Chen Ping’an, rarely feeling so relaxed in body and mind, slept until he naturally woke up, enjoying a truly satisfying slumber. One night passed, the passage of time unnoticed, as if the world outside bloomed and faded without his awareness.

Opening his eyes, he noticed someone with their ear pressed against the door outside the hallway, while Gu Can stood leaning against the wall. Chen Ping’an chuckled to himself, “Are you two acting as guards? It’s not like I’m in secluded cultivation.”

Chen Ping’an suddenly flung open the door, causing Liu Xianyang to tumble into the room. Gu Can wore an odd expression. Chen Ping’an smiled, “There aren’t that many assassins around. Do you think my First Layer of Returning to True is just for show?”

Gu Can’s expression became even stranger. Liu Xianyang stood up, dusting off his sleeves. “Better safe than sorry. Chen Ping’an, you’re still not seasoned enough for this world. Let’s go, let’s go.”

Gu Can finally spoke his mind, “While you were asleep, Ning Yao came to the Flowing Sunset Ship. She appeared without a sound, we didn’t notice anything. She greeted us, and that’s how we knew she was here. We don’t know when she left, though.”

Liu Xianyang quickly moved toward the doorway, but Chen Ping’an reached out and grabbed his shoulder, lifting him almost as if he were riding the clouds, and brought him back to the hallway. Gu Can, hoping to trick Liu Xianyang and make a hasty retreat, was similarly caught by Chen Ping’an’s hand on his shoulder. “Why is everyone running away? If you’re so confident and have nothing to hide, why are you afraid of being misunderstood?”

Chen Ping’an put his arms around both of their necks, walking along the hallway. He smiled, “Such loyal and righteous brothers, you’ve truly moved me to tears.”

Gu Can said, “I just got here a little while ago. Sword Immortal Liu probably listened at the door all night.”

Liu Xianyang cursed, “You’re full of it! I arrived right before you. If I didn’t come, would you dare to come? And if I came, how could you bear not to join me?!”

Gu Can chuckled, “That makes sense, that makes sense. You’re right about everything.”

They reached the deck at the bow of the ship. Gu Lingyan stood timidly on the deck, the wind blowing her clothes to one side, revealing her alluring figure.

Gu Can frowned and asked, “Why aren’t you at the helm, steering the Flowing Sunset Ship? Why are you out here catching the wind?”

Gu Lingyan felt wronged and quickly sent them a telepathic message, “Last night, Ning Yao found me. She asked me some secret questions about the desolate Heavenly Stems cultivators. In the end, she asked me to pass on two messages to Chen Hidden Officer. The first message is, follow the established route and go check out Ascending Firmament Continent. The second message, Ning Yao only said four words, ‘Slayed the ghostly entity.'”

Because Chen Ping’an had been mentally exhausted, he hadn’t shared the details of the Chongyang Temple attack with the two of them. Hearing Gu Lingyan’s four words, he was a little confused.

Chen Ping’an had to give them a rough explanation, “Earlier, in Chongyang Temple, there was a ghostly entity at the Perfected Ascension Realm, a potential Fourteenth Realm cultivator. Because it had been blocked from the Dao Unification threshold for too long, it wanted to take a shortcut, accumulating external merit and relying on complete Yin virtue to break through. It borrowed the body and robes of a cherry-clothed ghost in Chongyang Temple, reversing the process, using it as a ferry to cross the realm of the Netherworld. It made a grand vow, proclaiming to the Underworld that it would redress the grievances of all the ghosts who died at the Sword Qi Great Wall and in the desolate lands of the Vast Expanse. It would kill Chen Ping’an. In the end, I couldn’t dodge it, but I withstood it, so it failed and revealed its location. City God Zhou from Central Earth immediately went to the Underworld. As for how Ning Yao went to the Underworld and killed the ghostly entity, I don’t know.”

Liu Xianyang reached out and slapped Chen Ping’an’s stomach. “That’s strange. I remember you had a good stomach since you were a kid. You rarely got sick from food. Why do you suddenly have trouble with the environment after leaving your hometown? Can’t handle coarse grains, only fine food?”

Gu Lingyan was once again impressed by this Sect Master Liu. He actually dared to mock Chen Ping’an for being a kept man in his face?

Gu Can asked in a deep voice, “In the Underworld, she killed a potential Fourteenth Realm ghostly entity? How did Ning Yao do it?”

Liu Xianyang said with a smile, “That’s not a very Gu Can-like question. Other than reaching the Fourteenth Realm as a pure sword cultivator, can you find a second reason?”

Gu Can stared straight at Chen Ping’an. Guessing was just guessing, but the truth had to come from Chen Ping’an. Chen Ping’an nodded.

Gu Can sighed. No matter who it was, compared to Ning Yao’s talent for cultivation, it seemed like there were no geniuses in the world.

After learning the truth, Gu Lingyan was terrified. This was not an act, just because her face, which could transform into a thousand different shapes, now resembled her vision of “Ning Yao.” She tried to steady her Dao heart, reached out, and rubbed her face forcefully, restoring her appearance as Zi Wu Meng. Gu Lingyan wasn’t afraid of Chen Hidden Officer on this trip to the Vast Expanse, because Gu Can was present. Besides, she hadn’t participated in the attack on Sword Qi Great Wall, and hadn’t even set foot in the Vast Expanse. Chen Ping’an couldn’t just kill her with a sword because she was a desolate demon, right?

But Ning Yao, a Fourteenth Realm sword cultivator, the number one figure in the colorful world, killing a Jade Pure Realm cultivator with desolate roots was as easy as playing.

Liu Xianyang touched Chen Ping’an’s head, and kept tutting in amazement, “You don’t even have any old scores to settle, and your sister-in-law has already avenged you.”

Gu Can didn’t want an outsider to know more details, so he told her to return to the ship’s central control and continue steering. Gu Lingyan couldn’t have wished for anything more, to avoid being so frightened that it hindered her Dao heart.

Chen Ping’an laughed, “The second time I returned to the First Layer of Returning to True, I didn’t receive the martial luck that I expected.”

Liu Xianyang asked in confusion, “Losing something you should have easily obtained, and feeling utterly disappointed, you have to put on a brave face in front of your brothers? No need, cry a little for us to see, so we can have some fun.”

