Upon a humble roadside stall, where a single table hosted four wayfarers, an aged scholar eagerly withdrew a pair of bamboo chopsticks from their sheath. Eyes fixed with anticipation, he awaited the arrival of the steaming vermicelli pot. As it was set before him, he deftly twirled a generous portion, blowing upon it before lowering his head to slurp with gusto.

The old scholar devoured the noodles, raising his head at last to inquire, his words slightly muffled, “Fair Mistress Xie, I seek your counsel. What manner of man is this Jiang She?”

Xie Gou pondered for a moment, first offering a respectful address, “Venerable Sage of Letters. That fellow is mercurial, his mood shifting as the wind, and even then depends on his company. If he takes a liking to you, he’ll call a nascent cultivator, barely begun their path to Immortality, brother, and consider them a true companion. If he does not, however… he might feign gruffness, bellowing to mislead others into thinking him a simple lout.”

The old scholar nodded sagely, “Ah, a spirit akin to mine. I foresee our discourse will be most congenial.”

Xie Gou blinked, taken aback.

Liu Xianyang spoke, “Revered Sage, Jiang She is not as he seems. Beneath that coarse exterior lies a cunning mind and deep-seated schemes. He sought to seize the advantage from the moment he stepped aboard, nearly ensnaring Chen Ping’an himself.”

The old scholar chuckled, “Since time immemorial, those who would establish a doctrine and claim the mantle of patriarch have possessed exceptional fortitude, ambition, talent, and fortune.”

Xiao Mo concurred, while Xie Gou, feeling inadequate, wondered what she lacked to achieve such heights.

“Xianyang,” cautioned the old scholar, “You are too impetuous. Though Jiang She’s true form is not present, he is a Fourteenth Realm cultivator of ancient lineage. Even his manifestations are formidable. Were he intent on murder, the Ancestral Hall of Dragon Spring Sword Sect would burn tonight.”

Liu Xianyang shrugged, “Such moments allow for little consideration, Venerable Sage. Would you have me soil myself simply for the lack of parchment?”

The old scholar paused mid-chopstick, then smiled, “You are the first, I believe, to dare place a blade to the throat of Jiang She’s consort.”

Liu Xianyang said, “Xiao Mo and Gouzi stood by, with Xiao Mo quickly deploying a sword array, sealing off the heavens. Moreover, Lady Wu Yan has seen countless marvels and is bold in spirit. It was meant as a negotiation, and even in the marketplace, there is an understanding. If one can’t buy, don’t harm. Jiang She’s actions were discourteous, mine, perhaps, impolite. If this matter is argued before the Middle Earth Literary Shrine, I fear him not. He would be forced to offer amends first before I could offer a personal apology for my actions.”

With an amiable gesture, the old scholar waved his hand, indicating that Liu Xianyang should not dwell on the matter. Turning to Xie Gou, he quietly inquired, “How did the Second Ancestor of the Military Sect come to such a rupture with Jiang She?”

Xiao Mo interjected playfully, “Did the younger seek the elder’s mantle, only to be denied?”

The old scholar shook his head, “It is more complex than that.”

Xie Gou bowed her head apologetically, “Venerable Sage, the details escape me. In those days, I was consumed only by the pursuit of battle.”

The old scholar set down his chopsticks, rubbing his hands together. “No matter, I seek not military secrets. I merely steady my nerves with trivial conversation.”

“Why would you be nervous, Reverend Sage?” asked Xiao Mo in wonder. “He is merely Jiang She.”

Xie Gou rolled her eyes, “Xiao Mo, you are too literal. It is like those polite greetings, ‘I have heard much of you’. One doesn’t ask why they have heard so much about you.”

The old scholar rose to his feet, a serene smile upon his face. “With belly full and spirit renewed, I am ready to speak plainly.”

Xie Gou offered to settle the bill, but the vendor declined, citing a custom where payment was rendered in excellent verse, and that tonight’s requirement was the melody of “Treading on Grass.”

Xie Gou, bewildered, questioned why a simple bowl of vermicelli in Rhinoceros City required such refinement. “I was not warned that I must pay in poetry!”

She inquired of Xiao Mo through her mind, “Xiao Mo, do I know this poetry or is it just an absurd request?”

Xiao Mo paused beside the old scholar and Liu and smiled. “The ‘sha’ in the name of this melody is pronounced ‘suo’, as in ‘weaving’. Only in ‘sha ji zhen yu’ from the ‘Airs of Bin’ is the sound ‘sha’, and that is for a particular creature. Many female cultivators in Zheng Qingjia’s Golden Jade City originated as those creatures.”

