As the first light of Spring’s Day touched the land, a day of rebirth and new beginnings for all creatures, Chen Ping’an descended from the Qi Node Observatory atop Mount Sui, back towards the Demon Suppression Tower in Tongye Continent. The Grand Master and the Pure Yang Daoist had already departed.

Only Little Mo, with his yellow hat, blue shoes, and green bamboo cane, remained, standing beside the jade-robed Qing Tong on the tower’s rooftop veranda.

Chen Ping’an slung the Night Wanderer sword across his back, preparing for the journey home. This extended sojourn, which began with Little Mo and him departing Immortal Capital Mountain, entering the Demon Suppression Tower, and traversing the twelve illusionary realms woven by Master Zou and Qing Tong, before voyaging through dreamscapes filled with mountain shrines and waterways, meeting Lu Chen at the Fen River Shrine within the Kingdom of Dream Millet, and ascending Mount Lou of the Yellow Millet Sect… Though its duration was fleeting in mortal measure, the landscapes passed within the painted realms and the trails etched upon his heart made it seem like an eternity.

Qing Tong beheld the young Hidden Official, weary from travel, and hesitated. He yearned to attend the lower sect celebrations at Immortal Capital Mountain, yet found it difficult to voice the request. In truth, he was determined to secure the favor of Immortal Capital Mountain and could not allow Chen Ping’an to simply leave this night.

To Qing Tong, a scholar who, after millennia, had struck the Spring Welcoming Drum for the Sage of Rites, whether he was a favored disciple of the Sage of Literature’s lineage had become immaterial.

Qing Tong even dared to imagine that, if Chen Ping’an so desired and strived towards it, the position of Vice Cult Master of the Literary Temple could well be within his grasp.

Seeing Qing Tong’s repeated attempts to speak, Chen Ping’an smiled and inquired, “Does Senior Qing Tong have something to say?”

Qing Tong’s smile faltered, a sense of resignation creeping in.

The man no longer addressed him by name, not even as “Daoist Qing Tong,” but as “Senior Qing Tong”—a gesture that seemed warm but was, in truth, distant.

It was a clear attempt to sever ties, to distance himself and the Demon Suppression Tower.

Having traveled with Chen Ping’an and spent time with the young Hidden Official, whom he had once mistaken for Zheng Juzhong of White Emperor City, Qing Tong believed he had gained some semblance of perception. He had learned to decipher veiled words, discern Zen riddles, and read the subtle nuances of expression.

Little Mo, impatient with Qing Tong’s dawdling, interrupted, “My lord, Qing Tong wishes to attend the lower sect celebration at Immortal Capital Mountain.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “A small matter, a small matter. Attending as a guest is no issue. Daoist Qing Tong, do not overthink it. I merely hesitated because Immortal Capital Mountain has not issued an invitation, and I feared we might slight you.”

Qing Tong coughed pointedly, urging Little Mo to be more explicit and avoid beating around the bush.

He had endured hardships during this mystical journey through mountains and rivers. Surely, Immortal Capital Mountain could bestow upon him the title of “Chief.”

Moreover, for a soaring realm Grand Cultivator, and the de facto host of Tongye Continent, to beg for the position of sect enshrinement or guest elder would be a preposterous jest.

Little Mo elaborated, “Qing Tong also desires to become a registered enshrinement or guest elder of the Green Willow Sword Sect. He sought my help in persuading you, but I told him that such a matter, potentially involving the addition of a seat in the lower sect’s Ancestral Hall, was beyond my authority. I am merely a registered enshrinement of Fallen Phoenix Mountain. The decision rests with you, my lord. Besides, Fallen Phoenix Mountain is not a dictatorship. It would be difficult.”

Enlightened, Chen Ping’an pondered for a moment and nodded. “Qing Tong, for you to condescend to participate in the celebration and become a registered enshrinement, Immortal Capital Mountain would be greatly honored. It is a most welcome boon. However, Little Mo is not deceiving you. I have an agreement with my student, Cui Dongshan, regarding lower sect affairs. I rarely interfere and leave all matters to his discretion. I cannot make an exception and break the rules. Furthermore, even at the upper sect, Fallen Phoenix Mountain, when holding Ancestral Hall meetings, due to my unreliable nature and long absences from the mountain, everyone harbors resentment. They often act contrary to my wishes.”

