(There’s another chapter today, it will be a bit later.)

The group of one big and two small descended the mountain and returned to the small town. The green-clad young boy, having witnessed the affluence of Fallen Mountain and the bamboo lodge, felt that adapting to local customs was not bad. At the same time, his attachment to his hometown waned slightly. He cheerfully said, “Master, where are we going next? The ancestral home in Mud Bottle Lane? Master, why don’t we buy the entire Mud Bottle Lane? If you’re short on funds, it’s fine! I have money! I wouldn’t dare brag about a vast fortune, but if all my possessions were converted into gold and silver, it would be an immense amount! Master, you can exchange them for snake gallstones, even ordinary ones!”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “What would we do with buying Mud Bottle Lane? That would be a senseless waste of money.”

The green-clad boy was somewhat unconvinced, but he dared not argue with Chen Ping’an. He always felt that his little plan was meticulously crafted and exceptionally clever, wasn’t he doing it all for the snake gallstones?

Seeing the green-clad boy crestfallen, the pink-skirted girl was somewhat happy. She also had her own little scheme, thinking of tidying up the ancestral home for Master, making it clean and refreshed once they arrived in Mud Bottle Lane.

Reaching the banks of the Dragon Beard River, where the stream had widened into a river, Chen Ping’an told them some stories about the creek from before. The green-clad boy listened absentmindedly, then suddenly opened his eyes wide and glared at a certain spot in the river. He leaped forward. Although the green-clad boy did not reveal his ferocious true form, his ability to control water was quite skillful.

Each time he punched the river’s surface, it was as if he were drilling a well, creating enormous whirlpools with surging water. The once tranquil and gentle river was tossed about and turned turbulent. The green-clad boy walked on the river surface as if on solid ground, as if chasing something hidden beneath the riverbed, shouting, “Dare you, insignificant shrimp soldiers and crab generals, to covet my beauty?!”

Chen Ping’an did not stop him. Firstly, the green-clad boy’s actions were without warning, leaving no time to react. Secondly, before leaving the small town, he had been practicing stances on the bank one time and indeed felt that something in the river seemed to be staring at him, causing a chill down his spine, filled with an uncomfortable, gloomy aura. However, at that time, Chen Ping’an had just started practicing martial arts and dared not investigate the matter thoroughly, choosing instead to keep a respectful distance.

Seeing the green-clad boy’s violent temper again, the pink-skirted girl had a slight headache. She softly reminded Chen Ping’an, “Master, does the Great Li Dynasty have a decree for a deity of this Dragon Beard River? Like a River Grandmother or River Earl? If there’s a river god with higher rank, we shouldn’t be so relentless. The books say, a local official is better than a high-ranking one, the books also say, distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors…”

This truly stumped Chen Ping’an. He looked around and thought carefully, “If it were a river god, there should be a temple, right? I don’t think I’ve seen one along the way.”

Chen Ping’an sighed inwardly, recalling the bamboo slip in his basket, on which he had personally inscribed “Haste makes waste.” He decided to abandon this senseless probing and shouted to the ever-more-valiant green-clad boy, “Come back!”

The green-clad boy, who was engaged in a fierce battle on the distant river surface, swept rays of light from the magical artifacts out of his sleeve, and laughed loudly, “Master, wait a moment, just a little while, I can catch this slippery little loach immediately! To compete with me in water combat skills, it’s really… Ouch, there’s still a bit of wealth, this magical artifact is of good quality ah, but unfortunately, once I am in the water, I naturally have an invincible body, you stinky hag, your ability is not enough to look at! Wahaha, after catching you, I will throw you onto my Master’s bed, guaranteeing that the snake gallstone will be mine!”

The green-clad boy and the shadowy thing at the bottom of the river were fighting back and forth, magical artifacts being unleashed, the Dragon Beard River was resplendent. Of course, this was because the green-clad boy was toying with it, otherwise, with his tyrannical physique and remarkable cultivation, even without revealing his true form, he could still use brute force to severely injure his opponent.

After a moment, the green-clad boy turned around and trotted towards Chen Ping’an, dragging a large handful of… black hair?

