As the old Daoist priest departed, Cui Dongshan immediately picked up a white jade scroll axle from the table. He breathed on it, then carefully wiped it with his snow-white sleeve. One of life’s joys was not only escaping a scare but also receiving an unexpected boon.

Don’t assume the old Daoist priest was amiable. His grand arrival at Luopo Mountain merely involved sitting at the mountain gate, drinking tea, and munching melon seeds. He was not someone easily persuaded.

Among the Fourteenth Realm grand cultivators of the various realms, there were a few whom no one wanted to provoke. It was just that Bai Ye was a scholar, and the old blind man was always too lazy to bother with matters outside the mountains. They could curse as they pleased, as long as the old blind man didn’t hear it directly.

As for that monk Shenqing, nicknamed “Soup Monk,” he was truly a Buddhist dragon and elephant with a “compassionate heart as the Buddha’s heart.” Only the actions of that stinking ox-nosed priest from the East Sea Daoist Temple were the most unpredictable.

The old Daoist priest didn’t say a single extra word to Sui Youbian from beginning to end.

Sui Youbian originally wanted to take this opportunity to ask more about her teacher, but when the moment arrived, the words were difficult to speak.

In truth, Jiang Shangzhen had told her some inside information about the Cloud Grotto blessed land, about the boat-poling man Ni Yuanzan, about the Jianghuai mosquito slaughter, about why he had disappeared back then, why the old Daoist priest had thrown him out of the Lotus Root blessed land, about the slow passing of time as a sojourner in a foreign land, about the three-legged golden toad that appeared on his shoulder, about what Ni Yuanzan was plotting, about the connection with the Golden Peak Temple, etc. Jiang Shangzhen hid nothing. The reason Jiang Shangzhen was so forthcoming with Sui Youbian was simple: both of them were scraping by on Luopo Mountain. They were all one family, so there was no need to be reserved. But if it were purely a sword cultivator of the True Realm lineage, with a connection to the old sect master of the Jade Tablet Sect, then Jiang Shangzhen’s reputation had always been very solid.

Zhu Lian didn’t rub salt into her wounds. It was said that the heavens rewarded those who put in the effort, but the lovelorn were always tormented by heartless people.

Some long-awaited reunions, the more the mountains and rivers remained unchanged, the more the human affairs made one’s heart ache.

Sui Youbian looked despondent. She didn’t use her sword to leave Luopo Mountain and return to her hermitage, but instead climbed the steps, seemingly heading to the mountain peak to enjoy the scenery.

Zhu Lian picked up the other scroll axle, which appeared to be made of white jade, glistening and smooth, but in reality, it was not. Upon closer inspection, it was actually made of ox horn.

The two scroll axles used to mount a painting on the wall were of great significance. If there were axles at both the top and bottom, they were collectively called “Heaven and Earth style.” If it was a handscroll that was opened from left to right, it was called “Sun and Moon style.” This Daoist painting of the old Daoist priest was quite special. Speaking only of the axles, it would of course belong to the “Sun and Moon style,” because the format of the True Form of the Five Peaks inherently came with a “Heaven and Earth style.”

Therefore, a Daoist painting encompassed heaven and earth, the waxing and waning of the sun and moon, and the arrangement of the celestial constellations.

Cui Dongshan held one of the scroll axles and smiled, “This thing, whether buried in the foundation of a house, pasted on the door, used to secure the home and ward off evil, or sealed with a talisman and worn on the body, a Qi Refinement cultivator’s travels would be like being both a mountain lord of the Five Peaks and a water deity of the Great Rivers, naturally possessing both mountain and water supernatural powers, and possessing many incredible wonders. Compared to Wu Shuangjiang’s couplet, which could not be moved once hung, the old Daoist priest’s Daoist painting is more flexible.”

A Daoist text and a painting scroll, combined into one, became a magical artifact.

Zhu Lian casually asked, “Once successfully refined, could a terrestrial immortal cultivator hold this item and travel far, ascend mountains, and enter waters?”

The material for painting scrolls should be light so as not to damage the painting. Therefore, ordinary families used wooden scroll axles for their paintings, while scholarly families and wealthy families used gold and jade. Mountain immortals were picky, and even thousand-year-old lingzhi mushrooms were used for porcelain axles in celadon or famille rose colors. Generally speaking, ox horn axles were prone to insect infestation, and opening the scroll often brought moisture. However, this pair of ox horn axles were most likely relics of a fellow Daoist cultivator from ancient times, an extremely rare item that was hard to come by.

The key was that the scroll axle in Zhu Lian’s hand was inscribed with the two large characters “Water Register” in ink seal script, meaning “Investigating the Three Realms, Sealing the Mountains, Examining Merits, and Judging Fortunes and Misfortunes.” In addition, more than a hundred names of terrestrial immortals were written in tiny regular script. The one in Cui Dongshan’s hand had the two characters “Mountain Talisman,” with clouds rising and falling, meaning “Heavenly Bestowal of Register, Eternal Freedom from Water Calamity, Summoning Gods and Expelling Demons, Rescuing Living Beings.” Additionally, there were paintings of over a hundred mountain god images, like a painting of a gathering of gods paying homage.

