**A Shady Path and Whispers of Mortals**

Wei Bo, Warden of the Northern Peak, chose a seldom-trod path, hoping for a measure of solitude. Their journey led them past a humble shrine, yet the incense burned brightly, attesting to a devoted following. Before it stood an ancient Osmanthus tree, its trunk thicker than a warrior’s shield, its branches a sprawling canopy that cast a deep shade. Beneath its fragrant boughs, a company of palanquin bearers rested, some sipping from waterskins and gnawing on hardtack, others gathered in boisterous conversation.

An elder amongst them, perhaps a son of this very soil, spoke of Chen Ping’an, Master of Fallen Peak, recalling the days when he lived in Mud Bottle Alley. “The lad was spurned by many,” he said, his voice raspy with age, “but my own family offered him succor, ensuring he survived a particularly harsh winter.”

A younger man scoffed, “Why hasn’t this godling remembered your kindness? A handful of immortal coins wouldn’t be too much to ask! He could buy you a fine house in the city! Why toil as a bearer?”

The old man, abashed, offered a weak defense. “The books say those who ascend forget the world below. They call it… Severing mortal ties. We wouldn’t understand.”

Wei Bo paused, listening to the idle chatter of the townsfolk. Chen Lingjun, a sprightly Immortal Youth, cast a sidelong glance at the temple, its name emblazoned above in golden script: “The Court of Entanglement.” Within, golden bricks paved the floor, and the air hummed with the scent of incense. Three gilded statues, radiant and imposing, sat upon a dais shrouded in yellow silk. The central figure, he who governed matters of the heart within the Northern March, wore a purple-gold crown and a crane-feather cloak. He held a Book of Fated Unions, his eyes gleaming with uncanny life. Flanking him were two divine handmaidens, their hair adorned with jeweled pins and their brows arched in elegant beauty.

The presiding deity, aware of Wei Bo’s presence, had intended to remain unseen, loath to disturb the mountain god and his friend. But when Wei Bo halted, the deity counted to ten in his mind, then swiftly stirred. He slipped from his statue, leaving the handmaidens to remain still as stone. Concealing his celestial aura with a deft hand seal, he transformed into a swirling cloud of colors and drifted beyond the shrine. Reforming as a middle-aged scholar with an jade tablet in hand, he bowed low and declared, “I am Shang Yun, humble servant, and I greet the esteemed Wei Bo, Lord of the Peak!”

Wei Bo offered a curt nod. “We are merely passing through. No need for such ceremony.”

The celestial officials and handmaidens of the Northern Peak were well accustomed to their lord’s demeanor – neither warm nor cold, giving the impression of nearness and remoteness in equal measure.

Having greeted Wei Bo, Shang Yun dared not neglect the eternally youthful Immortal Youth of the Nascent Soul realm, especially one who had followed Chen Ping’an from the very beginning. Turning slightly, he bowed once more, respectful to a fault. “I, Shang Yun, greet the venerable Patriarch Jing Qing, and the Immortal Maiden!”

Chen Lingjun could barely contain his glee. It was precisely this scenario he had been contemplating as they ascended.

On Fallen Peak, in the presence of his lord, he was content to be called Jing Qing, or even by his given name.

But beyond those sacred grounds… Should he be addressed as a “Fellow Daoist”? Nay, he was Patriarch Jing Qing now!

The green-robed youth licked his lips, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. The prospect of such unrestrained arrogance filled him with delight.

He remembered the early days, when he had first met his lord, returning to the small town. He chuckled, recalling how he had urged Chen Ping’an to become a local tyrant, oppressing the good folk and indulging in villainy.

And now, this local deity, this… Emanation of Mists, was proving so gratifyingly perceptive! Truly, this shrine was too small for such insight.

Wei Bo, noticing the youth’s rapturous grin, gently swatted the back of his head. “Remember your manners, fool!”

Chen Lingjun swayed with the blow, then grinned wider, clasping his hands in polite greeting. “A pleasure, a pleasure!”

Shang Yun, whose official rank within the Great Li Ministry of Rites was a mere sixth-grade position, bowed again. “I am unworthy, Patriarch Jing Qing! Such honor is undeserved!”

