Today, Wei Bo arrived at the bamboo building on Luopo Mountain. Mountain Master Chen said he had important matters to discuss and troubled Mountain Lord Wei to make the trip.

Chen Ping’an rose from beside the stone table on the cliff edge to greet him, smiling, “Old Chef asked me to pass along a message, wondering if he could buy a plot of land near Piyun Mountain, to escape the summer heat there.”

Wei Bo was puzzled, “Just for that?”

Such a trivial matter, why the need to summon him specifically?

Wei Bo had, in fact, established a secluded estate in a remote part of Piyun Mountain, its architecture exquisite, unfolding like a long scroll. Within, at the Mountain Lord’s study, two ancient pines from the former residence of the Lu Family Prince had been transplanted, their shade dense as a pine canopy. Gazing afar from beneath their boughs, whenever white clouds rose from the mountain’s foot, all peaks would be lost, with only the hairpins of Southern Luopo, Xiandu and other places remaining, resembling a Mi Fu landscape painting of snowy mountains. Outside the study was a pond of lotus blossoms, their leaves rising gracefully. During the dog days of summer, one could moor a boat there, toss two or three watermelons into the water, and then take a midday nap, fragrant aromas permeating one’s garments, dreaming idle dreams. After waking, one could retrieve the melons and slice them open, their coolness like that of an ice cellar’s contents, as if the human realm had no sweltering heat.

Chen Ping’an laughed, getting straight to the point, “Of course, there are more serious matters. According to my teacher, the five of you Mountain Lords of Baoping Continent can actually choose your own divine titles, though the final approval still rests with the Wenmiao. Have you and Mountain Lord Jin given it any thought? If so, you can prepare early, and I’ll give my teacher and Senior Brother Mao a heads-up. Perhaps I can be of some assistance when the Wenmiao discusses the matter.”

Wei Bo was somewhat surprised, “The Wenmiao doesn’t seem to have mentioned this.”

In truth, the matter of bestowing divine titles upon the Five Mountains had not been publicly disclosed by the Wenmiao. However, no wall is airtight. Although the Wenmiao had yet to utter a single word, it didn’t mean the peaks of Haoran were unaware of these rumors. It was said that the Five Mountain Lords of Baoping Continent were soon to receive divine titles, the rumors rife and detailed, but the Wenmiao had never contacted them. Jin Qing, Mountain Lord of the Central Mountain, had even sent a flying sword message to Piyun Mountain, inquiring about the matter. He said in the letter that you were familiar with Chen Ping’an, and Chen Ping’an had a good relationship with the Wenmiao. He asked him to help confirm if there was such a thing. If it were true, you wouldn’t need to reply, and he, Jin Qing, could prepare early and plan a grand night banquet. As such, Wei Bo had no choice but to acknowledge the letter, replying that he was busy and Mountain Master Chen was even busier. Regarding the truth of the matter, Mountain Lord Jin could either inquire himself to Chen Ping’an, or seek other ways to obtain information.

“If you don’t bring it up, the Wenmiao won’t mention it. It’s always better to avoid trouble.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “The Wenmiao issuing divine titles to the Five Mountains and Great Rivers is a rule established by the Sage of Rites in ancient times. Later generations have followed it for so long that it’s been regarded as an unchangeable golden rule. But actually, that’s not how it’s recorded in the Wenmiao archives. If we don’t examine the records carefully, we wouldn’t know that Mountain Lords and Great River Dukes can actually devise their own divine titles.”

Wei Bo was silent for a moment, then bowed to Chen Ping’an in thanks.

Even though everyone said that he, Wei Bo, and Piyun Mountain, were so close to Luopo Mountain that they wore the same pair of pants.

But such a significant matter, no matter how close he was to Chen Ping’an, no matter how informal the friends were, he still had to properly thank him.

Chen Ping’an began to utter nonsense with an air of seriousness, “The matter is urgent. The Wenmiao is pressing us, so I took the liberty of telling my teacher that you thought the divine title ‘Night Wanderer’ was quite good. My teacher also agreed that it was indeed excellent, a popular choice that would greatly benefit the landscape and fortune of the entire Northern Mountain region in the long run. He said that in the future, when cultivators throughout Haoran mentioned Piyun Mountain, or when they had the thought in their minds, or when the text appeared on mountain and river gazettes, the frequency would only increase…”

Wei Bo’s face turned ashen. He suppressed the urge to burst into a torrent of curses. Without letting Chen Ping’an finish, Mountain Lord Wei flicked his sleeves violently, creating a snapping sound, and was about to return to his Mountain Lord’s Manor.

He had to quickly send a message to the Wenmiao from Piyun Mountain, saying that anything but “Night Wanderer” would be fine.

Chen Ping’an quickly grabbed Wei Bo’s arm, forcibly stopping the Mountain Lord, and laughed, “Why are you so agitated, Mountain Lord Wei? Your cultivation of temperament is not up to par?”

