The inn remained peaceful overnight.

Chen Pingan resided alone in the room at the end of the corridor. Before retiring, he diligently practiced the Six-Step Walking Stance and the Sword Furnace Standing Stance for a full hour each. Finally, he retrieved the porcelain bowl adorned with the True Form of the Five Peaks and the charred ebony wood. He scrutinized them intently, turning them over and over, yet discerned not a single clue.

Hoping the two items might fetch a value of one or two hundred snowflake coins, Chen Pingan carefully stowed away the heavy ebony wood. He poured the potent earth-kiln liquor from his gourd into the small white bowl and then, under the lamp’s glow, perused the landscape travelogues gifted by Liu Gaohua, occasionally taking a small, flavorful sip.

After extinguishing the lamp and settling into bed, Chen Pingan closed his eyes and began to replay his fight with Ma Kuxuan in the small street. He reflected upon the gains and losses of each punch, the strengths and weaknesses. The boxing techniques imparted by the barefooted old man, Chen Pingan dared not hold back anything at the time. During the fierce battle, life and death hung by a thread, forcing him to pour out everything he had learned. Unconsciously, he gained a deeper understanding of the Iron Cavalry Charge formation and other associated fist techniques. He most regretted only having executed fifteen punches of the Divine Spirit Drumbeat style. His intuition told him that if he could unleash twenty punches in one breath, just like when facing the tree demon scholar clad in beetle-shell bright armor at the old mansion, Ma Kuxuan would have likely conceded defeat much sooner.

However, after much contemplation, Chen Pingan still believed that allowing Ma Kuxuan to believe he had narrowly won was the best choice at the time.

Nevertheless, achieving what amounted to a draw with this True Martial Mountain prodigy did not evoke much emotion in Chen Pingan beyond the outcome itself. Firstly, he was completely unaware of the significance of Ma Kuxuan advancing three realms in a single year. Secondly, Ma Kuxuan detested Chen Pingan from Mud Bottle Lane, and Chen Pingan, in turn, harbored no fondness for this Almond Blossom Lane peer.

Indeed, relationships between people hinge on fate. Some individuals, at first glance, inspire warmth and goodwill, like the sunshine in a frigid winter; for instance, Mr. Qi, Li Xisheng, and Zhang Shanfeng. Others, upon first sight, resemble the blazing sun of midsummer, glaring and irritating, like Ma Kuxuan, as well as Fu Nanhua from Old Dragon City and the Xu woman from Qingfeng City.

Chen Pingan’s final thought before drifting to sleep was that the Divine Spirit Drumbeat style was undoubtedly his most formidable hidden technique. He wondered if he could unleash fifty or even a hundred punches in one breath, would he cleave a great river in two, creating a path? Would he carve a gorge right through a mountain?

As dawn began to break, Chen Pingan arose and practiced the Six-Step Walking Stance inside his room. Before long, he noticed someone reciting aloud in a courtyard adorned with rockeries and verdant trees. It was the scholar surnamed Liu, displaying the bearing of one who toils diligently over his studies, his voice rising and falling in cadence as he recited the teachings of the sages.

Chen Pingan continued his boxing practice. Predictably, residents from various rooms in the inn soon began to curse vehemently. Some hot-tempered martial heroes simply leapt out of bed bare-chested, grabbed wine bowls and plates from their tables, and flung them out the window. Chaos erupted. The scholar surnamed Liu, displaying a stubborn streak, dodged about, his voice reciting the classics growing louder, further enraging the crowd. Many guests, even those who had covered their heads with blankets, were unable to find peace. They cursed loudly as they dressed and went to their windows to verbally assault the Liu scholar and his ancestors.

Pandemonium reigned.

An incense stick later, Chen Pingan and the Bearded Fellow sat inside Zhang Shanfeng’s room while the young Daoist bandaged the Liu scholar’s head.

The innkeeper had just stormed out with a dark expression, gnashing his teeth in anger. To be saddled with such clueless, damned guests, whom he couldn’t even scold, was infuriating. After all, they were distinguished guests brought by the son of the prefect. He was swallowing bitter medicine, his belly full of resentment. The problem was that the individuals staying at this inn were all important figures. Some were wealthy merchants from various regions, while others were wandering martial artists and heroes. All were formidable, ambitious individuals. How could he continue business after this early morning ruckus caused by the scholar? Would he have any returning customers?

