Upon Crow Peak this day, a guest did arrive.

A man and a woman, the latter none other than Gu Yange, a newly ranked master among the Ten Best Martial Artists, from the ancient and picturesque Lute Peak of Youzhou.

Four disciples of Lin Jiangxian, two at the Zenith, two at the Mountain Peak.

The eldest, Zhao Hechong, truly manages the affairs of Crow Peak now, this Zenith warrior of considerable renown.

The second, Qi Huajian, respectfully called Mistress Qi upon the mountain, a woman of voluptuous form and alluring charm, also at the Zenith.

The Daoist Zhu and his sworn brother, Abbot Lu, each praise Mistress Qi, one for her “luxuriant beauty,” the other for her “icy allure.”

Also amongst them are Zong Xueqian and the youngest, Song Yue, both young martial artists at the Mountain Peak realm.

Rumor whispers that Zhao Hechong’s absence from the martial rankings stems from a prior warning given by Master Lin to Sword Dismantling Mountain: should his eldest disciple ascend the list, no warrior from Sword Dismantling Mountain need ever bother to compete again. Yet this tale remains unproven, lost to the ages.

For Master Lin only took these four disciples, yet each bloomed into a towering giant of martial arts.

One might envy the “talent” of the former Xuan Du Temple Abbot, Yuan He, named “Clear Source,” in attracting disciples.

Yet Yuan He’s direct students, before Wang Sun and Sun Huaizhong’s seven, numbered nearly twenty in total, gathered over time.

While Lin Jiangxian, within a mere sixty years, fostered four martial geniuses.

Thus some jest that had Master Lin been more diligent in taking students, Sword Dismantling Mountain would surely cry poverty, or that if he took a direct disciple in each province, each learning the way of the fist for two or three decades before returning home to found a Crow Peak branch, the realm might find “half the martial fortune under Crow Peak’s sway.”

A consensus unspoken.

Such words must not be uttered lightly, known to the heart alone.

Gu Yange, the visiting master, now spars with Song Yue of Crow Peak. Despite the difference in their levels, Song Yue herself requested the contest.

Two female grandmasters of martial arts, engaging in a closed-door exchange.

Not a battle to the death, of course, but a dance of skill, where a touch is enough.

A senior of the mountain, who accompanied Gu Yange, sits cross-legged upon a cushion, his youthful face strikingly handsome, a folding fan held in his hand. He nods in appreciation, “Female masters, their fights are a beauty to behold, truly pleasing to the eye.”

Daoist cultivation relies on oneself, on the mind’s enlightenment, where unlocking one secret unlocks a hundred, a path of insight.

A warrior’s ascent, however, rests on diligence, upon steadfastly planting one’s feet upon the earth, a path of hardship.

Whether Master Lin is upon Crow Peak matters little to Zhu. So long as Mistress Qi and Maiden Song are present, his journey is worthwhile. One is a gift, and to find them both is a true bounty.

Here on Crow Peak, all of Master Lin’s disciples shine, the two men and two women alike.

Gu Yange’s fists are light and nimble, while Song Yue’s possess a weighty intent. Zhu watches, captivated, each twist of their waists, each shift of their forms, a vision of beauty.

With his keen eyes, the grand cultivator marvels at the ephemeral landscape where they touch, the ripples and surges, deeply stirring.

In the moment where they exchange a breath of pure Qi,

He finally turns to Mistress Qi, “On my travels, I passed by the Blue God Dynasty. Ya Xiang was not there, but White Lotus still holds Master Lin in high esteem.”

For all the beauty in the world, it can be divided into two: movement like flowing water, and stillness like a mountain. Mistress Qi, simply by sitting, her curves magnificent, her peaks rising and falling, is a vision to behold.

Faced with Zhu’s attempts at conversation, Mistress Qi merely nods, offering no reply.

Were he to continue his idle chatter, she would resort to her secret weapon: uttering the Daoist’s true name.

The Ten Under Heaven, judged every century, is maintained by the Immortal Staff Sect of Yongzhou, although many attempt to emulate, none can match their authority. The martial rankings, updated every sixty years, fall to Sword Dismantling Mountain, neighbors of the Immortal Staff Sect. The first five of the Ten Under Heaven are easily agreed upon, and for the remaining places, with the Daoist hearts of those chosen, there is little concern over order, or even exclusion. Yet the tenth spot often incites debate, so the Immortal Staff Sect employs a clever trick, often listing several candidates, from two to five, to trail at tenth. Generally, so long as the eleventh is convincing enough, dissent is minimized.

