In the snowy night, a party of five made their way towards the city gates amidst the swirling snow.

This continent was mostly composed of desolate, uninhabited ghost cities, like skeletal remains yet to decay. The wind whistling through the city was like the sound of a bone flute.

A gaunt young man, with long, sharp eyes and a stern face, carried a saber tucked under his arm.

He held a tightly packed snowball in his hand, tossing it from one hand to the other.

An elderly man, burly in stature, walked with a steady gait but coughed incessantly, seemingly unable to bear the harsh cold.

A middle-aged man in a cotton robe carried a sword at his waist.

The other two walked closely together. One was a robust man with an ancient appearance, a package slung across his shoulder.

The woman was tall, her beauty unremarkable, but possessing a heroic spirit. A long, black-scabbarded saber with a white poplar handle hung at her waist.

The young man asked softly, “Is that person truly in this ghost city? Mr. Zeng, do you think he might have already detected our presence?”

The man in the thick, azure cotton robe nodded and smiled. “He knows already.”

The old man coughed a few times. Snow fell between the heavens and earth, but around him, the snowflakes melted on their own, creating a hazy, steaming mist.

Cultivators who practiced in the mountains benefited. They could observe auras from afar, perceive mountains and rivers in their palms, detect ripples in the spiritual energy of the world, and even use divination to determine the whereabouts of others.

Pure martial artists, even if the old man was a Grandmaster at the pinnacle of his art, were at a disadvantage in such matters.

Pei Bei of Middle Earth Divine Continent, Han Guanghu of Golden Armor Continent, Wu Shu of Tongye Continent, and Pei A Xiang of Aiai Continent were all, without a doubt, the foremost martial artists of their respective continents. Simply put, the first person had no chance of retaliation against the second person.

The other few continents didn’t have one as clear, like on Treasure Bottle Continent there were two martial artists at the pinnacle of their art, both from the Great Li Dynasty. However, Song Changjing and the young hidden official had never fought.

As for North Ju Lu Continent, it was said that a man named Li Er from Lion Peak, who appeared from some unknown corner, had a private exchange of blows with the old codger Wang Fu Su. Rumor had it that Wang Fu Su, while fishing at Mandarin Duck Shoal, spoke disparagingly of Li Er’s martial arts.

And this seemingly sickly old man was the top martial artist of Golden Armor Continent, nicknamed “Han the Ten-Thousand-Slayer,” who had successively aided and deposed six emperors in his century-long life.

He had once joined forces with the Great Sword Immortal Xu Xie to stop Wan Yan Lao Jing, which caused him to fall from his realm. He was invited by the Literary Temple but did not attend the council, a stark contrast to the many mountain immortals who eagerly sought the limelight there.

The old man felt there was nothing to discuss there anyway, as he had few acquaintances. He knew Zhang Tiaoxia, who often fished in the territory of Golden Armor Continent, but they weren’t particularly close. Zhang Tiaoxia was too untamed, always wandering amidst the clouds and mist, while Han Guanghu was occupied with official documents year-round. Most importantly, the old man didn’t want to meet Song Changjing of Treasure Bottle Continent. Had he not fallen from his realm, he would have welcomed a martial contest, but now, diminished in strength, he would be inferior, lacking confidence, and only feel uncomfortable.

This group of five first met at the Azure Seal Sect of the Yu Dynasty, then visited the Great Spring Dynasty before heading north, traveling at a leisurely pace, as if on a sightseeing tour.

Besides Han Guanghu, there was Jian Ming, Mr. Zeng, and Luo Yang Muke, with the Daoist name “Pine Resin,” who was a Pack Merchant from Middle Earth’s Tonglong Prefecture, Qin Buyi.

Jian Ming hailed from Stone Hào Kingdom of Treasure Bottle Continent and had given himself the Daoist name “Song of the Yue Boatman.”

The young man had once “found” a jade pendant on a snowy day from the body of a richly dressed, headless corpse. The pendant had “Cloud Radiance Mountain” engraved on one side and a celestial Daoist incantation resembling a poem on the other. Mr. Zeng “discovered” his potential and talent, leading him onto the path of cultivation.

Qin Buyi smiled and said, “This snow in Tongye Continent is peculiar.”

The taciturn man with the Daoist name Pine Resin nodded. “It contains a great deal of spiritual energy. It’s like raining money.”

