As dusk painted the heavens beyond the window, clouds gathered like scales on a celestial fish, their edges gilded by the last rays of the setting sun.

When the sun finally yielded to the horizon, its final glimmer fading, the moon, that silken paramour of the mortal realm, would begin to weave its ethereal love letters of silver moonlight. It would write them upon the silent peaks, within the bustling cities, reflected in wine-stained cups, and in the eyes of those who wandered far from home.

Lord Gao Yehou, the God of Wealth of Ascension City, himself sought an audience with Chen Ping’an, ostensibly to inquire after his sister’s well-being, though the conversation soon drifted toward matters of the Fountain Province.

Ning Yao, ever averse to such affairs, excused herself. Gao Yehou, harboring a secret dread that his sister, Gao Youqing, might someday present him with some ill-bred whelp from the Northern Continent, beseeched Chen Ping’an to act as a gatekeeper. He declared that even Chen Li, the Hidden Official, would be a preferable match.

Chen Ping’an merely promised to keep an eye on things, adding that matters of the heart often defied reason. His words prompted Gao Yehou to immediately ask if Chen had any wine to share. Chen countered, questioning the Lord’s audacity in arriving empty-handed and then requesting drink. “Do you mistake this for a tavern?” he quipped. “You’re Gao Youqing’s brother, not I Chen Li’s, why would I stand on ceremony with you? If our connection were so strong, your Fountain Province wouldn’t be so stingy with the Summer Palace. Heaven’s way is to diminish excess and supplement deficiency, yet your Fiscal Lineage swims in gold! One cut and out pours coin, while the Hidden Official Lineage…”

No sooner had the grumbling Gao Yehou departed than Qi Shou, the magistrate, arrived at the Ning residence. Chen Ping’an led the magistrate on a stroll through the training grounds, where Qi Shou inquired as to why his ancestor had not entered Ascension City. Were there some arcane restrictions at play? Chen Ping’an suggested that perhaps the Old Sword Immortal simply deemed Qi Shou’s performance as magistrate wanting.

Qi Shou bristled, muttering, “Can we not let bygones be bygones?”

In the days of the Sword Qi Great Wall, the Qi family had long coveted an alliance with the Ning through marriage. Qi Shou, among the younger generation, was undeniably gifted, a prodigy alongside Pang Yuanji and Chen Sanqiu. Of course, the Qi clan’s desire for Ning’s “little mountain” that was the Dragon Chopping Stage had burned for ages. It was rumored that the “little mountain” comprised Ning Yao’s dowry. Moreover, even without such a “gift,” a union with Ning Yao would hold boundless benefits.

Then, from some unknown corner of the world, a Chen by the name Ping’an emerged, swaggering up to the city walls. He was nothing more than a martial artist, not even a swordsman! The entire Sword Qi Great Wall was confounded. Who was this Chen? And what relation did he have to the First Sword Immortal?

Chen Ping’an changed the subject, “What price did you get on those talismans from Xie the Dog?”

Qi Shou replied, “Bulk discounts apply. Each Three Mountain Talisman cost me one Grain Rain Coin. I plan to borrow more from my family and friends. I’ve already spoken to Xie the Dog, and before she leaves Ascension City, we’ll strike another bargain, no matter how many coins I can muster. She even said that since you had done similar business with her in the past, she wouldn’t haggle.”

Chen Ping’an’s eyelids flickered. “A fair price,” he said, “especially when paired with your natal flying swords. It should more than suffice to deal with an immortal who is not a swordsman.”

Those talismans, the ordinary paper bought for a handful of silver in the city market, were a steal, and that was a real bulk discount.

Qi Shou said, “Thank you.”

Chen Ping’an, unusually sheepish, replied, “Between you and me, no need for formalities.”

He thought for a moment and continued, “If I recall correctly, Ascension City needs and can use around two dozen such talismans, almost all of them employed by or destined for the Fiscal Lineage. Let’s say thirty. When you strike your deal with Xie the Dog, have her throw in sixty free ones, two for each person. One to test its power, one for future battles. How and when you distribute them is up to you. Consider it a gift.”