Wei Bo gritted his teeth, “You won’t be happy until I’m humiliated in front of the Wenmiao and the Central Earth Continent?”

Chen Ping’an felt a bit guilty. Perhaps the famed Night Wanderer Banquet of Baoping Continent was now known even in the Azure Billow Heaven.

Moreover, with Lu Chen around, who never minded adding fuel to the fire, Lu’s Sect Master’s usual temperament, he would certainly help spread the fame on this trip back to the White Jade Capital. No, he had to remind Lu Chen not to let him be misunderstood by Wei Bo.

Chen Ping’an pulled Wei Bo to sit together at the table, “Are you really that averse to ‘Night Wanderer’?”

Wei Bo sneered, “What do you think?”

Chen Ping’an said, “One-punch-down Second Shopkeeper, from afar it’s Ah Liang, up close it’s the Hidden Official, sayings and nicknames like these, there are too many to count. Look at me, learn from me.”

Wei Bo scoffed, “One shouldn’t cling to face, but one also shouldn’t be shameless!”

Chen Ping’an tentatively asked, “Really not considering it? The books say that one should not lightly make promises to others in times of great joy, nor should one reply to others in times of great anger. I think these two sayings make a lot of sense.”

Wei Bo said, “No further discussion. If you have nothing else, I’m leaving. Don’t think I’m idle. The endless meetings aren’t a joke. Not to mention the Northern Mountain region outside of Piyun, just the twenty-four departments of the Mountain Lord’s Manor keep me busy with meetings every day.”

Chen Ping’an said, “I previously promised the Sage of Rites that I would provide a detailed strategy. Besides my own cultivation, I’ve spent almost all my time on this matter, and I’ve already written nearly three hundred thousand words. After some minor revisions, I’ll send it to the Wenmiao. I can add your name to it, and in that case, the likelihood of the Wenmiao approving Piyun Mountain’s self-proposed divine title will be greater.”

Wei Bo’s expression softened slightly, “Forget it. The people at the Wenmiao aren’t fools. My kind of shoddy work will only make me a laughingstock.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “Are you stupid? If Wei Bo’s name is really added, would you not write tens of thousands of words yourself?”

Wei Bo asked curiously, “Write what?”
Chen Ping’an said, “Afterward, I’ll let you see the initial draft. If you’re willing to write, try to finish it within ten days. Then you can submit it to the Wen Miao (Temple of Literature). Address it to the scripture scholar, Xi Ping. If you feel there’s nothing to add, and you don’t want to include your name at the end, just return the draft to me. Best, let me advise you one last time, truly the last: regarding Pīyún Mountain exclusively claiming ‘Night Tour,’ I, Mister, and Lu Chen, all three of us think it’s excellent, unparalleled.”

Wei Bo nodded, “I’ll decide after I’ve read the initial draft.”

Chen Ping’an retrieved three thick volumes from his sleeve, “Take them back and read them, remember to keep them safe.”

Wei Bo placed the three volumes into his sleeve, nodding, “Anything else?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “His Majesty the Emperor may soon travel incognito to the Yùzhāng Prefecture logging yard. I’ll be going there to take a look. Would you like to join me?”

Wei Bo hesitated for a moment, and then said, “His Majesty departed the capital earlier than expected. By now, he’s likely already entered the territory of Yú Prefecture.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Understood. I’ll head over there myself; I won’t drag you along.”

Once Wei Bo returned to Pīyún Mountain, on the back mountain path of Fallen Cloud Mountain, accompanied by the blue-robed Chen Ping’an, was a burly, youthful-looking ghost. Having finally seen the light of day again, it felt that every breath taken in this “Yang Realm” outside the prison was to be cherished.

It was none other than Silver Deer, the vice city lord of Immortal Hairpin City in the wildlands. Having had one soul and one spirit captured by Chen Ping’an and imprisoned, it had been diligently writing down the hidden affairs of the wildlands, racking its brains, working tirelessly. Silver Deer had even managed to produce an “epic masterpiece,” of course, in order to pad it out, Silver Deer hadn’t been frugal with his efforts, writing a lot of trivial nonsense. Fortunately, the young Hidden Official didn’t mind, and even praised some of the details that Silver Deer thought would definitely be deleted.

Firstly, its cultivation had plummeted due to its incomplete soul and spirit. Secondly, even if its cultivation was still at its peak, what could it do? In front of this young Hidden Official who had cleaved Immortal Hairpin City in two, Silver Deer was as obsequious as it could be. Before it had taken even a few steps, Silver Deer had spewed out all the flattery it had accumulated in its lifetime. Like now, it was saying that the Hidden Official’s Daoist sanctuary was truly one of the best places under Heaven.

The one listening didn’t feel awkward at all, letting Silver Deer disgust people over there.

This led to Silver Deer gradually becoming embarrassed itself. It had truly exhausted its skills, and it was indeed getting a little weary.

Silver Deer cautiously said, “Hidden Official, to speak from the heart, every step I take in this ghostly form feels like it’s defiling this beautiful landscape.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Oh? Then should you go back and stay there?”