Gu Can asked, “That shouldn’t be the case. In this First Layer of Supreme Ascendancy, you are the most confident in competing for the strongest. Only in this realm, Cao Ci has no advantage.”

Cao Ci’s martial arts talent was definitely better than Chen Ping’an’s, but Supreme Ascendancy was about “many things.” Cao Ci, because he was too talented, could easily overlook them.

Facts proved that this was indeed the case.

Chen Ping’an smiled broadly and slowly said, “So when I came out of seclusion, I was also very surprised. I mistakenly thought it was because of the favorable timing, and strange things were happening frequently. Someone had obtained some incredible opportunity, like being taken by an expert on a trip to the River of Time, seeing thousands of years of time and countless mountain scenes, so they could forge a better foundation in this layer. That’s why I didn’t think too much about it. It was last night that I learned the answer from Cui Dongshan. It turned out to be Pei Qian.”

Liu Xianyang slapped Chen Ping’an on the head, “You’re showing off, aren’t you?”

Chen Ping’an turned his head to dodge, and laughed loudly.
Solely because Pei Qian had recently attained the Acumen realm, and moreover, as she was his very first disciple, Chen Ping’an was once again blinded by the light emanating from beneath his own lamp.

Looking back from the result to the cause, it wasn’t difficult to understand just how exuberant Pei Qian’s qi was, how profound her foundation truly was, and how magnificent her aura had become.

During Chen Ping’an’s years as the Hidden Official, Pei Qian had first journeyed with Li Huai to the Northern Entirety Continent, and later wandered alone through the Icy Continent, the Central Earth Divine Continent, the Golden Armor Continent…

Of the nine continents of the Vast Expanse, Pei Qian had visited even more than Chen Ping’an himself, traversing almost the entire expanse. Furthermore, Pei Qian’s memory was far superior even to Chen Ping’an’s already formidable recall.

Chen Ping’an himself had long noticed this, and later, Lu Chen had also specifically reminded him of it within the confines of Mount Harmonious Joy.

This was also a crucial reason why Chen Ping’an had been hesitant about bringing Pei Qian along on his travels through the Vast Expanse.

Venturing out alone, with her high enough realm, she could roam as she pleased. But following by Chen Ping’an’s side, she would be extremely attentive and earnest.

And let us not forget, she possessed the ability to glimpse into the hearts of men. If Pei Qian so desired, unless it was a cultivator standing at the very summit, the inner landscape of their heart would be laid bare before her eyes.

Therefore, the profound mystery of the first level of the Martial Artist’s Acumen Realm was practically tailor-made for Pei Qian. Her vision was broad, and her memory was impeccable.

As her master, Chen Ping’an naturally wished for her to witness more of the magnificent rivers and mountains, and the myriad beings of the world, to solidify the foundation of her Acumen Realm, striving to surpass him in her future breakthroughs, becoming even greater than her master.

Yet, he also worried that Pei Qian, with her concentration and unwavering focus, would exhaust too much of her spirit if she watched too intently and for too long. This could leave unseen flaws on her path to the pinnacle of martial arts. Therefore, Chen Ping’an would then change his mind, thinking that the so-called “strongest first level of Acumen” was not so valuable after all, amounting to nothing much… Was this not a typical doting father’s mindset?

No wonder the Old Chef, Zheng Dafeng, and Wei Bo, in their private chats, all said that their Mountain Lord was excessively indulgent towards Pei Qian, Warm Tree, and Little Rice Grain. He would dote and pamper them in every possible way, treating them as beloved daughters, while the poor little green-clad boy seemed like a rebellious son deserving of a beating.

Chen Ping’an said, “Pu Liu and the others, by your side, in the future, whatever positions and status they hold within the sect, you may appoint them as you see fit.”

Gu Can nodded, “I understand.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Huang Lie has been a national preceptor in Jade Proclamation Kingdom for many years, inevitably acquiring some of the habits of the officialdom. You must be more magnanimous and patient. Besides giving him one or two rare Daoist texts and pointing him towards the path, you must also help him strip away the worldly aura, returning him to a state of unadorned jade. Do not, because the three of us now possess high realms, each with our own perspectives and experiences, speaking of affairs at the summit, think that the title of Earth Immortal is worthless, the Jade Purity realm is nothing much, Immortals are only so-so, and ascension is merely passable. To use a phrase of recalling bitterness and tasting sweetness, Shen Ke, who currently seems the least remarkable on this boat, if he had gone to the shattered and fallen Luminous Pearl Grotto-Heaven back then, and the three of us stood in a row, we probably couldn’t withstand half a punch from the old Sect Master Shen.”

Gu Can said, “I will remember.”

Liu Xianyang, fanning the flames from the side, said, “Rambling and nagging, so tiresome, aren’t you annoying? Are you a village schoolmaster lecturing a toddler wearing open-crotch pants, or a father scolding his son back home?”

As a result, he received an elbow from Chen Ping’an on his shoulder, and his instep was stepped on by Gu Can, who then twisted his toes heavily.

Liu Xianyang groaned, striking a pose of concentrating his qi in his dantian, “Try again if you dare! If I, Sword Immortal Liu, so much as utter a sound, or cry out in pain, you’re my grandfathers.”

Chen Ping’an folded his hands in his sleeves, turned around, and said, “You two continue your family reunion. I’m going back to my room to enjoy a comfortable nap. Wake me up when we reach the lands of Chu.”

Liu Xianyang laughed, “Good heavens, truly treating himself like a grand old man, daring to boss around Sword Immortal Liu and Sect Master Gu.”

Gu Can said telepathically, “I told him about your intention to hold the wedding banquet on his birthday, the fifth day of the fifth month.”

In their hometown, the fifth day of the fifth month was regarded as the Five Poison Day. A child born on this day was considered a natural-born harbinger of misfortune, a plague god.

So Liu Xianyang insisted on holding his wedding on this day, considering it to be an exceptionally auspicious day.

Liu Xianyang leaned against the railing, lazily saying, “Did that kid cry his eyes out?”

Gu Can said nonchalantly, “It was alright, I suppose.”

