The scholar Chen Pingan, his brow furrowed in concentration, extended a finger and touched it lightly to his desk, muttering a single word, “Refine.”

At the point of contact, a spark of golden light ignited, blossoming in an instant into a myriad of shimmering threads. Like golden serpents awaking from a long slumber, they surged forth, transforming into dragons of pure light, spreading across the entire National Preceptor’s manor. They veiled the maps, the walls, the chairs, the very flagstones underfoot, the lacquered beams of the corridors, the green-glazed tiles, the mythical beasts guarding the rooflines, the eaves decorated with floral carvings, and every scroll and book contained within. Save for the watchful Xiao Mo, the loyal Xie Gou, and the perceptive Song Yunjian, no one detected this miraculous occurrence. Scribes continued their work, their quills scratching across parchment as golden shadows danced through the leaves outside, and Lin Shouyi debated historical interpretation with Cao Qinglang. A faint, dusty haze, almost invisible to mortal eyes, filled the air around the manor, composed of countless minute, animate particles. Then, as swiftly as it had begun, the vision vanished.

Meanwhile, near the Temple of Flowers, Liu Tui insisted upon personally seeing Liu Laocheng off. Was Liu Laocheng reluctant to ascend to immortality? Or, perhaps, did he simply wish to rid himself of Liu Tui’s presence?

Jiang Shangzhen chuckled, “Many a good friendship begins with a good fight.”

Cui Dongshan, with his trademark smirk, added, “A fight so fierce that brain matter becomes the drink of choice.”

Liu Tui smiled serenely, “Since my youth, I’ve made it a point to cultivate acquaintance with at least one powerful figure in each of the Nine Continents. Now, only Baoping and Tongye continents remain for me to conquer with friendship.”

Liu Laocheng demurred, “I am hardly a force to be reckoned with in Baoping.”

Jiang Shangzhen raised an eyebrow. Cui Dongshan, with a dramatic leap, pointed a finger at Liu Laocheng, “Master excels in both statesmanship and classical scholarship, a rare combination! He is both a merchant prince and a master of learning, a feat unheard of! He is both a sword immortal and a grandmaster, an astonishing trifecta! And yet, you see, it is here, at Shujian Lake, that he has suffered the most setbacks and hardships. Island Lord Liu, why do you diminish yourself so? To belittle yourself is to belittle my Master! To belittle my Master is to belittle Cui Dongshan! And to belittle me is to insult my dearest friend, the ruthless Grandmaster Jiang!”

Liu Laocheng massaged his temples, overcome with exasperation.

Jiang Shangzhen smiled faintly, “Insulting me is quite alright. I’m accustomed to it.”

Liu Tui sighed, “Come now, let us depart. Another moment, and Master Chen might be tempted to use his blade.”

*Power breeds ruthlessness,* went the adage, but was it only applicable to those suddenly bestowed with authority?

Liu Laocheng nodded, eager to escape the clutches of the white-robed youth.

In the capital city existed a celestial ferry landing, known as Gaosu Ferry.

Within the capital, Liu Tui presented only a Yang Spirit avatar, “keeping up appearances.” Once beyond the city gates, however, his true form awaited, swiftly absorbing both the Yang and Yin aspects of his being. In that instant, Liu Laocheng understood the reality of Liu Tui – the true Dao Lord of Fuyao Continent. He could have remained hidden in Tianyao Village, avoiding the continent-wide strife, but instead, he emerged, only to suffer a demotion in his own cultivation as a result.

They walked together along the ferry landing, lined with celestial shops stretching for leagues, interspersed with stalls selling bundles of goods of dubious origin. Genuine treasures and worthless trinkets mingled together, testing the eye of the beholder.

Liu Laocheng spoke, “Grandmaster Jiang laid out his terms, and I agree to them. From now on, whenever I encounter Liu Tui on the road, I will be sure to take the long way around.”

Liu Tui shook his head, “That will not be necessary.”

