From the halls of the academy in Huaihuang County, the day still young as lessons ended, children of fortunate families took flight with their silken kites.

Having shared tea and tales of mountains and streams, Chen Ping’an, alongside Shao Yunyan and the Lady Tuoyan, ventured forth to wander the dwindling lands of Luopo Mountain.

Travelers ascended Green Peak, where white was cloud and jade was tree, far removed from the mortal realm below.

Unexpectedly, Shao Yunyan, with some flimsy pretext, unchivalrously abandoned them for a solitary stroll, leaving the Lady Tuoyan in a state of heightened nervousness in the young Hidden Official’s presence.

As they walked towards the summit, Chen Ping’an produced a curious, colorful knot resembling a copper coin and inquired, “Do you recognize this?”

The Lady Tuoyan’s expression shifted.

This knot was no mere bauble, but a charm woven from the combined essence of numerous Flower Goddesses from the Blessed Land of a Hundred Blooms.

Though not directly connected to her, there was a deep connection. When the Lady Tuoyan escaped to Inverted Mountain, the Flower Goddesses aided her escape.

During the gathering at the Literary Temple, the Lady Tuoyan showed great warmth toward those from the Blessed Land.

Chen Ping’an tucked the knot away, saying, “During your travels with Shao the Swordsman through the Middle Lands, perhaps you could convey a message to the Blessed Land of a Hundred Blooms. Tell them that when I next visit their hallowed grounds, I shall bring this object. The terms of its return, however, will require a face-to-face negotiation.”

The Lady Tuoyan appeared taken aback. Was the young Hidden Official granting her a favor?

Was this not akin to the Imperial Court bestowing honors upon scholars in the capital, with its own payment?

The boon was far greater than what could be attained by those who pass the Imperial exams, and the many Flower Goddesses would all benefit. The Lady Tuoyan could imagine her status as a distinguished guest in the Blessed Land. No matter the outcome of the negotiation, she might secure a position as a guest elder in the blessed realm. As a grass spirit of plum blossoms, she could not help but desire to enter the Blessed Lands. Was this not like how the local demons of vastness regarded Iron Tree Mountain as holy, and how the wild mountain cultivators craved White Emperor City?

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “Consider it compensation for the century’s worth of cultivation you expended at the Qingmei Temple of South Tang Lake?”

The Lady Tuoyan smiled charmingly. “No problem at all!”

For flower and grass spirits, the Hall of Ancestors was but a single place.

Chen Ping’an crossed his arms in his sleeves and walked toward the summit. “Mei Jing, that is your name, correct?”

The Lady Tuoyan’s expression changed, her smile strained.

Mei Jing was the Lady Tuoyan’s true name, a demonic name recorded in the archives of the Mountain Villa for Avoiding the Summer Heat.

She had to declare her true name in order to grow plum blossoms under the watch of the Second Master of the Tao, on Inverted Mountain.

Chen Ping’an spoke, “Returning to Vastness, cloaked in glory, wandering the lands… what are your thoughts?”

On Inverted Mountain, the Lady Tuoyan could only support a puppet, hidden behind the scenes in the Plum Blossom Garden, never daring to leave its boundaries.

Now, she was a retainer of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, recognized as a friend of Lu Zhi, and a guest elder of Luopo Mountain. With Shao Yunyan as her companion, no place in the Nine Provinces of Vastness was off limits.

The Lady Tuoyan felt a surge of tension, her mind racing. She thought of the Plum Blossom Garden given to the Sword Qi Great Wall, of cutting ties with the well-hidden demon of Ascension, “Border,” of following Lu Zhi, of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, founded by Qi Tingji in South Saha, and her appointment as a retainer… No action had been taken beyond boundaries. Autumn calculated by vines were not the habits of the Hidden Officer. Chen Ping’an was very direct.

Chen Ping’an said, “Men have unresolved feelings and trees have scars. In your heart, Vastness, or rather, cultivators of Vastness, especially those with pedigree, are a wound.”

The Lady Tuoyan cautiously replied, “I have found peace. Lord Hidden Official need not fear that I will cause trouble for anyone here, nor bring unnecessary complications to the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect.”

Years pass. Few of the cultivators from the old days have survived.

Chen Ping’an said, “Do not come to terms with this world. Each so-called coming to terms is self-deception. The wrong is a wrong, and it will not diminish in the slightest.”

