Word reached the Cloudrock Kingdom’s capital ahead of Chen Ping’an, carried upon a swift-winged missive to Zhong Qiu. He recounted the search for Qing Rang and his accomplices, urging Zhong Qiu to relay the tale to the hastily assembled Ancestral Hall: the esteemed Sword Immortal Mi himself had descended, yet only two lackeys were captured, the true culprit, a talisman weaver, escaping. Nevertheless, the barbarian demon was surely crippled, and the Great Dredge project along the shores of the dozens of kingdoms could resume without fear.

The man, face like bleached parchment, and his paramour, by what twisted logic no one knew, deserted their ruined shrine in haste. They found Chen Ping’an at the mountain’s foot, begging to become his servants, his thralls. Chen Ping’an chuckled, declaring he was accustomed to solitary wanderings, disinclined to be burdened by attendants. They had mistaken their quarry. Yet, witnessing the ease with which the scholar had turned three demonic figures to ash with a mere smile, they grew even more fervent. They knelt upon the mountain path, one wailing, the other weeping tears of artifice, recounting the trials and tribulations of their years. But when they looked up, the scholar had vanished. Undeterred, they discovered him at dawn, cooking a simple meal within a dilapidated waystation. The man, Fan Tong, and the she-devil, Xie Sanniang, asked if the immortal master scorned their lowly origins and sordid past. Chen Ping’an only offered them breakfast. Xie Sanniang, keen-eyed, helped clear away the dishes. Chen Ping’an chuckled, “Do you not possess a mirror? Who would dare be seen in your company, lest we be mistaken for a band of brigands, the very scum of the earth?” The woman, knowing her place, laughed, while the man scratched his head in frustration. The truth stung. His face, alas, was his misfortune, even the tutor in his schoolhouse dared not strike his hand.

Chen Ping’an posed a question: “If I had slain you both within that ruined shrine, whom would you blame?”

The woman offered platitudes, but the man, honest to a fault, simply said, “My face?”

The answer seemed of little consequence. Instead, the immortal master inquired about the surrounding kingdoms, their customs, and affairs. They, of course, offered all they knew. Before departing, Chen Ping’an announced his intention to travel to the Cloudrock Kingdom’s capital. They were welcome to follow, but pledged to remain at a distance, lest they be mistaken for his companions.

Xie Sanniang changed into a gown that concealed her form. Fan Tong, in private, cautioned his lover against any schemes. The immortal master was a master of the arcane, but she mustn’t give him cause for suspicion. The she-devil, practiced in the arts of draining essence, laughed. Such a plain creature as herself could never capture the attention of a celestial being. Her mirth faded as she remembered her past as a warming maid and chamber pot for a scion of the mountain sects. Fan Tong sighed, guilt gnawing at him. He stroked her hand, and she returned the touch, igniting his senses. He reached for her ample bosom.

A cough from Chen Ping’an ahead prompted them to restrain themselves.

Fan Tong was a Fourth Realm martial artist, hardly a master. Only those of the Fifth or Sixth Realm could claim the title of “Grandmaster,” hence his wandering life.

Xie Sanniang was a Willow Tendril ghoul, her essence bolstered by the man’s abundant Yang energy, allowing her to walk in daylight, so long as she avoided the confines of city temples.

Fan Tong, channeling his voice, whispered, “Why did he change his mind? Why does he allow us to follow?”

The she-devil laughed silently, “Some benefit, surely. Why else carry two burdens, unless it amuses him?”

“Should opportunity arise at a port, purchase some aged gazettes. See if they speak of ‘Chen Ping’an’.”

“Dreamer! Do you imagine we would stumble upon one written about in the mountain and river gazettes? Besides, does his word make it so?”

“Those three in the shrine were formidable foes, each capable of slaying us. If this Chen Immortal can vanquish them with such ease, he must be a legendary terrestrial immortal.”

Chen Ping’an allowed their whispers to continue unchecked.

