Chen Pingan left the Night Wanderer Sword at the Words Like Clouds Pavilion. Taking Little Mo, he bought about two servings of pastries and a pot of wine, spending exactly fourteen taels of silver, not a penny more, not a penny less.

After accompanying Chen Pingan to purchase the wine and pastries, Little Mo strolled leisurely through the bustling capital, smiling, “Only those who busy themselves with what others find idle can be idle with what others find busy. Fellow Daoist Lu once said he was the young master’s companion, a truly wonderful description.”

Praising one to praise two.

Chen Pingan, carrying the food container, asked with a smile, “Little Mo, you keep calling him Fellow Daoist Lu. Don’t you know Lu Chen’s true identity?”

Little Mo replied, “Fellow Daoist Lu is forthright and never concealed his status as the third patriarch of White Jade Capital. However, I feel that addressing him as Patriarch Lu would be too formal and would betray Fellow Daoist Lu’s enthusiasm.”

Chen Pingan chuckled, “Little Mo, you’re well-received wherever you go.”

Little Mo’s smile carried its habitual shyness. He glanced at the food container in Chen Pingan’s hand and asked curiously, “Young master, is there something special about this food container and the food and wine inside?”

Chen Pingan nodded. “There is. The wood for this food container comes from Yuzhang County, the second hometown of the Grand Empress Dowager of Great Li. The people consider food as heaven. Few die of overeating, but many die of starvation. We shall see how big the appetite of our Grand Empress Dowager is. As long as we don’t meddle in unnecessary affairs, this trip to the capital shouldn’t be too difficult. Fourteen taels of silver is just right.”

Grand Empress Dowager Nan Zan’s ancestral home, Yuzhang County, was known for its fine timber, which had been in short supply for years. The reason why the Great Li court hadn’t strictly controlled it before wasn’t because it was difficult to manage. If a military order were issued, mobilizing the local garrison, no matter how small, would deter nobles and immortals alike from touching a single blade of grass or tree in the mountains of Yuzhang County.

Ultimately, it was due to the tragic war. Too many soldiers of Great Li died. When people die, they need coffins.

Therefore, the court had only recently begun to truly restrict unauthorized logging, preparing to close off the mountains. The reason was simple: many years after the war, the timber had gradually become an excellent material for building mansions for dignitaries and immortals, or it was being sent as building materials to temples and Daoist temples being constantly renovated under the guise of large benefactors. In short, it no longer had anything to do with coffins.

Yi Chi Alley and Chi’er Street were located near the imperial city, making it extremely convenient for these prominent officials to attend court or work in government offices.

During the Great Li’s morning court, the two streets were filled with carriages and horses like a dragon before dawn every day.

It was said that decades ago, when Grandpa Guan had just entered the Ministry of Personnel, the road was often congested, and officials often fought over the right of way. Back then, almost all Great Li officials were from a military background, somewhat similar to the current Six Ministries in the secondary capital. Even if officials hadn’t participated in battles on the battlefield, the official documents they handled every day seemed to carry the scent of gunpowder and blood.

Chen Pingan, with Little Mo, passed by an imperial city gate, seven bays wide, with a pair of red-lacquered, gold-studded doors. The gate was majestic with a white jade foundation, high vermilion walls, and a single-eaved hip roof with yellow glazed tiles. Inside the gate, on both sides, were rows of side buildings, the last rooms serving as guardhouses. The imperial city was a restricted area, and ordinary people would never have the chance to enter without permission. Chen Pingan had already given the “no-business” token to Little Mo, telling him to hang it on his waist as a facade.

A martial officer in armor quickly approached, having recognized the newcomer long ago. Several layers of magical restrictions had been set up within a few miles of this imperial city gate to facilitate the officials in charge of the gate to verify and record the identities of those who arrived. Some Great Li officials and mountain worshippers, who, according to regulations, did not need to be stopped at all, did not need to be questioned at all when entering and exiting the imperial city.

Chen Pingan said, “This is an offering from our Fallen Mountain, named Mo Sheng, ‘strange’ of ‘alleys’ and ‘life’.”

Soon, an assistant officer walked out from the guardhouse, communicating with the martial officer telepathically.

The martial officer cupped his fist in salute. “Sect Leader Chen, we have checked. There is no record of ‘Mo Sheng’ in the Ministry of Justice. Therefore, Mo Sheng hanging an offering badge in the capital without authorization does not comply with court etiquette.”

The implication was that Chen Pingan could enter the imperial city, but his attendant, “Mo Sheng,” should not.

Of course, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to remind this young Sword Immortal to quickly remove the Ministry of Justice’s “no-business” token.

However, the guardhouse would definitely record this matter in detail. As for whether the Ministry of Justice would investigate afterward, dare to pursue responsibility, or bring charges against Fallen Mountain, that was the Ministry of Justice’s business. For hundreds of years, the civil and military officials of Great Li, regardless of their rank, had long been accustomed to the clear division of labor and the work style of each performing their duties.

