Chen Ping’an left Yu Xuan and departed from the mountain peak alone, heading to the bamboo house to change into casual mountain attire, donning a cotton robe and cloth shoes once more. Verdant and lush.

Xie Gou sat at the table by the cliff, declaring her mission accomplished, having delivered the message to that flamboyant Liu fellow. Chen Ping’an smiled and nodded in acknowledgement, asking her to tell Guo Zhujiu to join them for dinner.

Whenever Guo Zhujiu stayed on the mountain for a meal, Chen Ping’an would personally cook a few of his signature dishes. While not comparable to Zhu Lian’s culinary skills, they were undeniably appetizing.

Yu Xuan felt rather helpless. Chen Daoyou’s self-assessment of “lacking talent, compensating with ideas” had left the old Real Person speechless once more. Daoyou, why do you always insult people? Old Scholar, you need to intervene.

Tao Fu Mountain, with its five sects, was unique in the Great Inheritance. Yu Xuan recalled several promising seedlings within his own sect, their aptitudes were quite remarkable, their cultivation progress meteoric. However, each of them possessed an inflated sense of self-importance. He remembered one young Golden Core sword cultivator, with his name recorded within the Meridian View’s lineage of Daoist sword immortals, who even dared to look down his nose at his ancestral master, lamenting to his face that the founding master wasn’t a sword immortal, deeming it a flaw. Perhaps he should send them to the Fallen Phoenix Mountain for some tempering? You all pride yourselves on your extraordinary intelligence and effortless breakthroughs, don’t you? Then let you witness Chen Ping’an, whose Golden Core shattered repeatedly before finally reaching the Nascent Soul stage, who secluded himself thrice before returning to the Jade Pure realm! He just wondered if Chen Daoyou had the time and inclination to mentor them. Probably not.

Was he really going to spend five hundred gold essence coins, paying an exorbitant price for the title “Daoist Temple” or “Observing the Dao,” just to then ask Chen Daoyou for an added “bonus?”

The mountains rose and fell around Chu Prefecture.

Don’t be surprised that the customs here are so ancient, for this land is the spine of the world.

The diminutive old Real Person, clad in a purple Daoist robe, performed a divination, gazing intently towards the east gate of the small town. Yu Xuan could faintly discern a Daoist riding an ox entering the gate, a violet aura accompanying him from the east.

Daring not to dwell on those bygone days, Yu Xuan stood at the railing, exclaiming in surprise. He widened his eyes, noticing a surge of violet Daoist intent in the heavens and earth, splitting into two streams, vast and mighty like surging rivers, instantly crashing into both of his sleeves. Like a fish finding water, Yu Xuan was powerless to stop it. He shook his sleeves, and good heavens, what should have been ethereal and weightless Daoist energy was now so heavy that it caused the already fourteenth realm old Real Person to slightly bend at the waist. If he were in a Daoist sanctum in the extraterrestrial starry river, he, Yu Xuan, would certainly not have to bend!

Yu Xuan calmed his mind, shook his sleeves, and bowed respectfully towards the heavens, thanking the Daoist ancestor.

Liu Shiliu and Bai Ye lived next door to each other, making it convenient to visit. Zheng Youqian finally met the most successful person in the world, the small spirit from Tongye Continent. He even mustered the courage to chat with that person for a few words.

It seemed he had wronged Mister. It turned out that Mister wasn’t exaggerating; he really did know Bai Ye.

Zheng Youqian wasn’t particularly afraid of Bai Ye, after all, Bai Ye only killed barbarian demon kings.

Being the Little Martial Uncle of the Hidden Official was different. When encountering demons, he would kill one for every one that came, two for every two that came, and wipe out all three without batting an eye.

Of course, besides being the Last Hidden Official who slaughtered demons like grass on the Great Wall of Sword Qi, he was also the Little Martial Uncle of their literary lineage. Last year, when they first met on the mountain path, the Little Martial Uncle was on their side, with a very gentle temper, chatting with him casually, never raising his voice.

Because his eldest brother, Bai Deng, had been appointed by the Grand Li Dynasty to fill the vacant position of River God of the Iron Talisman River, he only needed to complete the path to becoming a god and the consecration ceremony. Bai Deng was a descendant of the dragon race, with a naturally sturdy physique and a Jade Pure Realm sword immortal, so he wasn’t overly afraid of the soul-withering torment. Moreover, being under the watchful eye of the Fallen Phoenix Mountain, there shouldn’t be any accidents. So the ghost, Yinlu, who had changed his name to Zeng Cuo, and his second brother, and Gao Geng of Qinggong Mountain in Liuxia Continent, who was considered as third brother, secretly discussed it. Besides helping their eldest brother through this, they also wanted to attend the Dynasty’s consecration ceremony to show some support for their eldest brother. In addition, the North Peak Cloud-Piercing Mountain had a Divine Title bestowed by the Confucian Temple, which would be a grand celebration, and they all wanted to witness the famous Night Banquet. However, they weren’t familiar with Mountain Lord Wei, so they ultimately needed Fallen Phoenix Mountain to help them request three seats from the Mountain Lord’s Mansion. But Yinlu didn’t dare to pretend that he had a good relationship with the Hidden Official Chen, lest he get a brick to the head. So Gao Geng, the guest of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, had to shamelessly bring it up to the young Hidden Official. Although Gao Geng was the youngest, the third brother, he was responsible, saying that he would go through fire and water if needed. Just say the word, and find that Mountain Master Chen. Three invitation letters to Mountain Lord Wei were all they needed, and they weren’t stingy with gifts. For the Treasure Bottle Continent’s North Peak Night Banquet, they understood the rules!

