In the realm of Little Yunyan, the capital teemed with extraordinary figures. Mountain immortals, masters of cloud-riding, walked among mortals, making the city a veritable den of dragons and crouching tigers.

Add to this the dignitaries and officials from distant lands, all flocking to Yunyan for some grand assembly. The streets were alive with outsiders of consequence, individuals best left undisturbed. Perhaps this explained the unusual tranquility? Even the weather-wielding cultivators seemed bound by an unspoken pact, conducting themselves with remarkable restraint, leaving the common folk unharmed. The Ministry of Justice, astoundingly, received not a single complaint requiring their intervention. Meanwhile, officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Court of State Ceremonial vied for the Emperor’s favor, inventing tales of their own merit.

Tucked away in a humble alley was a modest eatery, its grilled fish a local legend. Every table was occupied.

Within, patrons spoke in voices that boomed, discussing transactions worth thousands, even tens of thousands, of silver taels.

The quietest table, ordering only grilled fish and a few catties of the capital’s famed ‘Yi’ wine.

One man, apparently treating his companions, meticulously inspected the fish in the courtyard, rejecting one after another until he found a suitable specimen for their party of four.

His lack of extravagance suggested a light purse, a rare excursion for a humble meal.

With one leg propped upon the bench, the man hunched over his bowl, taking a small sip of wine before quietly remarking, “Have you heard? The Old Ancestor himself took Wu Shou to Qingping Sword Sect.”

Across from him sat a middle-aged couple. The woman, frowning, picked away at the cilantro garnishing their dish. Upon hearing the man’s words, she smiled wryly. “The Ancestral Master clearly seeks to redeem that fat fool. Though, knowing Lingjiao’s temperament, he may not find it easy there. He’s sure to suffer from ‘soil and water sickness.’ The ways of other sects may be unknown, but I have a good idea of the atmosphere cultivated by the Hidden Official.”

The man gathered the discarded cilantro onto his own plate. “Let’s not rub salt in Wu Fatty’s wounds.”

Then, he added with a chuckle, “He’s paying for this meal, remember. He’s a master of feigning drunkenness or making a sudden escape to the privy to avoid the bill.”

He and the woman were a pair of cultivators, Tao Hongxing and Luo Jin, hailing from the ‘Bundle Shop’ and currently managing its affairs in Tongye Continent. Their companion was Guo Manqian, the Bundle Shop’s accountant for Tongye Continent.

Guo Manqian, with a mischievous grin, offered the woman a morsel of fish, only for Tao Hongxing to swiftly knock it away with his chopsticks. “She’s your sister-in-law! Behave yourself!”

Guo Manqian, retrieving his chopsticks, chewed on the fish. “Does the Ancestral Master truly believe in the wealth the Great Canal will bring? Even with unlimited funds, I wouldn’t have such boldness – a full six thousand Valley Rain coins!”

At Qingping Sword Sect, the Ancestral Master had pledged six thousand Valley Rain coins, half of which came from Zhang Zhi’s personal coffers.

Officially, Qingping Sword Sect, Jade Regulation Sect, Great Spring Dynasty and other forces were named as co-initiators.

Opening the Great Canal in Tongye Continent required an astronomical sum of spirit money.

Qingping Sword Sect pledged three thousand Valley Rain coins. The Jade Regulation Sect contributed five thousand from its treasury.

The Great Spring Yao Clan, two thousand, borrowed, it was said, from Qingping Sword Sect and Jade Regulation Sect, without interest.

The Liu Clan of Aiyai Continent and the Yu Clan of Xuanchi Dynasty offered ten thousand and two thousand respectively.

All had been received.

And now, the Bundle Shop’s six thousand.

Furthermore, it seemed that Wei Biao of the Cloud-Shrouded Mountain on Treasure Bottle Continent, had also contributed two thousand Valley Rain coins.

With enough money, no task was insurmountable.

Tao Hongxing expressed his admiration. “A grand gesture! Truly befitting Liu Caishen’s reputation for generosity.”

Beyond the money, the Liu Clan of Aiyai Continent had also promised to dispatch three hundred spirit boats and talisman-powered vessels of varying sizes to Tongye Continent within a year.

