A cramped table, overflowing with guests, necessitated a close camaraderie.

Chen Ping’an nestled between Little Millet and Chen Lingjun, while Chen Qingliu and Xin Ji’an shared a long bench. Poor Yinlu, caught unawares, found himself unexpectedly granted an entire bench all to himself. Jinghao and Baideng completed the assembly.

Yinlu shifted uncomfortably, for he could hardly drag someone to sit beside him. He readily discerned the dragon aura of the white-clad youth, a Jade Pure Realm swordsman known as Impatient Lord, but the others, Jinghao, and especially the two latecomers from Fallen Peak, remained an enigma. Their unfathomable depths spoke volumes, for Yinlu knew his own limitations all too well.

Sensing Yinlu’s predicament, Zheng Dafeng, bearing a platter, beckoned the Daoist Immortal Wei to join them. Yinlu, showing a flicker of understanding, scooted to the bench’s edge, allowing the gatekeeper, adorned with wooden hairpin and Daoist garb, to sit in the center. Little Millet, with a questioning glance at their benevolent Mountain Master, received a smiling nod from Chen Ping’an. The dark-clad girl promptly rose, busying herself. Zheng Dafeng nudged the platter towards her, and from her sleeve she produced handfuls of melon seeds, scattering them across the porcelain. Then, from her cotton satchel, she poured two oilcloth-wrapped packets of dried minnows into the plate. Zheng Dafeng placed the platter in the table’s center, within easy reach of all.

Few in all the realms of existence, let alone in the vastness of Haoran, would treat their guests with such unpretentious warmth.

Little Mo had already coaxed Xie Gou away – or rather, dragged the sable-hatted maiden off.

Let none mistake Bai Jing’s bluster for mere show, for if blades were drawn, he would strike with deadly intent.

Chen Ping’an turned to Xin Ji’an, smiling, “Master Mei Qin, let us first sip tea here, and later ascend the mountain for wine, where the space is more generous.”

Xin Ji’an lifted his teacup, responding with a smile, “Nay, this is perfect as is.”

Accustomed to the life of a soldier and tempered by his own nature, Xin Ji’an lacked the affected airs of most Immortal Masters like Jinghao.

Upon hearing the title “Master Mei Qin,” Jinghao nearly dropped his cup, his nerves suddenly taut as a bowstring.

There were countless scholars in Haoran bearing the courtesy name “Mei Qin,” but who else could this traveling companion of the Immortal Master Chen be?

Xin Ji’an, sensing Jinghao’s recognition, smiled faintly. “On the road here, my friend and I discussed the matter of Green Palace Mountain’s future. I, of course, offered no opinion. These are internal matters, upon which an outsider cannot comment.”

Chen Ping’an understood the sentiment.

Within the Hall of the Sages, there had been one who praised and criticized Xin Ji’an in equal measure.

A military genius, who could sweep across vast distances and subjugate everything in his path. Yet, in moments of unbridled recklessness, none dared voice a word of dissent.

In short, while he led armies, conquered lands, and governed the realm, silence was the wisest course.

Chen Lingjun, his mind elsewhere, exchanged winks with Chen Zhuoliu. “Good brother, let us toast with tea!”

Chen Qingliu raised his teacup, drinking with the fervor of one downing strong liquor. Chen Lingjun drained his own cup, wiping his mouth and letting out a contented sigh.

Xin Ji’an picked up a dried stream fish, savoring it slowly, and nodded. “A delightful flavor.”

Little Millet scratched her cheek, smiling shyly, and pointed to the other dried fish on the platter. “Master Mei Qin, there’s also creeping tiger and yellow jaw. They’re quite tasty as well.”

Xin Ji’an narrowed his eyes and smiled, reaching for two more dried fish. “Indeed, I shall sample them all.”

Little Millet smiled back.

Chen Ping’an introduced her, “Master Mei Qin, this is Zhou Millet, our Right Protector of Fallen Peak.”

Xin Ji’an nodded. “I have heard of her from Zhuoliu. Splendid. This is the spirit that should dwell upon this mountain. This is only my opinion.”

Earlier, Chen Qingliu had cautioned Xin Ji’an to adopt the persona of a humble scholar from the Northern Reaches, calling himself Chen Zhuoliu, and to ensure no slip of the tongue revealed his true identity to Daoist Jingqing.

Jinghao, from the corner of his eye, studied the ever-smiling Chen Lingjun, his confusion deepening. Was he simply ignorant of “Mei Qin’s” significance, or did he know and simply not care? The youth had wrought so many surprises in such a short time, that any sensible person would find themselves bewildered.

