A dynasty’s rise brings forth its destined figures, a tapestry of land and more, each soul leaving its mark, rising above the mundane.

Not even the meticulous Longming, guardian of the law, could fathom Chen Ping’an’s unease. Only his disciple and Guo Zhujiu had perceived the subtle tension. Yet, at that meeting years ago in the Spring Banner Fast of Upside-Down Mountain, as the newly appointed Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall, Chen Ping’an had been the picture of composure, masterful in every word and gesture.

Though small, a blessed land holds a complete universe within its borders. The sun’s journey across the sky, the rise and fall of seasons, the exchange of mortals and immortals, the shifting boundaries between the seen and unseen – all contained within this single realm. More so, Chen Ping’an held Lotus Root Blessed Land as dearly as his own hometown, the Li Zhu Grotto Heaven.

Here, the Old Temple Master had woven hidden patterns, mysteries yet to be revealed. These awaited the Falling Boulder Mountain to uncover, their future resting on Chen Ping’an’s shoulders. According to the Old Temple Master’s design, all celestial exiles who came to temper their spirits and experience worldly life in Lotus Root Blessed Land were obliged to pay a toll – a portion of their very Dao Heart – to the Temple of Observation.

These collected Dao Hearts were unified into a single grand tapestry, then dispersed into ten thousand threads, each thread meticulously woven into the destinies of remarkable individuals. Thus, the world saw the rise of prodigies, those who stood head and shoulders above the rest. Scholars like Lu Sheng, who sought to harmonize all schools of thought; his disciple, Sui Youbian; and later, Zhu Lian, Ding Ying, Yu Zhenyi, Zhong Qiu, and the younger generation, Yuan Huang and Wujiang, all partook in this grand design.

The Temple of Observation stood as a Dao Tree, with the lands, rivers, and sentient beings forming its branches, leaves, and blossoms. Each branch represented a dynasty’s fate, a family’s lineage, or a martial sect’s legacy. The blooming of a flower mirrored the birth of a life, its fall, the inevitable end. The fruits borne from this Dao Tree were the Daoists themselves.

The grand design settled, only details remained to be negotiated.

The Great Wood Temple, the Fallen Blossom Courtyard.

Miya Hana, the Spirit Monarch of Autumn Breath Lake and hostess of the Eastern Dao, personally brewed tea for her guests. The atmosphere was lighter than at the previous gathering in the White Jade Plaza, a sense of relief palpable, if not outright jovial.

This second, smaller council included the Qi cultivators Gao Jun, Sun Wanyan known as the Spirit Talisman, Zhou Shuzhen of the Revered Gazebo, and Pihyang, the Queen of the Fox Kingdom. The martial practitioners were Zhong Qian, the swordsman Cao Ni, and the grandmaster He Qizhou. In addition, were the monarchs of the four kingdoms and the Mountain Lords of the Five Peaks. The previous encounter in the main hall had been telling: the Mountain Lords seated, while the monarchs remained standing.

Zhang Xianshan, the Old Mountain Lord of the Northern Peak, concealed his strength even more than Song Huaibao. Having become a deity, he adopted the name Wu Qiong, the title of Jade Edict, but now planned to revert to his birth name, finding “Wu Qiong” lacking in auspiciousness.

Chen Ping’an cradled his teacup, a smile playing on his lips. “Your Imperial Majesties,” he addressed the monarchs, “regarding the division of duties among the Five Peaks Mountain Lords, do you have any objections? If so, any suggestions?” The implication was clear: they were free to disagree, but must provide a viable solution.

Tuoba Daze, the ruler of the grasslands, spoke first. “We have no objections. The Great Five Peaks have never fallen under our jurisdiction. Their roles are clearly defined, and their division of labor is quite satisfactory.”

Zhao Juran, the Mountain Lord of the Eastern Peak, inquired, “How shall the regulations for the Human City God Pavilion be structured? For instance, should each City God possess a rank commensurate with their jurisdiction, such as a Marquis or Count?” Zhao Juran harbored no personal ambition, but understood all too well that without true authority, his dominion over the underworld and its spirits would be nothing more than a hollow title.

