The sword immortal procession on the Imperial Way flowed through the Thousand Step Corridor, a sight reminiscent of a mighty river gathering its tributaries.

Amongst the sword cultivators walking near Xiao Mo and Xie Gou, ribbing Chai Wu was a favorite pastime. Mi Yu would urge her to relax, while Jiang Shangzhen would inquire if she’d imbibed any spirits before her departure. Chai Wu was indeed nervous; in hindsight, a few cups of wine might have been prudent.

Ning Yao narrowed her eyes, gazing up at the sun.

Custom dictated that His Imperial Majesty would arrive for court and first pause for a moment of respite in the grand hall behind what the common folk called the Golden Luan Palace.

But today, Emperor Song He stood waiting at the gate that marked the boundary between the palace city and the imperial city, a departure from tradition. He intended to enter the grand hall alongside the newly appointed National Preceptor.

Though it was said that the city was deserted, a few late-rising layabouts were roused by the deafening roar of acclamation. They merely rolled over, pulled the covers over their heads, and grumbled under their breath. There were also those who deliberately kept their doors closed: scholars privately composing histories, finding their muse in wine; or disgruntled commoner-literati, wishing to shut out the clamor, for what was a National Preceptor but another official feeding at the imperial trough? Then there were foreign dignitaries of various sorts, huddling together in small groups, saying nothing. They, as deep-seated operatives, were preparing to withdraw from the capital. The dragnet of the Dali Ministry of Justice was inexorable, perhaps today, or at the latest, by tomorrow?

Many cultivators from other continents happened to be passing through. In the past, they would never have considered the Treasure Bottle Continent, much less made it their destination of choice. But they understood the significance of the “roll call” far better than the citizens of Dali’s capital. They knew the old lore: outside the Central Divine Continent, a single continent simultaneously hosting two ascensions – like Liu Tui and Yang Qiangu on the Floating Shake Continent – was remarkable enough. But then there was Fire Dragon True Man in the Northern Reaches Continent, Liu Jubao on the Snowy Continent, Azure Palace Grand Protector Jing Hao on the Flowing Sunset Continent, and Du Mao on the Paulownia Leaf Continent. Which of those old ascensions wasn’t once the cornerstone of their continent’s destiny? And yet, here in the Treasure Bottle Continent, within the city of Dali alone, how many Fourteenth Realm cultivators were there? How many ascensions? Not to mention the Sword Qi Great Wall’s immortals and jade purity cultivators – they held a weight unlike anything here in the vast world.

No wonder Liu Tui had declared, “As long as it doesn’t involve rebelling against the Wen Temple, he’s with the Heavenly Ballad Township.”

Having received the pass, Liu Tui concealed his form and aura, surveilling the capital’s streets and private residences, paying no mind to lineage or surname, with a boldness that knew no bounds. After a moment’s contemplation, he released his Yang Spirit and traveled to the capital’s outskirts in Yin Spirit.

In the bustling marketplace, an old man, come from afar, watched the crowd, nearly immobile, still far from the Imperial Way. Having received word of the celebration from a special dispatch issued by the court to the mountain and water deities, he had immediately hastened to the capital. He did not, however, inquire at Falling Phoenix Mountain. If the new National Preceptor was that lad Chen Ping An, well and good. But if not, what was the point?

The old man was none other than Song Yushao, long retired from the martial world. His grandson, Song Fengshan, and granddaughter-in-law, Liu Qian, accompanied him. Liu Qian’s original cover had been as one of the Four Fiends of the Combing Water Kingdom, but she was actually a spy for Dali. Now, by happenstance, she was the Mountain Goddess of Jingling Mountain in the Combing Water Kingdom.

Even they had not anticipated the congestion in Dali today; a sea of humanity. They had read of clouds of sleeves and rain of sweat, but had always taken it as hyperbole – until now.

Liu Qian was loath to see the old man’s journey wasted. Even knowing the likelihood was slim, she hardened her heart and said, “Grandfather, I have some connections with officials in the Ministry of Justice. Perhaps I can arrange for a better vantage point?”

If someone else were being appointed Dali’s National Preceptor, it would be enough to listen to the festivities, which in itself was a grand spectacle. But if it really was him, even if they couldn’t see him today, wouldn’t they meet at some banquet in the future? The old man was sanguine. He waved his hand, smiling. “No need.”

