The morning light was dim, and the air was crisp and new. They had flipped the almanac; today was most suitable for a long journey, and tomorrow was suitable for marriage.

They rose with the rooster’s crow, and Zhu Lian meticulously prepared a sumptuous breakfast. The table was overflowing with food; in any case, with Zhong Qian and the others present, there was no fear of waste. Even if they couldn’t finish it, it could be sent to Cao Yin and Cao Yang in the back mountain or to the Jumping Fish Mountain area.

Before dawn today, Little Mi Li had already finished her patrol. The old cook’s residence was the liveliest spot on the mountain; every day, smoke curled up from the chimneys like clockwork.

According to the plan everyone had discussed last night, they would leave the mountain gate this morning, fly by wind to Oxhorn Ferry, and then take a south-bound Changchun Palace ferry.

In fact, Luopo Mountain itself had a Fengyan ferry capable of intercontinental trade, but according to Chen Lingjun, this trip was a mountain excursion, not an outward journey for enjoyment, nor was it to show off. They should endure some hardship, eat some bitterness, temper their bodies, broaden their horizons, make more like-minded friends in the bustling world, and have the courage and spirit to draw their swords for justice when they see injustice… As he spoke, the young boy in green didn’t even believe himself. He exchanged glances with the little girl in black and burst into laughter. Pei Qian and Nuanshu exchanged glances, thinking these two were childish.

At the breakfast table today, there was a strange face: a burly man with a large beard, who called himself Liu Shen and said he was a wanderer looking for a meal at Luopo Mountain.

Chen Lingjun went over to chat, but Liu Shen just buried his head in his porridge, only giving vague grunts and hums, a real闷葫芦 (mèn húlu – a taciturn person). Chen Lingjun felt a little regretful that he was about to embark on a long journey; otherwise, he just needed to treat him to a few early morning drinks, and the initially shy Liu Shen would naturally open up. After a hearty breakfast, Liu Shen put down his chopsticks and asked where was suitable for fishing nearby. Chen Lingjun said the Yellow Lake Mountain area was good. Liu Shen strode out of the courtyard with large steps. Chen Lingjun watched the rapid strides of his receding figure and didn’t think deeply, only feeling he was a strange person.

Wei Bo walked into the courtyard and said, “Patriarch Jingqing, the Mountain Lord has invited you to the top of the mountain path for a chat.”

Chen Lingjun hurriedly swallowed a meat bun and smiled, pointing at the Divine Monarch Wei, you’re being playful. You got promoted, you’re full of yourself now.

For this journey, the Mountain Lord didn’t give too many suggestions, only telling them to remember to pay respects to a few seniors from the mountain when passing through certain continents. For example, in Tongye Continent, there was Qing Tong, the founder of Wutong Mountain, and the old Real Person Liang Shuang. Near Qu Shan Ferry, there was Xu Xie, known as “Sword Immortal Xu Jun,” who they could also visit. In Jinjia Continent, there was a maritime sect called Xie Feng Palace. When they reached the mountain gate, they could announce their names; it shouldn’t be difficult to stay and eat for a few days…

On the surface, it seemed a bit rough.

Last time Chen Lingjun traveled to Luzhou in the North, traversing the Water Ji Du, the Mountain Lord almost marked out where the young boy in green had even defecated.

But in fact, Chen Ping’an had put in a lot of thought into arranging protectors for Little Mi Li and the others. For example, he had Wen Zixi responsible for the journey within Baoping Continent. In Tongye Continent, he asked Qing Tong to pay attention and secretly look after them. When they reached Fuyao Continent, Gu Can’s Fuyao Sect and a new Imperial Preceptor from a certain Jinpu Dynasty who had drunk a lot at Luopo Mountain could also keep an eye on them when they had time. As for Jinjia Continent, wasn’t there still the Xie Feng Palace of the Stinking Ailanthus Daoist… This roughly echoed Patriarch Jingqing’s catchphrase: with many friends outside, you can travel anywhere without fear.

At the thatched hut by the Sword Returning Lake, Zhusu was still in secluded cultivation, and Ning Yao was helping protect her. Liu Cha had just arrived at Luopo Mountain and stayed there with Chen Ping’an for a while, but unfortunately, there weren’t many fish in the lake.

As soon as the old deaf man returned to Flower Shadow Peak, he summoned the few disciples who had not yet retired and several young High Venerables from Taofu Mountain to give them a supplementary lecture on the Dao.

