As twilight draped the land in fiery hues, a river wound through the earth like a golden serpent, its scales shimmering in the fading light.

Three streaks of sword-light danced across the heavens, leaving trails of glowing embers in their wake. Wherever they passed, the clouds echoed with muffled thunder.

Deng Jianping’s grasp of the Sword Qi Eighteen Stops was neither swift nor sluggish. Not swift, when compared to the extraordinary sword geniuses of the Sword Qi Great Wall; not sluggish, perhaps because he had the example of Chen Ping’an to measure himself against.

Chen Ping’an did not treat Xie Gou as an outsider. She, in turn, was one who grasped concepts easily and mastered them quickly. Soon, she had practiced the technique several times, her sword qi flowing without hesitation.

In terms of swordplay aptitude, Ning Yao and Xie Gou were undoubtedly in a league of their own.

Having mastered the technique, Xie Gou praised the profound foundations of the Sword Qi Great Wall, which added to the pressure felt by Deng Jianping, who felt he had not yet truly grasped its essence. He inquired of Chen Ping’an in his heart if his talent was lacking. Chen Ping’an was momentarily speechless. Why compare your talent to Xie Gou’s? He offered a few words of comfort to his newly acquired disciple, advising him not to be hasty, but to proceed step-by-step, like deploying troops – steadily and surely.

As they journeyed on the wind, Xie Gou cast a covetous glance at the green bamboo staff. “Mountain Lord, might I have a walking stick as well? We are both chroniclers of mountain and river excursions, after all.”

Chen Ping’an gently declined. “You have no need of it. You are not one to meddle in affairs that do not concern you.”

Undeterred, Xie Gou declared earnestly, “I could meddle more in the future.”

Chen Ping’an responded directly, “Is it not possible that the affairs you encounter are better left untouched?”

Somewhat deflated, Xie Gou muttered under her breath and lashed out with fists and palms, creating holes and straight lines in the sea of clouds.

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “If you truly desire it, the next time you venture out alone and feel you have handled one or two matters well, ask me for it upon your return.”

However, Chen Ping’an doubted Xie Gou would dwell on it. How often did she yearn for something today, only to forget it by the morrow?

Chen Ping’an turned to Deng Jianping and said, “We shall rest briefly at Qingjing Mountain, after which we shall resume our journey. We shall neither cross the sea on swords nor take a ferry. I will impart to you an ancient and secret Three Mountains Talisman, capable of instantly shrinking vast distances, allowing us to travel to distant continents. Your current realm is Golden Core, so it may be somewhat taxing, but with Xie Gou and myself by your side, it should not pose too great a problem. Upon reaching the Southern Peak of Treasure Bottle Continent, the surge of your spirit will serve to examine the finer points of your soul, yang spirit, and yin spirit, to see if there are any areas that require attention.”

After imparting the talisman and its secrets, Chen Ping’an carefully explained its rules and prohibitions to Deng Jianping, reminding him that both the Sword Qi Eighteen Stops and the Three Mountains Talisman were secret arts of Fallen Phoenix Mountain and should not be revealed lightly. Deng Jianping, of course, committed them to heart. Before entering the mountain, he had thought it lofty and majestic, but upon entering, he realized that even greater divinity dwelled on its peak.

Xie Gou spoke in her heart, “The Mountain Lord has indeed found a treasure. Deng Jianping may be ordinary in talent, but he resembles the ancient Daoists, with an unwavering devotion to the Dao and a purity of heart. Once he has an epiphany, his swordplay will improve rapidly.”

Chen Ping’an smiled faintly. “Then you should offer him some guidance. Since we plan to coax Chai Wu into becoming a personal disciple, have Jianping listen in when you teach him. The same lesson for two students – a bargain!”

Xie Gou, aware of her Mountain Lord’s past difficulties with his own direct disciples, laughed heartily. “The Mountain Lord cannot teach geniuses, and I cannot teach those who are not. We complement each other perfectly. Fallen Phoenix Mountain is truly something!”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “I’ve seen flatterers, but never one as cunningly angled as you.”

