Beneath the silvery gaze of the moon, a radiant, watery light spilled across the land. The two friends, Pei Qian and Li Baoping, departed from Cloud-Grasping Pavilion. Hand in hand, Pei Qian led Li Baoping towards her dwelling, their hearts brimming with stories after so long apart.

Meanwhile, Cao Qinglang had been examined by both Chen Ping’an and Cui Dongshan, who found no lingering ailments or curses. Nevertheless, Cui Dongshan advised Cao Qinglang to delay the formal forging of his sword. Instead, he should first solidify his Golden Core cultivation, and then seclude himself within the auspicious peaks of Jingxing for the ritual. Cao Qinglang, naturally, agreed without hesitation.

Together, Cao Qinglang and Zheng Youqian took their leave, their residences lying in close proximity.

As they walked along the quiet mountain path, Zheng Youqian tentatively inquired, “Senior Brother Cao, might I confide in you a small matter of the heart?”

He held the student of their esteemed Little Master in high regard, seeing him as a man of refined manners and scholarly prowess. Indeed, Cao Qinglang had once been the *Tanhua*, the third-ranking graduate of the imperial examination in the Great Li Dynasty. Their master often spoke of it with pride.

Zheng Youqian found Sect Master Cui to be an enigmatic figure, and he held a healthy dose of fear for Senior Sister Pei. How could he not?

He had read countless gazettes on the transcontinental ferry, tales of the legendary female Grandmaster of the Golden Armor Continent battlefield, mentioned repeatedly under the alias “Zheng Qian.” These accounts used to fill him with dread, as “Zheng Qian” seemed a distant, mythical figure. But fate had taken a strange turn; she was now Senior Sister Pei, the Little Master’s first and foremost disciple. Zheng Youqian felt a surge of heroism simply for managing to converse with her without stammering.

Cao Qinglang chuckled, “Does your humble origin, juxtaposed with our master and fellow disciples, stir within you a sense of unease?”

Zheng Youqian nodded vigorously. “Indeed, it troubles me. I never gave it much thought before, but a certain friend often brings it up, forcing me to dwell upon it. Alas, the more I think, the angrier I become with myself for being so insecure.”

Cao Qinglang smiled. “Then tomorrow, you must offer a sincere word of thanks to Tan Yingzhou.”

Zheng Youqian looked utterly perplexed. “Ah? I already feel magnanimous for not harboring any resentment towards her. Why should I thank her?”

Cao Qinglang spoke slowly and thoughtfully, “Some matters, I say *some*, appear as though everyone intentionally avoids them, but in truth, they are constantly addressed in a veiled manner. Such goodwill, of course, is well-intentioned, but over time, it can become a burden. Perhaps it is better to confront it head-on, instead of shying away. What we fear hides like a shadow, the way others look at us, the secret whispers we imagine, like the sunlight of day and the moonlight of night, constantly reminding us of something we long to forget. This peculiar companionship has its benefits and drawbacks, not all of it negative. But the degree of good and bad, the specific proportions and their effects on our mental state, are things I dare not delve too deeply into now. Perhaps I can elaborate further as I gain more insight. Tan Yingzhou, though young, is perceptive. She intentionally plays the villain to help you acclimate to this awkwardness, like an open-book examination.”

Understanding dawned on Zheng Youqian’s face. “I see. Senior Brother Cao’s wisdom is truly vast!”

Cao Qinglang chuckled, “I pale in comparison to our master and Senior Brother Cui.”

Zheng Youqian retorted, “That may be so, but to be lesser than the Little Master and Sect Master Cui is no reflection on your own great learning.”

Cao Qinglang found himself speechless.

*That tone…it’s so much like Master’s!*

*No wonder Master likes Zheng Youqian so much.*

Before they knew it, they had reached the entrance to Zheng Youqian’s dwelling. He gently pushed the door, but it wouldn’t budge. Applying more force, he tried again, but it remained locked.

“That Tan Yingzhou! I told her not to lock the door, but she always forgets. Her memory is terrible; no wonder she’s so absentminded.”

Cao Qinglang raised his chin, a mischievous glint in his eye, signaling Zheng Youqian to simply climb over the wall.

Suddenly, a furious shout echoed from within the courtyard. “Who goes there, lurking in the shadows?! Identify yourself! If you are a villain, you will find no return!”

