Lord Liu Laocheng of the True Realm Sect had no intention of wading into the murky waters of Great Li’s capital. Not only did the Great Li court watch his every move, but the Ancestral Hall of the Upper Sect on Tung Leaf Continent harbored intentions of their own. However, a letter arrived by sword-borne messenger from Gao Mian on Azure Gorge Isle. It requested Lord Liu’s company on a trip to the capital, but also levied a series of trifiling demands: lodgings in a tranquil corner of the city, a supply of Immortal Wine from the Everlasting Spring Palace, and access to the *Mirror Flower, Water Moon* sights of certain Celestial Mansions and Daoist abodes. Helpless, Liu Laocheng set aside his duties and traveled forthwith. Calling upon an old mountain friend, a master of back-channels in the capital, he secured a residence near the Temple of the Flower Goddess. The price, while steep, mattered little to a Realm Ascended Sect Master whose reputation held worth – slightly less than the highest, but far more than the lowest on Treasure Bottle Continent.

Upon his arrival the day before, Gao Mian had deemed the place “serviceable.”

The house was old, its blue paving stones crafted from the mud of Lake Scroll, a recent trend in the capital. Such a purchase required connections within the halls of power.

Beyond the walls lay the din of the city, yet within, tranquility reigned. In a corner stood a large earthenware vat filled with a dozen goldfish.

Gao Mian, holding a celadon jar, scattered food, inciting a frenzy among the fish, sending ripples across the water’s surface.

“I recall, long ago,” Gao Mian mused, “on a journey far from home, crossing a deep water, I used my enhanced sight to perceive its depths. Clear as glass, it revealed layers of ravines, high and low, like terraced fields. A kaleidoscope of dragons, scaled in five colors, coiled within, spewing luminous pearls, their sinuous bodies and gleaming claws plain to see. A sight that bedazzled, a true underwater Crystal Palace from the books of wonders!”

At the table, Lord Liu had already poured the wine. Gao Mian, however, remained standing, reluctant to sit. Liu Laocheng hesitated to drink alone, wondering if Gao’s flowery pronouncements were from some scholarly tome, or inspired by some personal experience.

Decades of friendship bound them, and Gao Mian had never been one to flaunt his erudition. Together with Xun Yuan, Gao Mian was one of the pair of shameless old men, Registered Cultivators, and leaders of sects. During the heyday of Treasure Bottle Continent, the pair was known for their wealth and the *Mirror Flower, Water Moon* experiences they provided. Known as “One-Foot Lance” and “Jade-Faced Swashbuckler,” they were infamously extravagant, and their crass spending often made Liu Laocheng, the Lord of Willow Isle, feel like a paragon of virtue.

The wine itself was rare Immortal Wine of the Everlasting Spring Palace, and the cups were of the Flower Goddess design, authentic pieces, unlike the cheap imitations sold at the temple fairs. Care had been taken.

Gao Mian stamped on the blue bricks, then turned, a smile upon his face. “Liu Laocheng,” he chuckled, “Emperor of the Lake, never straying from Scroll’s embrace, did you ever imagine such a day would dawn?”

Liu Laocheng sighed. “Must you harp on my failings?”

Indeed, Lord Liu’s finest years had been spent on Lake Scroll. As the first Unaligned Jade Pure Realm cultivator, he ruled with an iron fist, possessed of an undeniable sense of destiny. What were the likes of Liu Zhaimao, the Intercepting River True Lord, or Zhong Su of Yellow Oriole Isle? These Nascent Soul cultivators longed to devour Willow Isle, yet Liu Laocheng felt obliged to keep them alive, for how else could Lake Scroll maintain its place upon Treasure Bottle Continent?

Gao Mian, not content to let the matter rest, continued to rub salt in the wound. “Fear not, you are no Liu Zhaimao, haunted by guilt. An honest man has nothing to hide, no need to fret over past sins, to lose sleep over old debts.”

Liu Laocheng, in resignation, drank his wine.

The ledger of Lake Scroll, were Chen Pingan merely the Sword Immortal of Fallen Hearth, could not be reopened.

But Chen Pingan bore a new title, and now, Lake Scroll would find it difficult to keep the pages shut.

Gao Mian’s next words were not salt, but a dagger to the heart. “Hm, appointed Great Li State Preceptor in summer, perhaps he shall settle accounts come autumn?”

