Chen Ping’an brought the First Ancestor of the Military Strategists into his Heart-Mind Land, simultaneously greeting Yu Shiwu and briefly explaining the situation. Yu Shiwu readily agreed, resigning himself to fate.

The man laughed, “Chen Sword Immortal is truly sincere! Aren’t you afraid of leading a wolf into your den, having all the treasures of this place stolen? Are there perhaps a couple of hidden formations, things you’d rather keep secret?”

Chen Ping’an remained silent. The man surveyed his surroundings, each fantastical world like a gaudy birdcage, unimpressed. “Modern cultivators truly have too many tricks. They like to exhaust their lives, forsaking the great for the small, focusing solely on techniques, neglecting the true Dao. No wonder they dare to call themselves Earth Immortals upon forming their Golden Cores.”

Chen Ping’an offered no comment, simply listening.

The man asked, “Do you know how to imbue those paper talismans with true Daoist life?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “I dare not try lightly.”

The man said, “Too soft-hearted, you’ll never be a leader. Since you’ve taken the top seat, don’t expect to be benevolent to everyone. Otherwise, you’ll easily do something that saves one but kills ten thousand. Postnatal human hearts each have their own scales. So, setting aside right and wrong, innate human nature is generally similar, always prone to causing regret. This is an experienced man’s advice, remember to consider it carefully, don’t let it go lightly.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “I will remember it.”

“I’m a rather introverted person, usually not one for much talk,” the man raised his arm and rotated it a few times, the joints and bones faintly creaking. Killing a Fourteenth Realm Azure Nether Dao Official was no small feat, it was impossible to do without paying a price. He chuckled, “But I heard you enjoy long-winded lectures, like an old woman’s foot bindings, so I’m simply accommodating the host, trying to cater to your tastes.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Easily done.”

The man suddenly asked, “Is it because you know my identity and realm that you are so careful and patient?”

Chen Ping’an said, “It’s only human nature. Out of a hundred people, I’m just one of the ninety-nine.”

The man nodded, “Only the remaining one possesses heroic spirit, unfettered by trivialities. I’ve seen many such Daoists of all races.”

Chen Ping’an added, “I’m patient with anyone who speaks to me.”

The man reached out and pressed his hand on the white jade stone bridge’s railing. “Daoist Bi Xiao asked me to deliver some words to you.”

Chen Ping’an was curious, “Please, speak.”

The man said, “When your words carry little weight, you enjoy preaching reason. Foolish, perhaps, but admirable in its courage. But when you occupy a high position and continue to prattle on, you easily become annoying, suspected of benefiting and then acting virtuous. Daoist Bi Xiao wants you to think more, don’t let reason lead you by the nose.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Understood.” (心领)

The man laughed, “Merely understood, not truly comprehended? Chen Sword Immortal, are you implying that you accept the goodwill but not the logic? No matter, I’m only responsible for delivering the message, I won’t go to Daoist Bi Xiao and badmouth you, spoiling your impression.”

Chen Ping’an answered a different question, “I finally understand a little why Senior was able to raise an arm and have the world respond in those days.”

The man laughed heartily, “Flattery, however clumsy, always works! You do have a knack for chatting with people.” “A hero doesn’t dwell on past glories. Saying something like ‘glorious defeat’ sounds like an insult to me. I was reminiscing with Daoist Bi Xiao, and that stinky Daoist priest said my cultivation and martial arts weren’t the greatest. My true strength lay in my skill at drawing delicious-looking pastries, unparalleled under the heavens. Originally, that would have been a fine ending, a pleasant visit for both host and guest. But that stinky Daoist priest insisted on adding an unnecessary touch.”

“Pity those who starved to death eating your painted pastries.” Yu Shiwu arrived at the bridge, saw the burly man laughing, and couldn’t help but feel apprehensive. He was only a nascent soul cultivator, facing this legendary “Head of the Three Teachings,” his Dao heart surged uncontrollably. Even if Yu Shiwu tried his best to steady his Dao heart, it was futile. Even simply standing face-to-face with him, Yu Shiwu felt his soul beginning to leave his body.

The man was quite surprised, “Back then, I willingly accepted my loss, forced to self-destruct, allowing a shared beheading. My old friend took my head, the rest was divided among four nameless soldiers, a total of five portions of martial fortune, creating the five corpse-guarding ghosts of later generations. You alone took three portions, how did you end up so pathetic, your body and soul so soft, blown about by the wind? If the new Fourteenth Realm from the Azure Nether had even two more portions, my visit wouldn’t have been so easy to reclaim what was originally mine.”

Chen Ping’an understood. The reason the yet-unnamed new Fourteenth Realm was sought out and killed by the First Ancestor of the Military Strategists was indeed more than just a verbal offense.

The man shook his head, “Actually, your cultivation roots are decent, but your Dao heart is too weak. You’re the kind of person who knows the sky is going to fall and lies down to wait for death. A hundred-pound man who can’t lift a hundred-pound burden.”

Yu Shiwu wore a bitter smile. The words of this Ancestor of the Military Strategists seemed to be the same as what Chen Ping’an had said earlier.

The man said, “In terms of resilience and spirit, you’re not even as good as Chen Ping’an.”

Yu Shiwu was speechless. Chen Ping’an was helpless.

After all, he was of a high seniority, and had been imprisoned for ten thousand years, just released after serving his sentence. A few more words were permissible.

According to the previous agreement, the First Ancestor of the Military Strategists would retrieve three portions of martial fortune from Yu Shiwu, but he had to ensure that Yu Shiwu’s divine soul and memories were not harmed. As for the physical body, he would try his best to preserve it, but if it was difficult, he wouldn’t force it.

