Heaven’s Northern Dipper points to Bing, marking Mangzhong.
On Earth, where marsh grasses grow, Mangzhong signifies the time to sow.
The sun leaps from the sea, like an eternal, undying Golden Core.
When they walk together, it is like a Daoist site called “Sword Immortal.”

The route to the Imperial Palace’s Qianbu Corridor is thronged with people. Nearby streets and alleys, walls, tall buildings, rooftops, even trees – everywhere suitable for a vantage point is a scene of bustling crowds. Many stand on chairs and stools moved outside their doors, on tables, children perched on their elders’ shoulders… They all want to see who can inherit the National Preceptor Seal from Cui Chan and sit in that chair in the Imperial Study’s small court assembly. They are curious, hopeful, and worried. This person, whether young and spirited or old and steady, can he bring greater prosperity to the Dali Dynasty? Can he make the hooves of the Dali border armies thunder across the Wild World? Will he, upon becoming National Preceptor, overturn all the established policies from Cui Chan’s era? Does he dare to personally go to the battlefield and face those formidable and brutal Wild World demon races? Will his name be utterly unknown in the Wild World?

Logically, the battlements of the capital’s city walls are the most suitable places for “viewing.” From high up, the view is unobstructed. Don’t even think about using connections to get a position on the open battlements, a prime spot. There’s no room for discussion. The people allowed onto the city walls today are not judged by their official rank or family background, but solely by their military achievements. The Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War jointly compiled a list for this, personally reviewed and approved by His Majesty the Emperor. They are almost all veterans, old soldiers of the Dali border army who have experienced countless battles.

Furthermore, the armored sharp-witted soldiers patrolling the city walls today are all replaced by various Guest Officials and accompanying cultivators. The court has been busy for several months preparing for today’s ceremony. Before today, officials privately grumbled, as they had to remain on edge every day until the exact date of the ceremony was set. No mistakes were allowed within their respective jurisdictions. Firstly, year-end assessments were imminent. Secondly, everyone in officialdom knew that even a small matter during this major event could directly reach the imperial ears, be known to His Majesty, or even prompt a specific imperial decree. And it was indeed so. Previously, in a county town within the capital’s vicinity, not even within the capital itself, a mass brawl between two Jianghu sects occurred, and it is said that an imperial edict was sent from the Imperial Study to the county magistrate’s office that very night.

However, on the battlements of the Imperial City, a group of people not on the list appeared temporarily. But the court did not obstruct them in any way, simply because they were the new National Preceptor’s own people.

From their own Baoping Continent, the Dishevelled Mountain’s Punisher Chief, Changming, whose Daoist name is Lingchun. She is tall yet well-proportioned, possessing a unique charm. When she stands on the city wall, she resembles a goddess statue that has walked out of a temple.

From Tongye Continent, the first Sect Master of Qingping Sword Sect, Cui Dongshan, a handsome young man with a mole between his eyebrows, dressed in white like clouds.

From Nanposuo Continent, the Drunken Lady of Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, adorned with pearl hairpins and dressed in brocade clothes, a captivating beauty.

And Liu Tui, an outsider from Tianyao Township in Fuyao Continent, an Old Ascended master with a youthful appearance, his eyebrows sharp and his aura piercing.

Cui Dongshan smiled and asked, “Why did Qi Tingji change his mind temporarily?”

Qi Tingji had already stepped down as the Sect Master of Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, and considering this old Sword Immortal’s usual temperament, he would indeed be unlikely to take on such a supporting role. In fact, Qi Tingji and Liu Tui have similar personalities, emphasizing that there is only one sun in the sky.

Liu Tui casually said, “Isn’t Daoist Qi still a Guest Official? It’s not surprising for him to appear in the procession.”

During their northern journey, Qi Tingji had reminded him about one thing: after forming an alliance with Dishevelled Mountain, he must be careful of Cui Dongshan. Liu Tui had expected Cui Dongshan to appear in the ceremony, but to his surprise, the white-clothed young man stayed here to watch the spectacle with them.

Cui Dongshan chuckled, “Objective is like mountains and earth, subjective is like floating clouds and flowing water. There’s a world of difference.”

Liu Tui knew he couldn’t fool Cui Dongshan. After a moment of hesitation, he said, “Qi Tingji has always considered Qi Shou being unworthy of Ning Yao as one of the great regrets of his life. However, seeing Ning Yao become Daoist companions with Chen Ping’an, Qi Tingji feels it is only right.”

The Drunken Lady praised incessantly. Saying it like this, saying it so well, is this pretty much the limit? Qi Tingji贬低 his own descendants, praising Ning Yao and elevating Chen Ping’an… The person Liu Tui truly intends to support, isn’t it the discerning eye and magnanimity of the Old Sword Immortal Qi?

