Okay, here’s a rewrite in a fantasy style, aiming for evocative language and a sense of grandeur, while remaining faithful to the original content:

**(The animated saga of “Sword Comes” graces the screens of Tencent Video! Should fate allow, a glimpse is warranted…)**

A boundless cerulean sea, where the Night-Faring Vessel danced like a lone petal upon the wind-swept waters. Above, the constellations blazed, a celestial tapestry more magnificent than any vaulted ceiling crafted by mortal hands.

A bracing wind swept across the deck.

They arrived at the sky-bridge, a daring span connecting twin citadels that pierced the heavens. As the acting Lord of the City of Inspired Insight, Chen Ping An commanded privileges. He unlocked the double warding of mountain and sea that shielded the city and its vessel. Before them unfolded a vista of such profound tranquility and breathtaking scope, that the heart was stilled with awe.

This time, Xiao Mo’s offering of the sword met no resistance, an unexpectedly smooth passage. Though unforeseen, it was not entirely without reason.

Few realms could stand against that blade-flash; only Ascended cultivators, rooted in their ancestral grounds, might even attempt such defiance.

Furthermore, the Fourteenth, the Shrine Ascended, the Reincarnated Bai… even figures like the Lord of碧霄洞, when that sword-light roamed the Azure Heavens, manifested their colossal divine visages within the lustrous glow of the moon, daring any to hinder its path.

浩然would not impede, 蛮荒would not stand, and the Western Buddhist Kingdom bowed in deference. Only upon the Azure Heavens, where the poor Daoist dwells, did turmoil threaten to arise?

The so-called New Fourteenth were preoccupied, focused on solidifying their foundations and loath to risk hard-won cultivation in petty squabbles. Others, like雅相姚清, pursued their own agendas, indifferent to the sword-light’s fleeting presence.

Moreover, the recent celestial upheavals sent tremors throughout the heavens. Even Ascended cultivators with a modicum of astrological skill or meditative discipline would not act rashly. For the 紫薇垣stirred, the 北斗 marked death. Those nine fierce sword-lights descending upon the蛮荒 realms— to wager that the wielder, responsible for the celestial spectacle, was spent and incapable of a second strike? Unless it concerned a conflict of the Great Dao, such a gamble was unwarranted.

Such an “overture” was rare indeed. Let the harmless sword-light roam the mortal realm unhindered.

Who would dare to contend?

Cui Dong Shan, resting his sleeves upon the railing, chuckled, “蕭愻’s lack of itching for action surprises me.”

Xie Gou sneered, “Interfere? Is a taste for interference so strong? That would be an immortal enmity, whether by ancient custom or the present rules of the 蛮荒. Xiao Mo and I would pay her a visit in the蛮荒, and Lord Bai would surely not interfere.”

The girl in the貂帽 rammed her brow against the railing in frustration, muttering, “Not the Fourteenth Realm, as expected. Lacking backbone!”

Chen Ping An was engaged in a heartfelt discussion with Liu Xianyang, first recounting the “Newly Ordained Celestial Laws” from the new mountain peak, and the rules governing the Great Dao. He confessed that upon returning to the Fiyao Foothills Dojo, he would need to seclude himself, seeking Liu Xianyang’s guidance on a certain sword technique that eluded his grasp. He lacked the necessary divine intent.

Liu Xianyang leaned upon the railing, gesturing lazily, “I’ll come, why so complicated? Just hand me those portraits of the villains. I’ll show those 蛮荒 geniuses who boast the title of ‘Strongest’ how to die without realizing it.”

Chen Ping An cautioned, “We cannot yet startle the snakes. I will visit the 蛮荒 battlefields in the future. I must ensure instantaneous kills, utter annihilation.”

In some future battleground, those upon whom the demonic races bestow true names, below the Ascended Realm, would die, every single one!

Those who dared to show their faces at the East-Lord’s mountain peak, and whose martial way was below the mountain peak, would die!