Wei Bo resumed their stroll up the mountain, leaving Shang Yun to watch them depart. He was filled with a profound envy. To receive such a touch from the divine Wei Bo… what bliss!

Chen Lingjun voiced a question that had long troubled him. “All those prayers, all those whispered hopes for wealth, love, success, long life… the laments, the oaths, the thanksgivings… do you truly hear them all, every single word?”

Wei Bo nodded. “Of course.”

Chen Lingjun gasped. “It must be deafening! Especially on holy days. How do you possibly discern anything in that cacophony?”

Wei Bo smiled. “I hear them all, and I keep them distinct. Each is recorded, lest any be missed. The sincere ring out clearly, while the insincere fade into the background. The clamor of mortal desires is like the polishing of a golden statue, while devout gratitude is like applying the gilding. It is not unlike a nascent cultivator within his newly opened cave dwelling. Every whisper of the world booms like thunder. But one grows accustomed. The Ministry of Rites’ Mountain and Water Registry and Bureau of Investigation inspects and audits the records, by decree of the Imperial Preceptor Cui. Success brings new offices and greater power; failure brings the axe, diminishing authority and shrinking the statues themselves.”

Chen Lingjun was astounded. He clapped Wei Bo on the shoulder. “No easy task, my friend.”

*I shall be kinder in the future.*

A thought struck Chen Lingjun. “If devout thanksgivings are like adding gold leaf, why not simply grant every wish, regardless of sincerity? Let them all have their heart’s desire! A few coins for a wish that returns a thousand gold?”

Wei Bo chuckled. “Then step into the Northern Peak’s main hall, Patriarch Jing Qing, and strike your head upon the floor, demanding ascension to the Immortal Realm tomorrow. Do you think such a wish would be granted?”

Chen Lingjun flushed, muttering, “If it worked, I’d gladly do it. I’m not proud. I’d knock my head right now.”

Cultivation for the dragon-blooded was different, with both advantages and drawbacks. Their natural longevity was a boon, but their resilient flesh could be a burden. Obstacles that were mere paper for human cultivators could be like stone walls to dragons, demanding endless effort to overcome.

Zhou Hu, a spirit of the waters, spoke up, “The land shapes its people, and so it is with gods who receive incense. Their lives and personalities affect their divinity. A region, like a man, has its limits. One can only eat from a bowl that is sized to fit them. To grant the wishes of all would only diminish the power of the mountain and river spirits…”

Wei Bo cut her off, smiling. “Lingqu, you need not speak of such matters to Patriarch Jing Qing.”

Zhou Hu nodded.

Chen Lingjun shook his head. “Fine, I don’t want to hear it anyway!”

Zhou Hu had recently resolved to remain on Fallen Peak, dwelling as a hermit on Flower Shadow Peak. She had told Wei Bo of her new name and title: Zhou Ai, and Lingqu. Wei Bo, understanding her unspoken desires, promised to speak to the officials at Hanging Cloud Mountain, arranging for a suitable identity, a temporary position within the government, followed by a “recommendation” to Fallen Peak’s registry.

Zhou Hu pondered this, finding it to be both safer and more advantageous. She would gain an inconspicuous official position, draw a salary from Hanging Cloud Mountain, and devote herself to cultivation on Jump Fish Mountain.

In high spirits, Zhou Hu, as if by some strange impulse, reached out and pressed down on the green-robed youth’s head.

Even Master Zheng would call him “Uncle.”

Chen Lingjun’s face turned ashen. He darted away, glaring at the woman, “How dare you presume such familiarity?”

*You vulgar hussy! Are you attempting to use your feminine wiles on Chen Lingjun? I am no Zheng Daifeng, no Chief Zhou, willing to play along with such schemes!*

Zhou Hu withdrew her hand with a smile. Her actions were tainted by the personality of Cen Yuanji.

Chen Lingjun scowled, but could not bring himself to scold a woman.

Wei Bo remained impassive, asking, “What are your plans for the days to come?”

Chen Lingjun spoke without thinking, “I promised Zhong Yi a meal of stinky mandarin fish at Old Cook’s. And in a day or two, I’ll take him to the Iron Talisman River God’s mansion, for an early-morning drink.”

