As dusk settled, vast fiery clouds painted the sky above a river winding across the land like a golden serpent. Three streaks of sword light, leaving trails of shimmering afterglow, sliced through the clouds with muffled thunderclaps.

Deng Jianping’s mastery of the eighteen stances of Sword Qi was neither swift nor slow. Not swift compared to the exceptional sword geniuses of the Sword Qi Great Wall, but not slow either, perhaps owing to Chen Ping’an’s own humble beginnings.

Chen Ping’an didn’t treat Xie Gou as an outsider. With a natural aptitude, she grasped the stances with ease, practicing them flawlessly after a few repetitions, the flow of sword qi unimpeded.

In terms of sword cultivation aptitude, Ning Yao and Xie Gou were truly in a league of their own. Upon mastering the technique, Xie Gou praised the Sword Qi Great Wall’s profound foundation. This put pressure on Deng Jianping, who felt he hadn’t fully grasped it. He inquired mentally to Chen Ping’an if his talent was lacking. Chen Ping’an was momentarily speechless.

“Compared to whom do you feel inadequate?” he thought, “Why compare yourself to Xie, the Deputy?” He then comforted his newly accepted disciple, advising him not to rush, but to progress steadily, like deploying troops, building a solid foundation.

While traveling on the wind, Xie Gou eyed the green bamboo staff with longing. “Mountain Master, can you gift me a walking stick too? We both write travelogues of mountains and rivers daily.”

Chen Ping’an politely declined, “There’s no need. You aren’t one to meddle in the affairs of others.”

Xie Gou, undeterred, declared confidently, “I can meddle more in the future.”

Chen Ping’an retorted directly, “Isn’t it possible that the affairs you encounter are better left untouched?”

Somewhat dejected, Xie Gou grumbled under her breath, striking out with fists and palms, carving holes and countless lines into the sea of clouds.

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “If you truly covet it, any time you go out alone and feel you’ve handled one or two matters well, you can ask me for it upon your return to the mountain.”

However, Chen Ping’an doubted Xie Gou would truly fixate on the object. After all, she was prone to desiring something one day, only to forget it the next. Chen Ping’an turned to Deng Jianping and said, “After a short rest at Qingjing Mountain, we’ll continue our journey. We won’t be traversing the sea by sword or ferry. I’ll impart to you an ancient and secretly guarded Three Mountains Rune, capable of shrinking vast distances in an instant, allowing for travel across continents. Your current Golden Core realm might make it strenuous, but with Xie Gou and I by your side, it shouldn’t be too problematic. Upon arriving at the Southern Mountain Range in Treasure Bottle Continent, the surge of your spirit will allow you to examine the minutiae of your soul, Yang Spirit, and Yin Spirit, seeing if there are any gaps that need filling.” After teaching the rune and its secrets, Chen Ping’an explained the rules and taboos of using the Three Mountains Rune to Deng Jianping in detail. Finally, he reminded him that both the Eighteen Stances of Sword Qi and the Three Mountains Rune were secret arts of Fallen Peak Mountain, not to be divulged lightly.

Deng Jianping naturally committed this to memory. Before arriving at the mountain, he perceived its towering grandeur, but after entering it, he understood that even more divine beings resided atop its peaks.

Xie Gou said mentally, “The Mountain Master certainly got a bargain. Deng Jianping’s talent is average, but he resembles an ancient Daoist, with a tenacious heart towards the Dao, and a pure desire to attain it. Once he has an epiphany, his sword practice will improve rapidly.”

Chen Ping’an smiled slightly, “Then you can guide him more in the future. Since you’re going to trick Chai Wu into becoming your personal disciple, give Jianping the chance to listen in. The same lesson taught to two people, a good deal.”

Xie Gou, knowing her Mountain Master’s embarrassing situation with his own disciples, laughed and said, “The Mountain Master can’t teach geniuses, and I can’t teach those who aren’t geniuses. We’re quite complementary. Fallen Peak Mountain is amazing!”

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “I’ve seen flatterers, but never one as adept at such a subtle form of bootlicking.”

Deng Jianping, unable to hear their mental exchange, noticed their subtle expressions and guessed that the Master and Deputy Xie were discussing important matters. Deng Jianping marveled again; the atmosphere on Fallen Peak Mountain was truly wonderful.

Xie Gou asked out of the blue, “Mountain Master, you’re so young, yet you already have Zhao Shuxia as your close-door disciple in boxing. Deng Jianping won’t be the last disciple you take in swordsmanship, will he?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “Currently, I have seven personal disciples. I hope to have a dozen or so one day, but any more than that isn’t really necessary.”

Cui Dongshan, Pei Qian, Cao Qinglang, Zhao Shuxia, Guo Zhujiu, Ning Ji, Deng Jianping.

Of the seven disciples, only Pei Qian and Zhao Shuxia learned boxing from Chen Ping’an. Chen Ping’an remembered something and felt he had to remind Deng Jianping, “You have a junior brother named Cui Dongshan, the first Sect Master of the Azure Willow Sword Sect. If he ever says he wants to safeguard your cultivation path, or wants to have a heart-to-heart about life’s ambitions, ignore him, and immediately invoke my name. You can also complain to Senior Sister Pei and Senior Brother Cao.”

