Wei Bo chose a quiet mountain path with relatively few pilgrims. Along the way, he passed a small ancestral temple. The incense offerings seemed quite good. Outside the temple stood an ancient osmanthus tree with a trunk as thick as a bucket and exceptionally lush branches and leaves, casting shade over an area of about a mu. At this moment, a large group of sedan chair carriers were resting here. Some held water bottles and gnawed on dry rations, while others gathered in groups to chat. Among them was an old man in his late fifties, likely a local. He was talking about Chen Ping’an of Falling Dust Mountain, recalling the hard times in Mud Bottle Alley in his early years and how unwelcome he was as a child, how his family helped him through a difficult New Year… Others teased him, asking why Chen Shanzhu, who had become a celestial being, hadn’t repaid his kindness by giving him a pile of celestial money. If converted into silver, he could buy a good mansion in the state capital, so why was he still working as a laborer here every day? The old man was deflated and gave a forced explanation, “Didn’t the books say that people who ascend the mountain no longer dwell on matters below? What was it called? Ah, yes, severing the red dust. We don’t understand…”

Wei Bo stopped to listen to the common gossip. Chen Lingjun glanced at the ancestral temple he had never heard of before. He saw the main hall with the inscribed words “Affectionate Bond Office,” paved with golden bricks, and filled with swirling incense smoke. In the yellow silk tent within the hall sat three golden statues of deities, their bodies gleaming with golden light, radiating awe-inspiring majesty. One main and two attendants, the one in the center was the Envoy of Mist, specifically in charge of marital matters in the Northern岳 region. He wore a purple-gold crown, a crane cloak, and held a book of destined relationships. His eyes were radiant and lifelike. The two goddesses on either side had cloud-like hairpins and beautiful eyebrows.

The main deity of the temple, sensing the arrival of Lord Wei, had originally intended not to appear and disturb the god and his friend’s leisure stroll if the god did not stop. Seeing the god halt, he silently counted to ten and quickly “stepped out” of the statue. At the same time, he instructed the two accompanying goddesses to “stand by,” and with a spell, he concealed his aura, transforming into a ball of colorful mist that instantly floated out of the temple. In the guise of a middle-aged scholar, holding a jade scepter and with a solemn expression, he bowed and saluted, “This humble deity Shang Yun greets Lord Wei.”

Wei Bo nodded in response, “We are just passing by. No need for such ceremony.”

In the eyes of the Northern Yue deities and female officials, their lord had always maintained this demeanor, neither warm nor cold. He wouldn’t make people feel distant, yet he gave a sense of being close by but far away.

After greeting Lord Wei, he naturally dared not neglect the Nascent Soul stage Immortal Lord who maintained such a youthful appearance. Moreover, it was said that the “youth” was one of the earliest people to follow Hidden Official Chen up the mountain. Slightly turning his body, he bowed again, respectfully saying, “This humble deity Shang Yun greets Grand Ancestor Jingqing and the fairy.”

Just thinking about it made Chen Lingjun ecstatic. On the way here, Grandmaster Chen was pondering such a scenario.

On Falling Dust Mountain, by his master’s side, if you called him Jingqing or just by his name, he wouldn’t mind.

But outside, what should they call him? What? Fellow Daoist Jingqing? Call me Grand Ancestor Jingqing!

The little green-robed boy wiped his mouth and chuckled foolishly. Just thinking about such arrogant and overbearing scenes made him happy.

He recalled when he first met his master, back in the small town. Haha, he seemed to have egged his master on to act like a tyrannical local gentry who bullied men and women.

Seeing this local deity, whose official title was the Envoy of Mist, being so understanding, Chen Lingjun felt the temple was too small.

Wei Bo saw the fool still standing there grinning stupidly. He patted the little green-robed boy on the back of the head, reminding him, “Aren’t you going to return the courtesy?”

Chen Lingjun’s head wobbled, and he took the opportunity to cup his hands and smile, “Pleased to meet you, pleased to meet you.”

The Affectionate Bond Office on Cloudy Peak, according to the golden jade register of the Dali Ministry of Rites, was only a sixth-rank official position. Shang Yun immediately bowed again, “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. Grand Ancestor Jingqing is flattering this humble deity.”

Wei Bo led them to continue their walk up the mountain. Shang Yun stood in place and watched them go, feeling incredibly envious. How wonderful it would be if he could be slapped by Lord Wei.

