Only then did they realize that Qi Tingji would soon be the first City Lord of Ascension City, and Chen Ping’an would officially take office as the Grand Tutor of Dali on Grain in Ear day.

Nine Upper Five Realm sword cultivators, plus Lu Zhi, Shao Yunyan, and Madam Tuoyan, totaling twelve Upper Five Realm cultivators.

Excluding the Misty Cloud Mountain, how many Upper Five Realm cultivators are there currently in the entire Apricot Blossom Continent?

At the highest city wall, between life and death, the brightest sword light in the world is extended.

This bowl of strong wine, the sword cultivators of Sword Qi Great Wall, even after drinking it for ten thousand years, still find it insufficient.

In fact, Qi Tingji’s transfer to the position of City Lord was completely acceptable to old sword cultivators like Gao Shuang.

Since the new sect master only asked them to wait and see, it meant that the next time the Colorful World opened its doors, they would be free to “return home”.

Chen Ping’an taking over as sect master was not that difficult to accept either, after all, he was the last Hidden Official of the Summer Retreat Palace and Ning Yao’s Dao companion.

North Entire Continent and Apricot Blossom Continent are the two continents closest to Sword Qi Great Wall, and similarly, the native sword cultivators of Sword Qi Great Wall are most accepting of these two continents.

Chen Ping’an of our Apricot Blossom Continent’s Misty Cloud Mountain, served as the last Hidden Official of Sword Qi Great Wall.

Our young Hidden Official of Sword Qi Great Wall will soon be the new Grand Tutor of the Dali Dynasty.

Only sword cultivators understand sword cultivators best.

As an old sword immortal inscribed on the city wall and the head of the Qi clan, Qi Tingji knew very well the deepest desires of this group of independent swords.

For example, the Liu clan of Ai’ai Continent has always wanted to invite Xie Songhua to serve as a family attendant, offering many seemingly tempting conditions, but before Chen Ping’an mediated, not only did the two sides fail to reach an agreement, they almost became enemies. In the end, Xie Songhua was provoked and directly said to the old man “lobbyist” of the Liu clan’s ancestral hall, “You are challenging me to a sword duel.”

The reason is that the Liu clan, with their heavy commercial atmosphere, neither knew that there were two types of Haoran sword cultivators, those who had been to Sword Qi Great Wall and those who hadn’t, nor did they know what the Haoran sword cultivators who had been to Sword Qi Great Wall wanted most. Money? Of course, no one dislikes having more, especially sword cultivators, as sword refining is a bottomless pit. But if you only talk about money, why would Han Huaizi, Xie Songhua, Pu He, Li Cai, and others go to Sword Qi Great Wall?

This group of independent swords like Gao Shuang and Huang Ling, who had been away from home for many years, diligently cultivated and fought to the death in the barbaric heartland. Those who died, died, and those who lived, returned home, but Ascension City was already in that Colorful World, and what was visible was that the city walls of Sword Qi Great Wall had already been broken into two halves.

So what do they want most? It doesn’t matter if Haoran World remembers the sacrifices of Sword Qi Great Wall, and it doesn’t matter if they are grateful, but Haoran World must clearly know one thing, and that is the power of Sword Qi Great Wall, with sword cultivators as numerous as clouds, and feel fear from the bottom of their hearts.

Qi Tingji stood up, patted the chair, and said with a smile, “Remember to keep this guest elder chair for me. You continue your meeting, and I shall retire successfully.”

Before leaving the ancestral hall, Qi Tingji shattered the jade token he had been holding, which was engraved with “Master of Dragon Elephant Sword Sect” and his name on opposite sides.

Xiao Mo saw some purple-gold long lines extending from Qi Tingji’s body, either completely dissipating with him or their light suddenly diminishing.

He was indeed a straightforward person.

Qi Tingji saw everyone stand up, waved his hand, and said with a smile, “No need, I am just stepping down as Sect Master. The Dao field and cave mansion here are still there, no need to trouble yourselves with sending me off.”

“Those who make an offer next, don’t be pretentious. Those who bargain, don’t be vague. It’s all about your own ability. We are all family behind closed doors, and family doesn’t speak two languages. After arguing, once you step out of the ancestral hall, don’t complain or grumble, making yourselves a laughingstock.”

“Wu Manyan, you three stay for a while longer. The Hidden Official has some things to instruct. After you follow your master to the Colorful World, the three of you will directly enter the Summer Retreat Palace and become sword cultivators of the Hidden Official lineage. As for the Suspended Bow Blessed Land, I will not take it with me, I will leave it to the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect.”

Qi Tingji left the main hall of the ancestral hall alone, and the door opened by itself. After Qi Tingji crossed the threshold, the door slowly closed.