Cui Dongshan shook his head. “That won’t work. It has to be a cultivator above the Fifth Realm, otherwise they might not even be able to lift it, let alone take it on a long journey.”

Controlling a magical treasure was always a significant challenge for major sects.

Cui Dongshan smiled and said, “If it were the old Daoist priest’s natal treasure, then our Luopo Mountain would really strike it rich.”

Offensive items were often just showpieces, mostly used for deterrence. In general, they were not very useful. But if the mountain and water Qi Luck of a place could be cultivated to strengthen its foundation, while constantly gathering the spiritual Qi of heaven and earth, it would be a pattern where the land became more spiritual and the people became more outstanding.

Cui Dongshan sighed. “What a pity, what a pity. After all, it’s something from the previous dynasty. Fortunately, it has been passed down to this dynasty. A new emperor has new officials, so it’s difficult to command the immortals again.”

Zhu Lian smiled. “Eighty percent full is just right.”

The more Cui Dongshan looked at it, the more he felt there was something special about it. He clicked his tongue in wonder and said, “However, if the Teacher is willing, taking this item to the Nine Capitals Mountain in the Snowy Continent would probably directly get him appointed as a Supreme Revered Guest. As long as the Teacher is willing to set a price, the Nine Capitals Mountain would definitely break the bank, even if they were up to their necks in debt, they would be willing to buy it.”

Cui Dongshan said with emotion, “Our family fortune is not thin after all.”

There was the Daoist painting of the old Daoist priest that they had just acquired, and the couplet that Wu Shuangjiang had given before.

The former could be placed in the Ancestral Hall of Jise Peak, and the latter would be hung at the gate of the Ancestral Hall of the Lower Sect in Tongye Continent.

With these two treasures to protect the mountain, Luopo Mountain and the future Lower Sect would truly possess the immortal aura and foundation of a first-class sect.

In addition, there were the two calligraphy works that the old scholar had asked for from Su Shi and Liu Yong, the “Flower Blooming Post” and the “Seeking Drunkenness Post,” both of which were full of Daoist Qi and literary fortune.

There was both help in times of need and icing on the cake.

In the future, once Luopo Mountain truly branched out and spread its leaves, it was estimated that many reading seeds would emerge.

Cui Dongshan turned his head and shouted towards Little Rice Grain, “Right Protector has made another great contribution after the Night Navigation Ship!”

Back then, at the Night Navigation Ship, Chen Ping’an and his party were caught by Wu Shuangjiang, but the result was good, although the process was extremely dangerous. Afterwards, if it weren’t for Little Rice Grain’s cleverness, given Wu Shuangjiang’s indifferent nature, he wouldn’t have given away that treasure, which was a mountain-protecting treasure of the immortal artifact level, after already giving away a “Then and There Post.”
The artwork, “At That Time,” now hangs on the first floor of Chen Ping’an’s bamboo building. The two seals on the calligraphy had lost all their Daoist essence, replaced by the cultivation of that otherworldly demon, each character a realm of its own. Only the signature, “A heart like the green lotus of the world,” remained mysteriously profound.

Xiao Mi Li, completely bewildered, forgot to celebrate and scratched her head, asking, “Huh?! How did I earn merit again?”

Cui Dongshan, storing the pair of scroll ends into his sleeves, prepared to refine and fuse the two objects with the Daoist text, multitasking as usual. He wouldn’t delay chatting with Xiao Mi Li. “Later, your little senior brother will tell Senior Sister. This accomplishment must be recorded.”

Xiao Mi Li stood up and ran to the table, curiously asking, “Did the old Daoist priest give us something really valuable?”

Zhu Lian smiled and nodded, “Very valuable. The two scroll ends are quite old. If it were just the painting…”

Xiao Mi Li, her face radiant, laughed and said, “The old senior is an old Daoist priest, and the old things he gives are really valuable!”

The black-clothed little girl wasn’t just happy. She looked towards the mountain path, scratched her face, and whispered, “I wonder when he’ll come to visit again. The old Daoist priest’s temper is very good.”

Even Cui Dongshan was speechless. The old Abbot of the East Sea’s stubborn temper was recognized by everyone at the summit.

Xiao Mi Li withdrew her gaze, leaned on the table, and chuckled, “Old Chef, I’ve earned merit again. When good people like the Mountain Master return home from the capital, you have to make us a special meal, something even better than the best, you know? No excuses!”

Xiao Mi Li didn’t even ask how great the merit was. It seemed her little head couldn’t even conceive of such things.

Zhu Lian smiled and nodded, “No problem.”

In fact, at the Night-Sailing Ship, Wu Shuangjiang had also given Zhou Mi Li a set of scholar’s tools as a gift. They were all items Wu Shuangjiang carried with her, and the high standards of the Sui Chu Palace Mistress were renowned throughout the Azure Billow World. The quality was unimaginable. Three magical treasures, priceless, each with its own marvelous uses.

