A roadside stall, a table with four diners. The old scholar eagerly pulled out a pair of bamboo chopsticks from their bamboo holder, watching with anticipation. When the steaming vermicelli casserole was placed on the table, he grabbed a large clump, blew on it a few times, and began to slurp it down.

The old scholar devoured his meal ravenously. Lifting his head, he asked indistinctly, “Miss Xie, may I consult you on something? What kind of person is Jiang She?” Xie Gou pondered for a moment before respectfully addressing him as “Venerable Sage.” “That fellow’s temper is unpredictable, varying from person to person. If he takes a liking to someone, even a mere Qi Refiner who has just stepped onto the path of cultivation, he’ll treat them as a brother and sincerely regard them as a fellow Daoist.

“But if he doesn’t like someone, it’s hard to say. He’ll deliberately raise his voice, acting boisterous and making people mistake him for a boor.”

The old scholar was enlightened. “That sounds a lot like me. I’m sure we’ll get along splendidly if we chat later.”

Xie Gou was taken aback.

Liu Xianyang said, “Venerable Sage, Jiang She seems rough around the edges, but he’s actually meticulous and has a deep mind. As soon as he boarded the ship, he used preemptive tactics, and Chen Ping’an almost fell for it.”

The old scholar couldn’t help but chuckle. “Throughout history, how many of those who sought to establish a sect or become an ancestor were easy to deal with? Which of them didn’t possess great perseverance, great ambition, great talent, and great fortune?”

Xiao Mo wholeheartedly agreed. Xie Gou felt a sense of self-pity. She just couldn’t understand what she lacked. The old scholar reminded her, “Xianyang, you’re too rash in your actions. Even though Jiang She didn’t come here in his true form, he’s still a seasoned existence in the Fourteenth Realm. Even if he projects his Yang Spirit or Yin Spirit as an avatar, it’s still genuine Fourteenth Realm cultivation. If he truly had murderous intent and decided to strike, the Dragon Spring Sword Sect’s ancestral hall would probably be lit up tonight.”

Liu Xianyang shrugged, seemingly unconcerned. “There wasn’t time to think things through at that critical moment. I couldn’t very well soil my pants just because I didn’t have any toilet paper.”

The old scholar paused his chopsticks in silence, then chuckled, “You’re the first person to put a sword to Jiang She’s Dao companion’s neck.” Liu Xianyang said, “Xiao Mo and Gouzi were by my side at the time. Especially Xiao Mo, who immediately erected a sword formation to isolate the area. Besides, what hasn’t that Wu Yan seen? She’s highly skilled and fearless, and she didn’t take it seriously at all. We agreed to discuss a business deal, and even in the marketplace, there’s still a principle of ‘if the deal falls through, maintain goodwill.’ But he took the opportunity to cause trouble. Jiang She was the one who acted dishonestly first, and I was merely responding in kind. Even if we argued all the way to the Central Earth Confucian Temple, I wouldn’t be afraid of him. At worst, he could apologize first, and then I could offer my own.” The old scholar gave a gentle expression, waved his hand, indicating that since he was already here, Liu Xianyang should not dwell on the matter too much. The old scholar turned to Xie Gou and asked in a low voice, “How did the Second Ancestor of the Military Strategists fall out with Jiang She back then?”

Xiao Mo asked with a smile, “Did the Second want to be the First, but the First refused to yield?”

The old scholar shook his head. “It’s not that simple.”

Xie Gou said apologetically, “Venerable Sage, I really don’t know the inside story of this matter. Back then, when I was hanging out with them, I was only focused on who to cut down and who to chop.”

The old scholar put down his chopsticks, rubbed his hands, and said with a smile, “It’s nothing, it’s nothing. I didn’t come here to gather military intelligence. I just felt a little nervous, so I was trying to calm my nerves by chatting about trivial things.”

Xiao Mo asked strangely, “Venerable Sage, why be nervous just to meet Jiang She?”

Xie Gou couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Xiao Mo, you’re too serious. It’s like the polite greeting “I’ve heard so much about you,” where no one would actually ask why they’ve heard so much about you.

The old scholar stood up, smiling. “With a full stomach and a refreshed spirit, I’ll have the energy to say a few solid words.”

Xie Gou offered to pay the bill generously, but the stall owner refused to accept any money, saying that it was the stall’s tradition for customers to pay with exquisite poetry. Tonight’s form was “Ta Sha Xing.”

Xie Gou was a bit bewildered. Did eating a bowl of vermicelli casserole in Spirit Rhinoceros City have to be so elegant? You don’t want to talk about money, but poetry?!