Liu Laocheng forced a smile. “What else can I do but accept it?”

Gao Mian chuckled. “Ever wondered why that old goat Xun Yuan is so obsequious with me, never daring a peep, yet never considers you a friend? Why, at every feast, he raises his cup higher than yours, always looking down on you?”

Liu Laocheng remained silent, for it was a wound, however small, to his pride. He never considered himself better than everyone else, but he was proud none the less.

The more Xun Yuan acted in this manner, the more Liu Laocheng valued Gao Mian’s friendship. In the past, cultivators on Treasure Bottle Continent looked up to those of Tung Leaf. To have a friendship with Xun Yuan, who was already a Realm Ascended cultivator, was because of Gao Mian’s introduction.

“He does it on purpose,” Gao Mian revealed, “plays the villain, so you’ll appreciate me all the more.”

Liu Laocheng nodded. “After a couple of drinks, I figured it out.”

Gao Mian sighed. “You are all too clever to be drunk, and it is a waste of good wine on you. Although, perhaps you are right. We drink *with* wine, but you truly *drink* wine.”

“Xun Yuan has said a kind thing of you, once, he said you were someone to be respected. He said, those like Liu Zhaimao and Zhong Su, their realm of power matched their sight, but only Jade Pure Liu Laocheng possessed the sight of a Realm Ascended cultivator. Alas, it was Lake Scroll that made him, and that undid him.”

With this, Gao Mian raised his cup. “A toast, for that old goat, Xun Yuan.”

Liu Laocheng joined him.

Gao Mian wiped his mouth and laughed. “A lone sword in hand is worth more than many friends.”

A moment later, a maidservant announced a visitor, one Helian Baozhu of the Invincible God-Fist Gang.

Liu Laocheng’s back-channel friend had not only purchased the house, but also provided two maidservants, Registered Cultivators from southern celestial sects, fallen on hard times but of impeccable reputation and still below the Fifth Realm. Prior to relinquishing the house, the old Immortal had granted them a considerable sum of Celestial Coin, permitting them to cultivate in peace and to care for the distinguished guests.

Helian Baozhu, a spirited woman, spoke with a thick local accent. “Elder Chieftain, at the inn near Dongshui Well, I encountered Liu Xianyang and Gu Can.”

Gao Mian chuckled. “You saw them, so what? Did you catch the eye of one, or did someone try to woo you?”

Helian Baozhu, long accustomed to his ways, bowed towards Liu Laocheng. “Greetings, Sect Master Liu.”

Liu Laocheng smiled and offered a hand, inviting her to sit and drink. Helian Baozhu, without pretense, accepted, downing three cups in quick succession.

In a whispered exchange, Helian Baozhu said, “On the way here, I noticed a beautiful woman at the temple fair, accompanied by an elderly man whose depth I could not gauge.”

Gao Mian showed little interest. Treasure Bottle Continent was full of strange people now a days. The old man only frowned, asking, “I’ve heard you’ve been associating with that Liu Si-shi-ba Chieftain. Do you know what sort of person he is, and which path he’s following on Great Li’s Ladder to Advancement?”

Helian Baozhu explained, “He’s not a friend, just someone I met in Luo capital. He offered to host me here in the capital. I have only heard that Liu Si-shi-ba is close to a young noble in the capital called Sixth Master. I have not met him but those in the gang say he has mysterious background and influence in the capital. Some say he’s a member of an Upper Pillar Family. There are rumors that Liu Si-shi-ba is friends with the First Prince, but I know that for a fact, it’s false. Liu Si-shi-ba himself knows that for a fact as well, and says it’s from an enemy gang. He’s lived in fear for years in case he accidentally gets arrested.”

Great Li’s Song family had not yet named an Heir.

As the eldest son, Song Geng was seen as the one next in line. However, there was hardly any news of his younger brother, Prince Song Xu.

Gao Mian glanced at Liu Laocheng. “Your whispers always make the most sense. Any news that can keep Baozhu from getting ensnared? I don’t want to explain things to the Ministry of Punishments.”

Scholars who focused on their studies should never join the court. Could those in gangs enter? This was the Song court. The Great Li Dynasty.

Helian Baozhu paused.

Gao Mian waved it off. “So you are still the Cherry-Clad Assassin. I always knew. Just pretend I don’t know anything.”

Liu Laocheng nodded. “I’ll investigate, and let you know what I find.”