Back at Fallen Phoenix Mountain, Xiao Mi Li immediately gave them all away. She gave the Seven Treasure Mud, known as “an ounce of colored mud for a pound of Grain Rain money,” to Sister Nuan Shu.

She gave the ancient inkstone, engraved with the inscription “Immortal Cave” and adorned with a pair of miniature hornless dragons, to Jing Qing. As for the green bamboo brush, engraved with a line of small seal characters, “With a plan in mind, ten thousand miles of verdant green,”

it was given by Xiao Mi Li to Mountain Lord Wei, who was so poor that he could only host Night Banquets to beg for red envelopes to survive.

Cui Dongshan let out a breath, “Done!”

Zhu Lian was surprised, “So fast?”

Cui Dongshan grinned, “Not as fast as Big Feng reading those immortal paintings. He just flips through a few pages and he’s done.”

Anyway, Zheng Dafeng wasn’t around, so he could say whatever he wanted.

Zhu Lian smiled slyly, “In the end, he’s just a strapping young lad with buttocks sturdy enough to bake cakes on. If it were Mountain Lord Wei, he could definitely flip to the end.”

Anyway, Wei Bo wasn’t present either.

Fortunately, Xiao Mi Li didn’t hear any of this. She was planning to write a menu for Old Chef, imagining a table full of dishes, making it impossible to know where to start, making her mouth water. She quickly wiped her mouth.

Cui Dongshan took out the complete Daoist painting with the scroll ends and gently placed it on the table, smiling, “The Old Abbot is indeed a master of Daoist arts, unparalleled in the world!”

After the Daoist painting was refined, it was surrounded by purple energy, with clouds rising like a table was a Daoist world, faintly visible with the phenomena of the sun and moon rotating.

Above the peaks of the mountains, there are not two suns in the sky, and among the myriad trees, there is a round moon.

In the hearts of Cui Dongshan and Zhu Lian, they heard the Old Abbot sneer, “Picking up scraps from others.”

Cui Dongshan formed a Daoist seal with both hands and silently recited a mantra. The Daoist text on the table disappeared in an instant. The next moment, the entire Fallen Phoenix Mountain was covered in purple energy.

Wei Bo used his power to shrink the mountains and rivers, immediately arriving at the table from Pi Yun Mountain. Wei Bo was shocked. He used his Mountain Lord’s innate power to look around. As far as he could see, he was in a sea of purple energy. At the same time, he felt an aura of overwhelming Daoist power, making the dignified Mountain Lord of the Northern Peak feel uncomfortable. Moreover, this oppressive force was growing stronger and stronger. Wei Bo said with a wry smile, “Does this mean that in the future, I can only appear on the edge of the Fallen Phoenix Mountain and walk here?”

The Mountain Lord of a Great Peak, unable to move freely in his own territory, must walk on foot. If it spread, it would be even more laughable than the joke about the Night Banquet.

Cui Dongshan smiled, “It’s okay. I’ll set up a mountain gate on the upper and lower part of the mountain, ensuring that Mountain Lord Wei can travel freely.”

The higher the realm of foreign mountain and water deities and cultivators, the more uncomfortable they will be. Earth Immortals and other cultivators, even if they are aware of it, won’t be as inconvenienced as Wei Bo. Moreover, this Daoist text cannot be in a constant state of display, otherwise, the dissipation of Daoist energy will exceed the natural gathering and replenishment of heaven and earth spiritual energy and mountain and water qi, and it will not be enough to make up for the losses.

Wei Bo didn’t care about this. After sitting down, he asked, “What’s going on?”

“The Old Abbot of the East Sea was just sitting in Wei’s seat.”

Cui Dongshan shook his snow-white sleeves and smiled, “As for the inside story, I won’t say much. It’s better not to know. The Buddhists say, ‘To contemplate is ten thousand miles of white clouds.'”

Wei Bo silently got up and changed seats.

On the peak of Pi Yun Mountain, the Old Abbot squinted his eyes and saw that the mountain lord named Wei was still sensible, so he quietly left.

Cui Dongshan said, “Since the times are changing, we should prepare for the unexpected and plan ahead.”

Anyway, Wei Bo wasn’t an outsider. As long as it didn’t involve those ethereal Daoist fortunes, anything could be said.

Zhu Lian nodded, “Have no intention of harming others, but always be ready to defend yourself.”

Previously, Chen Ping’an targeted the swordsman Pei Min, a soaring realm sword cultivator. Later, in the Night-Sailing Ship battle, he dealt with Wu Shuangjiang, a Fourteenth Realm cultivator.

Now it seemed, it was necessary.

Far away, Zou Zi.

Swordsman Pei Min, sword cultivator Liu Cai.

Closer, the great sword immortal Bai Chang, who failed in the Northern Ju Luzhou.

The behind-the-scenes forces including Han Yushu.

The world is dangerous, unpredictable, and people’s hearts are hard to fathom. Often, making friends is making enemies.

Cui Dongshan said, “Now, the only thing lacking is your realm, sir.”

