Chen Ping’an pressed his finger against the desk and softly murmured a single word, “Refine.”

A golden speck appeared at the point of contact between his fingertip and the desk. In an instant, the speck transformed into tens of thousands of fine threads, like golden serpents simultaneously turning into dragons, spreading out explosively, covering every object in the National Teacher’s Mansion: the topographic map, the walls, the chairs, the floor tiles, the beams of the corridors, the green glazed tiles, the ridge beasts, the hanging fish and grass, all the files and books… Except for a handful like Xiao Mo, Xie Gou, and Song Yunjian, none noticed this phenomenon. The scribes continued writing with their brushes, the golden light still dappled the ground like water through the tree branches, and Lin Shouyi was still discussing the approach to historical research with Cao Qinglang. A hazy dust instantly rose around the National Teacher’s Mansion, composed of tiny living things almost invisible to the naked eye. The anomaly vanished in the blink of an eye.

Over at the Flower Goddess Temple, Liu Tui said he wanted to personally see off Liu Laocheng. Did Liu Laocheng not want to ascend? Then, by the same logic, did he not want Liu Tui to scram and leave him in peace?

Jiang Shangzhen chuckled, “Many friendships are forged through conflict.”

Cui Dongshan said slyly, “Beat them until their brains are mush and drink it like wine.”

Liu Tui smiled calmly, “When I was young, I made a rule for myself. Across the Nine Continents of Haoran, in every continent, I will get to know one or two local bigwigs in the future. Now I only lack Bottle Province and Tung Leaf Province.”

Liu Laocheng said, “I’m not a big shot in Bottle Province.”

Jiang Shangzhen let out a soft “Eh,” and Cui Dongshan jumped sideways, pointing at Liu Laocheng with wide eyes, “Accomplishment and pure scholarship have always been rare together, but my teacher possesses both. Great learning and great wealth have always been rare together, but my teacher possesses both. Sword Immortal and Grandmaster have always been rare together, but my teacher possesses both. Look, my teacher is so formidable, yet he suffered the most in Shujian Lake. Why do you underestimate yourself, Island Master Liu? If you look down on yourself, you look down on my teacher. If you look down on my teacher, you look down on me, Cui Dongshan. If you look down on me, you look down on my close friend, the merciless Grandmaster Jiang…”

Liu Laocheng felt a headache coming on.

Jiang Shangzhen smiled slightly, “It’s alright if you look down on me, I’m used to it.”

Liu Tui said, “Let’s go. If we keep talking, Mr. Chen will truly become intent on killing.”

Having a sharp weapon breeds the intent to kill. Does this only apply to those who suddenly gain power and wealth?

Liu Laocheng nodded and no longer entangled himself with the white-clothed youth.

There was an immortal ferry in the capital, called Gaosu Ferry.

Within the capital, only a Yang God outer body “entertained guests.” After leaving the capital, Liu Tui’s true body had been waiting for a long time. He immediately absorbed his Yang and Yin Gods. In an instant, Liu Laocheng felt that the Liu Tui before him was probably the true Dao Master of Fuyao Continent. He could have hidden in Tianyao Village and not shown his face, thus escaping the continent-wide calamity of swords and blades, but he chose to venture out. The result was a drop in realm.

Walking together at the ferry, there were several miles of immortal shops, as well as ubiquitous peddlers. Real goods and fakes depended entirely on one’s discerning eye.

Liu Laocheng said, “Grandmaster Jiang told me the conditions, and I have no problem with them. In the future, as long as I encounter Liu Tui on the road, Liu Laocheng will definitely take a detour.”

Unexpectedly, Liu Tui said, “No need.”

Liu Laocheng’s heart instantly tensed up. Damn you, Liu Tui, are you going back on your word?! Rogue cultivators are wary of other rogue cultivators, but rogue cultivators truly hate the bone-deep registered cultivators.

Liu Tui said, “No need to deliberately show weakness and try to make me lower my guard. However I see the Ascended realm Liu Tui, that’s how I see the Immortal realm Liu Laocheng. I won’t treat you any differently just because I’m one realm higher than you. In fact, because I couldn’t rectify you on the spot in the capital region, I’ve already sent flying sword messages to Tianyao Village, summoning two rather reclusive Upper Five Realms, one Law Master Ancestor, whom I should call Little Uncle, and one Jade Pure realm sword cultivator, who is my direct disciple and has inherited seventy to eighty percent of my true teachings. I’ve sent them separately to Shujian Lake and Fengwei Alley, seeking opportunities to strike in the dark, preferably to find your nascent lamp directly.”

Liu Laocheng was silent.

Liu Tui said, “You might not know my reputation in Fuyao Continent when I was young. It was no less than Liu Laocheng of Shujian Lake. Back then, I was known as the ‘Nightmare of Rogue Cultivators.’ For example, on one descent from the mountain, for three hundred years, I specialized in dealing with those who didn’t know their place. Of course, this was a win-win situation; I had already secretly discussed it with Yu Jin and that female National Teacher. As for the likes of Huang Huashen now, they’re just lucky to have been born three thousand years later. If they had met me on the road earlier, hehe.”

Liu Laocheng glanced at the youthful face of Liu Tui, looking at him with new respect. So he was indeed a fellow traveler.

Liu Laocheng said, “There’s a sword cultivator in our Bottle Province named Li Tuojing. He always felt that the roles of registered cultivators and mountain rogue cultivators should be reversed.”

Liu Tui nodded, “Profound insight.”

Passing a peddler’s stall, the vendor picked up a celadon brush washer-like spiritual artifact and shouted, “Elder, buy a magic treasure that can increase literary luck for your grandson! It’s definitely a bargain, you’ll definitely make a profit! Our Grand Xia capital’s metropolitan examination is coming soon. If this handsome young man truly passes, how about coming back here to give me some tip?”