Chen Pingan smiled slightly. “I’ll have the Ministry of Justice supplement it later.”

The martial officer was momentarily speechless, his face filled with embarrassment.

Taking a deep breath, the martial officer’s eyes became firm. He reached out and pressed the hilt of his saber, shaking his head at the blue-shirted Sword Immortal and said in a deep voice, “Sect Leader Chen, since it is not in accordance with etiquette, it is my duty, please forgive me.”

Chen Pingan ignored the martial officer’s saber-pressing gesture and wouldn’t make things difficult for these officials on duty. He smiled and said, “You can send a message to the Ministry of Justice from your guardhouse. I’ll wait here for the news.”

It would be best if the Ministry of Justice agreed. If they didn’t, what did it matter to him to enter the city?

Did they think they were Liu Jia?

The martial officer breathed a sigh of relief, asked Sect Leader Chen to wait for a moment, and without any hesitation, turned around and strode back to the guardhouse, immediately sending a message to the Ministry of Justice. The reply was quick and simple, just two words: “Let him pass.”

However, in addition to the seal of the Ministry, there were even the official seals of two Vice Ministers of Justice.

This surprised the martial officer.

He was filled with curiosity about Chen Pingan’s trip to the imperial city. It didn’t seem as simple as visiting an office like Nanxun Ward.

When the famous blue-shirted Sword Immortal and his yellow-hatted, blue-shoed attendant gradually walked away,

The martial officer returned to the guardhouse and smiled at the assistant officer from the tributary state, who was currently writing the record. “This Sect Leader Chen is a native of our Great Li. Such a young Sword Immortal is no worse than Wei Jin of the Wind and Snow Temple.”

“As for Sect Leader Chen’s boxing skills, how could the master who taught the Martial Art Grandmaster Pei Qian be any worse? I couldn’t see the depth of our Mountain Lord Chen’s swordsmanship in the fight at the Orthodox Sun Mountain, but the fight with the Orthodox Sun Mountain’s guardian offering made me spend a lot more money to buy wine.”

The assistant officer smiled and said, “Old Ma, is Sword Immortal Chen a relative of yours? Strange, Sword Immortal Chen doesn’t seem to be surnamed Ma.”

The martial officer smiled and said, “Sour.”
A clerk put down his brush, and suddenly said, “Such an incredible Sect Leader, a young Sword Immortal and a martial arts grandmaster, yet during that great war, we only saw his disciples and Ancestral Hall elders fighting with fists and swords. Why was he himself nowhere to be found?”

The military officer felt slightly embarrassed, retorting awkwardly, “Perhaps he was busy with secluded cultivation. Immortals on mountains can doze for months, let alone break through to the Fifth Realm, a matter of utmost importance. Missing that battle is understandable.”

Accompanied by Xiao Mo, Chen Ping’an walked through the imperial city, filled with various government offices and workshops, the atmosphere heavy and stern, a stark contrast to the inner and outer cities.

Chen Ping’an turned to gaze in the direction of Da Du, the Central Capital, estimating that the imitation White Jade City there had already received the flying sword message from the Emperor of Great Li.

Scare tactics?

Sorry, even the fourteen ancient Demon Kings arrayed in a line on the battlefield couldn’t intimidate him back then.

Chen Ping’an retracted his gaze and said in his heart, “Xiao Mo, if a flying sword comes here from there, I’ll have to trouble you to intercept it.”

Xiao Mo suppressed her smile and nodded, “Young Master, just relax and enjoy your drinks. With Xiao Mo here, we will certainly not disturb Madam’s closed-door cultivation.”

She finally had a chance to make amends.

Back in the Sword Qi Great Wall, Daoist Lu had been gloating, giving him a thumbs up and saying he actually dared to strike Miss Ning from the moonlight, casting her down to the mortal realm.

Chen Ping’an heard Xiao Mo’s address of “Madam” and nodded slightly.

Being a mere elder was beneath her.

The two arrived at a heavily guarded palace gate, and Chen Ping’an said to the military general guarding the gate, “Please announce that I only wish to see Nan Zan today.”

Or rather, Lu Jiang of the Yin-Yang School of the Central Earth.

Unexpectedly, a young cultivator with a “top priority” token hanging from his waist emerged from the shadows of the palace gate, waved his hand to the military general, signaling him to hand over these two uninvited guests.

Chen Ping’an narrowed his eyes and said, “Senior Lu, long time no see.”

The young cultivator smiled noncommittally, pretending not to understand, and instead asked, “Why did Mountain Lord Chen not bring his sword on this trip? Is it intentional to have a sword and not use it?”

The man in the blue shirt before him, Mountain Lord of Falling Sun Mountain, Sect Leader of a sect in the vast world, a Martial Artist of the peak stage, the last Hidden Official, and the closed-door disciple of the Sage of Literature.

Of course, the earliest “one” of all, was when the boy stumbled upon good fortune in the small town’s covered bridge, choosing to go forward and unexpectedly becoming… a Sword Master.

