A gentle haze swirled beneath the eaves, obscuring the clarity of worldly affairs like blossoms veiled in mist.

“Do you know which Revered Sage will be honored alongside the main deity at the upcoming ceremony for Ziting Mountain?” Fan Junmao inquired.

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “Hard to say for certain. As of now, only Piyun Mountain and Chezi Mountain have been confirmed – that would be the Great Master and the Kingdom of Zhou, respectively. The old lands of the Scarlet Dynasty tend to favor the way of the sword.”

Fan Junmao sighed. “If you have a chance to share a flagon with my younger brother, do persuade him to finally settle down! He’s no longer a lad, yet he remains a solitary wanderer. Is coin so fascinating? He toils ceaselessly throughout the year, and whenever he has a spare moment, he’s off hobnobbing with accountants and artisans. What does he gain from all this? He spends his days mumbling incantations to his abacus, gazing upon ledgers with a vacant smile.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “Some are simply born with an ardent love for amassing wealth. It is a pure pursuit, much like the martial artist’s dedication to the fist or the swordsman’s to the blade. They find joy in it. Rest assured, Lord Fan, I will certainly seek out your brother for a drink.”

Fan Junmao rose, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Shall I summon Cao Yong? You did, after all, disrupt his good fortune. I wouldn’t want him to harbor any ill will; the spirits of mountains and waters remember such things.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Simply inform him that I would appreciate a word.”

Wei Bo stood and brushed off his robes. “I shall accompany you.”

It was unseemly for Chen Ping’an to return and then discreetly lure the Marquis of Linli away for a private audience. The maneuver would be too transparent, as everyone present in the imperial study was a seasoned politician.

Furthermore, Fan Junmao was notoriously unreliable, her words often veiling multiple intentions, which were beyond Wei Bo’s concern.

As they journeyed to the imperial study, Fan Junmao whispered telepathically to Wei Bo, “Is Chen Ping’an always such a courtier when at the Summer Palace?”

Wei Bo suppressed a smile. “Quite the opposite. He speaks plainly, with each sentence conveying one clear meaning, and both speaker and listener find it effortless. And, he is more inclined to direct action, such as the sword’s argument. Things are settled without words. Moreover, there he resided in the Sword Qi Great Wall.”

Fan Junmao nodded. “I comprehend. Speak human words to humans, and the tongues of spirits to spirits.”

Wei Bo merely smiled, offering no further comment.

Fan Junmao persisted, “Are you certain you understood me? I was being deliberately ambiguous, offering both praise and criticism to the Sword Qi Great Wall and the Courtyard of Heaven.”

Wei Bo smiled faintly. “Indeed, I am enlightened.”

*You are conversing with me, Lord Fan, as if discussing how easily Chief Zhou amasses his fortune, or imparting etiquette to Little Mo,* Wei Bo thought wryly.

Like Jin Qing who, during the council, casually alluded to Chen Ping’an’s vulnerability and his reputation as a “lone swordsman.” These seemingly innocuous jests were not without purpose. First, it was to remind everyone present of Chen Ping’an’s status as the last Hidden Official. Second, it was to set the stage for Chen Ping’an’s subsequent “self-deprecation,” declaring himself merely at the nascent soul realm, and thus unworthy of the title “Sword Immortal.”

After all, the entire land of Haoran was in a frenzy of speculation as to Chen Ping’an’s true power and how he managed the feat of inscribing the city walls with his sword. Was he an ascended realm swordsman, or something even greater?

If he were truly an ascended realm sword cultivator, possessed of such individual might, combined with his position as Grand Preceptor of the Great Li, what point would there be in council within the imperial study?

But if Chen Ping’an’s cultivation was truly only at the nascent soul stage, even if he were to reach jade purity or immortal status on the morrow, the assembled deities would consider meaningful discussion possible. The sort of council where things could be discussed with deliberation.

As for why Chen Ping’an would deliberately downplay his realm, Wei Bo understood perfectly. It was best not to set expectations too high, for ease at the beginning often portends trouble.

Swordsmen belong on the battlefield, not in the halls of power.

Cao Yong, who had been conversing amiably with a familiar mountain spirit within, soon approached. Chen Ping’an had put away his pipe and stood waiting beneath the eaves for the former magistrate of Qiantang.