As the two doors were about to merge, Qi Tingji turned his head and looked through the gap at the young Hidden Official who was still standing in the hall.

Chen Ping’an asked through telepathy, “Is this what Old Sword Immortal Qi called ‘minor matters’?”

Qi Tingji laughed heartily, then turned and left,繞過天井, walking out of the first door of the ancestral hall, and came to the railing of the viewing platform paved with white jade. Facing the sea, he gazed at the vast blue waves on the sea. Qi Tingji’s Dao heart suddenly felt lighter, and the world seemed to reveal a new appearance.

Shao Yunyan said, “I will help the Hidden Official forge a new Sect Master jade token later.”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

Only at this moment, Madam Tuoyan, whose mind was still in a muddle, realized that the young Hidden Official had also taken on the position of Sect Master of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, and it wasn’t just Misty Cloud Mountain becoming the superior sect of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect.

In fact, in the Colorful World, Chen Ping’an and Qi Tingji had discussed this matter in detail. Lu Zhi would definitely not be willing to take over as Sect Master, so the extremely capable Shao Yunyan could fill the vacancy. The highly respected Gao Shuang among the independent swords would serve as the Discipline Ancestor. Zhusu, who came from a prominent family in Jade Tablet Street, was skilled in accounting, and it was unlikely that there would be any issues with her managing the treasury. Madam Tuoyan would remain as the Chief Guest Elder, with her status unchanged, but if any of the independent swords particularly wanted this status, it could also be discussed. Old Sword Immortal Qi, you can go discuss it with that independent sword, and I will make a deal with Madam Tuoyan, exchanging substantial benefits for the title. In addition, among Guo Du, Ling Xun, this Daoist couple, and Mei Kan and Mei Dandang, this master and disciple pair, at least one person should serve as the Second Guest Elder… At that time, Qi Tingji readily agreed, saying they were all minor matters.

As a result, Chen Ping’an was directly tricked by Qi Tingji. As expected, the older ginger is spicier?

Madam Tuoyan had recovered and couldn’t help but chuckle when she remembered something. Our Sword Immortal Shao’s personal disciple, Wei Wenlong, who went from Spring Banner Hall on Reversed Mountain to Misty Cloud Mountain, is a financial expert there. Now Misty Cloud Mountain is the superior sect, what if master and disciple meet again? She glanced at Shao Yunyan, who was apparently also considering this matter.

Madam Tuoyan deliberately touched on a sensitive topic, smilingly asking, “If you two master and disciple meet in the future, how will you calculate your seniority? How will you address each other?”

Shao Yunyan turned a deaf ear.

Zhusu and the others also felt a little awkward. Previously, Xing Yun and Liu Shui, two familiar independent swords, had advised them to switch to the Green Plains Sword Sect, but they had all politely refused. It was estimated that once the news reached Tongye Continent, there would be a few sarcastic remarks along the lines of “why bother taking off your pants to fart”? They felt greatly delighted, thinking that the Hidden Official had done a truly brilliant job?

Wu Manyan and the others were quite happy. They could not only visit that new world but also enter the Summer Retreat Palace and become sword cultivators of the Hidden Official lineage. It was double happiness. After all, they were still young and always yearned for traveling far away more than they missed home.

Shao Yunyan suggested, “Hidden Official, your statement of everything remaining the same must be invalidated. The specific division of labor in the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect must be redefined. Let’s seize this opportunity to quickly finalize it.”

Madam Tuoyan was a little surprised. Sword Immortal Shao is quite bold.

Shao Yunyan explained, “I have been considering this matter for a long time. Regardless of who the Sect Master is, I would have proposed it at this ancestral hall meeting. Everyone present should take in disciples and manage affairs. The number of registered cultivators in the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect will only increase. We absolutely cannot delay the Dao paths of those young children!”

Gao Shuang nodded and smiled, “We can’t just live off our past achievements, just staying in Suspended Bow Blessed Land and focusing on sword refining. We all know our future Dao achievements and how much weight they carry, at least Jin Gao, Xuanyang, and I do. If those present, assuming in sixty years, will leave the sect and go to Ascension City in the Colorful World, then my personal opinion is to contribute during this period. We can’t let the younger generations of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect in the future think that the initial Guest Elders and attendants were a bunch of freeloaders. As for resting on our laurels, what achievements do we have to speak of regarding the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Then let’s first determine the positions and division of labor within the sect?”

The superior sect, Misty Cloud Mountain, has Chang Ming, Dao name Lingchun, as the Discipline Master, Jiang Shangzhen as the Chief Attendant, and Wei Wenlong as the Treasury Manager.

On the Green Plains Sword Sect side, there are Cui Dongshan, Mi Yu, Cui Wei, Zhong Qiu, plus Qing Tong, a Chief Guest Elder whose identity has not yet been made public.