The Liu scholar’s name was Liu Chicheng, a native of the White Mountain Kingdom. When introducing his hometown, the scholar emphasized the phrase “near the Lake-Viewing Academy,” as if it were more glorious than the “Dragon Tail Creek Chen Clan” prefix.

Afterwards, with nothing much to do at the inn, Liu Chicheng would still sneak out, no doubt for clandestine spring trysts with Liu Gaohua’s sister. The Bearded Fellow took Chen Pingan and Zhang Shanfeng to famous historical sites in the prefectural city. The Wenwu Temple was a must-see, and they also visited the Rouge Prefecture’s City God Pavilion market. Upon their return, Xu Yuanxia’s brows were furrowed, a hint of gloom in her expression. When Zhang Shanfeng inquired, she simply attributed it to travel fatigue.

Upon disembarking at the Southern Gulch Kingdom ferry, the Daoist Zhang Shanfeng was heading to Old Dragon City, traveling with Chen Pingan, while the Bearded Fellow was heading to the Azure Luan Kingdom in the southeast of Treasure Bottle Continent to escort something for a friend. This friend was someone he had met in the martial world and with whom he had a strong connection. They would travel together for the time being, but when they would part ways depended on the destination of the immortal ferries at the next ferry crossing.

They waited in Rouge Prefecture for three full days, but the young and old immortal masters from the Divine Edict Sect, who were on a training excursion, never arrived. However, they did encounter the old crone from the ancient mansion. She had tracked down the prefect’s residence and met Liu Gaohua, who then led her to the inn to share joyous news with everyone. It turned out that for some unknown reason, the mountain and water qi surrounding the ancient mansion had undergone a transformation, as if heaven and earth had been overturned, with all the turbid qi replaced by pure and ethereal qi. Now, the mistress of the house was not only free from future troubles, with no need to worry about becoming an evil ghost, but her skin had also begun to heal. As she nourished Yang Huang, who was in the thrall of the ghost status, her master also began to warm the soul and the realm gradually climbed, actually got a hint of breaking the bottleneck to enter the middle five territory, it was really good news.

As for the reason behind this, the old crone could only guess that it was the hidden intervention of an ancestor from the Divine Edict Sect.

The Bearded Fellow and the young Daoist felt that there was no other explanation.

Chen Pingan listened from beginning to end, a sea of turmoil raging within him, yet his face remained composed.

Before departing, the old crone said she had helped Chen Pingan carry a jar of good wine he had bought along the way. They returned to Chen Pingan’s room, and as soon as Chen Pingan closed the door, the tearful old crone attempted to kneel, startling Chen Pingan, who quickly supported her, refusing to accept such a grand gesture. Because Chen Pingan had deliberately revealed a bit of information while filling the gourd with wine in the kitchen, the old crone knew some of the inside story and had made some inferences, which was not surprising.

The old crone didn’t ask any questions, and Chen Pingan didn’t say anything further.
The old woman, before departing, produced a silk-wrapped package, carefully placing it on the table. She explained softly, “The destruction of that Qin-surnamed lewd shrine mountain deity is a monumental boon! It rids the world of a scourge upon the land and rivers. My master rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, gathering most of the shattered golden body fragments before those Celestial Masters from the Divine Edict Sect arrived. In total, there were eight pieces. According to my master, a lewd shrine deity’s golden body shouldn’t have this many remnants. It seems that the Qin-surnamed deity possessed some peculiar fortune in life. Regardless, these golden body fragments are invaluable treasures, rarely encountered. Even the imperial treasury of a kingdom might not possess such a hoard. Young Master Chen, please accept them as repayment from us three servants.”

Her eyes reddened as she continued, “In truth, Young Master’s profound kindness is beyond the repayment of mere golden body fragments. Our estate currently lacks resources, so my mistress erected a shrine tablet in Young Master Chen’s name, imploring you to visit our home whenever you pass through the Caiyi Kingdom…”

Chen Ping’an could only nod.

