The mists swirled, a phalanx of ethereal steeds upon the sky’s battlefield, and the mountains plunged into depths rivaling the boundless ocean. A traveler arrived, offered but meager solace: a scattering of rough-hewn cups filled with brew.

Be the blossoms unfurling, be the birds taking wing, be the wind and smoke vanished into the ether, all souls were embraced by the hue of winter’s embrace.

Chen Ping’an approached Huang Xi and the fair Xiu Niang. Behind them, at the crest of the ascending path, stood a maiden adorned with a sable cap and a comely sorcerer with an unfamiliar face, his silken robes the color of jade, descending the sacred steps with measured grace.

Charging up the mountain path, Deng Jianping reached Chen Ping’an’s side, his anxiety a palpable aura. Huang Xi found this amusing. “When amongst your sister and her lord,” he thought, “the boy’s tongue wags like a bell in a tempest! Now silence grips him? A dragon in his own den?”

Chen Ping’an offered no words. Deng Jianping’s discomfort deepened. Huang Xi, loath to see his kinsman flounder, jested, “The flowery tongue of the Northern Great Continent rolls so easily from Chen Jianxian’s lips. Not a trace remains of the speech of the Treasure Bottle Continent, or the ancient dialect of Great Li.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Chance encounters bring joy, yet where lies our true homeland? Truth be told, my sincerity falls short of your own, good Huang, and thus, in settling accounts, I felt compelled to offer my name as due recompense.”

Xiu Niang hastily added, “Chen Jianxian speaks wisely. Away from hearth and home, caution is the guiding star. Share but a third of your heart with any soul, lest you cast it all upon the wind to strangers.”

Deng Jianping nodded, conviction etched upon his countenance.

A shadow of dismay crossed Huang Xi’s face. “My virtuous wife,” he thought, “you offer little charity! Am I then the fool, adrift and unaware?”

Xie Gou and Qing Tong arrived, joining their company. Xiu Niang, her voice hushed, inquired, “Chen Jianxian, this maiden…?”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “Call me by my given name, Deng Zongshi. This is Xie Gou, a registered cultivator of our Fallen Mountain. And no, our kinship is not of father and daughter.”

Xie Gou adjusted her sable cap, grinning. “I am Xie Gou, my Daoist title unworthy of mention, a fleeting bauble. Call me Gouzi, if you please. I serve as the second enshrined of Fallen Mountain, a swordsman like the Mountain Lord and Deng Jianping, though my ascent to the mountain is recent, predating only your younger brother amongst the registered cultivators, I believe.”

Though Huang Xi was often viewed in the Northern Great Continent as a rootless wanderer of the hills and streams, he possessed lineage of no small consequence.

Else he would not have urged his wife’s brother, Deng Jianping, to cross continents and seek training at Wutong Mountain, knowing full well the true identity of the “Jade Green Forefather,” and his ties to the Demon Suppression Tower.

Huang Xi spoke with a voice only Qing Tong could hear. “Huang Xi, cultivator of the Northern Great Continent, accompanied by my Daoist partner, Deng Jianqiao, offers greetings to Forefather Qing Tong. We sought to secure a seat in the Ancestral Hall for Deng Jianping.”

Qing Tong merely nodded, his countenance distant and cold, offering a double-edged pronouncement, “Our temple is small. The vegetarian fare is simple, and may not suit your taste.”

Though Qing Tong held no sway in the presence of Xiao Mo and Bai Jing, he was, in truth, an Ascended One with ten thousand years of Daoist practice, and the master of one of the Nine Mighty Towers. How could he demean himself by showing deference to the likes of Huang Xi and the Deng siblings?

Xie Gou, brimming with eagerness, declared, “Become a disciple, and practice diligently! Should you encounter trials upon the path, and the Mountain Lord is distant, seek my counsel. You may also frequent the Sword-Worshipping Terrace, one of the vassal mountains of Fallen Mountain, and seek Gan Yiban. Oh, that is the Enshrined Gan Tang. Once upon Fallen Mountain, you will learn his true identity. The old codger is a swordsman of some skill, though his own Daoist power is middling, his talent for instruction is considerable, and his patience, a rare virtue.”