Liu Qian hesitated, but Song Fengshan clasped her hand, shaking his head with a smile. It truly wasn’t necessary. They should listen to the old man.

Just then, an unassuming man seamlessly weaved through the crowd, inquiring in a hushed voice, “Are you the Jingling Mountain Goddess, Liu Qian?”

Liu Qian nodded.

He first handed her an untroubled pass from the Ministry of Justice, then introduced himself by surname and rank. Liu Qian was secretly shocked: a first-class Dali offering! Keeping her expression neutral, she asked softly, “What business does Offering Zhao have with me?”

Her departure from the Mountain Goddess Shrine had undergone layers of scrutiny and verification, culminating in a talisman jade slip specially crafted by Dali’s Ministry of Rites and issued by the Central Peak Patrol Office, inscribed with the word “Wade”. Such was the convoluted process for a water deity crossing mountains or a mountain deity wading in water – all had to follow the rules. The Offering Zhao was exceedingly polite, his expression gentle. “If Elder Song would like a better vantage point, I can escort you to the top of the Imperial City wall.”

Song Fengshan was pleasantly surprised. It seemed his grandfather was highly regarded. Climbing the outer city wall was a pipe dream for most, let alone the Imperial City wall!

Song Yushao hesitated. Could Chen Ping An have somehow learned of his whereabouts and specially arranged this favor through the court?

The old man always worried about troubling others.

For example, when Jingling Mountain had received a rare first-class evaluation in the last mountain-water assessment, with glowing remarks, the old man, while pleased, couldn’t help but feel uneasy. He didn’t dare inquire directly, not even hinting to his grandson Song Fengshan, if it was due to Chen Ping An. It was Liu Qian and Song Fengshan who noticed his unease and brought it up, assuring him it wasn’t. Only then was the old man relieved. He confided in them, speaking from the heart, that if they encountered any difficulties in the future, he would risk his reputation to speak to Chen Ping An. But otherwise, he hoped they could maintain a gentlemanly friendship, never needing to ask him for help.

That Offering Zhao, in truth, was not only a first-class offering of the Ministry of Justice but also an imperial offering of the Dali Song clan. He saw no need to reveal that identity, however. Smiling, he said, “Elder Song need not worry. The invitation to ascend the wall is His Majesty’s wish. Not only did he personally designate it, but he also added a handwritten annotation. His Majesty also asked me to convey his apologies. He is burdened with affairs today and unable to receive you properly. He asks for your understanding.”

Song Yushao merely clasped his fist in salute to Offering Zhao, offering no polite or perfunctory words. Offering Zhao smiled and nodded.

Liu Qian and Song Fengshan exchanged glances. To be able to watch the celebration from the city wall was already an unexpected delight. To receive such gracious treatment from His Majesty was beyond imagination.

Offering Zhao, due to his status as an imperial clansman, knew some additional details. For instance, His Majesty not only knew the name “Song Yushao” but also harbored a sense of gratitude towards this martial artist from the Combing Water Kingdom. It was because the new National Preceptor, the young wanderer of old, had once uttered a sentence while standing alongside the old man, during a standoff on the battlefield.

And that sentence had significantly influenced the Emperor’s decision that day.

Ascending the wall, they walked for a while before Offering Zhao stopped. An small table had been set up with plates of fresh fruit and pastries; nothing luxurious, but imbued with meaning, even to a martial artist like Song Yushao.

Song Yushao clasped his fist and said, “Offering Zhao, please proceed with your duties. We will not wander about without permission.”

Offering Zhao did not stand on ceremony. He nodded, smiling, as he indeed had many matters to oversee. “Apologies for the poor reception, Elder Song.”

Song Yushao stood on the city wall, gazing towards the Imperial Way. The old man recalled many memories, the final one being that very sentence.

“Dali Chen Ping An is here!”

—

The second largest immortal inn in the capital, located in the inner city’s Chongde Ward, was favored by mid-level Dali officials and wealthy merchants. The inn was in fact owned by Dong Shui Jing, though he was merely a front. Within the inn was a high-rise, concealed by formations, similar in height to the libraries of several prominent families in the capital. It was said that the Dali capital had long forbidden the construction of new high-rises.

