Sunrise and sunset belong to the mundane world.
Infinite golden light poured down, the earth like a brocade robe.
Ning Yao told Xiao Mo and Xie Gou to stay behind and continue monitoring the situation in the capital of Dali. After all, whether today would be uneventful could only be confirmed late into the night.
Returning to Fallen Mountain, Ning Yao first went to Sword Cultivation Terrace. Hearing about Sun Chunwang’s deeds from Lu Zhi, Ning Yao didn’t say much. She sat in the thatched hut for a while, speaking little, merely instructing this future direct disciple to be neither arrogant nor rash, and to diligently practice her sword. Sun Chunwang, already taciturn, became an even smaller mute in Ning Yao’s presence.
Lu Zhi, perhaps due to sending out her nascent flying sword, was noticeably less aloof than before, with a gentle human warmth about her. She accompanied Ning Yao into Sun Chunwang’s thatched hut and sat by the bed, which was covered with a bamboo mat and hung with a thin gauze mosquito net. She noticed that the little girl seemed to like the porcelain here; there were many exquisitely crafted celadon摆设 in the room. For instance, there was a plum-green narcissus pot on the table, a stack of books piled beside it, with corners of leaves and petals picked from who knows where peeking out as “bookmarks,” and a cracked-ice patterned rose-green bamboo porcelain flute on top of the books. Lu Zhi found it quite interesting.
Ning Yao said that since her aptitude was good, she should always strive to be the best in her realm. Whether she could ultimately achieve it would certainly depend on her own luck and destiny, but she shouldn’t be afraid to even contemplate it.
Sun Chunwang sat upright on the small bamboo chair against the wall, her little hands clasped into fists on her knees. The little girl nodded vigorously.
Lu Zhi stifled a laugh. Being Ning Yao’s first disciple was indeed not so easy.
Perhaps Ning Yao was worried that Sun Chunwang would take her words to heart, but due to being too earnest and getting fixated, only hearing the word “first” and only seeing the strongest in her realm, her Dao heart would become too tense, making it easy for things to go wrong in sword cultivation. Ning Yao then added another reminder: do not blindly seek speed in breaking through realms; proceed step by step, firmly and steadily… After saying this, Ning Yao fell silent. She truly didn’t know how to explain these principles of cultivation. She always felt as if she had said some useless words. If he were here, it would be much better.
Sun Chunwang said, “Understood. It’s similar to the principle of practicing punches with Master Cao, taking steady steps, and each realm opens up a new world.”
Ning Yao smiled and said, “What ‘understood’? It should be ‘understand’.”
Sun Chunwang pursed her lips, her small face like a spring flower looking up at the human world.
Ning Yao said, “You should aim to become the宗主 of the Dragon and Elephant Sword宗 in the future.”
Perhaps the previous words of wisdom were mimicking his tone, but this last sentence was Ning Yao’s own principle.
Sun Chunwang’s eyes lit up.
Lu Zhi, currently the chief供奉 of the Dragon and Elephant Sword宗, rubbed her temples. You two master and disciple really don’t treat me as an outsider.
Zhu Su had already proposed to Fallen Mountain that she would go into secluded cultivation by the large lake. For cultivators choosing a training ground, whether it’s establishing a cave dwelling or a temporary place of seclusion like Zhu Su’s, the initial feeling of connection is actually very important. Mi Yu said that the lake was called Returning Sword Lake, an ownerless land. Building a thatched hut there shouldn’t be a big problem, but they still needed to inform the old cook and have Zhu Su wait for a moment while he made a trip to Spirit Gathering Peak. Mi Yu quickly returned to Sword Cultivation Terrace and said it was fine. Zhu Su could go ahead and build the thatched hut and set up the landscape array. A temporary mountain and water boundary would be drawn around the thatched hut to restrict unauthorized entry by nearby Qi practitioners and local mountain spirits and water monsters. Zhu Lian would report it to the Northern Yue Piyu Mountain and the local government, considering it a case of acting first and reporting later. The exact area of this forbidden zone could be modified temporarily. Mi Yu finally smiled and said that the old cook had asked him to convey a message to Sword Immortal Zhu Su, wishing her smooth seclusion.
Mei Kan proactively suggested going to Returning Sword Lake for a period of secluded cultivation, and Mei Dandang had no choice but to follow suit. Zhu Su naturally had no objection. She was seeking seclusion to achieve the title of Sword Immortal. Mei Dandang had been in the Immortal realm for several years. He couldn’t be considered a paper Immortal realm just because he had a sword duel with Xiao Mo and lost after one strike. Qi Tingji also said it was good; they could look out for each other.