Cui Dongshan nodded and said, “It seems Old Sword Immortal Qi has found a truly good friend with whom he can confide.”

Liu Tui smiled knowingly.

This casual chat, in fact, Cui Dongshan’s opening remark, calling him by his name “Qi Tingji,” was setting the tone.

Cui Dongshan said, “If possible, Daoist Liu, please keep an eye out. There might be a few people planning to cause trouble today. They won’t be able to achieve much, but they can still sicken the Dali Dynasty.”

Liu Tui raised an eyebrow, “There are such people who don’t know their limits? Do they really think Dali is a pushover, not afraid of having their country destroyed, their spirit idols smashed, and their mountains and temples razed?”

Cui Dongshan smiled, “When hot blood surges and emotions run high, one might not consider life or death. If they truly consider the consequences, then it’s not acting on impulse.”

Liu Tui’s style of action immediately showed through. He said, “Give me a token for convenient passage. I want to wander around.”

As long as you become friends with Liu Tui, the benefits I give and the face I show will definitely exceed your expectations, only more, not less.

The Drunken Lady was stunned. This Liu Tui, he’s truly something. He’s a Sect Master, an Old Ascended master, a peak figure of a continent’s Dao Lord, yet he’s willing to personally step in and do odd jobs? The Drunken Lady admitted she couldn’t do it. As the old saying goes, a person is heroic if they are willing to risk their life to pull down the emperor. Could Liu Tui be considered willing to sacrifice his face to make his words come true?

Cui Dongshan took out an old, worn “Wushifang” plaque from his sleeve. Liu Tui took the wooden plaque. Before leaving the city wall, he asked curiously, “Since you are also a sword cultivator, why aren’t you in the procession?”

Cui Dongshan blinked and said, “I’m not indispensable. The participants are honored, and the onlookers share the glory. Sages and heroes are responsible for compiling history, and I am responsible for textual research and annotation.”

Punisher Chief Changming teased, “Our Sect Master Cui is one of those people in the ‘etc.’ that is often seen in books.”

Cui Dongshan shook his snow-white sleeves, clapped his hands and laughed, “Wonderful, that’s enough.”

In the sea of people on the street, a strong young man was flushed with excitement and delight, eagerly saying, “It’s really him!”

He elbowed his friend beside him, proudly and excitedly saying, “I told you so. Do you still need to guess? Besides him, who else could it be? Brother Yunqi, you insisted on arguing with me, stubborn, why aren’t you stubborn anymore?”

His friend helplessly said, “I admit defeat in the bet. I’ll buy you a good drink.”

Unexpectedly, he laughed and said, “I’ll treat you.”

The young man with a scholarly air was puzzled, “Why?”

“This year’s imperial examination and palace examination, I will definitely pass with flying colors. Brother Yunqi, it’s hard to say for you. From now on, I will be an official in the same court as Chen Ping’an, ha. This drink, I’ll treat, I must treat!”

Everyone in the Dali court and public naturally speculated that Chen Ping’an was the most likely candidate to fill the position of National Preceptor, but people inevitably had some doubts. For example, he is already a Sword Immortal pursuing longevity and Dao on the mountain peak, is he truly willing to come down? Furthermore, he has already established a sub-sect in Tongye Continent, is his vision truly not shifted to the Middle-Earth Confucian Temple, for example, seeking a position as Vice-Head someday? Or, for example, it is rumored that he and Prince Song Mu, who is stationed in the subsidiary capital Luoyang, have been neighbors since childhood, not only from the same hometown and same year, but also uncle and nephew in the same literary lineage, so isn’t his relationship with His Majesty the Emperor quite delicate?

Beside them, delicate girls were whispering. Their clear eyes, just like those of the official families, were different from the men who talked about fame and fortune. They were watching the demeanor.

“Sword Immortal Chen is indeed very young.”

“Have you noticed that there are many female Sword Immortals in Dishevelled Mountain?”

“It seems they are not inferior to Sword Immortal Mi.”

They clearly knew about Mi Yu early on.

“He is so handsome. No wonder he had so many confidantes when he roamed the Jianghu as a young man. It’s truly a shame to be young and not be romantic.”

They clearly had read that travelogue.

The men were helpless. In the bright daylight, they could see clearly, but when it came to appearance, how could they praise him?