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “Mountain Lord Zhao, as I said before, such details are for you to resolve amongst yourselves. Falling Boulder Mountain will neither interfere today, nor tomorrow.”

Zhao Juran nodded.

“There is, however, one matter that I must settle today, to avoid future alterations,” Chen Ping’an continued. “The literary and martial temples, their main halls, side halls, and the ancestral hall with the enshrined sages – this is the fixed structure. The dates and ceremonies of worship are readily available, and Chief Gao is well-versed in these matters. The selection of those to be enshrined, of course, remains your decision.”

Huai Fu, Mountain Lord of the Northern Peak, who governed the martial temple, spoke. “The ancestral temple on my mountain is settled on its main enshrined deity. But for the side halls, besides the renowned generals of each dynasty, may we include martial arts grandmasters from across the ages? May they occupy a separate hall?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and nodded. “I see no reason why not.”

Zheng Fengzhou, the steward of literary fortune, asked, “Master Chen, for the literary temple’s enshrined sages, whether Confucian masters who have passed down scriptures and expounded the Way, or those pure scholars who have acted with virtue, upheld ethics, and benefited the world, surely they may be included. But what of commoners, who never held official posts or high rank, yet whose words and deeds have left a lasting legacy? Can such individuals be enshrined in the literary temple?”

Chen Ping’an paused to consider. “Extraordinary individuals deserve extraordinary consideration.” He cautioned, however, “Such exceptions must be made with utmost care, lest the temple lose its credibility and be seen as a mere collection of mediocrities.”

“Allow me a word of advice,” Chen Ping’an said. “In the construction of the literary and martial temples on the Central and Southern Peaks, the selection of those to be enshrined must be meticulous, ensuring that each choice is universally respected. It would be best to…control the numbers, not rushing to fill all thirty-six or seventy-two slots.”

The Old Mountain Lord of the Northern Peak stroked his beard and smiled. “We must leave something for future generations to aspire to.”

Cao Ni nodded in agreement. “Indeed, the sages and heroes of the present need not be inferior to those of old.”

The Old Mountain Lord suddenly posed, “To teach a man to fish is better than to give him a fish, Master Chen?”

Chen Ping’an concurred. “As for the establishment of the Bureau of Astronomy by each kingdom, Falling Boulder Mountain will provide both Mountain Lord Song of the Western Peak and the four kingdoms with a secret archive, containing records of various techniques for observing the heavens. Not every Qi cultivator can become an astronomer; finding suitable disciples will require your efforts. With trained astronomers, the human courts can monitor anomalies and the movements of powerful figures. To the eyes of an astronomer, Qi cultivators, martial arts grandmasters bearing the fortune of war, and mountain spirits are all ‘bearers of Qi.’ With sufficient skill and specialized instruments, no movement will escape notice. The court will then have the means to investigate the past and enforce the laws accordingly.”

Tang Tieyi nodded, his expression relaxing. Had Chen Ping’an and Falling Boulder Mountain merely favored “those above,” supporting the Mountain Lords and Daoists, the monarchs in their dragon robes would have felt reduced to mere window dressing.

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “Among Qi cultivators, the astronomers themselves can serve as a check. Furthermore, military cultivators can forge military armoring pellets, offering defense against sword cultivation pellets. Additionally, legalist cultivators are seen by some as one of the four great menaces in the world. Thus, Lord Tang need not worry about those above holding unchecked power. This is a complex matter, which I believe will only grow more intricate. As monarchs and rulers of your domains, you can accomplish much.”

Huang Mian, the young emperor of Songlai Kingdom, ventured a question. “If I may be so bold, Master Chen, who ultimately controls the course of the human world?”

Chen Ping’an responded with a question of his own, “Are you asking whether the enigmatic ‘course of the world’ is guided by a select few – individuals like myself and Falling Boulder Mountain, Chief Gao and Lakeside Mountain Sect, or even yourself and the Kingdom of Songlai – or whether it is driven by the impersonal forces of the world itself, rising or falling, with all beings swept along, able only to adapt to the current?”