Cutting straight to the heart of the matter, Chen Ping’an spoke telepathically, “Marquis Linli, while I have only heard tell of Wu Yun, the water spirit of Zhe River whom you recommended, I count Cen Wenqian as a friend. Thus, I am swayed by personal sentiment in this matter. I trust I will have the chance to visit Yunshui Palace for wine and implore you to help me to enter the estate on the Zhe River to offer atonement.”

Cao Yong nodded after listening to Chen Ping’an. “I am pleased that Grand Preceptor Chen is willing to speak so frankly. In the future, there is no need to offer such explanations to me. As for Wu Yun, do not fret. My recommendation was entirely my own doing, and I did not consult him beforehand. If he fails to secure the position, I doubt he will blame you. Most likely, he will uncork a flagon, prepare some snacks, and celebrate.”

Cao Yong paused for a moment before grinning. “Wu Yun has never favored those sword immortals from Zhengyang Mountain. In fact, there has been no love lost between them! The sole instance he willingly gifted Zhengyang Mountain with coin was through a water mirror, allowing him to witness a grand sectarian ceremony. He was so pleased, in fact, that he splashed out several grain rain coins, claiming the expenditure well worth it!”

Chen Ping’an suppressed a smile and continued telepathically, “His Majesty will likely discuss the remaining allotments for the river dragon ascension pilgrimage within the next century. I have already spoken with Marquis Changchun; the Jade Sky Palace is willing to relinquish their final allotment.”

The domains of high-ranking river spirits differ from those of mountain spirits, often bearing two plaques. For instance, the Jade Sky Palace and the Changchun Marquisate of Yang Hua. The marquisate is an office recognized by the Confucian Temple, while the Jade Sky Palace is the name of Yang Hua’s Taoist sanctuary. Cao Yong, an old serpent from Qililong Fengshuidong Cave, also possessed both the Linli Marquisate and the Yunwen Palace plaques. It was rumored that the “Virtue-Traveling Palace” plaque of Shen Lin, the Duke of the Soul Spring of the Northern Continent, was crafted by a similar hand.

Previously, Cao Yong had sent a letter to Fallen Peak, requesting assistance. Yunshui Palace had already utilized one of the Great Li Dynasty’s allotted river dragon ascension pilgrimages, but Cao Yong required another. Fortunately, Yang Hua had left one unused. Thus, Cao Yong hoped that Chen Ping’an could liaise with the Jade Sky Palace and petition Yang Hua for the allotment.

Cao Yong was visibly relieved. He now had an adequate explanation for Wu Yun, his old friend.

A close friend and attendant in the Zhe River Water Palace, a serpent by birth, had reached the Golden Core bottleneck and desperately needed the river pilgrimage to attain the nascent soul stage.

Official promotions were important, but they were far less stable and substantial than elevating the height of one’s gilded statue within the shrine.

In truth, Wu Yun had little interest in filling the position of Magistrate of Qiantang, as Cao Yong claimed.

Most especially now that Chen Ping’an had alluded to the circulation of divine positions, a process which would allow for multiple promotions.

The attribute that deities never lacked was time.

Cao Yong said, “This ascension allotment is invaluable. My friend, Wu Yun, must travel before it is too late. Otherwise, his cultivation path would be in jeopardy. If that were not the case, I would not bother Chen Ping’an.”

Chen Ping’an teased, “Cao Yong, allow me an imperfect analogy. It is like borrowing ten taels of silver and then insisting to the lender that it will yield a hundred, lest the lender not realize the value of the favor they are granting. Why, Cao Yong, are you so prosperous that you fear I might fail to seek repayment?”

Cao Yong laughed heartily. “All shall be settled in due time – repayment and wine, both. Master Chen is burdened with many titles, and so will only grow busier. Without making the effort, I would fear a visit from Master Chen might never occur.”

Chen Ping’an smiled faintly. “Assisting others is assisting oneself; no thanks are necessary. Reciprocity is the path to long-lasting friendship. As for wine, I never retreat, save before Liu the Swordsman. On the table, I fear no one.”

Cao Yong nodded. “Master Chen, whether for matters of state or personal affairs, I offer Yunshui Palace and Qiantang River Palace.”

In other words, regardless of whether Chen Ping’an was the Grand Preceptor of Great Li, the Lord of Fallen Peak, or simply “Master Chen,” a kindred spirit with whom he had cultivated a friendly rapport, Cao Yong’s Linli Marquisate and Yunshui Palace, as well as his former subordinates at the Qiantang River Palace, would remember this favor. Even if Chen Ping’an had no need of their assistance, when Fallen Peak disciples ventured out to explore, they would surely be treated as honored guests in those lands.