Liu Xianyang asked, “Why not give the Flowing Rosy Cloud Boat to Chen Ping’an? To be honest, neither I nor Dragon Spring Sword Sect have much need for it. That money-grubber of his is now running a huge business and is in dire need of such a thing to gild the lily.”

His own sect only had a handful of people in total, and Ruan the Blacksmith didn’t like ostentatious displays.

Gu Can said, “Showing eagerness only to be rebuffed. He wouldn’t accept it anyway, why should I go out of my way to give it?”

Liu Xianyang was silent for a moment, then sighed, “I truly envy you for having such a good older brother.”

Gu Can rarely refuted, “I hope that in the future, for centuries and millennia to come, every time we reunite, we won’t have to think about what to say, and we won’t be left speechless, with only polite pleasantries remaining.”

Liu Xianyang, however, said something that completely ruined the mood, “I’ve always been curious, does snot taste good? Salty or bland?”

Gu Can said, “Do you remember one early morning, I gave you a meat-filled bun from Old Mao’s shop? You’ve actually eaten my boogers before.”

Liu Xianyang suddenly realized, “So that’s it, surely you added a lot, no wonder, no wonder the meat-filled bun tasted especially good that day.”

Gu Can smiled, “In our hometown, the customs are simple and honest.”

Liu Xianyang nodded, “I almost forgot, you and Chen Ping’an are both meritorious officials.”

Since Old Real Person Lu of Green Tiger Palace arrived at Fallen Phoenix Mountain, he hasn’t been venturing out much. Helping his disciple Zhao Zhuo secure a guest elder position was like an elder making plans for their descendants. Lu Yong felt somewhat embarrassed.

Zheng Qingjia was the opposite. This female immortal with the Daoist name of Mandarin Lake would go out for a stroll whenever she had the chance. It was truly unavoidable. Every time she returned to the residence, she would pull out a smug disciple from her sleeve, Zhai Guangyun with the Daoist name of Cloud Smoke. She would pester her master with questions, the most important being, Master, did you see the Hidden Official Chen on this trip? Has the Hidden Official returned to the mountain yet?

Zheng Qingjia dared not let this beloved disciple show her face, or even let her leave her sleeves. She could only restrain this little lovesick girl, fearing that she would be unrestrained in her words and damage the relationship with Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

Although she had joined White Emperor City, Zheng Qingjia still felt that the Qi practitioners of the Wildlands were more clear-cut in their love and hate than those of the Vast Expanse. On the mountains of the Wildlands today, the number of women who admired that red-robed Hidden Official on the city wall was vast and boundless.
Zheng Qingjia often patrolled the mountains with Zhou Mili, the esteemed Mountain Guardian. After a while, Zheng Qingjia began to realize something. The oddly dressed, black-clad girl seemed to chat idly about anything and everything, but the useful information regarding Falling Mountain’s true “secrets” was scarce, barely countable. Instead, the little black-clothed girl seemed to be fishing for information about Golden Emerald City and the Savage Lands from her. Could it be that this seemingly innocent “Grotto-Heaven Realm” monster of the Dumb Lake was guiding her?

At first, Zheng Qingjia was skeptical. But one day, during their patrol, Zhou Mili casually mentioned Jing Qing’s wide circle of friends, including “Chen Turbid Stream” and “Master Meiqin,” all good drinking buddies. Upon hearing this, Zheng Qingjia’s Dao-heart trembled. That Xin fellow, wielding a longsword and carrying three thousand “Breaking Formation Melody” poems, had caused quite a stir in the Savage Lands with a scholarly figure wearing a tall hat and an iron sword. Outsiders might not know the details, but Zheng Qingjia had heard whispers.

Then, the seemingly naive little girl went on to say that Jing Qing often mentioned wanting to give a belated greeting gift to that “Nephew Zheng” who always wore white and looked like a wealthy man, fulfilling his duty and affection as an elder… At that moment, Immortal Yuanyang almost suffered a Dao-heart collapse!

After that, Zheng Qingjia never went out for a stroll again.

She was absolutely certain that Guardian Zhou’s words were full of hidden meanings, each one deliberately targeted, all meant to guide her, Zheng Qingjia!

Twice, Zhou Mili passed by Zheng Qingjia’s residence, only to find the door closed. The black-clothed girl, a cotton bag slung across her shoulder, scratched her cheek. *Aha,* she thought, *Sister Qingjia probably finds mountain patrols boring and doesn’t want to say it directly, so she’s using this way to politely refuse me. I understand, I understand. Haha, Sister Qingjia is giving me a hint! My little brain is so clever!*

A warship of the Great Li military docked at Ox Horn Ferry.

Several Criminal Affairs Department Guardians, displaying their identity plaques, and a group of Great Li cultivator-soldiers in armor and swords appeared on the warship.

Clearly, although the warship wasn’t large, the level of importance for this trip was quite high.

Those with keen eyes at the ferry knew at a glance that there must be important officials from Great Li on board.

The person in charge was a handsome man with a vermillion gourd hanging at his waist, Cao Gengxin, the Vice Minister of Personnel from the Great Li capital. He was revisiting an old place, filled with emotion.

There were also two members of the Great Li Earthly Branches: Yuan Huajing, a Yuan Ying Realm swordsman from the Yuan clan, an Upper Pillar Kingdom; and Zhou Haijing, a peak Mountain Realm female master who completed the Earthly Branches roster.

Their trip south to Chu Prefecture was to escort sixteen people to Falling Mountain for cultivation. These promising disciples and martial arts prodigies ranged in age from nine to eighteen.

On the Falling Mountain side, only a stern-faced, green-robed child and a fellow squatting by the cliff railing, picking his nose and flicking away the boogers, were there to receive them.

Because they didn’t have a sword talisman, according to the rules, this group of outsiders had to walk to Jumping Fish Mountain, a considerable distance.

Cao Gengxin, who had served as a kiln affairs supervisor for many years, clearly had a good relationship with the shifty-eyed man. They strode towards each other, exchanged a hearty high-five, and grasped hands tightly. “The capital’s land and water are excellent; Supervisor Cao is becoming more manly by the day!” “Brother Dafeng’s charm remains undiminished; your eyes are as sharp as ever.”