Liu Laocheng’s face was dark. Was his luck truly bad this year, encountering bad omens everywhere? Liu Laocheng was suddenly startled and only then remembered that Liu Tui was a figure of Tianhuangjie in Fuyao Continent.

Liu Tui was unmoved, merely waving his hand and saying in fluent Grand Xia official language, “My grandpa is an old pauper. He has no money in his pocket to be deceived by you.”

The vendor persuaded, “A thousand pieces of gold cannot buy the fate of meeting. How can the price not be negotiable?”

Liu Tui lowered his head and scanned the pile of bottles and jars, and talismans on the stall… Damn it, there’s even a Heavenly Master Sword from Longhu Mountain, right? Why don’t you set up your stall right in front of the Heavenly Master Mansion?

Liu Tui didn’t move, so Liu Laocheng had no choice but to stand there like a fixture.

Liu Tui said telepathically, “Don’t think I can’t kill you. There’s only a Yang God at the private residence, and I’m in the capital, so my Dao power is indeed insufficient and I’m constrained, unable to kill you. But outside in the capital region, I can recall my out-of-body Yin God at any time. Killing you will take some effort and significant loss of Dao cultivation, but it absolutely won’t allow you to escape, especially not allowing you to run towards the National Teacher’s Mansion. You have a few impressive trump cards, and so do I. On one hand, I’m reluctant to use them on you. On the other hand, I think very highly of you, extremely highly, which is why I went along with the flow and let you escape into the capital. As for how much of what I, Liu Tui, said is true and how much is false, you can guess as you please.”

Liu Laocheng said, “Did senior have the intention of recruiting me?”

Liu Laocheng shook his head to himself, “But honestly, I don’t think there’s anything in Tianyao Village worth my interest. Liu Tui can’t possibly let me take over as Sect Master, and Tianyao Village also has no Daoist scriptures or treasures that I would covet.”

Liu Tui said, “Don’t speak too definitively. The dangers, strangeness, deviousness, and wonders of this world might exceed your imagination.”

“For example, now our Tianyao Village can finally incorporate the entire Falling Treasure Shoal into its domain. Hidden within are many treasures that we previously didn’t dare to touch, nor dared to let outsiders touch, but now we can excavate them openly and grandly. Also, on Liuxia Continent, I still have a private Daoist site, the White Porcelain Cave Heaven, which contains spiritual energy, heavenly materials, and earthly treasures. I consumed half of them during my closed-door cultivation for healing, but it is still enough to support an Immortal’s ascension, stabilize their realm, and advance their Dao power. Of course, the premise is that this person can ascend.”

Liu Tui said calmly, “I have a connection with Bottle Province. And you may not be without a connection to the White Porcelain Cave Heaven.”

That White Porcelain Cave Heaven was originally Liu Tui’s intended place for achieving Dao harmony.

Liu Laocheng asked, “Does senior mean that you are willing to offer the inner contents of a White Porcelain Cave Heaven in exchange for the face of an Ascended realm?”

Liu Tui said, “The old saying ‘ten gambles, nine losses’ is true, so people like me don’t gamble easily. But once I’m at the gambling table, I definitely demand a big win. Liu Laocheng and I, besides both coincidentally surnamed Liu, have one crucial point in common: we are both people with good luck. What I’m betting on is not just the cornered Immortal realm Liu Laocheng, but also the destiny of the first Upper Five Realms rogue cultivator in Bottle Province.”

Liu Tui sighed. When he successfully ascended that year, helping the entire Fuyao Continent break new ground, how ambitious he was, feeling that achieving Dao harmony, which others yearned for but couldn’t attain, was within his easy grasp.

However, when he reached the peak of the Ascended realm, he realized that the ethereal matter of achieving Dao harmony was truly like trying to scoop the moon from the water with a bamboo basket, the most tormenting to the Dao heart and depleting to one’s will.

Liu Tui said, “You don’t have to rush to give me an answer. But before Mr. Chen returns to Shujian Lake and returns that winter carp of Liu Laocheng from Gongliu Island, you’d best have made the correct decision.”

“Both of us are inherently cold and ruthless people. It’s difficult to walk to the end with those who are cold on the outside but warm on the inside.”

“If you make a decision, immediately abandon your registered identity and enter Liuxia Continent as a rogue cultivator. Try to force your way into a temporarily unowned White Porcelain Cave Heaven, claim it for yourself, and attempt to ascend! And don’t act smug after getting a good deal, wanting both the inner contents and the face. I want it all.”

Liu Tui had a premonition that the true era of great struggle had not ended with the retreat of the Savage Tribe’s demons from Haoran. Wrong, completely wrong. The show had just begun!

Hearing this, Liu Laocheng nodded, “I am sincerely convinced and will call you senior.”

Liu Tui sneered, “When I rose from a failed scholar to become the top figure in both the black and white worlds of Fuyao Continent, you weren’t even born yet.”

Liu Laocheng finally asked a question that had perplexed him, “You are clearly not on the same path as him, so why are you eager to approach him?”

“It’s better that you don’t know the specific reason.”

Liu Tui rubbed his temples, feeling incredibly helpless, “What can I do? I can’t go around him, I can’t be more ruthless than him, and I’m also not as smart as him.”

Liu Laocheng didn’t speak. He couldn’t help but recall the young man with a withered expression sitting in the boat that year, his face covered in tears, repeatedly murmuring, how could he bear to.

Liu Tui was absolutely certain that there was a type of person in the world who had a tough fate, good memory, adaptability, and astonishing resilience. They could learn from others and from all things in heaven and earth, and once their luck rose, they were destined to be unstoppable.

Living blade, killing sword, Bodhisattva heart, thunderous methods.

Once such a person decides to kill you, unless your realm is much higher than theirs, you will surely die.