Chen Lingjun asked a long-standing question, “Do you truly hear every single wish from those who burn incense and pray – for wealth, prosperity, marriage, fame, longevity, and also those who complain, accuse, make vows, repay vows, give thanks, and so on and so forth, word for word?”

Wei Bo nodded and said, “Of course.”

Chen Lingjun exclaimed, “That must be too noisy. On the first and fifteenth of every month, especially on your enlightenment day, won’t your ears get calluses from listening? Can you really distinguish everything?”

Wei Bo smiled and said, “You have to listen to everything, and it won’t get mixed up. You also need to record everything, without any errors. For the sincere, the sound entering your ears is loud. For the insincere, you can ignore it. The messy wishes of ordinary people are like polishing a golden statue, while devout repayment of vows is like adding color and gold leaf to the statues in the hall. Actually, this scene is similar to cultivators who have just ascended the mountain. When their cave dwellings are first opened, the slightest movement in the world will sound like thunder. Over time, you get used to it. The Record Office and Inspection Office of the Dali Ministry of Rites’ Mountain and River Bureau will regularly conduct random inspections and cross-checks. This is a rule set by State Preceptor Cui, included in the assessment. If you do well, you’ll get additional offices and bureaus. If you do poorly, you’ll have offices and bureaus cut, divine power reduced, and statue height lowered.”

Chen Lingjun sighed with emotion and patted Wei Bo’s arm, “That’s really not easy.”

I’ll be better to you in the future.

After careful thought, Chen Lingjun seemed to have found a loophole, “You said that the repayment of vows by ordinary people is like adding gold leaf to the statue’s face. Then just make all their wishes come true, no matter how sincere or not, whether they are asking for too much, daring to ask for ten thousand gold taels with just a few taels of incense money.”

Wei Bo smiled and said, “Later, Grand Ancestor Jingqing will bang his head on the ground in the main hall of Northern Yue and wish to reach the Ascension stage tomorrow. Do you think it will come true?”

Chen Lingjun looked a bit awkward and muttered, “If it really works, what’s a few headbumps? I don’t care about appearances. I’ll give you a few loud headbumps right now.”

The cultivation of the蛟龙 water race is indeed different from ordinary cultivators. There are many advantages, such as natural longevity, but the disadvantages are also annoying, such as a sturdy physical body becoming a burden. Some cultivation barriers that are as thin as paper to cultivators and easily passed are as hard as stone walls to the 蛟龙 race, even if they fight until their heads bleed, they cannot pass.

Zhou Hu couldn’t help but speak up and explained, “Different places nourish different people, and the same goes for deities who receive incense. Their disposition in life will also be influenced after death, establishing ancestral temples and becoming deities. Just like a county, the imperial court distinguishes between rich and poor, prosperous and remote. Ultimately, you can only eat as much as your bowl allows. Fulfilling the wishes of ordinary people will also consume the mountain and river deities’…”

However, Wei Bo stopped Zhou Hu from revealing the secrets of heaven and smiled, “Fellow Daoist Lingqu, no need to talk about these incense matters with Grand Ancestor Jingqing.”

Zhou Hu nodded.

Chen Lingjun shook his head, “If you don’t want to talk, then don’t. Who cares to listen anyway?”

It turned out that Zhou Hu had just made up her mind to stay on Falling Dust Mountain, build a thatched hut on Huaying Peak of Tiaoyu Mountain, and cultivate in seclusion. She told Wei Bo her new alias and Daoist title, which were Zhou Ai and Lingqu. Wei Bo understood her intention and said he would inform the management office on Cloudy Peak to help her compile an identity and origin, using a transitional public identity to be “recommended” through the Northern Yue Rites Department into the Falling Dust Mountain register, and then register in the household department of Huaihuang County.

Zhou Hu pondered for a moment and felt that this was more secure. Moreover, it served two purposes: she could have an inconspicuous official position in the mountain and river system, receive a salary from Cloudy Peak, and also cultivate diligently on Tiaoyu Mountain.

In a good mood, Zhou Hu inexplicably smiled and reached out to pat the little green-robed boy’s head.

Heh, even Mr. Zheng called him uncle.

Chen Lingjun’s face changed dramatically. He quickly moved away and widened his eyes, glaring at the woman with loose hands and feet.

You woman, how improper. Trying to seduce Grandmaster Chen with a honey trap?

Excuse me, I’m not a dissolute person like Zheng Dafeng or Chief Zhou who is willing to go along with the plan!