“I will only give my opinion. Be careful, secretive, and slowly dismantle this world. But know what the world is and why people say and do. Lady Tuoyan has been doing that better. Those in poverty rely on savagery and those in need, on forbearance. Will one who has risen to the top seek revenge on the world? Will that be focused on past evils or gratitude for past kindness? Or will there be a mix? Each has an aim, and that is understandable.”

Chen Ping’an added, “You need not test whether our relationship is close by dropping orange peels. Were it not for Nuanshu needing to tidy up the house—an act she would never let me do—I would not bother to care.”

The Lady Tuoyan smiled abashedly. “Lord Hidden Official, I was overthinking.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Qi Tingji has ambitions, and those are great. He is strict and meticulous. He is obsessive. He has an aversion to untidiness, but he hides this well. He once managed a family at the Sword Qi Great Wall, and its confines did not allow him to show his true nature. Now, he leads a sect, dominant in South Saha. He will reveal his true self. Furthermore, Qi Tingji values you. That is not an easy thing to say, and I do not want to gossip. I do not want Lu Zhi to break with Qi Tingji because of you. The overall situation would collapse. Regardless of how others may view it, I see both the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect of Saha and the Green Reed Sword Sect of Tongye as continuations of the Sword Qi Great Wall.”

“Lu Zhi seeks the peak of the sword. She does not wish to ask about others, nor to think. Her actions are harsh. Vastness cannot wrong Lu Zhi, but you are her only friend. Should she draw her sword, her blows will be too heavy. The Literary Temple does not matter much to Lu Zhi. However, within the next century, the Temple will strictly control great cultivators. I am not being a fortune teller. I prepared for both sects to be sealed in the mountains for centuries, and for myself to be jailed with Liu Cha for decades, practicing my sword and fishing.”

“Shao Yunyan is not strong enough. Though he is a Sword Immortal, he is not adept at fighting. Moreover, his ambitions do not lie in reaching the peak of the sword. That was true then, and is true now.”

“If you ask me, Swordsman Shao understands the world. After drinking, another cup is no use. When thirsty, drinking water is divine dew. In old age, with a strong body, there are no worries, and one can become a long-lived immortal. It is just these two things. How to treat others, and why to cultivate, are both understood completely. Shao Yunyan is not suitable to stand up for you.”

The Lady Tuoyan grew increasingly confused. What was Chen Ping’an trying to say?

Chen Ping’an stated, “To put it simply, after much ado, it is this: in the end, you can only rely on yourself.”

Right and wrong, good and bad, big and small, were all being said by Chen Ping’an.

The Lady Tuoyan felt a chill in her heart. What was said was just another grievance. Did all reasonings have to go like this?

Chen Ping’an smiled gently. “I believe in the current Mei Jing. Asking Sect Leader Qi Tingji for help will not be pleasant. Letting Lu Zhi resolve things will be quick, but it will lead to much havoc. Qi Tingji will settle the mess, but you will suffer. So you must rely on yourself. Perhaps send a letter to Luopo Mountain, and give me a greeting. I promise to be there.”

Chen Ping’an had made such a verbal pledge to only two: his close friend Liu Jinglong, and the God of Ears, Zhou You. The latter was only because of the connection to his master. Chen Ping’an visited Suishan once and left the promise to “serve without hesitation.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “Even if I am not in the mountains, or even in Vastness, and cannot arrive immediately, I will tell Zhu Lian and Cui Dongshan in advance to handle your request as their top priority. Be at peace. I will make those who provoke you or the sect will know what it means to invite trouble.”

The Lady Tuoyan stared blankly, then bowed to the young Hidden Official.

A figure in green stood by the railing.

The Lady Tuoyan leaned upon the railing. She needed no makeup, her natural charm like plum blossoms flushed with rouge.

It seemed that without discussing official matters, there was little to say. The two stood in silence.

She turned suddenly and asked, “Chen Ping’an, when you discussed with me, you showed the colorful knot, you stated my true name, you spoke of the natures of Sect Leader Qi, Lu the Master, and Shao Yunyan, and you explained your intention. Was that a dismantling of me?”

“Do not say such strange things.”

“By the way, Chen Ping’an, what exactly are you scheming? What are the consequences?”