Deng Jianping, unable to hear their mental exchange, noticed their subtle expressions and surmised that his master and Vice Envoy were discussing matters of great import. Once again, he marveled at the excellent atmosphere of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

Xie Gou, apropos of nothing, asked, “Mountain Lord, you are so young, yet you already have Zhao Shuxia as a closed-door disciple of your fist arts. Will Deng Jianping be the last direct disciple you take in swordplay?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “I currently have seven direct disciples. I hope to have over ten someday, but there is no need for more than that.”

Cui Dongshan, Pei Qian, Cao Qinglang, Zhao Shuxia, Guo Zhujiu, Ning Ji, Deng Jianping.

Of his seven disciples, only Pei Qian and Zhao Shuxia studied the fist arts under Chen Ping’an.

Remembering something, Chen Ping’an felt he must warn Deng Jianping. “You have a senior brother named Cui Dongshan, the first sect leader of the Green Duckweed Sword Sect. If he ever offers to protect your Dao, or wants to have a heart-to-heart with you, or discuss life aspirations – ignore him. Invoke the name of your master, or report him to Senior Sister Pei or Senior Brother Cao.”

Though unclear about the reasons, Deng Jianping dutifully agreed.

During their travels, Chen Ping’an received a flying sword message.

Xie Gou craned her neck, glancing at its contents. It was a secret message from the benevolent Neighboring Night Wanderer, urging Chen Ping’an to provide a definite date as soon as possible.

The final lines of the message exuded a palpable sense of grievance. Wei Yeyou was reminding him not to delay any longer. If he was truly determined to procrastinate, he should inform His Majesty the Emperor directly, rather than leaving Wei Bo to bear the brunt of dissatisfaction from both sides.

In short, once Chen Ping’an had settled on a date, the Great Li Imperial Court would immediately begin arranging the specific details. The vacant position of Imperial Preceptor and the old chair in the Imperial Study of the capital city would have a rightful new owner.

Chen Ping’an silently tucked the message into his sleeve. Xie Gou probed cautiously, “The Mountain Lord is not going to write back right away? Even a few perfunctory words would be something. Wei Yeyou is truly not having an easy time.”

Even Old Mister Zhu had offered a fair assessment, saying that Wei Shenyou was like a long-term worker for their Fallen Phoenix Mountain, except the landlord never paid him a wage.

Chen Ping’an smiled faintly. “I can finalize the date as soon as I return to the Ascending Firmament Daoist Temple. What’s the rush? He’s already the Night Wanderer.”

It would surely be before the fifth day of the fifth month – it could not be any later than that.

Xie Gou suddenly understood. It seemed that no matter how Chen Ping’an tried to persuade Wei Bo to register his title of Night Wanderer with the Central Earth Literary Temple, he had failed. And yet…?

Chen Ping’an said, “You know the Great Li Imperial Court has made a request, hoping I would put on a bit of a show, bringing along a few capable individuals. But I’m hesitating whether to bring Jianping and the others along.”

Xie Gou habitually furrowed her brow and tilted her head, a gesture that puzzled him.

Chen Ping’an could not help but chuckle at the expression, which was, in fact, the trademark pose of the Blue-Clad Boy.

Zhu Lian’s assessment had been accurate – the foolish son of a landlord, with a clear and innocent ignorance in his eyes.

Chen Ping’an explained, “What happened in the past is history. What happens in the future is paramount. Pei Qian, Ning Ji, Chai Wu, and Jianping – they are the future of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.”

Xie Gou had indeed joined the mountain late and missed the previous Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s observation of Righteous Yang Mountain. She could not miss this opportunity as well. Little Rice Grain always spoke of it with great pride, saying that she had stood on that certain mountain peak, arms crossed and face stern, feeling at least ten feet tall at the time!

In Fallen Phoenix Mountain, Xie Gou, in addition to wandering aimlessly with the White-Haired Child, whether it was after a sudden rain, striking the new lotus flowers, or under a moon like frost or a crescent moon, was also fond of chatting with the Black-Clad Girl, who only knew the practice field and not her home, listening to the Blue-Clad Boy’s unscripted boasting, and shopping in the market towns outside the mountain with the Pink-Skirt Girl.