The most destructive force in Fallen Phoenix Mountain was at the summit.
The Mountain God Song Yuzhang has already been transferred by the Great Li Dynasty to Qidun Mountain, where he will establish a new Mountain God shrine. The old site of the Mountain God Temple atop Luopo Mountain was not demolished and rebuilt, but kept in its original state. Only the plaque was removed. Previously, Cui Dongshan had set up a golden lightning pool restriction along the white jade railing, enshrining that painting of a Sword Immortal from the Sword Qi Great Wall, which originally came from the Reverence Sword Pavilion of Upside-Down Mountain and was later given to Chen Ping’an by the Old Sword Immortal.

On the Sword Qi Great Wall, those Sword Immortals in spirit form accompanied the young Hidden Official for many years, fighting against the enemy together and guarding half of the Sword Qi Great Wall.

In addition, Luopo Mountain also has a sword formation derived from the Taiping Mountain of Tongye Continent, but it has not yet been completed and can serve as an auxiliary force in the future.

Zhu Lian said, “With the young master’s temperament, that painting of the sword formation will definitely be returned to Ascension City.”

Cui Dongshan smiled and said, “Don’t worry, with Master’s temperament, she definitely won’t accept it. Besides, in the long run, keeping the painting on Luopo Mountain is a worthwhile deal for Ascension City, with guaranteed profits.”

Xiao Mili nodded and said, “Don’t worry, don’t worry, our good Mountain Master always listens to the Mountain Master’s wife in both big and small matters.”

Smiling and shaking his head, Cui Dongshan said, “You’re wrong. As long as it’s a truly important matter, Miss Ning will still listen to the young master.”

Xiao Mili thought for a while, “It seems like it is.”

Cui Dongshan smiled slightly, “Even without that painting of the Sword Immortal formation, now in Baoping Continent, if our Luopo Mountain doesn’t actively take on matters, others should be burning incense in gratitude.”

Taking out a folding fan made of jade bamboo, Cui Dongshan gently fanned himself, with the words “Persuade with Virtue” written on one side and “Beat to Death if Disobey” on the other.

Wei Bo said, “I’ve already helped spread the word that Luopo Mountain doesn’t accept disciples, but it doesn’t seem to be very effective. There will only be more and more people coming here in the future.”

Cui Dongshan helped Xiao Mili fan himself, and said with a smile, “That’s normal. Everything looks good through a mist. Everyone is curious. Whether or not they can climb the mountain in the end still depends on fate. Can just anyone crack open Xiao Mili’s melon seeds? They can’t.”

Xiao Mili sat on the long bench, swinging her little feet. A gentle breeze brushed her face. She tugged at her cotton cloth satchel and laughed happily.

Wei Bo asked with a smile, “Xiao Mili, have you thought about it? What kind of return gift do you want?”

The green bamboo brush that Xiao Mili gave was of extraordinary significance to Wei Bo. He wouldn’t trade it for even a half-immortal weapon.

Chen Lingjun had previously escorted Xiao Mili on a trip to Piyun Mountain, and now he often wanders around the bamboo forest, claiming to be looking for bamboo shoots in the late summer and autumn.

Xiao Mili shook her head and said, “No need, no need. Forget the pleasantries. You’re being too polite, Mountain Lord Wei.”

Wei Bo stood up, patted Xiao Mili’s head, and took his leave.

Xiao Mili went back to sit on her small bamboo chair to keep watch, letting the old cook and the white goose continue their serious talk.

Cui Dongshan clasped his hands in his sleeves and said, “The Old Taoist Priest seems to have a particularly high opinion of you.”

Zhu Lian dismissed it with a smile.

Legend has it that Lu Chen had five dreams, each with an incomprehensible manifestation of the Great Dao, including the White Bone True Man of the Daoist School and the Confucian Scholar Zheng Huan.

In addition, there are seven mysterious objects of the Mind Aspect: a wooden chicken, a toon tree, a mole rat, a Kun Peng, a yellow sparrow, a Yuanchu bird, and a butterfly.

Yu Zhenyi, the first to succeed in immortal cultivation in Lotus Root Paradise, was that dull wooden chicken.

The four figures in the Lotus Root Paradise paintings, although considered genuine pure martial artists according to the definition of the Vast World, each had their own focus. Sui Youbian had heavy obsessions, directly giving up martial arts and turning to climbing mountains to cultivate the Dao, becoming a sword cultivator. Wei Xian never aspired to reach the peak of martial arts, preferring battlefields and… being an official, the highest official possible.

Heaven knows if this guy who claims to be a heavy drinker will find a piece of land, such as in the shattered Tongye Continent, and become a founding emperor again.

Lu Baixiang seems to be the one with the least ambition compared to Sui Youbian and Wei Xian.

As for Zhu Lian, in the eyes of outsiders, he is the one who is least eager to improve himself.

Cui Dongshan closed his folding fan and looked up at the sky, “Heh, Jade Capital.”

Zhu Lian asked, “What the Old Taoist Priest said earlier, ‘about’? The first sentence is easy to guess, but the second sentence?”