Zhou Haijing thought the filthy, unkempt man’s gaze was improper, but she was used to it and didn’t feel uncomfortable.

Zheng Dafeng secretly whispered, “This girl is pretty. Is she your sister-in-law?”

Cao Gengxin sighed. He had only himself to blame for his loose tongue, which led to a situation where he couldn’t speak his mind. Before his uncle, Cao Ping, led troops to the Savage Lands, he directly issued a military order for him to marry Zhou Haijing.

Zheng Dafeng understood. It must be that ambiguous relationship where you’ve hooked up but haven’t sampled the goods. One shouldn’t mess with a friend’s woman, so Zheng Dafeng averted his gaze and patted Cao Gengxin on the shoulder. “Goji berry tea, snake gall wine, I’ve got plenty. They’ll strengthen your kidneys and boost your yang, guaranteed. Don’t be shy, don’t be polite with me. The art of lovemaking doesn’t allow for politeness. You must never be eager to kill the bandit but lack the strength to do so; don’t take off your pants and then put them back on only to have the woman ask you in confusion, ‘Is it over already…?'”

Cao Gengxin’s scalp tingled. He quickly grabbed Zheng Dafeng’s arm, interrupting the man’s lurid words. “Let’s not talk about that; let’s talk business first. This visit to Falling Mountain is a serious matter with great implications.”

Zheng Dafeng chuckled. “Great implications? Two armies face off, and the battle ends before it begins, drums signaling retreat. That’s fine; there are medicinal wines and such to help. But if the woman asks, ‘Are you in?’ then it’s truly the will of Heaven, and no amount of human effort can save you.”

Cao Gengxin couldn’t handle it. Fortunately, Zheng Dafeng remembered to use the method of sound transmission; otherwise, if Zhou Haijing overheard them, he would be in deep trouble. Cao Gengxin quickly took out a booklet and secretly handed it to Zheng Dafeng. “I haven’t been idle on this trip; you could even say I’m siding with outsiders, wholeheartedly supporting Brother Dafeng and Falling Mountain. The booklet contains trivial information about the sixteen people, which can be used to supplement the official court records.”

Zheng Dafeng inconspicuously slipped the booklet into his sleeve and smiled. “You’ve put in the effort. Brothers don’t need to thank each other; we’ll show our true feelings at the dinner table later.”

The green-robed child coughed a few times, shook his sleeves, clasped his fists high, and introduced himself. “My name is Chen Lingjun, Daoist name Jing Qing. I am a Guardian of the Ancestral Hall of Azure Peak. Let’s not talk about my realm. Greetings, Master Cao, greetings to all the honored guests from the capital.”

Cao Gengxin nodded and smiled. “Elder Jing Qing, your fame has spread far and wide.”

Chen Lingjun immediately revealed his true self, his face full of glee, hands on his hips, hehehe.

*Supervisor Cao, you have good eyes and can sit at the table to drink! No need to be at the same table as the Left Protector of Riding Dragon Lane.*

As for that group of young men and women, Chen Lingjun didn’t take them seriously at all. *You unripe melons and little girls, it’s not that I look down on you. Now that I, Chen Dàyé, have achieved Dao and possess boundless power, a simple punch from me, just to scare you a little, wouldn’t you be terrified, your faces drained of color? Wouldn’t you be weeping, crying like rain? Could you withstand my second punch?*

Zhou Haijing smiled and asked, “May I ask this Jing Qing Immortal if Pei Qian, Master Chen’s first disciple, is currently on the mountain?”

She and Pei Qian were both among the Four Grandmasters of the martial arts world of Treasure Bottle Continent.
Having previously crossed fists with Yu Hong during a martial arts contest in the Great Li capital, Zhou Haijing had tasted defeat. However, she held firm in her belief that within a few years, she would possess the strength to vanquish that old codger.

Chen Lingjun chuckled, “Pei Qian is all grown up now, she’s a busy bee. She came and went, the dredging of the Great Canal in Tongye Continent requires her input, the capable are always burdened with more tasks.”

Were it not for the Mountain Lord restraining him, he would have long snatched a seat from that leaderless Ancestral Hall of Yunyan Kingdom, or even from Cao Qinglang or Master Zhong!

For a moment, Zhou Haijing was unsure of the little azure-robed boy’s status on Luopo Mountain. Judging by his tone, he held Pei Qian, the realm-ascended cultivator, in low regard, treating her as a junior?

She was well aware that he had fraternized with the Water God in the Imperial River Water Mansion of the Great Li’s vassal state, Huangting Kingdom, one of the earliest to follow Chen Ping’an up the mountain, a veritable elder of Luopo Mountain. Later, he succeeded in navigating the Jidu River in Northern Ju Continent, transforming into a Nascent Soul stage water蛟 (jiāo, a mythical dragon-like creature)…

Nearby, an eerie silence descended upon the group.

These sixteen individuals, hailing from diverse backgrounds, each carrying the hopes of their families and sects, or their own aspirations, harbored mixed feelings.

Yet, they were united by a shared curiosity, anticipation, and nervous apprehension, their hearts drawn towards that destination.

For they were soon to witness Luopo Mountain with their own eyes, to meet the legendary Chen Ping’an up close.

The founder of Luopo Mountain in the Great Li’s Chu Prefecture, the lord of the Qingping Sword Sect, the last Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall, the closed-door disciple of the Literary Saint, the Junior Brother of the Great Li National Preceptor, Cui Chan, the Dao companion of Ning Yao, the one who slew the barbarian Grand Ancestor’s chief disciple, the one who challenged Mount Tuoyue with his sword, and the person who carved words on the city wall, the realm-ascended martial artist who competed with Cao Ci in the battle of green and white, the one who sought enlightenment with Liu Xianyang at the Zheng Yang Mountain… not to mention the protagonist “Chen Ping An” in a certain travelogue, and so on.

His titles were numerous, his deeds monumental, too many to count on two hands.

Zhou Haijing smiled alluringly, voicing a crucial question on behalf of many, “Could it be that Mountain Lord Chen is too preoccupied to remember us? Can’t he spare some time from his busy schedule to meet us?”

