The wind whispered through the gnarled willows as Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao entered the familiar embrace of the small town. Gone was the bustling presence of the Imperial Office’s construction, leaving behind a quiet, sun-drenched serenity. They passed a venerable old wine house, its three stories a relic of a time when it stood as the tallest structure in the town, though its top floor remained shrouded in mystery, forever closed to the public.

On a whim, Chen Ping’an declared their intent to drink within, a nostalgic smile gracing his lips as he recalled the days when only the wealthy merchants of Prosperity Lane and Peach Blossom Alley, or perhaps a dragon kiln master celebrating a new apprentice, could afford to indulge in its offerings.

It was during idle chatter near the Fire God Temple in the capital that Chen Ping’an learned the wine house was, in truth, an asset of Aunt Feng. The third floor served as a secluded retreat for her. Furthermore, Aunt Feng held title to a surprising number of properties. With a knowing twinkle in her eye, she revealed that a good portion of the dragon kiln mouths, now under private ownership, belonged to the seemingly humble Old Coachman, who resided in Second Son’s Lane. And Lu Wei, from the Yin-Yang School of the Central Plains, possessed numerous residences in both Prosperity Lane and Peach Blossom Alley.

Chen Ping’an chose a table bathed in sunlight by the window, ordering only a flagon of wine. The flagon and bowls were crafted from the local, beloved green porcelain. Ning Yao took only a small sip from a single bowl, but did not deter Chen Ping’an from his own enjoyment.

This very wine house had once played host to a rare visitor, a detail that even the nominal manager dismissed as fanciful, but one that elicited a sigh from Aunt Feng, the true owner. A scholar, his temples dusted with the snow of passing years, had requested a flagon of wine and a few dishes of snacks, then quietly imbibed on his own. From the second-story window, he would have been able to see the “Duty Above All” plaque on the town’s central gate.

After wine and food, Chen Ping’an’s face was flushed with a pleasant warmth, his eyes bright, as he lingered by the window, gazing towards the gate before descending with Ning Yao, back towards the Broken Mountain.

The westernmost home belonged to Li Huai’s family. It was there, a few years past, that they celebrated a joyful wedding, when Li Liu wed a traveling scholar, said to be the son of a high-ranking official. The mother had savored her moment, holding her head high and casting aside her usual scolding, her face radiant and welcoming to all, even those neighbors with whom she’d had disputes, sometimes even bloody ones. But now, the family had returned to the Northern Continent of Everwinter.

Ning Yao, curious, asked why Li Liu would marry. Chen Ping’an smiled, “It seems she wished to settle a past life’s entanglement, sever ties with the mortal world, and focus on cultivation, aiming to ascend to the Ascension Realm. Seems achievable.”

Ning Yao blinked.

Chen Ping’an sighed, “I don’t know, either.”

Ning Yao tilted her head.

Chen Ping’an added, “I meant, I don’t know what you’re thinking.”

Hidden within it all was a secret, one that kept Dong Shui Jing and Lin Shou Yi from despair, or perhaps, kept them from ambushing a certain good-for-nothing with a burlap sack. But it was not Chen Ping’an’s place to speak of it. The truth resided, more or less, with Li Liu, a marriage in name only. As for the scholar’s side of the story, only the heavens knew.

That evening, the table at Broken Mountain was filled with joyous laughter and companionship. At the head, Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao presided. Zhuli, the steward, and Wei Wen Long and Zhang Jia Zhen, who managed the mountain’s finances, were there too, as well as Mi Yu, Little Mo, and Xian Wei. At the foot, with their backs to the door, sat Chen Ling Jun, Little Millet, and Chen Nuan Shu.

The Old Cook had been busy in the kitchen. Chen Nuan Shu and Little Millet helped with the vegetables, while Little Mo brought dishes to the table. Xian Wei shook his head in amazement. Little Mo was certainly acting as if he belonged here, and why shouldn’t he? Soon he, Old Jia, and Chen Ling Jun would become sworn brothers. They only awaited an auspicious date from Old Jia to sever the chicken’s head and burn yellow paper in Dragon Riding Lane. Earlier at the table, Chen Ling Jun had clapped him on the shoulder hard enough to sting. But no matter, they were brothers! Chen Ling Jun had guaranteed Xian Wei that they would share everything and guaranteed that he would never be without plenty of tasty dishes.