“Now that Chen Qingdu is no more, who can cleave Tuoyue Mountain with a sword?”

Cui Dongshan shook his head, “Heaven knows.”

Zhu Lian looked at the sky and said with a smile, “Forget it, let’s not talk about these troublesome matters. Tonight, we can only drink wine and talk about the moonlight.”

Sunlight as paper, night as ink, the world grinds, and heart’s thoughts become words.

Cui Dongshan took out two pots of wine, throwing one to Zhu Lian, and they each drank.

Zhu Lian drank his wine.

Must I be Lu Chen?

Can’t Lu Chen be me?

Chen Lingjun returned to Qilong Lane, directly asking Brother Jia for a pot of wine, pouring a large bowl and drinking it all in one gulp.

Chen Lingjun sat cross-legged on the long bench, lowering his voice and saying, “Brother Jia, you don’t know, I met three out-of-towners today!”

Immortal Jia asked, “Did you fight? Did you have the upper hand? Do you need your brother to help you get revenge? When it comes to the skill of talking, our brothers reason with people, and there’s no one we can’t convince.”

Chen Lingjun hesitated for a moment, but gave up the idea of revealing the secrets of Heaven. Firstly, it’s not appropriate to show off about this matter, and secondly, as Confucius predicted, it seems that as long as it involves those keywords, it’s difficult to speak about, even if it’s roundabout. Chen Lingjun sighed, feeling a bit of regret after all, and wiped his forehead, resulting in a hand full of fresh sweat. Immortal Jia was shocked and directly used a Jianghu term, “A tough opponent?” Chen Lingjun smiled bitterly, only mentioning a bowl, previously sitting on the ground, discussing the Dao? The three founders of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism seemed to be standing on the street at the time.

Thinking of this, Chen Lingjun was drenched in sweat and had to change the subject, “It’s a bit lonely without Chief Zhou on the mountain.”

That guy is rich, interesting, leisurely, has read books, drinks wine, and brags.

Just based on Jiang Shangzhen’s sentence, “If me and Brother Lingjun, such talented geniuses, still have to cultivate hard, wouldn’t that be bullying people?” Chen Lingjun is willing to have a new level of respect for this chief worshiper. They are kindred spirits!

Moreover, Jiang Shangzhen’s words at the dinner table are well-structured and very thought-provoking, better than any dish to go with wine.

“A scholar is useless,” and “the most difficult thing is a scholar in distress.” “A prodigal son returning is worth more than gold,” and “the most pitiful thing is a prodigal son with white hair.”

What a bustling and flowery, dense and beautiful scene, what singing and dancing in a brothel… Actually, these flowery words are not important. The key is that Jiang Shangzhen patted his chest to guarantee that when they arrive at the Cloud Cave Paradise in the future, he will arrange for the three brothers to break into that heroes’ tomb!

Unexpectedly, such a small Qilong Lane has two heroic figures, Brother Jing Qing and Immortal Jia.
Thus, Jiang Shangzhen, following suit, declared that Riding Dragon Lane was undoubtedly a treasure trove of geomantic fortune. Emulating the longevity-seeking Chief Warden, he spent a fortune acquiring three residences in Riding Dragon Lane.

Money was nothing, willingness to spend it was everything. Jiang Shangzhen outdid that Chief Warden, being far more generous and magnanimous. He declared that the pursuit of fame and fortune beyond basic needs was trivial and insignificant. Therefore, at the dinner table, this Chief Zhou casually tossed three sets of keys to the blind Daoist, saying they were all brothers. In the future, Brother Jia and his two disciples could help warm the houses and bring life to them. He wouldn’t even mention money, as it would only hurt brotherly feelings.

Old Immortal Jia, flushed with drink, accepted the keys with a righteous air, declaring that talking money among brothers was vulgar.

That very day, the blind Daoist scurried over with his two disciples to move into their new homes. The priceless furnishings and decorations within were probably all the possessions of the high-ranking officials in the capital of Great Li.

The Warden of Fallen Mountain, clad in a long, snowy-white robe, stood at the entrance.

Chen Lingjun immediately took his feet off the stool and called out, “Sister Changming!”

Old Immortal Jia also immediately put down his wine bowl and instinctively began to rise from his seat. Seeing that Brother Lingjun hadn’t stood up, he remained poised in mid-air, slightly bending forward. Whether or not the woman noticed this scene, Old Immortal Jia didn’t care. Where did his good fortune come from? Besides the Mountain Lord’s discerning eye, singling him out from the vast sea of people as an upright old hero, it also came from his sincerity, resonating with the Great Dao of Fallen Mountain. *When in the presence of a superior, I must bow my head first.* The Old Immortal smiled and said, “For the Warden to grace my humble abode with her presence, truly my simple dwelling is honored! Alas, I have no fine wine to offer. Warden Changming, if you don’t mind…”

Changming narrowed her eyes and smiled, “I do mind.”

Old Immortal Jia immediately changed his tone, “The Warden is direct, saving everyone trouble.”