“The Sect Master makes the final decision, what is there to discuss?”

Lu Zhi was the first to speak, “If Hidden Official Chen can manage a Summer Retreat Palace well, can’t he also manage a Dragon Elephant Sword Sect?”

Is that the final word?

Shao Yunyan smiled bitterly. How can a meeting in the ancestral hall be like this? In fact, he had already prepared his speech early on. It was important to save face and make Gao Shuang and the others feel comfortable. After all, as the master of Spring Banner Hall, how many Haoran ferry captains and stewards did he trick into sitting down and making money together back then? If he wasn’t loyal to Chen Ping’an, who would be?

Wu Manyan was full of admiration. As expected, Mr. Lu is still as decisive as ever.

Lu Zhi added, “I will not be the Chief Attendant anymore, I will be an ordinary registered attendant. As for who will be the Chief, you can decide. Also, Madam Tuoyan’s position as Chief Guest Elder will also be vacated.”

Madam Tuoyan, who had inexplicably lost her title of Chief Guest Elder, although her face was bitter and her heart reluctant, did not dare to say anything.

Chen Ping’an pondered for a moment and slowly said, “Then I will throw out a brick to attract jade, and everyone can listen. If you have any objections, raise them on the spot. I am the Sect Master, Shao Yunyan will be the Deputy Sect Master, Lu Zhi will still be the Chief Attendant, Gao Shuang will be the Discipline Master, Zhusu will manage the money and be our financial expert. Guo Du will be the Second Attendant, Mei Dandang will be the Chief Guest Elder, and Madam Tuoyan will be the Second Attendant. Jin Gao and Xuanyang will be responsible for all matters related to teaching and sword refining for all registered disciples of the sect. Mei Kan will be in charge of the development and operation of Suspended Bow Blessed Land, and Huang Ling will be responsible for secretly contacting independent swords from various continents in the future.”

Gao Shuang’s head hurt. “I said I wanted to do something, but I didn’t want to be the Discipline Master. Let Sword Immortal Huang Ling do it, I’ll swap with him.”

Just now, Huang Ling was delighted when he heard the job assignments, feeling that the young Hidden Official truly understood him. This arrangement was most to his liking! He had no good feelings for Haoran World, but he was extremely fond of Haoran World’s immortal brewed wine. In the future, specifically connecting with independent swords from various places would require him to frequently travel outside. Therefore, as soon as he heard the selfish and bastardly statement of that scoundrel Gao Shuang, he immediately put away his wine gourd and started cursing. Anyway, they were sitting next to each other, so Gao Shuang immediately turned his head, not forgetting to extend his palm to block the splashing saliva.

Zhusu, this female sword immortal, openly cupped her fists towards the young Hidden Official and new Sect Master, and said with a smile, “I have always believed that I am better at making money than practicing swords. It’s my old profession! Sword Immortal Shao is too concerned about appearances and long-term results when doing business. I feel anxious for him, and I’ve actually had opinions for a long time.”

Madam Tuoyan was in a great mood. Being a Second Guest Elder was acceptable.

She cupped her fists towards Sword Immortal Shao and congratulated Deputy Sect Master Shao.

The addition of a Deputy Sect Master also caught Shao Yunyan off guard, but Shao Yunyan was not afraid of the situation and did not decline. To be honest, this Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, even when it was in Qi Tingji’s hands, would not have been possible without him. Besides, having become the Deputy Sect Master, the next time he met Wei Wenlong, at least the master and disciple would not be speechless, one more awkward than the other.

Jin Gao, who came from Grand Elephant Street, and Xuanyang, who once owned a sword immortal’s private residence called “White Peak Hermitage,” exchanged glances and nodded in greeting. From now on, they would be colleagues. As Zhusu said, both of them had a common bad habit of liking to act as teachers. Now it was good, they would be responsible for teaching Dao and imparting knowledge, teaching swordsmanship to the young sword cultivators… to their heart’s content!

Chen Ping’an said, “As long as the division of labor is decided today, my previous statement still stands: Misty Cloud Mountain will not interfere with any matters here at the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect in the future. At most, every two or three decades, a meeting of the ancestral hall will be held, bringing together cultivators from Misty Cloud Mountain, Green Plains Sword Sect, and Dragon Elephant Sword Sect in rotation.”

Chen Ping’an said, “If there are no objections, then is it decided as we discussed?”

Apparently, there were no objections.

Chen Ping’an looked at Xiao Mo, who nodded, stood up, and “shook out” eighteen people from his sleeve.

Over at the sky of the Colorful World, Old Master Jiang smiled and revealed a heavenly secret, saying that during the meeting of the Confucian Temple, Old Man Li, who usually pretended to be deaf and mute, exceptionally spoke up and helped Ascension City with a few words, something about balancing accounts.

