The wind howled like a banshee through the desolate night, swirling snow into a blinding vortex. Five figures trudged toward the ghostly silhouette of a city gate, their forms swallowed by the tempest.

This land, once vibrant, was now a graveyard of decaying, uninhabited cities. Each stood like the skeletal remains of a forgotten giant, the wind whistling through their empty streets like a mournful bone flute.

Leading the group was a slender youth, his face etched with a cold determination, long eyes narrowed against the stinging snow. A sheathed blade was tucked under his arm. In his hands, he toyed with a tightly packed snowball, transferring it from palm to palm, his fingers nimble even in the frigid air.

Behind him strode a burly old man, his steps deliberate despite a racking cough that seemed to mock the relentless chill. A middle-aged man in a thick, quilted robe followed, the hilt of his sword glinting faintly in the dim light.

The final two walked close together. One was a sturdy, weathered man, his face a roadmap of time, a bundle slung across his shoulder. The other, a tall woman with a determined glint in her eye, though not exceptionally beautiful, carried herself with an air of unwavering strength. A long, dark-scabbarded sword with a pale aspen wood hilt hung at her hip.

The youth’s voice, barely a whisper against the wind’s fury, broke the silence. “Is he truly here, in this forsaken place? Master Zeng, do you believe he has already detected our approach?”

The man in the thick blue robe, Master Zeng, smiled knowingly. “Long ago.”

The old man coughed again, a cloud of steam erupting from his lips as the falling snow around him dissolved into a shimmering heat haze.

Those who cultivated the esoteric arts held certain advantages. They could perceive the flow of energy from afar, divine destinies in the lines of their palms, and interpret the subtle ripples in the celestial currents to track the movements of others, even through divination.

A pure martial artist, even one of the Elder’s profound skill, was at a disadvantage in such matters.

Throughout the Five Continents, the martial arts stood as symbols of unyielding might: Pei Bei of the Central Continent, Han Guanghu of the Golden Armor Continent, Wu Shu of the Tongye Continent, and Pei A Xiang of the Silver Frost Continent. Each was the undisputed champion of their realm, their skill so supreme that they could effortlessly crush any challenger.

The others were not so clear. Even in the Jade Bottle Continent, two warriors, Song Changjing and a mysterious young recluse, hailed from the great dynasty of Da Li, but their battles remained unseen.

From the Northern Wastes a legend of Li Er of the Lion Peak had sprung forth to challenge King Fu Shuo of the Iron Arm. Even in the whispers surrounding the event it was said that King Fu Shuo, while fishing, had not taken Li Er’s skills seriously.

The seemingly frail old man was none other than Han Guanghu, the “Ten Thousand Slayer,” the undisputed master of martial arts on the Golden Armor Continent. For over a century, he had advised, deposed, and crowned no fewer than six emperors and rulers.

He had once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Great Sword Immortal Xu Xie, halting the advance of Wan Yan the Elder. This effort cost him dearly, weakening his state. Yet, when invited to join the Assembly of Sages, he declined, a sharp contrast to the mountain immortals who clamored for recognition at the hallowed halls.

He simply felt there was nothing to discuss. He barely knew anyone present. He knew Zhang Tiaoxia, though, who fished the rivers of the Golden Armor Continent, but the two never saw eye to eye. Zhang Tiaoxia was too free and carefree, an elusive mist, whereas Han Guanghu preferred to be knee-deep in public matters. The most important reason, however, was his reluctance to meet with Song Changjing of the Jade Bottle Continent. Had his strength not declined, the two would have traded blows. But in his weakened state, it would only be awkward.

Their journey had begun at the Green Ink Sect of the Yu clan dynasty, then taken them through the Great Spring Dynasty before turning north, a leisurely pilgrimage rather than a desperate chase.

Besides Han Guanghu, there was Jian Ming and Master Zeng. Qin Buyi, the pack merchant with the pseudonym “Pine Resin,” hailed from Tonglong County of the Central Continent.

Jian Ming had been born in the Stone Mane Country of the Jade Bottle Continent. In his youth, he had taken on the pseudonym “Song of Yue”.

One snow-swept day, the youth had stumbled upon a jade pendant clutched in the lifeless hand of a headless corpse, the inscription “Cloudglow Mountain” and a fragment of immortal verse etched on its surface. Drawn by his innate talent, Master Zeng had taken him under his wing, and so began the youth’s journey on the path of cultivation.