Reaching the shore near Chen Ping’an and the pink-skirted girl, the green-clad boy released his hand and said triumphantly, “Master, this woman looks good, with round buttocks, as big as two of that silly girl, why not take her as a maid?”

The pink-skirted girl’s face flushed red, filled with shame and indignation.

On the river surface at the green-clad boy’s feet, a head and a section of fair neck emerged. This woman, resembling a river spirit, had a plump face and a pitiful expression. A cascade of raven-black hair spread out on the water, undulating with the violently swaying river.

Seeing Chen Ping’an, who seemed a little taller, still poor, but somehow their ancestors’ graves had been blessed, and he had gathered such a powerful lackey like the green-clad boy, the woman’s eyes flashed with strange light. She quickly restrained her complex thoughts, lowered her head slightly, and said tearfully, “I am the newly appointed River God of the Dragon Beard River. According to the rules, I need to inspect all people passing by the riverbank, which is my duty. If I have offended you unintentionally, I hope the three immortals will show mercy and not hold it against me.”

Chen Ping’an told the green-clad boy to quickly come ashore, and apologized to the unfamiliar River God, “We have offended Lady River God. My name is Chen Ping’an, I am a local from Dragon Spring. I wonder where Lady River God is from?”

The woman’s eyes flashed with a strange light, and she quickly said timidly, “Since one has become a mountain and water spirit, one must sever mortal ties. This is the same principle as monks not speaking of their names and Daoists not speaking of their age, so please do not ask about my origins. In short, I not only have no intention of harming anyone, but will also protect the river’s fortune of this Dragon Beard River.”

The green-clad boy was furious, “Are you biting the hand that feeds you? Bullying my Master for being kind?”

Chen Ping’an reached out and pressed down on the green-clad boy’s head, preventing him from returning to the water to break off relations with a dignified River God. He nodded and smiled at the woman, “Thank you, Lady River God.”

The woman quickly raised a section of her white lotus-like arm and waved her hand, “I dare not, I dare not. This time it was a case of hostility leading to friendship. Young Master Chen, please don’t take it to heart. If there is anything in the future, Young Master can send someone to the riverside to let me know, and I will definitely not refuse.”

Chen Ping’an no longer continued the awkward small talk with the River God. This was not his forte, and the other party’s constant address of him as Young Master Chen made him uneasy. He took the green-clad boy and the pink-skirted girl away quickly. Soon, they approached the blacksmith shop by the river. Chen Ping’an hesitated whether to greet the Sage Ruan Qiong and Miss Ruan to say hello, or to return to Mud Bottle Lane in the small town first.
Having ascended from a mere River Matron to a River Deity, yet lacking a single temple or wisp of incense, the woman sank slowly into the river’s depths, her eyes filled with sinister resentment, her face ablaze with fury. She crushed an ancient softshell turtle beneath her foot, obliterating its shell before finally ceasing her assault, only to be overcome by regret. The turtle, the size of a millstone, was nearly two centuries old, and with the burgeoning fortune of the Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven now permeating all things, from flora and fauna to birds and beasts, it had gained a sliver of sentience. Perhaps in another two or three centuries, if it successfully awakened its spiritual wisdom, it could have become a useful pawn under her command.

With a sigh of lamentation, the woman bent over the shattered remains. “Blame that Chen brat from Mud Bottle Lane! He’s the reason you’re like this, he’s the root of all evil. Young Master Chen, pah! Bastard who killed his parents, you’re no better than a mangy dog. Why didn’t you just die on your travels, trampled into nothingness…”

Seething with hatred for the Mud Bottle Lane youth, she cursed and railed, her lithe form gliding through the water, a trail of azure hair more than ten feet long flowing behind her, like the sweeping train of a noblewoman’s gown. Unwittingly, she drifted downstream, only realizing when she reached the confluence of the Dragon Whisk River and the Iron Talisman River, poised above the plunging waterfall below.

Terrified, she turned and fled.

