The mountain air, washed clean by the recent rains, held a crisp coolness. The long day stretched languidly, a canvas for idleness and comfortable repose.

At the foot of the mountain, by a rough-hewn table, sat two figures, one large and one small. Both had their legs crossed casually, cracking melon seeds as they traded idle chatter, whiling away the hours with unhurried ease.

These two were renowned throughout Fallen Peak as a pair of good-for-nothing brothers, their aspirations stretching as high as the heavens. Why bother with cultivating the Dao, or honing their fists? Because, in their own estimation, they were both geniuses of the highest order.

“Genius aside,” the larger one, Zheng Dafeng, declared, “those who seek enlightenment upon the mountain, even with equal talent and strength, must still navigate certain treacherous paths. The art of talismans, for example, is a high and costly gate to enter, demanding the guidance of a wise master. A single misstep can lead to a lifetime wasted, leaving dreams of longevity and ascension as mere whispers. Truly, as they say, a woman fears marrying the wrong man, and a man fears entering the wrong profession.”

“Most true, Brother Dafeng, most true,” the smaller one, Chen Lingjun, readily agreed.

“Some pitfalls are shallow enough to escape once the folly is realized. But others are deep, inescapable traps. And the worst of all is a bottomless abyss.”

“But Brother Dafeng,” Chen Lingjun questioned, “you are among the most accomplished martial masters in all of Treasure Bottle Continent. Surely the path of martial arts and fist-fighting isn’t a pitfall?”

“No,” Zheng Dafeng corrected, “it’s a precipice.”

Chen Lingjun rolled his eyes, saying nothing. To agree would be to betray his conscience.

Zheng Dafeng chuckled. “The number of those learning martial arts outside the mountains far surpasses those practicing the Dao within. But that doesn’t mean martial arts isn’t a pitfall. Nor should you be fooled by the swift progress of youngsters like Chen Pingan and Cao Ci, soaring through the skies. This path is not easily trod.”

Just then, a figure of ethereal grace appeared on the distant mountain path. He was an old immortal, his face framed by a flowing white beard, his Daoist robes billowing in the breeze. It was Lu Yong, master of the Azure Tiger Palace from Tung Leaf Continent.

The elder moved with measured steps, his whisk held aloft, radiating an air of profound authority. As the old cook would say, only a true immortal of the mountains, or a magistrate of unyielding integrity, could command such presence.

Chen Lingjun recognized him instantly. He leapt to his feet, his sleeves fluttering, and strode forward, calling out, “Ah, Brother Lu! What a rare and welcome sight!”

The old master halted, offered a respectful bow, and smiled. “I come uninvited, a humble intrusion.”

Lu Yong then added, “From afar, I saw the esteemed Daoist Jingqing and Master Zheng, a truly delightful vision. ‘A clear conversation betrays an ethereal spirit, a seated figure shines like jade.'”

Zheng Dafeng, no longer a gatekeeper, remained seated. He was deeply impressed. “Such is the insight of a true immortal,” he mused, “ever speaking with honesty and discernment.”

Chen Lingjun let out a sigh, mimicking the Mountain Lord’s mannerisms. “Such formal pleasantries! Do you take us for fools? Does Brother Lu need an invitation to Fallen Peak? These words are cold, distant, implying that we are fickle and unmindful of old friendships. To slap my face is of little consequence, but to insult my Mountain Lord is unacceptable!”

Lu Yong erupted in laughter, exchanging his Daoist bow for a hearty, clasped-hand salute. “Indeed, brother, I was being overly formal. I shall impose a self-punishment of three bowls at the table.”

Chen Lingjun spoke in a hushed voice. “Brother Lu, you are a busy man. What matter compels you to climb the mountain in person, when a letter would suffice? Is there some difficulty you cannot resolve? Tell me in confidence, and if I can aid you, I will. If not, may I be cursed.”

Lu Yong hesitated for a moment, then spoke plainly. “Daoist Jingqing, I shall be frank. I have a disciple, Zhao Zhuo, who, without boast, possesses commendable talent and even greater character. I wish to secure for him a seat in your Ancestral Hall of Jise Peak, the furthest back, a place where he may listen to the proceedings as a guest. This would lend greater legitimacy to his eventual succession as Palace Master, after I have relinquished my duties and sought peaceful retirement.”