But no matter how one looked at it, it was impossible to reconcile with the image of the barefoot boy from Mud Bottle Lane.

Back then, the kiln apprentice was just a boy who would be anxious even walking on the bluestone road of Peach Leaf Lane in Fortune Street while delivering a message.

He had just received a secret letter from his family, saying that Chen Ping’an had traveled far into the desolate world with several sword cultivators.

He had accomplished the feat of dragging the moon, moving a round of bright light to the Azure Sky World.

What else he had done was unknown.

Chen Ping’an said, “Senior Lu is just older, with a longer history of cultivation, but since you are not a sword cultivator, don’t presume to speak of the Sword Dao.”

After a pause, Chen Ping’an stared at this old ancestor of the Lu clan who had been hidden in the Luminous Pearl Grotto-Heaven for many years, and kindly reminded him, “When you’re out and about, you should listen to advice.”

The young cultivator was not annoyed and smiled, “The Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall is indeed qualified to say these words. Lu has been taught.”

Now that things had come to this, there was no need to hide his identity. This young Master Chen, though young, was profound and not easily fooled.

Anyway, the identities of Feng Yi, the old coachman, and the others had already been revealed before him.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Are you going to help lead the way, or are you going to receive a sword here?”

This Lu clan ancestor, skilled at preserving his youth, turned sideways, extended a palm, and said with a mental voice, “Please. Lu Jiang has prepared a banquet, and she wants to personally welcome Mountain Lord Chen and wash away the dust.”

The three walked through the palace gate together.

Xiao Mo asked in a mental voice, “Young Master, I think this guy is an eyesore. Anyway, he’s Daoist Lu’s descendant, and his realm isn’t that high, just an immortal realm a little away from ascension. Should I chop him to death?”

Then Xiao Mo added, “Three swords at most.”

Perhaps this peak demon race, who had just left the desolate world, had really adapted to local customs. “Young Master, I can find a reason to ask for a sword duel, and I’ll handle it with care, just severely injuring him, so that he won’t die on the spot.”

There was no need to doubt whether a sword cultivator who had chased after Yang Zhi, provoked Bai Ze twice, and even asked Yuan Xiang and the Dragon Lord for a sword duel was skilled enough in swordsmanship.

The young cultivator, walking slightly ahead, turned his head, only able to vaguely sense something was wrong. He glanced at the young man beside Chen Ping’an, whose identity was temporarily unknown.

Xiao Mo smiled slightly at him.

Nod, and if he nodded, it would be taken as agreement to her sword duel.

If the Young Master gave the word, Xiao Mo could draw her sword.

Unfortunately, he quickly turned his head away.

Chen Ping’an said in his heart, “There’s no rush. Some old scores have to be settled.”

He saw Nan Zan appearing alone.

There was also a banquet.

Chen Ping’an placed the food box on the table, gently opened it, took out a pot of wine, and two pairs of ordinary bamboo chopsticks. “Either hand over your Natal Porcelain, or it will be a little troublesome. I’ll kill you today and find it myself.”

Seeing Nan Zan about to speak, Chen Ping’an picked up only one chopstick from the table and reminded her, “You only have one chance to speak. If there is no definite answer, I will take it as your tacit agreement to choose the latter.”

Nan Zan hesitated, completely different from the previous meeting at the Gathering Clouds Tower. Today, she didn’t dare to say a single word carelessly.

She glanced at her own old ancestor, who was expressionless.

Chen Ping’an quietly waited for the answer.

Sometimes, being unreasonable with unreasonable people is being reasonable.

The Great Sword Immortal had once taught Chen Ping’an, who was not yet the Hidden Official, a very simple truth on the city wall.

In the capital’s Imperial Observatory, the two directors had to invite Yuan again to help calculate the divination.

It had to be admitted that Yuan Tianfeng was the true “worldly” expert in this matter.

Yuan Tianfeng’s status in the Imperial Observatory was similar to that of a guest elder on a mountain.

It was an exception.

Many years ago, an ordinary man, a mountain hermit, was summoned to court and presented himself to the Emperor of Great Li.
Yuan Tianfeng was a master of face reading, and he had divined the fates of several future pillars of the Great Li Dynasty, including Lord Guan of the Ministry of Personnel, General Su Gaoshan, and Cao Ping. And each of his predictions came true.

The Great Li court never held any taboos about this, and neither did its officials.

Lord Guan was once given an exceptionally auspicious reading, saying his fate was one of first-rate wealth and honor, adorned with purple robes and a golden belt, sitting in a high hall, enjoying the shade of trees planted by his predecessors, with jade and gold piled high in his ancestral temple. Cao Ping was described as having a brow bone rising like a dragon’s horn, with a hidden rhino horn running like a mountain range to his occipital bone, making him immeasurably noble. As for Su Gaoshan, his eyes contained crimson veins piercing through his pupils, and when he spoke, a reddish-yellow aura surrounded his face.