Liu Tui spotted a purple clay teapot used for arranging flowers. He squatted beside the stall covered with cotton cloth and directly picked it up from a pile of “treasures of the town.” “Grandpa, don’t just stand there, hurry up and pay. The Grand Xia Dynasty is a place with law. We grandparents and grandson can’t return to our old ways, robbing and killing people on the roads anytime.”

Liu Laocheng asked the vendor for the price. The vendor quoted sixteen snowflake coins. Liu Laocheng suddenly glared at him, “Do you know who I am? How dare you slaughter my pig? Are you tired of living?”

The vendor was startled. It had nothing to do with the content, it was just that loud voice, like a pig being dragged onto the chopping block. He asked impatiently, “Who are you?”

“I am the Sect Master of Zhenjing Sect, Immortal realm Liu Laocheng!”

“Liu Laocheng, right? I know, the Lord of Shujian Lake. How about you tell me who your father is and who your master is as well? I’ll lay my words here today, even if they all come, the price is still this!”

Liu Laocheng looked at Liu Tui and laughed heartily, “See, registered cultivators are indeed meaningless.”

Liu Tui smiled. This rogue cultivator Liu Laocheng was quite interesting.

Bottle Province was no longer suitable for Liu Laocheng. Fuyao Continent or Liuxia Continent were still very suitable.

Liu Tui gave the vendor a thumbs-up and then threw a small summer coin over, “Pack it up.”

The vendor hesitated for a moment, first making sure the small summer coin was genuine, then took out a handful of snowflake coins from his sleeve, placed them on the cotton cloth, got up quickly, walked away quickly, and turned back to say, “Fellow Daoist, consider it making a friend.”

Liu Tui smiled and nodded, “If Fellow Daoist is bolder and dares to seek wealth in danger, go immediately to the vicinity of the Green Profound Cave in Yuanrou Inn in the capital region and try your luck. Maybe you can find someone named Wujiu, whose Daoist name is Huang Huashen. He has a woman with him. Just say I sent you to find him and ask him to show you the scenery halfway up the mountain.”

The peddler stopped and asked confusedly, “Fellow Daoist, you are?”

Liu Tui patted his cheek, “I’ve described my appearance to him. He naturally knows the importance and will not dare to slight Fellow Daoist.”

That cultivator nodded. Where was he going to find some Green Profound Cave in Yuanrou Inn in the capital region? Without a word, he went straight to the Grand Xia capital, determined never to leave the capital in the near future. The honey traps these days were really willing to spend a lot of money, a small summer coin! The cultivator felt a little regretful. If there were also beauty traps, it would be even better.

Liu Laocheng said, “This deal is done! I’ll also take a gamble, betting on Liu Tui’s rising fortune in Fuyao Continent!”

Liu Tui raised his palm, “No need to make poisonous vows with secret methods. You and I will make a vow with a palm strike.”

Liu Laocheng struck his palm heavily against his.

That peddler slowed down as he approached the capital gate. The young cultivator took out the genuine small summer coin from his sleeve, flicked it lightly with his thumb, caught it with his palms together, and then opened them to look. He gritted his teeth and changed his mind. Should he go to Yuanrou Inn to find the Green Profound Cave and try his luck?

Du Yu and Rong Chang and the others had all sobered up and left the National Teacher’s Mansion. Chen Li said he wanted to go see Luopo Mountain.

Sui Jingcheng seemed to be chatting animatedly with the cook Yu Qing. Gao Youqing received repeated instructions from his senior brother that no one should take seriously the drunken words at the wine table.

The Flower Goddess Temple became more lively. Over a hundred Flower Goddesses descended in true form, arriving one after another. They concealed their Qi mechanisms and their true appearances, and together they went to the entrance of the Fire God Temple. The temple attendant, an old woman, led the way. They sincerely apologized to the Feng Aunt. Under the lush green grape trellis, Feng Aunt did not make things difficult for them. Not only did she accept their apologies, but she also invited Cui Jian to come over for drinks and talked about some secret mountain stories from Middle Earth Divine Continent.

Luo Fumeng, the Destiny Master of the Plum Blossom, used a technique similar to “doing a Daoist ritual in a conch shell” to create a secret realm similar to a Cave Heaven or Blessed Land, serving as the temporary ancestral hall of the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land.

They seemed to be more practical than Chen Ping’an had imagined. Gathering together, they prioritized those few matters according to urgency, and even broke them down into dozens of steps, all recorded in the ledger. At the same time, they allowed all the Flower Goddesses to offer suggestions and speak freely in the near future, making it convenient to identify and address shortcomings at any time. Qi Fang planned to ask the “Fortunate General” Wu Cai to make another trip to the National Teacher’s Mansion, while she would immediately begin collecting and organizing various local gazettes from the more than a hundred states and thirty-two vassal states of the Grand Xia Dynasty. In addition, they needed to request an official topographic map of Grand Xia from the National Teacher’s Mansion, as such items were taboo to possess privately, even for immortals.

Perhaps it was the young National Teacher’s mention of “New Year” that left a deep impression on Qi Fang, so much so that she had to specifically instruct them not to regard the Grand Xia Dynasty as a mere dynasty in Middle Earth Divine Continent. Their past experiences in interacting with dynasty courts, officials, generals, and ministers were to be disregarded!

Seeing Wu Cai’s cheerful demeanor, yet her reluctance to move, Qi Fang asked in confusion, “What’s wrong, anything else?”

Wu Cai said hesitantly, “Flower Master, I think, you always need a spatial artifact to hold so many books.”

Qi Fang couldn’t help but laugh and cry. With you being so biased, wouldn’t we have to give away seven or eight spatial artifacts?

It wasn’t that she was stingy with a few spatial artifacts; Hundred Flowers Blessed Land still had some reserves. It was just that business wasn’t done this way.