Silver Deer was momentarily speechless, and didn’t dare to speak any more nonsense.

Chen Ping’an, with his hands clasped in his sleeves, extended a hand, and with a twist of his wrist, he draped a horsetail whisk called “Fuchen” over his arm.

Upon seeing this object, Silver Deer’s heart tightened instantly, and it said with a trembling voice, “Hidden Official, perhaps I should still return.”

In truth, Silver Deer had suffered unspeakable hardships during its imprisonment. Chen Ping’an would check on the progress of the book every few days. Each time, he would appear silently behind Silver Deer, who was hunched over, writing. Without a word, he would raise his hand, holding a bluestone brick, and smash it down on Silver Deer’s head. Every time, it would daze Silver Deer, who would hug its head and roll around on the ground. Only occasionally, when Chen Ping’an saw a page that pleased his eye, would he place the bluestone brick beside the desk, reminding Silver Deer that the writing was good, and that it had escaped a calamity.

Chen Ping’an smiled, “It’s rare to come out for a breath of fresh air. To go back in such a hurry, are you not giving me face?”

Silver Deer bowed its head and bent its waist, quickly clarifying, “I’m just worried about being seen by outsiders, who might misunderstand and think you are consorting with a ghost, which would make you lose face.”

Chen Ping’an said, “I really don’t know what the owner of that Daoist hairpin, and your Founding Ancestor, would think if they saw disciples and descendants like you.”

Silver Deer sighed, “Presumably, they would be unable to bear to look, and would rather not see it and be troubled by it. Even if they passed by Immortal Hairpin City, they wouldn’t be willing to sit down inside.”

The founding Ancestor of Immortal Hairpin City, Guī Língxiāng, a female cultivator without a Daoist name, was also the second owner of that ancient Daoist hairpin.

The second generation city lord, a ghost with the Daoist name “Qióngōu,” was actually a mosquito in its true form. It had long been hidden on the Yellow Springs Road. The whisk was its treasure for avoiding the sight of the Netherworld ghost soldiers, but even after obtaining it for two thousand years, the old crone had still failed to completely refine it. Otherwise, it would have long returned from the underworld to the wildlands to compete for the throne.

Then there was the great demon Wū Tī, who had walked out of the painting and was then tricked by his master Qióngōu. According to the genealogy of Immortal Hairpin City, it was also Silver Deer’s ancestral master.

After that was the contemporary city lord, Xuánpǔ, a flying-ascension realm cultivator, who had his head chopped off by the execution officer Háo Sù.

For ten thousand years, the highest ground in the wildlands wasn’t Mount Tuōyuè, but Immortal Hairpin City.

As a result, after the last Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall went to the wildlands, there was no longer any “highest” to speak of. Therefore, the highest place now became the Sword Qi Great Wall.

The whisk in his hand was a true treasure among the celestial weapons of the mountains. It had a purple wooden handle, three thousand strands of snow-white silk threads, and a small golden ring to decorate the tassel.

Chen Ping’an intended to gift the whisk to the Ancestral Hall of Flying-Ascension City.

Silver Deer mustered its courage and asked, “Hidden Official, the cultivator who passed by the gate earlier, and exchanged glances with me, what was their background?”

Chen Ping’an switched hands to hold the whisk, “His name is Lu Wei, a yin-yang scholar at the immortal realm bottleneck, from the Lu clan of the Central Plains. He’s half a fellow townsman of mine. Old debts and new debts, a muddled account.”

Silver Deer was as silent as a cicada in winter, not because of the names of Lu Wei and the Lu clan of the Central Plains, but because the whisk in the young Hidden Official’s hand made Silver Deer increasingly uncomfortable. Could it be that its grand ancestral master Qióngōu, who was said by its master to have exhausted the creations of the Great Primordial, had also suffered a terrible fate?

Chen Ping’an casually asked, “If you were to be enemies with the Lu clan of the Central Plains, what would you do?”
Always indulging in superficial nonsense. Silver Deer found merely chatting with this young Hidden Official exhausting. However, since he had asked, Silver Deer had to seriously consider this preposterous question. After contemplating for a moment, he tentatively suggested, “Even in Immortal Hairpin City, I’ve long heard of the Central Earth Lu Clan. To be at odds with them would be akin to opposing a Fourteenth Realm Grand Cultivator. If it were me, I’d find a place to hide, and it would have to be a powerful backer capable of challenging the Lu Clan. If it were a blood feud and I were being pursued by the Lu Clan, I’d go to the Ten Thousand Mountains and join forces with Senior Tao Ting, at least to save my life. Of course, the Hidden Official is beyond such concerns; it’s the Lu Clan who should be worried.”

Chen Ping’an remained noncommittal and said, “Don’t follow me. Go for a stroll on the front side of the Fallen Phoenix Mountain, but remember not to stray too far from the mountain gate, or you’ll face the consequences.”