The Cage Bird required a complete microcosm, perfect in its elements. Yu Shiwu and his assistants labored over inanimate objects.

The “foundations” of various figures had barely begun. One grain fed a hundred souls, to depict the world, at least a hundred souls must be given.

Like that beauty, an infinite tapestry of faces, each with its own appeal.

As of yet, only fifty figures, such as Xiahou Zan, were fit as templates. As Yu Shiwu had been told, Chen Ping’an’s creations were often too neat, lacking a certain imperfection. In recompense, during rest, the couple recounted tales of their past, great deeds or trivial matters. Examining memories was effortless for Chen Ping’an with Xiao Xing and Xian Zao, but he could not bring himself to use such methods on Fan Tong and his lover.

When a hundred key figures were created within his heartscape, all the Cage Bird’s scenery, architecture, and objects could be linked together.

For instance, a willow branch, a burning candle, the moon over the willow, shadows in the garden – each was a fixed painting. With a soul, they would become vibrant. Yet, gathering these templates would grow more difficult. When he returned to the Falling Canopy, the closing door would involve calculating the sum of sights a nonagenarian might have witnessed, and what of them would remain.

So Chen Ping’an penned another secret missive to Qing Tong, arranging a rendezvous.

A single phoenix leaf could become a world of illusion. Qing Tong possessed many such leaves. If he refused to sell, perhaps he would lend them, for a price, interest negotiable.

No celestial ports existed nearby, the flow of humanity funneled toward the Fish Scale Ford.

Clearly, after years of recovery, the Phoenix Leaf Continent had recovered significantly. Market life had resumed. Though peace was perhaps premature, the signs of turmoil faded.

Roads were lined with willows, maidens and young women on outings, gracing the landscape. The village courtyards were filled with the sounds of chickens and dogs, smoke rising from chimneys.

Chen Ping’an received a response from Zhong Fuzi, saying that at least half of the Ancestral Hall members remained skeptical. Thus, many small kingdoms bravely reopened their channels.

Understandably, Mi Yu had been Qing Rang’s most zealous pursuer. Now, Zhong Qiu reported the slaying of two accomplices, and the escape of one. The Ancestral Hall did not doubt Mi’s skill, but questioned his fortune.

Might a Yellow Court cultivator, though weaker, be more persuasive?

However, Zhong Qiu joked that the Lord of the Mountain’s mere appearance at Fish Scale Ford would dispel all doubts.

Such was the power of a name. The Hidden Official slaying demons in the Phoenix Leaf Continent was indeed a balm to all.

One day, upon a mountain path, Fan Tong could contain his curiosity no longer. “Immortal Chen, do you find our trivial tales interesting?”

The woman was equally curious, listening intently for an answer.

Chen Ping’an replied casually, “Scholars are fond of compiling miscellanies, recording mountain scenes, affairs of court, palace secrets, official intrigues. Spirits of the water and mountains, fox spirits, flower sprites, all must be recorded. Great deeds are not required, even trivial matters are welcome.”

Chen Ping’an never imagined that these words would ignite their passion. The couple was struck with inspiration. Having seemingly exhausted their memories, they now blossomed with stories. Upon learning that anything could be recounted, the woman produced paper and ink to aid the man, calculating years and events. Good memory was fleeting; the ink would aid them. After covering several pages, they presented themselves to Chen Immortal, becoming storytellers of their own lives.

Chen Ping’an, recording the tales, teased them about their newfound inspiration.

She brushed a strand of hair, saying it would be wonderful to have her name and story upon a page.

He clenched his fists, eyes gleaming. Never had he dreamt of becoming a figure within a book.

So it was.

The man now disliked his name, “Fanc桶,” because of the unfortunate homophone for “rice bucket”. He asked Chen Immortal if he should change it.

The Chen Immortal said no, the name might be unappealing outside of the book, but it was easily remembered.

