At the State Preceptor’s Estate, Song Yunjian, adorned with a golden crown and jade robes, still held his dry pipe. A great weight lifted from his Dao heart. He immediately hurried to the adjacent courtyard to examine the peach tree and count the blossoms. Not only had their number not decreased, but more than a dozen new ones had bloomed. This sight filled the androgynously handsome Daoist with a smile more radiant than the flowers.

However, he dared not relax his guard, for the old Daoist from the Great Clarity Abbey had appeared in the capital and was currently strolling through the bustling streets.

Leaving aside the old Daoist’s powers, which were still vivid in his memory, the phrase “This poor Daoist is in a hurry to return to alchemy” filled Song Yunjian with even greater apprehension.

The issue was that Great National Master Chen had left no instructions before departing the Great Li Dynasty. It was as if he had deliberately left Song Yunjian with an examination: ‘Daoist friend Yingning, you cannot simply rest and enjoy yourself. How you receive the Master of碧霄 Cave is for you to decide.’

Song Yunjian pondered the matter repeatedly. He did not adopt the mindset of “seeking no merit but avoiding fault.” Instead, taking immense risks, he presumptuously informed the Imperial Astronomy Bureau and the Five Mountain Gods, and they dismantled the layers of formations.

The old Daoist, strolling through the Great Li capital, nodded, acknowledging that this junior seemed somewhat sensible.

If Chen Ping’an had warned this audacious junior, who dared to name himself Yingning, before Song Yunjian acted, it would have been mere flattery.

Xu Xie continued his northbound journey across the sea. Approaching the northernmost part of the Bottle Protection Continent, a brilliant sword light plunged into the sea. The sword immortal Xu Jun, employing a water-repelling technique, walked upon the ruins of the ancient bridge that once connected the two continents. He sighed with emotion, marveling that human effort could reach such a level. In the midst of a change unseen in ten thousand years, what were one or two Ascended masters? Even among the old and new Fourteen Realms, swept along by the great tide, who dared to boast of a free heart and a body at leisure?

However, Xu Xie did not feel disheartened. On the contrary, his Dao heart was invigorated. He believed that in this world, there were always one or two things that only he, Xu Xie, would dare to think of and do, and succeed at.

With this thought, Xu Xie’s Sword Heart became even more clear. Holding his sword, he leisurely walked along the long bridge in the sea, which twisted like a dragon’s spine. He flicked his sword again and again, helping the water currents to flow faster.

Zhusu was scheduled to secretly escort the Great Li emperor to the Northern Reed Continent tomorrow to sign an alliance. Naturally, she accompanied Bai Jing to the State Preceptor’s Estate and stayed there for the night.

Since the former Mistress of Qingqiu had not left with Zheng Juzhong and the others, she truly had nowhere else to go. She also dared not wander about carelessly. Moreover, she was very curious about the state of that small fox country, as it was, after all, related to her own Dao lineage. Therefore, she followed Bai Jing closely, intending to suggest to Chen Ping’an, once he finished his fist practice and returned from the sea, that they visit the fox country. However, she was also worried that Chen Ping’an might inform the fox country in advance and reveal her identity, allowing them to meticulously arrange things and create a false impression of peace, showing her only the prosperity and joy he wanted her to see.

But being under another’s roof, this former Mistress of Qingqiu dared not speak her mind directly. She planned to first observe the atmosphere of “Luopo Mountain” and the Great Li Song Imperial Court before making a decision.

Entering the State Preceptor’s Estate from the main gate, Rong Yu led them to the separate courtyard specifically for cultivators.

Xie Gou learned from Sister Rong Yu that the Flower God of Impatiens had visited the State Preceptor’s Estate twice, only to leave disappointed, unable to find her.

Xie Gou planned to go to the Flower God Temple to find Wu Cai. However, before attending to private matters, she still had some official duties as the chief attendant of Luopo Mountain to handle.

Besides the divine platform she had refined into two pieces of snow-white “simple seals” and the thirty-six ancient sacrificial artifacts she had collected,

Chen Ping’an had also given Xie Gou “an item” he had concealed in his sleeve. If this wasn’t a trusted general, what was? She wondered if they could add another Deputy Mountain Master.