For roughly a thousand years, there has been an uncontested “burden,” a Daoist from Ruzhou.

Legend claims that with each newly released ranking, the Daoist visits the Xuan Du Temple for drinks, exchanging tales of hardship and camaraderie.

One is ranked fifth, the other eleventh, and Abbot Sun is the leader of the Sword Immortals, and Daoist Zhu is a Sword Cultivator.

It is fortunate that this great cultivator is amiable, of good temper, with countless Daoist names and a natal sword called “Doutai”. He is a sword cultivator, but almost never draws his sword, and belongs to the school of wild Immortals. He does take disciples, but does not start his own sect.

He has, however, compiled several treatises of dubious merit, expounding upon the academic mysteries of ferry boats and sword riding, filled with obscure terms that leave all but the most seasoned mages baffled: small radius turns, attack angles, the central axis, the distribution and speed of cloud layers…

The cultivator’s name is strange: “Zhu Some Person.”

He has claimed countless Daoist names for himself, exceeding twenty, though the Jade Capital recognizes none. A wandering spirit, he delights in traveling to different provinces, not remaining rooted for long, but staying within a region for periods ranging from sixty to a hundred years, taking in a few worthy disciples, choosing by his own judgement before assessing their talent. Each time, he adopts a new name, each filled with ethereal charm.

“Zhu Some Person” is but a self-given name, for his true name is seldom used, leading the younger cultivators to believe it his only name. His true name is not known.

The first in Ruzhou is without a doubt Lin Jiangxian.

In earlier times, the three Abbots of the Jade Capital claimed three spots on the Ten Under Heaven, while the Azure Vastness had fourteen provinces, which meant there was fierce competition for the remaining seven, which meant two provinces shared a place.

Ruzhou’s fortune in having Master Lin overshadowed Zhu, who was originally the first of Ruzhou. Fortunately, Zhu did not seem to care, and he had no wish for fame. Zhu is a member of the second biggest dynasty of Ruzhou, yet is friends with the emperor of the Golden Crimson Dynasty, and is an unnamed patron of Crow Peak, and close friends with Lin Jiangxian. This is perhaps a major reason why Ruzhou is so peaceful. The two largest dynasties are at peace, and the mountain and the valley are cordial.

Zhu and Lin are not the same kind of man, Zhu, a flying cultivator who has never won a fight, looks more feminine, eyes like phoenixes, and looks emotional.

Lin Jiangxian floated down and landed at the edge of the field, where Gu and Song stopped practicing.

Lin Jiangxian said: “This kind of duel has no benefit, it is just practice, it is just a dance. Gu Yange, you don’t have to suppress your level. Song Yue, you don’t have to hide your true strength. A duel is not a game.”

Zhu clapped and laughed. “That’s right.”

A grandmaster asking to spar, even if there are injuries, if it is a good duel, it is only right that there be some dishevelment, or some exposed skin.

Zhao and Qi stood to give the master a space to sit, but Lin waved his hand and simply sat next to Zhu.

Zhu laughed: “It is rare for Master Lin to be away from Crow Peak.”

Lin Jiangxian smiled but did not say anything.

Zhu considered Lin and Ya to be his best friends, and one closer than friends were one of a kind.

It is hard for anyone to take a Daoist name never used.

The Jade Capital is wide and strict, and that Dao the second has ensured that Azure is so peaceful that others cannot be compared.

In the fourteen provinces of this land, the wars were planned before Lu took power, and the battles began when Lu was in power.

There were powerful dynasties that did not care, and the Jade Capital gave them a bowl of water to cool them down.

The Jade Capital and his line must contain the rising of the Military.

Since this place is more peaceful, there are more Qi practitioners.

Without the politics, they can write or paint, or they can travel the land.

For example, one of Zhu’s names is Duckweed, which is nothing special until the sentence “There is nothing in my heart, and small fish jump out of the duckweed”, then it is different.

Many Daoists realize that poetry is useful.

Zhu has many red friends, in the mountains and the valley.

