From the dragon throne, Emperor Song He cast aside formalities and spoke with blunt intent. Yet, Chen Ping’an remained silent, seemingly lost in contemplation. The Emperor, however, was not easily deterred. A glance at the untouched feast before them, and he subtly shifted his chair, angling it towards Chen Ping’an. “Might we speak more comfortably, Chen Xian?” he inquired, his voice laced with royal composure.

Chen Ping’an nodded, mirroring the Emperor’s movement. He adjusted his robes, settled back into the chair, and casually crossed his legs, revealing a pair of simple yet meticulously crafted cloth shoes.

“Take your time, Chen Xian,” Song He said, a hint of imperial patience in his tone. “I can wait.”

A faint smile touched Chen Ping’an’s lips. “Is this the Dowager Empress’s wish?” he asked, his eyes sharp.

Song He shook his head, “This… is my own idea.”

The Emperor knew better than to expect immediate agreement to become the Grand Li’s national instructor.

Three tables stood arrayed for celebration, yet held no merriment.

The Emperor and Chen Ping’an occupied one alone, their purpose far from festive. At another table stood the graceful Empress Yu Mian.

For his incognito journey, Emperor Song He had chosen but a select few attendants. There was Yu Mian, the ever-present Imperial consort; an aged eunuch, disguised as a wealthy merchant; and a reclusive Song family guardian, a keeper of the imperial tombs, rarely seen in the court’s bustling halls. The final escort waited by the carriage outside the estate’s imposing gates.

Yu Mian had encountered her share of mountain ascetics. Men of captivating charm such as Wei Bo of North Mountain, or the eternally youthful master from the Snow Temple.

Yet, some left a deeper impression on the Empress’ mind. One such man was Ruan Qiong, the chief protector of the Grand Li, a taciturn warrior seemingly eager to return to his mountain forge. Even stranger was Tong Wenchang, the lord of West Mountain, clad in simple linen, often barefoot.

The image of the lord of West Mountain fidgeting about in his seat caused a certain level of disquiet for the Empress.

And then, there was the young sword immortal from Fallen Phoenix Mountain, an individual Yu Mian would not soon forget.

A woman of keen observation, Yu Mian noticed the impeccable stitching of the sword immortal’s simple cloth shoes.

At the final table sat the families united by the newlywed couple. Officials of the capital, respectable but not powerful, all from noble lineages.

A hushed silence filled the air, broken only by the giddy excitement of the young couple, wide-eyed in disbelief.

Lin Shuyi, an outsider amongst them, sat beside his classmate Shi Jiachun.

Empress Yu Mian had turned and given the couple a smile and nodded for them to sit, but remained standing herself. It was then the bride’s father, Bian Wenmao, attempted to rise but remained seated.

“I have a question, Chen Xian,” Emperor Song He began, cutting through the quiet tension.

“Ask away,” Chen Ping’an replied casually, his voice calm.

“It seems,” Song He continued, “that despite the hardships you faced in your youth, your feelings towards the Grand Li Empire are not entirely negative.”

He cited an incident from Chen Ping’an’s journey, where, in the midst of the Jade Bottle Continent, the swordsman faced down a contingent of soldiers, proudly proclaiming, “Chen Ping’an of the Grand Li stands before you!”

Chen Ping’an twisted his wrist and a crimson gourd appeared. “My first journey, to the Cliffside Academy of the Great Sui, began and ended at the Yefu Pass. We crossed through the Yellow Court. I recall encountering a border patrol, a young soldier among them, no older than twenty. His eyes reflected the resolve to die on behalf of the Grand Li. He believed us to be spies. After proving otherwise, he dismounted from his horse to hand me my papers and invited us to rest at the barracks.”

The young swordman concluded his anecdote.

The Emperor listened intently to the story, his brow furrowed. “Such a small thing?”

“A small thing?” Chen Ping’an retorted. “A soldier willing to die against immortals and dedicated to protecting his people. No,” Chen Ping’an shook his head. “I do not think so.

“The sword light of the Sword Qi Great Wall, the chivalry of the Northern Reed Continent, and the hooves of the Grand Li’s iron cavalry, uphold the sky,” Chen Ping’an finished.

Such words, spoken by another, might be deemed arrogant or inappropriate. Yet, from Chen Ping’an, they carried a weight of truth.

Empress Yu Mian poured the Emperor a drink. Chen Ping’an offered a friendly nod.

“Yu Mian has always thought of you as a man of outward strength and inner wisdom,” Song He remarked, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Chen Ping’an raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And how does she reach such a conclusion?”

“The table outside Fallen Phoenix Mountain, offering tea to passersby.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled, dismissing the comment. “And the woodsmen and kiln workers who feel comfortable enough to sit down and drink,” Song He continued, undeterred. “As Yu Mian says, ‘Riches and honor are common amongst the poor, but those that leave with full bellies are rare. Good omens rarely occur, but if good deeds are always present, so too will they be’. ”

“The Empress is a wise woman,” Chen Ping’an admitted, acknowledging her insightful nature.