The other Destiny Master Flower Goddesses besides Luo Fumeng also rubbed their eyebrows and exchanged glances. What, this National Teacher Chen, wants fame, power, Wen Miao merit, and even treasures?

Seeing that they had misunderstood, Wu Cai quickly explained, “Sword Immortal Chen is not someone who covets treasures and money. I myself wanted to borrow a spatial artifact from the ancestral hall to give to a new friend I met at the National Teacher’s Mansion. Her name is Gouzi. She said she’s a minor official there, similar to a clerk. She’s a small official now, but there’s no stopping her from rapidly rising through the ranks in the future. Anyway, we hit it off very well, and it has nothing to do with whether her official rank is high or low.”

A Flower Goddess couldn’t help but ask curiously, “What’s her name?”

They had missed that celebration and now didn’t dare to inquire about information casually. Moreover, just from the name “Gouzi,” they really couldn’t imagine what kind of divine being it was, who was so… open-minded?

Wu Cai said, “Gouzi.”

Qi Fang didn’t want the Flower Goddesses to keep asking questions, lest it backfire and make Wu Cai overthink. Qi Fang smiled and nodded, “Okay, go to the treasury and pick a spatial artifact.”

Wu Cai ran another trip down the thousand-step corridor, where all the outgoing officials were in a hurry. After entering the National Teacher’s Mansion, she deliberately slowed down, looking around.

The elusive marten-capped young girl stood behind her, patted Wu Cai’s shoulder, and let out a startled sound, which scared Wu Cai. She glared and said, “Gouzi, people scaring people will scare them to death.”

Xie Gou put her hands on her hips and said righteously, “We’re not people either.”

Wu Cai thought for a moment and then burst into laughter.

In the official hall, after hearing Wu Cai’s report, Chen Ping’an nodded and smiled, “Quite methodical, rare. Not bad, not bad, a good start.”

Chen Ping’an thought for a moment and said to Rong Yu, “Go borrow an official from the Honglu Temple, Xun Qu. Let him be responsible for the specific matters of liaison with the Flower Goddess Temple in the near future. Find a desk for him in Yu Shiwu’s official hall. Also give Xun Qu a National Teacher’s Mansion jade tablet to facilitate his entry and exit from various yamen offices at any time. The local gazettes needed by the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land will be handled by Xun Qu.”

Rong Yu took the order and left.

Xie Gou volunteered to take Wu Cai to Yu Shiwu’s official hall to wait for Xun Qu.

Walking towards the second courtyard together, Xie Gou said, “Sister Wu Cai, if I travel to the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land in the future, remember to cover for me.”

Wu Cai was in high spirits, full of confidence, tilted her head, and gave a thumbs-up. The marten-capped girl immediately followed suit, saying in unison, “Terrific!”

Xie Gou put her hand over her mouth and said, “Although I have an official position, I’m actually involved in the martial world, used to fighting and killing. In this area of the capital, my words are very effective.”

Wu Cai asked confusedly, “Does Gouzi also have a No Incident token?”

The young Flower Goddess had heard that in Bottle Province, possessing a No Incident token issued by the Grand Xia Ministry of Justice was more than just a protective talisman; it was practically a death-exempting golden token.

Xie Gou lifted her sleeve and bluffed, “One? You’re underestimating me. I have several.”

Wu Cai was shocked, “That awesome?”

Xie Gou nodded with a straight face and put a finger to her lips, “Keep it a secret.”

Wu Cai stroked Gouzi’s marten cap and praised, “Keeping a low profile, aren’t you?”

Xie Gou crossed her arms over her chest and swayed her shoulders back and forth, extremely proud.

Xiao Mo watched the two “same-aged” girls walking side by side, whispering to each other. He felt helpless.

Under the peach tree, Song Yunjian smiled, “For Senior Bai Jing, the luck-laden Liu Laocheng is a delicious meal.”

Xiao Mo stood at the door of the ear room and smiled, “You are even more so.”

Song Yunjian said, “I’m very curious what the world looks like through the eyes of a Fourteenth Realm.”

Xiao Mo said, “You’ll know when you get there.”

Song Yunjian smiled and asked, “Mr. Xiao Mo seems to have an opinion of me?”

Xiao Mo said directly, “A little.”

Song Yunjian was puzzled and asked, “Why?”

Xiao Mo said, “No reason.”

Song Yunjian was speechless, his face full of worry, “My heart is restless.”

Xiao Mo held his bamboo staff, his posture relaxed. Reaching the Fourteenth Realm felt like shedding a heavy burden, truly liberating. Before the Fourteenth Realm, cultivation was like fine brushwork; after the Fourteenth Realm, it was like freehand style.

Song Yunjian recalled a small matter and said, “The Flower Goddess Temple attendant, Ye Man, that former loose-robed young woman, she clearly recognized the National Teacher’s identity at that time, so why did she pretend to have mistaken him for someone else?”

Xiao Mo said, “Meeting and parting like floating duckweed, accidentally reuniting. Since they didn’t know what to talk about, it’s better to pretend not to recognize each other when they meet.”

Song Yunjian nodded and said, “Wonderful.”

This androgynous golden-crowned Daoist reached out and stroked the peach blossoms on the low branches, saying softly, “I saw a few aphorisms in a book that said that overwhelming wealth and great fame that come from virtue are like flowers in a mountain forest, naturally growing and flourishing leisurely. Those that come from achievements are like flowers in a garden, brilliant for a time, but eventually facing the worries of migration, prosperity, and decline. If one relies solely on brute force and plunder, it is like flowers in a vase, whose roots are not planted, and their wilting and withering are imminent.”

Song Yunjian’s Dao foundation determined that he was in a self-imposed predicament, a destiny beyond his control. This Grand Xia capital was both his Dao field and his cage.

Noticing Song Yunjian’s absentmindedness, Xiao Mo inexplicably thought of the ten-thousand-year-old phoenix tree on Tung Leaf Continent.