Huang Mian smiled and nodded. “You have expressed it more accurately, Master Chen.”

“This is a complex question, not easily answered. However, drawing the target after shooting the arrow is a debate tactic. We need to seek out compelling arguments on both sides before tallying them up. One day, when I have reached a definitive answer, I will share it with Your Majesty.”

Huang Mian clasped his hands in a gesture of respect. “I eagerly await that day.”

Gao Jun couldn’t resist asking, “In the Vast World, the rules of the literary temple forbid monarchs from cultivating Qi, especially from reaching the middle realms. Does the same apply here?”

Chen Ping’an sipped his tea and was silent for a moment. He gazed out at the courtyard. “This matter,” he said slowly, “is for you to decide.”

While this restriction existed in the Vast World, no such constraint was present in the Azure Darkness World. Given the richness and concentration of Qi in the blessed land, Chen Ping’an chose to observe and learn.

Hearing this, Tang Tieyi and Huang Mian struggled to contain their delight, lest they betray their excitement.

Wei Yan of the Southern Garden Kingdom and Tuoba Daze of the Golden Horde appeared indifferent, being martial artists who could not cultivate Qi.

Chen Ping’an smiled and explained, “Had Cao Ni and Zhou Shuzhen not interrupted, my prepared opening remarks for today’s council would not have been about ‘achieving a position of dominance.’ Instead, I would have said, ‘This human world is your world; I am but a guest.’ But I suspect that no one would have believed me, dismissing it as mere lip service.”

The Old Mountain Lord chuckled. “Master Chen, you are not entirely correct. You should have added, ‘Except for Zhang Mountain Lord.'”

From his sleeve, Song Huaibao produced a folding fan, using it to conceal his brow. This Jade Edict truly knew how to feign poverty, sing praises, and possessed an even thicker skin than himself.

Cao Ni offered a slight smile. “My earlier breach of etiquette resulted in an unexpected outcome. Let us consider it settled, and you need neither scold nor thank me.”

Chen Ping’an shook his head and chuckled. “According to the teachings of two certain moral sages, you must first apologize to me, and I must then offer my thanks. Only then can we consider the matter resolved, in accordance with the principles of reciprocity.”

Though half in jest, Cao Ni fell into deep thought, an understanding dawning within him. Cao Ni’s virtuous nature was now evident.

Chen Ping’an had to stop himself from asking whether Cao Ni was certain he could cultivate the Dao. If the answer was yes, he would follow up with another question: whether Cao Ni would be willing to leave the blessed land and travel across continents with him. Chen Ping’an could take Cao Ni to the Paulownia Leaf Continent and try their luck at the Cloud Grass Hall of Pui Mountain.

Chen Ping’an continued, “For the second council, a century is far too long, given the limited lifespan of martial artists. Some grandmasters, even those who reach the Golden Body Realm or the Distant Wanderer Realm, may never have the opportunity to attend. To hold one every thirty years, however, seems too frequent. Let us settle on forty to fifty years. As for the location, I suggest we fix it permanently at Chief Gao’s Lakeside Mountain Sect, to avoid unnecessary troubles. Chief Gao, Fellow Daoist Qingci, do you have any objections?”

Gao Jun rose and bowed respectfully. “Gao Jun thanks Master Chen for his trust. Lakeside Mountain Sect is willing to undertake this task.”

Once Gao Jun had retaken his seat, Miyano Hana smiled. “I am in complete agreement with Master Chen’s arrangements. Each council requires countless resources, nearly bankrupting me. The Great Wood Temple was merely putting on a brave face. I am overjoyed that Lakeside Mountain Sect is willing to take on this burden; I have no objections whatsoever.”

The Old Mountain Lord, with his white deer and whisk, had presented himself as a celestial being during his first meeting with Gao Jun, leading the latter to believe that the mountain spirit was aloof and looked down upon mortals. During the two secret councils in the Fallen Blossom Courtyard, Miyano Hana and Tang Tieyi had subconsciously regarded the Mountain Lord of the Northern Peak as a weather vane, due to Zhang Xianshan’s skillful acting. They only realized now that the Jade Edict was truly a master of disguise.