Zheng Youqian scratched his head, feeling embarrassed to be caught in this predicament by Senior Brother Cao. “It’s me,” he mumbled.

Tan Yingzhou thundered, “What celestial being answers to such a strange name, ‘Me’? I advise you to show some sincerity! If you are indeed one of those night-prowling vagabonds, then declare your name and lineage, and I will test your mettle with fist or blade!”

Cao Qinglang stepped forward and called out softly, “It is I, Cao Qinglang.”

Tan Yingzhou hastily threw open the door, a forced smile plastered on her face. “Greetings, Immortal Cao.”

Cao Qinglang nodded with a smile. “Forgive my intrusion. I shall take my leave. I will seek out Senior Longmen to discuss the authenticity of that ‘Yellow River’ scroll another day.”

Tan Yingzhou nodded eagerly. “Of course, of course. It is no trouble at all.”

*Master said this Cao Qinglang has great potential. His future accomplishments will be no less than Senior Sister Pei’s.*

Tan Yingzhou glanced at Zheng Youqian, who stood stiffly, his expression unreadable. Only then did she feel slightly relieved.

Cao Qinglang, walking alone in the night, did not return to his abode directly. Instead, he retraced his steps to Cloud-Grasping Pavilion. Removing his boots, he sat cross-legged.

Cao Qinglang’s *dao* ground resided on the Jingxing Peaks of Silk-Weaving Mountain. It was his intention that this place would be neither lavish, like those earthbound immortals who built grand mansions with towering pavilions and jade palaces, nor too simple, for his precious books and scrolls needed a dedicated two-story library. A scholar’s studio needed a name, so during their fireside gathering, Cao Qinglang had asked Master to bestow one.

Master had seemingly already considered it, for he replied without hesitation, “Enlightenment Hall.”

On its own, “enlightenment” was not exactly a beautiful character. As a verb or in a name, it often carried negative connotations. It could mean weeds mixed with crops. But as part of “Enlightenment Hall,” the meaning transformed. In scholarship, it was that sudden understanding, as if a long illness had been cured. The most common usage was “sudden enlightenment,” which could describe a person’s vista or their state of mind.

Moreover, Cao Qinglang’s given name contained “lang,” meaning “bright.”

But when Master gave the library such a fine name, Cao Qinglang saw something in Master’s eyes that was both unfamiliar and not entirely new: a cautiousness.

At the depths of Master’s expression was guilt.

It seemed that such great expectations caused Master to feel guilty.

Why was that?

Cao Qinglang finally understood. Back in their hometown, Lotus Flower Blessed Land, when the man who was not yet “Master” Chen was escorting him to school, he helped hold an umbrella. At a street corner, Master stopped, umbrella overhead, and seemed to want to say something. But in the end he was silent and they continued.

Master knew what it was like, knew how to help a child pass through hardship. But the Master back then didn’t dare speak, because for a child, to understand even good things too early was cruel.

For back in Cao Qinglang’s ancestral home lived two children the same age. Master didn’t want the pitiful child who already understood to become more understanding for the sake of the pitiful child who did not. There was no such thing.

Cao Qinglang leaned against the pavilion’s pillar. He wished he had brought some wine with him.

How was he so fortunate to find such a good Master?

Rice Grain snuck back to Great White Goose’s residence. There was nothing else to do, and Master Pei and Alliance Head were discussing matters of great importance. She wasn’t a big enough official for that.

She saw Beneficent Mountain Lord sitting in the courtyard, surrounded by varying lengths of green bamboo.

Rice Grain crouched down. She could tell that Mountain Lord was practicing his signature skill: building bamboo chests.

Rice Grain asked softly, “Beneficent Mountain Lord, can you make a chest for me, too?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Of course.”

The bamboo chest he had made for Baoping on the journey to Great Sui’s Cliffside Academy was now too small.

Rice Grain said, “My chest can be made last, from scraps. It doesn’t matter if it’s small.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “There’s enough bamboo here for three chests.”

*Baoping, Youqian, and Rice Grain, no problem at all.*

Cui Dongshan called from inside the house, “Master!”

Chen Ping’an didn’t look up. “Get out.”

Cui Dongshan grinned. “Alright!”