After bidding farewell to Chen Ping’an, Cao Yong entered the imperial study, nodding in acknowledgment to Marquis Changchun, whose seat was next to his, to express his gratitude.

Yang Hua was oblivious, but she returned the courtesy with a nod.

In truth, Chen Ping’an had obtained this river dragon ascension pilgrimage allotment directly from Emperor Song He himself.

Telepathic speech was forbidden within the imperial study. Furthermore, given Cao Yong’s temperament and Yang Hua’s conduct, after the minor assembly concluded, they would each return home, and there might not be any correspondence between the Jade Sky Palace and the Yunshui Palace. And even if Cao Yong took the initiative to contact Yang Hua, Yang Hua would not have responded, as such acts would have put her in a similar position to Fan Junmao. After all, she was a Marquis elevated to Great Stream under Empress Dowager Nan Zan, Yang Hua needed to maintain a position above reproach so she could not speak or act like Fan Junmao.

Chen Ping’an retrieved his pipe and returned to the steps. Since he and Tong Wenchang had first squatted there to smoke, Fu Dechong, the mountain god of Pu Mountain, had chosen a spot between them, placing the Grand Preceptor of Great Li in the center. When Chen Ping’an had risen to speak with Cao Yong and then returned, he had casually squatted beside Fu Dechong, making the mountain god of Mount Zhongyue the center.

Fu Dechong hesitated for a moment, then said nothing.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Lord Bai Xiang chose Pu Mountain as his home; Fu Mountain God has provided much care over the years.”

A single statement reveals true character.

Long ago, Yuan Lai, Lord Bai Xiang’s direct disciple, had discovered a significant immortal opportunity within Pu Mountain. Yuan Lai, a purely martial artist, had stumbled upon an entire shattered secret realm rooted in Pu Mountain, containing two gold and jade edicts buried by the founding emperor of the old Scarlet Dynasty. Their dragon aura was incredibly dense, making them priceless treasures. Logically, these were Pu Mountain’s private assets. Yuan Lai was merely a guest who had unearthed a coffer of silver in their courtyard. The master was entitled to take it all back. At the very least, they should have shared the loot. However, Fu Dechong had seemed unconcerned, claiming that immortal opportunities were useless to mountain spirits, and it was a good thing if those with the proper fate obtained them. Fu Dechong had even signed an agreement with the Lord of Chezi Mountain, not only gifting everything to Yuan Lai but also sending people to help Lord Bai Xiang and his disciples repair the secret realm.

Fu Dechong smiled. “It was no trouble at all. I found Lord Bai most congenial, and we became fast friends. We often played Go together, though I never managed to win.”

Chen Ping’an asked telepathically, “Fu Mountain God, do you hold the Master of the White Jade City in high regard?”

Fu Dechong’s study was named Autumn Water Spirit Palace, and Lu Chen had written “The Ode of Virtue’s Fullness.”

Fu Dechong responded candidly, “It is not merely regard but profound admiration. Even in life, I revered Lu Chen above all others. Alas, my divine position was too humble, and I never had the fortune to meet him. It is my greatest regret.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Any scholar with the slightest inclination towards immortal cultivation will eventually encounter Lu Chen.”

Fu Dechong inquired cautiously, “I have heard that Grand Preceptor Chen and Master Lu have known each other for quite some time?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “We have a relationship with both amity and animosity.”

Fu Dechong was filled with envy.

Tong Wenchang spoke, “Fu Mountain God, does Pu Mountain still have any excess sandalwood? Deer Horn Mountain and Luan Mountain are establishing residences and desperately need immortal wood. They require tens of thousands of catties. Hongzhou, Yuzhang Commandery, is strictly managed by the felling bureau, so we cannot rely on them. Before coming here, both mountain gods asked me to inquire if you could offer a reasonable price.”

Fu Dechong’s expression grew strange.

*Lord Tong, have you not read Grand Preceptor Chen’s register, even with its scant two pages of content?*

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “Fu Mountain God, in commerce, we must adhere to the principle of first come, first served.”

Tong Wenchang exclaimed in realization, “Has Fallen Peak already purchased all of Pu Mountain’s sandalwood? No wonder they were winking at me when I left the chamber.”