“To trick Yang Zhi, who has been pardoned, into returning and killing him, and be caught by Li Sheng to the Hall of Merit.”

“…”

————

Distant Curtain Peak and Yellow Lake Mountain bordered each other. The clouds would rise and fall like people climbing and running down a mountain.

For the first time, Chen Ping’an personally oversaw the construction of Distant Curtain Peak. He and Zhu Lian deliberated over the details.

Because of constant travel, Zhu Lian oversaw all construction, including the ancestral mountain, Luopo Mountain.

Chen Ping’an purchased many large slabs of bluestone to pave the mountain roads. The roads would have bamboo handrails.

Each morning, he would patrol the mountains with Mi Li, and then go to Quanchu to review the books with Wei Wenlong and Zhang Jiazhen.

Back in the bamboo house, Chen Ping’an replied to invitations.

In addition to teaching Zhao Shuxia, he focused on breathing and sword practice.

Guo Zhujiu did not visit Sword Worship Terrace. Instead, she would wander at Immortality Herb Mountain with a girl in a fur hat, and talk about creating a gang.

Chen Lingjun would cultivate for two hours and leave to chat with Immortal Captain Daozhang, or visit Riding Dragon Lane. Elder Jia was now an assistant manager on the Wind Kite Ferry, and was always busy. The newly promoted White-Haired Kid would bicker with her. When Chen Lingjun passed the desolate pavilion, she felt that the White-Haired Kid was not there selling tea. She thought to persuade Lord to call back Bai Xuan to Luopo Mountain. She did not want the White Goose to destroy the wall. Did they want to lose a future leader?

One who dared to fight with Pei Qian was a rare gem. The White-Haired of Taihui Sword Sect did not dare. Bai Xuan had much potential.

Chen Ping’an would spend at least one hour each day teaching Zhao Shuxia in the bamboo house.

The first time, he let Zhao Shuxia see the essence of fist.

The second time, he still did not feed him blows. He let Zhao Shuxia see the truth. Chen Ping’an cast a spell.

Twenty-four talismans floated, corresponding to the twenty-four solar terms. Then, Chen Ping’an swiped his sleeve, and only Small Heat and Great Heat remained. The room was filled with the intent of the fist, like the summer heat. Zhao Shuxia started sweating. When Chen Ping’an tapped the cards for Heavy Snow and Winter Solstice, the room became frigid. Chen Ping’an told Zhao Shuxia to punch him. Chen Ping’an brushed him away. Then, Chen Ping’an tapped Grain Rain and Frost Descends. Zhao Shuxia punched him. The punch was weakened between them.

Chen Ping’an did not remove the talisman and let Zhao Shuxia stand. Then, Chen Ping’an raised a fist. The room was instantly filled with torrential fist intent. The bamboo house shook, and the cloud sea around Luopo Mountain dissipated.

Zhu Lian carried Zhao Shuxia, bathed in blood, downstairs.

Zhu Lian, carrying Zhao Shuxia, said, “You can’t fight. Should we delay the fight? What if it does not snow in the capital of Nanyuan this winter? How about next year?”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “What a coincidence. I am a cultivator. I have all five elements. It can snow, and I can make it snow hard.”

Zhu Lian said, “I forfeit.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Stop showing weakness.”

To feed someone else blows and be punched in the face was not an accident Chen Ping’an would make again.

Zhu Lian chuckled. “You should not have lent me that fist manual.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Trying to lower my guard and scare me? Are you using strategy?”

Chen Ping’an began training Zhao Shuxia.

Though he did not speak heavy words like Senior Cui, his fists were not light on the Fourth Stage martial artist.

With practice, Chen Ping’an could feed Zhao Shuxia blows for an hour.

One day, Zhu Lian carried Zhao Shuxia to a medicine bath.

Nuanshu and Mi Li looked at each other and sighed.

Compared to Pei Qian, Zhao Shuxia was doing better. Pei Qian wrote with wooden sticks, but still used her hands.

Chen Ping’an stood by the road and sat. Nuanshu was sewing cloth shoes, with a sewing kit by her side. She was sewing. It took both physical strength and skill to make a sturdy cloth shoe. Mi Li ordered two pairs. Right Protector ordered 20, but Nuanshu gave her a chop. It seemed that the strategy did not work here.

Chen Ping’an agreed to let them come here every day.

