The Fivefold Realm had barely felt the first chill of winter when the vast, desolate north was already blanketed in a snow of goose feathers, the drifts shimmering like jade, a world of glass.

Mountains, rivers, trees, all bleached white, a canvas upon which no mark had yet been made.

The cities and settlements they encountered were roughly hewn, few bustling hubs of humanity gracing their path. Even the immortal sects that had seized prime locations of natural power reeked more of earth than ether, their mountain gates shoddily crafted yet boasting names of staggering ambition – “So-and-So Sect,” or “Such-and-Such Order” – a far cry from the grandeur of the Verdant Domain.

Xie Gou was practically beside herself with glee. “Good heavens,” she chirped, “hardly a mid-tier cultivator to be found, yet they’re all founding religions and proclaiming themselves ancestors!”

The thaw had just begun, and they followed a river newly freed from its icy bonds, their boots crunching through the thick snow. They passed a riverside village where a gaggle of children, huddled like quail against the cold, squatted with fishing rods, their woven baskets still empty. Nearby, women with frostbitten hands beat clothes by the river, while a band of woodcutters, their backs bowed, hauled sacks of charcoal twice their size.

They journeyed toward the Heavenly Fish Dynasty’s capital. Chen Pingan sought a familiar face there, while Qi Tingji suggested lingering to admire the snowy vistas. Xie Gou, of course, was all for it, her travelogue already a masterpiece of prose, or so she thought. Just imagine the accolades if its length could be extended!

Chen Pingan bent and packed a snowball, squeezing it tight. Once past the village, in a place devoid of onlookers, the girl in the sable hat, her cheeks flushed red, rolled a snowball the size of a small hill, shrieking with delight.

The journey was mostly a flurry of Xie Gou’s chatter, making it impossible for Qi Tingji to reconcile her with the swordswoman known as White Scenery.

Chen Pingan had informed Qi Tingji that the Master of Azure Sky Grotto had bequeathed Azure Sky Mountain and Lootfall Beach to Liu Tui’s Celestial Ballad Village, with the stricture that they not parade themselves under the banner of the Daoist Abbey. Failure to comply, and the gift would be reclaimed with interest.

Qi Tingji chuckled. “Hearing this momentous news, Liu Tui was beside himself! His reply arrived by flying sword, the script so rushed you could feel the tremor in his hand.”

“He declared his intention to visit Fallen Peak soon, to offer thanks in person to the Hidden Official. He even inquired as to your preferences, wanting to bring a fitting gift. I, of course, extolled your virtues, telling him Chen Peak Lord was a paragon of integrity, his shoulders burdened by righteousness, and with little regard for worldly riches. I advised him to come empty-handed.”

“As for when Liu Tui will grace Fallen Peak with his presence, I cannot say.”

With a mighty shove, Xie Gou sent her colossal snowball lumbering toward a mountain, where it halted halfway up the slope. She clapped her hands, pleased to have wrought a “miracle” worthy of inscription in a book of wonders. Grinning, she said, “Old Sword Immortal Qi, you truly understand our Peak Lord!”

Chen Pingan explained, “A favor of this magnitude cannot be repaid with baubles. It’s better to let him owe us. Celestial Ballad Village is still in the throes of rebuilding, and the repairs to Azure Sky Mountain alone will strain their coffers. I wager Liu Tui will, at most, grit his teeth and offer a demi-artifact.”

Xie Gou pondered this, finding the logic sound. She then turned her complaints to Old Sword Immortal Qi. “So kind, yet you twist words into barbs.”

Qi Tingji tilted his chin. “A habit instilled by your Peak Lord.”

“Liu Tui’s reputation amongst the mountain folk of the western three continents is… mixed. He’s considered vindictive and petty, but a loyal friend. He’s the sort to help his own, regardless of justice. I believe Fallen Peak could use an ally like that.”

“In Floating Continent, Old Ascended Yang Qianku stands above all, and even Liu Tui, before his fall from grace, admitted he could not match him. But in terms of sectarian strength, neither the Rear Mountain now, nor even Yang Qianku before his sojourn to Merit Wood, could rival Celestial Ballad Village.”