Wei Bo said, “Planning so far ahead, are we?”

Chen Lingjun asked cautiously, “Is that a veiled insult, Wei Bro?”

Wei Bo scoffed. “What do you think?”

“Just teasing,” Chen Lingjun said. “Of course, I have more long-term plans. I promised Xiao Mili we’d prepare our packs and journey to the Central Continent’s White Emperor City. I want to see the Dragon Gate there, and the waterfall of the Yellow River, and see just how the water comes down from the heavens.”

Wei Bo nodded. “Sounds good.”

The Pure Yang Immortal Lu Yan had gifted Xiao Mili with a water talisman, of his own creation, called “Dragon Gate.” With it, a water spirit could cross the true Dragon Gate and enter the Yellow River Grotto Heaven.

*A fish leaping the Dragon Gate, effortlessly.*

Gu Can had also invited her to visit.

With these two opportunities, this would be a journey of great import for Xiao Mili.

Wei Bo suddenly asked, “Is this truly for her sake, or do you merely seek an excuse for a trip?”

Chen Lingjun beat his chest in indignation. “Am I such a reckless fool?! Wei Bo, to suggest such a thing! I wash my hands of you, we are no longer brothers…”

“Oh?”

Wei Bo remained unperturbed. “I merely wonder what the new River God of Iron Talisman is like. Will he be a friend who shares our joys and sorrows, who stands with us against our enemies…”

With lightning speed, Chen Lingjun threw himself to the ground, clutching Wei Bo’s leg, and began to wail. “Wei Bro, words spoken in jest! Do not punish the innocent!”

Wei Bo kicked his leg, disgusted. “Get up, man! You are a Nascent Soul cultivator! Have some dignity!”

Chen Lingjun released his grip and rose, grumbling, “Xiao Mili thinks relying solely on eating is unreliable for growth. So, she figured she’d visit streams and rivers during droughts, and use my water magic to grow herself. Yours, Lord Wei, is a realm of harmony and peace. There are no such opportunities!”

Wei Bo chuckled. “You flattering rogue.”

Chen Lingjun continued, “After seeing the sights there, if we have the time, we will journey to Jade Elder’s Flowing Cloud Isle. I’ve gathered some information about Flowing Cloud Isle and Green Palace Mountain. With my sense of justice, it would be one thing if it were just me. I could do anything! But with Xiao Mili in tow, I must be cautious. I was worried Jade Elder would not support us. So I collected some old dispatches, and found he’s quite respected and just in his land, and doesn’t always need to be asked for help.”

Seeing Chen Lingjun’s thumbs up, Wei Bo smiled.

Why would Jade Elder reveal that he was a big-shot in Flowing Cloud Isle?

Wei Bo said, “Tell Bai Deng not to be so focused on Jade Liquid River. Moderation in all things.”

“Is that so? I hadn’t heard,” Chen Lingjun said, rubbing his chin. “Don’t worry, I’ll tell him to have some tact.”

Wei Bo shot a glance at the youth. His understanding of the world was improving.

Now he was ready to stand with the other two bros.

These two may be down-to-earth, and haven’t been through many battles, but they’ve seen much next to Chen Qingliu, and shared a drink with Liu Sixteen. Their hearts have been steeled, and they’ll be together for all time.

Bai Deng had just been promoted to the new River God of Iron Talisman, and the last River God Yang Hua was honored. Power flowed, and connections helped this happen.

These days, Zeng Cuo was acting as a military advisor in Iron Talisman River.

Jade Elder’s best student, Gao Geng, was now a teacher.

The Iron Talisman and the Geng Mansion were constantly writing letters to one another, to check up on one another.

Chen Lingjun quietly said, “I reminded them. Don’t hold that against me.”

Wei Bo said, “The Iron Talisman has you covering it.”

Chen Lingjun groaned. “More sarcasm.”

Wei Bo said, “If you ever visit the Central Continent, don’t cause trouble, and don’t be afraid of it.”

Chen Lingjun immediately smiled brightly. The Wei Bo without sarcasm was the best.

Wei Bo said, “The peak opening might start soon. You should think about it.”