There always seemed to be a layer of melancholy on them, like smoke shrouding a cold river, their Dao hearts covered in dust, their will depressed.

Xiao Mo listened to the chirping under the pine trees in the second courtyard. She wouldn’t be like that. She was like a bright sun walking in the human world, always holding her head high, looking into the distance.

Xie Gou’s “future” was as near as tomorrow. Song Yunjian and the others’ future was so far away that it seemed they themselves didn’t believe that tomorrow would be any different from today.

Song Yunjian collected his scattered thoughts and said sheepishly, “I’ve made Mr. Xiao Mo laugh.”

Xiao Mo shook his head, “In the past, I would have thought you were all coincidentally lucky enough to cultivate waste. Now I can sympathize a little.”

Song Yunjian turned his head to look at the official hall. The prime minister sat majestically in the temple, contemplating gains and losses.

A great Daoist scripture says, “In the three months of spring, this is called emergence. Heaven and earth are born together, and all things flourish. Sleep at night and rise early, walk widely in the courtyard, let your hair down and relax your body, so that your ambition may arise.”

What a good “emergence”!

The Honglu Temple, located to the right of Nanxun Square, was next door to the Ministry of Works yamen where Guan Yiran was located.

The young official temporarily transferred from the Honglu Temple to the National Teacher’s Mansion was worthy of the praise of being handsome and elegant.

Xun Qu was in the same imperial examination year as Cao Qinglang, but his scholarly rank was much lower, a jinshi from the second class ranked far behind. Xun Qu’s current official position was Honglu Temple Xu Ban (序班).

In the Grand Xia capital, where officials were as numerous as cattle, he was a minor official in a minor yamen.

When Cao Qinglang went to the capital for the examination that year, he and Xun Qu stayed together in a temple in the capital. The two of them, of the same age, were kindred spirits who shared similar interests.

Therefore, when Chen Ping’an went to the capital last time, the court had intended to arrange for Xun Qu to accompany “Mountain Lord Chen” on a tour of the capital.

Chen Ping’an left the study and came to a room in the second courtyard. He stepped over the threshold and walked directly to Yu Shiwu’s desk, casually opening a ledger.

Yu Shiwu smiled, “You’re an expert, see if there are any errors.”

Since meeting Jiang Sha last time, which could be considered a blessing in disguise and brought about a stroke of good fortune, Yu Shiwu’s Dao body was now becoming pure and free of impurities, and his Dao heart was like shedding a heavy burden, completely free of any lingering attachments.

Xu Jiaoqie asked if the Hidden Official needed tea. Xiao Xing immediately sneered, “Why not just help warm the bed?” Xu Jiaoqie glared at her and cursed, “Wicked slave, don’t be so arrogant.”

The sword cultivator Dou Kou and Xian Zao both smiled charmingly. Yu Shiwu sighed in his heart, “It’s hard to take anything seriously when it’s a mix of truth and falsehood.”

At the door, Xun Qu bowed and said, “Xun Qu, Xu Ban of the Honglu Temple, pays his respects to the National Teacher.”

On the way here, Rong Yu had already explained the situation to Xun Qu. Although Xun Qu was a little confused, since it was a decision personally made by the National Teacher, he would follow the rules and do his job well.

He remembered that when they met last time, Mr. Chen had even joked with him, saying that having no money was a good thing, as literature is often produced by those who are not prosperous. If he could write brilliant essays and also become a high official, then when he came to the capital again in the future, he would have someone to rely on in the official circles…

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Xu Ban Xun, don’t rush to handle official duties. I’ll take you to meet Wu Cai, the Balsam Flower Goddess of Hundred Flowers Blessed Land, and then catch up with Cao Qinglang.”

Xie Gou’s eyes widened. She glanced at the Mountain Lord. Did he really want to recruit this kind of “person” to work in the National Teacher’s Mansion? Wasn’t he afraid that inviting a god was easy, but sending them away was difficult? But fortunately, the God of Poverty was not as bad as the God of Plague. The former was, after all, a benevolent deity.

Xun Qu came from a humble background. In addition to his official position in the capital, he was also a cultivator. His master was precisely the Langzhong of the Sacrifice Department in the Ministry of Rites, known as the “Little Heavenly Official.” Furthermore, Xun Qu had an even more important identity: he was one of the reincarnated deities, and the “God of Sending Poverty” in local folklore referred to him.

Chen Ping’an dismissed it with a smile. What was there to fear with his salary?

Sitting together at the stone table, Xun Qu carefully listened to Wu Cai’s account and nodded slightly, having a general idea. He looked up and saw his friend Cao Qinglang standing beside him with a smile. Wu Cai secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The inspiration in her head was used up for today. If she talked any longer, she would reveal her true form and let others know she was a fool. She gave Gouzi a look, and the marten-capped girl immediately pulled Wu Cai away from the stone table. Xie Gou now also had an ear room, neatly arranged and full of rare and valuable books, the scent of books filling the room. Wu Cai was amazed, “Gouzi, you’re incredible, you even have your own space in the National Teacher’s Mansion!” Xie Gou put her hands on her hips, looking smug and showing off her knowledge, shaking her head and reciting a passage from “An Epigraph in Praise of My Humble Abode.”

Instigated by Chen Ping’an, Cao Qinglang played a game of chess with Xun Qu.

During the game, the teacher wanted to point out a move or two, but the student silently used his hand to block him.

As the leisurely game reached the middle stage, Chen Ping’an still wanted to help his student make a brilliant move, but Cao Qinglang had to signal with his eyes, “Teacher, please don’t be a hindrance.”