She asked in a hushed voice, “Xiao Mo, Xiao Mo, is the ‘Sha’ character pronounced wrong?” Xiao Mo, who was habitually following behind the old scholar and Sect Master Liu, stopped and explained with a smile, “The ‘Sha’ character in the poem title is indeed pronounced that way, homophonous with the ‘Shuttle’ of weaving. In the ‘Bin Feng Seventh Month,’ the ‘Sha Chicken’s wing’ is pronounced the same as the ‘Sand’.”

The old scholar asked Liu Xianyang about his academic insights. After hearing the answers, he was very satisfied and said with a smile that Sect Master Liu’s current knowledge base was more than enough to be a scholar at the academy. If you have any ideas, I have acquaintances at the temple and can help pass the word. Speaking of which, if it is to directly promote you to a gentleman, it may be difficult, but it is not impossible.

Liu Xianyang’s scalp went numb. The acquaintance the old scholar was talking about must be Mao Siye! Thinking of this, Liu Xianyang quickly declined. The old scholar immediately sighed in his signature style and began to persuade Liu Xianyang earnestly, telling him not to refuse such a title if he had real talent and learning, as it was like icing on the cake. When he retired from the position of sect master in the future, it would be good to have a title like a gentleman or sage to teach at the academy and earn money.

Liu Xianyang excused himself, saying that the sect’s affairs were heavy and that he would consider the matter carefully when he was free in the future. The old scholar then told Liu Xianyang to report directly to the Book of Rites Academy when the time came.

Xiao Mo knew very well that even if Sect Master Liu only had an additional Confucian identity as a sage.

Then, if Jiang She harbored grudges over the disputes on the Night Voyage Ship and wanted to settle accounts, he would first have to consider the rules of the “Confucian Temple” and would inevitably have to go through Young Master.

The old scholar patted Liu Xianyang’s arm. “Ping’an is lucky to have a friend like you.”

Liu Xianyang, who was always impolite, slapped the old scholar’s arm in return, grinning and saying, “I’m not as good as Chen Ping’an at making friends. I’m also not as good as Chen Ping’an at learning the Dao. It’s really annoying.”

Over there, the stall owner saw that the girl with the sable hat was a little embarrassed, and said decisively that his small business did not allow credit and that the customer should not violate the rules of Lingxi City. Xie Gou couldn’t possibly improvise a few poems that conformed to the meter on the spot. She had a flash of inspiration and said that she was friends with the new city lord and asked if it was possible to be flexible and make things easier. The stall owner, however, was unyielding, with an displeased expression.
“Had I known your words would be so vulgar, girl, I wouldn’t have bothered with this transaction.” A gruff voice muttered, “Still grumbling away. It hasn’t even been a few days since Lord Li left, and already anyone can enter Spirit Rhinoceros City. If it’s accounting, then account. If it’s butchering, then butcher. Why bring up your Mountain Lord?” Xie Gou, hearing this, was displeased. She glanced sidelong as the old scholar and his party gradually walked away. She then stubbornly continued to haggle with the vendor for a few more sentences. Once the old scholar’s figure disappeared around the street corner, Xie Gou immediately changed her expression. She grabbed a fistful of the vendor’s hair, slammed his head onto the table. Standing on a long bench, she picked up a chopstick from the table and repeatedly poked the vendor’s forehead, cursing, “Dare to try and scam this young lady? When I was playing this game to deceive Daoist titles, your little ancestor probably hadn’t even learned to wear open-crotch pants yet…”

Inside the room.

Hearing the voice outside, Chen Ping’an instantly regained his composure, looking up and smiling, “What brings you here?” It was as if the entire room brightened up. Pei Qian moved a chair and sat next to her master, explaining, “Venerable Wen Sheng found me and told me the general situation. I thought such a small matter shouldn’t trouble Master, so I offered to come and speak with them face-to-face to clear things up. Venerable Wen Sheng was worried, so he instructed me to see Master first after boarding the ship, lest no one be free from difficulty in the end. I think that makes sense. Master, don’t frown. Ha, it’s really a small matter.”

Chen Ping’an took some melon seeds from his sleeve and handed them to Pei Qian, saying softly, “It’s not a small matter.”

Pei Qian pouted, disagreeing, but with her master, she was always accustomed to him being right. She silently began to crack the melon seeds.

Chen Ping’an, cracking melon seeds, said, “It’s just the two of us in the room, anyway. There are no outsiders. Can Master say some things from the heart?”

Pei Qian smiled brightly, nodding, “Sure, it feels like it’s been a long time since I talked with Master alone at length.”