Although Deng Jianping didn’t understand why, he dutifully agreed.

During this time, Chen Ping’an received a flying sword transmission.

Xie Gou craned her neck, quickly scanning the contents. It was a secret letter from their good neighbor, the Night-patrolling Divine Sovereign, urging Chen Ping’an to give a firm date as soon as possible. The final words of the letter gave Xie Gou a strong sense of resentment. It turned out Wei Yeyou was reminding him not to delay any further, but if he was determined to, Chen Ping’an had better explain it to His Majesty himself, and not leave Wei Bige to be the one caught in the middle. In short, once Chen Ping’an finalized the date, the Great Li Dynasty would immediately begin making arrangements, and the long-vacant position of National Preceptor, the old chair in the Imperial Study Room’s small morning court, would finally have a legitimate new occupant.

Chen Ping’an silently placed the secret letter into his sleeve. Xie Gou tentatively asked, “The Mountain Master isn’t going to send a reply on the spot? Even a few perfunctory words would be good; Wei Yeyou is having a hard time.”

Even Senior Zhu had said that Wei Shenyou was like a long-term laborer working for their Fallen Peak Mountain, except the landlord never paid wages.

Chen Ping’an smiled slightly, “I can finalize the date as soon as I return to the Floating Cloud Dojo. Why the rush, even for a Night-patrolling Divine Sovereign?”

It would definitely be before the fifth day of the fifth month, and no later than that day anyway.

Xie Gou suddenly understood. It seemed that no matter how Chen Ping’an pleaded with Wei Bige to register the Night-patrolling Divine Sovereign title with the Central Earth Confucian Temple, it didn’t work, but in the end…?

Chen Ping’an said, “You know the Great Li Dynasty has requested that I make a bit of a show, bringing along some people who can fight. But I’m hesitant about bringing Jianping and the others.”

Xie Gou habitually furrowed her brow slightly and tilted her head. What did that mean?

The expression always made Chen Ping’an amused and helpless. It was the signature pose of the Blue-Robed Boy on Fallen Peak Mountain.
Zhu Lian’s assessment was spot-on: the landlord’s simpleton son, his eyes held a clear, untainted ignorance.

Chen Ping’an explained, “What happened in the past is old history. What the future holds is what truly matters. Pei Qian, Ning Ji, Chai Wu, and Jian Ping, they are the future of Luopo Mountain.” Xie Gou indeed joined late, missing the previous Luopo Mountain pilgrimage to Zhengyang Mountain. He couldn’t miss it this time. Every time Mi Li mentioned it in the mountains, she was extremely proud, saying that she stood on a certain mountain peak, arms crossed, her face serious, feeling that she was at least ten feet tall at the time! On Luopo Mountain, besides wandering around with the white-haired child, Xie Gou, the sable-hatted girl who only knew the world outside – regardless of the sudden rain pattering on fresh lotuses or the moon like frost, the crescent moon like a hook – also liked to chat idly with the black-clothed girl, listen to the blue-robed boy’s unscripted boasts, and go shopping in the town outside the mountain with the pink-skirted girl.

Landing at the border of Qingjing Mountain, Chen Ping’an slowed his pace, walking on foot towards the main mountain where Qinghu Palace was located, allowing Deng Jianping to steady his Qi.

Chen Ping’an was an old acquaintance at Qinghu Palace. Soon, a lower courtyard Daoist went to the main mountain palace to report.

The entire Qingjing Mountain area allowed Daoists from other places to build thatched huts on the various peaks for secluded cultivation, only needing to prepare some mountain goods and local products for Qinghu Palace during festivals as a token gesture.

In the early years, before the Qinghu Palace Daoists moved to Bao Pingzhou, it wasn’t so easy-going. After moving back to Qingjing Mountain, many measures seemed more generous.

The Daoist school has always valued nourishing the body even more than nourishing the spirit. On the pilgrimage road, Daoists could often be seen practicing Qi-nourishing exercises to strengthen their bodies. The movements seemed slow and gentle, yet were fluid and coherent, making the viewers, whether practicing martial arts or refining Qi, feel pleased.

Deng Jianping wanted to say something but hesitated. Xie Gou couldn’t stand this kind of behavior; such a big man was too indecisive. She wanted to offer a few pointers.

Chen Ping’an guessed Deng Jianping’s thoughts and asked with a smile, “Are you asking about Cao Ci?”

Deng Jianping looked embarrassed, but honestly nodded, admitting it.

Xie Gou gave a thumbs up, praising, “A hero, a true brave man! Just became a disciple and you’re already asking your master about the person who lost several matches? What, do you want to avenge your master? Great ambition!”

Deng Jianping felt even more ashamed.

Chen Ping’an thought for a moment and said, “There’s no need to know Cao Ci. Meeting him and talking to him, let alone asking him about boxing, we’ll all know that he must be a proud person.”

Deng Jianping nodded. A pure martial artist whose deeds were completely equivalent to immortal feats, outsiders could imagine Cao Ci’s demeanor.

