Pei Qian was set to journey to Aiai Isle. Last night, Liu Jubao sent a personal letter to Jise Peak, inviting Master Chen to discuss a matter of great importance. The letter could not elaborate on the specifics, but if Master Chen was unavailable, his eldest disciple could attend in his stead, for it was no bother, as Master Pei was also a guest elder of the Liu clan of Aiai Isle. Chen Pingan suggested Pei Qian treat it as a chance to relax and perhaps visit the Hongwu Dynasty along the way to experience the local customs.

The busy farming season was nearing its end, and Zhao Shuxia and Ning Ji were to return to the village school. Deng Jianping had a sudden idea and decided to visit the dao field of his sister and brother-in-law in Beiju Luzhou. Chen Pingan told him to bring his two direct disciples to Fallen Leaf Mountain. Deng Jianping asked if it was appropriate, and Chen Pingan smiled, saying there was nothing inappropriate about it. When they met, they would have to address him as Shiye.

Old Deafeared was returning to Flower Shadow Peak to hold classes, and Zheng Dafeng went to Oriole Song Peak to teach martial arts. Wen Zaixi, at the “Two Gold” realm, needed to escort the little rice grains and the others to Old Dragon City in secret.

Nie Cui’e and the other sword cultivators from different continents, who were either guest elders of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect or enshrined worshipers of the Green Cattail Sword Sect, were also heading back. They were all satisfied and felt their trip had been worthwhile.

Immortal Wei Daoist, along with his direct disciple Lin Feijing who had arrived from there, went to Xianghuo Mountain to continue their work of opening up mountains, crossing rivers, paving roads, and building bridges. As master and disciple walked up the mountain path, there were rest pavilions along the way, all built by the master and disciple. Lin Feijing curiously asked if his master knew the truth behind the strange phenomena of last night. Immortal Wei was stunned for a moment. He had slept soundly last night, even forgetting to eat his midnight snack. This morning, Brother Dafeng said his snoring was so loud it almost lifted the roof. How could Immortal Wei know anything about strange phenomena or not? He felt awkward and waved his sleeve, lecturing his disciple with some profound truths that left Lin Feijing wholeheartedly convinced and full of admiration, feeling that he was still quite far behind his master.

Yes, a mountain need not be high; sincerity is what matters. Cultivate the Dao according to virtue, and wander freely in the vast courts of heaven and earth. What squalor is there in our dao field?

“Feijing, what do you think of the craftsmanship of Old Chef’s rattan chair? Sitting there in the summer heat, with a palm fan in one hand and a Daoist scripture in the other, wandering through dreams in this manner, your master is truly envious.”

“Master, your disciple will go and gather ancient rattan now.”

“Feijing, tell your master honestly, are you anxious that your master has not yet spoken to Mountain Lord Chen about making you a registered disciple of Fallen Leaf Mountain?”

“Your disciple has absolutely no such thought.”

“Not ambitious enough.”

As for our Mountain Lord Chen, he finally stopped being a hands-off manager. Just like an elder in his hometown, after the lively festivities of the New Year, he had to send them off to different distant places, where they would have better prospects.

The little rice grains and the others did not immediately use wind-riding to go to Oxhorn Ferry. Instead, they walked along the winding mountain road to the small town first to purchase some necessities for their journey and to bid farewell to the shopkeepers and clerks of the Suiyuan shop and the Cao Dao shop.

After they were out of sight from the mountain gate, Chen Pingan walked up the steps and watched their figures for a while longer. The boy in green and the girl in black skipped and played, and beside them walked a weary fellow carrying a large travel bag, his breath long and his steps steady.

According to Ning Yao’s estimate, Zhusu would break through at noon today and enter the Immortal realm.

She would go to Youyi Peak of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect earlier today to be a bridesmaid for Xiyue.

Chen Pingan had temporarily lent that Fuyao Lu private dao field to Xie Gou, and Xie Gou also needed to guard Daoist Ding during his seclusion.

Chen Pingan called out to Xiao Mo, who was about to go to the Snail Shell Dao Field to recover from his injuries, and Xie Gou, who was going with him to put on the airs of a “main wife” in front of those jade women, and walked towards the bamboo building together. He went inside the house and took out a newly made green bamboo staff, inscribed with two seals: “Fallen Leaf Mountain” and “Second Seat.”