Liu Laocheng’s senses snapped alert. *Curse you, Liu Tui,* he thought, *reneging on your word?!* Wild cultivators feared the power of their own kind, but they truly hated disciples of the established sects.

Liu Tui continued, “There is no need to feign weakness, hoping I will lower my guard. I view the Ascended Liu Laocheng the same way I view the Immortal Liu Tui. I will not be swayed by the fact that I am one realm higher. The truth is, failing to eliminate you within the confines of the capital, I have already sent a flying sword missive to Tianyao Village, summoning two reclusive experts from the Upper Five Realms. One, a master of law enforcement whom I address as Junior Uncle. The other, a jade purity sword cultivator, a direct disciple who has mastered seven or eight tenths of my teachings. I have instructed them to seek opportunities to strike you from the shadows at Shujian Lake and Fengweiba Lane, preferably finding your life essence candle and extinguishing it.”

Liu Laocheng remained silent.

Liu Tui continued, “You may not fully understand my reputation in Fuyao Continent in my youth. It was no less fearsome than yours at Shujian Lake. I was once known as the ‘Bane of Rogue Cultivators’. On one occasion, for example, I spent three centuries eliminating unsightly rogue cultivators, secretly in collaboration with Yu Jin and the female State Preceptor. The likes of Huanghuashen today, they are simply fortunate to have been born three millennia too late. Had they crossed my path back then…”

Liu Laocheng gave the youth a new appraisal. *So*, he thought, *he truly is one of my kind.*

Liu Laocheng spoke, “In Baoping Continent, there is a sword cultivator named Li Tuanjing, who believes that the roles of sect disciples and mountain cultivators should be reversed.”

Liu Tui nodded, “True insight.”

Passing a stall selling bundles of goods, the vendor picked up a celadon brush washer shaped like a piece of treasure. “Old man,” he called, “buy your grandson a treasure to enhance his literary fortune! You’re bound to strike a lucky bargain! The capital’s grand examination is soon upon us. If this handsome young man succeeds, come back and reward me handsomely!”

Liu Laocheng grimaced. It was as if ill luck dogged his every step. Abruptly, a thought struck him – Liu Tui was the monstrously famous Tianhuang Jie of Fuyao Continent!

Liu Tui, unfazed, waved his hand dismissively, speaking in fluent Da Li dialect, “My grandfather is a penniless old fool, he has no money for you to swindle.”

The vendor persisted, “A chance meeting is a treasure in itself, surely we can agree on a price.”

Liu Tui glanced at the piles of bottles, jars, and talismans. “Damn,” he muttered, “even a Longhu Mountain Heavenly Master sword? Why don’t you just set up shop outside the Heavenly Master’s residence?”

Liu Tui remained rooted to the spot. Liu Laocheng felt compelled to stand in place as well.

Liu Tui spoke telepathically, *Do not think I cannot kill you. True, my Yang Spirit avatar is weak within the capital, and my hands are tied. But outside the city, I can easily merge my soul, and though it would cost me and damage my cultivation, I will not allow you to escape, especially back to the National Preceptor’s manor. You have your tricks, and so do I, but I hesitate to use them on you. More importantly, I have taken a liking to you and that is why I allowed you to flee into the city. Believe as much or as little as you like.*

Liu Laocheng countered, “Do you seek to recruit me?”

He shook his head. “Frankly, I see nothing of interest in Tianyao Village. You would not make me your successor, and Tianyao has no texts or treasures that I desire.”

Liu Tui replied, “Do not be so quick to dismiss it. The dangers, the wonders, the paradoxes, the brilliance of this world may yet exceed your imagination.”

“For instance, we are finally poised to claim the entirety of Luobao Beach, which holds treasures that we dared not touch before. Now, we can openly and freely unearth them. Moreover, in Liuxia Continent, I have a private Daoist estate, the White Porcelain Grotto Heaven, filled with spiritual energy and natural treasures. I depleted half of them while recuperating from my injuries, but what remains is still enough to support an immortal’s ascension, stabilize their realm, and advance their power. Of course, that is if the person can ascend.”

