Here’s a rewrite of the content in a fantasy style, aiming for a more immersive and descriptive feel:

**The Winding Paths of Mount Serenity**

Chen Lingjun, with a courteous farewell to Wei Ye You, departed for Mount Serenity, professing a mission to beseech the Old Cook for a menu worthy of Zhong the First. Yet, to his bewilderment, the comely Daoist, Mei Zheng, shadowed his steps. A curious affair! Did the woman not perceive the chasm of cultivation separating them? Or did she, through some arcane art, discern the true comeliness veiled beneath his features – a visage, dare he admit, even more striking than that of Wei Ye You? Did she harbor designs, untoward and ill-fitting for her station? “Heavens,” he mused, “the woman’s taste is impeccable, yet her methods, decidedly… bold!”

Chen Lingjun, a blush warming his cheeks, paused before summoning forth his water magic, casting a glance back at her. “Daoist friend, no need for escort.”

Zhou Hu chuckled, “Ancestral Master Jingqing, truth be told, I shall soon be a Qi cultivator upon the Flowered Shadow Peak of Jumping Fish Mountain. We travel the same path.”

Chen Lingjun eyed her with suspicion. “Are you not a registered official, toiling within a bureau of Cloud-Cloaked Mountain?”

“I was,” Zhou Hu confessed. “Yet, with the kind intercession of Divine Lord Wei, I shall soon be ensconced in a thatched hut, deep in contemplation, upon Jumping Fish Mountain.”

A wave of relief washed over Chen Lingjun. “Auspicious news! Congratulations, welcome! Since we are now brethren of the same mountain, dispense with titles. Call me Daoist. And him, best call him Wei Ye You.”

As they soared through the heavens, carried upon winds and water, Chen Lingjun pondered a matter Wei Bo had raised. His fingers danced as he counted. Shaky麓 was their Master’s private sanctuary, Incense Fire Mountain gifted to the Immortal Guardian and his disciple. Sword Platform was the domain of swordsmen, tomes and scrolls could only be discovered at Zhaodu Ridge, and the abode of Yunzi nestled within Dim Veil Mountain. Yellow Lake Mountain, the aquatic domain of Hongxia. Warm Tree, bless her simple heart, would inevitably choose between Rainbow Cloud Peak or Herb Immortal Mountain.

The verdant-robed youth and Zhou Hu, each harboring their own thoughts, returned to Desolate Peak.

As fate would have it, they found Scholar Liu in conversation with the Immortal Guardian at the mountain’s base. Chen Lingjun dismissed his water magic, creeping forward, silent as a shadow.

Zhou Hu, with a subtle shift in her trajectory, landed outside the mountain’s wards, approaching the gates with a measured pace.

What transpired between the two was a mystery, yet the Immortal Guardian seemed emboldened, whispering, “Scholar Liu, did you… tread the paths in your youth?”

Liu Xiang offered only a knowing smile.

Zhou Hu, despite her best efforts, felt her Daoist heart quake.

Then, like a playful breeze, Chen Lingjun stood behind the Immortal Guardian, his hands clapping gently upon the Daoist’s cheeks. “Hahaha! What paths are these you speak of?”

**Echoes of Swords and Secrets**

As soon as Qi Tingji was out of sight, Wu Manyan and her comrades, eighteen of the finest swordsmen in the sect, arrived. Finding out that Lu Zhi had reached ascension, Wu Manyan began to glimmer with possibility, with two ascendants under the dragon elephant sword sect’s banner! He Qiushang, with a calm demeanor, was slightly more reserved, while Huang Long pumped his fist and shouted, excited to learn the truth of his mentor.

Madame Rouge had returned to the pavilion sooner than the rest, to keep her risqué books safe from any young eyes.

Wu Manyan was a prodigious swordsman with her youthful ponytail and a blue Daoist robe.

Madame Rouge ran her fingers down Wu Manyan’s robes, “What fortune you have, such talents and destiny! You’ll be in Jade Bloom sooner than you think.”

Wu Manyan’s robes were known as “Blue Pupil,” gifted by Lu Zhi. It was a semi-immortal artifact, but in disrepair. Zheng Jizhong came to the rescue, though. While on the journey to help Hoary Reaches, he passed by the Draconic Elephant Sword Sect, accompanied by a maidservant, the immortal maiden of the Golden Emerald City.