Shao Yunyan, as the vice宗主 of the Dragon and Elephant Sword宗, made a separate trip to Spirit Gathering Peak to visit his disciple who held a high position in Fallen Mountain, Wei Wenlong, the God of Wealth Wei.
Back in the Spring Banner Study on Hanging Mountain, Wei Wenlong was generally uninterested in cultivating the Dao and practicing swordsmanship. His ambition lay elsewhere. Now still in the Golden Core realm, seeing his master, the respectful and virtuous Wei Wenlong was naturally overjoyed in his heart, but during their conversation, his demeanor was inevitably restrained. The words his master casually mentioned, the accountant Wei of Fallen Mountain always had to ponder in his mind for a long time before giving an answer. Although Shao Yunyan told his disciple not to be so nervous, he was inwardly pleased.
His direct disciple was only in the Golden Core realm, yet he was the accountant of Fallen Mountain in the Boundless World, sitting in one of the top few seats in the Ancestral Hall on Auspicious Peak. As his master, Shao Yunyan, how could he not be proud?
Qi Tingji and Jin Zao, along with a few private swords, walked together on the mountain path beside a nearby stream. Qi Tingji intentionally called out Xing Yun and Liu Shui from the Green Duckweed Sword Sect, and they chatted about old stories from their hometown. The knowing laughter of the sword cultivators harmonized with the gurgling sound of the stream, creating a heavenly melody.
At the Temple of the Flower Goddess in the capital city, after State Preceptor Chen Pingan left the elegant private residence, Qi Fang and Luo Fumeng remained to continue drinking tea. In reality, more and more Flower Goddesses from the blessed lands descended here, effectively turning it into a relocated Ancestral Hall for discussions.
The Flower Goddesses were extremely supportive of the idea of creating a “Hundred Flowers Waterway” in Tongye Continent.
They spoke highly of the new Dali State Preceptor. Qi Fang naturally embellished Chen Pingan’s self-deprecating “泼冷水,” but she would never dare to omit it entirely. For example, the matter of the “New Year” was skipped, but Qi Fang added some words of her own, even more stern than Chen Pingan. Fortunately, these women with high命格 from the blessed lands often interacted with the outside world. They were all understanding, comprehending a principle that they couldn’t afford not to thoroughly grasp: working with the Dali Dynasty in the future, whether within Dali’s own borders or along the banks of the great waterway in Tongye Continent, would be completely different from working with dynasties and powerful nations in the Central Plains.
A life-governing Flower Goddess was in a great mood. She rubbed the head of the Balsam Flower Goddess beside her and praised, “Truly a lucky general.”
Wu Cai gave a thumbs-up. After a pause, seeing no one stop her, she laughed heartily, “Terrific.”
Nian Xin went to the Temple of the Fire God, then returned to the Temple of the Flower Goddess. This seamstress brought back good news from Aunt Feng. Aunt Feng said that since State Preceptor Chen had no objection, she congratulated the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land on having their wishes granted in both continents. Nian Xin did not mention the colorful knot at all, nor when or where it would be returned. Since Flower Master Qi Fang didn’t inquire about it, the other life-governing Flower Goddesses and the twelve-month Flower Goddesses naturally didn’t dare to speak carelessly.
After Nian Xin left the Temple of the Flower Goddess, Qi Fang remained silent for a moment, then smiled radiantly, “Let’s do our best and leave the rest to fate. Whether we return the object after fulfilling the first promise, or truly create a Hundred Flowers Waterway before returning the knot, we can wait. We have waited for so many years. Dear sisters, please be patient and believe in State Preceptor Chen…”
At this moment, between heaven and earth, it was as if a hundred flowers bloomed again, welcoming spring. Strange and colorful lights illuminated the human world, and various flowers manifested the Great Dao on the earth and mountains, truly a spring of ten thousand beauties.
Each essence was a floral path, coming to the Temple of the Flower Goddess in the Dali capital, going to the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land in the Central Plains, each seeking its master.
Inside the Temple of the Flower Goddess, Qi Fang led a group of high-ranking Flower Goddesses with teary eyes, quickly walked out of the room, came to the courtyard, removed the illusion, bowed in salutation, performed a secret blessed land technique, each lit a stick of incense, and sincerely thanked that man.
The temple attendant Ye Man, who had been guarding the side room all along, finally knew who they were at this moment.
She pulled her brocade collar together, probably guessing who the distinguished guest claiming to be surnamed Chen was.
On both sides were the Qianbu Corridor of Nanxun Fang and Kejia Lane. Although not forbidden areas, the common people of the capital would not gather here. Today, three Taoists were walking on the road, attracting some attention.
One old Taoist even stopped a young official and asked how to get to the State Preceptor’s mansion. The official, who had been rushing, stopped and smiled, giving directions.