Mr. Zeng said, “It’s probably thanks to that grand ‘Night Parade’ earlier. The scattered hearts of the people have gathered somewhat, resulting in this Heavenly response.”

Qin Buyi said, “Unprecedented.”

Could it be the work of a teacher from the Literary Temple? Sanctioned by the Sage of Rites and carried out by the Literary Temple?

It’s a pity that she had no connection with the sages of the Literary Temple or the Confucian academies.

Mr. Zeng hummed softly and said, “It’s likely to be a one-time event. It’s rare and fortunate that we’ve encountered it.”

A white-robed youth, holding a green bamboo cane, stood in the middle of the street with a group of martial heroes and cultivating immortals.

Cui Dongshan slammed the green bamboo cane heavily on the ground and shouted, “I open this gate, I planted this tree! If you wish to pass, leave behind your toll!”

Earlier, on the Night Voyage, Mr. Wu of the Grand Culmination Palace, generous and wealthy, had given two parting gifts without blinking an eye. The Chief Zhou received a sword sheath to nurture a sliver of willow leaf.

Cui Dongshan received a green bamboo cane with “Flowing Energy Inscription.” However, it would soon no longer belong to him, as he planned to give it to Chai Wu as a congratulatory gift for breaking through.

Jumping from the third stage of Qi Refining, the Willow Tendon Realm, across multiple realms to reach the upper five realms was an incredible feat. Since Liu Qi pioneered this, only a handful of cultivators across the lands had accomplished it. Liu Qi was the first, Zhou Mi might be the second, and the most recent one was Liu Qi’s direct disciple from the Poetic Remainder Blessed Land in Azure Darkness Continent. There might be a few other deeply hidden cultivators in between, but they kept a low profile.

Wang Manmeng, Qian Houer, and the others who were forcibly drafted to rob travelers were already unwilling, and now felt even more ashamed.

Jian Ming chuckled. These people were truly bold, trying to rob them. Was this a case of a small temple with strong winds or shallow waters with many turtles?

When Cui Dongshan saw the man with the package slung across his shoulder, his eyes lit up. Excellent, excellent! Perfect timing!

Not long ago, he was discussing with the master how to invite the patriarch of the Pack Merchants to settle in Green Shirt Ferry, and now a descendant of the Pack Merchant patriarch lineage had arrived.
The Wanderers of Luoyang, a collective term for reclusive wild folk dwelling in the deep mountains, adhere to an ancient, inherited rule: their hands must never touch money. Occasionally descending the mountains to interact with others, they prefer bartering goods. The founding patriarch of the Haoran Burden Shop was one such Wanderer, but he was expelled from the ancestral hall for violating this sacred tenet. Thus, they share a common lineage but divergent paths.

It’s unclear how Liu Yan’s position in the mountain hierarchy relates to this taciturn man before them, as recorded in the ancestral hall’s registers.

As for the woman with the sabre, her origins are equally remarkable.

A fellow native of Bai Ye’s homeland, she is considered a peer in the mountains. Bai Ye even penned a renowned poem in her honor.

One of the ten most promising young talents in the world, the Bamboo Sea Grotto-Heaven’s maiden, Chun Qing, learned her martial arts from Qin Bu Yi.

Qin Bu Yi and Song Zhi once accompanied Chen Rong, a Confucian scholar from the Southern Jambudvipa, to Huaihuang County. In Riding Dragon Lane, it was the Immortal Jia and Chen Lingjun who were responsible for hosting guests of the Fallen Mountain.

Cui Dongshan declared with utmost seriousness, “Sister Manmeng, Money Monkey, all of you retreat first! This opponent is formidable and tricky. I believe we must use wit, not brute force. Allow me to gauge their depth first. If words fail and a fight erupts, do not concern yourselves with whether I am being bullied. Immediately seek out my teacher and quickly summon reinforcements to extricate me from this predicament. We must agree beforehand, do not shirk your responsibilities and turn tail! Rest assured, there is no situation my teacher cannot resolve!”

Jian Ming chuckled, amused. He actually thinks he can outsmart them?

Master Zeng reminded him telepathically, “Jian Ming,

If I didn’t have matters to discuss this time, I would never willingly provoke him. Upon encountering him, I would simply take another path.”