During the time that the maiden repaired Blue Pupil, Zheng Jizhong spoke in private to Lu Zhi.

The robes were as good as new, better in fact! A new level of craftsmanship and magic had been sewn into the fabric.

Wu Manyan was lucky, but Zheng Jizhong knew who to ask.

Wu Manyan was more interested in training than the politics of it all.

When she traveled to distant lands, those who would look down upon her, who wouldn’t even listen to her teacher, Qi Tingji. But would they dare look down on Zheng Jizhong?

“Jade Bloom is only a stepping stone,” Wu Manyan retorted. “It will take flight to qualify for a sword immortal.”

Madame Rouge flicked the girl’s forehead, “Do you know how old Qi and Lu were when they made the grade? Sword immortals of a hundred years, or those of the Sword-Qi wall? It’s a dream.”

“Maybe dreams come true.”

“Stop smiling so much,” Madame Rouge said with a sigh, “a pretty face like yours shouldn’t be distorted.”

“As you wish,” Wu Manyan said, sticking out her tongue playfully.

He Qiushang said, “Who are the sword immortals of Azure Glow Blessed Land?”

Madame Rouge put a finger over her lips in a silent gesture.

“They were private swordsmen who did their duty during the war. Five Colors World may take years, so they are staying here for now. There are also a couple demons here too. Tread carefully when speaking to them, and if they forget themselves, I’ll be sure to correct them.”

“Lu, why the swap between our land and Heavenly Ballad?” Madame Rouge asked, “Shao is displeased and wants answers from the sect leader, if the reasons aren’t satisfactory, he’ll oppose the deal.”

Azure Glow was gifted to the sect by the Temple of Literature, full of abundant energy and natural wonders. The Suspended Bow Land, given by Qi, was clearly not as good.

A typical backroom deal?

“This was Chief Lu’s recommendation, and Qi agreed. Liu Tui of Heavenly Ballad was eager to accept.”

Madame Rouge appreciated Chief Lu’s intentions.

She hadn’t even met the man yet!

He even gifted a box that contained a demiplane with eight legendary swords! Autumn Stream, Floating Wild Duck, etc. It made one wonder about the origins of Lu Zhi. Was she part of the Lu Clan, of the Middle Lands? She asked Shao Yunyan and Qi Tingji, who both scorned her, saying she was gossiping for no reason.

Putting those thoughts away, Madame Rouge smiled, “Shao worked so hard on finding ancient tomes and inspecting the land. He spent a month preparing, only for the leader to change his mind!”

That was the reason for Shao’s dissent, the allocation of seven or eight cultivation spots!

It was a sensitive subject for him, considering that he had discussed strategy with Lu previously.

Lu Zhi shifted her gaze towards a boat in the sea.

“We have guests?” Madame Rouge asked.

“Perhaps not,” Lu Zhi replied.

She didn’t bother asking who it was.

Shao would deal with any visitors.

After Zheng Jizhong, Lu Chen came to visit the sect too.

“Did Lord Zheng come to visit?” he asked.

Lu Zhi looked… out of character.

Lu Chen told her to relax and that he didn’t mean to be an enemy of Zheng Jizhong. He was merely inspecting Wu Manyan’s robes.

Lu Zhi turned to Madame Rouge, “It is time that I take on some disciples.”

Madame Rouge was shocked.

She never had apprentices in the Sword Qi wall, nor back in these lands.

Lu Zhi was concerned, “It would be like being a teacher at a school, teaching lessons.”

“I’ll ask Shao to reserve some students with the best character.”

“No,” Lu Zhi retorted. “I’ll take those who aren’t likely to stay, I might fail otherwise.”

Madame Rouge said, “This is hopeless.”

“I want a new teacher,” Wu Manyan said.

“Sister, don’t joke about that,” He Qiushang replied.

He was known as a calf after claiming he could take on the Hidden Champion once he reached the upper levels.

“I want one too. That way, I can be the elder brother,” Huang Long whispered.

Huang Long was from Floating Continent, known for his tenacity. Shao Yunyan said the boy was similar to the Hidden Champion.

“As you wish,” He Qiushang replied.

“Brother only cares about elder sister,” Huang Long grumbled.

“Speak louder!”

“Brother likes elder sister, everyone knows!”