The old woman whispered finally, “My mistress, now resembling a demigoddess of a lewd shrine, sensed an unsettling atmosphere emanating from Rouge Prefecture. She detected wisps of Yin Qi rising each night, causing her unease. She hopes that Young Master departs the city soon. No matter how great your power, my master often says, ‘Navigate the path of cultivation with caution, meddle not in every affair. Even if you escape unharmed each time, it inevitably hinders your cultivation, which is undesirable.'”

Chen Ping’an agreed without hesitation.

As he escorted the old woman to the inn’s entrance, she smiled, “May Young Master’s journey be smooth and safe.”

Throughout their interaction, the old woman never glanced at the vermillion gourd at Chen Ping’an’s waist.

Chen Ping’an watched her disappear into the crowd before hurrying back to the burly man’s room, calling for Zhang Shanfeng. He recounted the anomaly the old woman had sensed in Rouge Prefecture. The man gripped his saber hilt, nodding, “This is my greatest concern. I withheld this information, fearing your youthful impulsiveness would lead you to interfere. If it’s truly demons wreaking havoc, brazenly acting within the prefecture capital, disregarding the City God Pavilion and the three deities of the Literary and Martial Temples, then it’s surely a formidable fiend. Our combined cultivation might not even be enough for them to pick their teeth. However, a prefecture capital of this scale often harbors hidden dragons and crouching tigers, with experts in charge. A battle here would be advantageous, as they command the opportune moment and advantageous terrain. Ultimately, it depends on the relationship between the Caiyi Kingdom’s court and the sects upon the mountains.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “How far away are the nearest river deity and mountain deity from Rouge Prefecture? Could they arrive in time if something were to happen?”

The burly man pondered, “The river deity is about three hundred *li* away, and the Southern Mountain’s principal deity is roughly seven hundred *li*. However, the mountain deities of Caiyi Kingdom are unlikely to be highly cultivated, as their territory is too small, far inferior to those of vast dynasties. At best, they might be at the Cave Heaven realm within the Middle Five Stages.”

Zhang Shanfeng frowned, “Then, once they leave their mountain domain, wouldn’t their combat strength be equivalent to a Qi Refinement cultivator of the Fifth Stage?”

Xu Yuanxia sighed, “That’s the rule of Heaven and Earth; there’s nothing to be done.”

Zhang Shanfeng asked, “Can’t we notify Liu Gaohua’s father? He is, after all, the prefecture governor. And that General Ma stationed near the prefecture seems to be a cultivator as well. If preparations are made early, perhaps the lurking demons and fiends might retreat in fear.”

Xu Yuanxia sighed, “I’m not trying to scare you, nor am I, Xu, afraid to die. This matter is thorny. Leaving aside the unlikelihood of the prefecture believing us, even if the governor and the general did believe us and were willing to risk false reporting and being stripped of their official hats to urgently notify the court, do you know how long it would take for the news to travel from the prefecture to the Caiyi Kingdom’s capital, through the scrutiny of the Six Ministries, the deliberations of the Imperial Study, and finally the imperial decree ordering the mountain and river deities to rescue the prefecture? Furthermore, even if the decree were issued and the mountain cultivators and river deities nearby left their domains to arrive, if there were any disturbance, the demons, with their profound magic, might take advantage, plundering the prefecture and leaving. In the end, who would be held accountable?”

Xu Yuanxia pointed at the young Daoist and the wooden box boy. “Do you believe that we three would be seen as accomplices colluding with the demons? The ones to expose and impeach us would be Governor Liu and General Ma. In a worse scenario, the demons might have a different plan, intending to lure us away, and while we’re peaceful here, some immortal sect or a large city in another province might be turned upside down. We three wouldn’t even need to be denounced by others; we’d be considered enemies of Caiyi Kingdom, to be killed without mercy.”

The Daoist Zhang Shanfeng looked stunned, unable to believe it.

Xu Yuanxia poured a cup of wine, lamenting, “Don’t think I’m being alarmist. I’ve witnessed such heartbreaking events firsthand, and even experienced them personally. Several friends died because of ‘good intentions’…”

Xu Yuanxia pointed to the bundle nearby, saying calmly, “I won’t go into detail, but of the four friends, only Xu Yuanxia survived. One even lost his body. At least I could help the other two collect their remains. One urn of ashes has been returned to his family, and the remaining one is the reason for my trip to the Green Luan Kingdom.”

