager stood only a sword-bearing maiden, her figure graceful, yet her face obscured by her innate water magic.

It was a great pity that Grand Li could not retain Cao Rong to serve as a Song family retainer. This enlightened Daoist, who had lived in seclusion in the mountains of the former Great Frost Dynasty for many years, was said to be one of the direct disciples of the Third Master of White Jade Capital, and the senior brother of He Xiaoliang of the Cool Breeze Sect in the Northern Ju Lu Continent. Cao Rong had made several prominent appearances in the battles of Old Dragon City and the secondary capital.

Then there was the White Bone Swordsman, Pu Rang, a female Daoist from the Blade Forging Workshop of Hanging Mountain, who also could not be recruited by Grand Li. She had quietly left after the war ended.

During that war, the Treasure Bottle Continent was filled with an endless stream of extraordinary individuals, like a myriad of fish leaping over the dragon gate, an auspicious omen.

The only problem was that these mountain immortals had a mediocre relationship with His Majesty the Emperor, but were quite close to the secondary capital.

As for those southern vassals who forgot the pain once the wounds healed, she didn’t really care about them. However, she did have an immediate concern.

In a cool pavilion on the cliff, the old man in charge of the Imperial Observatory was currently discussing the shifting national fortunes with the Empress Dowager.

She frowned as she listened.

Mainly because several ninth-realm martial artists had appeared one after another south of the Great Gully, including renowned Far-Traveling Realm grandmasters and several newly emerged faces. In addition, some young Refinement-of-Spirit third-realm martial artists were secretly recorded in the Grand Li Ministry of Justice, with detailed records of their names, origins, teachers, and martial journey.

In contrast, north of the Great Gully, especially native Grand Li martial artists, seemed to lack notable figures in the past twenty years, at least on the surface.

The Grand Li Imperial Observatory couldn’t help but smile wryly.

It wasn’t just because Song Changjing had gathered the martial fortune of the continent in his body back then. The bigger problem lay in the former Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven, in a place called Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

Even if one didn’t mention the unreasonable Mountain Lord Chen Ping’an, his disciple Pei Qian, who was traveling the continents under the name “Zheng Qian,” was already in the ninth realm. Moreover, the head butler Zhu Lian, Zhong Qiu, Lu Baixiang, Wei Xian…which one of them wasn’t a grandmaster with martial fortune?

Furthermore, in the Yang family shop in the small town, there was also a pair of formidable senior and junior siblings: the woman named Rouge, Su Dian, and Shi Lingshan, who came from Peach Leaf Lane. The senior sister was at the Golden Body Realm bottleneck, and the junior brother was already a Far-Traveling Realm martial artist. However, according to the secret records of the Grand Li Ministries of Rites and Justice, Su Dian had better aptitude, foundation, and temperament.

The Supreme Elder of the Eternal Spring Palace was hearing these inner secrets of the mountain peaks for the first time, and she nearly lost her Dao heart.

Fallen Phoenix Mountain, near Piyi Cloud Mountain, had already become a sect? Why hadn’t any news of such a big event spread? And the young Mountain Lord, who was not yet forty, was already a tenth-realm martial artist? Wei Bo had held so many Night Tour Banquets, yet he had managed to keep this a secret?

Seeing that the Empress Dowager clearly looked displeased, the old man from the Imperial Observatory carefully chose his words and said, “Regarding the matter of martial fortune, there has always been the saying that ‘a Refinement-of-Spirit third-realm martial artist dies in their own country, and a Completion Realm martial artist dies on this continent.’ Fallen Phoenix Mountain has this foundation, and although such concentrated martial fortune in one place is strange, it’s not entirely a bad thing. In fact, it can still be considered a bloom within our walls, after all, it’s within the territory of Dragon Province, within our Grand Li’s native lands.”

The woman, who was the Grand Li Empress Dowager, nodded, and the old cultivator tactfully got up and left.

She stood up, and the Supreme Elder of the Eternal Spring Palace was about to get up as well, but she didn’t turn her head and just pressed down with her hand, and the latter immediately sat back down.

She looked outside the mountain, her brows furrowed.

The old feud between Positive Sun Mountain and Fallen Phoenix Mountain, two newly established sects, seemed destined not to be resolved amicably.