Guo Manqian quipped sourly, “If Liu Caishen is so capable, why not send over the immortals to pilot them and waive the spirit money needed for their spiritual energy?”

The Guo Clan of Jun County, in the Central Earth Continent, had a longstanding feud with the Liu Clan of Aiyai Continent.

On paper, the Liu and Yu Clans contributed the most, and reportedly without any written agreements.

Furthermore, both would only profit from an one tenth return on their initial investments, a far cry from the expected profits.

Luo Jin chuckled. “Does this mean Chen Yin Guan’s favor is worth eleven thousand Valley Rain coins to Liu Jubao?”

Tao Hongxing nodded. “Worth every penny.”

Luo Jin found it peculiar. “It’s been over a month since the Qingping Sword Sect’s ship docked at Fish Scale Ferry, and Mi Yu has remained onboard. It’s as if that great swordsman is deliberately giving the spotlight to Zhang Qiu and Cao Qinglang from Star Vista Peak.”

Guo Manqian, with a knowing glance, surveyed Tao Hongxing.

The Sword Qi Great Wall’s Mi Yu possessed striking features and the bearing of a true swordsman.

“Brother Tao,” Guo Manqian thought, “be careful! Mi Yu’s charm is no less potent than his swordsmanship.”

The man grinned, unfazed. “Men admire women’s figures, and women admire handsome men. I can’t control what she thinks, just her body. Even if she thinks of Mi Yu during our bedtime, I don’t mind.”

The woman’s eyes softened as she pinched her husband’s arm. “You fiend!”

Guo Manqian feigned shock, drawing a sharp breath. He quickly poured a generous bowl of wine for Tao Hongxing, then simpered, “Sister-in-law, do you find me presentable?”

The woman eyed the young man. “You’re too skinny. Go cool off.”

Guo Manqian drained his bowl. “Just remember our agreement. Let me be a sect leader someday, so I can flaunt my status when I go home for clan meetings. Otherwise, I can never hold my head high.”

Reaching the fifth level of cultivation allowed one to request permission to found a sect from the Confucian Temple.

The Bundle Shop considered establishing a subsidiary sect, but it seemed it did not hold the status to do so.

Tao Hongxing sighed at the mention of a sect.

Every family had its troubles. The Bundle Shop made money, but where did that leave their status.

Guo Manqian gloated, “If I had gone to Qingping Sword Sect, I wouldn’t have needed the Ancestral Master’s help. I could have scaled Immortals Capital Mountain on my own, rather than being stuck at the ferry.”

Luo Jin cautioned, “Quiet! Wu Fatty’s here.”

Among the three, the woman possessed the highest cultivation level.

A plump man entered the eatery, a bag slung over his shoulder. He sat beside Guo Manqian, complaining, “Why did you choose such a cramped place? A tavern would have been more spacious. We could have enjoyed the capital’s night view while drinking.”

Guo Manqian motioned for an extra bowl and chopsticks. “If you don’t like it, we can have a second round elsewhere.”

Wu Shou grimaced, the bench creaking under his weight. “Forget it. I have appointments with two other groups. Let’s reschedule.”

Entertaining outsiders and discussing business expenses could be reimbursed by Guo Manqian, the accountant. However, treating Guo Manqian and the others came out of Wu Shou’s own pocket.

The Bundle Shop of Tongye Continent, like Liu Jubao and Yu Panshui, considered losses as sunk costs and only took one tenth of any profits. All six thousand Valley Rain coins had been received, and would ultimately line Zhang Zhi’s pocket. The Bundle Shop here would create new stores along the Great Canal. This had a huge impact on the territories along the Great Canal, and was the task that Tao Hongxing, Wu Shou and others were currently pursuing.

Despite the low prices offered by the Bundle Shop, and the long-term contracts, the states along the Great Canal welcomed the revenue and increased traffic.

Luo Jin murmured, “Beyond the fame, the money is the only thing that matters. For the next decade, Tongye Continent will not starve.”

Guo Manqian nodded.

Tao Hongxing asked, “Have those hermits finally agreed to come down from the mountains?”