At this, Xie Gou piped up. “I heard that had Old Sword Immortal Qi not intervened on the battlefield, Liu Tui would have been hung on the walls as a beacon! That alone speaks volumes. Otherwise, our Peak Lord would never have allowed Xiao Mo to carry word to Azure Sky Daoist. In a few days, it will be the Grain Rain Festival… Peak Lord, may I speak of this?”

Chen Pingan scanned their surroundings, then flung his snowball far toward the peak where the larger one lay. He smiled. “What is there to hide?”

Xie Gou announced, “On the Grain Rain Festival, Peak Lord will officially assume the mantle of Grand Ritualist of the Great Li, a natural progression! The Great Li Dynasty will hold a grand ceremony. Emperor Song He even hinted to Wei Bo that Fallen Peak should send as many masters as possible to make a grand show, to impress and intimidate. He wants to display the authority of a continent’s ruler, drawing crowds from across the land! At first, Peak Lord thought it unnecessary. He intended to simply attend the morning court one day, make his presence known, and be done with it. But recently, he changed his tune. Not only will Fallen Peak send a contingent of powerful figures, but several friends will be invited. If Liu Tui happens to be available, he can join the celebration!”

Qi Tingji inquired with a smile, “Your Peak Lord has it all planned out. There’s no escape for me?”

Xie Gou ignored him, reveling in her mastery of idioms. “I’m using these idioms so well!”

Chen Pingan, with a touch of dishonesty, said, “There’s still some distance to cover before you reach the heights of elegance and popularity.”

Xie Gou nodded. “Peak Lord, you’re insightful. I must strive to improve.”

Qi Tingji was baffled. Could this truly be the White Scenery of millennia past?

He couldn’t resist a jibe. “If Vice Seat Xie were to simply record her experiences from ancient times, it would be an extraordinary book indeed.”

Xie Gou sighed, waving a dismissive hand. “Old Sword Immortal Qi, you don’t understand! If I were to write the truth, what publisher would dare print it? The authorities would seize me, mistaking me for some brigand of the wilds. Who else could write with such raw, vivid honesty?”

Qi Tingji was silenced.

Chen Pingan burst into laughter.

Along what might generously be called a road, a wheelbarrow laden with coal creaked toward the city. Near the county town, second-hand clothes were spread on display, and two or three ragged beggars eyed the old but sturdy cotton garments while basking in the free warmth of the sun.

A carriage rattled out of town, carrying a noble youth with a disdainful expression. Here, donkeys and mules were rare; those who rode horses were surely wealthy and powerful.

Qi Tingji felt a pang of emotion – a nascent realm, this world of blank pages.

Back at the river, at long last, a gudgeon nibbled on a hook and was tossed into a woven fish basket.

Qi Tingji understood the young Hidden Official’s intention. Meeting someone in the Heavenly Fish Dynasty was genuine, but the overt reason was to broaden his understanding of the Fivefold Realm’s customs. Fame and fortune were irresistible lures, and the mountain path to immortality was no less enticing. How many could resist taking the bait?

This county town, nestled in the Heavenly Fish Dynasty’s heartland, was unwalled, a river flowing through its heart. They entered the town and saw a high brick platform, serving as both the local Water Affairs Office and a stage. Archways beneath allowed passage, and today, for the temple fair, colorful tents were erected, and a teeming crowd gathered once more. The Water Affairs Office had hired dozens of nimble men to perform acrobatics, somersaulting, climbing poles, spitting fire, and entertaining the gods. Dozens of robust women, some masked and dressed as ox-headed demons, others with heavy makeup and garish costumes as fiends, transformed the stage into a scene of infernal torment – mountains of knives, trees of swords, mills of bone and vats of boiling oil, like a vision of hell made manifest. Two men, slung with bags, nimbly climbed bamboo poles and hung long strings of white paper lanterns before scattering paper money, sending it fluttering like snow. The onlookers, apprehensive and pale, dared not look too closely, yet were loath to leave. Some timid children cowered in their parents’ arms, weeping. It was fortunate that it was broad daylight; at night, even the bravest would fear to walk these streets.

Xie Gou watched with fascination, caught up in the spectacle.

A lecherous rogue attempted to grope a young woman, but Xie Gou shoved through the crowd and kicked the man in the knee, sending him sprawling. Hearing the commotion, the woman turned to see the man on his knees, bowing as if in greeting. She saw a sable-hatted girl with her hands on her hips, and farther back, a blue-robed man and a white-clad youth. She suppressed a giggle, her face blooming with a smile. She looked away, continuing to watch the show, wondering which family the handsome young man belonged to, and if he was attending the fair with his elder.

