The crescent moon cast its gentle light over the nine provinces.

In a secluded Rhythm Sect temple within the Great Li province of Yu, moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating a desk as if it were a reader. Upon a slightly rough parchment lay a single phrase: “Depart from deluded dreams.”

By the river winding near the Jade Mountain’s bamboo grove, Chen Jiu, an outer disciple, cast his line upstream. Downriver, a young Daoist sent his hook into the waters, chuckling, for the wind favored his side of the river – where the larger fish swam.

Within the capital of the Jade Proclamation Kingdom, Changning County, a courtyard overflowed with blossoming flowers. Moonbeams danced on the eaves of Moonflight Pavilion, where a maiden completed her morning toilette, painting lotus blossoms after her brows. Both maiden and moon possessed a captivating allure.

In a humble bamboo hut on the first floor of Fallen Mountain, Chen Ping’an, clad in a green robe, extinguished his reading lamp. Stepping outside into the stillness of night, he walked alone to a stone table at the cliff’s edge, bathed entirely in moonlight.

The moon hung white in a clear sky, and the rustling pines sang a celestial lullaby.

On this mountain ridge, neither too close nor too far from Mount of Harmonious Joy, stood several figures: the Child-like Protector True One of the Azure Apricot Kingdom, the white-haired Zhang Family Patriarch of Heavenly Prison County, the female Sword Immortal Zhang Caiqin, the youthful sword cultivator Zhang Yujiao, the brawny Zhang Family retainer Qi Gu, a Golden Body martial artist, the female disciple Lü Mo, the Golden Crest Sect’s female cultivator from the Verdant Peak lineage, Jin Lü, and a stranger—a maiden Qi cultivator from the town of Pleasant Abundance at the foot of Mount Harmonious Joy, named Ni Qing, with the Daoist name “Azure Mud,” carrying an oiled paper umbrella and a cotton bundle.

Scrolls of iridescent light streamed through the night sky, carrying reports to the ridge. The advance of the armies was proceeding smoothly, surpassing all expectations. Cheng Qian grew ever more certain that Zhao Fuyang, the rebellious Golden Crest Sect disciple, was trapped.

Suddenly, the air beyond the cliff shimmered like wind-blown water.

From nowhere, a middle-aged Daoist wearing a lotus crown materialized at the cliff’s edge. With a single step, he floated onto the stone, standing tall and composed.

He could have arrived silently, but the deliberate ripples in the spiritual energy served as a greeting, a courteous knock on the door to announce his arrival.

Qi Gu and the others started, fearing an ambush from the desperate forces of Mount Harmonious Joy, a suicidal attack.

But when Qi Gu recognized the Daoist’s attire, his apprehension lessened. Yet, a closer look at the crown confirmed his fears, and his heart leaped into his throat, leaving him momentarily speechless.

The rare crown, with its distinct style, could only signify a lineage originating from White Jade City’s Southern Splendor Citadel.

Zhang Qiong fared slightly better than Qi Gu. Few had encountered such a towering mountain cultivator, let alone stood so near to one. After a moment of thought, he clasped his hands in a formal greeting. “Zhang Qiong of Heavenly Prison County, greets Celestial Lord Cao.”

In the vast world, aside from a handful of dwindling, nearly forgotten divine temples, only two lineages donned this crown: the Spirit Flight Temple of Treasure Bottle Continent and the Cool Clarity Sect of North Ju Luminous Continent. Cheng Qian and Zhang Qiong, both Golden Core Earth Immortals, had participated in that war, recognizing the Daoist immediately as the old Abbot of the southern Spirit Flight Temple, Celestial Lord Cao Rong, a chosen disciple of the Citadel Master Lu.

Before the Spirit Flight Temple ascended to a palace, Cao Rong had relinquished his position as Abbot and wandered the world.

Cao Rong returned the greeting with a Daoist bow, not deigning to look down on Zhang Qiong for being a mere Golden Core cultivator. “Greetings, Daoist Zhang.”

Cheng Qian of Verdant Peak, upon seeing the Daoist Celestial Lord who had shone so brightly in the Old Dragon City campaign, immediately performed the rare Daoist obeisance.