Qin Buyi chuckled. “The snow in the Tongye Continent is peculiar.”

The taciturn merchant, known as Pine Resin, nodded in agreement. “Rich in spiritual energy. It’s as if snow itself were coins.”

Master Zeng explained, “It is likely due to the ‘Night Parade’ some time ago, where the dissipated emotions of many were gathered and focused. Thus, the celestial bodies responded by bringing a snow of this kind.”

“Unprecedented.” Qin Buyi muttered.

Could it have been the handiwork of a preceptor of the Temple of Literature? A decree from the Saint of Rituals carried out by the Temple?

It would be quite unexpected for the Saint and the academics of the Temple to act this way.

Master Zeng hummed. “And probably never to be repeated. It is a privilege to have witnessed it.”

Suddenly, a figure clad in white, wielding a staff of living green bamboo, stood before them, accompanied by a band of rough-looking warriors and immortals, blocking their path.

Cui Dongshan, the white figure, slammed the staff against the ground, his voice ringing through the silent city. “I guard this door, I planted these trees. If you wish to pass, you must pay the toll!”

On a recent sea voyage, the generous Master Wu of the Year-End Palace had gifted two farewell presents without batting an eye, including a scabbard that could nurture willow-leaf blades to Chief Zhou.

Cui Dongshan, meanwhile, received a staff of living green bamboo, carved with “Qi Alignment” inscriptions. It would not be his for long, as he planned to bestow it upon Chai Wu as a gift for his breakthrough.

Breaking through from the third realm of Qi cultivation, the Willow Tendon realm, and leaping across realms directly into the upper five was unheard of for millennia. Only a few had succeeded, the first being Liu Qi, followed by Zhou Mi. The most recent was Liu Qi’s direct disciple, hidden in the Poem & Leisure Paradise of the Cyan Void World.

The companions flanking Cui Dongshan, including Wang Meng and Qian Hou’er, had been strong-armed into acting as highwaymen and felt embarrassed.

Jian Ming chuckled to himself. How bold these rogues were, attempting to rob them of all people! So, the pond was too shallow to contain the great turtle.

As Cui Dongshan spotted the pack merchant, his eyes lit up. “Excellent, excellent! How fortunate it is that they are bringing me exactly what I need!”

Not long ago, he and his teacher discussed how to invite the founder of the Merchant Way to Green Robe Ferry. And now, they meet one of his kin.

The Merchant Way was a group of mountain hermits who followed an ancient tradition of never touching money. The founder, however, had broken with this tradition and founded the Merchant Way, and the former members ostracized him.

Cui Dongshan wondered how Liu Yan and the merchant before him were related.

As for the woman, her family was also ancient.

She was from the same village as Bai Ye and considered a peer. Bai Ye had even written an admiring poem for her.

One of the top ten candidates in the myriad worlds, the young Chunqing of Bamboo Sea Grotto was the martial pupil of Qin Buyi.

Both Qin Buyi and Pine Resin had accompanied Chen Rong of the Chen family of the Southern Abundance Continent to the town of Huaihuang. At Dragon-Riding Alley, the task of welcoming the guests was given to Immortal Jia and Chen Lingjun.

Cui Dongshan spoke with exaggerated seriousness. “Sister Meng, Monkey Qian, you must retreat! These foes are powerful and dangerous! We must use our wits rather than brute force. I shall test their strength. If they attack, do not worry for my safety, but flee to my teacher and bring reinforcements! Do not fail me! Have no fear, for my teacher shall surely take revenge on our behalf!”

Jian Ming burst out laughing. Wits?

Master Zeng warned in his mind, *Jian Ming, I would have avoided confrontation at all costs had it not been for this. When you see him, simply leave.*

Jian Ming questioned, “Is he the kind of man who is aloof, but likes to make fun of people?”

As Master Zeng prepared to answer, Jian Ming continued. “He must be. How dashing and accomplished my patriarch is!”

Master Zeng’s expression changed, and he grabbed Jian Ming’s shoulders, and tapped his neck several times with his fingers. Then, pressing his thumb to his neck, he stared at the white figure. *Lord Cui, does this befit you?*

Jian Ming wondered why the youth didn’t feel any hint of awkwardness from Master Zeng’s actions.

