The Grand Return to Ascendancy

Having returned to the hallowed lands, Chen Ping’an invoked the mystic arts, withdrawing his colossal, Heaven-Emulating Dharma Form. His towering stature, like a mighty mountain range, slowly receded until he stood as a radiant golden figure of but ten feet tall.

He gently descended upon the sea of clouds, bowing deeply before the Confucian Sage, who held dominion over the celestial veil of Treasure Bottle Continent. “I departed in haste, venerable master,” Chen Ping’an offered, “and failed to properly announce my movements. I beg your forgiveness for my discourtesy.”

The ancient Sage waved a hand, chuckling softly. “Did something of note occur? I saw nothing amiss, my boy.”

Xie Gou, eyes wide and jaw agape, could scarcely believe his ears. Was this truly permissible? His Mountain Lord had ascended in a Dharma Form so immense that it brushed past the very gaze of this elder, and yet, naught was seen?

A wry smile touched Chen Ping’an’s lips. He had expected at least a token admonishment against future indiscretions. After a moment of silence, he clasped his hands in a respectful bow. “I am grateful for your benevolence, venerable master.”

The Sage nodded sagely, understanding unspoken between them.

Xie Gou, his horizons broadened, felt anew the need to remain by his Mountain Lord’s side, to learn the subtle and profound ways of the world.

The Sage, face composed, suppressed a smile and offered a thumbs-up to the newly-appointed Grand Preceptor of Great Li. Well done, indeed!

A fitting disciple of the Old Scholar, surpassing even his master’s deeds.

The Old Scholar had merely ventured to the borderlands of two worlds, daring Yu Dou to strike him down. But his student? He had taken his sword to the very White Jade Capital, hacking at its gates.

Never one to prey on the weak, he had either proven his worth on the Great Wall of Swords or flaunted his power in the Azure Darkness World. Truly, such a youth was a credit to their Confucian scholars. A joyous thought!

As Xie Gou bid farewell to the Old Sage, the Sage paused, then said candidly, “Bai Jing, abandon such affectations. In you, they feel unnatural, while they discomfort me greatly.”

Xie Gou laughed heartily, retrieving a small tome from within his sleeve. “Venerable Sage, your wisdom is boundless. I beseech you to cast your learned eye upon these humble writings…”

But the Mountain Lord intervened, gently holding Xie Gou’s sable hat in place, and Xie Gou dutifully returned the tome to his sleeve, clasping his hands together. “May the Azure Hills remain and the Green Waters flow. Until we meet again!”

The Old Sage nodded, smiling. “I have naught to offer as a parting gift. Instead, I shall wish you, Bai Jing, to climb ever higher!”

Xie Gou wrinkled his nose, scratching his cheek. “Now I understand the venerable master’s discomfort.”

The Old Sage chuckled. “Dealing with scholars is often fraught. One never knows which words will offend, nor which will strike a chord of understanding.”

Xie Gou nodded vigorously, resolving to borrow this wisdom for her own mountain and water travelogue. Most certainly!

With a flash of golden light, the meticulously refined golden figure, now ten feet tall, pierced through the cloud layers and instantaneously resumed its true form.

Clad in court robes, Chen Ping’an stepped out of the vast audience hall, crossed the threshold, and inhaled deeply, casting a final glance at the place where he had stood.

He had instructed Xie Gou to return directly to Fallen Peak. Chen Ping’an, as was his custom, slipped his hands into his sleeves and walked alone towards the Imperial Study.

The morning audience held in the Imperial Study was, on this day, noticeably more crowded than before, with chairs pushed close to one another.

Wu Wangcheng, the newly-qualified Vice Minister of War, found great amusement in observing who dared to rest both elbows upon the armrests of their chairs, and what that implied.

Once the Grand Preceptor Chen Ping’an had taken his seat, only a single place remained vacant: that of the Prince of Luo, Song Mu.

Song Mu had travelled hastily from the Wildlands World to the Great Li capital, and by no mere coincidence, the most powerful feudal lord of the Great Li Dynasty had missed both the celebrations and the audience.

Emperor Song He inquired, “The Imperial Observatory has reported a most curious matter. Grand Preceptor, is it truly so that you have achieved…?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “I have entered the Ascendant Realm.”