Landing on the edge of Qingjing Mountain, Chen Ping’an slowed his pace and walked on foot toward the main mountain where the Azure Tiger Palace was located, allowing Deng Jianping to steady his qi.

Chen Ping’an was an old acquaintance at Azure Tiger Palace, and soon, a lower courtyard Daoist went to the main mountain palace to report his arrival.

The entire Qingjing Mountain territory allowed Daoists from other lands to build thatched huts on the various peaks for quiet cultivation, requiring only that they offer some mountain goods and local produce to the Azure Tiger Palace during festivals as a token gesture.

In the past, before the Azure Tiger Palace Daoists moved to the Treasure Bottle Continent, they had not been so accommodating. Since their return to Qingjing Mountain, many of their measures had become more generous.

Daoists had always placed great emphasis on nourishing the body and even greater emphasis on nourishing the spirit. Along the pilgrim paths, it was common to see Daoists practicing qi-nourishing exercises to strengthen their bodies. Their movements appeared slow and relaxed, yet were performed in a single, continuous flow, providing a pleasing sight for onlookers, whether they practiced martial arts or cultivated qi.

Deng Jianping hesitated, but Xie Gou could not stand it. These big men were really annoying; she wanted to offer a few words of advice.

Chen Ping’an guessed Deng Jianping’s thoughts and asked with a smile, “Do you want to ask about Cao Ci?”

Deng Jianping looked embarrassed but nodded honestly, admitting the matter.

Xie Gou raised a thumb in praise. “A hero, a true champion! Having just become a disciple, you’re already asking your master about someone who has lost several matches. What’s up with that? Want to avenge your master? Lofty ambition!”

Deng Jianping was even more mortified.

Chen Ping’an thought for a moment and said, “There is no need to get to know Cao Ci. Meeting him or speaking with him is unnecessary for us to know that he must be a proud man.”

Deng Jianping nodded. A pure martial artist, whose deeds were tantamount to miraculous feats. Outsiders could only imagine Cao Ci’s charisma.

Chen Ping’an added, “After truly getting to know Cao Ci, one would be surprised at how unproud he can be, how serene.”

Deng Jianping was surprised. Did his master esteem Cao Ci, a contemporary, so highly? He remembered that in his hometown of Northern Club Reed Continent, martial artists never admitted defeat, even if they were convinced in their hearts.

The serenity of martial artist Cao Ci, the equanimity of sword cultivator Chou Miao, the practicality of scholar Wen Yu, and so on… Chen Ping’an could not help but admire them all, along with the Terrestrial Wine Immortal Liu Jinglong, of course.

Xie Gou gently patted her chest. “Ah, Mountain Lord, in that case, Cao Ci and I are very alike. I never flaunt my talents when I’m out and about; I’m easy to get along with.”

Deng Jianping felt odd. Summoning his courage, he asked, “Is Master on friendly, yet competitive, terms with Cao Ci on the path of martial arts?”

Chen Ping’an was silent for a long time. For the first time, he revealed his inner thoughts on the matter, saying slowly, “I want to win against him, but I also fear that he will lose.”

Deng Jianping was unable to comprehend Chen Ping’an’s thoughts for the time being. Xie Gou adjusted her mink hat and explained, “Wanting to win is natural for martial artists. Who doesn’t want to be number one? Who is content with being second? Not wanting to win is fearing that the pinnacle of martial arts is already beneath one’s feet – that it ends there. If I am strong and there are even stronger opponents ahead, then the Great Dao has not yet been reached, and one can continue to walk. One who does not truly love learning the fist arts could not say such things.”

Deng Jianping was not completely foolish and quickly noticed a slight “flaw” in her words. He asked, “Even if one is number one, can’t one continue to improve the height of martial arts?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and nodded.

Xie Gou sighed. “That’s why you’re not meant for martial arts. Daoist arts are cultivated within, while martial arts are sought without. A pugilistic world without rivals or formidable opponents is meaningless. It becomes an adult bullying a bunch of children.”

Chen Ping’an admitted candidly, “In the end, I lack the confidence to win against Cao Ci.”

Xie Gou turned and walked away, imitating Little Rice Grain by raising both hands and giving her Mountain Lord a thumbs up. “Magnanimous!”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “One cannot drink like Wei Xian.”

