From the splintered Baizhang Platform of Fallen Mountain on Treasure Bottle Continent, to the myriad peaks of Verdant Canopy Sword Sect on Emerald Leaf Continent, and thence to Flowing Sunset Continent where He Xiangting and Yu Qingzhang first apprenticed themselves to Yu Yue—these were the threads in the loom of fate.

Add to this the youths and maidens spirited away from Sword Qi Great Wall even earlier by sword immortals of Xie Songhua’s ilk.

Life’s gatherings and partings were not of their own choosing, their paths scattered as duckweed upon the four winds.

Nine budding sword cultivators had departed Sword Qi Great Wall alongside Chen Ping’an. Master Cao, then known by the pseudonym “Cao Mo,” had led them from the shattered paradise within his jade hairpin. They had met upon a small boat at sea. Bai Xuan and Nalan Yu Die alone were of the Grotto Heaven realm. Now, Bai Xuan had ascended to the Dragon Gate, and Sun Chunwang, most diligent in his swordplay and steadfast of heart, had attained the Viewing Sea realm. Yet their time in the boundless world had been short, and half the children remained shy of the Middle Five Realms. Among them were Yao Xiaoyan, possessor of more destiny swords than any other, and Yu Qingzhang, whose sword, named “Great Duanyang,” was deemed a Tier B Superior treasure at the Summer Palace.

Strangely, it was the bookish He Xiangting who, amidst a torrential downpour, had deciphered the secrets of “Correct Sword Techniques” and local gazetteers by lamplight, breaking through a realm without hindrance, smoothly ascending to Grotto Heaven. Her master, Yu Yue, was astonished.

Chen Ping’an smiled, “He Xiangting, I hear from Cheng Chaolu that you desire to study the fist?”

He Xiangting blushed. “Bai Xuan, Yu Xiehui, and He Gu also wish to learn the fist from Master Cao.”

Chen Ping’an said, “If Bai Xuan knew you were a girl, he would not speak so carelessly.”

He Xiangting’s face flushed crimson. For years, she had disguised herself as a boy, fooling her fellow villagers, though not, of course, the young Hidden Officer.

Chen Ping’an paused, considering, before smiling. “Do you know how you nine rank in the eyes of us so-called seniors—myself, Mi Yu, Sect Master Cui, Chief Zhou—in terms of sword cultivation talent and future achievement?”

He Xiangting had always lacked confidence. Bai Xuan and Sun Chunwang, whom Bai Xuan nicknamed “Dead Fish Eyes,” were clearly gifted. The other seven, with Yao Xiaoyan wielding three destiny swords, and He Gu and Yu Xiehui possessing their own strengths, seemed far more remarkable. For a long time, she believed her escape from Sword Qi Great Wall was due to the accumulated merits of her family and instructors, akin to those in the mortal dynasties who were born into good fortune and gained office through ancestral favor.

But now, having broken through into the Middle Five Realms, she felt a flicker of hope.

For a sword cultivator, determination and swift advancement were paramount.

Yu Qingzhang’s face fell. “Regardless of anyone else’s ranking, I am surely at the bottom.”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, smiling. “Yu Qingzhang, do you know why your sword is named ‘Great Duanyang’?”

Yu Qingzhang nodded. “My uncle told me it was because, according to our hometown’s old custom, I was born on the fifteenth day of the fifth month, the Old Duanyang Festival. My destiny sword was also conceived on that day, at noon.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Our sacrificial officials at Sword Qi Great Wall once held ceremonies on that day, though that is ancient history. It is similar to the customs of the ancient Shu region on Treasure Bottle Continent, which also celebrated Duanyang on the fifteenth of the fifth month, not the fifth of the fifth month as it is now. Fallen Mountain lies within the greater realm of ancient Shu, so I suspect your most crucial cultivation thresholds and enlightenment opportunities will be in ancient Shu. I did not tell you this before, lest you rebel against my words. Now, it matters little.”

“Of the nine of you, you two have been the most outwardly distant from me, never speaking a word, scowling all the way from the sea to Emerald Leaf Continent to Treasure Bottle Continent. But I have taken note, and have my own plans. I often tell myself that those who are most distant may, in the end, be closest.”

“Not just ‘Great Duanyang,’ even your name, ‘Qingzhang,’ is significant. Truth be told, your master Yu Yue is shameless, not content with being a protector, he had to meddle and take you away from Fallen Mountain, disrupting many of my and Sect Master Cui’s long-term plans.”

