Having bid farewell to the perfumed slopes of Mount Harmonious Union, Chen Ping’an, with Pei Qian in tow, first sought out the humble abode of the White Governor at Wedge Ridge. There, with a subtle knowing glance, he suggested the esteemed official might consider letting his illustrated bestiary of flowers and birds gather a bit of dust. “Perhaps,” Chen Ping’an hinted, “a casual perusal might yield unexpected… insights.”

Thereafter, they made their way to the nearest Celestial Ferry, a bustling waypoint named Grain Abundance. A mountain-faring vessel known as “Phoenix Coiffure” awaited, and as dawn painted the skies, the ship glided into the Wine Blossom Ferry, nestled within the realm of the Willow Clan’s capital in the verdant kingdom of Azure Apricot.

The name “Wine Blossom” was no mere boast. The air itself was thick with the intoxicating fragrance of fine wines and celestial brews. It was, without exaggeration, a port city perpetually tipsy with the bounty of its cellars.

In these tranquil times, amidst emerald hills and sapphire streams, new companions and old mingled freely. Every soul who ventured forth seemed a connoisseur of wine and a lover of blossoms.

The streets bustled with life. Chen Ping’an, in one of his manifold guises, appraised the shops lining the avenue, casually inquiring, “Tell me, do you know if Sir Bai Xuan possesses a certain… privately curated scroll?”

Pei Qian nodded, a wry twist to her lips. “Aye, a ‘Heroes Compendium,’ he calls it. Bai Xuan has… ambition. What he lacks in martial prowess, he seeks to compensate for with sheer numbers.”

First the White Head of Soaring Peak at the Grand Azure Sword Sect, now Bai Xuan of their own Fallen Peak. Was this a quirk endemic to those bearing the surname Bai? A tendency towards audacious self-aggrandizement?

Chen Ping’an raised an eyebrow in surprise. “You know of this?”

Pei Qian chuckled. “I have no desire to squabble with him like some whelp.”

Now that her master had brought the matter to light, she would generously overlook Bai Xuan’s transgression. She would pretend ignorance of this particular… personal grievance.

The truth, however, was that Pei Qian knew every name and every feat inscribed within that so-called compendium. Otherwise, she would have ensured Bai Xuan experienced, in the most visceral terms imaginable, the true perils of the Jianghu.

Chen Ping’an sighed, correcting her. “Let us not be so dismissive. He has put considerable effort into this… endeavor. We cannot let Bai Xuan find his labors have been for naught.”

Pei Qian blinked, confusion clouding her features. “Master, are you suggesting I ought to deliver a sound thrashing to Bai Xuan, so that he might achieve his desires?”

Chen Ping’an adopted a gravely serious tone. “A thrashing? No, no. Merely a friendly… spar. Just… perhaps temper your enthusiasm.”

Pei Qian understood. A radiant smile bloomed across her face.

Chen Ping’an folded his hands within his sleeves, walking with an upright posture and a certain air of… well, something that might be mistaken for haughtiness. This young man in simple straw sandals possessed a strange dichotomy: the air of a mendicant and the presence of an ancient scholar. He resembled nothing so much as a novice disciple of some immortal grotto, descending the mountain for the first time, utterly oblivious to the vastness and dangers of the world.

Chen Ping’an continued, “Do you know why, of all the children I brought back from the Sword Qi Great Wall, Bai Xuan alone did not take a master?”

Pei Qian shook her head. “That, I confess, is beyond my ken.”

Chen Ping’an proceeded to explain Bai Xuan’s lineage and the teachings he’d received in his homeland.

Upon hearing this, Pei Qian nodded. “Bai Xuan is… not entirely without merit.”

During her travels along the Sword Qi Great Wall with Cui Dongshan, she, then little more than a soot-stained urchin, had been too terrified to appreciate anything.

In hindsight, however, the sword cultivators, particularly the women, born and bred within the fortress walls, possessed a singular and remarkable grace, each distinct in character and spirit.