How could Silver Deer dare to wander around randomly? After all, this was Chen Ping’an’s Daoist abode. He was not only worried about saying the wrong thing, but also about whether his expression or attitude might displease someone on the way to the front mountain and lead to his immediate demise. After much deliberation, Silver Deer decided that staying by Chen Ping’an’s side was the safest option. However, he was unsure how to broach the subject. Back in Immortal Hairpin City, everyone was fawning over him. Where would he, the deputy city lord in charge of specific affairs, need to assess the situation and carefully choose his words?

Chen Ping’an said, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Don’t you understand this simple principle?”

Silver Deer felt utterly miserable. If Chen Ping’an was going to say that, he had nothing to say.

When you went to Immortal Hairpin City, why didn’t you mention doing as the Romans do?

Along the way, there were numerous pavilions, and the names alone were eye-opening for Silver Deer.

Winged Ease, High Seat, Amidst Clouds, Full Moon, Empty Heart, Under Rain, Eight Winds…

The longest name was a pavilion called “Live Long and Prosper, Gaze Upon the Evergreen Mountains,” and the shortest was even more intriguing: “Pavilion” Pavilion.

A residence came into view, its white walls and black tiles partially hidden by rows of green bamboo. Chen Ping’an put away his horsetail whisk and said, “Go.”

Silver Deer had no choice but to perform a Daoist salute, “I respectfully obey the Hidden Official’s command.”

On the back mountain of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, a pair of young Cao Clan disciples were cultivating and practicing martial arts.

The gate was wide open, and a young woman was practicing her boxing techniques in the courtyard training ground. Chen Ping’an remained at the gate and gently knocked. The young woman saw the Mountain Lord and was visibly nervous.

This was their third meeting.

The first time was when she accompanied her young master to the bamboo building to pay respects to Mountain Lord Chen, but they didn’t chat much.

The second time was when Mountain Lord Chen personally visited and even taught Cao Yang some boxing techniques. After their exchange, Cao Yang was thoroughly convinced of her loss. She pondered the lessons repeatedly, benefiting greatly from the young martial artist.

Just as Cao Yang was at a loss, Cao Yin quickly walked out of the study and down the steps, bowing and saying, “Mr. Chen.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Fengsheng, I heard that Wutong has reached the Fifth Realm, so I came here to offer my congratulations. I won’t stay long, just sit for a moment and then leave, so as not to disturb your cultivation.”

The young man before him was a descendant of a collateral branch of the Supreme Pillar State Cao Clan, named Yin, courtesy name Fengsheng. He was also a sword cultivator at the Observation Sea bottleneck, deserving the title of a young genius.

It was just that the Cao Clan didn’t want the young man to become famous too early; otherwise, Cao Yin would have become renowned in Great Li long ago. As for Cao Yang, whose childhood name was Wutong, the young woman had just reached the Fifth Realm. This was both thanks to Mountain Lord Chen’s personal instruction and the frequent sparring provided by Mr. Zhu in recent days. In particular, during Mountain Lord Chen’s last visit to the training ground, he demonstrated over forty stances and boxing techniques in one go, which was like opening a door to a brand-new world of martial arts for Cao Yang.

So how could Cao Yang not be nervous? Now seeing Mountain Lord Chen again, she revered him like a god.

Chen Ping’an entered the main hall, and Cao Yang quickly brought tea, her hands trembling. Chen Ping’an pretended not to notice and chatted with Cao Yin about his recent cultivation progress. When the young woman placed the teacup on a nearby flower stand, he turned his head and smiled, thanking her. Cao Yang, with a strained expression, managed a smile. The young woman’s forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat. She gently walked to Cao Yin’s side but did not sit down. The etiquette and rules of aristocratic families would not be relaxed just because they were outside the family. Cao Yin had also advised her not to be so strict about such things on Fallen Phoenix Mountain, but it was no use; he couldn’t persuade her, so the young man had to give up.

While here, Chen Ping’an inquired about their cultivation and then simply chatted with Cao Yin, discussing trivial matters. Listening to ordinary words, over time, Cao Yang gradually relaxed.

Silver Deer parted ways with the young Hidden Official and walked alone, trembling with fear, as if afraid of stepping on a fallen leaf on the road.

Then, at the end of the small path, Silver Deer saw a strange little girl in black, with sparse eyebrows, a cotton bag slung across her shoulder, a small golden carrying pole, and a green bamboo walking stick in her hand. She was skipping and jumping along the mountain path. They stopped almost simultaneously when they met. Silver Deer no longer had the cultivation of an Immortal Realm cultivator, but his vision was still there. He discovered that the other party seemed to be just a small water monster below the Fifth Realm. Silver Deer felt a little more at ease. However, the black robe on the little girl was of extraordinary quality. As soon as Silver Deer had this thought, he wanted to slap himself in the face. What was he thinking? Was he courting death?

After the little girl in black timidly stopped, she took a small step, walked to the side of the road, and then silently turned sideways, as if facing the wall and standing at attention, like being punished.

