The esteemed scholar Chen Ping’an, ever curious, inquired, “Do you truly intend to host not one, but two night revels?”

One such affair was costly enough. Even the affluent Lady Gao Niang, river deity of Subtle Brows, after a bout of spirited imbibing at the village school, had confessed her pecuniary woes. One night of festivity, followed by a day of respite to catch one’s breath, felt appropriate. But to demand another so soon, before coffers could be replenished, seemed a cruel jest. “Silver doesn’t grow on trees, you know,” he grumbled, “such extravagance will be the ruin of us all!”

Wei Bo, a spirit of the earth, cast a knowing glance at him.

Chen Ping’an, ever astute, quickly amended, “Pay me no mind.”

Wei Bo then declared, “I have arranged with Meng Rong to share some spirits by the Iris River.”

Chen Ping’an nodded sagely. “A celebration is indeed warranted.”

Wei Bo gave him another pointed look.

Chen Ping’an, resigned, sighed. “Just speak plainly. What favor do you seek? Am I to play the host, providing casks of fine wine? Or perhaps serve as a shield, enduring a round of toasts in your stead? Or could it be a riotous night of revelry you require, with me appearing at the eleventh hour to settle the accounts in secret?”

Wei Bo replied, “It is the thought that matters. Meng Rong did express a desire to share a drink with you, to offer his gratitude, but I dissuaded him.”

Chen Ping’an bowed in heartfelt thanks.

Wei Bo departed without another word.

Chen Ping’an let out a weary sigh. “By the gods, he is becoming as insufferable as Lin Yu-pu. The imminent elevation to godhood has clearly soured his temper.” He muttered under his breath, “Why not try tossing your weight around with the Great Master?”

Their path now led them towards the Thousand-Pace Lane, to the Ministry of War nestled within the Scholar’s Row. Jiang Shangzhen had offered to support the aged Minister, but the old man, once beyond the palace gates, moved with an unexpected vigor.

Chen Ping’an intended to bestow upon the Ministry’s Pine-Snow Academy five hundred tomes of military strategy, readily available copies.

Having visited the capital before, Chen Ping’an and Xiao Mo veiled themselves in a subtle enchantment, leaving Jiang Shangzhen and Xie Gou, the first and second seats of Fallen Mountain’s offering, to proceed unhindered.

They arrived at the heavily guarded Ministry. The elderly Minister led them through a maze of corridors. Along the way, they encountered numerous officials, yet none dared approach the Minister with greeting. Instead, they slowed their pace and bowed their heads in silent deference.

Jiang Shangzhen remarked with awe, “The old Minister certainly commands respect within these walls. Not respect… fear!”

He likened it to his own experiences at Ancestor Hall summits atop the Divine Sigil Peak, where his mere presence silenced all.

Shen Chen chuckled. “It’s not a matter of authority, merely a distaste for obsequiousness. Not only within the Ministry of War, but across all the bureaus of the capital, we strive for swift resolution. Business is conducted directly, without frivolous delay. Save for Zhao Duan-jin’s Ministry of Rites, of course. There, formality reigns supreme. One is forced to nod to strangers at every turn, leaving one with a crick in the neck requiring plaster.”

Jiang Shangzhen dismissed the veiled insult aimed at the Ministry of Rites, countering with a smirk, “What pleasure is there in holding office, then?”

The Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy were notorious for their rigid protocols, dictating the precise moment when sunlight reached the fifth paving stone in the courtyard as the appointed hour for attendance.

The casual manner of Cao Geng-xin, the Vice Minister of Personnel, was a notable exception within the Great Li court. This scion of the Cao family, elevated from Overseer of the Dragon Spring Kilns, was often late for his duties, with salary deductions exceeding his actual earnings.

Shen Chen countered, “A Minister’s splendor is more apparent outside these walls. Take our evenings at the Iris River – the discounts offered are so generous that I fear I shall bankrupt the establishment if I frequent it too often.”

They entered a spacious chamber, equivalent to three rooms merged into one. It served as the Minister’s personal study, where he pored over documents and convened small councils.

