Liu Laocheng hadn’t originally intended to get involved in the messy affairs of the Grand Liquan capital. Not only was the Grand Liquan court watching his every move as the sect master of the True Realm Sect, but the Ancestral Hall of the Upper Sect in Tongyezhou was also having some thoughts about him. However, Gao Mian sent a flying sword message to Qingxia Island, asking him to accompany him to the capital and also adding a long list of trivial requirements. The lodging had to be quiet yet near bustling areas, several jars of Changchun Palace immortal brew needed to be prepared, and they needed to be able to view the *jing hua shui yue* (mirror flower water moon – illusionary images) of certain immortal abodes and dojos… Liu Laocheng had no choice but to set aside his current affairs and make a temporary trip to the capital. He found a mountain friend he hadn’t contacted in years, who used a network of roundabout connections in the capital to help him purchase a residence near the Flower Goddess Temple. Liu Laocheng didn’t care about the market price; the face of an Immortal Realm sect master was still worth something. In Baopingzhou, while not the best, it was more than enough compared to the rest.

They arrived at the residence yesterday, and Gao Mian seemed satisfied, saying it would “do.”

The residence was old, but the blue bricks on the ground were all fired from the mud at the bottom of the Shujian Lake, a trend that had only become popular in the capital in the last decade. This kind of transaction couldn’t be done without some official connections.

A wall separated the two worlds; outside, there was a clamor of voices, while inside, the atmosphere was calm and serene. A large vat sat in the corner of the wall, holding over a dozen goldfish.

Gao Mian held a celadon jar in one hand, crumbling fish food to attract the fish, causing ripples to spread across the water.

Gao Mian smiled faintly, “I remember years ago, on my way from my hometown, I passed through deep water. Using my eyesight, I could see clearly to the bottom. The layers of ravines were as varied as rice paddies, and five-colored dragons coiled within, like basins or jars, exhaling radiant treasures and winding their way. Their whiskers, scales, claws, and teeth were all clearly visible, dazzling the observer and shaking their soul, truly like the so-called crystal palace at the bottom of the water in monstrous tales.”

At the table, Liu Laocheng had already poured the wine. Since Gao Mian was in no hurry to sit down, he couldn’t drink alone. He found it a little strange. Was Gao Laoren’s flowery language an expression of feelings from something he had witnessed firsthand, or was it copied from some scholar’s notes?

However, they had been friends for many years and knew each other well. There was no need for Gao Laoren to show off his literary skills to him. Gao Mian and Xun Yuan, those two old rascals, were not only registered cultivators but also a帮主 (gang leader) and a sect master. In their early years in Baopingzhou’s *jing hua shui yue*, they were a renowned pair of nouveau riche, nicknamed ‘One-Foot Spear’ and ‘Jade-Faced Young Gentleman,’ respectively. They were famously generous, and when they were spending money, their language was often so vulgar that Liu Laocheng, the island master of Gongliu Island, felt that they were the ones from Shujian Lake, and he, in comparison, was a proper moral gentleman.

The wine was the priceless Changchun Palace immortal brew, and the cups were Flower Goddess cups, not the counterfeit ones sold at the temple fair outside. It was clear that effort had been made.

Gao Mian stomped his foot on the blue brick ground and turned to ask with a smile, “Liu Laoren, you were the unmoving local emperor of Shujian Lake. Did you ever think things would come to this?”

Liu Laocheng replied helplessly, “Don’t hit a person where it hurts.”

Indeed, Liu Laocheng’s most glorious years were in Shujian Lake. With the title of the first Jade Pure Realm rogue cultivator, Liu Laocheng at that time truly walked with swagger, feeling as if he possessed good fortune. What were the likes of River Interceptor True Lord Liu Zhimou and Oriole Island’s Zhong Su? These Nascent Soul realm cultivators were single-minded in their desire to eliminate him, Liu Laocheng, and annex Gongliu Island, but Liu Laocheng had to think about keeping them alive and not letting them die easily. Without them, how could Shujian Lake establish itself in Baopingzhou?

Not only did Gao Mian not stop, but he continued to rub salt into his old friend’s wound, “What are you afraid of? You’re not the still-shaken Liu Zhimou. A person with a clear conscience fears no evil shadow, needs no guilty conscience, is not afraid of old scores being settled, and doesn’t lose sleep every night.”

Liu Laocheng had no choice but to drink a cup of wine in silence.

If Chen Pingan were merely Chen Jianxian of Luopo Mountain, the old scores of Shujian Lake would have to be settled.

But when Chen Pingan acquired a new identity, it became difficult for Shujian Lake to settle the scores.

Gao Mian’s next sentence was not just rubbing salt in the wound but directly stabbing him in the heart, “Hmm, became the Grand Liquan State Preceptor in the summer. Will the reckoning begin in the autumn?”

Liu Laocheng said with a bitter smile, “What else can we do but accept it obediently?”

Gao Mian asked with a chuckle, “Have you always wondered why Xun Laoren is so timid and silent around me, keeping a very low profile, yet has never treated you as a friend? During our drinking sessions, when our cups clinked together, he always looked down on you, his raised cup always higher than yours?”

Liu Laocheng remained silent. It was indeed a minor but somewhat hurtful matter. Liu Laocheng wasn’t arrogant, but he was certainly proud.

The more Xun Yuan acted this way, the more Liu Laocheng felt indebted to Gao Mian. In those years, cultivators in Baopingzhou had to look up to Tongyezhou, and Xun Yuan was already an Immortal. Liu Laocheng’s ability to become acquainted with Xun Yuan and maintain a decent friendship was entirely due to Gao Mian’s mediation.