Jian Ming questioned, “Is he the type of detached expert who appears carefree and enjoys playing among mortals?”

Master Zeng was about to speak when Jian Ming continued, “It must be! My grandmaster is so handsome and promising…”

Master Zeng’s expression shifted abruptly. He swiftly reached out, grasped Jian Ming’s shoulder, and tapped the back of the young man’s neck several times with bent fingers. Finally, he pressed his thumb against the back of Jian Ming’s head, fixed his gaze on the white-robed youth, and said telepathically, “Sect Master Cui, does this behavior not demean your status?”

Jian Ming was merely perplexed by Master Zeng’s series of actions. The young cultivator showed no indication that he found his words amiss.

Because he was in a state of oblivious wonder, still distracted and not yet fully present.

Cui Dongshan feigned ignorance. I don’t acknowledge it, what can you do? If you dare, come fight me! Let’s have a martial exchange! After three blows, I’ll be rolling on the ground, and you’ll have to beg me not to die…

As a result, he received a slap on the back of his head.

Cui Dongshan immediately abandoned his petty tricks.

Chen Ping An stood beside Cui Dongshan.

Cui Dongshan hastily sought to redeem himself, changing the subject telepathically, saying, “Teacher, this fellow, in addition to being a Debt-Blade Wielder, might also be the ‘Tree Mover’ from history.”

Chen Ping An inquired, slightly astonished, “The nameless person who moved the tree to establish trust in that story?”

The Tree Mover was, of course, two people: one who ordered the tree to be moved to establish trust, and the other who literally moved the long tree. The former is etched in history, but who cares about the latter?

Cui Dongshan nodded, “More or less.”

Chen Ping An asked, “Is he a Flying Ascent Realm cultivator, or a Ghost Immortal?”

Cui Dongshan chuckled, “The latter.”

Cui Dongshan tucked his hands into his sleeves and gestured toward the woman with his chin. “And this Qin Bu Yi is the martial arts instructor of Bamboo Sea Grotto-Heaven’s Chun Qing. The assassin who infiltrated the Luoyang capital and severed the head of the Yu Dynasty emperor was the apprentice of Qing Tao, a maidservant of Fu Nanhua, and also Qin Bu Yi’s junior sister. However, this group is elusive, secretive, and likes to call themselves Cleansers of Injustice. They are a loosely connected faction, rarely meeting, unwilling to remain in the mountains as immortals, preferring to roam the mortal world. Their style is similar to the Mohists, but only similar.”

While Chen Ping An and Cui Dongshan were sizing up the group of five, the others were also scrutinizing the two in green and one in white—two martial artists and one cultivator, representing the old, the young, and the adolescent.

Chen Ping An cupped his fist in a distant greeting and smiled, “Master Zeng, long time no see. Your demeanor remains as elegant as ever.”

Master Zeng returned the gesture. “Just a decaying piece of wood. I am undeserving of the word ‘elegant’. Lord Chen has a good memory.”

The youth with the sabre tucked under his arm hesitated, mustered his courage, and asked, “Are you Chen Ping An?”

This man in green robes was different from what Jian Ming had imagined the young Hidden Official to be. Throughout their journey, Master Zeng had occasionally shared stories of the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Master Zeng had even hinted that he owed this man a debt that he would have to repay in the future. However, he did not elaborate on how the debt was incurred.

Nevertheless, Jian Ming was quite pleased when he learned that the young Hidden Official was from the Treasure Bottle Continent. Being connected to Chen Ping An, even through a debt, did not bother Jian Ming.

Chen Ping An nodded and smiled, “Is this young brother Master Zeng’s esteemed disciple?”

Jian Ming grinned but remained silent. In the martial world, one should not be too forthcoming with strangers.

Although Jian Ming and Master Zeng had the title of master and disciple, the young man still referred to him as Master Zeng, as agreed.

Previously, Jian Ming had secretly journeyed to Mirage City in the Great Spring Dynasty and successfully stole a precious saber called “Famous Spring” from a woman who was not skilled in martial arts.

However, according to Master Zeng, this act of taking without permission was not theft but a form of restitution. The Li family of the Great Spring Dynasty owed him, and since they were destined to be unable to repay the interest, the principal had to be reclaimed.

Chen Ping An smiled and said, “Judging by your accent, you are from the Stone Millet Kingdom of the Treasure Bottle Continent?”