The third ruler of the Jade Capital considered him a very good friend.

Zhu has tried to distance himself from the Jade Capital, claiming that they were just acquaintances, but this only makes things worse, and he has almost declared to the world that he does not know Lu Chen.

This is not Zhu being weird, it is just that Lu Chen is such that those who are close to him will be welcome at the Xuan Capital.

Zhu smiled. “Pai Pei’s disciple, Ma, has lost his Dao.”

Lin did not mind.

This is like a rich man hearing that the son of his neighbor has earned money, or has been beaten in a fight.

Zhao asked, “How did elder know?”

Zhu smiled. “It is a secret.”

Qi can know others in three ways: 1) The news of the Jade Capital. 2) Xuan Du’s travels, where they bring back news. 3) The lower schools in the vast lands, where they occasionally mention things.

However, all Qi are cautious to not reveal too much.

Furthermore, there are scholars who have returned to the homeland, like Su Zi and Liu Qi.

In the past, a Daoist was silenced because of this, so the Imperial Court showed face to the Jade Capital.

It is said that not long after the Sage entered the Imperial Court, he questioned a sect belonging to Yu Du, and he knocked down the tablet, went to the shrine and talked to the Daoist and ordered that the sect could not accept new people.

It is said that they can only leave if they leave the school, and that the Imperial Court will not care. However, if they think they can get back on the list, then the Imperial Court will not care.

As for if Yu would let that happen is another matter.

As a result, that school has no new people, and the 800 people in the school are now only 30.

There is a rumour that Dao the second will take over Daoxuan Mountain, but it is not worth speaking to the Imperial Court for.

Then someone visited a Sage who hadn’t been seen for a long time, and tore up the tablets.

This is a secret that can be shared only at the tavern.

This probably came from Abbot Sun.

But if you ask him, he will say, “Don’t talk nonsense, I never talk about people behind their backs.”

Zong laughed gleefully. “How did Ma lose? Did he stumble?”

Pei Pei, called the Woman War God, has four students: Ma, Dou, Liao, and Cao.

As for the distinction between named and disciples, they are all considered members of Pei Pei’s sect.

There is one Zenith, one Mountain Peak, and two Travelling Bottle Neck.

If nothing goes wrong, in a few years it will be two Zeniths, two Mountain Peaks.

Master Lin’s two Zenith and two Mountain Peaks would be slightly inferior because Pei Pei has Cao.

Zhu said in earnest. “Zong, stop laughing like that, only bad guys laugh like that.”

Qi smiled. “Elder, tell us.”

As a beauty requested, Zhu said, “Chen has looked for him, but the details are not known. Anyway, they sparred, and Ma lost so badly. It was just like when your teacher spars with Qi of the same level.”

“It is a shame that the fight was secretive. Chen did not talk about it, and Ma of course would not. Since neither side will talk about it, it will be guesswork.”

“In the next Qing Bai fight, everyone likes Cao, but I am different.”

Zong said sourly. “Senior Qi talks about Cao every day. I don’t believe that there is someone with perfect fighting ability and character.”

Out of the three people here, only the Senior Qi likes Cao. I suppose it has to do with her looks.

The Imperial Court has seen a fight between the two.

Over here, the mountain has its own view, as does the peak. At the peak, they are split into two groups. Some think that Cao will take the lead, while others think Chen will catch up and reach the eleventh level sooner.

Zhu looked to Zong, signaling that they had the same tastes.

Zong grinned.

Zhu has many odd words.

For example, someone sighs that the fairy has married, and Zhu would comfort him by saying that marriage is even better.

There is also “Never lost in a fight against two”, and other vulgarities.

Zhu of course denied it, but it is a futile effort.

Zong glanced at Zhu and told Qi that this guy wants to sleep with you.

Zhu’s expression changed, did you rat me out?!

It was a duel without a chance of winning.

Gu, a top ten Under Heaven, sparing with someone at the Peak level is no question.

The master has spoken, and Song cannot keep anything back.

However, Song had no chance and was struck at the heart, and dragged back several feet. Song bit down and planted her foot, almost falling. Song wanted to thank her, but bled from the orifices and could not talk or move.

Qi laughed. “This kid lost and wants to act tough. Does she want problems!”

Zhao said. “There is one and a half hit left.”