Chen Ping’an was surprised by Xie Gou’s unexpected investment in another’s cultivation. Old Long Er endured much to learn but a few strokes of swordsmanship from her.

He recalled that Old Long Er, upon first arriving at Fallen Mountain, was loath to shoulder extra burdens or attend social engagements, lest they disrupt his cultivation.

Yet now, hearing that Enshrined Gan Tang had established a hermitage on Flower Shadow Peak to impart Daoist teachings, he worried that those budding cultivators would be denied guidance, their progress stunted.

For Deng Jianping’s quest to seek a master stirred within Xie Gou memories of the bygone era of the human lands, where countless demons, awakened to sentience and capable of shapeshifting, possessed an unwavering Daoist heart, yearning to learn from those who had attained enlightenment. Many demons, hearing only the name of a great mountain or Daoist hermitage, knowing naught but its general direction, would embark upon a pilgrimage of unwavering resolve. Over mountains and streams, guided by the Dao, they endured countless hardships. The journey often spanned years, even decades, fraught with peril, before they would finally encounter the Daoist they sought to aid them in their pursuit. They would expend great energy and undergo arduous trials to receive the answer they desired. Even if spared banishment, and permitted to remain on the mountain, their cultivation had barely begun. They were often admitted, but without being formally registered, requiring years of observation, serving as protectors of the mountain for decades, before the Daoist might impart but a few words of profound truth.

Thus, Xie Gou’s first impression of Deng Jianping was favorable. He had chosen his master well.

To choose a master wisely required both discernment and fortune, a true skill. How many demons, sincere in their pursuit of the Dao in the ancient eras, met tragic ends, their aspirations dashed, becoming mere “Daoist sustenance” for the unscrupulous?

Xiu Niang dabbed at the corners of her eyes, sending a whisper down a thread of gathered sound, “Fortunate, truly fortunate! A troubled beginning, yet a rounded end.”

She maintained a meticulous order in all matters, her own progress in fist fighting, the affairs of the mountain, all were handled with meticulous care. Yet where Deng Jianping was concerned, even the slightest trifle loomed larger than the heavens, throwing her into a state of disarray. In such cases, she would seek Huang Xi’s counsel.

Huang Xi murmured a reminder, “Xiu Niang, it has but begun. The road ahead for Jianping stretches far. Once upon Fallen Mountain, practicing cultivation under Chen Ping’an’s tutelage will demand far more diligence than in his own hall. He must mind how he interacts with his famed fellow disciples. Can he blend with them, or will he be ostracized? Can Jianping conform to the rules and customs of Fallen Mountain? Will he find favor with the elders? His dealings with others must be more circumspect than in his own hall, where all know each other well, and one need not fear an ill-spoken word lingering in the memory of another. Furthermore, our little mountain comprises but a hundred souls. Fallen Mountain is a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, their natures varied. Xie Gou, for example, holds the post of Second Enshrined of Fallen Mountain. Could we have imagined her true nature, while she tended the shop at the foot of the mountain? These are the things Jianping must consider, adapting to others and his surroundings.”

Xiu Niang lamented, “I have not taught him enough. And you, as his brother-in-law, show him too little affection. A few cups of wine together, and that is all…”

Huang Xi’s head swam at this accusation. He had invited the boy to drink many times, but too often the invitation was refused. On the single occasion when both partook to excess, Deng Jianping, drunk, slumped to the ground, forcing his brother-in-law to join him. The inebriated lad, awash in spirits, threatened to kill him if he ever wronged his sister, vowing to die on his doorstep if he failed. It was New Year’s Eve, and Huang Xi, forced to carry his brother-in-law home, was showered with a torrent of “heavenly nectar.” Huang Xi felt he had proven his devotion beyond question.

Xiu Niang whispered, “My lord, I have burdened you.”

Huang Xi smiled softly, “Xiu Niang, if you seek to repay the past, it cannot be done with what is yours alone. Seek what is mine. If you feel indebted, repay me in the next life.”