Zheng Dafeng casually remarked, “Don’t even think about seeing our Mountain Lord. These sixteen, for many years to come, might not even set foot on Luopo Mountain once.”

Zhou Haijing, ever outspoken, feigned surprise, “Wow, I’m enlightened. Is this what they call ‘the big shop bullying its customers’?”

Zheng Dafeng glanced at Cao Gengxin, *your wife’s words are always so barbed, aren’t you going to do anything about it? Are you really henpecked?*

Cao Gengxin wore a faint smile, feigning ignorance. Zheng Dafeng’s gaze felt like being splattered with a bucket of dung. He was determined not to acknowledge it.

Yuan Huajing reminded her telepathically, “Zhou Haijing, please be mindful of your status.”

Firstly, the twelve Great Li Earthly Branch cultivators were nominally under Cao Gengxin’s command, but everyone knew the reality.

Simply put, Cao Gengxin was at most a manager, while Chen Ping’an could control people and affairs, depending on his willingness.

Furthermore, didn’t she know that Chen Ping’an was now the Great Li National Preceptor? If Chen Ping’an and the Emperor had not deliberately concealed it, the news would have spread throughout the continent long ago.

Subsequently, Zheng Dafeng led the way, guiding this group of capital dignitaries, on foot, towards Luopo Mountain.

Chen Lingjun, who truly regarded himself as “Ancestor Jingqing,” was on cloud nine, casting a spell to conjure a cloud to carry him gently in the air.

The sixteen onlookers had varied reactions to this mystical scene.

They knew little about this “Nascent Soul stage old immortal” who shared the same surname as the young Hidden Official. They only knew that Ancestor Jingqing, who had regained his youthful appearance, favored tranquility and seclusion, content to reside in the mountains and seek the Dao of immortality. Hence, his only public appearance was during the “Observance Ceremony at Zheng Yang Mountain.” However, it was said that this Ancestor Jingqing had an intimate relationship with the Night Roaming Divine Sovereign of Piyun Mountain.

Others came to the mountain to cultivate, but the little azure-robed boy came to the mountain simply to climb it.

While walking along the Niujiaodu mountain path, Zhou Haijing suddenly asked about Zheng Dafeng, “Clearly, he is a person of unique character and noble spirit, why bother to feign pettiness and offend others? What’s the point?”

She had seen plenty of names, including mountain immortals who liked to pretend to be profound, martial arts masters who were approachable, and members of the Jianghu (martial arts world) who feigned uninhibitedness but were actually petty and avaricious. But it was rare to find someone like Zheng Dafeng, who seemed afraid of being regarded as a superior.

Cao Gengxin pondered for a moment and replied seriously, “Those who are too aware of themselves are like rootless duckweed, drifting with the current. Before entering the sea, they want to say a few more words to the shore, both afraid of being remembered too much and afraid of being forgotten too quickly.”

Zhou Haijing casually inquired, “Why doesn’t the Great Li court increase the proportion of cultivators in its officialdom?”

Apart from the Great Li’s Song family, all the countries in the continent desired to have more cultivators in their courts, whether as civil or military officials or as honored guests. It was not unwillingness but inability.

Cao Gengxin said casually, “A stuffy atmosphere is like a蒸籠 (zhēnglóng, a steamer), easily deterring burgeoning vitality.”

Zhou Haijing glanced deeply at this Cao wine-soaked ghost, who was known for “sitting on the toilet without shitting” but had managed to rise through the ranks with meteoric success. “Oh, he has some insight.”

Zheng Dafeng deliberately avoided looking at their flirtatious exchange. Disgusting! And a little sad. When will the hard times end? The dry ones die of drought, while the flooded ones drown.

An old, hunched man in a blue gown and cloth shoes was waiting at the gate of the vassal state’s Tiaoyu Mountain.

There was also a white-haired boy standing there, his face full of glee. He held a brush in one hand and a notebook in the other, eager to begin.

“We’re going to be rich!”

“Sixteen at once! All cultivators below the Earth Immortal realm and martial artists below the Divine Transformation Realm!”

“Good fortune comes every year, but it’s especially abundant today!”

Beside the old chef stood Cen Yuanji, who clearly didn’t want to be there.

Cen Yuanji said awkwardly, “Mr. Zhu, is it really okay for me to teach others martial arts?”

Zhu Lian smiled and said, “You are one of the two candidates, the primary and secondary, chosen by the Mountain Lord to teach martial arts. You shouldn’t doubt the Mountain Lord’s judgment.”

From the very first glance, Cen Yuanji had never doubted Mountain Lord Chen’s “judgment” and had believed in it implicitly. Only later did Cen Yuanji gradually change her mind.
Is Mr. Zhu’s statement a double entendre? Does it mean that Mountain Master Chen didn’t misjudge him, and also subtly imply that he didn’t misjudge Mountain Master Chen?

Zhu Lian couldn’t help but smile, not saying much. Reason fears the “but,” and matters dread the “what if.” People fear misunderstandings.

However, Zhu Lian didn’t think there was anything wrong with Cen Yuanji misunderstanding Mountain Master Chen. On the contrary, it was a unique charm of their own Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

The dignified Mountain Master of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, strolling along the mountain path on his own territory, brushed past the female martial artist who was diligently practicing footwork. One thought the other was deliberately avoiding eye contact, a clear case of “much ado about nothing.” The other felt that merely glancing at a fellow martial artist would invite suspicion of being a lecherous rogue. Yet, to avoid looking at all would be a sign of guilt. To look or not to look, both were wrong. How unjust!

Cen Yuanji curiously asked, “Even if the Mountain Master is burdened with affairs and cannot spare the time, wouldn’t it be better to have Pei Qian teach the boxing? Is it because the excavation of the great canals in Tongye Continent requires her presence?”

Zhu Lian shook his head, “Pei Qian is only suitable for learning boxing, not for teaching it to others.”

“Why?”

“Pei Qian is self-absorbed.”

Cen Yuanji was utterly confused.

Zhu Lian patiently explained, “Pei Qian’s boxing is her own boxing. Because Pei Qian’s boxing stances, principles, intent, and techniques are all unique to her. Even if she were willing to impart everything without reservation, wanting to allow others to examine and repeatedly study her boxing, they wouldn’t be able to grasp it, to learn it. Pei Qian’s boxing’s divine intent is all drawn inward. The reason our Mountain Master is Pei Qian’s master is because he can both draw in his divine intent and release it outward. Therefore, as long as the Mountain Master is willing, he can make everything clear and obvious to observers and learners, allowing them to understand it at a glance.”

