The village schoolhouse stood by the water’s edge, like a sprig of plum blossom blooming from an ancient gully. A figure stood by the tree, amidst the misty rain and the roots of the clouds. The sound of the water, the colors of the mountain, and the plum blossoms all vied to greet him.

Ten thousand stalks of verdant bamboo grew on the mountainside. One could imagine the unique scenery that would unfold as night descended, the flowing water, the bright moon, and the moonlight blending into a stream of snow.

Beneath the eaves of the schoolhouse, Yu Mian offered a deep curtsy. Yu Yu, no longer acting the slightest bit mischievous, obediently clasped her fists and bowed to the young Hidden Official, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s hum, and called out “Mr. Cheng” to the Emperor.

Chen Ping’an nodded in acknowledgement to them. He then clasped his fists in salute to the two accompanying scholars, and said with a smile, “Mr. Cheng, Mr. Feng, I apologize for making the two seniors laugh. As a junior teaching in this humble school, if there is anything I do improperly, I hope you will not hesitate to offer your guidance.”

With outsiders present, and knowing that it’s unwise to strike a smiling face, the two teachers nodded with stern expressions. After listening to half an hour of his lecture, this Chen Ji was still the same as always. Young in age, yet presumptuous in his speech. Hah, a mere teacher who had never even been gilded in the county academy dared to speak of grand achievements and boastful essays? Scheming and plotting in every way to attract students and earn a few more coins, did he even deserve to speak of being an upright person? It seemed that in order to curry favor with this group of outsiders, he was truly throwing caution to the wind and abandoning all pretense of propriety.

Pei Tong, the Governor of Yun Province, and Chu Liang, the General of Yun Province, each offered a silent salute, neither in a hurry to reveal their identities. The two powerful regional officials harbored their own thoughts. Pei Tong wondered if the man before him was the closed-door disciple of the Literary Saint, the junior brother of Imperial Preceptor Cui Chan and Qi Xian of Cliff Academy? The martial general Chu Liang, on the other hand, was pondering whether this refined and elegant teacher in his green robe, cloth shoes, was the last Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall, the newest engraver of the character “Ping”?

Noticing that the fellow was glancing at him askance, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, Zhao Yao felt a little helpless. You are so amiable with everyone else, why must you hold a grudge against me? Was it merely because he made a harmless jest back in the Great Li capital? Seeing that the other party had no intention of letting him off the hook, Vice Minister Zhao had no choice but to grit his teeth and softly call out, “Little Martial Uncle.” Seeing Chen Ping’an’s expression of “an elder in the family beaming at a promising junior,” Zhao Yao sighed inwardly. Your seniority is higher, so I’ll bear with you this once.

During the fifteen-minute recess, the children were somewhat subdued by the presence of such a large group of outsiders, especially since they seemed to be wealthy. They were not as boisterous as usual. The timid ones didn’t even dare to leave the schoolhouse, sitting there pretending to read their books while stealing glances at the novel scenery outside. The boys were more interested in the scar on Chu Liang’s neck, while the girls were secretly observing the style of the two women’s clothing.

Chen Ping’an led the group to his residence, seating them in the main hall around an old octagonal table that he had bought from the villagers. After introducing his disciple, Zhao Shuxia, to Song He, Chen Ping’an said with a hint of apology, “You have arrived a little early. It is not yet the time for picking Mingqian tea. These are all Guyu tea from last year, so please make do.”

The teachers, Han Wo and Feng Yuanting, were reluctant to leave too early. When they heard Chen Ji’s invitation, they readily accepted and entered the simple hall together. Presumably, the side room with the closed door was Chen Ji’s living quarters and study.

Ning Ji didn’t dare to disturb the master from entertaining the guests, and simply stood by the sundial on the threshing ground.

Of the two disciples, Zhao Shuxia was the type who dutifully attended to chores, serving by his side. Ning Ji, however, was a proper student who had recently joined the village school, indistinguishable from the other pupils.

Chen Ping’an beckoned to Ning Ji, who trotted into the room. Chen Ping’an said with a smile, “This is my newly accepted student. Ning, meaning peaceful, Ji, meaning auspicious. It is a good name.”

Ning Ji blushed and bowed to everyone.

The people in the room were paying more attention to the dark-skinned young man named Ning Ji.