Qi Tingji’s attention was solely on the stage, where two banners of black silk, emblazoned with gold characters, hung on the bamboo poles, bearing a long and intricate couplet:

*Within the shadows, freely play at spirits and demons, see good and evil echo karma’s call, who can truly escape? This life itself, a field for Buddhahood and mastery!*

*Through day and night, calculate with cleverness and wit, know life and death, names and faces shifting, where will your heart go? We shall not be mired in debt!*

Qi Tingji murmured, “Truly, they preach through theater.”

Such scenes would have been unthinkable on the Great Wall of Swords. And upon reaching the Verdant Domain, Qi Tingji immediately went to the war-torn continent of Goldscale, and upon the war’s end, he travelled to the Southern Continent of Tranquil Seas to found the Dragon-Elephant Sword Sect. All these years had been spent on mountain slopes, and he’d had little contact with the common world.

The show ended, and the crowd quickly dispersed. A portly official from the Water Affairs Office, satisfied that no trouble had erupted, led his clerks back to their office. One of the acrobats, and a woman in a Nuo mask, lingered, then conferred in hushed tones before leaping from the stage and approaching Chen Pingan. Chen Pingan smiled. “Mu Mao, what is this all about?”

It was Yang Mu Mao, the second Grand Protector of the Heavenly Fish Dynasty, known as “Boundless.”

The first Protector had been dismissed with two simple lessons. First, Yang Mu Mao had bested him in a duel, despite only being in the Gold Core Realm. Second, Yang Mu Mao was actually in the Jade Purity Realm. The old Nascent Soul immortal had accepted his defeat with grace, relinquishing his post and secretly becoming the manager of “Boundless” Protector’s estate.

Yang Mu Mao grinned. “I was simply taking a moment to observe the suffering of the common folk. If it’s observation, not inspection, you have to offer something tangible. How to draw a crowd? I put a lot of thought into it. This performance, for example, takes a lot of effort, yet it costs the people nothing!”

Chen Pingan nodded.

“Honest Brother, this is Her Highness Princess Ding Rong of the Heavenly Fish Dynasty. She is hardy indeed, equally content with delicacies and coarse grain buns, at home in a carved bedchamber or in the dusty temple.”

Yang Mu Mao turned and introduced, “Your Highness, allow me to introduce to you Honest Brother, whom I speak of so often!”

Ding Rong looked at him oddly, unsure of how to address this man appropriately, and settled for, “I have heard much about you.”

She found Yang Protector to be a kindred spirit, and often listened to his tales of the “unlikely acquaintance” he’d made in the Northern Continent of Obsidian. He and this young, accomplished Honest Brother had been at odds, then became friends, adventuring through the Ghost Mire Valley, becoming brothers in hardship, matched in strategy, barely separated in cultivation, and decisively superior in looks.

Chen Pingan returned the greeting with a smile. “Your Highness.”

Xie Gou nodded. She found the woman pleasing to the eye, valiant and robust, broad-hipped but flat-chested, clearly skilled in the martial arts.

Yang Mu Mao couldn’t help asking, “Honest Brother, where is my great benefactor, Master Xiao Mo? Why did he not come?”

The girl in the sable hat nodded approvingly; this fellow was perceptive.

Chen Pingan chuckled. “He is in seclusion.”

Yang Mu Mao tentatively voiced his thoughts, “I saw a flash of sword light earlier, and it seemed familiar… could it be?”

Chen Pingan nodded. “Xiao Mo has broken through.”

Yang Mu Mao pulled out a jade-ribbed fan and sighed, tapping it against his palm. “Truly, honesty brings rewards!”

Xie Gou clicked her tongue in wonder. A little Nascent Soul, yet so skilled at conversation? He was overstepping his station.

Yang Mu Mao claimed to be Jade Purity to the first Protector, a common ruse of his. Achieving enlightenment in the Gold Core Realm was genuine. But it was a mix of truth and falsehood, and good luck if you could tell the difference.

Thirty years ago, a Nascent Soul could stroll unchallenged through Jewel Bottle Continent.

Now, in the Fivefold Realm, a Nascent Soul could stroll unchallenged through the world.