Chen Ping An added, “Roughly calculating, I must reach the Ascended Realm and attain the first layer of Martial Divinity. Previously, I was confident, believing my progress steady and knowing my limits. But now…”

Listening to Chen Ping An’s village vernacular, Liu Xianyang nodded. “Once you enter seclusion, send a flying sword message. The Heaven-Gifted Genius, Liu the Sword Immortal, shall grace the Fiyao Foothills, tutoring the Diligent Chen the Mountain Lord.”

Chen Ping An, hands tucked into his sleeves, chuckled, “Yes, yes, most impressive.”

Liu Xianyang turned to Xiao Mo, “Sir Xiao Mo, would you care to possess a seat of honor in my sect’s Ancestral Hall? A matter of mere words!”

Receiving a subtle glance from his master, Xiao Mo immediately declined, “Sect Lord Liu is too kind. However, as my lord’s death-sworn retainer, I must not be distracted.”

Liu Xianyang, without looking at Chen Ping An, slapped the latter’s forehead, bewildered. “It requires no distraction! The seat remains empty, merely to intimidate others. A Fourteenth Realm sword cultivator as a common offering— imagine the reputation! It would paint the Great Sword Immortal Liu as even more unfathomable.”

Xiao Mo explained telepathically, “I have heard tales on the mountain, true or false, concerning my lord and your master. Therefore, it is best not.”

Liu Xianyang nudged Chen Ping An’s shoulder with his elbow. The girl in the貂帽, hands on her hips, spoke out of righteousness, “Brother Liu, if you continue to lay hands upon our Mountain Lord, I will disregard our fraternal bond and uphold justice!”

Liu Xianyang patted the girl’s head. “You insolent wretch! Speaking to your Big Brother Liu, who’s closer than your own brother!”

Jiang Xie abruptly asked telepathically, “Chen Ping An, shall we wander elsewhere?”

Chen Ping An nodded.

Leaving the rainbow bridge and descending from the tower, they walked into the streets. Jiang Xie laughed, “Pei Qian’s martial talent exceeds your own.”

Chen Ping An, hands still tucked into his sleeves, retorted, “None of your business.”

Jiang Xie continued, undeterred, “I speak not of Pei Qian’s younger age and later start in boxing, nor that she is my daughter and your apprentice, nor that both of you now reside at the First Realm of Stoppage, with her surpassing you by a sliver…”

Chen Ping An interrupted, “Then say no more.”

Jiang Xie scoffed, “You, Chen, my temper and patience have their limits.”

Chen Ping An countered, “If my presence offends, and my words grate, then avoid Treasure Bottle Isle. Shall I disembark now, and grant you space?”

Jiang Xie, recalling the words of his consort and the old scholar, relented and resumed his earlier discourse, “I merely appraise two young martial artists, from the perspective of a seasoned predecessor. You may heed or ignore.”

“Pei Qian has surpassed the hurdle of ‘Man follows the fist’. None can hinder her after. Divinity is inevitable. Even in a seemingly casual walk, Pei Qian performs the stance of an upright pole, while you constantly refine the meaning of the fist. Master and disciple, the imitation is not mere lip-service. Yet Pei Qian’s aura is grander. Each circulation of her pure true energy mirrors the great changes of rain and drought, day and night, seasons, within the human body. *This* is true “My Body, My Spirit, My World”. You fall short on many layers. In cultivating way, you seek only skill. Even at its extreme, how will you be satisfied? You stay far from the goal. Closing in to the goal, but failing again and again. The difference between a hair creates the differences between heaven and earth. The Azure Heaven and Yellow Earth cannot intersect with the way. Purity is purity and Turbidity is turbidity. Forming a chaotic realm is a false illusion. How can one open the aperture and create eyes on the sky? After opening, how will you make sure that it is not just a fleeting moment of glory?”

“Do not grow complacent, young one, with the fire dragon dwelling within your inner world. That is where the true difficulties in the martial way lie. Do not squander this hard-earned chance, young one, lest it become a great pity.”

Having spoken at length, Jiang Xie was perplexed. The fellow at his side had not retorted once? Had he exhausted his stock of poison?