Only Zhao Yao spared a few more glances at Zhao Shuxia, who was taciturn but didn’t give off a sense of aloofness.

Because there were two teachers from neighboring villages present, the guests and host didn’t discuss anything serious. After drinking a bowl of tea, Chen Ping’an apologized, saying that he had to go back to teaching. He led Ning Ji out of the house, leaving Zhao Shuxia to accompany the guests.

After Chen Ping’an left, Song He took the initiative to ask the two old teachers about the situation at the school in Wuxi Village.

In front of their colleague, Chen Ji, the two old men would still put on airs, but in front of this group of unfamiliar outsiders, the two teachers were not so casual. Especially the man surnamed Song, who seemed to be the leader, and possessed an aura of officialdom. Hence, the exchange felt more like being questioned by a master about their studies. Yu Mian tugged at the Emperor’s sleeve under the table, and Song He stopped talking, turning instead to inquire about farming seasons and local customs.

After school was dismissed at the village school today, the two old teachers had already taken their leave. Once they were far from the school, Feng Yuanting tugged at the collar of his Confucian robe, exhaled, and tentatively said, “That man surnamed Song, could he be a high-ranking official serving in the prefecture?” Han Wo feigned composure and chuckled, glancing back at the school. “It’s hard to say how high a rank he holds, but one thing is certain, this man is definitely a scion of a powerful family from the north.” Feng Yuanting couldn’t help but wonder, how could these descendants of wealthy and influential families know Chen Ji? Han Wo thought for a moment and said, “That man might be Chen Ji’s benefactor.” Feng Yuanting muttered, “That little brat, he really has the luck of the devil.”

Chen Ping’an, as the host, naturally sat in the seat facing the door. Song He and Yu Mian sat on one long bench, opposite them were Pei Tong, Chu Liang, and Yu Yu.

Zhao Shuxia and Ning Ji sat opposite their respective teachers, while Vice Minister Zhao, of the same generation as them, sat beside Zhao Shuxia, relatively close to Yu Yu on the other side of the table.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, it was time to eat. Chen Ping’an asked with a smile, “Are you used to home-style cooking? This is a rural area, and we work hard all year round, so we inevitably use a lot of spice and salt. I have a similar palate, it’s not so much adapting to local customs.”

If they weren’t used to it, there was nothing he could do. Chen Ping’an, a common teacher here, had no intention of making an exception for this group of people by moving the gathering to Fallen Mountain.

Upon hearing this, Song He immediately looked at the Empress beside him. She smiled and nodded, and Song He then said, “It’s fine, we have no problem with it.”

Chen Ping’an stood up. “Then I’ll personally cook a few simple dishes. My skills may be lacking, so please forgive me.”

Seeing this scene, Zhao Yao felt a little more at ease.
The boorish Chu Liang noticed nothing amiss. However, Pei Tong, meticulous to a fault, perceived a subtle shift in Chen Ping’an’s demeanor, a departure from the previous detached, business-like air.

Before long, Zhao Shuxia and Ning Ji, acting as kitchen helpers, brought the dishes to the table. While not exactly a feast for the senses, the seasonal vegetables looked refreshingly simple.

Chen Ping’an removed his apron in the kitchen, and Ning Ji presented two types of liquor: coarse earthenware brew and sweet glutinous rice wine. Yu Yu cautiously observed the young Hidden Official’s expression, feigning a preference for the mild rice wine, her conscience pricked.

Chen Ping’an picked up a wine bowl and smiled, “Everyone, please help yourselves. I’ll start with this one.”

Song He followed suit, downing a bowl of the strong earthenware brew, only to choke and turn red in the face, quickly turning away to cover his mouth. Pei Tong and Chu Liang started to say something but swallowed their words.

For some reason, once they arrived at the village school and were in the presence of the schoolteacher, they felt as if… they had left the Great Li Dynasty and the officialdom behind.

Chen Ping’an said nothing, taking the lead by picking up his chopsticks and encouraging everyone to eat.

Song He was the first to explain his reason for coming, eager to distance River God Gao Liang and Yu Huiting from any suspicion, lest Chen Ping’an misunderstand their motives.

Chen Ping’an listened patiently, with a smile on his face, occasionally nodding in acknowledgment.