The youth was unaware and in a state of bewilderment.

Cui Dongshan was unmoved. *Come and hit me if you have a problem! After the third strike, I’ll be rolling on the ground and begging for death!*

His neck was slapped.

Cui Dongshan stopped.

Chen Pingan stood at Cui Dongshan’s side.

Cui Dongshan immediately attempted to make up for his mistake, and shifted the conversation with his mind. *Teacher, this person may be the legendary Wood Mover as well.*

Chen Pingan was amazed. *The one who moved the wood to show his word?*

There were two who participated in the legend. One was the ruler who commanded the moving of the wood to show that he kept his word, and one was the labourer who moved the wood. The former’s name was eternal. No one cared for the latter.

Cui Dongshan nodded. “Close.”

Chen Pingan questioned, “An Ascending Immortal, or a ghostly immortal?”

Cui Dongshan chuckled. “A ghostly one.”

Cui Dongshan tucked his hands in his sleeves and nodded toward the woman with his chin. *This Qin Buyi is the martial teacher of Chunqing of Bamboo Sea Grotto. The assassin who beheaded the emperor of the Yu clan in Luo City was the mentor of Green Peach, a maid of Fu Nanhua, and Qin Buyi’s sister. However, they have no fixed place and enjoy moving in secrecy. They call themselves “The Reclaimers,” and are a mountain group that is disorganized. Because the members do not want to remain in the mountains and become immortals, they live in the mundane world. They act in a similar style to the Mohists, but are not them.*

As Chen Pingan and Cui Dongshan analyzed the five travelers, they were being analyzed as well. Old, young, man, woman, human, immortal, they had it all.

Chen Pingan clasped his hands from afar and spoke to Master Zeng. “Master Zeng, it has been long, but you are just as great.”

Master Zeng returned the gesture. “An old, unbending tree. Nothing to praise. You have a good memory, Lord Chen.”

The youth hesitated before saying, “Are you Chen Pingan?”

The youth had a different impression of the Recluse than from the stories that Master Zeng would tell.

Master Zeng had mentioned in passing that he owed Chen Pingan. When he had the opportunity, he would return it. How this debt had been accrued was not mentioned.

Regardless, the youth was glad that Chen Pingan was from the Jade Bottle Continent, and believed it an honor to be able to return the debt.

Chen Pingan nodded. “You are Master Zeng’s apprentice?”

Jian Ming smiled, remaining silent. A traveler should keep his distance.

Though named as Master and Disciple, Jian Ming would address the elder as Master Zeng.

Recently, Jian Ming went to Mirage City of the Great Spring Dynasty and stole the blade known as “Famous Spring” from a mediocre martial practitioner.

According to Master Zeng, because the Great Spring Li Family could not afford to pay the interest, it was not stealing, but rather reclaiming what was owed.

Chen Pingan laughed. “Your accent points to the Stone Mane Country of the Jade Bottle Continent?”

Jian Ming was taken aback and frowned. After merely speaking a few words, his home was identified?

Master Zeng solved the mystery with a smile. “You were covertly protected during your travels by a flying sword.”

Cui Dongshan mumbled, “Teacher, this Master Zeng sure knows how to speak.”

Han Guanghu took a step forward and bowed to Song Yushao, who returned the bow.

The martial artist turned to the youth. “Are you Zheng Qian’s teacher?”

Chen Pingan nodded. “I am. And you are?”

The elder was a martial artist in the Supreme Realm, no doubt Han Guanghu of the Golden Armor Continent.

It was clear from his deteriorated state that his battle with the Immortal Xu Xie had injured him, and that he was still suffering from its effects.

Chen Pingan glanced at the sheathed blade of the youth, which was no doubt the stolen “Famous Spring” of Yao Ridge.

With this in mind, it seemed that Master Zeng was the mastermind.

He wondered if the debt was being collected in full. Would the Yao Clan have to pay it?

The elder announced himself. “I am Han Guanghu of the Golden Armor Continent.”

Chen Pingan bowed. “Chen Pingan of Fallen Mountain greets Grandmaster Han.”

Han Guanghu responded, “I am here to meet with Zheng Qian, and to ask the Grandmaster for an exchange.”