Therefore, upon learning that Mountain Master Chen was strolling to the mountain peak with a purple-robed old Daoist, Gao Geng pretended to be relaxed. Under the encouraging gaze of his elder brothers, he strode out of the residence. However, as soon as he left the door, his expression changed, his face becoming bitter, as if he were going to his death. Gao Geng dared not disturb Mountain Master Chen’s chat with his mountain friends, so he lingered at the intersection of the mountain road and the sacred path, patiently waiting for Chen Ping’an to descend the mountain alone. Only then did he quickly step forward, and with a stiff upper lip, mention the invitation letters. Chen Ping’an, upon hearing this, didn’t make things difficult, immediately smiling and saying that such a small matter was nothing, and the Immortal Master Gao only needed to casually mention it to Chen Lingjun while drinking, and then have him inform him. As a guest on the mountain, if there were similar matters in the future, there was no need to make such a fuss, it was too formal.

Gao Geng was overjoyed, never having imagined that he would have such face in Mountain Master Chen’s eyes!

Mountain Master Chen even personally escorted Gao Geng to the entrance of his residence, chatting casually along the way, his words unconstrained. Gao Geng stood there, and only turned around to report the good news to his two brothers after the departing Mountain Master’s figure gradually disappeared into the distance. He needed to let them know that even though their master, Jing Hao, had stayed on the mountain for so long, this young Hidden Official, with such great merit, hadn’t even offered him a drink!

Ning Ji was visiting Fallen Phoenix Mountain for the first time, and everything was new to him. However, he didn’t dare to go out alone. As Mister was busy, Ning Ji mostly followed Senior Brother Zhao, like a little sidekick.

Earlier, the pink-skirted girl named Nuan Shu had said that since he was Mountain Master’s student, he was entitled to a residence on the mountain according to the rules. There were several vacant ones available, and Ning Ji could choose one. The poverty-stricken boy dared not occupy a residence alone. To be honest, Ning Ji, who was accustomed to wandering, wasn’t used to those luxurious and comfortable lives. So he only said that he would live in the same residence as Senior Brother Zhao.

Zhao Shuxia had always believed that diligence could compensate for lack of talent when it came to learning boxing. At that moment, he was constantly practicing stances in the courtyard.
Ning Ji sat on the steps, quietly watching. The young man was peaceful and serene, and he didn’t find watching fist practice boring at all.

Cen Yuanji practiced her boxing footwork on the mountain road. Immortal Guard Daoshi at the gate was usually a proper man. Every time Cen Yuanji paused to catch her breath at the mountain gate, the Taoist would only offer polite remarks about the good weather. But now, whenever Zheng Dafeng looked up, the Taoist would look up. When Zheng Dafeng stared at her, the Taoist would follow suit, their heads tilting in perfect synchronization.

Heh, birds of a feather flock together. It was said that the Mountain Lord personally selected these gatekeepers.

Chen Lingjun, who had inexplicably insisted on going down the mountain, received a scolding. Nuan Shu brought Xiao Mili to him, asking if he’d lost his mind, wanting to move to Riding Dragon Lane when he was living so well on the mountain. Who was he trying to sulk at? Chen Lingjun felt wronged but, looking at the pink-skirted girl who was already busy again after scolding him, he thought better of it. What was a true man of the world doing arguing with a silly girl who didn’t understand the dangers of the martial world? The young man in green simply sat on the steps, hugging his head and sighing. Xiao Mili sat beside him, tugging at Jing Qing’s sleeve and offering him a handful of melon seeds. Chen Lingjun ate the seeds, and as he ate, he seemed to find his courage. He chatted idly with Xiao Mili, who told him not to be afraid. The kind Mountain Lord had said that Yu the Immortal had heard about Jing Qing’s dealings in Beiju Luzhou from his teacher, and wanted to meet him while handling other matters. Chen Lingjun’s face broke into a wide grin. Nuan Shu, secretly standing outside the wall, was relieved to hear Xiao Mili’s words were perfectly accurate. She quietly left.

While Xiao Mili was revealing secrets to Jing Qing, she secretly gave a thumbs-up towards the wall. Chen Lingjun nodded, indicating he understood. They exchanged smiles.

Cao Qinglang was in his study, carving a seal. The carving knife was a gift from Master Zhong when he traveled the Sword Qi Great Wall with him. Cao Qinglang was carving a gourd-shaped book seal with the inscription “Like a New Book,” intending it as a birthday gift for his teacher this year.

Inside the room hung a plaque with calligraphy, first written by the teacher on paper, then “imitated and engraved” on wood by Mister Zhu: “Willing to Hear My Faults Studio.”

Pei Qian accompanied Li Baoping on a trip to Zhaodu Ridge, where Li Huai lived. However, they wouldn’t have the “literary debates” they had in their childhood. Upon meeting, the woman with the round bun hairstyle, a martial artist at the pinnacle, and the Confucian scholar in robes, a sage of the academy, had no desire to bicker.

Hearing that Li Baoping had arrived, Lin Shouyi and Dong Shui Jing took Shi Jiachun, who was temporarily staying in Peach Leaf Lane, on a talismanic boat to Zhaodu Ridge for a rare reunion of classmates.

Cui Dongshan, acting on his own initiative, had Liu Xianyang go on a sword-testing dream, and dared not face his teacher. He called up Zhou, the chief disciple, and they slipped away together, heading straight for the Lotus Root Blessed Land. Some things needed to be settled.

The mink-hatted girl lay in the sea of clouds, legs crossed, waiting for Xiao Mo to come home. Gentle Xiao Mo might return today, or maybe tomorrow, haha, the day after tomorrow would be their wedding night.

Beside her sat a white-haired boy, heartbroken and looking utterly hopeless, because he had just learned that he had been disowned by Alliance Master Guo in an act of righteous self-sacrifice. This poor fellow, his suffering was endless. What sins had he committed?

Sensing the purple qi phenomenon on the mountain peak, Xie Gou sat up, clenching his fists and placing them on his knees, his aura completely transformed. He lamented that he carried only a short sword, just to view the scenery.