Such a weighty matter demanded more than a simple message sent by flying sword, lest it appear that Azure Tiger Palace was issuing an edict to Fallen Peak. Lu Yong understood his own limitations. This was a matter for careful negotiation with Mountain Lord Chen. And he was confident of success.

Chen Lingjun stroked his chin, considering the request with a grave expression. “Zhao Zhuo,” he murmured, “yes, I recall him, a good man. An ordinary guest is easily accommodated, but a seat in the Ancestral Hall is no small matter. I cannot presume to agree on behalf of the Mountain Lord. But I promise two things: First, upon the Mountain Lord’s return, I shall plead Zhao Zhuo’s case with him personally. Second, should the Mountain Lord deem it fitting, and the matter be brought before the Ancestral Hall for discussion, I shall be his unwavering supporter.”

Lu Yong offered a heartfelt thanks. “Is Mountain Lord Chen absent?” he asked softly.

Chen Lingjun nodded. “He has descended the mountain. He is ever busy.”

The boy in green chuckled. “Which is why we can be so idle.”

“Busyness without error, leisure without fault, both require true skill.”

The old master smiled. “The atmosphere on this mountain is indeed harmonious, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Daoist Jingqing.”

Chen Lingjun inwardly noted the wisdom of these words, storing them away to use in future debates with a certain troublesome girl who was always accusing him of idleness.

As Lu Yong settled in for an extended stay, he met with Zheng Dafeng, and their lively conversation soon revealed a kindred spirit. One praised Lu Yong’s ethereal bearing, enhanced by his humanity, the other complimented Zheng Dafeng’s selfless devotion to duty, surpassing even the most ascetic Daoists. They arranged for a drinking session, and Lu Yong dutifully signed the register with Immortal Wei, while Chen Lingjun escorted the old master to a tranquil residence atop the mountain. The relationship between Fallen Peak and Azure Tiger Palace resembled a “family alliance,” forged through marriage between villages, stronger than mere friendship.

Before Chen Lingjun could descend the mountain, another unfamiliar face appeared.

“What a day for auspicious arrivals!” Zheng Dafeng exclaimed.

A woman of exquisite grace graced the mountain path, a celestial being draped in robes the color of twilight. A closer look revealed a beauty mark upon her nose, an embellishment that served not as a flaw, but a final touch of artistic perfection.

Zheng Dafeng hastily straightened his garments, eager to greet the woman of unknown origin. Once a gatekeeper, always a gatekeeper. Fallen Peak was not a place for discarding the past.

Upon reaching her, the woman presented an official document. After verifying its authenticity, Zheng Dafeng was astounded.

It was a passage permit directly from the Central Earth Literary Temple. Such permits, rumor had it, were fewer than one hundred in existence. They were usually bestowed upon local cultivators from the Savage Lands, or agents of the vast land embedded within the Savage Lands who hadn’t returned home in a long time.

The permit identified the bearer as Zheng Qingjia, Daoist name Yuanhu. No place of origin or sect was listed.

The woman smiled. “I do not wish to deceive you. I hail from the Savage Lands. My former Daoist temple was located in Golden Jade City, though I am now an independent cultivator, not yet affiliated with White Emperor City.”

Zheng Dafeng understood. The Daoist name seemed familiar. So this was the City Lord of Golden Jade City, a genuine immortal!

The use of the Zheng surname also made sense.

Qingjia spoke in perfect, melodious Grand Li tongue. “My purpose in visiting Treasure Bottle Continent is twofold: First, to obey Master Zheng’s decree to locate Gu Can and assist him in establishing his sect. Second, to pay respects to a predecessor from my homeland, to trace my origins. This predecessor is, in a sense, the founder of Golden Jade City, to whom Golden Jade City owes its prosperity, and Zheng Qingjia owes her advancement. This act of homage is only right. Now that Golden Jade City has become a vassal of White Emperor City, this pilgrimage has become even more essential.”

Zheng Dafeng understood the situation.