His newly accepted disciple Zhang Ying went to Liu Rao’s Imperial Preceptor’s mansion to train for a few years. The old deaf man left the young man two introductory Daoist books and agreed that whenever he reached the Mid-Fifth Realm, he would come to Flower Shadow Peak at Luopo Mountain for a formal discipleship ceremony. As his master, he was the second-ranking offering, so as long as Zhang Ying properly bowed to his master, he would be directly included in the Ji Se Peak Patriarch Hall registry. Hearing this, Zhang Ying’s heart wavered again: this cheap master who fell from the sky, is he really that impressive?

However, thinking of the turbulent political situation in the Dashou Dynasty, the young man could only ask his master if there was any immortal secret manual for instant ascension. He had good aptitude; he could cultivate today, form his core tomorrow, and reach the Nascent Soul stage the day after, so he could visit his master at the ancestral mountain earlier… As soon as he said this, he was immediately scolded severely by the old deaf man, who was fond of being a teacher. He said how could a person who studies the Dao be so frivolous and impatient? You stay honestly by Daoist Liu’s side and temper your character. If we meet on the mountain next year and I find your character is still so useless, I will expel you from my school on the day you officially become my disciple! The young man was terrified and repeatedly apologized and admitted his mistakes. The old deaf man also incidentally imparted an ancient cultivation method to a Dashou ghost surnamed Chai, asking him to come to Flower Shadow Peak once he achieved success in his studies.

Cui Dongshan and Jiang Shangzhen, the two brothers, left the mountain early, saying they were going to Shujian Lake to plot a great undertaking. They would also urgently summon the group of Tongye Continent Earth Immortals and martial arts grandmasters who were originally thrown out of Old Master Jiang’s sleeve back to Baoping Continent. After being gently persuaded and patiently guided by him and Vice Mountain Lord Jiang, they would make them have a sudden realization, weep bitterly, change their ways, make up for their mistakes, and start life anew.

A Changchun Palace ferry that left the capital of Dali last night and headed towards the Central Great Du. That Sixth Master, she had adopted another pseudonym: “Huang Chongxia,” a character from a play who had been a female top scholar and a female consort.

This ferry happened to pass by Piyun Mountain and Luopo Mountain, stopping at Oxhorn Ferry for half an hour to allow guests to disembark and admire the scenery or burn incense at the various temples. After all, the former Lijuzhu Cave Heaven area had long been a popular tourist destination for immortal masters on the mountain, children of dignitaries, and official’s wives. The ferry would have three immortal talisman boats, going separately to the foot of Mount Bei Yue, Huang Hu County, and the Tie Fu River Water God Temple.

Chen Ping’an, sitting on the steps, watched the young boy in green who was swaggering over to his side. Chen Ping’an softly asked, “Has Daoist Xianwei not woken up yet?”

Chen Lingjun nodded and said, “Lazy people have good fortune.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “Tell me about your plans. There’s no need to mention Baoping Continent; you can wander around as you please.”

Chen Lingjun was clearly confident and elaborated on the plan, “We’ll take the Yu Gui Sect’s intercontinental ferry from Old Dragon City and disembark in Tongye Continent. It happens to be the Daoist site of the old Real Person Lu Yonglu, the Qinghu Palace on Qingjing Mountain. I’ve heard its name for a long time and must take Little Mi Li to play there.”

Chen Ping’an hummed in acknowledgment and added, “Zhao Zhu is still an honored guest in our Patriarch Hall.”

Chen Lingjun grinned and said, “I deliberately found an opportunity earlier to chat a bit with Zhao Zhu and Gan Xing, that master and disciple pair. I didn’t know until I chatted with them; I was shocked to find that Zhao Zhu’s Dao heart is clear, he speaks and acts brightly, and his future is boundless and unstoppable. Zhao Zhu was overjoyed upon hearing this and said, ‘I borrow Daoist Jingqing’s auspicious words…'”

He received a slap on the head. The young boy in green clutched his head and changed the subject: “We definitely have to check out the Great Du which is said to become a ‘Great Du of a Hundred Flowers’ in the future. There’s also the temporarily established ‘Patriarch Hall’ in Yunyan Kingdom. Great Sword Immortal Mi said that the barley wine paired with grilled fish there is a绝品 (jué pǐn – a masterpiece), so we must take Little Mi Li to try it. Also, I heard that the capital of the Daquan Dynasty in winter is rumored to be as beautiful as a mirage city of glazed immortal realms as long as it snows. If we want to enjoy the snowy scenery, we can walk slower within the Baoping Continent area, walk more, and take fewer boats, so this matter is tentative. There’s also the rebuilt Taiping Mountain, and the Yu Gui Sect to the south, which will soon no longer be the Yunku Blessed Land ‘surnamed Jiang’ of Chief Zhou, no, Vice Mountain Lord Zhou. Little Mi Li and Zhong Yi and I haven’t been there yet. Even Pei Qian said it’s worth a visit.”

