As the veil of dawn lifted, a fresh spirit stirred in the air. The celestial almanac had turned its pages, declaring this very day auspicious for journeys afar, and tomorrow blessed for the joining of souls in matrimony.

At the first crow of the rooster, Zhu Lian, the mountain’s hearth keeper, had prepared a breakfast fit for kings and heroes. A table laden with delicacies groaned under its weight. He knew with Zhong Qian and the others about, no crumb would be wasted. And should they fail to conquer the feast, it could be offered to Cao Yin and Cao Yang on the back hills, or perhaps even sent towards the leaping fish of Jumping Fish Mountain.

Even before the sun peeked over the horizon, Mi Li, the nimble-footed mountain guardian, had completed her patrol. The old cook’s abode was ever the heart of the mountain, its chimney offering a daily plume of smoke, punctual as a temple bell.

Following the plan laid out under the moonlit sky, they would descend the mountain this morn, ride the winds to Ox Horn Ferry, and there embark upon a Long Spring Palace ferry bound south.

Though Fallen Peak possessed its own Wind Kite ship, capable of crossing continents in trade, Chen Lingjun, in his youthful wisdom, proclaimed that this was a journey of experience, not indulgence, nor a boast of wealth. They must bear some hardship, test their mettle, and gather knowledge. In the bustling world, they must forge friendships and possess the courage to right wrongs… Though as he spoke, even the green-clad lad seemed to doubt his own words, sharing a knowing glance with the dark-robed girl. Both dissolved into laughter, a mirth mirrored by Pei Qian and Nuan Shu, who deemed them nothing more than childish fools.

At the breakfast table that morn was an unfamiliar face, a burly fellow with a thick beard. He introduced himself as Liu Shen, a wanderer of the world seeking sustenance at Fallen Peak.

Chen Lingjun, ever curious, attempted conversation, but Liu Shen merely buried his face in his porridge, responding only in mumbled grunts. A man of few words, indeed. Chen Lingjun lamented that his journey was at hand, for otherwise, a few rounds of morning ale would surely unlock the man’s tongue. Having finished a hearty breakfast, Liu Shen inquired about suitable fishing spots, and upon hearing of Yellow Lake Mountain from Chen Lingjun, strode forth with long strides, leaving Chen Lingjun to muse on the oddity of the man.

Then, Wei Bo entered the courtyard, announcing, “Venerable Jingqing, the Peak Lord requests your presence at the summit path for a brief audience.”

Chen Lingjun, swallowing a meat bun with unseemly haste, chuckled at Wei Bo, “Playing the grandee now, eh? Promotion gone to your head!”

The Peak Lord had offered little guidance regarding their route, save to remind them to pay respects to certain elders on their path. On Azure Leaf Continent, they should seek out Qing Tong, founder of Wutong Mountain, and the venerable Liang Shuang. Near Expel Mountain Crossing, the famed Sword Immortal Xu Xie, known as Xu Jun, was worthy of a visit. And on Golden Armor Continent, the Sea Sect of Slanted Seal Palace would surely offer hospitality for a few days, should they but declare their names…

On the surface, it seemed a haphazard venture.

Last time Chen Lingjun had ventured to Northern Ju Lu Continent, along the Water Ji River, the Peak Lord had all but marked where he took his ease.

Yet, in truth, Chen Pingan had invested great thought in the matter of their guardians. Wen Zixi would oversee their journey through Treasure Bottle Continent, while Qing Tong would watch over them on Azure Leaf Continent. And upon reaching Soaring Cloud Continent, Gu Can of Soaring Cloud Sect, and the newly appointed State Preceptor of the Golden Jade Dynasty, an old drinking companion of Fallen Peak, would lend their aid. And what of Golden Armor Continent, with its Stinking Tree Taoist of Slanted Seal Palace…? It seemed to echo the words oft spoken by Venerable Jingqing, “With friends abroad, the world is your oyster!”

At Sword Return Lake, the bamboo hut was sealed, Zhu Su still in seclusion, with Ning Yao keeping vigil. Liu Cha, newly arrived at Fallen Peak, had lingered there with Chen Pingan, but alas, few fish swam the lake’s depths.

Old Deaf One, returning to Flower Shadow Peak, summoned the nascent Daoists and young Truth Seekers of Peach Talisman Mountain, bestowing upon them the teachings they had missed.