The man smiled, “Boy, you’re called Yu Shiwu, right? You’re going to suffer a little physical pain, can you handle it?”

Yu Shiwu’s scalp tingled, feeling a sense of foreboding. He subconsciously turned to look at Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an felt helpless. What are you looking at me for? Can I take this for you?

The man clicked his tongue and laughed, “I see this kid is as weak as a woman. When I retrieve the martial fortune, the disturbance in his human world will be neither too big nor too small. Don’t tell me he’ll collapse on the spot, ruining my promise. Chen Great Sword Immortal, let’s get this straight, if Yu Shiwu’s soul is scattered, whose fault is it? I do have a divine ability called ‘Bridging,’ which can transfer divine consciousness. One Immortal Realm, one Nascent Soul Realm. Conservatively speaking, Chen Great Sword Immortal can at least help Yu Shiwu share two-thirds of the pain.”

Chen Ping’an was dumbfounded. Even a thought within his Heart-Mind Land could be heard?
Yu Shiwu had already clasped his fist in thanks, not giving the Sword Immortal Chen the slightest chance to refuse. “Profound gratitude! I express my thanks here.”

Chen Ping’an stared at Yu Shiwu, his lips moving slightly, as if saying something.

Yu Shiwu understood; he was being cursed. He just needed to pretend he didn’t understand.

The man raised a hand, two fingers hooked, and plucked a thumb-thick golden thread from Yu Shiwu’s brow. He flicked his fingers and tossed it toward Chen Ping’an, then reminded them, “Are you both ready?”

Although apprehensive, Yu Shiwu still performed the steps and gestures of the Daoist ritual, holding his breath and concentrating, quietly mobilizing spiritual energy throughout his body to protect his vital energy centers.

Chen Ping’an shifted his right foot, widened his stance, and adopted a boxing posture, then closed his eyes to gather his spirit.

But there was no movement for a long while. Yu Shiwu naturally dared not ask, but Chen Ping’an spoke up, “Senior, what are you waiting for?”

The man laughed loudly, striding forward, and suddenly appeared before Yu Shiwu. He swept a leg horizontally, striking Yu Shiwu squarely at the waist.

Immediately afterward, the man’s hand became a blade, instantly striking Yu Shiwu’s neck, sending his head flying high.

The man waved his hand casually, and the head plunged into the river outside the bridge.

Then, he pressed his hand on the shoulder of Yu Shiwu’s headless body, tearing off both arms with brute force.

Although Yu Shiwu was forcibly dismantled, strangely, his head didn’t sink but drifted on the water.

Eh? There was no pain at all? This fist art called Bridge Building? A Daoist technique? In any case, it was truly a great divine power! Ineffable!

The man released his Yang Spirit, seemingly only ten feet tall, yet incredibly solid and refined, truly reaching the ultimate…limit!

This golden-bodied Yang Spirit chewed and devoured Yu Shiwu’s torso and arms on the spot, swallowing them whole, skin, bones, flesh, and blood, without wasting a single scrap.

The man stood up, belched contentedly, and wiped the blood from his lips. In an instant, the Yang Spirit returned to its place, finally restoring a complete true form.

Behind him, the Great Dao manifested as a dazzling golden halo, the two originally disconnected arcs finally forming a circle, due to the recent patching of the three segments.

Throughout the Five Domains, heaven and earth resonated. After ten thousand years of silence, a thunderous echo finally arrived. Chen Ping’an’s realm within his heart couldn’t withstand the intense impact of this vast Daoist power. Countless invisible barriers shattered with the crisp sound of porcelain breaking. The boundless azure sky completely exploded, and the yellow earth cracked into a spiderweb pattern for thousands of miles. Hundreds of rivers instantly changed course, mountains and rivers sank, seawater flooded in, and over a dozen newly acquired phoenix tree leaves were reduced to powder, a tragic sight… Chen Ping’an, only a few steps away from the man, had his eardrums shattered, blood oozing from his eye sockets, his body swaying, his skin torn. If Chen Ping’an hadn’t temporarily “invited” his true self here, it wouldn’t have been Yu Shiwu who suffered a shattered Dao heart and a scattered soul, but him, the generous host who “led a thief into his house.”

The man smiled and said, “If the foundation is weak, one must have the courage to tear it all down and rebuild. Only those who can break and then establish are true heroes.”

Chen Ping’an gritted his teeth and said in a trembling voice, “You must compensate me with a large sum of immortal money!”

The man ignored him, simply beckoning, summoning Yu Shiwu’s head back to the bridge. The collapsed lower half of his body stood up on its own, and countless golden threads spread between the head and the lower body, converging to weave the forms of internal organs and the like. Arms grew naturally, more than just the immortal art of flesh restoring bone. In particular, a pure golden heart, with each beat, sent waves of Daoist power flowing throughout the body.

A temporary skinless skeleton, the so-called golden branches and jade leaves in Daoist terms…

The man laughed, “Having managed three portions of martial fortune for these years, you haven’t made merit, but you’ve toiled hard. Since you don’t have the good fortune to be a martial artist, then settle for second best, and I’ll bestow upon you a fairy’s Dao destiny.”

Seeing the miserable state of Mountain Master Chen, Yu Shiwu’s conscience was uneasy after all.

The man guessed Yu Shiwu’s thoughts and sneered, “The things I give, can you refuse them if you don’t want them? If you don’t believe me, try it. Wait a few days, casually reach the Upper Five Realms, and then see how you can peel off this opportunity. If you can, then you have real ability.”