On the surface, Tongye Continent is in a three-way standoff: the cross-river dragon Qingping Sword Sect, the local snake Yu Gui Sect, and the Daquan Dynasty below the mountain.

Chen Ping’an said, “Anyway, just keep walking, looking, and asking along the way. Go wherever there’s good food, good fun, and good scenery. Don’t cause trouble when you’re out, but don’t panic if someone provokes you.”

Chen Lingjun thumped his chest and guaranteed, “Taking Little Mi Li along, it’s not like I’m just wandering around blindly. Mountain Lord, don’t worry, we know what we’re doing. Besides, there’s Zhong Qian. That person, don’t look at his good temper usually, saying he doesn’t care about anything, soft and meek. If he really encounters something frustrating, he’ll only be more impulsive than me, shouting and fighting with others desperately. Mountain Lord, don’t worry either, I will repeatedly tell Zhong Yi that being the first in Lotus Root Blessed Land is one thing, but in Haoran World, a martial artist in the Golden Body Realm cannot walk sideways after all, and don’t think you can explain reason with a pair of fists and feet. Don’t we three still have Luopo Mountain? Don’t we still have so many Daoist friends that Mountain Lord knows? Why would we act on a momentary impulse and lose our lives for nothing? Zhong Qian, you say it’s no big deal to die, and you’ll be a hero again eighteen years later, but wouldn’t we, your friends, be heartbroken?”

Chen Ping’an rubbed the young boy in green’s head, “You’re finally starting to understand.”

In addition to Chen Lingjun’s collection of “Passersby,” there was also Pei Qian’s box of small ledgers and Bai Xuan’s book of heroes, all excellent traditions of Luopo Mountain.

Zhong Qian and Wen Zixi, one a pure martial artist from Lotus Root Blessed Land, and the other a consecrated Daoist from Ling Fei Palace, both became registered guests of Luopo Mountain last night, the kind with seats in the Ji Se Peak Patriarch Hall.

Yuan Huang also got his wish and was about to become Chen Ping’an’s direct disciple. There were no elaborate formalities; they just needed to find a time. In the bamboo building on the second floor, Yuan Huang would kowtow, and Chen Ping’an would drink the discipleship tea, and they would be master and disciple.

In fact, the place Chen Lingjun wanted to go most was Jinjia Continent.

Because some mountain and water gazettes had gossip saying that in Jinjia Continent, mentioning the name “Zheng Qian” was more useful than anything else. Chen Lingjun was skeptical and wanted to verify it himself. If it was true, then he would have something to say. The Grandmaster Zheng Qian you admire, her real name is Pei Qian. When she first came to the mountain, she was a mischievous little dark charcoal who liked to poke wasp nests. I watched her grow up…

As for whether to visit the old immortal Jing when traveling to Qing Gong Mountain in Liuxia Continent, Chen Lingjun still hadn’t decided. As Jing Hao’s favorite disciple, Nie Cui’e personally came to the mountain to invite him to be a guest there. After thinking about it, he always felt that something was not right. Jing Hao, an island master, a big shot on the mountain, only condescended to drink a few early morning drinks with him at Luopo Mountain out of respect for their Mountain Lord. What Patriarch Jingqing, that was just the Luopo Mountain people teasing him. Outside the mountain, it was clear that anyone who took it seriously was a fool.

Of course, they definitely had to explore Luzhou in the North more, but he didn’t know if he would still meet the coachman Bai Mang and the poor scholar Chen Zhuoliu. They were brothers who had shared weal and woe.

Fortunately, the nephew Zheng who visited last time was better at handling things, much better than his unreliable master. He even left a contact method, saying that when they were near the Chengguan Dynasty in Middle-earth Divine Continent, they should say hello to him, his nephew. Even if he couldn’t personally welcome them, someone else would receive them.

He didn’t know how high a position this nephew Zheng held in his hometown. The Chengguan Dynasty was the largest dynasty in Haoran, even ranking before the Dali Song family and the Dayong Dynasty!

