(I recommend a remixed version of “Tides of the World,” available on my page. Please follow me. The behind-the-scenes production of this song is especially fascinating.)

The Fan family’s Osmanthus Island intercontinental ferry will depart in six days, while the Sun family’s Mountain-Sea Turtle has already set sail on its long journey. Chen Ping’an initially wanted to witness the Mountain-Sea Turtle’s appearance, but considering the recent influx of people and the commotion caused by Zheng Dafeng’s breakthrough, he decided not to cause any trouble. He suppressed his curiosity, washing it down with wine.

For the next two days, the Fan family’s young master continued to visit the Dust Apothecary daily, bringing Osmanthus wine to seek martial arts guidance from Zheng Dafeng. Although Zheng Dafeng was not exactly proper, he transformed when discussing martial arts. His words, though still somewhat flamboyant, were undoubtedly beneficial to the Fan family’s young master’s current breakthrough, veritable golden advice. However, the content of Zheng Dafeng’s lectures was of little use to Chen Ping’an, leaving him with some lingering questions.

Zheng Dafeng didn’t mind Chen Ping’an listening to these minor matters concerning the Third Realm bottleneck. He even hoped that Chen Ping’an would be tempted to personally instruct the Fan family’s young master, allowing him to relax and head to the front shop to comfort the ladies. Unfortunately, Chen Ping’an only listened and remained silent, feigning ignorance and showing no pride in his Fourth Realm of martial arts. This deepened Zheng Dafeng’s resentment. How could the flamboyant Zheng Dafeng like a youth who was even more composed than a meditating old monk or a Taoist sage in oblivion?

If it weren’t for Chen Ping’an being his benefactor, and if he couldn’t mooch a pot of Osmanthus wine every day, Zheng Dafeng would have kicked Chen Ping’an out long ago, urging him to leave this spring-filled apothecary and move to the Fan family’s residence, where he could enjoy the status of a distinguished guest and flaunt his influence.

On this day, after Fan Er finished listening to Zheng Dafeng’s explanation, the philandering Zheng Dafeng eagerly went to the front of the shop to flirt with the women. The young master and Chen Ping’an sat under the eaves, enjoying the cool breeze.

Compared to Sun Jiashu, who was already the head of his family and burdened with responsibilities, his every word and action flawless and comforting, young Fan Er was much more naive. However, he wasn’t completely ignorant of the hardships of the common people. The young master was intelligent, cheerful, and well-mannered. His parents were probably carefree, as evidenced by his name.

Whenever the young master spoke of his elder sister, Fan Junmao, his admiration was evident. Despite being half-siblings and born into a wealthy family, Fan Er was very close to his “Madam,” who was the mistress of the Fan family. He always said that his birth mother spoiled him too much, which was nice, but he worried that he wouldn’t grow up. His Madam was both doting and disciplined, clearly distinguishing right from wrong. She would reward him for his progress in studies, martial arts, and social interactions, pointing out his achievements. However, when he made mistakes, she would treat him like an adult, never scolding or berating him, but calmly reasoning with him. Therefore, Fan Er sincerely respected his Madam.

Young Fan Er was willing to share these joys and sorrows unique to his youth with Chen Ping’an, whom he had only known for a short time.

Chen Ping’an listened quietly to Fan Er’s stories, finding them fascinating. At first, Fan Er was afraid that Chen Ping’an would find it annoying, but when he saw that Chen Ping’an genuinely enjoyed listening, he couldn’t help but drink more wine.

Later, Chen Ping’an also told Fan Er many stories about his hometown, Longquan, about working as a kiln worker, burning charcoal, and venturing into the mountains and rivers.

Fan Er’s questions were often whimsical: “Chen Ping’an, do you still eat dirt? Is it as delicious as rice? Never mind, as long as it can stave off hunger! Otherwise, can you teach me which soils taste better, so I can grab a handful before going to the ancestral hall when I’m punished and hungry!”