Gao Mian said, “He did it on purpose, deliberately acting as the villain so you would appreciate me more.”

Liu Laocheng nodded, “After two drinks, I understood.”

Gao Mian sighed, “You are both smart people who don’t get drunk. For someone like me who truly loves wine, you’re wasting good wine. Speaking of which, perhaps you are right, and we are drunk by the wine, while you are truly drinking the wine?”

“Xun Yuan said something good about you in private and evaluated you highly. He said that Liu Zhimou, Zhong Su, and their ilk, at most, had realms and vision that matched, but only Jade Pure Realm’s Liu Laocheng had the vision of an Ascension Realm cultivator. Unfortunately, he was both made and broken by Shujian Lake.”

At this point, Gao Mian raised his wine cup, “I must toast you, Xun Laoren.”

Liu Laocheng raised his cup as well.

Gao Mian wiped his mouth and smiled, “If the sharp sword is not in hand, why seek many friends?”

A moment later, a maidservant came to announce that a guest had arrived. The guest claimed to be Helian Baozhu of the Invincible Divine Fist Gang.

Liu Laocheng’s friend on the paths not always straight had not only helped him buy the residence but also provided two maidservants. They were registered cultivators from a southern immortal sect who had fallen on hard times. They were not highly ranked and had clean backgrounds, not yet in the Middle Five Realms. Before the residence was handed over to Liu Laocheng, the old immortal master had already given them a large sum of immortal money, allowing them to cultivate diligently here and ensuring they took good care of the distinguished guests’ food and daily life.

Helian Baozhu was a spirited woman. With a strong regional accent, she said, “Old Gang Leader, I met Liu Xianyang and Gu Can at the inn I opened at Dongshui Well.”

Gao Mian laughed, “So you met them. What’s the matter? Did you catch someone’s eye, or did someone tease you?”

Helian Baozhu was already used to his remarks and simply cupped her fists to Liu Laocheng, “Greetings, Old Sect Master Liu.”

Liu Laocheng smiled and nodded, extending a hand to gesture for her to sit down and drink. Helian Baozhu was not one for pretense and, as soon as she sat down, drank three cups in one go.

Helian Baozhu said telepathically, “On my way here, I noticed a beautiful woman at the temple fair with an old man beside her whose depth I couldn’t discern.”

Gao Mian wasn’t interested in this. Were there still few extraordinary individuals in Baopingzhou? The old man only frowned and asked, “I heard you’ve been quite close to that gang leader named Liu Bian in recent years? Do you know his background, his methods, and which path in the Grand Liquan promotion chart he’s connected to?”

Helian Baozhu explained, “We’re not friends, but we met in the Luojing area before and became somewhat acquainted. At that time, we agreed that he would host me when I came to the Grand Liquan capital. I only heard that Liu Bian is very close to a young nobleman in the capital nicknamed ‘Sixth Master.’ I haven’t met him, but martial arts friends all say this person’s identity is mysterious and that he has considerable influence in the capital. They guess he’s very likely a direct descendant of a noble family who held the position of Shang Zhuguo. As for the claim that Liu Bian and the First Prince are close friends, as far as I know, it’s definitely false. Liu Bian himself is helpless about it, saying it’s a rumor spread by a rival sect. He admitted that he’s been living in fear for years, afraid that he might accidentally end up in prison one day.”

The Song clan of Grand Liquan had never established a crown prince.

Song Geng, as the eldest legitimate son, had always been regarded as the heir apparent. As for Song Geng’s younger brother, Prince Song Xu, there was almost no public information about him.

Gao Mian glanced at Liu Laocheng, “Your grapevine is the most well-informed. Do you have any reliable inside information? Don’t let Baozhu fall into a trap and involve me in having to explain things to the Ministry of Justice.”

Scholars who focused on their studies should never meddle in court affairs, and could martial artists meddle? Moreover, this court was surnamed Song, the Grand Liquan Dynasty.

Helian Baozhu hesitated to speak.

Gao Mian waved his hand, “Isn’t it just that you have another identity as an assassin from the Cherry Blossom Green Garment? I’ve known for a long time. Just pretend I’m still in the dark.”

Liu Laocheng nodded, “I’ll make some inquiries about this in the near future. Just wait for my news.”

Helian Baozhu cupped her fists, “Thank you, Old Sect Master Liu.”

Liu Laocheng raised his wine cup and smiled, “It’s all in the wine.”

Unexpectedly, more guests arrived soon after, also looking for Old Gang Leader Gao. The maidservant had no choice but to bite the bullet and announce again, saying that a pair of master and disciple were outside the door. The old Daoist carried a wooden plaque with a painted divine image, and claimed to be from another continent, making his home wherever he went, with the Daoist name Chou Chun. He also had a disciple carrying a *huqin*.

Gao Mian was clearly well acquainted with him and didn’t even bother to get up to greet him. The old Daoist told his disciple to wander around freely, but to remember not to touch anything randomly. If he broke something, he wouldn’t be able to compensate for it even with his life.

The old Daoist sat down alone and explained with a smile, “I saw俠客 (female knight-errant) Helian on the street just now. Seeing her knock on your door, I guessed you might be here.”

Helian Baozhu was surprised. She had been followed here without even realizing it? Daoist name Chou Chun?

Gao Mian laughed, “No need to be surprised. This thieving old Daoist is a reclusive expert of the陆地神仙 (Land Immortal) level. What he’s best at in this life is undetectable stealth and assassination.”

Daoist Chou Chun said, “Compared to Nalan Yexing, I’m still lacking.”