It was a Dao field woven within his sleeve, a miniature divine platform for “nurturing ghosts,” created by Chen Ping’an, learning and applying the principles of ancient witchcraft with intricate fist intent.

Xie Gou shook her sleeve, and in an instant, thick green smoke billowed out, forming a human figure upon landing.

It was none other than the ancient witch who should have perished completely on the divine platform. However, her physical body was destroyed, leaving her a ghost with greatly reduced cultivation.

Xie Gou took out the “pair of seals” and said, “The Mountain Master asked me to tell you he’s sorry. Anyway, I’m powerless to mend them. You’ll have to figure it out yourself.”

The ancient witch came to her senses and shook her head, indicating that these were Chen Ping’an’s spoils of war. Since she had lost, she would absolutely not take them back. As a defeated general, it was only natural to be used as a sacrifice.

Xie Gou said, “The Mountain Master’s meaning is simple: you can stay here for now. Whenever you want to leave, just say so. If you two get along well, our Mountain Master might even find you a suitable body for a resting place. If you don’t get along, and both sides want to keep a respectful distance, then you can part ways.”

The ancient witch was visibly surprised.

Xie Gou said, “Oh, right, what name are you planning to give yourself? The Great Li capital is strictly managed, and you don’t have one of these…”

She took out a jade token, and the sable-capped girl showed it off, saying, “State Preceptor’s Estate jade token. Not only can you move freely in the capital, but you can wander anywhere within the Great Li territory.”

The ancient witch, converting ancient sounds to modern meaning, said, “Chén Yì.”

Xie Gou immediately waved her hand and admonished, “Please change your name. That’s too inauspicious. Change the ‘Yì’ of hanging to the ‘Yì’ of benevolence and righteousness. Just call yourself Chén Yì.”

Seeing that the ancient witch wasn’t getting it, Xie Gou said seriously, “Trust me, you won’t go wrong. I have a book that’s about to be published, hundreds of thousands of characters.”

The ancient witch’s expression instantly changed. To think that in ancient times, the most textually dense Daoist book, even if divided into upper and lower sections, or at most a few volumes, only had a few thousand characters?!

Pei Qian and Guo Zhujiu arrived.

In the previous martial arts display, their master had deliberately arranged it so they could see it clearly.

Guo Zhujiu wasn’t a martial artist. She was just watching the excitement, doing her usual thing, cheering.

Pei Qian remained silent from beginning to end.

The moment the ancient witch saw Pei Qian, her expression changed. She paused, then spoke in a hoarse voice, “Want to learn fist techniques? I can teach you.”

Pei Qian shook her head and only offered a cupped-fist salute in thanks.

The ancient witch’s speech became more fluent. Her Great Li official language was indistinguishable from that of the local people. “Your master’s martial arts are, of course, formidable, reaching the pinnacle. But I know many ancient martial arts. In the fight with your master, I was suppressed by his aura and could only use five or six tenths of my abilities. I lost to him not only because his Dao was superior, but also because my aptitude was limited and my previous physique wasn’t tough enough. It wasn’t that ancient martial arts lost.”

Pei Qian said calmly, “Pure martial artists are divided into ancient and modern. What does the martial path divide into ancient and modern?”

The ancient witch was astonished.

The former Mistress of Qingqiu’s eyes sparkled. Wow, this little girl, so young, yet so articulate.

Pei Qian hesitated repeatedly, but still said sincerely, “Losing is losing.”

The former Mistress of Qingqiu narrowed her eyes and smiled. This little girl with the bun hairstyle was straightforward in her speech and quite spirited.

Hearing this, the ancient witch was not angry but delighted, strengthening her resolve to teach her fist techniques. Human language was originally bestowed by heaven; how could it be used to deceive oneself and heaven? What she said, her heart, was right. Her martial path was on the right track. Good, too good!

There was providence in the unseen. The path of civil and martial arts would not be severed. If she could learn martial arts and also the art of shamanistic prayer?

Therefore, the ancient witch was greatly moved. Her eyes were fervent as she said, “Learn martial arts with me. I will teach you everything. Your martial arts height will definitely cross a big threshold. I will absolutely not deceive you…”

The former Mistress of Qingqiu was stunned. How could anyone ask someone to “learn the Dao” like this? In ancient times, this would have been absurd.