The hermits of Luoyang were a taboo topic among the Bundle Shop.

Their founder, Zhang Zhi, was a traitor to the hermits of Luoyang.

Wu Shou carefully said, “Let’s not discuss such unpleasant things while eating.”

Guo Manqian removed his shoes, sat cross-legged, and peeked under the table.

From beneath the table, an embroidered shoe arched up, threatening to kick his face. Luo Jin playfully scolded, “What are you looking at, you dog?”

Guo Manqian chuckled. “I was just worried you two would start making love here. I’m sure it would spread around.”

Wu Shou shrugged, unfazed. He grabbed a large piece of fish and took a generous sip of wine. “Someone is spreading lies about Yao Jinzhi, Huang Yiyun, Yu Juanfu and Liu Suiyu being in Yunyan. People are flooding Yunyan with such rumours.”

Guo Manqian admired Chen Pingan for building everything from nothing.

Tao Hongxing admired the actions of Chen Pingan in Sword Qi Great Wall, while Luo Jin admired Chen Pingan’s compliance to his wife.

News spread that the Second Shopkeeper was regularly sitting outside the Ning residence.

Outside the eatery, a youth with a mole between his eyebrows passed by, turned around, entered the building and said, “People need a way to burn their energy. Examples include: Saving a dying horse, saving rotten mud, scolding a prostitute, asking a butcher to drop his knife or telling a merchant to not screw people over.”

He patted Wu Shou’s shoulder, “Brother Lingjiao, you’re in the mood to drink here?!”

Wu Shou froze, “Sect Leader Cui, what brings you here?”

Cui Dongshan laughed, “Did you finally get over what happened at Green Shirt Ferry?!”

Wu Shou said, “Sect Leader Cui is joking.”

Cui Dongshan grabbed Wu Shou’s shoulder, “Brother Lingjiao is saying that I’m unreliable?!”

Wu Shou said, “Not at all.”

Cui Dongshan sat between Wu Shou and Guo Manqian.

Guo Manqian frowned, but kept quiet.

Even the Bundle Shop could not find anything out about Cui Dongshan, so Zhang Zhi had told everyone to treat him with respect.

Besides Wu Shou, the others were very surprised.

“Do you recognize these?”

Cui Dongshan placed three spirit coins on the table.

Snowflake coins, Xiaoshu coins and Valley Rain coins.

Cui Dongshan pressed on the coins with his fingers, “I don’t think you do. What about you?”

Tao Hongxing laughed, “If Sect Leader Cui says so, then it is so.”

They did not like Cui Dongshan.

“How did Chen Pingan end up choosing someone like him?” they wondered.

Cui Dongshan put away the coins, “If Zhang Zhi was here, he would understand me.”

7 teams from Luoyang had started to travel, deciding where to settle.

Cui Dongshan believed that everything was being done for others.

These others were the ancestor of the businessmen, Fan.

Secondly, Liu Jubao of Aiyai.

Previously, Li Sheng had started the ball rolling.

Now, all of the ancestors of the different sects were able to grow.

Luo Jin laughed, “If Qingping Sword Sect has people like Sect Leader Cui, there’s no need to go to your place.”

Cui Dongshan was speechless.

Well, they were somewhat of an ally. Cui Dongshan had decided to be honest.

“Some businesses are not meant to become great. Like grain.”

“Why do you think the Bundle Shop doesn’t have a sect? Don’t you find it weird?”

“One of your earlier members was too good at making money. He was recorded by the Confucian Temple. He has since been removed by Zhang Zhi. Despite his efforts, Zhang Zhi couldn’t see any of the Confucian Temple members. Zhang Zhi wouldn’t publicize this. That’s why you aren’t aware.”

“Harsh hearts make no money, kind hearts cannot keep it. Zhang Zhi was advised to plant trees for others to live.”

“In recent times, the Bundle Shop has lost money on a couple of businesses and avoided touching others.”

“Zhang Zhi is finally getting somewhere. 3000 Valley Rain coins in exchange for a good reputation. What a steal.”

Guo Manqian asked, “Sect Leader Cui knows a lot, even about the details of other sects and what goes on in the Confucian Temple.”