Xie Gou pursed her lips. Alliance Master Guo was right; she couldn’t become complacent in her cultivation just because of her talent. Even Yu Xuan, a junior who was thousands of years her junior in cultivation age, was already at the fourteenth realm.

In the small courtyard kitchen, Chen Ping An was busy wearing an apron. Liu Xianyang sat on the doorstep, and Gu Can squatted on a stool inside, holding a fire-blowing tube, cheeks puffed out, blowing to start the fire.

Chen Ping An casually asked, “Was it a Substitute Talisman?”

Liu Xianyang chuckled. “That guy did use a substitute technique to save his life. He was slippery as an eel. The substitute was destroyed by yours truly with ease. His real body’s realm isn’t that high.”

Chen Ping An said, “These trump cards are best saved until you reach the Ascension Realm.”

Liu Xianyang scoffed. “Teaching me how to do things? If you talk nonsense again, I’ll unleash Gu Can.”

Gu Can didn’t bother to pay attention. He just raised his neck and glanced at the plates of condiments on the cutting board, reminding him, “Stir-fry some green peppers and ham for me, extra spicy.”

Chen Ping An nodded and said, “Liu Chicheng has arrived in the city and is staying at Dong Shuijing’s inn. He’ll probably come to Fallen Phoenix Mountain for a drink either tomorrow or the day after.”

Gu Can said, “Bother him, don’t want to see him.”

Chen Ping An took more chili peppers and carefully sliced the ham, saying, “After all, he’s a senior apprentice-uncle. Having a senior like Han Qiao Se is your good fortune. Having someone like Liu Chicheng, who at least doesn’t bother you, is still lucky. You don’t have to be enthusiastic, but you have to at least keep up appearances.”

Gu Can was silent for a moment, then said, “People like Liu Chicheng become smarter if you deliberately avoid interacting with them. Otherwise, they’ll avoid using their brains as much as possible.”

Chen Ping An nodded with a smile. “That’s true.”

Gu Can said, “I’m very free. Do you need me to take a trip to Tongye Continent?”

When it came to patience, Gu Can had never lost to anyone in his life.

Chen Ping An said, “Free? How free? You’re already at the Yu Pu Realm bottleneck, touching the threshold of the Immortal Realm? Establishing a sect is not child’s play.”

Gu Can was silent.

Liu Xianyang exclaimed in mock surprise, laughing loudly, “You, a Nascent Soul realm cultivator, dare to lecture Sect Master Gu? Later when we eat, you’ll squat and hold your bowl. You’re not qualified to sit at the table.”

Gu Can couldn’t argue with Chen Ping An, so it was only natural to vent his anger on Liu Xianyang. Liu Xianyang had expected this, and before Gu Can could open his mouth to scold him, he proactively surrendered, “Chen Ping An will squat, and I’ll eat on the ground, okay?”

Yu Lu and Xie Xie also returned to Ox Horn Ferry on the Wind Kite ferry boat. However, they didn’t go to Fallen Phoenix Mountain, but went directly to Erlang Lane. The house had been vacant for many years, but unexpectedly, Xie Xie still had the key. She opened the door, and Yu Lu moved a stool to the courtyard and sat down, looking up at the sky. Xie Xie had once been a servant here. Returning to the old place, things had changed. She fetched water and began to wipe the tables and benches, found an old broom, and was gentle everywhere, but when she passed by Yu Lu, she kicked up a cloud of dust, forcing Yu Lu to wave his hands repeatedly to disperse it.
Old Immortal Jia returned to Riding Dragon Lane and saw the current manager of the Taoist temple, Lin Feijing, a prized disciple of Immortal Wei. Formal courtesies were unnecessary. The old immortal first bought braised meat, pickles, and a roasted goose from several shops in the small town, then exchanged a few pleasantries with Shopkeeper Shi at the Lucky Money Shop before entering the Thatched Shop. He immediately announced that his “wine demons” were acting up, instructing his two disciples, Tian Jiuer and Zhao Denggao, to quickly fetch wine. Placing the food on the table, the old Taoist bowed to Lin Feijing, introducing himself. Lin Feijing quickly rounded the counter and returned the bow in solemn respect to this highly respected and well-reputed old immortal of the town.

Afterward, Old Immortal Jia pulled him to the table, saying they should have a few sips – men should drink wine, not be drunk by it, and never to excess. The old immortal’s toasting was brief, never urging anyone to drink. Being a true lover of fine wine, he simply poured himself several large bowls and drank heartily. The old man grew flushed with warmth, his temples frosted with white, but what did that matter? When travelers meet on the road, they should drink wine if there is wine, and eat meat if there is meat. Once at the table, and again when leaving it, they were friends. Lin Feijing found the drink remarkably pleasant, feeling as though he had met a kind-hearted and venerable senior.

Zhu Lian was absent, but his dining table was as lively as ever. Chen Ping’an didn’t deliberately invite anyone; those who were temporarily on other peaks would fend for themselves. Still, the table was fully occupied.

The green-robed page began to show off. Earlier, he strolled into the courtyard with his hands clasped behind his back, not seeing the purple-robed old Taoist. Instead, he asked Old Immortal Jia why he hadn’t come, implying a slight.

At the dinner table, Chen Ping’an asked Cao Qinglang to invite his two friends to visit the Fallen Peak when he had the chance. Cao Qinglang smilingly agreed. He hesitated but ultimately didn’t tell his master about the truth. In the Great River region of Tongye Continent, besides his junior brother Yu Hui, there were two young sword cultivators from the Sword Qi Great Wall acting as “bait.” However, they had volunteered to join Sovereign Cui in “fishing.” On the wind kite ferry, his junior brother repeatedly warned him not to reveal this to their master, fearing that multiple offenses would be punished together and he would lose his position as sect master. He assured Cao Qinglang a hundred times that he could rest assured, the next sect master would sooner or later be him and not to rush. His junior brother needed time to warm the seat. Cao Qinglang chose to keep the secret not out of brotherly affection, but because he felt sword cultivators had their own style of doing things, and the choices of Yu Hui and He Guo should be respected.