Chen Ping’an had no choice but to leave with his hands in his sleeves. Soon, a white-clothed youth slid down a pine tree with his arms around it, glanced at the chessboard, his face full of amazement, and clapped his hands in applause. He said strange things there, “Wow, in ancient times there was the ‘Cloud Pattern Game,’ and now there is the ‘Pine Waves Game,’ worthy of being a grand event in the world of Go, a magnificent feat in the chess circle…” Xun Qu was confused, and Cao Qinglang ignored him. As expected, the junior martial brother was soon grabbed by the collar by the teacher and dragged to the backyard.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Where is Deputy Mountain Lord Jiang?”

Cui Dongshan smiled slyly, “Teacher, Chief Zhou, he went to the lively Flower Goddess Temple to show off. He plans to sacrifice half of his life to be a lobbyist for a confidante and see if he can help her return to the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land. It’s that Madame Cao, who was heartbroken by a fickle lover.”

Chen Ping’an rubbed his eyebrows and asked, “What is he thinking? Does he really want to give the Cloud Cave Blessed Land, the ancestral property of the Jiang clan, to Wei Ying? Will he have the face to burn incense in the family ancestral hall in the future?”

Cui Dongshan said, “It’s not exactly a free gift. The Jiang descendants can still collect rent every year and enjoy the benefits while lying down. Chief Zhou said that while powerhouses like Liu Tui dare to gamble, he is the one who knows how to gamble.”

Waving to that Song Yunjian, the white-clothed youth slyly winked, “Should I call you Old Brother Song, or should I call you Sister Yunjian?”

Song Yunjian smiled faintly, “Then should I call you Sect Master Cui, or…”

Cui Dongshan stood on one leg and said sternly, “Bah! How dare you, an uncultured scholar, slander me! If you provoke this young master, I’ll slap you onto the wall, and you won’t be able to pry yourself off.”

Song Yunjian understood and laughed instead of getting angry, “Since Fellow Daoist Cui has invoked Patriarch Lü, I won’t engage in idle chatter with you.”

According to legend, Patriarch Lü Chunyang once left a poem on a wall, and one of the lines was, “Uncultured scholars are quick to chatter, yet they walk deep into the white clouds.”

The white-clothed youth hopped and jumped, swinging his arms and sleeves, occasionally poking the golden-crowned Daoist with his fist, “It’s best not to quarrel. Why not settle it with our hands.”

Song Yunjian glanced at Chen Ping’an. He really didn’t know how he had endured it all those years. Could he even tolerate this?

Chen Ping’an said, “Let’s go inside and talk about something serious.”

Cui Dongshan jumped backward and hooked his finger, continuing to provoke Song Yunjian.

Entering the room, Chen Ping’an cast a layer of restriction and asked, “Suppose, and I’m just saying suppose, Cui Chan left something for you, similar to Lu Jiang’s bracelet. Would you accept it?”

Cui Dongshan instantly lost his energy, remained silent for a long time, raised his head, and shook it.

The next Sect Master of Qingping Sword Sect would be Cao Qinglang. Then the next National Teacher of the Grand Xia Dynasty, if Cui Dongshan nodded now, would likely be… him, Cui Dongshan.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Have you thought it through?”

Cui Dongshan looked downcast and nodded.

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Teacher respects your choice. If you regret it someday, just tell me. In short, don’t have any burden.”

Cui Dongshan instantly became energetic, but then immediately felt guilty again. Anyway, he was quite emotional, rarely so happy yet not daring to be happy.

Chen Ping’an raised his hand, patted his shoulder, and smiled, “Others may not believe it, but you should. Teacher is always solid here.”

Cui Dongshan smiled brightly, “Why wouldn’t I believe it? I must believe it. I am Teacher’s proud student!”

Chen Ping’an tutted and smiled, “Indeed, I gave you two of my three strands of sword Qi.”

Cui Dongshan nodded vigorously like a chick pecking rice, “How can Cao Qinglang compare to me? He’s miles behind.”

Teacher and student, each pulled up a chair, leaned back lazily, stealing a moment of leisure, thinking of nothing, just looking out at the peach blossoms outside the house, smiling at the spring breeze and seeking sword guests.

After Hong Ji left the imperial study, he did not immediately go to the National Teacher’s Mansion to “seek a scolding.” Instead, he first went to the yamen office, sat quietly for a while, and during that time, Hong Ji flipped through some archives. He was already very familiar with the contents, but he still made extra note of some names and numbers. With the carriage already prepared, Hong Ji took a deep breath, got up and left the official hall, got into the carriage, and began to rest with his eyes closed.

The yamen office of the Commander of the City Patrol was not located on either side of the Thousand-Step Corridor but was situated in the northernmost part of the imperial city. It was a powerful yamen that was in charge of city defense, gate control, inspection, arrest, and many other matters in the capital. In short, the City Patrol could manage almost everything in the streets and alleys of the capital, including Yichi Lane and Chi’er Street. The capital’s citizens were also familiar with the City Patrol officials, so they were singled out by the common people and commonly referred to as the “North Yamen.”

Hong Ji’s current official rank was third rank from the bottom. With a low official rank, simple matters were likely to become complicated.

Hong Ji wore armor inside and brocade robes outside, and was permitted to carry a sword when attending the small court assembly. This was also the case in the court. This was no small honor and was more intimidating than a third-rank official position.

He was short and stocky, with dark skin, and came from the border army of Grand Xia. His ancestral home was the place where the Grand Xia Song clan originated.

Without being a true confidant of the emperor, a minister of real significance, one simply could not hold this position.

Cui Chan never interfered with the selection of the Commander of the City Patrol. Perhaps this was a necessary unspoken agreement.

But as His Majesty the Emperor said, whether it was Cui Chan or Chen Ping’an, it was simply too easy for them to replace a third-rank official in the capital.