This year, Dragon Spring County was rife with activity, as countless demons and spirits flocked to the area, hoping to cultivate and absorb the burgeoning spiritual energy. While she, the Dragon Whisk River Deity, merely took advantage of the chaos to extort tolls from passing monsters, accumulating a meager fortune for her grandson, the malevolent entity residing in the Iron Talisman River below, a proper Major River Deity, possessed a terrifying bloodlust. The number of rogue cultivators and unaffiliated spirits killed by him was beyond counting. Strangely, the Great Li Dynasty court and the Dragon Spring County government never intervened, leaving the woman green with envy, and further fueling her desire for a River Deity temple that never came.

Near the blacksmith’s shop, Chen Ping An hesitated whether to visit, when he spotted a figure in a green dress approaching from the direction of the stone arch bridge.

She saw him, confirmed it was indeed him, and paused for a moment before quickening her pace.

Chen Ping An, with the two little ones in tow, greeted her with a smile from afar, “Miss Ruan!”

Ruan Xiu responded with a soft, “Aiya,” and hurried towards Chen Ping An. Standing before him, she said gently, “You’re back.”

Chen Ping An nodded. “I’m back!”

An awkward silence ensued.

The green-clad child’s eyes widened.

Wow, truly befitting the daughter of the Wind and Snow Temple Sage, she’s so beautiful.

What a pity, what a pity, appearances can be deceiving. She seems to have quite the temper, she might just beat me to death if I say the wrong thing. Otherwise, I’d definitely call her “Mistress.”

The pink-skirted girl blinked, her eyes filled with curiosity and admiration, thinking to herself that when she grew up, she wanted to look like this gentle, delicate, green-clad sister.

Ruan Xiu broke the silence first, smiling, “Let’s go to the shop and have some hot water first. Then, shall I help you move your things from my place back to Mud Bottle Lane?”

Chen Ping An hummed in agreement.

Ruan Xiu then spoke of the trivial happenings in the town, mentioning that she had helped repair the house in Mud Bottle Lane whose owner was unknown. However, the herbal shop and the lucky money shop weren’t doing too well, and she felt a sense of guilt and embarrassment when she spoke of this. She also took the liberty of bringing the neighbor’s hen and chicks to the blacksmith’s shop to raise, but a wild cat had snatched two of them. Ruan Xiu became even more crestfallen when she mentioned this. Chen Ping An was amused by her distress and quickly comforted her, saying it was no big deal, there was no need to worry about it. He could even kill the old hen and make some chicken soup tomorrow, his cooking skills had improved greatly, and it would definitely be delicious. This made Ruan Xiu anxious, saying that they couldn’t be killed, they were very well-behaved, big and small, and they all had names now.

Chen Ping An couldn’t stop smiling.

Only then did he realize that Chen Ping An had deliberately made fun of her, and the gentle Xiu Xiu girl gently glared at him.

The green-clad child finally understood that his master had dug a pit for him from the beginning. This sister was not temperamental at all!

What a loss! The green-clad child felt that he had missed out on this precious snake gallstone. He would steal it even if he had to throw a tantrum, roll around on the ground, or even drown himself! Otherwise, he would not be able to calm his mind!

As they entered the well-organized blacksmith’s shop, the green-clad child, who had been walking erratically, immediately turned pale, and the pink-skirted girl hid behind Chen Ping An.

Seven wells.

Scattered like stars.

From each well, a sword qi soared into the sky.

Even just looking at them made the green-clad child and the pink-skirted girl feel a stinging pain in their eyes, almost unbearable, and they wanted to cry out in pain, wishing they could reveal their true forms to resist the invisible pressure and majestic sword intent. Trembling with fear, the excitement and enthusiasm they had felt upon arriving in Dragon Spring immediately vanished, replaced by a sense that this place was fraught with danger, a veritable thunder pool on earth, best suited for suppressing their kind, the remnants of the dragon lineage.

It was only when Chen Ping An had them sit on a bamboo chair in front of a thatched hut, and he and Ruan Xiu went to the yellow mud house nearby to move things, that the two little ones breathed a sigh of relief, looked at each other, and realized that their foreheads were covered in sweat.