“Can you make a piece of porcelain all by yourself from start to finish? Chen Ping’an, you must give me a piece of porcelain for my coming-of-age ceremony! A small thing like a wine cup or teacup is fine, nothing too fancy. Just a rough piece that people can recognize. That way, I can show off and say it was made by my friend, and they’ll be jealous!”

“What is a courtyard? What happens when it’s windy, rainy, or snowy? Can fish, turtles, shrimp, and crabs be raised in the pond in the courtyard?”

Chen Ping’an answered Fan Er one by one, finally saying something that made Fan Er very happy, “I have a good friend named Liu Xianyang. He’s very successful now and has gone to the distant Posa Continent. He taught me how to make traps and bows. I’ll introduce you two someday.”

Fan Er nodded eagerly, his face full of anticipation.

He had already begun planning how to arrange accommodations, what wine to drink, what dishes to eat, and where to go in Old Dragon City when Chen Ping’an brought Liu Xianyang to visit.

Afterward, Fan Er missed a day at the Dust Apothecary.

That evening, the apothecary closed early. Chen Ping’an and Zheng Dafeng were in the main room of the backyard, eating a table full of dishes made by a woman. Zheng Dafeng wanted to use his charm to convince the woman not to charge him, so he could impress Chen Ping’an, but the woman was unyielding, demanding every copper coin.

Zheng Dafeng held chopsticks in one hand and a cup in the other, eating and drinking simultaneously. He casually asked, “Do you find it interesting, chatting with the Fan family’s young master all day about nonsense?”

Chen Ping’an chewed his food slowly, putting down his chopsticks after finishing, “It’s interesting.”

Zheng Dafeng scoffed, but finally couldn’t help but ask, “I’ve only been away from the Li Zhu Cave for such a short time, and you’ve already acquired so many treasures? How did you do it? Tell me about it. Did you just stumble upon good luck everywhere you go?”

Chen Ping’an retorted, “We’re not that close.”

Zheng Dafeng squinted, “Are you close to Fan Er, then?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Closer than I am to you.”

Zheng Dafeng bared his teeth, “The old man was willing to sell you his cherished First Day, he really doesn’t treat you badly.”

This time, Chen Ping’an didn’t refute him.

Since he had already broken the ice and spoken first, Zheng Dafeng didn’t care about saving face. He asked again, “Did you part ways with that clever egg, Sun Jiashu?”

Chen Ping’an nodded.
Zheng Dafeng chuckled, “That grandson is quite wealthy, aren’t you going to try and mend fences? Be friends with him, even if just fair-weather friends, and you’ll be set for food and drink in Old Dragon City.”

Chen Pingan shook his head, “He’s not all that great.”

After a moment of hesitation, Chen Pingan added, “Sun Jiashu isn’t a bad person, but he’s not quite upright in some matters. If I were a merchant, I wouldn’t dare to do big business with him. He puts a price on everyone, knowing their worth and when to make a deal. In the end, no matter how good the relationship, it’s just business. Who can guarantee he won’t sell someone out for profit? But maybe I’m wrong about him, misunderstanding him. Either way, what Sun Jiashu does is no concern of mine.”

Zheng Dafeng laughed, “He’s not as simple as you think, but not as bad either. He’ll amount to something someday. You missing out on him today is a loss for both Sun Jiashu and you. If you don’t believe me, we’ll see.”

Chen Pingan asked, “Are you talking about a monetary loss?”

Zheng Dafeng propped a leg on the bench, “What else? The world bustles and hustles for what? Fame? Isn’t that money? Cultivation? Isn’t that money? It’s all about money.”

Chen Pingan smiled, “If it’s just money, then it’s even less of a concern.”

Zheng Dafeng understood Chen Pingan’s unspoken meaning: he was loath to part with money, yet most willing to spend it. It seemed contradictory, but it wasn’t. Ultimately, everyone, especially cultivators, walked a path of balance between their two feet. As long as that balance was maintained, even if they stumbled forward, they could still reach the summit.

Having walked together once, only to part ways later, didn’t necessarily mean Chen Pingan and Sun Jiashu were better or worse than each other, just on different paths.