Changming said, “Put your heart into the matter of blocking the road.”

Old Immortal Jia said in a deep voice, “It is my inescapable duty! Tomorrow, I will personally take charge!”

Previously, Fallen Mountain hadn’t specifically named him, only having his disciple Zhao Denggao handle the matter. That was why Old Immortal Jia had restrained himself. Otherwise, when it came to the art of dealing with people, Jia Sheng believed he could rank at least in the top five within Fallen Mountain. Receiving a monthly salary from Fallen Mountain, Jia Sheng would naturally have no burden if he just took the money and did nothing. However, that elusive white goose and now this Warden Changming, who greeted everyone with a smile? They simply didn’t allow him to lie around and enjoy his good fortune every day.

With the release of the Mountain and River Gazettes throughout the Vast Sky, and that illusory spectacle at Righteous Sun Mountain, all sorts of people flocked to Fallen Mountain from all corners of the continent.

Before long, every inn, big and small, in the entire Dragon Province was overflowing with people.

Of course, many more people came to watch the spectacle, not necessarily seeking anything. For example, various inscribed Immortals, Northern Peak Pi Yun Mountain, was already a scenic spot. Now, a suddenly rising Fallen Mountain had emerged. In addition, the mountain and river deities here in Dragon Province held high positions on the continent’s inscribed deity list. It was believed that Fallen Mountain would soon face a noisy scene with visitors as numerous as carp crossing a river.

Cultivators who admired sword immortals, martial artists from the world of Jianghu, wanted to learn martial arts from those martial arts grandmasters. There would surely be many immortal maidens who wanted to open an illusory spectacle at the entrance of Fallen Mountain. Among them, there were also those who wanted to exchange blows with Pei Qian.

Of course, no one came to win the sparring match, only to exchange pointers and ask for guidance. Across the continent, martial artists were as numerous as cattle, but Pei Qian was one of the four great martial arts grandmasters. To spar with her and still think of winning was madness. Go ask the demon cultivators who had been punched open in the capital battlefield by Grandmaster Pei, if they agreed!

Because of the ferry deliberation earlier, Chen Ping’an had said that Fallen Mountain would not be accepting disciples within the next twenty years.

Therefore, an additional task arose: Fallen Mountain needed someone to be responsible for blocking the road, informing all outsiders of this matter, especially preventing them from climbing the mountain without permission and treating Fallen Mountain as a scenic spot.

There were two roads leading to Fallen Mountain: the mountain road from Huaihuang County and the road extending from Red Candle Town and Chess Mound Mountain. Temporarily responsible for blocking the road in the open were Yunzi, Bai Xuan, Zhao Shuxia, and Zhao Denggao, disciple of the blind Daoist Jia Sheng. Doing this kind of thing was also considered a form of training. In the shadows were Warden Changming and Sword Cultivator Cui Wei, in case of accidents. Only Bai Xuan purely joined in the fun, since Pei Qian just happened to be away from Fallen Mountain recently.

Bai Xuan was now quite familiar with that Left Protector in Riding Dragon Lane. He often squatted on the ground, asking, “Do you want to eat this? That one?”

Anyone who claimed to want to exchange blows with Pei Qian, Bai Xuan prepared to record them all carefully, including their name, alias, hometown, martial arts realm…

Chen Lingjun, for once, did not get involved in this matter. Nuan Shu and Xiaomili were both surprised. Chen Lingjun was, of course, feigning superiority. Damn it, it was a mixed bag, and who knew if there were any experts inside who could kill him with a single punch. After all, in such a vast Jianghu, it was impossible to always encounter good brothers like Bai Mang and Chen Qingliu, who were kind and benevolent. The world outside was difficult to navigate; courage alone was not enough. On the path of cultivation, one was either a runaway wild horse or a pig that had escaped its pen, each more unruly than the other.

Today, everyone was eating at a large table, lively and bustling.

It was still the unchanging rule: if Chen Ping’an was not on the mountain, the long bench at the head of the table would remain empty, reserved for the Mountain Lord.

Zhu Lian, Cui Dongshan, Mi Yu, Chen Nuanshu, Xiaomili, Chen Lingjun, Zhang Jiazhen.

And Bai Xuan, who liked to come and freeload.

Wei Wenlong, did not show himself much. It wasn’t that he, a Golden Core guest, had no need for mortal food, nor that this Fallen Mountain’s God of Wealth was particularly eccentric. Instead, he was obsessed with accounting, and each of his ledgers was practically his wife.

As for Zhao Shuxia and Zhao Denggao, they would walk back to the town every day, taking turns keeping watch on the roads at night. One was a direct disciple of the Mountain Lord, the other a registered offering, and the two now had a very good relationship. They were clearly of a different style than Chen Lingjun and Bai Xuan.

At the dinner table, Chen Lingjun held back his mischief, “Old Chef, I heard that when you were young, you were the most handsome man for miles around?”

Zhu Lian chewed every bite, whether rice or vegetables, slowly and deliberately, “So-so, barely considered not ugly.”
Song Jixin chuckled, “So, this is the ‘strictly business’ approach?”