Chen Ping’an said, “To be honest, if I were to be a little selfish, I think the best choice would be for my first disciple to have no remarkable, intimidating, or exaggerated background.” Pei Qian’s eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously, “Exactly, just like Master, an ordinary family, a clean and plain background, so refreshing. To become an orphan at a young age, struggling hard, finally making it through, surviving, and now the bitterness is over, the sweetness is just right. Any more sweetness feels awkward. Otherwise, one can’t help but wonder if one’s achievements today are due to some ancestor. Isn’t that like a martial artist, a pure martial artist, becoming impure? Right, Master?” Chen Ping’an said softly, “But to say that my disciple suddenly gains a pair of parents, and they were forced to leave their daughter and did not abandon her willingly for various mercenary or materialistic reasons, a reunion after a long separation, after going through hardships, finally recognizing their kin again, then I think that’s not bad either. In this world, my disciple seems to have gained two more people who genuinely love her. I have no reason to be unhappy. I would be very happy. Because I feel that Pei Qian deserves and can handle any good fortune and happiness now.”

Pei Qian lowered her head, cracking melon seeds, her eyes reddening.

Chen Ping’an murmured, “It seems the only thing that feels off is that Great Dao foundation of your true identity, it is ‘Her’ inner demon, an evil that must be severed to break through.” “What kind of bullsh*t logic is this? My disciple Pei Qian, whom I cherish and love so much, a little black charcoal who has become so sensible day by day, how could she become something that is considered less than chicken ribs and must be discarded in the eyes of others? But this is the Daoist’s way, the reasoning on the mountains for tens of thousands of years. So I also know that no one can really be blamed for this, so I can only feel a bit stifled. Even if Mister hadn’t mentioned this to you, even if you hadn’t come to the night-sailing ship today, I would have gone to Tongye Continent to explain this to you in detail, Master will offer some suggestions, but will definitely respect your opinions and choices even more.”

Hearing this, Pei Qian said, “Master has always done that.”

She had a book, treasured to this day, that even Warm Tree Gege and Xiao Mili had never seen.

The Great White Goose had said that people who like to reason could be roughly divided into two types: one is to make themselves feel better, and the other is to make the world a better place.

Pei Qian said, “Master, I’m going to say something sincerely. Don’t get angry when you hear it.” Chen Ping’an’s mood improved, and he smiled, “First, Master can’t bear to be angry. Second, Master told you long ago that as long as you tell me the truth, even if it doesn’t make sense or is a mistake, you don’t need to worry. Master will definitely listen to you seriously and want to know your true feelings. Master isn’t boasting, but I dare not say that I am always peaceful, but I have never been a capricious person, and I have never lied to you.” Pei Qian grinned and said, “I think this is the best. That pure evil that their precious daughter regarded as the enemy of the Great Dao back then is perfect. Otherwise, I would really have a headache. Now, I acknowledge the relationship, even if it’s awkward. I’ll call them father and mother, I’ll fulfill my filial duties. None of that is a big deal. Before I met Master, when I was little, I was hungry for nine meals out of three days. My stomach was empty, my intestines were rumbling, so hungry that my liver and intestines seemed to be tied into knots as if they were going to eat my belly, that was really hard to endure. So Master doesn’t need to worry. I won’t have any knots in my heart, and you don’t have to worry that this is a… Book Brief Lake… that Pei Qian will encounter on her path in life and can’t avoid.”

Chen Ping’an said sullenly, “How could I not worry.” Pei Qian’s eyes were bright, “Master, let’s make it clear in advance, if you want me to be as warm and close to them as the children of ordinary families are, I can’t do it, at least not now. As for what will happen in the future, what it will be like, today’s Pei Qian doesn’t make any guarantees to tomorrow’s Pei Qian.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “No problem.”

Pei Qian also felt cheerful, “Ha, I’ve troubled Master again. I really am a money-losing good.”

Chen Ping’an pretended to be relaxed, smiling, “A little loss is not worth mentioning. Dwelling and cultivating on the mountain, it’s not good to be too smooth.”

Mister even told Pei Qian about this kind of thing.

Chen Ping’an took out some more melon seeds, divided them with Pei Qian, and continued, “The following things are things that Master must tell the grown-up Pei Qian.”
Pei Qian ceased her consumption of melon seeds, stating gravely, “Master, please speak.”

Chen Ping’an spoke slowly, “Firstly, they failed to protect you once. No matter their reasons, the fact remains. I am willing to believe they can do better this time, but doubt lingers in my heart. I absolutely *cannot* trust them without reservation. That would be irresponsible towards you, and I will not allow myself to make such a mistake. Some errors can be corrected, but others offer no second chance.”

