(The last sentence of this chapter is borrowed from a reader’s comment in Qidian, beautifully written.)

After the Old Heavenly Lord and Zhong Kui left, the night passed uneventfully.

Pei Qian, her eyelids drooping with sleep, was lifted by Chen Pingan onto the windowsill, telling her to go back to bed.

Chen Pingan remained alone in the courtyard, neither practicing his stances nor his swordsmanship, but sat by the stone table, contemplating his future plans.

Occasionally, he would drift into a daze, gazing up at the night sky. He recalled Zhong Kui saying that among the Confucian scholars enshrined in the Wen Temple, besides those who ventured to expand territories and seek out new blessed lands, many would be stationed above this vast and boundless world, overlooking humanity. In their eyes, the great cultivators of the mortal realm, whether on mountains or below, were like fireflies flickering on summer nights. The brightness of their light depended on the heights of their terrestrial immortal realms. Thus, during the battle at Taiping Mountain, when the White Ape and Chen Pingan unleashed their full power, revealing their auras without restraint, it was like two sudden bursts of light in the eyes of the Sages above Tongye Continent. This attracted the Sages to descend, preventing powerful cultivators from acting unreasonably or engaging in personal vendettas. If they acted without restraint, shattering mountains and rivers, the common people would suffer.

More often, Chen Pingan closed his eyes to rest, silently reciting the immortal incantations from the Jade Scroll of Biyou Mansion.

Reading a book a hundred times reveals its meaning; all myriad methods in the world share a common origin.

At the break of dawn, Chen Pingan opened his eyes, hearing the footsteps of the old General Yao Zhen outside the courtyard. He stopped at the gate, seemingly hesitant to knock.

Chen Pingan rose and opened the gate. Yao Zhen smiled, “As expected of a martial arts grandmaster, able to identify a person by their footsteps.”

Chen Pingan asked, “Shall we take a stroll in the gardens of the post station to clear our minds?”

Yao Zhen walked alongside Chen Pingan, slowly saying, “The reason I didn’t accompany you yesterday to visit the place where the ancient immortal rode a crane to ascend was because I received news that a secret envoy from Mirage City was coming to the post station. I had to wait. I waited until the second watch of the night to meet the esteemed guest. Can you guess who it was?”

Since he was asking Chen Pingan, it would definitely be someone related to him from Mirage City. Chen Pingan had a flash of inspiration and replied, “Duke Shen, Gao Shizhen.”

Yao Zhen gave a thumbs up, nodding, “Precisely, it was this Duke.”

Those who come are either friendly or hostile.

The fact that the Emperor would send Duke Shen as a secret envoy, to deliver a message to Crane-Riding City before Yao Zhen’s team entered Mirage City, showed that in the Emperor’s mind, Duke Shen held more weight than the future Minister of War, Yao Zhen. As for whether the Emperor gave Duke Shen any specific instructions or warnings before he left the capital, Chen Pingan had never met the Emperor and couldn’t guess. Therefore, Duke Shen’s secret arrival at the post station in Crane-Riding City was nothing short of a major show of force for the old General.

It is not easy to reside in the capital.

Even if you are Yao Zhen, you are still an outsider from the frontier.

His “long journey” through the timeless Lotus Root Blessed Land, accompanying the Old Taoist of the Eastern Sea to observe the Dao, had benefited Chen Pingan greatly. Perhaps it was only when he left Lotus Root Blessed Land that this peasant from Mud Bottle Lane finally shook off the last bit of dirt from his trouser legs.

Yao Zhen slowly said, “The Great Quan Dynasty has a total of ten princes and dukes who are not of the imperial family. Two hundred years since the Liu family founded the dynasty, through ups and downs, only the Shen Duke’s residence remains. The old Duke Shen had an excellent reputation, known for his fairness. Twice, he risked having the plaque of the Duke’s residence removed, once to protect a group of upright officials and once to protect a frontier general. Therefore, the court, both civil and military, remembers the Shen Duke’s family fondly. The current Duke Gao Shizhen is low-key and doesn’t like to be in the spotlight, but he had close ties with the then-Prince when he was young. Looking back, this Duke is not simple. That’s why Gao Shuyi has the audacity to run rampant in Mirage City…”

Chen Pingan suddenly interjected, “Gao Shuyi’s tyrannical behavior, offending various nobles, may not be a way for the Duke’s residence to tarnish its own reputation. Both generations of Dukes have relied on their abilities to gain advantages that courtiers wouldn’t even dare to dream of. If Gao Shuyi doesn’t do something, the Duke’s residence might end up like the Yao family’s frontier army.”

Yao Zhen’s expression was strange, and he gave Chen Pingan another thumbs up. “Similar to the views of my granddaughter, Jinzhi.”

However, Yao Zhen patted Chen Pingan’s shoulder. “However, Jinzhi said this when she was fourteen.”

Chen Pingan chuckled inwardly. Why was the old General Yao competing with him? He still echoed, “Miss Jinzhi is intelligent and talented in both scholarly and practical subjects. I am naturally far inferior to her.”

Yao Zhen’s weathered face broke into a smile, and the gloom in his heart was swept away.