Song Xu replied helplessly, “Nephew greets Imperial Uncle.”

Song Jixin said, “Once I take off this princely robe, I’m just an ordinary citizen of Huaihuang County, touring the capital. There’s no need to be so tense.”

Song Xu shook his head, still adamant. “Imperial Uncle, this is still not permissible.”

Song Jixin turned to the young girl from the Yu clan, an Upper Pillar Kingdom family, and smiled. “Go find some wine to drink. Whatever you can find is yours.”

Back in the princely estate, Song Jixin was acquainted with this group of ten Earthly Branch cultivators. He neither courted them nor distanced himself, keeping the interaction brief.

Yu Yu clapped her hands in delight. This Imperial Uncle Song Xu was truly a generous man. It was a pity he hadn’t yet married and had children, wondering which woman would be so lucky in the future.

Having received the prince’s order, she immediately began rummaging through boxes to find wine.

Song Jixin turned to a cultivator who was part of his retinue and said, “Pass down the order, the ferry will temporarily halt here. There’s no rush to travel.”

The cultivator nodded and silently departed.

Song Jixin leaned on the railing, with Song Xu standing respectfully beside him.

A prince and an imperial son, together gazing down at the Song family’s territory below the ferry.

Song Jixin casually asked, “It seems you’ve matured a bit since our last meeting. Have you come to terms with things?”

Song Xu nodded.

Song Jixin didn’t elaborate. Even within a family, when there are many members, the head of the family will inevitably show favoritism, to varying degrees.

What is favoritism? It’s feeling that even when it rains, your own fields receive less water than others.

Some consolations from outsiders, even if well-intentioned, like “it’s okay, things will get better,” are like forcing the listener to drink a whole pot of bitterness alone, while the speaker adds a bit of sugar water to their own mouth. It only makes the bitterness more pronounced.

Currently, both the court and the populace regard His Majesty’s literary and martial achievements as the greatest among all the emperors of the Great Li Song Dynasty.

Song Jixin chuckled, “It’s good that you’ve figured things out. I brought you a gift, two inkstones, both imitations, said to have been scattered from the old Zhu Ying imperial family. They’re not worth much immortal money.”

The two ancient inkstones, one imitating the Thirty-Six Heavens inkstone, the other imitating the Seventy-Two Blessed Lands inkstone, were both housed in Zitan wood boxes inlaid with jade, with brocade inkstone pouches, and crafted with a hand-copy design. The inscriptions were in clerical script, and the backs of the inkstones each had thirty-six and seventy-two stone eyes, fashioned into eye pillars. Just as Song Jixin said, they weren’t particularly valuable, but were meant to bring good fortune and auspiciousness. Since Song Xu had decided to cultivate in peace and become a mountain immortal, this gift from his Imperial Uncle was quite fitting. If Song Xu hadn’t come to terms with things, it could also serve as a gentle reminder.

Song Jixin casually asked, “Have you already met Chen Ping’an and interacted with him?”

Song Xu said with a bitter smile, “I’ve suffered greatly. I couldn’t beat him, nor could I outwit him.”

Song Jixin, as an elder, was being a bit unfair, showing not only no consolation but also a hint of undisguised schadenfreude. He lightly tapped the railing, squinted, and smiled. “Not surprising.”

Song Xu asked curiously, “Imperial Uncle and that Mr. Chen, as neighbors for many years, seem to have a rather… complicated relationship?”

Song Jixin nodded. “It’s a long story. We didn’t become close friends, but thankfully, we didn’t become enemies either. A word of advice, if you can avoid it, don’t provoke Chen Ping’an. Most people, if they’re poor and hungry, will be satisfied with a meal, but Chen Ping’an is different. Every time he envies the fish in the pond, he immediately retreats to weave a net. He believes that it is better to learn how to fish than to simply be given one. He doesn’t learn as quickly as Liu Xianyang, but he learns more firmly. Perhaps because he learns slowly, he cherishes what he has gained all the more, and is good at incorporating new ideas into old ones. Such a person, if they are an enemy, is actually quite terrifying.”

Song Xu vigorously rubbed his cheeks. “Indeed, when Mr. Chen attacks, his methods are endless, his spells and divine powers are varied, it’s simply inconceivable.”

Another guest arrived on the ferry.

It was Zhao Yao, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

Song Xu was a junior, Zhao Yao was an old friend and classmate from the same hometown.

His Majesty the Emperor still had a sense of proportion.

Song Jixin waved and smiled, “Zhao Woodhead, it’s been a long time.”

When will we meet again, in a bountiful year, among the clouds and waters.

Zhao Yao bowed and then asked, “How about a game of chess, we can talk business while playing?”

Song Jixin laughed, “I won’t play. You’re now a successful mountain immortal with profound cultivation, your thoughts are thorough, and your spiritual sense is abundant. I’m sure to lose, I won’t give you the chance to get your revenge.”

Zhao Yao suddenly said, “Song Jixin, I didn’t misjudge you, you are truly remarkable.”