The old Taoist thanked him and added a complimentary remark about his auspicious face indicating a smooth official career. Although the young man didn’t believe in such things, his smile widened, treating it as a good omen.
The young man hurried on his way again. He had to go to the Ministry of Revenue to complain about poverty. The previous method didn’t work, so he had come up with a new one.
The three Taoists who were going to visit the State Preceptor’s mansion were Liang Shuang, the Heaven Master surnamed Liang from Longhu Mountain, Yue Guofu, who called himself the Ailanthus Taoist, and the little Taoist child Huang Shang.
The Ailanthus Taoist only knew some superficial rituals and procedures. In his own宗门, there were a few disciples and grand-disciples who were skilled in physiognomy and fortune-telling.
Upon entering the backyard of the State Preceptor’s mansion, Liang Shuang saw Chen Pingan waiting at the bottom of the steps. As they were well acquainted, there was no need for bowing. The old真人 stroked his beard and smiled, “A single duckweed leaf returns to the vast sea; life is full of unexpected encounters. Fellow Taoist Chen, we meet again.”
Chen Pingan cupped his hands and smiled, “Mountains and rivers double back, one might doubt there is a path, but willows dark and flowers bright open up a new village. Old真人, congratulations, congratulations.”
Liang Shuang sighed softly, filled with mixed emotions, “If not for Fellow Taoist’s assistance, how could this poor Taoist have achieved his wish?”
Chen Pingan said, “Heaven helps those who help themselves.”
Liang Shuang looked up at the sky, nodded, and smiled, “How powerful is the Heavens! They respond to human kindness.”
The Ailanthus Taoist was still formulating his words. Liang Shuang smiled and said, “I won’t delay you from your important matters. This visit is mainly for the Ailanthus Taoist to give you a gift. You two chat. This poor Taoist will stroll around the second courtyard. By the way, are there many rules here? Are there any taboos that must be observed?”
Chen Pingan smiled slightly and said, “When the真人 treads the ground, there are no taboos.”
Liang Shuang laughed heartily, pointing at the young State Preceptor, “It’s a pity Fellow Taoist Chen doesn’t go to the Temple of Literature to work in officialdom.”
Liang Shuang walked to the second courtyard. This was a “domestic matter” between the young隱官 and an old sword cultivator. The old真人 knew he didn’t have such a large face to interfere.
Hearing about “giving a gift,” Chen Pingan was not too surprised. Since the Ailanthus Taoist, who came from Sword Qi Great Wall, had come to the State Preceptor’s mansion, it couldn’t be to demand an explanation. The Ailanthus Taoist was not someone who liked to socialize, so it could only be about “business.”
On an island near the northern coast of Golden Armor Continent, there was a rather strangely named Xiefeng Palace, which became a宗字头 immortal mansion about three hundred years ago. However, Xiefeng Palace was not a top power in Golden Armor Continent. Its foundation was average, and it had no particularly outstanding Upper Five Realms cultivators. From its founding to becoming a宗门 and to the present, only two Jade Pure Realm cultivators had appeared. The most talked-about matter was that Xiefeng Palace had several times in its history “missed opportunities” due to misjudging people, missing several “sword immortals” who were later proven to have excellent aptitude and opportunities. They were originally interested in Xiefeng Palace, which had a good reputation on the mountain. There were two Middle Five Realms sword cultivators who joined with existing skills, and also a talented young sword cultivator who went out to sea to visit immortals. In the end, they all went to other places.
It was rumored on the mountain that the “Sword Immortal Xu Jun,” who is now famous in the Boundless World, was the young man who was heartbroken by Xiefeng Palace back then and had no intention of becoming a谱牒修士.
This was only because a strict rule was established by the founding ancestor: no sword cultivators would be accepted.
The Ailanthus Taoist did not use mind voice, and said directly, “隱官, I want Xiefeng Palace to be transferred to Fallen Mountain, and all cultivators to change their谱牒.”
After hesitating for a moment, the Ailanthus Taoist explained against his nature, “It’s really not copying the Dragon and Elephant Sword宗. This trip to Treasure Bottle Continent, this was already my intention. The reason I didn’t mention this at Village Painting Ford last time was because I really didn’t know how to bring it up appropriately.”
Originally, the old man was quite confident. No matter how one looked at it, Xiefeng Palace was still a宗字头 sect. But after witnessing the celebration firsthand and hearing that Qi Tingji had actually given the entire Dragon and Elephant Sword宗, except for himself, to Chen Pingan, the Ailanthus Taoist felt like his Dao heart was about to collapse.