The old scholar questioned Liu Xianyang regarding his scholarly pursuits. Pleased with the answers, he remarked that Liu Xianyang possessed the knowledge to be a revered scholar in the academy and asked if that was of interest. The old scholar said he could put in a good word to the Literary Shrine. Although it would be a long shot to make him a ‘Righteous Gentleman’, it was not out of the realm of possibility.

Liu Xianyang was flustered. When the old scholar mentioned his acquaintance, could he mean the venerable Master Mao? In response, Liu Xianyang quickly declined.

The old scholar sighed in response and insisted that such honors should not be refused lightly. He added that if, after Liu was done leading the sect, he should seek a quiet life, he could give lectures at an academy under such a title, and be paid to do it!

Liu Xianyang said that the affairs of the sect were pressing, and he would consider it when he had the time. The old scholar instructed Liu Xianyang to report to the Learning Hall when he had.

Xiao Mo knew well that if Liu were to receive this title, and Jiang She would seek retribution for the events on the night vessel, he would have to consider the rules of the Literary Shrine, making him unable to avoid Master Fu.

The old scholar patted Liu Xianyang’s arm. “Ping’an is fortunate to have such a friend.”

Liu Xianyang returned the gesture, playfully patting the old scholar’s arm. “As a friend, I am lesser than Chen Ping’an. As a student, too, I am lesser. How annoying!”

Meanwhile, the vendor, noting the young woman’s discomfort, stated firmly that he would not accept credit, lest she upset the customs of Rhinoceros City.

Xie Gou couldn’t possibly compose a passable poem on the spot. On a whim, she said that she was friends with the new City Lord and requested leniency. The vendor was unmoved and upset that she would resort to such tactics. He added that Li the City Lord had not been gone long, and now Rhinoceros City was open to all sorts.

Why did they have to include her Sect Master in this? Xie Gou waited until the old scholar was out of sight and grabbed the vendor, slamming his head on the counter. Stepping up on a bench, she poked his forehead with a chopstick and cursed at him for trying to scam her.

Within the vessel, Chen Ping’an’s expression turned serious when he heard the commotion and asked, “Why have you come?”

The area around him seemed to brighten, and Pei Qian pulled up a chair next to her Master and explained that the Sage of Letters told her what had transpired and that, to avoid putting her Master in an awkward position, she requested to settle the issue herself. She added that the Sage was concerned and told her to visit her Master first so that no one would be made uncomfortable. Pei Qian asked her Master not to frown, as this was a minor matter.

Chen Ping’an pulled out some melon seeds from his sleeve and said that it was not.

Pei Qian rolled her eyes but, on her Master’s side, she agreed that her Master would always be right.

Chen Ping’an cracked a melon seed. “Now it’s just the two of us. Can I speak candidly?”

Pei Qian’s face lit up. “Yes, it feels like it’s been so long since we were alone.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Frankly, if I’m being selfish, I think it’s for the best if my disciple did not have some exaggerated past.”

Pei Qian’s eyes lit up and she nodded. “Yes, like Master’s ordinary upbringing! Being an orphan, you suffered, barely making it through. Now you’re reaping the rewards! It would feel off if I owed my success to my ancestors. That would be like a martial artist who isn’t pure. Right, Master?”

Chen Ping’an said softly, “However, if my disciple did happen to find her parents who were forced to leave her and hadn’t abandoned her for selfish reasons, and after great hardship, they met again, that wouldn’t be bad either. The Heavens and Earth have given my disciple two more people who love her. I can only be happy for you. You deserve such happiness.”

Pei Qian ducked her head and her eyes reddened.

Chen Ping’an mumbled, “The thing that displeases me is this ‘fate’, the demons of ‘Her’, that you must eliminate to gain Enlightenment.”

“What nonsense! The disciple I’m so proud of is to be discarded by others as worthless. To cultivators, that’s the way it is. That’s why I can’t blame anyone, so I’m frustrated. Even if the Sage didn’t mention this and you did not come to this night vessel, I would have traveled to Tongye to tell you. I will give my suggestions, but ultimately, I will respect your wishes.”

Pei Qian said, “You’ve always been like that, Master.”

She had a book that she treasured that even Nuan Shu and Little Millet hadn’t seen.

The Great White Goose had said that people who liked to give lectures fell into two categories: those who did it to comfort themselves, and those who did it to improve the world.