The Old Mountain Lord stroked his whisk and smiled. “A blessed land is not named casually. We must not take its blessings for granted. As the Devilish sect’s Fellow Daoist Lu once said, Lotus Root Blessed Land was deliberately limited to the lower ranks by the Azure Sky Master, restricting its Qi and turning it into an infertile ‘land of no law.’ A fitting description, indeed. Fellow Daoist Lu once revealed to me that his and Sword Immortal Chen’s homeland lies somewhere between a middle and lower-grade blessed land. May I ask, Sword Immortal Chen, what rank it holds now?”

Chen Ping’an replied, “An upper-grade blessed land, bordering on the peak.”

Zhang Xianshan sighed. “Every change in fortune requires Falling Boulder Mountain to invest heavily. In the modern currency, how many snow-white immortal coins has it cost?”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “It is difficult to estimate. Let us not speak of it.”

Earning money is like moving mountains, spending it is like water flowing downhill.

Gao Jun was startled, his expression complex. “Why did you not reveal this truth earlier?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and countered, “What purpose would it serve? To elicit more gratitude for Falling Boulder Mountain?”

Song Huaibao tapped his palm with his fan, admiringly. “Master Chen is right. The truth will come out eventually, and Falling Boulder Mountain will receive praise for its selfless benevolence. Those who remain ignorant will remain so. As you once said, ‘All things thrive in harmony, nourished into being. We see their effects, but not the process, and call it divine. All know how they are formed, but none understand the formless principle, and call it Heaven.’ Furthermore, it prevents the inching of one’s greed; similar to how if you’re friends with someone and you instantly impress them, there’s only downhill to go from there.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Mountain Lord Song is insightful and understands the human heart.”

Song Huaibao chuckled. “Since you trust me to govern matters of matrimony in the Western Peak, I promise you that, though I may be as fond of beauty as virtue, I will never betray that trust.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Let us consider it a gentleman’s agreement. There is no need for oaths or contracts.”

Song Huaibao’s confidence waned slightly. “Surely,” he asked tentatively, “having a wife and several concubines is not too much to ask?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “As long as it is consensual and you do not resort to supernatural means, there is no issue. Even if there are many ‘consorts’ in your mountain palace, no one can object to your domestic affairs.”

Song Huaibao breathed a sigh of relief, his smile returning. “After many years of hardship, where can one find beauty in lotus leaves and flowers? It is in the mountain home, drawing a landscape, sharing Qi with orioles and swallows.”

Chen Ping’an advised, “Enjoy the seasons and play, but regret the old age and losing strength and youth.”

Song Huaibao chuckled in understanding.

Chen the Sword Immortal was familiar with the world of beauty. A true companion, with an intimate understanding of the world! As long as he wasn’t a rigid scholar, the Western Peak Mountain Palace would welcome him.

At the entrance stood a middle-aged scholar with greying temples, accompanied by a young woman in a sable hat, her cheeks flushed with color.

Chen Ping’an introduced them with a smile. “This is Jiang Shangzhen, formerly Zhou Fei of Spring Tide Palace, now our chief steward at Falling Boulder Mountain. And this is Xie Gou, our second-in-command.”

Xie Gou sat on the threshold, while Jiang Shangzhen stood outside, waving. “Sect Leader Zhou, do you remember me?”

Zhou Shuzhen forced a smile. “Vividly. Unforgettable.”

Jiang Shangzhen said sincerely, “Sect Leader Zhou, please do not misunderstand Falling Boulder Mountain because of me. I am notorious in Falling Boulder Mountain. On the road, people will even beat me….”

Chen Ping’an said wearily, “Fellow Daoist Zhou, I believe you can explain yourself.”

Jiang Shangzhen leaned against the door, smiling. “Please, Sect Leader, allow me a moment of eloquence. Jiang Shangzhen is only an honest man in Falling Boulder Mountain, in my own territory, my estate in Tongye I am a man who is quite a problem to deal with. I have been the leader of Jade Crucible Sect, but I am also a swordsman, a half-baked Immortal Realm, and Fellow Daoist Xie Gou, the second-in-command, is a bona fide Ascension Realm, a pure swordsman. I will let you consider everything for yourselves, there is too much to explain.”