Xie Gou burst out laughing. Wei Xian was rather amusing, often saying that Chai Wu’s talent was as good as his capacity for alcohol, which had helped Chai Wu ascend to the Jade Purity Realm, leaving him more bewildered than anyone.

Hearing that Mountain Lord Chen of Fallen Phoenix Mountain had visited yet again, the Daoists within Azure Tiger Palace were momentarily conflicted. It did not seem that Palace Lord Ancestor had recently opened his furnace to refine pills.

Abbot Lu Yong was fishing by the Old Dragon Pond with a junior disciple. His disciple Zhao Zhuo, whose Daoist name was Xianxiu, arrived to report the news.

Zhao Zhuo was the Old Perfected One’s most cherished and promising disciple, and the young disciple was Zhao Zhuo’s own most valued personal disciple. The child had been personally brought up the mountain a few years ago during his travels. Kind-hearted and innocent, he had only been cultivating the Dao for five years. Lu Yong often taught him the Daoist arts personally, saying that the child was patient and well-suited for refining pills. The young disciple was simple-minded. The Daoists in the temple all said that the Grandmaster and the young Hidden Official had a close relationship, and his master was also an honored guest of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, so he naturally felt an affinity for the Sword Immortal Chen. Holding his grandmaster’s hand, the child looked up and asked earnestly, “Grandmaster, do we still have any pills in storage? Let’s not let Mountain Lord Chen return empty-handed.”

Lu Yong looked embarrassed and explained vaguely that refining pills was subject to many rules, requiring the right time, place, and people. Lacking any of these, even the most skilled cook would be unable to prepare a meal without rice.

Zhao Zhuo gently patted the child’s Daoist topknot, hesitating.

The Old Perfected One stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, then laughed. “The child happens to be with this old Daoist, and the Hidden Official happens to be ascending the mountain at this time. This must be the child’s fate. We need not be coy.”

Hearing this, Zhao Zhuo nodded, and the gloom between his brows faded somewhat.

Lu Yong led several managing Daoists out to greet their guest.

Chen Ping’an performed a Daoist bow, his face full of smiles. “Perfected One, rest assured, I’m just passing by, hoping for a cup of wine. I seek no pills and have no ulterior motives.”

The Old Perfected One laughed heartily and grabbed Chen Ping’an’s arm. “An unwelcome guest arrives! An unwelcome guest arrives! To insult the host’s generosity with such veiled words upon first meeting.”

Deng Jianping, witnessing this scene, realized that the relationship between Fallen Phoenix Mountain and Qingjing Mountain was extraordinary.

Earlier, when they had passed through the Qingjing Mountain territory, they had not ascended the mountain. His brother-in-law had casually mentioned that the Daoist aura here was dense and unique, a rare “dragon emergence” location.

Chen Ping’an introduced Deng Jianping’s status as his direct disciple. The Daoists of Lu Yong’s party offered sincere congratulations. What great fortune for a young man to study swordplay and the Dao under the Hidden Official.

Zhao Zhuo, as an honored guest of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, also spoke of his disciple, Gan Xing, who did not yet have a Daoist name. The young disciple was not shy and explained to the Sword Immortal Chen that his name was Xing from “flourishing,” not Xing from “mood.”

Xie Gou said abruptly, “Mountain Lord, that’s strange. This child beside Guest Zhao has decent roots for cultivation, but why is there so much death aura surrounding him, clinging persistently? It seems to have deeply permeated him and become intertwined with his destiny, making it difficult to remove. Of course, I could easily sever this death aura with a single sword strike, but that would harm the child’s fundamental Dao. If Daoist Chunyang were here, it would be another story.”

Chen Ping’an had also noticed the strange aura surrounding the young disciple. “The human body is like a temple. If the god does not occupy it, wild ghosts will seize the territory. Over time, it becomes like a profane shrine, taking a wrong path. If he had not ascended the mountain to cultivate the Dao, as an ordinary person, he might have had some unorthodox luck. But upon entering Azure Tiger Palace, he clashed with the heavy Daoist aura, as though they were constantly arguing. Over time, the child will become exhausted, increasingly weak in spirit and qi. The Old Perfected One seems to have attempted remedial measures, but ultimately they only addressed the symptoms and not the root cause. I fear that if this continues, the child will have to be sent down the mountain.”

