At the ancestral mountain of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect, Old Divine Official Jia’s presence in handling the wedding banquet was so potent, it was like a “before the rain” Fourteenth Realm cultivator presiding over his own dojo.

Zhu Lian, assisting as a hand, was also seamless. At first, Mountain Lord Huai Lu of Luan Mountain, a female mountain spirit, doubted whether this Dragon Gate realm Daoist, no matter how well-versed in common wedding customs and mountain-water etiquette, might make a mountain dao companion’s wedding banquet slightly rustic, or conversely, too ethereal and lacking in human warmth. Huai Lu was quickly deeply impressed; this Old Divine Official Jia from Fallen Mountain was learned!

However, despite Ruan Qiong’s trust in them, it was akin to giving away a daughter. He likely felt he needed to contribute something visibly and occasionally couldn’t resist offering awkward suggestions. Of course, Huai Lu wouldn’t say anything directly. Zhu Lian considered himself merely the chef. Although Old Daoist Jia was usually kind and agreeable, after patiently explaining things to Ruan Qiong once or twice, Old Divine Official Jia finally erupted. Of course, it was that unique, stern authority that came without outward anger, as if saying, “Sage Ruan, if you keep hindering things, you’ll touch upon this humble Daoist’s inverse scale. Begone!”

Ruan Qiong, known throughout the Entire Bottle Continent for his stubbornness, actually responded to this. After sincerely apologizing to Old Daoist Jia, he chose to quietly watch from the side, looking on eagerly and offering no further pointless suggestions, only helping with small tasks where he could. Old Daoist Jia neither abandoned his duties nor chased him away, did he?

This utterly astonished Xu Xiaoqiao, who had come to check on the progress. When Old Divine Official Jia saw this Sword Immortal missing a right thumb, his expression immediately changed, becoming amiable. The old Daoist walked straight to the desk, rolled up his sleeves, and with brush and ink, wrote a detailed list of tasks: one, two, three, four, five… clearly organized, with precise numbers, highlighting necessary precautions and their reasons in tiny, detailed annotations. In short, he requested Sword Immortal Xu and the fairies to follow them. Xu Xiaoqiao was also deeply impressed. Having an elder in the family is like having a treasure; the ancients truly did not deceive me. She, uncharacteristically brave, glanced at her master, signaling him not to interfere.

All the textual work related to the wedding banquet was handled by Zhu Lian, who even personally wrote a cookbook specifically for the feast. Although Zhu Lian had brought dozens of ingredients of varying quantities in his spatial artifact, some wild provisions and celestial offerings still required the Dragon Spring Sword Sect’s careful arrangement. For example, for pickled eggplant, it needed to be soaked in spring water overnight, using three and a half taels of salt per catty of eggplant and pickling two catties. A note beside it read, “Spring water like that from Changchun Palace’s Lingqiu is best, ordinary mountain spring water will also do…” Truly, fine food is not too much trouble, and finely minced meat is not too fine. Xu Xiaoqiao was, of course, happy to busy herself with these duties with her junior brothers and sisters. Old Mister Zhu and Old Daoist Jia were only half-outsiders, yet they were so dedicated. What reason did these official disciples of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect have not to strive for perfection?

Stealing a moment of leisure, Old Divine Official Jia casually flipped through the cookbook, stroking his beard and praising, “Mister Zhu’s running script and cursive hand are truly wondrous. His attainment is so high that even the Mountain Lord’s regular script pales in comparison. It’s impossible for this humble Daoist to utter insincere words like ‘each has its own merits.'”

The fiery clouds in the distance, like tenant farmers who had worked diligently all day, had a little drink, their faces flushed red, and were ready to rest.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Why not hold a ceremony in the small town as well?”

According to their hometown customs, wedding banquets were held twice, once at the groom’s home and once at the bride’s. Even neighbors living next door couldn’t break the rule.

Liu Xianyang chuckled, “How else would those acquaintances and friends come here to broaden their horizons and enjoy a rare celestial meal?”

After all, the Dragon Spring Sword Sect was currently the “premier” sword sect in the Bottle Continent. Although not as teeming with Sword Immortals as Zhengyang Mountain, mountain duels weren’t about quantity.

Furthermore, Blacksmith Ruan still held the title of the Chief Enshrinement of Da Li, a position he had resigned three times but failed to relinquish. This title held considerable weight, and he received an annual imperial salary. Senior Brother Dong, acting as the accountant, was quite comfortable; all he had to do was count money.