Qi Shou seemed surprised. “I misjudged you. I take back what I said.”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

Tricking Qi Shou out of his money was his due, and he wouldn’t be a merchant of the Packhorse Inn if he felt any compunction. But even Chen felt uneasy at the exorbitant price Xie the Dog charged. Even a rudimentary counterfeit Three Mountain Talisman could not possibly cost a Little Heat Coin’s worth of spiritual energy. Of course, Qi Shou was no fool. He was willing to pay a Grain Rain Coin, no doubt anticipating future profit. Over the years, Qi Shou had become keenly interested in talismans, seeking to combine a small two- or three-talisman formation with his swords, instantly amplifying his killing power far beyond expectations.

After a few steps, realization dawned. Chen Ping’an chuckled, “Qi Magistrate, I share my heart, and you must tell me the truth: Did Deng Liang impart some secret to you?”

Qi Shou smiled, “I’m not one to betray a friend.”

Chen Ping’an scoffed. “No wonder you lost to Chen Sanqiu.”

Qi Shou asked, “Can you really bring eighteen swordsmen?”

Chen Ping’an said, “We’re awaiting word from the Wen Temple. I doubt it.”

In truth, the Wen Temple had already received word from the two Sages who were seated in the heavens.

A quick discussion unfolded, resolved with a few words. Master Mao spoke, saying this should be approved and no issue to the scholars.

The Old Scholar said it would not be wise. Mao Littlewinter stated that once Chen Ping’an became an Grand Li minister, he would have much less incentive to listen. He also reminded them that there were 1.7 million Grand Li soldiers in the Savage Lands.

An old master named Li said, “Take 18, return 18.” Done!

Qi Shou asked casually, “I saw Gao Yehou on the road. He seemed agitated.”

Chen Ping’an sighed, “Lord Gao wanted me to join the Hidden Official Lineage with his Fountain, to restrain the Fiscal Lineage. I refused, saying it wasn’t proper. Gao grew angry, pounded the table, and accused me of being short-sighted. Must we stand idly by and watch Ascension City become the domain of the Qis once Old Sword Immortal becomes the city lord? What could I say?”

Qi Shou laughed, disbelieving but amused.

Chen Ping’an, perhaps feeling he had overplayed his hand, sighed, “You are too wise to be fooled, Qi brother.”

Earlier, Gao Yehou had spotted two exquisite sword-nourishing gourds on the table, the rare sight setting his heart aflame. After resisting, he inquired about their price and provenance.

They were the “Azure City Mountain” and “Morning Truth Palace”, both premium sword-nourishing gourds, acquired from the Grand Li treasury.

Chen Ping’an used this as an opening to suggest a mutually beneficial trade between the Grand Li Dynasty and Ascension City.

First, should the Wen Temple agree, the eighteen swordsmen he would bring from Ascension City could become “private swords” for Ascension City. Unlike the private swords of old who were far from home and could not rely on any resources, these swords would be backed by Grand Li.

Grand Li would provide them with every possible advantage, such as a gourd and a sum of money.

These swords would then spread throughout the continent, starting small businesses and connecting with groups such as Floating Reed of the Northern Continent, Rainy Dragon Sect of the Seas, or Flying Willow of the Fuyu Continent. Each would form secret alliances. Third, they would prepare, both within and without, for the upcoming trials of the Five Colors.

Chen Ping’an stopped walking and said, “Old Sword Immortal’s ambition lies in the 14th Realm. Being a city lord is merely a step on the path of Dao. Qi Shou, you must know who the city lord will ultimately be. As long as Ascension City continues and grows, neither I nor Zhang Gong, nor many others, would care what the city is named. By the same token, when the time comes to choose the third city lord, you too must be magnanimous. Remember this day and this conversation.”

Qi Shou nodded. “Sound words!”

Chen Ping’an extended a fist from his sleeve, shaking it playfully. “If you hadn’t served as a model magistrate, allowing no criticism, I would have denied you entry today.”

Qi Shou’s eyes gleamed as he spied something in Chen Ping’an’s hand. “And this is?”

Chen Ping’an said, “A hand-piece. Helps one focus.”

This was no deliberate attempt to drive up the price. The item was best used to quiet the mind, stilling idle thoughts and subduing the restless ape of the heart.