His newly adopted disciple, Zhang Ying, had journeyed to Liu Rao’s State Preceptor’s estate for a few years of tempering. Old Deaf One had gifted the lad two Daoist texts for beginners, promising a formal apprenticeship ceremony at Fallen Peak’s Flower Shadow Peak upon reaching the Middle Five Realms. This would directly induct Zhang Ying into the Violet Hues Peak Ancestral Hall, a prospect that shook the lad’s resolve. Was his fortune so grand as to have such a mighty master bestowed upon him?

Yet, remembering the turmoil within the Great Ribbon Dynasty, the lad inquired if his master possessed a shortcut to immortality, for he was of good talent and could surely cultivate the Golden Elixir tomorrow, attain the Nascent Soul the day after, and thus hasten his visit to the Ancestral Mountain… His words were met with a fierce scolding from the didactic Old Deaf One, who rebuked his flippancy and haste. “A seeker of the Way must not be so reckless! Temper your heart with Liu Daoyou. Should your heart remain so unworthy upon our meeting next year, I shall cast you out on the very day of your apprenticeship!” The lad, terrified, apologized profusely. Old Deaf One then bestowed an ancient cultivation method upon a ghost from Great Ribbon named Chai, instructing him to prove his worth at Flower Shadow Peak.

Cui Dongshan and Jiang Shangzhen had descended the mountain early, bound for Book Brief Lake, their grand plans brewing. They would recall the immortals and martial grandmasters cast from Jiang’s sleeve on Azure Leaf Continent, now hastily summoned to Treasure Bottle Continent. With gentle persuasion and earnest words, he and Vice Peak Lord Jiang would guide them to repentance, tears of regret, and a renewed purpose in life.

A Long Spring Palace ferry, departing Great Li’s capital the night before and bound for the Central Great River, carried Madam Six, who now called herself Huang Chongxia, a character from a play, a champion and bride of the emperor.

This ferry would pass by Cloud Draped Mountain and Fallen Peak, stopping at Ox Horn Ferry for half an hour, allowing passengers to explore the many temples and ancestral shrines, for the former territory of the Li Pearl Grotto Heaven was now a haven for immortal masters, noble scions, and officials’ daughters. Three immortal rune ships would travel to the foot of Northern Peak Mountain, Locust Yellow County, and the Iron Talisman River Water God Temple.

Chen Pingan, seated on the steps, watched the green-clad lad swagger towards him, and asked softly, “Is Immortal Attendant Daoist still abed?”

Chen Lingjun nodded. “The lazy are blessed, you know.”

Chen Pingan smiled. “Tell me of your plans. Treasure Bottle Continent need not be mentioned, roam as you will.”

Chen Lingjun, confident in his scheme, began, “From Old Dragon City, we shall take the Jade Decree Sect’s intercontinental ferry. Upon arriving at Azure Leaf Continent, we disembark directly at Land Elder Lu Yong’s sanctum, the Azure Tiger Palace of Clear Realm Mountain. I have long heard tell of its wonders and must take Mi Li there.”

Chen Pingan grunted in agreement. “Zhao Zhuo is an honorary guest of our Ancestral Hall, remember.”

Chen Lingjun grinned. “I cunningly sought a chance to chat with Zhao Zhuo and Gan Xing. It was then I realized Zhao Zhuo’s Daoist heart was pure, his words and deeds forthright, his future boundless! Zhao Zhuo, upon hearing this, was overjoyed, saying ‘I take Venerable Jingqing’s auspicious words to heart…'”

He received a sharp flick to the forehead. The green-clad lad clutched his head, changing the subject. “The Great River, soon to be a river of a hundred flowers, must surely be beheld. And the hastily erected ‘Ancestral Hall’ in Cloud Rock Kingdom, where Master Sword Immortal Mi claims the Yi wine and grilled fish are divine, Mi Li must taste it. Then there is the capital of Great Spring Dynasty in winter, rumored to transform into a glass-like city of shimmering illusion when snow falls. If we wish to behold such a scene, we can linger longer in Treasure Bottle Continent, travelling mostly by foot, not ship, so this matter is yet to be decided. And after that, there is the rebuilt Tranquility Mountain and the Jade Decree Sect to the south, soon no longer ‘surnamed Jiang’ thanks to Peak Lord Zhou’s Cloud Grotto Blessed Land. Neither I, Mi Li, nor Zhong the First have ever visited, though Pei Qian claims it is a worthwhile sight.”

Azure Leaf Continent was ostensibly a three-legged stool: the over-river dragon Green Floating Sword Sect, the territorial Jade Decree Sect, and the Grand Spring Dynasty beneath the mountains.

Chen Pingan said, “Simply go where your hearts lead you, following whispers and rumors. Do not court trouble, but do not cower should it seek you out.”