He Qiushang was blushing madly, and Madame Rouge began laughing. At that moment, a sword ray shot out of the sea to greet a guest.

“Now who is that?” Madame Rouge asked. “Who could make Shao step out to say hello?”

“Xiancha, the Chief’s apprentice,” Lu Zhi replied.

Madame Rouge was distressed, she had been waiting to meet him for ages, while she wanted nothing to do with the old boater.

Shao was respectful when greeting the boater, but regretted it, and began to cuss Qi.

“None of this cordial bullshit,” the boater started. “I thought your sect would be different, the wind here blows the same as those in Fairyland.”

“We aren’t the same, just because we are both in Jade Bloom? What nerve!”

“You’re a one sided lover, and a coward!”

“Shao, I think you were born in Snowbound Continent!”

Shao frowned silently.

Sect Leader should have warned him about this! On top of not getting what he wanted regarding the land change, the boater was making it even worse!

It was smart of Qi to stay away.

He told Shao to shut his mouth and took care of him some time ago.

Dong Sangeng and Chen Xi fell in battle, how did you survive? What magic allowed you to ascend, Qi? Must be that sword skill! Is that why you haven’t mastered the Dao yet? Two in one?

The boater waved his hand, “Go back and stew. I’m not here for you.”

Shao turned and left in a huff, not caring who would be next in line.

Qi began to prepare for the land change.

Meanwhile, a group of sword cultivators were waiting on top of the mountain with a menacing aura.

Xiancha clicked his tongue.

Scare me?

Shao rushed back to the pavilion, depressed.

“Why are they here?” Madame Rouge asked. “I thought they were going to wait until the sect was established in Floating Continent!”

“Whatever,” Shao replied.

“What’s wrong?” Madame Rouge asked. “You don’t even try to defend yourself?”

“Why don’t you try it,” Shao replied.

She laughed, “Wouldn’t dare.”

The boater was surprised, “Qi is incredible. Not only is he the second best sword on the wall, but he knows how to buy people’s hearts! What kind of treasury does he have?”

“I’m content knowing I don’t even rate as high as a gem. Just a poor sword.”

The sword cultivators spoke in common, and one asked, “Master, who is this man?”

“Smells like he grew up in a latrine. Rude and vulgar, all about.”

“Are all of you so polished and elegant?”

Mei Han had been heartbroken in the past and gathered enough honor to tour the lands. She went to Hoary and then to the Barbarian Land, and knew the old boatman well. She warned, “Don’t engage.”

Gao Shang asked, “Xiancha, what is the significance of your name?”

“Give your name and rank.”

“If you are also in Jade Bloom, then perhaps we can chat. But if you are an immortal above me, then I am unqualified. A fresh point he taught the Sect Leader.”

Shao sighed, head in his hands.

With a wave, he silenced the group, lest they be tainted by the argument.

Gao Shang gave his name, claiming he was only in Jade Bloom. He wanted to know what would happen next.

Xiancha said, “I have heard stories. Born poor, worked your way up to become a private sword. Slaughtered many demons.”

Gao Shang was stunned.

The boater approved, “He is the best of us. If I were him, I would relinquish power.”

Gao Shang demurred, “I think you mean Huang Ling.”

The boater faked, “Ah yes, there are too many sword immortals these days!”

Huang Ling dared not speak.

Xiancha said to him, “My relation to the Feng guy is superficial at best, we only shared a drink. But if he were here, he would say that you haven’t stained his sword.”

Feng, otherwise known as Old Man Peace, the owner of the sword Three Caves. Its inscription said “Day and night, the old master.” In Hoary Lands, he was famous for exorcising demons. The rope on the sword’s hilt had been used for binding demons.

It was better to stop there, but this was Xiancha.

Qi warned, “Don’t talk about one particular thing.”

“Ha! Why would I?”

Xiancha scoffed, “Whether or not to choose you or the Hidden Champion is your business. Why should I care?”

Xing Yun and Liu Shui chose to follow the Hidden Champion, before them Mi Yu had been on the Roadside Palace.

Xing Yun and Liu Shui contacted the others, but they rejected the offer for various reasons.

Xiancha felt bad for Chen, who was too naive and kind for his own good.

These swordsmen had luck in spades.

Chen shouldn’t have backed down.