“Secondly, your master has his own matters to attend to, such as the journey to the Azure Vault World to meet Yu Dou at Jade Capital. I do not wish for you, nor Cui Dongshan, to be entangled in this affair. Before going to Jade Capital, I and Fallen Peak were targets, yes, but the overall situation was somewhat manageable. Jiang She and Wu Yan, regardless of their status as a Daoist couple or their cultivation realms, which are undeniably paramount, the simple truth remains: they are a den of trouble. The higher the realm, the higher the realm of their enemies. Their Daoist power and calculations are stronger, and I must prepare for unforeseen circumstances. I need to understand their intentions and the risks you’d face in prolonged interaction with them. You must also prepare yourself mentally. Instead of amicable beginnings, mutual concessions, it is better to be less agreeable from the outset, than to end up as enemies, bearing grudges, regrets, and a lifetime of mutual blame and self-reproach.”

“In my life, I have felt true, bone-chilling dread only a handful of times.”

“As a child, standing beside a raging mountain stream in flood.”

“As a youth in the blacksmith’s shop, seeing Liu Xianyang confined to his sickbed.”

“During the intercontinental journey, returning to Treasure Bottle Continent, and seeing Gu Can for the first time at Shujian Lake.”

“Within the Dragon Palace grotto of the Northern Ju Continent, Fire Dragon True Man left me no path to retreat, ultimately forcing a sincere truth from my core.”

“As the Hidden Official, returning to the Great Azure World, participating in a council near the River of Time, and seeing both the ‘Sword Holder’ and the ‘Sword Spirit’ simultaneously for the first time.”

“And situated on Fallen Peak, facing my true inner demon during secluded cultivation.”

“Meeting Jiang She this time…I felt dread.”

“I won’t burden you with the details. His initiative in boarding the ship, whether it was an exchange of hearts or a trial of strength, or perhaps some bizarre psychological maneuver, it was a private matter between him and me. But, as there is no certainty, I don’t want to mislead you.”

“Both publicly and privately, I should not, nor will I, prevent you from recognizing your kin. But, both reasonably and emotionally, I cannot simply hand you over.”

Before Old Scholar boarded the ship with Pei Qian, Chen Ping’an sat alone in the house, consuming melon seeds and pondering. Like reviewing a game of chess, he examined their previous conversation word by word, unwilling to miss anything.

For example, Jiang She’s first comment critiqued the present-day cultivators, calling them gaudy, abandoning Dao in pursuit of techniques. Today’s Golden Core Earth Immortals are vastly different from those of ten thousand years ago.

As for the martial arts landscape ten thousand years hence, Jiang She, as the Grand Patriarch, disdained commenting; his silence itself was a form of evaluation.

After visiting the Azure Vault World, attending to his affairs, he would incidentally see Lin Jiangxian.

However, Chen Ping’an’s Dao age is short. Jiang She might be suspected of flaunting his seniority. So Jiang She followed up with a highly complimentary question: how to imbue them with life.

In a way, this was a grand inquiry, bordering on a “questioning of the Dao.”

Chen Ping’an’s answer was also careful, not devoid of structure or clues, but a “dare not attempt lightly.”

Jiang She then followed with an undisguised rejection: “Too soft-hearted. You shouldn’t be the one in charge.” From him, such words still sounded like a given.

After inquiring about the Great Dao, came Jiang She’s inquiry of the heart.

Why was Chen Ping’an so patient with him? Was it because he was the Primordial Patriarch of the Strategists?

Chen Ping’an responded with a soft-spoken firmness, neither offending nor demeaning himself.

At the time, Chen Ping’an wanted to add, as evidence, that he was also patient with Fan Tong and Xie Sanniang, whether speaking to them or listening to them.

Their meeting in the desolate temple on Tongye Continent, Chen Ping’an previously regarded as a serendipitous encounter.

Now, he suspected that Qing Rang’s exposure in the Savage Desolate World might have deeper reasons, perhaps suppressed by Jiang She’s martial prowess. And what about the true identities of the martial artist Fan Tong and the ghost Xie Sanniang?

Afraid of missing any detail, taking precautions, and immersing himself. Chen Ping’an revisited the scene with a mustard seed of his spirit, recreating vivid images within his mind, based on his memory.

He “saw” Jiang She place his hand on the stone bridge railing. This man, so close, only a step away, almost became the earthly sovereign, occupying the ruins of the ancient Heavenly Court.

He “heard” the words, “Daoist Bixiao asked me to pass on some words.”

“At this moment,” Chen Ping’an folded his hands in his sleeves, narrowed his eyes, and listened intently.

Jiang She invoked Bixiao, the former Master of Falling Treasure Beach’s Bixiao Cave, the later Daoist of Cai Province, the Old Master of the View of Dao, and now the new owner of the Azure Vault World’s newly created Bright Moon Daoist Abode.

