Another chapter coming tonight.

Sage Zhou Ju of Guanhai Academy walked out of the manor hall, and the Sword Saint of Shushui Kingdom entered the hall. This exchange slightly mitigated the manor’s plummeting morale. After all, Guanhai Academy was far away, so the departure of a sage was not a major blow. Moreover, since there was no accusation against Swordwater Manor, it meant that the manor’s century-long operations would not be severely damaged. Furthermore, Song Yushao was still present in the Jianghu of Shushui Kingdom. Even if he did not draw his sword or reside in the manor, as long as he roamed somewhere in the Jianghu of the ten-odd kingdoms, Song Fengshan’s position as the leader of the martial alliance would remain secure.

However, in an instant, Song Yushao abruptly turned his head, took several steps, intentionally placing Chen Ping’an behind him. Then, with resolute strides, he crossed the threshold, straightened his robes, and bowed deeply towards the sky where Zhou Ju had departed.

Only then did the people in the hall realize with horror that ripples appeared in the high sky outside the gate, revealing a three-zhang tall old man in Confucian robes, his figure ethereal and exuding an aura of immortality.

A Sage had arrived, personally visiting the manor.

How magnificent and profound!

Before Song Yushao could perceive the subtle change, Zhou Ju quickly withdrew his gaze from the sword-carrying youth, shook his sleeves, and removed the magical restrictions on the academy’s peace talisman, revealing its true form. The jade pendant engraved with the words “Control Anger” was subtly reattached to his waist. Almost simultaneously with Song Yushao’s Jianghu salute, he bowed and said, “Student greets Master.”

The old man, like a tall divine statue enshrined in ancestral halls, looked down upon his disciple Zhou Ju, his expression unreadable. He slowly said, “The matter of Han Yuanshan, a Confucian scholar of Shushui Kingdom, practicing demonic arts, will be handled by others. You must return to the academy immediately.”

Zhou Ju sighed and helplessly said after straightening his back, “Master, can’t we negotiate?”

The academy Sage bluntly replied, “No.”

Zhou Ju lamented with a mournful face, “How bitter!”

The Sage looked towards the old Sword Saint of Shushui Kingdom by the threshold, returned the greeting with clasped hands, and said with a smile, “Manor Lord Song is about to break through, congratulations. I heard that Manor Lord Song visits various Confucian temples to offer incense during his Jianghu travels. This is commendable. If Manor Lord Song has the time, he can come to our academy for a period of cultivation after breaking through to stabilize his Golden Body Realm.”

Song Yushao became even more respectful and grateful, maintaining his clasped-hands posture throughout. “I thank the Sage for his grace in advance.”

Although he did not know what kind of great Confucian power the head of Guanhai Academy had used, he was able to arrive at Shushui Kingdom so quickly from the academy. The thousands of miles of mountains and rivers seemed like only a few steps under the Sage’s feet.

The Confucian Sage responsible for overseeing Guanhai Academy smiled. Because his figure was tall and suspended in the air, he had a clear view of the Jianghu figures within the threshold. The refined old man deeply gazed at the sword-carrying youth behind Song Yushao. A complex and profound look flashed in his eyes, seemingly containing admiration, regret, and a hint of reminiscence. In the end, the old man said nothing, withdrew his gaze, and reminded Zhou Ju again, “Do not deliberately delay your journey. Return to the academy quickly, as there are other important tasks to be entrusted to you.”

Zhou Ju’s eyes lit up. “Is it about the northern affairs?”

The Confucian Sage ignored his closed-door disciple’s inadvertent revelation of heavenly secrets, unwilling to say more in front of outsiders. He smiled at the assembled Jianghu heroes in the hall and said, “The Great Dao leads to the same destination through different paths. Martial arts also value nurturing the heart, so that one can understand the mysteries of the Heavenly Dao and nourish the foundations of martial arts. I hope that everyone present will not forget the heart of chivalry. Our Guanhai Academy is also willing to open its doors to everyone for self-reflection and enlightenment, and to strive to understand one’s nature.”

The Sage’s words of guidance were like a gentle spring rain, but also stopped at the right moment, giving people an indescribable feeling.

The people in the hall were immediately captivated. This was the true demeanor of a Sage and the noble spirit of the academy. Thus, the black and white heroes and overlords of Shushui Kingdom, who had already stood up, bowed in unison. Compared to their previous awe of Zhou Ju’s academy identity, this bow was more heartfelt and filled with admiration.