Qi Shou asked bluntly, “For sale?”

Chen Ping’an said, “No.”

There were thirty-six shards of glass in total.

During the division, Zheng Juzhong had taken the largest piece, while Wu Shuangjiang had chosen seven or eight medium-sized fragments.

The rest, both in number and overall weight, remained with Chen Ping’an.

Cultivators subsisted on spirit money, while mountain gods and spirits feasted on mortal offerings. But these were distinct paths. Only the shattered glass aroused the desire of both.

For the glass was a shortcut.

Qi Shou remained persistent. “The price can be negotiated.”

Chen Ping’an tucked his hand back into his sleeve, saying, “If you had it, that would be the first thing I would ask for.”

After some idle conversation, as dusk deepened, Chen Ping’an saw the magistrate away and decided, on a whim, to visit the wine shop.

Having secured Ning Yao’s permission, Xie the Dog was allowed into the study. Xiao Mo, filled with doubt, accompanied her. The room held over six thousand books but lacked all scholarly accoutrements. There was no inscription or plaque. A sword rack stood against the wall, holding dozens of old blades, mostly broken standard swords from the Great Wall, but also a few private weapons of decent quality, likely relics of the Ning clan’s swordsmen.

Xie the Dog was already looking for books to read while Xiao Mo was admiring a landscape painting. It was a typical piece of immortal craft: the seasons passed within the canvas. At this moment, it was likely the time of plum rains, and the landscape was drenched in dark ink. A small boat floated along in the downpour. Then when the rain stopped and the sun rose, azaleas and more of the landscape bloomed.

The bookworm’s way was to lose himself in the pages, and so the landscape took shape in his imagination.

Xie the Dog raised her head and said, “Xiao Mo, aren’t these Sword Qi Great Wall official bookshop editions considered coveted rarities? I’ve noticed that most of them are just for show, as pristine as the day they were bought. Only this shelf, with these thirty-odd books, has been read extensively. The deckle edges are all curled. It seems to be a collection written specifically for those below the Fifth Realm.”

Xiao Mo had been about to caution her against stealing anything.

Ning Yao appeared in the doorway, offering an explanation with a smile. “This study was arranged by my father when my mother was pregnant with me. He put a lot of thought into what books I’d read at what age, what height I’d be, and how easily I could reach them. But when I finally learned to read, I realized I wasn’t a scholar. I couldn’t sit still. I took every chance to run outside, preferring to learn boxing from Granny Bai than to read.”

Ning Yao entered the room and gestured toward a shelf near Xie the Dog. “Those books, the equivalent of your children’s primers, were what my mother forced me to read and memorize when I first learned to write. Memorization was easy. I got tired of being nagged, so one day I locked myself in, sat cross-legged in a chair, memorized the dictionary, and then, using sword qi to turn the pages, read every book once.”

Just as many now found it hard to imagine the young woman in a sable cap being the Sword Immortal Bai Jing of ancient times, Xie the Dog struggled to picture Ning Yao as a child, being forced to sit and memorize.

For Ning Yao, once was enough.

Unlike Chen Ping’an, who would devour a book whole, extracting every last drop of knowledge, making notes on bamboo slips, and even inventing reading methods. He had boasted of what it meant to come from a scholarly family, how it lay in the art of learning and the secrets passed down through generations, how one should track down every person with the same name, and how to hunt down family trees. When reading, one must be ruthless, and one should consider the way someone held a knife when reading or killing.

Xie the Dog grinned. “I heard that the mistress left home and only met our Master then?”

Ning Yao nodded. “I crossed Inverted Mountain, visited South Seas Continent, Middle Earth Continent, and North Continent, and then went to Jewel Bottle Continent and entered the Luminous Pearl Grotto.”

She pointed at the scroll and said, “Looking at it for long, one would naturally become curious about the culture and customs over there. I stared at the changing scenes on the scroll, at the waxing and waning moon, and I couldn’t help but think, ‘How could this be?’ After meeting Diezhang and the others, we often came here together to look at the scenery.”

Xie the Dog asked carefully, “Was it love at first sight?”