Otherwise, Piyi Cloud Mountain wouldn’t be helping Fallen Phoenix Mountain hide things like this. If it were a regular mountain, they would have been eager to show off their sect’s strength.

Actually, in her opinion, what was the big deal about the turmoil that had happened in the Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven back then?

You, Chen Ping’an, are already a fifth-realm sword immortal who served as the Hidden Official, and the master of a sect, why bother being so petty?

As for your friend Liu Xianyang, he didn’t die either, but instead benefited from the misfortune. After returning from studying at the Pure Scholar Chen Clan in the Southern Saha Continent, he became the direct disciple of Ruan Sheng and the Dragon Spring Sword Sect.

Why must you demand an explanation from Yuan Zhenye, the mountain-protecting retainer of Positive Sun Mountain?

She turned her head and asked, “Can the court mediate and help Positive Sun Mountain alleviate the situation, such as trying to get Yuan Zhenye to voluntarily go down the mountain, visit Fallen Phoenix Mountain, apologize, and offer amends?”

The woman standing beside the Empress Dowager, who was Yang Hua, the Water God who had quietly left her jurisdiction, shook her head, a gold-tasseled long sword hanging from her waist, and said softly, “Reporting to Your Majesty, not only would Positive Sun Mountain never agree to this, but Chen Ping’an and Liu Xianyang also don’t think it can be resolved so easily.”

She slapped the pavilion pillar, annoyed, and said, “Unity brings benefits, division brings harm, and may even lead to a lose-lose situation. These two are both sect-level factions, and they don’t even understand such a simple principle?”

Yang Hua remained silent. The questioner already knew the answer to some questions.

The woman sneered, “Good, these two sects are busy selecting sites for their branch sects right now. Or are Chen Ping’an and Bamboo Emperor thinking that now that they’re sect masters, they can cross the river and tear down the bridge, and have the ability to ignore our Grand Li?”

Yang Hua said, “Your Majesty, their big fight isn’t entirely a bad thing for our Grand Li. If both sides abandon their past grievances and expand too quickly, it’s easy to cause trouble.”
The woman transformed her palm into a fist, lightly tapping the pavilion pillar.

Yanghua continued, “Especially Chen Ping’an’s that Fallen Peak, shrouded in clouds and mist, its true depths concealed, rising too quickly. Moreover, this person is one of the young ten of several realms, and once served as the last Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall, further forming alliances throughout the Northern Emerald Continent. If one is not careful, it will become too unwieldy. Perhaps in a hundred years, no one will be able to restrain Fallen Peak.”

The woman rubbed her brow with a finger, “Our Great Mountain Monarch Wei, ah, has truly caused me a great deal of trouble.”

Towards that Wei Bo, she was still willing to look at him with new eyes, treating him with extra respect.

After all, Canopy Cloud Mountain and the Great Li’s national fortune were intertwined. Over the years, Wei Bo, as the Northern Mountain Monarch, had acted in a way that the court could not find fault with. Officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Justice, who frequently interacted with Canopy Cloud Mountain, all spoke highly of this mountain monarch, frankly stating that among the Five Peaks, Wei Bo was the most tactful, acting with maturity, speaking with elegance, and possessing a jade-like countenance, most understanding of the rules of officialdom.

Besides, Great Li held a trump card against Wei Bo, kept within this Eternal Spring Palace.

Song Yuzhang’s appointment as mountain deity was the late Emperor’s intention.

Yanghua, the serving girl at her side, braving danger to become the Proper Water Deity of the River, was her arrangement.

She suddenly turned her head and laughed, “Yanghua, now I am the Empress Dowager, you are the Water Deity. Are we both Madams now?”

Yanghua immediately knelt on the ground, not daring to rise, silent. Her long sword rested aside.

The woman smiled, walked behind Yanghua, lightly kicked her round curve, and teased, “Such a beautiful woman, yet she refuses to show her face. It’s a true waste of heaven’s gifts.”

She lamented somewhat, touching her own cheek, “Unlike me, my cultivation is fruitless, I can only force myself to put flowers in my hair before the bronze mirror. Old age makes it difficult to maintain my charm.”

Suddenly, her eyes sharpened, “This Chen Ping’an, if he dares to go too far, showing no respect to Great Li, daring to casually dredge up old grievances, then don’t blame Great Li for being impolite to Fallen Peak.”