Chen Ping’an then explained to Ning Yao about the previous Confucian Temple meeting, where he had chatted with Old Master Li on the steps. The old gentleman was very earnest in his conduct and scholarship, and Chen Ping’an was also tested. In the end, Chen Ping’an did not forget to praise himself, saying that he had a good relationship with elders.

Previously, Xiao Mo had used the divine ability of “Qiankun in the Sleeve” to bring back eighteen people from Ascension City to Haoran World, among them was the seamstress Nian Xin, who had resigned from her status as a registered cultivator of the刑官 lineage.

Two sword cultivators from the Hidden Official lineage voluntarily requested to come to Haoran World for training, namely Dong Bude and Fan Dache.

The rest were Middle Five Realm sword cultivators with relatively good aptitude, with Dao ages between sixty and a hundred years, half men and half women, with meticulous minds and steady actions.

Dong Bude will next go to the Xin Yu Long Sect, where Na Lan Caihuan has been the Sect Master for only a few days, to first familiarize herself with the customs and mountain rules of Haoran World. Afterwards, she will secretly contact old sword immortals and local influential figures like Song Pin and Pu He, and choose a location in either Golden Armor Continent or Flowing Clouds Continent to establish a sect.

Fan Dache refused to follow the Hidden Official’s suggestion to go to North Entire Continent or Tongye Continent. He only wanted to follow the Hidden Official into that Grand Tutor’s mansion and serve as a secretarial official assisting with affairs. Chen Ping’an could only let him, only because Fan Dache had just let go of that painful love in recent years. He didn’t delay killing demons on the battlefield, his realm had also broken through, and he had entered the Summer Retreat Palace. He had finally become enlightened and felt he had moved on. As a result, when he met a rosy-cheeked little girl on the street, she happily called him Uncle Fan, and he became worried again.

The Hidden Official hit the nail on the head, before the hurdle of love, where are the sword immortals.

A secret flying sword message has already been sent to Chen Sanqiu in the Barbarian World, telling him that Dong Bude has arrived in Southern娑婆洲, and asking him to be proactive.

Chen Ping’an had already introduced the general situation to them in Ascension City. Their appearance now was to let both sides get acquainted, especially Sword Immortal Huang Ling.

Regarding another group of unconventional independent swords who entered Haoran World via Reversed Mountain, Qi Tingji and Chen Ji both provided a few names.

Dong Bude and the others are very clear about what they will do and who they will meet next.

For example, Huang Ling will “visit” along a predetermined route with a few young independent swords.

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Today’s ancestral hall meeting is over. Only Shao Yunyan and Huang Ling need to stay. I will discuss some details with Dong Bude and the others. The rest can go out and enjoy the scenery. By the way, He Qiusheng and the others can also stay and observe. Dong Bude and Fan Dache are your seniors in the Summer Retreat Palace.”

Ning Yao and Lu Zhi were the first to stand up. Xiao Mo was sitting by the door, and Xie Gou also ambled out.

Ning Yao spoke through telepathy, mentioning that Master of Azure Vault Cave had invited Lu Zhi to visit Bright Moon Dazzling Light in the future. Lu Zhi smiled and said, “Is Hidden Official already paving the way for my Dao integration?” Ning Yao said it wasn’t Chen Ping’an’s idea, but the old master’s own suggestion. Lu Zhi nodded and said, “Then I will go and take a look there.”

There was also Xie Gou, who used the pseudonym “Plum Blossom,” whispering to Mei Kan, who had the same surname, “Mei Kan, your beloved disciple, why did he choose such a tricky name? Combined with his surname, it’s easy to misunderstand when read together, sounding like ‘no responsibility.’ Read it a few times, isn’t it?”

Mei Kan was stunned and silently read it a few times. It seemed to be true? Did he need to persuade Mei Dandang to change it?

Xiao Mo said, “Sword Immortal Mei, don’t listen to her nonsense. Daoist Lei Ze’s name is quite good. It is clearly taken from Mr. Baiye’s ancient poem, ”I am also a free and easy person,拂衣可同調’. As a demon sword cultivator, he took Sword Immortal Mei as his master and then traveled far away from home together. It is indeed ‘事的拂衣去, 劍仙作俠客行’.”

Xiao Mo then spoke to Xie Gou through telepathy, “Mei Dandang’s sword Dao foundation is related to both thunder and water methods. He didn’t choose his name randomly.”

Mei Dandang had originally wanted to go to the Dao field in Suspended Bow Blessed Land to practice his sword. He was the kind of person who willingly devoted his entire life to the Dao of the sword.

Qi Tingji had once made a conclusion to Lu Zhi, stating that among the current Upper Five Realm sword cultivators, Mei Dandang was the only one who had a chance of attaining Dao and ascending.