They found shelter from a sudden downpour within a ruined estate, once opulent, now overgrown. When the rain subsided, the pooled water glittered like quicksilver.

The couple often stole away, returning after a time with flushed faces and invigorated countenances.

Chen Ping’an sat upon a grand chair beneath the eaves. Behind him was a five-bay study, once filled with thousands of books. The cabinets were toppled, the books riddled with mold and insects. Paintings had fallen from the walls, their images faded and broken. Perhaps, years ago, a scholar had resided here, his library lined with tomes, the walls adorned with paintings that changed with the seasons. When guests arrived, they would call for the master, who would emerge, bent with age…

Seated, Chen Ping’an examined his spoils from the ruined shrine. Sword cultivator Dou Kou possessed a cubic jade talisman. Xian Zao possessed a curious mirror, unlike any Chen Ping’an had seen, but her fortune was greater, with over two hundred Rain Grain coins and two magical treasures.

Dou Kou possessed only a few old, discarded objects of low quality, befitting her origins as a rogue cultivator.

Sword cultivators were indeed poor.

He returned the objects to his sleeve, waiting for the couple to return. To pass the time, Chen Ping’an righted the toppled cabinets. The former owner was clearly a true scholar, the books unique, covered in inscriptions, the mark of one who read, not merely displayed.

The couple visited the secluded courtyard once more. They returned to find a woman in a green robe, her beauty surpassing their own, causing Xie Sanniang to shrink in comparison.

The green-robed woman sat beside Chen Immortal beneath the eaves. The man dared not entertain any impure thoughts in the presence of such a heavenly being. He could only imagine the gossip if Chen Immortal walked through the marketplace with her: surely the man was wealthy.

The newcomer was Qing Tong, arriving from Cloudrock. He was still hundreds of miles from the rendezvous point in the letter, but Qing Tong could not bear to wait. Chen Ping’an, though concealing his qi, made no attempt to mask his tracks. Qing Tong, an Ascendant Realm cultivator, used the power of hand-sight, and saw. He decided to reveal himself once Chen Ping’an stopped to avoid the rain. As for why Chen Ping’an kept the couple at his side, Qing Tong was not curious.

Seeing that Chen Ping’an was not accompanied by the boy Xiao Mo, Qing Tong felt a slight relief.

Young Daoist was family, who knew more. You Chen Mountian Lord, high and aloof, why not just give him to me?

Outsiders would hear that it was me Young Daoist, and they would not doubt.

Without the Old Blind Man and Li Huai at his side, Young Daoist seemed much more arrogant.

How small was the capital of Cloudrock? Yet, it hosted three Ascendant Realm cultivators.

Yang Zhi, now named Jing Xing, was an elder of the Daquan Yao clan. Young Daoist the rock mover and smelter was blessed outside of the Ten Thousand Mountains. There was also Feng Xuetao, who was linked to Jiang Shangzhen, whose name had fallen into disrepute. He did not wish to live in Jade Tablet Sect or Cloud Grotto, so he stayed in the Cloudrock Kindom as an elder of the sect, like Zhang Fenggu.

Zhang Fenggu, the most senior of the Jade Tablet Sect, Senior brother of Xun Yuan, and watched both Jiang Shangzhen and Wei Ying grow up.

Since someone had to keep an eye on things for the Jade Tablet Sect, while also dealing with specific issues, the Sect could not order an ascendant, therefore, Jiang Heng of Cloud Grotto needed to live in the capital. His father could speak freely with Senior Qingm, but Jian Heng did not dare to be rude.

Even the leader of immortals in the continent such as Du Mao in the past would not have had the nerve to speak with Feng Xuetao.

But Qing Tong chose not to talk about Yang Zhi near Chen Ping’an, only meters away from the Fish Scale Ford.

Chen Ping’an acted ignorant of Qing Tong’s choice.

Qing Tong said “Thank you.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “Give a bit of power, receive some luck. There is an old saying, old age is a reward for those who worked.”