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “One thing has nothing to do with another. The little rapscallion arrived at Fallen Peak and took to speaking ill of me at every opportunity. And he thinks he is saying such kind things! Someone needs to keep him in line. I can hardly reprimand him myself, lest I be accused of… protesting too much, methinks.”

Bai Xuan had merely spoken his mind, and Little Rice Grain had overheard. Now, the entire Fallen Peak and Azure Plume Sword Sect felt that they were privy to some secret truth, which likely did not exist.

Pei Qian nodded. “Rest assured, Master. I shall teach him the true meaning of silence. At the very least, I shall ensure he understands the value of economizing one’s words.”

In a private chamber of a venerable inn overlooking the Wine Blossom Ferry, a young scholar in a silk robe stood by a window. He abruptly retreated several paces, pausing as if to reconsider a return to the window’s edge. In the end, he turned and resumed his seat, draining a cup of wine and selecting a morsel of food, which he chewed slowly, as though lost in contemplation. Gradually, a flicker of amusement danced across his face. The Chen Ping’an on the street below seemed… different, unfamiliar, unlike the Chen Ping’an of his memory.

Within the room, shielded by illusionary spells, were Han Qiaose, and the maidservant, Lingyan, who donned a different guise each day.

Han Qiaose glanced at Gu Can’s expression. Lingyan, less subtle, rose and peered out the window, catching sight of a young man in straw sandals carrying a sword, and a young woman with her hair pulled back in buns. Ah, she realized. It was a reunion of old acquaintances… conducted at a distance.

Pei Qian immediately sensed the intrusive gaze from above. Raising her head, she met the eyes of the disturbingly beautiful woman.

Lingyan frowned, a peculiar sensation creeping over her. The mere glance of the martial woman made her feel as if she stood naked before the world.

Truly, Pei Qian was a force to be reckoned with.

Such a young martial artist, with such immense power, was positively frightening.

Pei Qian focused her voice into a thin, invisible thread, murmuring without moving her lips, “Master, there is a female cultivator in that inn. Her mind… it is unsettling. A frigid landscape, festooned with countless dangling bones. She is not one of the righteous.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “Does she harbor malice?”

Pei Qian replied, “Not as yet.”

Chen Ping’an frowned. “Could she be a wildlands demon, lurking in disguise?”

Pei Qian pondered this. “Perhaps. Master, shall I investigate the inn?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Be cautious.”

Pei Qian hesitated.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “I am not without means to protect myself, you know.”

At that moment, Han Qiaose appeared at the window, her voice carrying only to Chen Ping’an through the currents of Qi: “Master Chen, a long absence indeed. Would you care to ascend for a word?”

Chen Ping’an looked up, recognizing the celestial maiden of White Emperor City, Zheng’s junior sister, Han Qiaose, who had briefly lifted the veil of illusion.

He understood. Unlike her boisterous, fame-seeking brother, Liu Chicheng, Han Qiaose was one who preferred the solace of mountain retreats and the quiet pursuit of enlightenment.

Her presence here, in this foreign land, could only mean she travelled with someone returning home.

Chen Ping’an nodded, and, with Pei Qian at his side, entered the inn. Gu Can stood at the foot of the stairs. Chen Ping’an walked to his side. “What brings you here?”

Gu Can stepped aside to allow Chen Ping’an to ascend first, following behind. He spoke in a hushed tone, without using a mind-speech, “Just passing through, looking for a bit of excitement.”

Pei Qian deliberately slowed her pace, allowing Gu Can to precede her on the stairs. Having answered Chen Ping’an’s query, Gu Can smiled, clasped his hands, and offered a silent gesture of thanks to Pei Qian.

Pei Qian merely grinned.

Despite the fact that this was the man her Master considered family, yet who had also caused her Master so much pain, deep down, Pei Qian harbored no ill will towards him.