In fact, Zheng Dafeng understood the young man’s nature very well. One man’s poison was another’s honey. Li Er liked him, but he didn’t. But dislike aside, he had to admit that Chen Pingan had his own way of getting to where he was. Besides, how many people could be Zheng Dafeng’s guide on the Dao?

The old man could, but he wasn’t willing, only acknowledging their master-disciple relationship, not wanting to delve deeper into the concept of Dao.

Chen Pingan might not be willing either, but fate was a curious thing.

Zheng Dafeng couldn’t help but think of distant scenes, some he’d seen up close, some still far away. The burly man felt a bit lazy and weary, deciding to end this conversation that was less flavorful than a table of overly salty dishes, saying, “I owe you five copper coins, which I’ll definitely repay before you board the Cinnamon Blossom Isle ship. This time, I’ll settle the debt when I break through my realm. Since the old man didn’t make the protector matter clear, and I don’t think of myself as your protector, I’ll just pretend it never happened, at least as far as you, Chen Pingan, are concerned.”

Chen Pingan had no objections, nodding in agreement.

Zheng Dafeng picked up his old pipe, starting to puff away. He’d been smoking for so long that it had become a habit, and he found it quite enjoyable. No wonder the old man loved it.

Zheng Dafeng’s eyes glazed over.

Back when he broke through the sea of clouds, Zheng Dafeng almost performed the feat of breaking through two realms in a single day. Then, Zheng Dafeng saw a scene above the sea of clouds that made him abandon the idea.

The requirement for a pure martial artist between realms nine and ten was to crash through the Heavenly Gate, naturally allowing one to see it. This wasn’t strange, but Zheng Dafeng firmly believed that the Heavenly Gate he saw was unlike any seen by any martial arts senior who had reached realm ten.

That Heavenly Gate did indeed appear.

But there was more than just the Heavenly Gate.

Zheng Dafeng saw a figure of a vague-faced divine general on a pillar that reached heaven’s gate. The general wore a majestic armor as white as frost, nailed to the pillar with a sword. Golden blood was splattered all over the heavenly pillar.

Zheng Dafeng looked up at the tragic corpse.

For a moment, it seemed as if the corpse came alive, staring back at Zheng Dafeng. The general’s lips moved slightly, as if uttering a word.

At that moment, Zheng Dafeng almost had his liver and gall bladder collapse and his soul scatter, almost becoming a pathetic wretch who lost a realm after barely achieving it.

The appearance of Fuqi helped Zheng Dafeng break free from that confinement, and Chen Pingan’s question shattered Zheng Dafeng’s thoughts.

“Zheng Dafeng, my realm three was forged with punches, one after another. Since Fan Er’s foundation at realm three isn’t that good, why don’t you help him?”

Zheng Dafeng stared blankly at the person before him, laughing, “You think Fan Er’s realm three foundation is ‘not that good’?”

Chen Pingan frowned, “Is it ‘very bad’ then?”

Zheng Dafeng almost choked to death on his pipe smoke, laughing loudly, “Bad my foot! Not to mention me, Zheng Dafeng, senior Li Er, and that prince Song Changjing, according to the average level of martial artists in Treasure Bottle Continent, Fan Er’s foundation from realm one to realm three is already good enough. And Fan Er is a martial arts prodigy himself, yet you say it’s not that good? Then pure martial artists of Treasure Bottle Continent should all smash their heads against tofu, or hang themselves with women’s belts.”

Chen Pingan was skeptical, feeling that this guy was shirking responsibility, always wanting to flirt with the apothecary woman, unwilling to put much effort into Fan Er.

Zheng Dafeng smiled slyly, “Now we have to add you. If I remember correctly, Li Er’s realm three foundation was probably worse than yours. But don’t be too happy, you’re just outstanding at realm three. Li Er’s realm nine foundation can be called the strongest in the world, and my realm eight is similar. How strange, who has the ability to beat you into such a realm three? It couldn’t be Li Er being called back to Mount Lilac Grotto by the old man to teach you personally?”

Chen Pingan shook his head, “It was someone else.”