Zhou Hu smiled and withdrew her hand. Her mind was influenced by Cen Yuqi’s temperament. If it were purely the great demon Zhou Hu, how could she behave so “frivolously”?

Chen Lingjun’s eyebrows furrowed with annoyance, but he couldn’t lose his temper with a woman.

Wei Bo did not look sideways at this and only asked, “What are your plans next?”

Chen Lingjun spoke without thinking, “I’ve made an appointment with Zhong Diyi to have stinky mandarin fish at the old cook’s tonight. The day after tomorrow, I’ll take him to the Iron Talisman River Water God Mansion to broaden his horizons and have an early drink.”

Wei Bo said, “Planning so far ahead?”

Chen Lingjun tentatively asked, “Is that comment sarcastic? Is Wei brother saying the opposite?”

Wei Bo sneered, “What do you think?”

“Just teasing you.”

Chen Lingjun chuckled, “I do have a long-term plan. I’ve made a deal with Mi Li. When we’re packed and ready, we’ll go visit White Emperor City in Middle Earth Divine Continent. We’ll go see that Dragon Gate there and take a look at the waterfall in the Yellow River Grotto-heaven to see how the Yellow River water comes down from the sky.”

Wei Bo nodded, “可行 (Kěxíng – Feasible).”

Chunyang Lü Yan gave Mi Li a water mansion charm, which the Daoist created himself and named “Dragon Gate.” The water race holding this charm can cross the Dragon Gate and directly enter the Yellow River Grotto-heaven.

Fish ascend the Dragon Gate without effort.

Gu Can also invited her to visit there.

With these two opportunities, it is a good time for Mi Li to travel by water there.

Wei Bo suddenly asked, “Is it really not that you want to run out and play yourself, so you’re urging Mi Li to go out with you?”

Chen Lingjun beat his chest and stamped his feet, “I’m so angry, I’m so angry. Am I that kind of unreasonable person?! Wei Bo, how can you say such a conscience-less thing? We are now completely estranged, no longer brothers…”

“Oh?”

Wei Bo’s expression was as usual. He said to himself, “I just don’t know what the character of the new Water God of Iron Talisman River is like, whether he is willing to share enmity with a close friend…”

Chen Lingjun sat on the ground with lightning speed, hugged Lord Wei’s calf, and wailed, “Brother Wei, children’s words are innocent. Why be angry with others?”

Wei Bo lifted his foot, disgusted, “Get up and talk. How can a dignified Nascent Soul cultivator behave like this?”

Chen Lingjun let go and stood up, explaining gloomily, “Mi Li feels that growing taller just by eating is not very reliable. After much thought, she wants to see if she can go outside and choose streams, small rivers, and small rivers in the wilderness during times of drought. I will use water magic from the sky, and she will bravely walk through the water a few times to increase her cultivation. In Lord Wei’s Northern Yue region, human relationships are harmonious, so there is no such opportunity.”

Wei Bo cursed with a smile, “You’re quite a flatterer.”

Chen Lingjun continued, “After seeing the magnificent scenery there, if we are still in the mood, we will visit Elder Immortal Jing’s Flowing Mist Continent. Recently, I’ve collected some mountain and river reports about Flowing Mist Continent and some related to Qinggong Mountain. Heh, with my temper of shouting out when seeing injustice on the road, if it were just me, it wouldn’t matter. At worst, I’d bear the consequences myself. But taking Mi Li along to wander the world, I have to be more careful. At first, I was afraid that Elder Immortal Jing couldn’t handle things. A few old gentlemen drinking together, their words are discounted, everyone knows that. They thump their chests on the table and say they’ll take care of everything, but when something happens outside, there are always difficulties.”

Wei Bo smiled and said, “You are self-aware.”

Chen Lingjun was most annoyed by Wei Yelü’s sarcastic scholarly behavior, but since they weren’t on Falling Dust Mountain, he would tolerate him for now.

“As a result, I collected dozens of outdated reports, and guess what? A pleasant surprise! I found out that Elder Immortal Jing was still being modest at the dinner table, overly humble. What if something happens, just mention his name, and he has a little bit of face there, both above and below the mountain will sell him face, and they probably won’t hold it against us too much. Some grievances, small hurdles and difficulties on the mountain, will naturally become misunderstandings, getting to know each other through fighting… Haha, after reading the reports, I realized that Elder Immortal Jing is tough-spoken, domineering, and highly prestigious in his hometown. He’s quite a hero! It seems that except for that Heavenly Corner Grotto-heaven, the entire Flowing Mist Continent, both above and below the mountain, everyone has to give a thumbs-up to this old immortal!”