Jian Ming was taken aback, furrowing his brow slightly. He had only spoken a few words in broken Tongye Continent elegant speech, yet this man could discern his hometown?

Master Zeng smiled, revealing the secret to the young man. “During our previous journey through the wind and snow, a flying sword secretly escorted us.”

Cui Dongshan muttered softly, “Teacher, this Master Zeng is quite the smooth talker.”

Han Guanghu took a step forward in the snow-covered ground, first looking at Song Yushao, who stood beside the young Hidden Official, and the two nodded in acknowledgment.

The old martial artist then shifted his gaze, looking at this young man who had stirred up a storm in several continents, and asked with a smile, “Are you Zheng Qian’s teacher?”
Chen Ping’an nodded, “I am Pei Qian’s master. May I ask who you are, Senior?”

This was how the conversation began. The old man was also a martial artist of the Pinnacle realm, undoubtedly Han Guanghu from Golden Armor Continent.

However, it seemed that the old man had suffered serious injuries in the northern battlefield of Golden Armor Continent, during the battle where he and the Sword Immortal Xu Xie jointly intercepted Wan Yan Lao Jing. The injuries had clearly affected his internal organs, and the cascade of aftereffects from the realm decline had never been properly resolved.

Chen Ping’an glanced again at the Qi Refiner who looked like a youth, the blade tucked under his arm seemingly the very “Famous Spring” that Yao Lingzhi had tossed away.

In that case, the youth’s theft was likely at the behest of that “Itinerant Bladesman,” Master Zeng.

He wondered if that debt had been settled. If the Daquan Li Clan had not repaid it, would it be charged to the Daquan Yao Clan?

The old man announced his name, “This old man is named Han Guanghu, from Golden Armor Continent.”

Chen Ping’an cupped his fist in salute, “Luopo Mountain’s Chen Ping’an greets Grandmaster Han.”

Han Guanghu, still with his hands clasped behind his back, cut to the chase, “Let’s not waste time with pleasantries. This trip of mine, besides seeking out Zheng Qian for drinks and reminiscing, is more about seeking guidance from her boxing instructor, a friendly exchange with Grandmaster Chen.”

Back then, on the shadow wall of the Blade Forging Hall of Upside-Down Mountain, were plastered all sorts of bounty notices. One of them, bearing the signature of Golden Armor Continent’s Han Wanzhan, offered a reward of five hundred Valley Rain Coins to anyone who could challenge and defeat Song Changjing, the martial artist from Great Li of Treasure Bottle Continent. In truth, Han Wanzhan had no feud with Song Changjing, never even met him. He simply looked down on the tiny Treasure Bottle Continent, and even more so disdained the newly advanced Pinnacle realm king of Great Li. A small place like that, how could it be worthy of having a Pinnacle realm martial artist guarding its mountains and rivers?

This was the origin of the old man’s earlier remark at the Green Seal Sect, that he had “been slapped several times by Treasure Bottle Continent.”

Previously, on the mountain peak of that small sect, Han Guanghu had stated that he would find an opportunity to weigh Chen Ping’an’s fists and feet.

The current leading dynasty of Tongye Continent was the Daquan Yao Clan.

Han Guanghu’s journey to Tongye Continent was to repay a debt. There was no escape from the matter once one became involved with the Itinerant Bladesman.

This elusive Master Zeng, after Qin Buyi and the man with the Daoist name Songzhi arrived at Tongye Continent, finally stopped hiding and revealed everything to Han Guanghu. He actually wanted the latter to go to the Daquan Dynasty, serve as chief minister, assist the Empress Yao Jinzhi, help the Yao Clan stabilize their “family business,” and create a lasting legacy of peace and prosperity on the Tongye Continent.

There was still a large backlog of matters awaiting Han Guanghu’s attention back home. Furthermore, he truly did not feel he could adapt to being a subordinate to a young girl.

Master Zeng saw Han Guanghu’s difficulty at the time, and merely smiled and said, “Repaying debts is a matter of course. If you are determined not to repay, that’s fine too. You can leave it for the next life, with just a little extra interest.”

It was neither a threat nor a joke. This Master Zeng was simply stating a fact.