This time Zheng Dafeng was really curious, no longer smoking, “How did that person temper your physique and spirit?”

Chen Pingan’s expression changed slightly. Just thinking about his experiences in the bamboo building on Fallen Mountain made him feel miserable.
Zheng Dafeng chuckled, “Just shooting the breeze. If you give me a rough overview of everything beyond the previous transactions, I’ll throw in a beginner’s martial arts sword manual, hailed as the ‘least wrong’ one. The old man managed to wheedle it out of an earthbound deity who was a swordsman in life. Li Er, Li Liu, and I all tried it, but it was pretty useless for me. The old man mostly got it for Li Liu, but it might actually be helpful for someone like you, Chen Ping An.”

Chen Ping An pondered for a moment, then said, “Tempering the physical body and the soul is like pounding glutinous rice to make mochi. Believe it or not, it’s that simple. But I have to do a little something extra afterwards…”

As he spoke, Chen Ping An pressed two fingers together and pointed them at his arm, “Then I peel my own skin, extract tendons, inch by painstaking inch, without even blinking. I don’t completely peel off the skin or sever the tendons, but someone always tells me when I can stop. Afterwards, I’m carried off to soak in a medicinal bath, and the wounds heal pretty quickly.”

Zheng Dafeng asked, “How many times in total? Once or twice? Three or four?”

Chen Ping An grinned, “Every day. More than I can count on both hands.”

Zheng Dafeng was initially bewildered, then he burst into hearty laughter. “Good, good, just knowing that you, kid, have suffered so much, makes this old man happy! I’ll tidy up that sword manual later and give it to you completely untouched, I promise!”

Chen Ping An rolled his eyes.

This guy was so bored.

But then again, if he wasn’t bored, would he be running this apothecary that lost money every day?

Zheng Dafeng laughed for a good while before finally catching his breath. “Fan Er’s innate foundation isn’t any worse than yours, but mentally, he’s still a young master, not tempered enough. So the martial foundation of integrated body and soul, to put it bluntly, is still superficially strong but weak inside compared to us. It can’t withstand the kind of torment you put yourself through, or it would shatter.”

Zheng Dafeng pinched the wine cup on the table, instantly reducing it to dust.

Zheng Dafeng said calmly, “Is martial arts more important? Or is life more important?”

Chen Ping An began to get up and clear the table.

Zheng Dafeng’s mood turned somber.

Because he suddenly realized that the matter of Chen Ping An’s natal porcelain shattering was a deep well, deeper than he had imagined.

For no reason, watching the boy skillfully stack the dishes, Zheng Dafeng felt sorry for him.

Chen Ping An?

Besides the surname, there wasn’t much to say. His name seemed backwards, didn’t it?

Zheng Dafeng casually asked, “Chen Ping An, who do you look like, your dad or your mom?”

Chen Ping An blurted out, “The old neighbors say I look more like my mother.”

Then Chen Ping An glanced at Zheng Dafeng, “Whoever I look like, I’m definitely better-looking than you.”

Zheng Dafeng snapped, “Scram, scram! Go wash your dishes!”

He shouldn’t have had a shred of pity for this kid.

Earlier, on the Dragon Ascension Terrace by the East Sea of Old Dragon City, City Lord Fu Qi went to the Sea of Clouds to investigate the anomaly, and had not returned for a long time. The Golden Core realm devotee who cultivated in a thatched hut by the sea left his meditation spot and came to Young City Lord Fu Nanhua’s side. Only then did Fu Nanhua realize that something was wrong. Following the old man’s gaze, he saw a man with a sword horizontally behind him slowly approaching from afar. The man’s demeanor was casual, just like a traveler passing through. Fu Nanhua could not discern the man’s depth and whispered, “Is this man’s cultivation very high?”

The Golden Core old man was able to single-handedly help the Fu family guard the Dragon Ascension Terrace. His combat power was considerable, with two magic treasures that were both offensive and defensive. He was among the top experts in the entire Old Dragon City. The expression on the old man’s face was not relaxed at all at this moment. He said in a deep voice, “Presumably, very high.”

