The eve of the Second Month dawned upon the land.

In the heart of Verdant Leaf Continent, nestled a humble kingdom known as Cloudrock. This year, it played host to an unprecedented convocation within its ancestral halls.

The magnitude of this gathering resonated throughout the continent, eclipsing any precedent in the history of Verdant Leaf.

Cloudrock, no vassal to any grand dynasty, was cradled within a basin, its territories scarcely rivaling a single province of the Great Spring Dynasty. Hence, it was often dismissed as a mere handful of earth.

Renowned for its vinegar and exquisite inks, Cloudrock harbored no celestial sects within its borders, only fleeting martial factions. Even the Fish Scale Ferry, a makeshift haven for immortals just outside the capital, was erected in haste for this occasion. This charade of grandeur, however, only highlighted the kingdom’s poverty to the discerning eyes of true ascetics, who could see the threadbare reality beneath the pretense.

Like a pauper’s wife, Cloudrock had exhausted its coffers to adorn itself in finery, offering a strained smile to its distinguished guests.

In a mere month, no less than three councils had already been held.

Under the cloak of night, the Fish Scale Ferry was graced by a vessel of immense proportions, a veritable behemoth that compelled other celestial ferries to maintain a respectful distance.

Upon its railing sat a solitary figure cloaked in snow-white robes, an immortal lost in contemplation, his drink a bitter draught of homesickness.

Cao Qinglang, having finished his reading, sought respite upon the deck. He greeted the venerable Sword Immortal Mi, “Chief Mi.”

Startled from his reverie, Mi Yu turned with a smile, producing another flask from his sleeve. “A local brew from the capital, they call it Yi Wine. A bit mild, but palatable enough.”

In his younger days, before ascending the Upside-Down Mountain to the Sword Qi Great Wall, Mi Yu had been accustomed to the exorbitant prices of celestial spirits. Now, however, he found himself enjoying even the humblest of vintages.

Cao Qinglang accepted the flask, nodding. “The scrolls describe this Yi Wine as brewed from Job’s Tears, affordable and possessing a delicate charm, though insufficient to sate a true imbiber.”

Mi Yu chuckled. “Truly, a prized student of the Hidden Officer, your knowledge is both profound and eclectic.”

Cao Qinglang smiled. “A fortunate coincidence, I encountered it in a scholar’s journal. Knowledge fresh from the page.”

Cloudrock, steeped in scholarly tradition, instilled a love for learning in its youth. From noble houses to affluent merchants, children were presented with comprehensive bibliographies, providing a rudimentary understanding of what constituted a “work” or a “fine book.” This early exposure enabled them to navigate the vast ocean of literature, allowing them to prioritize and study with greater focus.

Thus, while Cloudrock boasted no renowned generals or immortal masters, it had produced a lineage of celebrated exegetes and bibliographers.

Mi Yu inquired, “Does it weigh heavily upon one to be a student of the Hidden Officer?”

Cao Qinglang replied, “I am content, though perhaps Pei Qian harbors greater ambitions.”

Within the capital of Cloudrock, lacking even a modest immortal inn, the attending celestial masters were housed in government residences or even the private estates of ministers and generals. The Ministry of Rites and the Court of Diplomatic Receptions had been overwhelmed, struggling to avoid any embarrassing faux pas.

Liu Youzhou, however, despite being lodged in a state-owned mansion under the Court of Diplomatic Receptions, had transformed his chamber into a celestial realm. Among his collection of portable paradises, he selected a “Snail Shell,” a miniature domain of jade towers, verdant gardens, and chirping birds.

Liu Youzhou, never depriving himself of earthly comforts, was both discerning and adaptable. He savored fine delicacies, yet reveled in the simplicity of street food.

In the span of a fortnight, Liu Youzhou had accompanied Liu Suiyu to over a dozen restaurants and taverns.

Within the paradise hall, Liu Suiyu reclined on a grand chair, legs outstretched, and sighed. “Alas, I have yet to meet the Yao Empress, nor glimpse the beauty of Huang Yi Yun.”