One wall was lined with shelves, while the other two featured cabinets overflowing with books, scrolls, and records. The vast collection exemplified the term ‘encyclopedic.’

The old Minister rarely entertained guests within these hallowed halls, particularly those not garbed in official robes. Soon, a private secretary of the Ministry of War brought forth tea.

Shen Chen sank into a well-worn armchair, his chin resting upon his hands which clasped the head of his cane. He said, “Well met, National Preceptor Chen. I have summoned Wen Er of the Ministry of Works and Mu Yan of the Ministry of Revenue to join us. Let them become acquainted and perhaps discuss matters of state.”

Though equals in the court, Shen Chen’s age and tenure in various ministries afforded him significant influence. Many of the ministries were his “birthplace”. In addition to all of that, Shen Chen was Wen Er’s teacher. When they would run into each other in Careless Alley, Wen Er’s acknowledgement of Shen Chen would depend on the old Minister’s mood, or rather, the quality of his hearing, which was known throughout the Great Li court to come and go as it pleased.

Chen Ping’an demurred with a smile, “There is no need.”

Jiang Shangzhen, during his monotonous watch at the Imperial Study, had studied the attire of the assembled mountain and water deities, noting minute details. The two Ministers, though adorned in court robes, exhibited subtle differences, such as the design of their footwear. Shen Chen’s boots, though new, were stained with earth, while Zhao Duan-jin’s, though aged, were immaculate. Jiang Shangzhen had then been curious as to how Shen Chen’s boots had gathered mud. The capital of Great Li had dedicated shops that sold court boots, and a well-known compendium called “Records of Footwear”. Citizens, especially those who were born and raised in the Careless and Ch’ih Er Alleys, had all honed sharp eyes and observational skills, for it was said “shoes before title”.

Xiao Mo sat rigidly upright.

Xie Gou, lounging in his chair, pulled his sable cap low over his face, lost in sleep or meditation.

Shen Chen posed a question, “Is National Preceptor Chen familiar with the Three Lang Temple of Northern Entirety Continent?”

Chen Ping’an paused, pondering. He replied, “I have indeed journeyed to Northern Entirety Continent, but seldom ventured north of the Ji River. Thus, I am unfamiliar with the Three Lang Temple.”

Jiang Shangzhen glanced at his mountain lord.

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “Though I confess ignorance, I have a sword immortal friend who enjoys amicable relations with the Three Lang Temple.”

The old man nodded. “The Ministry of Justice seeks to bestow tangible benefits upon the offerings of Great Li. Not bribes, mind you. The Ministry of Revenue approved the measure, yet rejected several proposals from Justice, deeming them extravagant. A compromise was struck, purchasing wine from Eternal Spring Palace, which, requiring no expenditure from Revenue, now carries more weight on Treasure Bottle Isle than divine coins. A supply of Three Lang Temple prayer mats were to be purchased as well, of good quality and economical. However, upon hearing of this, the Ministry of War proposed purchasing mats for all the accompanying cultivators. This sent the Ministry of Revenue into a frenzy, Mu Yan nearly camping at the gates of Justice, screaming at them.”

Chen Ping’an nodded approvingly. “Three Lang Temple mats are indeed valuable. They say a single Lesser Heat coin buys twice its worth.”

During his maiden sojourn to Northern Entirety Continent, Chen Ping’an had been impressed by these mountain prayer mats. At the Bone Strand, due to a cavern of Yin energy, even at midday, the small market called “Gates of How” was chilled to the bone. The Mourning Robe Sect had erected a series of thatched shrines atop the rich yin springs straddling the border between heaven and earth, each furnished with Three Lang Temple mats, to assist cultivators in absorbing spiritual energy.

The Three Lang Temple was known as the largest weapon supplier of Northern Entirety Continent. Along with the making of weapons, the sect was also known to be difficult in fights, and was famous for saying, “Don’t bully an honest man.”

Armor made by the Three Lang Temple, swords copied from Hate Sword Mountain, Three-colored Kasaya’s from Buddha Light Temple, and the crane cloak’s from the Great Source Dynasty’s Clouds and Mists Palace were all famous throughout the land.