The green-clad child crossed his legs, pretending to be relaxed, and mocked, “Silly girl, coward, useless!”

The pink-skirted girl said softly, “You’re not any better.”

The green-clad child folded his arms across his chest, acting like an old sage, “I call it feigning weakness, what do you know!”

The pink-skirted girl saw a middle-aged man walking towards them, unremarkable in appearance, and out of politeness, she quickly stood up and said, “Hello, Uncle, I am a maidservant in Master Chen Ping An’s household.”

The man nodded, moved a chair and sat not far away, looking towards the mud house, his face not looking good.

The green-clad child sized him up, but couldn’t figure him out, and just assumed that he was a young and strong worker at the blacksmith’s shop, “What are you looking at? I’m warning you, Miss Xiu Xiu is my master’s old flame, if you dare to have any funny ideas, I’ll punch you to death… Forget it, Master told me to be kind to others, I’ll let you off easy, I’ll just punch you half to death!”

The man’s face became even more unpleasant, but he didn’t say anything.
The boy in azure robes thought he had discerned a clue, but because of the bothersome girl in the pink dress, he leaned forward, twisting his head to look at the stalwart man, “You really harbor thoughts for my master’s betrothed, don’t you? Damn it, how old are you? You truly anger me! I, your granddaddy, have roamed the world for so many years and have never seen such a shameless, filthy man like you. Come, come, let’s exchange a few blows! I’ll even allow you to bully the small…”

Behind Chen Ping’an, in the mostly empty bamboo basket, was now packed a heavy cloth bundle. He walked alongside Ruan Xiu.

Upon seeing the middle-aged man, Chen Ping’an respectfully greeted, “Master Ruan.” The stalwart man completely ignored him.

Ruan Xiu, smiling, called out, “Father.” Only then did the man reluctantly nod.

The boy in azure robes felt as if struck by a thunderbolt on a clear day. Without another word, he leaped up, ran to the ground in front of the middle-aged man, and kowtowed heavily, “Sage, please accept this humble one’s three prostrations and nine bows!”

This Jade River Water Serpent kowtowed repeatedly, without hesitation, but his belly was full of complaints. “You, a lofty military strategist Sage, could you at least act a bit more like a Sage? Shouldn’t you be inhaling and exhaling the sun and moon atop the mountain peaks? Or unleashing thunderous fists by the water’s edge? Yet, you’re as silent as wood, sitting beside me like a log. What’s the meaning of this?”

A grand figure of the eleventh realm from Wind and Snow Temple, a military strategist Sage seated in the Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven, a renowned swordsmith of the Eastern Treasure Continent! It would be one thing if you didn’t carve “Ruan Qiong” on your forehead, but why do you look so utterly ordinary? At the very least, your gait should be like a dragon or a tiger, right? And your posture while sitting should be as profound as a deep pool or a towering mountain, shouldn’t it?

The azure-robed boy, feeling as if he had gone blind, kowtowed and dared not rise, adopting a posture of righteous sacrifice, his face full of sorrow, tears streaming down, his peripheral vision stealing glances at his master, hoping his master would speak up for him.

He truly had thoughts of drowning himself this time.

Sensing the strange behavior of the azure-robed boy, Ruan Xiu was puzzled but unwilling to ask too much. “Father, I’m going to the small town with Chen Ping’an.”

Ruan Qiong, after holding it in for a long time, finally squeezed out a sentence, “Return early to forge iron.”

Ruan Xiu asked, “Father, the timing for opening the furnace and forging the sword is not right, what’s going on?”

The man stood up. “I make the decisions, don’t ask too much.”

Ruan Xiu responded with an “Oh.”

Only when Ruan Qiong’s figure disappeared from sight did the azure-robed boy dare to stand up, staggering, wiping the tears and cold sweat from his face, still shaken, muttering, “After surviving a great disaster, good fortune is sure to follow.”

The group walked out of the profound smithy, crossed the stone arch bridge that spanned the river for millennia, and Chen Ping’an suddenly thanked the girl in azure robes beside him.

Ruan Xiu turned her head and smiled, “You’ve become so polite.”