Seeing Chen Lingjun shaking his thumb, Wei Bo smiled heartily.

If Jing Hao didn’t say that, would he tell Chen Qingliu that he was a person who walked sideways in Flowing Mist Continent?

Wei Bo said, “Send a message to Bai Deng, tell him not to keep staring at Jade Liquid River. Be careful of doing too much.”

“There’s such a thing? How come I didn’t know.”

Chen Lingjun rubbed his chin and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll pass on the message and tell Zeng Cuo to be careful.”

Wei Bo glanced at the little green-robed boy out of the corner of his eye. In terms of social skills and official ways, he had made some progress.

Now there was another inconspicuous “obscene temple” little mountain peak, which was the three brothers who shared blessings and endured difficulties together at the dinner table, very righteous.

The three brothers on Falling Dust Mountain had seen quite a bit of the world. Although there were no thrilling battles or fights, drinking at the same table with Chen Qingliu and seeing Liu Shiliu and Bai Ye with tiger-head hats… Their Dao hearts were tempered to be incredibly resilient. The three of them always advanced and retreated together, helping each other out. How were they not sworn brothers who had gone through thick and thin together?

Bai Deng, born from the Huazhou of the Land Dragon Palace, had just been promoted to the 正神 (zhèng shén – True God) of Iron Talisman River. The former Water God Yang Hua’s identity is now extremely noble. The officialdom also talks about feng shui treasures. Therefore, Bai Deng’s ability to fill this position strongly, though unexpected, is reasonable. It’s good to be an official when there are people in the court, let alone Bai Deng having more than one person in that “court.”

Zeng Cuo, who had been acting as the head of the family and diligently writing during this time, is now staying in the Water God Mansion, acting as a strategist and collaborating on important matters.

The beloved disciple of the old ascended Jing Hao of Flowing Mist Continent, the Jade Pure Realm cultivator Gao Geng, is now a prominent figure in the Golden Pure Dynasty, holding the noble position of State Preceptor. He has become a close neighbor to the Fuyao Sect founded by Gu Can on Quan Jiao Mountain.

The Iron Talisman River Water God Mansion and the Golden Pure Dynasty State Preceptor Mansion are in frequent correspondence, sharing recent developments and reporting their safety.

Chen Lingjun said in a low voice, “I reminded them. Don’t hold a grudge here. You’re not allowed to make things difficult for Iron Talisman River.”

Wei Bo said, “With Grand Ancestor Jingqing covering them, is Iron Talisman River afraid of this?”

Chen Lingjun said resentfully, “Saying weird things again.”

Wei Bo said, “When you get to Middle Earth Divine Continent, remember not to cause trouble, but also don’t be afraid of trouble.”

Chen Lingjun immediately became excited. Wei Yelü, who wasn’t saying weird things, was still very good.

Wei Bo said, “It is estimated that the matter of opening Falling Dust Mountain will soon be put on the agenda. You can start considering it.”

Chen Lingjun tilted his head, his eyes either clear or blank, staring blankly at Wei Bo.

Dragon Elephant Sword Sect overlooks the sea, with towering cliffs where the sea and sky meet. During high tide, waves crash against the shore, surging and touching the sky, and high waves engulf the sun and moon.

The cliffs are inscribed with the grand words “Sea and Sky Beneath Feet.” The tide is magnificent, surging forward, like sword qi pressing down.

As Madam Tuoyan left, Qi Tingji immediately darkened his face while sitting on the bamboo mat. With a flick of his sleeve, he isolated the world and asked directly, “What’s going on?”

Lu Zhi was puzzled and asked in return, “What’s going on?”

Qi Tingji said angrily, “Is the Great Dao and life so trifling?!”

Lu Zhi asked doubtfully, “How is it trifling?”

Qi Tingji slapped the table and said, “Lu Zhi!”

From Sword Qi Great Wall to Southern娑婆 Continent, Lu Zhi had never seen Qi Tingji lose his composure like this. After a moment of silence, she said, “He’s also an Ascension stage sword cultivator.”

Qi Tingji was so angry he laughed in return, “Good, good, that’s right. Lu Zhi even dares to disobey the words of the Great Sword Immortal, why should she care about the opinion of a broken sect master.”

Perhaps Lu Zhi found it amusing, a rare smile appearing on her face. She advised, “Sect Master, don’t say angry words.”

Qi Tingji was so angry he couldn’t speak and pointed a finger at Lu Zhi.