This was the first time Hong Ji had visited the National Teacher’s Mansion. He was led through the gate by a young woman who introduced herself as Rong Yu. The first thing that caught his eye was a single-line dragon-patterned screen wall that was highly suggestive of overstepping the bounds of propriety. After passing this huge screen wall made of colored glazed bricks and tiles, there was a spacious courtyard paved with white marble. Currently, there were no officials here waiting to be summoned by the National Teacher. After this, it was the typical three-courtyard layout of a residence in the capital. Walking along a winding corridor with elegant window lattices, Hong Ji couldn’t help but take a few extra glances at Rong Yu walking in front. Naturally, Hong Ji was aware of her identity.

Standing at the foot of the steps outside the door, Rong Yu softly reported, “National Teacher, Hong Ji of the City Patrol has arrived.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “Bring him in.”

The young National Teacher sat behind the desk, currently writing annotations in a booklet. He looked up and said, “Sit.”

Hong Ji sat upright, his throat moved slightly, secretly clearing his throat, and said, “National Teacher, I’ve come to apologize to you…”

Chen Ping’an lowered his head and continued writing annotations, but interrupted the other’s words, saying in a flat tone, “Get to the point.”

Hong Ji straightened his back slightly and immediately quickened his speech, beginning to explain why such an oversight had occurred, allowing Liu Laocheng of Zhenjing Sect to enter the capital and come directly to the gate of the National Teacher’s Mansion. During this time, why the three great formations in the capital, including the City Patrol yamen and the Qintianjian, had failed to stop this Immortal realm.

Chen Ping’an nodded, seemingly with no intention of dwelling on this matter. He asked casually, “Regarding the sealing of the books on frontier studies and those that alluded to the Grand Xia court affairs in Jinyu Square, I heard there was considerable public debate at the time, mainly because the Guozijian and the Ministry of Rites held differing opinions. How was it finally resolved?”

Although Hong Ji found it strange that the National Teacher would ask about such trivial details, and the City Patrol was only responsible for preventing public disturbances in this matter, with the local county yamen and the Ministry of Rites’ Inspection Division being the actual authorities, Hong Ji still clearly explained the reasons and the final judgment. He dared not add fuel to the fire and casually report anyone, nor did he dare to be biased towards anyone or have the thought of selling a favor.

Chen Ping’an looked up, put down the booklet in his hand, and asked, “Hong Ji, if you were in charge, how would you handle it?”

Hong Ji’s mind raced, quickly formulating a draft, and cautiously choosing his words, he slowly said, “If I were in charge, I would still think that it could be managed more leniently. Just delete those twenty-three sections of text. There’s no need to pursue the faults of those two literati. Our Grand Xia should have the magnanimity of a first-class powerful nation in Haoran. It’s nothing for scholars to say a few words and vent some grievances.”

Chen Ping’an smiled without speaking.

Hong Ji bravely said, “Books can be managed leniently, but the bookshops of all sizes that sell books and the various academies where literati gather must be managed strictly.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Continue.”

Hong Ji felt a headache. Continue? National Teacher, he had nothing more to say.

Chen Ping’an said, “Being lenient on the outside and strict on the inside is correct, but also pay attention to propriety. The governing yamen must be strict, but also ensure that the bookshops and academies do not become overly cautious after being bitten once, leading to two extreme situations. One is that those works and literati have no place to stand. Bookshops, to avoid trouble, simply make a clean cut. Academies, to give an account to the officials, seemingly talk with those literati but actually warn them. The other is that bookshops, academies, and literati become united in their hatred, venting their grievances not in books, but those who are out of office turn to cursing the Grand Xia court affairs as a shortcut to fame and reputation.”

Hong Ji thought carefully for a while and found it reasonable, but dealing with unofficial literati had always been difficult, and he, Hong Ji, was truly not good at it.

Chen Ping’an smiled, “You don’t have to apologize to me today. I didn’t plan to talk to you about anything serious. I was just casually chatting about some irrelevant topics that you don’t need to think too much about.”

Hong Ji’s smile was awkward. The National Teacher could be casual, but how could he speak casually? Perhaps because he came from the border army, he couldn’t say any pretty polite words. Hong Ji just waited silently for the National Teacher to issue a departure order, so he could return home and carefully review on the way which words he had said poorly.

Unexpectedly, the National Teacher asked, “Do you want tea?”

Hong Ji almost blurted out, “I’ll drink a sword if I have to,” but fortunately, he restrained himself and nodded, “Yes, please.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “Do you have any preference for tea?”

Hong Ji said, “Tea leaves and water are fine.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “That’s quite a few preferences.”

Hong Ji worked hard to suppress a laugh.

Rong Yu quickly brought the tea, in a Flower Goddess cup, naturally genuine.

Hong Ji calculated her steps, stood up, took the teacup with both hands, and thanked her. Only after she smiled and nodded in acknowledgment and turned around did Hong Ji gently sit down.

Chen Ping’an leaned forward and pulled out a thin booklet.

Hong Ji was sharp-eyed and glimpsed a piece of plum-green circular cloud-patterned porcelain inlaid in the simple zitan chair behind the desk. It was just this touch of color that seemed to brighten the entire official hall, which was originally a bit monotonous.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Hong Ji, you’ve been in the position of Commander of the City Patrol for three years and two months, haven’t you? Which family’s children in Yichi Lane and Chi’er Street are the most difficult to manage?”

Hong Ji was stunned. This question from the National Teacher was not easy to answer.

Chen Ping’an smiled, “If you feel they are all easy to manage, then pick one that is relatively difficult to manage.”

Hong Ji’s face instantly flushed red. This wasn’t giving him a way out, it was clearly a silent slap in the face.

Chen Ping’an picked up the secret records of the Ministry of Justice in his hand, “At the third quarter of the hour of Xu on the sixth day of the first lunar month two years ago, on the ground of Xiangfu Square, a drunken young man pointed at your nose and cursed Hong Ji as an ungrateful dog. If it weren’t for his father’s selfless help back then, perhaps Hong Ji would still be a captain on the border drinking horse urine. Hong Ji, do you think he was bold? Was he easy to manage?”