The Supreme Elder of the Eternal Spring Palace listened with a trembling heart.

The woman suddenly laughed, turned around, bent down, covered her heavy bosom with one hand, and patted Yanghua’s head with the other, “Get up, don’t act like a little dog.”

Yanghua picked up the long sword from the ground, respectfully rose, and stood to the side again, holding the sword.

The woman sat back on the bright yellow cushion embroidered with dragons, and suddenly asked, “Yanghua, do you have that young mountain master’s landscape painting? I can’t quite remember his appearance, I only remember he was a poor, thin, black-skinned little mud-legged boy.”

Yanghua nodded, took out a scroll from her sleeve, and gently unrolled it on the stone table. The woman was greatly surprised, lightly tapping the painting with a finger, looking at the back-sword-carrying green-robed guest in the painting, and marveled, “I only heard that girls change greatly at eighteen, how can men change so much? Is it because of cultivation on the mountain?”

The woman lay on the table, pondered for a moment, took out a piece of broken porcelain from her sleeve, and then summoned the old cultivator from the Directorate of Astronomy, asking him to find the young mountain master of Fallen Peak to see what he was doing at the moment.

The old cultivator’s face was full of embarrassment, after all, this matter was too taboo.

The woman smiled and said, “He’s not an Immortal Realm cultivator, he won’t notice anything. We’ll just take a glance and quickly withdraw the formation.”

The old cultivator had no choice but to obey, began to set up the formation, and finally used the piece of broken porcelain as the central pivot of the formation, performed his divine powers, observed the mountains and rivers from afar, water mist rose, and finally, a young Daoist-like man appeared within the pavilion.

At this moment, he seemed to be on a mountain top, looking out at the scenery.

He wore a lotus crown on his head, held a white jade Ganoderma lucidum in his hand, gently tapping his palm, wore a simple green gauze Daoist robe, stepped on flying cloud shoes, and carried a bamboo-yellow-sheathed long sword on his back.

The woman tilted her head, as if unable to imagine that the alleyway youth of that year would become such a person.

The next moment, her heartstrings trembled. She saw that the “young Daoist” raised his head as if to meet her gaze. He squinted and smiled, raised the white jade Ganoderma lucidum in his hand, and lightly wiped it across his neck.

White Egret Ford, Zhengyang Mountain.

A lineage immortal master named Cao Mo asked for a room at the immortal inn named Overcloud Pavilion, and it was a Class A room. Just mention Zhou Shou’s name and there was no need to pay, because this person had bought this room for a year. Otherwise, with Zhengyang Mountain holding such a grand celebration, there would be no empty rooms left for guests. Not to mention a Class A room in this immortal inn, even ordinary mountain cultivators did not have the ability to stay in the various immortal residences of Zhengyang Mountain. Even the inns in the two surrounding prefecture cities were packed with immortal master lords from all directions.

In the moonlight, Chen Ping’an moved a bamboo rattan lounge chair and sat on the observation deck with a wide view, looking out at that Green Mist Peak, gently shaking the sword-nourishing gourd in his hand.

In three days, it would be an auspicious day, the celebration of that Mountain-Moving Great Sage, Offering Yuan, ascending to the Upper Five Realms. A Sect-Head immortal family, with sword cultivators like clouds, the number one in the continent. Moreover, there was a recent rumor that Zhengyang Mountain’s sub-sect site selection in the former Crimson Fluorescence Dynasty had been finalized. Zhengyang Mountain was about to become the first sect in Treasure Bottle Continent to create a sub-sect, surpassing God Decree Sect, Wind Snow Temple, and True Martial Mountain, these old brands.

Ning Yao did not come here with him, she went directly back to Fallen Peak.

Chen Ping’an used a long string of reasons, such as wouldn’t challenging Zhengyang Mountain with swords need someone to hold the line? Furthermore, he had just received Cui Dongshan’s flying sword message that Tian Wan, that shrew, had hooked up with Bai Shang. That was a sword cultivator who could ascend to the Ascension Realm at any time. If he and Liu Xianyang encountered the elusive Bai Shang, what could they do? But Ning Yao did not agree. She only said that if Bai Shang was truly hiding in Zhengyang Mountain, and dared to draw his sword, she would arrive.