Gao Mian squinted at him, “Aren’t you ashamed? Do you have the face to compare yourself to him?”

The old Daoist nodded, “No face.”

Helian Baozhu didn’t understand the intricacies of their conversation, but Liu Laocheng’s eyelids twitched slightly.

The old Daoist said a strange thing, “Someone who used to be abstinent has become a heavy drinker. Is it not painful?”

Gao Mian answered with Liu Laocheng’s earlier words, “It’s all in the wine.”

The atmosphere was unusually heavy, and Helian Baozhu didn’t understand why that sentence would stir up such sadness. At this moment, another Daoist arrived, not giving his Daoist name, but saying his name was Liang Shuang, and he was looking for Daoist Chou Chun.

Gao Mian swept away the gloom from his brow and laughed heartily, “Well now, the螳螂捕蟬，黃雀在後 (mantis stalks the cicada, the oriole is behind), and the slingshot is below.”

Liu Laocheng asked, “Which Daoist expert is he?”

“Haven’t heard of him at all.”

Gao Mian shook his head and looked at the old Daoist, “Since he’s looking for you, you should know who he is. A fellow Daoist you are fated to meet? An enemy you have clashed with?”

Daoist Chou Chun stroked his beard and smiled, “Allow this humble Daoist to keep you in suspense for a moment.”

Liang Shuang entered the residence, but instead of going to Daoist Chou Chun, he first found the young Daoist. Liang Shuang settled his Dao heart and sighed softly, “踏破鐵鞋無覓處 (You can search everywhere and find nothing).”

The maidservant beside them was a little anxious. This guest was too familiar, wandering around without permission. If he angered Old Sect Master Liu, wouldn’t she be kicked out of here?

Liang Shuang smiled, “Young lady, you led this humble Daoist in and showed him to the person today. You have the merit of guiding, and this humble Daoist will repay you.”

The maidservant was already annoyed, and hearing such empty words made her even more angry. Do I lack this small reward from you?

She clearly misunderstood that the old Daoist was treating her like a maidservant in a wealthy mansion.

She stood rooted to the spot and waited for a while. Seeing that the old Daoist was just smiling and didn’t even give her a red envelope, she was quite upset.

With a stern face, she told the old Daoist to follow her and quickly walked towards the courtyard. Liang Shuang didn’t reveal the heavenly secret, his mood extremely good. There was always a way out, truly there was always a way out.

During his seclusion in Tongyezhou, the old True Person suddenly had signs of a celestial connection. He quickly performed a divination, and still not feeling at ease, he left his dojo and observed the celestial phenomena at night, finally understanding.

The old True Person traveled across continents overnight, heading straight for the Grand Liquan capital. Sure enough, Heaven did not fail the hardworking person, and he finally found the reincarnation of his master.

The Daoist lineage of Liang Shuang had always been passed down from master to disciple, with no second disciple. When the master reincarnated, the disciple had to find the former’s reincarnation, switch their master-disciple roles, and take the reincarnation as the successor to the Daoist tradition. Even if they couldn’t find them for a long time, they had to keep searching. Previously, Liang Shuang had voluntarily gone to Tongyezhou and fought a head-on battle with that Zhou Mi. The old True Person felt that his end was approaching and had no regrets. What he worried about most was that this Daoist lineage would end with him, leading to the discontinuation of its incense. Wouldn’t he, Liang Shuang, be a sinner for all eternity?

When they reached the courtyard gate, the maidservant was about to stop and leave. The old True Person took out an inconspicuous yellow paper talisman from his sleeve and smiled, “A small token of gratitude, it’s not much, but please accept it, young lady.”

The maidservant gave a perfunctory thank you, put the talisman in her sleeve, and turned to leave, hearing the old True Person still mumbling, “Young lady, remember, even if you sell this talisman for money, don’t sell it cheaply. It’s best to wait until you form your Golden Core in the future before refining this talisman. When you are at the eighth transformation of the Golden Core, you will see a door. In the depths of a red cloud, a Daoist immortal lord will lead you to tour the Jade Capital, and you will see and hear everything in the Purple Mansion and Crimson阙 (Palace), all of which will be fuel for your Great Dao…”

Liu Laocheng glanced at the talisman the old Daoist had given away, his pupils contracting. It must be a treasure! This old Daoist was truly generous!

Daoist Chou Chun smiled, “This is only the second time in my life I’ve seen a genuine Guiding Talisman.”

Liang Shuang smiled, “This humble Daoist still has some in stock that can serve as keys to ancient blessed lands and cave heavens.”

Daoist Chou Chun laughed, “What a good word, ‘some’!”

Helian Baozhu was of a lower generation and had a shorter Daoist age, so she naturally gave up her seat.

Unexpectedly, the old True Person smiled and said, “This humble Daoist won’t sit down. I’ll leave after we finish talking.”

Daoist Chou Chun said, “Senior must have guessed. It was this humble Daoist who set up the altar earlier, called out the true name, leaked the heavenly secret, and even wrote the disciple’s birth date and time on the sand盘 (plate) using扶乩 (spirit writing), deliberately attracting Senior’s investigation.”

Liang Shuang nodded, “Even if it’s a dragon’s pool and a tiger’s den, this humble Daoist must venture in.”

At the temple fair, Aunt Feng carried a flower basket. Besides a few seasonal flowers, the basket contained many artificial flowers carved from various colored jade, so lifelike they could fool anyone.

She tsked, “The residence next door is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers.”

The old coachman, who had changed his name to Su Kan, said with a dismissive look, “Except for the smelly ox-nosed one who arrived last, whose Dao power is not weak, the rest are just so-so.”