To this, Old Jia had slapped the table and shouted a curse. Xian Wei had almost sobered up completely until Chen Ling Jun stood on his bench, hands on his hips, and roared with laughter. Xian Wei then realized that Old Jia was only chiding Chen Ling Jun for looking down on his abilities in the kitchen and loudly proclaimed himself to be an equal if not better chef than any in town.

Xian Wei found the heart-warming scene to be everything that he wanted from a jianghu brotherhood. It only left a little to be desired because, even with all of Old Zhuo’s dishes, there was still something that only Old Jia could provide. The only thing was, it didn’t matter because they were all there together, without any obligation for toasts or etiquette, just a group of people eating.

Zhuli smiled as he took a sip of wine and asked, “Little Mo, Brother Xian Wei, does this food suit you?”

Xian Wei answered without looking up, “It suits me very much.”

Little Mo simply emptied his cup.

Chen Ping’an asked Zhu Li, “Why isn’t Cen Yuan Ji here? Is she afraid that she won’t have a seat?”

Since Jiang Qu was training, Chen Ping’an told Zhu Li not to bother him.

Zhu Li smiled and explained, “No, she has her morning and evening meals that never change. It’s a medicinal diet, and this isn’t the time for them. After all, even the bravest of women are afraid of gaining weight. She promised to cook for you both and thank you.”

Chen Ping’an laughed.

Remembering something, Chen Ping’an asked, “Cen Yuan Ji’s parents are getting old. Are they healthy? When I last came home, Little Millet said that Cen Yuan Ji’s mother caught a cold.”

Zhu Li answered, “Dong San secretly pretended to be a doctor and helped look at her. She’s fine.”

Chen Ping’an nodded and said, “Be careful.”

Zhu Li nodded back.

After the meal, Chen Ping’an took Nuan Shu and Little Millet to Pei Qian’s residence. Chen Ping’an looked at Right Protector’s linen satchel and asked, “Where are the gold melon seeds? Were they too heavy to bring?”

The girl patted the satchel and whispered, “Only a small portion of my army is stationed here in this ‘escort city.’ The main force is elsewhere.”

There was an escort city, so that must mean that there was also a capital, which was just the name for one of the porcelain pots that Old Cook gave to Little Millet, Pei Qian, and Nuan Shu. Of course, the names for the city was also Pei Qian’s idea.

This was Chen Ping’an’s first time in Pei Qian’s courtyard, mostly because he hadn’t stayed at Broken Mountain for long.

For almost thirty years, he hadn’t been a very involved sect leader.

When they reached the house, there were two rooms, one was for living and the other was a study. It wasn’t locked and there weren’t even very many books.

There was a shelf that held many treasures that Pei Qian had gathered during her travels. According to Little Millet, she kept the most valuable items in the other room and also under her bed in locked boxes filled with books that even Nuan Shu didn’t have the keys to.

Chen Ping’an retrieved three multi-treasure shelves, large and small, from his storage space and began to assemble the largest one into what could now only be used as a desk since Pei Qian was so tall now. He found a very old, high-up stool and sat next to it.

Pei Qian used to practice her punches in the bamboo building, then return home to copy books every day. Chen Ping’an couldn’t imagine how that very same, unmotivated little girl had one day decided to start training. If he had known, he would have let her skip copying books.

Chen Ping’an then left Pei Qian’s residence. Little Mo stood outside. Nuan Shu and Little Millet were dismissed to tend to their own things.

Little Mo waved to the girls, then asked the question he had been wanting to ask ever since they were on the ferry. “When will the young master visit Misty Clouds Mountain?”

Chen Ping’an was caught by surprise. He was too close to Lord Wei and always forgot about visiting since Lord Wei always came to Broken Mountain. Chen Ping’an realized that this was impolite and said, “It’s better to visit sooner rather than later. We’ll go visit Lord Wei now.”

Together, they flew towards Misty Clouds Mountain.