There is a historic Flower Goddess Temple in the capital. There is a custom of sending off the Flower Goddesses on Mangzhong, marking the end of spring and the beginning of summer, as if seeing off the Flower Goddesses who brought colorful blooms to the human world. The Dali Dynasty has a martial spirit and has never been overly particular about the separation of genders. Official ladies and young women from ordinary families will wear flowers, wrap colored threads, carefully dress up, and then go to the temple fair together. Occasionally, some old fuddy-duddies who have been pedantic all their lives make an exception and actively allow them to go out and see.

The Flower Goddess Temple is located on a street that intersects with the north-south Imperial Way. The spectators are crowded here, happening to see the figures and faces of those Sword Immortals.

The capital of the Dali Dynasty is a place with extremely well-informed news. Not to mention high officials and noble families, even the common people here have not been unfamiliar with Chen Ping’an and Dishevelled Mountain in recent years. Chuzhou itself is an old, native province of the Dali Dynasty, not a new province incorporated into Dali after the southern campaign of the Dali iron cavalry. Moreover, Chuzhou is the place where the cracked Pearl Cave Heaven fell to the ground. Therefore, the young Mountain Master of Dishevelled Mountain, he is a native of Dali, and his rise is full of incredible legends. Just asking how a poor kiln apprentice from a humble alley, wearing straw sandals, could reach the mountain peak where immortals gather, how he walked across the Inverted Mountain, went to the Sword Qi Great Wall, and took charge of the Summer Resort? Just this question makes people see flowers through fog, scratching their heads but still unable to figure it out.

It doesn’t matter, whatever the reason.

Only our Great Dali, possessing both iron cavalry, embroidered tigers, and hidden officials!

Being familiar with Dishevelled Mountain and Chen Ping’an naturally leads to curiosity and a desire to explore the Sword Qi Great Wall. Being familiar with the Sword Qi Great Wall, one will know some of the customs and practices there. For example, the Jade Pure realm sword cultivators there are not called, and never refer to themselves as, Sword Immortals. It is rumored that the higher the realm of sword cultivators there, the less they like to sit at a table to drink, instead holding a bowl and squatting by the roadside to drink, which is truly strange.

“It is said that Mr. Qi, who founded the Cliff Academy, accepted disciples on behalf of his master. That’s how Chen Ping’an became the last disciple of the Sage Master.”

Like the Dali Dynasty, both the country and the person come from humble origins.

The young man in a yellow hat and green shoes has a gentle demeanor, a perfect gentleman.

Behind him, the young girl in a mink hat with flushed cheeks is not tall, with lively eyebrows and a short sword hanging at her waist.

Pei Qian, who once used the alias “Zheng Qian,” was well-known on the battlefield of the subsidiary capital and is one of the Four Grandmasters of martial arts in Baoping Continent.

Sword cultivator Mi Yu shone brightly in the Battle of Old Dragon City, originating from the hidden official lineage of sword cultivators in the Summer Resort, nicknamed “Mi Lan Yao” (Mi the Waist Blocker).

Jiang Shangzhen, using the alias Zhou Fei, is the Chief Guest Official of Dishevelled Mountain. To the cultivators of Baoping Continent, he is a piece of gold picked from a pile of dung from Tongye Continent. As for how cultivators from Tongye Continent and Beiju Continent view Jiang Shangzhen, and what their reputation is, the Dali Dynasty does not care.

Young men and boys who are eager to explore the Jianghu and are familiar with stories from the mountain, finally have their chance to shine. They introduce the identities and backgrounds of the Sword Immortals to their female relatives or admired girls who are not familiar with the affairs of the court or the secrets of the immortal families. They talk endlessly, listing their accomplishments as if they were their own treasures. Chen Ping’an alone has a long list of titles and descriptions: the last disciple of the Sage Master, the junior brother of Cui Chan and Qi Jingchun. The last hidden official of the Sword Qi Great Wall, Ning Yao’s Daoist companion. The owner of the Seals of Hundred Sword Immortals and Two Hundred Sword Immortals. The great Sword Immortal who challenged Zheng Yang Mountain together with Liu Xianyang of Longquan Sword Sect, the Limit martial artist of the same age and fame as Cao Ci, the master of Grandmaster Pei Qian…

“What about the one over there, walking side by side with Ning Yao, the one who looks even younger than Sword Immortal Chen? He can rank first, so his realm must be high, how old is he? And the woman behind him, what is her name and what is her realm?”

They were clearly stumped by these questions, all utterly confused. Yes, who is he? And who is she? And those sword cultivators behind her, they are all new faces.

Among the Sword Immortals’ procession, the young girl Chai Wu stands out, for the simple reason that she looks very young.