Little Mo added quickly, “That is why I suspected Qing Tong did not believe me. I gave the example of how my lord’s esteemed student, Cult Master Cui, recommended the Old Sect Master Jiang to be the Chief Enshrinement of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, which faced considerable opposition. According to Protector Zhou, there was a heated argument at the Jade Rainbow Peak Ancestral Hall. It was a difficult feat to achieve.”

Qing Tong stiffened. “If it is too troublesome, consider this matter unsaid.”

Let fate decide. He would not force himself.

Chen Ping’an smiled, unyielding to his veiled threat.

Little Mo warned with a mental message, “While my lord was traveling, Qing Tong emptied several rooms of his treasured collections, seemingly intending them as celebration gifts.”

Chen Ping’an glared at Little Mo. This should have been mentioned immediately! The Hidden Official, his voice rising in a dramatic sigh, exclaimed, “Daoist Qing Tong, why the pique? Based on our friendship, the term ‘Daoist’ is tailored for us three. Publicly and privately, for the sake of reason and sentiment, Little Mo and I must exert our utmost to secure a seat for you in the Green Willow Peak Ancestral Hall!”

Qing Tong nodded.

He still seemed angered.

Before departing the Demon Suppression Tower, Chen Ping’an suddenly smiled. “Putting aside all else, regarding the term ‘Daoist,’ I am sincere in considering you a fellow traveler and friend.”

Qing Tong replied, “That is the only thing I believe.”

Little Mo glanced at his lord.

Chen Ping’an nodded subtly, acknowledging the understanding.

Daoist Qing Tong was no longer easily deceived.

Chen Ping’an conjured a Three Mountain Talisman, catching Qing Tong by surprise, though he remained composed.

Were they hurrying back to Immortal Capital Mountain, or was Chen Ping’an now capable of wielding the talisman without expending merit?

With the Three Mountain Talisman’s shrinking of landscapes, they swiftly arrived at a mountain range.

They were within the boundaries of the Green Willow Sword Sect, the three mountains of Immortal Capital, Cloud Vapor, and Silk Embrace standing in a principal-auxiliary formation.

On Mount Silk Embrace, they stood at Peak Self-Reliance, the cultivation grounds of Cao Qinglang.

Mount Cloud Vapor and Mount Silk Embrace remained shrouded in arrays.

All three mountains were vestiges of old mountains of Tongye Continent, meticulously revived and renovated by Cui Dongshan.

Upon the summits of the two mountains, Cui Dongshan had personally inscribed steles with “My Talent Lay Dormant” and “Heaven and Earth Purple Qi.”

Chen Ping’an, clad in a blue shirt and carrying a sword, Little Mo with his yellow hat, blue shoes, and green bamboo cane, and Qing Tong in his jade robes, their figures graceful.

Emerald bamboo formed a verdant forest, swaying in the breeze, its melody filling the mountain. Beneath, a murmuring stream flowed gently.

They walked along the water’s edge, the stream gurgling amidst the bamboo. Boulders emerged from the water, adorned with verdant, charming bulrush.

Deep, clear pools collected in the rocky hollows, teeming with darting fish.

Clumps of bamboo bordered the stream, their roots intertwined amongst the chaotic rocks, reflected in the water like cattle drinking from the stream.

Chen Ping’an smiled, introducing the scene. “Peak Self-Reliance on Mount Cloud Vapor will be the Daoist grounds of Cui Dongshan, the lower sect’s Cult Master, who will also serve as the mountain’s first lord. He will oversee sect affairs, recruit disciples in various disciplines—Daoist incantations, swordsmanship, fist techniques, talismans, alchemy, arrays, and economic principles. After today’s ceremony, the first Green Willow Peak meeting will include Cui Dongshan’s proposal to allow the first jade purification realm swordsman among the young ranked disciples of the Green Willow Sword Sect to inherit Peak Self-Reliance and become the second mountain lord.”

“Peak Scenic Star, not the entirety of Mount Silk Embrace, will temporarily be entrusted to Cao Qinglang, who is cultivating his Core within. As the first cultivator of Peak Scenic Star, he will undoubtedly be the next Cult Master. Both upper and lower sects are aware of this. A new tradition will arise within the Green Willow Sword Sect: the second Cult Master, Cao Qinglang, and all subsequent Cult Masters will originate from Peak Scenic Star. This is clearly inspired by the Nine Chess Peak of the Jade Decree Sect.”