Fu Nanhua was somewhat shaken. The meaning wasn’t the “very high” itself, but in “presumably.” This implied that even a Golden Core realm expert could not see through the other party’s true strength, and the realm was higher than the old man’s ninth-stage Golden Core realm. What was most terrifying was that the uninvited guest was carrying a sword. Once he was a swordsman, even if he was only the Nascent Soul realm above the Golden Core realm, the killing power of a tenth-stage swordsman was conceivable.

Fu Nanhua asked again, “Does he come with good intentions?”

The Golden Core realm expert shook his head. “Doesn’t seem like it.”

The man strolled over, completely disregarding the forbidden zone rules established by the Fu family of Old Dragon City. He directly crossed the invisible Thunder Pool formation and walked up to the old man and Fu Nanhua. The man rested his elbows on the sword hilt horizontally behind him and smiled, “My name is Xu Ruo, from Great Li. I’m currently a guest in your house.”

Fu Nanhua suddenly understood. When the ferryboat landed in Fu City, he wasn’t qualified to greet his father Fu Qi and the distinguished guest from Great Li. Only a few people in the family “received” them. Fu Nanhua didn’t dare to be clever in such an important matter. Since his father didn’t want him to show his face, there must be a deeper meaning, so he had to pretend to be deaf and mute. But Fu Nanhua had heard of Xu Ruo’s name long ago, not just any Xu Ruo from Great Li, but the Xu Ruo of the Mohist school. Now, after hearing the man announce his name, he quickly suppressed the surging ripples in his heart and immediately bowed and saluted, “Fu Nanhua pays respects to Sword Immortal Senior.”

Xu Ruo smiled and returned the greeting with a cupped fist.

Fu Nanhua straightened up and turned to the Golden Core old man with a smile, “Grandpa Chu, it’s nothing.”

Unexpectedly, after the old man’s astonishment, his bow was even more devout than Fu Nanhua’s, and he was unwilling to rise for a long time. “Chu Yang, the unfilial descendant of the Chu clan of Cuiwei in the Central Earth Divine Continent, thanks Grand Hero Xu for saving our family’s life!”

Xu Ruo chuckled to himself. He was just passing by the misfortune of the Cuiwei Chu clan back then and just intervened casually, blocking the endless entanglement of a mountain sect family and waved his hand. “No need to be so polite, I’m just adhering to the Mohist principles.”

The old man still did not get up, his voice trembling. “A great kindness is a great kindness. If not for Grand Hero Xu’s rescue, Chu Yang would have truly become a stray dog, and it would have been a luxury to even want to return to our ancestors. Grand Hero Xu is kind-hearted and would not take this matter to heart, but Chu Yang would never dare to be ungrateful!”

Xu Ruo said helplessly, “I appreciate the sentiment, but it’s not good for you to bend over like this all the time.”

The Golden Core old man, who looked a generation older than Xu Ruo, put away his great gift and looked at the powerful Sword Immortal who could integrate famous mountains and great rivers into his sword intent, and laughed, “I never thought I would be able to meet Grand Hero Xu in Treasure Bottle Continent. Chu Yang has been sitting here for decades, and the resentment in my heart towards the Fu family has been completely wiped out today!”

Fu Nanhua was somewhat tearful.

As expected of the number one Golden Core in Old Dragon City, his temper was really bad, and he still didn’t mention his gratitude!
Reluctantly, Fu Nanhua was filled with mixed emotions. Back then, when the Golden Core cultivator Chu Yang traveled to Old Dragon City, he was exceedingly arrogant. Over a trivial matter, he clashed with a prominent family in Old Dragon City, causing a massive upheaval. Chu Yang single-handedly fought against numerous opponents, holding his ground without faltering. In the end, it was Fu Qi who personally intervened, first engaging in a fierce battle with Chu Yang, then offering a mountain of gold and silver, and finally relinquishing the Feng Shui treasure ground of Dragon Ascent Platform, only then did Chu Yang reluctantly agree to become a guest elder of the Fu family. Even with such sincerity from the Fu family, Chu Yang still frankly stated that he would not intervene in any of the Fu family’s grievances, unless it threatened the very survival of the clan. He warned that if anyone in the Fu family dared to exploit his goodwill, he would show no mercy. The Fu family had no choice but to grit their teeth and agree.