If great wealth was brought from past lives, Dong Shui Jing must have done many good deeds in his previous existence.

Liu Xianyang and Gu Can, arriving from the Floating Shake Continent, had arranged to meet here. As fellow townsmen, Dong Ban Cheng would naturally be embarrassed to charge them.

Indeed, Dong Shui Jing, currently in the capital, had personally welcomed them yesterday, arranging the best rooms and accompanying them to restaurants and temple fairs. But Liu Xianyang was astonished to discover that no one in the inn recognized Dong Shui Jing! Liu Xianyang wasn’t concerned about the wealthy Dong Ban Cheng wasting money; he merely lamented the missed opportunity. If everyone recognized Dong Shui Jing, he could swagger through the inn, his forehead practically emblazoned with the words: “The innkeeper is my best friend!”

Gu Can, however, said that this was precisely Dong Shui Jing’s cleverness. Liu Xianyang didn’t bother asking what made it clever, or even what “comparatively clever” meant.

Right now, Liu Xianyang, hands behind his head, sat on the railing, watching the spectacle on the Imperial Way from afar.

Gu Can stood quietly beside him, not as unconstrained as the Great Sword Immortal.

Anyone present on this upper floor was either immensely wealthy and powerful or held a prominent position in the Treasure Bottle Continent’s cultivation world.

They all glanced at Liu Xianyang, some recognizing him, others not, but none spoke up, much less attempted to strike up a conversation.

Gu Can recognized most of the figures: Helian Baozhu of the Invincible Divine Fist Gang, accompanied by a handsome young nobleman. A gang leader of a martial sect with mysterious origins and rumored to be richer than a country and confidante to the Dali’s eldest Prince. There was also that disheveled man with the unkempt beard, Gao Jianfu of the Divine Edict Sect, looking dejected and lost. He and He Xiaoliang had once been the Treasure Bottle Continent’s recognized golden couple, but fate had played a cruel trick on them. A member of the Fu clan from the Old Dragon City was discussing insights from a primary school primer with an old tutor from the Cloud Forest Jiang clan.

Liu Xianyang’s heels lightly tapped against the railing. “Look how smug he is. It’s sickening.”

Gu Can said calmly, “In the heat of summer, walk on thin ice. What’s sickening about it?”

Liu Xianyang scoffed. “Thirty years ago, who would have imagined? Could the three of us have pooled together enough coins?”

Gu Can said slowly, “Wealth has its degrees of purity, and poverty has its own ranks. You’ve never truly been poor in this life, not like us.”

Liu Xianyang laughed. “I just know I’ll have money to spend tomorrow, that I’ll never go hungry. That’s why I’m not afraid.”

Gu Can repeated, “You’re not like us.”

Liu Xianyang chuckled in exasperation. “You have too many schemes, he’s too burdened by thoughts. I just have eyes and a heart that aren’t impoverished. Neither of you can learn that, you two money grubbers.”

Gu Can smiled faintly. “The most unreasonable people often sound the most reasonable when they talk about reason.”

Liu Xianyang said, “You sound very reasonable right now.”

As a child, Gu Can’s eyes saw only villains in the world. Liu Xianyang’s eyes seemed to see only trifles.

Chen Ping An, on the other hand, thought and felt that life was simply impermanent.

Nearby, a fair-faced youth sneered, reaching out to steady himself on the railing. “To think of all the complex machinations of the court, from the central ministries down to the local county offices, the manpower, resources, and finances they’ve expended, openly and secretly! Isn’t it wasteful and draining on the national treasury? Is it really necessary? Is it truly needed?”

The old tutor beside him shook his head, stroking his beard. “Two sets of accounts, one real, one fabricated. You only speak of the real accounts on paper. There’s some truth in that, but it’s a skewed view.”

Liu Xianyang pricked up his ears, gesturing towards them with his chin. Gu Can ignored them, acting as if he hadn’t heard or seen.

The youth continued to insist, “The court has to maintain appearances, to deter petty troublemakers, Teacher. I understand the principles.”

The old tutor smiled. “Whether there’s reason or not, outsiders always think their view is more reasonable. Reasoned or unreasoned, you must know your own mind.”