Yuan Tianfeng said, “After that Master Chen of the Mountain inexplicably became a great cultivator of the fourteenth realm, the divination was actually very stable.”

Vice Director Ma pressed, “Is there a ‘but’ coming?”

Yuan Tianfeng smiled, “But when it seemed that the other party was no longer in the fourteenth realm, the divination became unpredictable.”

Yuan Tianfeng chuckled, “Before, it was Master Chen of the Mountain who was patient, now it’s your turn to show some forbearance.”

Vice Director Ma corrected, “It’s us, we Great Li!”

Over at the Fire God Temple, near the flower arbor.

Lady Feng glanced askance at the uninvited old coachman and said with amusement, “Are you addicted to mooching drinks? Do you think you’re a Sage of Literature whose reputation eclipses the heavens?”

The old coachman sighed, his expression gloomy, and stretched out his hand. “I just feel like something’s not right. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way, and it’s got me on edge. I’m afraid if I don’t come for a drink today, I won’t get another chance. While the Imperial Palace hasn’t erupted in battle yet, quickly bring me a pot of Hundred Flower Brew. I’ll drink as many pots as I can today.”

Lady Feng tossed him a pot of wine and teased, “You old antiques, if you think things are dire, why don’t you join forces? Are you afraid a young man not even half a century old will come looking to settle old scores?”

The old coachman broke the clay seal, tilted his head back, and took a large gulp, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Join forces my foot! Settle old scores? I’m afraid the kid will trace things back and dig up my ancestors’ graves! This kid’s recent journey, since returning to the capital, something’s wrong, very wrong. He’s a completely different person. It’s related to that strange realm, but it’s not just the realm.”

Lady Feng couldn’t help but chuckle, “Now you finally understand the virtue of being kind to others? Qi Jingchun told you that countless times, didn’t he? Did any of you listen? If only you knew then what you know now.”

The old coachman muttered, “A thousand gold pieces can’t buy foresight, ten thousand gold pieces can’t buy a cure for regret.”

Seeing the fellow finally admitting defeat, Lady Feng stopped teasing him. She glanced towards the Imperial Palace and nodded. “A storm is brewing, this is no small matter.”

Cao Manor, inside a study.

An uncle and nephew were playing Go.

Cao Gengxin looked around. Compared to his father’s study, his second uncle’s was indeed a bit spartan.

Here, there were only books, nothing but books. His father’s study was much more elegant, adorned with beautiful flowers and leaves, begonias and daffodils. There was also a celadon plum vase with exquisitely cracked ice patterns, and a row of golden nanmu birdcages hanging, carefully raising the best songbirds, thrushes and orioles. The bird feeders inside were all brought back from the Dragon Province kiln by Cao Gengxin, much to his father’s delight.

As a member of the Cao family, Cao Gengxin dared to throw tantrums at his grandfather and scribble in his father’s study, but he rarely dared to wander around his second uncle’s place, never.

It was because the patrolling envoy whom he had to address as his second uncle was too strict.

Fortunately, his second uncle was about to lead troops to the Sunken Dusk Crossing in the desolate lands.

Cao Ping, holding the official title of patrolling envoy, had reached the pinnacle of military officials.

In the entire Great Li Dynasty, there were only five in total, and only three were still alive.

“Civil Pillar of State, Martial Patrolling Envoy,” this would be the future structure of Great Li.

However, the Pillar of State surname could be inherited, but the patrolling envoy could not, which showed that the latter was even more precious and difficult to obtain. But for a family, it was still difficult to determine which was better.

As for posthumous accolades, whether the emperor would posthumously grant him the title of Grand Tutor or something similar, compared to the previous two titles, they were all superficial.

His second uncle, Cao Ping, was a recognized Confucian general, born from a Pillar of State family, accomplished in both literary and military arts, a man of elegance.

Today, they were engaged in a game of Go.

Cao Gengxin held a jade bamboo folding fan in one hand, constantly opening and closing it, making a cracking sound.

This fellow, who had served as a kiln affairs supervisor for many years, also had a shiny vermilion wine gourd hanging from his waist.

Cao Ping looked up and glanced at his lackadaisical nephew.

Cao Gengxin grinned, “Second Uncle, already annoyed? Your self-cultivation isn’t up to par.”

Cao Ping asked, “Are you itching for a beating?”

Cao Gengxin had no choice but to sit up straight.

He wasn’t afraid of his parents, or even his grandfather who had retired for many years, but he was truly afraid of this second uncle who almost never smiled at home.

There was no way around it, Cao Gengxin had been beaten by Cao Ping when he was young.

It was because this second uncle held a high position, had seniority, was learned, and even more capable. One thing subdues another.

The problem was that Cao Gengxin was beaten without rhyme or reason. The things Cao Gengxin thought would warrant a beating, his second uncle would ignore, but the things Cao Gengxin thought were nothing, Cao Ping would lash out with his belt, and no one in the family could intercede.