“Since the sect’s name is the Green Willow Sword Sect, swordsmanship will be its foundation. Immortal Capital Mountain, the ancestral mountain, will be the refuge for future swordsmen. Cloud Vapor Mountain may house pure martial artists. Besides Cui Dongshan, there will be Cultivator Zhong and Sui Youbian of Exiled Immortal Peak. Given our close relationship with Mount Pu, teaching fist techniques will not be an issue. Silk Embrace Mountain may attract alchemists of various schools of thought.”

Qing Tong had little interest in sect matters. Listening to Chen Ping’an’s slow and deliberate speech, the words flowed into his ears and drifted away, not lodging in his mind.

However, matters concerning the selection of sect heirs and the secretive transmission of skills were no small issue for any immortal mountain. Yet, Chen Ping’an spoke with an air of nonchalance, suggesting an acceptance that could spark countless love affairs, hatred, and shifting allegiances. Qing Tong realized he was not being treated as an outsider.

Little Mo smiled faintly. “Daoist Qing Tong, this is the first time I have heard of many of these matters. Please do not be so absent-minded.”

Qing Tong’s expression was helpless, but veiled with irony. “I cannot very well take out a notebook and record every word, can I?”

Little Mo replied smoothly, “I have constructed Daoist grounds near the base of Immortal Capital Mountain, in a place recently named Fallen Treasure Beach. I trust I will have ample opportunity to reminisce with Enshrinement Qing Tong or Guest Elder Qing Tong.”

Qing Tong’s face stiffened.

Chen Ping’an suddenly inquired, “Have you never accepted a disciple to whom you could impart your Daoist arts or fist techniques?”

Qing Tong was, after all, a soaring realm cultivator, nearing the limits of martial arts. Moreover, given his penchant for frequenting Lotus Blossom Paradise, he did not seem to favor a solitary existence.

Qing Tong shook his head, embarrassed. “I have not.”

His duty to guard the Demon Suppression Tower was too specific. He dared not casually accept disciples, lest he invite trouble. Furthermore, the Old Master of the East Sea, the Master of Azure Clouds Cave, had bluntly warned him that he lacked the ability to found a sect.

His caution had proven wise. The incident at Mount Peace was a stark reminder of the potential fate of the Demon Suppression Tower. Moreover, he feared that once he had a personal disciple, he would be unable to stop recruiting, like the endless collections within the Demon Suppression Tower. He never considered quality or rarity, only what caught his eye. His destined disciple would never arrive.

Chen Ping’an sighed. “Daoist Qing Tong, your devotion to Daoist pursuit is truly humbling.”

Qing Tong hesitated once more.

His desire to forge ties with Immortal Capital Mountain stemmed from the changing tides of the world. He yearned to become the founding ancestor of a sect.

As if reading his mind, Chen Ping’an said, “In return, after my seclusion, I will journey through the realms with friends, passing through Central Earth Divine Continent. I will ask my teacher to speak on your behalf at the Literary Temple, to see if they will permit you to establish a sect near the Demon Suppression Tower in central Tongye Continent. I will also try to secure permission for the local demon cultivators of Tongye Continent to join your sect, sparing them the constant anxiety and distraction that hinders their cultivation. Given time, their resentment could become a source of instability for Tongye Continent.”

“Qing Tong, you willingly came to the Green Willow Sword Sect with your own desires. I brought you to Peak Scenic Star with my own.”

Qing Tong was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Chen Ping’an clasped his hands in his sleeves and strolled along the bamboo path. “Those with ambition and prudence achieve great things. Those with loyalty and integrity can be entrusted with great matters.”

“In my view, Qing Tong’s existence, apart from the Demon Suppression Tower, makes him the fourth mountain beyond Immortal Capital, Cloud Vapor, and Silk Embrace.”

“Daoist Qing Tong may not be an exceptional founding ancestor, but he will certainly be a devoted and meticulous protector.”

Little Mo was taken aback.

To utter three consecutive “extremely’s” implied that Qing Tong deserved such praise?

His lord’s words were unambiguous. He wished Qing Tong to become a protector of the Green Willow Sword Sect, at least one of them.