As for what Duke Shen, Gao Shizhen, said at the post station, Yao Zhen, as a subject of the Liu family, would certainly not reveal a word.

However, if Mirage City and the Duke wanted to deal with his little benefactor, Yao Zhen wouldn’t mind dying again. After all, returning his old life to Chen Pingan would still be a profit for the Yao family. After all, the Yao family’s iron cavalry had completely escaped this storm. This was the conclusion his granddaughter reached after a late-night conversation by candlelight with Yao Jinzhi after he returned to the post station from sending Gao Shizhen out of the city last night. When Yao Zhen enters the capital, Mirage City will hold a grand welcoming event that will empty the streets. The reputation of the Yao family’s iron cavalry will be renowned throughout the court, promoted by officials at all levels.

The post station’s garden was extremely famous. Under the enthusiastic descriptions of successive scholars, poets, and exiled officials, it had gained the reputation of “surpassing the beauty of mountains and ponds, the elegance of pavilions and terraces, unmatched even by the princes in the capital.”

Amidst the shade of green trees and flowing streams, the two walked onto a wooden arch bridge. Chen Pingan’s familiarity with bridge structures was now probably no less than that of an official from the Ministry of Works. Chen Pingan walked on the bridge, his steps sometimes light and sometimes heavy, gently tapping the railing. Yao Zhen simply took it as a personal hobby and didn’t curiously ask about it.

The Yao family’s team would depart the day after tomorrow. Tonight, the Prefect would host a banquet, and tomorrow, the Governor would privately host a dinner for the old General Yao Zhen. Therefore, they could still enjoy Crane-Riding City for two more days.

Chen Pingan would stay in the courtyard and cultivate in seclusion.

His martial arts advancement was progressing far faster than expected when he left Upside-Down Mountain. There was no need to rush.

Rebuilding the Bridge of Longevity, however, had a sense of urgency.

In two visualizations, once in Lotus Root Blessed Land and once by the Buried River, the golden bridge had successfully manifested in the air, becoming more stable each time. Especially the second time, when it spanned the Buried River, Chen Pingan was confident enough to walk on it.
However, the thought of forming the Bridge of Longevity, coupled with the need to refine five elemental treasures as objects to anchor his “small world within,” gave Chen Ping’an a headache. With the jade slip incantation gifted by the Water God, he was now obligated to prepare immediately. This meant he had to refine five Natal Treasures, or the Bridge of Longevity would become a dead end. Unless he abandoned his martial arts cultivation, the consequences of building the bridge and having spiritual energy flood in like a reversed tide would be disastrous. However, if his Qi Mansion possessed five existences resembling lakes or immortal dwellings, they could accumulate the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, while not overly affecting the movement of his pure true Qi. Essentially, the two could co-exist without interfering with each other.

This mysterious state was akin to one Chen Ping’an wandering the world with his fists, and another Chen Ping’an secluding himself in the mountains, silently cultivating.

As Chen Ping’an practiced his footwork, he thought to himself, “The Water Seal that Master Qi gave me must be refined into a Natal Treasure. This way, it will be connected to my very being. Even if it is shattered like the Mountain Seal, as long as I don’t die, it will still faintly appear in my Qi Mansion. Even if it loses its power, there will always be a lingering thought, something I can see whenever I want. Moreover, the Immortal Art from the Water God contains the most detailed information regarding water refinement.”

“As for the ancient jade slip that nourishes the body and soul, it is likely related to the water element of the Five Elements, but its grade and origin are unknown. I’ll need to ask Wei Bo about it.”

“It’s a pity the golden robe isn’t one of the Five Elements. Otherwise, its grade is sufficient, and it would be suitable for refinement. I wouldn’t have to wear it all the time, and it wouldn’t be immediately recognized by Nascent Soul Immortals. Alas, what a shame.”

“Regarding the golden literary courage of City God Shen Wen of Caiyi Kingdom, I felt a resonance when I spoke of the learning sequence in the Biyou Mansion. It seems it can be refined into the metal element of the Five Elements. Moreover, reading is a lifelong endeavor, just like fist techniques and swordsmanship.”

“As for the earth element of the Five Elements, the old Daoist entrusted the young disciple to mention the Five-Colored Soil of the Mountains and Rivers of the Great Li. Now that the Great Li cavalry is marching south, and the flames of war are raging, does this mean that the Song clan of the Great Li can truly seize at least half of the treasure bottle continent? If that’s the case, the Five Sacred Mountains and Five-Colored Soil of the Great Li Dynasty would indeed be valuable. It seems I’ll have to trouble Wei Bo, who already holds the position of the Northern Mountain Deity of the Great Li, when I return to Longquan.”

Chen Ping’an, clad in white robes, punched out with “selfless” abandon, his movements exceptionally flowing.

No longer was he a clumsy pottery apprentice, stiff and formal like block script. He had become like a master, elegant and unrestrained like running script.

The essence lay in enduring hardship and seizing opportunities.

The four figures in the painting each had their quirks.

Recently, Wei Xian had developed a fondness for snack foods, with two small bags hanging from his waist, filled with food bought from various shops.