The sound of reading aloud at the Yichi Lane private school and fathers beating their sons at the Chier Street gate were commonplace.

But in the Cao family, Cao Ping using his belt to beat his nephew Cao Gengxin was also unique, and a source of amusement for two streets.

Cao Ping asked, “When are you going to get married and have children?”

Cao Gengxin’s head throbbed. Seeing that his second uncle wasn’t going to let him off the hook on this matter, in desperation, he had to find an excuse. “I think Zhou Haijing is very good, but I’m afraid she looks down on me.”

Cao Gengxin instantly knew something was wrong, his second uncle took it seriously!

Sure enough, Cao Ping nodded. “Good eye. It’s understandable that Zhou Haijing looks down on you, so I’ll give you three years. No matter what method you use, you must marry her home.”

Cao Gengxin was speechless.

Then his second uncle said something even more worrying, “If you really don’t have the ability, bringing a son home will do.”

Cao Gengxin was stunned.

His second uncle Cao Ping never joked with anyone.

Cao Ping blurted out for no reason, “What kind of person do you think Chen Pingan is? Tell me.”

Cao Gengxin said softly, “Second Uncle, even though we’re at home, it’s not appropriate for us to talk about this.”
The most profound and treacherous terrain in the world isn’t found amidst mountains and rivers, but within the officialdom.

On the battlefield, even among adversaries like ferocious beasts and venomous snakes, those renowned generals and formidable heroes engage in genuine, open combat.

Yet, the criticisms within the court are like flies swarming a face, mosquitoes sucking blood, impossible to shake off.

Cao Ping retrieved a letter from his sleeve, handing it to Cao Gengxin, “Whether it suits you or not, it’s not your choice.”

Cao Gengxin quickly scanned the letter’s contents, discovering it was a deal between his second uncle and Chen Ping’an. He returned the letter, coughing a few times, “Not familiar, really not familiar. During my years in the Directorate of Construction, I never exchanged a word with him, never even had the chance to meet him. Such a person, who keeps his emotions hidden, I wouldn’t dare casually evaluate.”

Chen Ping’an indeed rarely appeared in the small town. Each time he returned home from his travels, he would quietly visit his ancestral home in Mud Bottle Lane, pay respects at the graves, and then head to Fallen Mountain, barely lingering in Huaihuang County. Otherwise, he would descend the mountain to check the accounts of the two shops in Riding Dragon Lane.

Cao Gengxin’s routes were limited to where the wine was. Moreover, his position was not suitable for any interaction with Chen Ping’an.

Cao Ping picked up a chess piece from the jar while holding down his belt.

Sensing danger, Cao Gengxin immediately said, “However, I am extremely close friends with Sword Immortal Liu, and he is Chen Ping’an’s best friend. Therefore, I understand the general character of this young Hidden Official. Chen Ping’an was remarkably steady even as a child, but he… never harms others. If you’re looking for a business partner, Chen Ping’an is definitely the best choice! Second Uncle has discerning eyes, no doubt about it!”

Seeing that his second uncle still seemed unsatisfied, he racked his brains for a description, “Disciplined as the autumn wind, handling affairs with the warmth of spring.”

“So he can ascend the mountain, and descend the mountain as well.”

Cao Ping nodded, “A talented scholar from humble beginnings, holding high office, acting with composure, must have attained it from cultivating both blessings and wisdom.”

At the Yuan Manor.

Yuan Huajing, a Nascent Soul Sword cultivator who had left the inn, had returned to his family for the first time in a long while, seeking out Yuan Zhengding, who had recently returned to the capital to report on his duties.

The two sat facing each other, drinking tea.

They were regarded as the two most outstanding members of the Pillar of State Yuan family within a century.

However, they differed greatly in age, thankfully separated by only one generation.

Judging by appearance alone, Yuan Zhengding, in his middle age, actually appeared older than Yuan Huajing.

Yuan Zhengding, the governor of Longzhou Prefecture, and Cao Gengxin, the kiln affairs supervisor for many years, were often compared by the veterans of the capital’s bureaucracy.

Adding Guan Yiran and Liu Xunmei, the four were similar in age, family background, and were all doing well.

Among them, Liu Xunmei would soon follow Cao Ping to the desolate battlefield.

Relatively speaking, Cao Gengxin was the most eccentric, a typical capital city playboy, accustomed to youthful dalliances.

Of course, he was also notoriously mischievous from a young age. At least half of the “bloody storms” in Intention Late Alley and Flute Son Street could be attributed to his instigation, and his subsequent profiting from it.

Therefore, Yuan Zhengding had never held Cao Gengxin in high regard.

Yuan Huajing said, “Zhengding, this time, the accident won’t be small.”

Wei Li, the Longzhou Inspector who hailed from the Yellow Court Kingdom, was currently in the capital, but it was believed that he would soon leave to serve as a vice minister in the Ministry of Rites in the Great Li secondary capital.

The vacant position of Longzhou Inspector had become a highly sought-after piece of meat.