He Xiangting felt ashamed, while Yu Qingzhang was puzzled. The Hidden Officer seemed so human in that moment, a living being.

The last time had been on the flatboat upon the sea, when Master Cao had sat alone at the bow, eating a bowl of rice with his back to them.

Within the hall, an old sword cultivator was enduring a torrent of abuse. Pu He called him less than useless, Si Tuji Yu decried his lack of war merits, and even the tipsy Immortal Song chastised him for daring to abduct two children from Fallen Mountain. The old cultivator sought a breath of fresh air, wanting to chat with his two disciples and the Hidden Officer, but the moment he set foot outside, he heard the Mountain Lord’s complaints and retreated, resolved to avoid trouble.

Chen Ping’an, having voiced his long-held thoughts, felt refreshed. He raised the scarlet wine gourd, took a sip, and smiled. “Cui Zongzhu’s sleeve universe is tormenting. After Sun Chunwang and Bai Xuan, Yu Qingzhang endured the longest. Mi Yu observed you all for a long time and believes, all things considered, that Yu Qingzhang ranks third.”

Yu Qingzhang was incredulous.

So high?

“Aren’t you pleasantly surprised, wondering, ‘Am I really that strong?!'”

Chen Ping’an laughed, voicing his confusion, and then offered his judgment. “I also think Yu Qingzhang has good talent, a strong heart, and great tenacity.”

Because they hailed from Sword Qi Great Wall, nearly every young sword cultivator felt inadequate.

History was filled with true powerhouses and genuine geniuses, leaving many afraid to call themselves prodigies.

Chen Ping’an shook his gourd, squinting. “Like some wines, the aftereffects are potent.”

Yu Qingzhang was speechless.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Our opinions, however, cannot and will not define your future achievements. He Xiangting, for example, is already of a higher realm than you. He Xiangting can read a book until it becomes both thick and thin, extracting the essence. Yu Qingzhang, though you also enjoy reading, lacks that ability. He Xiangting has gleaned many truths she accepts, beginning to acknowledge the boundless world. You, however, still doubt the lessons of the books and the ways of the world, perhaps rejecting everything beyond Sword Qi Great Wall save for the occasional person or event.”

He Xiangting blushed. “Master Cao, is my method of reading truly so good?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Am I not the closed-door disciple of the Literary Saint and a designated gentleman of the Central Earth Temple? Would I lie about matters of learning?”

Yu Qingzhang was silent, rubbing his cheeks, and whispered. “I remember my uncle and my sword instructor. Before that battle outside the city, they admired and praised Master Cao, one saying that the Second Shopkeeper was a foreigner willing to see the merits of Sword Qi Great Wall, the other lamenting that Ning Yao’s chosen man was not a sword cultivator. He Xiangting’s grandfather held a similar view.”

Afterward, the sword cultivators violated the Summer Palace’s strict command and recklessly engaged in battle outside the city. Upon the city walls, none offered aid.

Chen Ping’an remained silent, offering no judgment, not speaking of the rights and wrongs. The burden of growth must be borne alone, the knots untied by one’s own hand.

Having been taken from their home by Master Cao, the “culprit,” Yu Qingzhang and He Xiangting gradually came to understand the young Hidden Officer’s actions.

The problem was, the more they understood, the more painful it became.

Such was the strangeness of the world.

Only through knowing right and wrong could one find true heartache.

The Great White Goose had once said something they only half-understood: those who make no distinction between right and wrong and decide matters based on self-interest only encounter events, not themselves.

Beyond teaching swordsmanship, Yu Yue, as they traveled, would tell them of the local customs. Yet the master rarely lectured them, save for once, in Flowing Sunset Continent, when he casually mentioned that the same deed done by different people could be good, but not right, or bad, but not wrong.

He Xiangting said, “Master Cao, we will return to Fallen Mountain often.”

Yu Qingzhang nodded.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “You must also cultivate diligently in Flowing Sunset Continent, breaking through realms steadily, so that Master Cao may one day cling to your coattails, traveling the vast lands of the Western Three Continents incognito, settling matters without lifting a finger by simply invoking the names of Sword Immortal Yu and Sword Immortal He.”

Yu Qingzhang grinned. “We cannot do that yet. We can invoke our master’s name first.”