Aunt Feng glanced at the bustling scene in the main hall of the Flower Goddess Temple and said, “Shall we go in and burn some incense?”

This Flower Goddess Temple in the capital had a long history, but even the literati who were most familiar with the capital’s history would not know that the earliest patron who paid to build the Flower Goddess Temple was this Aunt Feng.

“No need.”

Su Kan found it amusing, “You women are really vengeful.”

You, Aunt Feng, burning incense for the Flower Goddesses? Who was it back then who damaged the entire Hundred Flower Blessed Land, requiring it to recuperate for over a hundred years before it could be opened to the public again? What incense are you going to burn? If it’s said that the wind and rain have already caused the hundred flowers to wither miserably, adding this remnant of the old Thunder Department’s Punishment Office, even if his divine position is not proper now, his accumulated prestige is still there, doesn’t he consider whether a Flower Goddess Temple can bear it?

Therefore, this Flower Goddess Temple has never shown any efficacy. Even though a shrine was built and a hundred lifelike statues of goddesses were erected, and the incense was quite strong, the Flower Goddesses of the Hundred Flower Blessed Land regarded this place as a forbidden area and dared not “descend” here without authorization. Over time, this Grand Liquan capital’s Flower Goddess Temple acquired two unusual features. One was that the painted divine images of the hundred flower goddesses were the most realistic and vivid in terms of human appearance and demeanor. The other was that since the Flower Goddesses of the Hundred Flower Blessed Land were often promoted or demoted, the shrine also needed to change the divine names and statues accordingly. However, only this shrine had never changed the statues in the hall. The flower goddesses who were there when it was built are still those same flower goddesses, such as the “Lady of Caozhou” who has long been demoted from the Hundred Flower Blessed Land.

Aunt Feng sneered, “I can’t stand how they constantly pander to others. When they are favored, they become smug, arrogant, and ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth.”

Human flowers and trees, at the beginning of their existence, were beings meant to be offered to please the spirits, decorations of the earth and rivers.

Su Kan sighed, “Why bother? In the end, you’re still taking your anger out on others.”

Aunt Feng pouted, “I don’t deny it.”

Su Kan said, “Enemies should be resolved, not made. You should let go of your old grudges and let them go too.”

Aunt Feng scoffed, “If others said this, I might pretend to listen even if I don’t agree. Coming from your mouth, it always feels like the opposite of what you mean, urging me to act ruthlessly.”

Su Kan said, “Consider it a fart.”

Aunt Feng, carrying the flower basket, walked leisurely into the main hall of the Flower Goddess Temple. The Flower Goddess statues were arranged in a clear hierarchy, with some higher than others. They were breathtakingly beautiful, but their positions were those of a long time ago in the Hundred Flower Blessed Land.

In the early years, the debauched scholars of Grand Liquan always liked to write sensational stories about a certain scholar visiting the Flower Goddess Temple at night, writing a few doggerel poems, and having several beauties attend to him. This led to many hooligans climbing over the wall at night to sneak into the Flower Goddess Temple, hoping to get close to the beauties. Some audacious and lustful individuals even wanted to carry away a statue and hide it at home, as scholars had said that some ancient people also had a “jade person fetish.” If they couldn’t carry it away or steal it, that was fine too, because “they” were simply too much like real beauties… So the temple keeper of the Flower Goddess Temple had to hire people to guard the night for a long time to prevent the Flower Goddesses from being defiled by those lewd individuals.

Aunt Feng sighed faintly. Could it be that the old scholar was somewhat right, why should women make things difficult for women?

Aunt Feng suddenly asked the old coachman who had walked out of the temple fair with a telepathic message, “Su Kan, what are you waiting for?”

Su Kan walked expressionlessly along the gradually dispersing street, “You and I are the same kind. Whatever you are waiting for, I am waiting for.”

Aunt Feng smiled, “Maybe not.”

Su Kan walked back to the private residence, not far from Chi’er Street. Along the way, he passed by several palaces and temples used by previous emperors for praying to the gods. The official name of the quiet alley was Iron Tree Alley, but the common people preferred to call it Prime Minister Alley, because there were two houses opposite each other in the alley, both of which had belonged to former prime ministers. In fact, the Grand Liquan Dynasty did not have prime ministers, but officials with the title of Grand Scholar in a certain hall or阁 (pavilion) and holding the seal of a ministry would also be commonly called “Xiangye” (Prime Minister) by the common people. However, since Cui Chan became the State Preceptor, the court had been generous with posthumous titles and grants, almost never hindering the decisions of several emperors and the Ministry of Rites, but the matter of adding titles had been extremely rare.

In fact, the old man, who was much older than this alley, unlocked the door. The small residence had a world of its own inside. The layers of thunder spell restrictions were enough to make all the great cultivators proficient in thunder methods in the world feel their scalps tingle. Unless a Celestial Master personally arrived, even if a Huangzi贵人 (noble) from the Celestial Master’s Residence of Longhu Mountain came, they would absolutely not dare to trespass into this thunder pool and would only retreat in the face of difficulty.

Su Kan actually liked playing chess, and his chess skills were not bad, but due to his reclusive personality and special status, he only looked at chess manuals.

Beings like him always needed to find something to pass the time. Besides studying chess manuals alone, Su Kan would also go fishing or watch people play gambling chess.

Since he collected various versions of chess manuals, the first one was naturally the Caiyun Manual played by Zheng Juzhong and Cui Chan under White Emperor City.