Helian Baozhu bowed. “Thank you, Sect Master Liu.”

Liu Laocheng raised his cup. “It’s all in the wine.”

Soon, another guest arrived, this time seeking Gao, as Chieftain. The maidservant, flustered, announced a pair of Daoists at the door, an old man with an icon painting on his back, calling himself Smelly Tree from another continent, and a young apprentice carrying a *huqin*.

Gao Mian, familiar with the visitor, did not even bother to stand. The old Daoist bade his apprentice wander about, but to touch nothing lest he forfeit his life.

Sitting alone, the old Daoist chuckled. “I saw Helian, and I thought you might be here.”

Helian Baozhu was taken aback. She never noticed him tailing her. Smelly Tree, he said?

Gao Mian laughed. “Don’t be surprised, this old thief is a Land Sword Immortal, unmatched in the art of stealth and assassination.”

The Smelly Tree Daoist smiled. “Still not as good as Nolan Night Walker.”

Gao Mian smirked. “Shameless, wanting to be mentioned in the same breath as him?”

The old Daoist nodded. “I am without shame.”

Helian Baozhu did not understand, but Liu Laocheng’s eyelids twitched.

The old Daoist said a strange thing. “To become addicted to wine from having never drunk it before. Is it difficult?”

Gao Mian gave the same answer that Liu Laocheng had. “It’s all in the wine.”

The air grew heavy, and Helian Baozhu wondered why those words could evoke so much pain. Just then, another Daoist arrived, calling himself Liang Shuang, seeking the Smelly Tree Daoist.

Gao Mian’s face brightened. “The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.”

Liu Laocheng asked, “Which Daoist eminance is it?”

“Never heard of them.”

Gao Mian shook his head and looked to the old Daoist. “Since he is seeking you, you would have to know the person. A friend with the same mind? An enemy?”

The Smelly Tree Daoist stroke his beard and chuckled. “Allow this poor Daoist to keep it secret.”

Liang Shuang entered the house, but instead of seeking out the Smelly Tree Daoist, he found the young apprentice. Liang Shuang steadied his Daoist heart and sighed. “I have searched far and wide.”

A maidservant grew anxious. This guest was far too familiar, wandering as he pleased. Should Sect Master Liu take offense, she would be expelled.

Liang Shuang smiled. “Little girl, you shall be rewarded for your deed. You led me to him.”

The maidservant, already annoyed, took offense to his patronizing words. Did he think he had money?

She thought that the old Daoist saw her as a servant of the rich.

She hesitated, hoping for a red packet. To see him smile and say nothing, she was enraged.

She glared at him and led him to the courtyard. Liang Shuang laughed. Truly, there were paths through the world.

During his seclusion, the old cultivator had divined traces of the heavens. Uneasy, he had cast a hex, and when that wasn’t enough, he had left his dojo to study the constellations, finally seeing.

The old cultivator traveled over the continent to Great Li’s capital. As expected, he found his Master’s reincarnation.

Liang Shuang’s line was passed through a single successor, and they had to find their Masters. Liang Shuang traveled to Tung Leaf to engage Zhou Mi. As the old cultivator neared the end of his life, he was not afraid of death. All he wanted was to make sure that his path did not end with him. He, Liang Shuang, would be found wanting for the ages.

At the courtyard gate, the maidservant stopped to say goodbye. The old cultivator gave her a slip of yellow paper and said, “A small gift, please accept.

The maidservant thanked him and put the charm in her sleeve, hearing the old Daoist say, “Little girl, don’t sell it cheap. Wait until you form your core, and refine this charm. During your golden core’s eighth revolution, you will have found the door, and a Daoist Immortal will guide you to see the Jade Capital. The Dark Purple Palace will be the foundation of your path…”

Liu Laocheng glared at the charm and saw that it was treasure. This old Daoist was too generous!

The Smelly Tree Daoist laughed. “This is the second time in my life I’ve seen the Real Charm of Revelation.”

Liang Shuang laughed. “I have some treasure that serves as keys to ancient paradises.”

The Smelly Tree Daoist laughed. “‘Some’ is more than enough.”

Helian Baozhu stepped aside.

The old cultivator laughed. “I will not sit. I have some business to take care of.”

The Smelly Tree Daoist said, “Senior, I was the one who did the ritual to call out your name in the hopes that you would hear of me.”

Liang Shuang nodded. “Even if it was a tiger’s den, I would visit.”