The youth pouted. “Whatever. I’m just complaining. The court’s military and national affairs are always decided by those in power. Heh, your words used to count before you resigned, Teacher.”

The old man chuckled, not bothering to argue.

Scholars, accustomed to black and white on paper, tend to see the world in black and white as well.

He himself had gone through that youthful, hot-blooded phase. How many people had he looked up to back then?

Liu Xianyang asked in a hushed voice, “Snot-nose, tell me, which family’s girl is that, speaking so sharply?”

Gu Can replied, “Her surname is Xu.”

Liu Xianyang said, “Useless information. There are countless Xus in the world. Dali has many noble Xus…”

Gu Can tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Great Sword Immortal Liu, guess away.”

Liu Xianyang asked curiously, “And who is that old man? He doesn’t seem like the girl’s elder. A private tutor, perhaps? A family retainer?”

Gu Can said, “I’m guessing too.”

Liu Xianyang was puzzled. “You don’t know?”

Gu Can sneered. “How many years have I been away from the Treasure Bottle Continent? How many years have you stayed?”

Liu Xianyang twisted his rump, jumped off the railing, and walked directly towards the old man and the young woman.

Gu Can was curious. Did Liu Xianyang actually know the girl’s identity? Her surname Xu was peculiar. In fact, her family was one of Dali’s Pillars of State, bearing the surname Yuan! She also had an older brother, who naturally followed their father’s surname. Otherwise, it would be too shocking. Her name was Xu Mi, the apple of the eye of Yuan Chong, the head of the Yuan clan and now the Chief Censor of Dali. Rumor had it that this stern Pillar of State only smiled with Xu Mi, who, as a child, would sit on Yuan Chong’s lap, playing with his beard as he read. And Yuan Chong would never get angry.

The Xu in Xu Mi was, of course, Xu from Clear Wind City.

The Xu couple had secretly gathered luck for many years. The immortal Xu clan had allied itself through marriage with a secondary branch of the Dali Yuan clan. Still, outsiders considered Clear Wind City to have climbed the social ladder. The young couple soon had a son and a daughter. The daughter was Xu Mi. Some physiognomy experts in the capital said that Xu Mi was destined for immense nobility.

However, Xu Mi did not recognize Liu Xianyang, which puzzled Gu Can. But after a moment’s thought, it was both surprising and reasonable. First, family scandals were not to be broadcast. Liu Xianyang had caused the Xu clan leader much suffering at the Sword Questioning at Right Sun Mountain, causing him to fall from the Jade Purity Realm to the Nascent Soul Realm. Furthermore, both the Pillar of State Yuan clan and the Clear Wind City Xu clan were proud, top-tier noble families, and probably didn’t want the younger generation to know too much of the details. Moreover, the previous sect leader of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect, Ruan Qiong, was still Dali’s chief offering.

For instance, Pei Xiang, the Queen of the Fox Kingdom at the time, was in the viewing party. Would the Clear Wind City Xu clan dare to demand an explanation from Falling Phoenix Mountain?

Liu Xianyang bowed, saying, “Liu from the Chen Clan Academy of the Southern Emerald Continent. I greet the Simple Home Teacher.”

The old man with the “Simple Home” studio name was quite surprised. He bowed in return, asking with a smile, “Master Immortal, do you recognize this old man?”

Liu Xianyang grinned. “I have diligently read the Simple Home Teacher’s works on the Six Ministries and the collected essays several times. Each reading brings new understanding.”

The old man’s expression was genial. “May I ask, what was Master Liu’s first impression?”

Liu Xianyang said frankly, “They made me drowsy, dizzy, and irritable, as if I were back in the academy, listening to an old scholar drone on without caring whether the students understood. Just flipping through the pages made me think the author must be a solemn, unyielding type, sitting stiffly and scowling as he wrote, lecturing the ancients. To be honest, I was annoyed both by the content and the author.”

The “young woman” Xu Mi struggled to suppress her laughter. She wanted to give this man a thumbs up.

She had been in the mountains recently, helping the old teacher collate ancient texts, which was terribly painful.

The old man nodded, smiling. “What was your impression on the second reading?”

Liu Xianyang laughed. “I understood a little more. The writing was good, truly good, but I still didn’t like it.”