Wei Bo was standing at the peak when they appeared. He was surprised and said, “Rare guests.”

Chen Ping’an was embarrassed.

Little Mo bowed and said, “Greetings, Lord Wei.”

The Lord Wei that he saw was tall and handsome, wearing white robes with gold earrings and a golden halo.

Lord Wei was a Mountain Lord so he knew about Little Mo, the newly appointed Ascendant Realm cultivator. Wei Bo smiled and cupped his hands, then said, “Greetings, Daoist Joyous Candle.”

Without a word, Little Mo took out two gifts, a jade axe and a jade battle-axe. In the current world, both could be considered demi-divine arms.

For Little Mo, they were all just chickens. Why not just give them away?

Wei Bo tried to refuse but Little Mo insisted and explained that Lord Wei had been close to Chen Ping’an since they were young, so it would be impolite to not accept the gift. He also declared that if his gift wasn’t accepted, then he wouldn’t come if Misty Clouds Mountain had another banquet.

Wei Bo was shocked at the forwardness, as he had been expecting at most some magical objects. Chen Ping’an hadn’t said anything yet, and he seemed to want Lord Wei to accept the gift. Wei Bo knew that if he didn’t, he would regret it.

Chen Ping’an then interjected, “Little Mo is a swordsman at the peak of the Ascendant Realm from the barbaric world. He slept for ten thousand years and returned to our world with Ning Yao and Sage Li.”

Lord Wei stopped his hand that was reaching for the gifts.

An Ascendant Realm Swordsman?! That would be equivalent to a previous barbarian king. Chen Ping’an asked, “Little Mo, what level are they?”

Little Mo said, “Demi-divine arms.”

Lord Wei was just about to force himself to accept the gifts.

Chen Ping’an grabbed his arm and Little Mo’s wrist, then said, “We are all family. Little Mo, take them away.”

Wei Bo laughed and said, “Little Mo, Chen Ping’an is right. We are all family, and I will accept them as a formality. Please come to the next banquet.”

If Chen Ping’an wasn’t being like this, then Wei Bo wouldn’t even care, but it was very clear to him now that not accepting the gift would lead to big problems.

Two might be a little too much, but one would be fine.

Wei Bo grinned.

He had been tricked into sending Misty Clouds Mountain bamboo from Lady Azure God, a true loss, and with his own money?

A friend said that he and Joyous Candle had become friends, so he had the right to accept it.

The two neighbors communicated in silence.

Chen Ping’an thought that he had lost, so he simply took to watching the two others and said, “Little Mo, we should wait for an invitation. We don’t often get this sort of opportunity.”

Wei Bo put the jade axe and jade battle-axe into his sleeves, then smiled, “Tea or wine? You decide.”

Chen Ping’an laughed and said, “How about Mountain Energy? Sound good?”

Wei Bo waved his sleeves and said, “As you wish.”

Little Mo thought that the young master and Lord Wei were very close, so the gifts had been worth it. What was Misty Clouds Mountain without the hills, trees, pavilions, and buildings.

Today, they simply had friends, pine-flower wine, and spring-water tea.

Lord Wei made excellent pine-flower wine, but wasn’t known like Long Spring Palace wine.

Who would dare to casually drink pine-flower wine at Misty Clouds Mountain unless they were invited to the night banquet?

The most expensive alcohol in the world was either from Azure God Mountain or Misty Clouds Mountain in Treasure Bottle Continent.

The spring water from the Jade Spring was one of the finest in the continent and graded by Dong Shui Jing, the axeman.

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Allow me to host once. I’ll brew the tea.”

He sat down, flicked his sleeves, and displayed his water and fire techniques. Brewing tea became something beautiful.

Wei Bo smiled. Who would have thought the old boy would become an immortal like this?

Ning Yao was staying at Little Nuan Shu’s house. Little Millet often slept with Nuan Shu, so she did so again.

Chen Ping’an looked at books in the bamboo building then went to the ancestral home in Mud Bottle Lane, where he lit a lantern, and sat for a night.

The next morning, he returned to Broken Mountain with Ning Yao to visit Sword Forging Terrace.