And though this was Gu Can’s first encounter with Pei Qian, he had heard enough stories about Chen Ping’an’s supposed first disciple to feel an immediate fondness.

Ascending the stairs, Chen Ping’an asked, “Are you drawn here by the spectacle at Mount Harmonious Union?”

Gu Can laughed. “Just a desire for some distant excitement. Alas, I was too late. I missed even the… aftermath.”

Chen Ping’an’s pace faltered slightly. Gu Can immediately amended his statement, “I misspoke.”

Lingyan, perched on the balcony on the inn’s top floor, saw this scene unfold and clucked her tongue in amusement.

She also noticed the martial woman behind the Last Hidden Officer and her master, peering up at her.

Lingyan merely smiled, maintaining her position. So the girl was a Boundary Martial Artist? Not so impressive, given she wasn’t Cao Ci.

She’d heard that Pei Qian had been defeated in all four of her spars with Cao Ci.

Did every disciple of the Hidden Officer need to mimic his every flaw?

Chen Ping’an entered the room. Glancing at the tableware on the table, he took the nearest chair. Pei Qian sat beside him.

Han Qiaose cut straight to the chase: “Master Chen, might you possess any military treatises on Fallen Peak that I might borrow? I care not for the depth of their wisdom or the breadth of their fame. I would gladly borrow any book you are willing to lend. If you deem our relationship insufficient for such a favor, I would be willing to purchase the right to peruse them. One Valley Rain coin per book. The more, the better. I am not particular about editions. A printed copy would suffice. A manuscript copy would be preferable. A draft copy would be ideal, as I fear printed copies often suffer from errors and omissions.”

Chen Ping’an studied the female immortal, who did not seem to be jesting. “That is permissible. As long as you do not feel you are throwing good money after bad.”

Fallen Peak’s library was well-stocked, and the Demon Suppressing Pagoda in Azure Hollow held priceless and unique tomes. If Han Qiaose was so insistent on meticulous copies, this celestial fortune would be easy to earn.

Offering each military text at one Valley Rain coin was akin to giving money away.

The martial treatises within Lotus Root Blessed Land were unique treasures, unavailable anywhere else in the Grand Azure.

Chen Ping’an suspected that Han Qiaose’s quest for military texts was at the behest of her brother, Zheng Juzhong, and that her search was related to her apparent inability to “ascend to the heavens.”

Han Qiaose laughed brightly. “Did you not declare on the Sword Qi Great Wall, Master Chen, that money is of little consequence? Alas, I am not your guest today. But if I ever reach Ascension City in the Five Colors, I shall be certain to seek out the most potent ale, to see if one can indeed reach enlightenment through drink!”

Han Qiaose’s cryptic words left Lingyan utterly bewildered.

This wildlands cultivator, who bore the Daoist name “Spring Night”, was unaware that during a discussion within the Grand Azure Wen Miao, many worthies had witnessed a small wine shop on the Sword Qi Great Wall, and the couplets adorning its entrance.

The wine shop was small, but the couplets were bold. As for the words written on the horizontal scroll above the door, they had become the subject of much discussion among the drinkers of the Grand Azure: “He who drinks my wine may break through.”

Pei Qian maintained a pose of decorum, but from time to time, she shot sidelong glances at the female cultivator. This was one of Pei Qian’s signature moves.

Gu Can smiled, introducing her. “We of Jewel Bottle Continent possess Earthly Branch cultivators. She is one of the Celestial Stem cultivators of the wildlands. Nominally, she is under the jurisdiction of Zhou Qing. Her true demonic name is Midnight Dream, and she is Daoist Spring Night. I have granted her the name Lingyan, to ease her travels throughout the Nine Continents of the Grand Azure. For the next hundred years, Midnight Dream will attend to me as my maidservant, tending to my every need.”

Midnight Dream’s gaze grew melancholic. Oh, my dear Master, why do you share such intimate secrets with the Last Hidden Officer of the Sword Qi Great Wall? Are you not afraid he will strike me down on the spot?