Ning Yao blushed slightly and said, “He was skinny and dark back then. Who would give him a second look?”

Bold as a dog, Xie the Dog pressed on, “If it wasn’t love at first sight, then why did you like him, and when? What was the reason? It’s easy to understand why the Master would like the Mistress. He’s a country bumpkin who saw a pretty girl and couldn’t take his eyes off her. But why the Mistress likes the Master? That’s what I can’t figure out.”

Xiao Mo frowned slightly, pretending to disapprove of Xie the Dog’s tactlessness. In truth, he was curious as well; otherwise, he would have stopped her long ago.

Xie the Dog lowered her voice and asked tentatively, “Could it be that, as the swordsmen here say, our Master is more than meets the eye? Was he sweet-talking and full of tricks? Is it really that the best women are often fooled by bad boys?”

Ning Yao thought for a moment, flustered. “I am easily fooled.”

—

Smoke curled from the chimneys of the houses, and the streets were lined with shops: clothiers, grocers, candle shops. The children ran with their bare butts running about, the matronly voices of their mothers calling them back for dinner. Women nursed their babies while watching their shops. Kites were reeled in. Young couples walked together, the boys showing off with their rote knowledge.

In recent years, the population had grown to half a million. With no war, the people of Ascension City were enjoying a period of peace. Marriages and children were now the first priority, bringing with them many new customs and traditions.

Accepting the refugees from the Fuyu Continent and the Northern Continent was like dropping a stone in a lake.

Half of Ascension City’s Hall of Ancestors was absent. The reason was that they had opened a new northern route. They were the guard of the people.

According to intelligence, the White Jade Capital and the Age Passing Palace had long been preparing to receive a large influx of ordinary people, building a considerable number of intercontinental ferries, but the internal strife had delayed everything.

A new world brought a previously unknown vision. People were worth more than spirit money.

Today, many of the occupations in Ascension City were unknown to the old Great Wall.

Occasionally, the minutiae of cultivation brushed against the daily lives of ordinary people.

Ascension City began to build ancestral halls, compile genealogies, buy New Year’s goods, and hold lantern festivals, ghost festivals, and winter solstice celebrations.

Chen Ping’an chose a quiet route and noticed a man sitting on his doorstep, drinking alone. The house was small, and the man was familiar. “No sun out here, Master Sword Immortal, why are you sunning like a turtle?”

He Shan, a Fifth Realm swordsman, was startled by the familiar voice. He scrambled to his feet, craning his neck, shifting his eyes, and wringing his hands. “Second Shopkeeper is visiting? What a blessing! Why come empty-handed?”

Chen Ping’an walked over, grinning, and put an arm around his neck. “He Shan, you have a fine son. I recognized him at the northern boundary. His speech is as fine as yours, just like Gu Jianlong!”

Ah Liang was not the most handsome, but he was big. And Chen Ping’an had been stopped by a woman in the street.

He Shan patted Chen Ping’an’s arm and laughed. “Come inside. My wife’s cooking is good. Consider it an early supper?”

Chen Ping’an released him and asked in a low voice, “Trouble with the ladies? Did your wife catch you in the act?”

He Shan rolled his eyes. “Don’t talk nonsense. She’ll get suspicious. You know what I look like. Back at the Great Wall, not many could beat me. So I’m sure my wife is suspicious.”

Chen Ping’an sat on the steps, and He Shan followed suit. Chen Ping’an handed him a bottle of wine, which He Shan guzzled down. “Good wine!”

Chen Ping’an knew He Shan’s nature. His wife wasn’t a cultivator, and to a Fifth Realm swordsman like He Shan, ten years was nothing. Even after thirty or forty years, He Shan would look the same, but the mirror never lied. Many local swordsmen at the Great Wall had to deal with such a problem if their partners were not fellow cultivators.

He Shan asked curiously, “Where do you get all those strange sayings, Second Shopkeeper?”

He Shan rubbed his chin. “An innate gift? Self-taught? Or do you just pick it up here and there?”

Chen Ping’an asked, “Are you taking an exam?”

He Shan looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Chen Ping’an didn’t bother to explain. After a few casual words, he bid farewell, saying he would save the supper for later.