In officialdom, there were also some key official positions similar to strategically vital areas in warfare.

Moreover, for a civil official, holding the position of a prefecture’s Inspector was tantamount to being a regional overlord.

Yuan Zhengding nodded, asking with a puzzled expression, “Injured?”

Yuan Huajing smiled, “You don’t need to worry about these things, just focus on being your official.”

Then, Yuan Huajing said in a voice transmission, “Prince Song Mu’s ferry has reached the vicinity of the capital, but seems to have temporarily changed its mind and did not enter the city.”

This was Yuan Huajing’s unique advantage as a cultivator of the Terrestrial Branches lineage.

He could learn about many hidden matters that even the descendants of the Pillar of State surnames would never dare to get involved in.

Beside Prince Song Mu.

The maidservant, Zhi Gui, was an Ascension Realm cultivator. She was now one of the Four Seas Water Sovereigns.

Ma Kuxuan, from True Martial Mountain.

Including Orthodox Sun Mountain, Cloud Glow Mountain, and the Fu family of Old Dragon City, these immortal mountain families had always been close to that princely residence.

Moreover, there were also those Great Li Iron Cavalry.

As well as those young and vigorous officials from the Six Ministries of the Great Li secondary capital.

Yuan Zhengding said with a composed expression, “Recognizing only the prince, not the emperor. This is a great calamity for the nation.”

Yuan Huajing smiled, “It’s not that bad yet.”

Yuan Zhengding said, “I plan to advise His Majesty to move the capital to the south.”

Yuan Huajing remained noncommittal.

Yuan Zhengding asked, “How is the Xu family of Qingfeng City doing?”

The Xu family of Qingfeng City had once married a daughter of the direct line to a son of the Yuan family’s collateral line.

Yuan Huajing smiled, “How else could they be? Severely weakened.”

Getting involved with that fellow was already considered very fortunate.

At That’s What They Say Inn, an alleyway, a steward from the Zhao family arrived, saying that Zhao Duanming was to return home for a visit.

The youth was, after all, the eldest direct descendant of the Heavenly Water Zhao family.

Liu Jia reminded him, “Go quickly and return quickly. Don’t forget those few calligraphies, bring back as many as you can, I don’t mind.”

Zhao Duanming nodded, “Absolutely, absolutely.”

Among the Great Li Pillar of State surnames, Yuan, Cao, and Guan were undeniably the top tier. Then came the Yu family, who produced an empress, and the Heavenly Water Zhao family, who managed the nation’s horse administration. After them were the Fufeng Qiu family, the Poyang Ma family, the Violet Radiance Yan family, and others, with minor differences, each with their own factions and connections in officialdom.

Previously, Liu Jia had helped Chen Ping’an request a piece of Zhao family instruction from the head of the Heavenly Water Zhao family.

According to the agreement, Chen Ping’an was not mentioned, Liu Jia only said that he wanted it himself.

Although the Heavenly Water Zhao family, who managed the Great Li’s many horse farms, were jokingly called “Manure Zhao.”

However, the Great Li officialdom’s so-called formal script was actually the Zhao style.

Like the Honglu Temple official Xun Qu’s order of precedence plaque, as well as the admonition stone inscription that was common in all the country’s official yamen, were all from the pen of the Zhao family head.

Liu Jia had always been quite presumptuous with the Zhao family head, occasionally drinking there, addressing that second-rank senior official, renowned throughout Great Li, as “Little Zhao.”

Zhao Duanming followed the steward back home, where he saw his grandfather, who was supposedly ill and recuperating at home. But strangely, in the eyes of the young Qi Practitioner, his grandfather was clearly in robust health, showing no signs of catching a cold.
The old man stood on the steps of the small courtyard, bending down to pat the young man’s head, a hint of regret in his voice, “Haven’t been struck by lightning lately?”

Zhao Duanming rolled his eyes.

The old man took Zhao Duanming for a stroll in the garden, muttering to himself.

He said Tongye Continent was a lament of disappointment. Fufeng Continent was an angry declaration full of mettle.

“As for our Treasure Bottle Continent, it’s an… inscrutable heavenly book that both friend and foe alike struggle to decipher.”

The youth waited for the old man to stop expounding his erudition before asking, “Grandfather, is that basket of calligraphy and paintings ready? Master is eager to have them.”

“How did it become a basket?”

The old man then chuckled, “Even the owner isn’t anxious, why is your master in such a hurry?”

The youth shut his mouth, experienced in worldly affairs as he was, he would never let secrets slip.

The old man sighed without preamble, “To work with those of courage and integrity, one must read the unwritten words.”

The youth nodded, “Grandfather, that’s a fine saying. Write it down too, I’ll take it with me.”

The old man looked at the vibrant youth and smiled.

For an aging elder, each slumber felt like a potential farewell.

Perhaps that was why the old man’s sleep was always light.

Every morning’s sunlight was like a golden deer, gently treading upon the brows of the slumbering.