Everyone knew the young Hidden Officer possessed a strange ability to weave the true names of great demons into his garments. It was said that he had torn apart a Jade Purity demon cultivator who strayed too close to the city wall.

Gu Can continued, “As for her fate after that hundred years, whether she may return to the wildlands… that remains to be seen, and depends on her fortune.”

Midnight Dream smiled faintly. “Whether summer day or winter night, I shall remain content.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “You know the ‘Ge Sheng’ poems? Your application here is… not entirely appropriate.”

Midnight Dream smiled. “Not only the ‘Ge Sheng’ poems, with their talk of sharing bed and grave, but many poems and verses lost to your Grand Azure histories. I am intimately familiar with them.”

Gu Can elaborated, “She has studied any text that touches upon matters of love and lust.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “Given Mistress Lingyan’s extensive erudition, might I arrange for the Wen Miao to invite you to the Hall of Merit, to offer your instruction?”

Midnight Dream was left speechless.

Gu Can grinned.

As he remembered it, back in their old hometown, Chen Ping’an had never been one to issue empty threats.

Chen Ping’an turned to Han Qiaose, seeking confirmation. Was it truly wise to have such a dangerous figure in Gu Can’s service?

Han Qiaose said, “Midnight Dream has taken two oaths. With my Brother to oversee matters, no harm will come.”

Han Qiaose was willing to befriend anyone who genuinely cared for Gu Can.

She raised her cup in salute to Chen Ping’an. Chen Ping’an returned the gesture, then hesitated, thinking better of it.

He feared that Zheng Juzhong had deliberately placed Midnight Dream as a whetstone to sharpen Gu Can’s Dao heart. Sooner or later, Gu Can would face a tremendous trial, which no amount of foresight, planning, or careful deliberation could prevent. In short, the more Zheng Juzhong valued Gu Can, his true disciple, the less likely it was that Gu Can’s path of cultivation would be smooth.

Having served as a junior disciple to Cui Chan, Chen Ping’an felt uniquely qualified to comment on this situation.

But as Gu Can was now a registered cultivator of White Emperor City, Chen Ping’an was bound by the tacit rules of the mountains, and ought not to interfere.

He also feared making matters worse, should Zheng Juzhong decide to increase the stakes and heap further pressure on Gu Can’s Dao heart.

Midnight Dream looked genuinely terrified.

The female cultivator was reeling. When had she ever even met Zheng Juzhong?!

Gu Can said, “Our ability to escape our predicament in the wildlands was largely thanks to Cao Ci. He deserves the lion’s share of the credit, at least half of it. I merely happened to recall a suggestion from our master at the critical moment, which allowed me to assist Cao Ci in breaking the deadlock.”

Midnight Dream shuddered.

In a land devoid of both celestial and terrestrial blessings, Cao Ci, who had broken through to a new realm in the midst of battle, delivered a punch so powerful it seemed capable of rending the heavens. That punch had been aimed directly at her.

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Master Zheng is insightful beyond measure. He possesses a mind akin to that of a god.”

Within the Long Spring Cave Abode of the Azure Plume Sword Sect, Chen Ping’an had once engaged in a bold thought experiment, contemplating those with whom he might one day find himself in contention for the Grand Path, should he ever reach the fourteenth realm.

Zheng Juzhong was not among them. It would be too dangerous.

Han Qiaose adopted a scolding tone. “Gu Can, that was a feat of monumental proportions, worthy of endless praise. Were it not for you, Xu Yuan, the Little Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, and Chun Qing would never have survived their ordeal in the wildlands.”

Chen Ping’an had already heard a general account of their harrowing journey from Lu Chen, including the matter of Gu Can’s abduction of Midnight Dream.

Gu Can laughed. “All thanks to those useless locust leaves from home. Fortunately, Zhao, Xu, and Cao are all common surnames.”