In the creation of materials and weapons, the lands of Hao Ran could only be compared to the Central Land Continent and the Rich Glow Continent, which was rich in resources. Taiwei Sword Sect’s Old Master Han Huai-zi’s signature sword technique “Great Work Cuts Jade” had something to do with the Old Master being skilled in the art of crafting, incantations, and item crafting.

Being at a loss for options, swordsmen had to wear more than one robe or armor when they went out. Being able to take on a few more swords was to lengthen their life.

At the same time, martial artists wanted a weapon so they could practice with a cultivator. Why couldn’t a martial artist and cultivator trade blows?

If you buy a robe, I’ll buy a weapon. If you buy a weapon, then I’ll buy more protective gear and incantations. I’ll also secretly buy something with high kill power…

This all led to the mountains and lands of Northern Entirety being pure of heart, and straightforward in character. If one did not have the “guest’s way,” then one would not be able to “meet” another person.

Chen Ping’an had given Liu Jinglong a hundred Gǔyǔ coins to buy as many imitation swords and armor as possible. If there were leftovers, then he would use his eye to buy some hidden treasures, “don’t save any money for me!”

What Chen mountain lord meant was that he wanted both quantity and quality.

After all, swordsman Liu’s face was very valuable.

As expected, Liu Jinglong personally went to the Three Lang Temple to buy an imitation sword and two armor.

Two famous artisans had left their signature on the armor. Usually, the armor with names on them were from the sect elders. They were overpriced and hard to find.

Later, they were given to Lu Baixiang’s two students, the Yuan siblings, each getting one armor.

Why couldn’t a martial artist wear armor? The world was dangerous, and a good defense was a must.

After listening to Old White, the Liu swordsman had met his lover at the Three Lang Temple. This was why they were so amicable on the matter of price, “anyone else can go suck it.”

By rank, the woman who supervised half of the shops at the Three Lang Temple was Yuan Xuan’s aunt, a name on the list of the Top Ten Beauties alongside of fairy Lu Sui from Water Passing Mountain and sect master Sun Qing from Colorful Sparrow Pavilion. When Liu Jinglong was still the Peak Lord of Fluttering Peak, all of them had loved Liu Jinglong. Everyone in Northern Entirety Continent knew it.

Thanks to a multitude of night banquets, the treasury of Treasure Note Hall and Ceremony Hall was piling with valuables, and the registration list for the valuables was huge.

Chen Ping’an had also heard from rice grain that Wei Mountain Governor’s two bureaus had been expanded more than once.

Among the many congratulatory gifts were secret prayer mats made by the Three Lang Temple. Later, Xiao Mo had spent money at the mountain governor’s residence to buy a prayer mat to bring back to Fallen Mountain. After taking the mat apart to look at the individual threads, he had determined that copying it was not hard. The problem was the cost. One issue was that some of the key materials could not be found. The second issue was that mass producing the mat was a large cost difference.

Since Xiao Mo had said that, it meant that the Three Lang Temple’s prayer mats were a one-of-a-kind product.

In addition, there were four other mountains in Northern Entirety Continent that had some unique business practices. For example, the robes from Old Gentleman’s Lane had once sold in Treasure Bottle Continent and six other continents. Back then, Treasure Bottle Continent had been poor, and Maple Leaf Continent had been too closed off. However, the robes from Old Gentleman’s Lane had long been monopolized by Pure Forest Sect. Rumor had it that founder of the sect, Song Yu of the Daoist name “Same Thunder,” had great talent in crafting. However, she did not know how to run a business. She had great vision and did not account for cost when she was young, only wanting to make the best mountain robes. As a result, she had been cold and hungry until the Pure Forest Sect found her to make a deal. Since then, she had made a fortune, with the Pure Forest Sect gaining a lot of money from the azure crane robes.

She had finally created a robe that would go down in history called “Radiant Robe,” which was exceptionally expensive and worn by swordsmen and the top five cultivators of Northern Entirety Continent. However, Old Gentleman’s Lane could only make one robe per sixty-year cycle.

It was akin to the Plumage Pill from the Green Tiger Palace, which was not selling divinity coins, but a huge favor.