Besides moving out of central Phoenix Leaf continent, one of the best places for demons and spirits to live was in the northern Phoenix Leaf continent.

There was a new sect named Mount Wutong, with Qing Yu, an unheard of Jade Pure Realm cultivator.

The doors of the Mountain Sect were open to mountain spirits.

Chen Ping’an had helped create the new sects.

Qing Tong was qualified to send a letter to the Confucian Temple in the center continent, requesting to start a sect, but Qing Tong would not risk being denied by the Confucian Temple. Chen Ping’an, or rather Mao Siyue of the Book of Rites, stepped in.

The Confucian Temple in the center allowed Qing Tong’s sect to accept local demons and spirits.

Helping these demons that hid in fear. The search of other continents had become problematic, and the conflict was getting messy, so Dalei academy was busy resolving the conflict. To some extent, opening up canals was helping to connect the demons and spirits. Therefore, Dean Cheng came in person.

The demons were relieved. This kind of official performance was similar both on and off the mountain.

Fan Tong and Xie Sanniang were unsure of their actions, and stood beneath the eaves.

Chen Ping’an called himself an earth immortal. She was able to sit down and have a conversation with Chen Xianse. He must be a terrestrial immortal.

Qing Tong came right to the point. “Tell me. How many Phoenix Leaf leaves do you want?”

Chen Ping’an was a little embarrassed, “Don’t misunderstand. Relationships are relationships, and business is business. We keep them separate.”

Qing Tong asked, “So we keep them separate?”

If it were not for that debt, Chen Lord of the Mountain would never have taken a leaf.

It was like some nobles who build palaces, while celestials establish their own lands, how can a leaf not be precious?

Chen Ping’an stroked his chin.

Qing Tong said he would give 10 Phoenix Leaf leaves.

An eye-catching rainbow light fell from the sky, crashing into the pond but losing steam, and falling softly.

A girl in a sable hat said, “Daoist Bixiao is right. Chen Mountian Lord, I need to keep an eye on you while Xiao Mo is gone. If something goes wrong while she is in retreat, she would never forgive me.”

Xie Dog, early or late, it had to be this moment?

Chen Ping’an felt guilty “Don’t misunderstand. I did not call her.”

That made him sound even worse. Even Chen Ping’an did not believe it himself.

Xie Dog said, “Mountian Lord, misunderstand what? How can I sneak around?”

The Wutong tree spirit, familiar.

Xiao Mo once said, since it had become friends with the owner of the Bixiao cave, she had acted strange.

Xie Dog did not like this, but Xiao Mo said that after fighting each other, the relationship was better, and that the other was a record-keeping servant for Qingping Sword Sect.

Chen Ping’an did not reveal the identity of Xie Dog, to keep it quiet.

Qing Tong could not stay any longer, and gave Chen Ping’an a box.

Chen Ping’an thanked him. Qing Tong asked him to sit down and said Chen Mountian Lord did not need to mention his identity.

Chen Ping’an did not know what to say.

What kind of invitation was that? He was truly treated like family.

When Qing Tong left, using space compression, Xie Dog said “Did this guy bother me?”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “Daoist Qing Tong probably already guessed who you are.”

The couple did not dare breathe. Chen Ping’an introduced her. “I have a mountain, she is a subordinate.”

Before they could speak, Xie Dog waved her hand and said “No need to be polite.”

Xie Dog suddenly smiled “Are you two together?”

Fan Tong and Xie Sanniang nodded.

Xie Dog bowed and smiled “Congratulations.”

Right after Qing Tong left, an old man in yellow appeared, crossing the mountain in a step. He landed on the water, which opened up like a lotus flower. The old man took a step, and shook his sleeves.

The young daoist had sensed the rainbow light, in search of fame and fortune.

But it was Chen Ping’an.

Fan Tong said that Chen Xianse knew so many unusual people.