What message was less important. Jiang She was directly telling Chen Ping’an that, upon emerging from seclusion, he could drink and reminisce with the Old Master. That was the key.

Jiang She understood human hearts. This Daoist Bixiao held significant weight for the sword-carrying youth who had once stumbled into the lotus depths, the current young Hidden Official, and the master of Fallen Peak, Chen Ping’an.

Leveraging influence.

“Pity those starving cake-eaters.”

Jiang She’s self-deprecating words were intended to ease the atmosphere, preventing himself from appearing too aggressive.

Everything that followed – the four nameless nobodies, the creation of the five corpse-guarding ghosts… all served as a prelude to the casually uttered phrase, “My old friend obtained their heads.”

Clearly, Jiang She, ten thousand years ago, did not truly offer his neck for execution. He refused to accept defeat.

Even when facing certain death and defeat, the Primordial Patriarch of the Strategists still sought a sliver of victory, even if it required waiting ten thousand years. The so-called nature of a hero was nothing more than this.

A weak Dao Heart – a hundred-pound man cannot lift a hundred-pound burden.

While speaking of Yu Shiwu, wasn’t he also evaluating Chen Ping’an, who was still only a Celestial Immortal?

The thing I give, can you choose not to receive?
This was a conversation between the Military Strategist Ancestor, Jiang She, and a Sword Immortal. Jiang She made no attempt to hide his intention: to suppress with power.

Since you fancy yourself a scholar, fond of reasoning with Heaven and Earth, there must be a price to pay.

This was pure martial artist Jiang She speaking to the closed-door disciple of the Literary Saint lineage. It was to suppress with reason.

The one he truly sought to kill was half of Fallen Mountain! Jiang She was declaring that he had righteous cause. It was to kill in the name of justice.

To walk the Heavenly Court once more, to personally slay Zhou Mi – who else could do it but me?

This was spoken to the Three Teachings Founders and the Three Great Worlds.

It is not the guest’s place to clear the table.

This was spoken to the Confucian school and the Literary Temple; the Military Strategist Ancestor of the unified Three Teachings was conversing with Confucianism.

“Who wouldn’t you provoke, yet you insist on meddling with Yu Dou? What were you thinking? Relying on your status, acting impulsively, throwing an egg against a stone, is it fun?”

This was spoken to Qingming World and the Second-in-Charge of Jade Capital, Yu Dou. It was likely a genuine acknowledgment of Yu Dou, and a tacit approval and clearance – a form of reciprocation. ‘Relying on your status’ was a jibe at Chen Ping’an’s powerful backers, implying his own power was lacking. ‘Acting impulsively’ was disapproval of Chen Ping’an’s desire to challenge Jade Capital with his sword. ‘Throwing an egg against a stone’ was saying Chen Ping’an overestimated himself, elevating Yu Dou while disparaging Chen. The final “is it fun?” was a definitive pronouncement. Thinking that Fallen Mountain alone could shake Jade Capital was nothing but a childish farce.

“He who weaves the cage will ultimately become the bird within.”

“Chen Ping’an, ah Chen Ping’an, you know too well how to cherish yourself.”

“One can borrow techniques, but can one borrow the heart?”

Jiang She deliberately staggered these three sentences, each a question aimed at Chen Ping’an’s inner demons.

“The moment I set foot here, the river of time began to flow in reverse. Now, there are stagnant whirlpools in the water. I want to see, who will save you? Who *can* save you?”

It was to force Chen Ping’an to reveal all his trump cards.

“You should have spent a few days studying, and let him focus on his swordsmanship.”

It was a deliberate relaxation, intentionally using Liu Xianyang to defuse the tense atmosphere.

“Embroidered Tiger, Cui Chan, you saved me a great deal of trouble. I am grateful!”

Chen Ping’an suspected the true audience for Jiang She’s words was Zheng Juzhong, who likely had long been planning to seize the position of new Military Strategist Ancestor.

Afterward, Jiang She deliberately mentioned Chen Qingliu, saying Chen Ping’an underestimated the breadth of heart of this Dragon Slayer. It was an opportunity to revisit an old matter, to reveal an unknown favor.

Qingming World has seen the Azure Cloud Cave Master, and the Great Bright World has seen Chen Qingliu. Who else has Jiang She secretly contacted among the mountain peaks? What is he planning?

After a series of probes, Jiang She finally gave his assessment of Chen Ping’an: “Very free.”

Chen Ping’an replied with “Words of a kindred spirit.”

It seemed like a great figure making small talk.

But in reality, every word, every syllable, from Jiang She was filled with hidden meaning, spoken to a clever person who could understand, so that the latter could interpret the deeper implications. Yet, if it stopped there, Chen Ping’an wouldn’t be so afraid. In this vast world, nothing is impossible. Cultivators of great attainment might cultivate the Celestial Eye, allowing them to see the whole picture, the depth of a person’s Taoist Qi, the flow of their intentions, and even a portion of their karma.