*As expected, Master treats his most treasured student the most casually. It’s cold outside, but my heart is warm.*

*Senior Sister and Junior Brother Cao, have you ever been scolded by Master? Not to mention scolded, I’ve even been beaten!*

Great White Goose continued his calculations, writing with one hand and clicking an abacus with the other.

Because of the observation ceremony, the Qingping Sword Sect’s ledger had several new entries of Valley Rain money.

The Great Spring Dynasty’s Minister of Rites Li Xiling had brought eighty Valley Rain coins. This was a burden for the already struggling Ministry of Revenue.

The Jade Decree Sect had gifted eight hundred Valley Rain coins! Wealthy, as expected of the first sword sect in Tongye Continent.

Huang Heji and Yan Mountain of the Jiang Clan Cloud Cavern Blessed Land brought, on average, seventy or eighty Valley Rain coins each year, after costs. Not much? That was a lot!

Moreover, that was for five hundred years! Senior Zhou never disappointed.

Sect Master Cui had wanted to write a secret letter to Senior Zhou, who was already half an outsider, and tell him not to come to Qingping Sword Sect, lest Little Mo misunderstand.

But now, he had to write the letter, but without *that* line. That would hurt feelings. He should reminisce and ask after his health. Since Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s Chief Offering was half an outsider to Immortal Capital Mountain, he was also half family. The Qingping Sword Sect must welcome Chief Zhou home.

Pei Qian had already secretly given Cui Dongshan a shrunken item.

She said that including the item, it was a loan of one thousand Valley Rain coins to Junior Brother and the Qingping Sword Sect, without interest.

Cui Dongshan didn’t dare accept. Master would scold him. But looking at Senior Sister, he went from not daring to accept, to not daring to refuse.

A scolding from Master was better than being accounted for by Senior Sister.

He would find a chance to offer up Bai Xuan’s *Heroes’ Registry*, and see if he could have his debts cancelled.

The gifts from the honored guests, such as Old True Man Liang Shuang, added up to fewer than twenty Valley Rain coins, but they were *real* Valley Rain coins. If they were converted to Snowflake coins, it would be a mountain.

There was also the Tongyin Ferry, now docked at Blue Shirt Crossing, neighbors with the transcontinental Wind Kite Ferry.

Chen Ping’an asked, “How many sword cultivators can the Great Spring Dynasty find in sixty years? Can you give me an estimate?”

Cui Dongshan thought, “Tongye Continent’s sword *qi* is… hard to describe. Under normal circumstances, even if the country was scoured top to bottom, only two or three would be found. But these are not normal times. With Master here, and the Yao Clan absorbing the continent’s *qi*, that might double the number?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Great Spring has it hard, with so much needing funds and so many border troops. Let’s say five sword cultivators come to Immortal Capital Mountain. The rules remain the same. For the materials for forging their swords, you can cut the price in half and send the bill to the Great Spring Ministry of Revenue. After sixty years, when the Great Spring Dynasty recovers, the discount can end. Charge them the full god money.”

Cui Dongshan agreed. “As Master wills.”

Pou Mountain gave away two land deeds worth at least five or six hundred Valley Rain coins. One of the mountains had been barren for many years, but it was large, and it contained a silver mine that had been mined and closed over the years. If it weren’t privately owned by Pou Mountain’s Cloud Herb Hall, the new dynasty would have been khai khai khai mining it already. The other plot of land was not a feng shui place, so it survived the war unscathed. A little immortal sect that registered at Heavenly Canopy Academy had dozens of displaced cultivator families that were forced to band together for warmth. The founder was a Dragon Gate old cultivator. Because of his ties to Pou Mountain and Pou Mountain’s generosity, they only took a few Summer Heat coins from the sect and rented out the mountain to them. As Seed Autumn said, it could be the *dao* ground of a Golden Core earthbound immortal.

Cui Dongshan laughed. “Offering Qiu had a good eye. He kept the three most valuable treasures from the old dragon palace. Otherwise, it would not have been six hundred Valley Rain coins. The gift could have doubled!”

Chen Ping’an couldn’t help but chide, “That was Grandmother Qiu leaving it for Hu Chuling! And Hu Chuling is your disciple! How can you say that?”

Chen Ping’an turned to Rice Grain. “Right, Rice Grain?”

Rice Grain scratched her face. “That’s not right, yeah.”

The reason Cui Dongshan was calculating with the abacus was to record the treasures from Fellow Qingtong’s Suppressing Demon Tower. There were so many that the isolated book titles could fill a book by themselves. The treasures added up, and the price was considerable.