Guo Zhujiu said with a spiritual message, “Senior Sister, you can look at learning from a master in two parts. You can often spar in martial arts, and learning fist techniques is possible through asking about them.”

Pei Qian said crossly, “Stop giving bad ideas. He is, after all, a senior whom my master respects.”

Guo Zhujiu chuckled.

However, the ancient witch seemed to be able to hear their inner thoughts completely. He also didn’t hide his divine abilities and said directly, “Good idea, good idea. I am not worthy of being your master. It should be heaven and earth as your teachers. You and I can ask about fist techniques. Whatever you can learn is your skill. I am not transmitting the Dao, but merely showing the martial arts scene of ten thousand years ago to later martial artists…”

Xie Gou couldn’t stop herself from laughing. She advised, “Pei Qian, just agree. If you keep refusing, I estimate this senior will kneel down and beg you to learn his fist techniques.”

Unexpectedly, the ancient witch said sincerely, “It’s okay to kneel. As long as you are willing to learn fist techniques, I can recognize you as my master.”

What I seek is a successor to ancient martial arts, a pure-minded synthesist, so that the martial path is not an empty mountain for ten thousand years.

What I kneel to is this female martial artist who will have reached the pinnacle years from now, who, as she said, stands at the majestic peak of the martial path, regardless of ancient or modern.

The martial path was originally one of the orthodox divine paths, and it should be higher than all human techniques!

Xie Gou rubbed her sable cap and sighed with emotion. Ten thousand years ago, how clear were the hearts of us Dao learners and seekers, clear to the bottom.

It was as if, ten thousand years later, besides Xiao Mo, the Master of Bixiao Cave, besides Jiang She and the others, she saw another “old friend on the Dao” after a long separation.

But Pei Qian’s eyes remained firm. She said resolutely, “I only learn my own fist techniques.”

Pei Qian’s fist techniques all came from the bamboo building.

Xie Gou was not surprised. After all, she was the Mountain Master’s first disciple, and she was the daughter of the Daoist couple Jiang She and Wu Yan.

The former Mistress of Qingqiu gently shook her head, disapprovingly. She did not understand martial arts and only felt that this young girl was a little too affected.

A great opportunity for fortune was clearly offered, but she refused to take it. How was she any different from those officials and nobles of privileged background who enjoyed frivolous talk? Too affected and pretentious.

The ancient witch, however, was overjoyed. He lightly stamped his feet, shook his head, waved his arms and legs. In the corridor after the rain, he stepped to the rhythm of ancient music, as if circling an invisible bonfire. His expression was ecstatic, and he sang ancient words to himself, like reciting or chanting, perhaps praying for that young female martial artist.

Xie Gou leaned against the corridor pillar, listening to the familiar melody, and gently pulled down her sable cap, covering the girl’s slightly naive eyebrows.

Without such hearts, how could they have had that battle to ascend to heaven ten thousand years ago?

It was a high climb and a sacrifice that no one believed they could win.

Guo Zhujiu, naturally lively, saw the ancient witch singing and dancing. She didn’t find it absurd or laughable at all. Instead, she mimicked him, raising her arm and twisting her wrist.

Zhusu, with her arms crossed, leaned against the railing, closed her eyes, and rested, a smile on her face. This female sword immortal, who had spent far more time in the barbaric age than in her hometown, was probably reminiscing about her youth. Since she was a woman, how could she not have had some innocent maidenly sentiments?

Rong Yu seemed to be able to feel that ancient, wild, and sincere happiness. She couldn’t help but raise her palms and lightly clap to the rhythm.

In fact, no one had said anything to the former Mistress of Qingqiu, but at this moment, the former Mistress of Qingqiu felt that she might have been wrong.

Had she truly never “known”? Unconsciously, the former Mistress of Qingqiu smiled at their harmonious interaction, tears streaming down her face.

A majestic old Daoist walked in the capital, step by step, walking on the land of the human world.