A three-fold prostration with nine kowtows, as the Child-like Protector True One of Azure Apricot Kingdom kneeled, his hands pressed to the ground, forehead never touching the earth, a gesture of “empty-headedness” in Daoist ritual.

Cheng Qian proclaimed, his voice ringing out. “Cheng Qian, current Master of the Golden Crest Sect, Verdant Peak, pays homage to Ancestor Zheng!”

Cao Rong was an assumed name. His true name was Zheng Ze, his Daoist name “Celestial Auspice.” Born in the land of Qi, Zheng Ze had once been a collector of poems.

These secrets were found only in the golden jade records of the Spirit Flight Temple, fiercely guarded and hierarchical. None dared leak such ancestral secrets.

Because of the “incense bond” between the Golden Crest Sect and the Spirit Flight Temple, Cheng Qian, as its current Master, knew of this hidden truth, passed down through generations.

Cao Rong raised a hand slightly, his expression serene. “Rise.”

He did not extend such warmth to Cheng Qian, a descendant of his own lineage.

Cao Rong used a voice transmission: “Cheng Qian, the Citadel Master himself has just issued a decree at Ink Splash Peak, allowing your Golden Crest Sect’s founder to regain his status as a Spirit Flight Temple Daoist. From now on, the Golden Crest Sect and the Spirit Flight Temple are one family, with the ancestral home in White Jade City’s Southern Splendor Citadel.”

Cheng Qian’s empty-headed obeisance to the unseen Ancestor Zheng Ze was not a lack of respect for Celestial Lord Cao, but a sign of the Golden Crest Sect’s long-standing desire to “rejoin the ancestral line” with the Spirit Flight Temple.

Cao Rong accepted this with satisfaction.

Cheng Qian was indeed a promising talent.

Cheng Qian was astonished, hearing that the “Citadel Master” had appeared on Ink Splash Peak. Though his Daoist heart was as firm as a rock, he could not help but be moved. Yet he desperately steeled his resolve, maintaining a solemn expression and bowing again towards Ink Splash Peak, his forehead striking the ground with echoing thuds.

Cao Rong nodded in approval.

The storm that was brewing on Mount Harmonious Joy tonight was, at its heart, an “internal dispute” within their own lineage.

Cheng Qian was known for his respect for his teachers. Because Zhao Fuyang, expelled from the Golden Crest Sect, dared to occupy Mount Harmonious Joy and, further, to usurp the rituals by possessing a submerged portrait of Lu and crafting a lotus crown, Cheng Qian had uttered the grim pronouncement: “He who dons the raiment without the Dao deserves to die.”

Lu Shen had casually mentioned this to Cao Rong, joking and complaining that Cheng Qian, the little bastard, had caused him trouble.

But Cao Rong knew that his Master held some admiration for Cheng Qian.

Cao Rong glanced at Lü Mo. According to his Master, three thousand years ago, she had been a loyal handmaiden to a beloved friend.

Now a female martial artist, Lü Mo had regained her “original face,” bestowed upon her by Lu Shen in a chance reunion, transforming her into a celestial being with jade and golden bones, granting her the foundation to cultivate immortality.

His Master had plans for both Lü Mo and the stone turtle at the Dragon King Temple in Hundred Flower Lake.

Especially the girl from the town, with the Daoist name Azure Mud, his Master held great concern. The disciple Cao Rong must take charge of tying up loose ends.

Cheng Qian rose silently, not daring to speculate where Citadel Master Lu might be.

Cao Rong continued through voice transmission: “Misfortune and fortune are not divinely ordained, but self-sought. It is through your sincerity that the Citadel Master graces this place with his presence.”

Cheng Qian bowed, a reverent response to the Ancestor’s words of praise.

But Cao Rong’s reference to “you two” made the perceptive Cheng Qian realize that he would likely not be the one to purge the Mount Harmonious Joy heretic.

Cao Rong had used his divine power to gaze upon the aura of Zhao Fuyang’s Verdant Mist residence. Without his Master’s “intervention,” this mountain python, seeking to ascend, would have grown a dragon horn, showing signs of dragonhood.

As for Daoist talent, Zhao Fuyang was exceptional, among the best in all of Treasure Bottle Continent.

Zhang Caiqin, Qi Gu, and the others, upon learning of the Daoist’s grand identity, quickly saluted Celestial Lord Cao, who smiled and returned their greetings.