Han Guanghu found it difficult to decide for a time, so he said he would first take a trip to the Daquan Dynasty. So the group took a trip to Peach Blossom Ferry and Mirage City, personally witnessing the customs and conditions of the Daquan Dynasty.

Chen Ping’an politely declined, “I don’t dare accept the title of Grandmaster. As for the exchange of fists, let’s just forget it. If Senior doesn’t mind, we can boil wine in the snowy night.”

Han Guanghu did not force the issue. He could not force someone to fight if they were unwilling. Martial arts sparring was never a minor matter. The old man changed the subject and said, “Besides reminiscing with Zheng Qian, I also thought about having her become my apprentice and learn boxing from me. I just don’t know if Grandmaster Chen would be willing to part with her, and agree to this matter?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Senior is joking.”

Cui Dongshan tsk-tsked, “Han Guanghu, Han Wanzhan, Senior Han, Old Grandmaster Han! Do you know what realm my Eldest Sister is in now? The Pinnacle realm! Since we are in the same realm, what kind of boxing can Eldest Sister learn by becoming Senior’s apprentice?”

Cui Dongshan immediately turned his head and began to complain, “Teacher! This is intolerable, absolutely intolerable! Robbing disciples right at our doorstep! If it were me, I would start by cursing!”

Chen Ping’an said, “Learn from Zhou Junchen.”

Cui Dongshan immediately extended two fingers, joined together, and wiped them across his mouth, sealing it shut!

Han Guanghu completely ignored the white-clad youth’s sarcastic remarks, only staring at the extremely famous young man. Of course, Cao Ci of the same age was also outstanding, but in the Savage Lands, he was not as famous as Chen Ping’an, who was serving as the Hidden Official. The old man laughed and said, “I have a few trump card boxing techniques that are not vulgar. I believe I can teach anyone. Furthermore, Zheng Qian often chatted with me back in Golden Armor Continent. The little girl said that her master didn’t teach her much boxing. When I heard that, I was surprised. How could there be such a person in the world, willing to let such a good seedling go to waste, not bothering to cultivate her carefully? Is it because his own boxing skills are not good enough, so he has nothing left to teach, or is his vision too high, thinking that disciples with Zheng Qian’s talent are not worthy of his careful instruction?”

In fact, what Pei Qian meant at the time was that her master didn’t teach her much boxing, so her realm was not high, and her punches lacked weight. If she made a fool of herself, they could laugh at her, and it had nothing to do with her master.

However, Han Guanghu didn’t care about any of this. In order to take Zheng Qian as his closed-door disciple, he was willing to disregard his old face.

Cui Dongshan listened with a silly grin, wishing he could quickly pull out a ledger and record a note for his Eldest Sister, as the tables had turned.

But on second thought, it seemed that his own record-keeping would itself be recorded by Eldest Sister? Cui Dongshan rubbed his chin, wondering why this deal didn’t seem worthwhile.

Chen Ping’an glanced at Cui Dongshan.

How coincidental, another one came to poach disciples, and you still have the nerve to fan the flames here?

Cui Dongshan immediately looked down at his nose, focusing on admiring the snow with great concentration.

Han Guanghu raised his hand, making a fist and holding it in front of his mouth, coughing lightly a few times.

Cui Dongshan asked with concern, “Old Senior Han, I have medicine for coughs, would you like some?”

Han Guanghu was momentarily speechless. This white-clad youth was truly cheap.

From beginning to end, he couldn’t speak properly.

How could Chen Ping’an teach such an unreliable disciple, so different from that knowledgeable, well-mannered little girl?
Han Guanghu turned a deaf ear, ignoring the white-clad youth, and said directly, “Regarding Zheng Qian’s apprenticeship, if Grandmaster Chen is unwilling, then I will talk to Zheng Qian myself. If I can persuade her and she is willing to change her mind, I hope Grandmaster Chen will not obstruct it.”

Cui Dongshan, hugging his mountain-walking staff, coughed a few times, leaned his head close to his teacher, and whispered, “Teacher, teacher, what if Eldest Senior Sister really has a change of heart, as Senior Han says? What do we do?”

Chen Ping’an pushed Cui Dongshan’s head away, met Han Guanghu’s gaze, and smiled, “Just a brief exchange of blows. No problem. Think of it as clearing snow from the doorway.”

It’s one thing to be repeatedly rebuffed by Pei Qian without even seeing me, the master.