The Northern Entirety Continent had varying opinions on whether Song Yu’s deal with the Pure Forest Sect was from finding a godsend or from meeting the wrong person.

Later, the Old Gentleman’s Lane had released other “treasure troves” such as the Grand Review Armor, which was tailored for the emperors and nobles, and although they were not useful, they were exceptionally beautiful, with complex cloud script and beautiful treasure records.

The land spirits and Jade Purities, along with the low five cultivators, were now on the Old Gentleman’s Lane’s list of customers, who were willing to be taken for all they had.

Because they were targeting the three kinds of customers, the Old Gentleman’s Lane and the Pure Forest Sect were becoming wealthy.

The old man slammed the handle on the chair, “I almost forgot, Master Jiang is the one who is familiar with Northern Entirety Continent!”

Xie Gou pulled back his sable hat. During the time that Chou chief seat had come to find Xiao Mo, Xie Gou had first appeared at Northern Entirety Continent. He was clear on what the Chou chief seat had done there. Now it was clear that even with the passing of many years, the cultivators still grit their teeth. What kind of deeds had Jiang Shangzhen done back then?!

Jiang Shangzhen had great skin. “If you’re buying something from Northern Entirety Continent, you can report my name. But I can’t guarantee whether they’ll give a fifty or fifteen percent discount.”

It was predicted that if they heard that Jiang Shangzhen was involved in the transaction, nine out of ten sects would tell the Great Li court that they would give it all for free if they could break Jiang’s third leg!

Just like the Three Lang Temple, Jiang Shangzhen was familiar with it to the point that they would be happy to have Jiang Shangzhen as a son-in-law if he showed up there.

The problem was that Jiang Shangzhen had been hooking up with two Yuan women, wanting to marry them both.

As for the Old Gentleman’s Lane, Jiang Shangzhen would of course go there multiple times, with the reason being the woman Song Yu.

However, nothing had occurred. Song Yu had a cold personality and liked to stay home. She looked at Jiang Shangzhen as if he were already dead.

But Jiang Shangzhen thought that she was… stunning.

Some women could kill with just their backs.

There were three women Jiang Shangzhen had met like that, with one of them being at Fallen Mountain.

But Jiang Shangzhen did not dare do anything, for a rabbit does not eat the grass in the vicinity, and the other woman was the law giver of Fallen Mountain!

The old man suddenly asked, “Rumor has it that Hate Sword Mountain has six treasures that guard the gates, which are imitations of the sword immortal’s personal flying sword. The outside world is only clear on four of them, which are ‘Corpse Sits,’ ‘Poem Ghost,’ ‘Shrine,’ and ‘Mount Sumeru.’ Does Old Master Jiang know the name of the other two?”

Jiang Shangzhen knew everything with the palm of his hand, “They are ‘Into Dark’ and ‘Hero’s Tomb.'”

Jiang Shangzhen curiously asked, “Why is Old Minister asking this? Do you have any friends who have fallen on hard times? But those swords can’t just be bought with money.”

Hate Sword Mountain’s business did not have much contact with the courts of Northern Entirety Continent because the bar was too high. Jiang Shangzhen would say that they only killed the fat pig, scamming the wealthy.

Such as Jiang Shangzhen himself.

Back then, there had only been a small sliver before he and a woman had agreed to buy the treasure called “Gentle Hometown”. In the end, Jiang Shangzhen had shown a moment of conscience, otherwise he would’ve brought home the “Hero’s Tomb.” The sword could raise tens of thousands of ghost generals and yin soldiers, making it great for group fights.

Shen Chen said with a smile, “Many years ago, National Mentor Cui wanted to build an officially sponsored sword path sect. I was one of the officials that handled this matter, but it was not successful.”

According to Cui Qian’s earliest idea, Ruan Qiong was the optimal leader for the sword sect. Ruan Qiong was the first sword crafter of Treasure Bottle Continent, and the Dragon Bone Mountain’s Dragon Chopping Cliff could be the origin of the sword sect. As for the cultivators needed to blossom and bear fruit, the Great Li officials could easily recruit them. In addition, Yuan Huajing and Song Xu were swordsmen. Thus, the prototype and framework for the sect had been set.