Xu Mi barely managed to keep a straight face. She really wanted to give this person a thumbs up.

She had been helping the old scholar in the mountains collating ancient texts recently, and it had been nothing short of agony.

The old man asked curiously, “Generally speaking, reading only serves three purposes: cultivating oneself, passing imperial exams, and amusing oneself. My old works seem to be unrelated to any of those. Why did Master Liu bother to torment himself?”

Liu Xianyang said, “I couldn’t avoid it.”

Xu Mi suddenly widened her eyes, as if this was an unbelievable answer.

The old man was silent for a moment, then asked, “How so?”

Liu Xianyang smiled. “Although I’m studying far away in the Southern Emerald Continent, I still came from Dali.”

The old man nodded.

He had lived in seclusion for many years, visiting the capital only rarely, and never interfering in politics. When he did come, he only met with a few old friends. But those old friends were gradually leaving him, like Lord Guan of the Ministry of Personnel, and Master Shen Chen of the Ministry of War.

A hundred years ago, the Dali Song clan, then merely a fiefdom under the Lu clan, faced internal and external troubles. From the Emperor to the officials, there was no ambition to expand territory. But at that time, a scholar who excelled in both scholarship and governance appeared in the court, claiming that his learning was a minor pursuit, but of great use.

He transformed a niche subject into a prominent field of study in Dali, hailed as the culmination of old frontier theories and the founder of new frontier theories.

Over the past century, there had been two surges of enthusiasm for frontier studies in Dali, to the point that officials who didn’t discuss the frontier were considered ignorant. And when discussing frontier affairs, one couldn’t avoid the enlightened Simple Home Teacher.

The old man smiled. “Master Liu, please forgive my ignorance. Where are you currently employed?”

Liu Xianyang said, “The old teacher studies behind closed doors and is indeed a bit ignorant.”

The old man laughed. “I am ashamed.”

Xu Mi couldn’t help but burst out laughing, finally getting her wish. She gave the guy a thumbs up. “You’re a true hero!”

Liu Xianyang said, “I have a friend who studies your books even more diligently, and understands them even better than I do.”

The old man asked curiously, “I would like to hear more.”

Liu Xianyang said, “He said that a hundred years ago, in a Dali that was constantly threatened by the danger of national demise, a unique scholar emerged from the murky world, dedicated to inventing frontier studies. His scholarship and vision were naturally excellent. But what he admired most was something else. He said he couldn’t imagine how much enthusiasm a person needed to have for a country that was at its weakest to write words that were willing to give the country the greatest hope.”

The old man was silent.

Xu Mi was stunned.

Gu Can turned to look at Liu Xianyang.

The old man’s thoughts drifted. He remembered a long time ago, someone invited him to play a game of chess, telling him that there were two paths to take, for his consideration. The choice was up to his own ambition.

He could either remain in the court, transforming from a future leader of the reformists into the Emperor’s confidant, easily earning posthumous praise, but his reputation in later generations might be tarnished. Or he could study diligently in the study, developing an unavoidable field of study, leaving a legacy for future generations and laying the foundation for the Treasure Bottle Continent.

The young official, not yet thirty, had decisively chosen the latter as he placed a piece on the chessboard.

But at the time, he found it strange that it was the Treasure Bottle Continent, not the Dali Dynasty.

Even now, the old man was puzzled. Why would the Embroidered Tiger Cui Chan say these words to a scholar from the Asian Sage lineage? It didn’t seem like Cui Chan’s style. He did remember Cui Chan often confiding in people, but who could say that Cui Chan was truly confiding in anyone?

As for this scholar surnamed Liu, claiming to be friends with Cui Chan… Given his willingness to say to his face that he didn’t recognize him and was indeed ignorant, the old man didn’t find anything amiss. Instead, he thought that a true scholar should be like that.

—

At the entrance of the National Preceptor’s Residence, Rong Yu looked at Dong Shui Jing, the National Preceptor’s fellow townsman. She was puzzled. She had made it clear that she would lead him inside, with no impropriety, so why was Dong Shui Jing so insistent on waiting for Lin Shouyi to come out? Surely this young tycoon wasn’t planning to simply chat for a few minutes at the entrance and then leave? Could the intelligence be wrong, and Dong Shui Jing’s relationship with the National Preceptor be ordinary, with some unknown conflict?