Cen Yuanji felt somewhat saddened, “All the hard work of learning martial arts and practicing boxing seems to be no match for ‘talent’.”

Zhu Lian laughed, “Don’t compare yourself to Pei Qian in terms of talent. There’s no point in that. On this point, across all the heavens, apart from a handful of individuals like Lin Jiangxian, Pei Bei, and Cao Ci, even our Mountain Master wouldn’t dare casually challenge Pei Qian to a boxing match in the same realm. Do you think Pei Qian fooled the Mountain Master with that clumsy ‘sleepwalking’ excuse when she went to the Sword Qi Great Wall as a child? Let me tell you the truth, the Mountain Master once tried to teach Pei Qian boxing in the same realm on the second floor of the bamboo house. The result? Similar to you, he was knocked to the ground with a single move.”

Cen Yuanji suppressed a smile. This was the first time she had heard of such a thing. She carefully asked, “Why doesn’t Mountain Master Chen let Mr. Zhu teach boxing?”

Zhu Lian smiled, “The timing isn’t right. I’ve already arranged a spar with the Mountain Master, agreeing to meet in the capital of Nanyuan Kingdom during the heavy snowfall of this year to exchange boxing techniques. Before that, I need to carefully consider how to lose in a more presentable manner.”

Dressed in a snow-white robe, slender, with a smile for everyone.

It was the Law Enforcer, Chang Ming, who was half a head taller than Cen Yuanji.

Some found this Law Enforcer of Fallen Phoenix Mountain gentle and captivating, while others found her terrifying and eerie.

No one knew who had selected the “Four Giants” of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

The Head Butler, Zhu Lian; the Law Enforcer, Chang Ming; the Master of the Treasury, Wei Wenlong; and the Chief Offering, Zhou Fei.

Since arriving at the mountain, Chang Ming had never seemed to get into a quarrel with anyone.

Chang Ming smiled gently, “The Mountain Master didn’t appear this time. Will these children have some thoughts in their hearts?”

Zhu Lian smiled, “Not necessarily. Nowadays, countless people in the Great Li Dynasty are trying their hardest to get into Fallen Phoenix Mountain. The Ministry of Justice in the imperial court is very attentive and cautious about the selection of people. They wouldn’t be foolish enough to send a few narrow-minded children to us. Although half of them are relatives of powerful families and mountain immortal abodes of the Great Li, what does their status count for? Therefore, the Ministry of Justice selects people not only based on their exceptional aptitude and roots for cultivation and martial arts, but also on their character. They must be of the highest caliber, otherwise, if a single rotten apple spoils the whole barrel, turning a good thing into a bad thing, and irritating Fallen Phoenix Mountain, hehe, then not only will the Minister of Justice severely punish the officials responsible for the selection, but the family and immortal abode behind that person will also be held accountable. Even His Majesty the Emperor will personally intervene. So, each of these sixteen people knows what’s what. Arriving at Fallen Phoenix Mountain, if they dare to be ignorant of etiquette, they probably won’t even have the chance to be sensible in the future.”

That Fallen Phoenix Mountain is willing to place expectations on them and carefully nurture them is not a reason for these children to think they can see Mountain Master Chen whenever they want.

Wei Bo, the Night Traveling Divine, with a golden ring earring, appeared out of thin air at the foot of the mountain.

Zhu Lian smiled, “Why is the Night Traveling Divine also here to join in the fun? Aren’t you afraid of making too grand an entrance and scaring these fledgling children?”

Wei Bo was too lazy to respond.

This new title, among those on Fallen Phoenix Mountain, was most enthusiastically shouted by the Little Boy in Green. Whoever dared to disrespectfully call him Mountain Lord Wei, Brother Wei, he would get angry and insist on correcting them before giving up.

Once Chen Ping’an returned to Fallen Phoenix Mountain, with someone backing him up, Chen Lingjun would be unstoppable in Wei Bo’s presence. Wei Bo had wanted to punish Chen Lingjun for more than a day or two.

Wei Bo remembered something, “The old deaf man from the Sword Qi Great Wall, with the Daoist name Long Sheng, alias Gan Tang, fell from his realm on the battlefield of the Sword Qi Great Wall. After a trip to the barbaric wasteland, he rose again and returned to his peak. Now the old deaf man is still in the Ascension Realm and will soon come to Fallen Phoenix Mountain to serve as a nominal Offering.”

The white-haired boy muttered, “How unlucky, another Ascension Realm Offering is coming.”

Why couldn’t he learn from Jing Hao, the Qinggong Grand Protector of the Liuxia Continent, who obediently left after drinking wine on the mountain?

Chang Ming asked, “What do you think of Guo Zhujiu?”

Wei Bo asked strangely, “Why is Law Enforcer Chang Ming asking this?”

Zhu Lian, however, was in the know, saying, “Daoist Chang Ming, you’ve only been Law Enforcer for a few years, are you already thinking of shirking your responsibilities? That’s not appropriate, is it?”

Only then did Wei Bo understand.

Chang Ming smiled, “Of course, I’m not immediately resigning from my position as Law Enforcer. I just think that if this matter is indeed feasible, I can prepare early.”

Chang Ming actually had an idea in mind for the next candidate for Law Enforcer of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, which was the Mountain Master’s direct disciple, Guo Zhujiu, who came from the Sword Qi Great Wall and had been to the Bixia Palace.

Earlier, when they accompanied the Mountain Master on a trip to the Great Mu Temple in the Lotus Root Blessed Land, Chang Ming was deeply impressed by Guo Zhujiu and had high hopes for her, finding her satisfactory in every way.