Yet, this very same Golden Core cultivator, with the potential to become an Earth Immortal, now had the same awe-struck mindset as Fu Nanhua did when he was young, facing the unfathomable Chu Yang.

Fu Nanhua suddenly had a whimsical thought: Could this Mo Family hero also have someone he genuinely admired? Would he, too, willingly adopt the demeanor of a junior when meeting that person, looking up to them with reverence?

Fu Nanhua found himself unable to even imagine such a scene.

Xu Ruo didn’t bother with polite greetings to the Golden Core elder and headed straight for Dragon Ascent Platform.

Chu Yang didn’t even hint at a warning. Fu Nanhua wanted to say something, but quickly swallowed his words.

(End of this chapter, please turn the page)

As the sea of clouds over Old Dragon City suddenly descended, Fu Qi quickly returned and appeared beside Fu Nanhua. Watching Xu Ruo ascend the platform, the City Lord of Old Dragon City showed no displeasure whatsoever. Instead, he took Fu Nanhua directly back to the city. The Golden Core elder nodded in acknowledgment to Fu Qi and then returned to his thatched hut by the sea to continue his cultivation.

Fu Qi was so confident in allowing Xu Ruo to approach the maiden Zhi Gui.

It wasn’t just because he knew he couldn’t stop a Sword Immortal renowned throughout the Central Continent, but also because of Xu Ruo’s identity as a member of the Mo Family.

The wandering chivalry of the Mo Family was a prestigious brand in itself.

Xu Ruo had walked about halfway when the maiden came down from Dragon Ascent Platform. Dressed in simple, elegant maid’s attire, her clean and delicate face was no longer covered in blood, and her eyes were golden.

The two met halfway. Xu Ruo stopped and walked down with the maiden, softly reminding her, “In the eyes of certain Confucian sages, your ascent to this platform is a challenge to the established order.”

In front of Xu Ruo, the maiden, for some reason, shed all the pretenses she had worn in Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven and the Dali Capital. Her face was cold. “Since I could crawl out of that well alive and leave Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven alive, it means that my existence has already been tacitly approved by the sages. Does ascending this platform matter?”

Before Xu Ruo could say anything, Zhi Gui answered herself, “I don’t think it matters. Not at all.”

Xu Ruo simply said “Oh” and remained silent.

The maiden smiled, “Back then, of all the Hundred Schools of Thought, only your Mo Family…”

Xu Ruo instantly drew his sword two inches out of its sheath. An invisible river of water enveloped the entire Dragon Ascent Platform, creating a grand spectacle, so much so that a surging tidal wave crashing towards the shore receded on its own accord. The Golden Core elder meditating in his hut abruptly opened his eyes, then quickly closed them again.

The maiden chuckled, “Your swordsmanship is indeed remarkable, and it could be even better, but your spirit is truly no match for the founders of your Mo Family.”

Xu Ruo frowned. “That’s enough. It’s not good to push your luck. This is, after all, the Magnificent Land.”

The maiden narrowed her eyes and pouted. “That’s right. How could I not know that this is an ancient battlefield, littered with corpses piled higher than Mount Sui, the great peaks of the Central Continent? The blood is more abundant than the very river you summoned.”

Xu Ruo stopped, unusually showing a hint of anger. “Didn’t Mr. Qi of the Cliffside Academy teach you anything?!”

The maiden kept walking, her steps light and nimble. “He did. He loved to lecture, but I just didn’t like listening.”

Xu Ruo followed in silence. The moment the maiden stepped off the last step, the majestic river of sword intent vanished without a trace.

Effortless and spontaneous.