Cao Rong declared: “The armies of the kingdoms, after careful planning, have unleashed the siege of Mount Harmonious Joy like an arrow loosed from the bow. As things stand, this poor Daoist dare not order you to retreat. Therefore, the various forces may proceed as planned, advancing to the town of Pleasant Abundance at the foot of Mount Harmonious Joy. However, on Mount Harmonious Joy, Ancestor Xiang Jun of Spirit Flight Palace, Wen Zixiz, and Xing Zi of Golden Immortal Temple are all in the Pink Powder residence. They will offer an explanation to His Majesty of Azure Apricot Kingdom and the Zhang Family of Heavenly Prison County. This poor Daoist will remain here until noon. If anyone is dissatisfied with the outcome, they may seek me here for redress.”

It was as if a Daoist Celestial Lord was issuing the final verdict on this turmoil.

Cao Rong’s words were courteous, speaking of what he “dare not” do, but neither the experienced Zhang Caiqin and Qi Gu, nor the inexperienced Jin Lü and Ni Qing believed him.

Cheng Qian, of course, raised no objection.

Zhang Qiong frowned slightly, but remained silent.

“Blame my Spirit Flight Palace for failing to discipline our disciples, leading to Zhao Fuyang’s actions.”

Cao Rong laughed at himself: “As written in a popular monster novel in the cities, it seems that monsters with origins and backgrounds have a way out when things go wrong.”

Zhang Qiong smiled, the wrinkles on his forehead smoothing out.

Zhao Fuyang had left the Golden Crest Sect long ago. Besides, the Golden Crest Sect wasn’t a branch of the Spirit Flight Palace, so blaming the Spirit Flight Palace was absurd.

That Celestial Lord Cao would take responsibility for the murky affairs of Mount Harmonious Joy was already generous.

Cao Rong continued: “Next, the Spirit Flight Palace will establish a Daoist ground here. The size of that ground will depend on your future negotiations. Palace Master Xiang Jun is prepared to buy some mountains from you. If you can’t agree on a price, we will drop the matter. If you can come to an agreement, that is best. In the future, the Daoist Ground will pass ordination and accept disciples from Azure Apricot Kingdom and nearby nations, depending on fate.”

Zhang Qiong sighed with relief. Celestial Lord Cao and the Spirit Flight Palace were acting in good faith, giving the imperial courts and the Zhang Family of Heavenly Prison County a way out, without forcing anyone’s hand. Otherwise, Cao Rong could have simply had Ancestor Xiang Jun quietly take Zhao Fuyang and his cohorts away without any need to speak a word with a small Golden Core like him.

Cao Rong said through voice transmission: “Daoist Zhang, I have a pill here that may be of use. Xiang Jun will deliver it to you later.”

Zhang Qiong was astonished. “I can’t accept a gift without merit. What is Celestial Lord Cao doing?”

Even though Cao Rong did not name the pill, Zhang Qiong understood its significance. This gift, given for no apparent reason, would surely be valuable.

To be blunt, would a mere elixir be something a Daoist Celestial Lord, the Citadel Master Lu’s chosen disciple, could give away?

Cao Rong explained with a smile: “I have a friend who greatly admires Daoist Zhang, saying that the more Earth Immortal seniors like you there are in Treasure Bottle Continent, the better. He also says that the tradition of one family can influence the customs of other families. In addition, Xiang Jun has little experience traveling down the mountain, has not dealt with imperial courts that many times. It’s inevitable that she lacks experience, and as she’s your neighbor, I ask Daoist Zhang to offer her guidance, perhaps scold her a bit, so that she won’t rely on her lineage and realm to act rashly, making a mess of things.”

Zhang Qiong hesitated, then said with a smile: “Then I shall shamelessly accept this precious gift. Thank you, Celestial Lord Cao.”

The old Golden Core could not help but wonder, if it was Celestial Lord Cao’s friend, why would he call himself a “senior”?

Thinking of Zhang Caiqin’s journey with Hong Yangbo and the hospitality of Fallen Mountain, the old Golden Core understood, making an immediate guess.

But in reality, Cao Rong was merely inventing a reason to give the pill.

To offer charcoal in the snow to the dying Zhang Qiong, and to add embroidery to the brocade of the young Hidden Official of Fallen Mountain.