The Empress of the Great Spring Dynasty, the Patriarch of the Poushan Ye clan, and the Void Shattering warrior were all renowned beauties of Verdant Leaf Continent.

Fair women, ever curious about the visages of others, longed to witness their allure firsthand. And then whisper: “Adequate at best.”

Her gaze drifted beyond the doorway. Liu Youzhou possessed considerable wealth! Within the courtyard stood a Wisteria tree, said to have been planted by Wei She himself, its trunk resembling a coiled dragon.

Sustaining such a treasure required constant care from dedicated gardeners and tenders of exotic plants and creatures—a considerable expense.

Liu Youzhou was comely and kind, yet she had no inclination to delve into the spring of youth.

Within the hall, besides Liu Suiyu, the most promising Void Shattering martial artist of Glacial Continent, was another warrior of the ninth realm, though much younger. This was Yu Juanfu, the representative of the Yu clan from Central Divine Continent, who had recently arrived on Verdant Leaf.

Wounded in the wilds, her complexion remained pallid.

Liu Suiyu did not pry, knowing only that Yu Juanfu, along with Cao Ci, had engaged in a melee with a group of younger, yet formidable, barbarians, barely emerging victorious.

Yu Juanfu said, “I hear that Ye Yunyun has already attained the first level of Void Shattering Return.”

Liu Suiyu intertwined her fingers, stretched her arms high, and cracked her joints, chuckling. “She is a Jade Purity Immortal. We are but humble warriors. There is no comparison. There is no envy to harbor.”

Yu Juanfu smiled. Qi cultivators, who also practice martial arts, gained a significant advantage in longevity.

Liu Youzhou remained silent, knowing that interjecting in such “martial banter” would only invite trouble.

Liu Suiyu turned to Liu Youzhou. “Young Master Liu, thanks to you, countless celestial maidens vie for a room here, or find contrived excuses to visit. Those next door spend their days playing music or chess, and their nights swinging on the swing, giggling. What, I wonder, do they hope to achieve?”

Liu Youzhou chuckled. “A little artistry is always welcome in cultivation, Aunt Liu.”

As Yu Juanfu prepared to return to her chambers, Liu Suiyu spoke. “Little Yu, are you aware that our Young Master Liu already has someone in his heart?”

Liu Youzhou blushed, waving his hands frantically, and then begging forgiveness from Aunt Liu.

Yu Juanfu rose, smiling. “It certainly isn’t me.”

Liu Suiyu said, “But there is a connection, however faint.”

Yu Juanfu inquired. “How so?”

Did Liu Youzhou fancy some lass from the Yu clan?

Liu Youzhou coughed, surreptitiously signaling Aunt Liu, offering a bribe of silence.

Liu Suiyu glanced at him, unimpressed. A beggar’s pittance!

Liu Youzhou doubled the offer.

Liu Suiyu relented. “It is nothing significant, and roundabout. Best left unsaid.”

Yu Juanfu considered. “It wouldn’t be Pei Qian, would it?”

Liu Suiyu burst into laughter. “I said nothing of the sort, and payment is still required.”

Liu Youzhou sighed, mimicking Liu Suiyu’s posture, slumping against the chair, resigned to his fate.

Yu Juanfu regarded Liu Youzhou with pity, stifling her amusement. “What possesses you to favor Pei Qian?”

Liu Youzhou feigned composure. “I do not!”

Yu Juanfu chuckled. “Of what use is defiance? It is plain for all to see, etched upon your brow.”

They had known each other for a long time, and thus spoke with candor.

Years ago, in the ruins of an ancient battlefield on Golden Armor Continent…

Liu Youzhou had witnessed her battles with Cao Ci.

Now, whether in the Vast Sky or the Wildlands, the title of the strongest in each realm held greater significance, bestowing greater martial fortune.

Yu Juanfu, as a girl, had questioned her ancestors and Senior Zhou Shenzhi about a rarely considered matter.

The Upside-Down Mountain possessed a gate connecting the Vast Sky to the Sword Qi Great Wall, which bordered the Wildlands. Did this mean the two realms were linked by a single thread?