When Teacher Seed said it was twelve hundred Valley Rain coins in the Ancestral Hall on Qingping Peak, it was not a “lie,” but an early market price. Now, spiritual tools and magic treasures were in abundance. He had absolutely no doubt that the goods would sell well. Would someone think they were being cheated? Cut as hard as they could into his wallet. That was why Seed Autumn had hesitated to say that price, but Sect Master Cui had convinced him. He had said the price while ignoring his conscience, thankfully Fellow Qingtong was now a registered offering in the Ancestral Hall with a seat.

Then there was Fat Gu Su’s assets.

Perhaps that was the true headliner gift.

After all, it was a Flying Ascent ghost from a continent-ruling family.

Chen Ping’an said, “For You Jin’s possessions, besides what was already returned, set four tenths aside and don’t touch them.”

They might need You Jin’s help in the future for carving out a large river. Then, they would find a chance to return the possessions to the ghost immortal.

Cui Dongshan was surprised. “Master, only three tenths were left to Immortal Capital Mountain.”

Chen Ping’an immediately stood to check the ledgers. Cui Dongshan hurriedly shut the ledger and laughed. “A mistake, a mistake. It was four tenths.”

Chen Ping’an sat back in his bamboo chair and continued working on the bamboo chests. “How many solid Valley Rain coins are there? Is your Qingping Sword Sect going to cry poor to me?”

Cui Dongshan was struck by lightning and despair. “Rice Grain, did you hear? Master said *your* Qingping Sword Sect. Is that appropriate? Doesn’t that hurt people?”

Rice Grain shook her head and stuck out her tongue. “Your, your. Our Fallen Phoenix Mountain, our Fallen Phoenix Mountain.”

Cui Dongshan slumped and kicked his legs. He waved his sleeves. “I can’t live like this. Even the Right Guardian is bullying people.”

Rice Grain ran inside and, tiptoeing, put her hand to her mouth and whispered to Great White Goose, who leaned to the side.

Although the ceremony was over, various residences on Silk-Weaving Peak were visited by guests.

For example, Zhang Shanfeng found the young sect master of Grand Empyrean Sword Sect. His first sentence was, “Sect Master Liu, I can’t drink much.”

Bai Shou laughed until his stomach hurt.

Liu Jinglong laughed. “It’s alright. I won’t push you to drink.”

He poured wine for Zhang Shanfeng and Bai Shou, and then raised his bowl and lightly clinked it against Zhang Shanfeng’s. He asked a question he had long been curious about.

Liu Jinglong explained, “Of course, I don’t like drinking, but I feel that the people who were encouraged by someone to drink with me are worth knowing.”

The young Daoist took a large gulp. “To be honest, to be drinking with Sect Master Liu would have been unthinkable to me twenty years ago.”

Liu Jinglong laughed. “Few people will believe that. But I’m one of them.”

Bai Shou suddenly sighed. “The luckiest one in the world, the one in the Wildlands, that White Clothes guy from the north, plus me, Bai Shou, the Bai surname is big on the mountain!”

Zhang Shanfeng wondered if he could name any mountain peak cultivators named Zhang.

Liu Jinglong sighed.

Bai Shou took a sip of wine. “I hear the Dragon Slayer’s name is Chen, plus the one who carries the sun and moon in the Southern Subhassa Continent, and my good brother Chen Ping’an, the Chen surname is second.”

Qiu Du visited the three cultivators of Old Jade Mushroom Hill Elegant Instrument Building with Vinegar.

Fallen Phoenix Mountain Law Keeper Chang Ming took his disciple Nalan Yudie and Wind Kite Ferry Second in Charge Old Immortal Jia to visit the Daoist couple Wu Gou and Xiao Manying.

Old Immortal Jia actually became a cook, tying on an apron and personally whipping up a few dishes to accompany the wine. The Daoist couple was naturally honored and flattered. They had not gotten used to Qingping Sword Sect’s ways. Soon, they would not find it surprising.

Liu Jupao and Yu Panshui visited the Jade Decree Sect. They were staying in one of the largest mansions on Silk-Weaving Peak.

This was why some registered cultivators were willing to spend a lot of money to attend sect ceremonies.

It was not just for becoming acquainted with others. Large deals were made there.