Liu Cha returned to his thatched hut on Huanghu Mountain. He rehung the long sword on the wall, stepped out of the hut, and looked at the bamboo pole where clothes were drying. Two large grass carp, each weighing thirty-four jin, were pulling it down into an exaggerated arc. Liu Cha had heard that the truly large creatures in the lake were all over a hundred jin.

Accustomed to being a solitary wild sword cultivator, he suddenly felt lonely. He considered inviting one or two people he could get along with to the thatched hut for drinks and food.

Seize the remaining courage to pursue fish, Liu Cha put on his bamboo woven hat for sunshade, returned to his fishing spot, sat on the bamboo chair, rubbed bait, and cast his rod.

A young girl in a pink dress happened to drift to this Dao field. As usual, she brought some trivial but necessary items for living on the mountain. For example, the bamboo chair Liu Cha was sitting on was brought by her, because she heard the Mountain Master say that Mr. Liu liked fishing, so things like the bamboo chair and groundbait were prepared by Luopo Mountain early on. Generally, if Mr. Liu didn’t make a request, she wouldn’t proactively ask anything. If he made a request, she would silently note it down. She would think more about things related to that “request.” When she came to Huanghu Mountain next time, she would just neatly pile the items at the entrance under the eaves of the thatched hut and never enter the house without permission.

Liu Cha hesitated for a moment, pointing to the thatched hut. “Nuanshu, I just caught two grass carp. I can’t eat them all. Take one and let Mr. Zhu improve your meals. He’s good at cooking. You can cook one fish in several ways. Just the fish hotpot with tofu is delicious.”

Nuanshu’s eyes lit up. She smiled and thanked Mr. Liu. She was happy, happy that Mr. Liu seemed to be starting to consider this place his own Dao field.

Liu Cha was silent for a moment, then reminded, “Choose the bigger one.”

Nuanshu felt a little embarrassed.

Liu Cha said, “Listen to me. Just consider it a guest following the host’s wishes.”

The old deaf man arrived at Huaying Peak of Tiaoyu Mountain. He strolled into the “schoolhouse,” holding a ruler, walking between the futons, carefully observing the Qi refining routes of the Dao learners on the futons, checking if they were correct or deviated. After they emerged from their meditative states, he would explain in detail where they needed to make corrections and where they could diligently advance.

The ancient witch found a room to stay in the second courtyard. He asked the young woman named Rong Yu for some books, saying that the more the better, regardless of category.

Just now, Rong Yu had given him a State Preceptor’s Estate jade token. The ancient witch looked at the sword cultivator Bai Jing, feeling a bit puzzled. She cared so much about this item, so why did Rong Yu give it away the moment they met? Should he accept it or not? The sable-capped girl’s expression was normal as she reminded him, “Treasure the jade token, don’t lose it.”

After receiving the jade token and entering the room, the ancient witch hesitated for a long time before sitting at the table, feeling slightly awkward.

Extremely carefully, extremely cautiously, he slowly picked up a very ordinary and light book on the table. The ancient witch didn’t open the pages for a long time, just gently stroked the title with his palm.

As for the former Mistress of Qingqiu, Rong Yu had already informed the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Revenue and helped her process a simplified identity record. Her alias was “Xu Niang,” and her Daoist name was “Qingqiu.” However, registering her place of origin and Dao field was a considerable problem.

Ordinary mountain recluses, and even immortal beings who liked to play in the mundane world, didn’t care about this. It was just something for the mountain and river spirits of various continents and the imperial courts and officials of various countries to see. But the former Mistress of Qingqiu’s identity was too special. She was the undisputed co-sovereign of the fox tribe. If the official record was fake, what about the will of heaven, what about the Great Dao? Should they also be faked? If not faked, then it had to be sincere.

Ancient earth immortals referred to those currently in the Upper Five Realms, primarily the current Immortal Realm cultivators.

Golden Immortals referred to those who had achieved the Dao Fruit in the human world, including those in the Ascended and Fourteenth Realms.

The former Mistress of Qingqiu was able to gain from disaster and enter the Fourteenth Realm in the long river of time, which was certainly related to her single-minded protection of the world’s fox tribe.