Chen Ping’an used a telepathic message to remind Cao Qinglang that the situation in Tongye Continent was complex, involving the rise and fall of the overall fortune of both upper and lower sects. Anything could happen in between, so he shouldn’t meet Xu Zhen and Yu Li alone; he should bring Cui Dongshan along. Cao Qinglang didn’t ask further questions and readily agreed. Chen Ping’an wanted to explain a little more, but Cao Qinglang laughed, telling his master not to worry and to focus on his own matters, as he knew what he was doing.

Mountains and rivers accompanied them, with plenty of wine and food.

Because Mountain Master Chen, who was as proud as the heavens, had rarely taken the initiative to ask for an invitation, a rare occurrence, Wei Bo personally made a trip to Fallen Peak. He brought three invitations to the Night Excursion Banquet and bypassed the Mountain Lord’s Bureau of Rites, personally writing the names and Taoist titles of Bai Deng and the others.

The sword cultivator Bai Deng and the ghostly Silver Deer, one had lived in seclusion for too long, the other was a savage demon from the desolate wilds, neither really grasped the significance of the occasion. Gao Geng, however, who was constantly involved in drinking parties in Streaming Cloud Continent, knew very well. So he personally cooked a few dishes to go with the wine, forcibly keeping Mountain Lord Wei, who could be considered a Great Ascension cultivator, to stop for a drink. No matter what, his sworn brother was about to become the orthodox Water God of the Iron Talisman River, his shrine being so close to Cloud-Covering Mountain, like an attached county, they were neighbors in the mountain and water bureaucracy. It was good to establish a relationship with Wei Mountain Lord, or rather, Wei God-Lord, his immediate superior, early on. It was easier to be an official with someone in court, and the present superior was better than the county magistrate.

Wei Bo didn’t expect Gao Geng to put on such a show. One shouldn’t slap a smiling face, especially since he was a direct disciple of a Great Ascension cultivator and a guest who could stay at Fallen Peak. Wei Bo had no choice but to awkwardly sit down and drink. At the table, the sword cultivator Bai Deng didn’t say much, owing to his naturally cold temperament. Gao Geng and “Zeng Cuo,” however, said a torrent of good things on behalf of their silent brother to Wei Bo, who was about to be promoted to God-Lord.

There were a limited number of seats, and no one could be made to squat and eat, so Zheng Dafeng and Immortal Wei weren’t invited to dinner. Chen Ping’an took Liu Xianyang and Gu Can to stroll down the mountain, chatted for a bit, and they returned to the northern capital. Chen Ping’an entered the house at the mountain gate and found the two doorkeepers sitting facing each other under the eaves of the side room, eating a pot of cabbage and tofu, a dish that even immortals wouldn’t trade for anything. The steam was rising, and they were chatting and laughing merrily.

Immortal Wei even asked if the mountain lord had eaten. If not, adding a pair of chopsticks was a small matter. Chen Ping’an laughed and said he had eaten, and that he had cooked himself. There were too many people, so he didn’t call them.

Immortal Wei smiled and said it was fine, it was lucky they hadn’t been invited.

This made the mountain lord, who was originally a little guilty, irritated. He went to the kitchen as if he knew the place like the back of his hand, grabbed a small stool and some chopsticks, sat down, and started eating.

Chen Ping’an said that next time they would eat tofu stewed with fish, “a thousand boils for tofu, ten thousand boils for fish,” which he was very good at. He would stew it in the morning, eat it at noon, and still crave the taste in the evening. Immortal Wei looked at Dafeng, and Zheng Dafeng looked at Immortal Wei, both using their eyes to signal the other to politely decline. After all, he was the mountain lord, and it was the mountain lord’s good intention. Mountain Master Chen was too lazy to watch their eye-rolling and said, “It’s settled then. No need to be so polite with me.”

As they ate and chatted, Chen Ping’an said that Pei Qian had secretly bought a nearby mountain called Soaring Wind Ridge. It was a fair deal, with proper land deeds for the mountain and water.

Adjacent to Fallen Peak, besides Grey Mist Mountain to the north, including Heavenly Capital Peak, there were also Leaping Fish Mountain and Soaring Wind Ridge.

And Cui Dongshan had already secretly acquired Leaping Fish Mountain.

Immortal Wei listened absentmindedly, picking up a piece of piping hot, tender tofu and blowing on it a few times. He was only thinking about what kind of fish the mountain lord would stew next time. These matters of the mountain gate were not his business as a doorkeeper, he couldn’t say anything, and it wasn’t about being insignificant. Fallen Peak didn’t follow the rules of class or realm, it was purely because Immortal Wei wasn’t interested.
Chen Pingan said, “During the previous discussions at Jise Peak’s Ancestral Hall, the matters of opening peaks and dividing territories were only briefly mentioned. I thought we should finalize the ownership of these mountains during this session. Leaving them idle and masterless is not ideal.”

Zheng Dafeng nodded, “Only with proper titles can things be justified. This is no small matter. Once a mountain has an owner, someone needs to reside there and cultivate its vitality. Spiritual energy alone isn’t enough. An empty residence, uninhabited for too long, ages very quickly.”

Ancestor Mountain is now Luo Po Mountain, and mountains have gradually become its tributaries and taken on the Chen surname. During the last discussion, there were a total of fourteen such peaks.

Bao Lu Mountain, Caiyun Peak, Xiancao Mountain. Ao Yu Back, Zhenzhu Mountain, Niujiao Mountain, Huanghu Mountain.

Hui Meng Mountain, Zhusha Mountain, Wei Xia Peak, Bai Jian Terrace, Xianghuo Mountain, Yuan Mu Peak, Zhao Du Post.