Chen Pingan could infer the Dao tradition created by the Ailanthus Taoist through a series of clues, but when the other party said he wanted to hand over the entire宗门, becoming a vassal of Fallen Mountain, Chen Pingan was still greatly surprised. After pondering for a moment, he still declined, “Senior’s kindness is appreciated, but I cannot agree to this matter. I have too many things on hand and really can’t manage it.”
The Ailanthus Taoist said, “I understand, of course. With a new identity and having just ascended, anyone in your position would have no time for other matters, wishing that wherever your feet stood would be a training ground. However, the people in Xiefeng Palace are not complicated. I’m used to having the final say there. The隱官 doesn’t even need to visit Xiefeng Palace; it’s completely unnecessary. Just send a Jade Pure Realm cultivator over to be the new宗主, and that will suffice.”
Chen Pingan shook his head and smiled, “Still not possible.”
The Ailanthus Taoist hesitated, wanting to speak but finally saying nothing. He took out two summoning talismans from his sleeve and handed them to Chen Pingan, smiling, “I originally thought that if Xiefeng Palace became a subordinate宗 of Fallen Mountain, I could shamelessly save these two summoning talismans. The talismans were obtained from Old Heaven Master Liang, and it is said that they can help the holder be transported to a shattered ancient cave or blessed land, and the cave and blessed land can be connected. One is mine, and one is Gao Mian’s. Neither has anything to do with the sect.”
The old man reached out and touched the head of the little Taoist child beside him, with both reluctance and guilt, and said self-deprecatingly, “Money earned from selling a disciple is also good to give away.”
The little Taoist child wrinkled his face hard. Master knows he’s selling a disciple too.
Chen Pingan accepted the two great talismans and said, “Senior and Old Helper Gao can actually go to the Sword Cultivation Terrace at Fallen Mountain.”
The Ailanthus Taoist shook his head and said, “No. If the隱官 doesn’t say anything, at most it will make us overthink things and feel uncomfortable. If we go to see them, not only will our ears suffer, but we might also get beaten up.”
The Ailanthus Taoist said in mind voice, “I also know a friend. She’s different from us. Her real name is Zhou Song, and she is also in Golden Armor Continent now, a ghost immortal living in seclusion in the deep mountains. Her Daoist name is ‘Clear Temple,’ and her training ground is an ancient ruin called Mang Mountain. Almost no one in Golden Armor Continent knows of her existence. She predicted Old Jing Wanyan’s betrayal through divination long ago. Before that, Xu Xie going to Xiefeng Palace to ask me to be his master was also due to Zhou Song’s secret guidance. Xu Xie appearing on the Golden Armor Continent battlefield was entirely aimed at personally killing Old Jing Wanyan. It seems it was all Zhou Song’s arrangement.”
Chen Pingan kept it in mind and nodded, “When I travel to Golden Armor Continent, I’ll trouble Senior to show me the way.”
The Ailanthus Taoist cupped his fists and said, “If you change your mind at any time, just send a flying sword message to the Ancestral Hall of Xiefeng Palace.”
Chen Pingan did not speak.
Instead of feeling like he was getting the cold shoulder, the Ailanthus Taoist felt a bit nostalgic. In his hometown in earlier years, most sword cultivators had such tempers.
The little Taoist child Huang Shang had been standing by the Ailanthus Taoist’s side. Mustering his courage, he asked, “Mountain Master Chen, is Gan Xing here?”
Earlier, the child had met Gan Xing at the old mountain god temple and quickly became friends. When they went down the mountain, his master also told him about the couple who arrived later. The man was a mountain master, and the woman was the kind of sword immortal mentioned in strange tales. In short, they were both people of great responsibility and a match made in heaven. The child was half-understanding and bewildered. A mountain master, perhaps an immortal who owned a mountain. The little Taoist was not unfamiliar with mountains. These years, carrying his huqin and following his master around, he had always been in the mountains. His master was too old, so thin it seemed only old bones were left. His master also said that some mountains died, while others were still alive, but living mountains might die one day, and dead mountains might also come back to life one day.
Chen Pingan smiled and said, “Gan Xing and his master went to my Fallen Mountain. You can also drag your two masters there to find your friend. They might agree.”
Huang Shang was a little tempted, but after thinking about it, he decided against it. He didn’t want to accidentally lose his old master and then have his new master start to resent him.
Chen Pingan escorted the Ailanthus Taoist to the second courtyard. The latter smiled and said there was no need to see him off, and the State Preceptor could stay.
The old真人 stood in the shade of the pine trees, observing the game of Go between two young officials. When they heard the words of the thin Taoist, they immediately stopped their game. They dared not get up and return to their official quarters immediately, nor could they continue playing. After the distinguished guest left and the State Preceptor had also turned around and walked back to the third courtyard, they exchanged glances and decided to finish the game.