“I understand what’s good for me.”

Chen Ping An retorted testily, “Even the most wretched creature utters words of wisdom on occasion.”

Jiang Xie was speechless.

On the sky-bridge, Xie Gou whispered, “Will they brawl again at the slightest provocation?”

Jiang Shangzhen laughed. “What do you fear? Our numbers are great…”

“I fear that the Mountain Lord might beat him to death.”

Xie Gou hastily corrected, “Oh, no, strike him back to life, instead.”

Wu Yan exclaimed telepathically, “Bai Jing! We agreed no embellishment!”

Xie Gou sighed dramatically, “I am but a woman, a beautiful woman. My words hold no weight.”

Liu Xianyang chuckled. “Fear not. Chen Ping An has restraint. His fortune with women surpasses mine, his fortune with elders falls behind. Of course, that’s just compared to me. In general, he’s not bad.”

Fortune with elders is not born from the void.

Song Yu Shao favored that youth from Longquan County of Great Li, stubborn, unyielding, and fiercely principled. Young in years, but possessing the bearing of an old hand. That’s why his “Hot pot with wine, I’ll conquer the world” was so endearing. Bai Bo of the Bamboo Branch Sect of Cutting Jade Mountain also admired the young guest’s “Old Chen” levity and liveliness, but also his diligence and resilience. He wanted to take him as a disciple, but didn’t stand in the young man’s path. He only made sure that “Old Chen” had a way to come back. The old man still dreams about the moment when he can drink this lad’s wedding wine. He’s been making wedding gifts and has already chosen the main table!

As for the old blind man of the Ten Thousand Mountains, it was likely the youth’s arduous journey, reading ten thousand books and walking ten thousand miles, yet failing to forge even a natal rune, that caught his eye. Were the words of the Great Sword Immortal pleasing? Did the stubborn Lord of碧霄洞 hold grudges? Did the common Daoists within the Xuan Du Monastery deem Sun Daoist merely a detached immortal playing in the mortal world?

As Chen Ping An himself stated, those elders saw in him a reflection of their younger selves.

Some carried within them an eternal youth, about to embark on a journey, certain to achieve fame and fortune.

Some sheltered a child within, neither fearful nor ignorant, but simply believing the *jianghu* to be wanting.

Likewise, Chen Ping An saw within Zhao Shuxia, Ning Ji, Deng Jianping, echoes of his own being.

Chen Ping An declared, “Slowly, slowly does it.”

Jiang Xie countered, “Does the world’s destiny bend to your decree?”

Chen Ping An sighed. “What can I do? One bite at a time. When it comes to navigating this world, one sees only great matters and small. Let us regard the great as small, and the small as great. ‘Let us’ can be replaced with ‘Only can’.”

Slow and steady progress. Eventually, every day can become a day of the carefree little god.

Yesterday’s tribulations. Today is alright, tomorrow is better. The day after is likely the willows, and a warm spring.

“Were any other youth under fifty years feigning such world-weariness and spouting such empty platitudes, I’d scoff. But you, young one, having endured much and witnessed much, speak with a modicum of authority.”

Shielding his ear, Xie Gou, who had been eavesdropping, declared, “The same age, the same cultivation age. I bet Jiang Xie was still getting beat and rolling on the ground like a child. Like scars that heal and you forget.”

Wu Yan giggled. “True.”

Ning Yao, leading Pei Qian, returned to the Night-Faring Vessel, appearing on the sky-bridge.

Pei Qian’s mood had clearly improved. Yet she avoided looking at Jiang Xie on the street, instead meeting the gaze of the woman.

The woman instantly burst into tears.

A gaze waited for ten thousand years. This current situation has not been easy for her.

But she dared not utter a word, fearing her daughter, who had suffered so much, would believe she was complaining.

The burly man in the street hesitated, then retreated into a nearby alley, seating himself upon the steps of a shop.

Chen Ping An leaned against the wall, saying nothing.