Liu Tui’s voice was calm, “I am bound to Baoping Continent. And you might find yourself bound to the White Porcelain Grotto.”

The grotto, after all, was meant to be the place where Liu Tui was going to harmonize with the Tao.

Liu Laocheng asked, “Are you offering the foundation of the White Porcelain Grotto in exchange for the facade of an Ascended Immortal?”

Liu Tui responded, “The old saying is that nine out of ten gamblers lose, which is why I rarely gamble, but when I do, I always aim for a high stakes, high return wager. My bet is not just on the desperate Ascended Liu Laocheng, but on the auspicious fortune of the first Upper Five Realms rogue cultivator of Baoping Continent.”

He sighed, remembering his own successful ascension and the wave of good fortune that swept through Fuyao Continent. *I thought harmonizing with the Tao would be so easy, but I was wrong.*

“There is no need to give me an answer now. Before Chen Pingan returns to Shujian Lake and returns your winter carp, I suggest you make the right decision.”

“Those of us who are cold at heart can never reach the end with those who are warm.”

“If you decide, you will discard your sect status, enter Liuxia Continent as a rogue cultivator, attempt to seize the White Porcelain Grotto, and try to attain Tao. And don’t get greedy, I want your face as well as your soul.”

He thought, *This is not the end. This is only the beginning.*

Liu Laocheng nodded, “I admire you.”

Liu Tui scoffed, “When I went from nothing to the man in Fuyao, you hadn’t even been born.”

Liu Laocheng asked, “Why do you keep cozying up to him?”

“It is best if you do not know the reason.”

Liu Tui sighed, “What can I do? I can’t get around him, I can’t be more ruthless, and I can’t outsmart him either.”

Liu Laocheng remained silent. He remembered the pale young man on the boat, eyes filled with tears, muttering, *How can I let go?*

Liu Tui was certain of a certain type of person: tough, good memory, adaptable, with amazing persistence, who can learn from anything and anyone. When they start their journey, it is unstoppable.

A living knife, a killing sword, the heart of Buddha, means of thunder.

Once they decide to kill you, unless you are stronger, death awaits.

Liu Tui noticed a purple clay pot and squatted. Taking it from a pile of “Treasures,” he said, “Grandpa, let’s get this.”

Liu Laocheng asked, “How much?”

“Sixteen snowflakes!”

Liu Laocheng glared, “Do you know who I am?”

The vendor was startled, not by the threat, but the voice. “Who are you?”

“I am the sect leader of True Reality Sect, the Immortal, Liu Laocheng!”

“Liu Laocheng. Should I ask who your father and master are, too? Even if they are here, it’s still the same price!”

Liu Laocheng looked at Liu Tui, laughing. “The Sect members are useless.”

Liu Tui smiled, thinking Liu Laocheng was funny.

Baoping wasn’t right for Liu Laocheng anymore. Fuyao and Liuxia were better.

Liu Tui gave the vendor a thumbs up and threw a Lesser Heat coin over, “Wrap it up.”

The vendor hesitated, making sure the coin was real, and left a bunch of coins and quickly ran away, saying, “Let’s be friends!”

Liu Tui laughed, nodding. “If you are brave enough, go to the Azure Cave in Jingji and talk to a Yellow Flower God. Just say I sent you.”

“Are you…?”

Liu Tui patted his cheek, “I’ve told him about my looks, he’ll know what to do.”

The vendor nodded, thinking it was a trick.

Liu Laocheng said, “It’s a deal. I’ll take a gamble that your luck is rising!”

Liu Tui raised his palm, “No need for vows.”

Liu Laocheng high-fived.

The vendor slowed, taking out the coin and changing his mind.

—

Du Yu and Rong Chang sobered up and left the National Preceptor manor. Chen Li went to Mount Luopo.

Sui Jingcheng was chatting with Yu Qing. Gao Youqing was reminded not to believe the things said while drunk.