Hate Sword Mountain would be allies with this sword sect. National Mentor Cui was prepared to personally push it.

The Wind and Thunder Garden would not be touched, but Right Sun Mountain would be the lower mountain of the sect. In addition, in the old borders of Scarlet Glow Dynasty, there would be another lower mountain where all of the sect members would be swordsmen. One sect with two lower mountains would protect each other to build three sword arrays to attack and defend against ascension cultivators.

As for Ruan Qiong being the first offering of Great Li and building the Dragon Spring Sword Sect in the old site of the Beautiful Jade Grotto Heaven, it was very far from Cui Qian’s ideal sword path sect.

The old Minister looked at Great Li’s new National Mentor.

When talking about becoming a sect and making something out of nothing, Chen Ping’an was great. However, when compared to Cui Qian, he was just a little bit off.

However, just thinking that, the old man immediately thought that there was no logic to that.

Chen Ping’an asked, “What about the Mohists?”

Shen Chen said, “They started leaving Great Li a few years ago. The Mohists are great people. Not only have they trained a group of craftsmen for Great Li, but they’ve also left behind blueprints.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. It seemed the Emperor had been saying that it had been affordable.

Shen Chen said, “It’s a shame that the Colorful Sparrow Pavilion’s robes were not chosen for the Confucious Temple’s list.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “It’s a shame, but it’s not too unexpected.”

During the Confucius Temple summit, there were seven immortal ferries that were ordered from other continents, with some of them being mountain ferries and sword ships that were jointly crafted by Great Li and the Mohists.

Northern Entirety Continent had nearly twenty creations selected, with the three robes that were selected being the soft armor from Three Lang Temple, the azure crane robe from Old Gentleman’s Lane, with the former going to the middle five cultivators and the latter going to the lower five cultivators.

After getting the secret to crafting from the Gold Emerald City, the Colorful Sparrow Pavilion’s robes had improved a level, and they were even willing to not make a profit to create two thousand robes for the Confucius Temple. In addition, when Great Li’s Song Changjing had recommended them during the summit, they were just added to the candidate list and had been ultimately dropped.

The explanation that the Confucius Temple gave for dropping them was that they costed too much and did not have a high enough production rate.

The only reason for this was because they were a small sect, and the female weavers could not meet the “mass production” standards of the Confucius Temple.

When they had heard this, all of the woman cultivators were disappointed.

But in Chen Ping’an’s eyes, the Confucius Temple was protecting the Colorful Sparrow Pavilion.

If they had been selected, the women would not have been able to cultivate for years and would only be busy with weaving the robes.

Of course, the earliest plan with the sect master Wu Qun was to make a plan to weave for the long term to trade a thousand years of foundation in exchange for hard work.

Shen Chen asked, “I’ve heard that National Preceptor Chen and swordsman Liu Xu are friends?”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “We are friends.”

Liu of Mule Horse River were one of the richest in Northern Entirety Continent, with their family working as ferriers and runners. They were the Northern Entirety Continent’s greatest镖局, so they might not have had as much money as the Pure Forest Sect, but the sect could not carry Mule Horse River’s shoes.

The lord of Mule Horse River was best friends with Old Ancestor Yuan of Three Lang Temple. The family had deep roots but never asked Confucius Temple for a sect, preferring to stay low-key. However, during the intercontinental ferry requisition, the Liu family had given two at once, with one being the one they had to give, and the second given willingly.

There were two notable events regarding this family.

One was that when Northern Entirety Continent had a sword cultivator team go to other lands, taking the character “North” from Jade White Continent.

Because there were low cultivators, the Liu family had used their ferries to take care of all of the costs.

Fire Dragon True Man of Lying Down Peak, the Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, was not a swordsman, but he was at the front of the ferry, eating and drinking with the lord of the Liu family.

If they had failed at Jade White Continent, then the Liu family would have been done for, with not a single one able to return.

This was why all of Northern Entirety Continent, especially the swordsmen, had to show their appreciation.