What truly shocked Chen Ping’an after leaving the Inner Heart World was the dawning realization that nearly caused him to break out in a cold sweat. If Liu Xianyang, as an impartial observer, hadn’t revealed the secret, Jiang She and Wu Yan would have overlooked the matter of the bottleneck and malevolent thoughts. What particularly alarmed Chen Ping’an was the woman’s statement, “Jiang She likes Pei Qian more.” Chen Ping’an did not doubt the truth of this statement, but at the time, something felt off. After pondering it repeatedly in solitude, he finally understood: the order was wrong.

It was as if Jiang She were already intimately familiar with Chen Ping’an’s words and actions, habits and temperament, Taoist heart and weaknesses.

Therefore, from beginning to end, from the moment Jiang She boarded the ship and entered the room, step by step, word by word, Jiang She guided Chen Ping’an’s Taoist heart as if leading an ox by the nose.

All these years, I, as the master, have poured my heart and soul into raising Pei Qian as if she were my own daughter. You come knocking on my door to acknowledge her? Fine! But to play military tactics with me?!

Pei Qian said, “Master, Literary Saint has returned.”

Chen Ping’an gathered his thoughts and stood up. “Let’s go take a look.”

In the celestial realm, akin to a jade tower, the Old Scholar strode towards a room, turned to look at Chen Ping’an and Pei Qian walking side by side in the corridor, smiling and gesturing, “Wait a moment.” Before Chen Ping’an could say anything, the Old Scholar’s smile vanished. He strode towards the main hall, his sleeves fluttering, his expression solemn, his tone indifferent. He directly berated the occupants of the hall, “The Military Strategists lack benevolence, do they not even understand propriety?” Within the Great Bright Confucian lineage, Han Fuzi, the vice-leader revered for reshaping the tradition and relieving the drowning world, was naturally close in learning to the Second Sage, yet he set aside the once-prominent lineage of the Second Sage. The Second Sage, in turn, was close to the Literary Temple’s Master Dong Fuzi, and even further back, his foundation of learning was similar to that of the Sage of Ritual. As for the contention between the Second Sage and the Literary Saint concerning the three or four, aside from the difference between the goodness and evil of human hearts, concerning the learning of the Supreme Sage, each had their own expression and extension. For example, the Second Sage emphasized benevolence and righteousness, while the Literary Saint advocated propriety.

In the corridor, Xie Gou was worried. “Little Mo, the Literary Saint has such imposing presence. He was truly hiding his strength all this time. They won’t start fighting over a disagreement, will they?”

Little Mo said, “I’ll help Gongzi either way.”

Xie Gou rubbed his cheeks. “Then I’ll help you.”

Little Mo said, “You need to remain neutral.”

Xie Gou said, “I won’t kill Wu Yan. But joining forces with you to kill Jiang She, I don’t have any inner demons to overcome.”

Previously, Little Mo and Liu Xianyang each did their part. He drew his sword to arrange the formation, trapping Wu Yan. Liu Xianyang was responsible for informing the Literary Temple with his mental voice.

Little Mo had already made the worst preparations. First, he would help Liu Xianyang slay Wu Yan with his sword, then send Liu Xianyang out of the Night Ferry, and he himself would have a life-or-death struggle with Jiang She, willing to exchange his own Great Path and life to weaken Jiang She’s Taoist power.

Little Mo regarded himself as a suicide warrior, serving and protecting Chen Ping’an, and could fully bear such a cost. As for whether the ambitious Jiang She could accept it, that was something Jiang She should consider.

The Old Scholar lifted his foot, and the Night Ferry, sunk to the bottom of the water, leaped out of the water and sailed normally on the sea surface. The Old Scholar’s foot landed, and he had already isolated the world.
Inside the house, Jiang She sat upright, barely lifting an eyelid, feigning ignorance to the rude words of the Literary Saint.

His Dao Companion, Wuyan, however, acted like the women of this era, gracefully curtsying with a wanfu, and softly said, “Greetings, Literary Saint.”

The old scholar crossed the threshold, nodded, and immediately launched into a rogue-like tirade, “Jiang She, want me to have the Ritual Saint kowtow to you a few times?”

Jiang She finally spoke, “Master Xun, please don’t jest.”

No wonder he wanted to isolate this conversation from the world; could Chen Ping’an, as a student, possibly stomach such an opening?

The old scholar sneered, “You speak of accepting defeat, yet harbor such grand resentments. Everything, every person, every feeling, every principle – all you seek is to maximize your own benefit! What will be the result? Do you wish to be imprisoned for another ten thousand years?!”