No wonder the burly man twice urged Zhang Shanfeng and Chen Ping’an to leave the old mansion.

Chen Ping’an suddenly asked, “Great Hero Xu, do you regret that choice back then?”

The man lowered his head and silently drank some wine. After raising his head, he forced a smile, “The dead don’t know, but the living are almost regretting it to death.”

This was probably the first time this valiant saber-wielding warrior had been so unheroic.

Chen Ping’an didn’t explicitly say whether to stay or leave.

When he took Li Bao Ping and the others to study in the Great Sui Dynasty, Chen Ping’an had to make all the decisions. He had to do so without showing the slightest fear or hesitation.

Now, traveling the world alone, Chen Ping’an no longer needs to do things for others.
Zhang Shanfeng was clearly at a loss, looking around and asking, “So what do we do?”

Xu Yuanxia fell silent, drinking one cup of wine after another.

Chen Ping’an further inquired, “If we stay and trouble arises, and the three of us forcibly interfere, is it highly likely that even our own safety would be at risk?”

Xu Yuanxia carefully weighed her words and slowly said, “The fear is that the enemy might have inside accomplices, using their intent to exploit our unpreparedness. If it were me, I would certainly find a way to suppress the deities of the Wen and Wu temples. Moreover, judging by the looks of it, the local Wen and Wu deities have been weakened by the ancient mansion’s array and the lewd mountain god’s influence. It’s easy for things to go awry. Fortunately, when I entered the City God Temple earlier, judging by its incense offerings, architectural layout, and aura, it didn’t seem too bad…”

Chen Ping’an asked, “Can we directly find this City God and explain the situation to him? The Prefect and General don’t understand the power of these deities and monsters, and if something really happens, they’d probably use bureaucratic excuses to shirk responsibility. But this City God is closely tied to the safety of the prefecture city. To put it bluntly, Magistrate Liu can hide, and General Ma can remain inactive, but the City God absolutely cannot escape. And if demons are truly plotting something, they will definitely target the local City God first. Therefore, the City God is certainly more concerned than the officials.”

The bearded man’s eyes lit up, and he heavily slapped his thigh, saying in a deep voice, “Feasible!”

The Daoist Zhang Shanfeng smiled and gave Chen Ping’an a thumbs up.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door. After Chen Ping’an opened it, he saw the scholar surnamed Liu and the Liu Gao Hua siblings looking apprehensive. Liu Gao Hua plopped down, poured a full cup of wine, “Isn’t it strange? Just now, the Heavenly Official statue in the City God Pavilion actually cracked halfway down, and blood was seeping out, flowing all over the ground. Not only that, but inside the City God Temple, the ground was covered with snakes, rats, and scorpions. It was disgusting. My father has already sent people to close the City God Temple gates to avoid scaring the common people.”

The bearded man’s face was grave, and he remained silent, exchanging glances with Chen Ping’an and Zhang Shanfeng.

Chen Ping’an asked, “What about the Wen and Wu Temples? Any issues there?”

Liu Gao Hua was stunned for a moment, shaking his head and saying, “I’m not too sure about that. Locals don’t really go there. There’s nothing to see.”

Facing Chen Ping’an, the woman was still a little uneasy, only daring to sit beside the Liu scholar, who was furthest from Chen Ping’an. Her voice was soft, “Once, while serving tea, I overheard my father mention to an old Daoist priest visiting our house that although the incense offerings at the two temples were flourishing, they belonged to the category of being offered but not consumed. The old Daoist was quite helpless, saying that the imperial court really couldn’t do anything about it. The Color-Gown Kingdom only had so much allotted, and it wasn’t possible to add another Mountain Deity to preside over this place. He also said that if the Rouge Prefecture could produce a promising scholar who succeeded in entering the View-Lake Academy, the Feng Shui here might be improved. My father sighed and shook his head, saying that such a promising scholar was not something the Rouge Prefecture could hope for.”

Liu Chicheng looked bewildered and asked, “What are you talking about? Wen and Wu Temples? Mountain Deities? I’m familiar with View-Lake Academy; it’s right on the border of our White Mountain Kingdom. I’ve even been there several times to visit. Could I be considered half a promising scholar? Miss Liu, don’t worry, View-Lake Academy recruits one scholar from the White Mountain Kingdom every year as a special favor. Maybe one day I, Liu Chicheng, can…”

Liu Gao Hua rolled his eyes and said, “Cut it out. You don’t have much more ink in your belly than I do.”