On the Shadow Wall of the Blade Teacher’s Abode in the Inverted Mountain, a reward was written by Han Wanchan of the Golden Armor Continent, seeking martial artists to fight Song Changjing. The bounty was 500 millet coins, despite Han not having any quarrels with Song Changjing.

That Han Wanchan looked down on the Jade Bottle Continent for having a warrior of the Supreme Realm, a realm that Han Wanchan believed such a small region did not deserve.

This explained the elder’s earlier comment of “being slapped by the Jade Bottle Continent.”

The martial artist had said that he wanted to spar with Chen Pingan.

The largest dynasty in the Tongye Continent was the Yao Clan.

Han Guanghu was in Tongye Continent to repay a debt, for the mysterious Master Zeng had decided to reveal that he wished the former to become the Grand Tutor of the Great Spring Dynasty and assist the Empress Yao Jinzhi to secure her empire.

Han Guanghu, however, was unwilling, for he had affairs back home. What’s more, he was not used to assisting a young girl.

At the time, Master Zeng had said, “Debts must be repaid, or they can be repaid in the next life. It will merely accrue more interest.”

With the pressure on, Han Guanghu agreed to travel to the Great Spring Dynasty. With their travels to Peach Blossom Ferry and Mirage City, Han Guanghu had seen enough of the Great Spring Dynasty.

Chen Pingan declined. “Please don’t call me Grandmaster. As for sparring, instead, would you like a drink?”

Han Guanghu changed the topic. “Besides seeing Zheng Qian, I was hoping that she would become my student. Would you allow it?”

Chen Pingan chuckled. “You jest.”

Cui Dongshan exclaimed, “Han Guanghu! Elder Han! Grandmaster Han! Do you know what realm my eldest sister is at? The Supreme Realm! What can she possibly learn from you, who is at the same realm?”

Cui Dongshan complained. “Teacher! This cannot be tolerated! This is stealing! If it were me, I would start cursing them out first!”

Chen Pingan responded, “Learn from Zhou Junchen.”

Cui Dongshan mimed zipping up his mouth.

Han Guanghu was not fazed by Cui Dongshan. He was looking at the famous Chen Pingan. “I have a few skills that I can pass on. What’s more, Zheng Qian and I would chat back in the Golden Armor Continent, and the girl would mention that you didn’t teach her much. I found it strange that you would leave such a good disciple unattended. Was it because your skills were mediocre, or that you looked down on her?”

Of course, what Pei Qian had meant to say was, “It is my fault for lacking the skills, not his.”

Han Guanghu paid this no heed, and would use any excuse to recruit the girl.

Cui Dongshan wanted to write down everything Han Guanghu had said.

However, he realized that his actions would be noted by his eldest sister, and paused.

Chen Pingan glanced at Cui Dongshan.

*Someone who wants to poach my disciples dares to fan the flames?*

Cui Dongshan immediately looked up into the sky.

Han Guanghu coughed into his hand.

Cui Dongshan asked, “Elder Han, do you want medicine?”

Han Guanghu was taken aback. What a vile youth.

Chen Pingan seemed to have taught him nothing about manners.

Han Guanghu said, “Since Lord Chen is unwilling, I will ask Zheng Qian myself. If she wants to, I hope you will not interfere.”

Cui Dongshan huddled near his teacher and whispered, “What if she does want to? What if she turns back?”

Chen Pingan pushed Cui Dongshan away and smiled at Han Guanghu. “A friendly spar will not be a problem.”

*You may have lost to Pei Qian, but I am not so weak. Poaching my disciple when I am right here is rude.*

Qin Buyi looked forward to the fight.

Cui Dongshan tried to suppress his laughter.

Neither Pei Qian, Mi Lili, nor Chen Nuanshu of Fallen Mountain would dare to betray their teacher.

Who helped Huang Yiyun reach the Imminent Soul state? Their teacher did!

Han Guanghu twisted his wrist and said, “What realm are you in?”

If Chen Pingan was not in the Transcendent Soul realm, it would have been impossible for him to fight Cao Ci.

Chen Pingan answered, “The same as you. I fell from the Transcendent Soul realm.”

In other words, they were equal, and no one would cheat.