The woman also felt strange. First the demons, then the celestials. This scholar Chen Xianse was beyond compare.

Xie Dog leaned against the wall and yawned.

Young Daoist smiled, “Chen Mountian Lord, who is this?”

Xie Dog interjected “You are the one from daoist Zic’s…”

Chen Ping’an coughed, and the sable girl corrected herself and said “Doorkeeper?”

Chen Ping’an whispered into her ear to explain that her real name was Xie Gou and her daoist name was Bai Jing. She and Xiao Mo were partners.

Young Daoist nodded, and said “Senior Bai Jing.”

Xie Dog turned her face away.

In his mind, the blind man from the Ten Thousand Mountains was handsome.

Strange, Xie Dog had seen the self-inflicted blind eyes of Zic, but had no attraction towards him.

Chen Ping’an talked with Young Daoist about the canals.

Xie Dog did not want to listen to all the stuff, and left to find books, putting any titles she liked in her sleeves.

Young Daoist left soon after.

Chen Ping’an sat back in his chair and opened the box, which had 10 Phoenix Leaf leaves.

After the departure, the couple decided to leave. Xie Sanniang found a reason to leave, and Chen Ping’an did not stay them, instead giving two books and joking that gold houses could be found inside.

The couple thought that Xianse was poor, so he was trying to earn money.

Xie Sanniang could feel that she was treated hospitably.

They had first sought to follow Xianse, but could not.

Having travelled far from the mountain, Xie Sanniang took out a book, and her eyes widened, She turned to Fan Tong.

The books contained a fairy coin each. Xie Sanniang had heard about snow flower coins, summer coins, and rain grain coins.

Xie Sanniang whispered “This is a rain grain coin. Worth 1000 snow flower coins.”

She stared at Fan Tong, who gave the coin back to her.

Fan Tong whispered to Chen Xianse, “Will Xie Sanniang be ready to die for me?” Chen answered that he had been a fortune teller, and that based on her face, she would.

The woman raised an eyebrow and smiled.

Fan Tong’s book also had a summer coin, for private funds!

The couple bowed.

Hurry yesterday, slow tomorrow, and nothing to show for it.

Chen Ping’an and Xie Dog arrived at Cloudrock.

Chen Ping’an said “It might be boring. Take a walk.”

Xie Dog asked, “Are we here to see the mountain god? Determine whether to assist or close it down?”

Chen Ping’an gave an odd answer, “There is more to see.”

Afterwards, Chen Ping’an could hear the conversation of the sect, that had a familial relationship with the sect. There was a small shop at Fish Scale Ford. The names were unfamiliar. The group was not protected. The highest realm was a cave. The most notable one was Zhao Tieyan, with a lightning talisman. For this small sect, it was their treasure.

Chen Ping’an heard more conversation near the remnants of a potion making jade. The man said the sect only had 2 generations, and many of the members had left for Rainbow world. The sect leader and banker needed to find more money, and the sect leader would have to resort to prostitution if there was a third generation.

So the sect leader let the man try to earn money, and befriend wealthy people.

They sought haunted houses or demonic forces.

Phoenix Leaf Continent had been searched so often, they were unlikely to find any demons. The channels made it so demons had to leave, blaming all the leaders and Chen, since they were so friendly with the queen of the Yao Clan.

Chen Ping’an seemed to wait for things to happen, and suggested Xie Dog seek the relic in the south.

According to rumors, jade palaces were at the location.

“Grant you immortal pills, refine your spirit. Yin and Yang can do everything.”

Immortal ascension was lost, maybe the Jade Tablet Sect had moved for it.

Xie Dog asked directly “Mountian Lord is interested in the relic?”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “I was worried you would get bored.” The mountain proved this.

Xie Dog acted surprised. “Did I do anything wrong?”

Chen Ping’an.

Xie Dog said “Not at all. I am just bored. I will not say or look at anything.”

Chen Ping’an said he was worried she had seen everything, and was just bored.