Liu Chicheng sheepishly stopped talking.

His jumbled knowledge of various schools of thought was effective with women, but not with scholars.

After chatting for a while, the siblings left. Before leaving, Liu Gao Hua remembered something and reminded them, “According to my father, starting tomorrow, the Rouge Prefecture city will be under martial law. It will be easy to leave the city but difficult to enter. But it’s possible that even leaving the city will be difficult the day after tomorrow. Therefore, Liu Chicheng plans to leave today. What about you three? Let’s make it clear in advance that if there really is martial law, it will definitely be General Ma personally intervening. At that time, I, the Prefect’s son, won’t be able to help you make an exception. If you want to leave, leave by tomorrow at the latest.”

Liu Chicheng had already left the room with Liu Gao Hua’s sister, bidding farewell to her at Zhang Shanfeng’s room. Fortunately, Liu Gao Hua was waiting beside them, so the young couple didn’t dare to be too affectionate.

After Xu Yuanxia closed the door, she lightly tapped the table with her finger. “Something has most likely already happened to the City God Pavilion. It seems that these demons are plotting something big. The only question is whether the Rouge Prefecture’s City God has had his cultivation weakened, been restrained in the City God Pavilion by despicable means, or has been completely killed. The situation is dire, but it’s also becoming clearer. The Prefect’s Office and the nearby garrison should be on alert. If we report this at this time, our credibility will be much higher.”

The young Daoist looked at Chen Ping’an and tentatively asked, “How about we inform the Prefect’s Office and then leave the prefecture city?”

Chen Ping’an nodded and said, “Then you and Hero Xu go with Liu Gao Hua and his siblings to their house. I’ll go to the City God Pavilion to investigate. The sooner we know the truth, even if it’s just a small part, the better we can make the right decision.”

Zhang Shanfeng didn’t question why they had to part ways, but he couldn’t understand why he wasn’t replacing Chen Ping’an and going to the perilous City God Pavilion.

Chen Ping’an smiled and explained, “You and Hero Xu, one of you needs to wield a saber, preferably with gusts of罡 wind to show off your grandmaster style, and the other needs to control flying peach wood swords to show that you are Zhang Tianshi from Dragon Tiger Mountain, most skilled at subduing demons. What am I going to do? Perform martial arts for the Prefect to watch?”

The bearded man laughed heartily, and Zhang Shanfeng also understood the point. He said to let Chen Ping’an wait a moment, then got up and went to his baggage in the room to take out three talismans. Two of them were the lowest-grade but most practical Evil Wind Ignition Talismans. If there was any evil or Yin energy, the yellow paper would automatically burn. The one at the bottom was the Divine Travel Talisman, also known as the 甲马符. If spiritual or true energy was poured into it, one could run like a horse, traveling with the wind without tiring for the duration of one incense stick.

Chen Ping’an did not refuse, and put the three talismans into his sleeve, joking, “Aren’t you afraid that I’ll just run away?”

The young Daoist glared and said, “Chen Ping’an, you can’t run!”

Chen Ping’an quickly waved his hand.

Zhang Shanfeng laughed to himself.

If Chen Ping’an ran away alone, Daoist Zhang Shanfeng wouldn’t just feel sorry for the expensive Divine Travel Talisman. He would also feel most sorry for losing a good friend.
The three parted ways at the inn entrance. Xu Yuanxia, with Zhang Shanfeng in tow, followed Liu Gaohua towards the Prefecture Governor’s residence in the west of the city.

Chen Ping’an happened to be heading in the same direction as the scholar surnamed Liu, who was leaving the city from the east. However, one was going straight to the east gate, while the other was heading towards the City God Pavilion in the northeast.

Without Miss Liu’s presence, the scholar surnamed Liu shed his scholarly inhibitions and, with a fawning posture, trailed behind Chen Ping’an, asking curiously, “Young Master Chen? Are you perhaps a legendary martial arts grandmaster? Although young and seemingly inexperienced, your innate talent and distinguished background must mean that you are already a top expert in the martial world? That slap from the other night, so ethereal and fleeting, I didn’t even see you move. It was utterly devoid of worldly traces, almost transcendental, wouldn’t you say?”