The figure of the head of Guanhai Academy disappeared into the air, accompanied by waves of golden light.

Before leaving, the Sage glanced at the sword-carrying youth with his divine perception, filled with emotion. Qi Jingchun of the mountain cliff had indeed chosen this Dali youth, who was only at the threshold of the fourth realm of martial arts, to be the protector of those direct disciples.

Except for a few people in Guanhai Academy, no one knew about this matter. Only now, having witnessed it with his own eyes, did the Sage deduce some of the scenery far down the road.

At the same time, the Sage warned Zhou Ju through his mind, “Juran, no matter what you saw in the youth, do not speak or act rashly. Remember to be cautious in your words and actions!”

Zhou Ju replied with a smile in his mind, “Master, when I see someone virtuous, I think of emulating them. How could a disciple not know this principle?”

The Sage had departed, and Zhou Ju realized that the jade pendant on his waist had disappeared. It turned out that it had been taken away by his master.

Zhou Ju no longer looked back at the hall, only sighed with emotion.

Only after he walked out of the gate of Swordwater Manor did he look back and say with a smile, “An eye-opening experience.”

He, Zhou Ju, or rather Zhou Juran, although only a sage of Guanhai Academy, even a great figure of Baoping Continent like Cui Minghuang would not dare to underestimate Zhou Ju in the slightest. It was not only because of Zhou Ju’s Confucian cultivation, which should not be underestimated, nor was it only because of the experience of rising to the level of a gentleman and then being demoted back to a sage, but because Zhou Ju could see certain scenes that even his Sage master could not see. Regarding this gift, the Sage of the Imperial Academy had personally instructed the head of Guanhai Academy to take care of Zhou Ju and never let him stray.

In Zhou Ju’s eyes, the people of the world were truly “a myriad of beings,” all those who practiced, especially Confucian disciples, would concretize spirits and essences containing special meaning into strange images, mostly tiny little people the size of rice grains, or thumbnail-sized, staying on the person in front of Zhou Ju, or within their Qi Mansion.

For example, a seemingly vibrant Confucian sage had little people who were hunched over and stumbling, as if climbing a mountain with a heavy load, sweating profusely.

A husband, known for being rigid and rigorous in his studies, had elaborately dressed flying women hovering near his head, reluctant to leave.

A scholar of the academy, lifeless and full of decay, had a little person of a bearded swordsman traveling boldly between his Qi Mansions within his heart.
The virtuous man whom Zhou Ju had once soundly thrashed was a paragon of benevolence and righteousness, renowned in the academy for his rigorous demeanor and eloquent prose. Yet, Zhou Ju could perceive butterflies and bees flitting amidst the man’s scholarly writings, redolent with the scent of rouge, and a sharp, honey-smeared flying sword darting about recklessly.

Zhou Ju disdained such a person, but adhered strictly to his master’s teachings, enduring with forbearance. However, one day, after this man’s academy had its title as one of the Seventy-Two Academies stripped, and following rumors of Qi Jingchun’s demise and the Cliff Academy’s relocation from Great Li to Great Sui, leading to a desolate decline of its lineage, the virtuous man openly kicked a person when they were down. He vehemently criticized Qi Jingchun’s pragmatism in order to curry favor and bolster his reputation, hoping to win the favor of certain esteemed elders and successfully ascend to the ranks of a gentleman. Zhou Ju harbored no particular fondness or animosity towards that opposing lineage, but he truly loathed this two-faced virtuous man, especially since he falsely invoked his own teacher’s articles to attack the Cliff Academy. In the end, Zhou Ju intervened, thrashing the man so badly that he was too ashamed to leave his house for half a year.

Cui Minghuang was akin to a painting of mountains and rivers, vast in scope, yet scarred by the ravages of war, fragmented and broken. In his heartscape, there was not a single trace of petty figures.

And that foremost great gentleman of Treasure Bottle Continent, known throughout the land for his refined elegance, possessed a true form that was a simple old farmer, diligently tending to his fields.