Gu Can said, “If we were to hold the wedding banquet in the small town, it would be something else. Ruan Qiong is Xiu Yue’s elder in the family, plus you, who just became the National Master, as the best man, and Ning Yao as the bridesmaid for Xiu Yue, it would just turn into a series of greetings and exchanges between those from the mountain and those from the officialdom below. Not to mention Wei Bo and Piaoyun Mountain would certainly have to show up. If Wei Yeyou, the Five Sacred Mountain God, appeared, would the other four gods not show their regards? If the Iron Talisman River Water God’s residence came to offer congratulations, wouldn’t the Three River Water Gods from Red Candle Town also follow suit? This is just those from the mountain. As for the officialdom below, ha, the entire Huai Huang County town would be filled with carriages. Who wouldn’t want to seize this rare opportunity to get familiar with the new National Master? Besides, according to custom, the bowls and chopsticks used for the wedding banquet’s running feast must be borrowed, not newly purchased. Now that the old neighbors have moved to the provincial capital, wouldn’t Liu Xianyang, the groom, have to sneak into every household overnight by climbing walls to steal them, and also try his luck to see if there are any old cabinets that haven’t been moved, and if there are any bowls and chopsticks left?”

Liu Xianyang burst into laughter, and Chen Ping’an also found it amusing.

Chen Ping’an recalled something and asked softly, “What about their wedding gifts?”

Gu Can rolled his eyes. Always calculating such things.

Liu Xianyang said, “It’s been agreed upon for a long time, it will be according to the standards of our dragon kiln peers’ wedding feasts back then. Not a single copper coin can be short. I will open the red envelopes in front of everyone. Whoever dares to be sly and play tricks on me, I’ll get angry with them on the spot.”

If it were an ordinary person, they would likely say not to accept a single additional copper coin. Liu Xianyang was certainly not an ordinary person.

Gu Can said, “Who added that sentence about giving red envelopes according to the market rate for a kiln master’s wedding?”

Liu Xianyang said self-righteously, “My ceramic firing skill is the only one that received the true inheritance from Old Man Yao. Can they compare? When Chen Ping’an was still foolishly practicing throwing pots, I could already teach others the skipping knife technique. Of course, it has to be according to the standard for the daughters and daughters-in-law of the great dragon kiln masters. If it weren’t for that incident back then, I would already be a kiln master by now, having taken in a large number of apprentices, and maybe even grand-apprentices…”

Gu Can tutted, “Then you’d work yourself to the bone, tirelessly firing a batch of imperial porcelain. After the kiln supervisor meticulously inspected it, it would be sent to the capital of Da Li. If you’re lucky, the emperor would carefully select a few pieces and give them to the National Master. Then, when the National Master is free to drink tea, he’d pick one up and say, ‘Oh my, this seems to be something fired by my old friend Liu Xianyang. He’s made something of himself…’ That’s roughly the process, right?”

Liu Xianyang was momentarily speechless.

Chen Ping’an asked with a smile, “Have any old acquaintances from the dragon kiln come up the mountain to find you in the years you’ve been back?”

Liu Xianyang chuckled, “There have been a few times. Some truly encountered difficulties that they couldn’t overcome on their own and had to ask me to step in and help them resolve things. There were also those who seemingly came here to reminisce with me, and after descending the mountain and returning to the provincial capital, they’d brag to their new friends, or gain subtle favoritism from the yamen officials in certain trivial matters, or gain face or practical benefits at the banquets of the provincial capital’s wealthy and influential. There were also those who were entrusted by others, seeking connections, wanting to discuss with me and help them see how talented certain teenagers were and if they could come up the mountain to become immortals. I heard that others would treat him to a meal to discuss this matter, costing at least five hundred taels of silver, regardless of whether it succeeded or not afterward, and whether those children could come up the mountain to cultivate the Dao, it was that amount, paid without fail.”

Gu Can sneered, “Just hearing about it is disgusting.”

Liu Xianyang shook his head, “No, that’s just how life is. Do you think everyone is like you, hiding in White Emperor City or nesting in Quan Jiao Mountain, and everything is peaceful? It’s not that I’m inviting bad luck for you, but you just wait honestly at Fuyao Sect. Sooner or later, a few old acquaintances from back then will come knocking. Whether it’s ‘five hundred taels of silver’ or something else, you’ll have to repay a few debts of human kindness.”

Gu Can said, “Even if something similar happens, let’s see if I’ll pay it any mind.”

Liu Xianyang chuckled, “Don’t take yourself too seriously. I advise you to pay it some mind.”

Gu Can was about to retort, but Liu Xianyang had already brought out his killer move, “Sect Master Gu, don’t be noisy. Be careful I release Chen Ping’an and close the door to beat you.”

The daylight and night sky, like passing through the curtains on a stage labeled “Exit Generals” and “Enter Ministers,” made their grand entrance, and then returned to remove their makeup.