Nuanshu and Mi Li were regulars. Chen Lingjun often left.

Recently, Chen Lingjun was talking with the Left Protector of Riding Dragon Lane. The new general protector of the Riding Dragon Lane was promoted.

Every few days, Pei Qian sent a letter to Jise Peak, addressed to the Right Protector and read by Nuanshu.

The promotion of the Vermillion Kid was now set. At the gate, the incense person was holding a decree and bowing.

The Left Protector remained stuck in place.

Chen Lingjun was furious with him. If he did not want to promote, how could he care?

The mountain was filled with little things. Nuanshu would make cloth shoes when she was free to relax.

Backpacks and walking sticks were started by Lord.

Now it was blue and cloth.

So it was for Mi Li, Chen Lingjun, and Immortal Captain Daozhang.

Master Zhu also liked cloth shoes, but nobody noticed.

After Pei Qian called Elder Zhu a “young master,” Mi Li circled Elder Zhu, looking at him. Nuanshu simply blinked.

When Mi Li went to order cloth shoes, she called out, but saw the apron and knife, and then each stood staring.

Nuanshu looked down and bit the string. “Lord, did you give the origami swallow away?”

The female mountain spirit of Yanzhi Mountain in the Middle Kingdom, in the Hall of Merit, sent a swallow. This incense person would sit on the beam.

Chen Ping’an nodded. “I miss it, but it gives me peace of mind.”

Chen Ping’an asked, lying, “Nuanshu, Mi Li, what is Cen Yuanji seeking?”

He could understand cultivating and seeking immortality.

But she practiced her fists, day in and day out. It seemed that Cen Yuanji wanted nothing. Chen Ping’an even wanted to count how many steps she took in the practice.

Nuanshu said, “Master Zhu said that she is finding herself. Pei Qian said that she is proving that women can practice fists. Chen Lingjun said that each has a say. I think she likes what she is doing. Others may not think the outcome is good. But the process may be the outcome.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “I understand.”

Mi Li was at the porch, counting the clouds. She lay next to Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an closed his eyes.

Last time, the Hall of Ancestors was meeting at Jise Peak. They had not decided to build the lower sect in Tongye.

Chen Ping’an thought to have Cui Wei guard Sword Worship Terrace.

Sui Youbian wanted to use Sword Worship Terrace as a dojo.

Chen Ping’an refused, saying that Golden Core could start a peak elsewhere, but Luopo Mountain needed Nascent Soul.

The nine children were Yu Qingzhang, He Xiangting, and Yu Yue, who became disciples and left Bao Ping.

Cheng Chaolu, He Gu, and Yu Xie became disciples and went to the Green Reed Sword Sect.

Bai Xuan and Sun Chunwang stayed.

Only Nalan Yudie and Yao Xiaoyan stayed.

Nalan Yudie, who liked money, was following the enforcer of Luopo Mountain across the Three Continents. She recorded ways to make money.

Chen Ping’an opened his eyes. “With the Green Reed Sword Sect, we cannot increase sword cultivators.”

Mi Li nodded. “What can we do?”

Chen Ping’an patted her head. “Think.”

Mi Li closed her eyes and pondered.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Nuanshu, any preference for the mountains? If you do, I will reserve it.”

They had Gray Haze Mountain, Cinnabar Mountain, Azure Sunset Peak, Sword Worship Terrace, Incense Fire Mountain, Distant Curtain Peak, and Reflection Reading Ridge.

The mountains that had been rented out were Treasure Records Mountain, Painted Cloud Peak, and Immortality Herb Mountain.

The water dragon Hong Xia was cultivating a water palace at Yellow Lake Mountain. The dragon baskets of Nuanshu and Chen Lingjun were refining a landscape formation.

Distant Curtain Peak was already given to Li Baoping.

That was why the True Pure One engraved a poem there.

If Jiang Qu had not become a direct disciple of Cui Dongshan, Treasure Records Mountain would have been given to him.

Lin Shouyi, Yu Lu, and Xie Xie had all chosen residences at Reflection Reading Ridge.

Confucian gentlemen could not become disciples of sects.

There were over a dozen sects at Western Mountain.

Last time, Jiang Shangzhen had said that they could buy incense with money.

If that wasn’t enough, add more.

If it did not work, it was not the style of Zhou, the leader. The last thing Jiang Shangzhen said was even more essence.