Lin Shouyi, holding a book, walked out the door. “As expected of Dong Ban Cheng, quite the airs. Should I set off firecrackers to welcome you?”

Dong Shui Jing laughed. “Not as high as Lin Jade Purity. You’re preparing for the exams in the National Preceptor’s Residence. You’ll have to be first to pass, can’t do less.”

Lin Shouyi said to Rong Yu, “Miss Rong doesn’t need to worry about us. This garbage guest can be handled by me.”

Rong Yu smiled and bid farewell.

Dong Shui Jing asked, “Can I sit on these steps?”

Lin Shouyi scoffed. “What is wrong with you!”

Dong Shui Jing said, “Money comes through authority, so I’m only lower in status. I’m looking for you, not Chen Ping An. If I really wanted to talk to him, I wouldn’t come here.”

Lin Shouyi sat with Dong Shui Jing on the doorstep, “Spit it out.”

Dong Shui Jing said, “I’m going on a business trip to another continent soon. If you become an official in the future, I won’t bother you if you’re in the capital. But if you’re a regional official, give me a heads-up on the state, prefecture, or county you’re going to. I can offer some small help.”

Lin Shouyi frowned. “What? Openly bribing outside the National Preceptor’s Residence? What do you mean? Explain it clearly.”

Which frontier minister in history or in the regions didn’t have a few money bags to accumulate wealth? But he didn’t see Dong Shui Jing as the kind of sordid character who “relies on officials to make money, and officials rely on money to rise.”

Dong Shui Jing said, “I have too much money, nowhere to spend it. I’ve been wanting to do some good deeds for years, anonymously. I trust you to be a good official, who can spend every coin wisely.”

Lin Shouyi said, “We’ll see.”

Dong Shui Jing stood up. “That’s it. Now I’ll make my money, and you read your books.”

Lin Shouyi also stood up. “Really not coming in for a look?”

Dong Shui Jing shook his head. “Maybe later.”

Lin Shouyi hesitated, then said in a hushed voice, “The inspection has already begun.”

Dong Shui Jing smiled. “That’s Chen Ping An’s usual style. Can’t outsmart him in calculations.”

Lin Shouyi waved his book. “I won’t see you off.”

Dong Shui Jing smiled, turning to leave.

But he received a “book knife” to the back of his head. Dong Shui Jing turned to look, wondering what was wrong.

Lin Shouyi felt refreshed and cursed, “Worthless!” without giving Dong Shui Jing a chance to retort or retaliate, and swaggered back into the National Preceptor’s Residence.

—

At Falling Phoenix Mountain in Chuzhou, a group of unfamiliar visitors arrived along the mountain path. As they approached the mountain gate, the Immortal Guard immediately stood up from his small bamboo chair to greet them with a bow.

They returned the salutation. Nie Cuie had already removed the two layers of illusion, after all, visitors to Falling Phoenix Mountain should know to have proper etiquette. She first introduced herself. “I am Nie Cuie, a registry cultivator from Green Palace Mountain in Flowing Sunset Continent, known as Full Soul. My master is the Green Palace Grand Protector, the current Mountain Master.”

Hua Qinggong immediately followed up, though more briefly. “I’m Hua Qinggong, from Guo Prefecture.”

Tian Xian then said she was from the Princess Temple of Fan Zhi from the Dragon King Hall of Rui City, and was a sword cultivator.

Yan Houdao was the last to speak, smiling. “Tian Xian and I are a couple.”

The Immortal Guard, known for his disinterest in worldly affairs and focus on proper books, felt somewhat ashamed. He was indeed ignorant. He had only heard of Green Palace Mountain because Chen Lingjun often chatted about it, saying he was drinking buddies with a powerful figure from a mountain in the Flowing Sunset Continent, an ancient ascension called the Green Palace Mountain. That Taoist site was a big deal over there!

Since Tian Xian had introduced herself as a sword cultivator, and Hua Qinggong was carrying a sword, the Immortal Guard mistakenly assumed that they were sword immortals who had come to spar. He had to explain, “Everyone, our Falling Phoenix Mountain is currently closed to visitors. We apologize for not hosting you. Please forgive us.”