Chen Ping’an added, “After truly getting to know Cao Ci, you’ll be surprised at how he can be so unproud, so ordinary.”

Deng Jianping was surprised. His master actually admired Cao Ci, a person of the same generation, so much? He remembered that in his hometown of Beiju Luzhou, martial artists would never admit defeat, even if they were convinced in their hearts, they wouldn’t admit it verbally.

The ordinary heart of the martial artist Cao Ci, the open-mindedness of the swordsman Chou Miao, the practicality of the Confucian scholar Wen Yu, etc… Chen Ping’an would sincerely admire them. Of course, there was also the terrestrial wine immortal, Liu Jinglong.

Xie Gou gently patted her chest, “Ha, Mountain Lord, in that case, Cao Ci and I are very similar! We don’t show off when we’re out and about, we’re approachable.”

Deng Jianping felt strange, and mustered his courage to ask, “Master, are you and Cao Ci rivals and friends on the path of martial arts?”

Chen Ping’an was silent for a long time. For the first time, he revealed his inner thoughts on the matter, slowly saying, “I want to win against him, but I’m also afraid that he’ll lose.” Deng Jianping couldn’t understand Chen Ping’an’s thoughts for a while. Xie Gou adjusted her sable hat and explained on his behalf, “Wanting to win is the nature of a martial artist. Who doesn’t want to be the first? Who is willing to be second? Not wanting to win is because you’re afraid that the highest point of martial arts is already under your feet, that it ends here. If I’m strong, and there are even stronger people ahead at a higher level, then this path hasn’t reached its peak yet, and I can continue to walk it. You can’t say these words if you don’t truly love learning boxing.”

Deng Jianping wasn’t stupid after all, and quickly noticed a bit of a “logical fallacy” in it, asking, “Even if you’re the first, can’t you continue to raise the height of martial arts?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and nodded.

Xie Gou sighed, “That’s why I say you’re not cut out for martial arts. The Daoist arts are cultivated internally, but martial arts are sought externally. A *jianghu* without rivals and opponents is meaningless, it becomes an adult bullying a bunch of kids.”

Chen Ping’an frankly said, “In the end, I still don’t have the confidence to win against Cao Ci.”

Xie Gou turned to the side and walked away, imitating Mi Li by raising her hands and giving her Mountain Lord a thumbs up, “Magnanimous!”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “Drinking wine can’t be too Wei Xian.”

Xie Gou burst out laughing. Wei Xian was a bit interesting, often saying that Chai Wu’s aptitude was as good as his alcohol tolerance, causing Chai Wu to step into the Jade Purity realm, but he was more confused than anyone else.

Hearing that the Luopo Mountain’s Mountain Lord Chen had once again come to visit, the Daoists inside Qinghu Palace suddenly felt complicated. It seemed that Palace Lord Ancestor hadn’t started refining pills recently.

Abbot Lu Yong was fishing by the Old Dragon Pool with a junior disciple. Zhao Zhuo, a disciple with the Daoist name “Xianxiu,” came to report the news. Zhao Zhuo was the old Real Person’s most promising and proud disciple. The little Daoist boy was Zhao Zhuo’s most valued disciple. The child had been personally brought up the mountain during a cloud-wandering trip a few years ago. Kind and innocent, he had been cultivating on the mountain for only five years. Lu Yong often personally taught him Daoist arts, saying that the child was patient and very suitable for refining pills. The little Daoist boy had a simple mind. The Daoists in the temple all said that the Grand Master had a close relationship with the young Hidden Official, and his master was a guest official of Luopo Mountain, so he naturally felt close to the Sword Immortal Chen. Holding the Grand Master’s hand, the child looked up and asked earnestly, “Grand Master, do we still have any pills in the temple? Don’t let Mountain Lord Chen leave empty-handed.”

Lu Yong looked embarrassed, and briefly explained, “There are many rules for refining pills. It requires the right time, place, and people. Lacking any of them is like asking a clever woman to cook without rice.”

Zhao Zhuo gently patted the child’s Daoist bun, wanting to say something but stopped.

The old Real Person stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, then laughed, “The child happens to be with the poor Dao and the Hidden Official happens to be visiting the mountain at this time. It must be the child’s affinity. You and I don’t need to be pretentious.”

Zhao Zhuo nodded upon hearing this, and the gloom between his brows lessened a bit.

Lu Yong led several managing Daoists to greet the guest together.

Chen Ping’an made a Daoist salute, and said with a smile, “Real Person, rest assured, I’m just passing by. I’m just here to ask for a cup of wine, not seeking pills, not trying to freeload.”
The Old Immortal Master roared with laughter, reaching out to seize Chen Pingan’s arm. “A most unwelcome guest! A most unwelcome guest! To arrive and immediately, with veiled words, accuse the host of stinginess!”

Deng Jianping observed this scene, deducing that the relationship between Fallen Mountain and Verdant Serenity Mountain was far from ordinary.

They had previously passed by the Verdant Serenity Mountain’s territory but had not ascended. His brother-in-law had casually mentioned that the place possessed a rich Dao essence, a blessed location, a rare “dragon-ascending” land.