He Xiangting rolled her eyes, speaking of things best left unsaid. Their master was being flayed alive in the hall.

Chen Ping’an joked, “Remember, before you become sword immortals, whether you travel alone or with companions, if you encounter insolent elders beyond Flowing Sunset Continent who dare not respect your master, tell them you have an unofficial master named Chen Ping’an. Let them think twice.”

He Xiangting blinked. “Master Cao, would it be more effective to invoke Sister Ning’s name, pretending she is our junior master?”

Chen Ping’an sighed dramatically. “In the boundless world, throughout the nine continents, my name is surely enough.”

Ning Yao emerged from the hall, sitting beside He Xiangting. “Are you alright?”

Chen Ping’an swiftly hid the gourd, brimming with confidence. “I have not drunk much. This is nothing.”

Caught red-handed, He Xiangting and the tactless Yu Qingzhang bid farewell and departed.

They crossed the threshold together, turning back to look at the steps outside.

Chen Ping’an was also turning to look at them.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Your master is too courteous, helping me fend off the wine. That Sword Immortal Si Tu is feigning drunkenness. I know his capacity. He is insulting others under the guise of inebriation.”

Within the hall, the sword immortal from the Land of Beauties, while claiming to be truly drunk and not responsible for his words, was urging others to drink. Hearing this, he immediately slumped back.

Chen Ping’an had recently visited True Martial Mountain and met Huan Shu, who tended the lamps in the ancestral hall. Huan Shu’s seniority was so great that he was the grand-uncle of Mountain Lord Yue Ding.

This meant Huan Shu was either a junior brother of the founding ancestor of True Martial Mountain on Treasure Bottle Continent or a martial sage dispatched from the ancestral temple on Central Earth.

In short, if Huan Shu truly wished to manage affairs, he could oversee both True Martial Mountain and the Wind and Snow Temple.

Three-tenths of the Dragon Spine Mountain’s whetstone reserves, yet unmined, could be gifted to Fallen Mountain. True Martial Mountain had three requests, one of which concerned Ascension City in the Five Colors World.

Ning Yao nodded. “A small matter. And a good one.”

Agreements between mountains were more reliable than vows of love between men and women.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Has Chen Ji decided when to leave the mountain?”

Ning Yao said, “He is still observing.”

Sudden wealth often relied on fate, due to ancestral virtue and blessing.

But the steady, painstaking growth of a family or sect revealed true skill.

Ning Yao said, “Since the banquet is on the fifth day of the fifth month, I will try to arrive a few days early, in early May.”

Chen Ping’an instinctively scratched his face like Little Millet. How could they all guess so accurately? Was he the only fool?

Ning Yao smiled, “Do you need me to be She Yue’s bridesmaid?”

Chen Ping’an nodded quickly. “Yes. Absolutely.”

Two relatively young Earth Immortal sword cultivators, Yan Houdao and Tian Xian, left the hall, declaring their desire to serve as guest elders at Verdant Canopy Sword Sect on Emerald Leaf Continent.

Chen Ping’an readily agreed. Without even informing Cui Dongshan, they were immediately guest elders.

All that remained was to inform the ancestral hall on Verdant Canopy Peak and have Law-Enforcer Cui Wei record their names in the golden jade register.

The students dug at the corners of the main sect, while the teacher actively sent talents to the subordinate sect. This was called repaying malice with virtue, the magnanimity of a teacher.

Because the Great White Goose had become the master of the subordinate sect, the actions seemed unfair. Fallen Mountain harbored no small resentment, and the Blue-Clad Child had risked his life to remind the Mountain Lord to beware of Dongshan!

Mountain Lord Chen, enlightened, said he would pay attention and asked Chen Lingjun if he dared to speak out at the next ancestral hall meeting on Jise Peak.

Chen Lingjun, having just shared a hearty morning drink with Jing the Old Immortal and others, was emboldened and guaranteed there would be no problem. It was time for someone to stand up and pour cold water on that Great White Goose.

Tian Xian was the golden core cultivator who had confronted Wang Jia publicly.

She mustered her courage and asked Ning Yao, “Sword Immortal Ning, may I have a word with you?”

Ning Yao was amused. What kind of approach was this?

But she still asked, “What would you like to discuss?”

Tian Xian, ever forthright, said, “My mind is buzzing, blank. Sword Immortal Ning, please give me a moment.”