The man glanced sideways at Chen Ping’an, “If you were purely a martial artist, your gains would only be doubled compared to Yu Shiwu. Even if you were also a Daoist, I could pass down a few Daoist techniques to you. But since you’re a ‘scholar,’ it’s hard to say. Who wouldn’t want to be a good person with good rewards? Since you took on this matter, you must be prepared to lose an arm or a leg. If you claim to be a scholar, someone who likes to reason with heaven and earth, how can you not pay a price?”

Chen Ping’an remained silent, exhaling a long breath. His eyes gradually turned golden, and the tug-of-war in his Dao heart was no longer the hard-maintained equilibrium. It seemed to be a case of building a mountain one basketful at a time, only to fall short at the last step.

The entire realm was filled with a pure golden color, a Daoist transformation.

Seeing this strange scene, the man was completely indifferent. What grand occasions hadn’t he seen in ten thousand years? Moreover, in the ancient eras, he was either a participant or an initiator in several truly grand occasions.

The man lightly flicked his wrist, and a weapon appeared in his hand.

As soon as this object appeared, a night-sailing boat actually sank to the bottom of the sea, like a piece of cotton falling on an iron block.

In the Azure Nether World, at the Lotus Root God Temple built underwater, the Dao Ancestor personally laid out an array ten thousand years ago, using the water fortune of the Great Rivers to suppress martial fortune, while imprisoning a divine weapon, a spear called “Array Breaker.”

The man lightly stepped on the ground, raised his arm, pointed the spear at Chen Ping’an’s golden eyes, and smiled, “Quickly manifest a true form close to the Great Dao’s completion. I’ve been waiting for this moment. Killing a new Fourteenth Realm is just a warm-up, only a small appetizer. What I truly want to kill is you, the half of Falling Phoenix Mountain!”

“When I stepped into this place, the River of Time was already flowing backward. Now there are stagnant whirlpools of time. I want to see who will save you, who can save you?”

Reversing time, even with the Dao Ancestor’s high level of Dao, leaving the Azure Nether World, he could only reverse the River of Time in one continent of the Vast World. This continent also couldn’t have several Fourteenth Realm cultivators sitting in charge.

But to say that he was just taking a Immortal Realm sword cultivator to walk backward in the River of Time for a moment, for the initial ancestor of the Military School, who had just recovered most of his power, it was not a difficult task.
“Once the position of Divine Shrine is filled, we’ll close the gate and beat the dog. It’ll be my turn to ascend, revisit the Heavenly Court, and settle old debts with those Dao Ancestors. I am the anomaly; who else but I can personally slay Zhou Mi?”

As the founding father of the Military School spoke, within Chen Ping’an’s inner world, another fiery realm was isolated. “The weaver of birdcages ultimately becomes a caged bird.” Among the seven celestial luminaries, the founding father was imprisoned within the ancient “Great Fire,” Mars. The crimson star, a harbinger of war, was constantly monitored by the imperial astronomers of various nations. Throughout history, many emperors and rulers issued edicts of self-reproach, at least ostensibly triggered by the ominous celestial phenomena of Mars. The common folk might not fully grasp the gravity of such an edict. Put simply, the “Son of Heaven,” the supreme ruler, was publicly acknowledging that he was unworthy of his position, a… bastard.

The founding father of the Military School smiled faintly, “The art of war lies in attacking the heart and capturing cities, a perfect blend of orthodox and unorthodox tactics. Using it here, to deal with you, is truly fitting.”

A spear pierced through several layers of Chen Ping’an’s magical robes, striking his heart. The spear’s momentum was relentless, the tip instantly protruding from his back. The man lightly twisted his wrist, pulverizing the heart within, and taunted, “Your mind is a mess. You seem to think I shouldn’t have acted so hastily? Well, considering you called me ‘Senior’ a few times, I’ll impart a lesson to you for free, a lesson bought with the lives of countless ancient seekers of the Dao: some things defy reason. To speak of reason is inherently unreasonable.”

Chen Ping’an remained motionless, merely looking down at the ancient seal script on the spear shaft, which seemed to be the circulatory chapter of a complete Daoist scripture. The man marveled, “Truly a mindless god, and of high status. Unless you completely shatter his golden body, collapse his divine path, and sever his incense offerings, turning him into water without a source, he’ll remain unharmed. Combined with two flawlessly integrated natal flying swords, how did they raise such a… monster like you? To give you more Daoist power, more killing moves, and let you run wild? No wonder Zou Zi wants to keep a close eye on you, and seize any opportunity to condemn you to eternal damnation.”

The man’s gaze was complex, his words laden with meaning, seemingly unsure of whether to praise or criticize, “Chen Ping’an, ah Chen Ping’an, you know too well how to cherish yourself.”

Yu Shiwu gritted his teeth, wanting to intervene.

But he was merely glanced at by the man, and Yu Shiwu turned into a wisp of dust, silently scattering into the heavens and earth.

The next moment, the ashes seemed to reignite, a spark of light re-coalescing, and Yu Shiwu reconstructed his body by the river. He tried to rush back to the bridge, his soul scattering again, reassembling, Yu Shiwu repeated the act of an ant trying to topple a tree…

Chen Ping’an shook his head at Yu Shiwu, signaling that there was no need to waste his efforts in vain, and to simply preserve himself for now.

Among the demon cultivators detained here, only Xiao Xing attempted to approach the bridge, but he was casually flicked by the man, and with a resounding bang, was instantly reduced to minced meat.