Xie Gou asked, “Is it not the case that Azure Tiger Palace specializes in refining Feather Ascension Pills? Wouldn’t that be a suitable remedy?”

Chen Ping’an said, “I fear that he has already taken them, and that is the only thing that has allowed the child to maintain his current state.”

Xie Gou asked, “Does Mountain Lord want to take action? Are you confident?”

Chen Ping’an said, “The matter is of great importance. I need to make some preparations beforehand.”

Xie Gou grinned. Since the Mountain Lord had said so, it was as good as done.

Xie Gou turned to Deng Jianping and said earnestly, “Jianping, our Mountain Lord knows a great many things. Learn slowly. We diligent cultivators must not enter a treasure mountain and return empty-handed.”

Adding “ah” to the end of a name was a trend that no one knew who had started on the mountain. In any case, Xie Gou thought it flowed smoothly.

Deng Jianping nodded vigorously. During this long sword flight, his respect for this young envoy had grown. She was talented, good-tempered, and broad-minded.

Chen Ping’an first asked Zhao Zhuo for the child’s birth date and then bent down and said to the young disciple named Gan Xing with a smile, “Hold out your hand.”

The bewildered young disciple extended his hand. Chen Ping’an first grasped the child’s hand, gently feeling its bones, then pinched his fingers together and wrote a character in the child’s palm – “Command.”

The character in his palm was dazzling with golden light, which vanished in a flash, along with the resounding sound of metal and jade.

At the same time, Chen Ping’an silently recited, “Disperse.”

Chen Ping’an withdrew his hand, like a kindly elder, and rubbed the child’s head. He then said with a smile, “Mountain residence is secluded. We cultivators should be spirited and diligent in our cultivation.”

The young disciple nodded blankly.

In his heart, the child could not help but wonder, looking at the man with the gentle smile. Was he truly a Sword Immortal who slaughtered without mercy?

He had heard that there was a mountain patron who had made great contributions to their Qingjing Mountain, diligently protecting the mountain for hundreds of years. His seniority was very high, and he had not even attended ancestral hall meetings in recent years. He had even implored his Grandmaster and others to inform him beforehand whenever a certain person ascended the mountain, just to avoid the Hidden Official. The Grandmaster had tried to persuade him several times, but it was useless.

Chen Ping’an spoke to the Old Perfected One and Zhao Zhuo in his heart, “I have only temporarily stabilized Gan Xing’s mind with talismanic arts. The character ‘Command’ has three meanings – mountain, water, and thunder. I tried to take a gentle approach, not daring to cause too great a disturbance within the child’s small world. Therefore, Zhao Zhuo will need to take Gan Xing to Treasure Bottle Continent in the future. Go directly to Ascending Firmament Peak to find me. My temporary Daoist temple is located there.”

The Old Perfected One made a Daoist bow to express his thanks. “We are grateful for Mountain Lord Chen’s efforts.”

Zhao Zhuo then had the child thank Mountain Lord Chen along with him.

Upon hearing that he would soon be able to go down the mountain to play and take a long trip, the child was overjoyed.

Inside Azure Tiger Palace, Chen Ping’an did not drink any wine. After chatting for a few words, he got up to bid farewell. The so-called chatting was not entirely trivial matters and polite greetings, but rather a matter of mentality and position.

For example, Chen Ping’an asked the Old Perfected One about his impressions of coming into contact with the old cultivators and sects of southern Treasure Bottle Continent. Lu Yong also wanted Zhao Zhuo and the younger generation of disciples to go out and gain experience, so a trip along the central waterway would be a good choice. In addition, the Green Duckweed Sword Sect, Tranquility Mountain, the Great Spring Dynasty, and the Jade Rule Sect would certainly be places they should visit.

The young disciple’s face was flushed, as if he wanted to say something but dared not.

Chen Ping’an asked with a smile, “Gan Xing, is something the matter?”