Xiao Mo had indeed left behind six Daoist lineages in the Savage Lands, but in recent casual conversation, Xiao Mo claimed that only one line was left. She’d further remarked that it was weak, insignificant, and close to dying. Logically, this remnant flame should not be Golden Jade City. The prestigious name of Savage Lands’ Golden Jade City was well-known by all the cultivators of the vast land. Zheng Dafeng knew it was famous for having many female cultivators who wore beautiful robes. Every ten days or half a month, the women wore new robes. Towards the end, the final robe would be shed… Just thinking about the fact made all bachelors salivate.

Zheng Dafeng wiped his mouth, chuckling. “Xiao Mo is not currently on the mountain. He has gone on a journey, but he will return soon. I trust you will not have to wait long.”

Qingjia smiled. “I have not yet had the opportunity to ask your name.”

Zheng Dafeng replied, “What a coincidence! We share the same surname. We are all Zheng who were one big family five hundred years ago. You are older, so calling me Little Zheng isn’t appropriate. Just call me Little Feng.”

Zheng Dafeng invited her. “Please, Daoist Yuanhu, allow me to show you to my humble abode. It is modest…”

The customs of the Savage Lands frowned upon excessive formality. Besides, Qingjia was a city lord. She’d served as mediator between the great demons of kingship, Yang Zhi and Fei Fei. Now, she followed Zheng Juzhong.

Qingjia didn’t think she needed to engage in false courtesy. “I will refrain from disturbing Zheng Daoist’s residence. If I may be so bold, I’d like to walk the mountain, taking in the sights. I have long admired the estate of Lord Hidden Official.”

Zheng Dafeng replied right away, patting his chest. “That’s easy. I can navigate this mountain’s roads with my eyes closed. I’ll take you up right now.”

Immortal Wei said nothing.

Qingjia never imagined that, before even entering the mountain, she would encounter such a person.

The Fallen Peak in her mind was quite different from this.

A place established by the Young Hidden Official should be heavily guarded and well-ordered.

Since she wasn’t sure of the Zheng surnamed man’s position on Fallen Peak or his relationship with Chen Hidden Official, Qingjia reluctantly followed him up the mountain.

Fortunately, the trip didn’t disappoint. Once Qingjia entered Fallen Peak, the unsettling feelings from the man beside her dissipated.

After recording her information with the Daoist, Qingjia went through the mountain gate. She paused, took a deep breath, gazed at the plaque, and made a reverence.

Only those from the demon clans of the Savage Lands truly understood her complicated and heavy feelings.

It was because they had never been true enemies with the Great Wall of Swords and the Last Hidden Official.

Chen Lingjun escorted Brother Lu to his home. On the way back down the mountain, Chen Lingjun saw Zheng Dafeng seducing an unfamiliar woman. Suddenly, Chen Lingjun was overcome by sorrow. Brother Dafeng had been single for so long, how sad.

Chen Lingjun snuck over to Immortal Wei and quietly asked, “Who is she?”

In a hushed voice, the Daoist Immortal Wei replied, “She’s an outlander. She’s surnamed Zheng, named Qingjia, Daoist name Yuanhu. It seems like she’s here to find Gu Can.”

Unlike Zheng Dafeng, Immortal Wei couldn’t glean much from the register. He also didn’t care about the visitor’s background.

Chen Lingjun nodded, thinking he understood the situation.

He figured that the woman must be an untethered hermit who couldn’t reach Central Earth’s White Emperor City. Because she’d learned of Lord’s close ties with the little snot-nosed kid, she wanted to ask Lord to say a few good words to Gu Can.

The boy in green sighed softly. It wasn’t easy.

As they hiked the mountain, listening to Zheng Dafeng’s incessant flattery, Chen Lingjun clenched his fists and tried to suppress his laughter.

When they passed an open-gated courtyard, there was an old man lying on a rattan chair, resting with his eyes closed. He breathed deeply and held a yellow fan on his stomach.

When they passed the gate, Qingjia caught a glimpse. A flower seemed to fall onto the old man’s forehead.

She watched for a while longer.

Like the Zheng surnamed man beside her, the old man was a martial artist. His realm wasn’t low.

Qingjia was high enough to see that the dazed old man wasn’t faking sleep, but he was truly “calm.”