Leaving the State Preceptor’s mansion and walking a long distance, Huang Shang looked back at the magnificent building that seemed to squat on the ground like a giant spirit, and asked in a low voice, “Master, what is a State Preceptor?”
The Ailanthus Taoist collected his thoughts, regained his composure, and explained softly, “If the ruler is mediocre, they are the emperor’s teacher. If the ruler is wise, they are the emperor’s friend.”
Huang Shang was envious, and praised sincerely, “A high official! So impressive!”
The withered Taoist smiled. In fact, the first scholar to propose this view was the father of a friend.
This friend was named Meng Liang, courtesy name Buguan. He liked to call himself Ah Liang, the “Liang” of kindness, and he was a swordsman.
He remembered when they first met. They traveled together for a period of time in Golden Armor Continent. Both understood the principle of talking deeply despite a shallow acquaintance. The old Taoist said that in Golden Armor Continent, he had no master or backer, and no Dao tradition. The sloppy man who looked like he didn’t care about anything always drank expensive wine and would easily get red-faced from drinking. When it was time to pay the bill, his eyes would become blurry with intoxication, and his speech would be slurred. As soon as the old Taoist paid the bill, he would immediately become like someone whose soul had returned, shrinking his neck and shivering his shoulders, instantly becoming energetic and vigorous.
Once, he rarely talked about his family background, saying that his father was a Confucian scholar who studied, taught, and wrote books his whole life, and was just a scholar in this life.
He also sighed and said that he couldn’t teach or write books, but he was actually a proper scholar, truly not lying. He was generous in his life and never complained.
After leaving the restaurant, that fellow, while saying high-sounding words, grinned and grimaced, complaining that the dishes were too salty or too bland, and that the wine was probably watered down, causing his old brother to be ripped off.
Perhaps he noticed that the old Taoist beside him had an unfriendly look in his eyes. The man who had just burped started quoting from books, words copied from who knows what obscure volume.
The human world is neither big nor small; it’s all created by the yin and yang in people’s hearts. The ways of the world are neither wide nor narrow; width and narrowness are all in the wine cup, overturning the universe.
Later, the two sides gradually became familiar, and the old Taoist even accompanied him on a trip to Fuyao Continent. Looking back now, he still regrets it.
The last time the two sides drank together, heavy snow was falling outside the wine shop. The man seemed genuinely drunk and shouted that he wanted to travel far. The wine shop owner was a woman who still had some charm. The man raised his voice and said, “Daily progress, study to illuminate brightness. Life is not easy; respect and cherish it.” The owner was knowledgeable and immediately looked at him with new eyes. She asked this man, whose talent seemed completely opposite to his appearance, if he had any academic achievements.
The man might have been thin-skinned, feeling somewhat embarrassed, and mumbled, saying he was a traveling swordsman.
It was freezing outside. After three rounds of drinks, their hearts were warm from drinking. Leaving the shop, the heavy snow had not yet stopped. When they parted, plum blossoms were in sight.
He said he was going to a very distant place to find someone whose name contained the character “熙” (xi), to see how high his learning was, and to see if that person was diligently studying.
And to see if there was a good girl in his family who was beautiful, gentle, virtuous, and still unmarried.
The old Taoist teased, “What if such a good woman is already married?”
Ah Liang adjusted his bamboo hat, wiped his mouth, his eyes gleamed, and he chuckled.
No longer acting like a carefree fellow, he said goodbye to his friend. The man walking alone in the snow, the accumulated snow rustling under his feet, turned his back to the old Taoist. He raised his arm and made a fist to bid farewell.
The Ailanthus Taoist was full of sadness.
As it turned out, the next day, when the old Taoist happened to pass by a nearby street, he heard a familiar voice from a distance. He went to the wine shop and found the fellow with his back to the door, one foot on a stool, playing drinking games and singing with the beaming owner.
The past was as vivid as turning a thin old book.
Walking on the Qianbu Corridor, the Ailanthus Taoist was utterly perplexed.
Didn’t they say there was a saying in his hometown a few years ago?
What was it about seeing things from afar and up close?
Having seen the young隱官, he didn’t look like him either.
In the backyard of the State Preceptor’s mansion, the girl with a mink hat stood with her hands on her hips, looking up at the tall Song Yunjian and the even taller peach tree, which had just burst into brilliant bloom.
Xiao Mo sat on the steps, his hiking staff across his knees.
Chen Pingan was in Lin Shouyi’s room, chatting with Cao Qinglang about “family learning and mental methods.” These were not about the principles of sages, but rather tricks on how to deal with scholars. For example, if one was going to visit an elderly gentleman with many works to his name and didn’t know him well beforehand, one should at least carefully read his books the night before so that they could have a good conversation when they met the next day.