“I shall be a lord then, with you as my handmaiden, grinding ink with dainty fingers, serving tea and water, and washing my feet! The thought fills me with joy…”

Xiu Niang nudged him again, then resumed her fretting. “But Jianping ventures afar alone, without guidance. Will he suffer hardship upon Fallen Mountain?”

“Those who seek enlightenment must endure countless trials. Patience. We must take each step as it comes. Trust my judgment of character, and Jianping’s pursuit of the Dao.”

Huang Xi added a conclusive comment, “Moreover, at Fallen Mountain, Jianping will learn far more than mere swordsmanship from Chen Ping’an.”

Xie Gou, seemingly fearing that the Mountain Lord might change his mind, ventured, “Sister Deng Jianqiao and her lord, Huang Xi, are well-meaning folk. Especially this Xiu Niang, so earnest. The character of Jianping can be no different. The Mountain Lord has stumbled upon a treasure! As they say, ‘Judge the pig by the sty’?”

Qing Tong struck a discordant note, “If the Hidden Official is to accept a disciple here, then Wutong Mountain should be credited for some of it. Is there a little trade we could do with the mountain here?”

Xie Gou ground her teeth. “Ill fortune! I shall never return to this place.”

Relief washed over Qing Tong. May you and your Daoist partner never darken my doorstep again!

Chen Ping’an steered the conversation, smiling. “I trouble you to free up a space where we might speak, and allow Deng Jianping to perform a simple ceremony. We shall not disturb your cultivation any longer.”

Qing Tong complied, opening the layers of mountain and stream protections and finding a quiet place within his personal hermitage.

Inside, the host Qing Tong and guest Chen Ping’an sat in honored positions, while Xie Gou sat cross-legged on a chair facing Deng Jianping and his relatives.

Chen Ping’an sat with great formality. Once Deng Jianping had drunk the tea offered in obeisance, they would be considered master and apprentice in the eyes of the mountain. Afterwards, the ceremony of recording the name on the jade register within the Ancestral Hall of Clear Sky Peak had to be undertaken.

Chen Ping’an spoke in gentle tones. “Jianping, once you have become my disciple, we shall be bound by the laws of the mountain. As your teacher, I do not demand that you achieve any particular realm. Cast aside any such burden. I ask but one thing: that you cultivate with sincere heart and practice the sword with unwavering diligence. Moreover, if you find the company of others trying, you may dwell in seclusion upon the mountain and devote yourself to your practice. Should you venture forth to clear your mind, be it upon the slopes or within the town of Huaihuang, a simple greeting will suffice for any you may meet, regardless of their station. As for your fellow disciples, there is no need to hasten to meet them. Nor must you pore over their thoughts. Let your dealings with them flow naturally.”

Huang Xi glanced at Xiu Niang, as if to say, “See? Your fears were needless. Chen Jianxian has considered all.”

Xiu Niang, whose hands had been tightly clenching her skirts, felt as if a great burden had been lifted. Could it truly be? Had Jianping resolved his inner turmoil and found a master?

Xie Gou eagerly seconded, “These are no mere pleasantries, but the true words of our Mountain Lord. Within the Clear Sky Sword Sect dwells Tao Jianxian, a swordsman of the Golden Core realm like Jianping, and, like him, a wandering cultivator without backing or lineage. He has a sharp temper and delights in scolding others. Jiang Shangzhen, Mi Yu, our Xiao Mo, and even the Mountain Lord himself have faced his barbs. Yet Tao Jianxian thrives. And I will tell you of the grandest of Tao Jianxian’s feats! At the Clear Sky Sword Sect’s founding ceremony, Tao Jianxian was the last to rise. Meeting our Mountain Lord upon the mountain path, he bluntly urged him to curtail such ceremonies, lest he doze off in the Ancestral Hall. The Mountain Lord, left with no recourse, could only nod in agreement.”

Chen Ping’an laughed in explanation, “Xie Gou has embellished the tale, adding a touch of exaggeration. Tao Wen does not chide others without cause.”

Xiu Niang was stunned. Could a swordsman of the Golden Core realm truly be so audacious? How could anyone dare such an act?

Huang Xi whispered, “Xiu Niang, Xie Enshrined appears to be quite taken with you. Call it fate, perhaps.”