The assembled officials of Great Li held their breath, as one.

How could this be? Merely by attending the morning audience, he had ascended to the Ascendant Realm? Though they could not fathom the truth of it, it mattered not! This was joyous news! Great Li was indeed blessed!

Song He rose to his feet, offering his congratulations, and the assembled officials followed their Emperor in celebrating the young Grand Preceptor.

Chen Ping’an rose, waiting until the Emperor had retaken his seat. An imperial clansman of the Song Dynasty, who had rarely attended meetings in the Imperial Study of late, instinctively began to sit, only to belatedly realize his error. He hunched over, glancing askance at the young Grand Preceptor as he slowly lowered himself to his seat. Once the latter was settled, the elder straightened and comfortably rested his elbows upon the armrests, only to find the Grand Preceptor’s gaze upon him. He hastily withdrew his elbows.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Your Majesty, let us resume our previous agenda.”

As he spoke, Chen Ping’an glanced at Xu Tong, the Vice Minister of War who sat next to the imperial clansman. After a moment’s hesitation, Xu Tong raised his left elbow and placed it upon the armrest.

Chen Ping’an tugged at his court robes and crossed his legs.

Emperor Song He chuckled. “When I first invited Master Chen to serve as Grand Preceptor, it was precisely in such a posture that he sat. Ah, but the boots are different. Then, he wore cloth shoes; now, he wears court boots.”

Laughter filled the room.

The audience was now formally in session.

Compared to the silence of the great hall, Chen Ping’an spoke more freely here, rarely offering definitive pronouncements. He would often delve into the reasons behind matters and engage in dialogue with those present.

When Cui Chan sat in that chair, though he was never one for rigid posture or humorless demeanor, he rarely offered the…forbearance that Chen Ping’an did.

Cui Chan always presented matters with clarity and precision, addressing both grand strategy and minute details, weaving each step into a seamless whole.

Everyone, including the Emperor, knew that the Embroidered Tiger was deferring to them.

If in good spirits, Cui Chan might occasionally offer a jest that required mental gymnastics to understand.

Shen Chen, the Minister of War, now in his twilight years, knew that his days in this chair were numbered. His Ministry’s affairs were well-managed by Xu Tong and Wu Wangcheng, so his mind drifted back to stories of those who had sat here before, tales never to be whispered beyond these walls. He thought of the chair’s former occupant, the Embroidered Tiger, who had once declared that Great Li must prepare for a two-pronged war, either against the Central Great Canal or across the vast ocean between Treasure Bottle Continent and Northern Ju Lu Continent. Cui Chan’s meaning was clear: not only must Old Dragon City in the southernmost part of the continent and the Central Great Li capital have a feudal lord to defend them, but the Emperor himself might need to guard the capital or some place far to the north. When he spoke these words, Cui Chan possessed an unshakeable confidence, nay, arrogance. Perhaps it was this that allowed others to feel at ease.

After the audience, the Emperor accompanied the Grand Preceptor for a long stretch of the path.

As the officials returned to their respective ministries, Shen Chen quickened his pace, seizing Chen Ping’an’s arm. “Grand Preceptor, remember our promise. The first visit must be to the Ministry of War!”

Chen Ping’an gently patted the elder’s hand. “My word is my bond.”

Shen Chen raised his voice. “Hear this, all! If anyone attempts to interfere with this, I shall block their gates and heap insults upon them. And if that fails, I shall go to the Grand Preceptor’s residence and decry their breach of faith!”

Xu Tong and Wu Wangcheng exchanged a look, feeling a touch of…bitterness.

Dong Hu, the Vice Minister of Rites, chuckled. “Minister Shen, the Ministry of War has done great deeds, but the Ministry of Rites has toiled mightily as well. And besides, we are a few steps closer to the Grand Preceptor’s residence…”

Before Shen Chen could retort, Xu Tong interjected, “You shall take second place, and be content with it.”

Dong Hu demurred, “Second place? Very well!”

Ma Yuan, the Minister of Justice, clicked his tongue. “Is it not said that one first extends courtesies before resorting to arms? Has the Ministry of Rites grown so timid?”

Chen Ping’an, ignoring their playful banter, paused and spoke, causing the officials of Great Li to widen their eyes, their breath catching in their throats.