The Flower God Temple was busy, with a hundred goddesses arriving, hiding their identities. They apologized to Feng Yi at the Fire God Temple, and Cui Jian went to talk to Feng Yi at the green grape vines.

Luo Fumin, the goddess of plum blossoms, created a secret realm as a temporary home.

They were practical, deciding the order of business and putting everything in writing. They allowed everyone to share ideas, and prepared to ask the National Preceptor manor for local records. They also wanted an official map, as it was not allowed for immortals to keep this.

Qi Fang thought Chen Pingan’s “year-end” comments were important, and told everyone not to treat Da Li like another Middle Continent dynasty, and the experiences with other governments must be ignored!

When Wu Cai didn’t leave, Qi Fang asked, “What’s wrong?”

Wu Cai said, “I need something to hold all the books.”

They realized that they would need to give away a lot.

The other goddesses frowned. Did Chen Pingan want everything?

Wu Cai said, “Chen doesn’t want things. I want to send something to my new friend there, named Gouzi, who is a minor official. We get along great.”

A goddess asked, “What is her name?”

They hadn’t been to the celebration and couldn’t ask questions, so they didn’t know who this “Gouzi” was.

Qi Fang said, “Alright, go to the vault and take something.”

Wu Cai went to the halls that all the officials walked by, taking her time.

A girl wearing a sable hat tapped her on the shoulder and yelled, scaring her. “Gouzi, don’t do that!”

Xie Gou said, “I’m not human.”

Wu Cai laughed.

Chen Pingan heard the report, nodding and saying, “That’s organized, good. A good start.”

Chen Pingan told Rong Yu to call Xun Qu to handle the business with the Flower God Temple, and let him find a table. A badge was made for him to come and go.

Rong Yu left.

Xie Gou volunteered to take Wu Cai to wait.

Walking towards the courtyard, Xie Gou said, “Wu Cai, if I go to the Flower God Temple, protect me!”

Wu Cai puffed up, confident, giving a thumbs up. The girl with the hat followed, saying, “Fantastic!”

Xie Gou covered her mouth, “I may be an official, but I’m in the underworld. I’m used to fighting. I’m good in this city.”

Wu Cai asked, “Do you have a ‘nothing to do’ badge?”

They had heard that having a badge from the Ministry of Justice was basically a get-out-of-jail-free card.

Xie Gou raised her sleeve, boasting, “One? Underestimate me! I have a lot!”

Wu Cai was shocked, “That’s amazing!”

Xie Gou nodded and said, “Don’t tell anyone.”

Wu Cai rubbed Gouzi’s hat, complimenting, “Deep.”

Xie Gou put her arms, proud.

Xiao Mo watched the two “girls” whispering, sighing.

Song Yunjian laughed, “To Bai Jing, Liu Laocheng is like a delicious meal.”

Xiao Mo said, “You are, too.”

Song Yunjian said, “I want to know what the world looks like to a Rank 14.”

Xiao Mo said, “You’ll know.”

Song Yunjian asked, “Do you not like me?”

Xiao Mo said, “A little.”

Song Yunjian asked, “Why?”

Xiao Mo said, “No reason.”

Song Yunjian was speechless, worried.

Xiao Mo held his staff, comfortable, getting to Rank 14, feeling free. Before 14, training was like drawing in detail. After, it was abstract.

Song Yunjian remembered, “Ye Man, why did she pretend not to know the master?”

Xiao Mo said, “Fate. Reunions. If you don’t know what to talk about, pretend not to know each other.”

Song Yunjian said, “Wonderful.”

The man brushed the tree, saying, “Wealth and fame from virtue comes like a flower in a forest. It grows itself. Wealth and fame from merits is like a flower in a pot. It is beautiful but it will fade. If someone tries to take the easy way, then it will wilt.”

Song Yunjian was trapped. Da Li was his dojo, his prison.

Seeing the trance, Xiao Mo thought of the tree.

They had sadness, like mist on the river.