Yu Yue, the sword cultivator, was a guest of the Cloud Mist Xie family. When he saw Chen Ping’an, he knew what he wanted and left as soon as possible. He didn’t want to lose two of his disciples. Chen Ping’an laughed, “Don’t think that I’m chasing you away.”

Yu Yue laughed and said, “Lord Yin Guan, tell Mi Yu to not be angry. I was intentionally calling him Sword Immortal these past few days. I wasn’t useful in the Great Wall of Sword Qi, but I still know its customs. If I can tell my friends, Pu He, it’s something to talk about. You dare call Mi Yu Sword Immortal? I dared, and always did.”

Yu Yue was lying if he said that he wasn’t afraid, but luckily, Mi Yu hadn’t really done anything. Yu Yue continued, “Please tell Lord Mi that I respect him.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, then asked, “Why don’t you tell him that yourself?”

Yu Yue laughed, “I used my mouth too much, so I’m afraid of him. Also, I’m afraid that Mi Yu won’t believe me, but he will trust Lord Yin Guan, so I’ll gain more this way.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, then looked at the children that were avoiding eye contact with Ning Yao. Chen Ping’an took out two prepared satchels and gave them to Yu Qing Zhang and He Xiang Ting, explaining, “Three hundred snowflake coins, which I exchanged for three Lesser Heat coins. It’s the rule of the Ancestral Hall that disciples going out will receive this. You haven’t formally apprenticed under Sword Immortal Yu, and I haven’t removed your names from the record, so I can’t break the rules.”

Yu Qing Zhang and He Xiang Ting each received a satchel that made them feel heavy.

He Xiang Ting, who enjoyed reading, worked up the courage to say, “Lord Yin Guan, we didn’t know.”

Yu Qing Zhang said, “Lord Yin Guan, sorry.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “It’s not a big deal. Your paths in life are your own. If you didn’t distance yourselves from me, then I wouldn’t have known what to do.” Chen Ping’an gave He Xiang Ting a stack of books, with a copy of Sword Arts Scripture on top. He said, “Read them. It’s up to you to decide what to read, and how much.”

He Xiang Ting bowed in thanks to the Lord Yin Guan of the Great Wall of Sword Qi and Chen of Broken Mountain. Yu Qing Zhang was about to say something, but scratched his head instead.

Chen Ping’an joked, “You can still change your minds.”

The two children grinned. This was probably the first time they smiled at Yin Guan this genuinely.

“If you apprenticed to a good master, you must train hard. Even at the Great Wall of Sword Qi, not every junior sword cultivator has a master to guide them.” Chen Ping’an lightly patted the heads of the children. “Cultivation is to make life better, but life is not just cultivation. You can learn that later.”

Both nodded. Chen Ping’an retracted his hand and said to Yu Yue, “Be stricter. Don’t just think about their cultivation, think about everything. Teaching someone to be human is just as important, if not more so, than giving them a valuable scripture. People say that wealthy people spoil their kids by giving them money, but that makes them arrogant. Kids become arrogant, so how can they become talented?

“In particular, Yu Qing Zhang and He Xiang Ting are from poor backgrounds. They will be suddenly living luxurious lives, so pay attention to this. People like us who are teachers need to teach by example rather than give them valuable texts. Compared to this, the ones that need money the least are the swordsmen. Don’t help with any trivial matter. Always teach them etiquette. Since they are sword cultivators, cherish their fortune and teach them to cherish the lives of others. Even though Yu Qing Zhang and He Xiang Ting are friends, their personalities are different. Allow Yu Qing Zhang to read more to open his mind. Give He Xiang Ting something practical to do so that he doesn’t become confined to a life in the books. I’m being long-winded.”

Chen Ping’an self-deprecatingly smiled. It wasn’t his place to say this since Yu Yue was the master now. Luckily, Yu Yue wasn’t narrow-minded, or else he would hold a grudge.

Yu Yue sincerely said, “Lord Yin Guan, this isn’t being long-winded, it’s sword arts.” He was reminded of their first meeting in Heron Islet, but today, he remembered that the young sword immortal was a disciple of the Sage of Literature, a learned man.