“If Lord does not say anything, I will be out the door. There will be no one to object!”

Last time, Wei Wenlong of Quanchu said that Luopo Mountain had paid off its debts. They had 3600 rain money and 600 gold coins in reserve!

Nuanshu shook her head. “Lord, I am still a Dragon Gate realm cultivator. I am not Golden Core and am far from Nascent Soul. Do not reserve it.”

She did not want to leave here.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “There is no rush.”

The mountain master often said the same words: no rush.

Chen Ping’an continued, “Someone is wondering whether to choose Gray Haze Mountain or Cinnabar Mountain. He was testing me at Oxhorn. I said nothing.”

Nuanshu frowned and smiled, then continued sewing.

Another day, the clouds walked on the green mountain, came and went.

In Immortality Herb Mountain, the sound of the flute called the moon over the apricot and peach blossoms.

The two adjacent shops at Riding Dragon Lane were closed.

Elder Zhu treated himself to wine and dishes.

Xiao Mo glanced out the window in the Two Vague book building and stopped.

Immortal Captain Daozhang read a book, lighting the lamp, and wrote.

————

Someone rode into the mountain on a donkey, leisurely.

Of course, the donkey was a talisman. Cultivators would use them to save their legs. They were not cheap, and would break. Those below Fifth Stage could afford them, but not keep them.

The man had a beard.

Near Luopo Mountain, he passed the stone bridge and saw a figure in green. “Who is on the back of a donkey, and what are you saying?”

Liu Baqiao chuckled. “Chen Ping’an, whenever I see you, I become more handsome.”

What an opening.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Baqiao, did you visit Small Lonely Mountain? Next time, give my name. Ni Yuerong, the former manager of Passing Cloud Building, and Wei Yueshan, the manager of the dock, are my friends.”

Liu Baqiao was stuck in the heart. “You are so annoying.”

After the ordeal, the newly formed sect of the Mountain of True Yang had fallen as a laughing stock. Su Jia, whose heart had been broken by Huang He, had returned to the Mountain of True Yang. Although Su Jia was no longer a sword cultivator, she was still a member of the Hall of Ancestors. It was not clear whether she would cultivate the sword again. She often visited Small Lonely Mountain and Jujube Peak, but Wu Tijing, the close disciple of Bamboo Emperor, had left.

As the mortal enemy of the Mountain of True Yang, the Thunder Wind Garden was under Liu Baqiao, now that Huang He had gone to the Barren Lands.

Liu Baqiao was one of the ten young talents of Bao Ping.

The Mountain of True Yang had two Jade Pure Sword Immortals, but Liu Baqiao was only Nascent Soul.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Why did you come to Luopo Mountain?”

“I agreed to join Jade Pure within a century. I still have 90 years. With my talent, what is the rush?”

Liu Baqiao dismounted. “Cultivating cannot be closed in doors. Look at Wei Jin and look at you and Liu Xianyang. All like to wander. The three of you joined Jade Pure in your forties. I came down the mountain late.”

Liu Baqiao felt that he could join Jade Pure. As for Immortal, that was up to the world.

When the Earth Immortals of Bao Ping ascended, it was a test.

Liu Baqiao asked stealthily, “Why did you give Sui Youbian to the lower sect?”

Lower sects becoming too powerful was something the mountain did not like.

Of course, Luopo Mountain need not worry.

Liu Baqiao was confident that Chen Ping’an could found two sects in thirty years. He had seen Chen Shan master grow up.

Chen Ping’an said, “She is a sword cultivator, and the Green Reed Sword Sect is a sword sect. If she stayed at Luopo Mountain, there would be something wrong.”

The ten talents had Ma Kuxuan of True Martial at the top. Then there was Xie Ling of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect, Yu Shiwu of the Jade Imperial, Cai Jinjian of the Azure Cypress Peak of Cloud Radiance Mountain, Sui Youbian of Luopo Mountain, Jiang Yun, Zhou Ju, and a Zhao Xutuo. It was possible that Liu Baqiao would be ranked fifth.

Sui Youbian had joined the Tongye sect of Luopo Mountain. Bao Ping would have a vacancy.

Liu Baqiao was happy.

Chen Ping’an laughed. “You are lucky. The Thunder Wind Garden does not have to worry about talent. Otherwise, Huang could order you to stay for a century and practice the sword.”