Cui Dongshan said, “I know even more. I even know about your grandmother’s story with Wei She. How they did not get along in the end. Do you find that scary?”

Guo Manqian was stunned. Even he, a member of the Guo clan of Jun county only vaguely knew about it.

“Following Zhang Zhi is dull. Following my team is more fun! How about we cooperate?”

Wu Shou was silent.

Was this how new sect leaders were?

Tao Hongxing and Guo Manqian exchanged looks. “Was this person taking them for a ride?”

Luo Jin was the first to speak, “Are you joking, Sect Leader Cui?”

“Yes, I am. Otherwise it would be very wrong of me.”

Cui Dongshan said, “I’m just joking. To ease the atmosphere.”

Guo Manqian thought that Cui Dongshan was crazy.

Wu Shou agreed.

Cui Dongshan said, “Let me be clear. All your Bundle Shops have to showcase our products. We won’t take a cut. If you really want to give us the money, I wouldn’t mind.

Cui Dongshan would extort protection fees.

“The Bundle Shops meet a lot of people. Please recommend any cultivator talents to us. In particular, sword cultivators.”

“We need to talk about the third point…”

Cui Dongshan said, “Being neighbours is important.”

Luo Jin said, “There is no third point.”

Cui Dongshan asked, “Don’t you want to listen?”

Luo Jin said, “Let’s not spoil the mood.”

This was a dismissal. If Cui Dongshan continued, the Qingping Sword Sect and the Bundle Shop were going to fall out.

Cui Dongshan grabbed chopsticks from Wu Shou and Guo Manqian, grabbed a bottle of wine from Luo Jin, and a bowl from Tao Hongxing.

He filled the bowl and placed the chopsticks on top, “We have fish today. We’ll have a great year.”

A man with a cane entered the building, “Sect Leader Cui, please tell me about the third point.”

The main character had finally arrived.

Cui Dongshan smiled, “How can you possibly eat all of the traffic along the Great Canal?”

Zhang Zhi sat, “Tell me.”

Cui Dongshan said, “Why not a Bundle Shop at every ferry?”

Zhang Zhi asked, “What are the considerations?”

Cui Dongshan said, “The same goes for every kingdom.”

Zhang Zhi asked, “Anything else?”

Cui Dongshan said, “The same goes for the Floating Halberd Continent.”

Zhang Zhi was silent.

Cui Dongshan laughed, “If you can’t finish it, you can leave it for next year.”

Zhang Zhi laughed, “Are you for real?”

Cui Dongshan asked, “Don’t you want to know who I am?”

Zhang Zhi asked, “Who are you?”

Cui Dongshan took out a fan, “I am Cui Dongshan, teacher’s student.”

Zhang Zhi laughed, “Chen and Cui both have a good eye for people.”

Cui Dongshan wondered, “Are you sure you aren’t saying the opposite?”

Zhang Zhi said, “I’m serious.”

—-

A good looking cultivator dressed in green walked through the capital.

He was Qing Tong.

He sensed the powerful aura of other cultivators.

“So many turtles in a shallow pond,” he thought.

At first, the Qin Emperor was worried, but everything had been ok so far.

Qing Tong stopped. Why was she here?! Did she want to be killed?!

In front was a woman and a young girl.

The woman turned around, “Daoist friend Qing Tong, we meet again.”

She was Old Throne great demon Yang Zhi.

Qing Tong immediately hid his thoughts, “Why are you here?”

The girl asked, “Senior Qing Tong, what a coincidence. Eat with us!”

Qing Tong laughed, “I am fine. I don’t like oily things.”

“Ten more roasted squid please!” said the girl.

Qing Tong hesitated.

“I’m not dumb. I know what is going on,” said Yang Zhi.

Qing Tong asked, “Then why are you here?”

Yang Zhi said, “Hiding would be pointless. I might as well enjoy myself before I get killed.”

Qing Tong asked, “Aren’t you worried about running into Mi Yu?”

Yang Zhi laughed, “He is only an immortal. How much can he do?”

Qing Tong said, “You’re so happy go lucky.”

Yang Zhi turned to the squid store, “10 more mutton and gizzards, lots of pepper please.”