Empress Yu Mian, today, she suddenly left the palace to visit her family, but without making a fuss. She made a trip to Intent-Delayed Alley.

The Song clan of Great Li was extremely lenient in such matters. The Ministry of Rites had always turned a blind eye, never offering any criticism.

Imperial Prince Song Xu and Yu Yu were responsible for escorting the Empress.

Still a young girl, Yu Yu might be young, but her seniority in the clan was high. Even the Empress had to address the girl as “Little Aunt.”

Anyway, when they met, they addressed each other as they pleased; Yu Yu would not be courteous to the Empress.

Unfortunately, Imperial Prince Song Xu liked to play dumb around her. Otherwise, he would have to respectfully call her “Grand-Auntie.”

The Yu clan, holding the title of Pillar of the State, was not prominent in officialdom, only managing the local state-run silk and tea businesses.

“Haha, Sword Immortal Chen once gave Song Xu a very high appraisal.”

The girl laughed uncontrollably, finally managing to restrain herself. She mimicked Sword Immortal Chen’s expression and tone, pointed a finger at Song Xu, and nodded to herself, “A Golden Core sword cultivator under twenty, a formidable youth.”

The Empress smiled faintly.

Imperial Prince Song Xu pretended not to hear.

In a sparsely populated Immortal Inn, Gai Yan, Bitter Hand, and the youth Gou Cun were spending time together, casually chatting.

The little monk Houjue, wearing simple kasaya, had already returned to the Translation Bureau.

Ge Ling seemed to have been summoned to the Daoist Orthodoxy Academy as well.

Gai Yan suddenly shivered, his face paling.

Gou Cun turned and asked, “What’s wrong?”

The Earthly Branch cultivator named Bitter Hand smiled wryly. He empathized with Gai Yan’s reaction.

During that slaughter, the white-clad figure had only uttered the two words “Flowers Bloom,” and their colleague Lu Hui had been impaled by dozens of swords, resembling a hedgehog.

Afterward, Ghost Cultivator Gai Yan was cut into pieces by countless sword lights. According to “that person,” this sword technique was self-created, called “Crescent Moon.”

How could one not have lingering fears after such a close brush with death?

In a small and inconspicuous Taoist temple in the capital.

The Imperial Capital Daoist Orthodoxy Academy, under the jurisdiction of the Great Li’s Bureau of Supreme Void.

The Abbot of the Capital Daoist Orthodoxy Academy was holding a meeting.

Including Ge Ling, the six Daoist Recorders of Genealogy, Lawsuits, Qing Prayer, Seal Management, Geography, and Pure Rules were all in attendance.

There was also a middle-aged Daoist with a habitual squint and a smiling face.

He wasn’t a smiling tiger, but rather, he had damaged his eyesight when he was young due to his fondness for reading late into the night, often staying up all night.

Although his eyesight had recovered, his habit was hard to break.

He came from a minor Taoist temple in the Azure Luan Kingdom, a former vassal state of Great Li in the southeastern territory of the Treasure Bottle Continent. He was now a leading Daoist in the Bureau of Supreme Void.

Xun Qu, a young official of the Court of State Ceremonies, recently had an additional secret task of collecting gazettes from various government offices.

His official rank was not high, only ninth rank, but he came from a distinguished family of successful candidates of the imperial examination. He was highly regarded in the Court of State Ceremonies, so in addition to his main duty, he was also temporarily leading the official duties of the Capital Temple Affairs Department and the Referral Office. This was no ordinary experience; it was a clear sign of a future promotion.

The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies had only asked Xun Qu in private about Chen’s scholarship.

Of course, Xun Qu didn’t dare to speak nonsense. He could only say that he had not had much contact with Chen yet.

Falling Phoenix Mountain.

Cui Dongshan sat cross-legged. In the courtyard was a map of the mountains and rivers of the northern Tongye Continent.

Chen Lingjun sat on a small stool beside him, raising his elbow to massage Elder Brother Cui’s shoulders.

Chen Lingjun had rarely seen such a serious expression, such intensity in Cui Dongshan’s eyes.

Ever since that fellow surnamed Zheng came and went, the Great White Goose had been acting like this.

Could it be that scholars who liked to dress up like Great White Geese were all like this?

The problem was that the fellow surnamed Zheng, whatever his name was, didn’t waddle when he walked.

Chen Lingjun thought of something and asked, “Elder Brother Cui, do you know what the Luoyang Wood Guests are?”

Cui Dongshan casually replied, “They are a group of reclusive mountain folk who have always been accustomed to bartering and dislike touching money. They are not well-known on the Vast Sky Mountain. The mastermind behind the Treasure Bottle Continent’s Pack Stall is actually a Luoyang Wood Guest. However, even if these people have the same origins, they don’t interact much with each other once they leave the mountain.”

Chen Lingjun asked again, “Do you know a woman named Qin Buyi?”

Cui Dongshan absently shook his head, “Never heard of her.”