Chen Lingjun thumped his chest in reassurance. “With Mi Li at my side, I am no mere wanderer. Rest assured, Peak Lord. I have a plan. Besides, there is Zhong Qian. Though he may seem mild-tempered, soft as cotton, should injustice truly occur, he is more impulsive than I, charging headlong into danger. Rest assured, Peak Lord, I shall repeatedly remind Zhong the First that being the best in Lotus Root Blessed Land counts for little under the Great Haoran. A Golden Body realm martial artist cannot simply walk sideways, nor can fists always settle disputes. We three are protected by Fallen Peak, are we not? And you, Peak Lord, have so many friends among the Dao. There is no need to sacrifice life and limb over mere passing anger. Zhong Qian may claim that ‘death is but a new life,’ but it would break our hearts.”

Chen Pingan ruffled the green-clad lad’s hair. “You are finally learning.”

Besides Chen Lingjun’s *Collection of a Traveler*, there was also Pei Qian’s chest of accounts and Bai Xuan’s *Register of Heroes*. Such were the fine traditions of Fallen Peak.

Zhong Qian and Wen Zixi, a pure martial artist from Lotus Root Blessed Land and a Talisman-bearing Daoist of Spirit Flight Palace, respectively, had become honorary guests of Fallen Peak, with seats in the Violet Hues Peak Ancestral Hall.

Yuan Huang’s wish was also to be fulfilled, soon to become Chen Pingan’s direct disciple. Without ceremony, at the Bamboo Pavilion, Yuan Huang would kowtow and Chen Pingan would drink the apprentice tea, and master and disciple they would be.

In truth, Chen Lingjun most desired to visit Golden Armor Continent.

For certain rumors spread through the mountain water gazettes claimed that on that continent, declaring the name “Zheng Qian” was a key that opened all doors. Chen Lingjun doubted this, but wished to see for himself. If true, he would have much to say. “You admire Master Zheng Qian, do you? Why, her true name is Pei Qian! When she first came to the mountain, she was a mischievous imp, fond of disturbing beehives. I watched her grow up!”

As for visiting Azure Palace Mountain on Flowing Glow Continent and paying respects to Old Immortal Jing, Chen Lingjun was still undecided. Nie Cui’e, Jing Hao’s beloved disciple, had personally invited him to visit, but something seemed amiss. Jing Hao, the overlord of a continent, had merely deigned to share a few morning ales with him out of respect for his Peak Lord. The title of Venerable Jingqing was a jest among the family of Fallen Peak, not to be taken seriously by outsiders.

Of course, Northern Ju Lu Continent would be explored at length. He merely wondered if he would meet the carter, Bai Mang, and the impoverished scholar, Chen Zhuoliu, his comrades in hardship.

Thankfully, Nephew Zheng, who had visited previously, was far more adept than his unreliable master and had offered a means of contact. He would see to Chen Lingjun’s reception upon reaching the vicinity of Clear View Dynasty in Central Earth Continent, even if he could not be there himself.

Chen Lingjun wondered how great an official Nephew Zheng had become, for Clear View Dynasty was the greatest dynasty under heaven, greater even than Great Li Song and Great Yong!

Chen Lingjun had sent a “family letter”, clearly addressed to a man named Huang Mang, who would then deliver it to Nephew Zheng.

Chen Pingan smiled. “Go prepare yourselves. It is time for your journey.”

Chen Lingjun rose and flew towards the house, slinging a simple satchel across his shoulder and picking up a walking staff.

The visitors to Fallen Peak, including Nie Cui’e of Azure Palace Mountain, were all accomplished cultivators. They sensed the commotion at the foot of the mountain. In other sects, they would merely observe from afar, but at Fallen Peak, they felt no need for such restraint. Exchanging thoughts with their neighbors, they left their abodes to witness the spectacle on the mountain path. Had a distinguished guest arrived? They could not imagine who would merit such attention from Fallen Peak.

Nie Cui’e learned that it was Right Guardian Zhou Mi Li, the venerable Jingqing, and the martial artist Zhong Qian who were departing on a journey.

At the mountain gate stood Chen Lingjun, with the Daoist name Jingqing, a Nascent Soul water dragon.

Zhou Mi Li, a Grotto Heaven cultivator. The dark-robed girl also wore a satchel and carried a walking stick. She had left her golden carrying pole at home, for one must not be ostentatious in the world.

Zhong Qian, a Golden Body martial artist. Strangely, he did not swagger or chew a toothpick, as was his habit when departing the old cook’s abode. Zheng Dafeng and Wen Zixi knew that their Leader Zhong was serious.