From a young age, Zhou Ju possessed this obscure and arcane ability, coupled with a photographic memory and an inexhaustible flow of literary inspiration. At the age of nine, he secretly entered the academy, following his teacher to learn the teachings of the sages. At fourteen, he became a virtuous man, yet he remained in a study built by his master, secluded and rarely seen, interacting only with his fellow disciples. After reaching the level of a gentleman at twenty, he was soon discovered to possess traits of a “righteous man” through the examination of a ceremonial artifact in the Confucian Temple, putting him on track to surpass the two great gentlemen of Treasure Bottle Continent.

Walking along the road leading from Sword Water Manor to the small town, Zhou Ju sighed, “I feel a little ashamed of my inadequacies.”

As he walked along the empty, wide road, a figure materialized beside the virtuous man Zhou Ju, softly asking, “Ju Ran, have you seen something strange?”

Zhou Ju chuckled, “My dear teacher, could you please refrain from startling your disciple so? If you were to frighten this good seedling into idiocy, you would surely weep.”

The ethereal form of the academy’s headmaster walked alongside Zhou Ju.

Zhou Ju smiled, “Teacher, this time, I won’t tell you. I don’t want to make you envious.”

The old scholar laughed heartily, “Very well, then you can look forward to being flogged when you return to the academy.”

The Sage then truly departed.

Zhou Ju walked alone on the foreign road, marveling and shaking his head.

There was a golden literary heart, clearly a gift from someone else, yet it was able to merge with his spirit without any resistance. Thus, the young boy possessed a full measure of Confucian aura, with a hint of the air of a righteous gentleman.

As the boy walked, a clear breeze flowed from his sleeves, and his shoulders seemed to carry sun-drenched flowers and lush vegetation, a beautiful and moving sight.

There were tiny figures sitting down, belching from wine, swinging crimson gourd flasks. There were sandal-clad figures standing on posts by the water, walking and leaping between posts.

There was a tiny figure flipping through a book, an hairpin holding up its hair, head lowered looking at the text. Brows were furrowed looking at an article, seemingly finding obstacles everywhere, scratching his head, worrying away.

There was also a tiny figure counting coins, sitting cross-legged, beaming with joy, occasionally picking up a coin, biting it, or wiping it with its sleeve.

A small figure, glittering with jewels and treasures, ran about, handing out one thing here, and offering another with both hands there, as if constantly giving away its beloved possessions…

With so many brilliant ideas and deeply ingrained attachments, yet his heart remained so pure, how could there be such a strange young man in the world?

Zhou Ju suppressed his smile and sighed. He spoke of emulating the virtuous, but he had no desire to become such a youth, for he felt that living such a life would be tiring.

But if he could become a close friend with such a person, that would be a good thing.

Zhou Ju was pondering a matter, when suddenly his form soared into the sky, rising high among the clouds, riding the wind on a distant journey. Beneath his feet lay the mountains and rivers of Comb Water Kingdom, the undulating peaks dimly visible through the gaps in the sea of clouds. Zhou Ju muttered to himself, “Having seen the Daoist Celestial Lord of Kulu Continent this time, should I follow that person’s suggestion and choose a larger blessed land, descending as a banished immortal to experience other landscapes? Otherwise, my current state has been stagnant for years, like squatting on the toilet without being able to push anything out, there’s not a peep of progress.”

Chen Ping An, of course, had no knowledge of the virtuous man Zhou Ju’s ability, which had already revealed so many of his secrets.

The grand arrival of the Sage of Lakeside Academy might be a rare spectacle for the martial world of Comb Water Kingdom, but for Chen Ping An, it was not particularly shocking. Whether in his hometown of Lizhu Grotto-Heaven or later in Great Sui, Chen Ping An had witnessed too many unbelievable things. He had even seen the Spirit Mountain Deity of the Central Earth Continent within the painting of mountains and rivers by the Old Master Wen Sheng, and had personally offered the sword that cleft open the mountain.

In the main hall of the manor, Chen Ping An did not linger for long, as Song Yushao quickly departed after saying a single sentence.

That old man’s words stirred up immense waves in everyone’s hearts.

“The imperial army of over ten thousand soldiers who came to besiege the manor have retreated on their own.”