Just as the Northern Reed Continent was bisected by the old Ji River, yet remained a single continent, why were the strongest warriors of the two realms always counted separately?

Zhou Shenzhi and Yu Panshui could not provide a definitive answer.

Zhou Shenzhi, fond of Yu Juanfu, consulted with a vice-principal of the Confucian Temple, who offered a convoluted answer steeped in “orthodoxy,” his expression a playful blend of seriousness and disbelief.

Zhou Shenzhi, in turn, conveyed this to Yu Juanfu, adding that it was merely speculation.

Later, Yu Panshui told Yu Juanfu of a theory he had gleaned from a mountain friend, but could not verify.

The answer was eight words: *Diversion, interception, forced tribute.*

Yu Panshui did not reveal the identity of this friend, but Yu Juanfu suspected it was Embroidery Tiger Cui Chan. Cui Chan evoked a mix of bewilderment and exasperation in her ancestor: “What dark karma led me to meet the Embroidery Tiger?”

This was the hidden reason Yu Juanfu journeyed to the Sword Qi Great Wall.

The ancestor’s answer was too vague.

Upon reaching the Sword Qi Great Wall, Yu Juanfu had visited the thatched hut, and dared to ask the Elder Sword Immortal about the matter.

The Elder Sword Immortal did not chide her presumptuousness, but offered no concrete answer. He said, with a smile, “Cao Ci asked the same question before you, and found the answer through his own merits.”

“Though you are of higher cultivation, you cannot do what Cao Ci did in his youth. So, let us change the task, and simply defeat the young Chen boy in a martial duel.”

Thus followed Yu Juanfu’s duels with the Second Shopkeeper.

And the Yan Family Shop gained another seal, inscribed with “Goose Hits Wall.”

Yu Juanfu always suspected that the fellow mocked her.

Though Pei Qian had insisted that her master was not the type to engage in such subtle insults!

Liu Suiyu rose, teasing. “Young Master Liu, Yu Juanfu and Pei Qian are the closest of confidantes. Persuade her to be your advocate, and perhaps there is hope.”

Liu Youzhou, blushing, begged her not to spread such rumors.

Yu Juanfu remained unconvinced, certain that Liu Youzhou lacked the audacity.

Liu Suiyu departed. To alleviate the awkwardness, Liu Youzhou boasted, “Yu Juanfu, my painting skills have improved dramatically. I am nearing the realm of divine artistry. Come, let me show you a masterpiece!”

Liu Youzhou, normally understated, possessed a singular confidence in his painting.

Yu Juanfu hesitated, recalling a secret matter. “After the painting, I have something to tell you.”

Liu Youzhou inquired. “What is it? Unless it involves lending money, I am of no use.”

The Young Master of Glacial Continent was direct and self-aware. Apart from wealth and painting, I possess no virtues.

Yu Juanfu said, “Gu Can asked me to deliver a message. He needs to do business with you.”

Liu Youzhou inquired. “Gu Can? Surely, he has no need of money.”

As the direct disciple of Master Zheng of White Emperor City, Gu Can’s lack of funds would be a great jest.

Yu Juanfu nodded. “He needs to purchase certain items from your Liu clan of Glacial Continent. He knows that if he were to request them himself, he would be turned away. He hopes you can act as an intermediary.”

Liu Youzhou fell silent. The idea of any cultivator, regardless of station or realm, wanting to pay the Liu clan of Glacial Continent for treasures seemed absurd.

Liu Youzhou pondered, and nodded. “I will help. I can try.”

Yu Juanfu inquired. “You make no demands?”

Liu Youzhou chuckled. “That would defeat the purpose.”

If Gu Can was to owe him a favor, it was better to be forthright.

Yu Juanfu produced a slip of paper. “This is the list.”

Liu Youzhou recoiled, frowning. “What does Gu Can intend to do? Start a new sect?”

