Chen Ping’an gazed towards the distant sea. To observe the vast ocean from atop a mountain, where emerald waves meet the azure sky, the magnificent scenery could indeed capture one’s soul. Ancient tales spoke of underwater dragon palaces, infinitely cool and refreshing, and legends claimed the moon in the sea was fuller and brighter than the one in the heavens. Such wondrous imagery naturally drew one into a trance. Hence, Daoists emphasized guarding the heart and nurturing the spirit, advocating against constant release without restraint. Traveling ten thousand miles to seek knowledge and enlightenment, one must not be hindered by the beauty of mountains and rivers… Chen Ping’an collected his thoughts.

Gu Can said, “It’s fine, we can just wait. An hour or two won’t make a difference.”

How a sect’s celebration should be conducted was ultimately up to the sect leader, wasn’t it? Gu Can admired the atmosphere of Fallen Mountain, but the Soaring Crane Sect wouldn’t emulate it.

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “Since ancient times, the concept of auspicious times has held its own logic. You should still hold the ceremony on time, don’t delay it.”

Gu Can said, “It’s just his lazy personality. Whether he attends the ceremony or not, he’s still Liu Xianyang. It’s no big deal.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “If he dares not to come, you won’t be his best man.”

After waiting for a while, just as the sun was rising over the sea, a sword light tore through the sky, stretching from the ocean to Mount Quan Jiao, leaving behind a long trail of dazzling brilliance. The spectacle was quite a sight, with impressive momentum.

Grandpa Liu finally arrived. Not too early, not too late, with a quarter of an hour to spare before the ceremony, enough time for a few casual words.

Liu Xianyang landed gracefully. His longsword returned to its sheath on its own. He strode towards Chen Ping’an and Gu Can, hooking an arm around each of their necks. “How was it? Punctual, wasn’t I? My sword flight was dashing and unrestrained, right?”

Gu Can brushed off Liu Xianyang’s arm. Liu Xianyang swayed, then stretched languidly, his joints popping. “First time flying so far on a sword, and I had to rush. Tsk.”

Chen Ping’an asked curiously, “Didn’t I give you the Three Mountains Talisman?”

Liu Xianyang glared. “That talisman is precious, with limited uses. I have to be frugal, alright? Attending another sect’s celebration, a small matter like this, using up a talisman is not worth it…”

Gu Can glanced at Liu Xianyang, whose weary appearance was not feigned. In the end, he said nothing.

Besides the Three Mountains Talisman, Chen Ping’an had also given Liu Xianyang the “Finger Sword Technique” of the Three Mountains Nine Marquis Gentleman, which could render the barriers between heaven and earth as soft as mud, along with several pages of notes and some related martial arts manuals from Lotus Root Blessing Land for reference.

Aside from Ruan Qiong of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect and Liu Xianyang’s senior brothers and sisters, plus Chen Ping’an and Gu Can, who knew him best, the outside world was still unaware of one thing.

Liu Xianyang’s swordsmanship, his current cultivation level, were almost entirely self-taught and self-realized.

Back then, Liu Xianyang had studied at the Chen Clan Academy of Pure Confucianism in the Southern Ember Continent. Upon returning home, as agreed, he soon joined the ranks of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect and became Ruan Qiong’s disciple.

Both master and disciple were straightforward people, and they had a frank and concise conversation.

“Liu Xianyang, let me be clear. Aside from the art of forging swords, I can’t teach you any superior swordsmanship. So, you can still back out now.”

“Ruan Blacksmith, no need to be ashamed. I don’t seem to need to learn what you can teach?”

“All the better.”

“No benefits at all? I feel like I’ve boarded a pirate ship.”

“The Dragon Spring Sword Sect has one good thing: it’s suitable for forging swords behind closed doors, and it’s also suitable for focusing on practicing swordsmanship, as long as you don’t become the sect leader.”

“Don’t! I came here to become the sect leader!”

“Wait until you reach the Jade Purity realm.”

Liu Xianyang rubbed his hands thick-skinnedly and said, “Flying across the sea on a sword, suffering hardships, I was only focused on rushing and forgot to bring a congratulatory gift. I did prepare one, though. Chen Ping’an, you’re a wealthy man, help me out first.”

Chen Ping’an said helplessly, “Can’t even afford two Grain Rain coins? You have friends all over the Nine Continents, but you don’t bring any money?”

Liu Xianyang was shocked beyond measure. “Only need two Grain Rain coins? If you had said so earlier, I thought I would have to sell everything I own to raise the money, causing me to make up seven or eight legitimate reasons along the way. I can’t help it, I was frightened by the Night Banquet of Mountain Lord Wei.”