That maiden Granny, one of the Four Fiends of Comb Water Kingdom, had actually returned to the manor with the two of them, but dared not face a virtuous man of the academy. She hid in the shadows at the time, and was greatly relieved that neither the Sage nor the virtuous man cared. After confirming that both had left the manor, she entered the hall and spoke with Song Fengshan in hushed tones, albeit the maiden used the techniques of a Qi cultivator, involving the mind, while Song Fengshan used the skills of a martial artist, condensing sound into threads. One required the fifth realm of Qi cultivation, while the other required the fourth realm of martial arts.

Song Fengshan’s wife began to navigate the situation, pacifying the heroes.

The silent Song Fengshan had a look of great resolve on his face.

Relieved of a great burden, Song Fengshan’s mood was somewhat complex.
Old Master Song Yushao, indeed, stood before the army alone with his sword. He even breached the enemy formation and captured General Chu Hao, saving Song Fengshan much planning. Not only that, the old master and the unfathomable young sword immortal, deep in the mountains, joined forces with the Azure Bamboo Sword Immortal Su Lang, whom his secret letter had persuaded. Together, they ambushed the Ancient Elm Kingdom’s Sword Revered Lin Gushan and the Pavilion Master of the Selling Box Pavilion. Lin Gushan was decapitated by Su Lang’s sword, the green pearl becoming the best evidence of Su Lang’s “Sword Immortal slaying a Sword Revered.” It was a pity that the Pavilion Master’s assassin escaped with injuries using a secret technique, which could be a variable.

Song Fengshan secretly smiled at the maiden, “According to our agreement, once this is done, I will help you become a mountain deity officially recognized by the Shushui Kingdom’s imperial court, possessing a golden body and enjoying incense offerings. But let me say this upfront: after becoming a golden-bodied deity, if you want your cultivation to skyrocket and simply enjoy the good life, you’ll still need to act according to my plan. For the next few decades, you’ll have to go against your nature and do good deeds, even if it disgusts you, in order to win over the people. If you break the agreement, and your violent nature remains, ruining my grand plan for petty gains, then you and I will have no choice but to meet on the battlefield.”

The maiden responded with a charming voice transmission, “Young Master is all-knowing and makes flawless plans. This humble servant wouldn’t dare to court disaster.”

Song Fengshan said solemnly, “I still need you to go to the state capital and inform Han Yuanshan that the situation has changed. After Zhou Ju, the Guanhai Academy will send more people to cause him trouble. As for whether he still wants to use Chu Hao’s identity to rise to the top of the Shushui Kingdom’s court, it’s up to him to decide.”

The maiden sighed, standing up to go to the state capital to remind her lover Han Yuanshan, “Whether in bed or out, this servant is always working hard. Oh, right, remember to ask that young man named Chen Ping’an for a carapace pellet taken from Chu Hao. Whether Young Master buys it with money or trades for it with favors, the item must be secured. If my Yuanshan insists on seeking wealth and status through danger and impersonating Chu Hao, this Divine Dew Carapace will be crucial.”

Song Fengshan replied, “I have my own plans.”

Knowing his cold-blooded and ambitious nature, the maiden didn’t say anything further and left the hall.

An old man and a young man walked toward the courtyard arranged for Chen Ping’an in the manor.

Earlier, on the way back from the mountains, the Pavilion Master of the Selling Box Pavilion ambushed Chen Ping’an, and then Sword Revered Lin Gushan arrived to entangle Song Yushao.

If Chen Ping’an and Song Yushao were at their peak, the outcome would be without a doubt, crushing those two assassins sent by the Ancient Elm Kingdom. However, Chen Ping’an’s spiritual power was severely depleted, and his control over the Fifteenth was far from as skilled as when breaking through the army formation. This resulted in a stalemate with the Pavilion Master in their second encounter. Song Yushao had a slight advantage, but Lin Gushan’s momentum was strong, making it impossible for him to break free and help Chen Ping’an kill the elusive master assassin.

After that, the Azure Bamboo Sword Immortal and the old woman appeared one after another. Both sides seemed to have one ally reinforcing them, and logically speaking, Lin Gushan’s side had a greater chance of winning.

Su Lang and Lin Gushan joined forces to attack Song Yushao. The maiden faced Chen Ping’an along with the Pavilion Master.