It was rare for a martial artist to be like that. To Qingjia, this wasn’t surprising, because she’d seen many high figures from the Savage Lands.

Even if the Zheng surnamed man beside her was twenty years younger, he wouldn’t look much better.

But if the old man in the courtyard was half his current age, he would be a handsome man.

Zheng Dafeng rubbed his hands. Was that an accident?

As expected of the old cook. Was he fishing?

He could learn that trick!

Seeing Zheng Dafeng’s eager expression, Chen Lingjun felt he had to give advice. “Brother Dafeng, don’t learn that technique. Trust me, it’ll backfire. Even with old cook’s appearance, he looks fine when he shuts up. If the falling flower was on your head, the woman would think…”

Zheng Dafeng replied, “Go on. I’m all ears.”

Chen Lingjun whispered, “Like falling into a latrine.”

Zheng Dafeng grabbed the boy in green’s head. “You’re even using metaphors now.”

Chen Lingjun sighed. “As expected, honest words are harsh to the ears.”

Zheng Dafeng suddenly lost interest. He found an excuse and let Chen Lingjun lead the way. His face was gloomy as he descended the mountain alone.

Zhu Lian often slept like that, treating it as cultivation. Everyone was used to it.

According to Xiaomili’s intelligence, the old cook had arranged a fight with the Good Man Mountain Lord in the Nanyuan Kingdom’s capital. It would be this winter, when it snowed.

Zheng Dafeng went to Jiling Peak’s Master God Road. He hesitated, then walked up to the summit.

Turning back, he gazed at the mountain gate where a fake Daoist with no private registration sat on a bamboo chair.

His name was Nian Jing. Immortal Wei was his pseudonym. He’d given himself the Daoist name “Xu Xuan.”

Mountain Lord had “snatched” him from the Grand Li capital. Everyone on Fallen Peak followed Mountain Lord and called him Immortal Wei Daoist.

Only Chen Lingjun was close enough to him to flip “Xu Xuan” and call him Daoist Xuanxu, Xuanxu meaning make a mystery.

Immortal Wei’s realm wasn’t high, but he wasn’t shameless. Having roamed the world for many years, he liked Jingqing Daoist’s title.

Daoist Immortal Wei was a gatekeeper who kept two books in his sleeves. When alone, he read serious books. When there was someone nearby, he’d read the even more serious one.

When it rained… he could only hide indoors.

At most, he would hold an umbrella at the mountain gate, freezing like a quail. Before long, he would return inside to read.

How long had it rained? Nine days in the vast land?

Five days in Blue Underworld? Four days in Western Buddha Country?

One and a half days in the Savage Lands? Half a day in the Fivecolored Land?

Zheng Dafeng thought Immortal Wei would break through realms due to the rain.

It wouldn’t have been surprising.

However, Immortal Wei’s realm was unbelievably stable. After reaching Fallen Peak, he was in the Second Realm. Now, he was still in the Second Realm.

After all, cultivation was a personal matter. Zheng Dafeng couldn’t say anything.

People often said the key points were given away in one sentence, but the mountains prohibited “pity points.”

Zheng Dafeng put his hands behind his head and hiked up the mountain. The mountain breeze was refreshing.

The graceful figure of Lady Cen wasn’t on the mountain road. She must be practicing on the summit’s white jade plaza. It was fun to watch a woman practice, wasn’t it?

Walking up the stairs, Zheng Dafeng straightened his clothing. He spat in his palm and combed his sideburns.

His master never liked talking to him. His elder brother, Li Er, didn’t know if it was a false message, or if he was purposely mocking him for being more handsome. He’d said the reason Zheng Dafeng wasn’t a good martial artist, why he wasn’t sincere in cultivating the Dao, and why he wasn’t good at anything was because he was soft-eared, fickle, and never knew what he wanted or should pursue. In the years since, Zheng Dafeng had repeatedly thought about the harsh words while in Floating Ascension City. He knew it was true, which was why he wanted to build a shrine beside the Great River. However, deep down, Zheng Dafeng was… lazy.

He was no better than Zhong Qian, who thought of lunch and dinner after eating breakfast, and still wanted a midnight snack after dinner.

Ordinary people wanted someone to kiss up to them, and a harem of concubines.