Xie Gou helped provide a solution. “Normally, we should still call her ‘Qingqiu,’ just as literati often use their courtesy names and become famous in the world, with few people knowing their true names. As for her place of origin, we’ll fill in Fox Country. Qingqiu was originally indebted to Daoist friend Bixiao. She had kowtowed back then. Now Fox Country is in the area separated from the Lotus Flower Blessed Land, which can be considered a continuation of an incense relationship that has lasted for ten thousand years.”

“Those who climb the mountain, persistent and unforgettable, will one day receive a response from the mountains.”

“As for being called Xu Niang in the mundane world, anyway, no one is taking advantage of anyone.”

Qingqiu nodded, agreeing with Bai Jing’s statement. The matter of her place of origin would be in the Fox Country affiliated with Luopo Mountain.

Xie Gou teased, “I’ve only heard of recognizing one’s ancestors and returning to the clan. You, on the other hand, the old ancestor appears in the world and proactively steps out of the painting to recognize her descendants.”

One could fully imagine how the later generations of descendants, such as Peixiang, who lived in a small fox country, would feel when they saw the “Mistress of Qingqiu” who had been passed down through generations. What a dream come true?

Perhaps influenced by the previous song and dance, Qingqiu said directly, “Bai Jing, I want to go to Fox Country quickly and see how they are doing now.”

Xie Gou nodded. “Then I’ll go to the Flower God Temple later.”

She could also go to the Snail Shell Dao field on Grey Mist Mountain to see Xiao Mo.

She handed her a stack of Three Mountains Talismans and explained how to use them. Qingqiu felt they were burning hot in her hands and said nervously, “Will this really not incur the wrath of that person…?”

Xie Gou pretended not to know, deliberately frightening her. “Who? Using a few talismans violates heavenly laws? Sister Azi, is that necessary? You’re seeing ghosts in every shadow, you’re timid.”

Seeing Xie Gou about to use the talisman for縮地 (Shrinking the Ground), Qingqiu hurriedly said with a spiritual message, “Those foolish mortals back then, could they ever get the better of him? You might even be able to ask Senior Bixiao to intercede, but who can I ask?”

Xie Gou stopped teasing this foxy woman. With her hands on her hips, she laughed heartily. “Don’t worry, this Mr. Three Mountains and Nine Marquises has been scared by our Mountain Master and has to put out the word: he will no longer care if our Luopo Mountain lineage cultivators casually use the Three Mountains Talismans. They don’t even need to light three incense sticks. Each and every one of them keeps disturbing his clear cultivation every time they cross mountains and seas. He has a headache too, so it’s better to not see and not be bothered.”

Qingqiu was half-convinced and cautiously said, “I am now also half a registered cultivator of Luopo Mountain. Sister Bai Jing, don’t deliberately harm me.”

Xie Gou said solemnly, “Here in the capital, with me watching you, I’ll let you act up a little. But when you get to Luopo Mountain, the rules there are strict. You need to rein in your heart. Don’t want to sleep with everyone you see. If you cause trouble, no one can protect you. Our Mountain Master is the most upright gentleman and is most bothered by such things. Qingqiu, you need to think carefully. Once you enter Fox Country, I, Xie Gou, will be your guarantor in Haoran World. If you make the Mountain Master want to kill you, he won’t even need to do it himself. I will personally kill you. Forget it, my cultivation is low now, I can’t kill a powerful Ascended cultivator like you. I’ll call Xiao Mo… Forget about Xiao Mo, he’s injured. I’ll just make Daoist friend Bixiao unhappy with you.”

Qingqiu smiled enchantingly. “Bai Jing, Bai Jing, you truly think I don’t understand human relationships at all? I’m most gifted at learning these things.”

Xie Gou scoffed. Suddenly changing her expression, she roared, “Did this foxy woman forget something?!”

Qingqiu’s Dao heart trembled. She asked in confusion, “What?”

Xie Gou said angrily, “To your mother’s Fox Country, visiting relatives my ass! Stand here and contemplate your mistakes in isolation!”

The sable-capped girl turned directly and went to the Flower God Temple to find Wu Cai.