Changing his mind at the last minute, Mei Dandang walked over and said with admiration, “Mr. Xiao Mo is truly knowledgeable and multi-talented, truly a kindred spirit. I do indeed admire Baiye, and I am somewhat skilled in assassination. Before entering the Upper Five Realm, I always considered myself a wandering swordsman assassin.”

Mei Kan was very proud of this favored disciple and did not hide his appreciation and admiration. “Reaching the Immortal Realm at the age of two hundred, even in Sword Qi Great Wall, is considered a top-tier genius.”

Xie Gou did not indulge anyone. “That’s not right. If you were born in the constantly warring Sword Qi Great Wall, would you live past two hundred?”

Mei Kan was momentarily speechless, his expression a little awkward.

This time, Xiao Mo didn’t have any intention of “polishing” Xie Gou’s words. Xie Gou’s words were fair.

Mei Dandang thought for a moment and nodded, “That’s also true.”

Mei Dandang, Dao name Lei Ze, is an Immortal Realm sword cultivator.

The key is that his master Mei Kan is only in the Jade Purity Realm, which means his sword practice aptitude is indeed good.

He wanted to challenge Xiao Mo, who was already in the Fourteenth Realm, to a sword duel.

This proud and arrogant barbarian sword immortal wanted to confirm how the difference of two realms was like heaven and earth.

He was not afraid of losing; he was only afraid that upon arriving in the restricted Haoran World, his Dao heart would become lazy.

Mei Dandang’s eyes were fervent, and he asked, “Mr. Xiao Mo, can I experience the Dao realm of a Fourteenth Realm pure sword cultivator?”

Xiao Mo hesitated, not looking down on Mei Dandang’s Immortal Realm, but afraid that he couldn’t control the strength of his sword strike. He had returned to Misty Cloud Mountain’s Sword Altar for seclusion precisely to stabilize his realm. He was different from Xie Gou; in ancient times, he had also passed down several Dao lineages.

Lu Zhi, not far away, found it interesting. If you want to show off your cultivation aptitude, you’ve come to the wrong person with Bai Jing. If you want to boast about your courage, don’t look for Xiao Mo either.

Qi Tingji suggested with a smile, “Why don’t you go to a spacious area on the sea and have a friendly match or two, stopping before it gets serious.”

Xiao Mo thought it was possible, so he told Mei Dandang to go to the sea first, at least three thousand li away from here, and he would follow.

Qi Tingji narrowed his eyes and looked into the distance. The sun was golden, and the blue sea was like a mirror. In the distance, a tiny mustard seed was vaguely visible in the clouds and water.

He thought that Liu Tui’s arrival was timely.

Qi Tingji spoke to him from afar through telepathy, saying that he didn’t need to go to Apricot Blossom Continent to find Chen Ping’an, as the young Hidden Official was currently in the mountains.

A Flowing Clouds Boat sped across the sea, suddenly turned back, and headed straight for the coastline of Southern娑婆洲. The owner of the boat was Liu Tui.

This old ascendant who had fallen in realm, now an Immortal, was wearing a white robe and jade belt, with a jade lotus crown on his head. He had a youthful appearance, sinister eyes, thick Dao energy, and sharp edges. He was clearly not someone easy to deal with.

The subordinate sect of Heavenly Melody Village in Flowing Clouds Continent has a White Porcelain Grotto-heaven, where there is a mineral that is naturally like porcelain and jade, containing spiritual energy, a treasure trove. If it weren’t for this, the resolution of Heavenly Melody Village to repair Azure Vault Mountain recently would not have been mentioned.

On this Flowing Clouds Boat, there are several other guests, mostly sword cultivators, a young earth immortal divine couple, Yan Houdao and Tian Xian. Tian Xian is the female Golden Core sword cultivator who previously confronted “Ascended Realm” Wang Jia at Quanjiao Mountain.

Her courage and spirit are truly considerable.

Even Ning Yao knows that Tian Xian’s ancestor came from the Dragon King Hall in Rui City, surnamed Hong, and had been to Sword Qi Great Wall in his early years, and also owned a sword immortal’s private residence, and had a good relationship with Lu Zhi.

Since she became the Hidden Official, Ning Yao had read some secret records and files of the Summer Retreat Palace. The重點of her reading was, of course, the annotations and labels.

Hong Yi was the previous Discipline Ancestor of the Dragon King Hall in Rui City. She had been in seclusion for many years and also founded the mural lineage of Princess Fan Shi Temple, whose members were all sword cultivators, mostly women.