He had thought they were reminding him to pass on their request to Fu Dechong. It turned out they were warning him not to compete with Grand Preceptor Chen.

The last time he had visited Chezi Mountain with Qing Tong, Chen Ping’an had finalized three mountain deals with Jin Qing, including Pu Mountain’s immortal sandalwood.

The old Scarlet Dynasty had four wonders: swordsmen, beauties, famous inkstones, and ancient sandalwood.

Pu Mountain’s sandalwood was nearly as renowned as the massive timber of Yuzhang, Hongzhou, Great Li. The palaces and imperial tombs of central countries in Treasure Bottle Continent all utilized wood from Pu Mountain. And the various incenses crafted with Pu Mountain Spirit Palace’s secret methods, with their hues of yellow, white, blue, and purple, were the favorites of Treasure Bottle Continent’s cultivators and monarchs.

In addition, there was the construction of a quarry within Chezi Mountain’s territory and the large-scale purchase of a special river sand unique to the Yong River. According to the Confucian Temple’s newly revised register of mountains and rivers, the divine positions of the Yong River water spirit and the Iron Talisman River were equivalent in rank to the five peak’s and Great Li capital’s city god: rank three, proper.

Previously, within the central Confucian Temple, Chen Ping’an had met the old immortal Li who had traveled throughout Haoran’s nine continents, observing all the water veins and writing “Classic of Waterways.” The old scholar exuded grace, with a mind more expansive than the vast firmament.

The Yong River was located within the old lands of the Scarlet Dynasty. The ancient “Classic of Waterways” stated, “Where water flows in four directions, it is named Yong.”

On the register that Chen Ping’an presented, there was also a unique “dark soil” from Caizhi Mountain.

Ling Fei Palace’s Xiang Jun, known as Taoist Dongting, had purchased a considerable quantity of dark soil from Caizhi Mountain’s Lord Wang Juan to develop her sanctuary in the ancient battlefield.

And the price Chen Ping’an had negotiated with Wang Juan was only about half of what Xiang Jun had paid.

Thus, the business partners that Chen Ping’an had written on his register were only those with seats in the chamber today: Chezi Mountain, Ziting Mountain, Caizhi Mountain, Pu Mountain, and Yong River.

As for Piyun Mountain and Lord Wei, could they truly be called business partners?

Tong Wenchang asked, “Grand Preceptor Chen, is more capital still required for the canal excavation in Tongye Continent?”

Chen Ping’an replied, “The necessary spirit money for the early and mid stages has already been secured. We will have no shortage of funds for at least thirty years.”

Tong Wenchang inquired, “Roughly twenty thousand grain rain coins have been collected?”

This major event was the subject of much discussion in Treasure Bottle Continent, and the speculation regarding the coin held by the provisional Ancestral Hall built in Yunyan Kingdom’s capital, the grand master’s hall, held much speculation

For instance, when Chen Ping’an had visited Dieyun Ridge for wine, Lord Dou Yan had inquired if pouring money into Tongye Continent’s canal excavation was a wise investment. Chen Ping’an had suggested Dou Yan and Cen Wenqian invest if they had spare coin. He would use an arrangement similar to Green Ripple Sword Sect’s holding to allow Dieyun Ridge and Old Fish Lake to invest.

In the end, Dou Yan gritted his teeth, scraped together every coin he could find, borrowed from a few mountain gods, and delivered four hundred grain rain coins to Fallen Peak.

However, Cen Wenqian had not participated. The reason was simple: poverty. Or, to put it more kindly, frugality.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “More than that.”

Fu Dechong asked curiously, “Could you provide a rough estimate?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Without counting the mid-stage spirit money investment, the initial grain rain coins already received amount to approximately thirty thousand.”

Mountain cultivators were shrewd, and someone would soon calculate this figure, so there was no need to hide it.

Green Ripple Sword Sect contributed three thousand, Jade Emblem Sect five thousand, the Yao Clan of Daquan two thousand, the Liu Clan of皑皑 Continent ten thousand, and the Yu Clan of Xuanmi Dynasty two thousand.

Then Zhang Zhi of Bound Package Stall approached and added four thousand grain rain coins.

There were also scattered deposits of grain rain coins, mostly from the various courts and sects of Tongye Continent with a bit of wealth, proclaiming it a communal endeavor.