Now, adding Fuyou Foothills and Tiao Yu Mountain, there are sixteen in total. The entire western mountain range of the former Lizhu Grotto Heaven only has forty-two peaks. With Liu Xianyang in charge of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect, and having recently relocated several peaks, Luo Po Mountain is quickly claiming half of all mountains.

Zheng Dafeng chuckled, “Since returning to Luo Po Mountain, Chief Zhou has been secretly working tirelessly, determined to buy more mountains for Luo Po Mountain. He’s currently negotiating for that famously tight-lipped Xiandu Peak. Chief Zhou seems to have met with all twelve foreign immortal factions. He’s even been intercepting and reading the secret messages in some of the flying sword transmissions before ‘releasing’ them. That’s why Chief Zhou has been rather melancholic lately, sometimes sighing deeply, sometimes beaming with joy. It seems Xiao Mo’s arrival in the mountains has put him under considerable pressure.”

Speaking of this, Zheng Dafeng couldn’t help but laugh, “A fickle and philandering heart is most afraid of being repaid with infidelity.”

Chen Pingan hesitated for a moment, “Tell Jiang Shangzhen later to hold off on buying any more mountains for now.”

Zheng Dafeng asked, “Are you trying to keep the number of mountains below half?”

Chen Pingan nodded, “Let’s keep some leeway for now. It’s not too late to act once the situation becomes clearer.”

Zheng Dafeng hummed in agreement, “That’s a more prudent approach. Haste makes waste.”

Ao Yu Back is leased to Liu Chongrun and Pearl Hairpin Island. Niujiao Mountain is where the immortal ferry and Baggage Shop are located. Zhenzhu Mountain, closest to the town, is too small for establishing a manor and undertaking extensive construction.

Huanghu Mountain was once the water manor of the water dragon Hongxia. Hongxia originally wanted to transfer the mountain and the underwater manor to Yunzi, but Yunzi is not of the water lineage and chose to remain in seclusion on Hui Meng Mountain. Chen Lingjun said that Yunzi may seem simple, but he is actually very clever, as Hui Meng Mountain is a large and prime piece of land.

Zhao Du Post has been allocated to scholars like Lin Shouyi and Li Huai.

Bai Jian Terrace is naturally reserved for sword cultivators. Fortunately, Guo Zhujiu arrived to “fill the gap,” settling there and encouraging the two young girls, Nalan Yudie and Yao Xiaoyan, to stay at Bai Jian Terrace. Otherwise, Bai Jian Terrace, located on the westernmost edge of the mountains, would be isolated and far from Luo Po Mountain and its tributary peaks. It wouldn’t be appropriate for the two young girls to live there. Bai Jian Terrace was once lively; Sui Youbian even built a thatched hut there to cultivate. If the liveliness were to dissipate and scatter, Chen Pingan would make sure Cui Dongshan paid dearly.

Chen Pingan brought back nine sword cultivator seedlings from the Sword Qi Great Wall. Yu Qingzhang and He Xiangting became disciples of Yu Yue and changed their lineage, meaning they are no longer related to Luo Po Mountain.

Bai Xuan and Sun Chunwang, although still registered cultivators of Luo Po Mountain, remain in the secret Snow Peak grotto heaven to refine their swords.

The other children were poached by the Qing Ping Sword Sect, transferring their lineage to the lower sect along with their masters, where they will practice sword cultivation in Tongye Continent from now on.

Nalan Yudie’s master is Changming, the Luo Po Mountain Law Enforcement Ancestor, and Yao Xiaoyan is apprenticed to “Konghou,” the Luo Po Mountain Registrar. Seemingly “unlucky” in that their masters are not sword cultivators, this is not actually the case. Changming spent a long time with the Execution Official Hao Su in the Sword Qi Great Wall prison, and as an Outer Heavenly Demon with white hair, she is in herself an “armory and library.” Everything that Wu Shuangjiang of Suicui Palace knows, except for a few secret techniques, she also knows.

According to Chen Pingan’s original intention, Nuan Shu could choose Xianghuo Mountain or Xiancao Mountain, but the pink-skirted girl was unwilling to leave Luo Po Mountain.

Jiang Qu, who became a talisman cultivator, could have occupied Bao Lu Mountain had he not already become a personal disciple of Cui Dongshan, waiting only for his Golden Core formation to host an opening peak ceremony.

Zheng Dafeng asked, “Seems like you’re in a hurry?”

Chen Pingan said, “Once the meeting concludes, I’ll go into closed-door cultivation to refine my sword and raise the rank of my flying sword, striving to go from the bottom of the well to the wellhead. After that, once personal matters are resolved, I’ll embark on another long journey.”

Immortal Wei Daoist always lets such conversations go in one ear and out the other, paying no attention.

Chen Pingan smiled and asked, “Immortal Wei Daoist, is there any peak that you fancy?”

Immortal Wei Daoist was taken aback and shook his head repeatedly, “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.”

Saying “I wouldn’t dare” instead of “I don’t have one” is the experienced Taoist Immortal Wei’s way of navigating the world, leaving himself an out.

Zheng Dafeng chuckled, “I’ve taken Immortal Wei Daoist through all the tributary peaks. Each place has its own merits, but he seems to have a special fondness and unique connection to Xianghuo Mountain.”

Chen Pingan smiled, a hint of surprise in his voice, “Oh, you’ve fallen in love with Xianghuo Mountain’s scenery and charm, haven’t you?”

Immortal Wei Daoist was a little embarrassed and had to explain quietly, “I just feel that it’s like a desolate temple, unlit with incense for too long, only leaving behind some ash. This humble Taoist is moved by the sight, but I have no intention of possessing it for myself.”