That Guo Zhujiu was the “nemesis” of her fellow disciple Pei Qian, and the white-haired boy, pulling the sable-hatted girl, jointly revered Guo Zhujiu as their leader… These things, which seemed to be joking and playing, were actually not so simple when deeply investigated.
A Streamer Cloud Skiff approached the borders of Chuzhou. Chen Ping’an summoned Puliu, Guankui, and Shen Ke, having them sit within the cabin. He cut straight to the chase, saying, “You will soon follow Gu Can to Fuyue Continent to establish a sect, becoming the founding ancestors of a brand new lineage. To be revered both within and beyond the mountain gate for a long time is no easy feat. Don’t let it become commonplace over time. As our separation draws near, let’s have some blunt words beforehand. I can send you in, and I can drag you out. Even if Gu Can wants to stop me, he might not even try.”

The two humans and one spirit remained as silent as cicadas in winter. The Nascent Soul Realm old woman, whose true name was Xu Fu, trembled slightly, mustering her courage to break the silence, “We will respectfully heed your teachings, Master Chen.”

Each of them was sharp-witted. The relationship and camaraderie between Gu Can and Chen Ping’an were plain for all to see and hear, needing no further elaboration.

If Chen Ping’an truly wanted to deal with them, he wouldn’t even need to utter a word. A simple glance at Sect Leader Gu Can, and he would undoubtedly slay them without hesitation.

A Sect Master, within their own domain, could cleanse their ranks without needing to report to the Middle Earth Literary Temple.

Shen Ke had suffered the most under Chen Jianxian’s hand. During those “bleak years” filled with ghost walls, the suffering he endured was far more than words could express. Seeing that the old woman and Puliu had taken the initiative, the old Grandmaster immediately stood up, cupped his fist and said in a deep voice, “Chen Jianxian, Shen Ke has now truly awakened, repenting and mending his ways. If not for Chen Jianxian’s benevolence in allowing me to follow Sect Leader Gu Can and obtain a place in the lineage, I dare to speak from the bottom of my heart that from the very first step I took away from that world, Shen Ke resolved to live as a good person and do good deeds for the rest of my life, be it a few years or decades. Chen Jianxian’s Dao is boundless, and you should know that these words are sincere and come from the heart, without a single false or pretentious syllable.”

With Shen Ke rising to express his stance, the old woman Xu Fu and the ghost Guankui had no choice but to stand up to show their sincerity.

Chen Ping’an stood with his hands in his sleeves, nodding and smiling, “The words are undoubtedly sincere, but the truth of their execution remains to be seen. Let me make this clear, if you have the ability to make me believe you today, and yet you deceive me in the future, the crime will be compounded.”

Shen Ke spoke with increasing enthusiasm, focused on maintaining a pure and unyielding mind, throwing caution to the wind, and loudly proclaimed, “I will never give Chen Jianxian the opportunity to misjudge Shen Ke!”

Chen Ping’an reached out and pressed down slightly, signaling for them to sit down and chat, without the need for such formality, “I will have Gu Can help you light a life-extending lamp in the Ancestral Hall, so you will have no excuse to be afraid of death and therefore unable to be a good person and do good deeds.”

Shen Ke had barely touched the chair before he quickly stood up again to thank Chen Jianxian. The old Grandmaster was overjoyed, such a fortunate turn of events!

Xu Fu and Guankui exchanged glances, lighting a life-extending lamp in the Ancestral Hall was truly akin to gaining another life.

Chen Ping’an did not wish to simply suppress them with force, turning them into individuals who would forever be haunted by the mere mention of his name. He spoke slowly, “One might ask, what is a gentleman? It is simply a sincere and righteous thought, which, over time, is held onto until the end. Naturally, one will treat small matters as great enemies, and sit in a secluded room as if in a crowded thoroughfare. Day and night, one will examine oneself and reflect upon one’s actions. Year after year, one will steadfastly pursue this heart and walk the Dao. Naturally, one will face great enemies as if nothing has happened, and find oneself in a bustling city yet connected to heaven and earth. I ask the world, who can deceive me with profit, who can insult me with a name? For centuries, millennia, for all eternity, who can truly confine me?”

The room was like a “secluded chamber,” and the three savored these words, none daring to break the silence, each feeling admiration in their hearts.

Shen Ke, in any case, felt that Mountain Master Chen was truly a Peak Martial Artist whose fist techniques were godly, his calm words like delivering heavy blows, causing others to feel the urge to kneel and kowtow in worship.

Guankui, who had also been a teacher, felt that Chen Ping’an was worthy of his title as a closed-door disciple of the Sage of Literature. The old woman Xu Fu, on the other hand, felt that Chen Jianxian and that Ning Yao were a match made in heaven.

Chen Ping’an actually felt rather awkward, and could only make a joke to defuse the situation, “Don’t stand there dumbfounded! Quickly take out your paper and pens and write down these golden words.”

The solemn atmosphere suddenly lightened a bit, and Chen Ping’an said, “As we are about to part, how about we both remember the good things about each other?”

Shen Ke had already found some mysterious feeling. Before the other two could speak, he had already said, “Shen Ke is sincerely convinced, how could I not obey?!”

For some reason, the fear he had previously felt towards Fallen Phoenix Mountain was gone. At this moment, Shen Ke felt that even going up the mountain would not scare him.

The good words had been taken by Shen Ke, so Xu Fu and Guankui could only follow suit.

Chen Ping’an got up and walked to the window, smiling, “There’s an old saying in my hometown, that a person cannot be ‘eye-poor’. Not having money in your pocket might be temporary, but being ‘eye-poor’ means being poor for life.”

Xu Fu and Guankui looked at Shen Ke at the same time, the old Grandmaster looked confused, instead using his eyes to ask them, aren’t you supposed to be flatterers? I gave you the opportunity but you didn’t take it.

Liu Xianyang marveled, “You have to say, the atmosphere of Fallen Phoenix Mountain is strange, isn’t it?”

Gu Can nodded with a smile, “Like placing orchids in a room, over time, the room becomes fragrant?”

Huang Lie had no choice but to find a wording to agree with, “Mountain Master Chen’s merit is immense.”

Arriving at Oxhorn Ferry, nearing Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

Even if it doesn’t make money, today is still worth a lot.

Another day of peaceful and uneventful little immortal.

Those sixteen people who boarded Jumping Fish Mountain instead of Fallen Phoenix Mountain felt their disappointment lessen when they saw the Law Enforcement Ancestor with the Daoist name “Long Life” at the foot of the mountain.