Perhaps that was why Cao Rong was so well-liked on the mountain peaks.

Zhang Qiong said: “After much thought, this junior must ask Celestial Lord Cao a rather unwelcome question.”

Cao Rong had already guessed his intentions, saying honestly: “Zhao Fuyang will be taken to the Spirit Flight Palace by Xiang Jun to reflect on his actions. He will become my personal disciple.”

At the same time, Cao Rong created a world separate from the rest, pulling from his sleeves a “counterfeit” Scroll of Time, a parting gift from his Master Lu Shen, to show to Zhang Qiong.

In this scroll, Chen Ren did not carry a sword, nor did a young Daoist climb the mountain carrying a green bamboo staff. Zhao Fuyang successfully ascended, becoming a mountain python, and his Daoist partner, Yu Chunzhi, entered the Nascent Soul realm.

After Zhang Qiong finished watching the scroll, he finally relaxed. “This junior has no more questions.”

Cao Rong put away the scroll and dispelled his magic, smiling through voice transmission: “That is good.”

Then, Cao Rong turned to the female martial artist: “Lü Mo, there is a mountain opportunity waiting for you at the Dragon King Temple in Hundred Flower Lake. Whether you go or not is up to you, but it will only last for half a year.”

Finally, Cao Rong turned to the dark, thin girl, smiling only through voice transmission: “You are Ni Qing, yes? You have a karmic connection with my Master, who has ordered me to bring you up the mountain to cultivate. Are you willing?”

The girl asked timidly: “May I ask who Celestial Lord Cao’s Master is? Have I met him?”

Cao Rong smiled: “You have met him, he’s the person you’d least expect.”

In the world, there were the silent, withdrawn like the truly unrivaled Yu Dou and Hua Yang Palace’s Gao Gu, people with Dao, who could push people away even with their silence.

There were the Rite Sage, White Jade City Citadel Master Kou Ming, and Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Zhao Tianlai, who were so easygoing that they made you feel like a warm breeze on your face.

There were the kinds of people that everyone wants to keep their distance from, like White Emperor City’s Zheng Juzhong and Embroidered Tiger Cui Chan.

In short, each person has their own distinct character and mountain top demeanor.

But there were also talkative people like his own master Lu Shen and the Old Scholar, Sun Huaizhong of Black Capital Temple.

The girl’s next question surprised Cao Rong: “Celestial Lord Cao, who is that young man beside him? The one carrying the sword and wearing straw sandals?”

Cao Rong smiled: “Chen Ping’an, the lord of Fallen Mountain and the last Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall.”

The girl gaped, her face full of disbelief.

Him? How could it be?!

That “young man” was clearly a scammer whose words and actions didn’t match up.

But if it was him, wasn’t he the sword immortal that Sister Zhou and Uncle Liu constantly talked about, and who caused them to drink a little more wine every time his name was mentioned?

She remembered joking that “Chen Ping’an” was the best thing to drink with.

Inside the Pink Powder residence on Mount Harmonious Joy, a thunderclap startled the wild cultivators and lewd deities.

In a side hall with few guests, Palace Master Xiang Jun of the Spirit Flight Palace dropped the disguise and revealed her true identity, personally cleaning house.

Zhao Fuyang of the Verdant Mist residence and Yu Chunzhi of the Pink Powder residence, husband and wife, surrendered without resistance.

They knelt with their children before Ancestor Xiang Jun, Daoist name “Dong Ting.”

To the mixed crowd of matchmaking guests, this was the sensible choice. Mount Harmonious Joy only had two Golden Core Earth Immortals. Compared to an Jade Purity Daoist Perfected who could turn a battlefield into their own Daoist ground, they were nothing.

Without anyone needing to say anything, everyone learned from Zhao Fuyang’s family and knelt in different flower halls.

In the silence, someone unexpectedly hiccupped.

Sadly, no one dared raise their head, only listening and recognizing that the sound came from the side hall where Ancestor Xiang Jun was.

At that moment, Xiang Jun held a “ledger” that Yu Chunzhi had offered, revealing the misdeeds of the Mount Harmonious Joy factions, Hundred Flower Lake’s Summer Heat residence, and even the loyal Mountain God of Black Vine Mountain, Li Ting, in great detail.