Standing in the center, Gu placed her hair in front of her.

In an instant, Song collapsed.

It turns out that the Qi left in Song’s body, suddenly conflicted in the meridians, and caused Song to faint.

Zong was shocked, did that mean Gu’s fist would leave problems in the body?

If Gu took it seriously, wouldn’t she explode?

Zhu’s thoughts are different, he is looking at the hair across Gu’s body.

That is Gu’s unique Dao, her ancestors were the police and she inherited their knowledge. Whenever there was a battle, she would rush over to look at it. Gu is also good at introspection and has named the muscles, veins, bones, and organs, as mountains, rivers, and lakes, with her own system. Thus, in Zhu’s view, she is the true grandmaster, while the others on the list, are just taking after their ancestors. There is a difference in “martial ability”.

Gu clasped her hand. “My apologies.”

According to Zhu, Master Lin is all about etiquette and fairness, so he will spar with her after Gu had done it with his disciple.

Lin smiled. “The next duel, will be Gu and Qi vs Zhao and Zong. Whoever falls loses.”

Out of the four, only Zong is at the Peak level.

Thus, Gu frowned.

It won’t be she and Zong on a team?

Did that mean that Zhao’s fists were higher?

Zhu clapped. “Good, this is rare.”

Qi stood, becoming another person.

She curled her fist and turned her knuckles.

Zhao had no expression, clasped his hands to the teacher and walked to the training field.

Zong joined his hands, moved his neck, and smiled. “Senior Qi, it is rare to have a chance. You have to hit somewhere!”

Qi smiled. “We will drink at your wedding.”

She “woke” Song and scattered Gu’s intent, and moved the Qi around Song’s body.

Song’s face was white, and she staggered back. Zhu hurriedly chimed in. “Maiden Song did not lose much. Especially with your moves, you only lost because of the level…”

Song turned a deaf ear.

Lin looked to the disciple.

Song clasped her hands to Zhu and Lin.

Lin said: “When going down the mountain, I had you keep an eye on three people: The ordinary people, the beginning practitioners, and the proficient practitioners. What did you learn?”

Song felt guilty. “Master, I did, but I didn’t learn anything.”

Lin said: “The body is stiff. And the cultivators get lighter.

What is education from home? This is it.

Seeing that Song was confused, Zhu jumped in. “Remember the feeling of when you were hit by Gu’s fist. That close to extreme comfort is the way to improve.”

Lin nodded.

Zhu wiggled his fan. “Furthermore, Maiden Song, should keep an eye out for a ball of Qi. Master Lin is always pointing you in the right direction.”

Song paid attention to the spar, and listened to her master and Zhu’s.

The four of them are Heaven’s favorites, grandmasters.

Next they will have a rare spar, with Zhao protecting Zong, and Qi and Gu pairing well.

Gu is a master who has occupied Lute Peak for a long time, and is number eight Under Heaven. Her age is not known.

She and Qi are close because they met each other in the world. Each time Qi left, she would visit Lute Peak.

Zhao thought that Zhu came to link Gu with Lin so that she could learn from him and see her disciples.

Qi is a slayer, just like Qi Gu of the Blue God Dynasty.

Thus, some would joke that Qi Gu was a relative of Qi Huajian, and Qi Gu would say that he wanted her to be a patron.

Two pretty girls together is subtraction.

If it is addition, then they are very pretty.

In the training field, Zong was in pain and lost count of how many times he had been hit by Qi, it felt like the muscles were being twisted.

Then Zhao would punch him to scatter Gu’s intent.

Zhu said: “Zong, you are like taking on three people. A peak taking on three Zeniths will be good.”

Zhao grabbed Zong’s head and sent him flying. Zhao traded a hit with Qi, and Gu poked Zhao’s neck with a finger. He suppressed the Qi, and used the fist to counter it.

Zhao bit his teeth and hit Qi in the face, causing her blood vessels to pop. Fortunately, Gu quickly struck Zhao on the back, and it sounded like the toll of a bell…

Zong felt that Gu went too far. She was going to depose Zhao.

Really, Zhao was taking on three, since Lin thought of his disciple as a burden.

Zhao could bet that he could depose one before Qi, but they worked together, so it wasn’t possible.

Of course, this was only a friendly spar.