The atmosphere in the room froze.

Jiang Shangzhen smiled. “Lest you misinterpret my intentions, I will add that I am here to join in the fun and Xie Gou is here to watch the show. It has nothing to do with Mountain Lord Chen. Am I trying to frighten you? Not at all; there is no need. Now that the Mountain Lord has shown you the vastness of the world, you are no longer frogs in a well, and should understand the significance of a High Five Realms sword immortal. Even without us members of Falling Boulder Mountain, just our Mountain Lord is worth pondering…”

Chen Ping’an waved and urged Jiang Shangzhen to stop causing trouble. “Enough.”

Zhong Qian chuckled. “The Mountain Lord is quite famous. His exploits would fill several epic tales.”

Jiang Shangzhen used his heartvoice to mention Liu Xu’s bag of refined gold coins.

Chen Ping’an nodded, suppressing a laugh. “It is Liu the Poet Immortal’s customary behavior, doing good deeds in silence.”

In truth, Liu Xu had done more on his journey to Old Dragon City. He had sent a flying sword letter to the Liu clan in Mule Crossing, relaying two matters:

Hidden Official Chen was in dire need of refined gold coins. The family was to offer its entire hoard as an advance on Liu Xu’s salary as clan leader for the next hundred years. If the family withheld anything, he would renounce his leadership.

The letter also asked the old clan leader to visit the nearby Temple of Three Nobles, delivering a message to the Yuan clan leader. To repay Yuan Yizhi’s help with the nightmare issue, the Yuan clan should send refined gold coins to Falling Boulder Mountain. The amount was immaterial, as Chen Ping’an, ever the giver, would not mind.

At the end of the letter, Liu Xu stressed that this matter must be kept secret.

Having finished his tea, Chen Ping’an rose. “Now that Chief Zhou has arrived, I suggest you stay and chat. I will take my leave. Having been a guest here, I must now return to my own mountain and play host.”

Previously, when Chen the Sword Immortal and Chief Gao had left, they had not indicated whether the council was adjourned or whether another session would follow. Thus, no one dared depart the Great Wood Temple without permission. Wu Que and Cheng Yuanshan had been excluded from the more private council in the Fallen Blossom Courtyard.

The irascible Wu Que had been about to protest when he caught sight of a fellow Daoist sleeping by the wall, prompting his anger to subside.

At the Great Wood Temple’s gate, Jiang Qu and Gu Ling waited, intending to offer Chen the Sword Immortal a sincere apology and thanks. They would even prostrate themselves if it pleased him.

Holding his blade, Wujiang used sound transmission to ask, “Yuan Huang, Chen the Sword Immortal expelled the Jiang Spirit from the temple. Will we anger him if we attempt to save her?”

Yuan Huang said helplessly, “Who do you think knows Chen the Sword Immortal better, you or me?”

After pondering it over, Wujiang decided that discretion was the better part of valor. He would disappear for now and reappear once he had confirmed that Chen the Sword Immortal harbored no ill will towards Yuan Huang.

Saving the Jiang Spirit was Yuan Huang’s idea; he was merely an accomplice. At that moment, a figure in green appeared at the gate, accompanied only by Pihyang and Zhou Shuzhen.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Jiang Quan, if Gu Ling had not appeared today, what would you have done?”

Jiang Quan was honest, “I would accost Chen the Sword Immortal at every opportunity, until he grew weary of me and struck me dead.”

Gu Ling grew anxious; one could be honest but there was no need to be that honest. Yet, she clasped Jiang Quan’s arm, determined to share his fate.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “I can tolerate a few sincere words. It is good to be honest with people. What are your plans for the future?”

Jiang Quan replied, “We have agreed to travel the world as Daoist companions. We have no great ambitions. Perhaps we will settle in a scenic location, living in seclusion. As we wander, we dare not claim to be chivalrous heroes, but we will do our best to help those in need and find joy in being seen as eccentrics.”

Listening to the couple, Chen Ping’an clasped his hands. “I admire that greatly.”