Chen Lingjun sent a “family letter,” stating the address and mailing it to a person named Huang Mang, who would help forward it to nephew Zheng.

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “Go get ready, you can head out for the long journey.”

Chen Lingjun stood up, ran to the house, slung the simple bundle over his shoulder, picked up a walking staff leaning against the desk, and that was all his luggage packed.

The visitors in Luopo Mountain, including Nie Cui’e from Qing Gong Mountain, were mostly accomplished Dao cultivators. They had already sensed the lively atmosphere at the foot of the mountain. If they were guests in other sects, at most they would stand by the railing and watch from a distance. At Luopo Mountain, there was no need for such formality. They exchanged words with their neighbors through telepathy and came out of their residences to the mountain path to see what was going on. Could it be that important guests were arriving? On their way here, they were all very curious, guessing back and forth, feeling unable to imagine what kind of status the other party would have to be valued so much by Luopo Mountain.

As a result, Nie Cui’e found out upon asking that it was the Right Protector Zhou Mi Li, along with the highly respected Patriarch Jingqing, and the martial artist surnamed Zhong, who were going out on a journey together.

At the mountain gate, Chen Lingjun, Daoist name Jingqing, Nascent Soul Realm Water Flood Dragon.

Zhou Mi Li, Cave Mansion Realm. The little girl in black was also dressed with a cotton bag slung over her shoulder and holding a walking staff. She left the golden flat carrying pole at the house, so as not to be ostentatious when traveling in the jianghu.

Zhong Qian, Golden Body Realm martial artist. When he left the old cook’s house, it was unprecedentedly without his usual swagger or a toothpick in his mouth. Zheng Dafeng and Wen Zixi then knew that their leader Zhong was serious.

Ning Yao rushed over temporarily from the Sword Returning Lake and stood with Pei Qian, who had her hair styled in two buns.

Xiao Mo walked out from the snail shell Daoist site on Mount Huimeng, and Xie Gou also came here from the Fuyao Lu Daoist site.

The smiling Zhu Lian, with a hunched back and hands behind him, wore a pair of cloth shoes. The old cook was teaching Chen Lingjun a lesson with Nuanshu, and Little Mi Li was trying to mediate.

Chen Lingjun was being scolded while looking smug. Wow, what a scene, what a display.

It seemed he had forgotten that the last time he traveled alone to Luzhou in the North, only Mountain Monarch Wei saw him off on the ferry, and even threatened him.

Chen Ping’an handed Little Mi Li a hairpin-shaped spatial artifact. Little Mi Li thought it was exquisite and beautiful, but didn’t reach out to take it.

Chen Ping’an explained, “Just acquired it, didn’t spend a single copper coin.”

Little Mi Li frowned with her sparse, slightly yellow eyebrows, “Acquired it like picking it up on the road?”

Chen Ping’an laughed heartily, “Haven’t done that kind of thing for a long time. Someone gave it to me.”

Little Mi Li took the hairpin with both hands and grinned, “I’ve agreed with the roster officer Konghou that she’ll patrol the mountain for a while when I’m not here.”

Next to them, the white-haired boy was pecking like a chicken, with his hands on his hips, “Leave it to me, a piece of cake, a piece of cake!”

Little Mi Li glared angrily, “What? A piece of cake?! I chatted with you for half an hour last night about my thoughts.”

Just as the white-haired boy was about to explain, Xie Gou gloated, “Oh dear, the position of Vice Helpmaster you just begged back shamelessly is going to be kicked out again, tsk, so miserable.”

Guo Zhujiu and others from the Sword Worshipping Platform also came here by sword, and even Sun Chunwang was present. Among them, Bai Xuan carried a purple clay pot and said in an old-fashioned tone, “Jingqing, Mili’er, on your journey, if you meet anyone who doesn’t know better, just mention my name… Forget it, I don’t have a resounding name anymore. Just record their names, Daoist names, sect affiliations, and Daoist sites one by one. When I’ve mastered sword techniques, I will personally help you get even one by one.”

“Oh right, in the Yu Gui Sect, I have a friend I know well, named Qiu Zhi. You can find him at Jiuyi Peak; it seems the entire Jiuyi Peak is his Daoist site. When you meet him, please relay a message for me. Just say that it’s been a long time and I miss him very much, and tell him not to be lazy with his sword practice. Friends are friends for life, but sword techniques must be clearly distinguished. I’ve agreed with him that he will travel to Luzhou in the North with me in the future.”