Chen Ping’an said sincerely, “Being outside, I’ve come to understand a few things, so I’m truly not being polite.”

Ruan Xiu asked with a smile, “Are you complimenting me?”

Chen Ping’an smiled brightly, “Of course!”

Ruan Xiu gazed at the boy’s smiling face, then turned her gaze towards the small town, saying something that left people bewildered, “No change, that’s good.”

Perhaps only the Sage Ruan Qiong understood the weight and depth of this sentence.

Or perhaps the previous Sage Qi Jingchun knew everything, and maybe some old man vaguely saw a clue, but no one would say anything.

Ruan Qiong’s daughter, Ruan Xiu, was gifted since childhood, a true prodigy unseen in a thousand years, absolutely not comparable to ordinary cultivation geniuses. So much so that Ruan Qiong had to establish his own sect, leave Wind and Snow Temple, and suffer in the Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven, all to use the magical restrictions of this realm to conceal Ruan Xiu’s extraordinary talents, or rather, to delay as much as possible the time when his daughter would be “a tree that stands out in the forest, a peak that stands out on the mountain.”

This azure-robed girl, with a fire蛟 transformed into a bracelet coiled around her wrist, was not merely a fire god’s physique.

Because in the girl’s eyes, the world and its affairs that she saw were vastly different from everyone else.

She could directly see the black and white of people’s hearts, clearly see the cause and effect of good and evil, and see the depth of fate.

In the girl’s eyes, the world was a riot of colors.

This meant that Ruan Xiu’s path to enlightenment would be even more arduous, but once she achieved enlightenment, Ruan Xiu’s achievements and the greatness of her Dao would be immeasurable.

So when Ruan Xiu first saw the boy on the shore from the ox’s back, the reason she didn’t retreat and disappear was because she saw Chen Ping’an’s “cleanliness.”

In the vast Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven, with all its worldly affairs, only this Chen Ping’an, all alone, was spotless, like a brand-new mirror.

So Ruan Xiu liked to be with him, liked to secretly observe the subtle ripples of Chen Ping’an’s heart-lake, and quietly feel his joys, sorrows, and anger.

For this gluttonous girl,

The boy was like the most delicious “cake,” she liked him very much, so much so that she couldn’t bear to eat him.

She was very worried that Chen Ping’an’s journey away from home would change his heart, that his heart-lake would become turbid, that his heart-path would become muddy, stained with those bad habits and chaotic karma.

Now it seemed that Chen Ping’an had indeed changed a little, but he was still very good.

Ruan Xiu felt relieved and liked Chen Ping’an even more.

See, I knew he wouldn’t disappoint me!

All the way to Mud Bottle Alley, into that narrow, dark alley, even though the azure-robed boy had already prepared himself, he was still dumbfounded. His master grew up in this dilapidated alley?

Ruan Xiu skillfully unlocked the door, opened the courtyard door, and the door of the house, together with the Liu Xianyang and Song Jixin families, a total of three sets of keys, she returned them all to Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an took them, stepped over the threshold, looked at the familiar house, very tidy, and on the windowsill was even placed a pot of small, unknown plants, green and lush in the cold winter, a pleasant surprise.

Chen Ping’an was about to speak, but Ruan Xiu had already smiled, “Don’t say thank you again.”

Chen Ping’an was a little embarrassed, put the bamboo basket on the ground, took out the heavy bundle and placed it on the table, squatted on the ground, fumbling around, and finally took out a small bamboo slip, stood up, and handed it to Ruan Xiu, blushing, “I don’t know what to give you. There are many things to eat in the towns outside, but I was afraid they would get crushed, and they wouldn’t be good after a long time. I really had no choice, so I made this. Don’t despise it.”
Ruan Xiu was momentarily stunned. She accepted the palm-sized, verdant bamboo slip. It felt cool to the touch. Gazing down, she noticed a line of small characters neatly and earnestly inscribed: “Mountains and rivers will meet again.”

Ruan Xiu’s eyes crinkled with laughter. She gently stroked the carved words with her fingertip, murmuring, “I like it very much.”