Although there are often stories of high-ranking Daoist masters on the mountain regaining their youthful appearance, such as the old patriarch of Fengxue Temple and Yu Zhenyi of Ouhua Blessed Land.

The young girl was naturally asked many questions.

“Who is that little girl?”

“Maybe she’s the Guardian Guest Official Zhou Mili of Dishevelled Mountain. I heard she rarely shows her face and hardly ever leaves the mountain, but she appeared once during the challenge to Zheng Yang Mountain. It’s not easy to become a Guest Official of a sect, and being a Guardian Guest Official is even more important. When the Sect Master is away, the Guardian Guest Official has to take responsibility for guarding the Daoist site. But I’ve never heard of her being a sword cultivator before.”

Regarding the true identities of those Sword Immortals, there were various opinions and speculations.

Fortunately, the Dali court also gave the entire capital an unexpected surprise.

This was an unprecedented roll call.

Generally, only the name and realm are announced. For example, “Stranger, Fourteenth Realm.” “Bai Jing, Ascended Realm.”

But there were three exceptions. Qi Tingji, Pei Qian, and Chai Wu.

They were announced as “Qi Tingji, Ascended Realm, the one who carved the character ‘Qi’ on the Sword Qi Great Wall.” “Pei Qian, Sword Cultivator, Tenth Realm Martial Artist.”

When introducing Chai Wu, a Jade Pure realm sword cultivator, her real age was specifically added.

Outsiders watched the spectacle, while insiders knew the secrets. Those with discerning eyes knew that Chai Wu, who had stepped into the Upper Five Realms in one go, was bound to ascend and prove the Dao.

Earlier, when the name “Ning Yao” was announced first.

Cheers instantly drowned the entire Dali capital like a tsunami.

Ning Yao’s face turned slightly red.

Chen Ping’an had to explain through telepathy, “It wasn’t my idea. The court didn’t even notify me.”

When “Pei Qian” was called, the young woman with a bun on her head, listening to the repeated shouts of her name that seemed to be able to shake the roofs, felt as if she was in another lifetime. She couldn’t help but recall the capital of Nanyuan Kingdom, where she, the little black charcoal, wandered like a lonely ghost. In her eyes, everyone walking on the road in broad daylight was a ghost. She followed her master out of Ouhua Blessed Land, walked together to Dishevelled Mountain, and also walked alone through countless mountains and rivers. The dead human world seemed to have come back to life.

During the announcement of Mi Yu’s name, the women’s voices were clearly not small, seeming to compete with the men’s shouts.

Mi Yu appeared composed, but when “Bai Jing” turned his head and glanced at him, the Great Sword Immortal Mi could still maintain a straight face. However, when even the Hidden Official intentionally or unintentionally glanced at him, and then Jiang Shangzhen lightly coughed, Mi Yu finally couldn’t hold on anymore. He curled his fingers and rubbed his forehead.

As a private sword of the Sword Qi Great Wall, they did not seek false fame, and of course, they could not curry favor for themselves, given that they were constantly facing life and death. But the wine-loving Huang Ling, at this moment, felt as if he was drinking a pot of aged wine. The man’s palm lightly rested on the hilt of the Peijian Three Caves, and he remembered many distant old friends who loved to drink.

Especially Mei Dandang and the other sword cultivators from the Wild World, their hearts were also surging with emotion. How dare they imagine, how could they believe, that their names could be shouted by thousands of people in this way? Are we truly heroes?

“Fourteenth Realm, why is there no specific name for it?”

“Are there many Fourteenth Realm cultivators in Haoran World? How many are there roughly?”

“The Fourteenth Realm is only one realm higher than the Ascended Realm, can they definitely win if they fight?”

In the inner city’s bustling market, a young female Daoist wearing a lotus crown was surrounded by beautiful fairies.

It was He Xiaoliang, the founder of Qingliang Sect in Beiju Continent, traveling south across continents with her direct disciples.

It happened to be this occasion.

The feud she had with Bai Shang was considered settled.

Her Senior Brother Cao Rong’s ascension to the Ascended Realm on the sea was a reminder, neither big nor small.

And Bai Shang sending his only direct disciple, Xu Xuan, south to Tongye Continent, actively leaving Beiju Continent, was also a form of distant response, showing discretion.

For many years, the joint blockade of Qingliang Sect by various forces in the north quietly lifted.

The first meeting by the stream, the separation like floating clouds, and the later reunion by the sea.

He Xiaoliang did not walk towards the Imperial City, but instead went against the flow of people, heading towards the outer city.

Sending off the Flower Goddesses in the human world, bidding farewell to the spring breeze. Each strives in their own Dao, and if fate allows, they will meet again.