The young disciple stole glances at his master and grandmaster. The Old Perfected One stroked his beard and smiled, encouraging him. “Speak freely. Mountain Lord Chen’s visit to our Azure Tiger Palace is like relatives visiting each other.”

The young disciple said, “Sword Immortal Chen, then I’ll tell you something. We have a mountain patron who is of local demon origin. He seems to be very afraid of you. As soon as he hears that you’re ascending the mountain, he goes out for a walk again.”

Chen Ping’an did not know whether to laugh or cry and asked curiously, “Old Lu, Daoist Xianxiu, haven’t you told this patron about Fallen Phoenix Mountain?”

Zhao Zhuo said helplessly, “We have, but it’s no use. Our mountain patron is simple-minded and likes to stubbornly stick to his own ideas. Not only does he not listen to advice, but he also claims that we are only familiar with Chen Ping’an and Mountain Lord Chen, and not really familiar with the Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall. When that Chen person gets angry and wants to chop him up, he won’t be able to escape. Losing his life is one thing, but he would also implicate Azure Tiger Palace and sour the relationship with Fallen Phoenix Mountain, so it’s better to avoid him each time. That Chen person can’t possibly come to Qingjing Mountain as a guest every day, right?”

Chen Ping’an could not help but grin and joked, “It sounds very reasonable.”

The Old Perfected One laughed even louder, smoothing things over with a few words. “Ignorance is bliss.”

Xie Gou was even more amused. Did she not know that their Mountain Lord had two flying swords, called First and Fifteenth?

Chen Ping’an looked at Xie Gou. The mink-hatted girl then habitually tilted her head, and her eyes instantly became clear.

Chen Ping’an had no choice but to ignore Xie Gou. In any case, she was carefree. He spoke directly to the child. “Gan Xing, you can tell that mountain patron that the vice envoy beside me is a barbaric sword cultivator, and her Daoist companion is of the same origin.”

Gan Xing nodded. “Sword Immortal Chen, I understand!”

Xie Gou suddenly bared her fangs and made a face at the child, trying to scare him.

Gan Xing did not flinch, but was simply curious as to what she was doing.

Xie Gou was first disappointed, then became happy. Alas, being too beautiful was also a problem. She could not even scare a child.

As they parted, Chen Ping’an gave the young disciple a miniature sword, newly forged, and said with a smile, “It is a custom in my hometown. The master smiths would, based on their experience and according to the child’s personality and aura, give out different small swords. They are not immortal treasures, but rather a good omen. Almost every family has one. They can be placed in the study or carried with you.”

Then, when Deng Jianping unleashed the Three Mountains Talisman, they took a step across the continent, arriving directly at the Southern Peak of Treasure Bottle Continent.

At Azure Tiger Palace, the Old Perfected One smiled and asked the child to let him look at the small sword. Carved on the sword was a line of text with excellent meaning. It was obviously the handwriting of the young Hidden Official, upright and proper.

“I am good at nourishing a noble spirit.”

Seeing the adoring look on his Grandmaster’s face, the young disciple reminded him, “Grandmaster, remember to return it to me, okay?”

The Old Perfected One returned the small sword to the child and scolded with a smile, “Miser.”

The young disciple was not afraid of his Grandmaster. He carefully put away the small sword and made a face.

Of the Five Peaks of Treasure Bottle Continent, only Southern Peak Zitong Mountain had a mountain for the crown prince, named Collecting Mushroom Mountain.

Not only had Fan Junmao styled himself as the deity Emerald Subtle, earning the recognition and endorsement of the Literary Temple, but he also had an unexpected joy, obtaining a plaque that read “All Under Heaven is Green.”

This plaque hung high at the archway at the foot of the mountain, very much in line with Fan Junmao’s style – high-profile, flamboyant, neither subtle nor affected.

An endless stream of pilgrims came to pay their respects, all of whom would invariably stop here, look up at the plaque, and be taught to read by the elders.

A sword-wielding youth was squatting and retching by the roadside, supporting himself with a bamboo staff. Standing beside him were a man with his hands in his sleeves and a mink-hatted girl.

Xie Gou said, “His foundation is indeed weaker than expected.”