It was a walking staff for Xie Gou.

Chen Pingan explained, “I made it before, so it’s still engraved with ‘Second Seat.’ You are the chief now, you can re-engrave the new inscription yourself.”

The girl in the sable hat glanced at the green bamboo material and the engraved marks. The “dating” was simple; it was the work of the Mountain Lord not long after returning to Fallen Leaf Mountain from the Five Colored World’s Ascended City last time. Xie Gou grinned, silly with joy. The white-haired boy, who was almost removed from the registry again this morning, oh-la-la, tsk tsk tsk, feeling sour. It’s truly infuriating when you compare yourself to others. Captain Xie is such a lapdog, his career is soaring.

Xie Gou, while eagerly accepting the walking staff, put on a show of being polite, saying, “What a great gift, I’m not worthy of it, but it would be rude to refuse, haha.”

At that time, she had taken it upon herself to bring a group of female ghosts to “smuggle” into Baoping Continent, almost causing a major incident.

Chen Pingan said, “Didn’t I promise you that as long as you could manage extraneous affairs, I would give you a walking staff?”

Xie Gou smiled, “I did manage extraneous affairs, but I didn’t manage them well. I feel undeserving, but it would be impolite to refuse, haha.”

On Fallen Leaf Mountain, whether cultivators or martial artists, there was no special significance to having a walking staff, nor was it a requirement for any particular status. If one liked, they could simply craft a bamboo staff themselves. But a staff personally made and given by the Mountain Lord was different in meaning.

Chen Pingan asked, “How is Daoist Ding doing?”

Xie Gou said, “Like a turtle crawling, progress is slow.”

Chen Pingan said, “That’s good, steady and stable.”

Xiao Mo asked, “Young Master, what about helping Lu Zu protect the Dao?”

Chen Pingan rubbed his temples, “Still waiting for news.”

Wei Bo came to the bamboo building and reminded him, “The morning court has already started in the capital. You, the new Imperial Preceptor, have not arrived for a long time. The civil and military officials in the hall are already discussing amongst themselves, making wild guesses. They only say that there was such a big commotion in the capital officialdom yesterday, one of the Nine Ministers is missing, two of the Minor Nine Ministers are missing, and His Majesty is also waiting for you to show up before setting the tone. Anyway, you’re already late, why not just go a bit later and only attend the small court meeting in the Imperial Study? I can tell His Majesty.”

Last night in the capital of Dali, it was a complete mess, never a moment of peace. Wei Bo, as the Northern Peak God Lord in charge of the capital’s mountains and rivers, was responsible for keeping many officials from various yamen departments on watch for flying sword messages. This night, he witnessed the ups and downs of officialdom and the vicissitudes of human life.

There was nothing new under the sun regarding the ways of the world and human nature. For example, breaking without establishing, only destroying without being able to build, was nothing more than a certain rebellion in historical records. Being able to break and build was establishing a nation. This was true for dynastic changes, and also for immortal mansions and powerful families, each with their own “times of reform.”

Chen Pingan withdrew his gaze from the distance and said, “I will go to the capital now. The morning court still needs to be attended.”

After waiting for a moment, seeing that Wei Bo did not use his divine abilities, Chen Pingan felt puzzled. He turned to look at this Night Roaming God Lord, who was almost known to every woman and child in the Dachang Dynasty, and asked, “Is there anything we cannot talk about? Tell me, I want to see what person or event can make Wei Bo feel troubled…”

Wei Bo said expressionlessly, “I can’t move you.”

Chen Pingan was stunned, “What?”

Wei Bo explained, “You are now an eleventh-realm martial artist, your divine soul is extremely condensed, and I simply cannot carry you. It’s like the iron oxen that镇压 the rivers; moving them by sheer human strength is too difficult. I can’t just casually use the mountain and river qi of the Northern Peak, and besides, doing this twice a day, no one can bear it.”

Chen Pingan patted Wei Bo’s shoulder, “The reputation of the Night Roaming God Lord has soared, but your Dao power hasn’t caught up yet.”