Chen Ping’an then said, “There is one thing that I won’t be polite about. Don’t let them get bullied. There are no worldly affairs, or grand schemes. A sword cultivator is a sword cultivator.”

“I don’t want children from the Great Wall of Sword Qi to become like people of the world, unlike sword cultivators. If they become like that, I’ll be sorry, but I’ll take over.”

Yu Yue solemnly said, “Lord Yu Yue of Flowing Sunset Continent won’t let Lord Chen down.”

Ning Yao, as was her style, taught the children a few things, though she didn’t use vocal transmission.

“Yu Qing Zhang, your sword talent is only decent. Don’t forget your roots. Don’t compare yourself to others. Read more and think more, and learn from Yin Guan.”

“He Xiang Ting, don’t let Yu Qing Zhang get too far ahead. Strive to not be more than a realm and a half apart. Also, don’t be narrow-minded. An upright mind leads to a clear sword heart, which then leads to sword arts.”

Ning Yao calmly said, “Remember every word.”

Both Yu Qing Zhang and He Xiang Ting trembled and said, “We will!”

It had been said that an expert could never tell another about his secrets. The new world had its first Jade Purity, Immortal, and Ascension Realm. With her sword, she had killed deities and gravely wounded a Dao Ancestor. She was the strongest in this new world. For the children, she was Ning Yao. There was not another sword cultivator like her.

Yu Yue quietly listened. He felt the same way as the two children.

Yu Yue thought, Yin Guan is amazing.

Ning Yao cupped her hands and said, “Thank you, Elder Yu.”

Yu Yue also cupped his hands and said, “You flatter me.”

Chen Ping’an took out a talisman boat and sent the three to Ox Horn Crossing since there wasn’t a direct route from Treasure Bottle Continent to Cloud Mist Continent. They would need to wait for a boat from Everwinter.

Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao waved goodbye near the railing.

Little Mo told Steward Zhu Li that he wanted to build a study. At Broken Mountain, the new guests would have houses near the bamboo building, but there weren’t many left. The only other options were to build on the back mountain or to take one of the attached hills.

When Little Mo found Zhu Li, the old cook was weaving baskets. Zhu Li said that it would be no problem since the artisans from Gray Mist Mountain were excellent. However, there was no land left, so Little Mo could either build near Azure Peak, build on the back mountain, or just pick a different location entirely.

Little Mo said that he could simply tear down his house and build a study in its place. It would only be two floors high.

Zhu Li thought for a moment and said that he could build it, since there was no need to give outsiders the money.

Little Mo thanked him. Their young master always admired Zhu Li’s erudition, and had even said that there was no skill that Zhu Li didn’t know or couldn’t master in just a few years.

Zhu Li asked, “Little Mo, do you have a name for it?”

Little Mo replied, “Two Confused Building.”

“Good name. It’s like our lord.”

Little Mo smiled and said, “It was named by our lord.”

Zhu Li said, “Our lord doesn’t name things often, so it’s clear that he likes you.”

Little Mo smiled. Zhu Li smiled and said, “I’m jealous. My study doesn’t even have a name. I wanted him to write me something, but no.”

Little Mo wondered about this, given the relationship between Zhu and Chen. However, he had read that one should never talk of his gains with those who have lost, so Little Mo simply asked, “Will I be delaying you?”

Zhu Li said, “It’s all work, and none of it is more important than another. It’s better to work with a friend.”

Little Mo took out a book of poetry and started reading. Zhu Li peered at the book and shook his head. “Do you think about them the most when the flowers are blooming, and hate them the most when the flowers are dying? This is trite. It should be that you resent them the most when the flowers are blooming, and remember them the most when they’re dying. Whether you hate or love them, it should always be when the flowers are there.”

Little Mo turned and bowed, “Sir Zhu, your words are beautiful. Without flowers, there is still fragrance.”

Zhu Li laughed and said, “Little Mo, you’re not bad yourself.”

Little Mo felt at ease. He seemed to naturally fit in at Broken Mountain. “Little Mo coming to Broken Mountain, Broken Mountain having Little Mo, are both lucky.” Zhu Li weaved the bamboo basket, then casually said, “The kindness of the strong is a gentle spring breeze.”