Since he was young, Zhao Yao, who came from a wealthy family in Fulu Street, had admired Song Jixin immensely.

When they both studied under Master Qi, whether it was playing chess or interpreting the scriptures, Song Jixin was always a step ahead.

Therefore, Zhao Yao’s attitude towards Song Jixin of Mud Bottle Lane was somewhat similar to Chen Ping’an’s attitude towards Liu Xianyang.

Song Jixin patted Zhao Yao’s shoulder and said with a smile, “Are you praising me, or praising your own good judgment? Not bad, not for nothing have you spent so many years in the officialdom. You’re much more eloquent than you were as a child.”

Zhao Yao laughed heartily, “A win-win situation, everyone is happy.”

Song Xu was somewhat surprised.

Although Zhao Yao was a member of the central government at a young age, and was indeed amiable, with an excellent reputation in the Great Li court, his only flaw was that he lacked a civil service examination degree as a clean stream official, and had not established any meritorious achievements on the battlefield.

A carp leaping over the dragon gate. A golden-haired cave, a wild fox zen.

But Song Xu always felt that Zhao Yao was an extremely proud cultivator.

Like a lone cloud and wild crane resting in the temple, one day, he would soar through the clouds and shake his wings in the blue sky.

Now, the Great Li court and the public were curious about one thing: were Prince Song Mu and Zhao Yao of the Ministry of Rites considered direct disciples of the literary saint lineage?

Song Jixin joked, “Have you already met your Uncle Chen? How did it go?”

Zhao Yao smiled. “Not bad, quite harmonious.”

Leaving the dilapidated alley where Zhou Haijing was temporarily residing, Chen Ping’an stumbled slightly. He lifted one foot and stomped heavily on the ground, and then, as he took the next step, he felt much lighter.

Chen Ping’an raised one hand, still somewhat unfamiliar, but instantly gathered the residual rhyme of the Dao.

This version of himself, left in the Vast World, was also a Fourteenth Realm cultivator?!

Therefore, Chen Ping’an’s simple stomping action was a huge phenomenon, like a monstrous wave, for the Great Li capital.
Chen Ping’an glanced towards the Imperial Observatory in the capital city. They must have sensed something already, and so too must that replica White Jade Capital in the secondary capital.

The Imperial Observatory of the Great Li capital was a heavily guarded forbidden ground, said to be second only to the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Mausoleum in terms of security.

It was not a large place. The officials and clerks of all departments combined numbered less than two hundred.

Among the many government offices of the Great Li, it was the most enigmatic, hidden from view and never attracting attention.

Most positions were passed down through generations, father to son. No official or clerk of the Imperial Observatory was allowed to be transferred to another post. Vacancies were filled internally through promotions. Without a special imperial edict, they could not be easily promoted, demoted, or allowed to resign. It was an iron rice bowl that could not be dropped, in two senses: no outsiders could compete for it, and those within could not give it up.

Although every official of the Imperial Observatory resided within the capital of Great Li, they were essentially isolated from the world, having almost no contact with the outside. Every external trip required layers of internal and Ministry of Rites approvals and reports. Each specially made warrant for travel was destroyed after a single use and re-recorded. Those inside dared not associate with or curry favor with other officials, and those outside dared not interact with the Imperial Observatory. The slightest transgression could result in the loss of one’s official hat, and potentially one’s head along with it.

Chen Ping’an walked slowly through an alley.

Just as a single grain of rice can nourish a hundred different people, everyone seemed to be groping in the dark when it came to understanding the vast world.

Different perspectives and angles led to drastically different conclusions.

To a pure martial artist, everything within their sight was crystal clear. A cultivator, on the other hand, could vaguely perceive the flow of spiritual energy. Furthermore, there was the Qi Observation technique of the gods.

As Chen Ping’an’s thoughts fluctuated, the world seemed to subtly change with him. The closer he got to the Sword Qi Great Wall, or rather, the wild lands, the faster this borrowed realm from the Land of Submerged Immortals would weaken. It seemed that even within the same person, there was still a distinction between primary and secondary.

This was only reasonable.

Otherwise, if he went to the wild lands with his fourteenth realm cultivation and heaven-defying Dao techniques, wouldn’t that be equivalent to having two extra fourteenth realm beings?

When the Sage of Rites agreed to the Teacher’s request to try one more time at the House of Hearsay, had he already foreseen this along the upstream and downstream of the River of Time?

Then, what did the Sage of Rites hope he would do with this opportunity?

If the Sage of Rites had no specific purpose and was simply acting on a whim, then Chen Ping’an, possessing this Dao technique, could do many things. He could, for example, return to his hometown of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, or travel to the Northern Continent or the Tongye Continent at the cost of “dropping in realm.”

Suddenly, a strong thought arose in Chen Ping’an’s mind.

He took a step out of the Great Li capital and appeared directly in the backyard of Yang’s Pharmacy.

There, he saw a Daoist priest who appeared to be a young boy.

The Dao Ancestor smiled and asked, “From childhood, watching over the stars of all ages, all alone. Has it been hard?”