Xie Dog said “I have not. I am curious. I will not get married without your consent.”

A shrine of God occupied the site.

The group had happened to pass by the area.

The shrine did not say that it was unapproved.

The shrine had begun to invite heroes over.

The Qi farmers had just happened to pass by. Those in the shrine knew they were not strong, and pretended that they were talking to the local government, and could not.

Bright moonlight.

One of the women was the best looking, and had placed a jade mattress, where she sat. They talked about recent events, and went their separate ways.

The man took two others to meditate, but they did not want to.

Cultivators did not find mortals attractive, as they could see all their flaws.

Chen Ping’an stood at the peak, watching the group.

Xie Dog played with the hat.

Chen Ping’an asked “Can you tell fortunes?”

Xie Dog said “Mountian Lord call me Doggy.”

Chen Ping’an asked “Who taught you that?”

Xie Dog said “Like zou zi.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “Then why not Xie Zi?”

Xie Dog ehhed, and said that it was better to be called doggy.

Chen Ping’an said he was just asking if she could tell fortunes.

Xie Dog said “I don’t need to.”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

In the mountains, high level cultivators could tell the future, using the word “to push” on their abilities.

Chen Ping’an had only heard about it in books, and asked the Old Priest.

The Old Priest shooed him away.

The lower the realm, the more they could see, but the less defined.

Chen Ping’an pushed.

The Old Priest pushed.

Chen Ping’an was pushed far away.

Chen Ping’an immediately knew that Old Priest just wanted to hit him.

The Old Priest asked Xiao Mo and Bai Jin, and said that they were too tough to push, that they had lived for over 10000 years.

Xie Dog asked “Did Daoist Bixiao tell you how?”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “Yes, but to convert the code, there is an amount of spirit.”

Xie Dog held out a hand.

Chen Ping’an showed the code. Xie Dog read it, and gave it back.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Difficult?”

With the divine crown, Chen Ping’an had only learned the first level.

The first time, he tried it with Qing Rang and Xian Cao. With the disparate realms, he could see Xian Zhao in the Cage Bird, but not Qing Rang or Dou Kou.

But Fan Tong and Xie Sanniang had many strings to look at. They seemed connected like branches.

Two strings seemed real, that connected to the shrine.

Another one was Zhao Tiyan and his group, knotted.

Chen Ping’an gave them 3 coins to slow them. Waiting for the immortals, gods, ghosts, and humans.

Before telling the future of the couple, he saw blurry figures. Zhu Xi saw the frail woman, and knew she was surviving with a Yang seeking man. There was also another cultivator who was trying to help.

Chen Ping’an had stopped divining the future of the couple, since it would cause them to run dry.

Xie Dog looked at the Mountian Lord.

Even though she had many plans, she failed to think things through.

Chen Ping’an ate some grass.

She always wanted to mind other people’s business.

Because she was not young enough, he loved those who had the air of youth.

He still liked the young people.

He remembered on the Ink splash peak, meeting Bai Mao of Qieziling for the first time.

Afterwards Zhang Yujiao and Jin Lou arrived. Bai Fuzhu was shocked.

The young sword immortal showed no wrong.

The sword would take down demons, there was no mistake.

He did not want to seem superior, so he would never mention meeting the Chen Immortal, but he would not shine the boots.

Listening to the matter, the Old Man praised him and gave a comment that he was the one.

Chen Ping’an squatted down, thinking.

Xie Dog could guess what her Mountian Lord was doing, and asked “What are you thinking about.”

Chen Ping’an slowly said, “Things I thought I knew for a long time, like the ghost in the wedding dress, the Book Jian lake, Huang Shi the warrior, the temple owner”

Xie Dog said “Then do not think about it.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Walk the narrow road, you must fight.”

Xie Dog said “Scholars are just stubborn.”

Chen Ping’an spoke “A sword carrying warrior once told a grass shoe boy a small story.”