He Shan returned to his house and went to the kitchen, where his wife was preparing dinner. She smelled the alcohol and frowned. “Who were you out drinking with?”

He Shan smiled. “The Second Shopkeeper was passing by. I said I’d quit drinking, but he insisted. What could I do?”

His wife was surprised and couldn’t help but scold him. She wrung her hands, ready to rush outside. He Shan stopped her, saying, “The Second Shopkeeper left already.”

His wife brushed a lock of hair behind her ear and sighed. “Chen was right outside our door, why didn’t you invite him in for dinner and drinks? We owe him so much. Remember your winnings and money for your son’s training?”

He Shan laughed. “I have a lot of authority in Martial Laurel City. My son is very happy.”

His wife rolled her eyes.

He Shan laughed and said, “It just so happened that the Second Shopkeeper passed by our son and chatted with him. Today, when we met, the Second Shopkeeper asked if he was really my son! Asked if you and I were up to anything…”

His wife couldn’t help but laugh.

The habit of drinking by the roadside, which had started at the Great Wall and continued in Ascension City, was all thanks to the wine shop.

At first, it was because the wine shop was too popular, and there wasn’t enough space. The lanes around the shop were narrow, and patrons had to walk around the tables. That was when Diezhang had asked Chen Ping’an what to do. Either they opened another shop or made less money.

Second Shopkeeper was holding a bowl and said that they needed to drink outside.

Situ Jiyu of the Flowing Glow Continent and Liu Xu of the Mule River had begun drinking by the roadside, saying that the drinking culture in the continent was all about status and money.

Gradually, even with tables available, they preferred to sit by the roadside.

When the wine shop closed, the tables and benches outside, and the couplets on the wall, remained.

Chen Ping’an took out his key, opened the door, and leaned against the counter, looking at the no-business plaque on the wall.

First Shopkeeper Diezhang had disappeared long ago, and Deputy Shopkeeper Zheng Dafeng had returned to Jewel Bottle Continent. With many affairs of Ascension City, everyone was busy, and the wine shop’s business was naturally not as good as before.

Chen Ping’an grabbed a wine bowl and sat down at a table outside.

The swordsmen of the Great Wall did not have Dao names.

They only had names and realms.

It seemed that “name” was decided in a previous life, and “realm” was the result of this life’s journey.

At most, there was a nickname.

Or some “term of endearment,” such as “Little Dong” for Dong Sangeng, or “Second Shopkeeper” for Chen Ping’an, or “Sui Shi.”

Swordsmen kept coming up with various reasons and excuses to leave their homes and cities to come here.

“Second Shopkeeper, were you kicked out again? Gotten too handsy? No matter, I’ll drink with you with thirty percent of my strength tonight.”

“Second Shopkeeper, I’ve fallen for a beautiful girl and am saving up for a wife. Don’t delay me from marrying her.”

“It’s rare for Official Chen to serve customers himself. I knew I shouldn’t have left Ascension City. The wine shop can’t do without me… Official Chen, can I buy on credit?”

“You Liu, why are you a Golden Core fighting with me, a Dragon Gate for this table? Drink on the side!”

—

It seemed that this was the first time Chen Ping’an had set foot on the land of the South Seas Continent.

This was also likely the last time Qi Tingji would attend the Ancestral Hall meeting of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect.

Chief Guardian Lu Zhi, Chief Guest Elder Tuoyan Lady, Shao Yunyan, and others were present.

Wu Manyan, He Qiusheng, and Huang Long naturally walked together.

Of the Sword Qi Eighteen, only these three could attend the Ancestral Hall meeting.

Shao Yunyan laughed, “What brings this rare guest here? What kind of business is Official Chen here to discuss? And how much profit is there?”

Tuoyan Lady had some expectations. Partnering with the young Official Chen was always worry-free.

Xie the Dog lowered her head and grinned. “The profit? How about giving it all to me?”

Chen Ping’an looked slightly embarrassed and didn’t know what to say.

Ning Yao had recently visited the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, and Lu Zhi smiled, “When she heard that Chen Ping’an was coming, she hid in the Suspended Bow Blessing Land.”