Pei Qian said, “Master, don’t be angry at what I’m about to say.”

Chen Ping’an said, “I will never be angry at you. I’ve long told you that you need not fear when telling the truth, even if what you say is wrong. I will listen carefully and understand how you feel. I’m not bragging, but I’m not prone to anger and have never lied to you.”

Pei Qian said, “Then I think it’s best that those people saw her daughter as an enemy to Enlightenment. That’s good! Otherwise, I’d have a headache. As it is now, I acknowledge them. I’ll call them ‘Father’ and ‘Mother’, though I’m awkward about it. I’ll fulfill my filial duties. Before I met Master, I went hungry many times. That was hard. So, Master, you need not worry. I don’t have a knot in my heart, and this is not the Shu Jian Lake I must pass along my journey.”

Chen Ping’an said, “How could I not worry?”

Pei Qian’s eyes brightened. “I’m sorry for causing you trouble, Master. I’m such a money pit.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “That is nothing to worry about. Mountain cultivation that is too easy is not good.”

She wondered why the Sage had told Pei Qian all this.

Chen Ping’an gave some more melon seeds to Pei Qian. “I need to talk to the grown-up Pei Qian about something.”

Pei Qian put down her seeds and said, “Please do.”

Chen Ping’an said, “First, they failed to protect you once, no matter how much reason they had. I can believe they will do better, but I am doubtful. I can never fully believe them. That would be irresponsible. There are some mistakes that can be corrected, but some can’t be corrected.”

“Second, I have things I must do, like going to Jade White City in Azure Billow and meeting Yu Dou. I would prefer that you, and Cui Dongshan, not get involved. Although I’m the target of the world, I can deal with it. Jiang She and Wu Yan are high-level cultivators, but that also means their enemies are stronger. I must prepare myself and figure out what they intend. What risk will you face if you are around them? You must prepare yourself for that. Rather than being friendly, it’s better to be firm from the start than to turn against each other in the future.”

“I have been truly terrified only a handful of times.”

“When I was young and standing near a flooded river.”

“When I was a teenager at the smithy, seeing Liu Xianyang on his sick bed.”

“Traveling to the Treasure Bottle, I saw Gu Can.”

“I returned to Azure Billow and Zhen Ren pushed me to my limits.”

“As Hidden Official, I attended a discussion and saw ‘Sword Holder’ and ‘Sword Spirit’.”

“At Fallen Mountain, I faced my demons.”

“Seeing Jiang She, I felt terror.”

“I won’t go into the details. When Jiang She boarded, whatever he did was between us. I don’t want to mislead you.”

“I can’t and won’t stop you from acknowledging your parents. However, I won’t just send you off.”

Before the old scholar boarded the vessel with Pei Qian, Chen Ping’an sat alone, cracking seeds and thinking over everything.

For example, Jiang She had said that current cultivators were all flash and no substance, and that current land immortals were nothing like those of old.

He was clearly unimpressed with current martial arts, the art he had founded.

Visiting Azure Billow was a priority.

Chen Ping’an’s history was short, so Jiang She was condescending. So, Jiang She had asked how to give life to things.

In a sense, that was a great question.

Chen Ping’an had said that he “dared not try”.

Jiang She said, “If you are soft, don’t be in charge.” Jiang She was the right person to say this.

After the talk about cultivation, Jiang She had tested Chen Ping’an.

Was Chen Ping’an so patient because he was a Founder of the Military?

Chen Ping’an was polite but firm.

Back then, he had not suspected anything when he met Fan Tong and Xie San Niang. Now he had to wonder if Jiang She had repressed Qing Rang.

He didn’t want to miss anything, so he used his mind palace to revisit the past.

“I saw Jiang She resting his hand on the bridge.” That man had almost been the Sovereign of the ancient Heavenly Court.

“I heard Bi Xiao ask me to deliver a message.”

Jiang She had revealed his ties to the master of Observation Altar, the former Lord of Bi Xiao.

He was telling Chen Ping’an that he was close to the old Lord, someone Chen valued.

He was using the other’s influence.

“‘Pity the starving eaters of pancakes.'”

Jiang She had used that to soften the mood.

The four nobodies who had created the five corpse guardians had set the stage for “‘My old friend has their heads.'”

He was saying that he had not wanted to be defeated, so he had planned for millennia. He was a schemer.

“‘A weak heart cannot carry a great burden.'”

He was talking about Yu Shi Wu and Chen Ping’an.

“‘Can you refuse what I offer?'”