Qing Tong was even more astonished, laughing ruefully. “Even if you speak sincerely, I would not believe it myself.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “In this matter, you can trust me, because I have walked this path myself.”

“Rest assured, Daoist Qing Tong, you need not fear becoming embroiled in disputes. I will inform Cui Dongshan and the others beforehand that your realm and identity must not involve you in any sect matters. As an outsider, merely observe the development of the Green Willow Sword Sect year after year. If you sense anything amiss, even if you cannot articulate the reason, you may voice your concerns to Cui Dongshan or the second Cult Master, Cao Qinglang, without worrying whether your views are correct or not.”

Qing Tong nodded. “I can only promise to do my best. I make no other commitments.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “Then it is settled.”

The group reached the summit of Peak Scenic Star. The sky was clear, the moon bright, and the verdant surroundings were invigorating.

Recalling Lu Chen’s description of the stele as a “certain immortal molt” that preserved essence and transcended form, Chen Ping’an took another look.

A Confucian scholar emerged hastily from a stone chamber and bowed. “Master, esteemed elder.”

As Lu Chen predicted, Cao Qinglang had achieved a Golden Core of quality between the first and second tier.

A first-tier Golden Core was a sign of soaring potential, like Wei She of Clear Snow Continent and Yao Qing of Azure Sky. However, many cultivators who now stood at the pinnacle of the world had achieved second-tier Golden Cores.

Chen Ping’an smiled with approval. “A Golden Core above the second tier is a magnificent sight, far superior to my own Core formation.”

He then introduced Qing Tong. “This is Daoist Qing Tong, a native cultivator of Tongye Continent in the soaring realm. Due to the shared ‘Green’ character in his Daoist title and our Green Willow Sword Sect, Daoist Qing Tong feels a rare connection. At my repeated invitations, he will serve as a registered enshrinement of the Green Willow Sword Sect.”

Cao Qinglang bowed respectfully once more. “Junior Cao Qinglang greets Senior Qing Tong.”

Qing Tong nodded, smiling, though he harbored a secret grievance. The Hidden Official was certainly glib.

Chen Ping’an continued. “Daoist Qing Tong’s realm and qualifications are undeniable. However, since Mi Yu is already the designated Chief Enshrinement, Daoist Qing Tong can only be second.”

Qing Tong was speechless.

Was he already the second-tier enshrinement?

This was hardly a democracy!

Cao Qinglang’s smile was gentle. “Since our Green Willow Sword Sect is a sword Daoist sect, we can only apologize to Senior Qing Tong.”

Qing Tong laughed. “There is no apology necessary. I am honored to be associated with the Green Willow Sword Sect.”

He dared not harbor any resentment.

Little Mo, a flying sword cultivator, was only a registered enshrinement of Fallen Phoenix Mountain without a position.

A youth in white robes and a mole between his brow arrived swiftly, riding the wind, his sleeves fluttering as he touched down. “Greetings, teacher.”

Just as Cui Dongshan had risen, a young woman with a hair bun arrived with a little girl in black.

Cui Dongshan had sensed the arrival of his teacher’s party, so he had gone to knock on the door and ask his senior disciple, Pei Qian, to bring along Little Millet, who was keeping watch on New Years eve with her

Little Millet leaped with joy. “Benevolent Mountain Lord, Yu Mi has broken through! He is a true, legitimate Sword Immortal of Millet!”

Chen Ping’an feigned surprise and praised, “Impressive!”

Qing Tong’s heart stirred.

Mi Lanyao of the Sword Qi Great Wall, the first Chief Enshrinement of Immortal Capital Mountain, had already become an immortal realm sword cultivator!

Chen Ping’an bent down and rubbed Little Millet’s head. “Did you often keep watch over Sword Immortal Mi?”

Little Millet grinned. “Not really, just sometimes.”

She covered her mouth and whispered to the benevolent Mountain Lord. “Yu Mi said the closed-door cultivation process was perilous. Whenever his Daoist heart wavered, he thought of the Hidden Official’s calm in battle, and his heart settled. Therefore, Yu Mi repeatedly said that his breakthrough was due to the Hidden Official. Not his own cultivation or sword heart. He had no relation at all.”

Chen Ping’an was amused and blurted out, “Bullshit.”