Nie Cuie looked at Hua Qinggong and the others. Weren’t you all from Falling Phoenix Mountain? Why hide it? It wouldn’t matter to them if they were turned away, they could treat it as a funny story, but she had a mission from her master.

Tian Xian laughed. “This Taoist, Yan Houdao and I have just become guest servants of the Green Ripple Sword Sect, and Hua Qinggong is a registered offering of your Dragon Elephant Sword Sect. We’re not outsiders.”

The Immortal Guard was stunned, not doubting their identities. Not even the boldest wild cultivators would dare to impersonate guest servants. But how was the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect part of Falling Phoenix Mountain?

Nie Cuie, anxious, blurted out, “May I ask if Ancestor Jingqing is currently cultivating in the mountains?”

The young Taoist, as the gatekeeper, seemed confused by her question. He pointed to the right, towards Leaping Fish Mountain, stammering, “Ancestor Jingqing… just went down the mountain to the Oriole Song Peak of Leaping Fish Mountain. May I ask, what is Full Soul Taoist looking for him for?”

Realizing his mistake, Nie Cuie hastily made up what she thought was the safest excuse, a standard polite phrase. “I’ve heard of his great name and greatly admire Ancestor Jingqing.”

The Immortal Guard had been somewhat skeptical, but hearing someone admire Chen Lingjun, he was annoyed. These people were pretending well, with their beautiful immortal ladies and ethereal sword immortals. They were really willing to invest! What, had they gone crazy for money and staged this immortal trick on him? Did they not know he came from the martial world?!

A white-haired boy ran down the mountain, first whispering to the Immortal Guard, “I’ll lead them, and Zheng Dafeng will be responsible for hosting. I guarantee nothing will go wrong.”

They chatted along the way. The white-haired boy said he was Falling Phoenix Mountain’s registrar, had been a handyman, and was a genuine native of the Treasure Bottle Continent. He was diligent in cultivation, but unfortunately his aptitude was a bit poor. Don’t underestimate the mountain because he was low in level, there were many strange and talented people here… The “chatting” was mostly the white-haired boy babbling on.

Hua Qinggong inexplicably turned around and looked at the young Taoist with a wooden hairpin, who had already sat back in his bamboo chair and was reading.

There were some rumors on the mountain, but they were often veiled. For example, Chen Ping An’s relationship with Taoism hadn’t been good since the change in the Lychee Cave Heaven? It was said that Chen Ping An, during his travels, would pay his respects at the Wen Temple, the City God Temple, mountain and water shrines, and Buddhist temples, but rarely visited Taoist temples?

Then why was a Taoist the face of Falling Phoenix Mountain?

The Immortal Guard seemed to sense the gaze and smiled warmly.

Hua Qinggong nodded. The Immortal Guard was nervous, at least the book he was holding was proper.

The seemingly crazy white-haired boy smiled. No wonder Wu Shuangjiang had said that strange, off-topic thing last time in the mountains.

“The Taoist at the foot of the mountain is showing signs of taking the platform.”

The white-haired boy was carefree. Whether the sky was falling or the earth was setting up a magic altar, the Hidden Official Ancestor would take care of it.

Doing a white snake swing stance, the white-haired boy shook his arm. With his small arms and legs, he wouldn’t help much.

Tian Xian always spoke her mind. She said to her partner in a hushed voice, “Although it’s not nice to say, I think this registrar is a little crazy. His words and actions are very strange, don’t you think?”

Yan Houdao smiled. “Strange people go with strange things. We shouldn’t be surprised.”

Tian Xian thought about it. “That’s right.”

At the martial arts field on Oriole Song Peak, Nie Cuie and the others saw the young boys and girls practicing stances and boxing. Then they saw a row of figures sitting on bamboo chairs and stools under the eaves of the thatched hut. Some had their legs crossed, some were chewing toothpicks and patting their bellies, some were staring blankly, and especially one boy in green, standing alone, massaging a sloppy man’s shoulders, pressing with his elbows and asking him if the strength was right…

Nie Cuie’s attention was naturally on the boy in green. Looking at his clothes and the color of his robe, could he be the disciple of that Ancestor Jingqing?