Meanwhile, the sword cultivator Dou Kou and the female cultivator Xian Zao were watching from afar near the divine platform. Given their circumstances and their relationship with the Hidden Official, it was already cautious of them not to take advantage of the situation.

The woman who had assumed the identity of Yu Qing secretly tried to contact the “young Daoist” with the lotus crown, but to no avail. She was unwilling to personally risk her life, and simply gazed at the long bridge from the waterside.

Because the founding father of the Military School had drawn a line in the sand, creating a formation that isolated the world, a voice could not break through, and echoed around outside.

It was Liu Xianyang’s furious roar, directly calling the old ancestor of the Military School by his name, “Jiang She, do you think I’m dead?! Stop immediately!”

Chen Ping’an wanted to remind Liu Xianyang a few words with his inner voice, but his inner voice was forced to manifest as a string of words, as if hitting a wall and shattering, turning into golden light that scattered in all directions.

The man on the bridge remained calm, smiling, “Liu family brat, as a sword cultivator, you’re using a woman to threaten someone? Aren’t your methods a little dirty?”

Liu Xianyang immediately revealed his unruly temper, “You dog, is that how you treat guests? Have some shame! Your Grandpa Liu hasn’t read much, and has a bad temper. If you dare kill Chen Ping’an, I dare to kill your Dao companion.” The man was not particularly anxious. His Dao companion’s cultivation was not bad, and even if her killing power was lacking, her ability to protect herself was first-rate. He was just puzzled. It was strange that Bai Jing and the others shouldn’t know what’s going on here.

Even the Ascended Realm experts were kept in the dark, so how could the Earth Immortal Liu Xianyang have discovered the truth?

Xiao Mo was Chen Ping’an’s loyal retainer, and Bai Jing was… following her man? The two sword cultivators had joined forces to set up a formation, preventing Jiang She from seeing the truth on the other side.

“He has made a good friend.”

Jiang She’s expression was playful, “You should go read a few books, and let him focus on practicing his sword.”

The man rubbed his chin. Liu Xianyang was young and reckless, which was somewhat understandable. But if Bai Jing and Xiao Mo were working with him, then this matter was not over.

On the rainbow bridge corridor of Lingxi City, Bai Jing was the most awkward, caught between a rock and a hard place, pleasing neither side, pulling on her sable hat and pretending not to know anything, an unprecedented event. Just now, Liu Xianyang had inexplicably flown into a rage, immediately drawing his sword and placing it on the woman’s shoulder, uttering a harsh threat, “Jiang She has murderous intent. I can’t break the formation for now, so I’ll have to borrow your head as a knocking brick.”

Xiao Mo remained unmoved, and silently began to gather her energy, preparing to deliver a sword strike.

I don’t care who you are.

That was how she acted ten thousand years ago, and there was no reason to make an exception ten thousand years later.

Xie Gou turned his back to them, muttering to himself. The woman showed no fear, but smiled brightly. She raised two fingers and moved the sword on her shoulder closer to her neck, “A battle at the summit, a contest of Dao techniques, a hair’s breadth difference can lead to a thousand miles of error. When Sword Immortal Liu sweeps his sword, severing my head, remember not to lose the flower hairpin between my hair buns when you take my head to see that guy. It’s the token of our love.”

Liu Xianyang narrowed his eyes and smiled, “We’ll speak well of the dead, of course.”

The sword intent and murderous intent were both genuine.

The woman asked curiously, “The name Jiang She is a common taboo across several worlds. You shouldn’t know it.”

Liu Xianyang smiled, “Which Daoist on the mountain doesn’t have some secret skill up his sleeve? For example, your Cicada Sloughing divine ability will be troublesome for me to chase after.”

The woman feigned surprise, “You know such secrets? Is your teacher the Sage Master, or the Little Confucian?”
Liu Xianyang said, “This world is unlike what it was ten thousand years ago. Knowledge is everywhere; knowing a little more is nothing remarkable. As for swordsmanship, it all depends on practice and insight.”

Xie Gou sullenly said, “Five Words, don’t be careless. Liu Xianyang’s swordsmanship is strange, in the realm that is not of the martial arts.”

Xie Gou said, “Brother Liu, we’re all friends here, and there’s a matter of first come, first served.”

Liu Xianyang laughed, “Understood. As long as Bai Jing can remain impartial today, Xie Gou and I will still be friends in the future.”

Only at this moment did the woman restrain her casual demeanor, sighing, “How I miss those days.”

Ten thousand years ago, wandering Daoists roamed the lands, each possessing their own aura of the Dao, like scattered stars, flickering flames, mostly living out their lives with such forthrightness, dealing with gratitude and grievances as they came.

Meeting on the road, if words failed to connect, or their Daos were incompatible, they would simply part ways, or fight to the death, all done cleanly. If they found common ground, a few words were enough to entrust their lives. Jiang She withdrew his long spear, twirling it with a flourish, casually dispersing the remaining divine aura, “Let me introduce myself, I am Jiang She, Daoist name Yuanshen. My wife is Wu Yan, Daoist name Land Immortal. She and Bai Jing are very close, their affinity originates from their Daoist names, an acquaintance made through a fight.”

The hole in Chen Ping’an’s chest mended itself, his golden eyes fixed on the Primogenitor of the Military School, whose aura had undergone a complete transformation, he smiled faintly, “Then let me also introduce myself, name Chen Ping’an, from Longquan, Dali. My Daoist temple is on Luopo Mountain, I have also used the aliases Cao Mo, Dou Yi, Chen Goodfellow, and I have prepared a Daoist name ‘Invincible Hand’, planning to use it when I travel the Jianghu elsewhere in the future.”