Little Millet scratched her cheek.

Chen Ping’an’s expression softened immediately. “Never mind him. Let’s return to Secret Snow Peak.”

Qing Tong was silent.

Qing Tong had not personally experienced the ways of Fallen Phoenix Mountain because Chen Ping’an had bypassed it on his dream journey.

However, Little Mo’s words and actions had prepared him. It seemed that it was not enough.

Chen Ping’an helped to introduce Qing Tong.

Then two figures arrived from the ghost city in the Great Abyss Dynasty, Zhong Kui and the ghost immortal Yu Jin, also known as Su Zhou. Chen Ping’an introduced Qing Tong again, omitting the Demon Suppression Tower and Qing Tong’s realm. It was not that he distrusted Zhong Kui, but he did not trust the portly, somewhat greasy ghost.

Zhong Kui glanced at Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an nodded.

Zhong Kui secretly raised a thumb.

Chen Ping’an raised a thumb.

They shared an unspoken bond of understanding.

They were both doing well.

Because they were two friends. One was responsible for paving the way, and the other was responsible for guarding the way.

Chen Ping’an had also witnessed Zhong Kui’s “invincible” presence on the ghost path. Paving the way was difficult, but guarding the way was more difficult.

Almost single-handedly in the northwest of Tongye Continent, Zhong Kui was helping countless ghosts guide their way, resisting the gale, forcibly suppressing along the immortal and mountain gods. At the same time, Zhong Kui personally went to the Yellow Spring Road without asking to see the lords of the underworld, and directly issued decrees, strictly prohibiting the underworld servants, ghost officials and numerous bull-headed horse faces on the road from arbitrarily whipping any ghosts entering the country. Key is the whole transcendent status, or even ignore the literary temple, White Jade Jing etiquette rules, Taoist Venerable decree of the underworld, as if there is no objection to this, is equal to acquiesce Zhong Kui’s actions.

So in this new and old alternate night, for the entire Tongye Continent’s cultivation, three Confucian academies, the various kings will be, as well as the mountain gods, may be destined to be a sleepless night.

In fact, when Zhong Kui set off, he was accompanied by the fat man Yu Jin, who was so exhausted that all his natural spiritual energy was exhausted.

For the ghost immortal Yu Jin, it was a unique escort.

Returning to the empty ghost city, the fat man collapsed on the ground, not necessarily with much sense of accomplishment, but rarely complained to Zhong Kui.

A tired fat man, lying on the ground, said only one heartfelt word, slightly self-deprecating: “I never thought that in my life, besides killing people, I would do such things.”

The fat man brought to Immortal Capital Mountain by Zhong Kui, on the way here was still babbling, complaining that Zhong Kui did not know how to love people, that he was a donkey, and that he was so tired that he was about to die.

However, when Yu Jin came to Scenic Star Peak, he only felt that the trip was worthwhile, and his eyes lit up, because he saw the beautiful woman in green robes.

The fat man admired Chen Ping’an for having such great fortune with the likes of Huang Ting, Ye Yunyun, and the Empress of Great Spring.

A playboy.

While Chen Ping’an was chatting with Zhong Kui, the fat man moved towards the immortal sister. “This junior’s surname is Yu, name is Su Zhou. The mountain master and I are close friends. I wonder what the fair one’s name is, and what the place of birth is. Is there a teacher? I love to travel, and I am willing to go down the mountain with the sister after the ceremony, and by the way, see the elders.”

Qing Tong was reluctant to deal with this ghost immortal.

Qing Tong was very aware of Yu Jin’s history.

Yu Jin was mistaken for a female cultivator.

Yu Jin smiled. “This junior is not talented, but it just so happens that I have a few experiences in poetry. For example, seeing the beautiful woman, if the wind blows and the green leaves come to mind, and the reflection of the green leaves in the moon, there is the saying, ‘When the wind passes through the phoenix tree leaves, green cools.’ If I tell you, you may be frightened. To tell you the truth, this junior is actually a ghost. I used to write tens of thousands of poems in my life. Is it better to change it to the word “sweep”, “to sweep with the wind”? If you change it to “help” as in to help each other, is there the longest aftertaste?”

Qing Tong couldn’t stand it, so he sneered, “Yu Jin, I’ve read some of your terrible poems. If you want to usurp the throne and lead troops, you are the first-class character in the world, but if you want to write poems, you are not even the bottom of the line.”