Wang Zhu’s East Sea Water Lord Palace had contributed a staggering fourteen thousand grain rain coins! This substantial sum of spirit money would serve as a mid-stage budget, temporarily untouched.

Fu Dechong clicked his tongue in astonishment.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Our Qi Du’s excavation costs were high, and the expenses in Tongye Continent will be even greater. Money is needed everywhere, with detailed expenditure categories numbering over one hundred and twenty.”

In any case, Cui Dongshan would be handling it from now on. A prized student could not just offer empty words.

Tong Wenchang nodded. “A good thing.”

After a moment of silence, Tong Wenchang said, “If more coin is needed, inform me, Grand Preceptor Chen.”

Fu Dechong was surprised and asked with a smile, “Lord Tong, do you have a substantial sum?”

Tong Wenchang shook his head. “Nothing substantial, just a drizzle. I only have a small savings of around three or four hundred grain rain coins. It is not much, merely a small token of sincerity. The mountains of Ganzhou have few opportunities to earn wealth, and I am not adept at business. My wealth pales in comparison to Deer Horn Mountain and Luan Mountain.”

Fu Dechong could not help but laugh. “Lord Tong, the tone in your voice does not match three or four hundred coins.”

Chen Ping’an nodded in agreement. “Even if we truly require more coin, I would hesitate to ask Lord Tong. The money is meager, but the debt incurred would be substantial.”

Tong Wenchang grinned, revealing a rare smile.

*Truly a junior disciple of the Embroidered Tiger. I trust he will not be a mediocre grand preceptor.*

Fu Dechong recalled something and asked, “Grand Preceptor Chen, have you not considered Great Li?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “Perhaps in the future.”

He was hesitant to involve the Great Li Dynasty in Tongye Continent’s canal excavation.

Cui Dongshan had been eager to try, rubbing his hands together, saying he would handle it as his student.

The fifteen-minute respite passed quickly, and they returned to the imperial study.

Tong Wenchang had not carefully examined the second page of the register, but he had scrutinized the first. Lord Tong had even calculated which sword sects in Haoran possessed two ascended realm swordsmen. The answer was none. In fact, after Zhou Shenzhi’s death, there were no sects with even one ascended realm swordsman guarding the mountain.

The Dragon Elephant Sword Sect of Southern Continent, however, was a different case.

Fu Dechong had considered making a request of Chen Ping’an – to pass on a message if he ever encountered Lu Chen – but he suppressed the thought.

It was because Chen Ping’an had prefaced his remark about their good relationship with the words “amity and animosity.”

***

After Chen Jiu, a receptionist, was forced out of the Bamboo Branch Sect, the impact was minimal. At most, the figure who fished by the stream was gone.

Next, the Green Spirit Kingdom’s capital began formal discussions about re-leasing Jade Cutting Mountain and the auction. Initially, the ministers of the Green Spirit Kingdom’s Ministry of Rites and Ministry of Revenue jointly appeared, while the Bamboo Branch Sect was personally represented by the Law Enforcement Elder Ling Xie to oversee the bidding. In addition, two small sects were interested in Jade Cutting Mountain, but their foundations were not as strong as the Bamboo Branch Sect. Zhengyang Mountain was represented by Yu Lin, Peak Lord of Rain’s Foot, who had not been expected by the Green Spirit Kingdom instead of Xiahou Zan, Peak Lord of Water Dragon. Thus, the busy Emperor, as mentioned by the minister of rites, was no longer so overwhelmed and quickly arrived.

However, the Emperor soon regretted making the trip.

The two small immortal houses, which were mostly hoping to get lucky, quickly withdrew from the Jade Cutting Mountain mining auction, as a courtesy to the Bamboo Branch Sect.

However, Ling Xie of the Bamboo Branch Sect and Yu Lin of Zhengyang Mountain, two individuals of such disparate status and cultivation, drove the price up to a staggering eighty grain rain coins!

Yu Lin, in turn, took a sip of tea and said to the Bamboo Branch Sect’s Law Enforcement Elder, “This is merely business, Fellow Daoist Rain Period. Why engage in a war of pride?”

Ling Xie replied, “Jade Cutting Mountain is the foundation of our Bamboo Branch Sect, the legacy passed down by our founding master. Without Jade Cutting Mountain, what face would we have to burn incense in the Ancestral Hall?”

Yu Lin smiled.

In the Emperor’s view, who was now sitting on pins and needles, if it had ended there, the Golden Core Swordsman of Rain’s Foot Peak might have given up.