Hong Ji hesitated, his fists clenched tightly on his knees, his head buzzing.

Chen Ping’an clasped his hands in his sleeves, leaned back in his chair, and said, “Cold-blooded scholars who were ordinary peasants in the morning and ascended to the emperor’s court in the evening, and martial artists from the battlefield, upon entering the seemingly harmonious official circles where everyone muddles through but in reality is full of hidden dangers and hidden daggers in smiles, it is indeed very difficult to adapt for a while. Some people never turn the corner in their entire lives, while some learn faster in the officialdom.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Before, when I just moved here, I saw a book on National Teacher Cui’s desk. It was like a travelogue, hundreds of thousands of words, describing the bleak experiences of several academies migrating, fleeing, and finally gathering together during wartime. Although it was difficult and bumpy, the whole book was written calmly. This master had learning and worked in an orderly manner. How he handled administrative affairs was written in detail. The conflicts between colleagues, the mutual disdain between scholars, could all be called effortless. But there was a detail of only a few dozen words that was quickly dismissed. It was about a master he greatly admired, a person of high virtue and prestige. It was his wife who had a dispute with a local handyman and caused a big commotion. It was a small but not insignificant problem. He had to protect the master’s reputation, resolve the dispute, and also make the dozen or so scholars living in the same large courtyard feel that the matter was handled fairly and did not insult the literati.” Reading the book and seeing the words, I can fully imagine how that old gentleman was frowning and depressed at that time.”

Hong Ji was dumbfounded. This rough and ready Commander of the City Patrol was indeed surprised that the National Teacher would say such a thing.

Chen Ping’an said, “Your position is very important, extremely important. His Majesty is willing to put you in this position, naturally trusting you. He neither wants you to be a cruel official, nor does he want you to handle things improperly. Then, if Hong Ji encounters a situation like the one in Xiangfu Square in the future, it will be easy to manage. It’s very simple, I will be the bad guy, and I will back you up.”

“If you really don’t have confidence, I can also discuss with His Majesty to let you go to a certain state in the provinces and rejoin the army. I believe deep down you won’t feel this is a demotion. Moreover, the court is about to merge several states into one province, and it will not be difficult to get a half-rank promotion.”

Hong Ji said, “National Teacher, I understand. Before, I made things difficult for His Majesty. From now on, I will hold to one principle: I don’t care whose son or grandson you are, whoever dares to make things difficult for me and the City Patrol, I will bring up the National Teacher and make things difficult for him!”

Chen Ping’an was stunned. Good heavens, was he speaking so bluntly?

Hong Ji took a big gulp of tea, accidentally emptying the cup. Hong Ji didn’t feel embarrassed, and grinned, “National Teacher, you can start scolding!”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “You have worked so hard for this celebration. Tonight, you can go to Changpu River and drink celebratory wine to your heart’s content.”

Hong Ji stood up, cupped his hands and said, “With the National Teacher’s words, my colleagues and I will drink flower… drink wine to our heart’s content!”

Chen Ping’an stood up and saw Hong Ji to the door, suddenly asking, “I heard you’re a carpenter’s son?”

Hong Ji, whose tongue had been tied a moment ago, immediately became radiant and nodded vigorously, “My father’s carpentry skills were the best in the ten-mile radius back then!”

Even now, when he returned to his hometown and saw his father, he was still both respectful and even more afraid. His father was a man of few words, never asking about his affairs, except for one time when they were drinking. The old man said a few honest words, just asking Hong Ji to do two things: be an honest and good official, and don’t break the law. Also, don’t take a concubine outside; he only recognized one daughter-in-law in his life.

Chen Ping’an nodded and said softly, “It’s the same principle. A great craftsman shows people the rules.”

Hong Ji was startled. He quickly looked at the young National Teacher beside him for the first time, and then walked down the steps in quick strides.

It was just after the hour of Shen (3-5 PM), and Xiao Pu had already rushed to the National Teacher’s Mansion, much earlier than the agreed time. She said that the conditions offered by the Grand Xia court had been readily agreed to by the main hall.

Returning the favor, Chen Ping’an also said that two cultivators would soon secretly appear near the Daoist temple in the capital of Yuxuan Kingdom. He also asked Xiao Pu to make another trip to discuss the details with the two侍郎 (attendants) Zhao Yao and Cao Gengxin. Xiao Pu concisely took her leave. Administrative affairs were numerous and complicated, exhausting people, truly more taxing than assassinating someone.

Before leaving the official hall, Xiao Pu paid close attention to all the details of the furnishings in the room, what kind of stationery was placed, what books were on the bookshelves, especially new books, all of which were knowledge and would soon be the methods that many interested people would study carefully. For example, whether they could send a piece of calligraphy or painting here, place a few elegant objects, have a certain work placed on the desk, and whether the National Teacher had seen it?

Xiao Pu went to find “Yu Qing”. For some reason, the latter no longer had the idea of returning to the Cherry Green Garment lineage. Xiao Pu didn’t think much of it. She let Gongsun Lingling kneel on the ground and kowtow several times. Then Xiao Pu helped her up and said this was quite good. Gongsun Lingling curtsied and was on the verge of tears. Xiao Pu joked, “You are truly pitiable.”

Xiao Pu walked out of the National Teacher’s Mansion alone. She silently looked back at the screen wall.

It was as if several fellow villagers who had left the Li Pearl Cave Heaven earlier on the streets of the Grand Xia capital had reunited and then set off on their respective journeys, in all directions.

Even though she was only an observer, she sincerely felt that life’s encounters were truly incredible.

Just like a fortune teller who passed by the Mud Bottle Alley in Huaihuang County thirty years ago.