Ning Yao had come from Sword Return Lake, standing beside Pei Qian, whose hair was tied in buns.

Xiao Mo walked out from the Snail Shell Daoist temple on Grey Mist Mountain, and Xie Gou arrived from the Ascending Cloud Foot Temple.

The ever-smiling Zhu Lian, his back slightly bent, his hands clasped behind him, wore cloth shoes. The old cook was teaching Nuan Shu a lesson about Chen Lingjun, as Mi Li played the peacemaker.

Chen Lingjun received his scolding with a pleased grin. What a retinue!

It seemed he had forgotten his solitary journey to Northern Ju Lu Continent, where only Mountain Lord Wei had seen him off, and threatened him.

Chen Pingan handed Mi Li a hairpin fashioned as a dimensional object, lovely to behold, but Mi Li hesitated to accept it.

Chen Pingan explained, “Newly acquired, at no cost.”

Mi Li frowned. “Found along the road?”

Chen Pingan laughed. “It has been long since I engaged in such deeds. It was gifted to me.”

Mi Li accepted the hairpin, grinning. “I have arranged with Record Keeper Konghou to patrol the mountain in my stead.”

The white-haired child beside her crossed his arms, exclaiming, “Leave it to me! A trifle, a trifle!”

Mi Li glared at him. “What? A trifle?! I shared half an hour of heart-to-heart with you!”

The white-haired child began to explain, but Xie Gou, gloating, said, “Oh dear, the vice helmsman title you begged for is about to be revoked! How pitiful.”

Those at Sword Worship Terrace, including Guo Zhujiu, had arrived on their swords, and even Sun Chunwang had come. Bai Xuan, holding a Zisha teapot, said in an old man’s tone, “Jingqing, Mi Li, if you encounter anyone insolent, simply declare my name… No, I have no fame to speak of. Just record their names, titles, and the Daoist temples they hail from. When I have mastered the sword, I shall seek them out.”

“Oh yes, I have a friend at Jade Decree Sect named Qiu Zhi. You can find him at Nine Chess Peak, which I believe is his territory. Greet him for me, and tell him that I miss him and that he must not slacken in his swordsmanship, for friends are friends, but swordsmanship must be decided. We have agreed to travel to Northern Ju Lu Continent together.”

Chen Lingjun agreed, finding Yu Xuan a likeable fellow.

Chen Pingan tossed Chen Lingjun a third-class Amulet of Peace from the Great Li Ministry of Justice. “This is borrowed. It must be returned upon your journey’s end, so it may be filed away.”

Chen Lingjun caught the amulet, and about to offer platitudes about unwarranted favors, glanced at the inscription. He looked up, puzzled. “Peak Lord, why not a first-class amulet?”

Chen Pingan smiled. “What do you think?”

Chen Lingjun chuckled. “I fear a third-class amulet may not deter those old immortals of high cultivation and low character.”

Chen Nuan Shu glared. “A third-class amulet is sufficient in Treasure Bottle and Azure Leaf Continents. Brandishing a first-class amulet might arouse suspicion. And do not be careless because you have an amulet. Especially when drunk, do not flaunt it.”

Chen Lingjun rolled his eyes. Does this silly girl understand what a seasoned traveler is?

Chen Nuan Shu hated his indolent attitude, so Chen Lingjun quickly chanted “Little housekeeper,” while saying, “I know, I know.”

Chen Pingan then handed Mi Li a State Preceptor’s jade token, secretly crafted by the imperial court, saying softly, “This is for you. Use it to play in Great Li’s capital. It will open all doors.”

Mi Li accepted the token. Chen Lingjun did not care if the Peak Lord showed favoritism.

Nie Cui’e whispered, “Venerable Jingqing, may I ask when you plan to visit Azure Palace Mountain? If you would allow me to inform my master, so that he may prepare.”

Glancing sideways and seeing Nuan Shu’s odd expression, Chen Lingjun, embarrassed by the title “Venerable Jingqing”, mumbled, “I shall visit when passing by Flowing Glow Continent.”

Chen Pingan turned to Zhong Qian, who carried a large bundle, and said, “Zhong Qian, I shall trouble you to take care of them.”

Zhong Qian nodded. “I am no freeloader.”

His Golden Body realm had become more solid after his spar with that fellow Jiang.

Zhu Lian scoffed upon hearing this.

Zhong Qian cupped his fists. “Old cook, I leave the midnight snacks of the Dafeng brothers in your care. I am of thicker skin than they, and thus can continue to taste your craft.”

Zhu Lian smiled. “Those are the words of a man.”