Chen Pingan picked up a piece of cabbage and pondered, “Now that Immortal Wei Daoist has a disciple, and Lin Feijing is a proper Taoist, it would be fitting for the master and disciple to have a place to cultivate.”

Immortal Wei Daoist’s eyes gleamed. Taking in a cheap disciple has such benefits? Could it be that he should take in a few more in the future and one day try to open a private talisman altar?
The young Daoist with a wooden hairpin in his hair was making mental calculations, but said aloud, “This humble Daoist isn’t even a registered cultivator of our Declining Mountain, yet occupies a mountain peak. Doesn’t that seem inappropriate? The next time the Ancestral Hall convenes, if the Mountain Lord brings this up for discussion, won’t the opposition be too great? If that happens, this humble Daoist, not being part of the Azure Peak Ancestral Hall’s deliberations, would face a difficult and embarrassing situation where any proposal might be rejected, damaging the Mountain Lord’s prestige. This humble Daoist has a weakness that’s hard to change, which is being thin-skinned and soft-hearted, leading to a guilty conscience. How could I have the face to continue guarding the mountain gate here?”

Immortal Wei’s words, though few, were full of meaning and cunning.

To veto the Mountain Lord’s suggestion in the Azure Peak Ancestral Hall?

Preposterous!

If Immortal Wei were to speak truthfully, he would be ready to set off firecrackers in the plaza outside the Ancestral Hall after the meeting concluded.

Zheng Dafeng coughed a few times, tapping the edge of the pot with his chopsticks. “Temperature, pay attention to the temperature.”

Too much is as bad as too little. One must be mindful of moderation, lest the Mountain Lord take the opportunity to back down. If Immortal Wei doesn’t want to trouble the Mountain Lord, the Mountain Lord truly won’t make things difficult.

Immortal Wei immediately understood and tentatively said, “If the Mountain Lord is willing to show such favor, how could this humble Daoist be so lacking in understanding as to fail the Mountain Lord’s kindness? In the future, I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly, without the slightest negligence, continuing to devote all my efforts to guarding the mountain gate.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “Then it’s tentatively decided that Mount Incense Flame will belong to Immortal Wei and his disciple, Lin Feijing. Of course, this matter still needs to be approved by the Ancestral Hall, but I estimate there won’t be any major problems.”

Immortal Wei said in a deep voice, “Who doesn’t know that our Azure Peak Ancestral Hall’s deliberations are known for the Mountain Lord’s openness and never being dictated by one voice?”

Zheng Dafeng hummed in agreement. “Everyone knows.”

Chen Ping’an rarely sighed, wondering if he should ask Zhu Lian to find Yuan Huang and have him come to Declining Mountain as soon as possible.

Immortal Wei wrung his hands, looking abashed, and said, “Mountain Lord, to speak frankly, one shouldn’t accept rewards without merit. I’ve already mentally prepared myself to be ridiculed by fellow Daoist Jing Qing.”

To possess a mountain peak in name, establishing a Daoist temple! This was the kind of glorious event that even Old Nian Jing, the fake Daoist who used to cheat and swindle in the mortal world, wouldn’t dare dream of.

What kind of sleeping posture would one need to have to conjure up such a beautiful dream?!

Moreover, his Declining Mountain wasn’t one of those small, insignificant sects where a fifth realm immortal could simply occupy a mountain and establish a sect. It was a place where one cultivated immortality, and not just any Qi refiner could casually occupy a mountain peak.

He had previously heard from Little Rice Grain that the rules in their lower sect were so strict, with such a high threshold, that Sect Master Cui had said that only a nascent soul realm cultivator could hold a peak opening ceremony.

Generally, for large immortal abodes on the mountains of the Nine Provinces of the Vast Sky, it was a conventional rule that one had to be a Golden Core cultivator to open a peak.

In the top sects of the Vast Sky, even if the ancestral grounds were large and had many peaks, they wouldn’t be enough for all the earth immortals to occupy. Hence, there were orthodox ancestral grounds, upper sects, and lower sects.

Furthermore, with the exception of a few unique cases, all sects and founding masters of the world had originated from small sects and cultivators. The ancestral grounds often started out small and unassuming, gradually achieving greatness through years of painstaking effort. Declining Mountain was one such example.

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “Between family, there’s no need for formality. Immortal Wei only needs to feel at ease and accept it without hesitation.”

“The Cloud Veiled Mountain is about to hold a formal consecration ceremony. Would you two like to join me there for a drink?”

Zheng Dafeng shook his head. “I’m too familiar with Wei Bo, so I won’t join the revelry.”

Immortal Wei nodded in agreement. He simply didn’t have much savings and was embarrassed to eat and drink for free. He couldn’t even raise a respectable congratulatory gift by selling everything he owned, and he didn’t want to embarrass Declining Mountain.

He had heard many inside stories about the Northern Peak Night Banquet from Little Rice Grain. Every mountain and river deity and Qi refiner who attended the Night Banquet was generous and lavish in their gifts.

This was because the female officials of Cloud Veiled Mountain’s Ministry of Rites would loudly “announce the names” after registering and receiving gifts at the foot of the mountain, clearly stating who it was, which mountain they came from, and what gifts they had offered.

Little Rice Grain had laughed and compared it to announcing the dishes on a menu.

Immortal Wei could even imagine the scene of “wealthy guests” lining up, calculating the value of the gifts they heard being announced in immortal coins, gritting their teeth, and adding more gifts and immortal coins. They would already be drunk before even drinking at the Night Banquet.

This ceremony of bestowing divine titles, presided over by the sages of the Wenmiao Temple, still couldn’t entice Bai Ye and Master Jun Qian to attend Cloud Veiled Mountain.

However, the Night Banquet could still be called dazzling and star-studded.

The appearance of Fu Yu Xuan from Middle Earth’s Peach Talisman Mountain shocked the entire Northern Peak region.