“Earlier, while walking along a country path with His Majesty, he posed a question to me, to which I have yet to offer an answer. Now, I shall pose it to all of you, that I may hear your counsel.”

“If Great Li is to contend for the foremost position among the Ten Great Dynasties of the boundless realm, must we reclaim all of Treasure Bottle Continent? If so, how shall we proceed? If not, what course shall we chart?”

As the Grand Preceptor walked away, the officials seemed to awaken from a trance.

Changsun Mao, the newly-promoted Minister of Personnel, cautioned, “Though it may be superfluous, I must remind all of the old rule.”

He referred to the rule that all secret matters of the court should not be discussed within their residences, especially not over wine.

Ma Yuan offered a wry smile. “Then I shall add another superfluous word. The old rule is the old rule. Let us hope that at the next audience, no places are suddenly left vacant.”

Shen Chen fell into a long silence, then turned, smiling, to look upon the eager face of Xu Tong and the flushed visage of Wu Wangcheng.

Xu Tong nudged Wu Wangcheng. “It seems Minister Shen has no intention of retiring. What then shall become of us? How shall we gain promotion?”

Shen Chen shook his head, laughing. “You two rascals.”

In the Imperial Study, Emperor Song He stood by the window, watching the receding figures of his officials.

Chen Ping’an returned to the Grand Preceptor’s residence.

As Rong Yu had forewarned, none dared to leave their posts to offer congratulations.

As he entered the courtyard, Song Yunjian stood beneath the peach tree, smiling. “Astonishing, truly astonishing.”

Chen Ping’an waved a hand, proceeding directly to his study, bypassing any pleasantries.

He had Rong Yu bring a large map of Great Li and a pile of maps of its various provinces and counties. He took up a brush, circling various place names.

Rong Yu saw that it was a route.

Chen Ping’an set down the brush and suddenly asked, “Does the Grand Preceptor’s residence possess a full set of Flower Spirit Cups?”

Rong Yu shook her head. “No such preparations have been made.”

Though Cui Chan was often seen drinking, he never held any regard for fine wines or drinking vessels, and the Grand Preceptor’s residence had followed suit.

Furthermore, if Cui Chan chose to invite someone to drink at the Grand Preceptor’s residence, the invitation itself was the greatest honor, requiring no embellishment with fine cups.

Rong Yu continued, “However, the Great Li treasury is sure to have a supply. Shall I retrieve them at once?”

Chen Ping’an considered this. “That is hardly necessary. I am meeting guests from afar at the Flower Spirit Temple. It would be more convenient to simply purchase a set of imitations there.”

Rong Yu hesitated.

The news that Luo Fuming, the Flower Spirit of the Plum Blossom, and Qi Fang, the Flower Mistress of Hundred Flowers Blessed Land, had both journeyed to the Great Li capital had certainly reached the Grand Preceptor’s residence. However, Rong Yu did not believe that they warranted a personal audience with Grand Preceptor Chen.

Cui Chan generally received guests, whether from the mountains or the court, in the reception hall or, at most, in his study for secret discussions.

The number of times that Cui Chan had personally greeted a guest at the foot of the steps was negligible. It would be unprecedented for him to descend the steps to welcome someone.

Rong Yu remembered it all clearly. Though Grand Preceptor Chen’s decisions were final, and surely born of careful consideration, she could not help but hope that he would not make too many exceptions.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “My eldest martial brother was indeed an immensely proud man, but he never wore haughtiness or disdain upon his sleeve. His aloofness was merely a means to save time, to minimize formalities, or eliminate them altogether. It was also a way to set the bar higher for those who followed him, making their tasks easier. Now, the situation is not yet so comfortable that we can relax and enjoy ourselves. It is far too early to speak of an era of peace, but things are not as urgent as they were in my martial brother’s time. So, I can afford to be more relaxed…more at ease.”

Rong Yu felt a mix of guilt and joy, and spoke softly. “Grand Preceptor, you need not explain such things to me.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Invite cultivators from Long Spring Palace to visit the Grand Preceptor’s residence in the near future.”

Rong Yu nodded. This first meeting between the Grand Preceptor and a celestial sect was of great significance. All within the continent were watching.