Although Sister Guo had taught her some worldly experience – when encountering something, don’t panic, run away immediately – Little Rice Grain felt that she was patrolling the mountain and had no reason to be so timid.

Silver Deer was also nervous, afraid that this little water monster was a maidservant or a tea-serving little girl by the side of a Fallen Phoenix Mountain Immortal Sovereign, or a boy who tended to the furnace.

Therefore, Silver Deer tried to make his expression more kind and amiable and smiled, “My name is Silver Deer. I’m a Qi Refiner brought to Fallen Phoenix Mountain by the Hidden Official. And you are?”

Zhou Milly breathed a sigh of relief, turned her head, and smiled brightly, “So that’s how it is. Hello, Immortal Elder Silver Deer. My name is Zhou Milly, Milly of milly, and I’m the right… I’m the Mountain Lord’s personally appointed Mountain Patrolling Envoy, a small official, haha, a small sesame official like a grain of rice.”
The silver deer was taken aback. A patrolling envoy? What was that? Did this backwater of a mountain even have such an official position? But since it was personally appointed by the young Hidden Official, the silver deer’s smile became even more amiable. He slowly walked forward, hands clasped behind his back, explaining as he went, “So you’re Fellow Daoist Zhou, responsible for patrolling the mountain. I was just strolling here with the Hidden Official, and he thought I might be unfamiliar with the place, so he allowed me to wander around and take a look at the front of the mountain.”

Zhou Mili grinned, quickly closing her mouth, reminding herself to smile without showing her teeth. She stood up straight and said in a clear, crisp voice, “That’s fantastic! I’ll lead the way for the Silver Deer Immortal! I know all the roads, big and small, on our mountain like the back of my hand.”

The silver deer weighed the pros and cons and decided it was feasible. Bringing this seemingly slow-witted girl along would make him appear more approachable. He wanted to avoid a terrible first impression with the immortal lords of this mountain. He wasn’t looking to gain favor, just to avoid making mistakes!

One large and one small figure passed by mountain pavilions of various shapes and styles, some simple, some exquisite. Mili’s face was full of joy as she introduced the origins of each pavilion’s name to the Silver Deer Immortal, taking the opportunity to praise their Mountain Lord’s profound talent for naming things. The silver deer naturally didn’t dare to disagree. During their walk, Mili reached out and asked if the Silver Deer Immortal wanted some melon seeds. The silver deer lowered his head, smiled wryly, and politely declined the girl’s offer. Mili scratched her head, feeling awkward eating melon seeds alone, and put them back in her sleeve.

High above, inside an octagonal pavilion called “Like a Dream Order”, Little Mo, wearing a yellow hat and blue shoes, leaned against a pillar, a green bamboo staff in his arms, his face gentle as he watched the chattering girl in black.

Beside him, a girl in a sable hat said angrily, “Good heavens, this silver deer is pushing his luck! Little Mo, Little Mo, should I go teach him a lesson?”

Little Mo said softly, “There’s no need. Just don’t interfere with Mili’s hospitality.”

Xie Gou complained, “I just can’t stand seeing Mili being wronged.”

Earlier, when Mili was at the bamboo building, counting passing white clouds beyond the cliff, Guo Zhujiu had played a prank with Xie Gou and the white-haired boy. They had ridden the clouds early in the morning, three heads “floating” on the white clouds, all looking up at the cliff, rolling their eyes and making faces, which had scared Mili quite a bit. But after she found out the truth, she was overjoyed, laughing so hard she clutched her stomach.

Little Mo laughed, “Don’t go scaring the Water God Lady of the Jade Dew River again. Don’t let it happen again.”

The Water God Lady of the Jade Dew River, already living in constant fear, had been even more frantic after the “ghosts” haunted her underwater palace. She was more determined than ever to change territories. As long as she could leave the vicinity of the mountain, she would even accept a demotion.

Xie Gou turned to look at Little Mo, her heart filled with warmth. She quietly took another step closer, tilting her head, wanting to lean on Little Mo’s shoulder, like a small bird seeking comfort.

But Little Mo blocked her head with his hand, preventing her from succeeding.

Xie Gou stood on tiptoe, and with lightning speed, rubbed her face against the warm palm. Little Mo withdrew his hand and sighed softly. Were his young master and Mister Zhu deliberately setting him up?

Xie Gou was already satisfied. “Jing Hao from Flowing Cloud Isle, and that little flood dragon named Bai Deng, are already very familiar with Chen Lingjun. They’ve had several drinks together in Dragon Riding Lane in the small town. Why doesn’t Chen Lingjun just bring them up the mountain?”

Little Mo smiled and explained, “Because the last time he went down the mountain, it was on the sly. Jing Qing was afraid of being exposed to the young master, so he discussed it with Jing Hao and Bai Deng, and they agreed to pretend to meet for the first time in the small town, and then come here as guests. That way, he won’t get scolded, and maybe he’ll even be praised for bringing two distinguished guests up the mountain.”