Chen Pingan put down a booklet. It was a collection of poems with the character “雪” (snow) compiled by Lin Shouyi in his leisure time, with some annotations and comments. “A bit lacking compared to the old cook,” he said.
Lin Shouyi smiled and said, “How so?”
Chen Pingan stood up and asked, “I’m going to find a stall to get a bowl of wontons. Want to come?”
Lin Shouyi, always gentle and refined, said, “I don’t sit at the same table as useless people.”
Leaving the room, he slowly walked along the winding corridor where he could hear the rustling of brush on paper. The young officials in each room, busy with official duties, continued to work.
In fact, Chen Pingan didn’t particularly like snowy winters. Just like when he brought Pei Qian and once passed by the capital of the Daquan Dynasty, looking at the mirage city from the mountaintop, it was truly a beautiful scene like a glazed immortal realm. The mountain and the city were not many steps apart, yet Chen Pingan still didn’t go there to wander around. This wasn’t just a way of actively drawing a line with Yao Jinzhi, but also because Chen Pingan had always been afraid of snowy days. Even after practicing punches and learning swordsmanship, and his realm becoming higher and higher, he would still have some indescribable complex emotions whenever it snowed heavily.
A country fears drought, and a poor person fears snowy days.
At a roadside breakfast stall, the man sat down, ordered a bowl of wontons and a meat pie with preserved vegetables, and ate slowly. People came and went on the street. He paid attention to the men’s boots and the women’s accessories.
The stall owner had no idea that this inconspicuous customer was one of the richest men in the Dali Dynasty.
Dong Shuijing looked up, somewhat surprised. This was truly an unexpected visitor. Dong Shuijing put down his chopsticks and smiled, “Why are you here?”
The person who came was Chen Pingan, who had used an illusion. He pulled out a pair of chopsticks from the bamboo tube on the table and ordered a bowl of celery wontons.
Dong Shuijing said, “Congratulations.”
Chen Pingan nodded and smiled, “So distant. You even reached the State Preceptor’s mansion but didn’t even enter the door. What, do you think we should go our separate ways now that I’m an official?”
Dong Shuijing hesitated and said, “Times are different now. We should avoid suspicion to some extent.”
Mr. Xu, who led him onto the path of the赊刀人, once said that if money and power can both be pure, they can be gentlemen of virtue, chaste women, and martyrs. But as long as they are sticky together, they are like dry wood and fierce fire, like male thieves and female prostitutes.
Dong Shuijing said directly, “My current business doesn’t really need to rely on the State Preceptor’s influence anymore.”
Chen Pingan didn’t mind and said, “That’s the logic, but it’s not good to become distant just to avoid suspicion, is it?”
Dong Shuijing said, “It’s just a little caution here in the capital of Dali. In other places, it’s business as usual. We won’t drift further apart.”
Chen Pingan smiled and asked, “You’re being distant with me, but I’m not being polite with you. Let me ask, who is the imaginary enemy in the heart of Dong Half-City, Mr. Fan, or God of Wealth Liu?”
In the matter of making money, Chen Pingan had few peers of his generation that he was ashamed to admit inferiority to. Dong Shuijing was one of them.
Making money relies on both intuition and instinct. What profession in the world doesn’t need to emphasize that the founding master blesses them with food?
Dong Shuijing clearly had a draft in mind and said, “I don’t want to learn from Mr. Fan and become a founding master, nor do I have the ambition of God of Wealth Liu to expand the family. I earn money just to earn money. I enjoy the process of making money. I will count exactly how much I earn during the process. I always imagine that one day, there will only be enough money in the account book to buy a few bowls of wontons, taken from heaven and earth, and returned to heaven and earth.”
Chen Pingan chewed the pie loudly and said indistinctly, “Hearing this kind of talk sounds like it deserves a beating. Who would believe it?”
Dong Shuijing smiled and said, “I haven’t told anyone such heartfelt words before. Others may not believe it, but you will.”
Chen Pingan asked, “Do you still read?”
Dong Shuijing nodded and said, “Of course. But mostly miscellaneous books, not involving classics and principles.”
Chen Pingan advised, “Others are fine. Whether they read or not, what books they read, interest always comes first. You are different. Big money should either be matched with great virtue, or at least with strong skills. You should read more books. I never understood before why every time I asked Mister about academic questions and presented my insights, Mister would listen patiently and always say ‘good,’ or ‘very good,’ or ‘excellent’ as a 평가.”
Dong Shuijing’s eyes were strange.