Song He hesitated for a moment before directly stating, “Mr. Chen, I’ve come here uninvited, hoping to persuade you to reconsider the matter from the wedding banquet in the capital.”

Chen Ping’an picked up a morsel of food, chewed it slowly, and nodded, saying, “Starting today, I will give it due consideration.”

Song He’s face was filled with surprise. He had steeled himself for a cold rejection, never expecting to enjoy a home-cooked meal with Mr. Chen, share wine at the same table, and not even be directly turned down. He recalled how the last time Chen Ping’an entered the palace with “Stranger,” strange omens had manifested, thoroughly alarming the Great Li Astronomical Observatory. Song He had even mistakenly assumed that Chen Ping’an had completely fallen out with the Song family of the Great Li, to the point where the Empress Dowager Nan Zan, perhaps feeling slightly guilty, had been unusually courteous to both him and her daughter-in-law, Yu Mian, acting less like a… still-ruling matriarch.

After a pause, Chen Ping’an continued, “The reason for my previous hesitation, setting aside personal grudges and old scores that need to be settled, was primarily due to Senior Brother Cui’s candid words. He spoke bluntly, essentially stating that I am unfit to be the Great Li’s Imperial Preceptor. He felt that my understanding of national strategies and battlefield tactics was rudimentary, akin to a silkworm trapped in its own cocoon. He accused me of possessing only a self-indulgent ‘conciliatory heart,’ making me unqualified to discuss opening new frontiers or creating a new era. He further claimed that my minor achievements at the Sword Qi Great Wall were merely due to leveraging the power of the Old Sword Immortal and benefiting from the strategic deployment of the entire Summer Abode. Therefore, my role at the Sword Qi Great Wall was merely icing on the cake, not providing essential aid in times of need. He said that if he were in the same position, my role in the Summer Abode would be like ‘so-and-so’s’ – good to have, but not indispensable, ultimately insignificant.”

As Chen Ping’an relayed these words, perhaps due to the fact that he was merely quoting Cui Chan, or perhaps due to the sheer weight of the terms “Sword Qi Great Wall” and “Summer Abode,” a heavy silence descended upon everyone. Even Emperor Song He, as well as regional dignitaries like Pei Tong and Chu Liang, who aspired to the prestigious titles of Pillar of State and Regional Inspector, subconsciously held their breath and straightened their backs.

Chen Ping’an chuckled self-deprecatingly, “The reasoning is sound, but I believe I am still reasonably competent at maintaining the status quo. Fulfilling my obligations and keeping my promises isn’t too bad either.”

None of those present were fools, except for the naive young Ning Ji. Everyone understood the implied meaning in Chen Ping’an’s words, which in turn reflected the implied meaning of his Senior Brother Cui Chan.

The eldest brother was saying that you might be lacking, that you shouldn’t argue after getting a bit of results, but that was talk between brothers, behind closed doors, matter of fact, and that he would still have to back you up when something happens.

That you might be lacking, but that was because you’re worth the breath and that everyone else in the Great Li court, the ones who think they’re capable and the ones who don’t, are hopeless.

That’s why Chen Ping’an visited the Great Li capital the last time, besides solving the issue of his natal porcelain fragment, to see if Cui Chan has any candidates for his successor, like Zhao Yao.

Empress Yu Mian and Yu Yu, feeling obligated to make a good impression on the young Hidden Official, took the initiative to clear the table after the meal.

After dinner, Chen Ping’an invited the Emperor and the two regional officials who controlled the military and administrative affairs of the state, along with his nephew Zhao Yao, to his study for tea and casual conversation.

During the conversation, he learned that Governor Pei Tong’s grandfather and father were both graduates of the Jingcheng Old Cliff Academy, where Qi Jingchun served as the headmaster, now reorganized into the government-run Spring Mountain Academy.

Seeing his colleague, Governor Pei, chatting and laughing with the young Hidden Official, Chu Liang felt a little anxious, racking his brain for something to use to curry favor with Chen Ping’an.

Yu Mian stood near the door of the side room, gently knocking with her bent fingers.

Chen Ping’an, sitting on the edge of the bed, turned his head and smiled, calling out, “Yu Yu, please bring a long bench in here.”

Chen Ping’an crossed his legs, hugging his knees, but at his words, he set his feet on the floor.