Long Spring Palace deserved this opportunity.

Had Long Spring Palace not helped the Great Li Dynasty through its darkest days, they might not even have maintained their status as a tributary state of the Lu Dynasty.

Chen Ping’an paused, then changed his mind. “No. Instead, we shall seek an opportunity to visit Long Spring Palace.”

Rong Yu agreed wholeheartedly.

Though Long Spring Palace had yet to achieve the status of a Clan-ranked celestial domain, Rong Yu was certain that it would soon do so.

Chen Ping’an said, “I shall go and meet my guests. Have Cao Qinglang from the Hanlin Academy wait here for me.”

Rong Yu accepted the command and departed, overhearing a meaningful remark from the young Grand Preceptor.

“In the fields of history, it seems we must wait to see whether it is rice or weeds that grows.”

As Rong Yu walked, she pondered these words. Song Yunjian, upon hearing them, clapped his hands in approval. “Indeed!”

Chen Ping’an left the Grand Preceptor’s residence, using a Shrinking Earth incantation to arrive directly at a courtyard within the Flower Spirit Temple, where he used a spell to alter his appearance.

Soon, Rong Yu stood at the entrance to the Grand Preceptor’s residence, silently counting the moments as she awaited the arrival of the Grand Preceptor’s prized student. When she saw his figure, Cao Qinglang had appeared slightly later than she had anticipated.

Leading Cao Qinglang to the rear courtyard, Cao Qinglang once again expressed his gratitude. Rong Yu offered a silent smile and departed.

Cao Qinglang hurried to the door, bowing respectfully from without. “Cao Qinglang greets Master Lin.”

Lin Shouyi bowed in return, his movements more elegant. “We are of the same generation. There is no need for such formality.”

According to the lineage of the Sage of Literature, they were indeed fellow disciples.

However, Cao Qinglang regarded Lin Shouyi as a senior.

Regardless, both possessed fine appearances and the bearing of noble gentlemen. More like scholars, unlike a certain someone.

Lin Shouyi seized Cao Qinglang’s arm, leading him across the threshold to the desk. “I have gathered a number of questions and wish to consult with you.”

After all, Cao Qinglang had already achieved the status of a Tanhua, a top scholar, in the Great Li imperial examinations.

Truly, the lineage of the Sage of Literature had achieved great heights in these matters of merit and fame.

Lin Shouyi had set his sights upon the examinations, and if he failed, so be it. But if he succeeded, then Cao Qinglang would be his senior in the arena of scholarship.

Cao Qinglang felt somewhat abashed. Lin Shouyi pressed him down into his seat, remaining standing himself, causing Cao Qinglang to feel even more uneasy. Lin Shouyi had already opened a book, truly seeking Cao Qinglang’s counsel on the intricacies of the imperial examinations.

Cao Qinglang whispered, “Master Lin, why do you not discuss these matters with my master?”

Lin Shouyi smiled. “What does Chen Ping’an know of the ways of the examination halls?”

Cao Qinglang did not know how to respond.

Lin Shouyi said, “He need only manage the imperial examinations for the entire nation.”

———-

Now that the celebrations were over, the Flower Spirit Temple was still bustling with activity. Affluent dignitaries and young nobles from the capital, when visiting, could be led around by the temple host, who would explain the origins of the Flower Spirit Temple and the stories behind the colorful murals and statues. But on this day, that was impossible.

The temple host, Ye Man, wore a wide-sleeved gown and had a jade hairpin of orchids woven through her hair. She was a beautiful woman with a refined aura, more like a learned daughter of an affluent family.

However, a beauty mark on her lip gave her a particularly alluring charm. There were several rumors surrounding Ye Man, some claiming that she was a concubine sequestered here by a high-ranking minister, others that she was actually a Flower Spirit from the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land who could attract bees and butterflies when walking through the gardens. In short, the stories were either scandalous or mystical.

On this day, Ye Man led a group of honored guests as she traversed the temple, walking through corridors, around beams, and passing scenes, before finally entering a moon gate. She led them to a tea room, the courtyard outside filled with flower shadows, a place where one could find tranquility amidst the chaos.