Wei Bo suggested, “How about setting up a cloud nest formation on Jiling Peak and in the Imperial Preceptor’s Mansion?”

Chen Pingan smiled and reached out, drawing a more “clumsy” imitation of a Three Mountain Talisman in the air. If Xie Gou’s imitation of the Three Mountain Talisman from Mr. Three Mountains and Nine Marquises was like official imitation of official in ceramics, then his hand was typical civilian imitation of official. It was just barely usable; aspiring to cross half of Baoping Continent was a pipe dream.

Previously, in the Dachang Imperial Court, Chen Qingliu had helped Mr. Three Mountains and Nine Marquises relay a message to Chen Pingan, saying that in the future, when using the Three Mountain Talisman, there was no need for respectful burning of incense.

Chen Pingan chose three locations: the nearby Yellow Lake Mountain, an unknown wild mountain, and the Qingxuan Cave near the Yuanrou Zhan in the Dali capital region.

Upon arriving at Yellow Lake Mountain, he saw Liu Cha already sitting on a bench, wearing a straw hat, hemp clothes, and grass sandals, holding a fishing rod, with a wine jug at his feet, looking very much like a leisurely wild person.

Chen Pingan squatted beside him. Without the spatial storage abilities of a cultivator, things like attending court meant it was inconvenient to carry a wine jug and pipe with him. It was indeed difficult to go from luxury to frugality.

Liu Cha asked curiously, “Can you still cultivate?”

Chen Pingan smiled, “Of course.”

Liu Cha was puzzled, “Did all your natal flying swords get destroyed in that Heaven and Earth Unison?”

Chen Pingan shook his head, “They are all still there, but I can’t use them for now.”

Liu Cha frowned and said nothing. Who did he think he was? Since he had this gentleman’s agreement with the Confucian Temple, which required no oath, how could his heart be treacherous, making Chen Pingan worry about being stabbed in the back?

But since Chen Pingan was unwilling to be honest, Liu Cha did not ask further. For other cultivators, it was human nature to be guarded against others and hide a trump card. But who was Chen Pingan? The last Hidden Official of Sword Qi City, a man who was used to walking foreign paths, and although he, Liu Cha, was a barbaric demon race, he had also wielded his sword and roamed the world. Since they were both wandering knights, was it necessary for them to be so wary of each other?

Chen Pingan smiled and explained, “They are temporarily locked in several time vortices, like a very profound sword locking technique, a self-preservation method I came up with on the spur of the moment. In case… in case I lost to Zhou Mi and became the biggest sinner in the entire human world, even after a thousand or ten thousand years, there is still a slim chance of making amends on my own, as a ghost, and truly being a pure sword cultivator for once. Except for Chen Qingliu, no matter if you, Liu Cha, are a fourteenth-realm cultivator, you cannot see through this matter.”

Liu Cha nodded, it seemed he had misunderstood him.

Chen Pingan said, “Nominally you are a close attendant, but you don’t have to follow me everywhere.”

Liu Cha smiled, “An eleventh-realm martial artist, who can kill you now?”

Chen Pingan said, “Your mountain peak battles in the barbaric lands are only cruel and ruthless, actually not insidious enough.”

Liu Cha nodded, “Cannot compare to the patience and intelligence of your human race, skilled at calculating enemies in the invisible.”

The Confucian Temple had Liu Cha leave the Forest of Merit, saying that he was to serve as an attendant for Chen Pingan. In fact, it was just a facade for both sides to save face.

Chen Pingan took the lead in resolving a hidden danger that had existed for ten thousand years, and the Confucian Temple in Middle-earth naturally needed to show something.

Giving a title of gentleman was an insult. But if he were truly given the identity of a Deputy Sect Leader of the Confucian Temple, or the Great Libation of a newly established academy, Chen Pingan might not accept it either.

As the upright gentlemen like Gu Kuang and Qin Zhengxiu expected, Chen Pingan serving as the “Overseer” in the barbaric battlefield, similar to the Hidden Official and Punishment Official of Sword Qi City combined, would be a good compromise.