—–

Near the temple fair, Aunt Feng held a flower basket filled with seasonal flowers and jade fake flowers that were hardly indistinguishable from the real deal.

She clicked her tongue. “Those residences are full of dangers.”

The old driver, Su Kan, didn’t care. “Besides that last bull-nosed Daoist, the rest are not that powerful.”

Aunt Feng looked at the Flower Goddess Temple. “Should we get some incense?”

The Flower Goddess Temple was old, but very few knew that Aunt Feng was the first to fund it.

“No need.”

Su Kan laughed. “Women always remember the bad.”

Burn some incense to them? You were the one who caused the Flowers Paradise to not be opened. Burning incense will never atone for that. If it was not enough that the winds could have broken the flowers, but there’s you, the one who could cause it even more damage. The Flower Goddesses would stay far away.

And so it had always been. The Flower Goddess Temple had always had two features. One, the paintings of the Flower Goddesses looked realistic. Two, while the gods of Flowers Paradise had their names and images rotated, this temple had all the originals, such as Lady Caozhou, who had been sent away from Flowers Paradise.

Aunt Feng scoffed. “I can’t see them just to try and please others. When they get favored, they get prideful.”

Flowers existed to please the Gods. To decorate mountains and rivers.

Su Kan sighed. “Don’t take it out on them.”

Aunt Feng pursed her lips. “I don’t.”

Su Kan said, “It’s better to have a friend than an enemy. You should release the old grudge.”

Aunt Feng laughed. “When anyone says that, I would pretend to listen. Coming out of your mouth, it’s a request to make things worse.”

Su Kan said, “Consider that I farted.”

Aunt Feng walked to the Flower Goddesses Temple. The gods were in their original places.

In the past, many scholars made up stories of meeting the goddess after saying some nice things about them. This caused people to try and break into the Temple to get close to the goddess.

Aunt Feng sighed. Maybe the old scholar was right. Why do women fight women?

Aunt Feng asked the old driver, “Su Kan, what are you waiting for?”

Su Kan walked with the crowd. “We’re the same. What are you waiting for?”

Aunt Feng laughed. “Are we?”

Su Kan walked back to the house. The official name was Iron Tree, but it was known as Chancellor Lane because two Prime Ministers had lived there. However, there was no official Prime Minister. However, since Scholar Cui Chan had been appointed State Preceptor, he had freely given such titles.

Opening the house, there were layers of magic that could scare even the greatest cultivator of Thunder.

Su Kan loved to play chess, but because of his identity, he had not had a chance to.

He had to do something to pass the time. Besides playing chess, Su Kan would fish and watch people play wager matches.

Su Kan had all of Zheng Juzhong’s chess games with Cui Chan.

Su Kan brought some food with wine, such as Peaw Pudding, Sweet Ginger Sprouts, Eight Treasures and Sugared Garlic.

Maybe being in the Mortal Realm had affected him.

He and Aunt Feng felt things that should have been felt by gods. Emotions? Humanity?

They were starting to feel attached to the human world, and to feel at ease.

Ten thousand years had passed.

The battle between humanity and the divinity was never ending.

The heavens were quiet.

The old man took a drink and ate a clove of garlic. He asked, “Changed Master? Are you going to charge more?!”

Aunt Feng continued in the Flower Goddess Temple, and saw a fair woman bow to her.

Aunt Feng smiled and ruffled her hair. “Getting bigger.”

After all, she was someone from the Fourteenth Realm.

The new Fourteenth Realm was still the Fourteenth Realm.

It was easy for Wang Zhu to hide.

When Wang Zhu had left Lychee Cave, Aunt Feng had been secretly protecting the young girl.

Su Kan helped Ma Kuxuan. Aunt Feng helped Zhi Gui for her own sake.

Aunt Feng gave the basket to Wang Zhu. “Take it. Don’t hate it.”

Wang Zhu laughed. “I won’t. I’m very happy.”

The past was getting clearer after becoming someone from the Fourteenth Realm in the Eastern Sea Palace. She never thought she was the one who fled to the south of Treasure Bottle Continent before dying, but she felt all her past. Memories of the good were what she remembered, such as Aunt Feng, who was a person who always gave her comfort.

Aunt Feng rubbed her brow. “As the old scholar said, with bad, we need to give more good.”

Wang Zhu nodded.

It was more to hear what she had to say.