As he spoke, Liu Xianyang quickly pulled out two Minor Heat coins from his sleeve. After all, he was the sect leader, and he had some private money. He turned to ask, “Chen Ping’an, do you have any unused red envelopes?”

Chen Ping’an nodded and handed Liu Xianyang a brand-new red envelope. Liu Xianyang filled it with the gift money and tossed it to Gu Can. All set, he could drink a few jugs of mountain fairy wine without feeling guilty.

Gu Can silently put it into his sleeve, not caring that the Grain Rain coins had turned into Minor Heat coins.

Chen Ping’an said in a mental voice, “These two unique Minor Heat coins have excellent inscriptions and are actually more valuable than Grain Rain coins.”

Gu Can wasn’t surprised. He said casually, “I’ll consider it a sign that he still has some conscience.”

Liu Xianyang smiled brightly, clasped his hands, and said loudly, “Liu Xianyang, the current sect leader of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect, greets everyone. It is an honor to be here.”

The disciples of the Soaring Crane Sect who were about to be recorded into the register had to return the greeting.

Gu Can muttered, “Shameless.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “How many years has it been? Still not used to it?”

Liu Xianyang grinned. “No guests, no feast?”

Gu Can said, “You just wait.”

Liu Xianyang immediately moved and started massaging Gu Can’s shoulders. “Standing for so long, does Sect Leader Gu’s shoulders ache?”

Gu Can dodged aside and walked straight towards the ancestral hall’s gate.

Gu Lingyan smiled charmingly and performed a graceful curtsy. “Greetings, Sword Immortal Chen, Sect Leader Liu.”

Liu Xianyang elbowed Chen Ping’an’s arm. The old acquaintances from Jade Proclamation gathered together. Coming across continents to establish a sect and help the Soaring Crane Sect establish a lower branch, they were now considered a small faction. Among them, Shen Ke looked rather listless. Logically speaking, a Martial Artist of the Distant Travels Realm shouldn’t be so weak.

Old Woman Pu Liu mocked, “Shen Ke, a grand master of the eighth realm of martial arts, how did a simple and harmonious drinking session scare your courage back into your shell?”

Ghost Guan Kui persuaded, “Fellow Daoist Pu, we are all in the same boat now. There’s no need to be so harsh.”

Shen Ke said, “What you guys suffered was only torture on your physical bodies and souls, which is incomparable to what I went through.”

Pu Liu smiled. “What exactly happened? Grand Master Shen, why don’t you tell us in detail?”

Shen Ke said, “I don’t even dare to recall the taste of a broken gallbladder, how can I have the strength to bring up old events?” Following Gu Can out of Treasure Bottle Continent, moving further and further away from the capital city of Jade Proclamation, Shen Ke’s mood gradually improved. When he settled down on Mount Quan Jiao, surrounded by beautiful mountains, clear waters, and immortal realms, Grand Master Shen finally no longer felt like he was seeing…
Everyone was a ghost, spooked by Chen Ping’an’s looming presence. Yet, when that Chen Sword Immortal主动约(zhǔ dòng yuē) – proactively invited – them for drinks last night, Shen Ke was instantly knocked back to his original form, and hasn’t recovered since.

It’s fortunate he’s a pure martial artist. Had he been a cultivator, especially one prone to心魔作祟(xīn mó zuò suì) – inner demons attacking – Shen Ke figured he would have suffered走火入魔(zǒu huǒ rù mó) – cultivation deviation – long ago.

There were also two Jade Purity realm cultivators and a group of Earth Immortals hailing from the old White Emperor City lineage. They weren’t clustered together, but stood scattered about, sharing a similar aura.

Naturally, they were curious about the young Hidden Official who had risen to fame despite his humble origins. However, having cultivated in White Emperor City for so long, their Dao hearts were稳(wěn) – stable – and wouldn’t easily betray their emotions, nor did they have any desire to curry favor.

Liu Chicheng, clad in a pink Daoist robe, stood shoulder to shoulder with Chai Bofu, who was pretending to be dead.

Elsewhere, Jin Cui City formed another faction. Zhai Guangyun, filled with curiosity, couldn’t help but ask his teacher through心声(xīn shēng) – mental voice transmission: “Master, isn’t Sect Leader Liu still a Jade Purity Sword Cultivator? Why does he exude such imposing presence?”