Back then, when Xu Ruo faced Wei Jin of the Snow Wind Temple, who had just entered the Jade Purity Realm, he also drew his sword slightly, using his Mountain-like Sword Intent to resist Wei Jin’s sword. It seemed evenly matched, but it was clear that Xu Ruo was far from using his full strength.

In truth, it had been many years since Xu Ruo had fully drawn his sword.

Back in Red Candle Town in the Dali Dynasty, Xu Ruo met that man wearing a bamboo hat. As they were drinking together, Xu Ruo wanted to ask the man for guidance on a sword technique, but the man just smiled and said, “Don’t waste the essence and spirit of an entire sword sheath. Keep saving it.”

Xu Ruo knew then how vast the difference was between him and that man.

If he weren’t constrained by his identity as a disciple of the Mo Family, Xu Ruo would have loved to go to the Great Wall of Sword Qi.

The Sword Immortals on that Great Wall were fundamentally different from the Sword Immortals of the Nine Continents of the Magnificent Land.

How could Xu Ruo not yearn for it?

Or perhaps he should take this opportunity to visit Upside-Down Mountain?

Xu Ruo’s heart stirred, thinking it seemed feasible.

But glancing at the maiden’s back, Xu Ruo sighed. Forget it. This seemingly fragile little girl was no easy character.

And she wasn’t that young, either.

Xu Ruo stopped again, as if he had no intention of escorting her back to the Fu family.

The maiden turned to look, somewhat puzzled.

Xu Ruo remained standing where he was.

The maiden assumed it was his Sword Immortal temperament acting up, and he didn’t want to bother with her. She didn’t care anyway, and soon turned back and continued walking.

Xu Ruo simply turned around and returned to Dragon Ascent Platform, walking to the highest point. This was where the last true dragon in the world had landed before fleeing north, creating the Dragon-Walking Path and ultimately perishing in the northernmost part of the Treasure Bottle Continent’s Dali Dynasty, failing to cross the sea to reach Ju Lu Continent.

Xu Ruo wondered how far the maiden, who claimed to be Wang Zhu, could go this time.

The Fan family’s Osmanthus Island ferry set sail at dusk today.

Fan Er came specially to see Chen Pingan off. The two of them took a carriage to outside Old Dragon City early in the morning.

Zheng Dafeng must have left a package outside Chen Pingan’s door last night, just tossing it there casually. The shopkeeper didn’t eat breakfast and slept soundly until noon, determined to sleep his fill. He ignored Fan Er’s knocking and Chen Pingan’s farewell.
The Osmanthus Island, location of the inner Old Dragon City’s six intercontinental ferries, wasn’t at the end of the Sun family’s main street outside the city, but instead on a solitary island to the southernmost edge. One had to transfer to another ferry to reach that massive island, a distance of thirty-odd *li* from the “Dragon Head” Old Dragon City on the Treasure Bottle Continent.

Upon arriving at the shore, the Fan family’s carriage was already waiting. The two youths, of similar age, sat in the carriage. Fan Er, furtively pulled out a money pouch and handed it to Chen Ping’an, whispering, “My family keeps a tight grip on my finances, I don’t have much, Chen Ping’an, I swear! It’s not that I, Fan Er, am stingy. These few gold ingots are all my New Year’s money. It’s only because it’s a small amount, secretly given by some familiar elders, and it’s not some celestial’s ‘snow money’ or ‘minor heat money,’ that my parents turn a blind eye. It’s a small token of my esteem, you absolutely must accept it. And these two jars of Osmanthus Nectar wine, take them to drink on the road. Grandpa Ma, the driver, helped me hide them in his spatial artifact. Once you arrive at Osmanthus Island, he’ll secretly give them to you. Because Mister Zheng has spoken, our Osmanthus Island will certainly treat you well after you set sail, we’re not short of this little bit of wine. But still, this is my, Fan Er’s, own heartfelt gift, it’s different.”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “I won’t take the money, but I will definitely accept the wine.”

Fan Er was a little saddened and dejected, “Why? You’re not the type to think the money is too little, are you? Between friends like us, shouldn’t we be all about ‘scattering gold like dust without batting an eye’? I’ve actually been feeling quite sorry for myself along the way, saving it up so painstakingly for five or six years.”