Jiang Quan was surprised. Was Chen sincere?

Gu Ling bowed. “We will abide by the law and strive to do good deeds.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Let bygones be bygones, and let today be a new beginning. Let us all strive for good, planting seeds of good fortune.”

With a wave, Chen Ping’an summoned the lute case and a money bag that had been left inside. He said, “There is not much money. You will be humble; whether it is to buy a mountain or books, it is a gift from me.”

Gu Ling reached for the lute case, while Jiang Quan reached for the money bag.

Chen Ping’an sighed. “Improper. Now that you are married, you must establish a household. Gu Ling, it is time to show your wifely authority.”

Clutching the lute case, Gu Ling glanced at Jiang Quan, wondering if he would take offense.

Jiang Quan was quick to reply. “You handle the money. You must handle the money.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “Where I come from, women with prominent eyebrows are considered lucky, a blessing to any household. As long as the couple does not quarrel, the household will prosper. Jiang Quan, cherish your blessings.”

Gu Ling laughed. She had not realized Chen was so insightful and humorous.

Jiang Quan laughed heartily. “I will cherish my blessings!”

Chen Ping’an turned to Yuan Huang, who had sought to save someone from a “well of fire,” and joked, “The charm was not given in vain. Sect Leader Zhong’s earlier comment was correct; Yuan Huang is a man who has stepped out of the books.”

Yuan Huang smiled. “It is an honor bestowed by an elder. Ultimately, it is your perception, Chen the Sword Immortal.”

Chen Ping’an raised his eyebrows. It was a pity the young man was not learning martial arts at Falling Boulder Mountain.

He pondered the question, perhaps it was the fact the young man naturally fit into the ethos of Falling Boulder Mountain.

Chen Ping’an thought for a moment. “Yuan Huang, Wujiang, if you two ever want to learn martial arts from a master, find Queen Pihyang in the Fox Kingdom, and Falling Boulder Mountain will help you arrange a few options. Be assured, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be a student of a Falling Boulder Mountain martial artist. There are many masters in the Nine Continents of Vast World, though not many have reached the level of masters. These masters have different personalities and temperaments, but they are all keen to accept talent. I just happen to know a few, and if you find each other agreeable, you can offer tea and start your relationship, and then what you do with your lives from there is your own achievement.”

Wujiang grinned. “That sounds great!”

Yuan Huang smiled. “If I were to find a teacher, I would surely choose you, Master Chen.”

Wujiang drew a gasp of air, Yuan Huang’s a man after my own heart! It had occurred to him to flatter so well?!

Chen Ping’an shook his head and smiled. “Unfortunately, I already have a closed-door disciple in the way of martial arts.”

“It doesn’t have to be in the name of master and disciple. I can simply learn martial arts from you, Master Chen, not go looking for famous teachers.”

Yuan Huang said without hesitation, “Besides, if there is a day in which you think of me as a talented man with lots of potential, there’s no need for you to kick off your closed-door disciple either, just make mine someone who can be a little unbothered, it’s fine with me if he ends up just being an honorary disciple.”

Everyone, including the surprised Wujiang, Pihyang, Jiang Quan, and Gu Ling, was impressed by this man.

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “I’ll think about it. There’s room to discuss, to discuss.”

Wujiang sighed, “Chen the Sword Immortal, I’m not going to try and get one over on you here. It’s fine if I study martial arts under the different masters, that would be more than grateful, but I’ll pass on swapping one teacher for another. Tao is still my master, that’s all that matters, my Dao follows my master, so there’s certain rules I need to follow that I can’t just change in the world.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Things just happen, it seems Taoxie has accepted a good disciple here.”

With his wish fulfilled and his dream realized, Jiang Quan looked at Zhou Shuzhen before leaving, hesitant, he used to depend on Revered Gazebo for help, but he didn’t want his actions to affect Revered Gazebo.

Chen Ping’an nodded with a smile, indicating that he didn’t have to think too much about it, and he could rest assured.

Jiang Quan and Gu Ling left to each begin their journey, their figures like that of a pair of ducks.