Before his departure from home so many years ago, the gaunt, dark-skinned boy in straw sandals had instructed the snot-nosed child to safeguard those locust leaves.

Chen Ping’an changed the subject. “I heard you fought Cao Ci?”

Gu Can nodded, dismissing it with a casual, “Just a bit of fun.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “Cao Ci not only reached the first stage of the divine realm, but also unleashed an eleventh-realm Dao-opening punch?”

Gu Can nodded. “To clear a path for us, Cao Ci combined his power with Jiang Shangzhen’s natal sword, unleashing a punch beyond his current capabilities. He was badly wounded.”

Chen Ping’an frowned. “Will it leave lasting damage?”

Gu Can answered, “I asked Cao Ci about it afterward. He insisted it would not.”

Chen Ping’an sighed in relief.

Cao Ci was not a man to lie, if he spoke, he told the truth.

Since their separation at Wen Miao, Chen Ping’an had fallen from the first level of the True Realm to the Qi Cultivation Realm. Cao Ci, in contrast, had advanced from the first level of the Boundary Realm to the Divine Realm. The gap between them had grown.

Even if that gap continued to widen, making it impossible for them to walk side-by-side, Chen Ping’an sincerely hoped Cao Ci would continue to advance in his martial path, becoming stronger and more powerful.

If he could not keep pace with Cao Ci, it was due to his own inadequacies. He would not want Cao Ci’s progress to be hindered by any external factors.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Have you returned home since you came back to Jewel Bottle Continent?”

Gu Can shook his head, truthfully recounting events. “I landed at the ruins of Old Dragon City, and first paid a visit to Lake of Books to see my senior sister, Tian Hujun, and Zhong Su on Huangli Island. Tian Hujun mentioned that Jewel Bottle Continent now possessed a place called Mount Harmonious Union, which piqued my interest. Alas, I arrived too late. I heard that Heavenly Monarch Cao Rong had departed. Then, I went to the Daoist temple of Guardian of the Nation Cheng Qian. I met with Immortal Xiang of Spirit Flight Palace, and we reached an agreement. They were willing to part with Mount Harmonious Union in exchange for my money. I owe them a favor.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Since you have met whom you needed to meet, and purchased what you wanted to purchase, do not linger abroad. Return home.”

Gu Can agreed with a hum.

He removed his boots, and sat cross-legged on the chair, his eyes sparkling.

Gu Can was a completely different person, both around and away from Chen Ping’an.

It was said that the finest heroes feared their neighbors.

Like a man raised wearing split-crotch trousers, who’d luckily managed to achieve fame and fortune, only to return to his hometown and attempt to flaunt his wealth among those who knew him best.

After a hasty drink, Han Qiaose, with her usual thoughtfulness, suggested that they take a walk on the ferry outside the inn.

Outside, she encouraged Gu Can and Chen Ping’an to stroll separately, while she took Pei Qian and Midnight Dream to wander elsewhere, telling Pei Qian to take whatever caught her fancy, regardless of the cost.

As they strolled along a riverbank, Gu Can used mind-speech, “Can I assist you with your task?”

Gu Can had not asked if Chen Ping’an needed his help.

Because Chen Ping’an would never need his help.

That had been true in the past, and was even more so now.

Chen Ping’an countered, “What makes you think I have a task?”

Gu Can smiled. “You are meticulous in all that you do. You would not travel in the guise of an avatar without a specific reason.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “This is a private matter between me and the Ma family of Apricot Blossom Lane. You should not interfere. Focus on your own affairs.”

Gu Can said softly, “So I was right. That is truly the matter at hand?”

Chen Ping’an raised his hand, curling two fingers as if intending to flick him on the forehead. He hesitated, relaxing his fingers, as if wanting to pat Gu Can’s head. Finally, he lowered his hand and gently patted the scholar’s shoulder.