Tian Xian is Hong Yi’s grand-disciple. She and her Dao companion Yan Houdao initially wanted to be guest elders of the Green Plains Sword Sect in Tongye Continent. With this foundation, they would do some practical work first, and then ask for the status of attendant in the future. Unexpectedly, the Green Plains Sword Sect recently sent a flying sword message directly to Princess Fan Shi Temple, written by Sect Master Cui Dongshan himself, addressing them directly as attendants in the letter.

It was an unexpected joy.

This time, they are traveling to Fuyou Continent with Hua Qinggong and Nie Cui’e. They have known each other for many years. They agreed to first visit Azure Vault Mountain, which serves as the ancestral mountain of Heavenly Melody Village, and then travel to Southern娑婆洲 and Tongye Continent together. It is rumored that there are still more than a dozen immortal treasures at the treasure beach at the foot of Azure Vault Mountain, waiting for those with affinity.

For some reason, Heavenly Melody Village has never dug three feet deep to collect all those treasures that have seized the creation of heaven and earth. Instead, they let them appear and disappear at the treasure beach from time to time. When a cultivator obtains a treasure, Heavenly Melody Village never stops them, letting them take it away from the Azure Vault Mountain area, and even escorting them back to their immortal mansion, Dao field, or a certain dynasty. Therefore, the entire Fuyou Continent speaks highly of the ancestors of Heavenly Melody Village, saying they have boundless merit and are of great righteousness!

Liu Tui and Jing Hao, Dao name “Guardian of Azure Palace,” are close mountain friends. He has always been at odds with Heavenly Corner Grotto-heaven.

Therefore, Jing Hao’s personal disciple, Gao Geng, who is in the Jade Purity Realm, went to serve as a Protector Daoist in the Golden Jade Dynasty of Fuyou Continent. Liu Tui had greeted the Hong clan emperor.

Liu Tui had many confidantes on his path of cultivation and was never short of beautiful women by his side. In his youth, he had many romantic entanglements.

However, only when he pursued ascension back then did he restrain these thoughts, focusing on finding the path to Dao, and discarding emotional attachments that burdened his Dao heart.

Let’s just say that Tian Xian’s ancestor, Hong Yi of the Dragon King Hall in Rui City, had some distant relationship with the ancestors of the Hong clan in the Golden Jade Dynasty.

This is how it is on the mountain: winding around, you can always find some connection, whether it’s a former Daoist friend, junior, relative, or an enemy with whom you have a grudge.

Hua Qinggong, Nascent Soul Realm sword cultivator. Her parents were cultivators on the mountainside, the offspring of a divine Dao couple. On the mountain, they were known as immortal descendants, but not many could embark on the path of cultivation, especially those who truly became successful. Their situation was similar to that of top scholars in imperial examinations throughout history: they had a high starting point, but their final Dao achievements were limited. Someone like Hua Qinggong is an anomaly.

She is highly renowned in the three western continents of Haoran World. She is also a sword immortal figure like Pu He. Simply put, she comes from a good family, her sect is strong, she enjoys traveling, has a bad temper, and is unconventional.

Previously at Quanjiao Mountain, she had also asked the young Hidden Official to help convey a message so that she could be a registered guest elder in the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect. This was because her family branch had established a hall name in Southern娑婆洲, which was a struggling second-rate mountain sect that had not produced a genius in a hundred years. Their business, however, was getting bigger and bigger. The main hall wanted to invite Hua Qinggong, who had been at a bottleneck for many years, to preside over affairs for a few decades to see if she could reverse the decline and prevent them from becoming a thoroughly mundane wealthy family in another hundred years. Iron must be hammered to be strong. Relying solely on spending money to invite attendants and buy guest elders to maintain appearances is not a long-term solution.

Standing at the bow of the boat together and enjoying the view, Liu Tui smiled and said, “Daoist Manpo, it seems you met the young Hidden Official at Quanjiao Mountain before. What do you think of him?”

Nie Cui’e didn’t know why Liu Tui asked this, but she still answered truthfully, “I can’t see him clearly, I just want to keep a respectful distance.”

That green-robed man appeared very gentle and had clear eyes, but Nie Cui’e knew very well that she was still seeing him through a fog.

Her master had taught her that those with truly profound Dao power and cultivated hearts on the mountain would definitely not make you feel how smart they were at first glance.

Liu Tui said, “On this trip, Daoist Manpo deliberately traveled with Tian Xian and the others. It’s either the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect or the Green Plains Sword Sect. Is Old Man Jing trying to have you use a honey trap on the Hidden Official? It’s a good idea, but I don’t think it will work.”

Nie Cui’e said helplessly, “Sect Master Liu, please don’t tease a junior.”

Liu Tui was at a disadvantage due to his seniority. Otherwise, with Nie Cui’e’s beauty and aptitude, if he were eight hundred or a thousand years younger, he would definitely make Daoist friend Jing Hao change his seniority.