But to openly poach my disciple in front of me, Chen Ping’an, that’s just not proper in the martial world.

Qin Buyi’s eyes shone with excitement. Was the young Hidden Official finally going to make a move?

Cui Dongshan struggled to keep a straight face, looking like he was gritting his teeth, barely managing not to laugh out loud.

On Fallen Star Mountain, even if you gave Cui Dongshan several more times the courage, he would never dare to poach Pei Qian, Mi Li, or Chen Nuanshu.

On the Sweeping Flower Terrace of谪仙Peak, how did Huang Yiyun reach the first level of Returning to Truth? She was beaten into it by the teacher’s “tender, loving care”!

Han Guanghu lightly twisted his wrist, looked around, and after retracting his gaze, asked, “What level of the Immeasurable Realm are you? Returning to Truth?”

If he hadn’t reached Returning to Truth, he couldn’t have had a martial arts exchange with Cao Ci.

Chen Ping’an said, “Like Senior, I once reached the Returning to Truth level of the Immeasurable Realm, then regressed a level, returning to the Qi Flourishing Realm.”

The implication being that since both sides were at the same level of the Immeasurable Realm, no one was taking advantage of anyone.

Han Guanghu laughed, “This old man’s first level of Returning to Truth once touched the threshold of the Divine Realm. Even if I’ve regressed now, my foundation is still solid. If you think I’m a sickly old man just because you heard a few coughs, be careful of getting burned.”

Because according to that list, it showed that Chen Ping’an was still a Mountain Peak Realm martial artist when he was guarding the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Doesn’t that mean that in the few years since returning to the Vast Land, this man in his forties has broken through two realms in succession?

Good heavens, no wonder he could go back and forth with Cao Ci at the Literary Temple’s Merit Forest.

Rumor has it that in that “Green and White Dispute,” this young Grandmaster’s strikes were very tricky, using all sorts of underhanded methods, to the point of swelling up Cao Ci’s face?

Song Yushao said softly, “Don’t be careless, and don’t overestimate yourself.”

It seems like one statement, but it has two layers of meaning. A martial exchange between equals cannot be taken lightly. Respecting the other person is respecting your own fist, and at the same time, it is reminding Chen Ping’an not to strike too lightly.

Chen Ping’an nodded, “I understand.”

Cui Dongshan was a little envious. There weren’t many people who could instruct the teacher.

Logically speaking, Senior Song’s martial arts realm was actually quite far from his own teacher’s, but the old senior didn’t feel any awkwardness, and the teacher didn’t think it was inappropriate to listen.

This was probably the teacher’s martial world.

Good, in snowy weather, heroes abound. How many stories are there in the martial world, both ancient and modern, with the town crier’s bell and the fisherman’s song mingling in the third watch of the night.

Gu Qiu and his servant girl, Xiao Fang, silently appeared at the corner of an alley.

Gu Qiu’s expression was grave. These newcomers who had crossed the river were extremely powerful.

Even the qi refiner who looked like a young man with a knife under his arm was a Golden Core Earth Immortal, and his true age was only around thirty.

As for the other four people beside the young man, Gu Qiu couldn’t see the depth of their cultivation at all. The fact that he couldn’t see it already said a lot.

Xiao Fang’s face was pale, and she quickly stepped back to hide behind Gu Qiu. The tall old man had a thick fist intent, and his body was full of strong yang energy. In the eyes of a ghost like her, he was like a blazing sun tearing through the night, burning fiercely on the earth. She felt like she would burn her eyes just by looking at him a few more times.

Because of his identity, Gu Qiu wasn’t particularly afraid of the pure martial artist’s strong yang fist intent, so when he noticed Xiao Fang’s abnormality, Gu Qiu could roughly determine that the old man was at least a Mountain Peak Realm Grandmaster.

Could it be Wu Shu, who was revered as the Martial Saint in Tongye Continent?

Wang Manmeng raised her fist and gently shook it, cheering for the handsome Chen Gongzi.

Having spent too much time with Cui Dongshan, she was starting to find the gentle-mannered blue-shirted brother more and more endearing.

He was as lovely as a winter’s day and as refreshing as a spring breeze.

Cui Dongshan stomped his feet and said, “What’s wrong with you all? You’re all daydreaming, wanting to be my teacher’s wife?!”