Walking beside the Flower Spirit of the Balsam, Madam Tuoyan spoke in a telepathic voice. “There is no need to be nervous. It is not as if you have never met him before.”

The young Flower Spirit spoke timidly. “I was fine until you said that. Now I am nervous.”

Madam Tuoyan gave her a charming look. “Have you forgotten? What did the Hidden Official say last time? When you are nervous, just tell yourself that you only need to be nervous, and you will be fearless.”

The young Flower Spirit thought for a moment and nodded vigorously. “That is right! That makes sense!”

Last time, it was Madam Tuoyan who had helped introduce her to the Mountain Lord Chen, a swordsman and martial arts grandmaster. He was good-tempered, easy to talk to, and deeply knowledgeable. Truly, appearances could be deceiving.

Afterwards, she had been extremely nervous and had, in a daze, sought out Zhang Wenqian, a disciple of Su Zimei. When the old master frowned, she had been so frightened that she had hardly dared to breathe. When the old gentleman nodded, she had felt more at ease. Ultimately, when the stern old master had said nothing, her mind had gone blank. She had only remembered Sword Immortal Chen’s warning: when nervous, just be nervous, and do not fear being nervous.

Zhang Wenqian had asked, “How did you come up with this phrasing?”

The Flower Spirit of the Balsam had then…sold out Mountain Lord Chen. It was not that she lacked honor, but that Master Zhang’s expression had been too frightening.

While silently apologizing to the Sword Immortal Chen, she had honestly told Zhang Wenqian that she had sought help from Chen the Swordsman from Fallen Peak.

The old master had remained expressionless and had said to himself, “To think that the Sage of Literature’s lineage, known for its rigorous scholarship, would so genuinely endorse our lineage’s scholarship and be so fond of Su Zimei. Unexpected, truly unexpected.”

In the old man’s view, one could say that each of the Sage of Literature’s disciples, regardless of their depths of scholarship or height of cultivation, possessed their own sense of arrogance, even recklessness.

But one must never mistake them for being as unrestrained or magnanimous as Su Zimei. Absolutely not.

In fact, even regarding Bai Ye’s poems, Chen Ping’an had only said, with some reservation, that he only found them inspired when drunk.

Thus, when Bai Ye had heard of this from Fallen Peak, he had laughingly said, “It seems your Mountain Lord has seldom been drunk in his life.”

According to their agreement, Chen the Swordsman had collected a bag of Spring Rain Coins from her in advance, to be refunded should the matter fail.

The young woman had already resolved that even if things went wrong, and she inadvertently angered the old master, she would not ask for the money back.

In the world, meetings were fated. If the deal did not work out, they would remain friends.

In fact, Madam Tuoyan, who had advised the young woman not to be nervous, was herself nervous.

The Hidden Official had first become the master of a major sect. She had assumed that since they were all part of the same family, they would finally see better times. But then, he had become the Grand Preceptor of Great Li.

The young Flower Spirit praised quietly. “Sister Tuoyan, you are so brave. You are never fazed by anyone.”

Madam Tuoyan’s smile was strained.

The young Flower Spirit silently bolstered her courage. Although she was not certain that she would meet the noble Chen the Swordsman on this trip to the Great Li capital, she had brought a bag of balsam seeds as a thank-you gift. It never hurt to be generous.

During the blessed land evaluation led by Sir Bai Shan, Zhang Yi, and Zhou Fuqing, she had been worried that her rating would fall to the lowest possible level.

If a Flower Spirit’s rating were to fall to the lowest level, the blessed land would replace her. If she remained at the lowest level during the next evaluation, the balsam would be removed from the list of flowers and the Flower Spirit statues in various Flower Spirit Temples would have to be removed.

This time, her Flower Spirit rating had remained unchanged at the seventh rank, third order. She was already very content. This evaluation had been highly competitive, and to not be demoted meant that she was strong.

Jiuyi Mountain had many plum trees, so she was naturally very close to Luo Fuming, the Flower Spirit of the Plum Blossom.

The Water Immortal, who was also a ranked Flower Spirit, often corresponded with the Lord of the Five Lakes.

As for her, ha, she had yet to meet many important figures or old immortals.

The young Flower Spirit had already decided upon her strategy. When meeting the new Grand Preceptor, she would find an opportunity to tentatively ask, “Sword Immortal Chen, do you still remember me?”