At the peak of Zhuhai Peak, there was an unnamed palace, the only building of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect that conformed to the style of a celestial dojo. It had a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof covered with emerald green glazed tiles, carved beams and painted rafters, and was exquisitely beautiful. It was an excellent spot for viewing the sea of clouds, which often drifted over the peak. This palace was like a green spiral shell on a white jade plate. This building was constructed with secret techniques, as if newly polished, and it shimmered brilliantly when the sun set in the west, with fiery red Dao Qi treasure light rising. This was also where the Dragon Spring Sword Sect transmitted and studied the Dao.

It was on the same level as the blacksmith’s shop on the ancestral mountain, which often sparked with fire, together forming a pair of “dragon eyes.”

Currently, on the white jade plaza outside the unnamed palace, sword Qi crisscrossed, radiating brilliant light. Several diligent second-generation disciples were practicing their sword techniques there.

Liu Xianyang raised the wine pot in his hand, pointed it towards the training ground on Zhuhai Peak where sword light flickered, and said smugly, “See that? Aren’t the sword techniques of those two little girls beautiful? Our Dragon Spring Sword Sect still has some good seedlings. Give it another thirty to fifty years, ha, I’ll be called Grandmaster Ancestor.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “When it comes to taking on disciples, you should learn more from me.”

In order of seniority, there were Cui Dongshan, Pei Qian, Cao Qinglang, Zhao Shuxia, Guo Zhujiu, Ning Ji, Deng Jianping, and Yuan Huang.

Liu Xianyang waved his hand, “Neither Sect Master Gu nor I have the habit of being overly eager to teach.”

Gu Can didn’t say anything either. His rebellious disciple seemed to be as good as none.

Ruan Qiong had indeed taken in a few indoor disciples, who had been following him to forge swords over the years. However, although they were all sword cultivators, their aptitude was generally average, far from the talented sword cultivators like Yu Lin and Liu Yu, whom Ruan Qiong had “respectfully sent down the mountain” back then. Among them were two survivors of the Lu clan’s criminals. Their background was the same as Yu Lu and Xie Xie. Ruan Qiong was notoriously eccentric. For example, these direct disciples had not been included in the Ancestral Hall registry, certainly not because he disliked their low realms, but because Ruan Qiong felt they had not yet graduated and were not stable enough.

Fortunately, this group of sword cultivators, now in their thirties, had remained and had similar personalities to Ruan Qiong. They didn’t feel there was anything amiss and had no complaints.

The Dragon Spring Sword Sect now also had over a dozen third-generation disciples. Dong Gu, the first disciple who opened the peak on Hengshuo Peak, had taken in three disciples, all from mountain and water spirit backgrounds. They were honest and upright, didn’t like to go down the mountain for experience, and just stayed on the mountain cultivating diligently. Except for their own sect and the Da Li Ministry of Rites, probably no one knew that they were Sage Ruan’s second-generation disciples.

Ruan Qiong’s group of indoor disciples also took on disciples. Later, they discovered that their master was strict in his discipline of them but was amiable and gentle in his speech towards the second-generation disciples, and even treated his disciples better. Since this method worked, the other indoor disciples eagerly sought out disciples. For example, Liu Ai and Lu Zhao were among those who came up the mountain this way. In fact, their ages were not much different from their master’s, only about ten years.

These second-generation disciples genuinely admired their grandmaster.

A large part of the reason was that Xu Xiaoqiao would occasionally tell them stories from earlier years, such as how Sect Master Liu had been a kiln worker for many years, and how a certain person had worked as a temporary laborer in a blacksmith’s shop by the Dragon Whisker River… More recent stories always involved the ritual visit to Zhengyang Mountain, or the famous Night Roam Banquet on Piaoyun Mountain that was renowned throughout the continent, and the sword talismans that their sect had forged and distributed back then. Before the relocation, any cultivator had to wear a sword talisman to fly on the wind, otherwise they would be reprimanded and wouldn’t dare to seek redress from anyone. The third-generation disciples especially loved hearing these legendary tales of Sword Immortals. After all, other mountains in the Bottle Continent were just heard of, but they had the opportunity to see them firsthand. Even when talking about that cloud-shrouded Fallen Mountain, they were more curious and longing than reverent.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Has Xie Ling also reached the Jade Pure realm?”

Liu Xianyang nodded, “Xie’s Long Brow, his family background, aptitude, and fortune are all first-class. It’s a natural progression for him to become a Jade Pure realm sword cultivator.”

Gu Can asked, “The exquisite treasure pagoda bestowed by Lu Chen is of extremely high grade. This treasure itself is a Dao lineage. Does Xie Ling not have the idea of establishing his own mountain and creating his own Dao脉?”