Chen Pingan introduced Deng Jianping as his personally-taught disciple. The Verdant Serenity Mountain cultivators, led by Lu Yong, offered sincere congratulations. The young man was blessed with great fortune to be accepted under the Hidden Official’s tutelage to cultivate the sword and the Dao.

Zhao Zhuo, a guest elder of Fallen Mountain, also spoke of his apprentice, Gan Xing, who currently possessed no Daoist name. The young Daoist boy wasn’t shy, explaining to Chen Sword Immortal that his name meant “thriving prosperity,” not the “heart” of sentiment. Xie Gou suddenly interjected, “Mountain Lord, strange. This child by Guest Elder Zhao’s side has decent Daoist roots, yet the aura of death about him is so heavy, so persistent, as if deeply ingrained, entangled even with his fate. Cleansing it would be quite… problematic. I could, of course, sever this deathly aura with a single sword strike, but it would damage the child’s foundational Dao. If Pure Yang Daoist were here, it would be better.” Chen Pingan had also noticed the odd aura surrounding the young boy. “The human body is like a temple. If the proper deity doesn’t occupy it, wild ghosts will seize the space. Over time, it becomes like a debauched shrine, led astray. If he hadn’t ascended the mountain to cultivate, as a common mortal, he might even possess some unusual luck. But having entered the Azure Tiger Palace, he clashes with the unseen, profound Dao Qi of this place. Fortunately, Verdant Serenity Mountain’s clouds and waters are pure and clear, its earth Qi mellow and rich. They are not yet warring, but it’s as if they are constantly arguing, which, over time, will exhaust the child, weakening his spirit and Qi. The Old Immortal Master seems to have attempted remedies, but they were only band-aids. I fear that if this drags on, the child will have to be sent down the mountain.”

Xie Gou asked, “Isn’t the Azure Tiger Palace skilled at crafting Ascension Pills? Wouldn’t that be a good treatment?”

Chen Pingan replied, “I fear he may have already taken them, which is why the young Daoist boy can maintain his current state.”

Xie Gou inquired, “Does the Mountain Lord intend to intervene? Are you confident?”

Chen Pingan stated, “This is a significant matter. I will need to make some preparations.”

Xie Gou grinned. If the Mountain Lord said so, then it was as good as done.

Xie Gou turned to Deng Jianping, earnestly saying, “Jianping, our Mountain Lord knows a great many things. Learn slowly. We, diligent seekers of the Dao, mustn’t enter a treasure mountain and return empty-handed.”

The habit of adding “ah” to the end of names…who brought that to the mountain, anyway? Xie Gou found it quite natural.

Deng Jianping nodded vigorously. This journey of sword flight had only increased his respect for this second-seat guest elder, with her youthful appearance. High talent, good temper, and a broad mind.

Chen Pingan first inquired about the child’s birth date from Zhao Zhuo. Then, he bent down and smiled at the young Daoist boy named Gan Xing. “Extend your hand.”

The bewildered young Daoist boy extended his hand. Chen Pingan grasped it first, gently weighing it and feeling the bones. Then, he joined two fingers and wrote a character on the child’s palm: “Decree.”

The character on his palm shone with golden light, flashing momentarily, accompanied by the resounding chime of jade and gold.

At the same time, Chen Pingan silently intoned, “Disperse.”

Chen Pingan withdrew his hand, like an amiable elder, ruffling the child’s hair and smiling. “Mountain life is serene and secluded. We, seekers of the Dao, must be spirited and diligent in our cultivation.”

The young Daoist boy nodded, still lost in confusion.

Inevitably, the child felt puzzled, looking up at the man with the gentle smile. Was he truly a great, world-shattering sword immortal? He had heard that their Verdant Serenity Mountain had a mountain and river guest elder who had contributed greatly, diligently protecting the mountain for several hundred years. This elder, of high seniority, had stopped attending ancestral hall meetings for years, and had requested that his grandmaster inform him whenever a certain person ascended the mountain, all to avoid this “Hidden Official.” His grandmaster had tried to dissuade him several times, to no avail. Chen Pingan spoke in a mental voice to the Old Immortal Master and Zhao Zhuo. “I have only temporarily stabilized Gan Xing’s mind with a talisman. The character ‘Decree’ encompasses three meanings: mountain, water, and thunder. I tried to keep it gentle, not daring to create too much disturbance within the child’s inner world. Therefore, Zhao Zhuo will need to take Gan Xing to Treasure Bottle洲 later, directly to Fuyyao麓 to find me. That’s where my temporary Daoist sanctuary is located.”

The Old Immortal Master bowed in thanks. “Thank you for your trouble, Mountain Lord Chen.”

Zhao Zhuo then instructed the child to thank Mountain Lord Chen along with him.

Upon hearing that he would soon be going down the mountain to play and embark on a long journey, the child was overjoyed.

Chen Pingan did not drink any wine inside the Azure Tiger Palace. After a few casual words, he rose to bid farewell. The so-called casual words were not all trivial matters and polite greetings, but rather stemmed from their respective mindsets and positions. For instance, Chen Pingan asked the Old Immortal Master about his impressions of contacting the old cultivators and ancient sects of Southern Treasure Bottle洲. Lu Yong also wanted to let the disciples of Zhao Zhuo’s generation take the younger generation out for training, and traveling along the central great river would be a good choice. In addition, the Azure Ripple Sword Sect,太平山, Great Spring Dynasty, Jade Gui宗, these places should be visited.