The Founder of the Military was asking that of an immortal sword cultivator, using his power.

“‘Since you are a scholar, you must learn.'”

The Founder of the Military was talking to a disciple of the Sage of Letters, using logic.

“‘I must kill one-half of Fallen Mountain!'”” Jiang She was justified.

“‘I will retake Heaven and kill Zhou Mi. Who else can do it?'”

He was telling the three Sects and the three realms that he would.

“‘It is not a guest’s place to clear the dishes.'”

He was telling the Confucians and the Literary Shrine.

“‘Why cause trouble with Yu Dou? Using your power to take action, is that fun?'”

He was saying that he supported Yu Dou and acknowledging him, and that he was looking down on Chen Ping’an. He thought Chen Ping’an’s actions were childish.

“‘The one who makes the cage ends up trapped in it.'”

“‘Chen Ping’an, you are so cautious!'”

“‘Cultivation can be borrowed. Can the heart?'”

Jiang She had asked three questions about Chen Ping’an’s heart.

“‘As I stepped here, time was already flowing backward. I want to see who can save you now!'”

He wanted to force Chen Ping’an to show all his cards.

“‘You should read a bit while he trains.'”

He was intentionally easing the tension by using Liu Xianyang.

“‘Cui Chan, you have saved me a lot of trouble. Thank you!'”

Chen Ping’an suspected that this was meant for Zheng Jizhong, who desired to found a new Military Sect.

Then Jiang She had mentioned Chen Qingliu, whom Chen Ping’an had looked down upon. This was old history.

Jiang She had seen Bi Xiao and Chen Qingliu. Who else had he seen? What was he plotting?

Then Jiang She had given his verdict on Chen Ping’an: “‘Very free.'”

Chen Ping’an had answered, “‘Those are the words of a friend.'”

It seemed to be that Jiang She was just making small talk, but he was subtly implying things to an intelligent listener, and wanting that listener to understand.

Chen Ping’an wouldn’t have been afraid if it had just been this. There were high-level people who had ways of seeing the whole picture. The truly terrifying thing was how Liu Xianyang was able to see through everything, and especially how Wu Yan had said that Jiang She liked Pei Qian.

He felt that Jiang She had known Chen Ping’an’s habits and weak points. That was why Jiang She had managed to guide him.

He had cared for Pei Qian all these years, and they were playing tricks on him?

Pei Qian said, “Master, the Sage of Letters is back.”

Chen Ping’an stood up. “Let’s see.”

The old scholar walked to a house and waved to Chen Ping’an and Pei Qian.

He stopped smiling and walked to the house with an austere expression. “The Military does not know humanity or propriety?!”

Han, who had been called as important as a Sage, had decided to leave the Sage’s teachings to the side.

“Xiao Mo,” Xie Gou said, “The Sage of Letters is impressive. He was always hiding his strength. Do you think they’ll fight?”

Xiao Mo said, “I’ll support Chen Ping’an.”

Xie Gou rubbed her cheeks. “I’ll support you.”

Xiao Mo said, “You should be neutral.”

Xie Gou said, “I won’t kill Wu Yan, but I don’t mind working with you to kill Jiang She.”

Earlier, Xiao Mo had used a sword to trap Wu Yan, and Liu Xianyang had told the Literary Shrine.

Xiao Mo was ready to send Liu Xianyang away, and then have a death match with Jiang She, sacrificing herself to weaken him.

Xiao Mo was Chen Ping’an’s protector and was willing to pay this price.

The old scholar had made the vessel rise.

Jiang She was sitting in the house. He acted as if he hadn’t heard the Sage’s words.

Wu Yan bowed. “Greetings, Sage of Letters.”

The old scholar nodded. “Jiang She, should I have the Saint of Propriety bow to you?”

Jiang She said, “Elder Xun, don’t joke.”

No wonder he had isolated them. Could Chen Ping’an have heard those words?

The old scholar laughed. “You say you accept defeat, but you want the best results in everything. Do you want to be trapped for millennia again?!”

Jiang She said, “Tell me that after you become the second leader of Confucianism.”

The old scholar said, “Oh?”

Then a familiar voice said, “Jiang She, the realm of Radiant Light is not like others.”

Jiang She said, “Is Master Fu here to teach me how to behave?”

The Saint of Propriety said, “Listen.”

Jiang She was speechless.

What was wrong with the world? Why did everyone think Master Fu was so reasonable? In the past, he had been the least reasonable of all those scholars.