Then, the situation changed dramatically. Su Lang beheaded Lin Gushan with a single strike, and the Pavilion Master, seeing the situation was turning bad, fled again. Chen Ping’an, using all his strength, controlled the flying sword Fifteenth and pierced his abdomen, but the assassin still managed to escape the battlefield. The old woman seemed to be giving her all, her demonic cultivation shaking the heavens and earth, but the truth might not be so. After all, the life and death of a foreign youth were irrelevant to the overall situation of the Shushui Kingdom, and if he accidentally died in the deep mountains, eliminating a difficult-to-control knower of secrets, it might even be better for her.

Arriving at the courtyard, the bearded man and the young Daoist were not in the manor today. Chen Ping’an had persuaded them to leave for the town early, saying that they would be leaving today for the immortal ferry at the border. Chen Ping’an did not hide anything and told his two friends the reason. Zhang Shanfeng insisted on going with him, but was stopped by Xu Yuanxia, who dragged him to the town.

Sitting down at the stone table, Song Yushao said softly, “General Chu Hao is most likely dead.”

Chen Ping’an remained noncommittal.

Just like when the woman with the saber in the pavilion tapped him with the scabbard, that’s how martial artists conduct themselves in the world.

Then Chu Hao leading the army south to attack Sword Water Manor, that’s how a general behaves on the battlefield.

Chen Ping’an took out the Divine Dew Carapace Pellet from his sleeve and handed it to the old man. Earlier, the old woman had asked for this item, but Chen Ping’an had refused to give it.

Song Yushao waved his hand, “Chu Hao was captured by you, so this carapace pellet is naturally yours.”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “Old Master, you should keep it. Since that demoness asked for it, this carapace pellet is definitely not about money. I just don’t like her personality and actions, so I don’t want to give it to her.”

Song Yushao laughed, “Otherwise, all of the manor’s Snow Coin savings will be given to you? Otherwise, it wouldn’t be right, and I would feel uneasy, owing you both money and a favor. As for whether Fengshan has any expenses on the mountain, let him take care of it himself. Anyway, this kid has great abilities, and I don’t believe he can’t get a few thousand Snow Coins.”

Chen Ping’an grinned and said, “You truly are a friend. Actually, owing a favor is nothing. Next time I come to the manor, Old Master, just treat me to more wine.”

Song Yushao clicked his tongue and said, “You said owing a favor is more uncomfortable than owing money. Now you say it’s okay for friends to owe favors. How is it that all the principles in the world belong to you, Chen Ping’an?”

Chen Ping’an took off the Sword Nourishing Gourd and took a sip of wine, feeling relaxed and carefree. After walking the world, drinking a mouthful of good wine, instead of using it to conceal himself or to catch his breath on the battlefield, was truly wonderful. “If Old Master Song doesn’t treat me as a friend, then just repay the money and the favor, all at once, neatly and cleanly. At worst, next time I pass by the Shushui Kingdom, I won’t come to the manor for Huadiao wine and hot pot.”

Song Yushao hesitated for a moment, feeling helpless, and had no choice but to accept the military strategist’s carapace pellet, jokingly saying, “What’s going on with you, kid? I’m a little confused.”

Chen Ping’an blinked his eyes, “When I was an apprentice in the dragon kiln in my hometown, the master who taught me how to make porcelain told me a saying: ‘Give a cow for friendship, but don’t be generous about a needle in business.'”

Song Yushao was stunned for a moment, “What’s that?”

Chen Ping’an said shyly, “It means that if you have a good relationship, it’s okay to give a friend a cow, but when doing business, even the exchange of money for a needle must be recorded in the books.”
The earthy wisdom of old Yao is not found in books. Yet, the Daoist Chongmiao of Rouge County in Caiyi Kingdom, had uttered similar words before his demise.

Thus, Chen Pingan believed this somewhat crude truth was likely correct.

Song Yushao guffawed, pointing at the young man and declaring, “You little rascal, you’re destined to be rich!”

Chen Pingan clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute, his smile radiant, “I hope so, I hope so.”

Song Yushao chuckled as he rose, “I won’t keep you at the manor. I’ll go arrange some matters, then we’ll head to the town together. I’ll treat you to hotpot, and then you and your friends can go to that ferry.”

Chen Pingan nodded. After the old man went to find Steward Chu, he returned to his courtyard room, changed into clean clothes, and left a golden talisman paper on the table, upon which a talisman had been drawn. It was a Demon-Suppressing Pagoda Talisman, held down by a wine cup.