Chen Qingliu smiled knowingly. “Jingqing, do you recall me mentioning a friend of mine, surnamed Xin, whom I would introduce to you someday?”

Chen Lingjun, now cross-legged and without his shoes, looked blankly at him. “Ah?”

“Damn it, we’ve shared so many drinks and talked about everything under the sun, I’ve forgotten everything. I can’t lie and say I remember, that would only embarrass me, and I don’t like that one bit”

Chen Qingliu raised his sleeve, using two fingers to point at the white bowl on the table, as if giving a secret signal, and said, “Cup, before your arrival!”

“Ah, if you’d said that earlier, it would have been crystal clear. Yes! Of course I remember!”

Chen Lingjun slapped his knee, laughing heartily, and gave the Master Mei Qin a thumbs-up. “Brother Xin, you are an artist in your own right at the table, no doubt!”

If not for the distance, he would have clapped him on the shoulder to express his respect.

Xin Ji’an smiled. “I was merely overserved, pay no mind to it”

Chen Lingjun burst into laughter, raising a hand as if pushing open a door, overjoyed. “Brother Chen also said that your drinking capacity is middling. One time you collapsed by a pine tree, pushing against it, saying it was going somewhere…”

Xin Ji’an chuckled.

The youth then received a smack to the head from his Master.

Chen Lingjun immediately sobered, ceasing his laughter. “Brother Xin, I did not mean to poke fun. I just tend to lose control of my tongue after a few drinks. Do not be offended, we are family here.”

Little Millet softly reminded him, “Jingqing, Jingqing, you haven’t even had a drink yet.”

Chen Lingjun imitated his Master’s sigh. “You do not understand. A wanderer of the Jianghu, meeting by chance, feels as if they’ve known each other forever, like drinking fine wine.”

Little Millet, unwilling to contradict Jingqing in public, merely frowned slightly, picked up her white bowl with both hands, and lowered her head to drink her tea.

Chen Lingjun knew he had misspoke, quickly correcting himself, turning and shielding his mouth with his hand, whispering, “Little Millet, later I’ll find ten riddles for you.”

Little Millet grinned, quickly lowering her head.

Xin Ji’an glanced at the Daoist Immortal Wei, who continued to drink his tea in silence, then looked towards Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an nodded slightly.

Jinghao remained speechless for a long while. In his lifetime, the old cultivator had attended thousands of ceremonies and banquets, but never had he encountered such a farcical “gathering.”

Across the table, Baideng, seated opposite the Dragonslayer, was a picture of abject terror, still reeling from his shock.

To share tea with a foe who “slays dragons wherever they are found” was a situation Baideng had never dared to imagine.

And Yinlu, unaware that the Daoist Immortal Wei seated beside him, the one-time vice city lord of Immortal Hairpin City, was in fact the true master of that city, and the owner of the hairpiece lost into the world.

After tea, they split into two groups.

Chen Ping’an and Little Millet would escort Xin Ji’an on a winding path up the mountain, strolling through the Ancestral Peak of Spirit Gathering, while Chen Qingliu and Chen Lingjun would head to Jise Peak for a drinking session.

A white-haired child, never once approaching the table, squatted by the mountain gate, pulling out a small book, and began recording dates and names.

Along the mountain path leading to the Ancestral Hall on Spirit Gathering Peak, Xin Ji’an initiated the conversation.

“For this year’s Mountain God investiture, the Hall of Sages did not have either the Vice or Principal Sages perform the proceedings, nor did they have the Cult Master or the Principal of the Academy. Instead, five disciples of the Sage of Sages took on the role, they are in similar standing to yourself. One of them, made an appearance in the desolate region with me. He is known as the Sage of Sages’ most favoured student. There is also one from the Heavens, I believe that Chen Qingliu said that you went to the desolate region with the Saint of Rites, you two may have met. Long ago, he was the treasurer for those ancient scholars, and in addition to academic research, he was also in charge of finances.”

Chen Ping’an nodded in understanding. “We merely exchanged glances. At the time, I failed to recognize the Sage’s identity.”

Had he known who the other person was, he would have done as Lingjun said and “Gotten some drinks down”.

In the desolate and barren lands, two men had built their grass huts beside one another.

Before leaving, the bearded man found an iron sword and tall hat, and put on his scholar’s robes.

Xin Ji’an took down a longsword and made for the desolate region with his friend.

Chen Ping’an smiled and asked, “Master Mei Qin, after our drinks, would it be possible to ask for a piece of your calligraphy?”

Xin Ji’an shook his head. “Mountain Master Chen, I must implore you to not expect me to drink.”