Qingqiu quickly followed. Taking advantage of this moment, she also remembered that “small matter.” Turning sideways, her long skirt trailing on the ground, she covered her mouth and smiled. “What are you angry about, Sister? I don’t have what you call Immortal Coins at the moment. In my 본명洞府 (True Life Grotto-Heaven), those few treasures that have survived to this day are as precious as my life. I can’t sell them at a discount for money. Lend me some money for now, and I’ll repay you a hundredfold later.”

Xie Gou said, “Oh,” and took a bag of Immortal Coins from her sleeve, throwing it to her. “Alright, you promised, a hundredfold repayment.”

Qingqiu opened the bag and took out an Immortal Coin. It seemed to be a Gu Yu Coin from the mountain.

Walking gracefully, she held up the green Immortal Coin, her heart filled with joy at the sight. She wouldn’t dwell on Bai Jing’s clever shrewdness.

The first item she obtained in this new human world was wedding candy.

The second item was a Gu Yu Coin.

In an instant, she realized and understood. It wasn’t that Bai Jing wanted to earn her money. It was Bai Jing helping her find a way to align with the Great Dao through the unseen will of heaven.

Qingqiu kept only this one extraordinarily significant Gu Yu Coin. Turning around, she tossed the money bag to the beautiful woman named Rong Yu, saying it was compensation.

Rong Yu did not stand on ceremony with her, saying it was settled.

She then lowered her head and looked at the cute sable cap on the “girl’s” head. Her Dao heart seemed to soften in an instant. A playful thought arose, and she wanted to emulate that person named Chen and rub the sable cap.

Xie Gou’s expression was displeased. She reached out and slapped away the foxy woman’s extended hand. Who do you think you are, to be so familiar with me, without respect for seniority, treating me like a sister.

Qingqiu continued.

The sable-capped girl was furious. She delivered a hook punch to Qingqiu’s waist, sending her floating into the courtyard’s inner well. Her clothes and skirt bloomed like flowers.

Yuan Huajing concealed his aura and used an illusion. This Nascent Soul sword cultivator, who had not yet reached the Upper Five Realms, arrived secretly at the State Preceptor’s Estate with that “freshly made” Ascended puppet.

In addition, Sword Immortal Yuan had specially borrowed an A Little Place artifact from Daoist Master Ge Ling to store so many treasures.

They had counted the number: there were as many as three hundred and twenty-nine various True Life artifacts, large and small, strange and unusual.

Most of them were in good condition, accounting for the majority. Those with damaged quality were about a hundred, and only a very few were broken beyond repair.

As for their true quality, Yuan Huajing and the others had weak Dao power and couldn’t discern much.

Yuan Huajing naturally knew that Great National Master Chen and Cao Ci had gone to the sea, and that a magnificent peak-level fist practice was destined to occur, perhaps even an “eleventh realm martial path contest” unlike anything before.

With the Great National Master absent, Yuan Huajing explained the matter in detail to Rong Yu, handing her the A Little Place artifact along with a hand-drawn catalog. It had the air of an official reporting.

Although Rong Yu was nominally just a maid in the State Preceptor’s Estate, in the entire officialdom of Great Li, who dared to treat her lightly?

When handing over the A Little Place artifact, Yuan Huajing reminded her, “Miss Rong Yu, because there are too many treasures inside, the A Little Place artifact is exhibiting this extraordinary and inexplicable treasure light. This is even with Ge Ling having set more than a dozen restrictions. Otherwise, it would be even more exaggerated. I’m not joking, I’m afraid it might fly away on its own.”

Rong Yu nodded, put the A Little Place artifact and the catalog into her sleeve, and smiled. “Congratulations, Sword Immortal Yuan, on gaining this helper.”

Yuan Huajing was considered a very stable and reserved person on the mountain. Hearing this, he couldn’t hide his smile. “Thanks to Great National Master Chen.”

Rong Yu smiled. “And also thanks to Senior Bixiao of the Daoguan.”

Yuan Huajing immediately understood Rong Yu’s intention and nodded. “Naturally.”

Not only did that old Master whose Dao reached the heavens “show mercy” and leave behind the Skeleton Daoist’s complete physical body, but he also helped preserve the Skeleton Daoist’s Ascended realm… It was truly incredible. A Fourteenth Realm killing a Fourteenth Realm, could it be that easy?