Chen Ping’an said, “Many of our old neighbors have moved to the prefectural city. If you meet them on the road, remember to greet them appropriately, based on seniority. Do not act like a madman.”

Gu Can reluctantly nodded. “I know, I know.”

Chen Ping’an stared at Gu Can.

He knew he couldn’t fool him. Gu Can looked resigned. He guaranteed, “I will do as I say.”

Chen Ping’an patiently instructed him. “I am not asking you to force a smile for those despicable drunkards. There is no such expectation, in any book or philosophy. There is no reason to return malice with kindness. These men have never been properly raised. Now that they are old, what they drink and what they eat is still the worst of the worst. Not only you, but I too am enraged at their sight. Do you know how often I visit the prefectural city? I do it so I don’t see their faces. Therefore, I only ask that you be polite to those neighbors whom you used to get along with, especially those who were kind to your family. If you see their descendants, you can give them a red envelope. Carry a stack of red envelopes in your sleeve, and do not fill them with spirit money. I assume they know your family has wealth, and a connection to the mountains. Therefore, to put just a few copper coins inside is insulting. It is better not to give anything at all, or put two gold leaves inside each envelope…”

Hearing those familiar admonishments, Gu Can clasped his hands behind his head, nodding, with a quiet ‘hm’ every so often.

Chen Ping’an ceased speaking.

Gu Can said, “Bad times are inevitable. There’s nothing we can do. But when we have money and live in good times, there are a lot of complexities. If the family has a good disposition, even if it doesn’t show at first, the children will thrive. The family will not suffer from poverty. It is not only the right thing to do, it is what always happens. Look at our hometown. In just thirty years, so many newly rich families moved to the prefectural city. Whether they will be long-term poor or long-term rich, we will know for sure.

Chen Ping’an nodded. “I’m glad to hear you say that.”

Gu Can asked, “Do you know Ma Kuxuan’s Great Path? He seems to have been born to the ancient Thunder Department? And Ma Kuxuan may have a higher divine position than that old coachman in charge of the Thunder Department’s Beheading Department?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Ma Kuxuan wants to pay off his father’s debts, so let him do as he wants.”

Ma Kuxuan was already in the capital of Jade Edict Country.

Gu Can said, “You may also need to be careful about Yu Shiwu of True Martial Mountain. The master said that in addition to True Martial Mountain, the Lotus God Shrine at the bottom of Clear Sky World Yongzhou, and the ancient temple of Fire Glow Temple on Mountain She in the Western Buddha Kingdom, may soon show abnormalities.”

Chen Ping’an said, “You don’t need to think too much about these mountain summit matters. Just knowing a little inside information is enough.”

Gu Can looked aggrieved. “Chen Ping’an, at least I am a relatively young, promising Jade Purity Realm cultivator, and the soon-to-be leader of a sect.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “White Emperor City is the ancestral home. Your Senior Brother Fu Jin is the lord of the sect, right?”

Gu Can sighed.

He knew that trying to reason with Chen Ping’an was always difficult.

Gu Can asked, “When will you be able to meet Ma Kuxuan?”

Chen Ping’an said, “It won’t be long. Around the time of Qingming this year.”

Gu Can remembered something and said, “I remember that Ma Kuxuan used to have a protector, who took Ma Kuxuan away from Li Zhu Cave Heaven and brought him back to his sect. This man has an ordinary seniority in the genealogy of the True Martial Mountain Patriarch Hall. His realm is also average. However, if you consider Ma Kuxuan’s identity, then it is strange that he was his protector.”

Chen Ping’an said, “I have met that man before, and had a good impression of him. He seemed like an upright Taoist cultivator. Maybe the reason he secretly protected Ma Kuxuan all the way back to True Martial Mountain was because he was ordered to by his sect.”

Gu Can said, “I just thought I should remind you. I’m sure the truth will be known sooner or later.”

Chen Ping’an looked serious and said, “Since you said it with intention, then I must listen even more carefully.”