In fact, it was all Chen Ping’an’s fault for being too eager to eat tofu. Earlier on the small road of Jingling Mountain, taking advantage of the absence of others, fueled by alcohol-induced courage, he was escaped from by Ning Yao. After that, on the road to Colorful Clothes Country, she never paid attention to him again.

Chen Ping’an withdrew his gaze, no longer looking at the Green Mist Peak, pursed his lips, and smiled with narrowed eyes.

He had never seen such a shy Ning Yao, timid, even if only for a moment, her face as red as peach blossoms.

Chen Ping’an fastened the sword-nourishing gourd to his waist. What was the point of drinking wine?

The immortal master “Cao Mo” who appeared in this White Egret Ford, carried a sword and traveled far, wearing a lotus crown and a green gauze Daoist robe.

Truly a divine man, full of Daoist aura, ethereal and immortal.
The female cultivator in charge of welcoming guests and registering them at the immortal inn even suspected that this Daoist master was some transcendent figure who deliberately avoided staying at the immortal residences on the peaks of Proper Yang Mountain.

Chen Pingan lay on the chair, starting to close his eyes and rest, half-asleep and half-awake, until dawn.

The next day, Chen Pingan still hadn’t waited for Liu Xianyang. Instead, the entire White Heron Ferry was stirred by one person. All the guests at Overcloud Tower were leaning against the railings or windows, watching the renowned sword cultivator from afar.

He finally came.

In fact, a small number of the pedigree immortal masters and wild cultivators who came to join in the excitement were all here for this person, hoping to get lucky and witness his likely Sword Inquiry.

Huang He, the owner of the Wind and Thunder Garden, a sword cultivator.

The inn was noisy, with whispers everywhere.

The feud between Proper Yang Mountain and Wind and Thunder Garden, lasting for hundreds of years, had been a source of endless fascination for the cultivators of Treasure Bottle Continent for more than a century.

The entire Treasure Bottle Continent knew why Yuan Bai was inquiring about swordsmanship at Wind and Thunder Garden. However, Yuan Bai suffered severe injuries and was destined to never break through his realm in this life. Yet, he still only delayed Huang He’s progress in his cultivation.

Li Tuanjing, Wei Jin, Huang He.

They were recognized as the three individuals with the best talent for sword cultivation in Treasure Bottle Continent for the past thousand years.

Chen Pingan also sat up and looked towards the sword cultivator who appeared at White Heron Ferry from afar. He was the eldest disciple of Li Tuanjing and the senior brother of Liu Baqiao.

The first time he saw this person was on the intercontinental ferry ship to Dazhao Mountain. Relying on “Mirrored Flower, Water Moon,” he was able to witness the Sword Inquiry at the Immortal Platform of the Wind and Snow Temple. Chen Pingan was deeply impressed by Huang He because his sword strikes were extremely sharp, directly shattering the sword heart of the immortal Su Jia. At that time, Chen Pingan’s realm was low, and he was just watching the spectacle as an outsider. After truly becoming a sword cultivator, looking back, he would understand that if Huang He were in the Great Wall of Swords, he might have already reached the Jade Purity Realm and be qualified to become a candidate for a peak sword immortal like Mi Hu and Yue Qing.

Huang He’s arrival and appearance at White Heron Ferry, both unexpected and within expectations, abruptly froze the festive atmosphere of the entire Proper Yang Mountain. For a time, flying swords and magical arts transmissions were constant, quickly spreading the news.

However, outside the Ancestral Hall of First Line Peak, Sect Master Zhu Huang stood side by side with the white-clothed old ape at this moment.

The two Jade Purity Realm beings, one with a faint smile, confident and composed, and the other sneering, dismissive.

At present, Proper Yang Mountain can be said to be a gathering of worthy individuals, with the peaks filled with immortal masters, heroes, emperors, dukes, and mountain and water deities from across the continent.

Some people were already full of praise, saying that the current Proper Yang Mountain, outside the battlefield, could be considered the place with the most Earth Immortals gathered.

For example, Qi Zhen, the Heavenly Sovereign of the Divine Edict Sect, brought his direct disciple to Proper Yang Mountain and settled down on First Line Peak of the ancestral mountain.