Yang Zhi said, “I’m going under the name Jing Xing.”

Qing Tong asked, “Are you Jing Xing?”

Yang Zhi nodded.

Yang Zhi said, “Tao Ting is here.”

Qing Tong laughed, “He’s our junior.”

Yang Zhi said, “I can say that. But you can’t.”

Qing Tong said, “A tree and a dog. Neither is better than the other.”

Yang Zhi laughed, “And a prisoner.”

A man strolled through the market.

He was testing the cultivators here.

Then he spotted someone. Another immortal?! Tongye was full of talent.

According to his master, Tongye was a pile of dung that spat out gold.

The man whispered, “Are you Daoist Ning?”

Tao Ting asked, “Who are you?”

The man introduced himself, “I’m from the Longqiu of Middle-Earth, Situ Mengjing, Dao name Longran. I am the temporary mountain master of the Longqiu of Tongye.”

Tao Ting nodded, “I’ve heard of them.”

Tao Ting thought that he should pick a fight with another ascension level to spread his name further.

“What are you doing here since you’re sealed?” Tao Ting asked.

“Longqiu of Middle-Earth wants to contribute. I will be going back soon.”

Tao Ting said, “Why the rush? How about we spend some time together? Where do you live? Can I stay at your place?

Tao Ting wanted to make friends.

Situ Mengjing invited Tao Ting to his place.

A message had been sent to Little Longqiu from Cui Dongshan asking for them to accept the banished members as workers.

After thinking about it, Situ Mengjing agreed.

While Tao Ting was famous, Yang Zhi and Qing Tong were also here.

Back at a secret home, Li Ba was looking at a map.

Huang Man felt something.

Li Ba asked, “Are we being spied on?”

Huang Man asked, “Hard to say.”

Xi Man laughed, “Huang Man, should I see what is going on?”

Huang Man said, “It’s difficult. I would need to use some secret techniques.”

Li Ba shook his head, “It is ok.”

Huang Man asked, “What about the Yu? It is ok for them to get away?”

Li Ba said, “The master said it was a trivial matter.”

Huang Man said, “This Prince can rest at ease.”

The Prince was currently here, hoping to get back into the good graces of the East Sea Water Master.

Wang Zhu was aggressive and wanted the Yu to bring back the general Huang Shanshou.

On that day, Wang Zhu gave Cui Dongshan 15000 Valley Rain coins.

Wang Zhu also asked for Cui Dongshan to build her a villa near Jicui Hall.

Cui Dongshan gave her Jicui Hall.

Back at the market, Tao Ting sensed someone. A Daoist. Interesting.

Situ Mengjing of the Longqiu clan was wondering why Tao Ting was being so nice.

Still, he invited Tao Ting to his place to drink.

In a big boat named Tong Yin.

Mi Yu was sitting.

There was a young man and an old woman outside.

They were Xing Yun and Liu Shui.

Mi Yu asked, “You’re Mi Yu?”

Mi Yu said, “That’s me.”

Thankfully Mi Yu had served as Chen Pingan’s scribe.

Xing Yun wondered, “Mi Hu was ugly.”

Liu Shui nodded, “Very ugly.”

Xing Yun asked, “Are you two really brothers?”

Mi Yu smiled, “We’re brothers.”

Liu Shui said, “I saw Yin Guan Xiao Xun in the wastelands. She spared me, otherwise I would be dead.”

Xing Yun laughed, “Xiao Xun used to be your shadow. Why wouldn’t she spare you?”

Liu Shui said, “You just suck up to Dong.”

Mi Yu didn’t want to get involved.

There was silence.

Xing Yun asked, “How did Gao Cheng die?”

Liu Shui said, “Why don’t you talk about Zhou Cheng?”

Mi Yu asked, “Want to drink some wine?”

Liu Shui said, “Give him a lot.”

Xing Yun stood up and left.

The old woman looked at the sword, “Not bad.”

Mi Yu said, “Chun Ru Chen Chun An gave me the sword.”

The old woman asked, “Why is Chen Chun An willing to work with you?”

Mi Yu said, “Thanks to Yin Guan.”

The old woman asked, “Do you respect Chen Pingan?”