Keeping Liu Cha locked up like this was somewhat redundant. But to say that Liu Cha, a pure sword cultivator who had once reached the fourteenth realm, should regain his freedom and wander around the Haoran world, the Confucian Temple was not that generous. If Liu Cha went astray, or did something like Xiao Shun, no one could bear the consequences. As for letting Liu Cha atone for his sins and contribute to Haoran in the barbaric battlefield, the Sage of Rites naturally wouldn’t do such a thing. No one had that much face.

In the past, Zhou Mi could still use the grand principle that since he was a barbaric cultivator, he should deliver one sword strike for the barbaric lands, to force Liu Cha to finish the battle of Fuyuan Continent. What reason could Haoran use to persuade Liu Cha? Because he looked like a human?

Liu Cha said, “Chen Pingan, let’s agree in advance, I will only be your attendant in Haoran, not in the barbaric lands.”

Chen Pingan seemed to get anxious and complained loudly, “So much nonsense, it insults both me and yourself!”

Liu Cha nodded. These words were pleasant to hear.

Chen Pingan went to the next mountain.

Liu Cha put his mind back to fishing. The big-bearded man suddenly woke up with a start. Damn it, he deliberately spoke in a loud voice and scared away a grass carp that was about to take the bait.

The mountain peak where Chen Pingan chose to stay was also a good place for gathering wind and water, with an unknown small sect. The founding ancestor was merely at the Dongfu realm, with seven or eight registered disciples, “three generations under one roof,” and not even an ancestor hall had been established. The founding patriarch, who had fled here during the chaotic times of war, had set up a slightly crude illusion. They just cultivated diligently and did not interact with the mundane world outside the mountain. Occasionally, they went out to sell some mountain produce and buy some clothes, rice, oil, and salt in the market.

Several second-generation disciples were discussing a matter with their master, saying that they planned to open a鏢局 in the capital of Dali. Every family has its difficult sutra to recite. Following their master here to open a mountain and establish a sect, they could cultivate in peace, but life was a bit too shabby. The main reason was that they lacked money, which delayed their cultivation. Just the matter of medicinal meals on the mountain cost a lot of real gold and silver. The master did not object to them going down the mountain to gain experience, but he was worried that they were not worldly-wise and would suffer losses. It was not easy to establish a foothold in the Dali capital, which was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Furthermore, deep down, the old man was also afraid that they would go into the red dust of bright lights and debauchery, get blinded by the colorful flowers, and after going down the mountain, feel that cultivation in the mountains was too difficult, and thus never return. After a discussion, the old man still repeatedly taught them some knowledge of human relations and the tricks of dealing with local officials and yamen, and prepared to write a few letters to his long-uncontacted friends on the mountain, asking them to take care of the鏢局 a little.

The old man smiled suddenly, surprised, “Brother Cao Mo, have you come into the mountains again to look for minerals and collect herbs along the way?”

Seeing the familiar figure in the green robe, the faces of the old man’s several second-generation disciples changed. A young woman with a good appearance’s eyes turned, but she deliberately turned her head to look at the green mountain on the side.

The other men and youths were all on high alert. They only had this one junior sister or senior sister, and what were the malicious intentions of this Jianghu martial artist named Cao Mo, who had been wandering around their sect recently, not once but twice? No matter, the other party was just a martial artist who only knew how to use fists and feet. In another ten years, he would be old. What they were afraid of was his honeyed words, deceiving her. Didn’t the old saying of the market say that a good woman was afraid of being pestered by a man?

Chen Pingan cupped his hands and smiled, “Brother Hong, passing through your treasure land, I’m disturbing your peaceful cultivation again.”

This Dongfu realm founding ancestor, the old man’s name was Hong Zhengyun, without a Daoist name. His cultivation aptitude was mediocre. Although he was a scattered cultivator in the mountains and swamps, he was kind-hearted. His disciples were all orphans whom the old man had taken in one after another during the war years. Except for two disciples who could barely cultivate qi and had learned the basic breathing exercises, the rest of the disciples had learned some Daoist boxing and sword arts, which could strengthen their bodies and prolong their lives, but cultivating to become an immortal was a pipe dream. They were more like Jianghu knights who could leap onto roofs and walk on walls, how could they know any immortal methods of subduing demons and eliminating evil?