Daoists wanted to ascend levels and become land immortals with longevity. Or, they wanted to have eternal life.

Zheng Dafeng wasn’t interested in any of that.

He wasn’t going to change.

Zheng Dafeng reached Jiling Peak. Not seeing Cen Yuanji, he intended to go to the back mountains. The girl named Cao Yang seemed shy whenever she saw him. Did she have a thing for him?

She had good taste, admiring his appearance and his unrivaled martial arts.

Were they both? He would fail their feelings again.

Zheng Dafeng went around the original mountain god temple. Leaning against the railing, he gazed at the northern mountain range. It was covered in green.

He wondered if Su Dian had found her elder brother and was learning.

That man was a true big shot.

He was the number one martial artist.

Zheng Dafeng had spent time in Floating Ascension City, and was familiar with it.

In addition, he had a good relationship with Lady Nianxin.

In comparison to the famous Summer Shelter Palace, Winter Hide Palace was lacking. Winter Hide Palace was an appendage of Summer Shelter Palace.

The outside world thought of the Hidden Official when they thought of Summer Shelter Palace. Xiao Xun and Chen Pingan had both promoted Summer Shelter Palace.

Floating Ascension City’s Winter Hide Palace had been turned over to Qi Shou and Nianxin. It had become a martial arts area.

However, Winter Hide Palace had been under the Hidden Official before that. The Great Wall of Swords files didn’t talk about this.

Summer Shelter, Winter Hide. What were they hiding from?

Were the two palaces related to the fire and water gods of ancient heavenly court?

Chen Pingan had asked Old Sword Immortal all the questions. Old Sword Immortal had told him to ask the Hidden Official, who was in charge of those things. Chen Pingan had asked what happened to the Hidden Official, how was he dismissed, and where he was now. Old Sword Immortal had said he could ask the former Hidden Official. Chen Pingan had gotten angry and said if he asked Xiao Xun that, would she kill him. Old Sword Immortal patted the new Hidden Official’s shoulder. It didn’t work if you were only taller than Xiao Xun. When you are the same realm as her, you can ask, then leave. Chen Pingan said the former Hidden Official, Yang Jiao’s braided haired sister was the Hidden Official, and Old Sword Immortal replied with a wave, as if he hadn’t hear anything, that everything that happened on Jianqi Great Wall, was as it should be.

The establishment of a keeper of the cave was something created under Cui Chan.

Chen Pingan knew the current keeper was Lin Zhengcheng. The past keeper had no record. It seemed like his master Cui Chan wasn’t satisfied with him and had replaced him. Before that, was the outlander named Xie Xin’en, who was nominally Yang Laotou’s disciple. However, according to Xiao Mo, who got the story from Qing Tong in the demon tower, the two had an unpleasant conversation. After that, he had gone to Treasure Bottle Continent and entered the Hidden Cave.

The disciples of the apothecary Yang Oldtou were all martial artists. From Xie Xin’en to Li Er, Zheng Dafeng, to Su Dian and Shi Lingshan.

Of course, there were “elder brothers and elder sisters” before Xie Xin’en, but pure martial artists didn’t live long.

The last Martial Mountain Peak on the Great Wall of Swords was Ning Mansion’s old nanny, Bai Lian霜.

According to the Hidden Official line’s records, before her was another Martial Mountain Peak, which was several hundred years ago. It was a woman.

Even going back, there were few martial masters who could reach the mountain peak or summit.

This was because the Great Wall of Swords had a plan. They had accumulated luck for someone.

This someone was the last Hidden Official, surnamed Yan, named Guo.

Chen Pingan had once seen a note written by Xiao Xun.

“Every pure martial artist’s body is a grand Hall of Gods.”

Ten thousand years ago, the First Military Ancestor had created martial arts. Unfortunately, he couldn’t ascend to the sky and become a Daoist, Buddhist, or Confucian ancestor. It was said that this was because he had too much martial luck, which was too close to the divine path. Unless he let go of all his luck, he wouldn’t have a chance. He had said that he would talk about it later. He was executed for inciting civil war and imprisoned for ten thousand years.

That year, Chen Pingan asked Old Sword Immortal why Ning Yao was hurt.