Reaching the white jade plaza outside the Spirit Gathering Peak Ancestral Hall, they gazed upon the picturesque landscape. Xin Ji’an leaned against the railing, taking in the vista.

Little Millet noticed that their Mountain Master seemed to be waiting for something, and was somewhat disappointed when Master Mei Qin moved away.

“I understand. Our Good Master seeks to test his poetry!

Ha, Mountain Master Wei said that the Master’s doggerel poetry, is in a class all its own!”

They continued along the path towards Jise Peak. Chen Ping’an refrained from bringing Xin Ji’an to his own bamboo study. Instead, Zhu Lian stepped forward to assist the Mountain Master in entertaining their rare guest.

The wind swept through the courtyard, causing the iron horses beneath the eaves to whinny.

Xin Ji’an, who earlier had been unwilling to drink wine, barked after Old Zhu brought out a few plates, saying that he would only accept street swill.

Aside from Little Millet, who gnawed on her melon seeds, they all drank themselves into a pleasant stupor. Xin Ji’an smiled and asked, “The calligraphy I provide, will you have me select an old poem, or shall I create a new one on the spot?”

Chen Ping’an was a little embarrassed.

“You understand that old or new are both acceptable?”

“It’s only a minor matter to take out a blank piece of Xuan paper”

Xin Ji’an, still unfamiliar with the wine shop proprietor’s character, said to himself, “Then an old poem it will be.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Only one sentence will do.”

Xin Ji’an was confused, “Which sentence?”

Chen Ping’an smiled at Little Millet, miming a hand holding a cup while twisting his wrist. Understanding the riddle, Little Millet immediately raised her hand. “I know! Our Master hopes that Master Mei Qin will write six characters!”

A dragon among poets, Xin Ji’an had written too many well-known poems to count.

Little Millet cleared her throat, straightened her back, and proclaimed, “Drunk, I trim the lamplight to view my sword!”

Xin Ji’an was silent for a moment, before smiling. “In that case, I shall bother Mr. Zhu to cook up two more dishes, and bring forth two more jugs of alcohol.”

***

Chen Lingjun, beaming with delight, brought his new and old friends to his residence for a drinking session.

Before ascending the mountain, he spoke to Zheng Dafeng, entreating him to say a few kind words to Mountain Master Wei, requesting a few jugs of spirit wine.

Zheng Dafeng, while unreliable in most matters, was steadfast when it counted, and nodded in agreement, promising to personally deliver to Old Master Chen wines from the ancient storehouses of the Ceremonial Office of the Jade Pillow Mountain.

Had there not been friends present, Chen Lingjun would have massaged Dafeng’s legs and shoulders.

As they walked along the mountain path, Chen Lingjun’s sleeves fluttered.

Chen Lingjun, overjoyed to see Chen Zhuoliu, frequently patted his sleeves. “Such muscle! Brother Dafeng did say it well, a young man with that much virility can be used to flatten pancakes!”

He wondered if his ancient Brother Chen had found a wife. Probably not, since he had no money, and relied solely on his good looks. Even mountain damsels care about more than appearance. That is, unless they look like the principal Zhou or the Sword Immortal Mi. As for the chef, it’s a matter of course that he is without spouse.

Although they were friends, Chen Lingjun inwardly separated his friends in terms of closeness.

Brother Chen, Lao Jia, Water God Yu Jiang, and Dragon Pavilion Marquis Li Yuan were all close to him.

As for Jing Hao and Baideng, they must be seen as a group of acquaintances who have only just met.

Chen Qingliu, glancing at Jinghao on Chen Lingjun’s right, sent him a mental message, “It is good to see you again.”

Jinghao, keeping his relationship with the Immortal Master Chen hidden, could only respond with his own thoughts, “I would have never expected to meet Chen xianjun once again, it is a pleasant surprise.”

Chen Qingliu scoffed, not liking the other man in the slightest, and began to pour salt into his wounds, “It might have been acceptable to recognize the situation over on the Left and Right flanks, but Chen Ping’an is just a level ten nascent soul against your ascension realm. How can you respect and distance yourself from the man? His aspirations are large for someone of his level, can you even stomach this?”

Jinghao wanted to say something but stopped.

“Master, I am ok with this”

One who opened a sword path on Mount of Supporting the Moon, and a wall writer who is not even 40 years old.

Even if he were to decline into the Nascent Soul realm, or if he had no cultivation at all, what would it matter if Jinghao were to hear something unpleasant?

Chen Qingliu smirked, “And two demonic ascendants standing beside him. It is not as if you are trying to stir up trouble, would they actually dare to slay you? Do you actually believe that the words of the Hall of Sages are for show? Have you stayed out of contact for too long, cultivating turtle magic and withdrawing into your shell at a moment’s notice?”