You didn’t learn the good things from that Hidden Official Chen, but you learned to say weird things, right?

Lu Zhi changed the subject and asked, “Is the site selection going smoothly?”

Qi Tingji said disgruntledly, “Is Great Sword Immortal Lu still willing to care about such trivial matters?”

Lu Zhi glared, “Surname Qi, I’m not in a good mood either!”

Qi Tingji was half-dead with anger.

The second batch of sword cultivator embryos who had just entered the mountain were fewer in number than the first batch of over sixty, with only thirty-two this time. They mainly came from the various dynasties below the mountains in Southern娑婆 Continent. Among them were children who showed excellent aptitude at the age of five or six, and teenagers who were already fifteen or sixteen and had cultivated their natal flying swords with considerable momentum.

Adding them together, there were almost exactly one hundred people.

It seemed that the most promising sword immortal embryos of a generation in a continent were going to be snatched up by the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect.

They were not yet formally registered and could only cultivate in the outer sect. Shao Yunyan and Madam Tuoyan were mainly responsible for their cultivation matters. After cultivating in the mountain for a few years, those with poor aptitude, especially those with unstable minds, would be returned to where they came from.

As for whether they could stay in the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect and become personal disciples of Qi Tingji and Lu Zhi, before long, the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect would firmly hold the leading position among the immortal mansions in the continent.

With favorable timing, location, and people, Qi Tingji began to prepare for the establishment of a subordinate sect. His trip to Fuyao Continent this time was specifically for this purpose.

There, due to Gu Can’s selection of Quan Jiao Mountain and the establishment of the Fuyao Sect as a subordinate sect of White Emperor City, coupled with Yang Qiangu’s release after serving his sentence and leaving the Merit Forest to take charge of the back mountain again, Qi Tingji had to change the location. After all, the two sects should not be too close to each other. It’s not something that can be solved with a simple phrase of “well water doesn’t interfere with river water.” The suitable places in the world for establishing Daoist sites and grotto-heavens are always first come, first served. After that, it’s about absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and gathering the mountain and river qi and luck. When the number of immortal mansions and sects on a continent’s land increases, and they each stake out their territory, the new mountain peaks as rising stars can only find a place that is barely acceptable as a so-called strategically important location by finding gaps.

In the war-torn Fuyao Continent, Liu Tui of Tianyao Village, whose realm had fallen, was still the undisputed host of the continent, even with an old ascended being like Yang Qiangu. When Qi Tingji landed, after the two sides met, Liu Tui, who voluntarily offered to serve as a registered worshipper of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, accompanied him all the way.

As for Lu Zhi’s seclusion, Qi Tingji was not worried at all. Firstly, as a cultivator, Lu Zhi had accumulated Dao power for a long time. Proving the Dao and ascending was a natural progression. It was not surprising for her seclusion to be successful, and it would be strange if it wasn’t. Secondly, in the Vast Expanse World, who would dare to trouble Lu Zhi? It would be good if she didn’t trouble anyone.

For Qi Tingji to send a sword to the Sword Qi Great Wall was an undeniable duty. And even though Lu Zhi never considered herself a person of the Vast Expanse, always regarding the Sword Qi Great Wall as her hometown, now in the Vast Expanse World, who doesn’t respect Lu Zhi a little, especially those female cultivators? Whenever Lu Zhi is mentioned, they beam with excitement. They only regret one thing, that Sword Immortal Lu failed to inscribe characters.

To put it bluntly, if Qi Tingji, out of personal grudges, killed a peak cultivator, the few officials at the Middle Earth Confucian Temple would not plead for him. At most, they would act impartially and justly. But if it were Lu Zhi, would the old scholar care? It is estimated that even the Yasheng would say a few words for her, and even the Sage of Rites might speak up.

Qi Tingji asked, “Did Sect Master Lu really say that exchanging the two blessed lands is the best option?”

Lu Zhi nodded, “Lu Shen did say that, but whether it was a joke or not, I’m not sure. Sect Master can just listen and forget about it.”

Qi Tingji said, “I have already negotiated with Liu Tui. I will personally relocate the blessed land and exchange it with Tianyao Village.”

After a slight pause, Qi Tingji asked, “Do you know the true origin of the ancestral mountain of Tianyao Village?”

Lu Zhi shook her head, “How would I know such a distant secret of the Vast Expanse.”

Qi Tingji hesitated to speak.