————

Within汝州, Master Zhu, known as “Green Duckweed,” was in seclusion, diligently studying a grand talisman unearthed from ancient ruins. Ascension to the Harmonious Dao remained a distant prospect. Yet he was disturbed to the point of distraction. Forced to emerge from his grotto, he beheld the heavens, and what he saw startled him. First, a divine manifestation in紫薇垣 as if an Emperor had descended. Then, the 北斗, seven stars revealing, two hidden. Afterward, nine sword lights descended upon the mortal realm, as if delivering a divine edict.

Master Zhu initially attempted to divine the celestial secrets… but alas, his fingers smoked, he twitched his wrists, and plucked a folding fan from his sleeve, tapping lightly against his palm. After deliberation, Master Zhu transformed into a rainbow, streaking towards鸦山.

鸦山 was no celestial abode, possessing no grand defensive arrays. Master Zhu landed and declared, “Passed the threshold?”

Lin Jiangxian japed, “Your nose is sharp, catching the scent of blood?”

Master Zhu said, “Master Lin, I ask a question.”

Lin Jiangxian nodded. “Broke the realm.”

“Congratulations, but to say I’m glad is not true.”

Master Zhu clasped his hands, shaking them vigorously, then sighed deeply. “Alas, for the mortal realm, which will be thrown into chaos.”

Lin Jiangxian remained silent.

Master Zhu telepathed, “Have I already met ‘our’ wood master?”

Lin Jiangxian replied, “It is Gu Yange of the Lute Peak of Youzhou.”

Master Zhu slapped his forehead with the fan. “I knew it!”

I knew it was you! I knew it was her!

Gu Yange was merely a vessel used by “her” to walk the mortal realm.

Gu Yange, of Youzhou, was one of the newest Ten Grandmasters of the Azure Heavens.

Her flaxen braid hung before her chest, a landscape of stunning beauty, like a river flowing between twin peaks.

She had visited 鸦山 recently, showcasing her skills. Master Zhu himself had led her up the mountain.

Master Zhu asked, “Is she free to roam the world?”

Lin Jiangxian said, “It seems the Dao Ancestor never restrained her much. Likely, there was a verbal agreement, its contents unknown. When I first arrived in the Azure Heavens, I made a point of paying her a visit, sword in hand. We reached a gentleman’s agreement. Unless I approved, she could not wander freely within Youzhou. Later, when the time was right, I had Qi Huajian convey a message to her.”

Master Zhu asked, “If I were to face… them… alone?”

Lin Jiangxian replied, “It would not be enough.”

Master Zhu mocked himself, “I thought my cultivation was high enough. Sun, the Viewing One, is the immovable fifth in the world, while Zhu is the undisputed eleventh. Even if the ranking is inflated, it is not low.”

Lin Jiangxian spoke strangely. “A person cannot control the length of their shadow.”

Master Zhu sighed deeply. “Indeed, it has no bearing on wealth or poverty.”

Master Zhu lamented. “Now, I know. I understand everything. No wonder you gave me no warning. I was bewitched, blinded by beauty.”

Gu Yange’s ancestors were all coroners. She was fond of observing battle arrays on the battlefield. She was also skilled at internal observation methods and knowledgeable in human meridians.

Master Zhu suddenly said, “Master Lin? We?”

Lin Jiangxian smiled. “Are we not friends?”

Associate with the strong to observe their way, and walk the path, protect the way for the weak, debate way with fellows.

It doesn’t matter how dark the night gets. It doesn’t matter if the cup is full. Call friends and enjoy a midnight meal.

————

The Night-Faring Vessel reached the shores of Treasure Bottle Isle, the domain of the West Sacred Mountain God, Tong Wenchang, whose divine name was 大纛.

As dawn broke, an old man in hemp robes and straw sandals sat outside an unremarkable earth shrine, sucking on a dry pipe.

The Earth Deity, squatting nearby, repeatedly inquired about the previous night’s celestial events. The silent old man, annoyed, said, “You’re an Earth Deity! Why fret over matters of the heavens? Do you yearn to ascend?”