Yu Juanfu relayed the information in secret. “White Emperor City will have two vassal sects. Fu Jin and Gu Can will each lead one. Their uncle, Liu Daochun, will follow Fu Jin, while their aunt, Han Qiaose, will assist Gu Can. Furthermore, all of White Emperor City will leave, each choosing to follow either Fu Jin or Gu Can. Thus, White Emperor City will become the main sect. As for who will be the senior and junior sect leaders, Gu Can’s tone suggests that it is yet to be decided. This is why the wealthy Gu Can needs to purchase those broken paradise secret realms from your Liu clan of Glacial Continent.”

Liu Youzhou’s thoughts took an unexpected turn. “Does this mean only Master Zheng will remain in White Emperor City?”

Yu Juanfu nodded. “It would seem so.”

Gu Can had revealed other secrets, which Yu Juanfu could not share.

For example, Golden Emerald City of the Wildlands would be allocated to his sect, which could be located in his home of Treasure Bottle Continent, Rising Cloud Continent, or the Wildlands.

Yu Juanfu said, “Gu Can said that if you agree to help, I can deliver another message: he will create the post of vice sect leader, and hopes you will take it. Gu Can promised that as vice sect leader, you can either be involved in everything, or nothing at all.”

Yu Juanfu suspected that Gu Can did not understand Liu Youzhou.

Liu Youzhou was unlike any other rich young master she had met.

He was either unmotivated, or blessed with contentment, and lived a life of luxurious ease.

But he was far from foolish.

As expected, Liu Youzhou waved his hand.

Yu Juanfu asked, “Gu Can also has a gift for you.”

She retrieved a wooden box, decorated with precious stones and crafted with “Zhou Style” 百寶嵌 inlay.

Jewels, gems, corals, jade, crystals, agates, lapis lazuli, ivory, amber… combined to depict landscapes, figures, flora, fauna, pavilions, and palaces.

Though small, the box was dazzling.

Liu Youzhou chuckled, accepted the box, shook it to confirm it was empty, and tucked it under his arm. “Please convey my thanks. I love it.”

Yu Juanfu nodded. “I will send a flying sword message to Gu Can. He is on Treasure Bottle Continent.”

They walked towards the studio. A dozen scroll jars were filled with paintings of various materials.

On the table was a painting by Liu Youzhou. Yu Juanfu noticed a yellow-browed, golden-bellied bird hanging upside down on a trumpet creeper. His painting skill was pathetic.

Liu Youzhou placed the box aside, chuckling. “The art world is corrupt, focused on profit and forgery. Some are forced to comply to support their families. I must rectify this. From my travels, I have seen countless murals. Now, as I paint, I dare to say that I have the aura of ‘aged transformation’…”

Had he been someone else, such boasting would have been tolerable. But Yu Juanfu was certain that Liu Youzhou was serious.

Yu Juanfu asked, “Why do you paint, despite your lack of talent?”

Liu Youzhou was stunned. “Why do I lack talent? Perhaps I will be the founder of this style!”

Yu Juanfu said, “Honestly.”

Liu Youzhou chuckled. “It is the truth. But even the best and worst paintings are mere illusions.”

After Yu Juanfu left, Liu Youzhou stared at the box.

Liu Youzhou had a secret “hobby.”

He had never mentioned it to anyone, not even his parents.

Deep within, he harbored a desire for control, a desire akin to the configuration of pieces in *weiqi*.

As the heir to the Liu clan of Glacial Continent, Liu Youzhou refused to relinquish his birthright.

So how to allocate the vast wealth became his task. And he loved doing it.

He was known for his generosity and his love of borrowing treasures.

Liu Youzhou enjoyed the sense of accomplishment that came from “allocation” and “supplementing deficiencies.”

Liu Youzhou understood Gu Can’s meaning.

Gu Can’s sect was like an empty wooden box, awaiting the jewels to fill its vacant spaces.

If Liu Youzhou became vice sect leader, he could “manage everything” to freely arrange the pieces.

In the Liu clan, he could not do this. His father was expected to reach the fourteenth realm, and even if he were to abdicate, Liu Youzhou could not be a good head, given the complexities of the massive family. His strength lay in “adding finishing touches.”