Han Guanghu laughed. “When I was in the Transcendent Soul realm, I reached the threshold of the Celestial Soul realm. So even if I have regressed, I am still a force to be reckoned with.”

The bounty had said that Chen Pingan was in the Mountain Peak realm when defending the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Was it possible that, after a few years in the Azure Ocean World, that this man had broken through realms twice?

That would explain how he could fight Cao Ci.

He also had heard that Chen Pingan had relied on all sorts of underhanded methods and left Cao Ci swollen.

Song Yushao quietly spoke, “Do not let your guard down, nor be overconfident.”

There were two meanings behind this: one that the spar should be taken seriously, and the other that the strikes should be powerful.

Chen Pingan nodded. “Understood.”

Cui Dongshan was envious that Song Yushao could guide his teacher.

Although Song Yushao’s realm was inferior, it did not seem to bother the master or disciple.

That was how his teacher was.

In this city of heroes, the watchman and the fishermen sing together at the third watch.

Gu Qiu and his maid, Xiao Fang, stood in an alley.

Gu Qiu’s expression was solemn. These out-of-towners were in a realm far above theirs.

Even the youth was a Golden Core Earth Immortal of the age of 30.

Gu Qiu could not tell the realm of the others.

Xiao Fang was pale and ran behind Gu Qiu. The vitality of the old man was far too much. To a ghost like her, he was like the sun and would burn her eyes.

Because of his status, Gu Qiu was not afraid of martial vitality and could tell that the old man was a Grandmaster of the Mountain Peak realm.

Could he be Wu Shu, the Martial Saint of the Tongye Continent?

Wang Meng cheered for Chen Pingan.

Cui Dongshan stomped his foot. “Are all of you trying to be my teacher’s wife?”

Wang Meng giggled.

As Chen Pingan thought of writing this down on Pei Qian’s account, he looked far away.

Qin Buyi’s expression changed. Chen Pingan had detected the change earlier than they did.

A sword came from the sky with an ear-splitting crack.

Atop the city walls, a handsome sword immortal hovered.

This person would cause anyone to muse how beauty was not exclusive to women.

With the sword immortal at hand, Jian Ming’s mind was in shock. He had to calm himself to steady his thoughts.

Cui Dongshan jumped and cursed. “Chief Mi, are you trying to steal my teacher’s thunder?!”

Chen Pingan merely smiled, and thought of punishing this student later.

Mi Yu walked into the snow with a sword in hand.

Cui Dongshan grimaced. “Chief Mi, this is not your job. The Immortal Capital needs an immortal. Hurry home.”

After all, Eldest Sister was not at the Green Ripple Sword Sect, and Friend Changming may be powerful, but he could not fight. The sect needed a strong presence to deter others.

Mi Yu nodded. “Of course.”

With a tap of his feet, Mi Yu leapt to the city gates. With a spin, he stood on his blade. The blade dragged a streak of white light as he flew back to the Immortal Capital.

His swift action seemed strange to Jian Ming. Could a sword immortal be so trivial?

As a candidate city god, Gu Qiu felt the “Golden Body” and the city quake when the sword immortal had arrived.

Qin Buyi could confirm that this Mi Yu was a sword immortal of the Immortal realm.

Because of their Reclaimer group, who followed the Swords of West Mountain, they knew what was going on with the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Her elder brother, Liu Taozhi, wanted her to recruit Chen Pingan as an adviser for the Swords of West Mountain.

Chen Pingan might even be able to be the High Adviser.

Because there were few of them, they had extremely high standards and split themselves into three. Because the sword cultivators of the Sword Qi Great Wall went to the Five Colors World, those who remained in the Azure Ocean World were the ones who were being recruited.

Ji Tingqi was out of the question.

The one who inscribed the city wall was too great.

As for Lu Zhi, she was too isolated and did not like the Azure Ocean World, so her chances were unlikely.

Cui Dongshan tentatively asked, “Teacher, should I take my soldiers and leave?”

Chen Pingan shook his head. “There is no need.”

Cui Dongshan lamented, “Too bad Little Junior is not here, nor that disciple of Dragon-Riding Alley. They would make this scene grander.”

Chen Pingan remained unmoved and stepped forward. “I await your fist.”

The old man replied, “Seeing as how we are the same realm, it is etiquette for the younger one to start.”

Cui Dongshan cheered, “Three moves!”