Of course, this was not true for the Money God Liu.

On the way, Yu Panshui laughed. “To take in so many Valley Rain coins as a sect, is it not rare?”

Liu Jupao nodded. “Last time might have been when Wei She advanced to the upper five realms, or Yu Xuan founding a sub-sect.”

If a sect’s sub-sect were to have its own sub-sect, then it could be promoted to a “main sect” or “ancestral court.”

This was rare in Vastness.

Zhong Kui took Fat with him to chat with Old General Yao. The Pou Mountain group was there, too.

You Jin noticed something odd. Zhong Kui seemed shy around Huang Yiyun. Even his voice was different as he tried to be refined.

*How tiresome,* thought Gu Su. *I, a true man, cannot stand Zhong Kui’s behavior!*

After drinking, Zhong Kui found Fat acting strangely. He said that Cui Dongshan would return six tenths of their possessions.

Fat immediately bent and grabbed Zhong Kui’s arm. Tears streaming down his face, he cried, “Brother Zhong Kui! I don’t know how to repay such great kindness!”

Zhong Kui flicked his wrist. “Next time there’s a drinking session, with a drinking habit like that, you can go drink with the dogs.”

Fat said, “Wasn’t I afraid of stealing your thunder at the table?”

Zhong Kui swatted the side of Fat’s head.

You Jin lowered his voice. “Brother Zhong, you like Huang Yiyun? What a coincidence, we have similar taste. Fine, for the sake of a brother, I’ll give her up. Do you need my help? I have some talent with women, especially outstanding women.”

Zhong Kui laughed. “What are you thinking? I admired Master Ye when I was young. Of course, I like her, but it’s not that kind of liking.”

You Jin said, “I admire Brother Zhong’s frankness!”

He was angered by Chen Ping’an, who treated him like an honored guest of Hundred Flowers Blessed Land.

But he had to admit that the young man was promising and had some integrity. If he were Chen Ping’an, he’d act even bolder.

Zhong Kui looked up at the sky.

*So many people come to see the bright moon, yet they do not know they are being watched by the moon.*

Seed Autumn sought out Shao Poxian, Meng Long, and Shi Qiu.

He came to tell them two things. First, Wu Yi of Violet Sun Prefecture in the Yellow Court Dynasty might come to Tongye Continent to settle. Wu Yi wanted to act as a Protector of the Nation after they established their country. Shao Poxian looked at the woman next to him. Meng Long’s name was now Lone Meng Long on the rivers and mountains registry. She smiled and nodded. Since her young master agreed, she was happy with it.

Seed Autumn took out two paintings, one of the shape of the entire central Tongye Continent, and another of the Lin River. He said that the Lin River would become one of the main waterways of the Grand Canal. Shao Poxian stared at the paintings and said, “Our future selections for the five sacred mountains might have to change.”

Once they established their country, they had to pick a capital, worship the five sacred mountain gods, invite water gods, and gather the scattered refugees. These things required the Qingping Sword Sect’s help. God money, people on the mountain, and ministers for an ascendant dynasty.

Daoist Dragon Gate Guo Ran had agreed to be a registered offering for the Yellow Court Dynasty’s Peace Mountain.

In two days, Guo Ran would take his disciple Tan Yingzhou with Yellow Court and Guarding Mountain Offering Yu Fushan to the old site of Peace Mountain.

The immortal sent a flying sword message back to Iron Tree Mountain, telling his sister, who was managing the sect, that he would stay in Tongye Continent for a year.

It was common for upper five realms cultivators to spend years or decades traveling.

Guo Ran had also used his personal ties to send several secret letters to Central Earth Continent, inviting several demon craftsmen and artificers to “travel” to Tongye Continent.

Mi Yu, Cui Wei, Little Mo, gathered together.

Plus Qingtong, who seemed unfamiliar with everyone at Immortal Capital Mountain.

They also called the two young sword cultivators who had participated in the Ancestral Hall meeting, Yu Xiehui and He Gu.

Having become the Qingping Sword Sect’s Chief Offering, Mi Yu and his disciple He Gu would have their *dao* ground on the Cloud Peak of Immortal Capital Mountain.

Law Keeper Cui Wei and his disciple Yu Xiehui would have theirs on the Sky Edge Peak, Cactus.

These sword cultivators had never taken disciples in Sword Qi Great Wall, so the two children were their first.