Zheng Qingjia explained, “On one hand, it’s due to Sword Immortal Liu’s character – upright and unreserved, he naturally exudes锋芒毕露(fēng máng bì lù) – unconcealed brilliance. Such a person is hard to ignore, no matter where they stand. On the other hand, Sect Leader Gu, being on Hidden Official’s side, has intentionally, or unintentionally, restrained his Dao aura and spirit, as if taking a step back. And Hidden Official has also taken a step back toward Sword Immortal Liu. Ultimately, it creates the current situation, where it seems as if Sword Immortal Liu completely overwhelms Sect Leader Gu in terms of presence. The reason for this? It’s likely a tacit understanding they developed long ago. We outsiders find it strange, which is normal, but the three of them probably feel quite comfortable.”

Zhai Guangyun exclaimed, “I see! No wonder, no wonder!”

When Gu Can was a child, he liked to hide behind Chen Ping’an whenever something happened.

Back when he was a kiln apprentice, the unremarkable Chen Ping’an was like standing in Liu Xianyang’s shadow.

Zhai Guangyun was still somewhat depressed. His Hidden Official, whom he revered, possessed such heroic spirit back in the Sword Qi Great Wall. How could he return to his hometown and weaken his aura for no reason?

Zheng Qingjia felt helpless. Fortunately, he had repeatedly urged his proud disciple to refrain from embarrassing himself in front of the Hidden Official today.

Xiao Mo and Xie Gou had no intention of attending the ceremony. They were watching from a neighboring hilltop.

Xie Gou praised, “Wow, Fellow Daoist Yuanhu has good insight.”

Xiao Mo said, “After all, she’s an immortal who manages a city and nearly a thousand registered cultivators. The fact that she hasn’t been snacked on by Yang Zhi and Fei Fei suggests she possesses exceptional qualities.”

Liu Youzhou walked over to Chen Ping’an and smiled while cupping his fist.

Chen Ping’an returned the gesture, smiling slightly. “Congratulations.”

Then, both sides fell into a somewhat awkward silence.

Liu Xianyang chuckled inwardly. He had mentioned something before, and now that the Ruan blacksmith was hammering, he was full of energy.

The celebration, which should have been a grand affair, was devoid of elaborate rituals, yet still adhered to the rules. The Ancestral Hall only had a portrait of their master, Zheng Juzhong, hanging.

Gu Can even skipped the part where the guests and the host jointly offered incense and hung the portrait. He directly entered the main topic, personally inscribing names into the lineage record, simplifying everything.

As the only two guests invited to witness the ceremony, the seats of Sect Leader Chen and Sect Leader Liu were placed very subtly…

Liu Xianyang stared wide-eyed at the unfazed guy across from him. ‘Chen, are we acting as doorkeepers here? Did Snotnose really dismiss us like this?’

Chen Ping’an kept his hands in his sleeves, calm and composed. He only offered two immortal coins as a congratulatory gift. We weren’t arranged to stand outside, which already shows Gu Can isn’t holding a grudge.

This celebration was clearly shorter than those of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect, Fallen Mountain, and Green Plume Sword Sect.

Following the establishment of the Floating Cloud Sect, the first internal discussion in the Ancestral Hall required the guests to leave.

Helping to close the main hall doors, Chen Ping’an sat on the steps outside with Liu Xianyang. Liu Chicheng, as a cultivator from a higher sect, stood basking in the sun with Fellow Daoist Longbo, whose lineage record was still nowhere to be found.

With nothing else to do, Chen Ping’an took out his tobacco pipe and pouch. Liu Xianyang asked with a smile, “When did you pick up this habit? Are you addicted?”

Chen Ping’an pondered. “I can’t remember the exact date. I’m not really addicted.”

Liu Xianyang said, “You enjoy both alcohol and tobacco, reeking of both. Does Ning Yao not even frown?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “She doesn’t care about such things.”

Liu Xianyang chuckled. “Don’t think I haven’t been to the Sword Qi Great Wall!”

Chen Ping’an remained unfazed. “Those drunken words from the liquor jars can’t be taken seriously. You can take them as the opposite.”

Liu Xianyang patted his cheeks. “Chen Grand Sword Immortal, hurry up! Before the Floating Cloud Sect establishes a mountain-protecting formation, add another congratulatory gift.”