Su Kan went to the kitchen and took out a few dishes of capital-style snacks as appetizers, including豌豆黄 (pea cake), sweet ginger sprouts, eight-treasure vegetables, and candied garlic.

He didn’t know if it was because he had stayed in the human world for too long, or if it was a kind of farewell gift, or a furious punishment, a distant reprimand.

He and Aunt Feng, these remnants of ancient heavenly court deities, seemed to be gradually acquiring some emotions that originally only the Five Supreme and Twelve High Positions had, humanity?

From deeply detesting this human world, they began to become attached to it, gradually getting used to the annoying buzzing of pigeon whistles overhead, and finally getting used to standing with their feet on the ground and looking at the sky.

Time flew by, ten thousand years.

Humanity and divinity were always intertwined, like a tug-of-war, or more like an unfinished chess game where the winner had not yet been decided.

Heaven remained silent, facing the withered chess game.

The old man was silent for a long time. After coming back to his senses, he took a sip of wine, slowly chewed the candied garlic, and suddenly became furious, “They changed the master. And they dare to raise the price?!”

Aunt Feng continued to stroll through the Flower Goddess Temple. In the crowd, she saw a young woman dressed in simple and elegant clothes who curtsied gracefully to her.

Aunt Feng was momentarily stunned. She narrowed her eyes and smiled, then walked over, ruffled her head, and teased, “You’re a big girl now.”

After all, she was in the Fourteenth Realm.

Even a “watered-down” new Fourteenth Realm was still in the Fourteenth Realm.

It was still very easy for Wang Zhu to deliberately conceal her whereabouts.

When Wang Zhu left Lizhu Cave Heaven and came to the Grand Liquan capital with Prince Song Jixin, Aunt Feng had secretly escorted the young girl Zhigui. Before that, the woman had regarded Zhigui from Mud Bottle Alley as her own junior.

If Su Kan was seemingly placing a bet, he was actually secretly protecting Ma Kuxuan. Then, wasn’t Aunt Feng also, out of selfishness, wanting to take special care of Zhigui for a few years?

Aunt Feng handed the flower basket to Wang Zhu and said softly, “It’s a coincidence, I’ll give it to you. Don’t dislike it.”

Wang Zhu held it in her hand and smiled sweetly, “I won’t dislike it. I’m very happy.”

After entering the Fourteenth Realm in the Eastern Sea Water Mansion, her past became even clearer. Although she had never felt that she was the “she” who was forced to land on the southern coast of Baopingzhou and fled all the way to the place of her demise, all the people and emotions of her previous life were so real. All the beautiful memories had become nostalgic, with only a very few exceptions that were still within reach. For example, the woman before her, Aunt Feng, who had marked her forehead with mugwort, was probably one of the few kind existences that this human world had long given to “her,” or rather, to them.

Aunt Feng extended her thumb and gently stroked the beautiful eyebrows of the young woman, which were always slightly furrowed, and whispered, “Didn’t the old scholar also say that although one can seek revenge for a hundred generations of hatred, it is important to distinguish clearly between kindness and resentment? We should repay kindness with kindness and resentment with resentment.”

Wang Zhu hummed in agreement.

It might not have been that Aunt Feng’s reasoning was so good, but perhaps Wang Zhu just wanted to hear her familiar voice.

Aunt Feng asked with a smile, “Can I borrow the authority of the Eastern Sea Water Lord?”

Wang Zhu was puzzled.

Aunt Feng pointed to a painted divine image of a Flower Goddess who was relatively pleasing to the eye, “I want to have a few words with her.”

Wang Zhu rolled her eyes at her. What was such a small matter? Besides, what authority did she have? As for cultivators in the Vast Expanse, they only had an attitude of respectfully avoiding the Eastern Sea Water Mansion at most. Even cultivators who practiced water methods and had to go out to sea to cultivate, finding an ancient immortal island with rich water energy or the ruins of an underwater palace to settle down, mostly consulted with the other three Water Lords and deliberately avoided the Eastern Sea Water Mansion.

Aunt Feng knocked her forehead lightly, “Same old.”

Then Aunt Feng made a hand seal and used her innate divine ability, borrowing the wind to cross mountains and seas, to invite someone from the Hundred Flower Blessed Land who was in charge to reminisce.

Since the main character had appeared, Daoist Chou Chun smiled and introduced him, “This old immortal is Liang Shuang, Old True Person Liang, who succeeded True Person Huolong as the external Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain.”

Liu Laocheng immediately stood up, and Helian Baozhu also quickly bowed. Only Gao Mian remained motionless. This made Helian Baozhu extremely worried, not knowing how to help make up for it. Her old gang leader’s character was a little too stubborn.

Daoist Chou Chun, for some reason, took the initiative to tell a story, speaking slowly, “Back then, I went astray in my cultivation and went out to relax. I didn’t learn the good things and only learned the bad. I insisted on being impulsive like Old Gao, and got into a dispute with someone, which made things worse and damaged the foundation of my Great Dao, so much so that I needed to temper my flying sword with the Five Thunder Orthodox Method to save myself.”

“But the gate of Longhu Mountain is not somewhere that side gate and unorthodox cultivators like us can enter. Moreover, the Five Thunder Orthodox Method is a family secret that is not passed down. Longhu Mountain has its own ancestral rules. Even if they had the intention to help, how could they break the precepts? Haven’t there been many incidents on the mountain in history precisely because of the benevolence of a certain Huangzi noble who secretly taught the secret method? This humble Daoist only grumbled a few words at the wine table. The speaker didn’t intend it, but the listener took it to heart. The friend who was drinking with me at the time excused himself to go to the restroom and said he would return to fight. Unexpectedly, that fellow disappeared without a trace.”