Jiang She chuckled. Was it his inherent divine nature, or was this young man’s true nature so lively? Jiang She glanced sideways, “Two secret realms, even your Daoist body’s abode has been laid bare. Your trump cards have been forced out, and you still have the leisure to protect that Daoist temple? Hmph, he’s an orthodox Daoist? Judging by the flow of his Daoist aura, he’s a disciple of the Yu Xuan lineage?”

“Entrusted by another, I am fulfilling my obligations.”

Chen Ping’an put his left hand behind his back, his right hand formed a fist, fingers lightly rubbing his palm, “Besides, my intuition tells me it hasn’t reached the point where I need to risk my life.”

“A lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit, there’s no need to slowly bleed the enemy, gradually stripping away their power. If senior truly wants to kill me, you would strike decisively and leave swiftly.”

“Senior, this world has also been rendered a mess by your ‘Harmony with the Dao’. I’ve seen enough of your Daoist heart. Can we now speak frankly?”

Finally, successfully reclaiming all his martial fate, the man was radiant, muttering to himself, “Embroidered Tiger Cui Chan, you’ve saved me a great deal of trouble. I am grateful!”

In the grand hall and ancestral temple of the Military School ancestral court in the Great Domain, that Jiang, enthroned in the main seat of the Martial Temple, having consumed divine incense for nearly ten thousand years, wasn’t so easy to deal with.

He couldn’t possibly fight his way up the mountain and demolish that Martial Temple.

Bai Jing intentionally or unintentionally didn’t explain to the young sword immortal Liu Xianyang why the fourteenth realm Daoists of ten thousand years ago possessed such great magical powers. The mystery lay in the four words “Incense and Dao Fruit.”

Now, the hearts of the people are disordered, and the incense offered in the various temples is almost entirely for oneself. Where can purity be found, let alone the gathering of thousands of wisps of incense to form a supreme Dao Fruit?

Jiang She, this Primogenitor of the Military School, now has a somewhat delicate relationship with the Martial Temple and the ancestral court.

In a sense, Jiang She has been sidelined. The world’s martial fate belongs in name, but not in reality.

This is a dam preventing a flood, preventing Jiang She, upon completing his ten thousand year sentence, from immediately and completely controlling… half of humanity. Jiang She wouldn’t be so petty as to complain about this, even if he muttered a few words under his breath. If he were one of the Three Sages, in that situation, he would have eradicated the threat completely. Forget offsetting merits and demerits, or locking him up for ten thousand years, he would simply kill him completely, to prevent any future trouble.

The two shares on Qingming Heaven’s side, White Jade Capital, or rather, Second Master Yu Dou, did not stop it.

Knowing that he was on his own territory, Yu Dou didn’t even appear from start to finish, just stayed with those “Taoist officials” who were famous generals in history, busy with his own affairs.

Instead, Yu Dou notified the Lotus Deity Shrine in advance, which was equal to issuing a decree of White Jade Capital. The meaning was clear: what belongs to another should be returned. If you are unwilling to return it, remember that you bear the consequences.

If Yu Dou had appeared three thousand years earlier, the ten heroes and the four candidates of the ancient world would have gained at least one more.

The so-called candidates from back then, like Master Xiao and Mr. Three Mountains Nine Marquis, weren’t lacking in Taoist strength, but some things belonged to those who arrived and claimed them first. This thing is called Merit of the Mortal Realm.

And the ten Daoists who entered the ranks of heroes were not ranked among themselves. No one cared about this at the time. An upper scholar attains the Dao, and dies when he is supposed to die. Why calculate this?

Thinking of this, Jiang She gloated, “Why offend anyone, but you have to provoke Yu Dou? What were you thinking? Relying on your status, acting rashly, using an egg to hit a stone, is it fun?”

Chen Ping’an said calmly, “Outsiders don’t talk about matters on the chessboard. A true gentleman doesn’t speak while watching the game.”

Jiang She smiled, “I look forward to this sword match very much. Let’s wait and see.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “You’re not going to take care of things here?”

Jiang She retorted, “It’s only natural for a host to entertain guests. Do you need guests to help clear the table, wash the dishes, and clean up the leftovers?”

Chen Ping’an said expressionlessly, “That sounds very reasonable.”

Jiang She said, “Enough with the nonsense. Let’s change the location and continue talking. Besides this deal, there are other important matters to discuss.”

It seemed that this Primogenitor of the Military School had made up his mind to dismiss the countless materials and efforts expended by the host with a light phrase of “destruction and rebirth.”

Jiang She waved his sleeve, and Xiao Xing recovered her original appearance, still shaken. Chen Ping’an nodded to her. Xiao Xing grinned. Could she sleep with Yu Qingme?

Ignoring her, Chen Ping’an withdrew a mustard seed of his mind and his true body, and withdrew from the world of the mind and returned to the clean room on the Night Navigation Ship in Lingxi City.

Jiang She and Chen Ping’an told their Dao companions and close friends at almost the same time that everything was fine.

The woman smiled enchantingly, tapping the tip of her sword with two fingers, “Sword Immortal Liu?”

Withdrawing his long sword, Liu Xianyang cupped his fist in salute, with a sheepish grin, “Senior, I have offended you.”

The woman asked, “Can your swordsmanship really break the Cicada Molting Technique?”

Liu Xianyang laughed heartily, “Don’t believe everything I say when I’m bragging.”
Xie Gou proclaimed, “Trace the origins, go against the current, wait for the rabbit by the stump, hide beforehand, unleash a sword, cover the head and face, impossible to defend against, meet one’s demise!”