Yuan Huang used sound to line to speak, “Chen the Sword Immortal, I was too impatient, my apologies.”

Chen Ping’an just asked, “What is the deep reasoning that made you rush so much? Is it because you weren’t able to truly seek revenge?”

Yuan Huang shook his head, “I already had my revenge, it’s just that ever since, I always see that the villains are in charge, and they might not be the high-up, but they’re powerful, and those so called Dao cultivators who act against what they preach and corrupt their actions, it’s like there’s a force growing bigger and bigger, to the point where the local authority and the kingdom as a whole can’t control them, as there is too much of a foundation that has been laid out. Then I kept thinking, is it possible, if the evil has just been left alone for a long time, then all of it just rolls away? Seeing the world like this makes me feel like what I do is a solution.”

“We’ll talk as we walk.”

Chen Ping’an folded his hands in his sleeves and said with a smile, “If you and Lakeside Mountain High Chief have met before, then you would surely be at the council at Great Wood Temple.”

Yuan Huang blushed, “Chen the Sword Immortal, you praise me too much.”

“I never ever praise people when I discuss things. Later on, when you get close to me, you’ll see that what I say is true.”

Chen Ping’an said with a smile, “Before I answer your question, I need to ask you to answer something of my own, you can’t think too much about being right or wrong, just say the first thing that comes to mind, is that alright?”

Yuan Huang said in a low voice, “Chen the Sword Immortal, please ask your question.”

Chen Ping’an pointed to the lake, “If you’re the Water Monarch of Autumn Lake, the master here, how would you see the act of cultivating, supporting, suppressing, and reaping from those with souls – would it be like… raising fish?”

Yuan Huang said, “As long as a man earns, takes, and cultivates with the right intentions, then it would be alright to raise fish.”

Then, Chen Ping’an said, not commenting on that answer, “If you had to do one evil deed to rule the world, would you?”

Yuan Huang said, “I wouldn’t.”

Chen Ping’an smiled a little.

Then, Yuan Huang spoke quickly, “But now that’s what I can say, without any guilt. If there was such a day, I don’t have the guarantee that I would still say that.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, acknowledging Yuan Huang’s additional answer, “If you have the Dao then the skills and abilities follow, if you’re a man that walks the Dao, then there’s no end to the amount of abilities and skills you can possess. When you’re traveling a straight path and still have doubts, it means you’ve been walking too fast. Only the abilities and skills with no Daos follow the crooked path.”

“There’s ghosts, humans, gods, and immortals, all based on what they do, and the words that come out of their mouth, scholars, Daoists, read or non read – it all boils down to what they bring.”

“Cultivate at home, see people when you’re out.”

“When you argue or ask about something, argue with compassion, listen with education, and debate for the sake of the public, if the result is a win-win, that’s all you need.”

Yuan Huang then said in amazement, “That style of argument is a good one, if both parties have this in mind, then there won’t be so much miscommunication, it’s an issue of coming to a consensus and the morality that comes from it!”

“But you can’t deny that there are certain paradoxes, in order to deal with certain people, the law must be followed, while for someone with logic, they need not use any.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Whatever the case, I don’t dare take credit for anything, as everything was said by my teacher.”

“No wonder you’re a magnanimous person that’s so calm.”

Yuan Huang was amazed but then quickly said, “It must be a good teacher to have a student such as yourself.”

Chen Ping’an patted Yuan Huang on the shoulder, “Yuan Huang, if there ever comes a chance where you can stop by Falling Boulder Mountain, I’ll show you what the foundation of the sect is, it is just the Dao.”

It was them who brought this to me.

It wasn’t his issue.

Yuan Huang was just on his way to ask for advice on martial arts but Chen the Sword Immortal had told him that he couldn’t promise him anything.

Yuan Huang and Wujiang left, deciding to travel the world, there was a connection between the both of them.

To give them a farewell gift, Chen Ping’an went ahead and told the two talented martial artists to keep them in mind.