However, Ling Xie had needlessly added, “Not just eighty, but even one hundred or two hundred grain rain coins! Our Bamboo Branch Sect must safeguard our legacy!”

Yu Lin put down the teacup and chuckled. “I bid one hundred and ninety-nine grain rain coins. If Fellow Daoist Rain Period can bid just one coin more, even if it is merely a snow coin, I will withdraw.”

As a result, Yu Lin paid a high premium of one hundred and ninety-nine grain rain coins for Zhengyang Mountain to purchase the Bamboo Branch Sect’s Jade Cutting Mountain.

With this, the Bamboo Branch Sect only had the ancestral mountain, Chicken Foot Mountain, left. However, the problem was that the sect’s ancestral hall had been rebuilt at Jade Cutting Mountain.

When the news reached the Bamboo Branch Sect’s Jade Cutting Mountain, Guo Huifeng was stunned, and the dozen or so cultivators in the council chamber were equally dumbfounded.

Guo Huifeng’s mood was extremely complex. She had agreed with Elder Ling Xie beforehand that thirty was the best price for a renewed lease and she had stipulated a maximum of forty grain rain coins. Any more than that was unnecessary.

However, Ling Xie’s actions were not entirely wrong. Deep down, Guo Huifeng had hoped to retain Jade Cutting Mountain more than anyone else.

However, she had been concerned that Chicken Foot Mountain, which had always hoped to join Zhengyang Mountain, would choose to remain aloof in this matter. Thus, Guo Huifeng was surprised when Ling Xie had voluntarily requested to negotiate the price. Although she and Ling Xie were not close, she was still willing to believe that Ling Xie would not have any ulterior motives in such an important matter, and certainly would not betray her sect’s honor.

When Ling Xie returned to the Bamboo Branch Sect, he revealed a secret within the Ancestral Hall that made many Ancestral Hall members uneasy.

Yu Lin had disclosed that if they agreed to become a lower sect of Zhengyang Mountain, they could continue to keep Jade Cutting Mountain.

Guo Huifeng’s eyes narrowed as she stared intently at the Law Enforcement Elder of the Chicken Foot Mountain lineage!

Ling Xie remained unperturbed and said that she had rejected the offer on the spot. Then Ling Xie added that the Bamboo Branch Sect could begin the relocation today. Relying solely on Chicken Foot Mountain would make it impossible to survive here. Within a century, incense would wither. It would be better to find a place to settle down in the south.

Guo Huifeng sighed. There was no other choice now. She feared that the swordsmen of Zhengyang Mountain would not allow them to relocate smoothly to the south.

Jade Cutting Mountain was the ancestral legacy passed down by generations of masters, the foundation of the sect. Once they relocated, they would become rootless duckweed.

Many new kingdoms and old kingdoms in the south of Treasure Bottle Continent were being restored and revitalized. There were many opportunities there. The Bamboo Branch Sect could relocate, and the cultivators could bring the ancestral tablets of their masters to the south. However, it was a last resort. Crossing the river was not easy. Guo Huifeng was a Golden Core cultivator. She was not afraid of conflicts, but she feared being unfamiliar with the area, causing the Bamboo Branch Sect to decline. Was she sure that the Bamboo Branch Sect would not become a blossoming apricot tree by the streams?

There were two types of vassalage between immortal houses. The first was a relatively loose relationship, which was the case between the Bamboo Branch Sect and Zhengyang Mountain for centuries.

For example, Fallen Peak, and Zhuchai Island, which had moved from Book Mountain to Turtle Mountain, Chuzhou. In the eyes of outsiders, they seemed to be in such a relationship.

The other was a strict “upper and lower sect” relationship. There was a big difference between the two. The former was more of an alliance, while the latter was true dependency. In simple terms, Zhengyang Mountain currently had no control over who sat in the Ancestral Hall of the Bamboo Branch Sect, but if the Bamboo Branch Sect became its lower sect, Zhengyang Mountain could interfere with the appointment, promotion, and demotion of all the registered cultivators in the Bamboo Branch Sect, including the sect master and the Law Enforcement Elder! If Zhengyang Mountain had a desire to do so, its peak lords could even bypass the Bamboo Branch Sect and directly enter it as the sect master.

As the Bamboo Branch Sect secretly prepared to relocate, Zhengyang Mountain’s ancestral First Line Peak also held a scheduled council in the Ancestral Hall.