There are two women in the three continents, their beauty eclipsing the world.

This refers to Song Pin, who possesses the sword “Fuyou” in Golden Armor Continent, and Nie Cui’e, Dao name “Manpo,” of Azure Palace Mountain in Flowing Clouds Continent.

Since they are equally famous, of course, they are not very fond of each other. When they occasionally meet, they just glance at each other sideways and then there is no further interaction.

For Nie Cui’e, Liu Tui, who is both a friend in the Dao and an ally on the mountain with her master, is the kind of person who becomes more dangerous the closer she gets to him.

Such people, their eyes, words, and demeanor are full of sharp edges.

They are always ambitious, as if they are constantly telling others a fact, that such and such a thing should be theirs, that such and such a person is nothing, and that others should listen when they speak…

Therefore, in the depths of Nie Cui’e’s heart, she really wanted to see Liu Tui also humbled and his momentum greatly reduced.

However, it was difficult to see this scene.

After all, whether it was her master or Yang Qiangu from the back mountain of Fuyou Continent, they were all Liu Tui’s peers. There was also Shu Nanyuan, the master of Heavenly Corner Grotto-heaven, a new ascendant. Not long ago, Liu Tui even openly declared that an ascendant who hides in a tortoise pit all his life is nothing. As for Yang Qiangu, in his back mountain, why is his realm the highest and his military achievements the lowest? It’s truly strange…

It is said that Liu Tui only has great respect and gratitude for Old Sword Immortal Qi, who saved his life.

Her master also privately evaluated Liu Tui to her and her junior fellow disciple Gao Geng, saying that Liu Tui, this Daoist friend, is a true carnivore.

As for you, your seniority is low, your Dao power is shallow, and your strength is small, just respect Liu Tui, and there is no need to fear him.

Liu Tui said with a smile, “Over at Quanjiao Mountain and Fuyou Continent, the ghost Yu Jin, who returned to his hometown, has an unfinished fate with Song Pin. Song Pin was able to have the famous sword ‘Fuyou’ recognize her as its master when she was young, so there is naturally an affinity involved. Yu Jin, this fatty, is also a remarkable person. In his early years, he went to Azure Vault Mountain to find me, wanting to invite me out of seclusion. He said he wanted to achieve the feat of making one continent one country, making the entire Fuyou Continent bear his surname, and asked if I wanted to be remembered in history for ten thousand years. I was still very young at that time and was almost tempted, but my ancestor called me over and gave me a good scolding. Now, Ding Ding, who founded the Heavenly Fish Dynasty in the Colorful World, imitates Yu Jin in everything. Yu Jin is willing to assist Gu Can and found a place to sit in the ancestral hall of the Fuyou Sect, which may not be without the hidden intention of renewing old ties.”

Hua Qinggong and the others were really hearing these inner secrets of the mountain peaks for the first time.

Liu Tui, however, did not say that the former emperor Yu Jin and Song Pin, the former female Grand Tutor, had no romantic entanglement, but rather a dangerous Dao struggle. Song Pin, who vaguely possessed the aura of becoming a continent master, wanted to go further, usurp the throne, and establish herself as emperor. She was plotted against by Yu Jin and thus underwent military dissolution, but Yu Jin also paid a considerable price, thereby planting the seed for his later path to Dao as a ghost. A dynasty quickly fell apart. This is why the famous sword “Fuyou,” which was manifested from half of the continent’s destiny, left Fuyou Continent and went to Golden Armor Continent to find Song Pin’s reincarnation, choosing to automatically recognize her as its master.

Perhaps any great cultivator who has stayed at the peak for a long time is a master of the historical truth of a continent, but unfortunately, they do not write books.

Liu Tui’s mood was actually far from as relaxed as it appeared on the surface.

After all, he was about to meet the young Hidden Official, whose prominence was unmatched, and he also owed Misty Cloud Mountain a great debt.

Liu Tui steered the Flowing Clouds Boat towards the ancestral mountain of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect. The former renowned ascendant of Fuyou Continent, who had always given others headaches, was actually agonizing over something: how should he address Chen Ping’an when they met later?

It should be noted that benefiting from that “great rain,” Liu Tui had actually returned to ascension, but he had never publicly announced it, deliberately claiming to be in seclusion in White Porcelain Grotto-heaven with little effect… Liu Tui just wanted to see which bastards in Fuyou Continent, seeing him fall in realm and Yang Qiangu stepping out of the Merit Forest, would side with the back mountain.