Liu Chicheng was completely puzzled, but Chai Bofu understood the hidden meaning. His so-called cultivation in White Emperor City, aside from falling and breaking through realms, and then falling again, had nothing worthwhile. When bored, he flipped through landscape reports and confidential intelligence obtained through special channels, knowing that there were many humorous sayings circulating in the Sword Qi Great Wall. Like, Second Shopkeeper’s Dao-integration face was thicker than the walls of the Sword Qi Great Wall. Since Second Shopkeeper would fall with a single punch, perhaps, if one simply pressed their face to the ground on the city walls, all the Great Demon Kings of the Barren Lands, attacking simultaneously, would simply stare blankly. Liu Chicheng always regarded his senior brother’s words as law, but because his senior brother rarely explained reasoning to Liu Chicheng, when Zheng Juzhong reminded him not to wander around the Sword Qi Great Wall, Liu Chicheng took it as an imperial decree. He never had any thoughts of traveling to the Sword Qi Great Wall, and he didn’t even go to the Upside-Down Mountain or the Rain Dragon Sect! So, Liu Chicheng went to the Dragon Tiger Mountain territory, which led to the contemporary Grand Celestial Master’s “descending the mountain to subdue demons.”

Chen Ping’an smiled without saying anything to Liu Xianyang’s jest, and resumed puffing his tobacco pipe, which began to emit clouds of smoke.

Liu Xianyang said, “Pity Fu Mountain Deity.”

Fu Dechong of Mount Pu, the Middle Peak Crown Prince, used to have a good reputation on the mountain. However, after a discussion in the Great Li Imperial Palace, his reputation now became so-so, very so-so.

Chen Ping’an said, “Substance is better than appearance.”

Liu Xianyang rubbed his chin, also thinking of the young Daoist who set up a fortune-telling stall in his hometown.

Chen Ping’an’s thoughts were swift as sparrows flitting among branches in his mind.

Liu Xiang of the Vast World, hardship for Qingming, 晷刻(guǐ kè) – Time-measuring sundial- in the Barren Lands, Five-Colored Lantern Festival…

Him and Ning Yao, Liu Xianyang and She Yue, Fei Ran and 晷刻(guǐ kè), Xu Juan and Zhaoge, and also Xiao Mo and Xie Gou…
Outside the gates, stood a young Daoist couple from the Back Mountain. They were the lowest in cultivation, still without a Golden Core, among those present in the Ancestral Hall of the Floating Cloud Sect. Yet, their seating arrangement was surprisingly high.

They were important guests, personally invited by Gu Can, though without seats for the moment. Their status was slightly below Zhao Zhuo, the impoverished mountain’s guest, or Qing Tong of the Azure Ripple Sword Sect.

These two cultivators, bearing the Sect title on their ancestral registers, were spirits of heroic souls, separated from the founding patriarch, Yang Qian-Gu, by seven or eight generations.

The Back Mountain was now a shadow of its former glory. Otherwise, how could a great Daoist temple send two cultivators of the Middle Five Realms, not even Earth Immortals, to offer congratulations at a sect celebration?

However, with the ancestor Yang Qian-Gu, an Ascension Realm cultivator, now departed from the Hall of Merit, the Back Mountain was not what it once was. It now held the reins of power in the Floating Cloud Continent’s cultivation world.

Encouraged by her partner, the female cultivator finally mustered her courage and approached Chen Ping An. As she hesitated, unsure how to begin, Chen Ping An stood up and tucked his pipe behind his back.

Relieved, she first announced her sect and Daoist name, then softly asked, “Mountain Master Chen, do you know Cao Ci?”

Liu Xianyang was amused. The martial world’s peerless prodigies, the “White-Clad Cao and Green-Shirt Chen,” who didn’t know them?

Was this an honest greeting, or a veiled provocation?

Perhaps out of nervousness, the question slipped out, and the female cultivator, realizing her blunder, blushed slightly. The carefully prepared second sentence vanished from her mind.

Chen Ping An nodded and smiled, “I know him. I always lose to him when sparring. It’s hard to pretend otherwise.”

Chai Bofu sympathized. Mountain Master Chen possessed a generous spirit; self-deprecation could dispel a thousand sorrows.

Hastily trying to salvage the situation, the female cultivator said, “Mountain Master Chen, please don’t misunderstand. Several of my fellow disciples are admirers of Cao Ci and are very interested in his movements.”

Chen Ping An said, “I haven’t seen Cao Ci since our parting at the Hall of Merit.”

The female cultivator felt even more awkward. Still flustered, she blurted out something akin to “I have money hidden here,” a classic attempt at misdirection. “In martial sparring, accidents happen…”

Chen Ping An maintained his smile. “Thank you for your understanding.”

Chai Bofu was impressed. Mountain Master Chen truly had a thick skin.