Of course, if they happened to cross paths with those rare souls who stroll unchallenged in the upper tiers, they’d have to stand up straight, or simply huddle on the floor.

Yang Mu Mao, who had presented himself as a black-robed scholar in both Ghost Mire Valley and Skyward City, remained at the Nascent Soul bottleneck. His Daoist foundation stemmed from Yang Ningxing, the Small Heavenly Sovereign of the Great Source Dynasty’s Shrine of Profound Mysteries, who had severed three corporeal forms. He and his “brother” Yang Ningzhen had wandered to the Fivefold Realm. In Skyward City, Xiao Mo had sensed within him a thread of purple-gold Daoist energy connected to the Azure Vault Heaven. In ancient times, this phenomenon was hailed as “A Thread of Heaven,” the origin of the art of fortune-telling.

Xiao Mo had severed the thread, freeing Yang Mu Mao.

In return, Yang Mu Mao pledged that, upon becoming the Protector of some dynasty, he would send five hundred thousand people to Skyward City.

Today, the Heavenly Fish Dynasty not only permitted but encouraged families to compile genealogies and build ancestral halls. Simultaneously, it actively conducted sacred mountains and rivers coronations. Any lewd shrine erected would immediately draw the attention of court officials. And the founder of the Heavenly Fish Dynasty was none other than Ding Ding, the man from Floating Continent clad in his great ice armor. The final sovereign of the old dynasty and first emperor of the new, he defied all counsel and insisted on abandoning the old name.

But here in the Fivefold Realm, using some mystical art of the mountains, he had transitioned from martial arts to cultivation, and was now a genuine Gold Core cultivator. Perhaps habits die hard, for Emperor Ding Ding, known in Floating Continent for his expansionist ambitions, had decreed only one grand policy: to recruit soldiers and strengthen the nation, seeking to bypass Skyward City and march south, seize lands, establish vassal states, and harass the grandmothers of the wimps in Umbrella Leaf Continent.

Yang Mu Mao curiously asked, “Honest Brother, may I ask who these two are?”

Chen Pingan introduced, “Old Sword Immortal Qi, founder of the Dragon-Elephant Sword Sect. Xie Gou, my Chief Offering.”

Yang Mu Mao was confused. He had arrived in the Fivefold Realm relatively early, and most of his information about the Verdant Domain came from street gossip and tavern talk in Skyward City. It was limited, and he knew little.

Yang Mu Mao deftly changed the subject. “Honest Brother, would you believe it? I don’t even have to expend effort gathering intelligence! Shu Zhongshu and Li Qin are here, serving in my court!”

Chen Pingan chuckled. “Perhaps the time is right, and your Heavenly Fish Dynasty is destined for greatness.”

Yang Mu Mao cupped his fist and shook it. “I’ll borrow those auspicious words, I’ll borrow those auspicious words.”

Ding Rong had been studying this “Honest Brother,” but could not discern anything about his character or cultivation from his words.

Indeed, a man who could plot and scheme with Yang Protector, and divide spoils evenly, must be a master of strategy and intrigue.

Qi Tingji spoke. “Which Li Qin? The youth from the Fuju Sect in Umbrella Leaf Continent?”

Yang Mu Mao nodded. “I dare not deceive Sect Leader Qi, it is he.”

This was the founder of a sword sect, presumably a Jade Purity Sword Immortal at the very least. But why had he never heard of the Dragon-Elephant Sword Sect? It was vexing. The Fivefold Realm was simply too vast, unlike a continent of the Verdant Domain. Every piece of foreign news gathered was precious, and every spy sent abroad faced a death wish.

As for Li Qin, he no longer looked like a youth, and wore an expression of perpetual sorrow, sighing often. Yang Mu Mao didn’t care to associate with him. He preferred… vibrant people and events. Like Ding Rong, full of heroic spirit, vitality, and eager to wander the world.

Qi Tingji was surprised for two reasons. First, Li Qin’s identity was unique; in some ways, this handyman of the Fuju Sect had ignited the war between the two realms. Second, Umbrella Leaf Continent was in the southernmost region of the Fivefold Realm, so this young man had traversed the entire realm, from south to north, to settle in the northernmost Heavenly Fish Dynasty?

Yang Mu Mao found it odd that this sect leader, whom Chen Pingan respectfully called Old Sword Immortal Qi, wasn’t more interested in Shu Zhongshu.