The woman considered that even with Xie Zici’s exaggeration, Jianping should be more considerate of others than Tao Jianxian, surely?

Qing Tong cleared his throat, reminding them that the Hidden Official was receiving a disciple, an occasion for imparting Daoist principles. Bai Jing was an outsider and should not interrupt.

Xie Gou rolled her eyes. This land felt cursed to her. She felt like her life was being sucked away.

Chen Ping’an spoke with solemnity. “Deng Jianping, before you formally become my disciple, let me say this: It is not merely the master who chooses the disciple, but the disciple who chooses the master. The notion that ‘once a master, always a father’ is not immutable. Should you one day find our paths diverging, then let us part amicably. There is no need to cling to the title of master and disciple, nor to dwell overmuch on matters of etiquette. Of course, the necessary Ancestral Hall procedures must be followed. But remember, do not simply vanish without a word.”

Though the master and disciple were of similar age, none present felt Chen Ping’an was being presumptuous. Deng Jianping, in particular, listened with rapt attention.

Deng Jianping, who still felt confused at the whole situation, hearing those words, felt anxious and wary. He responded in a faltering voice, “Unless Chen Jianxian and Fallen Mountain cast me out, I shall never leave the registered ranks. Even if driven away, I shall dwell at the foot of the mountain, awaiting Chen Jianxian’s change of heart.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, offering no further comment.

Xie Gou laughed, “The boy knows how to hedge his bets, seeking refuge at the foot of the mountain. Our guardian of Fallen Mountain is the Immortal Ensign!”

Qing Tong pitied the young swordsman, who still addressed him as Chen Jianxian.

Chen Ping’an said, “Before you offer the tea of discipleship, wait outside for a moment, Jianping. I have words to share with your sister and her lord.”

Deng Jianping rose at once, heading towards the door. After closing the door softly, he stood in the hallway with his back to the wall, biting his lip. After some time, he finally caught his breath and wiped the sweat off his forehead.

Xie Gou raised her chin, gesturing for Qing Tong to leave the room, since he was a nobody.

As a host, Qing Tong stood up to give way to these outsiders.

Chen Ping’an laughed, “There is no need for you to be shy, Daoist Friend Qing Tong. You are a registered Enshrined of the Clear Sky Sword Sect. Consider this room your home.”

Qing Tong sat down once again, with a flourish of his sleeves.

Xie Gou stared at him.

Chen Ping’an began, “Daoist Friend Huang, Zongshi Deng, first I must thank you for entrusting Jianping to my tutelage. In return, I offer my assurance that I shall guide him with utmost care and diligence. Jianping is now of the Golden Core realm. With his aptitude and foundation, it should not be difficult for him to break through the bottleneck and reach the Nascent Soul realm within a cycle of sixty years. His true trial lies in overcoming his inner demons during the closed-door session he will be in to try and break through to the next realm. He will have two of them. One of them will be the Traveling City and ‘Chen Ping’an’ in that city. I have plans for this. He must not take shortcuts. However, the first hurdle of inner demon needs a person here to undo. He needs Zongshi Deng and Jianping here to have a heart to heart where you’re being open and honest. Remember Deng Zongshi, do not care for Deng Jianping’s feelings and his own ideas. You need to be quick and clear Deng Jianqiao and say all the past dilemmas of how she thinks and what she does. Remember if Deng Jianping doesn’t deal with this, it is going to become a tribulation. He will avoid it, avoid it again and again, and his Daoist heart will be eroded, then the dam breaks. And Deng Jianping’s life path will not just halt at the Nascent Soul realm. It will be going upstream where you take more steps backwards instead. So Deng Zongshi must solve these problems before anything else. The more things I teach Jianping without this issue being resolved, the more wrong that makes things for his future success.”

Deng Jianqiao said in a low voice, “I will not let you down, I’ll talk to Jianping out here…”

Huang Xi hesitated.

Chen Ping’an said straightforwardly, “Deng Jianqiao, have you really thought about this? Do you even know yourself before you tell others who you are? What is the meaning of this?”