However, the discussion of the Bamboo Branch Sect and the purchase of Jade Cutting Mountain was just a small item on the agenda. For a behemoth like Zhengyang Mountain, a small Bamboo Branch Sect, whose sect leader was only a Golden Core cultivator, was nothing.

According to Zhengyang Mountain’s predetermined agenda, which was essentially Sect Master Zhu Huang’s personal idea, they would first send someone to the Green Spirit Kingdom. They believed that offering fifty grain rain coins would be enough to deter the Bamboo Branch Sect.

Afterward, an Ancestral Hall Swordsman would find Guo Huifeng and have a good conversation with her. If she was willing to become their lower sect, Zhengyang Mountain would promise not to interfere with any changes to the Bamboo Branch Sect’s Jade and Gold Lineage for three hundred years. At the same time, Zhengyang Mountain would help nurture Bamboo Branch Sect cultivators. As long as Guo Huifeng had suitable candidates, immortal aspirants of good aptitudes could be sent to Zhengyang Mountain’s peaks for cultivation, with no limit to the number of people. This would help the Bamboo Branch Sect truly secure its position as the number one immortal house in the Green Spirit Kingdom.

However, because of Ling Xie’s audacity and Yu Lin of Rain’s Foot Peak’s impulsiveness, which meant that more than one hundred grain rain coins had been spent, Yu Lin had to personally send the spirit money to the ancestral mountain’s treasury for filing, to which Yu Lin had agreed and took his leave.

Inside the First Line Peak’s Ancestral Hall, Xia Yuancui, the Old Ancestor of Full Moon Peak, now served as the Law Enforcement Elder of Zhengyang Mountain. As a Jade Purity Swordsman, just like the sect master Zhu Huang, and also the latter’s aunt, Xia Yuancui’s leadership of the sect’s laws was widely supported.

As for Yan Chu of Water Dragon Peak, the old nascent soul swordsman had changed from Law Enforcement Elder to the head of Zhengyang Mountain’s treasury. It seemed like a demotion, but it was actually a demotion.

However, it was better than the one who had been punished to undergo closed-door cultivation for sixty years, Tao Yanbo of Autumn Decree Mountain. This was probably a case of different fates despite being in the same realm.

Suddenly, a flying sword sent a message to the Ancestral Hall. After reading the contents, Yan Chu’s expression changed slightly. He stood up and said, “A few of our young swordsmen and a group of Bamboo Branch Sect registered cultivators have had some disputes at the confluence of the Jade Cutting Mountain’s wilderness stream and the Qi River.”

Zhu Huang asked, “Were there any injuries on either side?”

Yan Chu said, “Both sides suffered minor injuries. We deliberately held back and were careful not to go too far. Otherwise, none of the Bamboo Branch Sect’s cultivators would be able to leave the Qi River.”

Seeing this, Zhu Huang was about to ask about the cause of the conflict.

Hehe, Sect Master Zhu, who wanted to settle things and was easy to talk to… These humorous sayings were the outside world’s “praise” for Zhu Huang.

Xia Yuancui had already stroked his beard and smiled. “This Bamboo Branch Sect is quite good, quite with the spirit of a sect!”

As the Law Enforcement Elder, this matter fell under his jurisdiction. Of course, Sect Master Zhu Huang was the sect master. As long as he wanted to intervene, Xia Yuancui would not bother.

The vassal immortal houses were all trying to distance themselves from Zhengyang Mountain and find various reasons to avoid continuing their tribute to the mountain.

Could they not even manage a Bamboo Branch Sect that was right under their noses?

Zhengyang Mountain’s former enemy was Wind and Thunder Garden. The garden master, Huang He, was already in the wild lands. Liu Baqiao, who had been left behind, was one of the ten young people selected by Treasure Bottle Continent.

After a ceremony, there was another enemy, Fallen Peak, which had even erected a monument at Zhengyang Mountain’s border, engraving the words “Twenty Thousand Miles North to Fallen Peak”!

How could Zhengyang Mountain’s younger generation of cultivators, especially the chosen ones, have the face to venture out and gain experience?

However, Zhu Huang still did not “disappoint” anyone at the First Line Peak’s Ancestral Hall’s council. He still used his status as the sect master to reject everyone’s opinions and insisted that someone take the initiative to contact the Bamboo Branch Sect. The meaning was to restrain both sides’ registered cultivators in the near future and avoid any more conflicts.