Liu Xianyang shook his head, “No matter how talented and ambitious Xie Ling is, after spending a long time with me, this sect master brother, he has learned the principle of ‘there is always a mountain higher than the one you’re on,’ and he will also become disheartened.”

Gu Can said irritably, “National Master, quickly establish a new rule for Da Li: bragging is illegal.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “In this matter, he’s really not bragging. Xie Ling has that stubborn personality of not being willing to be second if he can’t be first. One day, when he genuinely believes his sword Dao attainment surpasses Liu Xianyang’s, he will have the idea of starting his own path. He can be considered the second Bai Chang of our Bottle Continent.”

Xu Xiaoqiao of Zhuhai Peak has only one disciple named Li Shenyuan. Liu Xianyang and Xie Ling temporarily have no direct disciples. One is lazy, and the other has a high standard and can’t find a suitable candidate. Xie Ling has always wanted to find a senior disciple with better cultivation aptitude than himself.

But the problem is that Xie Ling himself is already one of the young ten in the Bottle Continent, and ranked high. To find someone with better talent than him?

Chen Ping’an took out two jade slips from his sleeve and gave one to Liu Xianyang and one to Gu Can.

The contents of the two jade slips were not strictly speaking Daoist texts. They were the “Three Lectures” given by Gao Gu, the foremost alchemist in the Azure Netherworld, at Huayang Palace on Earth Lungs Mountain before he descended to seek the Dao at White Jade City.

The earliest jade slip was given by the Old Abbot to Xie Gou. The “Three Lectures” did not involve core Daoist secrets and could be widely circulated among cultivators. Chen Ping’an personally copied several copies.

Liu Xianyang glanced at the contents of the jade slip and felt that it was not very useful for his sword refining. He planned to give it to Xie Ling and let him teach it to all the third-generation disciples.

Gu Can, however, planned to carefully study it himself and only pass it on to the direct disciples of the Ancestral Hall in the future.

On the training ground of Zhuhai Peak, it was originally a friendly sparring match between fellow disciples that stopped at the point. A slender girl with a cold face put away her sword, cupped her hands, and said with a smile, “Sister Ai, you yielded.”

The girl was wearing a clean and neat onion-green silk round-necked arrow sleeve. The girl’s pure blue and thick hair was styled into two buns, shaped like the character “丫” (ya).

She twisted her wrist and threw the long sword back into the sword rack standing at the edge of the plaza. The sword body drew an arc and returned to its sheath with a clang.

Another woman who was practicing with her, named Liu Ai, was a few years older than her junior sister Lu Zhao. Liu Ai wore a brilliant golden necklace in the shape of coiled dragons around her neck. Her dress was steamed with flower fragrance. One could tell she came from a wealthy and powerful family below the mountain. Although they were taught the same sword technique by the same master, the girl’s sword fighting style was open and aggressive, while Liu Ai’s waist was soft and her sleeves danced like falling snow.

There were also two young men, around the age of twenty, watching the match. Their attire was very simple. Their Daoist masters were different from those of Liu Ai and Lu Zhao.

These few were just strolling here after dinner. The girl suddenly had the idea of practicing sword fighting, and Liu Ai had to accompany her, not wanting to dampen the enthusiasm of her junior sister, who was a sword fanatic.

If it were their usual cultivation, they would not be dressed like this. If their grandmaster, who valued rules the most, found out, he would be furious and scold their master like a quail, wouldn’t he?

Liu Ai and the others only knew that the round-faced girl who was about to marry Sect Master Liu was named Yu Qianyue. She was a gentle older sister who spoke softly to everyone. As for her realm, they couldn’t discern it, but since she could become a Dao companion with the Sect Master, she must not be an ordinary person.

However, they didn’t know that she was Xiu Yue of the Barbarian Desolation, one of the young ten in several worlds back then.

Lu Zhao looked towards Youyi Peak. The girl’s current realm was not high enough, and her eyesight was limited. She softly asked, “Will that person attend our Sect Master Uncle’s wedding?”

As soon as the girl said this, Liu Ai and the other senior sisters and brothers didn’t need to guess who “that person” was. They all understood, but didn’t know what to say.

Lu Zhao’s thoughts were simple and pure. She asked in confusion, “Sister Ai, why did Master repeatedly tell us in private not to casually mention his name?”

Liu Ai said softly, “Since Sect Master Gu has arrived, I believe that person, no matter how busy, will certainly show up at the wedding banquet tomorrow. As for why Master requires us not to call him by his name and casually discuss him, I suppose it’s because we, as juniors, should always avoid the names of those we revere.”

Gu Can, the young disciple of Zheng Juzhong of White Emperor City, was already a figure who had established a sect in Fuyao Continent. What’s more, he owned an entire Golden Jade City that had been relocated from the Barbarian Desolation to Haoran. Those with discerning eyes knew that, judging by his posture, Gu Can and Fuyao Sect were determined to contend with Tianyao Village for the title of Continent Master.