There were only two official hats chairs in the room, and Chen Ping’an and Emperor gave it to Pei Tong and Chu Liang, while they sat on the bed.

Chu Liang tried to give his seat to the Empress and Yu Yu, but Pei Tong stopped him with a look, not for the rules! Who would let the empress sit on a warmed up seat?

Yu Yu carried the long bench from the square table into the room, sitting shoulder to shoulder with the Empress.

Sensing her intention, Song He shook his head, signaling Yu Mian that the matter could be postponed.

The Empress, however, was uncharacteristically persistent, her eyes firm. Song He sighed softly and nodded in agreement.

Yu Mian said, “There is a matter I need to apologize for to Mr. Chen, and also ask for his help.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Please, speak freely.”

Yu Mian took out the bracelet made of lingxi beads from her sleeve. Yu Yu quickly snatched it up, rose, and handed it to the Hidden Official.
Chen Ping’an accepted the string of beads, saying, “A few of these were indeed imbued with sword-intent restrictions by Xiao Mo. I’ll have him remove them later and ask Mountain Lord Wei to help return them to their rightful owner.”

Yu Mian breathed a sigh of relief, thanking Chen Ping’an.

Song He felt even more relieved.

That messy debt, the so-called old scores Chen Ping’an mentioned, was it to be considered settled? Every family has its troubles, and some matters are truly beyond even the most just official to resolve, especially within a family. Even he, as the sovereign of the Great Li Dynasty, was still Empress Dowager Nan Zan’s son, after all.

Since Chen Ping’an had mentioned Wei Bo, Song He seized the opportunity to bring up the matter of bestowing titles upon the Five Peaks.

Chen Ping’an didn’t delve into details. Instead, Yu Yu playfully quipped that just one glimpse of Mountain Lord Wei’s true form would explain why so many men on the mountain were infatuated with fleeting mirages.

Pei Tong pretended not to understand the Yu family maiden’s jest, especially with the Empress present. Chu Liang, however, was less subtle. He grinned broadly, but a glance at the solemn, upright figure of Prefect Pei made him uneasy, fearing he might be “committing impropriety before the Emperor.” However, when the Yunzhou General furtively shifted his gaze, and saw that the young Hidden Official and even His Majesty were amused, Chu Liang chuckled freely. They were all rough men, so what was the Prefect putting on airs for? A pen-pusher, no matter how high his official hat, couldn’t compare to those who truly wielded blades on horseback.

Zhao Shuxia and Ning Ji were busy washing dishes and chopsticks in the kitchen.

The youth lowered his voice, cautiously asking, “Senior Brother Zhao, those people?”

Zhao Shuxia smiled calmly, “You guessed right, it’s His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress. As for the two officials with them, they’re probably Prefect Pei and General Chu from Yunzhou.”

The youth laughed, “Senior Brother Zhao, wouldn’t you say that the Master is now enjoying the company of learned scholars, and that there are no commoners in his circle, just like the books say?”

Zhao Shuxia couldn’t help but chuckle.

Ning Ji immediately corrected, “No, the Master is not only someone with distant relatives in the mountains, but also someone whose ‘heart is naturally at ease, the clear river is so tranquil.'”

Zhao Shuxia couldn’t resist teasing, “Ning Ji, you’re quick to apply what you learn. Junior Brother Cui will certainly think you’re a promising talent, and I reckon he’ll inevitably teach you a few tricks from the Nameless Mountain’s secret arts in the future.”

Ning Ji extended his palm, which was slick with sweat.

Zhao Shuxia smiled, “You’ve already met Headmaster Lu, no need to be so nervous.”

Ning Ji pondered for a moment, feeling that Zhao Shuxia’s reasoning made sense.

Ning Ji asked curiously, “Senior Brother Cui is clearly the Master’s first disciple, so why do we call him Junior Brother, and Senior Sister Pei as Senior Sister?”

Zhao Shuxia shook his head, “I’m not too sure. It seems that when Junior Brother first met the Master, he didn’t want to be the Eldest Senior Brother. He insisted that Senior Sister Pei call him Junior Brother, and he’d call Senior Sister Pei, Senior Sister. Each counted it their own way.”

The spring breeze couldn’t be contained within the mountains. As the sun set and the moon rose, birds flew onto the eaves, clouds emerged from the windows, and the wind rustled through the pines for its master.