Hearing this, Liang Shuang stroked his beard and smiled, finding it very familiar.

The old Daoist said, “About half a year later, that fellow shamelessly invited this humble Daoist to drink, saying that this time he absolutely had to treat. As a result, he brought two pots of local liquor from the market. This humble Daoist had been waiting to die for a long time anyway, so whatever he drank was drinking. He threw a handwritten secret manual on the table and swore that he was chased by a group of fairies who admired him, and he flew his sword too high. Perhaps because of his outstanding appearance, Heaven was jealous of his talent, and he was struck by lightning. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He opened his窍穴 (acupoints) and instantly comprehended the supreme true meaning of thunder methods, which was not at all inferior to Longhu Mountain’s Five Thunder Orthodox Method. The wine debts he owed before were considered settled… This humble Daoist listened to his rambling while flipping through the secret manual. It was indeed handwritten, and the handwriting was very difficult to imitate.”

Gao Mian asked doubtfully, “He dared to give it, and you dared to take it? And you even dared to cultivate according to it?!”

He voiced what Helian Baozhu was thinking. Was this aging Daoist sword immortal truly seeking death?

The old Daoist smiled and said, “No matter what the truth is, this humble Daoist survived a calamity because of it. Not only did my sword skills improve significantly, but I also learned an additional thunder method.”

Liu Laocheng, however, weighed the situation and prepared to fall out with Liang Shuang. It was obvious that Liang Shuang had followed him all the way to Baopingzhou to “clean up the sect” and recover the secret manual? To capture Daoist Chou Chun and take him back to the Celestial Master’s Residence? Daoist Chou Chun found Gao Mian, and Gao Mian called him, Liu Laocheng, to the Grand Liquan capital? Liu Laocheng felt he had a general idea. Even if Gao Mian’s action had the suspicion of dragging him down, it didn’t matter. It showed that Gao Mian truly regarded him as a friend. The title of Sect Master of the True Realm Sect was not enough to make Liu Laocheng reluctant to leave. At worst, he would go back to being a mountain and lake rogue cultivator.

In the past, in Shujian Lake, the likes of Liu Zhimou could only be rogue cultivators and would only be good rogue cultivators for a lifetime. Zhong Su and the others were too self-important, seeking fame, and their skills were limited, making it difficult for them to achieve anything significant.

Liang Shuang finally spoke and asked, “Fellow Daoist, is that thunder method secret manual with you?”

The old Daoist nodded and took out a yellowed booklet from his sleeve, handing it to the external Celestial Master.

Liang Shuang took the booklet, opened it and glanced at it a few times before closing it. He said, “The booklet, this humble Daoist must confiscate it. In addition, I’m afraid Fellow Daoist will need to go to the Celestial Master’s Residence. Don’t worry, this humble Daoist will help explain things clearly. It’s a small matter, but it cannot be ambiguously glossed over. As for the Five Thunder Orthodox Method that you accidentally learned… It’s not difficult. This humble Daoist can recommend Fellow Daoist to be a nominal供奉 (worshipper/contributor). In this way, you won’t have to return it to the Celestial Master’s Residence.”

The old Daoist glanced at the young Daoist boy who was watching the fish with his rear end sticking out not far away and smiled, “So that’s how it is.”

Liang Shuang said knowingly, “So the缘分 (predestined connection) is like this.”

Daoist Chou Chun said directly, “That disciple of mine indeed has immortal fate. Celestial Master Liang, feel free to take him. This humble Daoist had calculated before that my master-disciple connection with this child was shallow. At that time, I was still surprised. The child is kind-hearted, and there are no great disasters in his fate. This humble Daoist is not the kind of person who is stingy with his skills. I have traveled south and north, always keeping him by my side. How could the master-disciple connection be shallow? It was not until yesterday at That Village渡 (ferry crossing) that this humble Daoist suddenly realized. Things have come to this point. It’s just going with the flow. I only ask Celestial Master Liang to accept him as a disciple and cultivate him well.”

Liang Shuang made a hand seal in his sleeve and briefly explained the secrets of his Daoist lineage to Daoist Chou Chun through telepathy. Daoist Chou Chun laughed heartily, “Then this humble Daoist has put his mind at ease!”

Liang Shuang said, “This humble Daoist must show some appreciation for Fellow Daoist’s grace in protecting the Dao. Mixing things up is not a good thing. Fellow Daoist might as well name a price. Of course, it’s not selling a disciple, otherwise it would be an insult to Fellow Daoist and an insult to this humble Daoist as well. Both of us are members of the Daoist sect and should know that this is a method to end karmic ties and cut off worldly connections.”

Daoist Chou Chun shook his head, “Helping me get a position as a供奉 (worshipper/contributor) at the Celestial Master’s Residence is enough.”

Liang Shuang shook his head, “Not enough, far from enough. Not to boast, but this humble Daoist was once a Golden Immortal who was only one step away from achieving perfect merit…”

Daoist Chou Chun interrupted him and said, “Then this humble Daoist will ask for a huge price and ask Celestial Master Liang for two Guiding Talismans, one each for a shattered blessed land and a cave heaven. They must also be able to connect with each other, giving the owner the opportunity to ‘open up heaven and earth’.”

Liang Shuang stroked his palms and smiled, “Just as I intended.”

Although he said this, the old True Person’s action of taking the talismans from his sleeve seemed a little clumsy and hesitant.

Daoist Chou Chun called the young Daoist boy over and explained the reason. The young Daoist boy cried uncontrollably, but refused to change masters.