Xiang Jun, with a cold expression, quickly finished reading, closed the ledger, and casually threw it at the fox spirit’s feet. “Hand this to those imperial courts and let them handle it. Kill those who deserve to die, arrest those who shouldn’t die, and take control of those who can be controlled.”

The young Daoist sat still, his legs crossed, picking his teeth with a bamboo toothpick.

That brave person had just hiccupped.

Xiang Jun had spoken with Zhao Fuyang beforehand.

Afraid of scaring him, she didn’t say that Grandmaster Lu had already come to Mount Harmonious Joy, only that her master was watching nearby.

Zhao Fuyang would temporarily cultivate in the Spirit Flight Palace as Celestial Lord Cao’s unnamed disciple, with a criminal record.

As for whether he could eventually become a direct disciple, that would depend on Zhao Fuyang’s “fate.”

Xiang Jun said: “Return those three imperial seals to the court of Azure Apricot Kingdom as soon as possible.”

Zhao Fuyang, the unruly rogue immortal, prostrated himself, saying: “I obey your will.”

Without the title of “unnamed,” Xiang Jun would be Zhao Fuyang’s older sister, but she was also a palace master.

Before, Yu Yiyou and Yu Rongyu, two maids who served tea and water in the Pink Powder residence, had received great fortune, just like the young Daoist had said.

Yu Yiyou had been chosen by Ancestor Xiang Jun and was now a Spirit Flight Palace cultivator. As for who her master would be, that would be decided back at the Spirit Flight Palace, as part of a Grandmaster Hall discussion. Yu Rongyu had been chosen by Xing Zi of the Golden Immortal Temple because of her good bones. Thus, they had each received heavenly luck. The chance for lowly mountain spirits to be selected as part of a Daoist palace was something they had never dreamed of.

The two female cultivators burst into tears, but after the joy, they looked at each other with wonder.

Did the young Daoist’s mouth have special powers?

The slovenly Daoist, leaned back and picking his teeth, looked at them with a sly smile.

Bai Mao, the master of Clear Purity residence, envied them greatly, wanting the Celestial Perfect to see if he had the bones to cultivate too, for the Bai Master didn’t require much, even being a servant would be fine.

But the ghostly scholar did not know that the greatest change of the night was his.

He only spent a few snowflakes to purchase a painting from Daoist Lu.

With the money in his hand, it had two new passages of golden Daoist text, the most authentic “immortality recipe.”

The first section referred to the Golden Core. When Bai Mao became an Earth Immortal, he would see the second, referring to Jade Purity.

After all, it was the basis of the White Bone Perfect who was a candidate in Azure Firmament. No one dared look down on him.

This was how the Citadel Master Lu was able to eat well and prosper, all because of his excellent acting skills.

Currently, Zhang Xiangdao of Summer Heat residence was in the most pain.

What was supposed to be an alliance of two powerful forces had ended in his home being destroyed, and the Spirit Flight Palace’s Xiang Jun had arrived.

A youth named “Dragon Gill” dared to look at Xiang Jun’s beautiful face, and was immediately knocked unconscious, landing in the wall.

Xiang Jun waved at the Mountain Goddess of Falling Kite Mountain, smiled, and asked her to come over.

The mountain god moved to kneel, but Xiang Jun raised a hand and stopped her, asking “The court of Southern Clouds in Treasure Bottle Continent is missing a mountain god. It is not a high post, only a starting role. Are you willing to fill that spot?”

The god first blanked, then teared up and offered many thanks to Xiang Jun.

Xiang Jun didn’t know why her master had said these words.

The youth and young woman left the main hall.

The mountain god was also confused.

Bai Mao was pulled up by the young Daoist, who said “Now is the time to leave. Otherwise, we will be fined for our drinks.”

Bai Mao did not want to be the target, instead planting his feet firmly on the ground and trying to move his body away from Daoist Lu’s grip.

Xiang Jun did not stop them. The group was not in Yu Chunzhi’s ledger, so there was no reason to care about them.

The young Daoist reached the main hall, and beckoned to Wen Zixiz, taunting “Come on, coward, if you have the guts, let’s fight outside.”

Wen Zixiz stood up and said “Palace master, I truly can’t stand this bastard.”

Xiang Jun reminded him: “Be careful not to kill him and prevent him from walking off the mountain.”