Lu Zhi stood up, “Xiancha, please state your business.”

Xiancha listened to Lu for once, “Lu Zhi, heard you still haven’t taken any students?”

She shook her head.

Xiancha pointed, “I’m here to find her a teacher.”

“Is that right?” Madame Rouge asked.

“It’s a path that must be taken for a true hero!”

To train like Chen or walk the world like the Boater was a true sword.

Lu came to the boat and asked, “Are you of a dragon lineage?”

“This is Cheng Sancai, from the Dragon Ditch.”

“Will you be my apprentice?”

She nodded, “I’m honored.”

“Why?”

“Because you can keep Old Gu in line.”

The boater didn’t like that, “I’m a silent, grumpy old man, I don’t often cuss.”

Lu laughed, “You are my apprentice from today onwards.”

The girl knelt down, “Apprentice Cheng, at your service.”

Lu offered to help her up, but she stayed down.

Cheng said, “Not yet. I have three more bows to give.”

Cheng stood up, and Lu asked, “Are you a sword cultivator?”

“Nope.”

Lu nodded, “No matter, we will get there eventually.”

The boater said, “Didn’t my master visit here?”

“Yes, but he didn’t mention you.”

The boater grimaced and regretted being there.

From sea or lake, from the night sky to the moon, it all feared the dragons.

No matter how high the cultivation, there was no point without a steady heart.

Lu asked Xiancha about Lu Chen’s visit to the sect.

Qi bought three Jade Pivot Purge Talismans to wash his sword, North Dipper.

Chief Lu was afraid he was getting cheated.

He also wanted to look at the sword case one last time, it was missed at Sword Observation Inn.

As for the case, Lu Chen didn’t care.

He was here to offer Lu a chance to practice swords in Jade Pivot.

The Dao Ancestor had instructed him to do so.

Qi wanted Lu to train in the White Jade Palace, giving her the chance to break new ground.

He hoped to make a connection to the Azure Plane, not to mention help Lu find her own Dao.

Only the ascension realm knew what “perfected virtues” meant.

Lu had the talent, luck, and background to do so.

Qi didn’t speak often with sincerity, but now was one of those times, and he had a deep admiration of Lu.

Why didn’t she go, when the Daoist Ancestor asked?

Those in the Sword Wall had no enmity with White Jade Palace or the Azure Plane.

When has a swordsman been invited in 10000 years?

Yu Dou and Lu Chen were just stand ins, their apprentices were being raised by their seniors.

Lu’s two swords were North Dipper and Simple, the former, possessing great power, “The North Dipper Seals Death.”

Her dream was only to carve her name on the wall.

Back then, the Sword Wall fought 13 demons.

Lu asked for an immortal level demon.

The eldest swordsman said it was up to chance.

The demon she fought was just a celestial.

Qi felt that Lu would surpass him, and Lu Chen agreed that it was definite.

She had the least amount of demesnes, and eight swords that each possessed a demesne to inherit.

If she can fully grasp all of them, she would be unstoppable.

This had been Lu’s plan all along.

The boater was saddened at those tales, “He is still the same.”

Lu didn’t know how to comfort him.

Cheng said that he was always like that, and there was no use in trying.

Xiancha said, “I should stop being annoying.”

The old world was full of reasons. There was joy and sorrow in the world.

But regrets remained like a bottle, tasting fine at first, but getting worse as time goes on.

Those emotions needed to be shared.

There was too much suffering.

The Old Boatman said, “She has a new master, remember me…”

The girl hesitated, “Take care of yourself, don’t be so rude, the world has bigger problems that you can’t solve by yelling.”

Xiancha smiled, “Good girl.”

“Old Gu, goodbye. May your wish succeed.”

“Borrow your blessings,” he said with a nod.

“Old Gu, so long.”

“Young lady, learning the Dao at a strict sect is different than going out on your own.”

“You must respect the Dao, fear the world, and be sincere to people.”

“I will give you three words.”

“It helps to start off on the right foot, but you must still work hard. Cherish those blessings.”

“I will!”

“Leave your pots and pans!”

**Solitude’s Musings**

Within a secluded courtyard, Zhu Lian, the face of his youth returned, lay upon a rattan chair, fanning himself with a palm leaf. He closed his eyes, lost in thought, the depths of his mind a silent, swirling vortex.