After Li Tuanjing died, Huang He took the lead.

The Bamboo Emperor of the Mountain of True Yang and Xia Yuancui of Full Moon Peak dared not spar with Huang He.

The Mountain Gate had become more prosperous.

And the disciples of Liu Baqiao were also talented sword cultivators.

Liu Baqiao nodded. “Song Daoguang, Zai Xiang, Xing Youheng, and Nangong Xingyan all hope to join the Nascent Soul realm.”

Liu Baqiao scratched his chin. “Chen Ping’an, don’t you find it strange that the Earth Immortal sword cultivators of Bao Ping are worthless ever since Wei Jin rose?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Did the fishnet break?”

Liu Baqiao asked, “What?”

Chen Ping’an said, “It does no good to say more. You must feel it yourself.”

Liu Baqiao led the donkey. “My disciple is called Xing Youheng…”

He looked lazy, but he worked hard.

What a cheapskate.

But Liu Baqiao liked him.

Chen Ping’an said, “I know, a young Dragon Gate realm sword cultivator. If I am not mistaken, Xing Youheng is now thirty years old.”

Liu Baqiao nodded. “He had luck and became a Golden Core cultivator. There is a long story involving the sect.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “The people above the mountains, they like to receive money for festivals, but you have come for a gift.”

Liu Baqiao said righteously, “What about you, with Wei Mountain Spirit? The north is filled with complaints! I am much better.”

Chen Ping’an cursed. “The festival of Wei Bo has nothing to do with me. You can ask Wei, not a coin has landed in my hands.”

Liu Baqiao said, “I want to remind you that it would be great if Wei Mountain Spirit could come. Remember to give a greeting to Cloud Over Mountain.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “I am lucky to have made a friend.”

Liu Baqiao said, “Are you coming?”

Chen Ping’an said, “I will come.”

Liu Baqiao suggested, “It would be better to say that you are not coming. Then, give a surprise to the Thunder Wind Garden. It would be better for you to have it all.”

Chen Ping’an smirked.

Someone rushed, wrapped in thunder, but stayed low to the ground. She stopped, and kept the sword sheathed behind her. She shouted apologies and called Liu Shishu.

Liu Baqiao smiled. “This is my disciple, Nangong Xingyan, the junior disciple of Huang Shixiong. She was given the title ‘Thunder Rain’ and the sword ‘Purple Gold Serpent.’ Nangong Xingyan practices lightning.”

“She was taken at a young age. Her hometown is rich with wine and beauties.”

“Nangong Xingyan admires…Luopo Mountain.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Hello, fellow Daoist Thunder Rain.”

She looked young, a late View of the Sea sword cultivator.

Very talented.

After 60, it’s old Earth Immortal. After 100, it’s mid fifth stage, and that’s pretty young.

There was Qiu Zhi of Nine Axis Peak, or Chai Wu.

They were beyond the range of talent.

Don’t compare your fist with Cao Ci and your sword with Ning Yao.

Liu Baqiao kept from smiling. Nangong Xingyan had put on makeup, something unheard of. No wonder she said that she would stroll and then meet at Luopo Mountain.

Liu Baqiao said, “This is Chen Shan Lord.”

Nangong Xingyan saluted. “Nangong Xingyan greets Chen Shan Lord!”

Liu Baqiao insulted her silently.

Chen Ping’an laughed. “It is good to meet you.”

Liu Baqiao blinked and continued to insult.

Last time, Chen Ping’an went to the Thunder Wind Garden, and Liu Baqiao had mentioned Nangong Xingyan.

Liu Baqiao laughed. “We have passed several mountains. The disciples are looking down. Why is no one coming to say hello?”

There were 62 mountains at Western Mountain, minus Cloud Over Mountain and Luopo Mountain, and the Dragon Spring Sword Sect. There were over ten mountain sects.

The only reason they were there was the money.

Chen Ping’an did not hear.

It was like the government.

It was like in a strict office, one could not meet the leader.

Liu Baqiao asked, “Why did Ruan quit and move?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “I don’t know.”

Liu Xianyang took over the Dragon Spring Sword Sect from Ruan Qiong. Wei Bo had helped move the mountain and made a large lake.

It was said that the lake would be called Returning Sword Lake.