Aunt Feng laughed. “Can I use some of the Eastern Sea Dragon Lord’s power?”

Wang Zhu wondered.

Aunt Feng pointed at one of the more likeable gods. “I want to talk with her.”

Wang Zhu rolled her eyes. Compared to this, what was there? Then again, she had no real power. The cultivators in this world were only respectful to the Eastern Sea Dragon Lord. Those who cultivated Water, however, tended to just go around.

Aunt Feng flicked Wang Zhu’s brow. “Same as ever.”

Afterwhich, Aunt Feng would have the winds spread her word to Flower Paradise.

—–

As those who were important arrived, the Smelly Tree Daoist introduced him. “This old god is Liang Shuang, the new Fire Dragon Real Person, and the Dragon Tiger Mount Outer Family Heavenly Master, Real Man Liang.”

Liu Laocheng got up, and Helian Baozhu gave her respects. Only Gao Mian didn’t move, and Helian Baozhu didn’t know what to do.

The Smelly Tree Daoist started to tell a story. “I got confused while cultivating. After going out, I got mixed in with the wrong people, and I got into a fight. I damaged my Daoist path. I needed to use the Five Thunders to temper my Flying Sword.”

“Dragon Tiger Mountain was not a place I could go. Furthermore, the Five Thunders was the sole family’s secret. It was a no go zone. Even if they could help me, it was no use. The past was filled with such cases. I just brought it up at a table and one person went to the restroom. Half a year passed, and he dragged me out for a drink. He gave me a handwritten book and said that he was chased by a group of Fairies. It was when he was getting hit by Lightning that he realized the greatest truths of Thunder, even greater than Dragon Tiger Mount’s. I took a look and saw that it was real. The person couldn’t just pretend…”

Gao Mian asked, “He gave it to you, and you took it? You actually cultivated with it?!”

Helian Baozhu had to agree.

The old Daoist laughed. “Regardless, it helped me get through this. My sword skills got better and I learned some Thunder magic as well.”

Liu Laocheng thought that Liang Shuang had come here to retrieve the secret book? To arrest the Smelly Tree Daoist? The Smelly Tree Daoist found Gao Mian? Gao Mian called Liu Laocheng to come here to Great Li’s capital? It was likely. Gao Mian was dragging him down? Either way, it was a sign that Gao Mian thought of him as a friend. The True Realm Sect didn’t mean all that much to him. He could become a Hermit.

Back then in Lake Scroll, Liu Zhaimao could only be a hermit, while Zhong Su thought too highly of himself.

Liang Shuang asked, “Is that Thunder Magic Book with you?”

The old Daoist nodded and gave the book to the Heavenly Master.

Liang Shuang took the book and glanced at it before closing it. “I will have to take it. Furthermore, you will need to visit Heavenly Master Mansion. Just know that I will speak for you. As for what you learned about the Five Thunders…it doesn’t matter. I can help you become a servant, so it doesn’t need to be returned.”

The old Daoist looked at the child and smiled. “So it was like that.”

Liang Shuang said, “So it was like that.”

The Smelly Tree Daoist said, “My apprentice has an affinity for you. If Heavenly Master Liang wants him, go ahead. We were never close to begin with. We were never close to each other, but at the Village Crossing Maiden, I understood. I ask you, Heavenly Master Liang, to cultivate him.”

Liang Shuang said something to the Smelly Tree Daoist. “Thank you for taking care of me.”

The Smelly Tree Daoist shook his head. “It’s enough if you become a servant.”

Liang Shuang shook his head. “It’s not enough. I was so close to becoming a Gold Immortal…”

The Smelly Tree Daoist said, “In that case, give me a talisman, a paradise that’s broken so it can be rejoined.”

Liang Shuang laughed. “Just what I wanted.”

Regardless, the old real person didn’t seem like he wanted to give the talisman right away.

The Smelly Tree Daoist told the child what was going on, and the boy cried and refused to switch Masters.

He had traveled with the old Daoist far and wide, and it was tough.

The boy hated the old Daoist, and one day, he vowed to switch Masters.

But now that it was coming true, he hugged his huqin and cried.

The child smeared his face and said, “Even if you make me go, I’m not giving you your instrument back.”

The Smelly Tree Daoist said, “It was going to be yours to begin with.”

The young boy fell down, crying.

The Smelly Tree Daoist was getting a headache and said, “I had to get money, so I had to be evil.”