Chen Lingjun watched Wei Bo, his eyes confused.

—-

Dragon Elephant Sword Sect was next to the sea, and held the words, “Sea And Sky Under Foot,” where the waves slammed and pierced the sky.

Madam Rouge left, and Qi Tingji was left with a dark look on his face. He cut off the outside world, and said, “What’s going on?”

Lu Zhi said, “What’s going on?”

Qi Tingji said, “Taking life as a game?”

Lu Zhi was confused. “How is it?”

Qi Tingji slapped the table, “Lu Zhi!”

She hadn’t seen Qi Tingji in such a state, so she remained quiet, and said, “They just want to be an ascendant swordsman.”

Qi Tingji chuckled. “Ok, I see that you listen to Old Sword Immortal and not me!”

Lu Zhi smiled, “Don’t say that.”

Qi Tingji was speechless.

Lu Zhi switched the topic, “How’s the placement going?”

Qi Tingji was annoyed, “Why do you care for such trivial things?”

Lu Zhi stared, “I’m not feeling well either!”

Qi Tingji was angry.

He had learned to speak oddly from Chen Ping’an.

The second batch of swordsmen were from the Southern Sea, and there were less people this time.

Adding everything together, there were one hundred.

They were the most talented swordsmen.

They weren’t named, and were just managed by Shao Yunyan and Madam Rouge. After a few years, those who didn’t make it would be sent back.

Whether they could stay at Dragon Elephant Sword Sect was uncertain.

They had everything, so Qi Tingji went off to establish a sub-sect in Swing Continent.

Because Gu Can had found Swing Mountain, and with Yang Qiang out of jail, Qi Tingji had to find a new spot. There wasn’t enough room, and whoever got there first got there first. Once an immortal sect had found a spot, any new sect had to find a spot.

The fallen Liu Tui still had Yang Qiang, so Qi Tingji asked him to show him around Swing Continent.

Lu Zhi closed up, but Qi Tingji was fine with that. Who would dare bother her?

If Qi Tingji took down a cultivator, nobody would help him, but if Lu Zhi did, then people would.

Qi Tingji said, “Did Lu Zhang teach him that trading territories was the best option?”

Lu Zhi nodded, “Lu Chen said that. Whether he was joking or not, I’m not sure. Just forget it.”

Qi Tingji said, “I’ve told Liu Tui, and I’ll come move the land myself.”

Qi Tingji paused, and asked, “Do you know about the mountains?”

Lu Zhi shook her head, “How would I know?”

Qi Tingji was hesitant.

Lu Zhi frowned, “Does Liu Tui want a high price to repair the mountain? I have some money from the wastelands, will that work?”

Qi Tingji laughed, and shook his head. “It’s not that. Liu Tui isn’t greedy.”

Lu Zhi was even more confused. “Does he want to get married?”

Qi Tingji laughed, and waved his hand. “Liu Tui would never ask that.”

To be honest, Liu Tui did look up to Lu Zhi, but Qi Tingji didn’t want to play the middleman.

The Heavenly Ballad’s ancestral mountain was called Clear Mountain.

The sub sect was in River Continent, with one of the 36 grotto heavens.

During the last gathering, the Temple of Literature had gifted 4 spots to Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, Heavenly Ballad, Old Dragon City, and Jade Gui.

Heavenly Ballad had a man known as the Magpie, who had many treasures and was always drunk. As he was about to die, he accepted one disciple, and gave him his treasure bag.

Heavenly Ballad opened up.

After the war, Clear Mountain was in disrepair, but there was a chance to fix it.

Qi Tingji had thought about it, and when he had gone with Liu Tui, Liu Tui verified Qi Tingji’s thoughts. Just like Jing Hao’s Green Palace.

Liu Tui had said, “I needed to verify.”

Even the domineering Liu Tui would not try to find the Old Temple Master.

Lu Zhi said, “Just have Hidden Official tell him. He is good friends with Clear Cave Master.”

Qi Tingji said, “I’m afraid Hidden Official will try to extort me.”

Dragon Elephant Sword Sect had intercepted some private swords, and Qi Tingji thought Chen Ping’an might hold that grudge.