Yu Jin glanced at Chen Ping’an with grief. “Someone is really close to Sister Qing Tong, and says everything.”

Cui Dongshan asked, “Sir, why don’t we go to Secret Snow Peak to rest? Half an hour before the celebration, I will let Little Millet inform you?”

Little Millet took a deep breath, nodded hard, and clenched her Xing Shan staff and golden pole.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “I just need to take a nap.”

Cui Dongshan said, “Then I will go down the mountain with you, sir, and talk about something?”

Afterwards, Cao Qinglang and the others returned to their residences in Secret Snow Peak.

Little Mo went back to Fallen Treasure Beach at the foot of the mountain alone, and Pei Qian would arrange Qing Tong’s residence.

However, Chen Ping’an left Little Millet to walk down Scenic Star Peak with Cui Dongshan.

Cui Dongshan did have a few things to discuss with his teacher.

The first thing was whether to excavate a brand new river in central Tongye Continent.

Old General Yao Zhen and Cloud Plant Studio of Mount Pu both had this intention.

Unlike Treasure Bottle Continent, Tongye Continent had an old river in history, but over time, it was cut into pieces by the dynasties, small countries, and immortal residences along the central continent, and repairing the old as before was not very meaningful. Fortunately, there was a successful case that could be copied and applied, which was the Qi River of Treasure Bottle Continent.

Otherwise, even if Chen Ping’an and the Immortal Capital Mountain Green Willow Sword Sect were one of the initiators, it would still be necessary to have several big quarrels, and there would be many fundamental differences.

In addition, how much Gu Yu money would it cost to build a river, it depended on how big this river would spread.

The Great Spring Dynasty had clearly planned this for a long time, and now there was a rough outline of the riverbed, but in Cui Dongshan’s eyes, there were too many things that needed to be corrected.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Did you talk about the candidates for the river gods of the river?

Because according to the Literary Temple, a river would be able to have three high-ranking water gods.

If the initiating powers were Limited to Mount Pu, Great Spring Dynasty and Green Willow Sword Sect, was that fair?

Cui Dongshan winked and smiled, “When this student was in the old general’s house, everyone talked about this matter around the stove, but because they were all short of money, and they were more worried about whether this matter was feasible. Sir, you were not there, we didn’t dare to talk so far.”

Chen Ping’an glared.

Cui Dongshan was clearly trying to make his teacher worry.

Cui Dongshan smiled and said, “The Biyou Palace of the buried river water goddess of the Great Spring Dynasty will definitely occupy one of the names.”

Chen Ping’an said softly, “This matter still depends on Liu Rou’s own wishes.”

The even bigger difficulty was that the river should not be too straight.

Chen Ping’an said helplessly, “The most worry-free thing is to use the divine fairy money to buy the road that the entire river flows through.”

The river in the Treasure Bottle Continent did not have to consider these specific gains and losses of various countries and regions. What could Tongye Continent compare to?

In the end, two major problems, money and people’s hearts.

Little Millet frowned and sighed, “How many money mountains would it take to empty?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “There may be only one person who has the financial resources, that is Liu, the God of Wealth in Clear Snow Continent.”

Little Millet praised, “That’s too rich. Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with Liu, the God of Wealth in Clear Snow Continent. When I meet him, I can’t say anything.”

Cui Dongshan smiled and reached out to touch Little Millet’s head.

The little girl quickly bowed her head, squatting and shaking her head.

Chen Ping’an said, “You are fully responsible for the specific matters on behalf of Immortal Capital Mountain, but don’t feel wronged. First of all, I have to show up at the Literary Temple and the academy. Secondly, I have already made an appointment with Yang Zhi for you, and maybe after a few days, Young Daoist will also come to Tongye Continent to lend a hand.

Cui Dongshan rubbed his hands with a smile. “Enough, too enough. We have to learn from the sir.”

Chen Ping’an said, “What else is there?”

Cui Dongshan said honestly, it turned out that he intended to relocate more old Five Mountains and immortal residences to take root in the sect’s territory.

So Cui Dongshan was asking for money.

Chen Ping’an shook his sleeves and said with a smile, “I really accepted a good student.”

No wonder Cui Dongshan deliberately let Little Millet walk between the two of them, fearing that he would be beaten.