Xiao Mo heard the chatter. She was like the sun, looking far away.

Xie Gou’s future seemed tomorrow. Song and the others seemed not to believe it.

Song Yunjian organized his thoughts, ashamed. “I apologize.”

Xiao Mo shook his head, “Before, I thought you were all trash. Now I understand a little.”

Song Yunjian looked at the office.

There was a Taoist text that read, “Spring comes, heaven and earth grow. Go outside and loosen up.”

Xun Qu came to the National Preceptor manor from the Office of Diplomatic Communications, which was next to the Ministry of Public Works.

Xun Qu and Cao Qinglang took the exam together, but Xun Qu was not as good.

He was a small official in a useless department.

They got along, and when Chen Pingan arrived, Xun Qu was asked to show Chen around.

Chen Pingan said, “Xun, come work here.”

Chen Pingan left his office, walking to Yu Shimu’s table and looking through a ledger.

Yu Shimu laughed, “See if there are any problems.”

Yu Shimu became better after seeing Jiang She.

Xu Jiao asked if he wanted tea, and Xiao Xing laughed. Xu glared and insulted.

The sword cultivator Doukou and Xianzao laughed. Yu Shimu sighed.

Xun Qu saluted, “I greet the National Preceptor.”

Rong Yu had introduced the situation, so he prepared to work hard.

“I’ll take you to see Wu Cai and talk to Cao Qinglang.”

Xie Gou looked surprised, but it was okay, the god wasn’t a plague.

Xun Qu was poor, but he was a cultivator, and also the god that removed poverty.

Chen Pingan didn’t mind, “I’ll be fine with my salary.”

Sitting at a stone table, Xun Qu listened to Wu Cai, nodding. He saw Cao Qinglang and Wu Cai secretly sighed, because she was out of ideas. She looked at Gouzi, who took Wu Cai away, and saw that Gouzi had a room full of books and was amazing.

Chen Pingan told Cao Qinglang and Xun Qu to play chess.

The teacher wanted to give advice, but the student stopped him.

Chen Pingan wanted to help, but Cao Qinglang signaled him not to.

Chen Pingan left. Cui Dongshan slid down, complimented, and was taken away.

Chen Pingan asked, “Where is Jiang Shangzhen?”

Cui Dongshan laughed, “He went to the Flower God Temple to be a lover.”

Chen Pingan rubbed his forehead, asking, “He wants to give the cave to Wei Ying? Will he go to the clan?”

Cui Dongshan said, “He can still collect rent. Liu Tui only dared to gamble, and Zhou can gamble.”

The white shirt looked over. “Should I call you brother or sister?”

Song Yunjian smiled, “How should I call you?”

Cui Dongshan made a pose, “You can’t insult me! I’ll send you flying!”

Song Yunjian smiled, “I won’t argue.”

The white shirt started dancing, getting closer, “No arguing is best, let’s see what you got.”

Song Yunjian looked at Chen Pingan, wondering how he could tolerate this.

Chen Pingan said, “Let’s go inside.”

Cui Dongshan went backwards, taunting.

Entering the room, Chen Pingan put up a barrier, asking, “If Cui Chan left you something, like Lu Jiang’s bracelet, would you take it?”

Cui Dongshan was depressed, shaking his head.

Cao Qinglang was to be the new leader, and if Cui Dongshan agreed, he would be the national preceptor.

Chen Pingan asked, “Decided?”

Cui Dongshan was sad, nodding.

Chen Pingan laughed, “I respect your choice. If you regret it, let me know. There is no pressure.”

Cui Dongshan was happy, but guilty.

Chen Pingan patted his shoulder, laughing, “Trust me. I’m strong here.”

Cui Dongshan smiled. “Of course. I am the best student!”

Chen Pingan said, “Right, two of the sword spirits.”

Cui Dongshan nodded. “Cao Qinglang can’t compare.”

The teacher and student sat down, looking at the peach blossoms.