Little Mo’s temporary *dao* ground was simple: a thatched hut by the Fallen Treasure Beach at the foot of Immortal Capital Mountain.

The group sat around the fire. Mi Yu leaned over to warm his hands. “You two aren’t dumb. You know why His Excellency invited you to the meeting, right?”

He Gu refused to respond to his infamous master.

Yu Xiehui nodded. “We know. Because our natal swords can help His Excellency. We can forge swords and travel.”

Little Mo said, “It’s Qingping Sword Sect.”

Yu Xiehui said, “What’s the difference?”

Cui Wei did not say anything. There was no difference.

That was true for Qingping Sword Sect, but not for other places.

In Vastness, it was not unheard of for a sub-sect’s sect master to be at odds with the ancestral hall of the main sect.

The most exaggerated case was a mountain on Flowing Glow Continent that had a sub-sect on Golden Armor Continent. The sub-sect announced that it was breaking away from the main sect. It caused a great uproar. The sub-sect’s sect master, Law Keeper, Chief Offering, and honored guests were replaced. The upper and lower sects became alienated.

It was not easy to establish a sub-sect. To gather scattered hearts was even harder.

Mi Yu laughed. “To not be a member of the Ancestral Hall, yet participate in meetings, is unprecedented in Qingping Sword Sect and Fallen Phoenix Mountain. You two should be proud.”

Yu Xiehui scoffed and crossed his arms. “What talent? What’s the big deal?”

He Gu nodded in agreement.

Among the nine sword seeds, He Gu was the tallest. His natal sword, Flying Peak, was mystic. It seemed to have a natural talent that could command the mountains. Of course, the size of the mountains that could be commanded depended on He Gu’s realm.

The He family was not on Grand Symbol or Jade Tablet Street, but it was significant. The He family’s sword cultivators all came from the Punishment Official line.

He Gu wore a short sword, *Reading Maid*, which was of high quality.

In Sword Qi Great Wall, the Flying Peak sword would not stand out. It would only be ranked low-B. But in Vastness, it would be two levels higher. As Yu Xiehui advanced in realm, if he could pick the right battlefield, it would be like a great cultivator in a small world.

Yu Xiehui’s natal sword, *Word Breaking Edict*, had a forbidden connotation in Vastness. There was no record of it in Sword Qi Great Wall or Summer Palace. If Yu Xiehui could grow into an upper five realms sword cultivator, especially a Great Sword Immortal, it would be a calamity for the demons, especially those whose true names had been leaked.

If there was an analogy, Great Sword Immortal Yu Xiehui, was like a Little Bai Ze. If he knew the demon’s true name, the demon would be injured upon contact. If the demon’s realm was lower than Yu Xiehui’s, they would die upon contact.

Cui Wei said, “You must cultivate swords well here on Immortal Capital Mountain.”

He Gu almost said, *You’re a nascent soul, what do you know?*

But he glanced at his nominal master, whose expression was unreadable. In the firelight, he looked somewhat more gentle, so He Gu nodded.

Mi Yu had to add, “Xiehui, same for you.”

Yu Xiehui retorted, “Same what? Don’t talk like His Excellency. Cultivating swords is none of your business.”

He Gu laughed and glanced at the stoic face.

Cui Wei smiled.

Little Mo stooped to flip the rice dumplings on the grill. They were delicious when golden.

Qingtong was conflicted. He did not like sword cultivators, and this proved it.

As dawn broke, the Jade Decree Sect would take their ferry and leave Qingping Sword Sect.

Liu Jupao and Yu Panshui had left Silk-Weaving Peak last night.

Xu Xie had also said goodbye to Jade Decree Sect and left, returning to Chasing Mountain Crossing in Yu Prefecture.

Chen Ping’an had bid him farewell.

Today, Bai Xuan and Rice Grain went to find Qiu Zhi.

Qiu Zhi had given Bai Xuan his address at the letter office on Nine Spires Peak. Bai Xuan had hinted that he did not have much money. Qiu Zhi had said that it was fine, he would send a letter with a few god coins.

Bai Xuan had patted Qiu Zhi’s shoulder. “You’re smart. Come with me. We’ll be invincible. If you have someone on Nine Spires or other mountain that you don’t like, tell me their travel plans. I’ll go with His Excellency on some mission and ambush him.”