Jinghao stayed silent.

He was afraid that if he said something firm, Chen xianjun would sell him out immediately, making it so he would be unable to leave Fallen Peak today.

Previously he was unable to accept it, but now that Chen xianjun has revealed the truth, Jinghao was shocked. So they really were two ascendants, sword cultivators!

They were demonic to boot.

You must know that the ascension realm demons of the desolate area could not be viewed in the same light as other ascendants.

Jinghao turned to the boy beside him, thanking the heavens that he had been given this opportunity.

Although he was unable to participate in the Middle Earth Hall of Sages discussions, he could have a drink here at Fallen Peak.

Chen Lingjun sensed something was off with their faces. “What are you guys talking about?”

Chen Qingliu smiled, “I was trying to make friends, afraid of touching some sore spot.”

Jinghao could not say the words he wanted to say.

The only one oblivious was Chen Lingjun. “Don’t say those things. We’re all friends here. We haven’t even started drinking yet, and you’re already saying these unpleasant things? Let’s just drink for now and talk about this later!”

The boy also used his thoughts, “What is going on? Didn’t I tell you about his background? Don’t say anything to Jinghao, these big cultivators have their tempers, and you’ll get hurt if you aren’t careful!”

Chen Qingliu, “And now that you have this bigshot around, you forgot about your old friend.”

Chen Lingjun felt this was too much. “What are you saying? I’ll drink three bowls first, and you have to follow me!”

Chen Lingjun was worried about the other man.

“It is hard enough to work outside. I know that you are a bookworm at heart!

“And if you ever need me to help, don’t hesitate to ask! If something bad happens, I’ll come with you to the Northern Reaches! I have plenty of friends there who will definitely help, I just knew that you were too prideful to want me to talk of it.”

“And I’m only saying this if you don’t have money, because it doesn’t matter. After we separated, I still made a bunch, so I separated it into two portions. The other one will be saved for Bai Mang because he is a great brother of mine, what does it matter? You guys can have it all.

“If you are afraid, you won’t get anywhere. I’ll just borrow some more! And Chen Old Bro said that since my money is your money, what does it matter? It doesn’t.
There’s also the mountain lord Wei who likes to hold night gatherings. He is just one step shy of being a sworn brother, so who am I to say things? The reason I’m talking is that since my friends have been able to help me here.”

Here, Chen Lingjun patted his friend on the shoulder and whispered, “I know that it isn’t easy, that even if they want to help, it might be hard to do. It’s ok, let’s just have a drink later.”

Chen Lingjun was no idiot. He knew that without trouble, Chen Zhuoliu would not have come so far to see him.

The hardest thing in the world, at least that is what Chen Lingjun felt, was asking a friend to do you a favour.

Chen Qingliu laughed and patted the boy on the head.

Chen Lingjun slapped the hand away. “I was opening my heart to you! You’re looking for a beating.”

“How can you not be moved? I was so moved too.”

“Well cry a bit then, quick.”

Baideng, who was silently following behind them, was shaking. What a brave man! Did he know how to write the word “death?”

Chen Qingliu sensed the thoughts and turned around, “Little one, so you wanted to meet your ancestors?”

Baideng was sweating and speechless.

As a dragon, he should not be drinking with one who slays dragons.

Pushing open the door of his home, Chen Lingjun brought his friends to the table, and soon Zheng Dafeng came over with a cart of drinks, followed by a girl carrying a box of cakes and fruits.

Chen Nuanshu performed a wanfu, and left the cake on the table, “Please wait a bit, the dishes will be here shortly.”

Chen Lingjun was embarrassed.

Chen Nuanshu looked at him and said, “Treat your guests well.”

Chen Lingjun did not dare to look her in the eye.

Chen Nuanshu went to her own home to make the dishes, bringing over a large box soon.

Leaving, she gently closed the door.

Soon, the two began to drink, with the boy’s voice loud enough to tear down the sky.

Zheng Dafeng was waiting outside, “Not mad?”

Chen Nuanshu shook her head, “He’s rarely busy with real work.”

Zheng Dafeng said, “I heard that Chen Lingjun has been drinking every morning.”

Chen Nuanshu raised her eyebrows, “I don’t care!”

Back at the table, Chen Lingjun was standing on the stool, “Brothers are connected!”

Chen Qingliu shook his hand with his. “I use my brain!”

Listening to these nonsense words, Jinghao and Baideng could only blankly stare.

Chen Lingjun and Chen Qingliu began using the local dialect, “Brothers are great, five in a row!”