It was said that important people were forgetful. If he did not remember her, that would be best. She would humbly introduce herself, express her gratitude, and then quietly listen to the Flower Mistress talk business. If Sword Immortal Chen remembered her, the Flower Mistress or Sister Luo would likely admonish her for being rude, at which point she could be content to remain silent…A flawless plan, indeed! The young Flower Spirit secretly grinned.

Ye Man stopped near the steps, turning to offer a bow. “We have arrived. If you need anything, please let me know. I shall wait outside.”

Besides Qi Fang, Luo Fuming, and the Flower Spirit of the Balsam, those around the temple host were Nian Xin and Madam Tuoyan. All beautiful women.

However, they had all used glamour spells. Otherwise, what sort of situation would it create if they were to reveal their true appearances at the Flower Spirit Temple? Would they be trying to steal the new Grand Preceptor’s thunder?

Luo Fuming took a deep breath. She was finally about to meet the renowned Hidden Official.

The young Flower Spirit quickly touched the bag of balsam seeds in her sleeve, confirming that she had not come empty-handed, and felt less nervous.

Regarding what had happened back then, and why he had helped her, Nian Xin had learned the reason from Qi Fang. In the eyes of the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land, the women of the world were flowers, some in gardens, some in vases, some in the wilderness, and some in the mountains.

Ye Man walked to the side room, crossing the threshold without closing the door. She stood near the entrance, holding her breath. On the wall of the room hung a painting that read, “Tea replaces wine for the guest.”

She had long wanted to ask a famous calligrapher to create a painting for her, perhaps Zhao Duanjin, the Minister of Rites who had created the Great Li style of calligraphy.

Just a small square of paper, with a line of text: “Nothing of note today.”

Ye Man sighed softly. Unfortunately, Minister Zhao had never visited the Flower Spirit Temple, and she had never had the chance to meet him.

She wondered what the calligraphy of the esteemed guest inside would be like.

Ye Man recognized the Level One Trouble-Free plaque issued by the Great Li Ministry of Justice. Could it be a fake? In the Great Li capital, who would dare?

A handsome young man in a yellow hat and blue shoes stood at the entrance to the main room, his bearing gentle. He seemed like a kind and benevolent person.

He stepped aside, clasping his hands together, and smiling. “My lord is within, awaiting you all.”

He symbolically knocked on the door, lightly opened it, stepped aside, waited for the guests to enter, and then gently closed the door behind them.

The sunlight was perfect, the golden rays shining through the windows and onto the smiling man.

Rising to his feet, Chen Ping’an smiled and explained, “My true body is still dealing with matters in the Imperial Study. Please forgive me.”

Qi Fang smiled brightly. “You are too kind, Grand Preceptor.”

During the Confucian Temple meeting, they had only briefly exchanged greetings from afar, so this was Qi Fang’s first time being so close to Chen Ping’an.

Furthermore, she knew more of the truth than Luo Fuming. For example, he was the one who had first said, “Then let us fight.”

These secrets could not be shared with anyone. She had to keep them bottled up inside. It was truly agonizing.

Like a wine connoisseur, she had a glass of fine wine before her but was unable to drink it. It was a flavor that could not be shared with outsiders.

In fact, Chen Ping’an was already being very courteous.

Since the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land was the one seeking help, Chen Ping’an could have simply had them wait in the capital.

Qi Fang was a common name, especially for her. It even sounded a bit crude.

But if one were to speak of its meaning, there was one. It could mean that a hundred flowers bloom, all fragrant and beautiful. In this way, it was a very fitting name.

Tea sets had been placed on the tables, and Madam Tuoyan naturally took over, preparing tea for the guests. She opened a tin, took out the best Ming Qian tea of the year, and quickly glanced at the engraving on the bottom of the tin.

Chen Ping’an looked at the Flower Spirit of the Balsam and smiled. “It has been a while. How did things go with Master Zhang?”

The young woman exclaimed, “Ah!” It seemed that her strategy was of no use at all.

Fortunately, seeing her in a daze, Luo Fuming offered a reminder. “Wu Cai, do not be rude. The Grand Preceptor is talking to you.”

See, there was that “do not be rude”.