Qiu Zhi was terrified. “No, no, everyone on Nine Spires treats me well.”

He regretted signing that *Heroes’ Registry*.

Today, Qiu Zhi went out to walk Silk-Weaving Peak with Bai Xuan.

The girl named Chai Wu suddenly asked Qiu Zhi if Nine Spires Peak had any wine.

Qiu Zhi said that Nine Spires did not produce wine, because Sect Master Wei did not like to drink.

Chai Wu did not say anything.

Qiu Zhi quickly added, “But the Emerald Dew wine of Painted Eyebrow Peak and some wine from Cloud Cavern Blessed Land are famous in Tongye Continent.”

Chai Wu’s eyes lit up, and she said that if she had the chance, she would visit Nine Spires Peak.

But she wouldn’t be able to go out for decades.

Her aptitude was too low. Master Chen could not teach her sword techniques.

That saddened her.

She heard Grand Sword Immortal Mi say that there used to be a man named Dong in Sword Qi Great Wall who was good friends with Master Chen. He never carried money and drank as much as he pleased.

She envied him.

The girl named Zhou Rice Grain had a green bamboo staff and a gold carrying pole. She didn’t say much, but her identity was significant.

Qiu Zhi had been shocked to learn that she was Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s Guardian Offering.

Rice Grain took the last of her melon seeds and gave them to Qiu Zhi. “They’re from town. Don’t look down on them.”

Yesterday, she had focused on carrying the bamboo chest and had forgotten to buy melon seeds. She was pulled away by Bai Xuan this morning.

Qiu Zhi quickly said, “No, I don’t.”

Rice Grain smiled.

Qiu Zhi looked at Sun Chunwang, who was always looking at him with disapproval.

Qiu Zhi felt depressed and unhappy.

At noon, the group visited the Jade Decree Sect cultivators and flew to Blue Shirt Crossing.

Besides Chen Ping’an and Cui Dongshan, Mi Yu, Cui Wei, and Seed Autumn were also present.

It could be said that all of Qingping Sword Sect’s managers had come.

After the meeting, this reception was perfect.

At the ferry, Chen Ping’an said, “In business, we were blunt during the meeting. I hope you can forgive us.”

Jiang Heng was surprised that the wandering gaze of the young His Excellency landed on him. The young master of Cloud Cavern smiled and cupped his fist. “I understand.”

Zhang Fenggu said, “If we can use the Grand Canal affair to truly understand each other’s sect’s style, then our alliance will be natural. I look forward to that day.”

Wang Ji was short-tempered. He had resented that the Qingping Sword Sect was too aloof. But Zhang Fenggu had explained it in detail, and he was appeased.

Wang Ji said, “In the martial world, friends will trust each other with their lives. It is not so in your mountain.”

Wang Ji had only been an Ancestral Hall Offering of Jade Decree Sect’s Divine Seal Peak for a few years.

Zhang Fenggu could only say, “Perhaps like a river winding through the land, it will eventually flow to the sea.”

Wang Ji nodded. He hoped so. It would be terrible if Jade Decree Sect and Qingping Sword Sect broke off. His homeland of Tongye Continent could not afford such infighting.

Cui Dongshan cupped his fist and laughed. “Don’t blame Master, blame me.”

Chen Ping’an walked alongside Wang Ji and said, “Daoist Qingjie, perhaps our Qingping Sword Sect was not entirely pleasant to you. Take it as good things taking time. I hope that we can form an alliance. I will have a drink with Daoist Qingjie. Even if it does not work out, there is plenty of room in Tongye Continent.”

Wang Ji was surprised and laughed. “That’s the way to talk!”

Cui Dongshan smiled.

Whatever Master had said to Qingjie,

if he said it, it might be useless. But if Master said it, people would believe it.

What good fortune to have such a Master?

If there were not outsiders, he would cry in front of Master.

Cui Dongshan clasped his head and looked around. On this crossing named Blue Shirt Crossing, flowers would gradually bloom and the plants would become lush.

Master used to lead a skinny horse and wander through the mountains. The mountains were skinny, the water was skinny, the horse was skinny, the man was skinny.

*The sun and moon drive the passage of time, and the rivers and lakes stir the hearts of travelers.*

*Next spring, flowers will bloom on the roads.*

Next time Master traveled and returned home, he would not be filled with sadness.