Little Mo was about to say something when a young Daoist ran over and shouted, “Little Mo! Turns out this is Broken Mountain!”

The boat was growing further. The nine children from the Great Wall of Sword Qi had all found their place and would all have a future.

Little Cook Cheng Zhao Lu became Sui Right Side’s disciple. Little Money Bag Na Lan Yu Die became Disciple for Order Chang Ming’s disciple. Yu Qing Zhang and He Xiang Ting followed Old Sword Immortal Yu Yue to Mist Clouds Xie and would travel across Flowing Sunset Continent. Yu Yue had said that the Cloud Mist Xie would be glad to accept two sword cultivators for free. He Gu, as well, became Mi Yu’s disciple because of Ning Yao. Yu Xie Hui refused to apprentice to Cui Wei.

Cui Wei had wanted to bring Yu Xie Hui on a boat to Parasol Leaf Continent, but Yu Xie Hui had refused to leave Sword Forging Terrace and had cursed Cui Wei for being a deserter.

Ning Yao had simply said that he would have to prove himself. First he had to apprentice under Cui Wei and beat him one day.

Sun Chun Wang made a better deal. He only needed to reach Jade Purity Realm to become her disciple. Bai Xuan refused to train, and was lectured. He simply wasn’t that talented.

The soft Yao Xiao Yan was simply told to have more courage.

Before, the children had all been afraid of Ning Yao, probably because of her power. She didn’t need to care about things. She just had to be herself.

The children from the Great Wall of Sword Qi all treated Ning Yao like the great sword immortals of old. To be lectured by her meant that you had potential. Ning Yao hadn’t originally wanted to say so much, but she was angry that the two children wanted to leave Broken Mountain and were resentful towards Chen Ping’an.

That left two children without mentors. Bai Xuan and Yao Xiao Yan. So Chen Ping’an asked if Little Mo wanted Bai Xuan. He would also ask if White Haired Boy wanted to teach Yao Xiao Yan some sword arts. Some things, like marriage or apprenticeships, couldn’t be forced.

Standing near the crossing, Ning Yao was hesitant, which was rare for her. Chen Ping’an grasped her hands and whispered, “Tell my friends from Sojourner’s Rest I said hello, and tell Guo Zhu Jiu that her master and senior are thinking of her.”

Ning Yao nodded.

Chen Ping’an patted her brow and said, “Don’t rush to be a Grand Sword Immortal.”

Ning Yao only nodded. “Ascension City has taken root, but I, the Yin Guan, wasn’t there. That’s not good.” Chen Ping’an flicked his wrist, then took out a duster that was from Immortal Hairpin City. Ning Yao shook her head. “You aren’t an outsider.” Chen Ping’an replied, “No, I got it from Immortal Hairpin City, which is a big difference. It’s best to place it at Sojourner’s Rest City.”

Ning Yao said, “I’ll wait for you.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Good.”

Chen Ping’an took a deep breath and said, “I’ll see you off.” The two turned into white and blue light, and flew towards the sky.

The Confucian sage in Treasure Bottle Continent opened the doors to the world.

To actually enter the new world, Ning Yao still had a long way to go, though it was safe like a highway. After the doors closed, the old sage said, “If you were unwilling, why not have her stay?” Chen Ping’an smiled.

Back at Broken Mountain. Chen Ping’an hung Night Travel on the wall of the bamboo building next to the couplet. Chen Ping’an looked at the books on his table. He looked at the Hundred Sword Immortal Imprint Anthology and Two Hundred Sword Immortal Imprint Anthology.

Old Yan had wanted to buy them, but Chen Ping’an had refused. Chen Ping’an left the bamboo building. The pond with the violet-gold lotus had already been moved. Looking at the empty pond, he remembered, Like a lotus that doesn’t touch water, so too do the sun and moon not stop in the sky. Cultivators living in the mountains must have eyes like the sun and moon, and a dao heart like the blue lotus.

Leaving the pond, he went to the stone table on the cliff.