Qingjing Mountain was located at the northern end of Tongye Continent, while Southern Peak Zitong Mountain was located at the southernmost end of Treasure Bottle Continent. In addition, Xie Gou had been responsible for helping Deng Jianping stabilize his Daoist aura during the process, so this transcontinental journey with the Three Mountains Talisman was rather watered down.

Chen Ping’an said, “Before adulthood, Jianping spent most of his time in turmoil. It is not easy for him to have his current physical foundation.”

They had about an incense stick’s worth of time to linger here.

During the previous discussion in the Great Li Imperial Study in the capital, Fan Junmao had served as an advocate for the southern countries, albeit a clumsy and incompetent one.

Disregarding cultivation and speaking only of courtly skills, how could Fan Junmao compete with old foxes like Minister of War Shen Chen and Minister of Rites Zhao Duanjin?

Once the joint official letter from the Ministries of Rites and War of Great Li was issued, what country or immortal mansion would dare to go to the Great Li capital in the north and have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs arrange their accommodation?

Xie Gou asked, “Catch up with Fan Junmao?”

Chen Ping’an discerned the double entendre and asked, “Have you dealt with Lord Fan’s divine predecessor?”

Xie Gou chuckled. “Back then, she was rather warlike, and so was I. We simply clicked.”

Chen Ping’an wondered, “Then why didn’t Lord Fan recognize you in the Great Li capital last time?”

At the time, Xie Gou and Xiao Mo had been in the corridor outside the room.

Xie Gou was cocky and said with a chuckle, “I barely recognize myself these days. How could she recognize a passerby she only fought once? Besides, unless they are reincarnations of high-ranking gods, most people will lose some of their memories. And these so-called memories are the key to the godhood of ancient gods. Didn’t so-and-so say – Xiao Mo’s friend, that Old Man Lu – speculate that a fleeting yet omnipresent river of time may be an aggregation and arrangement of countless trillions of trivial memories…”

Chen Ping’an gently waved his hand, signaling Xie Gou to stop this topic. That Sect Leader Lu of theirs was truly willing to confide in his friends.

Xie Gou asked, “Are we just going to stand here at the foot of the mountain?”

Chen Ping’an said, “The last time we had a discussion in the Imperial Study, she was made to feel embarrassed. I estimate that even if we had someone report our arrival, we would be refused entry. They might even force the female official of the Ministry of Rites to tell us, ‘Lord Fan has just said that she is not on the mountain.'”

Xie Gou laughed. “That’s her old temper. I’m not surprised at all.”

Chen Ping’an teased, “There’s a big difference in Xie Envoy’s attitude toward Lord Fan and Qing Tong.”

Xie Gou curled her lips. “I approve or disapprove of someone regardless of their background.”

Unexpectedly, just as Chen Ping’an was about to lead Xie Gou and Deng Jianping to stroll through the nearby market at the foot of the mountain, Fan Junmao used a blinding technique, willing to personally come out to greet them.

However, they did not go up the mountain. Fan Junmao simply followed the direction that Chen Ping’an and the others had been heading and went with them to the bustling streets, with incense shops, storytellers, and restaurants all around.

All was quiet on the mountain.

Chen Ping’an folded his hands in his sleeves and said with a smile, “This is rare.”

Fan Junmao was full of annoyance. “Receiving guests, welcoming and sending off, official correspondence – all nonsense. I can’t have a moment of peace. The Ministry of Rites is full of incompetent fools. They dare to bring anyone up the mountain, claiming they have to show face. Damn it, doesn’t my face as the Emerald Subtle Lord count as face? I have to meet this person and that person every day. My schedule for tomorrow and the day after is already set. They even want me to review it. Review what, you morons? They’re all people I have nothing to do with. It’s better to meet you few than meet them.”

Fan Junmao was indeed depressed. The current officers in charge of the various departments of Southern Peak were all people who had fought alongside her back in the day, with impeccable character. However, their ability to handle general affairs was truly exasperating.

Deng Jianping was taken aback. This famous Emerald Subtle Lord was truly…distinctive.

Chen Ping’an said with a smile, “Settle things with the Ministry of Rites first. After being this busy for seven or eight years, you can refuse to meet anyone, whether they are emperors, crown princes, sect leaders, or law enforcers.”