Wang Manmeng covered her mouth and smiled.

Chen Ping’an was about to tell Pei Qian to remember this debt when he suddenly raised his head and looked into the distance.

Qin Buyi’s expression changed slightly. This person had sensed the anomaly outside the city even earlier than him.

Then a dazzling sword light pierced through the air, and a series of deafening thunderclaps sounded in the night sky.

The sword immortal was dressed in white, suspended in the air above the city wall, his appearance was feminine and handsome, his eyebrows and eyes as beautiful as a painting. One couldn’t help but sigh that beauty was not exclusive to women.

He had only stopped there on his journey. His presence made Jian Ming’s Dao heart tremble, and he had to hold his breath to suppress the ripples in his heart.

Cui Dongshan jumped up and down, cursing, “Chief Mi, you’re extremely presumptuous! Aren’t you afraid of overshadowing my teacher?”

Chen Ping’an smiled.

He would deal with this smug student later.

Mi Yu immediately floated down from the city wall, reached out to catch the long sword that was arcing towards him, gently placed it back in its sheath, and pressed his palm against the hilt, walking forward gracefully in the snow.

Cui Dongshan said with a disgusted expression, “Chief Mi, this is none of your business. Immortal Capital Mountain needs a sword immortal to guard it. Hurry back, hurry back.”

It wasn’t just a joke. Eldest Senior Sister wasn’t at Green Willow Sword Sect now, and Fellow Daoist Changming only had the realm but not the fighting ability. They needed someone who could fight to deter the petty thieves over there.

Mi Yu nodded and smiled, “Okay.”

With a tap of his toes, Mi Yu flew backwards towards the city gate. The long sword was unsheathed again, and Mi Yu turned around, stepping on the sword, the sword light dragging out a white rainbow, returning to Immortal Capital Mountain.

Coming and going in a hurry, Jian Ming found it simply inexplicable. He was dismissed with a few words. Could there be such a whimsical sword immortal in the world?!
Gu Qiu, as a prospective City God of this very city, felt a “Golden Body” tremble, along with the entire city, when the white-robed Sword Immortal descended from the void. This was even after the other party had deliberately restrained his sword aura upon approaching the city walls.

Qin Buyi was certain that this Mi Yu, hailing from the Sword Qi Great Wall, was undoubtedly a Sword Cultivator of the Immortal Realm.

Regarding the legends of the Sword Qi Great Wall, due to the presence of the Western Mountain Sword Immortal lineage amongst their group of Wrongful Death Investigators, they always paid close attention to news regarding the Sword Qi Great Wall.

For instance, this journey to Tongye Continent was at the behest of his Senior Brother, Liu Taozhi, who wished for Qin Buyi to extend an invitation to the young Hidden Official to become a guest elder of the Western Mountain Sword Immortal lineage.

If the opportunity arose, Chen Pingan might even be directly promoted to the long-vacant position of Supreme Guest Elder.

Their faction, small in number, possessed extremely high standards. They were broadly divided into three branches, each passing on their lineage independently, with little interaction between them. As such, many Wrongful Death Investigators might not recognize each other even after years of acquaintance. With most of the native Sword Cultivators of the Sword Qi Great Wall having departed for the Five Colors World, Mi Yu, Nalan Caihuan, and others remaining in the Vast World had become the focus of the Western Mountain Sword Immortal lineage’s attention.

As for Qi Tingji…

Forget about it.

They couldn’t afford to associate with that old sword immortal who inscribed characters on the city walls.

Lu Zhi…

Her temperament was too aloof, and she held little affection for the Vast World. The prospects were likely bleak. Approaching her rashly would likely be unwelcome.

Cui Dongshan tentatively inquired, “Master, should I lead my beloved generals to retreat a little further away?”

Chen Pingan replied, “There’s no need.”

Cui Dongshan lamented, “It’s a pity that Junior Sister isn’t here, nor is that odd-job disciple from Riding Dragon Lane. Otherwise, the momentum would definitely be boosted right now.”

Chen Pingan ignored him, advancing slowly, and offered a single palm forward, “Please, Senior, make your move.”

The old man smiled, “Since we are of the same realm, according to the rules of the Jianghu, the younger one may strike first.”

Cui Dongshan raised his arm and shouted, “Grant him three moves!”