“Before you can become a true master, you must be beaten and hit on. A martial artist needs to have the intent on the path that they seek, and only then will they be able to actually find the path they want. Since you both are going to be traveling, practice a lot together, don’t care so much about who wins or loses, but do care about improving your skill and make sure that you eat enough. You’re all people who are gifted so don’t go and mix what they have, then you’ll be doomed.”

“But if you are a killer, you become attached to violence, your martial arts become something of the past.”

“There are many techniques and skills, but in my eyes, the highest state is that of a skilled martial artist – one that has the courage to go on a dangerous and difficult path.”

“There is no good or bad with your personality, like a sword with two blades, the teachings of your parents and mentors were to help and guide you along the way.”

Then Chen Ping’an told them the exact address for Fox Kingdom and even joked that because they were young and hot-blooded, they shouldn’t just give up on practice. Then he told them to open their eyes up, because it may just affect what they do.

Wujiang took it as the words of a man, and then quickly said goodbye. Yuan Huang, on the other hand, took it to heart.

Zhou Shuzhen said with a wry smile, “Chen the Sword Immortal, I knew about Jiang Qu, and the reason why he was able to find Revered Gazebo was because I led him there to use him as a chess piece.”

Chen Ping’an said, “It’s fine, I won’t fault you for that, and with what happened today, that’s it, with Revered Gazebo, you only have one chance.”

Zhou Shuzhen mocked herself, “Master Chen, I was the small-minded man.”

Chen Ping’an said with a smile, “Better safe than sorry, in the beginning you and Chief Gao was the same, you can do it, but you just needed the patience.”

This lotus land has plenty of talent, it is blessed.

For the female martial artist She Qizhou and for the Qi cultivator Zhou Shuzhen, the same amount of effort in a new place would get them to the next level.

Chen Ping’an said, “A bad result means all is wrong, while a good result means all is right. Fellow Dao, you and I should work together for the best of what’s ahead.”

Zhou Shuzhen respected what Chen Ping’an said, “I’ll keep it in mind.”

Pihyang laughed, “Chen the Sword Immortal, before we came to Great Wood Temple, the Lord Chen taught Nanyuan’s Hu Jiao a lesson.”

Pihyang obviously knew about what’s happening between the dragon.

Zhou Shuzhen’s eyes shone, and everything was gone. The girl just needed a bit of teaching!

Chen Ping’an said, “Weilong was able to break his boundaries because he gave compassion to those who had it, this then allowed him to follow his path, and this was how he found his connection. He was not able to be the first one to break his boundary because he had a shaky heart and almost didn’t let his heart follow his path. This then affected his fate. Fellow Dao, you can speak and you can not, it depends on you.”

Zhou Shuzhen’s face became awkward, but she still nodded, “I’ll speak with Wei about everything.”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

The point was to cause a quarrel.

Go to Nanyuan and you can see what’s up with them.

Pihyang smiled. She hadn’t remembered to bring her sword to the city.

Chen Ping’an said, “Qi cultivations create Qi mansions below immortal realms, and this is like digging wells everywhere, where there’s more wells, there’s more water, but all of it comes from the heavens. This is why some say, “It is I that makes it, there needs to be a foundation. This is similar to a rich family creating a large cellar to store ice. The ideas all came from Lu Tal, I was just stating them.”

Chen Ping’an then said with a smile, “Take ease that Fox Kingdom won’t take anything from Revered Gazebo, I will be happy to see you all ally together.”

It was just women trying to fight each other.

Zhou Shuzhen gave a thousand blessings, and returned to the Great Wood Temple. It was a pain to go meet Hu again.

Pihyang had guilt, “Lord, I haven’t done a thing, am I not good enough?”

Chen Ping’an said with a smile, “Fox Kingdom did it with good intentions, consider it gone. But don’t take it as an example.”

Xie said, “What is more, Pihyang has trained two exceptional students, Fox Kingdom will become something great, there’s nothing for you to worry about.”

Pihyang was confused. Two exceptional disciples, who?

Chen Ping’an actually knew that Xie Gou had watched the questions in Fox Prison, and knew more than him.

Chen Ping’an couldn’t help but ask, “You don’t know that Luo Qingshan has already become the backbone of Fox’s Law?”

Pihyang was even more confused, and said in