The second event was that the poor but wealthy Mule Horse River had finally gained a talented and romantic swordsman.

This swordsman was Liu Xu, who had stayed at Sword Qi Great Wall for over two decades.

It turned out that alongside of the sword qi, there was also scholar air at the Sword Qi Great Wall.

After returning, Liu Xu had drank twice with Liu Jinglong at Taiwei Sword Sect, but it had been a bad experience.

The old man spoke the quiet parts out loud, “The reason for discussing this with National Preceptor Chen is because Lord Liu Xu and Yuan Xuan from Three Lang Temple are currently roaming the capital.”

Yuan Xuan of Three Lang Temple was too young to become the next family head and was being trained by the next next family head.

However, information showed that Liu Xu was already the family head of Mule Horse River and was not handling anything until he got to the Jade Purities.

Chen Ping’an nodded, “Once I leave the bureau, I will go find them to pay my respects as the host.”

Aside from Liu Xu, who was a swordsman he had met at the Sword Qi Great Wall, Chen Ping’an also had some other friends at Northern Entirety Continent. During the ceremony, Shen Lin of Spirit Origin Public gave a palace from South Fragrance Water Palace as a gift. Dragon Pavilion Marquis Li Yuan had given a green river that was rich in water transportation. There was also Yuan Lingdian of Pointing Mystery Peak, Liu Zhiching, and more who were not listed on the scroll.

The old man suddenly asked, “Qian Tang’s long is one of the top water gods of a continent. How is Cen Wenqian going from river earl to seventh-grade lake lord to water god?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “He’ll most likely pass. If not, the court will just choose someone from the Zhe River. It’s not that hard.”

Xiao Mo knew why he would pass.

Chen Ping’an was being humble, for Cen Wenqian was not “most likely,” he was guaranteed to pass.

During the final stage of the journey to look at the rivers and mountains, Xiao Mo had been with Perfected Sage and Chunyang Lu Yan, and the Perfected Sage had promised to put their names on record.

There were mountain god Lord Zhou You of Spike Mountain, and small mountain gods like Dou Yan, Gong Xinzhou, and Wei Wei.

And of course, Cen Wenqian of Old Fish Lake.

Shen Chen stood up, “Guests have come, and they are for National Preceptor Chen. Should I arrange a room for you to drink?”

Chen Ping’an stood up, “There’s no need. I can talk while walking, and I don’t need to be sent off.”

The old man said, “I must, for we are from the same village.”

Chen Ping’an smiled.

Xie Gou put on his hat. The old man was funny.

The old man had only sent them to the door.

Jiang Shangzhen walked at the rear and talked more with the old man.

The people who had come to the Ministry of War were members of the earth branch. They could come and go freely to the bureaus, and there was no need to give notice.

Today there were four, and they were all women.

There was the girl Yu Yu, the formation master Han Zhoujin, the painting guest woman ghost Gai Yan, and Zhou Haijing, who had recently joined. She was the only martial artist, and just talking about looks, she was as radiant as ever.

The only worthless thing Zhou Haijing had was a sash with embroidered swallows hanging at the waist.

Yu Yu was a little sad, for she was the one that did not want to come. Yet, Madam Feng had wanted her to come to bully her.

“Madam Feng has sent us here to make notice to Master Chen.

“In addition, Madam Feng wants to ask Master Chen when you’ll be going to Hundred Flowers Blessed Land.”

Chen Ping’an said, “The people that are rushing should be the Blessed Land, why is Madam Feng rushing?”

Yu Yu said, “I’m just passing a message. I don’t know what Madam Feng is thinking.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “Okay, I’ll go talk with her.”

Han Zhoujin made a fist salute, “Many thanks for sect lord Liu, who passed by and pointed out a lot to me.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “No problem. He always likes to help and is humble.”

Han Zhoujin hesitated, but stopped.

Sect lord Liu was easy to approach. He was a great swordsman, and he had great insights into crafting.

But sect lord Liu’s drinking was okay, for his face would turn red and was not like the rumors said.

Zhou Haijing made a fist salute and shook, “I’ve heard that we will all be under Master Chen, so please take care of us.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Of course.”