The young Flower Spirit was no longer nervous. “It went well, very well. Sword Immortal Chen’s brilliant plan was very effective!”

She subconsciously raised her thumb, but Luo Fuming quickly grabbed her arm. Whenever Wu Cai made this gesture, she would inevitably follow it with “Top-notch!”

Chen Ping’an laughed. “That is good. Then I have kept my bag of Spring Rain Coins. It is hardest to earn money from others, and most painful to return the money before it has even warmed up.”

He had told what could roughly be called a joke, but the room was silent.

Perhaps Chen Ping’an’s joke was not very good, or perhaps they simply did not dare to laugh casually.

Perhaps this was so-called secular power. It was not merely the imperiousness of a superior, or the sudden silence that followed one’s words, or the fanfare that accompanied one’s travels.

Power was like an invisible web. The greater the power, the more strands of the web could spread, encompassing money, women, seats, and the joy, anger, and experiences of others. Even a small tremor at the center of the web could become a tidal wave for them, determining their honor, life, and destiny.

Madam Tuoyan stared at the stove filled with spring water, which was now boiling.

Suppressing her thoughts, Chen Ping’an slowly said, “Apologizing is simply a matter of what you say, what you think, and what you do.”

Qi Fang had not yet met the Countess of Confinement, so Luo Fuming steadied her mind and said, “We have already discussed this with Mistress Qi. First, the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land will cover all expenses for the flowers and trees in the gardens of Great Li’s capital, provinces, and counties for the next hundred years. We are willing to contribute manpower and funds. Second, we will dispatch dozens of Flower Spirits each year to perform rituals at Flower Spirit Temples within Great Li, to help enhance the qi of the land. If you feel that this is still not enough, Grand Preceptor Chen and the Countess of Confinement can make additional requests. Mistress Qi and I shall remain in the Great Li capital until you are satisfied.”

Great Li was no ordinary dynasty, controlling half of Treasure Bottle Continent. This expense was no small matter.

If they were to extend this to the county level, it was not that the blessed land did not want to be generous, but that they truly could not afford it. Gathering spirit money was difficult enough, but the blessed land was even more limited in the manpower it could dispatch.

Unless the entire Hundred Flowers Blessed Land moved to Treasure Bottle Continent and all the Flower Spirits dedicated themselves to Great Li for a century, it was impossible. Such a thing was unrealistic.

Chen Ping’an considered this matter, not hurrying to agree or disagree.

Qi Fang suddenly asked in a telepathic voice, “Hidden Official, is he well?”

Since she called Chen Ping’an the Hidden Official, it was clear who she was referring to: Hao Su, the former Investigator in the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land.

Chen Ping’an replied telepathically, “Hao Su is cultivating in the Divine Sky City of the White Jade Capital. He is doing well. He was already strong, and his actions have carried sufficient weight. Furthermore, he has a unique status, as he holds the title of former Investigator. He can walk unimpeded in the Azure Darkness World. Even though things are a bit chaotic there, no one will provoke him. There is no need, so Mistress Qi can rest assured.”

Qi Fang could not help but smile. The Hidden Official was amusing. She found the image of Hao Su walking unimpeded to be funny.

The faint worry between her brows seemed to vanish.

The clumsy young Flower Spirit Wu Cai, who had been holding back for a long time, finally managed to offer what she thought were polite and appropriate words, setting down the Flower Spirit Cup that happened to be decorated with a balsam flower and clasping her hands together. “Congratulations to Sword Immortal Chen and the Great Li Dynasty for joining forces and becoming stronger!”

Qi Fang felt somewhat helpless, and Luo Fuming felt somewhat nervous. When speaking to an important figure like Chen Ping’an, one had to be cautious, lest one say something offensive.

It was not only that language was separated by skin, but that people’s hearts were separated by distance.

On the way here, Luo Fuming had specifically reminded Wu Cai that when meeting the Grand Preceptor, she should aim to do no harm, and try to say as little as possible.

Madam Tuoyan quickly lowered her head and continued preparing tea. In reality, she was pulling back her toes inside her embroidered shoes. The awkwardness was real.

Luo Fuming, like most cultivators, had always believed that Chen Ping’an was lucky, or perhaps that he had earned his success through hard work. But they did not think of him as a simple person.