So it was said to be an immortal sect that had opened a dao field, and they were registered cultivators, both the old man and his disciples knew clearly. The continuation of the Daoist lineage depended on only two people.

This was also an important reason why the second-generation disciples wanted to open a鏢局. With the money they earned, they would save up some immortal coins for her and a young man who was a third-generation disciple, and buy those so-called cultivation resources from the books at the immortal ferry that had astonishing prices, and bring them back to the sect. Otherwise, relying solely on the mountain’s produce, the two of them were destined not to become immortals.

Just then, the visitor smiled, “I am a martial artist who has entered the Qi cultivation realm. Within a hundred zhang, I can clearly hear the wings of mosquitoes buzzing. I just happened to hear your esteemed sect discussing matters, pardon my intrusion.”

A young man rolled his eyes. He disliked Cao Mo’s tone the most, always liking to talk about the three realms of Qi cultivation in martial arts, as if he was afraid others wouldn’t know he was a fourth-realm martial arts grandmaster.

Since you’re so amazing, why don’t you teach me one or two of your ultimate techniques? Even helping you connect with Senior Sister Zhao as a matchmaker is not something that can’t be discussed.

Hong Zhengyun did not feel that Cao Mo’s posture was inappropriate. Didn’t he himself always take out his seemingly moldy Dongfu realm to bask in the sun, and repeatedly talk about it with his direct and re-initiated disciples?

In life, there are always one or two things that can be boasted about to the world and outsiders.

Then they heard Cao Mo smile and say, “Brother Hong, it’s a coincidence, isn’t it? I happen to have some prestige in the capital area. I know a hall master of Liu Yan’s Fish Dragon Gang, and I’ve also met Magistrate Han of Yongtai County. If you really go to the capital to open a鏢局, on the opening day, I can help you invite a few local figures from both the black and white paths to support you, which will save you a lot of unnecessary trouble.”

Hong Zhengyun stroked his beard and smiled, afraid that his disciples would not understand the weight of Cao Mo’s words, the old man explained on their behalf, “I’ve heard of that渠帥. In his early years, this martial arts grandmaster seemed to have gained a great reputation in the auxiliary capital area along with Immortal Maiden Helian of the Invincible Divine Fist Gang. As for Magistrate Han of Yongtai County, don’t be fooled by the title of ‘Magistrate.’ A magistrate in the capital of Dali is no less than a Minister in a vassal state. Brother Cao, your connections are good enough, your relationships are strong enough!”

The young man, with a tiger head and tiger brain, retorted, “Grandmaster Cao’s martial arts are unparalleled. How far away did you see these Jianghu bigwigs and official big shots? Was it also a hundred zhang away?”

As expected, Cao Mo was momentarily speechless, as if his lie had been exposed on the spot, and his face showed some awkwardness.

Except for her, the other disciples burst into laughter. The old man quickly reprimanded them for being rude and apologized, “My discipline is not strict. Please don’t take it to heart, Brother Cao Mo.”

Cao Mo nodded and smiled, “If I were to be petty with the younger generation, then I, as an elder, would not be broad-minded enough.”

Hong Zhengyun had chatted with Cao Mo twice and knew that this self-proclaimed wild martial artist, who enjoyed wandering the world, was very understanding and talented. He knew a bit about the learning of the three religions and a hundred schools, and was familiar with the customs of the continent, which was remarkable. What fourth-realm martial artist? At least starting from the fifth realm!

The old man waved his hand, telling them to disperse and cultivate, only leaving the most promising, or rather, the only promising female disciple to reach the middle fifth realm, Zhao Li.

Hong Zhengyun asked softly, “Brother Cao Mo, can you really help the鏢局 connect with Magistrate Han of Yongtai County?”

He asked in return, “Is the镖局 a legitimate business?”

Hong Zhengyun chuckled speechlessly and said slowly, “We are a small sect, we don’t have the guts or the means to go down a crooked path.”

Chen Pingan smiled, “I do know of a deserted cave in the capital region called Qingxuan Cave. It has been without a master for a long time. Why don’t you just move there and open a mountain and establish a sect?”

Hong Zhengyun said helplessly, “Although I have never heard of Qingxuan Cave, how could it be our turn to occupy a deserted dao field in the capital region of Dali? It must be a geomantically important place that the court is secretly keeping a close eye on.”