Shu Zhongshu was no nobody. As a contender for the Top Ten Youngsters of several realms, the only son of the couple from the Heavenly Cave of Cosmic Corners, he was hailed as a genius of the Radiant Cloud Continent, and a sword cultivator at that.

But for Qi Tingji, even if they *were* on the list of Top Ten, one would have to ascend to immortality before they would be worth a second glance. One would at least have to remember their name. When it comes to geniuses, especially swordsmen, could they compare with the Great Wall of Swords?

Chen Pingan smiled. “I would be grateful if Brother Mu Mao could introduce me. I would like to meet your Emperor.”

Ding Ding was one of the seven souls of the Grandmaster of Strategy.

Yang Mu Mao grinned. “That’s easy! I’ll send a letter by flying sword. Let’s find a place to rest while we wait for news from the capital, perhaps share a drink? Now that you’re on my turf, allow me to be a proper host.”

He was the Grand Protector, with the highest rank. Shu Zhongshu was a Minister of Works, personally overseeing construction projects. Li Qin held an unlisted position as a Royal Offering, his name intentionally kept out of the public eye by the Emperor. The Grand Protector was a clean and distinguished position; he could be busy or idle as he pleased, and interfere in matters as he saw fit. It was a pleasant life.

Chen Pingan nodded. “Something nearby will do.”

Yang Mu Mao, well-acquainted with the area, chose a nearby tavern. Business was slow. As they entered the hall, he called out, “Waiter, five pounds of Wisdom Broth, one steamed Silver Carp Flower, a plate of Spicy Thistle Greens, and a few pounds of Soy Sauce Meat…”

The waiter’s eyes widened. “What now?”

Yang Mu Mao chuckled. “Your specialties, one of each. And bring your best wine, five pounds to start.”

The waiter muttered, “That’s going to be a pretty penny, sir.”

Yang Mu Mao slapped a silver tael on the table. “Keep the change.”

The waiter pocketed the coin, then held out his hand. “Sir, that’s eight copper coins more.”

Yang Mu Mao turned to Ding Rong, who sighed and produced a broken silver coin. “Keep the rest, and bring us some hearty appetizers.”

Seeing the wealthy customers, the owner personally led them upstairs, selecting a secluded room by the window. There were more sharp people these days, and less fools.

Yang Mu Mao and Chen Pingan went through the motions of deferring to each other, before Yang Mu Mao took the seat of honor, explaining with a smile, “Honest Brother, this is all hard-earned money! Normally, when Ding Lady and I wander the world, we live by one word: ‘adequate’! So there won’t be any delicacies, but there will be sincerity!”

Chen Pingan chuckled. “An adequate man’s extravagance is fine with me. With wine and meat, what more could one ask? When you have a chance to visit my mountain, I can’t promise you much, but I’ll guarantee early drinks and late suppers every day!”

Yang Mu Mao nodded. “I’ll hold you to that!”

The culture of early drinking at Fallen Peak was all Chen Lingjun’s doing.

At Chen Lingjun’s table, exchanging cups and playing drinking games was a matter of the heart.

Self-promotion was, of course, never withheld, but no matter how much they lauded themselves, they never spoke ill of others. At the table, you never wanted to get drunk and hear about “So-and-so is nothing!” or “He only got lucky, I could do better!”

Yang Mu Mao addressed Chen Pingan as Honest Brother, and Ding Rong refrained from asking too many questions, or even using secret means of sound transmission.

Chen Pingan chuckled mentally. *”Rumor has it that the swordsman Shu has two flying swords with opposite natures, I wonder how he cultivated them.”*

Shu Zhongshu had built an Observatory in the Fivefold Realm and ascended to the Jade Purity Realm. Yang Mu Mao, with no lack of ambition, had spent some time at the Observatory, and was convinced that this young contender was a true cultivator. If Shu Zhongshu was a genius, what was he then?

According to Yang Mu Mao, Shu Zhongshu had long admired the Great Wall of Swords, but had not stayed in Skyward City because this Jade Purity Sword Immortal, with his two swords “Midsummer” and “Monsoon Rain,” felt that the Refuge Palace was not a conducive place for him. He could travel through Skyward City, but not linger.

Qi Tingji said, “Are you planning something for the deaf old man who became an Offering?”