Mi Yu said, “You should address him as Yin Guan.”

The old woman said, “Just because he is your Sect Leader?”

Mi Yu said, “Your experience is meaningless.”

The old woman stood up.

Mi Yu stood up, “What do you plan to do next?”

Liu Shui laughed, “We’ll see.”

At the tail of the boat, the old woman stroked her hair.

She was beautiful in her youth.

In a pavilion belonging to the Court of State Ceremonial, Liu Youzhou changed his “snail shell” home every few days.

He was eating while looking at a map.

Each section of the map was owned by a different faction.

He was impressed by the quick way of dividing things.

The large Fushuyuan was there. The smaller Wuxishuyuan was there. Tianshuyuan was there.

All of the leaders would attend.

Little Longqiu had summoned some craftsmen.

Then there was the failing Taipingshan.

The main focus was on the Qinpingshan.

Some had managed to grab chairs, such as Yu Juanfu.

Of course, there was also Liu Youzhou. Good heavens! The son of Liu Jubao!

Some thought that the women were aiming for the throne, others were aiming for Liu Youzhou.

There was also Shi Yuyan.

His family was rich, but he was dark skinned and built.

Next to him was a woman named Liu Suiyu.

Liu Suiyu said, “If Chen Pingan saw that, he would beat you up.”

Liu Youzhou had drawn a picture of the fight between Chen and Cao.

Liu Youzhou laughed.

Liu Suiyu asked, “Have you agreed to take up all of the Qin dynasty’s ink stones?”

Liu Youzhou said, “The ink is excellent. It used to not make a lot of money, but now we can get it out there. Our Liu group is excellent with shipping.”

Liu Suiyu said, “Business is in your blood.”

Liu Youzhou laughed, “I saw a lot of it.”

Liu Youzhou asked, “In all of the places that aren’t interested in fighting the wastelands, why are people fighting? Why aren’t they afraid?”

Liu Suiyu said, “Sex, benefits, fame. Each has their own reason.”

Liu Youzhou sighed and continued to eat.

Liu Suiyu asked, “How are you feeling about Gu Can’s thing?”

Liu Youzhou said, “We’ll see.”

Liu Suiyu said, “Don’t get too close to Gu Can.”

Liu Youzhou said, “If I wasn’t Liu Youzhou, why would Gu Can work with me?”

Recently Liu Suiyu learned more. Cao Ci had taken the charge. Gu Can had cleaned it all up.

The wastelands was led by Zhuyu, Liubai, Qiuyun, Yusu, Yaotiao, Ziweimeng, Jintan, Yuanying, Yupu and Lianyi.

Hao was led by Cao Ci, Fu Jin, Yuan Pang, Gu Can, Yu Juanfu, Qing Chun, Zhao Yaoguang, Xumi and Xu Bai.

There was also Jiangshengzhen and Feng Xuetao.

On the shores of the Western Sea.

Liu Mao and a Confucian were standing.

The Confucian used strange gestures. He called himself Biegeng.

Cui Dongshan had recruited someone from Tongye.

Liu Mao took out an encyclopedia.

Next to them was Mount Sea Dragon. In that mountain, Cui Dongshan built two places, one for astronomy and the other for astrology. Liu Mao was in charge of both.

Biegeng asked, “When are you returning the printing plates?”

Liu Mao said, “No way.”

Biegeng said, “I can buy it back.”

Liu Mao said, “No way.”

Biegeng asked, “Did you really steal them?”

Liu Mao said, “Believe what you want.”

Biegeng crouched down.

Water had to connect to the ocean to be called a river.

Biegeng returned the water to the ocean, “There is a shipyard at your place?”

Liu Mao nodded, “His majesty is wise.”

Such a shipyard was expensive to build and operate.

Biegeng said, “Compared to the Great Li dynasty, you’re not much.”

Liu Mao said, “Don’t say that.”

Liu Mao remembered what Cui Dongshan asked.

“The people of Tongye think of themselves as better. How come they don’t have ships? How come they don’t build canals? Du Mao and Xun Yuan are smart people.”

“If we compare the lands of Tongye to a mountain, what would you call it?”