Before leaving, she had secretly drunk two large mouthfuls of wine, but it was still not enough. Her courage was spent on discussing serious matters with the young Hidden Officer, leaving none for Ning Yao.

Rarely at a loss for words, Ning Yao said, “You are from the Dragon King Hall in Rui City. I heard your ancestor went to Sword Qi Great Wall and had a private residence outside the city. She was close to Lu Zhi.”

Tian Xian, radiant and flushed, said, “I am indeed a sword cultivator of the Fan Zhi Princess Temple lineage from Hong Zushi’s Rui City.”

Ning Yao nodded.

Chen Ping’an explained the origins of Rui City’s Dragon King Hall and the mural lineage of the Fan Zhi Princess Temple to Ning Yao.

Tian Xian was overjoyed. This trip was a huge success! Not only had she met Hidden Officer Chen, but she had also spoken with Ning Yao, a 14th realm sword cultivator!

Known in Rui City for her unconventional ideas, Tian Xian felt she had not truly earned her encounter if she did not suffer at least one spell from the “puppet ruler” Wang Jia.

Following her was a nascent soul sword cultivator named Hua Qinggong, a female sword immortal who rampaged across the western three continents. She desired to serve as a guest elder at Qi Tingji’s Dragon Elephant Sword Sect in South Sahā Continent, though she dared not dream of becoming a protector.

Protectors, especially those ranked highly, were traditionally assigned seats in the ancestral hall.

In contrast, registered guest elders, with lower status and compensation, were generally welcomed by large sects and small immortal abodes alike.

Of course, Qi the Old Sword Immortal’s youthful appearance and distinguished demeanor were also factors.

Chen Ping’an nodded. “I will pass on the message.”

Hua Qinggong politely said, “Whether it works out or not is of no consequence.”

Truthfully, speaking of becoming a guest elder at another sword sect in the presence of a young Hidden Officer was already inappropriate.

However, his family had branches and clans in South Sahā Continent, founding a barely second-rate mountain sect. A Dragon Elephant Sword Sect’s guest elder status would better protect them.

No matter how pure or free a sword cultivator may be, they were still figures in the mortal world.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “I cannot guarantee a protector position, but Qi the Old Sword Immortal will give me this much face for a guest elder.”

Damn it, Sect Master Qi had already poached so many hidden home-returning “private swords” from the wilderness.

If he would not give him this much face, then do not blame me for visiting the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect and doing the same.

Cao Gun and two others, reeking of wine, emerged from the hall and sat on the steps. Ning Yao occupied one side, so they squeezed next to the Hidden Officer. While Cao Gun and Xuan Shen squabbled over positions, Song Gaoyuan could not bear it any longer. What kind of shameless sword cultivators were they? Pushing Cao Gun aside, he sat down, drew closer, and, imitating the tone of Laiyuan Academy’s Deputy Mountain Lord Gao Xuandu, smiled and said, “Hidden Officer, you have worked hard. When will you visit our Deer Horn Palace?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and asked, “This time, I’ll have to pass. I’m tight on funds and didn’t bring any gifts. By the way, why haven’t the three of you formed an alliance?”

Flying Clouds Continent’s Deer Horn Palace, Golden Armor Continent’s Empty Spirit Sect, and Flowing Sunset Continent’s Square Inch Sect had yet to forge an alliance, despite the life-or-death friendship between Cao Gun and the others and their contributions to the war effort.

Cao Gun smiled and explained, “The three sects have accumulated enough war merits and have been busy building subordinate sects, but they have been discreet, with the ancestral halls unwilling to make a fuss. Our Square Inch Sect’s subordinate sect is located on Flying Clouds Continent, while Xuan Shen’s Empty Spirit Sect chose Flowing Sunset Continent and Deer Horn Palace’s subordinate sect is on Golden Armor Continent. The subordinate sects will form an alliance then.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Established sects act with prudence.”

Chen Ping’an suddenly exclaimed, “Your Square Inch Sect, Xuan Shen’s Empty Spirit Sect, and Deer Horn Palace… who is there?”

Song Gaoyuan scoffed, “I guess I’m not worthy of a name.”