The Saint of Propriety faded.

The old scholar said, “You’re busy, aren’t you? You hooked up with Long Bo. Did you catch any fish? Was your talk with Chen Qingliu enjoyable?”

Jiang She was confused. Why was the fourth leader of Confucianism speaking like this?

The old scholar suddenly asked, “Where is your true form?”

Jiang She said, “In the Barrens.”

He hadn’t found “Beginning”. He was slippery.

The old scholar nodded. “The Barrens is your natural ally.”

Jiang She said, “Although I didn’t see an old friend, he sent Fei Ran with a message. If I’m willing to take over, he will offer me his head, a gift to celebrate.”

The old scholar said, “The Great Demon Beginning has such will. There’s no need to doubt that.”

Jiang She laughed. “You know your history, Old Scholar.”

The old scholar stroked his beard. “I was a scholar with a bad history, and I had been so nervous when I met a gentleman. I had crammed the entire night.”

The old scholar glared. “Old people shouldn’t take advantage of being old. Don’t take advantage of the young!”

Wu Yan laughed.

Jiang She closed his eyes.

The old scholar narrowed his eyes. “I didn’t come here to talk about current affairs. I only want one clear answer. Will the girl in Lotus Flower Paradise eat Pei Qian one day to gain Enlightenment?”

Jiang She did not answer.

Wu Yan said, “Don’t worry. We wouldn’t bear to.”

The old scholar said, “That is not the answer I want!”

Wu Yan turned to her partner.

Jiang She opened his eyes and said, “What right do you have to meddle in my affairs?”

The old scholar said, “Can’t you stop being Jiang She for just one moment, and just give me an answer?”

Jiang She did not respond.

The old scholar asked, “Be reasonable. It can’t be more difficult than fighting the Dao Ancestor, can it?”

Jiang She acted as if he hadn’t heard.

The old scholar was silent.

Jiang She chuckled. “Could anything stop me from acknowledging my daughter?”

The old scholar stamped his feet in anger. “Pei Qian has to acknowledge you first! Do parents always get to be right? Is this war or politics? You won’t guarantee that you won’t hurt Pei Qian for profit. Are you unable, unwilling, or do you deem it unworthy to do so?!”

“I had to act as a Sage when meeting you, and risk upsetting my student and Pei Qian! Jiang She, damn you!”

“If I were the younger Ping’an, I would smack you.”

Jiang She said, “Have you finished your rant? If so, I’ll take Pei Qian. I’ll compensate Fallen Mountain.”

The old scholar said, “No normal person would say that!”

Jiang She’s face darkened. “Don’t get carried away. If you upset me, I will make the Literary Shrine remember that.”

“Here you go again! I have never been this angry before.”

The old scholar shook his head and laughed. “It seems reason is not the way. Jiang She, you have always broken barriers. Are you afraid my student will outwit you?”

Jiang She laughed. “He can’t do that now.”

The old scholar said, “If I don’t trust you, you don’t trust ‘Half-One’. Then let us set up a competition where we will accept death and defeat.”

Jiang She asked, “Are you trying to goad me?”

The old scholar removed the isolation. “Ping’an, what do you think?”

Chen Ping’an looked at Pei Qian.

Pei Qian shook her head. “Master, don’t be sad. I never wanted that dirty bun.”

She had not matured, and had only pretended to know.

Xiao Mo took a stance.

Xie Gou turned into her true form, carrying a short sword, one of her ways of killing from the ancient times.

Chen Ping’an stepped out. His body shattered before reforming in a divine state.

He appeared next to Xiao Mo and touched her arm, then tapped Xie Gou’s sleeve. “There’s no need.”

A long stairway appeared, facing a hallucination of Jade White City.

A god came down and destroyed the city.

As it did, the world was being pushed together.

Zheng Jizhong stood up and smiled at Lu Chen. “The White Jade has good luck.”

Outside of that realm, a sword light headed to Azure Billow.

At the same time, inside Jiang She’s body, three forces of martial arts began to cause trouble.

Cities in the five realms began to see signs. It was as if the gods were returning.

At Jade White City, Yu Dou was bright and energetic.

In the other cities, the leaders thought.

In the Barrens, Bai Ze sighed. Fei Fei, who had reached the Fourteenth Realm, hesitated to ask him.

Bai Ze said, “There is a change in the Heavens.”

Zou walked through the world, pushing the Five Elements with his hand.

Liu Xiang stopped and worshiped. “May you enjoy.”

In the town of Huai, the rain stopped.