When they left the battlefield, accepting three hundred small snow coins from the old man, Chen Pingan merely wanted to put the old man’s mind at ease.

No matter how much the young man’s temperament had changed, for example, transforming from a teetotaling country bumpkin into a small drunkard who knew the merits of good wine, some things were immutable. Even after a hundred or a thousand years, it would likely remain so.

Suffering a loss is a blessing, seeking petty gains leads to greater losses. These principles are taught in books, and not just one book at that.

Finally, the old Sword Saint of Shushui Kingdom arrived carrying a small package and two jars of fine wine. The two met in the courtyard. Chen Pingan refilled his wine gourd, leaving just enough for one more jar to be used during the hotpot meal in town. The old man said he would hold onto the package containing the small snow coins and other small items for him.

As he left the small courtyard, the white-haired old steward of the manor stood at the gate, bowing his fist and palm in salute, “Young Hero Chen, please visit the manor often. From this year onward, Sword Water Manor will prepare plenty of Huadiao wine, brewed and stored specifically for Young Hero Chen, ensuring you always have the most authentic vintage.”

Chen Pingan returned the salute, “I certainly won’t be a stranger!”

Song Yushao and Chen Pingan soared away from the manor once more.

The old steward stood there, reluctant to leave for a long time, smiling with satisfaction. Looking at the current Manor Lord, he was so different from his dreary self of the past decades. At this moment, the Manor Lord was like he was when he roamed the martial world in his youth, spirited and radiant.

So, our Shushui Kingdom’s martial world will surely be romantic for decades to come.

The old man strolled back, encountering the two maids responsible for that courtyard. The normally stern old steward was much more amiable, much to the bewilderment of the two beautiful sword attendants who were surprised by the change.

The two arrived at the small town. The spies planted here by the imperial court had already withdrawn on their own after receiving the news.

They met Xu Yuanxia and Zhang Shanfeng at the restaurant. The four of them were still on the second floor, enjoying hotpot. Because Song Yushao had announced his name last time, the restaurant owner was a bit reserved. After being scolded by the old man with a string of colloquial expletives, he regained some of his composure. Zhang Shanfeng couldn’t handle the spiciness well but was unwilling to show weakness, so he ate while shedding tears. Chen Pingan said seriously that drinking wine could relieve the spiciness, but the young Daoist spat a mouthful of wine all over Chen Pingan.

At the table, the old man also drank a bit too much. He didn’t use his martial cultivator’s realm to dispel the alcohol’s effects, but instead, raised his cup to Chen Pingan and the other two repeatedly.

He also rambled about many things on his mind to Chen Pingan, some trivial, some not, chatting about whatever came to mind.

“Chen Pingan, speaking of reason, it’s not a pleasing thing. Girls don’t like to hear it, and men are no better. The world is hard to navigate, full of pent-up frustrations, and in the end, they still have to listen to someone lecture them. Isn’t that annoying? It would be fine if the reasoning was wrong, but knowing it’s right and still being unable to do it, isn’t that even more heartbreaking?”

The youth, drinking wine and eating spicy food, was already slurring his words, retorting, “I occasionally speak of reason, but I really never argue with people. At most, I fight!”

The old man also said, “If a girl ever says to you, Chen Pingan, you’re a good person…”

The youth was full of anticipation, “Does that mean it’s going to work out?”

The old man slapped the table, gloating, “You idiot! Work out my foot! Your relationship is definitely doomed!”

The youth was dumbfounded, then quickly took a big gulp of wine to calm his nerves.

After eating and drinking their fill, the three bid farewell to Song Yushao at the end of the small street.

After the three figures receded into the distance, Song Fengshan, with an iron sword hanging from his waist, silently appeared beside the old man.

The old man gazed into the distance and sighed.

Song Fengshan snorted coldly, “Am I your grandson, or is he?”

The old man chuckled.

Although Song Fengshan’s words were indignant, there was a hint of a smile on his lips.

It turned out that the old man had packed nearly two thousand small snow coins from Sword Water Manor into that package, leaving none for the manor itself.

Chen Pingan had been constantly urged to drink by the old man at the table, and he was quite drunk, staggering as he walked, reeking of alcohol. He was temporarily unable to pay attention to the small package slung across his back.

An old Jianghu veteran is still an old Jianghu veteran. The youth is still too green.