Unable to continue the conversation, and annoyed by her own clumsiness, the female cultivator tugged at her partner’s sleeve, seeking his assistance. “Mountain Master Chen, my husband has long admired you.”

The young male cultivator was calmer than his partner. He bowed and said, “Not just me. In fact, all the men of the Back Mountain admire Hidden Officer.”

Liu Xianyang joked, “So there are two distinct factions, clearly separated?”

The young male cultivator nodded. “That’s why we Daoist couples of the Back Mountain cannot mention either of you.”

Liu Chicheng finally burst into laughter.

The night boat was still waiting for Chen Ping An and his group. Liu Xianyang, hearing about the boat ride, was eager to go.

On the way down the mountain, Chen Ping An said to Gu Can, “In the past, the mountain path was difficult. Now, one must feel the difficulty of walking on flat ground. Each stage has its own state of mind.”

Gu Can nodded. “I understand.”

Gu Lingyan gave him a strange look. Understand what? You were just lamenting these very words last night. Why pretend you’re hearing it for the first time?

At the mountain gate, Chen Ping An said, “Sailing against the current, one must advance or be swept back…”

He stopped, amending his words. “You understand these grand principles. Just experience things more in the future, approach selfless acts with a calm heart, and contemplate the interconnectedness of events and principles. There will be a unique flavor.”

Gu Can agreed, then hesitated before speaking in his heart, “Constantly burdened by people like Shen Ke, can you truly focus on your cultivation, can you truly advance like a force of nature?”

Chen Ping An smiled. “Each pause is a bamboo node. Without nodes, how can there be bamboo? Without bamboo, how can there be a force of nature?”

Gu Can said, “Take care.” Remembering Gu Can’s earlier unspoken words, Chen Ping An stopped and turned back, straightening Gu Can’s collar. He spoke in his heart, “First, Gu Can will definitely not become the Xing Lou of the Azure Empyrean World. Second, Yu Dou isn’t so easy to emulate. In my eyes, he, Zheng Juzhong, and Lu Chen are all unique figures of the millennia, irreplaceable, indispensable. Regardless of friend or foe, the proper respect must be given, which doesn’t hinder what must be done. Finally,”

“Let’s all cultivate well. We’ll inevitably be separated often. Take care of yourselves.”

Gu Can said, “Occasionally, slack off and don’t think about anything.”

Chen Ping An smiled. “I will.”

The vast land with its ten thousand rivers flowed into the sea, all returning to tranquility.

In the South Sea, the boundless waters were as still as green glass.

A woman with her hair in a spirit snake knot and a white-robed youth flew side by side, heading toward a passage leading to the desolate wilderness of the Returning Ruins.

She smiled and asked, “Liu Youzhou even sent you an invitation. We’re practically going the same way. Why not join in the fun?”

Cao Ci shook his head. “I’ve already sent a reply declining his invitation.”

Dou Fenxia teased, “Are you really not treating him as a friend?”

Cao Ci said, “It’s not appropriate for me to appear there.”

Dou Fenxia nodded. “When you get to Mount Quanjiao, you’ll definitely meet that guy. One more win, and you’ll have a full hand.”

Cao Ci said, “If there’s another match, it will be a clash of realms.”

Dou Fenxia asked, “What do you mean?”

Cao Ci said, “It’s hard to explain clearly.”

Dou Fenxia didn’t press the matter. She suddenly exclaimed, “Oh? Why is Zhang Tiaoxia here? And who’s that other one, a saint?”

About a hundred miles away, someone seemed to be waiting for them to pass by. Could it be some martial arts grandmaster worthy of Zhang Tiaoxia’s attention, wanting to stop Cao Ci for a sparring match?

Cao Ci said, “Senior Sister, stay here. I’ll go alone.”

Dou Fenxia nodded without hesitation. “Be careful.”

Cao Ci nodded, took a deep breath, and flew off.

Zhang Tiaoxia, once the foremost martial artist in the Vast Sky World, had switched to cultivating the Dao midway, also studying arts and techniques, taking the Daoist name of Long Bo. Since then, the old man no longer considered himself a purely martial artist.

Zhang Tiaoxia had rarely appeared on the various continents in recent centuries, living a solitary life, fishing at sea. Only alchemists at sea occasionally glimpsed his figure.
But today, Zhang Tiaoxia was standing in a sea of clouds only a few yards above the water, fishing with a rod. The angler was a burly, barefoot man with disheveled hair.

Cao Ci had already recognized the man’s identity, which was why he had told Senior Sister Dou to stay behind him.