In Nameless Mountain, in the old cook’s courtyard, Xie Gou sat on the steps, watching Xiao Mo weave bamboo sieves with Old Man Zhu. She thought that Xiao Mo, when focused on his work, was exceptionally handsome. She swallowed hard, restraining the impulse to pounce on him like a ravenous wolf, and reached up to smooth her mink hat, her eyes sparkling. Out of nowhere, she blurted out, “Xiao Mo, I was so happy that you didn’t worry about me when I left Nameless Mountain without permission last time, and let me handle things on my own!”

Xiao Mo hesitated before replying honestly, “It was Young Master who told me not to follow you at the time.”

Zhu Lian lowered his head, rolling his eyes.

Hopeless blockhead. If Xiao Mo had even a tenth of his swordsmanship aptitude when it came to matters of the heart, he wouldn’t be so foolish as to blurt out the truth.

Xie Gou still seemed elated, folding her arms across her chest and tilting her head proudly. She declared loudly, “I don’t care about that! I’m just happy that you didn’t follow!”

Xiao Mo said, “Young Master advised me that way, and I also thought it made some sense.”

All were words of truth.

Xie Gou sniffled, her voice soft, “Xiao Mo, Xiao Mo, hearing you say that makes me even happier!”

Zhu Lian shook his head, continuing to skillfully weave the bamboo sieve.

Don’t let their ages fool you. These two, though each was over ten thousand years old, were just fledglings in the garden of love.

One had to raise her voice to hide her disappointment, saying she didn’t care, but how could she not? The other couldn’t understand at all, as if he were a fool.

But perhaps they were well-matched, actually quite a pair.

Xie Gou was sharp-eyed and asked suspiciously, “Old Man Zhu, do you have any other opinions? We’re practically family, tell us.”

Zhu Lian chuckled, “No opinions, I just think that you two being so lovey-dovey in my courtyard is a bit disgusting.”

Xiao Mo blushed.

Xie Gou laughed heartily, shrugging. She was not ashamed but proud of the old cook’s comment. “Heh, we’ll make you sick of it.”

Zhu Lian didn’t bother arguing with the mink-hatted girl, but reminded Xiao Mo, “Xiao Mo, you only look young, but you’re already getting on in years. Take it easy, don’t let your old house catch fire.”

Xiao Mo felt even more awkward. What was all this about?

Xie Gou slapped her palm with her fist, Zhu Lian’s words were indeed learned. Though they sounded unpleasant at first, every sentence hit home, every word landed in the heart!

Her Nameless Mountain, what a wonderful place. The more she stayed, the more comfortable she felt, she felt so blissful every day. Truly, those who were meant to be together would find each other. You couldn’t drive her away if you tried!

Xie Gou asked, “Old Man Zhu, do you think I have any chance of winning in a sword duel against that Chen Zhuoliu?”

Zhu Lian smiled and asked in return, “Are you willing to risk your life?”

Xie Gou grinned, “He’s a guest, why risk your life? It’s just a friendly spar.”

Zhu Lian said, “No chance of winning.”

Xie Gou asked, “What about risking my life?”

Zhu Lian said, “No chance of winning.”

Xie Gou gave him a resentful look, “What’s the point of talking?”

Zhu Lian laughed, “You were the one who started talking nonsense.”

Xie Gou was not angry, but nodded to herself, “Looks like I need to practice my sword skills.”

First there was Lu Yan, with the Daoist title Chunyang, then the scholar Li Xisheng, and now Chen Zhuoliu, who had made similar grand vows to the Buddhist sect in order to prove his Dao.

Well, the elites of the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism were all here.

Xiao Mo asked, “Mr. Zhu, will Young Master become the new national preceptor of the Great Li?”
The happenings in Yun Prefecture and Yan Prefecture could not escape the notice of Xiao Mo on Mount Luopo.

Zhu Lian paused his work, thought for a moment, and said, “Probably, yes.”

Xiao Mo asked, puzzled, “Why?”

Zhu Lian smiled, “The young master has always liked to make things difficult for himself.”

Xie Gou muttered under her breath, finding this no answer at all.

Gao Jun strolled over alone and hesitated before entering the courtyard. Familiar with the place, she pulled up a bamboo chair and sat not far from Zhu Lian.