In the end, Zhao was knocked down by Gu and Qi, losing without being battered, he was still in control of his breath.

On the other hand, Zong felt like he was falling apart.

Lin nodded. “Enough.”

The four went back to the seats, Gu held her hair, and took a deep breath.

She looked at Zhao, and knew he was Master Lin’s top disciple.

Qi arranged her hair, thinking Zhao was a little ruthless.

Zong grinned, his reputation ruined.

Song’s eyes were shining. “It is a shame I can’t see the Qing Bai battle.”

She had heard of Cao’s rumours for far too long.

And there is Chen, and she wants to fight him.

She could not imagine two of the same age being in the same state as her.

Gu nodded.

She admits that she would lose to Cao.

But she could try with Chen, who had lost several times to Cao?

Qi’s voice was soft. “Cao is prettier.”

Zhao smiled. “Cao is straight, and no one can beat him. Wanting to fight with him is desperate and boring.

“In contrast, Chen has melded everything together.”

“If I could spar with one, I would pick Cao!”

Song asked. “Why, Big Brother?”

Zhao smiled. “I can’t learn anything, but at least I will not feel ashamed. However, a duel with Chen will make me lose. You should know.”

Those with eyes can see that Chen’s fights with Cao are beautiful.

Song rolled her eyes.

Zhu asked. “Master Lin, what do you think? Who will be higher in the future?”

Lin said. “I have not met them, so I cannot comment.”

Zhu asked another question. “Who will win the next one?”

Lin said. “Cao.”

In fact, Lin thinks that Chen cannot surpass Cao, in terms of level or strength.

At the end of the road, the step is God.

Zhu grinned. “I see.”

In this land, there is a belief of Cao winning.

In the area, there is an arena for gamblers.

Half the reason Zhu is travelling is for this. Anyway, he is free, so why not.

If it fails, it does not matter. It is Ruzhou’s arena, how is that anything to do with Zhu?

Zhu remembered something. “I saw Xu on Lake Thunder, and we had a drink.”

The Azure world has a lake, so it is named Small Four, and two lakes.

There is Taiyi Wang, and Lady Rain.

Wang and Rain are candidates for the top ten Under Heaven.

As for what the lake should be named, it is not decided. Wang has named half of it as the Dry Lake, and half of it as the Damp Lake.

Rain doesn’t care, and named it Thunder Marsh.

Lin asked with a smile. “What is he like?”

Zhu said. “He is an interesting person. There was also Yang Qing there. Xu did not hide that he wanted both, and he wasn’t killed by Yang, so his luck is good.”

Zong laughed. “Does he want to die by messing with Yang?”

Song asked. “How old are Xu Mian and Xu Yingning? It is said that Xu is not a thousand years old, are they siblings?”

“Of course they are siblings.”

Zhu lowered his voice and said. “Don’t you know who their parents are?”

Zong said softly. “Heard the father was a cultivator and became the 14th level, but was demoted by a master of the Jade Capital, and is now hidden.”

Song asked. “Can you be demoted from the 14th level?”

Zhu said with intent: “I am not sure, but that the master respects someone from the Jade Capital. Furthermore, it is the other two masters who are too soft, and caused the Azure to be like this.”

Qi said. “That’s why he named his daughters that way.”

Zong said with contempt. “Why did he have a son who has practiced for thousands of years and is still at the Jade level? Is he sexist?”

As for the lucky people, there are four.

The Daoist Mountain Qing became a disciple of Dao Ancestor, and is now in charge of the five coloured lands.

The ghost Xu and Zhao, the head, are building the lower school.

Abbot Sun said that this solved all problems.

Rice Thief Wang met the Jade Cave Master.

Abbot Sun said, “It’s like it is going to be huge in the future.”

Sword Xu.

There is a sister who reached the candidate list for Under Heaven, with the sister being Xu Mian, and the younger sister being Xu.

It is said that Xu and Wang became brothers, and Luo of the Heng Emperor dynasty is also there.

Two sisters, and two brothers, are on the Under Heaven list.

Thus, he has a famous saying, “Xu, who has no backers”, and “Xu, who is self reliant”.

The Azure is used to interesting people and things. If Abbot Sun doesn’t speak, then nothing is right.

Zhu shivered, and scolded him. “Watch what you say!”