Liu Youzhou sighed, and patted the box. “Gu Can.”

Never met, yet well-known.

At a street food stall…

Yang Pu was eating a casserole when he noticed a white-robed youth sitting across from him. The fellow ordered two casseroles in fluent Cloudrock dialect.

Yang Pu assumed he was from the capital, or a cultivator.

Two other tables were empty, yet the youth chose to share his. Yang Pu saw no reason to object. He was a scholar, so the youth would not assault him, surely.

Had he learned of his identity through some mountain connection, and hoped to ingratiate himself? If so, the youth was mistaken.

At Great Twilight Academy, Yang Pu was known as a bookworm, out of touch with the world.

He disliked banquets, though he knew there would be many toasts and flattering words.

Such social occasions were useful for building relationships and cultivating favors. He did not suit that role.

The youth puffed out his cheeks, and carefully observed Yang Pu.

As Yang Pu finished his casserole, and was about to pay, the youth chuckled. “Brother Yang, are you leaving? I ordered another casserole. Let’s chat as we eat.”

The youth pushed the casserole toward Yang Pu, all smiles and enthusiasm.

Yang Pu asked, “Do you know me?”

The youth nodded vigorously. “Of course! You are a close friend of my master, and have a drinking date with Chief Zhou.”

Yang Pu was intrigued, and whispered, “Are you a disciple of the Azure Ripple Sword Sect? Or a student of Master Chen?”

The youth was shocked. “Can you divine the future? How could you guess that?”

Yang Pu was speechless. Was the youth being sarcastic? But he seemed sincere, and jested, “Was it difficult to guess?”

Yang Pu had met Chen Pingan and Jiang Shangzhen at the gate of Peaceful Mountain.

The key phrase was “Chief Zhou.”

Jiang Shangzhen, the patriarch of Jade Decree Sect, was the chief retainer of the dilapidated Fallen Mountain of Treasure Bottle Continent, though this was not widely known.

Yang Pu did not share his acquaintances, so only the three principals of the Great Twilight Academy knew of his acquaintance with Chen Pingan and Jiang Shangzhen.

Since the youth was a disciple of Master Chen, Yang Pu pulled over the casserole, took a mouthful, and mumbled, “What is your name?”

The youth chuckled. “I am a prized student of my master, named Cui Dongshan. Call me Dongshan, or Elder Brother Cui if you like.”

Yang Pu was stunned. “Sect Leader Cui?!”

At the Conclave of Ancestral Halls, the Azure Ripple Sword Sect had garnered attention, but Cui Dongshan had not been seen.

He did not expect to meet him here at the night market.

After all, there were only a handful of sect leaders on Verdant Leaf Continent.

The “youth” patted his face. “I am keeping a low profile. I have used some disguise to avoid being swarmed by flies.”

Yang Pu said, “Why are you seeking me?”

Yang Pu chose to ignore the “flies swarming excrement” analogy.

Cui Dongshan sighed, a signature of the Sage of Culture lineage. “I am not seeking you. You are my senior. I am out for a stroll, and saw you here. I can treat you to a meal, and boast to my master.”

Cui Dongshan asked, “Are you good at compiling books?”

Knowing his identity, Yang Pu felt relaxed, and quipped, “As good as I am at socializing.”

Compiling books was a vast undertaking, requiring the selection of the best base texts.

It required one or two chief compilers, several compilers, and many scribes.

Cloudrock was famed for once marshaling its resources to compile a great book, which took over three thousand officials, scholars, and scribes ten years to complete.

Cui Dongshan lamented, “That’s a shame. I wanted to invite you to meet someone with me, to bolster my courage.”

Yang Pu was puzzled, but did not press the issue. He watched the Cui Sect Leader take his leave, heading into the distance. Cui Dongshan moved in an unnatural gait, his head bobbing as if dodging punches.

Cui Dongshan left the capital, neither flying nor summoning a ferry. He waved his sleeves as he walked, and gazed at the moon. *The moon’s hard work should be praised, shining on us every night.*