This made Jing Hao, the first person on the Flowing Rainbow Continent with the title of Azure Palace Protector, seem less conspicuous today.

Just from Declining Mountain, two sect masters appeared: Chen Ping’an and his student, Cui Dongshan.

There was also the Law Master of Declining Mountain, Changming, the chief offering, Zhou Fei. Chen Ping’an also brought his first disciple, Pei Qian, the mountain guardian offering, Zhou Mili, as well as the Blue-Clad Boy and the Pink-Skirt Girl, and a sable-hatted girl said to be the second seat offering of Declining Mountain, Xie Gou, when her name was announced.

The Great Li Dynasty sent the Minister of Rites to Cloud Veiled Mountain to offer congratulations. Although His Majesty the Emperor didn’t come in person, he sent a congratulatory letter in his own handwriting. Many upper pillar state surnames also had people here.

From the Dragon Spring Sword Sect, Xie Ling, who had just emerged from seclusion and entered the Jade Purity Realm, presented congratulatory gifts on behalf of his master, Ruan Qiong, and Sect Master Liu Xianyang. He also brought a gift from Xie Shi, the Heavenly Sovereign of the Northern Ju Luzhou, for his descendant Xie Ling to deliver.

But these were not the things that made people’s Dao hearts unstable. Xie Ling took out one congratulatory gift after another. The last gift, his trump card, actually came from Lu Chen, the Grandmaster of the White Jade Capital!

Next, a scholar named Xin Ji’an traveled with a friend to the Autumn Wind Shrine and brought a gift from the latter. When it was announced, it was Chen Qingliu!

Xin Ji’an, the dragon among poets, and Chen Qingliu, the dragon slayer. If these two names were mentioned separately, people might still have some speculation and not be sure of their authenticity.

But when Xin Ji’an and Chen Qingliu were placed together, and the official of the Ministry of Rites announced their names in a trembling voice, even handing the pen to the scholar, saying that the Mountain Lord had ordered her to boldly request Mr. Xin to personally write down the two names and leave a true calligraphy… then even a fool would know that they… were them!
The bestowal of divine titles for the Five Mountain Sovereigns of Treasure Bottle Continent and the abbot of the Central Earth Literary Temple took place simultaneously on the same day.

Therefore, the bustling activity wasn’t confined to Jade Cloud Mountain alone. The residences of all five Mountain Sovereigns were thronged with guests, filled with boisterous greetings and celebratory cheer.

The Sovereign of Central Peak, Mount Chezi, Jin Qing, received the divine title “Illuminating Torch” from the Literary Temple.

The Sovereign of Eastern Peak, Mount Qi, Meng Rong, was granted the title “Heroic Spirit,” its profound significance exceeding all expectations!

The Sovereign of Northern Peak, Jade Cloud Mountain, Wei Bo, received the divine title “Night Wanderer.” This came as no surprise; anything else would have been astonishing.

The Sovereign of Western Peak, Mount Ganzhou, Tong Wenchang, was titled “Great Banner.” The female Sovereign of Southern Peak, Mount Zitong, Fan Junmao, her divine title was “Azure Peak,” a poetic name for the mountain itself!

The Great Master Daolin, one of the Ten Philosophers of the Literary Temple, presided over the Northern Peak ceremony.

Among the great cultivators who personally graced Jade Cloud Mountain were Yu Xuan, Xin Ji’an, and Jing Hao. Those who sent congratulations included Lu Chen, Chen Qingliu, and Xie Shi.

Thus, in terms of grandeur and prominence among the Five Peaks of the continent, Jade Cloud Mountain undeniably stood supreme.

Wei Bo, clad in a snow-white robe and sporting a golden earring, respectfully accepted the scroll bearing the divinely inscribed title from the Great Master.

Wei Bo bowed in gratitude, then unfurled the scroll. The characters for “Night Wanderer” transformed into dazzling golden light, revealing the Dao manifest atop Jade Cloud Mountain, merging with the mountain’s very essence and fortune.

The conferral ceremony was devoid of elaborate formalities, exceedingly simple. The Great Master, dressed in a blue cotton robe and carrying a gourd at his waist, recited a passage from the scriptures, briefly recounted the historical evolution of Northern Peak on Treasure Bottle Continent, bestowed the divine title upon Wei Bo, and finally instructed Wei Bo to utter a few auspicious phrases, marking the completion of the ceremony.

The Great Master and the other four sages of the Literary Temple, disciples of the Supreme Sage and Teacher, did not linger. Once the consecration was complete, they departed almost simultaneously, but not to return to the Central Earth Literary Temple.

Instead, they went to the banks of a river once known as Shaozhou, its waters called Pan River. Ancient music included the “Shao,” of which Confucius said, “Perfect in beauty and perfect in goodness.”

A tall old man stood by the water, accompanied by the amiable Sage of Rites, the solemn Second Sage, and the sorrowful old scholar.

Many other sainted scholars who served as secondary offerings in the Literary Temple, now existing only as Yin Spirits, were already present by the water, awaiting the completion of the consecrations by the Great Master and his companions.

Some sages had long since passed away, their forms and spirits fading into the river of time, their legacies of fame and accomplishment, whether destined for oblivion or immortality, left to the judgment of future generations.

The Supreme Sage and Teacher smiled gently. “It has been long since we have gathered like this.”

The masters and instructors by the river, as if by tacit agreement, remained silent, bowing in obeisance to the Supreme Sage and Teacher.

The Supreme Sage and Teacher, standing at the forefront, turned to return their salutations.

After rising, the Supreme Sage and Teacher tilted his head as if listening, seemingly hearing the sublime ancient music of the Shao, seemingly hearing the sound of reading aloud in the mortal realm. Although the Shao music was supremely beautiful and virtuous, it seemed that the latter was even more pleasing to the ear.

The old man was the first to sit down on the bank of the Pan River, laughing heartily. “This is the final time for instruction and imparting knowledge. Questions and answers, or even using questions as answers, we shall know all and say all, without reservation.”