Now, the lake and the clouds of Distant Curtain Peak, and the scenery of Red Torch, had become ten scenic spots.

Liu Baqiao chuckled. “I heard that Zhu Huang had become the chief retainer, and that Mountain of True Yang denied.”

Chen Ping’an said, “The Lower Sect of the Mountain of True Yang, Crimson Mountain Sword Sect, will likely have a change.”

Now that Luopo Mountain had a lower sect, the dynasty would support the old Zhu Empire.

Liu Baqiao grimaced. “Crimson Mountain Sword Sect? It’s all for show.”

The Mountain of True Yang had shown that it was loyal to the Zhu Empire. But 70% still picked the Thunder Wind Garden. If it had not been for the gathering, maybe it would be a 30% choice.

Liu Baqiao hesitated and asked, “Any news of my brother?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “We do not have news.”

After a pause, Chen Ping’an said, “No news is good news.”

Liu Baqiao nodded.

At the gate, Immortal Captain Daozhang rose. Chen Ping’an helped introduce.

After Immortal Captain greeted, he asked quietly, “Need I record?”

Chen Ping’an hesitated and said, “You do not have to record, but tell Konghou. Liu Baqiao and Nangong Xingyan of the Thunder Wind Garden are visiting.”

Liu Baqiao asked, “What is that?”

Chen Ping’an explained, “Someone at Luopo Mountain is compiling the annals.”

After Lu the Pure and Shao Yunyan and Lady Tuoyan arrived, the White-Haired Kid was happy and wanted to be the gatekeeper.

Liu Baqiao became excited. “Remember to say my name and my realm, under one hundred and early View of the Sea, and we are sword cultivators!”

On the mountain, Chen Ping’an had Elder Zhu prepare dishes and drank with Liu Baqiao.

Nangong Xingyan did not want to interrupt and went to stay with Nuanshu in the neighboring estate.

When Liu Baqiao drunkenly returned, the girl left.

Nangong Xingyan whispered, “Shishu, do you really know Chen Sword Immortal?”

Liu Baqiao snorted. “Do you think I am a liar?”

Liu Baqiao chuckled. “You feel troubled and annoyed. When you are older, you will be happy.”

Nangong Xingyan elbowed Liu Baqiao.

Liu Baqiao screamed in pain.

Although she looked soft, she was violent.

Liu Baqiao took out a jade and said, “Chen Shan Lord’s present.”

Nangong Xingyan looked at the jade and asked, “What is it?”

Liu Baqiao explained that Chen Ping’an had sent out “Jade of Peace” from Spring Banner Study Hall.

They were plain, and the jade was cheap. On one side was engraved “Vastness,” and the other was engraved “Sword Qi Great Wall.” There were the words “Hidden Official” and a number.

Each ship had a different jade. There were Wu Qiu, Tang Feiqian, and Bai Xi.

Liu Baqiao said, “It is worth much.”

Chen Ping’an said nothing.

Liu Baqiao joked, “How is the real person? Disappointed?”

Nangong Xingyan laughed.

Back at the Thunder Wind Garden, she had seen a mirage and said, “There is such a handsome man?”

Now, the words would change.

Liu Baqiao said, “It is hard to like someone who will not like you.”

Nangong Xingyan shook her head. “Shishu, I am not like you. I will not be half dead.”

Liu Baqiao smiled bitterly.

Nangong Xingyan was in good spirits.

“Whether I like someone has nothing to do with who likes me!”

“It is like the mountain seeing the water. It is up to me to like.”

Liu Baqiao smiled. Were young people so bold?

Liu Baqiao sighed. “Girl, you are decisive because you admire, not because you like.”

Nangong Xingyan nodded. “Perhaps.”

She was not a nympho.

Liu Baqiao waved his hand. “I am tired. Do not mess around.”

Nangong Xingyan spat and left.

Liu Baqiao sat in a daze, drinking plum wine.

He was here only to be on the mountain.

Thoughts turned to sorrow.

Someone laughed. “Baqiao, do not look sad. Who are you trying to impress? Have a drink.”

Liu Baqiao cursed and rose. On the roof, there were six jugs of wine. Chen Ping’an handed him a jug.

The world was clear. Two bachelors were drinking.

There was no need to force each other to drink.

Down to the mountain, again and again, I will grow old.