A white-robed young man with a face like a jade crown and long eyebrows, holding a fly whisk, slowly walked out of this five-flower palace whose name was not publicly revealed. A young man named Li Shenyuan followed him.

The four third-generation disciples, including Liu Ai, immediately faced this person, cupped their hands, and addressed him as Uncle Xie.

This person was Xie Ling. His expression was calm, and he pointed out a few flaws in their sword techniques.

Although Li Shenyuan was the direct disciple of Xu Xiaoqiao on Zhuhai Peak, when it came to transmitting and teaching the Dao, it was indeed Xie Ling who was the most dedicated and skilled at it in the Dragon Spring Sword Sect.

Moreover, Xie Ling’s learning was extensive and he was proficient in everything. In addition to the Dragon Spring Sword Sect’s own sword Dao lineages, talismans, and the planchette technique for inviting spirits and descending reality, he had his own unique understanding of everything.

Liu Xianyang said, “On the path of cultivation, Xie Ling regards you as his imagined enemy.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and let it pass.

Gu Can sneered, “Then he has found the right person.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Then don’t say that jade slip was given by me. Just say it was a chance treasure found in a blessed land. Later, when he reaches the Immortal realm or ascends to Dao, then you can explain the situation to him.”

Gu Can could completely imagine the arrogant Long Brow’s expression as if he had eaten shit.

Liu Xianyang chuckled, “Good method.”

Gu Can suddenly asked, “Can Liu Cha be trusted? Don’t let him cause trouble and give you a sudden attack.”

Chen Ping’an said, “It won’t come to that. If he were born in Haoran, he would also be a renowned chivalrous swordsman.”

Gu Can nodded, slightly relieved.

Liu Xianyang said, “Cultivators’ natures are always more fixed than mortals. Even if they change, it’s only in the face of life and death that their true selves are revealed, and then they might change.”

“Look at the three of us. Leaving aside our identities and realms, our personalities are pretty much the same as they were back then.”

“By the way, what’s wrong with you, surname Chen? Why didn’t you let Little Millet leave the Chu Prefecture area later, at least after attending Liu Ke Shui’s wedding before traveling south?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and didn’t speak.

Just then, a young man with a troubled face appeared. He was handsome and imposing, with a seemingly natural furrowed brow. Beside him was a female cultivator in a colorful skirt with a high bun, beautiful and with a golden hair ornament. She wore a colorful palace sash around her waist. It was evident that she was nervous, but pretended to be calm. Their surnames in the Dragon Spring Sword Sect’s registry were both Lu. Fortunately, their master was Ruan Qiong. In any other dojo, they would likely have been advised not to reveal their identity as survivors of a fallen kingdom so clearly. If they were just reclusive commoners in the martial arts world, that would be one thing, but as cultivators seeking longevity, did they perhaps intend to do something after achieving success in the Dao?

Liu Xianyang shook his head at him.

Junior Brother Lu, it’s not that today isn’t the right time to bring it up, but that no time is the right time to bring it up.

Gu Can nodded. Although Liu Xianyang seemed carefree and never paid attention to details, he was indeed someone who was clear about important matters.

Chen Ping’an, however, smiled, stood up, and said he would chat with them privately about cultivation.

Chen Ping’an naturally knew their backgrounds. Lu Xiting was from a noble family of the former Lu Dynasty. The female cultivator Lu Langhuan, similar to Xie Xie, had started cultivating immortal techniques on the mountain at a young age.

After walking a distance, near a waterfall illuminated brightly by moonlight, there were a dozen pots of orchids by the roadside, as large as winnowing baskets and fragrantly pleasant.

Lu Xiting stopped, his eyes red, and bowed, saying, “Lu clan remnant, fortunate to meet National Master Chen.”

Lu Langhuan also performed a courteous curtsy. Her impression of her former homeland was already very faint. When the kingdom was destroyed, she was still a confused child. When she followed her teachers in reciting Daoist texts back then, her speech was not yet fluent.

Chen Ping’an cupped his hands in his sleeves and said calmly, “Lu Xiting, do you know that your several secret contacts with the Lu clan remnants and former noble princes and dukes are all recorded in the files of the Da Li Ministry of Justice? What you talked about, what you wanted to do, what you ate, how your tone and expression changed, are all recorded very clearly, because two of them were spies for the Da Li Ministry of Justice. You were lucky to have just entered the Dragon Spring Sword Sect. If you were in Shen Gao Sect, Changchun Palace, or Fengxue Temple, it would be more troublesome, and it would be easy to harm yourselves and others.”