She was also curious. The other party knew her identity, so he should know that Wen Zixiz was a Daoist from Spirit Flight Palace. Why would he provoke Wen Zixiz? If she did not have the Citadel Master and Grandmaster Lu nearby, she might have been wary.

With the master looking on, she was not afraid and could let Wen Zixiz test the other party’s skill.

Hearing these words, Wen Zixiz sat back down.

The “young monk” walked out, then leaned back and asked, “I’ve traveled the world, and this is the first time I’ve seen someone like you.”

Wen Zixiz laughed and said, “Then let’s test our skills.”

In the corridor, Chen Ping’an and the young woman slowly walked out.

Lu Chen said as he was leaving, punching, “Don’t cry when I’m done.”

Wen Zixiz squinted, acting like him, and said “Okay.”

Wen Zixiz was really starting to hate this guy. He was so arrogant. If he had seen him, he would have taught him a lesson.

Lu Chen said, “Young man, you know your problem? You may appear calm, but you’re too bloodthirsty. This is not okay. So young people like you should be taught a lesson. If I were your grandfather, I would scold you, and teach you a lesson about how much bigger the world is than you think…”

Wen Zixiz said coldly, “Now that I can stand by Ancestor Xiang Jun with Xing Zi of Golden Immortal Temple, shouldn’t you be able to tell who my grandfather is?”

Lu Chen was silent, and asked, “So we shouldn’t fight? Going out, it’s best to be peaceful.”

Wen Zixiz said, “Don’t be like that. Since we are on the streets, shouldn’t we know that you can’t get to know someone without a fight? Maybe we can become friends. What do you think?”

Lu Chen was so thick-skinned. He was actually saying, “What do I think? I think we should each go home. Farewell!”

Wen Zixiz pretended to sprint, throwing out a punch. The other party turned around, running away in an instant.

Pei Qian transmitted sound, asking “Master?”

Chen Ping’an said, “That’s just how he is, get used to it. The rumor that this Citadel Master Lu can’t beat anyone is true.”

Pei Qian nodded “How about that one behind you?”

Chen Ping’an said with a smile, “Since he can’t control his eyes, I would’ve taught him a lesson if it weren’t for this form. We’ll ask with fists, and it’s not like only Wen Perfect is good at it. Once we’re outside, we’ll ask with fists.”

Pei Qian grinned.

Looks like his Master was best at taking account, better than she was.

Pei Qian wondered: “Wen Zixiz didn’t notice that Master Bai isn’t there?”

Chen Ping’an said: “Lu Chen doesn’t want him to know.”

Pei Qian nodded.

Was it necessary to be at least Restrictionless to not be like Wen Zixiz, or not even that?

When they got to the white jade plaza outside the Pink Powder residence, Wen Zixiz was shocked to see that the guy who looked like he deserved a beating and the ghostly scholar had disappeared.

Wen Zixiz steeled himself, reminding himself not to fall. The scandal would sound bad.

Just like Cao Ci.

He won the fight, but he might as well have lost.

Pei Qian walked to the center of the plaza, stopped, clasped her hands, and said, “Wanna test?”

Wen Zixiz unleashed his mind, but did not find anything. He smiled and said, “Why?”

Why would she want to bruise her pretty face?

Pei Qian said, “Heard that you are good at asking with pressure, and have never lost.”

Wen Zixiz cracked his wrist. “Please tell me your name.”

These things happened every year.

Did they all think he was an easy target?

Pei Qian said, “Zheng Qian.”

Wen Zixiz couldn’t help but laugh. She was another Zheng Qian fan. Lots of young female martial artists give themselves the name Zheng Qian, dressing and styling their hair like that Zheng Qian. They even roll up their sleeves before throwing a punch.

Wen Zixiz was out of patience. He would assume she was Zheng Qian. “What realm are you?”

She was at least a Qi conduit martial artist. In her clan, she would have been called a genius.

Her master definitely taught and fed her punches well. She must be valued in her clan.

Pei Qian smiled: “What realm I am depends on what realm you use.”

Wen Zixiz didn’t think too much. He assumed that she was a senior person who was trying to take advantage.

He heard that during the Great Li capital battles, martial artists asked Zheng Qian to teach them, with the latter asking with the same realm.