The man laughed, “Cao Ci, we meet again.”

Cao Ci landed at the edge of the sea of clouds and cupped his fist in salute from afar, “Cao Ci greets you two seniors.”

Zhang Tiaoxia waved his hand, indicating that Cao Ci didn’t need to be so polite.

The man held the fishing rod in one hand and gently patted something at his feet with the other, saying, “In this day and age, they say the Dao ceases after Lu Chen, poetry after Bai Ye, talisman after Yu Xuan, and martial arts after Cao Ci.”

Cao Ci responded, “I dare not accept such praise for now.”

Zhang Tiaoxia smiled knowingly. Young people should have such ambition.

The man nodded, “Your temper is more to my liking after all, unlike some people.”

Cao Ci was quite puzzled. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, “Senior, are you injured?”

The man nodded, “A minor injury, it’s nothing serious.”

Cao Ci inquired, “Did Senior come here specifically to find me?”

The man replied, “Yes and no.”

Zhang Tiaoxia was about to speak, but the man leaned back slightly and turned his head to look at this martial artist who had reached the limit of Divinity, and Zhang Tiaoxia immediately swallowed his words.

Today was not his day to speak.

In an instant, Cao Ci appeared next to Dou Fenxia.

A figure nearby quietly went above the sea of clouds.

Dou Fenxia’s heartstrings were taut, and her face was gloomy. She felt as if she had narrowly escaped death.

Cao Ci said, “It’s alright.”

The man rubbed his chin, “What a Cao in white, how did I not know that a martial artist could be so… what did Fellow Daoist Longbo call it, elegant and refined?”

Zhang Tiaoxia could only offer a wry smile.

At this cloud sea fishing spot, a woman stood out of nowhere beside the man. She kicked something into the water, complaining, “Stop acting like a grandmaster.”

It was a head.

Zhang Tiaoxia’s eyelids twitched slightly.

The man waved his hand towards Cao Ci, “Carry on with your business.”

Zhang Tiaoxia felt strange. He couldn’t help but feel that the man’s Dao companion was looking at Cao Ci with a certain fondness, as if she were a mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law.

Continuing on their way with Cao Ci, Dou Fenxia felt as if she were in a fog, but she dared not ask questions easily, fearing she might offend someone.

Cao Ci explained, “One who paves the way for the martial path of humanity, reaching for the heavens.”

Dou Fenxia’s face turned as white as snow in an instant.

Cao Ci said, “Senior has no malicious intentions.”

Dou Fenxia said helplessly, “Even without malicious intentions, I’m still nervous.”

Cao Ci said, “It’s useless to be nervous or not.”

Dou Fenxia was stunned for a moment, then turned to look at Cao Ci’s face, and she understood, “Senior Brother Cao, if you’re not good at comforting people, then don’t, really.”

Cao Ci smiled slightly, “Alright.”

Dou Fenxia’s courage grew slightly, “That head?”

Cao Ci said, “I guess it’s a newly-ascended Fourteenth Realm cultivator from some world.”

Dou Fenxia remained silent for a long time, then began to mutter to herself, “Not nervous, not nervous.”

A certain Fourteenth Realm cultivator who had just attained the Dao a few days ago was killed just like that? His head was twisted off by that man?

At the edge of the cloud sea, the woman sat beside the man and said, “It’s a pity it didn’t work out, otherwise he would have been a good match.”

The man nodded, “What’s the rush? It’s better not to marry at all.”

The woman asked, “Bai Jing is in Fuyou Continent, should we see her?”

The man said angrily, “See her ass! We trusted her so much, she’s a faithless creature!”

The woman said softly, “In such a world, with such battles, you can’t blame her.”

The man muttered, “I don’t care, if Bai Jing dares to come, I’ll…”

The woman pinched the man’s arm with two fingers and twisted it hard, “Tell me? What will you do?”

The man sulked in silence.

In Quan Jiao Mountain, Xie Gou grabbed his sable hat with both hands and pulled it down hard, looking unusually afraid to be seen.

Xiao Mo reached out and rubbed the sable hat, saying, “I’m here.”

Xie Gou said in a low voice, “After all, I have failed in my mission.”

Xiao Mo said, “Then we can’t hide even more.”

At sea, Cao Ci and Dou Fenxia rode the wind to the vicinity of a huge island, and were soon stopped by a Jade Pure Realm cultivator hiding in the sea of clouds. They were only allowed to pass after their credentials were examined.

There were three layers of mountain and water arrays on this island, one hidden and two visible, used to verify the identities and judge the approximate cultivation levels.