Xie Gou was looking at the martial artist woman with askance eyes. He hated those with big chests because they were annoying.

Gai Yan was grateful to Master Chen for teaching her the business, for his business sense was the most trustworthy. Tonight, she had to seek his teachings again.

However, she told two freshly made news. Just as Zhou Haijing had said, Chen Ping’an was their boss as well.

The Great Li court had learned that the best of Northern Entirety Continent, Swordsman Bai Shang, had been successfully cultivated.

In addition, the head of Right Sun Mountain, Zhu Huang, had killed his uncle Xia Yuancui and had held a meeting where no one could say a word.

It was believed that the latest mountain journal would sell very well.

Chen Ping’an smiled, “That has nothing to do with me.”

As for Bai Shang, that fight had been fought a long time ago, with the news just arriving.

Zhou Haijing had a meaningful look.

Chen Ping’an was trying to deny it.

As the Snow Wind Temple’s mountain journal had said, the Fallen Mountain and Right Sun Mountain were on good terms, and the Chen mountain lord had visited them.

Next, Chen Ping’an had asked them about the other earth members. They had honestly told everything.

Of all of the cultivators of Treasure Bottle Continent, Yu Yu was the most scared of the seemingly gentle Hidden Official, even more scared than those of Right Sun Mountain.

Gai Yan found an opportunity to ask Master Chen for business tips to help her inn grow.

Chen Ping’an had no idea what to say and said it was doing well with no suggestions.

Her inn was already known for being greedy.

However, the woman cultivators were unwilling to stay at her inn, but the male cultivators all wanted to return.

Seeing her sincere look, Chen Ping’an had to say, “Gai Yan, I had only told you to be careful, but you made it a ghost inn. I just want to tell you that your inn is full of powder. Have you felt that it’s a little too much?”

Gai Yan’s face dimmed and was no longer motivated.

Chen Ping’an stood next to her. “I know that the women at your inn are good women who had to leave their home. You pay them all well, and they have voluntarily gone there to bring in the guests. You are all paying your gratitude to the people who are at your inn. Some of them may be wanting to marry someone at the mountains. It is just human nature.”

Gai Yan’s face turned better.

Chen Ping’an smiled, “I can give some suggestions. You should only leave two women to bring in the guests, with the rest going into the private homes. Each person will be responsible for taking care of the cultivators, and they will take them around the capital. You should let them familiarize themselves with the things to do in the capital. You should talk with some of the restaurants in advance to get a cut of their spendings, like those at Iris River. Then you should divide the money with them so they can make even more than what you pay them. You should let them be more familiar with the cultivators so they can build a network. You should use some thought for the homes you have, making sure that they all have character. They should have calligraphy, antiques, etc. You should put these things out and be mindful that it isn’t gaudy or too convoluted. Put a book with all the prices so people can see what they want. Write the guests personal preferences down, and then give them houses to their liking. You also need to discount the people who have a lot of money until they are embarassed. Tell your guests to deposit money in the inn, and then have their friends stay there. This way, they will be able to save face and there will be no need to pay with divine coins. You need to find some sects to write some good things about you and make some relations with Eternal Spring Palace. In each of the houses you have, put a jar of Immortal Spring Liquor. Also, take care of the women cultivators. You need to get the money that women have. You can talk with the Ministry of Justice to use some of their beautiful places for profit. They know about collecting intel on the mountain and can take care of the inn’s name. Thus, the inn will be famous for food, residence, etc.”

Gai Yan’s eyes lit up. Sure enough, Master Chen’s “casual” was very special.

He was indeed a professional!

Xie Gou said, “Xiao Mo, Xiao Mo, our mountain lord is very good at making money!”

Xiao Mo smiled, “You’re just realizing?”

Xie Gou curiously asked, “Was he born like that?”

Xiao Mo said, “Of course not. You need to walk ten thousand miles, read ten thousand books, and meet a hundred different kinds of people.”

Chen Ping’an put his hands up and said, “There’s a business master right there. Why seek far when you have it close?”

Gai Yan looked at Zhou Haijing and said, “I don’t like her. She’s mean, and I’m annoyed.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “You don’t like her, but you don’t like money either? If she’s earning money, see if she talks trash.”