The young Daoist boy’s face flushed red, looking as though he wanted to speak but dared not.

Chen Pingan asked with a smile, “Gan Xing, what is it?”

The young Daoist boy stole glances at his master and grandmaster. The Old Immortal Master stroked his beard and smiled, encouraging him. “Just speak your mind. Mountain Lord Chen’s visit to our Azure Tiger Palace is like a relative visiting home.”

The young Daoist boy said, “Chen Sword Immortal, I’ll tell you something. We have a mountain guardian, who originated from the local妖族. He seems very afraid of you. As soon as he heard you were ascending the mountain, he went out for a stroll again.”

Chen Pingan couldn’t help but laugh, curiously asking, “Old Lu, Immortal Xiu, have you not told this guardian about the situation at Fallen Mountain?” Zhao Zhuo helplessly replied, “We have, but it’s no use. Our mountain guardian is simple-minded and likes to stubbornly stick to his own ideas. Not only does he not listen to our advice, but he also claims that we are only familiar with Chen Pingan, Mountain Lord Chen, and are not truly familiar with the Hidden Official of Sword Qi Great Wall. When that Chen person gets angry and wants to chop him up, he won’t be able to escape, losing his life and also causing Azure Tiger Palace to damage relations with Fallen Mountain. It’s not worth it. It’s better to avoid him every time. That Chen person can’t possibly visit Verdant Serenity Mountain every few days, right?”

Chen Pingan chuckled, joking, “Sounds quite reasonable.”

The Old Immortal Master roared with laughter, smoothing things over with a comment, “Ignorance is bliss.”

Xie Gou was even more amused. Did he not know that their Mountain Lord had two flying swords, named First Day and Fifteenth, or not?
Chen Ping’an glanced at Xie Gou, and the girl in the sable hat habitually tilted her head, her eyes instantly becoming clear. Chen Ping’an had no choice but to ignore Xie Gou, as she was carefree. He spoke directly to the child, “Gan Xing, you can tell that Mountain Protector Divine Guardian plainly that this Secondary Seat Divine Guardian beside me is a savage swordsman from the wild, and her Dao Companion shares the same background.”

Gan Xing nodded, “Immortal Chen, I understand!”

Xie Gou suddenly bared her fangs and made a face to scare the child.

Gan Xing remained motionless, merely curious about what she was doing.

Xie Gou was initially embarrassed, then became happy, *aiyou wei*, being too beautiful also has its drawbacks, even scaring a child is impossible. Before departing, Chen Ping’an gifted the young Daoist a miniature sword, forged on the spot, and smiled, “This is a custom from my hometown. The master smiths will, based on their experience, and according to the child’s character and aura, gift different small swords. It’s not some immortal treasure, just a good omen. Almost every household does this, placing it in the study or carrying it on person, either works.”

Subsequently, after Deng Jianping produced the Three Mountains Talisman, they crossed continents in a single stride, arriving directly at the Southern Mountain of Treasure Bottle Continent.

At the Azure Tiger Palace, the Old Perfected One smiled and requested to examine the small sword from the child. The sword body was engraved with a line of characters, with an excellent meaning. It was clear that it was the young Hidden Official’s calligraphy, upright and proper.

“I am skilled at nurturing the Grand Righteous Qi.”

Seeing his grandmaster’s reluctant to let it go expression, the young Daoist reminded, “Grandmaster, remember to return it to me!”

The Old Perfected One returned the small sword to the child, laughing and scolding, “Miser.”

The young Daoist was not afraid of his grandmaster, carefully storing the small sword and making a face.

Of the Five Peaks of Treasure Bottle Continent, only the Southern Mountain, Mount Zitong, had a Crown Prince Mountain named Mount Caizhi.

Fan Junmao not only styled himself as the Divine Title Verdant Micro, gaining recognition and official sealing from the Confucian Temple, but also had an unexpected delight, obtaining a plaque that read, “All Under Heaven Green Mountains.”

And this plaque hung high at the mountain foot archway, very much in line with Fan Junmao’s style: high-profile, flamboyant, neither subtle nor pretentious.

Worshippers and pilgrims came in droves, without exception, they would stop here, look up at the plaque, and many elders would teach their children to read.

By the roadside, there was a sword-carrying youth squatting and retching, supporting himself with a bamboo staff. Beside him stood a man with his hands in his sleeves and a girl in a sable hat.

Xie Gou said, “The foundation is indeed a bit weaker than expected.” Clear Purity Mountain was at the northern end of Tongye Continent, and Southern Mountain Mount Zitong was at the southernmost end of Treasure Bottle Continent. Furthermore, Xie Gou was also responsible for helping Deng Jianping stabilize his Dao Qi during this process, so this cross-continental journey with the Three Mountains Talisman was somewhat diluted.

Chen Ping’an said, “Before reaching adulthood, Jianping was mostly in turmoil, it is not easy for him to have the physical foundation he has now.”