Dou Fenxia was born into a top aristocratic family of the Great Duan Dynasty, and her master was a female martial deity who oversaw a country’s military and political affairs. Dou Fenxia was very familiar with the military battlefield. Facing these investigation methods, she felt that it was only natural. Last summer and autumn, the Return to Ruins passage of the Engraved Scar in the East Sea was almost forcibly interrupted by a fierce water technique. Once the waterway was broken, it would take a lot of time, effort, and money to repair it, and the cost would be immeasurable, the consequences unimaginable.

So far, the Great Bright World does not know which demon race from the Wilderness took action.

At that time, it was Zheng Juzhong who took action in time to prevent the other party from succeeding.

The Streamer Continent cultivator suddenly called out “Cao Ci”, and then reported his name and the Dao name of his sect.

Cao Ci stopped.

The cultivator laughed to himself, “It’s okay, just remember the name.”

Cao Ci nodded, “Alright.”

Landing in the island’s ferry market, Dou Fenxia looked around and said in a secret voice, “Junior Sister Liao should come here to absorb some immortal energy.”

Cao Ci asked in confusion, “What do you mean?”

Dou Fenxia couldn’t help but smile, “Senior Brother Cao, you’re too ignorant.”

Cao Ci said, “I’ve been paying attention to the war situation in the Wilderness.”

Dou Fenxia rolled her eyes flirtatiously, keeping her junior brother in suspense and not explaining the reason.

It turned out that at this Return to Ruins exit of the South Sea Shrine, according to the earliest arrangements of the Confucian Temple, there were four top combat forces in the Wilderness World, namely Talisman Yu Xuan, Longhu Mountain’s Zhao Tianlai, Crawling Peak’s Fire Dragon True Man, and Sword Immortal Bai Chang. First, Yu Xuan successfully attained the Fourteenth Realm in the outer starry sky, then Bai Chang secluded himself and ascended to Immortality. After that, Grand Celestial Master Zhao Tianlai returned to the mountain to attain the Dao, his merits were fulfilled. Then Fire Dragon True Man returned to the Northern Ju Luzhou, and also successfully attained the Dao!

All four cultivators broke through!

Damn it, isn’t this shrine a treasure land of feng shui?!

Near the entrance of the Return to Ruins in the Great Bright World, a fairy ferry was created by manpower filling the sea, waiting for intercontinental ferries traveling between the two worlds.

A veritable water god escort. Even the Four Seas Dragon Kings, who were respected and powerful, had to contribute their labor.
It carved out waterways suitable for intercontinental ferries to cleave the waters and travel afar. However, mountain hermits and unrelated individuals who simply wish to visit the scenery should not hope to approach this profound and boundless waterway. The Confucian Temple has long issued strict orders: once suspicious traces are discovered, and the pedigree is questionable, they will be dealt with severely. Those who dare to resist can be executed on the spot by the stationed cultivators. Cao Ci and Dou Fenxia’s destination this time is the Divine Land. Although their master is on the side of the Sunken Land, because Yu Xuan is in the heavens, his identity and location are now very special, and he should not act rashly. Therefore, to a large extent, Cao Ci’s journey to the barbaric battlefield is a kind of replenishment. The Confucian Temple in the Central Earth proposed this suggestion, and Yu Xuan had no objection. The Divine Land, from top to bottom, welcomed it even more.

Cao Ci is a person who inherently possesses a trustworthy personal charm.

There are still five hours before the next intercontinental ferry returns and sets sail again. Dou Fenxia knows that Cao Ci does not like socializing, so she plans to choose an elegant room on the top floor of a restaurant.

On the street outside the restaurant, a tall, dark-skinned woman walked towards them. She carried a knapsack slung across her shoulder, her expression was dull, and her steps were steady.

In the eyes of an expert, her aura is long and strange, with no distinction between clarity and turbidity.

Perhaps out of family etiquette, the tall woman would move aside when encountering pedestrians coming straight at her. The latter were often forced by the woman’s aura to yield as well, resulting in them repeatedly blocking each other’s path.

Firstly, this kind of “yielding” scene was quite interesting, and secondly, the woman was much taller than many men. Dou Fenxia couldn’t help but take a few more glances, thinking her height was truly remarkable, very similar to her master’s, although their appearances were definitely dissimilar.

Cao Ci’s face remained unchanged, but he was actually quite surprised. The tall woman only glanced at Cao Ci, and that was it. The two brushed past each other.

Dou Fenxia casually said, “Junior Brother Cao, I think she is either an enlightened person or a well-deserved Grandmaster of Martial Arts.”