Chen Pingan nodded. “The old man went to Fallen Peak out of necessity, reluctantly. But he works diligently, and I, as the Peak Lord, can’t let him complain all year about being unsuited to the climate or customs.”

Qi Tingji shook his head. “I doubt it will help. The old man’s swords are truly opposed, while Shu Zhongshu’s swords are only superficially so. Midsummer’s sword qi is like the heat of summer, while Monsoon Rain’s sword intent is like the dampness of a rainy season. But in the end, they follow the same path.”

“The old man isn’t stupid. He was close to Xiao Xun, but even after all those years at the Great Wall of Swords, he couldn’t find a solution.”

Qi Tingji implied that if the old man couldn’t resolve the issue at the Great Wall of Swords, his hopes were even dimmer in the Verdant Domain.

Chen Pingan nodded. “One must try one’s luck.”

Qi Tingji chuckled. “The absentee landlord is suddenly so concerned.”

Xie Gou bristled. Old Sword Immortal Qi had a habit of using barbs, which she didn’t care for.

As the food arrived, Chen Pingan took a bite of steamed fish, tasting like seabass.

Xie Gou followed suit, actively pouring wine into the white bowls. Ding Rong nodded approvingly. Was this girl a younger member of Honest Brother’s family? Out on a training journey together? Her talents and character were unknown, but she had her wits about her. Despite being of royal blood, Ding Rong had grown increasingly disenchanted with the ways of the powerful after her years of wandering the world.

Small talk was the best appetizer. Chewing on the fish, Yang Mu Mao said, “This is a nascent world, and the heavens and earth have yet to truly stabilize. Strange things happen all the time, and after a while, you get used to it.”

“To the east, those Daoist officials from the Azure Vault Heaven were supposed to have divided up their territory and started managing it, but they’ve somehow descended into chaos, fighting among themselves. I heard things are getting bloody. It’s not just duels, but mass brawls. Those who venture from the mountains are doomed, even in groups. Some ancestral halls have collapsed for no reason, making it like the Obsidian Continent. If I weren’t bound by my position, I’d love to see what’s going on.”

“We’re the farthest from the south, but I heard things aren’t peaceful there either. It’s a constant cycle of large fish eating small fish, and small fish eating shrimp. There’s supposedly a vast dynasty being founded, led by a Jade Purity who came out of nowhere. Allied with two mountain sects, the dynasty has many Earth Immortals and vows to create an unprecedented era of peace. Without moving a single soldier, hundreds of cultivators are sweeping across the nations, crushing everything in their path. One stubborn dynasty, considered a powerful nation, could barely muster a few hundred thousand soldiers, and two elite border armies weren’t enough to fill the teeth of the mountain immortals. The ground was a sea of blood, and the immortals in the sky were bored. They created legions of ghosts, and used magic to send legions through the nations, wiping out the surrounding kingdoms. Perhaps it was a warning, but the vassal states suffered horribly in the first few years. Famine and devastation, every atrocity ever recorded in history, probably happens every day.”

Qi Tingji frowned slightly.

Xie Gou seemed carefree, devouring her food ravenously.

Ding Rong kept an eye on Honest Brother’s expression, but he didn’t show anything.

Of course, a man who could scheme with Yang Protector couldn’t be so easily read.

Ding Rong remembered the first time she had sneaked out of the capital. She had seen a group of young men guarding a well, selling water to starving women and children. Seeing people carving ice from the river to store in cellars, Ding Rong thought she finally understood the phrase “a family that cuts ice.” But when she heard that some wealthy merchants were becoming “dung lords,” she felt the world was truly bizarre.

In Yang Protector’s words, it seemed like they were about to have a Beggars’ Sect.

Xie Gou said mentally, “The main event is here.”

Qi Tingji smiled. “It seems Ding Ding is efficient.”

Not only Ding Ding, but also Shu Zhongshu, surrounded by a group of women, and a young man with a bitter expression. He was accompanied by a divine general and a female ghost immortal. Only Emperor Ding Ding was without guards.

Yang Mu Mao said mentally, “Shu Zhongshu likes making a show, but his heart is good.”

His mother had forced him to take the maids, saying that a son should have people to take care of him.

Shu Zhongshu had no choice but to bring five sword maids to the Fivefold Realm.

Xiao Ping, Crimson, Caiyi, Daxie, Huaying.