Lu Zhi laughed, “Liu Tui asks Qi Tingji, who asks Lu Zhi, who asks Hidden Official, who asks Clear Cave Master? Is this really necessary?”

Qi Tingji laughed.

“I’ll tell Hidden Official, and if he helps, that’s fine.”

Qi Tingji nodded.

Lu Zhi said, “Are there any other questions?”

Qi Tingji shook his head, and got up to leave. He suddenly asked, “Before closing up, did you see White Jing and Liu Xu?”

Lu Zhi asked, “Do you want to spar with White Jing?”

Qi Tingji shook his head. “No need.”

Qi Tingji hesitated, and asked, “What did Zheng say?”

Lu Zhi said, “Why do all of you care so much about Zheng Juzhong? Rouge asked, Yunyan asked, the old swordsmen asked, and now you.”

Qi Tingji sighed, “I’m just curious. I’m curious.”

He wanted to tell Lu Zhi not to call Zheng Juzhong by his name, but he didn’t say anything.

Lu Zhi smiled, “Zheng Juzhong just asked about Sword Town. If I wrote it all down, would you read it?”

Qi Tingji was silent.

He got up and left. Madam Rouge had planted plum trees everywhere, and they grew well.

They would turn to immortal trees because of Lu Zhang’s blessing.

Fallen Peak, the gatekeeper was singing.

The gatekeeper was embarrassed.

Liu Xiang said, “Lu left. He says it might be because of the spirits. He might come here again for the spirits.”

The gatekeeper nodded, “We need to be neighborly.”

Liu Xiang said, “Lu asked me to ask you to visit Heaven Peak when you have the chance.”

The gatekeeper nodded, “Sure.”

He was just being polite.

He had to stay here, so he couldn’t go anywhere else.

Liu Xiang smiled, “Gatekeeper, what is the meaning of spiritual achievement?”

The gatekeeper was nervous. Was he being tested?

—-

Next to Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, an old boatman was cooking fish.

There was a girl staring at the words.

The old boatman was Gu Qingsong. The girl was Cheng San Cai.

Cheng San Cai asked, “What are we doing here? Did you not scold Qi Tingji enough?”

The old boatman said, “You’re too rude.”

The girl said, “I learned from you.”

Gu Qingsong said, “It’s hard for you dragons to turn human, so take care of it. I’ll give you a chance to meet Lu Zhi.”

“The Jiang from Treasure Continent is rich, why did you not accept their offer?”

“And, you met my junior brother, Cao, in Northern Continent, why did you not take him?”

The girl was happy, and said, “If I don’t like them, then I won’t be with them. If I like them, then I’ll grovel.”

Gu Qingsong asked, “Why don’t you just ask that guy on Fallen Peak?”

“I’m very afraid of him.”

Gu Qingsong laughed, “I didn’t know you were afraid of someone.”

Cheng San Cai asked, “What are you doing after you leave me with Lu Zhi?”

Gu Qingsong quietly said, “I’m going to find master.”

Swing Continent.

There was a Clear Mountain, which was half gold, and half green.

Liu Tui was entertaining a guest, who said he was Xu Xuyuan.

Profound Temple.

There were many people working odd jobs.

Yan Fatty told them they could leave now, and they were happy and sad.

Night Boat.

The Fire Dragon true man had said some things about the fourteenth realm to Pei Qian, Xie Gou, and Feng Xuetao.

Pei Qian had been confused as to why Xie Gou and Xiao Mo were after Zhao Tianshi. He had also talked about some exceptions, like Lu Zhi.

Old Scholar sighed.

There were many human words, but only Bai Ye was proud, and only Lu Chen was free.

Wu Shuang lowered the copy swords.

Cui Dongshan looked at Zheng.

The demons had come to find Zheng.

Zheng Juzhong had sparred with Yu Dou.

Cui Dongshan asked, “Did you not come to terms with it?”

Zheng Juzhong shook his head.

“Also, how powerful is Yu? Is he really invincible?”

Zheng Juzhong smiled.

Wastelands.

A young taoist was huge, and wore a lotus crown.

He sat down.

Demons turned into the fifteenth realm.

Half of the taoist’s face was closed, and the other half was shifting.

There was a book called Freedom.