Chen Pingan smiled and said, “What you are thinking now is what I was thinking back then. So later, one time on the city wall, after practicing swordsmanship, I asked Senior Brother Zuo and only then knew the reason. It turned out that Mister believed that gaining something from reading, whether it was having doubts, thoughts, or insights, was truly good. He wasn’t just humoring me, nor was it because I was his closed-door disciple that he said it was good. Furthermore, Mister had seen more people and experienced more things. His breadth of mind wasn’t just broadened by reading; it was also forcefully expanded by everything in the human world.”
Dong Shuijing was silent.
Chen Pingan picked up a wonton with his chopsticks, chewed slowly, and said slowly, “In scholarship, one must be painstaking and endure loneliness, but also be full of killing intent. It’s like meeting an enemy in a narrow alley, meeting on a narrow road. One must strike at the throat and see blood before stopping.”
“On a travelogue on the desk in the State Preceptor’s mansion, I saw some reading notes written by Senior Brother Cui.”
“Scholarship must have killing intent, and reading must have unique moves. Good books, ordinary books, kill them all. The sages and heroes, villains and thieves in the books, all beheaded.”
A man who had never attended a school for a day was talking about scholarship with a man who had decided from a young age to make a lot of money, while they ate wontons at a roadside stall.
Dong Shuijing looked deeply at his peer across the table. “Do you have your own insights?”
Chen Pingan raised his hand to signal the owner, handed over his empty bowl, and asked for another bowl of wontons. He smiled and said, “Yes, how could I not? I’ve figured out a clumsy method. Before in the Heart Lake Bookstore, I had already accumulated a million book excerpts, but unfortunately… they’re all gone. It doesn’t matter, I’ll start from scratch. In short, first win by quantity, then seek refinement, slowly. Confucian classics, histories, philosophies, collections, Taoist Three Caves and Four Supplements, etc., I’m not bragging, I’ve diligently studied specialized books like catalogs, editions, and literature these years. My approach is naturally more about textual research and less about invention, more about copying and less about generalization. To describe a large temple, there is a saying about riding horses to close the temple gate. The first time I heard this saying in earlier years, I was immediately stunned. Later, I saw the Buddhist allusion about the Dragon Palace hiding books, which was even more incredible. So my reading method, my unique mental method, is incredibly simple: at a certain moment, I literally ‘finished reading the book.’ Heh, that’s the advantage of cultivating the Dao.”
Dong Shuijing nodded, “I heard old people say before that how much money we earn in this life is what we saved up in our previous lives, and the fortune and misfortune of our next life are the merits and demerits of this life.”
After leaving his hometown, Dong Shuijing had also heard similar principles. For example, the wisdom of this life and this body is the “family fortune” we have accumulated life after life.
Dong Shuijing pondered for a moment, “Occasionally, just occasionally, I still feel a little regret that I didn’t continue studying back then, thinking it would be better to go to Cliffside Academy to study with you.”
Back then, he and Jiacun Jiadou gave up that academic path which was bound to be full of crises, and from then on, they took completely different paths from Li Baoping, Lin Shouyi, and the others.
It was unimaginable that Li Huai, who used to get sleepy as soon as he memorized something and became lively as soon as class was over, had actually become a proper academy sage.
Dong Shuijing said self-deprecatingly, “To be honest, I never thought I could actually become a wealthy landlord with tons of money. Everyone has their destiny. We are all very lucky.”
Chen Pingan was silent for a long time, then smiled softly, “It’s okay. Learning is in books and outside of books.”
Dong Shuijing was stunned for a moment.
Chen Pingan said, “Actually, it was Mister Qi who said it. I’m just copying it.”
Dong Shuijing smiled, “Like.”
Just like it was difficult for Dong Shuijing and the others to call him little Martial Uncle.
And it seemed difficult for Chen Pingan to call Qi Shixiong.
In the distance, beside a stall selling rouge and powder, Gu Can asked, “Why don’t you go over and freeload?”
Liu Xianyang smiled and said, “Although we’re good friends from the same hometown, we’re ultimately not on the same path.”
One is too good at making money, always feeling like he won’t have enough to eat tomorrow, and the other is too good at spending money, always believing that he will never starve tomorrow.
Although Liu Xianyang is slightly older than Dong Shuijing, they both studied together at Mr. Qi’s school back then and can be considered half-classmates.
Gu Can said, “To put it bluntly, you admit that your ability to make money is not as good as his, so you don’t have the face to approach Dong Half-City.”
Liu Xianyang nodded and said, “Dong Shuijing’s ability to make money is just like my talent in sword cultivation. There’s no logic to it.”
I have to say, our hometown really produces talents.