The third thing, finally did not involve money.

It turned out that the Jade Decree Sect took the opportunity of Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s creation of a lower sect and took the initiative to show goodwill to Immortal Capital Mountain. He even let the new Peak Lord of Nine Chess Peak, the young sword cultivator Qiu Zhi, come to Immortal Capital Mountain to participate in the celebration and viewing ceremony.

Cui Dongshan did not think it was strange either, pinched his chin, with a troubled face.

Chen Ping’an said, “This matter, you want to go, I will not give any opinions and suggestions.”

Finally, Cui Dongshan wanted to confirm with the teacher about the trend in the next hundred years.

Chen Ping’an said, “First I will seclude myself for a period of time, return to the Jade Purification realm, and then travel the world.

Cui Dongshan tentatively asked, “Teacher, will you be in seclude at Secret Snow Peak?”

Chen Ping’an said, “I will return to Fallen Phoenix Mountain and give that small cave to the children like Chai Wu and Sun Chunwang.”

Cui Dongshan stomped his foot. “Little Millet, quickly help junior brother say a fair word.”

Little Millet shook her head and laughed, “I want to go home too.”

Cui Dongshan said sadly, “Isn’t our Immortal Capital Mountain the home of the right protector?”

Chen Ping’an rubbed Little Millet’s head and asked Cui Dongshan, “How is the specific order of seats arranged in the Ancestral Hall?”

Cui Dongshan smiled, “Sir, as the lord of the upper sect, of course you don’t need to host the incense ceremony.

Cui Dongshan continued, “Like Daoist Changming, who is the law enforcer of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, and Old Immortal Jia, the second steward of our Wind Kite Ferry, because they are all from the upper sect, they are different from the guests watching the ceremony. They will follow behind the sir and pay their respects one by one before our lower sect members. As for the positions of the two rows of seats in the Green Willow Peak Ancestral Hall, there are different positions on the mountain, so there is no fixed rule. Then follow the rules of sir going to Spring Banner Studo in the Sword Qi Great Wall, with the left as the most esteemed.”

“The upper sect on the left row, and the lower sect on the right row, to show the lower sect’s respect. The upper sect is the source of water, how can there be the lower sect’s river.”

“But in the future, there will be the exchange of seats for the joint meetings between the upper and lower sects of Green Willow Peak. According to the general rules, in addition to you sir in the Ancestral Hall of the lower sect, there will be permanent seats, and even if Daoist Changming, the law enforcer of the upper sect, and Jiang Shangzhen, the chief enshrinement, there will not be fixed seats for them, because they do not belong to the members of the Ancestral Hall of the Green Willow Sword Sect.”

“Then there is Yao Xianzhi, Ye Yunyun, and Huang Ting, these guests will first pay respects as guests watching the ceremony. When our first Ancestral Hall meeting, after they each have the identity of enshrinement and guest elder, they will officially enter the Green Willow Peak Ancestral Hall for the first time as their own people. Hey, leaving the front foot, and returning the back foot.”

Cui Dongshan asked with a smile, “Sir, don’t you ask about the arrangement of the lower sect’s image position?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Whoever is the lower sect lord, has to worry about it.”

Cui Dongshan took out a few pieces of paper from his sleeves. “These lists, please read them, sir.”

Three pieces of paper.

It was just a formality.

The entire roster of the lower sect members,

As well as the members of the Green Willow Sword Sect’s Ancestral Hall, that is, those who have seats in the Green Willow Peak Ancestral Hall, as well as the specific duties they will assume in the Green Willow Sword Sect.

Finally, there were the guests watching the ceremony.

Chen Ping’an still took it, looked at it carefully, and saw two names on the last piece of paper, and asked doubtfully, “Why are Liu Jubao and Yu Panshui also in the list of the observers?”

Cui Dongshan smiled and said, “On the matter of river excavation, sir intends to bring in Liu’s family and the Clear Snow Continent. They are fools with a lot of money.”

Chen Ping’an frowned slightly.

Cui Dongshan said immediately, “Sir, don’t worry, they are only responsible for giving money in advance and dividing the accounts afterwards. They are not allowed to secretly support puppet temples and immortal mountains in Tongye Continent by relying on the excavation of the river. It’s just that signing a written contract is not very useful. It requires a… gentleman’s agreement.”