Lu Xiting looked up, obviously surprised. Chen Ping’an smiled, “I don’t need to scare you, a Sea Gazing realm sword cultivator, right?”

Lu Langhuan pursed her lips. It seemed this young National Master was not as terrifying as she had imagined. Gathering her courage to follow Lu Xiting to meet him this time, she had truly risked her life.

Chen Ping’an said gently, “It is understandable that the Lu clan remnants wish to restore their kingdom, but unfortunately, the phrase ‘wishes come true’ is always seen in two parts.”

“If I say it’s impossible, you will think it’s because of my current identity. Then you can go find Wang Yifu and ask for his opinion. If he says it’s possible, it means your hard work over the past thirty years, meeting often under the guise of a poetry club, boating on the lake, composing and reciting poetry, and using a large number of famous prostitutes and singing girls to cover your tracks, was not in vain. But if even Wang Yifu says it’s impossible, you should seriously reflect on yourself.”

“Over the years, Wang Yifu has served as an attendant to Empress Dowager Nanzan and Minister Liu Qingfeng of the auxiliary capital, traveling to various places and having a deep understanding of Da Li’s court affairs. He is now living in seclusion in the auxiliary capital Luojing, and is not difficult to find. You can take a Ministry of Justice ‘No Incident’ token to Luojing later and have a good talk with Wang Yifu.”

Lu Xiting looked awkward and said, “National Master Chen, we actually no longer have ambitions of restoring the kingdom. We just want to strive with the Da Li court to improve the status of the Lu clan remnants as much as possible.”

For example, officials from the Lu clan remnants have not yet become third-rank officials, and not a single border official has come from them. Another example is allowing former Lu clan cultivators to restore their Dao lineages, reclaim those Dao fields, re-establish their immortal abodes, and also reduce taxes in the two prefectures… To be honest, Lu Xiting didn’t even dare to think about restoring the kingdom. What kind of head hadn’t been severed by the swords of the Da Li soldiers?

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Isn’t this matter more difficult than restoring the kingdom?”

Lu Xiting was confused, “I humbly request the National Master to enlighten me.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Restoring the kingdom is merely a dozen or so former noble remnants finding a young person with royal blood, raising a banner, and gathering a few remnants, only to be suppressed by Da Li within a day or two. But even if it’s a fleeting moment, it can still be recorded in history. Restoring the kingdom for one day is still considered restoring the kingdom.”

“But if it’s not about restoring the kingdom, but seeking the interests of the people of the former Lu Dynasty’s homeland in all aspects, which is what you call ‘status,’ how can you seek the official status of the Lu clan’s old noble families, the reclamation of immortal abodes and the continuation of incense of the old Dao lineages?”

“Let me tell you a truth that you might find difficult to accept. Almost all the civil and military officials from the former Lu clan who could have risen through the ranks in Da Li’s court and become border officials have already died in battle. Those noble descendants left behind for Da Li’s court, who have been proficient in ‘being officials’ for generations, if it weren’t for Da Li’s court having to allocate some positions to them as a reward for their ‘understanding the situation and the times’ back then, in my opinion, the two unwritten rules set by Cui Chan and Old Master Guan of the Ministry of Personnel, which prohibit officials from the former Lu clan from entering the Ministry of Revenue and from holding positions above the fourth rank in local prefectures and counties, were still too lenient.”

Lu Langhuan listened with rapt attention. Many questions that she had previously been unable to understand and that Lu Xiting and the others couldn’t explain suddenly became clear. Hidden within the young National Master’s cold and almost cruel words were several vivid truths. For example, this was the first time she had heard that the Da Li court and the embroidered tiger Cui Chan had actually made such a shady deal with the Lu clan’s noble families. But then, Cui Chan and the Da Li Ministry of Personnel had stabbed them in the back. Especially the line “not allowed to enter the Ministry of Revenue to be officials,” tsk, it was something to chew on!

Lu Xiting said softly, “National Master Chen, if all of this is impossible, then what about the heavy taxes on the people of the two prefectures? They are truly too harsh. Two years ago, under the guise of gaining experience down the mountain, I traveled there. It was not a poetry club among flowers and moonlight, nor a banquet filled with distinguished guests. I truly visited many counties and rural areas, and the lives of the common people are indeed hard.”

Chen Ping’an said, “The heavy taxes that the two prefectures must endure for fifty years were also a rule personally set by Cui Chan. The Da Li court will only ensure that the people of the two prefectures can survive and that their lives are no worse than those of the people of the former Lu clan. Above this bottom line, the entrenched old Lu clan noble families and wealthy elite in the local areas can do whatever they want. If it’s aboveboard, there are ways to make money, whether it’s in the capital of Da Li, the auxiliary capital, or the trade south of the Great River. If they have the ability, they can do it. If they are caught doing something shady, their hands will be chopped off. It’s that simple.”