Jiang She retorted, “Come and say that again when the Literary Saint becomes the second-in-command of the Confucian school instead of the fourth.”

The old scholar crossed his arms, “Oh?”

Just then, a familiar voice echoed in the room, “Jiang She, the Vast Expanse is not elsewhere.”

Jiang She crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair, “Is Little Mister going to lecture me on the ways of the world?”

The Ritual Saint’s voice remotely delivered two words, “Listen well.”

Jiang She was momentarily speechless.

What was going on with the world these days? Why did everyone think Little Mister was the most reasonable? Damn it, ten thousand years ago, among that group of scholars, the most unreasonable one was precisely this fellow who had forged some “natal character.”

The Ritual Saint’s divine sense instantly retreated. Jiang She felt a lightness wash over him.

The old scholar clucked his tongue, “Busy fellow, only a few days, and he’s already cozying up to that Long Bo friend, I wonder how many big fish he’s hooked? And chatting so congenially with Chen Qingliu?”

Jiang She looked puzzled. Why was the dignified fourth-in-command of Confucianism speaking in such a boorish manner?

The old scholar suddenly asked, “Fellow Daoist of the Primordial Spirit, where is your true body?”

Jiang She lazily replied, “In the Wildlands.”

He failed to find that nascent being. That slippery fellow, indeed, was difficult to locate.

The old scholar nodded, “The Wildlands, after all, is a natural ally of the Fellow Daoist of the Primordial Spirit.”

Jiang She said, “Although I didn’t manage to see an old friend, he asked Fei Ran to pass on a message to me: as long as I’m willing to take over the Wildlands, he’s willing to sever his own head and send it to me as an apology and a congratulatory gift all in one.”

The old scholar said, “The Great Demon Nascent truly has that kind of resolve. Fellow Daoist of the Primordial Spirit need not doubt its sincerity.”

Jiang She chuckled, “The Literary Saint seems well-versed in those dusty old chronicles.”

The old scholar stroked his beard and said, “I remember back then, I was just a poor, self-proclaimed middle-aged scholar who thought everything was over. When I first went to see a certain gentleman of the academy, I was nervous as hell, frantically cramming, staying up all night reading all of that gentleman’s works. Only then did I feel a little more confident.”

The old scholar suddenly glared and said, “You, surnamed Jiang, those of us getting on in years shouldn’t act old and important, shouldn’t be disrespectful to our elders, and shouldn’t bully young people just because they’re young!”

The woman covered her mouth and giggled.

Jiang She actually closed his eyes to rest. He didn’t think he could get anything useful out of talking to this Literary Saint today.

The old scholar narrowed his eyes and asked, “I came here today not to talk about grand strategies for the world, but to ask you one thing. You must give me a clear answer. That little girl from Lotus Blossom Blessed Land, will she one day devour Pei Qian as her opportunity to attain enlightenment?”

Jiang She remained silent.

The woman tried to defuse the situation, softly saying, “Literary Saint, please rest assured, we wouldn’t dream of it.”

The old scholar shook his head, “That’s not the answer I wanted to hear!”

The woman turned to look at her Dao Companion.

Jiang She opened his eyes, staring at the old scholar, and said irritably, “What right do you have to interfere in my family affairs?”

The old scholar looked a little weary, “What time is it? Can’t you, Jiang She, just for once, in one out of a hundred things, not act like Jiang She? Just give me a straight answer, is it that difficult?”

Jiang She ignored him.

The old scholar looked at Jiang She, “Speak properly, with less scheming and more sincerity. Even if this is difficult for you, Jiang She, how difficult could it be? Can it be more difficult than that time you fought to a standstill with the Dao Ancestor?”

Jiang She just feigned ignorance.

The old scholar fell silent.

Jiang She chuckled, “Say whatever you want, can you stop me from recognizing my daughter?”

The old scholar angrily stamped his feet, “Then Pei Qian has to be willing and truly recognize you as her parents! What kind of outrageous logic is that? Does being a parent mean you’re always right? Is this a battlefield, or a treacherous officialdom? You, Jiang She, won’t even give a guarantee that you won’t harm Pei Qian for the sake of benefit or the Great Dao. Are you too lazy to give it, too afraid to give it, or too disdainful to give it? Or are you simply incapable of giving it?!

“It’s bad enough that I have to force myself to put on the airs of the Literary Saint to see you, so that my student and little Pei Qian won’t feel any resentment. What am I doing? Damn Jiang She, to hell with your ancestral founder of the School of the Military!”

“If I were Little Ping’an, if I met you trying to recognize me as family like this, I’d slap you across the face first!”