Chen Ping’an said mysteriously, “Cao Gun, Xuan Shen, you don’t know this, but when I first entered the Summer Palace, I conspired with Chou Miao to prevent the native and foreign sword cultivators from becoming too divided. We came up with a poor solution: each side would plant spies in the other’s ranks. For example, Chou Miao had Wang Xinshui and Gu Jianlong approach me, while I had Song Gaoyuan and Deng Liang side with them. Deng Liang is rebellious and forgets his friends for beauty, so he agreed without hesitation. But I had to persuade Song Gaoyuan for a long time. He grumbled, looking aggrieved, and reluctantly ‘betrayed’ us.”

Cao Gun and Xuan Shen exchanged glances, stunned. Had they misunderstood Song Gaoyuan all along?

Song Gaoyuan, bewildered and feeling guilty, said honestly, “That never happened!”

Chen Ping’an sighed, speaking with certainty, “It did!”

Cao Gun asked softly, “What about Lin Junbi? Didn’t he have a mission?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Yes, I had a sincere heart-to-heart with him, saying I was grooming him as a Hidden Officer candidate, promising a bright future if he worked hard. That boy has a taste for officialdom. Think about it. Isn’t Lin Junbi doing his job with zeal every day?”

Xuan Shen nodded. “That makes sense. Song Gaoyuan has it tough. Deng Liang at least has the hope of winning a beauty, but Song Gaoyuan seeks nothing but righteousness.”

Song Gaoyuan began counting on his fingers, muttering to himself.

Cao Gun asked curiously, “What are you doing, my brother?”

Xuan Shen followed up, “What grievances do you have, Brother Song? Tell us.”

Song Gaoyuan smiled. “I’m counting how many people the Hidden Officer just sold out with a few words: Chou Miao, Wang Xinshui, Gu Jianlong, me, Deng Liang, Lin Junbi.”

Chen Ping’an laughed.

In their conversation, they did not deliberately avoid mentioning Chou Miao. Now that they had left the Summer Palace and Sword Qi Great Wall, they could speak of him whenever they wished.

Chen Ping’an raised his arm, holding the wine gourd high.

The other three young sword cultivators, carrying their own gourds, mirrored his action.

Quan Jiao Mountain was widely regarded as a treasure coveted by even Ascension Realm cultivators.

An old man and a female cultivator descended on the wind, their power cleaving through the sea of clouds. They hovered in the air, master and disciple.

The woman’s skin was as white as snow, yet she wore a black robe, her jade hairpin and sword sheath were made of dark black dragon sinew, and she carried a rucksack of dark bamboo.

Such a majestic Lai River, never turning back to the sea, and such a spiritually rich Quan Jiao Mountain.

Such a slender waist amidst the clouds, such beauty to rival the moon.

Not everyone might recognize the old cultivator, but they would surely recognize the woman whose beauty eclipsed all others on the continent.

On Golden Armor Continent, there was Song Ping, the female sword immortal who carried the “Flying Clouds” sword. On Flowing Sunset Continent’s Azure Palace Mountain was Nie Cuie, whose Daoist name was “Full Soul.”

“Two beauties grace three continents, their charm unmatched.” This spoke of her and Song Ping.

Having recognized Nie Cuie, the identity of her companion was clear.

It was Jing Hao, known as the Azure Palace Protector! Jing the Old Immortal had ascended!

Flying Clouds and Golden Armor Continents had no Ascension Realm cultivators left after the war.

Logically, Jing the Old Immortal, a cunning mountain peak existence, should seize Quan Jiao Mountain for himself or partner with someone, but he had not.

Soon, cultivators believed they understood the situation. Could the old sword immortal who had feigned the Ascension Realm have been Liu Tui, the number one person on Flying Clouds Continent and the one who was based in a Flowing Sunset subordinate sect?

Was this a setup, with the intention of sharing the spoils?

No wonder it was a “duel” between Ascension Realm beings, a charade for their benefit.

Nie Cuie said telepathically, “Master, is Zheng Dan already here?”

Jing Hao squinted. “Since she has not appeared at White Emperor City’s gate, she will follow the lovelorn Gao Zongzhu wherever he goes.”

Nie Cuie did not know what secret method her master used to track the young sword immortal Gao Yi, but that female ghost was irritating, turning the Long Islet Paradise, which her master had already obtained, and give it to the Gao family.

Jing Hao stroked his beard, pondering. There had been rumors that Quan Jiao Mountain had a sword cultivator who arrogantly presented his sword and expelled everyone.

What a joke! There were so few Ascension Realm sword cultivators. Who would go around causing trouble?