Even though the master of the house still did not appear, Fallen Phoenix Mountain ultimately did not treat them as negligible, as an existence that could be completely ignored.

However, they did not know that Chen Ping’an was actually sitting at the top of the steps of Jumping Fish Mountain, and not only that, but also Liu Jianxian and the madman Gu Can.

It was just that they had used a trick to prevent them from seeing them.

Liu Xianyang wanted to sit in the middle, Gu Can wouldn’t let him, so Liu Xianyang moved his position himself, but Gu Can followed suit, Liu Xianyang was angry, let his big brother show off a little, what’s the matter?

Liu Xianyang, who had not been able to succeed, said angrily, “Little snot-nosed kid, you’re about to be a Sect Leader, are you childish or not?!”

Gu Can said with a smile, “I’m childish, aren’t you childish?”
When Liu Xianyang realized that Chen Ping’an wouldn’t show up today, he didn’t care anymore. He immediately got up, dusted off his backside, and left. There are places for him elsewhere. Sect Leader Liu went to the Dragon Whisker River near the blacksmith shop, familiar with the route. He tucked a duck under each arm and returned to his mountain to stew duck with dried bamboo shoots. Sadly, it couldn’t be considered old duck soup, lacking a bit of age.

Chen Ping’an and Gu Can returned to Jiling Peak. The young Hidden Official was polite, and Zheng Qingjia was even excessively polite, which left Chen Ping’an somewhat baffled.

Gu Can and this Golden Emerald City female immortal, whose Daoist name was Mandarin Duck Lake, were actually meeting for the first time. Arrangements were simple. Liu Youzhou was the deputy sect leader, and Zheng Qingjia was just a nominal God of Wealth.

Pei Qian had to use the Three Mountains Talisman again, leaving the Fish Scale Ferry in Tongye Continent and arriving at the Lotus Root Blessed Land. Pei Qian first went to the Heart Appearance Temple in the capital of the Southern Yuan Kingdom.

Martial luck surged towards her, but it was once again shattered by Pei Qian’s fists. Martial luck rained down, sprinkling the Blessed Land.

Atop a peculiar mountain peak, Pei Qian replaced Chen Ping’an’s “highest” position.

Except for the very first step into martial arts, the Martial Artist First Realm, from the Second Realm to the Mountain Peak Realm, there were a total of eight realms, and eight positions on the mountain peak.

Adding the three layers of the Stopping Realm—Vigorous Qi, Returning to Truth, Divine Arrival—there were a total of eleven positions.

For ten thousand years, every martial arts genius competed with their contemporaries. By reaching the strongest state of a certain realm at each “present” moment and stepping into the next, they could receive a share of the world’s martial luck. But in the past ten thousand years, the number of martial artists was countless. The number of martial artists who were able to reach the next level with the title of strongest was not small, but those who could come here and stand for a while, especially those who could still hold their position, were without exception, geniuses among martial arts geniuses.

In just under two hundred years, the old faces on the mountain peak were quickly replaced by more than half.

Lin Jiangxian of Qingming World, Master Lin of Crow Mountain, was now the undisputed number one martial artist in the world.

When this Sword Qi Great Wall offering official, whose real name was Yan Guo, reached Returning to Truth to Divine Arrival, he had been here once.

The female martial god of the Great End Dynasty, the number one martial artist in the vast world, Pei Bei, held a place on the mountain peak.

As Pei Bei’s direct disciple, Cao Ci, dressed in white, occupied four positions alone.

Chen Ping’an had also been here, but he was squeezed out of his position by his own first disciple after standing for only a few days.

So at this moment, there were two Pei Qians of different ages.

First, there was a strange and clever little black girl.

Then, there was a young woman with her hair tied in buns.

Pei Qian didn’t see “Master” here. She stood silently on the mountain peak and waited for a long time, but her mind still didn’t return to its original place. So she silently walked down the mountain, too lazy to say half a word of nonsense to that existence.

The strange existence who made an exception for Pei Qian again walked beside her and smiled, “Not bad, you manifested sooner than I expected.”

Pei Qian was already in a bad mood, but when she thought of her master taking half a punch, she endured it again and again, and didn’t say, “What’s it to you.”

The initial ancestor of the Military School, who opened up a martial path for the world with his fists ten thousand years ago, smiled and said, “You’re not going to hold a grudge for that light half-punch, are you?”

Pei Qian really endured it again and again, and finally couldn’t help it. She didn’t forget to say “Senior” first, and then said, “Why are you so foul-mouthed?”

“If you think my words and deeds were impolite when I climbed and descended the mountain last time, then come at me if you have the ability. What kind of hero are you to put the blame on my master?”

The initial ancestor of the Military School laughed heartily and said, “That kid Chen Ping’an, his martial arts skills are okay, just average, much worse than Cao Ci, but his skill in accepting disciples is quite good.”

Pei Qian learned from her mistakes, worried that this fellow wouldn’t have any sense of honor. She just walked silently down the mountain and didn’t say anything more.

If it were the little black girl of the past, with that temper, she would have let you know what a firecracker was and what it meant for your ancestral grave to be smoking.

The initial ancestor of the Military School escorted Pei Qian all the way to the foot of the mountain and smiled, “Go back and tell Chen Ping’an that he can come to the foot of the mountain for a chat.”

“Just the foot of the mountain?”

Pei Qian said unhappily, “Senior is so capable, you can ask my master yourself.”

The tall man with a blurred figure reached out as if he wanted to rub Pei Qian’s head. “Whose temper is this like?”

Pei Qian turned her head to avoid him and glared at him.

The next moment, just as Pei Qian was about to turn her head and look towards the mountain peak, her mind was thrown out of this vast world.

A man wearing a snow-white robe and with pure gold eyes stood on the mountain peak, looking down, and smiled with narrowed eyes at the burly man who turned to look at him, “Coming uninvited, it’s like a reunion with an old acquaintance. If you’re not convinced, then…let’s have a fight?”

The initial ancestor of the Military School stared at the figure and sneered, “Just half a one and you dare act like a big shot and scare me?”

Unexpectedly, a tall woman with a sword propping her up appeared beside “that person”, “Scare you?”