The green-robed boy was dumbfounded. This works?

The Holy One’s only daughter, charmed by a broken bamboo slip and a trite phrase?

Were my centuries spent roaming the martial world all for naught?

I remember the Water God brother, smitten with a proud mountain woman, showered her with mountains of treasure. He even borrowed quite a few decent magical artifacts from me. Yet, never once did that woman crack a smile. She accepted everything without a word of thanks or even a pleasant expression.

Opening the cloth bag in front of Ruan Xiu, he revealed a pile of stones, at least ten scattered about. Inside was a smaller cotton pouch. Opening that, it was more stones, but with vibrant, varied colors and sizes, only a dozen or so.

The pink-robed girl was struck as if by lightning.

The green-robed boy’s eyes gleamed, frantically swallowing his saliva. He wished he could devour them all in one gulp. Perhaps, upon leaving this broken alleyway, he would truly be a master. Such a small mountain of serpentine gallstones offered hope not only for the Eighth Realm, but even the Ninth or Tenth! However, remembering the Holy One’s daughter standing beside him, the green-robed boy restrained the urge to kill and rob.

Chen Ping’an selected two serpentine gallstones that hadn’t faded since coming ashore. One was a rosy peach hue, crystal clear. The other was a somber, thick blackish-green. He handed one to the pink-robed girl and one to the green-robed boy. Then, he took out four ordinary serpentine gallstones, dividing them equally between the two delighted children.

The pink-robed girl still carried her book box. Now, cupping three serpentine gallstones in one hand, she suddenly burst into tears, wiping her eyes fiercely with the back of her hand.

The green-robed boy stared intently at the serpentine gallstone in his hand, his face full of intoxicated fascination.

Chen Ping’an smacked his forehead, smiling, and took out another pair of superior serpentine gallstones, nearly identical in appearance and color. They were a vibrant yellow, with a texture as delicate as frozen mutton-fat jade. He once again gifted one to each of the green-robed boy and the pink-robed girl.

Only then did the green-robed boy remember that he should indeed have two. He accepted the stone with a silly grin.

The pink-robed girl hesitated to take it. “Master, it was agreed that I would only have one good serpentine gallstone.”

Chen Ping’an patted her small head. “Who am I? Your master! Do I need a reason to give you something? Quickly, put it away.”

The pink-robed girl carefully accepted it, weeping even more profusely.

The green-robed boy wore a conflicted expression, a mixture of elation and resentment. He tentatively asked, “Master, could you perhaps reward me with another one?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “If you stop bullying her, I will.”

The green-robed boy nodded vigorously. “I definitely won’t bully Little Fool today. Can you give it to me tomorrow? The day after, at the latest two days from now, Master, okay?”

Chen Ping’an retorted, “Do you think that will work?”

The green-robed boy gritted his teeth and turned to the pink-robed girl, solemnly stating, “Little Fool, I won’t bully you for the next month.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled in amusement and slapped him on the head. “At least a year.”

The green-robed boy feigned grievance, but secretly rejoiced. For us of the dragon lineage, what is a year? Even a hundred years is not long.

Chen Ping’an wasn’t truly foolish. He was simply too lazy to dwell on the green-robed boy’s petty schemes. After all, their companionship had made the journey far less lonely. Chen Ping’an was genuinely grateful for them both. Turning around, he repacked the large and small cloth bags. Ruan Xiu had also put away her gift. Inside the house, the two adults and two children sat around the table, each in their own corner.

Ruan Xiu suggested, “Shall we go and look at the shops?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “After seeing the shops, I’ll go to the Li family mansion on Fortune and Prosperity Street. I have something to give to Li Baoping’s elder brother.”

It was the golden climbing loach.

Locking the door, they left the courtyard together. The lively climbing loach was in a small ceramic jar filled with well water Ruan Xiu had fetched from the Iron Lock Well. The climbing loach was finally thriving, swimming freely within, its movements splashing water everywhere. The green-robed boy, having just swallowed an ordinary serpentine gallstone, was eager to prove himself. He took the initiative to carry the ceramic jar. When splashed by the water, he was suddenly shocked. “This well water… is special.”