They had one incense stick’s worth of time to linger here.

Last time during the imperial study council in Great Li’s capital, Fan Junmao acted as an advocate for the southern countries, but he was rather clumsy and not very competent.

Leaving aside cultivation, just speaking of political maneuvering, how could Fan Junmao compete with the old foxes like Minister of War Shen Chen and Minister of Rites Zhao Duanjin?

Once the jointly signed state letters from the Great Li’s Ministry of Rites and War were issued, which country’s court or immortal mansion would dare to go to the Great Li’s capital in the north, asking the Court of State Ceremonies to help arrange accommodations?

Xie Gou asked, “Catch up with that Fan Junmao?”

Chen Ping’an heard the double meaning in her words, and asked, “You crossed paths with Fan Mountain Sovereign’s divine predecessor?”

Xie Gou chuckled, “She was more warlike back then, and I wasn’t bad either, so it was like a match made in heaven.”

Chen Ping’an asked in confusion, “Then why didn’t Fan Mountain Sovereign recognize you last time in the Great Li capital?”

At that time, Xie Gou and Xiao Mo were both in the corridor outside. Xie Gou raised her head high and said with a laugh, “I can barely recognize myself now, how could she recognize a passerby she only fought once? Besides, most reincarnated deities below high rank will lose some memories. And these so-called memories are the key to the divine positions of ancient gods. Didn’t that someone say, Xiao Mo’s friend, that Lu Lao San, speculated that a formless yet omnipresent river of time is likely the collection and arrangement of countless trillions of trivial memories…”

Chen Ping’an lightly waved his hand, indicating Xie Gou to stop this topic. Their Headmaster Lu was truly willing to confide in his friends.

Xie Gou asked, “Are we just going to stand here at the foot of the mountain?” Chen Ping’an said, “Last time at the imperial study council, she was a bit embarrassed, I estimate even if we send someone to notify her, we’ll still get the cold shoulder, maybe even have the female official from the Bureau of Rites trouble herself to tell us, ‘Divine Sovereign Fan just said she’s not on the mountain’.”

Xie Gou laughed, “That’s her old temper, not surprising at all.”

Chen Ping’an teased, “The difference in Xie Secondary Seat’s attitude towards Fan Mountain Sovereign and Qing Tong is quite large.”

Xie Gou curled her lips, “Who I approve of and who I don’t, has nothing to do with background.”

Unexpectedly, just as Chen Ping’an was planning to lead Xie Gou and Deng Jianping to stroll around the market near the foot of the mountain, Fan Junmao used an illusion, unexpectedly willing to personally come out to receive guests.

However, without going up the mountain, Fan Junmao followed the direction Chen Ping’an and the others had been heading, together to the bustling streets, with incense shops, storytellers, restaurants and inns lining the street.

All was well on the mountain, and the world was at peace.

Chen Ping’an clasped his hands in his sleeves and smiled, “Rare.” Fan Junmao looked annoyed, “Receiving guests, welcoming and seeing off, official letters, all nonsense, no moment of peace. The Bureau of Rites are all good-for-nothings, daring to bring anyone to the mountain, saying it’s out of courtesy. Damn it, isn’t my dignity as the illustrious Verdant Micro Divine Sovereign dignity? Meeting this person every day, knowing who I’m meeting tomorrow and the day after is all arranged, and they still make me review it. Review my ass, they’re all irrelevant people, meeting you few is better than meeting them.”

Fan Junmao was indeed depressed. The current chief officials and stewards of the Southern Mountain’s various divisions were all those who fought alongside her in the past, their character was impeccable, but their ability to handle affairs was truly frustrating.

Deng Jianping was dumbfounded. This famous Verdant Micro Divine Sovereign was truly… unique in character.
Chen Ping’an chuckled, “Let’s negotiate with the Ministry of Rites first. After seven or eight years of this busyness, I won’t see any emperors or crown princes, any sect leaders or law enforcers, no matter which country they’re from.”

“A good person might not make a good official. Of course, that doesn’t mean we should let the wicked occupy official positions. Besides, many power-hungry and corrupt officials initially set out to be upright officials who benefit the people and leave their mark on history. As long as you’re involved in officialdom, cultivating oneself in the public sector is much the same whether you are on the mountain or below it. Confucianism, for all its talk, still revolves around the concepts of ‘name’ and ‘reality.’ It’s like different paths leading to the same destination, both focused on human nature and the human heart.”

“As the venerated peak of a mountain range, overseeing countless mountains and rivers, it’s your duty. These tedious formalities are unavoidable in the early stages. Being too aloof is definitely not an option, and the Ministry of Rites would be in a difficult position. However, once people get used to your easygoing nature, they might become difficult to deal with. The Ministry of Rites is, after all, just one of the twenty or so departments of the Southern Mountain. It’s appropriate to remind them not to forget who’s in charge and what the priorities are.”

Fan Junmao didn’t seem to fully absorb the advice, his expression reluctant. “You’re a high-ranking official now, so I’ll listen to you.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “If you truly want to save effort, time, and trouble, I have a convenient method. Do you want to hear it?”