The Ascension Realm sword cultivators were few in number, and the native great sword immortals had been dispatched to various ferries in the wilderness by the Literary Temple. Even Bai Shang, the newly ascended being who had returned to the Northern Prickly Pear Continent to seclude and emerge from seclusion, would have to return to the wilderness battlefield. As for a certain mountain on the eastern continent, it could not be judged by common sense. Could Chen Ping’an have come?

Jing Hao chuckled, “The remains of the Long Islet Paradise, with its interconnected major and minor paradises, are like the acupoints of the human body. Though incomplete, with half of it shattered, it is still a treasure trove that, if properly managed, could yield a new Ascension Realm being. But for me and Azure Palace Mountain, it is icing on the cake. If we have it, all the better. If not, it is simply that you and Gao Geng lack the fortune. I will not be heartbroken. It is the cave master Shu, who appeared calm from start to finish, who must be distraught, gnashing his teeth. The Long Islet Paradise was something those daoist partners had been waiting years for, their long-term plan to ascend together. In the end, a female ghost appeared, claiming to be the gatekeeper of White Emperor City! Haha, Shu Nanyan must be grinding her teeth, and I am laughing so hard my teeth are falling out! Delightful!”

From the start, the overt and covert struggles for the Long Islet Paradise were in Flowing Sunset Continent. Jing Hao was not afraid of Zheng Dan, a ghost sword immortal.

What Jing Hao had to carefully consider was the rising Shu Nanyan of the Sky Corner Paradise, a newly ascended being who was secretly accumulating merits.

Ascension Realm beings who were neighbors within a continent rarely saw eye to eye.

Nie Cuie also disliked the Sky Corner Paradise, especially Shu Nanyan’s daoist partner.

“I will meet the promising Gao Zongzhu.”

Jing Hao decided, concealing his presence and leaving his disciple behind. The old Ascension Realm being quietly entered Quan Jiao Mountain’s underground grotto alone.

It was not Fallen Mountain, and there was no Qing Yi Child urging him to drink. Jing Hao’s demeanor was completely different.

Previously, the leader of a continent’s mountain sects had been amiable, as gentle as a Qi refiner of the Lower Five Realms.

Now, in Flying Clouds Continent, he was as if he had entered an empty realm. Shrinking the earth, he came directly to the riverside residence and glanced at the pavilion with bamboo curtains on three sides.

Jing Hao stood with his hands behind his back, squinting and smiling. “Daoist friend, why do I run into you everywhere? Are you deliberately adding to my troubles, or do you feel guilty about obtaining Long Islet Paradise and wish to apologize in person?”

Gao Yi saw the old cultivator through the bamboo curtains and felt a pang of nervousness. This was probably what it meant to have a guilty conscience.

With Zheng Dan protecting him, taking the paradise from two Ascension Realm beings was not daunting to Gao Yi.

Now that Zheng Dan had completely cut ties with him, even saying hurtful words that prostration at White Emperor City’s gate would not mend, Gao Yi felt like a penniless drunkard, suddenly forced to gulp down a large mouthful of strong liquor. Spitting it out felt wasteful, swallowing it was a concern that it would scald his throat and burn his stomach.

Zheng Dan frowned. “If you find it unpleasant, stay away.”

Jing Hao sneered. “This place is my grand-disciple’s private residence. Daoist friend, your actions are unseemly, but you speak so humorously.”

Gao Yi was deeply embarrassed, glancing carefully at Zheng Dan and the maidservant who was calmly brewing wine.

Zheng Dan said indifferently, “Mountain Lord Chen and Laiyuan Academy invited me here for respite.”

Jing Hao frowned. “Which Mountain Lord Chen?”

Zheng Dan countered, “Why not ask which Laiyuan Academy?”

Gao Yi became even more anxious. Their words were sharp, and he was caught in the middle.

Jing Hao subtly performed a hand seal and his expression changed. He laughed. “So you are a friend of a friend. A coincidence! Good, good. This place is not worth much. Don’t think it’s too shabby. Consider it a place for Daoist friend Zheng and Zongzhu Gao to stay!”

You are White Emperor City’s gatekeeper. My real backer in Azure Palace Mountain is Zheng Jizhong’s master.

While he was unable to remove Sword Immortal Zheng Dan, Gao Yi, an undeveloped young Sect Master, had a sect that would not take root and could not walk out of Flowing Sunset Continent. The young man was rash, acting on personal preference and showing no understanding of affairs. Luck was precious, but it was like the dumplings eaten by the poor during festivals, not enough to make a daily meal.