“So it has to be sir in person!”

Chen Ping’an smiled and turned his head to wave to the students.

Unconsciously, the three had already reached the foot of Mount Silk Embrace.

Chen Ping’an raised his head and looked towards the Immortal Capital Mountain.

Chen Ping’an raised his head and looked towards the Immortal Capital Mountain. At the entrance of Green Willow Peak, the lower sect of Fallen Phoenix Mountain would hang the scroll sent by Wu Shuangjiang, which was a true treasure.

Before resting, Chen Ping’an planned to go to Secret Snow Peak and see Zhang Shanfeng first.

Because he was just going to take a nap for a while, Chen Ping’an did not go to the small cave, after all, there were still many guests on the mountain, and he had never climbed the mountain before.

The temporary rest place seemed to be specially prepared by Cui Dongshan for his junior brother Zhao Shuxia. The house was not big, with two courtyards.

Chen Ping’an had just sat down cross-legged, about to close his eyes and rest for a moment.

He found a little girl running on the road outside the door. After approaching the house, she began to walk on tiptoe, standing quietly, and then became the door god at the door, holding a green bamboo cane and a golden pole in her arms.

Chen Ping’an smiled and stood up, walking towards the door.

In a house not far away from Secret Snow Peak, Liu Jinglong looked at the disciple, and asked with a smile, “What’s wrong?”

Logically speaking, Chen Ping’an had returned to Immortal Capital Mountain, so Bai Shou should have taken a reassurance pill and no longer had to worry about being beaten by Pei Qian for no reason.

Bai Shou’s face was tangled, and said dejectedly, “It’s all because of that Bai Xuan, who gave me a big problem.”

Liu Jinglong didn’t ask the reason either.

Bai Shou asked, “Brother Liu, do you think that a person walking in the world, is face important, or is righteousness the most important?”

Liu Jinglong smiled. “Don’t ask me, you can do it yourself.”

Bai Shou scratched his head with both hands, annoyed, “They are all surnamed Bai, why bother a Bai.”

It turned out that Bai Xuan had a book, which recorded many names, and called it a hero book.

Bai Xuan also asked Bai Shou, to join hands and get justice for someone in the future.

If he helped Bai Xuan to hide this matter, Bai Shou always felt that he could not hide the fire, and sooner or later, he would be beaten.

But if he told Pei Qian, Bai Shou couldn’t get over it. It didn’t seem to be very ethical.

But if he didn’t tell, he was really afraid that Bai Xuan, would have secretly recorded his name in the book.

It was still a matter of principle to tell the surname Liu about this matter.

After hearing the secret, Liu Jinglong said with a smile, “It’s not a difficult problem, to solve the problem, you need the one who tied the knot.”

“What do you mean?”

Bai Shou was confused, and said angrily, “It can’t be that I have to say something humble to Pei Qian, don’t even think about it! It’s okay to be beaten a few times, and it’s okay to be beaten in a real fight. It’s all on her..”

Bai Shou shut his mouth quickly.

Liu Jinglong said helplessly, “My point is to let you find Chen Ping’an. If you are looking for me as a witness, it is better to find Pei Qian’s master.”

Bai Shou slammed his fist into his palm. “Wonderful!”

Outside the house, there were two people standing, one big and one small.

Qing Shan Chen Ping’an, little girl in black.

Chen Ping’an knocked on the door and said with a smile, and the four of them crossed the threshold.

Chen Ping’an crossed the threshold, smiling and nodding, “Of course no problem.”

At this moment, Bai Shou, who was only happy for himself, obviously did not realize the seriousness of the problem.

Little Millet had already silently recorded two things.

A big thing was about Bai Xuan’s hero book.

There was also a small thing, that was, Feng Bai Shou, the Golden Core sword, called their benevolent mountain lord by his name.

The first big event involved “Jianghu grievances”, and she could not report to Pei Qian.

But the little thing, if anyone accidentally said it, it should not be a big deal, right?

Liu Jinglong looked at Little Millet, and then shifted his gaze, and found that Chen Ping’an was indeed holding back bad things.

Liu Jinglong coughed.

Chen Ping’an was about to take out a pot of wine from his sleeve.

Liu Jinglong smiled and said, “In the Great Spring Capital,