Chen Lingjun added, “She claims to be from the Central Earth’s Tonglong County.”

Cui Dongshan thought for a moment and asked, “Does she carry a white poplar-handled knife?”

Chen Lingjun was greatly surprised, “She does!”

Damn it, had he encountered another tough customer?

Cui Dongshan kept staring blankly at the ethereal map, saying, “That’s her, then. Beauty like jade flowers, hand wielding a poplar blade, slaying in the city. She and Bai are from the same place and are about the same age. She’s very famous. When she avenged her family in the bustling city, she had neither practiced martial arts nor cultivated. Many literary giants, including Bai, wrote poems for her. However, I heard that she disappeared soon after, apparently entered the mountains to cultivate, which suits her well. Mountain rumors say that the Green God Mountain Matron asked this person to teach the Bamboo Sea Grotto Heaven’s maiden Chun Qing’s fist techniques.”
Chen Lingjun raised his hand, wiping the sweat from his brow, and hesitantly said, “But when I saw her in Riding Dragon Lane, her cultivation seemed to be at most in the Nascent Soul realm.”

Since that Qin Buyi was of the same generation as the most favored one of Vastness, then she certainly wasn’t some Nascent Soul cultivator. The lifespan of a Nascent Soul realm cultivator…

Cui Dongshan said, “Don’t worry, since she came with Chen Zhenrong, she won’t have any malicious intent.”

Treasure Bottle Continent had always been looked down upon. Song Changjing of Great Li reaching the Limit Realm, and Wei Jin of Wind and Snow Temple reaching the Jade Pure Realm at forty, were both considered “unprecedented” rarities.

Now, more and more extraordinary people and talented individuals from other continents were actively visiting Treasure Bottle Continent.

Chen Lingjun huffed, “Since that guy is a disciple of Bai Mang, then I am at least his senior in terms of generation. Next time I see that guy surnamed Zheng, I’ll pour a bucket of ink on him, just to vent your anger!”

This was Chen Lingjun putting on a brave face and uttering harsh words.

There was no helping it. Seeing Cui Dongshan in this state, Chen Lingjun actually felt quite uncomfortable.

Cui Dongshan originally wanted to remind Chen Lingjun to be careful with his words, especially when it came to that “surnamed Zheng,” but then he thought about it, he didn’t need to remind this guy.

In terms of grand achievements, the Vastness Celestial Ark and the Wild Desolate Peach Pavilion were likely to lose to this Master Chen.

Cui Dongshan seemed to be in a better mood. He suddenly put his arm around Chen Lingjun’s neck and said with a grin, “How did the master take in a genius like you?”

“Vision, it’s the old master’s vision. Good fortune, it’s my good fortune.”

Chen Lingjun winked at Xiaomili.

Xiaomili immediately raised both hands, giving him two thumbs up. Jing Qing, Jing Qing, indeed.

Mountain Lord Wei Bo walked into the courtyard from the doorway.

Chen Lingjun shook his head, unable to break free from the White Goose’s arm. Chen Lingjun’s momentum weakened as he laughed and waved, “Oh, isn’t this Brother Wei? A rare guest, a rare guest.”

Wei Bo was too lazy to pay attention to Chen Lingjun. Holding a document, he smiled and said, “Good news, the intercontinental ferry, Wind Kite, its land route on Treasure Bottle Continent has been approved by the Great Li Dynasty. There are no objections, but they have given a few points of attention.”

It turned out that Cui Dongshan had already designed a complete route, from the immortal ferry of the Great Source Dynasty in the central part of North Ju Altar Continent to the Expel Mountain Ferry at the southernmost tip of Tongye Continent.

Since he was going to be the sect master of the Lower Sect, he couldn’t be as lazy as before.

For example, he had to start accepting disciples.

He would reluctantly accept Xie Xie as an unregistered disciple.

Among the nine sword immortal embryos, there were also suitable candidates.

In fact, these things were happening earlier than Cui Dongshan had expected, at least sixty years earlier.

Moreover, Cui Dongshan’s real plan was even further than Tongye Continent, it was in the Five Colors World.

Cui Dongshan got up and walked with Mountain Lord Wei, chatting as they walked to the cliffside near the bamboo building.

After Wei Bo bid farewell and left, Cui Dongshan pushed open the door to the master’s bamboo building on the first floor, which served as both a study and a residence.

Inside the room hung a couplet that his master was extremely fond of.

It was a couplet with gold characters on a blue background with cloud and bat patterns.

Beyond the mountains, wind and rain, a three-foot sword, if something happens, draw your sword and descend.

Within the clouds, flowers and birds, a room of books, without worries, turn the pages, sages come.

Cui Dongshan looked up at the couplet, then quickly walked out of the room, closed the door, clasped his hands behind his head, and hopped on the six green bricks, landing with both feet on the last one.

The white-robed youth smiled and said, “Those who stir my heartstrings are the bright moon, the beauties, the falling snow, and the light of the sword.”