Chen Lingjun agreed to everything. This child Yu Xuan looked happy and was too much like himself when he was young.

Chen Ping’an threw Chen Lingjun a third-class talisman of safe passage from the Ministry of Justice of Dali, “It’s a temporary loan, you have to return it when you come back from your journey. The Ministry of Justice needs to cancel the record.”

Chen Lingjun took the talisman of safe passage and was about to say that he wouldn’t accept a reward without contributing, but after looking down at the text, he looked up and asked doubtfully, “Sir, why isn’t it a first-class talisman of safe passage?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “What do you think?”

Chen Lingjun chuckled, “I’m afraid a third-class talisman of safe passage won’t scare off some old immortals with deep Dao methods and poor character.”

Chen Nuanshu glared, “In Baoping Continent and Tongye Continent, a third-class talisman of safe passage is enough. Showing a first-class talisman of safe passage is more likely to attract unnecessary suspicion. Don’t get complacent just because you have a talisman of safe passage. Especially don’t take it out to show off to people after drinking some wine.”

Chen Lingjun rolled his eyes. Did this stupid girl know what it meant to be an old hand?

Chen Nuanshu couldn’t stand his lackadaisical manner. Chen Lingjun saw the situation was not good and could only murmur “little housekeeper” in his heart while saying, “Got it, got it.”

Chen Ping’an then handed Little Mi Li a special jade tablet from the Imperial Preceptor’s mansion forged by the court and said softly, “This is for you. When you play in the capital of Dali in the future, you can go anywhere with this jade tablet.”

Little Mi Li took the jade tablet. Chen Lingjun didn’t care if the Mountain Lord was suspected of favoritism. He really seemed like the silly son of a landlord’s family. Perhaps he wasn’t like one? He was.

Nie Cui’e quietly asked, “Patriarch Jingqing, may I ask when you will visit Qing Gong Mountain on this long journey? Can I inform my master in advance so that arrangements can be made?”

Catching a glimpse of Nuanshu’s strange expression from the corner of his eye, Chen Lingjun, who was addressed as “Patriarch Jingqing,” looked even more awkward. He vaguely said, “I’ll visit when I pass through Liuxia Continent.”

Chen Ping’an turned to look at Zhong Qian, who was carrying a large backpack, and smiled, “Brother Zhong Qian, I’ll have to trouble you to take care of things.”

Zhong Qian nodded, “I won’t eat for free.”

After sparring with that person surnamed Jiang, Zhong Qian’s Golden Body Realm was more solid.

Zhu Lian was annoyed when he heard this and snorted.

Zhong Qian cupped his hands and said, “Old cook, I’ll have to trouble you to take care of Brother Dafeng and the others’ late-night snacks from now on. After all, they are thin-skinned, so I’ll have to be thicker-skinned to taste the old cook’s cooking every day.”

Zhu Lian smiled, “That sounds like human words.”

Zhong Qian took out a bamboo toothpick from his sleeve, put it in his mouth, and grinned at Zheng Dafeng and the others, “See you later, brothers.”

A young Daoist priest, whose hair was no longer styled with a wooden hairpin, rushed out of the house. Looking at Little Mi Li and the others, Xianwei’s face was full of reluctance.

Xiao Mo and Xie Gou both had mixed feelings, but they saw that both the Mountain Lord and the Mountain Lord’s wife had calm expressions, and the Daoist priest Xianwei was full of worldly air.

Xiao Mo had personally witnessed and heard the conversation between this Daoist priest and Zheng Juzhong at the same table. Zheng Juzhong’s words were deeply meaningful, saying that scratching wine with a hairpin, the hairpin would be gone in an instant, like a person grinding ink. Body and name are destroyed, but the current flows for eons. The Daoist priest casually replied that the Dao is a foot higher, and the devil is ten feet higher; fate is difficult, and there is nothing you can do. Zheng Juzhong smiled and said, “Excellent words and deeds, commendable.” The Daoist priest then seemingly self-pityingly said, “My life is like a boat on dry land, what can I do, do you want me to defy heaven?”

Chen Lingjun took a deep breath, ready to say goodbye to everyone and set off.

At this moment, Mountain God Lu came from the adjacent mountain peak and smiled, “Daoist friend Jingqing, come over for a chat.”

Chen Lingjun felt completely baffled, but still walked aside with Mountain God Lu. Mountain God Lu handed him a small conch shell, saying that he could leave a secret message for Mr. Zheng through this object.