Yang Qiangu was aware of his return to ascension, but the two had a gentleman’s agreement. Liu Tui had also wanted to hide it from Jing Hao for a while, but he was seen through at Quanjiao Mountain. After his trip to Misty Cloud Mountain and returning to Fuyou Continent, Liu Tui would first settle accounts with a group of rebellious individuals, and then make this group keep their mouths shut, or even intentionally stir up trouble…

Liu Tui’s principle of making friends is as simple as can be: when you are in the jianghu, you must abide by jianghu morality. Those who respect him will receive more respect from him, and those who try to harm him will receive more harm from him.

Suddenly, a sword light blazed across the sea, instantly cleaving hundreds of li of the sea surface. It seemed to be slightly obstructed by another sword light during this process, causing the sword light to deviate slightly from its path, happening to pass by the Flowing Clouds Boat Liu Tui was on, tens of li away on the sea. There was a loud thunderclap, and the mere aftermath of the sword qi stirred up waves and billows. Not to mention Hua Qinggong and the other Earth Immortal sword cultivators who had not yet reached the Upper Five Realm, even a great cultivator like Liu Tui, who had seen the scenery at the peak, felt shocked. He could only maneuver the Flowing Clouds Boat up a hundred zhang, catching a glimpse of the fleeting sword light, which still left a chilling sword intent mirrored on the sea and in the water, lingering for a long time.

Perhaps the two sides engaged in the sword duel also noticed the presence of the visiting Flowing Clouds Boat.

The second sword light, which originated from the ancestral mountain of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, intentionally changed its trajectory. The brilliant sword qi, cutting through heaven and earth, exploded like a long lightning rope as thick as a mountain peak, turning and changing direction freely in the air. The sword cultivator who was receiving the sword alone on the sea, his Dao power was already not weak, yet he was forced to reveal a majestic Dharmakaya, holding a giant sword that emitted five colors, and fought with the elusive golden sword qi for a moment. The collision of the sword blade and the sword light resulted in countless sword qi splashing out. Within a radius of a thousand li, it was like a shower of fire. The Dharmakaya’s throat was eventually still torn apart by that sword light, and the sword immortal Dharmakaya collapsed with a roar. The person who sent the sword from the shore moved their mind slightly, and the sword light condensed into a physical long sword, pointing at the forehead of the person receiving the sword on the sea.

On the Flowing Clouds Boat, Liu Tui felt slightly better, quickly assessing the realms and cultivation of both sides in the sword duel. As for the one receiving the sword on the sea, at his peak, he had some chance of winning, but as for winning and killing, he didn’t dare to hope or think about it. As for the one casually sending the sword from the shore… why provoke him?

Everyone else’s minds were swaying. More or less, they had been drawn in by that vast sword intent. Even though they each used their own methods to stabilize their Dao hearts, Nie Cui’e, Hua Qinggong, and the others still felt extremely shocked. They all came up with the same thought: observing the sword is like seeing the Dao.

Mei Dandang benefited greatly and decisively conceded defeat without hesitation.

Only then did he return to the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect by sword.

The Flowing Clouds Boat subsequently docked.

Liu Tui and his group landed gracefully at the foot of the mountain, passed the archway, and then flew by sword towards the viewing platform. Before Liu Tui could speak, Qi Tingji reminded him through telepathy, “You have fallen in realm and have just returned to ascension. Your realm is unstable, and your Dao power is weak. Perhaps it is also related to your presence in Azure Vault Mountain at that time, so you cannot hear an ‘edict’ that proclaims to the mountain peaks and several worlds. He, along with Zheng Juzhong and Wu Shuangjiang, recently jointly beheaded the initial ancestor of the military strategists. The one who delivered the final sword strike was precisely him.”

“After that, the distant sword light of Dao integration was just a trick orchestrated by Chen Ping’an. It was meant to deceive you few peak cultivators who are highly skilled but not high enough.”

Liu Tui’s Dao heart was greatly shaken upon hearing this.

Chen Ping’an, Zheng Juzhong, and Wu Shuangjiang jointly killed that person surnamed Jiang?! Isn’t that the second time in ten thousand years that the initial ancestor of the military strategists has been jointly beheaded in the human world?!

Nie Cui’e also recognized that sword-carrying woman, Ning Yao! And Lu Zhi beside her!

The focus of this group of sword cultivators, including Hua Qinggong, was slightly different. Their attention, in addition to Old Sword Immortal Qi, was naturally more on the young sword cultivator in the yellow hat, green shoes, and green bamboo staff.

Nie Cui’e had more on her mind. She caught a glimpse of Liu Tui of Heavenly Melody Village out of the corner of her eye. At this time and place, he had no imposing aura whatsoever.

Afterward, Liu Tui and the others saw Chen Ping’an first walk out of the ancestral hall of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect in the sunlight, followed by a group of young people with unknown identities.

It was as if a gentle man brought out a vibrant painting: the scorching sun, the majestic architecture, and the sharp young sword cultivators.