Liu Mao said, “Sealed mountain.”

Cui Dongshan nodded, “Good.”

“The different sects did not want to go to the Sword Qi Great Wall. They failed to bring the fortunes of the Sword to Tongye. As such, it failed to create a proper sword cultivator. Before, Baoping Continent had many sword cultivators. Now, it’s Tongye’s turn to look down on Baoping Continent.”

“If it wasn’t for the war, Tongye might have had a chance. Perhaps it was Du Mao, perhaps it was Xun Yuan, or perhaps it was Jiang Shangzhen or Wei Ying.”

Before leaving, Liu Mao met with the Emperor.

Yao Jinzhi asked, “Have you seen black clouds?”

Black clouds were supposedly what the Great Li dynasty’s ships created.

The dynasty had a goal of conquering lands.

—-

In the Northern Territory.

Wen Yu toured all of the places, but hid his identity.

Upon hearing that Wen was back, the students straightened up.

Wen lectured on war and math.

Everyone here respected Wen.

Wen did not go back, but instead went to the back mountains. The mountain leader Fan Jiantan and Kang Kai were waiting for him.

Wen greeted them and learned about everything.

Long Gong had been the leader of Jicui Hall. She worked with Wanyaozong to take over Qingzhuan Sect.

Then they were supposed to become a main sect in the Great Thousand World.

The academy had asked Long Gong about everything and Long Gong had confessed everything.

Now it was up to Wen.

Previously, the youth had posed as Wen and it had worked.

That made Wen curious and apprehensive.

He had come to learn that the people here would rather deal with almost anyone other than him.

Wen had laid his terms and conditions.

“Was Wanyaozong helping the wasteland?”

Wen was judging them before having even started.

Fan Jiantan kept quiet.

Wen said, “When Long left Wanyaozong, it was a long time before the war. Wanyaozong has clearly planned this.

Kang Kai said, “It is possible that Han just predicted that things would change. After all, it wasn’t like the old days.”

“With its resources, Wanyaozong can indeed become a big sect.”

“But it is just a prediction that Wanyao was working with the wastelands.

San Jiantan asked, “Wen? Should we report this?”

Kang Kai nodded.

Wen said, “It will just alert them and it will be all for naught. We’ll send a message to Han.”

“We can say that we want to discuss something with him.”

Fan Jiantan hesitated, “A sect leader might not listen to us.”

Wen said, “He will.”

Kang Kai said, “We can’t prove that Han is guilty.”

Wen said, “We will have proof.”

Wen was going to see what they had done.

“Long and everyone else is under a protection bubble.”

After the meeting, Wen left first.

Kang Kai said, “Young and energetic.”

San Jiantan said, “We used to be like that too.”

San Jiantan said, “Let me tell you a secret. The Confucian Temple wanted Wen to become a sect leader, but Wen refused and said that he can only serve as a vice leader. That is why he picked the two of us.”

Kang Kai laughed, “Haha. So he thinks we’re easy to boss around?”

After Kang and Wen separated, Wen went to see her again.

San asked, “I find your arrogance heartening. But please use it wisely.”

Wen bowed, “I will.”

Fan smiled.

Wen was very special.

This was why they had used this chance to learn a lot about everything.

—-

Land in the southern mountain.

The ancient one looked at the sea.

Next to the ocean stood a Daoist.

He was eager to speak.

He was Lu Ying’s student.

He was Zhao Zhuo.

He was going to be sent to deliver the Yu Huahuahuan.

Recently the disciples had been getting very demanding, as if he was their personal alchemist.

Lu said, “We will say yes. Why not?”

Zhao was upset, “If teacher finds it hard, let me reject them.”

Lu waved his sleeve, “You don’t understand.”

“In this world full of lies, we don’t mind being cheated by someone smart. But we hate being cheated by someone dumb.”

Zhao said, “I see.”

Lu said, “You are only partially correct. You aren’t thinking clearly.”

Previously the leaders had asked for more pills, for a man known as Han.

Lu had made no demands and said that Chen could bring whatever he needed.

Chen said, “I promise to not do this more than 3 times.”

Lu said, “Haha, don’t be polite.”