Chen Qingdu’s answer was superficial. He’d said that someone made a divination that Little Yao needed a disaster. The sooner, the better.

Zheng Dafeng stood up, gazing at a peak.

Not far to the north, there was a peak without an owner.

Wei Bo had mentioned that there had been some construction projects, but they were abandoned.

Further north was Sword Returning Lake.

The mountain and lake were lonely.

Zheng Dafeng thought about the isolated peak. It was called Jin穣 Mountain?

Love was like cultivating the Dao.

If the mountain didn’t come, then he would.

He could only admire from the base.

————

Zheng Dafeng went to the back mountains. Then, Chen Lingjun brought Qingjia to the summit. They planned to tour the area and then go to Jise Peak.

Qingjia gazed at the mountain’s building. “What is this?”

There was no plaque, but there was a long couplet that didn’t seem like an immortal’s home, but a shrine?

Why was it hanging here? Why hadn’t it been taken down?

Chen Lingjun smiled. “This was a mountain god temple. It was relocated to Qidun Mountain. The road we walked up was a incense stick road. Lord liked the couplet, so he left it. We call it ‘Leaving Traces’. It looks weird, but Lord believed in it.”

Qingjia was enlightened.

She gazed at the couplet and noted it.

Secret whisperings in the human realm, Heaven may hear like thunder. Ancestors may be distant, but sacrifices should be sincere. Who was I in the past, no matter, focus on this life. Fate is made by myself, a thousand years in one day.

Secret wickedness in the dark, the eyes of the gods are like lightning. Descendants may be foolish, but poetry and books should be read. Who will I be in the next life, I do not ask, do not underestimate this life. Fortune is requested by oneself, the three talents in these six feet.

Chen Lingjun didn’t urge her to move. Fallen Peak was full of learning.

Before coming to Fallen Peak, the immortal, Qingjia, couldn’t see it clearly.

After going past the gate, she saw a different world. With her spiritual sense, she was able to see more. The continuous rain had revealed more and she was able to seize a piece of Dao Rhyme. To this day, she still couldn’t refine it. She knew it was important, but no matter what she did, she couldn’t get any more. Before leaving, she’d left some money, allowing the formation to continue running, waiting for someone to find the good spot. On Fallen Peak, she’d been disappointed, but after climbing the mountain, she became sure that there was a profound formation on the mountain. Even if there wasn’t a single person on the mountain, it would be impossible to infiltrate.

Qingjia saw that the green robed boy named Jingqing was a water snake and that he had the visage of a Yuanying because he was a master of water. As Chen Lingjun led her to Jise Peak’s ancestral hall, she admired the scenery, which was delightful to the eyes. The smoke filled the mountains and rocks. The pine trees arched in the mountains. It was a magnificent scene, but it was all natural.

There were many pavilions to rest in. Their names were wonderful. That must be Chen Hidden Official’s writing.

As they stood at the Zhaobi Pavilion, Chen Lingjun introduced the mountain range and said it was Wei Godly Lord’s Mountain.

To Daoists who mastered Earth Contraction, Cloudy Peak Mountain was close. If Qingjia didn’t mind her status, she would want to visit Cloudy Peak Mountain and attend a Night Tour Banquet.

It was easier to gain longevity from the incense of a shrine.

Qingjia sighed. Cultivators would lament their cultivation path and the long road ahead. Below Hedao, all the barriers were high. Unlike the demons of the Savage Lands, Qingjia had admired the vast land.

There were too few reports about Fallen Peak. Once Qingjia reached Treasure Bottle Continent, she couldn’t find any news about it. After asking around, she learned the reason. Before Fallen Peak had risen, it was a small mountain that served as an appendage to Cloud Peak.

These days, there were three known “surprises” and two “strange” things about Fallen Peak.

The first was that it was an immortal home, but there were few registered cultivators. The second was that there were many martial masters. The third was that there were many demons.

One strangeness was that Fallen Peak came from behind and forced Ruan Qiong, the Dragon Spring Sword Sect, to move from the old cave dwelling.

It must be because Chen Sword Immortal had a feud with Ruan Qiong.

Would Ruan sect give way to Chen Sword Immortal?

There was another strangeness. Fallen Peak’s protector’s name was Zhou. She was of great background and realm.