Could it be that the disparity in Dao power between the old and new Fourteenth Realms was truly so vast?

Song Yunjian specifically rushed over from the peach tree, circling the expressionless “Master of the Three Courtyards,” clicking his tongue in wonder.

Yuan Huajing was about to go into secluded cultivation. The location was none other than the Sword Worship Platform.

Those struck by the flying sword “Yelang,” besides being loyal and willing to be commanded, regardless of life or death in battle or mountain duels. In addition, there was another miraculous use, for example… They would definitely tell everything they knew and were willing to impart all their life’s learning, to pass on the Dao!

After consideration, Rong Yu suggested, “If the secluded cultivation is not urgent, Sword Immortal Yuan had best not rush to the Sword Worship Platform and wait until the Great National Master returns.”

Yuan Huajing nodded. “That would be best.”

Using a Three Mountains Talisman, they arrived at Jiling Peak of Luopo Mountain. They appeared outside the mountain gate. Xie Gou laughed heartily. “Immortal Officer Daoist, reading again and gaining knowledge.”

The young Daoist slipped the book in his hand into his sleeve, skillfully having already switched to another book. He stood up from the bamboo chair and nodded with a straight face. “Learning is boundless.”

The Daoist still wore a wooden hairpin in his hair, but it was an imitation, for nostalgic purposes.

Upon seeing the Daoist who seemed to be guarding the gate, Qingqiu was dumbfounded, stammering and stuttering, without any trace of her foxy demeanor.

The white-haired child had now transformed into a human body. He was diligent in cultivating the Dao. Just now, he had relearned the Shrinking the Ground technique. Wahahaha, his divine ability was perfected. He hopped and appeared, “This unfamiliar Daoist visiting the mountain, there are rules, it’s not intentionally difficult. Quickly report your name.”

Xie Gou was very imposing. She waved her hand. “Get lost, they’re one of us, no need to register.”

The white-haired child acted impartially and questioned, “Helmsman, we agreed, this isn’t using public office for private gain, right?”

If something went wrong and implicated this compiler official in being expelled from the sect, then you, Helmsman Xie, would still have the official position of chief attendant. What would I do? An outer disciple? Outer disciples are worthless now. So many figures on Tiaoyu Mountain are now registered as outer disciples. She was considering discussing with the Hidden Official Patriarch whether to demote herself to a service disciple. Eh? Just when she wanted to sleep, someone delivered a pillow. The opportunity had arrived?

Xie Gou glared. “Presumptuous.”

The white-haired child immediately acted servile. “Since they are the Helmsman’s relatives and friends, there’s no reason to be worried. Go up the mountain, just go up the mountain.”

Xie Gou led Qingqiu to the old cook’s courtyard gate. She swaggered into the courtyard, already shouting, “Old Mr. Zhu, we have guests who want to see Fox Country in the Lotus Root Blessed Land. Please help them ask Nuanshu for that Wutong umbrella. Open the gate and then guide the way? Old Mr. Zhu, I’m sorry, but I have an agreement with her and shouldn’t reveal her identity in advance. Just call her by her alias, Xu Niang.”

The old cook, who was sitting on the bench under the eaves weaving a basket, stopped his work, stood up, and smiled. “No problem.”

Qingqiu glanced at the “old man.” Just like seeing the wooden hairpin Daoist at the mountain gate, she was once again stunned.

The two sides exchanged glances. Zhu Lian’s smile remained, and his eyes were still the same. Qingqiu, however, avoided his gaze and slightly turned her head.

Xie Gou really wanted to burst into laughter, but she managed to restrain herself. She cupped her fists and said, “Old Mr. Zhu, I’m going to see Xiao Mo now.”

Zhu Lian, wearing a long gown and cloth shoes, smiled and nodded. He said softly, “Go ahead. When you see him, remember to scold Xiao Mo a few times. Don’t always be reluctant and keep spoiling him. This time, you must scold him enough to enlighten him. Don’t always think that handing over a sword is doing something, as if doing something already shows your feelings and no extra words are needed. No matter how much Miss Xie loves him, it’s not an excuse for him to be thin-skinned and not say a single word of love.”

Xie Gou wrinkled her nose. “I still can’t bear to scold Xiao Mo.”