Fan Junmao said, “Tell me already.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Don’t be a divine lord. Be free of all official duties.”

Fan Junmao’s eyes widened. “Chen Ping’an, have you been eating spoiled food? You’re coming up with terrible ideas!”

To resign an official post right after receiving the title of a Mountain God… Even if Fan Junmao didn’t care for the rules, he wouldn’t dare to clash with the Central Earth Confucian Temple like that.

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “Then let’s find a helper who can be trusted inside and out. That way, you can relax and be a hands-off manager.”

Fan Junmao said helplessly, “Where am I supposed to find such a person? I’m already the Mountain Lord. Who am I supposed to burn incense to and make wishes to?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Isn’t that the answer right there?”

Fan Junmao said irritably, “I came down the mountain this time to relax, not to engage in these philosophical riddles with you.”

Chen Ping’an remained noncommittal. Xie Gou suddenly started to get familiar, “Junmao, you don’t even need to use illusion techniques. Walk down the street openly, and I guarantee no one will recognize you. At most, they’ll think some girl, not particularly beautiful, but looks blessed with good fortune, and seems to resemble the Mountain Lord’s Consort a bit.”

Whether it was the familiar address of “Junmao” that stunned him, or the words that followed angered him, Fan Junmao didn’t respond.

Xie Gou didn’t mind. If the person he admired didn’t have some temper, wouldn’t that prove there was something wrong with his judgment?

Fan Junmao asked in a mental voice, “Putting aside our identities, don’t you think the Great Li Dynasty is stretching its hand too far? The old history of one country ruling one continent is over. If I remember correctly, Confucianism likes to have a justifiable reason for everything. The Song family is no longer the legitimate ruler of the continent. They can only blame Embroidered Tiger for leaving you with such a mess. He promised to allow the restoration of their country after the war. If he hadn’t mentioned it in the first place, who would have dared to object back then? The only one qualified to wear the dragon robe on the entire Treasure Bottle Continent would have been Song He. Even if he had taken a step back and stipulated that the southern countries must always recognize the Great Li Dynasty as their suzerain after the war, that would have been better than the current unrest. Since they were acting like tyrants, Embroidered Tiger and the Great Li should have gone all the way. Why did he switch to the path of benevolence halfway? What was Embroidered Tiger thinking at the time? He wasn’t the type of scholar who sought fame after death. There was no need for him to do that.”

Chen Ping’an hummed in agreement and slowly replied, “You were angry at the time and may have overlooked something I said. The Treasure Bottle Continent must be prepared for a second major war within thirty to fifty years. I estimate many here think I am exaggerating to cause alarm. But you are definitely an exception.”

Fan Junmao nodded. People who are used to peaceful times tend to think that peace is a natural and inevitable state.

Chen Ping’an continued, “Song He secretly looked for me once, on a country road. We talked very frankly. I directly asked him if he wanted to restore the Great Li Dynasty to its peak. He knew he had to answer this question carefully, hesitated for a long time, and finally said he very much wanted to, but perhaps he and the Great Li Iron Cavalry couldn’t do it. When he said this honestly, Song He still used some rhetoric, and looked into my eyes, trying to find my most honest thoughts. That’s normal, after all, he was used to being an emperor. I asked him what Song He could do with half a continent, and what the Great Li could do with one continent. He obviously had a prepared answer, and his reply was impeccable. Then I asked him what things we all take for granted on the Treasure Bottle Continent that are actually wrong. Since he knew he couldn’t get away with a perfunctory answer, he couldn’t answer and said he needed to think about it. I also asked him why the Sword Qi Great Wall, which had been defended for ten thousand years, could not be held, and why the Treasure Bottle Continent, the smallest of the Nine Continents, could withstand the savage demon race. Did he have any unique insights? He was clearly a little nervous, so I said it was just an additional question. He could think about it, and didn’t need to have an answer.”

Fan Junmao was silent.

Xie Gou laughed in a mental voice, “Sword Scales, did you hear that? Mountain Lord Fan has already been drawn in, and has forgotten the question she asked initially. Our Mountain Master, your new master, is amazing, isn’t he?”

Only then did Deng Jianping come back to her senses and carefully mull over what was said. “Master has given the answer, without using… rhetoric.”

The streets were bustling, filled with carriages and horses. Chen Ping’an occasionally stepped aside to let people pass, or others made way for Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an held his hands in his sleeves, his expression calm. “Unfortunately, there are too many bastards in this world, this realm, this era, who become gods on the mountains and forget they were once human. It’s especially prevalent south of Qi Du.”

Fan Junmao nodded. “People who fear power but not virtue have been as numerous as the sands of the Ganges since ancient times. On the mountains and below, one should respect the Dao and despise force.”

Chen Ping’an changed the subject and laughed. “I was copying scriptures in an ancient Vinaya Sect temple earlier. A group of wealthy patrons asked the abbot about the way to maintain good health. The old monk only said that rich children, who have no worries about food and clothing, don’t need any sophisticated cultivation knowledge to strengthen their bodies. They just need to walk more and ride in sedan chairs less, drink less flower wine and eat more vegetables. Next to the temple’s release pond was an old tree that had withered but now had sprung back to life. A devotee asked the abbot if it was due to the monk’s profound Daoist power. The old monk calmly replied, ‘More watering.'”
Fan Junmao smiled knowingly, saying, “A true Buddha speaks only of ordinary matters.”