Perhaps the National Master had made his words so plain and straightforward that Lu Langhuan understood them clearly. Distributing benefits among themselves, dog eat dog? If these families could establish themselves through legitimate means of making money, they would have actively integrated into the Da Li dynasty. Those who lived uncomfortably were certainly resentful and discontented, even more desirous of restoring the kingdom? Once they decided to restore the kingdom, wouldn’t they just be caught in a single sweep by the Da Li garrison, which had been sharpening their knives in the dark all along? At that time, the foundation of the former Lu clan’s territory would become completely clean, and the Da Li court would then lower the taxes in the two prefectures?

Lu Langhuan sighed faintly. No wonder Sect Master Liu had smiled and said a seemingly nonsensical sentence to them when they went down the mountain to travel, “The face of the mountain is instead gained outside the mountain.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Lu Xiting, you are a survivor of the Lu clan, but you must firmly remember one thing and constantly ask yourself a question: besides yourself, who else can you represent? Only by understanding this can you possibly do something well. For example, I was the Hidden Official of Sword Qi City, but does Chen Ping’an dare to say he is Sword Qi City? Of course I don’t dare, neither does Ning Yao, not even the Grand Sword Immortal.”

Lu Xiting’s mood was extremely complex. He was grateful for the young National Master’s cruel but honest words of advice, but also regretful that he couldn’t help the people of the two prefectures.

In any case, Lu Xiting still had to thank his sect’s generosity and that Sect Master Senior Brother. Without these two layers of relationship, why would Chen Ping’an bother with him, and how could he have met the other party?

Just then, Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “The rules set by my Senior Brother Cui Chan are not unchangeable iron laws. For example, I think the fifty years of heavy taxes are a bit too long. thirty years is enough.”

Lu Xiting’s eyes lit up, and his face was full of shock. Thirty years? Wasn’t that from the date of the Lu Dynasty’s demise?

Lu Langhuan, however, had a strange expression. Only you, the Hidden Official and National Master, can say something like that.

Chen Ping’an extended his palm and gently turned it over, “Senior Brother is skilled at planning and setting overall strategies. I am not as good as Senior Brother, I can only follow the rules and do small things. Since they are small things, they are of course as easy as turning over a hand.”

At this moment, Lu Xiting truly understood what the “National Master” of the Da Li Dynasty meant. What seemed like enormous problems to them were, for Chen Ping’an, effortlessly resolved and minor matters.

Chen Ping’an retracted his palm and smiled, “Lu Xiting, Lu Langhuan, after you have achieved success in studying sword fighting on the mountain, you also need to serve as accompanying cultivators by the side of the provincial governors and generals in the two prefectures.”

Lu Xiting and Lu Langhuan exchanged glances, both seeing the eagerness in each other’s eyes.

On the cliffside, Liu Xianyang raised his hand to his ear, eavesdropping on the conversation over there, “Damn it, this guy is pretending again! He’s stealing my thunder on my territory, that’s too much!”

Gu Can sneered, “You have the nerve? Even being a best man for you, you can still get into trouble, and you have the audacity to complain? If you went to my place, let’s see who dares to come close to talk.”

Liu Xianyang leaned back and fell to the ground, crossing his legs, “Who made him friends with the two of us? It’s a sin… Bah, bah, bah, it must be good karma.”

Gu Can muttered to himself, “The Barbarian Desolation and Azure Netherworld, they can’t go wrong again.”

Liu Xianyang nodded and said, “You belong to the type of minor character who cheers from the side, but I am the main general, who can be a vanguard or cover the rear.”

Gu Can rested his fists on his knees, his eyes burning, “Ascension, ascension!”

Liu Xianyang looked at the bright moon in the sky, thinking of the girl in his heart. It was a hometown custom, the eldest brother married first, then the second brother, and as for the third, whatever.

Chen Ping’an returned to his seat and asked, “Is there a watermelon patch on the mountain? Gu Can, go get two watermelons for us to eat?”

Liu Xianyang chuckled, “What’s so good about our own watermelon patch’s watermelons? Why not let Gu Can run further and steal three back?”

Gu Can was, of course, too lazy to run. Unexpectedly, Chen Ping’an stood up and left Youyi Peak. Gu Can had no choice but to follow. When they returned, Chen Ping’an was carrying two watermelons under his arm and said with a smile that he was almost poked in the butt by a felt-hatted teenager guarding the watermelon patch with a pitchfork. Gu Can, however, said it was a blushing girl guarding the watermelon patch and that they bought the watermelons from her.