Deng Jianqiao was stunned. Huang Xi nodded, one of the parties involved would have to go out and clarify things and the other would be left confused.

Chen Ping’an continued, “Faced with hardship, should we dare to speak our anger, fight back with all our might, and kill when necessary? Are we doing it for ourselves, or for our loved ones? If both, what comes first? What has more weight? Deng Jianqiao abandoned immortality and learned fist fighting, out of necessity. For whom does she live for today, and for whom should she live? From now on, what responsibility should Deng Jianping bear for the name ‘Deng Jianping’, and how should he bear it?”

Deng Jianqiao could not answer a single question.

Huang Xi said carefully, “Chen Jianxian, there are too many questions. Let Xiu Niang catch her breath?”

Chen Ping’an glanced at him.

Huang Xi fell silent. Good heavens, he has a strong presence.

He was so different to Chen Ping’an, whom he chatted with at the drinking table.

Chen Ping’an was silent before he answered his own question. “If a cultivator is depressed and their heart is as dead as ash, can the ash be revived? Behind the dying embers you see a bright and shining pearl.”

Huang Xi praised the sentiment.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Zongshi Deng, go and call Jianping in.”

Deng Jianqiao had been looking dazed and startled and woke up at those words, so she stood up to open the door with Huang Xi.

Qing Tong stood up and Xie Gou deliberately slowed her movement to leave her chair, to show how she wasn’t like Qing Tong.

On the mountain to become a direct disciple, means that you have that secret teaching where you only give it to them and not to anyone else.

Deng Jianping didn’t sit back down as he stood still.

Chen Ping’an didn’t say anything about it and said, “Jianping, I will allow you to be slow at your sword learning. I will even allow the idea that my disciple will slack off or even be wasting his gift to be a good person without much success. Since you are not good at cultivation, it is my fault as a teacher here. It is fine for you to make mistakes, admit them, and correct them.”

“But I don’t want Deng Jianping to disappoint his sister.”

“If that happens, I will not just kick you out but you will find out what you feel like to regret being my disciple, Chen Ping’an.”

“Did you hear me!”

Deng Jianping shuddered and said, “Chen Jianxian, I remember every single word!”

Chen Ping’an gave him a smile. “Eh?”

Deng Jianping snapped to his senses and scratched his head. “Master, your disciple remembers all of it.”

Chen Ping’an said with meaning, “True empathy will not burden both sides.”

Deng Jianping understood those words.

Outside the hall, Qing Tong cast some defensive magic to hide the area. He then looked at the couple and said, “Deng Jianqiao, why would you have your brother come to Mount Wutong? He could have joined a better mountain.”

Xiu Niang was still unsure since it was about her husband’s origins.

Huang Xi was honest and said, “Honestly, our ancestor traveled the world and wrote down his experiences. He wrote that he met Qing Tong at Suppression Tower in the Tongye Continent and had a conversation over some words of wisdom for our Daoist path. Our ancestor left since he realized they didn’t see eye to eye.”

Qing Tong reminisced and recalled meeting a hunchback in the past.

But for Qing Tong it was nothing.

Qing Tong sighed, “Your bloodline has continued this long, so don’t disgrace your ancestors.”

“There’s an old saying to not mess with any families with a long bloodline due to not knowing who they might have sealed away.”

Huang Xi bowed, “Junior will never forget your words.”

Huang Xi saw the mood was great and said, “Our ancestor wrote that there were only two people in the Tongye continent that reached a great realm.”

Qing Tong chuckled, “You should keep those words to yourself. You do not know who might have heard those words if they pass down. Don’t get me in trouble.”

“If the Old Lord heard you, then both of us are done for. Do not get me killed.”

Qing Tong then added, “The fact that the Hidden Official is paying for you is rare.”

Huang Xi chuckled, “Chen Jianxian is a nice guy. I don’t have money or anything.”

The trip was great since he earned Qing Tong to be his ‘Daoist friend’ which was like his ancestor. Next time when he does his family offerings he could tell them that.

Qing Tong asked, “Why didn’t you become an elder for Fallen Mountain?”

Huang Xi asked, “Why would I?”

Xie Gou chuckled, “You are too honest and straightforward.”