Xie Gou rubbed her brow. “Does this Chen Lingjun really think Chen Pingan doesn’t know anything, or is he pretending?”

Little Mo smiled, his eyes narrowed. “Don’t doubt it. Jing Qing genuinely believes that. And the young master will definitely pretend he didn’t know beforehand.”

Xie Gou withdrew her gaze. “Speak of the devil, Chen Lingjun has just set off from the small town to return to the mountain.”

Years ago, in Dragon Riding Lane, Old Immortal Jia, in a moment of drunken honesty, sat under the table, and the blind old Daoist cleared his throat, raised two thumbs, and said that besides the Mountain Lord, he admired two people the most: the Right Protector, Zhou Mili, and Chen Lingjun, who liked to wander down to the small town. One was on the mountain, one was outside, and they were the great contributors to calming the hearts of the mountain. Other immortals, even Grand Steward Mister Zhu, had to take a back seat…

Truly insightful.

Xie Gou suddenly asked, “If the silver deer couldn’t control his thoughts and coveted that Robe of a Hundred-Eyed Glutton, and didn’t know how to restrain himself?”

Little Mo said calmly, “Then I would send him to meet his master, Xuanpu.”

Xie Gou was puzzled. “Would your young master allow you to take action?”

Little Mo smiled. “The reason my young master released the silver deer was to let him seek his own survival.”

Xie Gou suddenly understood. “This guy is lucky.”

On the road, the Silver Deer Immortal was accompanying the little girl, and they seemed to be having a good time chatting.

Little Mo said, “This is just the beginning. The road is long and arduous.”

Xie Gou muttered softly, “Scholars are all cunning.”

Little Mo straightened up from leaning against the pavilion pillar. Xie Gou sensed the change in Little Mo’s aura and quickly made amends, trying to smooth things over, laughing and saying, “Good words, definitely no bad intentions!”

Little Mo took the lead in walking down the steps. “Bai Jing, I think Mister Zhu is right: there is no such thing as an absolutely good or absolutely bad personality. They are all double-edged swords.”

Xie Gou nodded vigorously, hopping down the steps.

Whatever Mister Zhu said was right.

After all, he was a man who regarded appearance as dirt.

Today, the green-robed little boy had gone down the mountain early in the morning, swaggering into the Dragon Riding Lane, hands clasped behind his back, walking into the Lunar New Year goods store. He glanced at the shopkeeper, Shi Rou, sighed, and put on the airs of a senior from the mountain, leaving behind a sentence that expressed pity for her misfortune and anger at her lack of ambition: “So stubborn and unwilling to improve, I can’t even be bothered to talk to you.”
The little mute, always close to Shi Rou, immediately became displeased and started arguing with Chen Lingjun. Chen Lingjun, finding the argument meaningless, decided not to bicker with a mere child. He went next door, now that Brother Jia was no longer in the shop, having been promoted from a small shopkeeper in Qilong Lane to the second-in-command of an intercontinental ferry. Missing a great drinking buddy, Chen Lingjun felt a bit lonely. He entered the Caotou shop,posturing as a sort of half-uncle, offering a few pointers on cultivation to Tian Jiuer. Then he left Qilong Lane for the main street’s tavern, setting up a table and waiting for Daoist friends Qinggong Taibao and Zaojun to join him for a morning drink.

After a round of early drinks, Chen Lingjun led them into the mountains.

Towards that gentle, obedient, and sensible young woman, Chen Lingjun was quite willing to put in a few good words to Brother Jia.

Tian Jiuer was gifted with an unusual talent, as her blood was extraordinary. Thus, she was born a “rune spring.” However, she lacked the aptitude for drawing talismans, like owning a mountain of gold and silver, possessing the rights but not the means to use it.

On this matter, Chen Lingjun had privately inquired with Old Chef several times, receiving similar answers: “Whether one can become a talisman cultivator or not is predetermined, and cannot be forced.” On the contrary, Jiang Qu, who was now cultivating in seclusion on Grey Mist Mountain, possessed the aptitude. He had already entered the realm of talisman mastery. The path of a talisman cultivator, before “becoming useful,” that is, before reaching the middle five realms, was very expensive, consuming mountains of gold and silver, requiring countless talisman papers. Moreover, the better the quality of the paper used for studying and drawing talismans, the better the effect. In fact, the few taels of “rune spring” that Tian Jiuer regularly provided had almost become Jiang Qu’s stepping stones to ascent. The little girl didn’t know this, and even if she did, she would still never complain. Anyway, she felt at ease staying in Qilong Lane only if she could do something insignificant for Fallen Phoenix Mountain. Chen Lingjun felt helpless about this, perhaps this was fate. Whenever he thought of these things, Chen Lingjun would drink a few more bowls of wine at the Qilong Lane shop, drinking to his heart’s content with Brother Jia, until they were both drunk and passed out. Zheng Dafeng, that foul-mouthed bastard, always said he was probably interested in Tian Jiuer, which was why he ran to Qilong Lane so often, getting himself drunk every time, using alcohol to drown his sorrows, with ulterior motives… Immortal Guard was even more foolish, actually believing it! Old Chef was even more unkind, not even bothering to explain. A bunch of bastards!