Shi Jiachun leaned forward, eyes darting towards Chen Ping’an. He appeared to be a different man. His skin tanned, wearing simple cloth shoes. He was still smiling as before but his air was more ethereal.

Shi Jiachun looked toward her husband. Her husband of many years and saw grey hairs in his temples. She looked to Lin Shuyi and noticed that he appeared to be a young man still.

Lin Shuyi jested, “Remember to take the seat the Emperor sat on and place it as your family treasure!”

Shi Jiachun smiled at the remark but her husband tugged her sleeve.

The Empress looked toward Lin Shuyi. A Nascent Soul cultivator and a former priest.

The Emperor held him in high regard and even considered having him be in charge of the ministry.

The other members of the former Splendor Mountain were making names for themselves in the world and even with the reputation he made. Lin Shuyi was not one of them.

“What are they talking about?” Shi Jiachun whispered, the question directed towards Lin Shuyi.

“I cannot hear it.” Lin Shuyi whispered back, referencing the barriers placed to conceal the contents of the two men’s discussion.

“How dare he speak so casually in front of the Emperor,” Shi Jiachun remarked.

“He was the last Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall.”

“Is that so.”

“Don’t worry, whatever the results are, it will benefit you. Chen Ping’an is thorough.”

“Understood. I believe in them.” Shi Jiachun replied.

Meanwhile, Xiaomo and Xian Wei were not in attendance. The two of them were in an alleyway near the estate. Xiaomo stood guarding as Xian Wei sat and consumed cheap wine that he had bought.

“An official of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices,” Xian Wei commented after glancing at the motorcade. “And a capital officer. Impressive. Master Cao is truly a man of connections. I’m drinking money!”

“What is it with you and drink?” Xiaomo asked.

“I’m not drinking the alcohol, I’m drinking the chance!” Xian Wei grinned. “I’m a man of fortune!”

“By the way. What do you think about the Old Master’s comments towards Master Cao? Why do they call him mountain lord?” Xian Wei asked.

“Master Cao is Master’s pseudonym.” Xiaomo replied.

“Yes, but what about the term, ‘mountain lord?’ Does he actually own a mountain filled with treasures?” Xian Wei followed up.

Xiaomo looked towards Xian Wei. “Master bought a few mountains in his hometown.”

“How big are they?”

“You’ll see soon, just wait.” Xiaomo said.

“When we join Master, what would you like to do?” Xiaomo asked.

“I want to fight spirits, be entranced by goddesses.” Xian Wei chuckled.

“I regret asking. Always remember, those of high status speak little and the stone that cannot speak is more likeable than the flower that speaks too much.” Xiaomo replied.

Xian Wei nodded and was about to continue but noticed something. “Master’s mountain is not near the Mountain of Clouds, is it?”

“Why would it be?”

“The man of high virtue is on the mountain and is incorruptible! I heard he has parties that bleed the other immortal lords dry! Even a chicken would have to lay an egg if they flew over it!” Xian Wei exclaimed.

Xiaomo was surprised. Even if some of it was exaggerated.

“Hey, look at that driver!” Xian Wei suddenly pointed out. “Look at the muscles! He could punch through a table or make one vomit a gourd of blood! We should avoid people like that.”

Xiaomo saw the driver who was standing beside the carriage. *There is an Qi practitioner of some sort and a Fallen Phoenix Mountain official who has been registered recently. It seems he was with Master Cao recently as well. I should be wary of the driver.*

The driver attempted to peer into Xiaomo’s aura.

“That’s not polite to do, is it?” Xiaomo said through the use of his inner voice.

The driver stopped. “A swordsman? Assigned to be with Chen Ping’an or is this one from the Sword Qi Great Wall?” the driver asked.

“I am a swordman, as for where I’m from. Respect Master, or call him Lord Chen.” Xiaomo replied.

“Were you the one that injured that old geomancer?” the driver followed up.

“Do you wish to know me?” Xiaomo replied.

The driver almost lost his composure.

“When did you get so civil.” Xiaomo commented.

The driver ignored the taunt.

Xiaomo fixed his hat. “The past was filled with thunder but I cannot hear it anymore,” Xiaomo commented.

The driver opened his eyes and looked intently at the young cultivator. “Who are you!?”

“Nobody special,” Xiaomo replied.

Xian Wei had already retreated into the alleyway for cover.

At the estate, Chen Ping’an was forced to escort the Emperor and Empress out of the estate. However, Chen Ping’an stopped right at the doorstep.

“Were those shoes you were wearing made by Lady Ning?” Empress Yu Mian asked.

“No, they were given by a grandmother.” Chen Ping’an replied, smiling.

Bian Wenmao and the two families all followed behind the nobles.

“What did Chen Xian say?” Yu Mian asked the Emperor as they left.

“He said he’ll let me know next time he’s in town,” Song He replied.

“Don’t get upset.” Yu Mian teased the Emperor.

Song He chuckled and held her hand.

Meanwhile, Chen Ping’an was talking with Lin Shuyi.

“Still the same? Can’t talk to your dad?” Chen Ping’an asked, smiling.

“I’m used to it,” Lin Shuyi replied.