She had intentionally kept her realm low during the visit to Right Sun Mountain.

They even suspected that the Zhou protector’s realm was what they saw?

But this was disproven, and there was no dispute. The rumors started in the Great Wall of Swords and went to Floating Ascension City. There were stories from the Old Dragon City’s intercontinental ferries. In the Great Wall of Swords, Sword cultivators often mentioned the great water demon of Dumb Lake.

The Sword cultivators of Great Wall of Swords looked down upon others. How could they like an outlander demon?

Chen Sword Immortal had invited a strong general to protect the mountain.

Qingjia whispered, “Jingqing Daoist, is she Fallen Peak’s Zhou Protector?”

As he greeted Xiaomili, Chen Lingjun replied, “Yes, she’s called Zhou Mil粒. She’s patrolling the mountain. She has the most positions in our home. Even Mountain Lord’s two elder brothers listen to her.”

Qingjia was shocked.

Two elder brothers?

The Confucian sage had few disciples. Cui Chan, Zuo You, Liu Shiliu, Qi Jingchun…

Qingjia had been sure the water monster was in the Cave realm.

Now, she didn’t dare to be sure.

The girl who had been skipping hopped, saw Jingqing’s wave, and saw the woman.

She quickened her pace and walked to the pavilion. She saluted. “Greetings. It’s a pleasure.”

Generally, if someone could come to the mountain, they weren’t outsiders.

Qingjia replied, “Golden Jade City’s Zheng Qingjia, honored to meet Zhou Protector.”

The girl nodded. She didn’t know how to socialize.

Qingjia smiled. “Back in Golden Jade City, I’ve heard of Mountain Lord Chen’s liquor store and Dumb Lake liquor.”

The girl asked, “Really?”

Qingjia replied, “Really.”

Xiaomili’s expression lit up.

Fame. Everyone knew about it.

The great water demon of Dumb Lake, it was a small body with great fame.

She had made a name for herself.

Regarding the realm, it was a misunderstanding.

Qingjia wondered if the “little girl” had returned to her roots and was a “Daoist.”

Since she was patrolling, she was happy to accompany Jingqing and the Yuanhu immortal to Jise Peak.

Qingjia gazed at the “girl” leading the way and shook her head. There were hidden dragons and crouching tigers on Fallen Peak. She couldn’t guess the protector’s realm.

Chen Lingjun suddenly pointed at a cliff. “Yuanhu Daoist, what do you think of those words?”

Qingjia gazed at it and replied, “It’s a wonderful and skilled cursive script, with a heroic spirit.”

Chen Lingjun said, “Zheng Dafeng carved them. Even Mountain Lord said he had a skill and had trained as a child.”

She could tell she was curious, but she didn’t dare to ask.

Xiaomili scratched her face and signaled Jingqing to answer.

Chen Lingjun smiled. “Ask anything, I’ll answer.

Inside, I have guts!”

Qingjia asked, “Is this mountain named Fallen because there’s a great learning?”

Chen Lingjun was stumped. He hadn’t thought about it.

He coughed and signaled for Xiaomili to help.

Xiaomili replied, “Before coming to Fallen Peak, I asked Good Man Mountain Lord. He said Fallen Peak was a local name from the county records. When he chose the mountain, he entered and bought it. He hadn’t thought much about it.”

Chen Pingan had told her more, but she wouldn’t say it.

Qingjia nodded and asked, “Daoists, I have another question. It is known that the human body has three souls and seven spirits. The vast land’s records say that a person’s essence is their spirit, and their body is their form. Taoism says that the spirit is Yang, and the form is Yin. However, from ancient times, the records say that a Golden Core can have a distant Yin, and the Yuan Ying can make a Yang body. The former is virtual, a wandering soul, and the latter is real. It fits more with the form. Why is the Yang, Yin different? Has there been a mistake? Why is our cultivation so different?”

The girl in the front quickened her pace.

The boy also didn’t wave his sleeves. He signaled Dafeng to come. He said that there was a good question. Zheng Dafeng rushed over. Zheng Dafeng, who was giving the girl Cao Yang pointers in the back, had to leave.

He was the epitome of a master.