Lu Zhi frowned, “The exchange of the blessed land, Liu Tui asked for a high price, wanting to spend money to repair the ancestral mountain, so we are in a difficult position? I still have some surplus from my previous trip to the Barbarian Desolation, is it enough to fill the gap?”

Qi Tingji was dumbfounded and laughed, shaking his head, “It’s not related to that, it’s two different things. Liu Tui is a straightforward person and is not greedy for money.”

Lu Zhi became even more confused and asked directly, “Does this guy want to form a Daoist couple with me?”

Qi Tingji couldn’t help but laugh and repeatedly waved his hand, “Liu Tui has a wicked heart but no wicked courage, he would never dare to open his mouth.”

To be honest, Liu Tui did admire Lu Zhi, but Liu Tui would never dare to actively seek trouble, and Qi Tingji even less dared to play the role of matchmaker.

The ancestral mountain of the Tianyao Village sect is named Bi Xiao Mountain.

The subordinate sect is an enclave located in Flowing Mist Continent, possessing the White Porcelain Grotto-heaven, one of the thirty-six small grotto-heavens.

During the previous Confucian Temple meeting, based on the size of their military achievements, the Confucian Temple bestowed four blessed lands. In addition to the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, there were also Tianyao Village of Liu Tui, Old Dragon City in Precious Flask Continent, and Jade Gui Sect in Green Leaf Continent. The blessed lands were of similar grade, named Green Mist, Suspended Bow, Double Carp, and Floating Ant, respectively.

The founding ancestor of Tianyao Village was a rogue cultivator nicknamed “Daoist of Many Treasures.” At that time, people did not know that he was of the demon race. The Daoist was known for his numerous magical treasures and had no other hobbies in his life except for being addicted to alcohol. For a long time, he guarded a lonely mountain peak. When his time was approaching, he finally accepted an unregistered disciple and passed down the bag full of treasures.

From then on, Tianyao Village in Fuyao Continent branched out.

After the great war, Bi Xiao Mountain was dilapidated and existed in name only. However, there was still room for repair with money, and there would be a day when it would be restored to its original state.

Previously, Qi Tingji had only speculated. After this joint trip to Fuyao Continent, Liu Tui’s candid words confirmed Qi Tingji’s speculation. As expected, Liu Tui’s Bi Xiao Mountain was in a similar situation to Jing Hao’s Qinggong Mountain in Flowing Mist Continent.

Once the Lord of Bi Xiao Grotto on Falling Treasure Beach, later the Daoist of Caizhou, and later the master of the Daoist temple at Donghai Observatory.

At that time, Liu Tui’s expression was absent-minded, “I must get a clear statement before I can rest my hanging heart.”

Even as arrogant as Liu Tui, he still dared not actively seek out that old Daoist master. He simply lacked the courage.

Lu Zhi had heard these secrets of the mountain and said, “For this kind of message delivery, you can just tell the Hidden Official directly. His attendant, the sword cultivator Xiao Mo, seems to have a close relationship with the Lord of Bi Xiao Grotto.”

Qi Tingji said directly, “I’m afraid the Hidden Official will take the opportunity to extort.”

Regarding the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect “intercepting” several private swords, Qi Tingji did not believe that Chen Ping’an would not hold a grudge.

Lu Zhi suddenly laughed, “Liu Tui seeks Qi Tingji, Qi Tingji seeks Lu Zhi, Lu Zhi seeks the Hidden Official, the Hidden Official seeks Xiao Mo, and Xiao Mo seeks the Lord of Bi Xiao Grotto? It’s quite convoluted, is it really necessary?”

Hearing Lu Zhi say this, Qi Tingji also found it amusing.

“I will roughly explain this matter to the Hidden Official. As for whether he is willing to help and whether he will make things worse, I don’t care.”

Qi Tingji nodded, “That’s enough.”

Lu Zhi gave him the order to leave, “Does the Sect Master have anything else to ask?”

Qi Tingji shook his head and was about to get up and leave. On a whim, he asked, “Before going into seclusion, you secretly went to Quan Jiao Mountain and met Bai Jing of the Barbarian Desolation and Liu Xu of Mule Horse River?”

Lu Zhi asked in return, “Does the Sect Master want to spar with Bai Jing?”

Qi Tingji shook his head, “No need.”

That Bai Jing, who was fond of snatching Daoist titles, could be considered a half-ancestor of later mountain and marsh rogue cultivators?

Qi Tingji hesitated and asked, “What did Mr. Zheng talk to you about?”