“A good person is not necessarily a good official. Of course, that doesn’t mean that bad people should occupy official positions. Furthermore, how many corrupt officials started out wanting to be incorruptible officials who benefited the people and went down in history? As long as you’re in the bureaucracy, cultivating in the public sphere, it’s all the same, whether you’re on the mountain or off. In the end, Confucianism is all about ‘name’ and ‘reality’. It can be said that they have different approaches but achieve similar results. All it takes is effort in human nature and the human heart.”

“As the Lord of One Peak, in charge of thousands of mountains and rivers, this kind of tedious etiquette is unavoidable in the early stages, as that would be too inhumane and would embarrass the Ministry of Rites. It’s just that once others get used to your being too easy to talk to, it becomes difficult for them to speak up. The Ministry of Rites is, after all, just one of the twenty or so departments of Southern Peak. You can remind them appropriately not to lose sight of who is more important and what comes first.”

Fan Junmao did not know if she had heard it, but her expression was reluctant. “You’re a high-ranking official now, so I’ll listen to you.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “If you really want to save worry, effort, time, and trouble, I have a convenient method. Do you want to hear it?”

Fan Junmao said, “You should have said so earlier.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Don’t be a Lord. Without an official position, you can be at ease.”

Fan Junmao glared. “Chen Ping’an, have you been eating spoiled food? Why do you come up with such terrible ideas?”

For Southern Peak to resign her official position as soon as she obtained her title, Fan Junmao would not dare to go up against the Central Earth Literary Temple so blatantly, no matter how much she disregarded the rules.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Then let’s take a step back and find a helper who can win the hearts of the people inside and out. Then you can relax and be a hands-off manager.”

Fan Junmao said helplessly, “Where am I going to find such a person? I’m already a mountain lord. Who am I going to burn incense and make a wish to?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Isn’t that the answer?”

Fan Junmao said impatiently, “I came down the mountain to relax, not to bicker with you about these subtle questions.”

Chen Ping’an remained noncommittal.

Xie Gou suddenly started to get closer to her. “Junmao, you don’t actually need to use a blinding technique. If you walk openly on the street, I guarantee that no one will recognize you. At most, they’ll think that a certain girl isn’t pretty, but she does look blessed and bears some resemblance to the Mountain Lord’s Lady.”

Whether she was stunned by the name Junmao or angered by the following words, Fan Junmao did not respond.

Xie Gou did not mind. If the people she looked up to did not have a bit of temper, wouldn’t that prove that she had poor judgment?

Fan Junmao asked in her heart, “Aside from our identities, don’t you think that the Great Li Imperial Court is meddling too much? The old almanac of one country being one continent is, after all, a thing of the past. If I remember correctly, Confucianism likes to have a justifiable reason for doing things? The Song clan is no longer the legitimate rulers of one continent. They can only blame Embroidered Tiger for leaving you with such a mess. Promising to allow the restoration of the country after the war – if they hadn’t brought that up in the first place, who would have dared to object back then? At that time, the only one in the entire Treasure Bottle Continent qualified to wear a dragon robe would have been Song He. Even if they had taken a step back and stipulated that after the war, the southern countries had to always recognize the Great Li Imperial Court as their suzerain, wouldn’t that have been better than the current unrest? Having acted imperiously, Embroidered Tiger and Great Li should have simply gone all the way. Why did they suddenly switch to benevolent rule? What was Embroidered Tiger thinking at the time? He wasn’t the kind of scholar who sought posthumous fame, so there was no need to do that at all?”

Chen Ping’an hmm’d in agreement, then slowly replied, “You were probably too angry at the time and overlooked something I said. Treasure Bottle Continent must be mentally prepared for a second war within thirty to fifty years. I estimate that many of those present thought I was being alarmist. But you are definitely an exception.”

Fan Junmao nodded. People who were used to peaceful times thought that peace was a matter of course.

Chen Ping’an continued, “Song He sought me out privately once, on a small country road. We spoke very frankly. I once asked him directly if he wanted to restore the Great Li Dynasty to its peak. He probably knew that this question had to be answered very carefully. He hesitated for