Over the years, he had followed the old Daoist for thousands of miles, living in the open and eating in the wind, with many rules. The child felt it was too hard and missed his hometown very much. He would always say the harshest words he could think of, “One day I will change masters.”

Who would have thought that such a day would actually come? The child, however, tightly hugged the *huqin* that his master cherished most, his face covered in tears and snot. How could he bear to change masters?

The young Daoist boy vigorously wiped his face, “If you chase me away, I won’t return your *huqin*.”

Daoist Chou Chun said, “I was going to give it to you anyway.”

The young Daoist boy was stunned for a moment upon hearing this. He sat down on the ground and began to throw a tantrum.

Daoist Chou Chun had a headache, and Liu Laocheng and Helian Baozhu also found it quite amusing. Gao Mian even fanned the flames, saying, “Your master is really heartless. If I’m not mistaken, your master seemed to have received a large sum of money just now, enough to build a temple…”

When the child heard this, he felt as if the sky had fallen. He became even more heartbroken. He lay on the ground, hugging the *huqin*, kicking his legs.

Liang Shuang wasn’t angry at all and watched the stubborn child’s antics with a smile.

The old True Person had to try hard not to laugh. Master, oh Master, there’s a day when you’ll fall into my hands. How you taught me Dao methods back then, that’s how I will…

Thinking of this, the old True Person raised a sleeve of his Daoist robe to cover his face. Master, long time no see.

After a good deal of persuasion, Daoist Chou Chun managed to calm the child down. This was thanks to Liang Shuang’s promise to travel with them for a few years, save enough money to build a temple, and then change masters.

The Daoist in the deep mountains was refreshed and enlightened. The Jianghu sword guest was straightforward and forthright, settling grievances with pleasure.

Liu Laocheng also felt that this private residence, which he had acquired for very little money, was truly graced by distinguished guests today.

Could it be that it was indeed a geomantically auspicious place suitable for staying multiple times? Before leaving the capital, should he invite that friend over for a drink to express his gratitude?

In this courtyard, Liang Shuang had the highest Dao power and the keenest eyesight. The old True Person squinted and stroked his beard, looking up at the sky. What a sight, a divine being three feet above one’s head.

In the clear, glass-like blue sky, a hidden presence detected the old Daoist’s prying eyes. Immediately, a pair of vertical golden pupils slowly rotated, meeting his gaze.

The owner of these clear eyes was Song Yunjian, with the Daoist name Ying Ning, from the State Preceptor’s Residence, responsible for monitoring the movements of great cultivators within the capital. Song Yunjian’s very existence was a reminder.

Liang Shuang smiled and said, “Fellow Daoist, can you pass a message to Chen Pingan?”

Song Yunjian nodded, “Of course.”

Liang Shuang’s cross-continental travel in Baopingzhou required him to report to the Middle Earth Confucian Temple. However, unlike in the past, where approval was almost never given, it was now given if possible.

The reason for this situation was, of course, mainly due to the different circumstances in the world today. Furthermore, it was also related to who was in charge of affairs at the Confucian Temple. The old scholar was indeed tactful and very accommodating.

Moreover, Baopingzhou was an exception. In addition to the Confucian Temple’s approval, Liang Shuang also had to notify the Imitation White Jade Capital. The old True Person was like this, and Liu Tui had been the same before.

Liang Shuang’s visit to the Grand Liquan capital this time also carried a message. It turned out that the old scholar at the Imitation White Jade Capital felt that Ascension Realm cultivators passing through only needed to report to the State Preceptor’s Residence in the future.

Upon hearing this, Song Yunjian said, “I will relay Old True Person’s words to the State Preceptor, but the conclusion of this matter still needs to be decided by the State Preceptor himself. May I ask if Old True Person will wait in the capital for news, or should the State Preceptor communicate with the Imitation White Jade Capital himself?”

Liang Shuang smiled, “As an outsider in Baopingzhou, this humble Daoist will not continue to be a messenger. What kind of system would that be?”

This Daoist friend Ying Ning, whose identity was mysterious, was still polite in his speech. This was remarkably similar to the current Confucian Temple.

After coming out of seclusion this time, Liang Shuang had also discussed this matter with one or two friends, who all said that when the current Confucian Temple discussed matters with them, whether in person or by letter, they were always considerate and their language was extremely appropriate. One of them even frankly said that he was flattered.

If it were said that the situation compelled them and they needed help, did the Confucian Temple have to bow its head? Not so. In fact, the current Middle Earth Confucian Temple was the most powerful it had been in ten thousand years. Many arrangements, upon careful consideration, could not be said to be anything but forceful, but the overall impression of the Confucian Temple by great cultivators was actually better than before. The clarity of boundaries, the clear division of labor, the distinct rewards and punishments, the forceful implementation of strategies combined with gentle treatment of others… all of this was a refreshing change for the great cultivators on the peaks of the continents.

Gao Mian suddenly said, “I am already a废人 (cripple). Even if I wanted to do something, I am powerless. You, on the other hand, are different. After sending off your disciple and returning to Jinjiazhou, why not reveal your sect entirely and offer it up with both hands? Consider it marrying into a good family. I’m not saying you’re climbing high, but if you can truly become a subordinate sect of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, it’s certainly not an insult. You are the founding patriarch, and the two subsequent sect masters are your direct and indirect disciples. This small matter should be easy to handle, right?”

Daoist Chou Chun said in surprise, “Generosity with others’ possessions, and you can say it so boldly and heroically?”