Lu Zhi smiled, “Are you all so concerned about Zheng Juzhong? Tuoyan asked indirectly, Shao Yunyan also asked cautiously, and even those few senior private swords are very curious about what I could talk about with Zheng Juzhong.”

Qi Tingji said helplessly, “It’s not that I’m not at ease, I’m just curious. In this matter, I’m no better than them.”

He wanted to remind Lu Zhi not to call Zheng Juzhong by his full name, but after thinking about it, he gave up.

Lu Zhi couldn’t help but laugh, “Actually, Zheng Juzhong just asked some trivial questions about the customs and local conditions of Sword Qi Great Wall. I’m really too lazy to repeat myself. How about I write a booklet and record the content of our chat one by one, and you can read it yourselves?”

Qi Tingji was silent and made no comment.

He got up and left the temporarily set up shed. Madam Tuoyan had planted many plum trees in the mountain, and they were growing very well.

Madam Tuoyan was originally a plum tree spirit, and the soil and water of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect were also good. In addition, the two good words that Sect Master Lu bestowed upon her were even more crucial.

Perhaps when they bear plums, it will be the opportunity for Madam Tuoyan to break through and enter the Immortal stage.

At the foot of Falling Dust Mountain, the Celestial Guard sang a Daoist song. After the song, the Celestial Guard realized that there was a listener nearby, an audience.

It was the middle-aged scholar who visited the mountain with Mr. Zheng. He was sitting on the steps at the foot of the mountain.

Even without the accompaniment of the fish drum and bamboo clapper, the song was still melodious.

The Celestial Guard was extremely embarrassed and found a topic at random, “Mr. Liu, why don’t you stay on the mountain with Daoist Lu?”

Liu Xiang smiled, “Actually, God Lu didn’t stay either, he went back to Tiandu Peak to continue cultivating. He said that this mountain visit might be due to what is called opportunity on the mountain, or it might be… In short, he gained some sudden insights, and he might often bother this mountain in the future to absorb some immortal energy.”

The Celestial Guard nodded and said, “Distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors, you should visit each other often.”

Liu Xiang said, “God Lu asked me to pass on a message, sincerely inviting Celestial Guard Daoist to visit Tiandu Peak when you are free.”

The Celestial Guard nodded and said, “I will definitely go when I have time.”

It was just a polite remark.

It was like the “I’ll treat you next time” at the dinner table, considered “relatives.”

The Celestial Guard had to guard the gate here and be busy at Xianghuo Mountain whenever he had free time. How could he have time to wander around other people’s mountains?

Besides, visiting Tiandu Peak was the first time. Shouldn’t he bring a gift?

Moreover, God Lu is the head of the Lu family of the Middle Earth Yin-Yang school, a cultivator who has reached complete success in cultivation according to legend.

That old immortal is being polite with you, that’s etiquette. Are you really going to be so unpolite? That’s being foolish and lacking sense.

Of course, God Lu didn’t have the guts to invite this Daoist to Tiandu Peak as a guest.

It was just that Liu Xiang saw he was pitiful and had borrowed books, so he rarely made an exception to help him this time.

Liu Xiang smiled and asked, “Celestial Guard Daoist, I have something to humbly ask you. What is meant by complete success in cultivation?”

The Celestial Guard’s heart immediately tightened. This was not good. Was this scholar, having nothing better to do, weighing the worth of the gatekeeper of Falling Dust Mountain? Or was he deliberately probing to see through his disguise as a Daoist?

Near the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, on a lonely boat at sea, an old boatman was squatting at the stern, and a pot of sea fish stewed with tofu was bubbling hot.

At the bow of the boat, a young woman stood tall and elegant. She looked towards the cliff carvings over there.

The old boatman’s Daoist title is Xiancha, and his real name is the famous Gu Qingsong. The girl’s alias is Cheng Sancai, and she currently has no Daoist title.

Cheng Sancai asked, “What are we doing here? You cursed Qi Tingji before, but you didn’t curse enough, so you’re coming again to curse at the gate?”

The old boatman said, “Young lady, why is your mouth so foul?”

The girl said righteously, “I learned it from you.”

Xiancha said, “It’s not easy for you 蛟龙 race to transform into human form. Cherish it well. I’ll give you an immortal opportunity: apprentice under Lu Zhi and learn sword techniques.”

“That Jiang family of Yunlin in Precious Flask Continent is also a wealthy dog magnate, yet you were determined to refuse their sincere recruitment?”