Between the bamboo building and the cliff, there were stone bricks that Cui Dong Shan had helped lay. Zhu Li had said that Wei Xian had accepted a nine-year old orphan, Wei Xian, after getting drunk, had seen a thin, dirty girl buying wine.

She had bought two bowls and then drank them, then returned the bowls to the tavern.

She would patrol the town for her parents, walking as far as the post. She had nowhere to stay and would have to return to the candle shop.

The master was happy with this and agreed to search for her parents.

The child had said that when she was four, she was abandoned in a tomb and had almost died. Then, a turtle would come out in the moonlight, and she would copy it, which allowed her to survive. Chen Ping’an was shocked by the story.

According to Zhu Li, Broken Mountain was fortunate to receive such a prodigy, due to the fate of the master and the fortune of the sect.

Chen Ping’an took the books and started walking. This was nearby. He was going to Clear Origin County to meet some friends. A Daoist, and an aging hero. Chen Ping’an took his two sabers, the sabers for executions.

Rather than flying, he told Little Mo, who was holding a bamboo box and walking stick, that they would walk to town. Little Millet was sitting by the door in a bamboo chair, hiding something in her hands.

Chen Ping’an said, “Little Mo and I won’t be gone for long.”

Little Millet nodded. Chen Ping’an patted her head, then Little Mo said, “Right Protector, do you want me to buy anything?”

“There’s no need to spend any money.”

Little Mo said, “I have money.”

Little Millet shook her head, “It’s still money. Earning money isn’t easy.”

Chen Ping’an began practicing his sword-light escape technique. When he became tired, he would switch to water-cloud body. When he was really exhausted, he would take out the talisman boat.

In the Clear Origin County of Treasure Bottle Continent, there was a small martial hall. In it was Xu, the always losing hero. He had set aside two rooms for his friends. Xu Yuan Xia’s disciple, Guo Chun Xi, had once been a drunken layabout, but had been recruited by Zhou Fei as a disciple of Li Fu Qu. Every half-year, Guo Chun Xi would send a letter to his master.

Bai Xuan had even asked for a title from the hall.

Seeing Chen Ping’an, the gatekeeper remembered that he was the friend of the hall master. Rather than trying to block them, the gatekeeper simply said that the hall master was out and would be back in two days. Chen Ping’an asked about the route, and then found a quiet place to use his water-cloud body.

He stopped near a ferry and looked down.

Little Mo said, “Is it like they say, the mountain spirit is following a rich man to avoid trouble?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Something like that.” They find people to act as shields.

Chen Ping’an stopped to determine if the ghost was simply trying to survive. If it was, then she was doomed. The city had already noticed her. Chen Ping’an came down and walked towards the ghost. He said, “Are you not afraid of harm by treading on people’s shadows?”

The ghost, whose face was very pale, shook and said, “Immortal Master, I have my reasons. Please let me cross the river and I will be forever in your debt.”

She took out sixteen Immortal coins and said that she only needed to keep one to give to the scholar. The woman’s umbrella had been pressed. She couldn’t move her feet, and could only stand on one foot.

The ghost then looked at the scholar, and thought of giving up her life. She braced herself to spit on the Immortal. Then, the green-shirted figure released her umbrella. Threads of gold rained down on her like a screen.

Chen Ping’an gave her a stack of yellow talismans and said, “After you cross the river, tell the scholar that you’re going to Book Jade Lake and looking for Zeng Ye. If you do, then you will be able to cultivate.”

Seeing that she wasn’t evil, Chen Ping’an had wanted to help her. The spirit also seemed unwilling to hurt the scholar. The specter asked, “May I ask for your name?” The man patted his saber and laughed, “I’m called Chen Ping’an. I’m a sword cultivator.”

The city god who was arriving in clouds bowed and said, “The river guard will let her pass.”

Little Mo travelled with Chen Ping’an, then asked, “Is that how you normally travel?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “Nosey?”

“With strength comes small worlds. The little things are trivial. Whether it’s the difference between using my talisman boat or using you to rush, to others it’s the difference between life and death.”

Little Mo said, “Lord, I have learned.”