Wen Zixiz slowly walked forward and asked with a smile: “Should I ask with the fourth or fifth realm?”

It would be too much if he used too much pressure.

Pei Qian rolled up her sleeves and said, “Whatever makes you happy.”

Wen Zixiz continued to walk and extended his hand, inviting “Zheng Maiden to go first.”

Pei Qian raised a fist, shaking it.

It was as if she was saying that her fist was first.

Wen Zixiz laughed. She really thought she was Zheng Qian.

Wen Zixiz moved with fifth realm power, arriving next to the young woman in an instant, slapping at her cheek.

Pei Qian stood still and raised her arm, using her wrist to block Wen Zixiz’s hand.

It was silent.

Pei Qian understood that he was not a paper remote travel realm.

Wen Zixiz moved a few steps away from her. She was a fifth realm martial artist with a solid foundation? Or… Sixth realm!?

Chen Ping’an was squatting on the side of the plaza. Lu Chen was squatting next to him too, both with their hands in their sleeves.

They looked like countryfolk sunbathing in the winter, or looking at their fields in spring, waiting for a harvest.

Chen Ping’an asked: “Where’s Master Bai?”

Lu Chen smiled: “He’s watching the harmonius joy tree with me. He kept asking where you were, and I almost couldn’t hold him back. I said that you went down the mountain through a path, and he started complaining that you didn’t tell him, but hoping that you wouldn’t encounter anything.”

Chen Ping’an smiled “What a nice man.”

“Yes, a good man and a good ghost.”

Lu Chen smiled: “Have you considered letting Bai Mao go to Five Islands sect?”

Chen Ping’an said “I considered it before, but not in the current circumstances. It would not be his home at Five Islands sect. It’d be better for him to stay in Clear Purity residence, slowly building it up.”

Lu Chen nodded: “That’s fair.”

Wen Zixiz asked, “Sixth realm?”

Pei Qian repeated her words, “Whatever makes you happy.”

They exchanged a punch.

Pei Qian’s shoulder was hit by Wen Zixiz. She grabbed Wen Zixiz’s neck and slammed it into the Pink Powder residence’s high wall.

Wen Zixiz lightly propped his elbow on the wall. He was fine, but he saw a slightly smiling face.

With a change of expression, Wen Zixiz shifted his head, and the wall exploded.

Wen Zixiz did not dare underestimate her and relied on a secret Spirit Flight palace fist, “Divination,” which gave him the power of the gods. He was worried that he might kill her.

But the woman only slid back a few steps, revealing a calm expression, and revealed a hint of… heat.

Moreover, as she moved, she was staring at him, as if waiting for a second, harder punch.

Her eyes were full of expectation.

Wen Zixiz’s hands summoned ancient gods, and the intent of each move matched the ancient gods. For the first punch, Wen Zixiz needed to bow, using pure Qi, like the Thunder God driving the Earth. The second move was like the Axe Cut of the Thunder God. The third fist was the water style of the Rain Perfect, and so on.

The woman leaned against the wall, shaking her head, and the wall exploded.

Wen Zixiz continued to aim for her face.

Still, the last fist landed on her forehead.

Wen Zixiz hesitated.

The woman looked the same and smiled: “It’s okay.”

Lu Chen said angrily: “If it weren’t for me, the wall would be done for. What kind of guest is he?”

Chen Ping’an said “Lu Daoist, you’re his grandfather, so you must take action.”

Wen Zixiz retreated a step, shaking his wrist, and inhaled. “Seventh realm?”

Pei Qian still repeated the same line: “Whatever makes you happy.”

Lu Chen beat his chest, “Hah.”

Chen Ping’an smiled “It is angering.”

The woman said, “I can’t say that your punches are impure, so why are you pressing my realm? Who gave you that right?”

Pei Qian grabbed Wen Zixiz’s neck and slammed it into the wall.

Wen Zixiz propped against the wall and looked into her face, a little surprised.

With a change of expression, Wen Zixiz shifted his head, and the wall exploded.

He could not let up and had to summon more power, causing his pores to glow golden. His punch was many times faster, aiming for her temples.

Wen Zixiz hesitated for a moment.

The woman looked the same and smiled: “It’s okay.”

Lu Chen said angrily: “If it weren’t for me, the wall would be done for. What kind of guest is he?”