“Also, earlier in the outer seas of Northern Continent, I met my junior brother Cao. He’s a good person, why do you still refuse to become his disciple?”

When the girl heard this, her eyebrows rose, and she said, “If there’s no connection, no matter how high the other party’s realm is, if they ask me to become their disciple, I won’t agree. If we hit it off at first sight, I’ll bow down and stay on the ground, begging him to accept me as a disciple, no matter how he scolds or beats me. Even if I knock my head until it bleeds, I won’t leave if he drives me away. For ten or a hundred years, I will keep asking him to change his mind before I give up.”

Xiancha asked doubtfully, “Neither this nor that, why don’t you just go directly to Falling Dust Mountain to find that kid?”

Since there is this缘法 (yuán fǎ – karmic connection), you two should be together. Whether you become master and disciple or settle down on Falling Dust Mountain, it is all part of the deal.

She was silent for a moment, feeling wronged, and said, “I’m terribly afraid of him.”

Xiancha smiled and said, “I didn’t expect you to be afraid of someone.”

He looked up at the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect. His master had been here.

Cheng Sancai asked, “You’re leaving me with Lu Zhi, what are you going to do?”

Xiancha said softly, “When things are done here, I’ll go find Master.”

Fuyao Continent.

In its heyday, Bi Xiao Mountain was just as described in ancient texts: ascending from the ridge, the qi was full of golden light, and below the mountainside, it was purely dark.

In a pavilion by the cliff at the summit, Liu Tui was entertaining an uninvited guest, a young Daoist who called himself Xu Xuyuan.

Xuandu Temple.

Some Daoists who did not wear the uniform robes of Xuandu Temple were carrying chamber pots, holding brooms, and had a string of keys hanging from their waists.

There were both short-term and long-term workers, gathering here from all corners of the world. Their “Daoist age” was calculated from the time they started working as杂役 (zá yì – odd-jobbers) in the Daoist temple. All their past glory, deeds, identities, and backgrounds were not worth mentioning here.

Yan Pangzi said that they could go back home, and the杂役 Daoists were a mixture of joy and sorrow.

Night sailing ship.

Last time at Yu Lin渡 (dù – ferry) in Yun Yan Kingdom, Green Leaf Continent, on the ferry of Green Ping Sword Sect, True Man Huolong, who called himself a “young newcomer in the Fourteenth Realm,” talked to Pei Qian, Xie Gou, and Feng Xuetao about the strong and weak Ascended beings and the situation of the Fourteenth Realm.

Pei Qian was a bit puzzled at the time why the old True Man placed Xie Gou and Mr. Xiao Mo after Celestial Master Zhao of Dragon Tiger Mountain and “Elegant Prime Minister” Yao Qing. The old True Man also mentioned a few “exceptions” at the peak, such as Lu Zhi’s natal flying sword that had never appeared. Just a single sentence made Pei Qian understand the weight of that unknown flying sword, which could make Fourteenth Realm cultivators consider the cost of a sword challenge.

The old scholar suddenly frowned deeply and sighed heavily.

Among the myriad words in the human world, it seems that only Bai Ye occupies the word “得意 (dé yì – complacent/proud).”

The one who is “逍遥 (xiāo yáo – leisurely/free and unfettered)” is you, Lu Shen.

In the ruins of the ancient battlefield, Wu Shuang Jiang, who had just sent out four replica swords, took the field.

Cui Dongshan looked at that old Zheng.

That otherworldly demon wandering in the Blue Nether World, who had once voluntarily descended to White Emperor City, had sought out Zheng Juzhong.

Also within White Emperor City, Zheng Juzhong and Yu Dou had a sparring match of Daoist techniques without any onlookers.

Cui Dongshan asked with his heart voice, “Didn’t you reach an agreement with it?”

Zheng Juzhong shook his head.

“Also, how powerful is that person surnamed Yu? Is he truly invincible?”

Zheng Juzhong just smiled and ignored the question.

Deep in the Barbarian Desolation.

The great night covered the sky, and no stars or moon were visible.

A young Daoist wearing a lotus crown had a body as vast as a mountain, reaching from heaven to earth.

He descended from the sky, sat cross-legged, and rooted himself to the ground.

The Daoist seemed to have become a Buddha on the spot.

He descended from the bright moon to the human world and cultivated into a pseudo-Fifteenth Realm otherworldly demon.

Half of the Daoist’s face had closed eyes, and the other half changed into myriad forms.

It was like writing a book called “A Leisurely Journey.”