Wealthy families and merchants in the capital have already opened their ice cellars. Recently, vendors have been selling various kinds of iced cold drinks, with endless varieties and beautiful appearances that make people reluctant to eat them. Selling? Taking the opportunity to sell them at a high price? Giving them away! I’m happy today, I’m willing!

As a result, one side insisted on giving them away for free, while the other insisted on paying more, and the two sides almost got angry. It was also a strange thing.

Outside the gate of the Flower Goddess Temple, a beautiful woman with an old servant was leisurely strolling through the lively temple fair.

One is Aunt Feng, who worries the hundred flower goddesses the most. She comes to this Flower Goddess Temple almost every year.

The old carriage driver, using the alias Su Kan, was once the chief official of the Zhan Kan Division in the ancient Heavenly Court’s Yushu Yuan, a divine being.

The graceful Aunt Feng walked around the temple fair, looking and laughing, “Are you perhaps thinking, ‘When there are no heroes, little men rise to fame’?”

The old man shook his head and said, “Not necessarily.”

She let out a surprised sound, “Has the sun risen in the west?”

Su Kan crossed his arms and said, “Since I have some grievances with him, I don’t get along with him very well, and I’ve suffered some small, unspoken losses. If he were just a good-for-nothing who looks good but is useless, wouldn’t that make me even more of a wimp? So, instead of saying a few harmless curses about him, why not praise him as a hero?”

Aunt Feng pretended to understand, “A hero? That’s a new way of saying it, I’ve never heard it before.”

The old man sneered, “Without some depth of mind and character, could that kid have gotten to where he is today? Think about it carefully. Now everyone, on the mountain peak, thinks his greatest opportunity is that being? Wrong, completely wrong! Ma Kuxuan is a reincarnation of a divine being, but unfortunately, he only looks like a divine being on the surface. Chen Ping’an, who came from a humble background, is truly the one who is most like us. He was more like a divine being much earlier than we are now.”

Aunt Feng pondered, “There’s some truth to that.”

She squatted down at a stall in the temple corridor and bought a complete set of twelve flower goddess porcelain cups, labeled as imitations of the Yanqing Hall style. Unfortunately, the bargaining was too easy, which made her feel a bit bored.

In the past, at gatherings like this, many scoundrels couldn’t control their eyes and would even lay hands on people. But today, in the capital of Dali, no one had that audacity.

The current level of security in the capital is beyond imagination. The Dali court absolutely does not allow any mistakes to occur.

Not only is the entire Baoping Continent paying attention to this ceremony, but it is no exaggeration to say that the entire Haoran World is watching this capital city.

To ensure absolute safety, the Dali court, in addition to the government offices nominally in charge of public security in the capital, and the provincial general stationed outside the city who has already led troops into the city, has also secretly mobilized accompanying cultivators from various provinces, numbering over a thousand. They have clear divisions of labor and are jointly responsible for keeping an eye on every corner of the city. Just in the two large counties within the capital, the two county offices have been preparing for this ceremony for months. In one office, from officials to clerks, who hasn’t been on edge and working day and night recently? The key is that no one above says exactly what it’s all for. For example, the court specially replaced a strict and energetic county magistrate for this purpose and temporarily added several transitional official positions. In the county office’s private words, not even a stray dog will be allowed on the streets by then.

The capital has long ago registered all the martial arts schools, escort agencies, and Jianghu martial artists staying in the county, one by one. Not only today, but also the itinerary for the two days before and after must be carefully recorded. In fact, the officials don’t need to say any harsh words. Just seeing the exhaustion on their faces that cannot be concealed is enough to know that they are not joking and not deliberately intimidating people. Whether it’s the local official being better than the remote official, or persuading them with emotion and reason, the parent officials and people-friendly officials who usually have a close relationship with them can only give a few hints at most, saying that they might only encounter such a grand event once in their lives. After all is said and done, regardless of whether they have official status, everyone, in the final analysis, is a subject of Dali, so let’s all be convenient.

Those who are not involved in officialdom just find it lively. Those who have cultivated in the public sector for a while will see clearly at a glance and know the unusual nature of this place.

Therefore, the Jianghu gangs and martial arts schools of all sizes in the capital have been well-behaved recently. Don’t court death. If you touch misfortune, it won’t be as simple as eating prison food. In addition, idlers and vagrants who want to take advantage, hooligans and thugs, pickpockets who want to earn some extra money, etc., have almost all received news through different channels. The county yamen bailiffs have even directly visited, going door-to-door to anyone who has a record in the yamen. If they are the yamen runners who eat the emperor’s grain, then the key is that there is often a strong person standing outside the door who looks like they eat military rations.