I don’t believe Zheng Jizhong will protect a Gao Zongzhu who is unrelated. It would not be strange that Zheng Jizhong values Ghost Immortal Zheng Dan but values Gao the Sword Immortal.

He was wary of the young Hidden Officer Chen.

But truthfully, in Fallen Mountain, Jing Hao was more afraid of the Blue-Clad Child, who could call the true master of Azure Palace Mountain “Immortal Lord Chen” a brother.

The drinks he had in Fallen Mountain were tiring.

For some reason, Chen Lingjun always seized the opportunity to offer him wine and “help” Chen Zhuoliu say nice things.

The Dragon Slayer watched Jing Hao with a smile, and Jing Hao did not know whether he had done right or wrong.

In the unfathomable Fallen Mountain, whether or not one was an Ascension Realm being did not matter.

Zheng Dan and Shu Nanyan, including both main and subordinate sects of Azure Palace Mountain, thought he had traveled to “recruit troops” and connect with old friends from other continents.

He had suffered in silence, with no place to speak.

Just as Jing Hao was pondering Zheng Dan’s “invite,” a familiar, gentle voice rang out behind him. “Daoist friend Jing, it has only been a few days since we last met.”

Jing Hao hurriedly turned and bowed, smiling. “Greetings, Mountain Lord Chen, Sword Immortal Ning, and Sect Leader Cao.”

He had originally wanted to address Cao Gun familiarly, but he changed his mind.

After all, the boy stood beside Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao—in the middle of them, to be exact.

Jing Hao knew immediately.

The young Hidden Officer was helping his own, from the Hidden Officer lineage, to “urge” him to drink.

The summit of the Square Inch Sect’s ancestral mountain bore the inscription “Mending Heaven,” one of the few genuine relics of the most successful sage.

The founding ancestor, Daoist name Changsheng (“Longevity”), had established a study called “Changsheng,” and successive sect leaders had studied there. What was most magical was that the name “Changsheng” was passed down through the generations, like a hereditary title in a dynasty. This was a unique honor in all of the heavens.

The founding ancestor of Square Inch Sect had traveled with the Sage of Rites to the void beyond the heavens, pursuing the remnants of the gods with other Ascension Realm beings.

This “Longevity” Daoist, who had ascended within a hundred years, had fallen in the void. Before his death, he wished for his disciples to inherit his Daoist name.

One day, when someone in the Square Inch Sect attained the 14th realm and achieved true longevity, they would return the precious name to the heavens.

The Sage of Rites had agreed to this matter.

Because it was ordained by the Sage of Rites, countless Qi refiners, however much they coveted the name “Changsheng,” could only look on.

The previous Sect Master of Square Inch Sect was an Ascension Realm being whose skill in the path of objects was unparalleled. His reputation for character and virtue was superior to Jing Hao’s.

Jing Hao was, after all, the leader of Flowing Sunset Continent and was well informed. He knew Square Inch Sect was building a subordinate sect on Flying Clouds Continent.

As rumored, Cao Gun would serve as the acting Sect Leader.

Once he reached the jade purity realm, he would remove the title of “acting.”

Cao Gun performed a Daoist bow, smiling. “Junior Cao Gun greets Senior Immortal Jing.”

Jing Hao laughed. “Sect Leader Cao, you are too polite. In the future, if your subordinate sect has any issues on Flying Clouds Continent, tell Gao Geng. My disciple will soon become the national preceptor of the Golden Pu Dynasty. Gao Geng may not be able to help much, but he will do what he can.”

Ning Yao looked at the pavilion.

The young sword immortal who had once asked Chen Ping’an if he was nervous suddenly felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles.

The servant, whom Zheng Dan called the Laundry Maid, held up a wine cup, smiling and inviting him. “I am Shi Yiguang, a remnant of an ancient fallen kingdom, a wandering ghost. Many years ago, I traveled to Reversal Mountain with Lord Fan and had the honor of visiting the Ning residence. I was unable to purchase the Dragon-Slaying Cliff to heal my ailment, but Lord Fan stayed there for months. I often went to the city walls and, after seeing the vastness of the world, my illness healed itself.”