Liu Xianyang, feigning surprise, retorted, “Dogzi, are you showing off your idioms here?”

The woman pondered in her heart for a moment, then asked doubtfully, “Dogzi?” Since no real fight had broken out, Xie Gou felt relieved and, with hands on hips, laughed triumphantly, “It was my Leader Guo who helped me get this江湖 moniker. Back then, Xiao Mili and Daoist Jing Qing were stunned beyond words. Each of them looked like they had been struck by lightning. You can imagine how intimate and imposing it is!”

Xiao Mo smiled faintly, “Shall we all go sit by the young master’s side for a while?”

Xie Gou started looking for excuses to decline.

Luckily, Liu Xianyang said lazily, “I won’t join in on the fun. I’ve said ‘Senior’ too many times today, it’s too tiring, I need to catch up on sleep.”

Xie Gou nodded vigorously, “Together, together.”

Liu Xianyang winked. Xie Gou suddenly understood and hurriedly added, “Xiao Mo, don’t get me wrong, my relationship with Brother Liu is pure…”

Xiao Mo said helplessly, “What are you even talking about?”

The woman smiled knowingly. It seemed Bai Jing was about to succeed.

Lingxi City, one of the twelve cities of the Night Navigation Ship, had a very fitting name.

Jiang She sat down again and asked inexplicably, “The Dao can be borrowed, but can the heart be borrowed?”

Chen Ping’an was in a bad mood and said rudely, “I apologize, Senior, I’ll spar with you after I recover from my injuries.” Jiang She, sitting lazily, tapped the armrest of his chair and said, “I heard that Chen Qingliu wants you dead? First, Zhou Mi almost destroyed your mountain. I heard that recently, a candidate for the fourteenth realm, a shadowy Netherworld entity, was determined to kill you. And a furtive fourteenth realm attacked you several times. Consort Fei, guided by the White Ze, just entered the fourteenth realm. Count it yourself, you’re only an Earth Immortal, yet you’ve provoked so many formidable enemies who want you dead.” Bi Xiao Daoist indeed has unusually sharp senses.

Chen Ping’an said, “Being opposed by the Dragon Slayer in the Water Mansion, this kind of Grand Dao struggle is like an arrow on the string, it must be released.”

In a Grand Dao struggle, there is no retreat, and no concession. Whoever wins or loses, lives or dies, no one can blame anyone else. Jiang She shook his head and said, “Then you underestimate the Dragon Slayer’s breadth of mind. As Bi Xiao Daoist said, the smartest people and the most intelligent people, their style of thinking and solving problems is too similar, often preventing them from becoming true friends.”

“Ultimately, he feels that your Fallen Mountain is quite congenial and has some karma with him. He also feels that your early opportunities are quite similar, so he wants you, a busy and unlucky young man, to be able to step back in this chaotic world that no one can stop, to stand aside and watch the fire for hundreds of years. With the foundation you have laid in cultivation and martial arts, and the wealth you have accumulated, even if you were reduced to a ghost after disintegration, after three or five hundred years, whether it’s fame or substantial benefits, what is yours will still be yours, which is much easier than risking your life, living in uncertainty, harming your Dao Heart, not advancing three steps and retreating two, or advancing two steps and retreating three.”

Chen Ping’an frowned in thought. Jiang She laughed, “The outside world thinks you are being pushed into a certain position by various situations. For example, Qi Jingchun placed his hopes on Wang Zhu, so as his junior, you must protect her, and you have to stand in front of Chen Qingliu. There are many things like this, you know better than I do. But my opinion is different from most people’s. I think you are very free.”

With drooping eyes, Chen Ping’an folded his hands in his sleeves. He was badly injured and naturally lacked energy. Hearing the last sentence, Chen Ping’an raised his eyebrows and smiled, “Words of a true friend.”

Jiang She said, “Do you understand why I said that just now?”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “That sentence is as good as a bowl for holding wine.”

The bowl is there, but where is the wine? Perhaps it is our respective lives and stories.

A person who knows how to truly love oneself will never be selfish.

A greedy drunkard and a lover of fine wine are similar but not the same.

Only Xiao Mo went to that room, called out “Young Master,” and without looking at Jiang She, picked a chair and sat at the door.

Jiang She laughed, “Daoist friend, did you have a good sleep? After waking up, did you fight Little Master Confucius again? Don’t be afraid.”

Xiao Mo ignored him, just sat upright, closed his eyes, and rested his mind. Jiang She had friends all over the world back then. He and the Master of Bi Xiao Cave often drank together and talked about the Dao. Once, when visiting Fallen Treasure Beach, besides drinking, they also needed to talk about serious matters. It is said that the guy in the yellow hat and blue shoes had just left the Fallen Treasure Beach dojo and said to the Master of Bi Xiao Cave, “No matter how good Little Master Confucius is at fighting, he’s just a person, what’s there to be afraid of…”

The woman also walked over leisurely, while Liu Xianyang, unable to rest easy, appeared out of thin air.

So only Xie Gou really went to Lingxi City and found a casserole stall, wondering if he should pack a portion for Xiao Mo to take back.

Chen Ping’an asked, “What do you want to discuss?”

Jiang She winked at his Dao companion.

Wu Yan remained silent, glaring at him angrily. “Are you even a man?!”

Jiang She said awkwardly, “How should I put it?”

He should have talked about this first, and then retrieved the martial luck.

Xiao Mo said, “If you two haven’t figured out how to say it, then don’t say it. What’s the point of staring at each other like this? Come back when you have figured it out.”