Zhu Lian smiled and nodded in greeting, continuing the earlier topic, “To be a good person, doesn’t one need to constantly make things difficult for oneself?”

Xiao Mo nodded, “To doubt the good deeds one hears and believe the evil, that is a heart full of murderous intent, and when such a heart arises, good intentions retreat. Therefore, to diligently perform all good deeds and refrain from all evil is both good and difficult.”

Zhu Lian agreed, “It’s easy to know but difficult to do. The difficulty lies in the need to erect too many other principles and dismantle many original ones to truly realize a certain principle. Back and forth, it becomes even harder.”

Xie Gou quickly praised, “Xiao Mo, you truly are someone who has personally heard the Buddha’s teachings!”

Xiao Mo said helplessly, “It merely passed through my ears, and never settled in my heart. Looking back now, it is indeed regrettable.”

Gao Jun’s eyelids twitched.

It could be said that the mink-hatted girl was very likely to be spouting nonsense.

But “Mr. Xiao Mo,” who impressed everyone so favorably, was never the kind of proper scholar to exaggerate.

Then Zhu Lian asked a strange question, “Xiao Mo, Miss Xie, Headmaster Gao, do you enjoy studying mathematics?”

Xiao Mo said, “I wouldn’t call it enjoyment. Being by the young master’s side, I’ve been influenced and have a rough understanding, but I’m still a layman.”

Xie Gou was uncharacteristically silent, because among the three teachings, the various philosophers, and hundreds of schools of thought, mathematics was the one she was least interested in.

In fact, cultivators on the mountain, to a greater or lesser extent, almost all could not avoid the study of divination and mathematics.

But Xie Gou was perhaps one of the few exceptions. For swordplay, one could practice with eyes closed and wouldn’t need to flip through books.

Gao Jun said, “There are similar courses in the sect, but I only occasionally study mathematics and divination.”

Zhu Lian said calmly, “Perhaps all surrenders of freedom are in pursuit of the greatest common divisor.”

Xiao Mo was thoughtful.

Xie Gou glanced at Xiao Mo, who was pretending to be thoughtful.

Gao Jun couldn’t help but ask a question that had been pent up in her heart for a long time. This question, from the first day she left Lotus Root Blessed Land and ascended Mount Luopo, when she learned that the old chef’s name was “Zhu Lian,” she had wanted a certain and undeniable answer.

“Zhu Lian, are you really Zhu Lian?”

Xie Gou couldn’t help but laugh. How could such a silly question be asked?

Zhu Lian asked in return, “Why does Headmaster Gao ask this?”

Gao Jun’s fair face turned slightly red, hesitating to speak.

It turned out that in the secret vault of the Lakes and Mountains Sect in Songlai Kingdom, there were portraits of someone, and not just one, all made by the female predecessors of the Lakes and Mountains Sect, and they were all recognized beauties of the Lakes and Mountains Sect.

The young master Zhu Lian was the most like a banished immortal, his talent the best in the world, his demeanor unparalleled, unmatched by anyone.

In addition, this “martial arts madman” was the number one in the world before the demonic cult’s Ding Ying. The history wasn’t too long ago, so the Lakes and Mountains Sect often talked about Zhu Lian.

Zhu Lian smiled, “If there are no accidents, I should be the Zhu Lian that Headmaster Gao is talking about.”

Gao Jun looked at the “old chef.”

Zhu Lian said with a smile, “Rosy cheeks bid farewell to the mirror, flowers bid farewell to the tree, it has always been so. Aging and fading beauty is not unique to women. I have disappointed Headmaster Gao.”

Gao Jun sighed softly, only regretting that she was born into the martial world a hundred years too late, unable to see the “Zhu Lang’s countenance,” which was said to be so beautiful that a thousand paintings could hardly depict even half of his true appearance.

Martial world rumors said that in the past, during the peak battle in the capital of Nanyuan Kingdom, the number one in the world, Zhu Lian, and the other nine masters in the world, agreed to meet in the heavy snow.

The nine did not dare to enter the city alone, arriving together. They saw someone sitting cross-legged on the city wall, propping up his cheek with one hand, wearing a silver lotus crown.

The world was as white as a glazed world. When that person slowly got up, two of the nine female grandmasters had already felt saddened, without even making a move.