Chen Pingan nodded, “I was careless and took it for granted.”

Hong Zhengyun hesitated to speak.

Zhao Li said softly, “Grandmaster Cao, Master meant to ask if you have any friends on the mountain who can introduce me to another immortal mansion to become a disciple and cultivate. I am not willing to do so.”

Hong Zhengyun’s old face blushed.

Chen Pingan asked, “If I were to boast that I could take you to Changchun Palace to cultivate from scratch, would Brother Hong nod his head, and would you be willing to go?”

Zhao Li’s face suddenly turned red, she bit her lip, twisted her waist and walked away slowly, leaving behind a sentence, “You lecher!”

Even Chen Pingan was a bit confused. I said there was a premise of “boasting,” wanting to see how Hong Zhengyun and Zhao Li viewed cultivation. How did it get linked to being a lecher?

Hong Zhengyun held back his laughter, “Brother Cao Ah, you’re bragging too much. Zhao Li misunderstood you as having ulterior motives, trying to deceive her down the mountain to some Changchun Palace, on the way of traveling and playing, hmm?”

Chen Pingan couldn’t help but laugh and was too lazy to explain anything, “Brother Hong, they don’t understand, there are some misunderstandings. I believe you should know that I came here with absolutely no improper thoughts.”

Hong Zhengyun smiled and said, “I was also young once, full of vigor and vitality. Who doesn’t appreciate beauty?”

The old man liked to chat with Cao Mo, in addition to both having extensive knowledge and being well-learned, it was also because Cao Mo could take a joke. Perhaps the reason they got along well was that they were both good at self-deprecation.

Hong Zhengyun patted Chen Pingan’s shoulder, “Brother Cao Mo, let’s not trouble you with the matter of the镖局 for now. We’ll talk about it if something really happens in the future.”

Although the old man was not very familiar with the situation in the Dali capital, because his disciples were preparing to open a鏢局, he had inquired about some information in advance and knew the surnames of the two magistrates of Changning County and Yongtai County.

Chen Pingan clasped his hands in his sleeves and said softly, “I just don’t understand how a scattered cultivator in the mountains and swamps, when he was displaced and wandering in such a chaotic world, where everyone trying to save themselves was as difficult as ascending to heaven, could bear to give away all his private wealth to save over three hundred women, children, and orphans, and settle them properly.”

The old man was silent for a moment, then smiled, “You understand.”

Chen Pingan smiled knowingly.

After a few casual chats, that Cao Mo said goodbye and left, going to other deep mountains to look for valuable medicinal herbs. In the old man’s eyes, a figure as small as a mustard seed, in a place where few people went, accompanied only by ancient pines and white clouds, ascended and descended nimbly like an ape on the cliffs of the distant mountains.

If a great craftsman uses a plumb line to show people rules, then a great physician can pulse the nation, diagnose the current ills, and save the common people.

Everyone says immortals are good, there are no cold and heat in the mountains, rolling up the curtain to see the green mountains, smiling at the spring breeze.

He appeared at the Qingxuan Cave of Yuanrou Zhan. Gu Can had previously explored this place. It was an ancient site with no mysterious or miraculous qualities. According to historical records, it was once a temporary resting place for a traveling Daoist. Later, after being embellished by busybodies, it acquired strange and peculiar immortal colors. Chen Pingan looked out from here at the road leading into the city. He first used the shrinking ground method to go to the Imperial Preceptor’s Mansion and changed into a court robe.

The Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial was waiting at the palace gate for a long time.

Chen Pingan said, “I have kept His Majesty waiting.”

The head eunuch of the Dali Dynasty smiled, “Not long.”

The Grand Eunuch asked softly, “Imperial Preceptor, may I ask when Miss Xie’s travelogue will be published?”

Chen Pingan asked, “Will you really buy it?”

The Grand Eunuch smiled, “It also depends on the price and who wrote the preface.”

Perhaps life itself is a mountain and river travelogue, each written in its own way, walking and stopping, resting and setting off, remembering and forgetting, meeting and parting, traveling far and reuniting, hometown, foreign land, and heart’s home.