In the Western Buddhist Kingdom, beneath the Bodhi tree, a middle-aged monk sat in meditation, beginning to expound the Dharma.

In the Azure Canopy World, a young Daoist priest arrived at the gate of a small Daoist temple on the ancient battlefield of Zhuolu. When the receptionist asked for his name, the young Daoist priest said his surname was Li, and he came from Ku County, Chen State.

At the entrance to Fallen Phoenix Mountain, the Daoist Immortal Wei regretted his actions again the previous night before going to sleep, resolving that he must not read “miscellaneous books” tomorrow and must read a proper Daoist scripture.

Today, with the sun shining warmly, he was again enjoying a miscellaneous book, savoring every word. He dampened his finger with saliva and gently turned a page, but the content was too fascinating, so he flipped back to read it again.

The proper Daoist scripture placed in the other sleeve of the false Daoist’s robe seemed to be patiently waiting for the arrival of the next tomorrow.

It was as if spring planting would bring autumn harvest, and the most beautiful time of the year was when oranges and tangerines turned yellow and green. The Daoist, who regarded this mountain as his home, simply believed that wherever his heart was at peace was his hometown.

In the mountains to the west, a lake that appeared after a mountain was completely moved away, called the Returning Sword Lake, the wind rippled across the surface, as if murmuring that mountains and waters would reunite.

On Fallen Phoenix Mountain, Cui Cheng left a book chest, asking Warm Tree to keep it safe. They had an agreement that the old man told Warm Tree not to tell anyone, including the Mountain Lord, Chen Ping’an.

Another day arrived at the plaza outside the Ancestral Hall of Jise Peak.

They were in no hurry to convene the meeting.

The old scholar had traveled a long way to Treasure Bottle Continent. They were all waiting for the old man to take his seat.

The white-haired child, who served as the compiler of the genealogy of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, had another opportunity to show off her skills. She resumed her female form, arranged the table and inkstone, and the Daoist priestess “Naturally,” with her bright eyes and a smile, was eager to give it a try.

In the Great Vast World, the lineage of the Literary Saint:

The old scholar.

Direct disciples: Jun Qian, Chen Ping’an.

Second-generation disciples: Wu Yuan, Zheng Yougan, Li Baoping, Lin Shouyi, Li Huai, Xie Xie, Yu Lu, Dong Shuijing, Shi Jiachun, Zhao Yao, Cui Dongshan, Cao Qinglang, Ning Ji.

In theory, only they were entitled to take a seat.

Because, strictly speaking, disciples such as Chen Ping’an’s disciples, Pei Qian, Guo Zhujiu, and Zhao Shuxia, as well as Pei Qian’s disciple, Zhou Junchen, nicknamed Little Mute, although they were all direct and second-generation disciples of Mountain Lord Chen Ping’an, were not strictly part of the Literary Saint’s lineage.

Similarly, Zhao Luan, Jiang Qu, Cui Peanut, and Hu Chuling, as Cui Dongshan’s direct disciples, were in the same situation.

Everyone sat upright, clasping their hands lightly in their laps.

The old scholar unclenched his fists, still looking forward, and raised his hand slightly to pat the arm of his close disciple, whispering, “You’ve worked hard.”

Chen Ping’an, also always looking forward, smiled. “Not at all, Teacher.”

The old scholar smiled from ear to ear and, sitting in the central position, turned to discuss with his close disciple, Chen Ping’an, if they should all sit down together for a commemorative photo.

Chen Ping’an nodded with a smile, saying that he would listen to his teacher in everything. So he asked Warm Tree and Little Millet to help him bring a few more chairs from inside the Ancestral Hall.

But strangely, the number was wrong. How did it seem that three extra chairs had been brought out?

Moreover, Chen Ping’an had also changed his position to sit, leaving two empty chairs next to the Literary Saint?

Jun Qian also stood up and changed a chair, so that no one was sitting next to the old scholar.

Chen Ping’an sat upright and whispered, “Dongshan.”

Cui Dongshan smiled brightly and said “Mmm”. In an instant, three more people appeared on the three empty chairs.
The Sage of Letters’ foremost disciple, Cui Chan, was “seated” between the Old Scholar and his junior brother, Jun Qian, with his junior brother’s other side occupied by Qi Jingchun.

The youngest of the lot, a mute child named Zhou Junchen, stubbornly refused to sit beside his Shifu, Pei Qian. The child only wished to occupy the most inconspicuous spot on the periphery.

Cui Dongshan whispered, “Grand-Master, Teacher, perhaps Baoping and I should stand? We can simply stand behind you.”

Chen Ping’an turned his head and inquired, “Teacher, what do you think? I, for one, believe it’s feasible.”

The Old Scholar glanced left and right, smiling as he asked, “Does anyone object?”

Li Baoping and the others rose with smiles, first moving their chairs aside, then standing behind the first row of “Shibo and Shishu” (senior martial uncles).

The Old Scholar suddenly stroked his beard and chuckled, “Ping’an, why don’t you exchange places with Zuo You? Don’t worry, he won’t mind.”

Chen Ping’an hesitated for a moment, but he had no choice but to obey his Teacher’s arrangement.

Just as the Falling Mountain’s Chronicle Officer was about to set brush to paper, eager to capture this scene in a painting, Chen Ping’an also turned around with a smile, beckoning and calling out, “Junchen, come here.”

The child, face flushed red, was confused and didn’t move at first. But then, he was gently nudged and stumbled along, bewildered, until he reached his Grand-Master’s side.

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “You can stand right here.”

Perhaps this was the affection of a grandparent for their grandchild.

The child instinctively straightened his back, clenched his fists, and pressed his lips tightly together.

Chen Ping’an’s smile was gentle as he reached out and lightly put his arm around the child’s shoulders.