Jiang She was rarely so frustrated. Liu Xianyang said helplessly, “Alright, alright, what’s the point of staring at each other like this? I’ll start. Jiang She and Wu Yan once had a beloved daughter whom they doted on. She was an excellent seed for cultivation, a very young Earth Immortal whose aptitude was outstanding. Her future in the Grand Dao was limitless. Although she was ambitious, she had a gentle personality. She was probably a hundred times better at dealing with people than Jiang She. During the Ascent to Heaven, Jiang She entrusted their daughter to their good friend Bai Jing to look after.”

The woman became increasingly curious. This young sword immortal seemed to be very familiar with the old forgotten histories?

Chen Ping’an asked, “Did something happen to her in this battle?”
Since Bai Jing was the first Qi Refiner to ascend to the heavens on that path, caught up in a frenzy of killing, he completely forgot to care for that woman? Xiao Mo remembered something and shook his head, saying, “The problem wasn’t in that most perilous ascent, but in the internal strife that followed. I don’t know the specifics or the process, only that she perished, her spirit dissipated, and she vanished. Bai Jing suffered grievous wounds because of it, his Great Dao was severely damaged.” Jiang She said, “It’s a pity some old demon clansmen didn’t die sooner, otherwise Zhou Mi wouldn’t have had the chance to devour a true body to mend his Dao. Luckily, that old codger with the Daoist title ‘First Rise’ is still alive, and that title shouldn’t have been inherited by him through opportunistic means, it should have been replaced long ago. I hear he’s doing quite well in the desolate lands. Good, very good!”

The woman, saddened, said softly, “Her soul was shattered, but fortunately, a monk intervened and helped gather the fragments.”

Chen Pingan, expressionless, asked, “Her reincarnation is Pei Qian, right?”

Jiang She, the Old Ancestor of the Military School, once led a large group of sword cultivators and demon cultivators in a massive battle against the three religions, resulting in another earth-shattering event.

Their first meeting was at the Guandao Temple in the East Sea, in the capital of the Nanyuan Kingdom within the Lotus Root Blessed Land. The local “God” was the Azure Sky Cave Master, a demon clan member. Moreover, the Old Abbot had a good relationship with Xiao Mo and Jiang She. Pei Qian, even as a child, could see through people’s hearts and once even broke through the formation and divine abilities of the Taiping Mountain Ancestral Master. (Note, Chapter 358 “Crossing the Bridge and Climbing the Mountain”)

In reality, the Old Abbot intentionally manipulated the situation, inverting the reality of the great sun suspended high in the blessed land, all according to his plans. Speaking of Fox Town on the border of the Daquan Dynasty in Tongye Continent, Jiu Niang once playfully exposed Little Black Charcoal’s tricks to Chen Pingan. The woman admired the young Pei Qian, saying the little girl was truly skilled at fabricating stories, claiming to be a princess who had fallen from grace in the capital, even deceiving several experienced constables who escorted Pei Qian back to the inn in a grand manner…

The Water Goddess of the Buried River also noticed Pei Qian’s extraordinary nature. Zhou Cheng, the female sword immortal of the Sword Qi Great Wall, took a liking to Little Black Charcoal at first sight, favored her, and bestowed upon her an opportunity. Furthermore, atop the city wall, Pei Qian felt that even a single extra glance at the Great Sword Immortal would cause her eyes to ache. (Note, Chapter 609 “Fearing a Great Dream”)

Jiang She had a strange expression, hesitant to speak. The woman said, “According to Azure Sky Daoist’s explanation, the monk handed our daughter’s soul over to the Vast Literary Temple for protection, a kind and thoughtful act to prevent Jiang She and me from reappearing, causing another great disturbance, and starting another war. Azure Sky Daoist said something that was probably meant to comfort us, saying, ‘Yesterday’s events are as good as dead, today’s events are born anew.’ He also said that the Literary Temple’s actions were honorable and that the Old Scholar was taking a great risk. If Chen Pingan hadn’t become the Chen Pingan he is today, and Pei Qian hadn’t become the Pei Qian she is today, we might have missed something.”

At this point, the woman tentatively asked, “Mr. Chen, shall we call her over?”

Chen Pingan’s eyes turned grim.

Liu Xianyang wasn’t unfamiliar with this scene; precisely because it had happened so few times, it was so deeply ingrained in her memory. If they continued talking like this, they might truly become enemies. Feeling she had spoken out of turn, she embarrassedly explained, “It’s mainly because we’re afraid to see her, we owe her too much, and we still don’t know which words to use to start a conversation that won’t go wrong. Jiang She is rough and always clumsy with words. My husband and I discussed it all the way here, but we didn’t come up with anything useful. We were truly at a loss, so we thought that with you, her master, present, if Pei Qian came, you could help ease the situation, so that our relationship wouldn’t sour after saying the wrong things, and she wouldn’t remain estranged from us.”

Chen Pingan nodded upon hearing this, but his expression was dejected, and his heart felt empty.

They weren’t the kind of parents who abandoned their daughter; it was due to circumstances beyond their control that the incident occurred. Now that they were coming to acknowledge her, there was nothing wrong with it logically or emotionally.

He inexplicably remembered something Little Black Charcoal had described in a nonchalant tone, an old story about famine, fleeing, nights, and steamed buns. Pei Qian had spoken of it very casually.

Chen Pingan’s heart felt heavy. Knowing that their coming now was beyond their control and unavoidable, Chen Pingan still blamed them for not coming sooner.

Knowing that he was being unreasonable, Chen Pingan felt even more desolate, not knowing what to say, as if he didn’t have the strength to speak another word.

Liu Xianyang suddenly said, “That’s not right!”