Gu Can said, “You, on the surface, are all smiles and jokes, but in reality, you are more competitive than anyone. You are not stingy, though; you are willing to teach Chen Pingan everything. When he becomes stronger than you, you are afraid of losing, so you simply don’t touch that field of study anymore.”
Liu Xianyang nodded and said, “I do have this bad habit. I humbly accept, but I will not change.”
Gu Can said, “Then why do you still practice swordsmanship?”
Liu Xianyang had no choice but to use his killer move, “Don’t force me to let Chen Pingan scold you.”
Gu Can pouted.
The stall owner was a pretty young girl who said to the tall man, “Customer, if you’re not buying anything, please move. You’ve been delaying business for a long time.”
Liu Xianyang had no choice but to give up his spot. Gu Can followed him. Unexpectedly, the girl smiled and said, “Little brother, I wasn’t talking about you.”
Dong Half-City, who considered himself able to see through the word “fame” but not the word “money” in this life, was like walking on a road of wealth that was flowing continuously.
A voice sounded in his heart lake, “Dong Shuijing, make a little more money. When the Colorful World opens its doors again, let’s try to open a shop together. I’ll still be the co-manager.”
Dong Shuijing stopped, turned around, looked over, and smiled, “Okay!”
Chen Pingan walked towards Liu Xianyang and Gu Can, and they wandered around aimlessly together.
By chance, a young woman with a cool expression walked out from the corner of the street and happened to meet the three of them.
After many years of separation, seeing Wang Zhu again, there were no lingering thoughts. Liu Xianyang’s expression was relaxed. He cupped his hands and smiled, “Miss Zhigui, long time no see. I missed you.”
Wang Zhu reached out her hand, “I heard you’re getting married. Give me the invitation.”
Liu Xianyang laughed heartily, “No need for invitations. No need for wedding money either. If my Dao companion and I pass by the East Sea Mansion in the future, giving us face is enough.”
Wang Zhu smiled, “Likes face, still the same.”
Gu Can on the side muttered mockingly, “Meeting old friends in a foreign land, tears flow. Especially those with intertwined red threads. Even if there’s缘 but no分, can’t sleep together, you should at least cry together holding each other.”
Wang Zhu smiled and said, “The ground in Mud Bottle Alley was relatively clean back then thanks to a certain snot-nosed kid who couldn’t change his habit of having a stinky mouth.”
Gu Can pretended to understand, “We had an agreement. In Mud Bottle Alley, the dog shit belongs to me, and the chicken shit belongs to you. I wonder who was the one who liked to take small advantages the most and insisted on taking more.”
Wang Zhu thought for a moment, then smiled and said, “Remember one summer, for over ten days straight, who was it that stayed out in the scorching sun every day, bending over by the field, but couldn’t catch that loach? Was it fun?”
Gu Can said, “Oh, that peeking loach. I named it Song Jixin. It was a bit sneaky.”
Liu Xianyang quickly coughed. Wang Zhu glared at Gu Can.
Chen Pingan didn’t say a word from beginning to end.
This kind of back-and-forth was too commonplace and was far from reaching the point of getting angry and falling out.
Liu Xianyang raised his arm and beckoned, clicking his tongue in wonder, “What a day! We keep meeting important people as soon as we go out. Song Ban Chai, over here, over here!”
When Prince Song Mu approached, Gu Can twitched his mouth and tutted, “Looks quite decent, like he’s on a secret inspection like in the operas, observing the suffering of the people? Do you know how much a meat bun costs?”
Song Jixin squinted at Gu Can and smiled, “I checked the almanac before going out. Today is not suitable for beating sons.”
Gu Can asked, “When are you going to kick the bucket so I can inherit the family business?”
Liu Xianyang laughed heartily.
Song Jixin reminded him, “Surname Liu, it seems only you are not from Mud Bottle Alley.”
Liu Xianyang smiled and said, “When are we going to drink your and Miss Zhigui’s wedding wine? I’ve already prepared the wedding money.”
Gu Can sneered, “We were all brothers in distress, suffering in silence like eating bitter herbs. Elder Brother, don’t talk about Second Brother.”
Wang Zhu blinked her eyes, “What do you mean?”
Chen Pingan said, “It’s not easy to get together. Learn from me and say fewer strange things.”
Song Jixin tutted, Liu Xianyang spat, Wang Zhu oh’d, and Gu Can smiled happily.
The way of scholarship is to be determined to learn. Learning is asking. Learn first, then ask. Then learn and ask again, like a continuous flow, a vast river of knowledge.
State Preceptor Chen Pingan, Sword Immortal Liu Xianyang,宗主 Gu Can, Prince Song Jixin, and Water Lord Wang Zhu.
They walked together on the wide street, which was not as bustling as before, but still very long.