Huang Xi asked, “Can I really? Fallen Mountain is closed for good and will it accept someone?”

Xie Gou answered, “Anything to do with Fallen Mountain will be the Mountain Lord’s decision.”

Huang Xi sighed, “You guys are united in your own ideas. Chen Jianxian must be a great person.”

Huang Xi was honest since a large family or organization will be complicated.

Chen Ping’an said, “Everyone is free to come in now.”

Xie Gou then said, “Fallen Mountain isn’t anything like that.”

When they entered the hall, Chen Ping’an sat down to get tea and listen to Deng Jianping’s oath.

Xie Gou was counting how many disciples the Mountain Lord now has.

Deng Jianqiao began to shed tears, as she was too happy.

Chen Ping’an placed the teacup and said, “Deng Jianping you will follow me back to the Treasure Bottle Continent. Deng Zongshi, would you and Huang be willing to go to Fallen Mountain?”

Deng Jianqiao said, “Chen Jianxian, please don’t call me Zongshi again. I will go by Xiu Niang.”

She almost forgot Chen Ping’an was a good fighter. Ye Yuyun told her that she was able to get a better realm due to him teaching her a punch, which made Deng Jianqiao know how strong Chen Ping’an was.

Huang Xi said, “We were planning on just sending Jianping to Wutong mountain and then traveling south to see those families with a relationship with us.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “Please do as you planned since Fallen Mountain doesn’t have legs. It is welcome for both of you.”

Xiu Niang did want to stay with Jianping before reaching Fallen Mountain but listen to Huang Xi since he was the expert.

Chen Ping’an said, “I will chat with Daoist friend Qing Tong. I give you half an hour to talk since it is your time to depart. We will meet up at the bottom of the mountain.”

Huang Xi agreed since Qing Tong told them a place at the mountain for them. It was at the Cliff Pavillion with the words ‘Cloud Pass’.

When Huang Xi left, Chen Ping’an gave him a piece of paper.

Qing Tong took the paper with small writing and asked, “You will actually give it?”

Chen Ping’an glared and said, “Just a small thing. My talent is overflowing. I myself am scared of who can stop me.”

Xie Gou laughed.

Now Qing Tong would be scared if it were really the Fourteenth Realm.

Chen Ping’an mocked himself by saying, “I thought about accepting them. I almost said it earlier on the steps.”

Now Xie Gou was shocked and Qing Tong was stunned.

On the way to the small hall, Deng Jianping said, “Master told me a lot of things to remember.”

Huang Xi teased, “Can I hear them?”

Xiu Niang elbowed him, which he blocked. Then she tried again but he blocked that too.

Deng Jianping said, “It is very easy, with just the words ‘It is difficult for others to get into your life, but it is for a master to not save them.”

Huang Xi nodded and said, “Chen Jianxian is telling you to treasure your life?”

Deng Jianping didn’t say anything.

His master did say two more words, “Your Senior Brother Qi taught it to me, which I am now giving to you.”

“I just didn’t leave my town, but you will have the same experience here.”

Xiu Niang asked tentatively, “Jianping, do you want to hear my honest words?”

Deng Jianping nodded with resolve, “Sister, I have been waiting to hear those words.”

Huang Xi laughed and said, “So you’re blaming her for not chatting? A great move, but still good.”

Deng Jianping blushed and didn’t know what to say. Xiu Niang elbowed him, so Deng Jianping pulled her forward.

Huang Xi held his head and looked around.

He didn’t enter the pavillion but squatted at the edge and looked back at the pavilion.

He didn’t know what they were chatting about, but saw Xiu Niang finally crying where her emotions are shown to him.

Huang Xi looked down and saw a blue shirt and a walking cane.

He then remembered the saying about the fighters, that “the top three are the white Cao and blue Chen.”

Huang Xi chuckled and wanted to chat with Cao Ci. How strong must he be to have Chen Ping’an losing to him?

Chen Ping’an went down with Xie Gou. Qing Tong did need to send him off.

While heading down, they saw many monsters.

He saw the old wise man and they nodded at each other before he continued.

In this life, you will travel your own roads.

Qing Tong remembered the scene.