Liu Xianyang took one watermelon, concentrated his energy, and split it open with a palm. Following the old custom, he gave Gu Can the largest piece. They each gnawed on their watermelons, chatting about familiar hometown stories, such as how the three of them went wading near the Green Ox’s Back on summer nights, with Gu Can bare-assed, hands on his hips, his little bird bobbing as he leaped into the water. Gu Can had a dark face but didn’t refute anything.

The new chess game of the Da Li Dynasty had finally made its first move.

The selection of the Song clan’s heir apparent, the next National Master, several candidates for the next Prime Minister, the early attention and examination of the next batch of pillars of the Da Li court, the reorganization of the capital, the auxiliary capital, and the local areas, the new pattern between the mountain and below, the secret plans south of the Great River… all had their pieces placed on the board, and the overall situation in the Bottle Continent was set. When the world was not yet in chaos, the Bottle Continent moved first. When the world was not yet settled, the Bottle Continent was settled first.

The true conclusion of that Heavenly Connection was a gamble and a bet between Chen Ping’an and Zhou Mi.

Both sides could do as they pleased, only giving what they liked or overcoming what they disliked. Of course, they could also give what the other side disliked or overcome what the other side liked.

Just like the Dragon Boat Festival custom of battling grasses.

Gu Can asked curiously, “What did you choose, and what did Zhou Mi choose?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “I’ve forgotten my choice, and I can’t guess how Zhou Mi chose.”

A Daoist cultivator could go a night without sleep, which was nothing. The three of them talked until dawn and only then realized that there were so many people and things to talk about in their hometown. They felt that many people hadn’t been mentioned.

Old Divine Official Jia and Zhu Lian had already arrived at Youyi Peak, each busy with their own tasks. The old cook went into the kitchen, and Lu Xiting, Lu Langhuan, and a few other second-generation disciples came to help.

During this time, Xie Ling came to Youyi Peak for a chat. Gu Can wore a forced smile, and Xie Ling pretended not to see it, only asking Sword Immortal Chen about the customs and traditions of the North Entire Continent.

The sky was slightly bright.

It was time to pick up the bride.

Chen Ping’an and Gu Can symbolically tidied up their appearance, while Liu Xianyang looked like a groom. The three of them looked at each other and couldn’t help but laugh.

Liu Xianyang waved his hand, signaling to set off. Old Divine Official Jia stroked his beard and smiled. If it weren’t a little hurried, there would have been more icing on the cake.

On the mountain path of Youyi Peak, in front of a festive palanquin, besides the groom on horseback, there were two best men. Near the palanquin were two bridesmaids, Ning Yao and Zi Wu Meng.

Earlier, the best men were given a hard time by the bridesmaids, having to compose poetry, perform martial arts, and so on, which completely bewildered Chen Ping’an and Gu Can, much to the amusement of Huai Lu and the others.

With such a bridal procession, some young cultivators from Fengxue Temple, who had been waiting near the summit, looked at each other, feeling they dared not cause any trouble.

However, three figures suddenly emerged from the path ahead. The one in the lead, blocking the middle of the road, was a boy in green clothes, hands on his hips, laughing loudly, “Snatching the bride!”

A little girl holding a green bamboo staff and a slanted bag shouted in a loud voice, “Snatch the bride, snatch the bride!”

And a lazy fellow carrying a large satchel, along with a man with golden earrings who appeared out of thin air, said in unison, “Congratulations, congratulations, hand over the red envelopes!”

Xiu Yue wanted to lift the curtain to peek at the lively scene outside. Ning Yao, with her lightly applied makeup, immediately reminded her no, no. Zi Wu Meng covered her mouth and giggled. Getting married was so much fun.

That best man named Chen, with a bright smile, walked forward with large strides. He pulled out a stack of red envelopes he had prepared from his sleeve and distributed them, and he stroked Little Millet’s head.

After receiving the red envelopes, Little Millet, Chen Lingjun, and the others clasped their fists and offered auspicious wishes to the groom and the bride in the palanquin, such as a happy marriage, early children, and growing old together…

Just as they passed this hurdle, they unexpectedly saw a white-clothed young man and a Confucian-robed man jump out. They clamored about snatching the bride, while praising the groom’s handsome appearance, asking which family’s young man he was, and saying how they felt inferior in comparison. At the same time, they insisted on seeing how beautiful the bride was, threatening not to let them pass if they weren’t allowed to see… Later, Zheng Dafeng, Guo Zhujiu, Pei Qian, along with the girl wearing a mink hat, the young man with a yellow hat and blue shoes, the white-haired boy, and Cao Qinglang, all joined in the commotion, complaining that one red envelope was not enough and that good things must come in pairs, so they demanded two.

On the mountain path covered in golden sunlight, after passing one hurdle, there was a moment of tenderness.