Chen Ping’an had to refrain himself from saying anything.

Little Mo added, “Zhu Li said that it’s all due to you.”

Chen Ping’an scowled and said, “That’s nonsense.”

Little Mo sighed, “Lord, you are humble.”

The road wound through the mountains. An old man was riding a horse with a saber, and a young Daoist was riding beside him. Chen Ping’an stopped them and laughed, “Robbery.”

The old man laughed, “He’s a horny one.”

The two dismounted. The martial hall saw the green figure shake their hands with Xu Yuan Xia and Zhang Shan Feng.

They didn’t know why Chen Ping’an was leading the horse, and chattering.

Stopping at an inn, the four sat at a table. The leader made an exception and allowed the disciples to drink.

Chen Ping’an took out a collection of Su Shi’s poems. Xu Yuan Xia carefully opened the book and found that it was genuine. Xu Yuan Xia flushed and said, “I’ll treat it as real.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Su Shi will write the preface for your travels. Just wait.”

Xu Yuan Xia looked doubtful. Zhang Shan Feng stoked the flames and said, “You should give a toast to Sir Chen.”

Chen Ping’an said, “I have a copy of his writing, but I forgot to bring it. You’ll have to go to Broken Mountain.”

Xu Yuan Xia held up three fingers and laughed, “You’re boasting.” He knew that Chen Ping’an was in contact with Mountain gods. Every time, he would drink himself to sleep.

Xu Yuan Xia then looked to Little Mo, who was pouring the wine. He was already nodding and drinking. They didn’t dare to make him drink any more. Xu Yuan Xia simply enjoyed the atmosphere. This was true happiness.

Later on, when he learned that Chen Ping’an was creating a sub-sect in Parasol Leaf Continent, Xu Yuan Xia told Chen Ping’an to leave. Chen Ping’an simply got on the horse, and leisurely chatted with Zhang Shan Feng.

When they returned to Clear Origin County, Xu Yuan Xia made sure that Chen Ping’an made a name plaque. Chen Ping’an started writing four large characters, and signed it Broken Mountain Chen Ping’an. Chen Ping’an rested the brush and laughed, “If it’s not enough, I can make the one into a nine.” Xu Yuan Xia laughed and said that it would be too much.

The sign read, Fists Govern a Continent.

Xu Yuan Xia said goodbye to the edge of town and said, “Be safe.”

Back in Black Yellow County, Zhang Shan Feng didn’t stay at Broken Mountain. Instead, he settled at Old Jia’s in Dragon Riding Lane with Xian Wei and Chen Ling Jun.

Chen Ping’an visited Mud Bottle Lane, entering the old home. He used his water-cloud body to enter Song Ji Xin’s study, and found a broken piece of porcelain, as well as some Daoist scriptures left by the Empress. He found the house that was used for many years and dug up a rouge box. Then, he found a grave in the wilds and poured two jugs of wine.

Later that night, Chen Ping’an sat by a dragon kiln until dawn.

Dragon Prefecture had officially changed to Chu Prefecture. There was a new administrator, but he was no match for Cao Geng Xin.

The lunar palace that Little Mo had gifted was like a Sojourner’s Rest Palace. Chen Ping’an had previously said that he would gift it to Liu Xian Yang.

Chen Ping’an had secretly gifted Cao Ping a secret letter that had caused him to leave.

It was a three hundred year pact. Chen Ping’an would protect the Cao from destruction, and in return, the Cao would gift Broken Mountain students. Those students could then be sent to Northern Everwinter or Dragon Elephant Sword Sect in Southern Sandalwood.

The Cao had quickly sent two students, Cao Yin and Cao Yang. Cui Dong Shan had taught Cao Yin, and Cao Yang had been taught by both Sui Right Side and Pei Qian.

Chen Ping’an had considered visiting them, but had instead asked Chen Ling Jun to get them. They met near the stone table.

Those that saw them would call them pretty. Chen Ping’an sat down and said, “Are you used to living in the mountain?”

Cao Yin replied, “Lord, it’s very good.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “Don’t be polite. You can walk around.”

After they left, Chen Ping’an asked Disciple