They were all swordsmen, two Gold Core, three Dragon Gate.

In the Verdant Domain, they wouldn’t amount to much, but here, they could all found sects!

Shu Zhongshu had not let them enter the tavern, and Li Qin had left his two guardians outside the county town.

The Fuju Sect shared similarities with the Nine Capitals Mountains of Icy Continent; both were masters of incantation and petition. Ji Hai, of the Fuju Sect, seeking to continue the sect, had sent Li Qin to the Fivefold Realm. He had summoned a heavenly soldier, called “Catch Willow,” and a ghost immortal, “Huaya,” to be the protectors of the new sect leader.

In the end, the Fuju Sect, like the Taiping Mountain, had been reduced to a single member.

Li Qin, like Huang Ting, was the sole survivor of his sect.

Huang Ting had also been to the Fivefold Realm, but Li Qin stayed behind, waiting for the next opening, while Huang Ting had returned to Taiping Mountain.

Yang Mu Mao chuckled mentally. “Honest Brother, you don’t need to collect the debt. I promise to do what I said.”

Chen Pingan nodded.

Besides meeting Ding Ding, he wanted to understand his character before deciding whether to seek Zhang Tiaoxia.

Emperor Ding Ding, General Zhang Tiaoxia, Imperial Sacrifices Administrator Song Hanhong, and the old abbot’s swordsman Lu Fang.

If he decided to do something, he had enough people.

And with the presence of that “mountain,” and the Eleventh Stage warriors like Lin Jiangxian ever-present on the summit, Chen Pingan could contact Lin Jiangxian at any time.

Most importantly, Chen Pingan wanted to see Li Qin.

Ding Ding’s group entered the room. Yang Mu Mao and Ding Rong rose to their feet, calling out “Your Majesty” and “Father.”

Chen Pingan and the others also stood. Qi Tingji and Xie Gou were selling face for the Hidden Official and Peak Lord.

Ding Ding cupped his fist, beaming. “Ding Ding, from below Floating Continent’s mountains, greets Hidden Official Chen, Master Qi, Vice Seat Xie!”

Ding Rong was stunned.

Yang Mu Mao was also surprised. Qi Family Head, or Old Sword Immortal Qi, didn’t mean much by themselves, but put together with “Hidden Official,” Yang Mu Mao realized this “young talent’s” true identity! Honest Brother, dragging things out with tales of sect founders, misleading him!

The feast was a merry affair, and Ding Ding, with his hearty nature, drank with gusto.

Shu Zhongshu was curious about the Last Hidden Official, the contrast between his humble origins and great achievements so obvious.

Li Qin seemed distracted, staring at Chen Pingan, who wore a jade hairpin, his expression warm and welcoming.

Shu Zhongshu understood. Chen Pingan and Li Qin had similar origins.

Chen Pingan watched Li Qin, a man whose life was like something from a strange tale.

After the banquet, Chen Pingan deliberately slowed his pace, letting Qi Tingji and Ding Ding walk ahead, while he walked alongside Li Qin.

In the corridor, Li Qin stopped, tears streaming down his face.

Xie Gou, walking last, was bewildered.

But what was even stranger was when her Peak Lord said, “I’m sorry.”

Li Qin looked at that blurred but gentle face. He thought of all he had been through and, like seeing Chen Pingan of Lizhu, felt the story of his life ending with two words:

*Too bitter.*

Li Qin could guess why Chen Pingan had said that. Misunderstanding him? Was this a careful plot? Was he an insidious trap to a barbarian of the wild? Doubts haunted him, and he had his own suspicions.

Chen Pingan patted Li Qin on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll ask the Ritual Sage and Liu Xiang for confirmation. I will give you a definite answer. If it’s good, you’re truly free. If it’s bad, there’s always a solution. I heard something that made sense recently. This world wants new faces, so it will set us apart. The Heaven and Earth needed someone like you.”

Li Qin nodded vigorously.

As Chen Pingan and the others left the tavern, Li Qin realized he hadn’t said a word.

Earlier, Ning Yao and Pei Qian had left the Night Ferry to travel to the Dragon-Elephant Sword Sect.

Chen Pingan was asking if Qi Tingji had any desire to be the city lord of Skyward City and suggested that Shao Yunyan take over as Sect Leader, as it was what Zheng Xi’s desires.