With his sword and book nowhere to be found, the cyan robe Chen Immortal can only empty the things of the world into three cups.

Three thousand years, one sword passed through vast Lake Dongting, crossed the Green Mountains, and arrived here not to slay a dragon, but to drink with a friend!

***

On the border of Yu and Hong Province, on a road to Yuzhang, the three carriages were simple.

In the central carriage, the Emperor and Empress, Song He and Song Mian, both wore simple clothes and sat side by side, admiring the views.

In the back carriage, Vice of the penal division Zhao Yao, and head of the yu province weaving, was four level Li Baozheng.

One was a hot shot government official, and the other was in the fringes.

Li Baozheng laughed, “You’ve graced me by making me travel in a carriage.”

Zhao Yao, “Thank the Emperor.”

Li Baozheng tsked.

Zhao Yao smiled, though the two were close, he needed to say those things.

They were old friends, though not of the same generation.

Over the years, Zhao Yao and Li Baozheng had been exchanging letters.

Li Baozheng whispered, “I heard there was a push to make the capital to Luo city?”

This would be disastrous to the king living in the northern region.

First lord of shujian lake, xia fan, who had previously controlled intelligence to the southeast and was similar to Li. The Song had three locations, the capital, the gods, and the structures with low officials.

However, forestry Lin Zhengcheng, was probably an exception.

Zhao Yao glanced at Li Baozheng, and laughed.

Li Baozheng, “You never liked to speak.”

If one was to talk about luck, Li Baozheng was not close to Zhao Yao, who was favoured by the Emperor.

However, in the boundary of Yu, the biggest official was the head of the area, though they had no control over the weave.

Yu was a military location, so as a general, Cao Mao also controlled Hong.

Cao Mao was not in the carriage.

When Li Baozheng arrived at Yu, he brought two aides, both surnamed Zhu.

At this moment, Zhu He and Zhu Lu were following from behind.

“Yu Yu?”

“Don’t worry.”

Inside the first carriage, a woman and a girl were sat looking at her jewel.

Woman was dignified, “Recognize?”

The girl shook her head, “Even if I did, I don’t”

The girl knew, and said, “I did not find anything like this.”

The dynasty had a strict inventory.

Yu Yu shook her head, “Cui said not to touch it, or the memories would disappear, I would have to pretend to have never seen it, otherwise they would be removed.”

She patted her badge.

Nanzan laughed, “Even if you did not inherit it, you would still ascend.”

“You don’t have to be nervous, because cui is not around anymore.”

The girl sighed, “Cui is gone!”

Nanzan momentarily paled, with a headache about the official.

Yu Yu fell silent.

Nanzan caressed the bracelet.

Yu Yu knew that Chen Ping’an had entered the palace, but she knew no more.

It was an art to be able to not know certain things.

She gave the slave a broken bit of porcelain.

At the time, she was wearing a bracelet. With it, one could view past memories.

Nanzan sighed, and forced a smile. But, she soon frowned, knowing that she may have to see the boy again.

Almost every sect had one.

The purpose was to find those disciples who had passed on, so that they could be brought back to cultivate. Jiang zhaomo was one such example.

Thus, the treasure was invaluable, and one that every cultivator yearned for.

Nanzan’s bracelet had 12 jewels. However, Chen Ping’an had destroyed them all.

However, she was unsure about whether she could cast a sword restriction upon the gems.

The old driver reminded her, “Careful with your inner demons, if it is Chen, you will never achieve the jade body.”

The old driver was an ancient god.

“Those demons are born from the heart.”

Nanzan’s eyes lit up, “Thank you for reminding me.”

“It was in a novel.”

Nanzan held back her anger.

Yu Yu became slow.

Nanzan saw it and controlled herself, and asked, “You can choose treasures from the inventory. I recall that criminal officials can exchange for treasures based on their merit.”

She was sure that there was something greater.

Yu Yu smiled at the empress.

Nanzan knew, “Ignore me.”

Yu Yu, “Cui said that if you were to ask, I could tell.”

Yu Yu pointed to her and Nanzan, “The dynasty’s true inventory are all of you.”

Nanzan did not speak.

Yu Yu smiled and exhaled.

Haha, she had only copied Cui Qian!

***

Mountain Lord Wei Bo, the master of Yuzhou, was wondering about self-designation.

Small Mo was relieved that Xia Gou was whispering, “They appear to be discussing important matters. As for the provocation by the door, Xia Gou has completely forgotten.”

Back at the Zhu house, Chen Ping’an was taking Little Mo back to the town.

Chen Zeng, was going to find a shop to stay at.