At this time, a breath wrapped Crow Peak like clouds.

Qi changed, and glared at the disciple.

Song had a hard time breathing.

Lin smiled. “If they are afraid, then why were they born?”

The breath was thick over Crow Peak.

Lin said, “If your mind does not leave the land of Crow Peak, then do not blame me for the golden hall.”

A moment later, Crow Peak was peaceful.

This cultivator’s mind had left the Golden Crimson Dynasty.

Zhu sighed, “Zong, you are in trouble, but luckily Master Lin is here.”

This Qi has some tricks up his sleeves, for example, he can flood the place.

And he can make a windmill, and refine the swords of the world.

The big deal was in Zhou, where he used the land.

About a thousand years ago, a Daoist was closing in, but was struck by a sword.

At the same time, two lands were also caught, and were split.

Yu Du is the most righteous in this world.

However, all of this happened a thousand years ago, and no one knew.

Zong looked to his teacher.

Lin said calmly: “Take care of yourself, then go down the mountain to the golden hall.”

Zhao had gotten used to it.

Gu was speechless.

Zong swallowed and clasped his fist.

Lin said: “Gu, we will spar twice.”

Gu looked excited and bowed. “I ask that Teacher Lin teach me!”

Zhu felt relieved.

He and Gu met on the road and walked together. It is a shame that they didn’t talk much.

It wasn’t that he was ugly, it was just that Gu didn’t like him, how could he change to be a girl?

He was the champion of Ruzhou, and had good skills.

The group left the training field, and found a place to drink, while Song went to soak in medicine.

Gu asked: “Elder Zhu, are you good with Abbot Sun of Xuan Du?”

Zhu replied carefully: “I know him, but not very well.”

“Then nevermind.”

“Maiden, is there something between you and Abbot Sun?”

“Nothing, I just want to thank Abbot Sun, but he hasn’t been there for a while, so I haven’t met him. I am afraid that he doesn’t remember me, and that he will shut me out if I go.”

Zhu sighed and changed it up. “Although I am not very close with Sun, he has invited me to drink. If the maiden wants, we can visit Xuan Du in the near future.”

Zhu is willing to put himself on the line to be with her. He can make her the beauty of the world.

Lin has no expression and is too lazy to refute.

Sun is close to no one.

For the peak, they touch each other, but that is all.

The two are not on the same level. Sun does not like to talk.

Moreover, Zhu is forced to go. Whenever Sun is tired, he calls for the Dao from Ruzhou.

Furthermore, the old Abbot will grab his arm and tell him to change his name to Zhu Dazhuang.

Zhu will not agree.

Since Abbot Su could not beat him, Abbot Zhu would ask him why he should be called that.

It seems that in order to go to Qi with Gu, Zhu had to make sacrifices. It seems that Zhu’s real name will be known if he does not bring enough wine.

After the drink, Zhu went with Lin for a walk.

Zhu smiled. “Xu received Su, so he is good at curses.”

Lin nodded. “He can be the Jade Immortal, that is pretty good.”

Zhu said in surprise. “To be praised by Master Lin is worth the drink.”

Lin said. “Get to the point.”

Zhu asked a question, “How do you plan to deal with Zhao, and the next few disciples? Do you have plans?”

Without Zhao, the other disciples can’t hold much, but they are still the foundations.

The problem is that there are ties to the Jade Capital. Some of them are still secretly in contact with the Jade Capital. There are several of them, at least two, who are still secretly in contact with the Jade Capital. This will be bad for Crow Peak and the Golden Dynasty.

Lin did not say anything.

Zhu sighed, you haven’t decided.

Zhu has seen Zhao secretly with Qi from the Jade Capital three times.

The two meetings are thirty years apart, so the patience is very good.

Zhu is paying attention to Crow Peak.

He has followed Zhao many times.

The first time, they were thinking of how to make Zhao the head disciple, and how to deal with the Emperor.

This was a good meeting.

The second time, Zhao started to complain, since he was not a beginner, and was already at the Peak level.

The Daoist had a friend from the same town, but the young Daoist did not say anything.

The third time was last year.

Zhu is bored, so he has to find a way to get rid of the boredom.

He saw that Lin was still not saying anything, so he shook his head. “Other people will be angry and amused, and will be pitied.”