Chen Ping’an gently bumped the youth’s shoulder, lowering his voice to ask, “Does Old Dragon City have flower wine? When we’re a little older…”

Fan Er’s eyes lit up, instantly understanding, “Don’t worry, I’ll save up even more gold ingots over the next two years!”

Chen Ping’an said earnestly, “I have a very close friend who says the best wine in the world is flower wine. If you haven’t even had it once, you don’t deserve to be called a Wine Immortal… Fan Er, we’ll just drink wine when the time comes.”

Fan Er solemnly replied, “Absolutely!”

Beyond the large island that obscured Old Dragon City from view, there was another island, dotted with interconnected pavilions and buildings, and covered with osmanthus trees, releasing a fragrant aroma.

Between the two islands, a wide road connected them across the sea. Numerous luxurious carriages could only stop their horses at the edge of the road, but the two youths’ carriage was able to proceed directly to the Osmanthus Island ferry, attracting many surprised glances. However, when some Qi Refiners recognized the old coachman, they dared not complain any further.

The carriage slowly stopped, and Chen Ping’an and Fan Er got out. Fan Er wore a bitter expression, saying, “Chen Ping’an, I won’t see you off on the boat. I’ve been stealing quite a bit of Osmanthus Nectar from my dad these past few days. He had finally managed to hide the wine from my mother, and I stole it all. I’m definitely going to be punished to go to the ancestral hall tonight…”

Chen Ping’an quickly said, “You must never eat soil, I was just joking when I tricked you into thinking it could be eaten as food.”

Fan Er stood there dumbstruck, with a tearful face, “I dug up more than two *jin* and hid it under my bed last night, did I dig it up for nothing?”

Chen Ping’an laughed heartily, accepting the two jars of wine from the kind-looking old coachman, and walked backwards towards Osmanthus Island, smiling at Fan Er, “I’m leaving!”

Fan Er nodded vigorously, waving goodbye. As if remembering something, he shouted loudly, “Chen Ping’an, I think your name is pretty good, almost the same as mine. Our parents put their hearts into naming us!”

Chen Ping’an’s face darkened, and he turned and ran towards the mountain path leading to the island.

Fan Er was somewhat smug, “That’s for tricking me into thinking I could eat soil.”

Fan Er turned around and smiled at the old coachman, “Grandpa Ma, let’s go, straight to the ancestral hall!”

The youth felt that he was extremely heroic this time, it seemed those drinks had not been drunk in vain, or stolen in vain! He already had the courage of a hero surging through him!

The old man, who had been holding back his laughter, said, “Young Master Fan, your father said that you don’t need to be punished at the ancestral hall this time.”

Fan Er held his head in his hands, not knowing whether to be happy or frustrated.

The old man glanced at his young master, and then at the straw-sandaled youth who was already on Osmanthus Island, feeling inexplicably that the weather was particularly good today.

Chen Ping’an ascended the mountain, it seemed that with every step he took, he was one step closer to that maiden.

Therefore, he walked faster and faster, until he reached the summit of Osmanthus Island, looked around, and couldn’t help but take a deep breath, then deliberately held his breath.

Because Chen Ping’an suddenly remembered something the old man in the bamboo house had said on the cliff.

“When this breath is exhaled, it must cause the world to change color! It must cause immortals to kneel and kowtow, it must make all martial artists in the world feel that you are the Azure Heavens above!”

Then Chen Ping’an remembered something the old Sword Saint from Comb Water Country had said.

If a girl says to you, Chen Ping’an, you are a good person… Haha, your relationship is definitely doomed!

Chen Ping’an suddenly felt a little deflated and scratched his head.

Finally, he remembered something he had said, “My father’s surname is Chen, and my mother’s surname is also Chen, so my name is… Chen Ping’an.”

Chen Ping’an squatted down and began to drink in silence, unable to help muttering to himself, “Chen Ping’an, are you an idiot?!”

(End of this chapter)