Gao Jun grew up in the Lakes and Mountains Sect listening to many similar “stories.” Most martial world women like her were the same.

In the hundred years after Ding Ying became the number one in the world, some felt that Zhu Lian was exaggerated, and others thought he lived up to his name. Opinions varied, and they often argued over a character who had left the martial world for more than a hundred years. Women argued with men, and women also argued with women.

Zhu Lian, who was silently weaving a basket, suddenly raised his head and said angrily, “Xiao Mo, manage your Miss Xie!”

Xiao Mo was confused. She saw Xie Gou, as the “culprit,” pretending to be foolish. Then she saw Gao Jun, who was staring at Zhu Lian, her face full of shock, even with some… fear.

Seeing that she couldn’t hide it from Xiao Mo, Xie Gou reached out and covered her mouth, claiming credit, “Xiao Mo, when I saw Mr. Zhu’s real appearance last time, I didn’t lose my composure like Headmaster Gao.”

Xiao Mo said angrily, “Hurry up and withdraw the sword intent!”

Xie Gou pouted and withdrew the sword intent that washed away Zhu Lian’s “mask-like face.”

Zhu Lian smiled, “Headmaster Gao, during the first heavy snow of this year in the capital of Nanyuan Kingdom, I will have a sparring match with my young master. If Headmaster Gao is free, you can watch from the side.”

Gao Jun was speechless.

Xie Gou coughed a few times, reminding, “Headmaster Gao, Headmaster Gao, wake up.”

Gao Jun stood up silently. She didn’t say goodbye to Zhu Lian, but just left the courtyard.

Xie Gou was still sighing to herself, “If Mount Luopo was willing to hold Mirror Flower, Water Moon events, how much immortal money would it earn?”

Xie Gou asked softly, “Xiao Mo, are there any female cultivators at the fourteenth realm who have a feud with Mount Luopo?”

Then Mr. Zhu could be sent out. With a bit of makeup, and revealing his face, just standing there would be more effective than anything else.

Xiao Mo glared, “Mr. Zhu is generous and doesn’t hold your jokes against you. You should also be sensible and not overstep your bounds.”

Xie Gou said “Oh,” and asked with a cheeky smile, “Has Mountain Master Chen ever seen Mr. Zhu’s appearance?”

Zhu Lian shook his head with a smile.

Xiao Mo knew a secret that came from Mountain Lord Wei’s side, but he didn’t reveal the truth to Xie Gou, lest she spread it around on the mountain with her big mouth.
Xie Gou inquired, “What made you think of seeking a bout with Mountain Lord Chen?”

Zhu Lian replied, “For the young master, it might merely be a stretch of the limbs. For me, it requires my utmost effort. Aside from station, there are two branches of martial arts, and a jade from another mountain can be used to polish stone.”

Near the doorway, two figures tiptoed away. Guo Zhujiu clapped his fist into his palm and exclaimed, “That old cook is not bad looking at all, the difference between him and Master is only a hair’s breadth!”

The white-haired boy, who trailed closely behind Alliance Leader Guo, gaped. As good as the Hidden Official Ancestor was, to say he could rival that fellow in the courtyard in looks was a bit of a lie. Even with his unwavering loyalty, the white-haired boy couldn’t bring himself to say it.

Benefiting, benefiting greatly! Tonight, he unintentionally glimpsed the old cook’s face. The white-haired boy waved his sleeves, clicking his tongue in amazement. If the world discussed Dao and sought martial arts through comparing faces, how wonderful that would be!

Forget about someone claiming to be second to none; even if Zhu Lian claimed to be first, no one would dare claim to be second.

Gao Jun’s emotions were extremely complex. She walked to the entrance of her own residence, but she still didn’t push the door open. Instead, she strolled all the way to the white jade plaza atop Jise Peak.

It wasn’t that a cultivator like her would fall in love at first sight with “Zhu Lian,” but rather that the man was simply too handsome. It was utterly unreasonable!

She gathered her scattered thoughts, gradually clearing her Dao heart. Gao Jun smiled. Although they had been separated by a century in the martial world, she unexpectedly met a fellow countryman again in a foreign land.

Gao Jun couldn’t help but heavily pat the white jade railing, murmuring to herself.

“To behold such beauty, a single bloom brings spring to the world.”