Su Kan leaned against a pillar in the corridor and said, “In my opinion, this is what is called ‘the misfortune of the country is the fortune of the poet’. If he were in a peaceful era, Chen Ping’an would at most be a Golden Core Earth Immortal. If his luck were worse, he might still be making pottery in a kiln in a small town now.”

Aunt Feng stood up and nodded, “Poet? Chen Ping’an’s achievements in poetry are quite famous.”

The old man almost spat, but managed to hold back. He looked up at the sky and couldn’t help but sigh, “This weather.”

During National Preceptor Cui Chan’s disappearance, many people thought the Dali Dynasty would decline after its peak. Unexpectedly, the Dali Dynasty is about to have another rise.

The Qianbu Corridor on both sides of the Imperial Way. The officials attending the court assembly today got up earlier than the common people. Even Cao Gengxin was waiting here early. Many officials whose residences were far away slept on the floor in the yamen last night. Otherwise, with the congestion of the streets today, whether you take a carriage or walk, do you still expect to be on time for the court assembly? Who would give way to you.

All the officials waited for the morning assembly together. Old Minister Shen Chen, half-asleep, leaned on his cane and asked, “Vice Minister Wu, do you read military books?”

Wu Wangcheng was dumbfounded. What kind of question is this? Xu Tong of the Ministry of War also found it amusing. The head of the Ministry of War asking a Vice Minister of the Ministry of War who has served in the military whether he reads military books?

Shen Chen continued to ask, “Then do you read history books?”

Wu Wangcheng said, “Not much.”

The implied meaning was that he did read quite a bit.

Shen Chen smiled and said, “Then see if you can find how many meritorious generals in history had complete good fortune, wealth, and longevity?”

Wu Wangcheng thought for a moment, “Not many.”

Shen Chen glanced at Vice Minister Xu Tong and asked with a smile, “Do you want to be one of them?”

Wu Wangcheng softly sighed, “I wouldn’t even dare to dream of it.”

Xu Tong didn’t say anything.

In the Ministry of War yamen, old Minister Shen Chen made the decisions, and the two Vice Ministers were responsible for specific matters. Xu Tong, due to being in charge of the Dali border army’s Wild World affairs, had long earned the nickname “Floor-Sleeping Vice Minister” in the capital’s officialdom. Wu Wangcheng also slept on the floor with him recently, which was a rare sight in officialdom. The two Vice Ministers of the Ministry of War, despite their very different backgrounds, experiences, and personalities, actually became somewhat acquainted because of this.

Xu Tong softly asked, “Old Minister, have we ever had a ceremony of such grandeur in Dali before?”

The old man in his eighties who had served through three dynasties thought for a moment, “Never.”

It is said that when Cui Chan first became National Preceptor, no one seemed to take it seriously. There were even a large number of censors and purists who advised the then emperor not to accept such a notorious person, saying it would easily attract attention from the Middle-Earth Confucian Temple and was a losing business. The old minister remembered a story from the capital’s history and couldn’t help but laugh. He remembered that at that time, it was said that Cui Chan was a terrestrial immortal on the mountain. A young censor, speaking impartially, asked that person surnamed Cui to publicly display some immortal techniques to prove whether he was a genuine terrestrial immortal.

And this censor, who had a smooth career and later became a frontier official, was a senior in officialdom, and Shen Chen not only had the friendship of fellow countrymen with him, but also the friendship of teacher and student.

Shen Chen asked with a smile, “The saying ‘censors mislead the country’ has always existed in the early Dali court. But guess who dislikes censors the most?”

Shen Chen answered his own question, “The people who hate censors the most are not the powerful officials in power, but the officials who were censors and then were sent out to be promoted to frontier officials.”

“For example, my teacher.”

The two young Vice Ministers heard the answer and looked at each other and smiled. It was unexpected, yet within reason.

Young people in the Dali Dynasty today can hardly imagine that just thirty years ago, the Lu Dynasty was the suzerain state of Dali, and Dali was just a subordinate state living under others’ roof and having to rely on others’ goodwill. The young people today will naturally and rightfully think that our Dali is the most powerful dynasty in the Haoran World, and there isn’t even a “one of the.”

At that time, the whole country also celebrated. That ceremony of offering captives was also considered grand, but for some reason, National Preceptor Cui Chan did not show up at all.

Xu Tong suddenly complained, “Your snoring is like thunder. I suffered greatly.”

Wu Wangcheng smiled, “Is your snoring light?”

The old man smiled and said, “It’s easy. If it’s annoying, just slap them.”