Gu Can said helplessly, “You’re scolding me again.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “When you attain ascension, let’s see if I dare to say anything more to you.”

Gu Can gave a self-deprecating smile.

Chen Ping’an had once entrusted two secret letters to Liu Chicheng of the White Emperor City with a friend from the Sword Qi Great Wall.

One of the letters was addressed to Liu Chicheng of the Glass Pavilion. In addition to pleasantries, it asked Liu Chicheng to give the second “family letter” to his junior brother Gu Can after he became a nascent soul, and before he was ready to begin his closed door training. It should not be delivered too early, or too late.

However, Zheng Juzhong had intercepted the letters, unbeknownst to Gu Can.

Zheng Juzhong also told his junior brother Liu Chicheng to pretend that he had not received the letter.

Senior Brother had not threatened him, but Liu Chicheng did not dare disobey his order. Senior Brother’s actions could not be explained.

All he could do was obey, heaven and earth, Senior Brother was the most important person to him.

Gu Can said, “I heard that Liu Xianyang is already a Jade Purity Sword Immortal, the second sect leader of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “Is he stronger than you?”

Gu Can’s lips twisted. “He is older than us.”

In their youth.

Whether it was the pavilion or the small temple on the side of the road in their hometown, Gu Can would take out the charcoal, Chen Ping’an would be responsible for setting up the ladder, and Liu Xianyang would write their three names at the highest point on the wall with a charcoal pencil.

Probably no one thought that their three youths would come to be who they were now.

Gu Can said, “I thought that buying the Mount Harmonious Union region would lead to a scolding. So I didn’t dare to say hello to you before.”

After all, there were some things he couldn’t say after growing up.

If they were still in Lake of Books, Gu Can would say, I’ll remember every one of our enemies, and I’ll dig up their ancestors’ graves for eighteen generations. If there aren’t enough generations, I’ll help them add them to their genealogy one by one. After doing this, I’ll build several outhouses next to them. No matter who it is, if they want to take a dump there, they have to pay. The descendants who had their ancestral graves dug up will be paid double if they want to squat in the latrine. If they think it’s too little, I’ll pay more…I, Gu Can, will do what I say!

Gu Can sighed. After all, they couldn’t go back.

Their hometown was different from their old home.

Chen Ping’an said, “What’s there to be scolded about?”

Gu Can said with an aggrieved look, “Haven’t I been scolded too much by you, leaving a psychological shadow?”

Chen Ping’an said angrily, “It’s good that you have a good attitude since you were young, but don’t be so angry.”

Gu Can said softly, “See, it’s coming, right?”

Chen Ping’an slapped Gu Can on the back of the head.

Gu Can just chuckled.

Chen Ping’an said softly, “Each of us cultivates, so we have to be apart. Let me nag you a few more times today. A man, it is best to be responsible for yourself first, and then be responsible for the whole family and the larger clan. Finally, if you are still willing, then do something meaningful for the world. If something is meaningful and can also make the person doing it feel interesting, then so much the better. Since you are going to be the master of a sect, you must think before you act, and plan before you move. When encountering difficulties, it is better to take a step back and think about it.”

Whether Gu Can listened to the reason, and whether he did what he listened to, was Gu Can’s own business, but whether Chen Ping’an would speak or not was his duty. A life with things to say and reasons to do them is the way.

Gu Can was silent for a long time.

Finally, Gu Can asked softly in his hometown dialect, “When will you be able to live more easily?”

Chen Ping’an raised his voice abruptly, using his hometown dialect, and glared, “Then let me worry less! Don’t do things without thinking of the consequences.”

Gu Can wrinkled his nose habitually.

Chen Ping’an suddenly reached out and patted Gu Can’s arm gently and said, “You did a good job on the wildlands trip.”

The snot-nosed kid from the old alley had grown into a jade tree in the wind.

He probably didn’t expect to hear such a compliment from Chen Ping’an.

The gentle scholar smiled brightly.