The way Zhao is working so hard as a spy is not easy.

He scolded when he drank, and swore that he did not want to become the second leader of Crow Peak.

Lin finally spoke, “Not only Zhao, but Qi told me that she was assigned by the Jade Capital to learn from me.”

“According to the agreement, within thirty years, she must return her knowledge of fists to the Jade Capital.”

“Since she wants to steal, I will teach. I will see if the Jade Capital can make another Lin within the next hundred years.”

Zhu laughed. “Are all your four disciples spies?”

“That is not the case. Zong and Song have simple lives and are not tied to the Jade Capital.”

Lin said, “Suppose they are all spies.”

Don’t forget, this Master Lin is someone who helped the lunar peak.

Zhu praised him. “You are open minded. I cannot do that.”

A secret coin appeared on his finger.

Coins have yang because of being touched. The coin on Zhu’s hand is third on the list.

The coin spun on Zhu’s finger.

Lin apologized for no reason, “Sorry.”

Zhu smiled, “That is not what Master Lin would say, take it back, I never heard that.”

After a moment of silence, Zhu spun the coin and walked to the top of Crow Peak, which had a wide view, and he could see the capital of the Golden Crimson Dynasty in the distance. The lights were bright, and he had a complicated expression, “To tell the truth, a leader from a tower in the Jade Capital has invited me over, promising that if I followed his plan, not only would I be a deputy, but I would also be on a path. I will not say who it is.”

“I have to admit, I was moved.”

Lin smiled. “It is human nature to be moved, it is strange if you are not.”

In Azure, there is an old saying, “Beyond the Jade Capital, there is one out of fourteen.”

One is that a realm might spawn a fourteenth level cultivator.

It is not a must, but a chance from the Heavens.

Furthermore, each province can only produce a cultivator at the fourteenth level.

In that Ruzhou, because Lin and Crow Peak are here, Zhu has no chance to break through.

Lin is not a Qi practitioner, but a province can produce one no matter if they are a martial artist or Daoist.

Zhu asked. “Is it possible for Azure to have fourteen at the fourteenth level?”

Lin shook his head. “Not possible.”

Zhu asked, “Then let’s take a step back. Not standing side by side, but what about over a thousand years, two thousand years?
”

“Just like a village, there is a turn, is it the same as early or late?”

Lin said here, “Lu said small knowledge is not as good as big knowledge, small years are not as good as big years. So wait, you are on the Dao, so you should know the way.”

Zhu hesitated and asked with his heart: “Master Lin, what are you going to do?”

Lin smiled but did not say anything.

“Lin, we have known each other for a long time, can’t you say?”

“I have never asked you who you want to win over.”

Zhu sighed. “You are no fun to talk to, Lin.”

Lin slapped the bamboo and smiled. “Wind blows on fire, not much power, but it works wonders.”

Zhu took the coin, and thought it only takes one win.

Without being like the world, but to have the lasting name.

So for now, I have to live longer, since I need to be at least one step higher.

Zhu said: “I have something I want to talk about.”

Lin swiped the barrier, “Please speak.”

Zhu said: “If the world is messed up, and if war comes, I will try to make sure Ruzhou is alright, and I need your and Crow Peak’s help.”

Lin nodded. “Easy, continue to say hard things.”

Zhu said: “If one day, something is on the line, I hope you can help me and end it early.”

Lin said: “No problem.”

Lands burned.

Ruzhou sat and watched from the side.

Really, what is easy and hard for Zhu is backward for Lin and Crow Peak.

Lin is a martial artist, not a Qi practitioner, and certainly not a sword practitioner.

Like Chun, Lu said that Lin’s fist is high, and his sword is higher.

Lu has also said that with and without a sword, Lin is a different person.

Yang would look through the records, and mention this.

The City has three officials, and Lin is in the middle of them.

Lin doesn’t like Chen’s fight with Cao, but looks to Chen’s sword skills.

Zhu slung his sleeves, took several steps back, bowed, and said, “Daoist of Ruzhou, Zhu Dazhuang, thanks you friend Lin!”

Lin clasped his hand.

Zhu stood upright, and felt refreshed.

Lin suddenly said: “You and Gu don’t have to look for Abbot Sun, if you want to see him, you can start and head for the Jade Capital.”