Liu Laocheng was surprised. Such a grand gesture? Hearing Gao Mian’s tone, this Daoist Chou Chun actually had the foundation of a sect in Jinjiazhou? Like that old sword immortal Qi, was he also going to give away a sect as a gift? He truly deserved to be a native sword cultivator of Sword Qi Great Wall. When wielding his sword to kill demons, he was decisive, and his way of dealing with people was also like this… generous? Liu Laocheng’s thoughts raced, and he began to consider the immortal abodes with the title of sect in Jinjiazhou.

Gao Mian glared, “You won’t listen when I talk to you properly. Do I have to curse you before you nod?”

After all, it was about finalizing the ownership of a sect and the “migration” of over a hundred disciples and grand-disciples. Daoist Chou Chun seemed to be finding it difficult to make a decision for a moment and remained silent.

Gao Mian said, “Even if you are willing to give it, you also have to see if others are willing to accept it.”

Daoist Chou Chun nodded. The words were crude but the reasoning was sound.

Gao Mian reached out and said, “Give it to me!”

Helian Baozhu was completely confused.

Daoist Chou Chun took out the two talismans while complaining, “They haven’t even had time to warm up.”

Gao Mian got his hands on the talismans and grumbled, “Damn it, this is what I call generosity with others’ possessions!”

Liang Shuang clicked his tongue in wonder. He was truly broadening his horizons.

The old True Person couldn’t help but recall an ancient poem, “A single leaf falls in Huainan, startling the autumn in Dongting.” Knowing autumn in the world from the falling of a single leaf, one could imagine the local customs and conditions of Sword Qi Great Wall.

Earlier, Liang Shuang had actually sat for a while in the Imitation White Jade Capital and had a brief chat with the old scholar. They had talked about the young accountant who had stopped at Shujian Lake back then. The old scholar said that Chen Pingan’s skin back then was not as thin as a cicada’s wing, but it was far from the thick, city wall-like state it was today. So he mentioned one thing: did Chen Pingan bring the local customs of his hometown to Sword Qi Great Wall, or did he adapt to the local customs there?

Gao Mian glanced at Daoist Chou Chun. Daoist Chou Chun said, “I will definitely visit before I leave the capital.”

Gao Mian nodded and reminded him, “Pay attention to your tone of voice.”

Daoist Chou Chun gave a thumbs-up, “Your words are the most convincing.”

Gao Mian just smiled.

Since the young Hidden Official had gone to Cun Zhuang Du, it was like breaking through the window paper, implying that no one needed to pretend to be foolish. Daoist Chou Chun’s decision to choose this moment to visit Gao Mian and reminisce was in itself a declaration of his stance. Even if Chen Pingan didn’t go to Cun Zhuang Du to find Gao Mian, if he happened to meet Daoist Chou Chun at the dilapidated temple, it was believed that this founding patriarch of the sect in Jinjiazhou would also find an opportunity to meet Chen Pingan and, biting the bullet, have an open and honest conversation with him.

Gao Mian didn’t keep the talismans warm either and threw them back to Daoist Chou Chun. He paused and said slowly, “You still have to see him once anyway. Remember to give these to Chen Pingan for me and tell him it’s my personal gift, not related to the sect.”

Daoist Chou Chun chuckled angrily, “Isn’t that like taking off your pants to fart!”

This time, it was Gao Mian who remained silent. Daoist Chou Chun was not as unrestrained in his speech as Gao Mian, and he couldn’t bear to expose his friend’s thoughts.

Daoist Chou Chun only tentatively said, “Let’s meet him together.”

Gao Mian shook his head.

Daoist Chou Chun didn’t insist and sighed heavily, “Alright then.”

Their hometown was Baopingzhou, and the last Hidden Official was known throughout the world in their hometown.

It was no wonder that cultivators from other continents would joke that the flowers blooming inside the wall were more fragrant outside. As for Baopingzhou, they spared no effort in making fun of their own people, saying that Sword Qi Great Wall should really thank Ruan Qiong. If it weren’t for the loophole in the blacksmith shop in Lizhu Cave Heaven back then, how could Sword Qi Great Wall have picked up this bargain?

“My lord comes from my hometown.”

Yet, they didn’t dare to meet him often or talk much.

Gao Mian and Daoist Chou Chun, their names were aliases, and their Daoist names were self-proclaimed.

Before, they were very afraid that the young man who was destined not to become the last Hidden Official without achieving merit would pressure them with righteousness and demand that they do something.

But they regretted even more that the young man did not do so.

Do not look at how polite, how he drank wine and talked with a smile when the young man met them before.

In the final analysis, that was politeness.

Are you worthy of the Hidden Official of Sword Qi Great Wall talking about righteousness with you?

Perhaps, perhaps they misunderstood, and the young man didn’t think that way. He just wanted to reminisce with the old people who had come out of Sword Qi Great Wall, perhaps.

In their hometown, many seniors and juniors were like wild grass on the荒原 (wasteland), their lives and deaths consumed by the most fervent flame.

And they were like flowers in a flowerbed, year after year, whether in freezing cold or warm spring and cool autumn, with no swords threatening them and no frequent farewells. Their honor and disgrace were all in a peaceful world.

Outsiders could never understand or experience the feelings they had when talking face to face with the young Hidden Official.

Just as Daoist Chou Chun and Gao Mian couldn’t help but look at the young man’s “back.” There, it seemed as if many old acquaintances they had once known so well were standing. They might be laughing and talking, joking and scolding each other, or they might be the backs walking side by side towards a battlefield from which they would never return. What they feared most were those who were born on this side of the city wall as pure sword cultivators and died on that side, looking back with a smile and seemingly asking, “Who are you? Are you sword cultivators?”