Cao Ci hummed in agreement, saying, “The latter is more likely. If Master were here, he would see it more accurately.”

Dou Fenxia’s heart was shocked, “That woman, could she be a martial artist at the Divine Realm?!”

Cao Ci said, “Peak or Perfection of the Divine Realm, it’s hard to say.”

Dou Fenxia turned to look, the tall woman had already turned into another street, revealing a face with distinct angles.

Speaking of the vast world today, encountering a fresh face of a Fourteenth Realm cultivator on the road, Dou Fenxia wouldn’t be so shocked even if she happened to meet one. Dou Fenxia suppressed the surprise and curiosity in her heart, entered the restaurant, sat down, and opened the clay seal of a jar of immortal wine. She lowered her head and smelled it, the fragrance was intoxicating, indeed worth the price. Cao Ci didn’t drink alcohol, so she only poured herself a bowl of wine and asked with a smile, “If

we were to exchange blows, what would be our chances of winning?”

Cao Ci shook his head and said, “These things are hard to say, there’s no certainty of winning or losing.”

Dou Fenxia finished a bowl of wine and sighed, “One by one, they are all coming out of seclusion.”

Seeing that Cao Ci was not particularly concerned about the woman, Dou Fenxia asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Cao Ci said softly, “I’m worried that Pian Pian and A Xian won’t be used to it in Dadu.”

Dou Fenxia laughed heartily, worthy of being a master, tentatively asking, “Then how about a little wine?”

Unexpectedly, Cao Ci looked at the wine table and didn’t refuse, “We can sip a little, change the big bowl to a wine cup.”

Cao Ci’s actions were too unusual, causing Dou Fenxia to want to take in a disciple.

A group of people boarded the night ferry.

On the ship, Liu Xianyang found everything fresh. Traveling between cities requires a pedigree.

Last time he mistakenly boarded the night ferry, Chen Pingan asked the shipowner Zhang if he could open a shop in Tiaomu City. The old master said there was no problem and he was very welcome. However, Chen Pingan learned something when he rushed to the Floating Cloud Continent and boarded the ship with a talisman on the coast of the Western Peak: the Spirit Rhinoceros City, one of the Middle Four Cities, also known as the First City, the female city lord has left the night ferry, and she agreed with the shipowner Zhang before disembarking that she would hand over the Spirit Rhinoceros City to Chen Pingan to manage. If he doesn’t want to waste energy, he can abandon the city and let it go to waste. In the future, when he finds a suitable city lord candidate, Chen Pingan only needs to

inform the shipowner Zhang.

Chen Pingan hesitated again and again, still not daring to truly take over a Spirit Rhinoceros City, helping to manage it temporarily is not a big problem.

Entering the Spirit Rhinoceros City, since ancient times, literature has no first place, but the former city lord insisted on the alias of the First City, his arrogance can be imagined.

Liu Xianyang, Xiao Mo, and Xie Gou began to go shopping. Chen Pingan stood alone in the rainbow bridge corridor, speaking a heartfelt sentence.

Shipowner Zhang and a young monk came to this place, the monk put his palms together and chanted a Buddhist mantra. Chen Pingan returned the salute with his palms together.

The monk smiled and said, “I wonder what the Hidden Official wants to ask?”

Chen Pingan said, “The mountains all say that when cultivators undergo a military dissolution and reincarnate, it is as difficult for their later lives to remember their previous lives and re-enter the mountains to continue their cultivation as finding a golden needle dropped into the sea, with no hope of return for all eternity.”

The young monk waited quietly for what he would say next.

Chen Pingan continued, “I want to ask the monk about one thing, whether the Worry Sprouts of the Sword Qi Great Wall have been reincarnated. If they have been reincarnated, where are they in this life?”

The young monk seemed to have expected it, and smiled, “Perhaps they are far away at the ends of the earth, where iron shoes are worn out in vain, or perhaps they are right in front of you, easily obtained.”

Not feeling that it was a useless sentence, Chen Pingan waited for a moment, naturally wanting a more definite answer, even a rough and vague clue would be fine. But the monk had already bid farewell and left, only saying “Follow the fate and go.”

Zhang also did not stay here, and left the Spirit Rhinoceros City with the monk.

Chen Pingan could not keep him, and stood by the railing, feeling a little empty in his heart.

He really wanted to see Worry Sprout again, whether to lead him up the mountain or go to the Ascension City of the Colorful World together, he could re-cultivate and continue to practice swords. Life is like a book, like punctuation.