Zhong Qian removed a toothpick from his sleeve, placed it in his mouth, and grinned at Zheng Dafeng. “Brothers, until we meet again.”

A young Daoist, his hair now free of wooden pins, rushed out of the house, watching Mi Li with longing. He was Immortal Attendant.

Xiao Mo and Xie Gou were conflicted, but the Peak Lord and his lady were calm. Daoist Immortal Attendant exuded the air of the mortal world.

Xiao Mo had witnessed Daoist and Zheng Juzhong’s conversation. Zheng Juzhong spoke of using a hairpin to stir wine, until the hairpin vanished, like ink ground to nothing. Honor and name extinguished, yet immortal. Daoist had replied with “When Dao rises one foot, the Devil rises ten. Fate is harsh, what can one do?” Zheng Juzhong had smiled and said “Words of praise, congratulations.” Daoist seemed to lament a life like a boat upon arid land. “How can I defy heaven?”

Chen Lingjun took a deep breath, preparing to bid farewell.

But then, Lu Shen arrived from the next mountain peak, smiling. “Daoyou Jingqing, may I have a word?”

Chen Lingjun, puzzled, accompanied Lu Shen aside. Lu Shen handed him a seashell, saying that it could be used to send a secret message to Master Zheng.

Chen Lingjun thanked him, then turned his back on the crowd, and began to speak into the shell, “Nephew Zheng, this is your Uncle Jingqing. I have already sent a secret letter to you, but words on paper pale in comparison, and I am no scholar. My phrasing may be lacking, and you scholars are fond of interpreting things in too many ways, which can lead to misunderstandings. So, I shall say a few words using this treasure. No need to be formal with me. Your master is my friend, but he is too inconsiderate. He should have been more forthcoming, why has he never mentioned his origin and family? Do you think I would look down on you if you were poor? Nephew Zheng, you were unlucky to have adopted such a wandering master. But to each his own. Though your master may be lacking, his heart is pure. Learn from his character, and you will gain far more. Oh yes, I am embarking on a journey, but I do not know when I will reach Clear View Dynasty, so do not wait for me. You have your own affairs, and if we are destined to meet, we shall, and if not, we shall see each other again another time. Do not be like those who try to appear strong, do not prepare grand feasts or inns for me. It is unnecessary. Very well, I have said what I wished to say. Uncle wishes you good fortune in your cultivation and success in your studies. Haha…”

Lu Shen had merely been wary of Zheng, the lord of White Emperor City, for they had never crossed paths. But here at the foot of the mountain, Zheng Juzhong had tricked him.

Hearing the words of the green-clad lad, Lu Shen’s eyes twitched. A Nephew Zheng and an Uncle Jingqing? Who could dream up such a greeting?

The words that followed were all insults… It was like an imperial exam with all wrong answers, but getting all wrong answers had to be harder than getting them right.

Chen Qingliu was inconsiderate, Zheng Juzhong was a pedantic scholar…

How strange. Chen Pingan was so worldly, so careful. Why did he not reign in this green-clad lad who seemed to be always standing at the door of hell?

It was as if he had returned from hell to the living world when he brought up the “Oh yes”.

Chen Lingjun was an anomaly.

Chen Lingjun did not notice Lu Shen’s thoughts. He returned the shell, but Lu Shen shook his head and said, “Master Zheng specifically instructed me to give it to you.”

But Chen Lingjun forced the treasure back into Lu Shen’s hands. “Keep it, you can return it to him when you meet.”

Lu Shen did not know how to deal with Chen Lingjun, so he reluctantly accepted it.

Chen Pingan smiled. “Immortal Attendant Daoist, would you like to ascend the mountain?”

The young Daoist asked in confusion, “Does Peak Lord plan to reclaim Incense Fire Mountain?”

Chen Pingan shook his head. “Of course not.”

Immortal Attendant was relieved, and smiled. “Peak Lord is trustworthy.”

Chen Pingan hesitated, but stood still, accepting the Daoist’s bow, then returned the courtesy in his heart, with a silent vow, “I invite the Daoist to ascend the mountain and cultivate the Dao, to renew the fire for the world.”

Daoist Immortal Attendant seemed unaware, and after bowing, saw that Chen Lingjun and the others were prepared to depart.

Chen Lingjun hugged his walking stick, his expression solemn. He cupped his hands in farewell.

Mi Li held her walking stick, smiling brightly. “Kind Peak Lord, we are going to play now! We will not be home too late.”

Zhong Qian looked up at Fallen Peak, and looked back to all, nodded, farewell and until we meet again.

Ning Yao smiled. “Safe travels.”

Chen Pingan smiled and waved. “Safe travels.”