Gai Yan tested, “Can I try?”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “You have to try.”

Gai Yan’s spirits turned good.

Chen Ping’an said, “Gai Yan, I have one last thing to say. Making money is good, but don’t forget your cultivation.”

Gai Yan nodded and said, “Master Chen, I feel bad taking all the money from the inn.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Cultivate and break to the next realm, and you’ll be better off!”

Outside of the Ministry of War was the Hall of Grand Auspices.

Yu Yu all said their goodbyes.

The sunlight was a little blinding, and Jiang Shangzhen asked, “Xie girl, I’ve heard that Consort Fei is your grand student?”

Xie Gou said, “That little girl isn’t a swordsman, so she is not my student. We don’t know each other. Are you saying that Madam Yang Zhi gave this to the maple tree at Maple Leaf Continent? You all are so annoying.”

Jiang Shangzhen turned to look at Xiao Mo.

Xiao Mo was confused.

Xie Gou rubbed his hat and said, “Mountain lord, can I go visit Madam Feng?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Sure. Take the message that I will visit the Blessed Land as soon as possible. You can’t make a lot of commotion.”

Xie Gou smiled, “Mountain lord, I’m not the kind of person that cares about face.”

Xiao Mo said, “I’m not going, for I don’t know her, and there’s nothing to talk about.”

Xie Gou disappeared without a sound.

However, Chen Ping’an still had the hat girl.

Xie Gou came to the flower shelf and saw a beautiful woman reading a book under the grape tree.

Inside the book, all of the words were green. The cool wind was blowing.

Xie Gou spoke in the town accent, “Wow, this is a good place.”

Madam Feng closed the book and looked up, “It’s been a long time.”

Xie Gou wiped his nose, “Quit hiding. I smell the alcohol.”

Madam Feng did not react. What did alcohol have to do with Bai Shang?

She had seen a lot of ascension swordsmen.

Xie Gou smiled, put his fist to his palm, and shook, “Madam Feng, give me some alcohol.”

Madam Feng was at a loss for words.

Could this Bai Shang have split a personality like Xiao Mo?

Xie Gou sat at the table, drumming his fingers, waiting for Madam Feng to bring the alcohol.

Madam Feng stood up and said, “What did Chen Ping’an say?”

Xie Gou cupped his ear, “Huh?”

He put his arm up and put his other hand in his sleeve.

There was a miniature sword sheath inside.

Inside was the sword Azure Sky.

A sword that could make Daoists regret when they saw it.

It was a sword and a dragon in one, and it was only a line.

Rumor had it that Bai Shang had another sword that he kept hidden.

Madam Feng smiled, “Are you scaring me?”

Xie Gou shook his sleeve and laughed, “I wouldn’t. I can’t kill you anyways.”

Madam Feng sighed.

Ten thousand years later, they had met again. It didn’t matter whether they were friends or enemies.

Xie Gou leaned forward, spread his hands, “Coming to now, I feel that other than Xiao Mo, I’m unfamiliar with everyone.”

Madam Feng smiled, “Did you sleep with him?”

Xie Gou just laughed.

—-

At the border, the old mountain Baiyue.

Gu Can was only with the servant girl Spring Night, for Han Qiaose had returned to the White Emperor City.

At the rest stop, Liu Xianyang and a chubby girl were standing, waiting for Gu Can.

Liu Xianyang looked at Gu Can and the girl but did not talk, clicking his tongue.

The snot rag was pretty good. He was bringing a girl to make the bed!

According to their hometown customs, the older brother could marry before the younger brother.

Gu Can was too lazy to talk with Liu Xianyang and looked at Yu Qianyue and cupped his hand, “Gu Can of Mud Bottle Alley greets future sister.”

Yu Qianyue smiled, “I go by Yu Qianyu now, but you can call me Daoyou Qianyue in private.”

He had a good impression of Gu Can and was better than one other person.

The servant girl gave a bow, “I am Lingyan. I greet Sword Immortal Liu and Sister Yu.”

She knew Yu Qianyue, but