Shen Chen looked at his two young subordinates. They seemed to share common interests, but in reality, their intentions were different. In short, they all wanted to take a different path and leave their names in history.

Youth is truly good.

Unlike an old man like Shen Chen, who can at most think about his reputation after death. The posthumous title bestowed by the court or the emperor personally, the ranking of a good posthumous title, whether it’s at the front, and it must not be behind some old man he looks down upon. How many good words will be in the official history’s biographies in the future.

In contrast, Xu Tong and Wu Wangcheng are like a book far from finished, with many blank spaces to dip the ink and write.

Of course, National Preceptor Chen Ping’an is also very young.

On the edge of the crowd, near the corner of the wall, Gongsun Lingling, who had received permission to come here secretly from the National Preceptor’s mansion, looked uneasy and very nervous.

This was only because she saw Xiao Pu from the Bamboo Basket Hall of the Xi Yuan Ren (Vindicator) lineage. The latter was not only the junior sister of Qin Buyi, the former leader of the Cherry Green Robe lineage, but also the one who guided Gongsun Lingling “up the mountain” and is now the head of the Bamboo Basket Hall. Xiao Pu was naturally most saddened by Gongsun Lingling’s serious mistake that led to her expulsion from the sect and angry at her for not trying harder. Gongsun Lingling, upon reuniting with her master, naturally felt even more guilty and ashamed.

Xiao Pu did not use any illusion techniques. Her appearance was ordinary, her hair was tied with a wooden hairpin, her skin was slightly yellow, and she was dressed simply.

In addition to Xiao Pu, there was another junior sister from the Bamboo Basket Hall, a young girl whose name in the Dali archives was recorded as “Jian Zhu,” whose appearance matched her age.

As a spy arranged by the Dali court in the vassal state of Qiu, she had the identity of a maid in the mansion of a prominent official. In the turmoil in the capital, in addition to Wei Xianrou, who was almost exceptionally promoted to the first-class Guest Official, Jian Zhu also performed well, killing six people in less than half an hour, including important officials of Qiu, immortal cultivators, and foreign assassins. However, Wei Xianrou’s consecutive beheadings on the hall were too shocking, and the young assassin was completely overshadowed.

Jian Zhu was currently “chatting” with a spy from a certain country from the south. “Don’t be nervous. One of the purposes of this ceremony is for you to see, but remember to let me review the intelligence reports you send back, lest your writing is not good enough and not grand enough.”

The spy stood still, fine sweat dripping from his forehead, not saying a word.

The young girl continued, “From now on, we are our own people, right?”

The spy’s mind raced, but he was speechless.

The young girl asked, “Not right?”

The spy took a deep breath, his eyes firm, and shook his head.

Jian Zhu asked, “No room for discussion?”

The spy said something. The young girl nodded. A moment later, someone was sitting in the inconspicuous corner of the wall. His face was flushed red, like a drunkard, and there was the young girl’s complaint, “You can’t drink too much even if you’re happy.” At the same time, the young girl nodded in a certain direction in the distance, signaling them to clean up.

When Jian Zhu finished doing this, Xiao Pu said to them through telepathy, “The main hall has passed a resolution. Our three lineages of Xi Yuan Ren will voluntarily submit a complete list to the Dali court. Besides Jian Zhu, there is also your senior sister Helian Baozhu. As long as you are in Baoping Continent, you can no longer conceal your identities. If the Dali court has a bad impression of us and always thinks we are troublemakers, and then National Preceptor Chen Ping’an issues an order to expel all of you, the main hall will have no choice but to accept fate and will not harbor any illusions or make any small moves.”

“But if Dali thinks there is room for discussion and proposes conditions that you can stay but must sever ties with Xi Yuan Ren. Jian Zhu, Gongsun Lingling, how do you choose?”

Gongsun Lingling said, “I will withdraw from Baoping Continent with the Bamboo Basket Hall.”

Jian Zhu hesitated.

Xiao Pu smiled and said, “Just say what’s in your heart.”

The young girl said, “I will stay.”

Xiao Pu was not surprised by their different choices. She hummed and then changed the subject, saying with a smile, “There is a folk saying that planting on Mangzhong is useless. The Dali Dynasty is really good at choosing days, and the Dali Song clan is also really good at choosing a National Preceptor.”

First there was the Embroidered Tiger Cui Chan, and now there is Chen Ping’an.

Perhaps many cultivators on the mountain still haven’t realized one thing: he is already one of the most powerful figures in the Haoran World.

And for Dao cultivators, he is still very young, truly too young.