A young scholar from the Jiang family of Cloud Forest, said to be the next candidate for the head of the Jiang family, arrived at Proper Yang Mountain with his peer, Jiang Yun, and a Jiang family woman who had married into the Fu family of Old Dragon City. The group stayed at the peak of the old ancestor Xia Yuancui.

The new Sect Master of True Realm Sect of Book Slip Lake, the immortal Liu Laocheng, the promoted chief offering, Jade Purity Realm Liu Zhimao, and the second-ranked offering, Li Fuchu, also appeared together to offer their congratulations and stayed at Casting Cloud Peak.

Even Jin Qing, the Mountain Monarch of Central Peak Mountain, obtained a document from the Dali Dynasty and eventually settled down at Confront Snow Peak.

Likewise, Xu, the family head of Qingfeng City, who had risen to the ranks of a sect, brought his wife, children, and a son-in-law of the Yuan family, who was a High Pillar of State, and stayed on Tao Yanbo’s peak.

It was said that Cao Ping, an inspector from the Dali Dynasty, would visit Proper Yang Mountain together with the Minister of the Ministry of Rites from the capital.

The old mountain master of Cloudglow Mountain and an extremely young Nascent Soul cultivator, Cai Jinjian, the female ancestor of Cloudglow Mountain, also came to Proper Yang Mountain.

Not to mention those emperors and monarchs around Proper Yang Mountain, who left their capitals one after another, encountering many mountain and water spirits along the way.

Perhaps the only regret was that the Wind and Snow Temple, True Martial Mountain, and Dragon Spring Sword Sect did not send anyone to offer congratulations.

Chen Pingan suddenly got up from the rattan chair and instantly arrived at the railing.

After he held the white jade spirit mushroom and made that gesture.

The other party obviously understood and immediately removed some kind of divine ability to view the mountains and rivers in their palm.

Standing on the railing of the high-rise building in his mansion, Xu Hun, the city lord of Qingfeng City, did not think that Huang He’s Sword Inquiry today would succeed.

The Lesser and Greater Solitary Mountains were collectively known as the Lovers’ Peaks. There was a woman who had been secretly brought back to her sect. She had exquisite beauty and stood alone on the cliff of Lesser Solitary Mountain. Her face was deathly pale, adding a touch of beauty and making her even more alluring.

Outside the Ancestral Hall, Zhu Huang smiled and said, “With Huang He’s temper, he has to deliver at least one sword towards our Ancestral Hall before he’s willing to leave.”

The white-clothed old ape crossed his arms and sneered, “It would be best to add Chen Pingan and Liu Xianyang, two wastes, to the Sword Inquiry together.”

As expected, as Zhu Huang expected, Huang He drew his sword, but it was one sword after another, inquiring with swordsmanship at each peak of Proper Yang Mountain.

On First Line Peak, Sect Master Zhu Huang personally received the sword, dispelling that sword light. On the other peaks, the mountain protection formations were activated instantly, and the old sword immortals used them to receive the sword. In addition, some of the distinguished guests at Proper Yang Mountain helped to receive a sword.

The white-clothed old ape asked, “Should I go meet him?”

Zhu Huang smiled and said, “It’s a joyous day for the sect, so let’s not fight. Let him be. Otherwise, it won’t sound good if we say that Proper Yang Mountain has a large and powerful force, bullying a junior who is only in the Nascent Soul Realm.”

Huang He stood in place for a moment and, seeing that no sword cultivator from Proper Yang Mountain appeared, he left gracefully, leaving a sentence, saying that he would come again next time and only inquire with swordsmanship at the Ancestral Hall of First Line Peak.

Chen Pingan lay back in the rattan chair and breathed a sigh of relief. It was fortunate that Huang He didn’t fight, otherwise, what would happen to him and Liu Xianyang.

That night, Liu Xianyang leisurely arrived at White Heron Ferry on a ferry and found Chen Pingan in the First-Class Room of Overcloud Tower, cursing and saying that this Huang He was too much.

He also moved a rattan chair for himself. Liu Xianyang lay aside, holding the back of his head with both hands, looking at the brilliant starry sky, and asked with a smile, “How do you want to do the Sword Inquiry?”

Chen Pingan thought for a while and said, “You just need to climb the mountain from the foot of the mountain and then draw your sword at will. I’ll be at the Ancestral Hall of First Line Peak, picking a chair to sit and drink tea, slowly waiting for you.”