The white-haired boy, hands on his hips, shouted towards the eaves, “This Full Soul Taoist, Sister Nie, wants to see Ancestor Jingqing. The others are all real members of the family, guest offerings appointed by our Mountain Master, don’t neglect them. Where is Ancestor Jingqing?!”

Everyone looked at each other, and then the boy in green burst into laughter, tears almost popping out.

Chen Lingjun was smacked on the head by Zheng Dafeng. “Guests have arrived, specifically asking for you, have some sense!”

Zheng Dafeng saw Nie Cuie and couldn’t take his eyes off her. His butt felt like it was on fire, and he quickly stood up, cleared his throat, and was about to speak when he saw Chen Lingjun still laughing stupidly after being slapped. Zheng Dafeng was anxious, and chopped him again, Chen Lingjun hugging his head. Zheng Dafeng whispered, “I have a feeling whether I can drink wedding wine depends on whether you’re willing to lend a hand this time!”

Chen Lingjun immediately straightened his back and stopped laughing. After all, he was about to take Little Millet down the mountain to travel, and he had come here to consult with the knowledgeable Zheng Dafeng. As for the martial arts world experience of the Venerable Master and Zhong Diyang, it was better than nothing.

For some reason, Nie Cuie suddenly had a chilling feeling.

She never imagined that this “boy in green” was the Ancestor Jingqing that her master had told her to carefully and respectfully “meet.”

She couldn’t imagine how high a level, how deep a Taoist power, it took to be so happy, angry, and playful, all in accordance with nature, with nothing outside the heart?

Chen Lingjun asked the white-haired boy in a hushed voice what the group’s origin was. The white-haired boy said he wasn’t sure, but they seemed tricky.

Chen Lingjun, hands behind his back, asked pretentiously, “May I ask, Full Soul Taoist, what do you want?”

Could they be the thunder deity cultivators from Infant Mountain in the Northern Reaches Continent, coming to demand repayment? But wasn’t that debt settled?

He led Nie Cuie away from the training field, saying they would talk as they walked. He was worried about embarrassing himself in front of Zheng Dafeng and the others.

Instead of first going to the mountain with Hua Qinggong and the others, then pretending to accidentally meet Ancestor Jingqing in the mountains, bringing out his master, and inviting him to Green Palace Mountain… It was all ruined because of her poor Taoist heart. Nie Cuie was uneasy, carefully considering her words, and saying in a hushed voice, “My master, the Green Palace Grand Protector, returned from your place, and missed Ancestor Jingqing very much. But my master felt that simply sending a letter was too frivolous, so he sent me down the mountain to invite Ancestor Jingqing to visit Green Palace Mountain when he’s free…”

Chen Lingjun frowned, thinking that he didn’t owe Old Immortal Jing a single immortal coin. He had treated him well on the mountain, providing him with delicious food and drinks, and never interrupting his morning drink. Could he have said something inappropriate at the table? But after thinking about it, Chen Lingjun felt that, given Jing Lao’s age, status, and status, he shouldn’t be so petty as to trick him over, and beat or scold him at the meeting on the mountain. However, Chen Lingjun felt such a thing must not be true.

No wonder Chen Qingliu, that poor man, never drank or punched with Jing Hao at the table, because he already saw that Jing Hao was unreliable? Of course, Old Immortal Jing never toasted Chen Qingliu.

It made Chen Lingjun worried.

If he didn’t agree, it would seem pretentious, treating himself as a master. If he agreed, it would be okay to go alone, but he was traveling with Little Millet this time, and one thing was worse than another? Should give some respect, then save Jing Lao some fairy wine?

Chen Lingjun slowly said, “Okay, I’ll go to Green Palace Mountain for a drink when I have time.”

Nie Cuie was relieved. Fortunately, this Ancestor Jingqing was still giving some face to her master.

Yes, ordinary people couldn’t enter her master’s eyes. Of course, if he were a cultivator who was happy to receive an invitation, why would her master think so highly of him?

Chen Lingjun secretly decided not to go to Flowing Sunset Continent on this trip. No way!

In the martial arts field, Zheng Dafeng rubbed his hands and asked, “What do you think of your future sister-in-law?”

Wen Zixuan opened his eyes and said,