Qi Tingji was interested, of course.

Choosing to found a sect in the Verdant Domain was a last resort. All these years had passed and Chen Qingdu was not going to allow any swordsman into Skyward City. All the while Chen Pingan and Chen Xi both watched his every move. With all that Qi Tingji had, he wanted to earn the exception through merit.

Obviously, Qi Tingji, in addition to his swordplay, was following in Cui Chan’s footsteps.

Chen Pingan suddenly said, “Let them know the news, and ask them to send a message to Master He in Jewel Bottle Continent, to send Xiao Mo to the Fivefold Realm. As for…”

Xie Gou immediately said, “I know. Be mild, but clear. I know the tricks.”

Chen Pingan said, “After meeting Xiao Mo, take him south. Let Xiao Mo get to know those three hundred cultivators. Investigate them, and kill all the ones who are evil.”

Xie Gou asked, “What if all three hundred deserve to die?”

Chen Pingan said, “Then kill them all.”

Xie Gou hesitated for the first time. “Won’t that bring a bad influence to our Fallen Peak?”

Chen Pingan said, “Xiao Mo will judge, you will execute, and I will bear the responsibility.”

Qi Tingji smiled and nodded.

Xie Gou said, “Then let’s do it that way.”

Chen Pingan said, “Be quick.”

The sword light soared into the sky.

Skyward City was located in the center of the Fivefold Realm.

Ning Yao had personally “claimed the land” and erected border markers in all directions.

They landed at the foot of the northern mountain.

The young swordsmen stationed there recognized the three of them. They thought they were dreaming.

Not only had the young Hidden Official arrived, but Qi Tingji had come as well!

As they walked up the steps, Qi Tingji said mentally, “You don’t have to use Zheng Juzhong as a shield. He would have made me resign as Sect Leader.”

Chen Pingan did not deny it, he just waved his hand. “A gentleman helps others. I don’t dare to be a villain.”

Qi Tingji said, “Liu Tui owes favors, but I don’t.”

“Before returning to the Fivefold Realm, I will make a trip to the Wasteland and fulfill a wish.”

“I hope you will not be prejudiced against those high-level swordsmen after you take over the Dragon-Elephant Sword Sect.”

“How to merge Daos with Lu Zhi is something you will have to ponder. It would be best if she could figure it out, but you will have to think about it if Lu Zhi cannot find the path.”

“I have one more request, which is non-negotiable. According to the tradition of the Verdant Domain, the Dragon-Elephant Sword Sect will be a Lower Sect, and the Green Ripple Sword Sect will be promoted to an Upper Sect, with Fallen Peak as the Orthodox Sect. I don’t expect the Dragon-Elephant Sword Sect to become an Upper Sect and force the Green Ripple Sword Sect to become a Lower Sect. You can make both Sects equal.”

As long as Chen Pingan took over the Dragon-Elephant Sword Sect, Fallen Peak would become the premier sect in the Verdant Domain, far surpassing the Peach Talisman Mountain.

Just the Dragon-Elephant Sword Sect alone had many high-level swordsmen, including Lu Zhi.

Chen Pingan, Cui Dongshan, and Xiao Mo were all immortals. Bai Jing was a complete Ascended Realm.

Qi Tingji said, “Don’t be shy. We’ll all get what we want.”

Qi Tingji would bring the Sword Qi Eighteen Sons to the Fivefold Realm.

But Lu Zhi, Shao Yunyan, and Madame Tuo Yan were sure to accept it.

The sword cultivators would not necessarily reject the Last Hidden Official.

Chen Pingan said, “Let’s not talk about this yet. Chen Ji must agree.”

Qi Tingji smiled. “He’s the most studious in the Sword Wall.”

At that moment, two figures emerged from behind the stone tablet at the top of the mountain.

Chen Ji, in the form of a young man, was a Nascent Soul. Chen Yan, the maid beside him, was a Jade Purity.

Chen Xi had reincarnated and named himself Chen Ji. In the Fivefold Realm, he had broken through the boundary every year.

Chen Ji smiled. “A good decision.”

Chen Pingan wondered why Chen Ji would appear here. Qi Tingji smiled, “I asked him to come.”

Chen Ji asked, “How did the Confucian Temple allow Qi Tingji to enter the Fivefold Realm?”

Chen Pingan said, “I