Zhu Lian smiled. “Then you should scold him even more.”

Xie Gou rubbed her hands hard, hesitating. “Is it really okay?”

Zhu Lian waved his sleeve, as if issuing a notice to leave. “Miss Xie, don’t stop being yourself because you love someone.”

Xie Gou immediately became cheerful. Swaying her shoulders, she went to the Snail Shell Dao field.

Once the sable-capped girl left, Qingqiu felt even more awkward.

Qingqiu said sheepishly, “I’ve made Mr. Zhu laugh. The alias ‘Xu Niang’ was given to me by Bai Jing.”

Zhu Lian smiled. “It is indeed a good name. Long, long years, a half-old, half-new human world.”

Qingqiu was instantly bewildered. Huh?

Zhu Lian didn’t say anything further. He went to find little Nuanshu and asked for the Wutong umbrella, which served as the key to the blessed land.

The little girl in the pink dress bowed to the senior whose alias was Xu Niang. Her clear, watery eyes made Qingqiu unable to joke even a little.

Entering the Lotus Root Blessed Land, she hovered in the sky using wind. There was no need for Zhu Lian to point the way. Qingqiu could see through layers of clouds and see the location of the fox country at a glance. Filled with mixed emotions, she was silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into tears. For countless years, she had tossed and turned, her soul longing, supporting her to not go mad in that cage, her Dao heart not collapsing, not despairing… Finally, she saw them.

Zhu Lian just pointed to the river that wound around the fox country like silk ribbon and smiled. “This is also my hometown. The ancient name of that river was Qishui. I remember traveling there when I was young, piling stones to make a bridge. When the water was deep, the stone bridge was not visible, but it would be exposed during the dry season. The Young Master thoughtfully chose this place as the resting place for the fox country in the blessed land. He has great hopes. He hopes that all the women of the fox country can not only follow their ancestors in living near water and building cities, but also be able to freely travel between secluded Dao fields and worldly experience in the future.”

Qingqiu murmured, “So that’s how it is.”

If he was so gentle, why didn’t he say so earlier?

Qingqiu calmed her emotions and used an illusion to go to the bustling and “densely populated” fox country. She proactively told Zhu Lian to wait a moment and that she would return to Luopo Mountain on time after wandering for half an hour.

Zhu Lian, however, said that half an hour or an hour wouldn’t matter.

Qingqiu was eager to return home and forgot to thank the kind and considerate old gentleman.

An hour later, Zhu Lian was still patiently standing by the Qishui, with no intention of urging her to return to the mountain.

This stooped old man, with his hands behind his back, each holding a cloth shoe, walked alone on the stone bridge over the Qishui outside the fox country city.

Recalling those years, when he roamed the martial world with his sword, the young swordsman who loved stories of the strange the most had also sung loudly while crossing the water here, imagining a fox immortal stepping out of a painting on the wall of a house, or a beautiful woman transformed from a water immortal in ancient times, standing alone in the human world, walking slowly barefoot, her long skirt trailing on the water.

He was once young too.

The fox is gentle, there on that Qiliang bridge, my heart is sorrowful, that gentleman has no clothes. My heart is sorrowful, that gentleman has no clothes…

In fact, Qingqiu had quietly arrived by the water’s edge fifteen minutes ago.

As a peak cultivator who had fallen from the Fourteenth Realm to the Ascended Realm, and in the territory of the fox country, even Zhu Lian was unable to detect her presence.

Zhu Lian walked barefoot on the stone bridge, lost in his thoughts, and stopped in the middle of the river.

Earlier, Xie Gou had mentioned something and also asked Zhu Lian something.

You and the Mountain Master agreed to a certain-to-lose fist practice in the snow of the capital of Nanyuan Kingdom this year, will you still keep the appointment?

Zhu Lian felt he should keep the appointment even more.

Because he wanted to know the true feelings of those martial artists who were his enemies in the world and martial world back then, how they actually viewed and faced “Zhu Lian” at that time.

Snow fills the heavens and earth, why wander with a sword?

The old man chuckled, gently swinging the two cloth shoes behind his back, and smiled.

By the water’s edge, she watched, entranced.