Recently Lu had asked for things in return.

Chen had gifted him a talisman with an 8.

Chen and Lu had a good relationship.

He taught him some secrets.

“Deal with someone smart by being smart. And someone dumb with honesty. Be simple.”

Zhao remembered that and waited for more.

Lu patted him, “You have to be shameless and stick to a master until the very end.”

Zhao was embarrassed.

Lu waved his sleeve.

“You thought that Chen had only used some physical strength and manpower.

“This is what it truly means to return the favor.”

Lu said that this place was special as it could be used to increase the karma.

“It wasn’t something that he could take away. Had Du Mao tried, he would have failed. He feared the people of Yu Guishan.”

Speaking of them, it wasn’t possible to say anything.

Chen had made sure that the palace had the blessings of Longqiu and Taipingshan.

“What is the purpose of the shoes given to us by that old man?”

Zhao laughed, “I use my feet, not my face.”

Lu praised, “Good!

“I was worried that you wouldn’t fit in.”

Zhao asked, “Why do you want me to be a guest with the lost home?”

Lu berated him, “Do you need me to draw you a picture?”

Zhao suddenly understood.

—-

Wu Yu smelled the wind and smiled. This was a great place to build a sect.

She was the daughter of Cheng.

She realized something.

When the son died, she had gone to send everything to the palace.

She also took a book and made a list, selecting those to join her.

She was going to separate from the family and rebuild.

The low members were all happy, as they could climb the ranks faster.

It had roughly 80 members.

At this point, they could almost form a sect.

After getting close to it, she thought of Chen.

Cheng was respectful of Chen.

“Take this limited body to find the infinite fire.”

She also rejected the invitation to help the fallen dynasty by Chen.

That would mean she would be constantly meeting new people and forced to see people she didn’t like.

Her brother was no better.

As for her dynasty, they would be happy for her to be gone.

Finally she would be free.

“The king will give you a chance to take part in the canal,” said Shao.

Wu smiled, “Easy to say.”

Shao said, “I will ask Cui about it.”

Wu asked, “Can’t you just ask Chen?”

Shao said, “Chen delegated everything to Cui.”

Wu said, “Haven’t thought of a name yet?”

Wu said, “First it will be Chun Yang palace, but later Chun Yang clan.”

—-

A scholar with some gray hair was holding an umbrella.

Next to him was a man named Feng Xuetao.

He liked to roam around and had many drinking buddies.

The scholar said, “Feng, you’re sure about helping us out, not just as a guest?”

Feng said, “As long as I survive. I can survive as a bodyguard. I will accept it as long as I live.”

He had barely done anything.

Later he was of some help.

They were friends.

“You are so helpful, even without me.”

He stopped holding it up and walked along the mountain road.

Feng asked, “Who are we meeting?”

He suddenly felt something.

Who was this person that Zhang seemed to know?

There were many women.

“What is going on?” he wondered.

Zhang did a complex greeting with the youth.

“Cheif Zhou. You’re finally back, or I would have had to use a eulogy for you!”

Zhang sighed. “No need.”

Cui whispered, “Have you heard the news?”

Zhang nodded, “Yes. There’s a talented new comer who’s taken everyone’s heart.”

Cui said, “They are forgetting you. They are not listening to me.”

Zhang rubbed his chin.

Cui asked, “Who’s this?”

Zhang said, “My old friend, Feng Xuetao.”

Cui bowed, “You’re the one that the old man hunted down and failed to kill.”

Feng frowned.

Why was he opening by bringing up his painful memories?

“The man that Liu keeps looking down on.”

Feng suddenly tensed up.

Zhang said, “Get used to it.”

Cui removed everything and they sat down together.

Cui asked, “Do you feel regret about how you’re changed.”

Zhang said, “Honestly, a bit.”

Cui nodded.

Zhang said, “What can you do? You can’t expect everything. We’re missing one thing.”

Cui put his fist in his palm.

Zhang sat on the railing. Cui followed.

Feng sat on the stairs, not disturbing the two.

After some time, it started raining.

Zhang threw the umbrella and dropped like a flower.

“It is fun in the clouds.”

Cui said, “Your dao heart will prevail.”