Chen Ping’an helplessly replied, “Anyone who knows a bit of martial arts could land a punch you wouldn’t see coming.”

The scholar surnamed Liu felt deeply insulted, “Impossible! Young Master Chen, you must be a hidden master, a sage in disguise! If I had to guess, I’d say you are the closed-door disciple of the famed Sword Saint of the Flowing Colors Kingdom, whose name reverberates throughout the lands! Otherwise, who would carry two swords when venturing out? One of them must be the Sword Saint’s personal blade from his adventuring days, ‘Candlelight,’ isn’t it? Can I touch it?”

Chen Ping’an was somewhat impressed by the man’s imagination. Not wanting to be bothered, he nodded with a stern face and said, “Yes, yes, it’s ‘Candlelight.’ You must be careful. The scabbard is filled with fierce sword energy. The moment you draw the blade, you’ll be torn to shreds. Are you afraid?”

“No, I am not.”

Liu Chicheng shook his head. His hands, which had initially reached out to touch the sword case, were now obediently placed behind his back.

After they parted, Liu Chicheng continued along the street towards the city gate. The frail scholar suddenly looked up, glancing at a figure standing atop the city wall. It was the old immortal from the lakeside pavilion. Standing beside him were General Ma, clad in armor, and two unfamiliar faces of considerable age. The old immortal was pointing towards the city, gesturing animatedly.

Liu Chicheng clicked his tongue, “Unknowingly inviting bandits into their own home, how foolish.”

Meanwhile, Chen Ping’an quickly arrived at the square outside the City God Pavilion. He gazed intently, but lacking the senses of a Qi cultivator, he could discern no telltale signs. However, a pure martial artist’s intuition told Chen Ping’an that the red-walled, green-tiled pavilion, with its dragon-fire glazed roof, now possessed a hint of bloodiness and gloom, in stark contrast to its previous peaceful and auspicious aura. It was like someone had dropped a piece of charcoal on the snow, perhaps unnoticed by ordinary passersby, but easily spotted by those with keen eyes. And it was incredibly jarring.

The entrance to the City God Pavilion was guarded by officers and constables, and pilgrims were no longer allowed to enter.

Chen Ping’an took a deep breath, surveyed his surroundings, and looked for a relatively secluded high wall. He quietly approached it, while conjuring an evil-warding fire charm.

Upon reaching the wall, he made sure no one was around, tipped his toes, and leaped over the wall, landing inside. As soon as his feet touched the ground, the charm in his fingertips burned away completely.

It was now evident that there was no need to test the situation. It was a genuine case of demons and monsters causing trouble.

Chen Ping’an removed his gourd and took a long swig of liquor.

He reached behind his head and patted the wooden case on his back. The pagoda tree sword was named “Demon Slayer,” and the one forged by Master Ruan was temporarily named “Fiend Subduer.”

Despite the disdain of the green-robed boy and the pink-skirted girl, who called the names cliché and vulgar, Chen Ping’an thought the names “Demon Slayer” and “Fiend Subduer” were excellent.

Since he had chosen such fine names, he could not afford to disappoint them.

Chen Ping’an lightly flicked away a poisonous snake that darted towards him. It seemed like a casual flick, but the snake’s bones shattered and its flesh rotted in mid-air.

Chen Ping’an’s attention was focused on the two painted clay statues of celestial officials standing outside the vermilion gate, one on each side. They were covered in flowing blood, and countless colorful poisonous snakes writhed around them. Scorpions, as large as palms, perched atop the statues’ heads and arms, their bodies as black as ink, flaunting their power. Even rats were boldly scurrying in and out of the statues’ broken torsos and faces.

Chen Ping’an was inexplicably reminded of the desolate scene at the Immortals’ Graveyard back home. He was instantly enraged. He walked slowly along the base of the wall, trying to keep his mind clear and his breathing steady. After all, the strength of a punch and the thickness and speed of one’s vital energy had nothing to do with the size of the fire in one’s belly.

As Chen Ping’an walked, he silently repeated in his mind, “Chen Ping’an, if you’re sure you can’t win, run fast!”