Chen Pingan looked up blankly.

Liu Xianyang sneered, “Chen Pingan’s head is currently a mess, but I advise you two to stop playing clever tricks. If you don’t explain things clearly today and provide the complete truth, you will definitely regret it!” Jiang She took a deep breath, slowly stood up, and said in a deep voice, “Back then, our daughter was at the bottleneck of the Earth Immortal realm. To break through, she needed to pass the mental barrier, which required severing a wisp of pure malice in order to truly achieve Dao and ascend. I was implicated in the severance, my Dao companion died, and our close friend Bai Jing had already damaged the foundation of his Great Dao. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t save her. Our daughter encountered an accident. If that monk hadn’t used his great divine powers to preserve her, there would have been no possibility of reincarnation. However, this wasn’t without a price. The price was that an ancient Daoist’s humanity, both good and evil, was torn apart, ultimately becoming two parts of humanity, both very pure, one with a large proportion and one with a very small proportion.”

Chen Pingan raised his head and murmured, “What large and small, what much and little, aren’t they all one person?” Chen Pingan said to himself, “I understand. The one Pei Qian wanted to kill when I first met her was actually her own goodness. So, your daughter is both the skinny, dark charcoal-like orphan Pei Qian and the carefree little girl. If they were combined, she would be your former daughter.”

Jiang She nodded and said, “Now it’s as if we have two daughters. The one with the temper more like she was back then, we’ve already met her at the Lotus Root Blessed Land in Azure Sky Cave Master’s place.”

Knowing that the atmosphere was tense, the woman mustered her courage and said, “We like both daughters very much. Jiang She actually likes Pei Qian a little more now, but he just won’t admit it.” Chen Pingan reached out and gripped the armrest of the chair tightly, and said softly, “Pei Qian is a beggar child, not an abandoned child. She is not some dreg on the path of the Great Dao that can be discarded at will. She is also not an orphan; she met me and has a master, someone with a family.”
Jiang She was about to speak when the woman beside him frantically stopped him, grabbing his arm.

Chen Ping’an also looked up at him.

Jiang She restrained his temper and kept silent.

Chen Ping’an paused for a moment and said, “Let me think about how to tell Pei Qian about this. I’ll try to give you an answer before we disembark.”

Jiang She nodded and clasped his fist. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The woman bowed her head in gratitude. “We are eternally grateful.” They left the room together. Liu Xianyang and Xiao Mo followed, finding the girl with the sable hat at the roadside stall. Liu Xianyang slapped Xie Gou on the back of the head and scolded with a smile, “Eat, eat, all you know is eat! Boss, two more servings, extra spicy!”

Chen Ping’an sat alone in the room, the light streaming through the window. Chen Ping’an put his hands in his sleeves, staring blankly at the streaks of light and the motes of dust.

If Pei Qian was indeed their daughter, that would of course be wonderful.

No matter how awkward Chen Ping’an felt, it would be something to rejoice about.

But when he thought about Pei Qian’s “foundation of the Great Dao,” Chen Ping’an…

He raised his head, leaned back in his chair, and gently pounded his chest, feeling a little stifled.

He had once promised Pei Qian that, good or bad, whether it was praise or scolding, reminders or suggestions, he, as her master, would never lie to her.

So how should he tell her? Act casually, so she wouldn’t take it to heart? Or make an exception, downplaying it and glossing over the details?

A good memory is a double-edged sword. Chen Ping’an and Pei Qian, master and disciple, just happened to be the kind of people with excellent memories.

Some of Pei Qian’s words from when she was little, Chen Ping’an still remembered vividly, not missing a single word.

Thinking back to those years, on their travels, Little Blackie exclaimed, laughing, “Dad, where am I going to find a good person like you if I go out alone in the future?”

Unaccountably becoming a father figure to the traveling swordsman, he just laughed at the time, letting her call him whatever she wanted.

Worries come calling regardless of the host’s age; little girls have their own worries. “Not long ago, I was just staring blankly on the ferry, unable to go play at the docks. I secretly had an idea, thinking that when I grow up and master peerless swordsmanship, I’ll say to you, ‘Dad, give me a horse! I’m going to roam the martial world!’ But then I thought about it, horses are probably a bit expensive, and you might not be willing to give me one, so a donkey or a mule would do too! The martial world outside is waiting for me! Howling and waiting for me!”

The little girl pretended to be worldly and sighed, “But now I don’t want to play in the martial world anymore, it’s no fun, it’s all bad people, or people who aren’t very good.”

He listened to the child’s innocent words, but didn’t brush her off. “But didn’t you meet me in the martial world? Right?”

Back then, the big one and the little one swung their legs together, carefree, today is good, tomorrow is whatever it will be.

He remembered that Pei Qian said something very age-appropriate and childish, “But I don’t want to meet anyone else.”

At this moment, Chen Ping’an subconsciously wanted to drink alcohol, but he thought better of it. He wanted to take out his pipe, but stopped himself.

Remembering that he had some melon seeds, Chen Ping’an took a handful from his sleeve, bent down, leaned forward, held them in one hand, and started cracking the seeds one by one. In Lingxi City, a poor old scholar tiptoed, looking around. With keen eyes, he immediately spotted a place and strode towards the roadside stall, shouting that he was just in time, sharing a table. Familiar with the routine, he plopped down on the long bench, raised his arm and beckoned, the old man smiling and telling the stall owner to bring a non-spicy casserole, saying that if it was too spicy, he wouldn’t pay. Chen Ping’an faintly heard someone outside the door asking, “Dad, are you eating melon seeds?”