If life was like a series of mountains, with one blocking the path to the next, those who walked the path would have to overcome them one by one. Was this not also the case for the Grand Preceptor, who had reached such a high position at a young age?

In the past, in his hometown, he had encountered Qi Jingchun of Mountain Cliff Academy, Cui Chan the Embroidered Tiger, and the Old Scholar. At the Great Wall of Swords, there had been the Old Sword Immortal. Upon returning to the boundless realm, there had been Li Sheng and Zheng Juzhong…

But surprisingly, Chen Ping’an did not remain expressionless or ignore her. He did not even offer a polite smile. Instead, he clasped his hands and smiled. “Thank you for your blessing, thank you for your blessing.”

The young woman scratched her head, her honesty getting the better of her. “Sword Immortal Chen, my Flower Spirit rating is not high. My power is very weak. I am a hundred thousand miles away from the realm of sages and true immortals. Perhaps you should not borrow my blessings. Ha, ha, ha.”

Chen Ping’an laughed along. “No harm, no harm. There is no harm in being polite, and one can never have too many good words.”

Luo Fuming felt relieved. Seeing that Chen Ping’an’s expression and tone seemed genuine, perhaps Wu Cai was truly blessed.

In general, those who had held high positions for a long time were either arrogant or intimidating.

For example, when Luo Fuming had first seen Chen Ping’an at the entrance, she had felt immense pressure. Her mind had even gone blank for a moment.

Nian Xin was somewhat curious and asked in a telepathic voice, “Why are you being so kind to the young woman?”

Chen Ping’an replied telepathically, “There is no great reason. When I was young, there was a balsam flower in front of Liu Xinyang’s house in my hometown. The flowers were multicolored. Gu Can and I thought it was very beautiful.”

Madam Tuoyan handed them each a porcelain cup. Seeing that they were getting along well, she felt more relaxed.

Chen Ping’an took the cup and said, “With these two conditions in place, I think there should be no problems. However, I cannot guarantee whether the Countess of Confinement will make additional requests.”

Chen Ping’an turned to look at Nian Xin and said, “Nian Xin, accompany Mistress Qi and the others to the Fire God Temple to visit the Countess of Confinement. Tell her that I have no objections.”

Nian Xin nodded.

Wu Cai did not know if it was her imagination, but at this moment, the entire room seemed to light up.

Qi Fang casually spoke of the two collections of seals, asking if the Grand Preceptor had any hand-rubbed copies that she could borrow. A certain blessed land in Ai Ai Continent, which had a talent for business, had selected the ten best collections of seals from the past thousand years. The Twenty-Four Flower Spirits of the Season was ranked ninth. It had been written by a guest elder of the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land. The Bi Hundred Sword Immortals collection, personally compiled by Chen Ping’an, was ranked third.

Unfortunately, the Bi Hundred Sword Immortals collections on the market were not hand-rubbed, so they did not fully capture the spirit of the seals.

Chen Ping’an shook his head, saying that he did not have any extra hand-rubbed copies.

The conversation grew more relaxed, and Madam Tuoyan became completely at ease. She began to grumble silently.

They were entertaining the Flower Spirits with counterfeit Flower Spirit Cups.

These vessels made by civilian kilns would be considered low-quality by immortals.

The glazes were dim, the textures were rough, the flowers were lifeless, and the calligraphy was weak…In short, nothing was pleasing to the eye.

Madam Tuoyan could not help but grumble silently. Hidden Official, is he so short on money? Is he an idiot?

Qi Fang laughed, mentioning the Flower Spirit Cups. She said that the Grand Preceptor should not use counterfeit Flower Spirit Cups to entertain guests in the future. She would send several sets of genuine Flower Spirit Cups to the Grand Preceptor’s residence.

Madam Tuoyan glanced at the Hidden Official. How would he respond?

Unfortunately, she had underestimated his thick skin.

Chen Ping’an laughed and said that he had been waiting for her to say that.

Qi Fang seemed speechless.

Madam Tuoyan lightly clicked her tongue.

Xiao Mo stood quietly outside, looking at the cold and deserted side room.

The host of the Flower Spirit Temple was a cultivator, but she was not strong