Zheng Dafeng muttered to Chen Lingjun, “I make a living with my face, not my mind.”

Chen Lingjun rolled his eyes. “Do business. Don’t let outsiders think we have no learning on Fallen Peak.”

Zheng Dafeng was helpless. He made Qingjia repeat the question. After hearing it, he felt relieved. He thought she was going to ask how to ascend to the heavens.

But he still had to pretend to think about it. Then, he replied, “Li Sheng created the words, but he wasn’t good at definitions. One of them was ‘The Spirit is the Height of Ghosts’. The earliest characters for Soul and Spirit had ‘ghosts’ in them. Why does it seem different from Taoism? It’s about Yin and Yang. Cultivators steal creation.”

Qingjia seemed enlightened.

Zheng Dafeng smiled. “Can I talk a little extra?”

Qingjia replied, “I would like to hear the details.”

Zheng Dafeng walked beside her, smiling. “Ten thousand years ago was ancient. The heavenly court was destroyed and the path of the gods collapsed. The three teachings grew greatly. Those who could ascend created cave havens. They wanted to stay with the heavens. Second was to gain life and become land immortals. Or, they could gain joy. Seven thousand years ago was upper ancient. There were some remnants that served in their old positions. The dragons still controlled rain. The human realm started to have city god temples and divine gods. There were many temples that shared human incense. This ‘investiture of the gods’ was for the ‘dividing of gods’. Every year, the Literary Temple struck the spring drum as a declaration. Five thousand years ago was middle ancient. Three thousand years ago was the Dragon Subjugation. It is considered modern by Taoists. This rain may be a new turning point.”

“Li Sheng also worked with people to make more rules. In accordance with Li Sheng’s rules, the temples and altars were built for sacrifices. The three souls and seven spirits are tied to life and death. Humans live in the Yang, and the soul and spirit are one. After death, the soul goes to heaven, and the spirit returns to earth. The gods lived in temples and corpses were buried. At the time of burial, the coffin was covered. Thus, the spirit and soul had different numbers and different destinations. When the soul rose to heaven, and the spirit lived underground.”

“I admire only Li Sheng.”

Chen Lingjun was shocked. Zheng Dafeng had something.

He must have been good at bullshitting.

When Chen Lingjun heard that, he kicked Zheng Dafeng.

Qingjia stopped and bowed to the man. “Thank you for your lesson.”

Zheng Dafeng quickly dodged, smiling. “I said whatever came to mind.”

Qingjia was bright and radiant. “Can I bother you later at your home?”

Zheng Dafeng shook his head and patted his stomach. “I’m empty. If I keep talking, I will embarrass myself.”

Without another word, Zheng Dafeng flew away.

Qingjia wanted to stay him, but hesitated, and gave up.

An expert was like this.

The man was secretly happy. “That was amazing!”

Little did he know that the lady’s heart wasn’t strong. After sighing, she gave up.

Zheng Dafeng ran back to organize his bed. He shook the legs. They were stable and wouldn’t squeak.

Immortal Wei was curious and went to his house. Zheng Dafeng rubbed his mouth and rushed over. “I’ll help watch the door. You can rest.”

Immortal Wei went to his house, where a plaque wrote “Void and Profound.”

Immortal Wei had also considered names like “Study of Never Before” and “Study of Already Read.”

There was nothing more delightful in life than to read new books and meet old people.

But in the end, Immortal Wei felt he couldn’t forget his origins.

After entering Fallen Peak, he could get the books he’d always dreamed of. But he still didn’t change his habits, as he couldn’t understand them.

He still knew that he wasn’t a true seed.

He wasn’t angry. He had always known that he was no son of destiny. Now that he had a disciple, he had to show his face. Besides, Lin Feijing was good. It meant his basis wasn’t bad, and he was lucky. In particular, his disciple was better than him. Immortal Wei was embarrassed.

But it gave him the strength to try.

The Daoist who dreamed every day hadn’t dreamed for nine days.

Immortal Wei didn’t think too much about it.

It was a blessing to live on the mountain, close the doors, burn incense, and dispel the evil spirits. He could read and play chess.

Even though Daoist Wei watched the door every day, he still practiced, worried he would lose his job. He knew he couldn’t rush things. Now that he had an