Everyone felt that it was interesting. Gao Mian said that the Smelly Tree Daoist got a lot of money, enough to build a temple…

The child started to feel that his world was ending.

Liang Shuang waited patiently.

He started to cover his face.

After that, he promised to travel with them and build them a temple.

Liu Laocheng felt good about the purchase.

Maybe it was a treasure.

In this courtyard, Liang Shuang had the most strength, and looked towards the sky.

In the sky, he noticed a pair of vertical golden eyes.

It was Song Yunjian, who was tasked with watching people who had cultivation.

Liang Shuang smiled. “Can you send word to Chen Pingan?”

Song Yunjian nodded. “Of course.”

Liang Shuang had to tell the Literate Temple before traveling, and now, they approved.

This was because of who was in charge of the Literate Temple, who was human.

Moreover, Treasure Bottle was an exception. Liang Shuang also had to tell Jade Capital about his plans.

Liang Shuang had to tell them that Flying Ascenders had to report to the State Preceptor.

Song Yunjian said, “I will send word to the State Preceptor, but it’s up to him. Is Real Man Liang going to wait here for word, or is the State Preceptor going to talk with Jade Capital?”

Liang Shuang laughed. “I shouldn’t do anything more. How would it look?”

This Eminence friend was very polite. It was just like the Literate Temple nowadays.

This time, Liang Shuang said a number of words and thought that there should be discussions like this.

Gao Mian suddenly said, “I am a cripple. You aren’t. After giving away your apprentice, return to Gold Armor and give away your sect. If you become the lower sect of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, that’s not bad. You’re the founder. This should be easy to handle.”

The Smelly Tree Daoist asked.

Liu Laocheng was shocked. Were you really going to give away a sect?

Gao Mian glared. “If you don’t listen to me nicely, you will only do it if I start cursing at you?”

Because there was a number of cultivators, the Smelly Tree Daoist found it difficult to decide.

Gao Mian said, “Even if you’re willing to give, it’s up to them.”

The Smelly Tree Daoist nodded.

Gao Mian asked, “Bring it over!”

Helian Baozhu was confused.

The Smelly Tree Daoist reluctantly gave the talismans.

Gao Mian got the talismans and cursed, “That’s called giving it away!”

Liang Shuang marveled, saying that he had learned a lot.

The old Real Man thought of a line in a poem. The autumn had arrived.

Back then, there was the scholar Chen Pingan, whose face was thinner than the walls of the city. Did Chen Pingan bring that energy to the Great Wall of Swords, or did he adopt the culture of the Great Wall?

Gao Mian looked at the Smelly Tree Daoist, who said, “I’ll definitely visit before I leave.”

Gao Mian nodded. “Watch your tone.”

The Smelly Tree Daoist nodded. “That’s right.”

Since the Hidden Officer went to the Village Maiden Crossing, everyone should know what was up. If Chen Pingan didn’t meet with Gao Mian, he could have met with the Smelly Tree Daoist.

Gao Mian threw the two talismans back to the Smelly Tree Daoist and said, “When you see him, give him this. It’s my gift.”

The Smelly Tree Daoist said, “Aren’t you just taking your pants off to fart?”

This time, Gao Mian remained silent. The Smelly Tree Daoist didn’t want to reveal his thoughts.

The Smelly Tree Daoist asked, “How about we meet up together?”

Gao Mian shook his head.

The Smelly Tree Daoist sighed. “It’s up to you.”

The Hidden Officer was from their hometown, but he was known to everyone.

There were some who said that the Great Wall of Swords needed to thank Juan Qiong for releasing the leak.

“You’re from my homeland.”

They didn’t want to meet or talk.

Gao Mian and the Smelly Tree Daoist both were fake names.

Back then, they feared what this Hidden Officer would ask of them.

But they were sad when he didn’t ask them to.

This was called being polite.

Why would the Hidden Officer talk to you of the Great?

Maybe, they misunderstood.

In their homeland, many were paying the ultimate price.

They were like flowers and plants. They were never made to fight or make anyone sad. They were in a peaceful time.

No one could understand how they felt about meeting with the Hidden Officer.

Like how the Smelly Tree Daoist and Gao Mian were looking at his “back.” There, they felt the presence of those they were familiar with. Maybe they were talking, or maybe they were walking towards the battlefield. They were asked, are you sword cultivators?