Ning Yao said, “There’s no need to feel awkward. I recently gifted her an armor, however…”

Lu Zhi asked, “Is there something wrong with it?”

Ning Yao nodded. “Yes, but it doesn’t matter. Let him handle it.”

Among the Guardians and Elders, Ling Xun was of the Savage Race, and Meidan Tang, the Jade Pure sword cultivator from the Savage Land, was present.

On the Great Wall, they had seen Ning Yao.

This was their first time seeing Chen Ping’an.

Most of their attention was on the two ancient Daoists.

The young woman in the sable cap, and the youth with a walking stick – they were both of the Savage Race.

Together, they entered the Ancestral Hall. Chen Ping’an and Ning Yao, Xiao Mo, and Xie the Dog temporarily sat to the side.

Qi Tingji’s opening remarks were straightforward, “Everyone, I apologize, but I must announce that, as of now, I am no longer the Sect Master of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect.”

“My successor is Chen Ping’an, the Mountain Master of the Fallen Peak, our Old Hidden Official from the Sword Qi Great Wall.”

“The Dragon Elephant Sword Sect of the South Seas Continent and the Green Reed Sword Sect of the Tongye Continent will temporarily be lower sects of the Fallen Peak. When we create another sect in the future, the Fallen Peak will serve as the ancestral home, the Green Reed Sword Sect will be elevated to the upper sect, and the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect will be the proper sect.”

The hall was silent.

Qi Tingji stood up, picked up his chair, and walked toward Chen Ping’an, smiling. “If you have any objections, you can raise them with the Mountain Master. From now on, I’m just an observer.”

Chen Ping’an had no choice but to move both the man and the chair to Qi Tingji’s previous position.

Hanging in the Ancestral Hall were portraits of Chen Qingdu, Dragon Lord, and Guanzhao.

In the future, there would be two more: Qi Tingji and Chen Ping’an.

Zhu Su was the first to speak, and this private swordsman smiled. “Qi Tingji! You’ve sold us all out? What price did you get for us?”

Huang Ling took a swig of wine, and clucked. “Had we known, we wouldn’t have said those things!”

Since being scolded by the old boatman, they had become much more careful with their words.

They had previously had no concept of “rhetoric” and had heard of Chen Ping’an’s deeds in the Summer Palace, but they had never taken it seriously. Only after experiencing Gu Qingsong’s “natal power” did they realize that speaking was just like swordsmanship: the difference in realm was like the difference between clouds and mud.

Ling Xun and Meidan Tang, because they were both from the Savage Lands, felt a natural closeness to the youth.

It was said that it was after joining the Fallen Peak that the youth had reached the Fourteenth Realm?

Xie the Dog smiled at Ling Xun, saying, “So you’ve become whatever your husband is.”

Ling Xun smiled, and said nothing.

Xiao Mo immediately corrected, “It’s called a devoted couple.”

Chen Ping’an, said nothing. After a long silence, he spoke “I have one strength, which is self-knowledge. And I know very well that the only reason you were here was because Ning Yao was here.

Shao Yunyan nodded at these moving words.

“It was because you remember the four word: the Great Wall.”

“Also, I brought a few guards.”

“When I was young and walking the world alone, I feared everything and respected the gods. What I feared the most was the word ‘trouble’. And the three, myself, and Old Qi here… so I told myself, You’ve made it now.”

At that moment, Tuoyan Lady’s mind turned, and she knew that Chen had his claws everywhere.

“Dragon Elephant Sword Sect was built by Qi Tingji, and one hundred years into the future, this will never be forgotten.”

“And Chen Ping’an is merely its second Master. I have two goals, to keep the lights on, and to remain out of the affairs of the Sect.

“Do not be eager to leave.”

Highswordsman Gao Shuang and fellow heavenly Huang Ling, had a private conversation.

Qi Tingji stood up, and offered his hand, signaling the new Lord to be seated.

Chen Ping’an sat down.

Qi Tingji smiled, “And I, a half-outsider who has yet to leave, can do what I need to?”

“Follow Chen Ping’an to the Jewel Bottle Capital.”

“Let the continent know what the Great Wall is, the swordsman’s cloud!”