Ning Yao’s expression softened. She nodded, raised the bamboo curtain, entered the pavilion, took the cup from the woman’s hand, thanked her, and said, “Su Shi said, ‘My heart is at peace, this is my home.'”

Chen Ping’an and Jing Hao walked along the riverbank, and Chen asked casually, “Daoist friend Jing, you have been neighbors with Cave Master Shu for many years. What kind of person do you think he is?”

Jing Hao smiled. “Mountain Lord Chen, your question is too broad.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Then let’s narrow it down: what do you, Jing Hao, think of Cave Master Shu?”

Jing Hao pondered, carefully choosing his words. “I personally do not like this newly ascended being from our continent.”

Chen Ping’an raised his hands, tapping his fingers, and asked, “Is it because he could have ascended earlier but instead ascended after the war?”

Jing Hao smiled without speaking. This was the answer.

Who had first said the evaluation?

“Wild cultivators are like dogs, registers like snakes.”

Then a more cutting saying arose.

“Wild cultivators are like house dogs, registers like wild dogs.”

Many wild mountain cultivators liked to bark at people. True wild dogs could kill with a snap of their jaws.

Jing Hao spoke honestly. “So this time, when competing with Sky Corner Paradise for the opportunity beneath our noses, I was not confident. If not for Zheng Dan’s intervention, I would have only made a show of force on the surface, preparing to tear things apart with Sky Corner Paradise, but in reality, I was ready to withdraw. My best plan was to negotiate a peaceful settlement with Shu Nanyan, taking only two or three tenths of the spoils. I had to compete because my status as an Ascension Realm being and my title as the number one immortal master of Flowing Sunset Continent forced me to. I did not want to clash with Shu Nanyan and Sky Corner Paradise. Furthermore, my Azure Palace Mountain only has Nie Cuie and Gao Geng, who are hard to develop into great talents. That couple, however, has a good son among the younger generation’s top ten candidates.”

The master of Sky Corner Paradise, Shu Nanyan, had the Daoist name “Jiao Ming.”

He also had many other names: Zhuang Si, Han Ren, Cui Yan.

Chen Ping’an then asked a question that seemed unrelated, “Are you familiar with Central Earth’s Great Dragon Cataract, Daoist friend Jing?”

Jing Hao was confused but thought for a moment before saying, “Not familiar. I have only met the two sect leaders in passing. As for the current law enforcer, I have shared drinks with him a few times, once when I was invited to a peak opening ceremony for a Flowing Sunset Continent sect and once at the Bamboo Sea Paradise Azure Spirit Mountain. However, I met the Immortal Lord Si Tu, Daoist name Longran, by chance in Flowing Sunset Continent. We were both hiding our identities at the time and got along well. He is a good person, with excellent eloquence, scholarship, and demeanor. It is a pity Si Tu Mengjing has no desire to become the sect leader. If he were in charge, Great Dragon Cataract could take a step forward.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “They are all doing good business.”

Jing Hao was uneasy, fearing Mountain Lord Chen was bluffing and feigning an imperial edict. He could not very well verify things with Immortal Lord Chen.

Fortunately, Chen Ping’an did not continue speaking, only mentioning that Gao Geng was doing well in the Iron Talisman River Water Mansion, having formed a sworn brotherhood with two unrelated brothers.

Jing Hao suddenly glanced at Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an deliberately ignored him.

Was he testing him? Determining the level of his cultivation and depth of his power?

Jing Hao did intend to test him. Seeing that Mountain Lord Chen was oblivious, he could not determine the sword immortal’s true cultivation.

When Jing Hao and Mountain Lord Chen were walking along the riverbank, a Flowing Sunset Ship traveled at lightning speed to the ferry closest to Quan Jiao Mountain.

Standing side by side on the ship were two native cultivators from Flying Clouds Continent with great influence: Liu Tui and Yang Qiangu.

This made the native cultivators from Flying Clouds Continent, who had remained outside to watch, secretly rejoice. Jing Hao, as a dragon crossing the river, was destined to fail.

The others who had come from other continents to muddy the waters also took care and did not hurry back to the mountain. They also felt there should be a fight in Quan Jiao Mountain.

These mountain peak cultivators, who rarely appeared in public, seemed to have agreed to gather together whenever they showed up.

Flying Clouds Continent had once been a mountain peak structure with two opposing sects, Liu Tui of Northern Heaven Ballad Village and the ghost cultivator Yang Qiangu of Southern “Rear Mountain.”