In a very well-located private room of a restaurant, a few people gathered here, but did not drink. They were Liu Taozhi, the leader of the Xishan Jianyin lineage, Daoist Heavenly Lord Qi Zhen of Shengao Sect, Patriarch Zhang Zhi of Baofuzhai, which has businesses all over the world, and Pang Chao, a Luoyang Mu Ke whose Daoist name is Songzhi.

On the mountain, each has their own unknown connections, and each has their own winding network of relationships.

This was the first time Zhang Zhi had seen Pang Chao, whom he had to address as Senior Uncle based on seniority, after being removed from the ancestral hall for many years.

The Luoyang Mu Ke are a group of reclusive commoners with little fame. They emphasize bartering and do not touch money with their hands. Therefore, in the eyes of Zhang Zhi, who naturally likes to do business, those elders are old-fashioned people who strictly adhere to ancestral teachings, comically pedantic, yet also respectable. Zhang Zhi knew that this Senior Uncle’s emergence was different from his own angry departure. It was due to Mr. Fan of the business world convincing their patriarch, who was about to go into seclusion. The Luoyang Mu Ke were preparing to choose a location and make arrangements in the Haoran World.

As for Zhang Zhi’s relationship with the Luoyang Mu Ke, it can be called a gentleman’s breakup without saying harsh words.

When he was young, he was proud and ambitious, and he never understood, “Money is the cleanest thing in the world. Why can’t I touch it with my hands?”

Pang Chao asked, “Why did you use this alias, meaning ‘drawing the bow straight and releasing the arrow’?”

Zhang Zhi nodded and said, “Senior Uncle is right to the point.”

As a result, Pang Chao’s next sentence was, “How dare you use this alias?”

Zhang Zhi was silent.

Liu Taozhi burst into laughter, rarely seeing Zhang Zhi so defeated.

Pang Chao asked, “Have you seen that white-clothed young man surnamed Cui?”

Zhang Zhi nodded and said, “I have.”

Pang Chao said, “I’ve also seen him once. He asked about our seniority and said we were like people from the same village, the poor ones having high seniority.”

Zhang Zhi asked, “Where is Senior Uncle preparing to choose a location?”

Pang Chao said, “After choosing for a long time, I still chose the Linh River bank in Tongye Continent.”

Zhang Zhi said, “A good place.”

Zhang Zhi, who does a great business, has the appearance of a young scholar and carries a bamboo box year-round. He is more like a poor student going to the capital for the imperial examination. When he meets someone and exchanges polite greetings, people always want to ask him if he encountered a beautiful fox immortal in the wilderness along the way.

Pang Chao asked, “Have you never regretted it all these years?”

Zhang Zhi didn’t give a definite answer, “When I first came down from the mountain, I drank a lot of wine where I had no right to speak at all.”

“I’ve attended many wine parties where I had to announce my identity and introduce myself as a friend.”

“So even now, I still think wine is not good to drink. Of course, today is an exception, I actively want to drink.”

Pang Chao patted Zhang Zhi’s shoulder and said, “Since your thick skin was tempered in this way, I won’t bother about you calling me Senior Uncle.”

Only then did they start drinking.

Pang Chao suddenly poured cold water, “I think he will be even harder to deal with than the Embroidered Tiger.”

Whether it is Xi Yuan Ren or Baofuzhai, if they want to gain a foothold in Baoping Continent, they will always have to deal with the Dali Dynasty, especially the new National Preceptor.

Qi Zhen was obviously a bit surprised and asked with a smile, “Why is that?”

Heavenly Lord Qi Zhen always felt that dealing with smart people was not difficult at all. What he was afraid of was dealing with muddled people.

Zhang Zhi nodded and said, “I met Mr. Chen at Qing Shan Ferry. He’s really easy to talk to, and he’s also really difficult to talk to.”

Not only Chen Ping’an, but Liu Taozhi had also dealt with Cui Chan. Whether they got along or not, Cui Chan would not show any harsh words. Afterwards, Liu Taozhi returned to the main hall and carefully reviewed the conversation, trying to analyze the implied meaning of Cui Chan’s every word line by line. Finally, Liu Taozhi summarized two points. One was the answer unanimously recognized by everyone in the main hall: Cui Chan was more worldly than the shrewdest businessman in the world.

The other was Liu Taozhi’s personal feeling, which he had not mentioned to anyone yet.

For some reason, he always felt that during that unpleasant meeting, Cui Chan looked at him as if he were watching a fool from beginning to end.

Liu Taozhi and the others stood by the window, looking together at the young man who usually appeared as a green-robed sword cultivator but was wearing the Dali court uniform today.

An orphan who was once like a nameless weed.

Unexpectedly, he could live so gloriously.