Leading his two friends, approaching Fallen Phoenix Mountain, Chen Lingjun felt a bit apprehensive.

What if his Master didn’t approve of them?

Arriving at the entrance of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, Chen Lingjun found Little Rice Grain sitting at a table, drinking tea with a stranger.

As for Immortal Guard Daoist, he was as always, sitting in the bamboo chair at the entrance, reading a book with a changed cover. Zheng Dafeng, that lazy bum, was probably still sleeping, dreaming of springtime dalliances.

Chen Lingjun coughed a few times, clearing his throat, and flicked his sleeves. “Little Rice Grain, we have guests.”

Little Rice Grain quickly got up, greeted them, and went to boil water for tea. The little girl was happy, having something to do.

Bai Deng, Daoist name Zaojun, who had been staying in the town for a few days, was now dumbfounded.

Although the mountain and the town were still distinctly separated, Bai Deng had learned some of the secrets of this Li Zhu Grotto Heaven through table talk with the green-robed boy.

He learned that the site of the final battle of the dragon slaying three thousand years ago was right here!

And that the only true dragon in the world today, the East Sea Water Monarch Wang Zhu, had originated in that Mud Jar Alley.

No wonder when Bai Deng walked alone in Fortune Street and Peach Leaf Lane, he felt both a chilling, bone-freezing yin energy and a burning sensation, like his soul was being cooked in a hot oil pot, causing his Dao heart to waver.

According to Chen Lingjun, there used to be a Dragon Spring Sword Sect in the mountains to the west, but it had moved north. The previous Sect Master, Master Ruan, was a Jade Purity Realm military strategist. Now, there were several more Jade Purity Realm cultivators, including the current Sect Master, Liu Xianyang, a forty-year-old sword immortal. This guy was his Master’s childhood friend and a good brother of his, as for the generation, each was counted seperately…

This was just one of the seventy-two lesser grotto heavens, yet it was already so shockingly bold?

Bai Deng was already so “cautious,” but as an Ascension Realm great cultivator, Jing Hao could naturally see more clues, and was even more terrified.

Ma Kuxuan of Apricot Blossom Lane, Gu Can of Mud Jar Alley, Zhao Yao of Fortune Street, said to be Bai Ye’s half-disciple, the descendants of Xie Shi, the Heavenly Sovereign of the Northern Ju Continent, Xie Ling of Peach Leaf Lane…

One after another, rising young cultivators were crowded into such a small town?

In a green robe, Mountain Master Chen was now sitting on the top of the steps of Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s Clear Sky Peak main road.

Standing up, he stepped out and came straight to the foot of the mountain. Chen Pingan smiled at Chen Lingjun: “Guests? Your friends?”

Chen Lingjun’s eyes darted around, feeling a bit guilty. He couldn’t show his true position at home in front of his new friends.

At the drinking table, he had boasted greatly, as a veteran of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, especially with his Master, his words carried weight, his face was golden!

But in fact, Chen Lingjun knew very well that his status on Fallen Phoenix Mountain was not even as good as the little darlings like Warm Tree.

He had only had a few drinks, but Chen Lingjun bragged about his Jianghu experience, even boasting about his sworn brotherhood with Mountain Lord Wei. However, he never mentioned his Master’s deeds at the drinking table.

It’s best if you already know, and if you don’t know yet, then you’ll find out later.

Chen Pingan rubbed the green-robed boy’s head, “Since they are your friends, they are friends of Fallen Phoenix Mountain. Let’s have tea here first, and then we’ll go up the mountain for a chat.”

Only then did Chen Pingan turn to look at the two guests, smiling: “Daoist friends, please forgive me for not welcoming you sooner.”

Chen Lingjun belatedly realized one thing: there were few guests who could make his Master come out to greet them personally. He could count them on one hand.

Thinking about it this way, Chen Lingjun felt a little empty in his heart, feeling that he shouldn’t have brought friends he had only just met to Fallen Phoenix Mountain, troubling his Master to personally entertain them.
Chen Ping’an, while feigning politeness, was inwardly thinking with a distinct lack of hospitality, “Jing Hao, I’ve heard of you, a Flight Ascensions Realm cultivator who doesn’t dare venture south from the Flowing Glow Continent. If it weren’t for Chen Lingjun leading the way today, your visit to the Fallen Peak Mountain would be pointless. Since neither of us needs anything from the other, let’s keep a respectful distance.”

“Bai Deng, you can board a Night Sail Ship in the future. There’s an old friend of yours there, in a similar predicament as you. He’s the former Pavilion Chief of Si River, who once slew a white serpent on the road, now the City Lord of the Leaning Arch, one of the four cities on the Night Sail Ship.”

Jing Hao’s face stiffened momentarily, but he quickly recovered, replying inwardly with a smile, “Hidden Official Chen is forthright and direct. Even if I’m given the cold shoulder on this trip to Fallen Peak Mountain, it’s all the same.”