Chen Pingan said, “We must continue our journey and won’t disturb Mountain Lord Fan’s return to the mountain to entertain guests.” Fan Junmao stopped in his tracks, rolling her eyes, “Continue with your sarcasm. When you become the Grand Tutor of the Great Li, see how I’ll treat you then. Haha, one boat sails east, another west. The tides of fortune shift. Ask those on the fair winds, will the winds remain the same come morning?”

Xie Gou hastily adjusted his sable hat, greatly alarmed, “Sword Scale, what do we do? This shrew has started quoting verse! I’m caught unprepared and can’t win a literary duel.”

Deng Jianping said helplessly, “Vice-Seat Xie knows I’ve never been good with words.”

Chen Pingan smiled gently, “Waves rise and fall, winds come and go. The world changes with the heart, yet remain unmoved like a mountain.”

Fan Junmao laughed it off, turning to head back. Deng Jianping looked sincere, his tone unusually firm, “Master, you may not ask us to do anything for the Dao lineage of the school or for Fallen Peak, but as disciples, having received instruction and learned the Dao from this mountain, we cannot be completely without the intention of repaying the school. I am dull-witted, but implore Master to give even just one or two requests, so I can focus my efforts without distraction.”

Xie Gou looked at Deng Jianping with newfound respect. This blockhead usually seemed quiet, but he had guts. He had only been an apprentice for a few days and was already trying to tell his master what to do?

Chen Pingan thought for a moment and said, “From now on, whenever you draw your sword and descend the mountain, traveling the world, make many friends and meddle in good affairs.”

Meddle in good affairs.

Deng Jianping repeated the words silently in his heart.

Afterwards, Chen Pingan and the others arrived at a mountain near Xianyou County.

They knocked on the door of a martial arts school in the county. Deng Jianping, following behind his master, found a group of young martial artists practicing their stances, hardening their muscles, with shouts and yells.

But an old man, probably the owner of this small martial arts school, was lying on a rattan chair, holding a palm-leaf fan, fast asleep, snoring loudly.

Those who paid to learn at the martial arts school seemed used to it, content with the instruction of their senior brothers, not missing the master’s old, repetitive words. Many strong young men in the martial arts school recognized this man in the green robe. He had been here before and was good friends with their master. Their master would occasionally drink and boast, saying that the three of them had once roamed the Jianghu, traveled countless mountains and rivers, and joined hands to slay demons and monsters. They had seen all sorts of strange things. Back then, he had looked after those two greenhorns, and now he felt good when they called him Brother Xu… Chen Pingan gestured, not wanting to wake their master. He familiarly brought over a bamboo chair, sat beside the rattan chair, comfortably leaning back, crossed his legs, and started smoking his dry tobacco pipe. Clouds of smoke swirled, obscuring his face. Several times, he turned his head, wanting to laugh and tell the old, bearded swordsman to wake up and drink with him. He wanted to say, “That travelogue of yours, which you keep revising but refuse to publish, I’ve already gotten Su Zi to write a preface for it, and Bai Ye and Xin Ji’an to add poems. Aren’t I amazing? You have to down a few bowls of wine first…”

Putting away his tobacco pipe, Chen Pingan clasped his hands behind his head, stretched out his legs, and lazily leaned against the bamboo chair, closing his eyes, wanting to doze off for a while, stealing a moment of leisure in his busy life.

Deng Jianping looked at Vice-Seat Xie, asking, “What do we do?” Xie Gou grinned, “This is easy. I’ll send you to Fallen Peak first.”

“Just leave it to Gan.”

When Chen Pingan opened his eyes, he was surprised to find that it was already late at night. He also had a piece of clothing covering him.

Deng Jianping was definitely already at Fallen Peak, but Xie Gou was lying on the rattan chair beside him, pretending to be old and wise, waving a palm-leaf fan, leisurely.

Chen Pingan asked, “How long did I sleep?”

Xie Gou was beaming, “Just a little while. Didn’t delay anything.”

Chen Pingan made a sound of surprise.

Xie Gou laughed heartily, “Xiao Mo went home and is helping Grand Swordsman Xu in the kitchen. The sight of those two men wearing aprons is hilarious.”

Chen Pingan squinted and smiled, leaning back against the bamboo chair again, “Then let’s wait for dinner.”

Xie Gou covered his mouth with the palm-leaf fan and lowered his voice, saying, “Mountain Lord, I’m not trying to stir things up, but Grand Swordsman Xu called you ‘brat’ and scolded you softly many times while you were snoring away.”

Chen Pingan said gently with a smile, “Afraid I’d wake up and scold him back.”

Xie Gou nodded vigorously, “Who can deny it.” The path of life is arduous and difficult. Cherish your friends and take it easy together. Middle age is middle age, old age is old age. We all once carried osmanthus wine as carefree youths, drunkenly stroking our beards, wetting our sleeves, and raising our straw sandals.