Ruan Xiu nodded. “Unfortunately, the Iron Lock Well has now been bought by outsiders. The common folk can no longer draw water, not even get close to it.”

Of course, there was no problem with her drawing water.

Having been frightened at the blacksmith’s shop, the green-robed boy was now jumpy and no longer dared to act recklessly. Hearing this disastrous news, he nearly beat his chest in frustration. He could only grumble that Chen Ping’an hadn’t bought the well sooner.

Ruan Xiu softly asked, “Otherwise, shall I speak to someone and see? If you’re willing, you might be able to buy the Iron Lock Well.”

Chen Ping’an quickly shook his head. “No need. Besides, I don’t have any money right now.”

Ruan Xiu hesitated, seeing Chen Ping’an’s resolute expression, she had to dispel the thought in her heart.

As they approached Riding Dragon Lane, Chen Ping’an said, “There’s a girl named Shi Chunjia. She seems to be the daughter of one of the shopkeepers.”

Ruan Xiu was a little confused. “I don’t know.”

There were many things a young woman didn’t pay attention to.

When the shop assistants and craftsmen heard that the true owner of the shops had appeared, they came to join the excitement. Mostly honest women and girls, they couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed when they saw Chen Ping’an. Gradually, they returned to their work. On the other hand, they addressed Ruan Xiu as the manager, which made the young woman somewhat embarrassed.

Chen Ping’an sat in the New Year’s shop for a while, drinking hot tea, feeling rather awkward. He didn’t know what to do or say. On the other hand, Ruan Xiu methodically inquired about the relevant matters, how much was received, how much was profit. Watching the earnest young woman in blue, Chen Ping’an scratched his head and began to feel that his gift had been too perfunctory and inattentive.
Before setting off for Fortune Prosperity Street, Ruan Xiu glanced at the green-robed boy and the pink-skirted girl, softly reminding Chen Ping’an, “Fortune Prosperity Street and Peach Leaf Lane have undergone significant changes, with many outsiders moving in. The Li family is particularly noteworthy. Their ancestor successfully ascended to the Tenth Realm. According to the Grace Edict issued by the late Emperor of Great Li, the current Emperor bestowed upon the Li family two slots for Imperial Grace. Descendants of the Li clan can directly obtain two prestigious official positions. For some unknown reason, one took up office in the capital, while the one who remained at home refused it. Hence, the atmosphere in Fortune Prosperity Street has been a bit strange lately.”

Chen Ping’an pondered for a moment and decided to leave the two children at the shop. He carried the earthenware jar towards Fortune Prosperity Street himself, without asking Ruan Xiu to lead the way. Ruan Xiu didn’t insist and returned to the blacksmith shop.

The maiden left the small town, walking towards the stone arch bridge she had crossed countless times. The covered bridge had long been dismantled, and even the old sword spike had vanished without a trace. Once, some busybodies had attempted to search for it, hoping for a trivial opportunity, but their efforts were in vain.

For the bustling and scheming Dragon Spring County, too many bizarre events had occurred, and layer upon layer of grand plans needed to be devised. Who would bother with such a minor matter?

Ruan Xiu walked on the stone bridge, involuntarily taking out the bamboo slip and holding it up high.

Five small characters, she never tired of looking at them.

She suddenly felt that it would be even better if she could engrave another line on the back.

Perhaps “Gifted by Chen Ping’an to Ruan Xiu”?

In the small town.

Chen Ping’an once again stepped onto the bluestone path. Row upon row of grand mansions stretched like mountain ranges. Compared to his previous errands delivering letters, looking back now, Chen Ping’an naturally discerned more meaning.

Chen Ping’an had only just arrived at the entrance of the Li residence when he saw a man in a green robe standing there, smiling as he looked towards him.

For some reason, seeing this young man filled with scholarly air, Chen Ping’an was reminded of the time he went to deliver a letter to the school, and when he looked back, he saw Master Qi standing at the school entrance.

The same bearing and demeanor.

Like a divine being descended to earth.