Bai Deng’s expression was clouded and uncertain as he suppressed his anger, resisting the urge to turn and leave, muttering inwardly, “I’ll find an opportunity to meet this man.”

Compared to Chen Ping’an’s words to Jing Hao, Bai Deng felt he could accept what he heard in his ears.

Regardless of their moods, both Jing Hao and Bai Deng were now looking at the young man in green robes with renewed respect.

Chen Lingjun, unable to hear the inner thoughts of Chen Ping’an and the two cultivators, was preoccupied with his own thoughts, saying inwardly, “Master, I promise this won’t happen again.”

Chen Ping’an replied, “I don’t trust you. I’ll give you two more ‘this won’t happen again’ chances.”

Hearing this was more effective than any comforting words. Chen Lingjun immediately perked up, the gloom between his brows vanishing.

Haha, as expected, as long as Master is on the mountain, I’ll have someone to back me up.

Chen Lingjun received a kick in the rear, turning to see the nonchalant Zheng Dafeng, who was holding a water jug and grinning mischievously, “Friends visiting? Is it that Bai Mang and Chen Zhuoliu you’ve been pining for?”

Chen Lingjun crossed his arms, retorting irritably, “No!”

The young carter, Bai Mang, and the impoverished scholar, Chen Zhuoliu, were both from the Northern Ju Lu Continent. Before they parted ways, Chen Lingjun had given them a sum of Immortal Money as travel expenses for their journey across continents, hoping they would visit him on the Treasure Bottle Continent. However, Chen Lingjun doubted their chances, considering their profligate spending habits.

Chen Ping’an’s eyes narrowed as he looked towards the end of the mountain path. One was an unexpected but logical arrival, while the other was unfamiliar, yet walked alongside the former with an air of equal standing.

Chen Qingliu.

As for the person accompanying Chen Qingliu, their identity was currently unknown.

Xiao Mo appeared at the mountain gate, followed by the spirited mink-hatted girl, rubbing her hands together, eager to try her strength.

Bai Deng merely glanced at the man in the blue robe walking slowly down the road, and instantly felt a gut-wrenching fear, a primal instinct urging him to kneel and prostrate himself.

Jing Hao’s expression was even more awkward, like a thief caught red-handed by the homeowner.

Chen Lingjun followed everyone’s gaze, turning to look. Hmm? Taking a closer look, the young man in green robes burst into laughter, swinging his sleeves as he strode forward, leaping up to high-five his long-lost good brother.

This scene sent shivers down the spines of Jing Hao and Bai Deng.

As Chen Lingjun’s feet landed, he launched a “monkey steals peaches” attack. The impoverished scholar blocked it, but Chen Lingjun still managed to twist him around, delivering a sweeping kick to his waist.

Chen Qingliu brushed off his robes. Chen Lingjun retracted his foot and nodded, “Good brother, you listened to my advice, you didn’t spend all the money in brothels.”

Jing Hao knew that Chen Lingjun and the Dragon-Slaying One had a good relationship, but he never imagined it would be this close. He now wanted to make amends, maybe even kowtow to the young man in green.

Bai Deng was completely oblivious, staggering back several steps, knocking over the long bench behind him without noticing.

Chen Lingjun put his hands on his hips, “I was just thinking if you were only drinking and whoring, and forgetting your good brother.”

The impoverished scholar retorted, “What nonsense are you talking about, little brother? I’ll punish myself with three cups later.”

Chen Ping’an stood beside Chen Lingjun.

Chen Qingliu presented a completely different demeanor when he was in front of Mountain Lord Chen, his expression calm as he introduced his friend inwardly, “This is Xin Ji’an, a friend of many years. Compared to the Hidden Official, who has friends everywhere, I have very few. This man is one of them. He’s a scholar in the same vein as Bai Ye and Su Ziliu. He wanted to go to the Great Wall of Sword Qi back then, and I escorted him all the way to Upside-Down Mountain. It was after that when I started to wield my sword and slay dragons. Not long ago, he accompanied a favored disciple of the Most Saintly Teacher, meeting a trio of beasts with considerable killing power head-on in the Savage World. If it wasn’t for their numbers increasing as they fought, and a strange monster appearing among them…”

Xie Gou was about to step forward but was stopped by Xiao Mo grabbing his arm.

Chen Qingliu smiled coldly, glancing askance at the mink-hatted girl who looked like the sword cultivator Bai Jing.

The scholar, who had just returned to the Vast World from the Savage World, seemed unwilling for Chen Qingliu to reveal more details, taking the initiative to speak with a smile, “In the Savage World, I’ve long heard of the Hidden Official’s great name, it is truly like thunder piercing my ears.”

Chen Ping’an bowed in greeting, which the latter returned with a bow.

One at the Great Wall of Sword Qi, one in the Savage World, junior and senior, both wielded their swords, and both were scholars of the Vast World.