Jiang She said with indifferent eyes, “Are you done cursing? If you’re done, I’ll take Pei Qian away. The compensation and benefits that should be given, I won’t shortchange Chen Ping’an and Fallen Phoenix Mountain in the slightest.”

The old scholar raged, “Any decent human being wouldn’t say such bullshit!”

Jiang She’s face darkened, “You, surnamed Xun, let me remind you, don’t push your luck. If you annoy me, I’ll make your Wen Temple and this Vast Expanse remember it for a long, long time.”

“Here it comes again. Damn it, I’ve argued countless times, but this is the first time I’ve been so angry.” The old scholar shook his head to himself, as if making up his mind, took a deep breath, and said with a chuckle, “Fine! Reasoning is useless. You, Jiang She, have always been one to prove your Dao by breaking all boundaries and earthly barriers. You’re just not sure if my closed-door disciple has the ability to scheme you to death.”

Jiang She asked with a smile, “Based on him as he is now?”

The old scholar said, “Since you’re not confident in even half a chance, why would I be confident in the primordial founder of the School of the Military? Then let’s draw a line? Each rely on our own abilities, life and death at our own risk, victory and defeat decided by fate?”

Jiang She asked with a mocking smile, “Trying to provoke me?”

The old scholar’s expression was complicated. He withdrew the divine ability that isolated the world, and turned to look towards outside the house, “Ping’an, is it acceptable?”

Chen Ping’an silently looked at Pei Qian.

Pei Qian gently shook her head, “Master, don’t be sad. I never wanted to eat that steamed bun covered in mud anyway.”

For so many years, maybe I never grew up, I was just pretending to be sensible.
Little Mo stilled his breath and focused his spirit, his two fingers pressed together, forming a sword-drawing gesture before him. A faint azure-violet sword aura vaguely manifested.

*Reaching for the heavens, a long sword is needed.*

Xie Gou revealed her true appearance of Bai Jing, her sleeve concealing a miniature sword for “mountain-viewing,” one of the secret weapons she relied upon in the ancient years to seize her Daoist title.

Unexpectedly, Chen Ping’an took a step forward, his body instantly shattered into countless fragments, like collapsing glass. In the blink of an eye, however, he reformed into the majestic form of a deity.

Amidst the primordial chaos of the world, he casually approached Little Mo, patting him on the arm. He then walked to Bai Jing’s side, gently tapping her sleeve, and said, “No need.”

A long and seemingly endless stairway to heaven confronted them, while a phantom Bai Yujing (White Jade Capital) stood upon the earth in opposition.

A divine figure slowly descended the steps, with a flick of his sleeve, dispersing the envisioned illusion of Bai Yujing.

As that figure descended from on high, drawn by the power of the Dao, it seemed to forcibly connect heaven and earth, creating an impression of Dao transformation.

Within a vortex in the river of time, Zheng Juzhong slowly rose, smiling at Lu Chen, who sat cross-legged opposite him, propping his chin up and yawning. “The White Jade Capital’s fortune is not bad.”

Outside the heavens, a sword light, like a radiant silver river, heedlessly approached the “ferry” that was the Azure Billow Heaven, arriving on the blue Dao trajectory circumvented by the Barren and Vast and the Magnificent World.

At the same time, within Jiang She’s separated body within the house, three portions of martial luck began to stir and wreak havoc.

The Five-Colored Heaven’s Ascension City, the Azure Billow Heaven’s Year-End Palace, the Bottle Continent’s Fallen Mountain, the Paulownia Leaf Continent’s Azure Duckweed Sword Sect… each displayed unusual phenomena, each giving rise to a surge, as if assisting the return of the main deity.

At the highest tower of the White Jade Capital, Sect Leader Yu Dou was radiant and full of vigor.

Below, in the five cities and twelve towers, the city lords and Daoist officials, both main and deputy, each harboring their own thoughts, noticed the unusual phenomena.

In the Barren and Vast World, Bai Ze lightly sighed. Fei Fei, who was traveling with him and had just reached the fourteenth realm, was greatly shaken in her Dao heart. She hesitated, wanting to ask Elder Bai about the cause.

Bai Ze muttered to himself, “A shift in the heavens.”

Zou Zi walked on foot through the mortal realm, silent and uncommunicative, only withdrawing his hand into his sleeve, calculating the five elements.

Liu Xiang, traveling alone, stopped in his tracks with a smile on his face, performed an ancient sacrificial rite, prostrated himself on the ground, and silently recited two words, “May you enjoy.” In Huaihuang County, a sudden rain shower cleared up, and some elderly people who were reluctant to move to the state capital habitually smiled and said that it was the work of the Heavens.