There was a sly fox with her people and laughed when she saw Chen Ping’an.

But she was still wary since she saw a pretty lady in blue.

Chen Ping’an said nothing.

The woman started saying, “Why are you leaving? Do you want me to persuade them?”

Chen Ping’an said, “This person beside me is Qingyu the Ancestor, and he sent me off. So who are you helping?”

The woman and her group laughed.

Chen Ping’an gave her a smile.

Qing Tong gave them a glance.

Xie Gou laughed since it was trouble.

Qing Tong got an even more darker face.

Chen Ping’an pointed with his stick and said, “Let Tongye monsters have a place. To change all those things, all the merits will be to you.”

Qing Tong nodded, “I will do my best.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Don’t just say you’ll do your best, you have to do good and that you will always get the hard part. You need to remember those lessons you learned and ask the Qingping Sword Sect and Great Fu Academy. Don’t worry. You need to know what you’re going to do.”

Qing Tong nodded. At that moment, he suddenly said that he needed a new rule. He was worried since a lot of monsters were joining and it would get too complicated.

When they got to the bottom, they waited for Deng Jianping and Chen Ping’an looked up and chuckled, “Cheng Mountain wrote that? Looks like the old chef is better at those words.”

Qing Tong answered, “That’s all we have here.”

Xie Gou whispered that this guy isn’t good at talking with others.

Chen Ping’an said, “You can head back and don’t need to wait with us.”

Qing Tong turned around.

Deng Jianping went down the mountain alone and laughed, “Master and Xie Zici, my sister and her lord are still walking around the mountain.”

Chen Ping’an nodded and passed him the stick and said, “Handmade wooden stick. It’s not much, but hope you don’t mind it.”

Deng Jianping was stunned as he took the stick.

Some monsters who were drinking at the foot of the mountain, but were still standing in line, heard that the Main God of Protocol was a baby god and heard that the head patrol god was a fighter at the peak. But everyone was polite to the pretty man with the azure clothes.

Qing Tong nonchalantly went up and said, “Keep doing whatever you were doing.”

The sly fox and her group were stunned.

They prayed that he wasn’t the famous Qingyu Ancestor.

Qing Tong hesitated and said, “Have the staff start listing this one without checking him in.”

The old man was stunned for a bit and ran to the foot of the mountain. He didn’t see the green man in the clothes.

He knew that Qingyu sent a guest away and the guest stood on the left and the girl with the fur hat stood on the right!

Who was that green shirt guy?

It can’t be, right?

There was no way!

A small girl noticed him and pulled on his shirt, asking, “What’s wrong, grandpa?”

The old man laughed and answered, “It’s nothing. I must have misspoken.”

The small girl laughed and said, “Where did you say the wrong thing?”

The old man smiled, afraid to scare the small girl and whispered, “It’s about what his name is.”

The small girl was confused and asked, “What’s that name?”

The old man rubbed her head since she was afraid of being scared and whispered, “In short, he has many names.”

Outside the mountain, the disciple asked, “Master, I still wonder what it is. Can you tell me?”

The master answered, “There might be people like Liu Xianyang and Chen Ping’an in the Traveling City.”

Deng Jianping nodded and said, “There must be, there must be somewhere else.”

Xie Gou said quietly, “Mountain Lord, in this scene, there is something that wants to pour. I just need to write it.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Stop, don’t say it.”

Xie Gou said, “But I only came out for the first half!”

Chen Ping’an said helplessly, “Fine you can do anything you want.”

Xie Gou opened her throat to start singing!

“The mountain and water are changing all the time, but the walker doesn’t know what the name is.”

Chen Ping’an asked and said it wasn’t bad. Xie Gou wasn’t good with praise, but her nose was still high.

Deng Jianping got more relaxed, knowing that the leaders have a good relationship.

Walking to an empty place in the mountain, Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “We are going now. Jianping, hold on since I am going to teach you 18 sword moves.”

Xie Gou was ready and Deng Jianping prepared.

Three swords started flying into the air where the sky changed the moment they stepped onto the land.

The road is the sky and everyone asks who I am. I am the scenery man of the Qingdu.