Chen Lingjun thanked him. With his back to the crowd, he began to hold the small conch and talk to himself, “Nephew Zheng, I’m Uncle Jingqing. I was in a hurry earlier and already sent you a secret letter, but the words written in the letter, when read, feel a bit less emotional. Besides, I’m not a proper scholar, so maybe there are some inappropriate words. You are a scholar after all, and I’m most familiar with the temper of you scholars. You all like to nitpick, which can easily cause misunderstandings. So I’m using this treasure to chat with you more. Of course, there’s no need to be distant with you. As for your master, friend is friend, but he’s too careless in his actions. In my opinion, he’s not honest enough. If he really treated me as a brother, why would he never mention his hometown or his family background? Am I the kind of person who would look down on you if you don’t have money? Nephew Zheng, you are also unfortunate in your fate to have recognized such a frivolous master. Having said that, everyone has their own destiny. Even if your master is not so good, his heart is still pure. He may not be able to teach you any profound Dao methods, but if you just learn how to be a person from him, you’ll gain a lot for free. Oh right, I’m going on a long journey today, but I’m not sure when I will go to the Chengguan Dynasty. So don’t wait for us to visit. Scholars have scholars’ business to attend to. If we pass by and are fated to meet, we’ll see each other. If not, we’ll see each other next time. It’s no big deal. Don’t learn from those who like to puff themselves up and put on those fake welcoming banquets or wonder if an immortal inn has been prepared for uncle to stay in. It’s unnecessary. Okay, that’s all for the chat. Uncle wishes you smooth cultivation and academic success, haha…”

Mountain God Lu was previously only extremely wary of Mr. Zheng from Baidi City. After all, they hadn’t interacted much. Last time, right at the foot of this mountain, he was severely plotted against by Zheng Juzhong.

Mountain God Lu’s eyelids twitched at the young boy in green’s remarks. A nephew Zheng, an Uncle Jingqing? Is this kind of opening remark something a normal person could come up with?

The subsequent words were truly insulting… It was like a civil service exam paper; getting all the answers wrong seemed harder than getting all of them right, wasn’t it?

Chen Qingliu was careless in his actions and dishonest in his character, but Zheng Juzhong was at least a scholar who liked to nitpick…

How strange. Chen Ping’an was so experienced in his actions and so meticulous in his thoughts, why wouldn’t he control this young boy in green who seemed to be sleeping at the entrance of the ghost gate all year round?

You’re not just saying “having said that”; you’re circling back from the ghost gate to the human world, that’s what it should be.

Mountain God Lu had seen his share of strange people and unusual individuals, but someone like Chen Lingjun was a unique case, there was no “one of.”

Chen Lingjun had no idea of the twists and turns in Mountain God Lu’s mind next to him. He handed the conch back. Mountain God Lu shook his head and smiled, “Mr. Zheng specifically instructed me to give this to you.”

Chen Lingjun, however, shoved the treasure back to Mountain God Lu, “Daoist friend keep it. You can return it to him when you meet.”

Mountain God Lu also didn’t know how to deal with someone like Chen Lingjun, so he had to temporarily accept the item and keep it for him.

Chen Ping’an smiled and asked, “Daoist Xianwei, do you want to come up the mountain and take a look?”

The young Daoist priest asked in surprise, “Is the Mountain Lord planning to take back Incense Fire Mountain?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head and said, “Of course not.”

Xianwei was relieved and beamed, bowing and saying, “The Mountain Lord is a trustworthy person.”

Chen Ping’an hesitated at first but finally did not move, accepting the Daoist priest’s bow calmly. He then bowed in return, silently chanting in his heart, “Invite Daoist priest to ascend the mountain to cultivate the Dao and rekindle the incense fire for the human world.”

The Daoist priest Xianwei seemed completely oblivious. After bowing and getting up, he saw that Chen Lingjun and the others were all ready to officially embark on their long journey.

Chen Lingjun held his walking staff in his arms, his expression solemn, and cupped his hands in farewell.

Little Mi Li held her walking staff, her smile bright, “Good Mountain Lord, we’re going to play. We won’t be home too late.”

Zhong Qian looked up at Luopo Mountain, then withdrew his gaze, nodded to everyone, and took his leave first, saying “see you later.”

Ning Yao smiled and said, “Have a safe journey.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and waved at them, and also said this phrase, which is probably the most enduring and beautiful phrase in the world, “Have a safe journey.”