The Earth Deity huffed, “Old Tong, insult me further, and I shall move to North Sacred Mountain tomorrow! See if you have anyone to chat with!”

The West Sacred Mountain’s main temple, where the gold-plated deity statue resided, enjoyed flourishing incense offerings. Tong Wenchang often sought solace here. Who chatted with whom was debatable.

Tong Wenchang said placidly, “Move to North Sacred Mountain? Can you afford it? Your meager savings cannot sustain many nocturnal feasts.”

The Earth Deity grumbled, “Then lend me some.”

Tong Wenchang ignored him, casting a glance towards the western coast. “Seek refuge in the temple at once.”

The Earth Deity craned his neck, following Tong Wenchang’s gaze. “Who? Are they here to cause trouble? Surely not.”

Tong Wenchang said, “The Great Li State Preceptor and his retinue.”

The Earth Deity exclaimed in shock, “State Preceptor Cui?!”

Tong Wenchang said, “It is State Preceptor Cui’s junior disciple, Chen Ping An, who will succeed as the next State Preceptor of Great Li. The court has kept this secret from the world. Few know. Keep it to yourself, and do not spread the word. A leak would invoke His Majesty’s wrath. I cannot bear the consequences. I might even be accused of mismanagement and be forced to seek refuge on Peiyun Mountain.”

The Earth Deity said timidly, “Allow me to glimpse the new State Preceptor. I will remain behind you, silent.”

A world of water, flowers in a mirror, stories from mountain and water.

Tong Wenchang waved his pipe. “Return swiftly, and do not even think of stealing a peek. The State Preceptor of Great Li is the State Preceptor of Great Li.”

Seeing Tong Wenchang’s solemn expression, the Earth Deity dared not disobey. He performed the shrinking-earth technique and returned to the gold-plated statue within the shrine, refraining from any further observation. Tong Wenchang was a Mountain Lord devoid of bureaucratic airs, but when he repeatedly mentioned “State Preceptor,” the Earth Deity, steeped in the political ways of mountain and water, understood. Tong Wenchang approved of Chen, the Sword Immortal’s succession as State Preceptor of Great Li.

A series of figures descended, suddenly swelling the populace. Tong Wenchang put away his pipe and slowly rose, asking, “State Preceptor, who are these?”

Before Chen Ping An could answer, Jiang Xie sneered, “Martial fools, knowing only empty displays. Vagrants of the Jianghu, lacking Daoist names. Related to clan master Jiang. I’m a country bumpkin and don’t know etiquette.”

How rude.

Tong Wenchang smiled, clasping his ancient pipe. “Tong Wenchang of the West Sacred Mountain, greets Daoist Jiang. A pleasure.”

Jiang Xie remained impassive.

The woman tugged at his sleeve. Jiang Xie remained stone-faced. The woman tugged again. Jiang Xie reluctantly returned the greeting. “Lucky you.”

Tong Wenchang was unperturbed. Many with strange tempers resided on the mountains. Besides, wasn’t he one?

Xie Gou raised his hand to cover his mouth, dismantling the stage: “Wu Yan, your husband has bottled up too much. He gives a little face here, and a little face there. Did he buy too many melon seeds.”

Wu Yan said jokingly: “I’m afraid not enough face. I used to swing my face, and the flowers on my face bloomed earlier.”

Xie Gou suddenly said, “No wonder. It’s the same as our mountain owner in a certain place, which has the same wonderful effect.”

Jiang Xie’s eyelids flickered slightly.

Chen Ping An smiled in response.

————

At the entrance to the Mountain of Decline,

Xiao Mo, who had wandered for ten thousand years, felt one thing: homecoming.

Xiao Mo looked back.

The door, from left to right, the swordsmen sat side by side.

Cui Dongshan fell backward and leaned on his elbows, smiling brightly. Jiang Shangzhen nodded lightly.

Xie Gou, sitting in the middle, grinned.

Liu Xianyang gave a thumbs up. Chen Ping An gently clapped and laughed, looking gentle.