Chen Ping’an said “Lu Daoist, you’re his grandfather, so you must take action.”

Wen Zixiz retreated a step, shaking his wrist, and inhaled. “Seventh realm?”

Pei Qian still repeated the same line: “Whatever makes you happy.”

Lu Chen beat his chest, “Hah.”

Chen Ping’an smiled “It is angering.”

The woman said, “I can’t say that your punches are impure, so why are you pressing my realm? Who gave you that right?”

It’s like the water turned to ice.

As he retreated, Wen Zixiz no longer tried to hold back. He quickly left the white jade plaza, unleashing Earth Travel and retreating into the air.

Chen Ping’an was about to speak, but decided against it.

Wen Zixiz was baiting the other party in, to make an array.

Lu Chen nodded and said: “The Spirit Flight palace has a killing fist that allows Wen Zixiz to jump a few steps, but it costs eight hundred to kill a thousand, not to mention the bar is not low, so people cannot learn it. Take a look, he’s mad.

Wen Zixiz received Pei Qian’s fist.

Pei Qian swayed backwards, but straightened.

Wen Zixiz could not chase, as he had to change his pure Qi.

Pei Qian did not wipe the blood and looked at her master. There was nothing serious.

Lu Chen grabbed the arm of the youth, and said: “Chen Ping’an, it was supposed to be a friendly contest. Stop bullying the youth!”

Lu Chen said: “Chen Ping’an, you’re their elder, so stop this!”

Lu Chen released his fingers.

Lu Chen sighed, “You can’t blame him! It was supposed to be a spar!”

The master said they should be good friends. Now, it seemed it was a fight to the death!

Chen Ping’an raised a hand to stop Pei Qian, then closed his eyes. His Qi was rising in his body. The master was showing some power!

The scene changed into a field with many swords, which Chen Ping’an used to attack. In a flash, Wen Zixiz was in danger.

Lu Chen shook his head, “Why do you have to be like this!”

Chen Ping’an released the breath, and the world returned.

“Lu Daoist, it’s still alright. This isn’t the true situation.”

Wen Zixiz was able to come to his senses. Was this necessary? It was just a spar.

Pei Qian stood firm, and did not speak. Her intention and spirit were full of pride and anger. She didn’t care about him.

Lu Chen felt bad, and asked Chen Ping’an to make this more about honor than shame.

As she watched Wen Zixiz begin to struggle with his fists, Pei Qian’s expression sharpened. She wanted to end it soon.

Pei Qian was about to speak, but the other party said, “If there is a next time, I’ll definitely punch you down!”

Pei Qian did not speak, and suddenly, her face was scratched. What was going on?! Chen Ping’an moved in front of Pei Qian, using an ancient fist to protect her. The other party said, “You were supposed to be the one to come. You were supposed to protect her in the mountains, so why did this happen?!”

Chen Ping’an’s expression changed. He had wanted to say those words to someone else. It would not be someone as weak as the person in front of him.

Chen Ping’an was angry.

Seeing this, Wen Zixiz’ expression changed drastically, and he shouted, “What are you doing?!”

The other party suddenly vomited, and spat at Chen Ping’an’s face. He sneered and said, “With this power, you’re not fit to be called Chen Ping’an.”

Chen Ping’an’s power exploded.

“You’re seeking death!”

Chen Ping’an was furious. He had never hated someone so much before. His Qi was surging in him.

Was there a problem with his master’s mind? Why would he do this?

It was like a demon!

The space around Chen Ping’an shattered.

Suddenly, the world stilled.

A person who looked like the other person from just now appeared next to Wen Zixiz, speaking in a similar tone: “With this power, you’re not fit to be called Chen Ping’an.”

Wen Zixiz was shocked, and kneeled down, asking for forgiveness, and trembling. That was the real master!!

The power in Chen Ping’an’s body fell, and it seemed as if nothing had happened.

The real master of the Spirit Flight palace appeared. There was no longer any warmth in his eyes, and he said, “It seems that you are too weak to call yourself Chen Ping’an. To die by your hand would be a waste!”

With those words, the master slapped him on the chest.

Wen Zixiz flew out!

As the master of the Spirit Flight palace prepared to say more, Chen Ping’an suddenly coughed.

The