That day, Guo Huifeng, the sect master of the Bamboo Branch Sect, went to Zhengyang Mountain’s First Line Peak alone.

The resilient Golden Core female cultivator was determined to die.

Chen Jiu, the external warden of the Bamboo Branch Sect, was actually standing on a viewing platform at the Over the Cloud Building near White Egret Crossing.

There were three things he was curious about. Did the swordsman Xiahou, whom he had once shared a drink with, know about this deliberate plan? Of course, the answer did not matter.

Next, when had the Bamboo Branch Sect’s Law Enforcement Elder, Ling Xie, become associated with Zhu Huang of Zhengyang Mountain?

The last thing, of course, was how Zhu Huang would clean up the mess.

Chen Ping’an did not think Xia Yuancui and Yan Chu had any chance of winning. In terms of calculation, the two old swordsmen might not even be worthy of carrying Zhu Huang’s shoes.

Thus, Zhu Huang’s various actions were too weak. If things continued like this, Zhu Huang’s First Line Peak would be undermined by the other peaks.

This was too abnormal.

This was also why “Chen Jiu” had stopped at the Bamboo Branch Sect and become an external warden. Chen Ping’an wanted to see what Full Moon Peak’s Xia Yuancui wanted to accomplish and how far he could go, whether he could force Zhu Huang into a desperate situation. Now, it seemed difficult, and there were signs that the situation was one-sided. The reason was simple: Zhu Huang had not even made a single move to counterattack. This meant that if Zhu Huang chose to attack, the situation would probably reverse in an instant.

After thinking about it, Chen Ping’an still did not want to spend the money and reported the name “Zhou Shou” to the Over the Cloud Building and requested to stay in the class-A room, which “Zhou Shou” had rented for a year.

Now, the Over the Cloud Building had a new manager, but as soon as the other party heard the name “Zhou Shou”, his face turned pale, and he did not dare ask the ordinary-looking and unfamiliar cultivator for any documents or identification. He personally led the distinguished guest to the class-A room, before saying that the Over the Cloud Building would try its best to satisfy any needs the guest had. It was really a case of once bitten, twice shy. First, Zhou Shou and a white-clothed youth with a mole between his eyebrows had spent money lavishly and rented a class-A room for a year. Then, the Lord of Fallen Peak, Chen, and the current sect master of Dragon Spring Sword Sect, Liu Xianyang, had stayed here. Now, there was another one…

The closest place to the Over the Cloud Building was still Green Mist Peak. Of course, mountains did not have feet and could not move.

Chen Ping’an was still lying on the rattan chair, closing his eyes to rest.

This place was too far from the ancestral First Line Peak, and his cultivation was not high enough, so he could not see the scene of swords flashing.

As for the sect master of the Bamboo Branch Sect, she would definitely not have any accidents during this trip to Zhengyang Mountain.

Chen Ping’an suddenly opened his eyes and saw the back of a Taoist wearing a lotus crown sitting on the railing, muttering to himself.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Is Master Lu that free?”

Lu Chen turned his head and smiled. “The person who should be found has been found, and the things that should be done have been done. I’m about to go home, so I have to say goodbye to you.”

Chen Ping’an said, “There is wine in the room. Help yourself.”

Although he was puzzled, Chen Ping’an did not ask.

Lu Chen should have returned to the Green Heaven with Zhu Lu. At this time, they should be in the White Jade City.

Or was the “Lu Chen” in front of him just one of the five dreams and seven heart phases left in Haoran?

Lu Chen leaned back, wanting to do a cool backflip, but he miscalculated the height of the railing and fell to the ground. He had to do a carp jump to get up, and then he ran into the room to get two jars of ready-made immortal wine. Good heavens, it was the Changchun Palace immortal wine, which was hard to come by on the market. Was the Over the Cloud Building really willing to pay such a price? Was it to return the year’s worth of spirit money? If Lord Chen came to the Over the Cloud Building a few more times, wouldn’t they have to close down?

Lu Chen hooked a chair in the room with his foot and knocked it onto the viewing platform outside. His figure then landed on the chair, gently throwing a pot of wine to Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an did not drink, but put it in his sleeve.

Lu Chen smiled. “The truth of this internal strife is not much different from what you guessed.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “Where is the difference?”

Lu Chen raised his head and drank the wine, as if he was