—

Hong Ji left the office and went to sit in his office before sitting in a carriage.

The Commander’s Office was not in the halls, but on the north side. It was a powerful office.

His rank was low, so things were difficult.

He wore armor, and he was allowed to carry a sword, which gave him more power.

He wasn’t a trusted subject and wouldn’t have the job.

Cui Chan didn’t interfere.

If they wanted to replace him, it would be easy.

This was the first time Hong Ji came to the National Preceptor manor. A woman named Rong Yu led him, and he saw a dragon wall that was too great. This led to a stone courtyard. Hong Ji looked at Rong Yu.

She reported, “Hong Ji is here.”

Chen Pingan said, “Come in.”

“Please sit down,” said Chen Pingan. “I’ve come to apologize.”

“Just say the important things.” Chen said.

Hong Ji explained how Liu Laocheng got in, and how the formations did not work.

Chen nodded, asking, “What about the book stores? How did you resolve it?”

Hong Ji thought it was weird, but said what had happened.

Chen Pingan asked, “If you were in charge, what would you do?”

Hong Ji said, “I would be more lenient, and delete the parts that were wrong. It’s nothing.”

Chen Pingan smiled, saying nothing.

Hong Ji said, “I can be lenient with books, but the bookstores and schools must be strict.”

Chen Pingan said, “Continue.”

“The answer is to be strict, but not too strict. Make sure they don’t overreact, and don’t let scholars use that to gain fame.”

Hong Ji agreed, but dealing with the scholars was hard.

Chen Pingan said, “You don’t have to apologize. I didn’t plan on anything serious. Just talking about nothing.”

Hong Ji was embarrassed, but the National Preceptor could do that. He waited to be dismissed.

“Do you want tea?” Chen asked.

“Sure.”

“How about the tea? Do you have preferences?”

“Anything is fine.”

“There’s a lot to that.”

Hong Ji suppressed his laughter.

Rong Yu brought tea. It was real.

Hong Ji rose, taking the tea and thanking her.

Chen leaned, taking a book.

Hong Ji saw the chair, which was simple, but had a tile on it that made the room look brighter.

Chen Pingan asked, “It’s been three years since you were a commander. Who’s the hardest to manage?”

Hong Ji froze. This was hard.

Chen Pingan said, “If you think they are all good, then tell me the relatively harder one.”

Hong Ji was red.

Chen Pingan raised the book, saying, “The sixth day, a drunk was cursing you. Do you think he’s brave? Hard to manage?”

Hong Ji was silent.

Chen Pingan said, “It is hard for people in the military to get used to the political life. Some people never change, some learn faster.”

Chen Pingan smiled, saying, “I remember seeing a book on your desk, about what happened in the war. One said the husband had a hard time because his wife had an argument with the servant.”

Hong Ji was stunned.

Chen Pingan said, “Your position is important. The emperor put you here because he trusts you. So, for the next time, I will be the bad guy, so you don’t have to be.”

“If you don’t have confidence, I can ask the emperor to send you back to the military.”

Hong Ji said, “I understand. I’ll just do as you say. Whoever messes with me, I’ll use you as a shield!”

Chen Pingan froze. He was so direct?

Hong Ji took a sip of the tea, and said, “You can yell now!”

Chen Pingan laughed, “You can drink at the party tonight.”

Hong Ji rose, “Thanks!”

Chen Pingan walked him to the door, asking, “You are the son of a carpenter?”

Hong Ji’s face lit up, nodding, “My father was the best!”

His dad was quiet, never asking, only telling him two things: be a good official, and do not break the law, and only have one wife.

Chen Pingan nodded, saying, “Rules for life.”

Hong Ji looked at Chen and left.

Xiao Pu came, saying the court agreed to the things.

Chen Pingan said there were two cultivators that would come, and asked her to talk to Zhao Yao and Cao Gengxin. Xiao Pu left. She was tired.

Xiao Pu noticed the details of everything and asked Yu Qing. She also left, thinking everything was unbelievable.