“I respect your heart. It does not lose to any others.” Chen Ping’an said.

“Just take care of yourself.”

Chen Ping’an took out a book. “It’s from Sir Qi. Take a look and see if you can learn anything from it.”

Lin Shuyi placed it into his robe. “If you’re going to give it to me, don’t phrase it in a way that I’m taking from you.”

“When are you leaving.” Lin Shuyi asked.

“Soon. I have to visit Cotton Tree Continent for the creation of the sect’s foundation.” Chen Ping’an said.

“If I can’t make it, send my gift along with Don Shujing. He has plenty of money for the both of us.”

“Just take it easy.”

The two saw each other eye to eye.

Chen Ping’an motioned to Xiaomo to follow him.

As for the Emperor and Empress, they were in their carriage.

“What did Chen Xian say?” Yu Mian asked.

“He’ll let me know next time he passes by the capital,” Song He replied.

Yu Mian grabbed the Emperor’s sleeve. “Don’t be upset.”

Spring Mountain Academy.

The Old Master was waiting for his two disciples.

The Old Master had a good impression of the academy. Especially after he was able to call Zhou Jiagu his nephew.

The Old Master was looking at the school.

“Beautiful name and the words are written beautifully. They are Master Qi’s Spring and Cui Dongshan’s Mountain.”

Chen Ping’an and Lin Shuyi arrived and bowed to the Old Master.

“What are your favorite studies of mine?” the Old Master asked.

“Exhortation to Learning.” Chen Ping’an replied.

“Discourse on Heaven.” Lin Shuyi said.

“Those are beautiful answers. A gentleman never stops learning. Those who understand the separation between man and heaven are truly advanced.”

“Lin Shuyi, are there any questions you have about Discourse on Heaven?”

“A few things come to mind.”

“Very good. If there are no questions, then the knowledge becomes the same as food that has been digested. Let’s talk while we walk. You ask, I’ll answer. Oh, and if you have any questions about learning, you may address the Academy of Merit, for cultivation you can address Master Xi Ping. If you have any larger problems.”

“I will take money from you without interest,” Chen Ping’an replied.

The Old Master grinned.

“There he is. A perfect disciple.”

Lin Shuyi reached out his hand. “Give it to me.”

“What?”

“To break through to the Nascent Soul, I need several heavenly treasures. It costs approximately one hundred Valley Rain Coins. I was going to find the money while in the capital.”

Chen Ping’an looked to his Master.

“Oh, the scenery of the Academy is quite beautiful.” the Old Master commented.

Chen Ping’an smacked Lin Shuyi’s hand away. “Wait a bit until I return to Fallen Phoenix Mountain. I’ll borrow the money from Wei Wenlong. I’m sure it’ll be okay.”

Lin Shuyi retracted his hand. “For a sect master, don’t you have any savings?”

“A man doesn’t need savings!” Chen Ping’an replied.

The Old Master instantly understood why this disciple was the only one of his to find a woman.

Lin Shuyi asked his questions to the Old Master. Once he was done, Lin Shuyi excused himself.

“Before you enter seclusion to break through, be sure to let me know and I can guard you,” Chen Ping’an said to Lin Shuyi through the use of his inner voice. “How does that sound?”

“There’s no need to be polite, I will. Is that so?” Lin Shuyi replied.

“Oh, and that hundred Valley Rain Coins, you do have to pay me back later!” Chen Ping’an reminded Lin Shuyi.

Lin Shuyi only chuckled as a response.

*It seems that this is suspended.* Chen Ping’an thought.

The two returned to the gate where Lin Shuyi met the yellow-hatted cultivator and a young monk.

The Old Master took out a silk pouch and handed it to Chen Ping’an.

The pouch contained the colorful rope woven from the hundred flowers in the Hundred Flower Grotto-Heaven.

“The knots of enemies are better loosened than tightened. Seal it with Baihua Heaven and they have to apologize sincerely! If they do not apologize then do not go!” the Old Master commented.

“If they don’t apologize, then you must promise Seal Granny that you must not let the flower pickers be killed.”

“Master, I know Granny Seal. But for the entire grotto-heaven? Even if they offered, I wouldn’t take it.” Chen Ping’an replied.

“Do not worry about Aliang or Lefty. Li Huai made an innocent comment that Aliang can’t stay single forever and Lefty must give him some instructions.”

“Is that so?” Chen Ping’an asked in disbelief.

Chen Ping’an was relieved.

“Xiaomo!” the Old Master called out.

Xiaomo told Xian Wei to roam around and headed to the Old Master.

“Master Xiaomo. I will soon return so you will have to take care of Master.” the Old Master said.

“I cannot promise that nothing bad will happen, but when bad things do happen, I will be by Master’s side.” Xiaomo replied.

“Very good! I will get you on the good side of Old Bai!” the Old Master chuckled. “And you won’t have to report anything to those old bastards.”

“Thank you, Master, but I will pass. I do not want to cause any trouble.” Xiaomo replied.

The Old Master patted Xiaomo on the shoulder.

The Old Master praised Xiaomo.

“Sages and heroes meet each other and swords are drawn!” Chen Ping’an said.