Lu Baixiang loved all things refined and elegant. Now, he liked to hold a few chess pieces in his palm, and as he walked, the friction of the pieces would create a slight creaking sound.

Zhu Lian disliked restrictions. For example, he found wearing socks with boots troublesome. He bought a pair of straw sandals from somewhere in Riding Crane City and changed into a light yellow linen robe. Furthermore, wherever he stopped in a town, Zhu Lian would buy several books of strange tales and ghost stories, or stories of talented scholars and beautiful women, and read them to pass the time.

Aside from comprehending the sword every day, Sui Youbian seemed to have no other quirks. This in itself was the greatest quirk.

After Chen Ping’an finished his fist practice, he returned to the house.

Today, Zhu Lian was basking in the warm early winter sun in the courtyard, reading a rather erotic tale of talented scholars and beautiful women.

The young Yao Xianzhi came to visit, seeking advice on fist techniques from Wei Xian.

Lu Baixiang was playing chess with Yao Jinzhi, who had come with him.

Sui Youbian, after visiting the small mountain, seemed to have undergone a subtle change in demeanor. He began his solitary seclusion again, with his sword across his knees, frequently drawing it out an inch before sheathing it again, repeating the motion.

Pei Qian, always restless, watched Lu Baixiang and Yao Jinzhi play chess for a while, found it boring, and returned to the house to grab her walking staff. She waved her signature madman’s staff technique beside Wei Xian and Yao Xianzhi. Wei Xian watched Pei Qian for a while, after letting Yao Xianzhi practice a stance, remaining silent for a long time. The little girl wielded the walking staff erratically, sometimes accidentally hitting herself. Truly a reckless style that harmed the user as much as the enemy.

Yao Xianzhi, practicing his stance, rolled his eyes.

Wei Xian, on the other hand, didn’t seem to find the dark-skinned girl childish.

Panting, Pei Qian bent over, holding the walking staff with both hands, and asked, “Old Wei, how’s my talent for martial arts? Is it one in a million? Tomorrow… Forget it, next year, can I become a peerless master like my dad? Ten of you combined?”

Wei Xian replied indirectly, “The martial world says years for the sword, months for the saber, long practice for the spear. If you really want your staff technique to improve rapidly, I have two suggestions. One is to go to a field of rapeseed flowers and wield the staff like a dragon. Over time, you’ll develop an invincible aura. The second is to poke a hornet’s nest. Being in a dangerous situation will give you another kind of aura, one that treats death as if it were nothing.”

Pei Qian saw that Wei Xian was being sincere. After pondering for a moment, she said suspiciously, “You’re not lying to me?”

Wei Xian said nonchalantly, “Don’t believe me, then forget it.”

Lu Baixiang, with his back to the courtyard, smiled slightly.

Zhu Lian, hunched over reading, had just moistened his finger and turned a page, but the amorous descriptions on the previous page were too enticing, so he couldn’t help but flip back and admire it again.

Pei Qian suddenly shook her head, sighed, and said with a look of pity, “Old Wei, haven’t you realized that what I’m practicing isn’t a staff technique at all, but swordsmanship?!”

Wei Xian pretended to be enlightened, but without much sincerity.

Pei Qian, embarrassed and enraged, said, “Old Wei, if you keep being so boring, our friendship based on that candied hawthorn stick will be over!”

Wei Xian twitched his lips, looking somewhat gleeful.

As soon as she said it, Pei Qian dropped the walking staff and quickly covered her mouth.

Sure enough, Chen Ping’an’s voice rang out, “Go back to your room and copy the book five hundred times.”

Now, in addition to reading and reciting, Chen Ping’an also required Pei Qian to copy books.
Pei Qian, gnashing her teeth as she copied scriptures, couldn’t resist the urge to slap herself. Why did she have to ask that Xuanhua female ghost from Biyou Mansion for brush and paper? Now Chen Ping’an had said that since she had her own writing tools, she should start practicing calligraphy every day. Not much, just five hundred characters. But if any character was carelessly written, too crooked or distorted, it wouldn’t count towards the five hundred and she’d have to make it up. Pei Qian felt like dying. Hadn’t she just been enjoying a few days of carefree, heavenly bliss?

With her cheeks puffed out like a plump steamed bun, Pei Qian picked up her mountain-traveling staff and obediently went back to her room to copy scriptures.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, all was harmonious and joyful.

A hundred li outside of Riding Crane City, within the territory of a small mountain god shrine, the Mountain God’s residence had been constructed like a veritable immortal abode, thanks to the exorbitant amount of incense money received each year.

These past few days, distinguished guests had been arriving one after another, making the humble place shine with brilliance. The insignificant Mountain God personally served as a servant, pouring tea, carrying water, and attending to those dignitaries with utmost diligence.

The first to arrive was a genuine immortal from the mountains, accompanied by two young female cultivators of breathtaking beauty.

It was Du Hanling, the Abbot of Golden Summit Temple, a renowned Nascent Soul Earth Immortal whose temple was situated in a scenic and spiritually rich land in the Northern part of the Tongye Continent.

Such a prominent terrestrial immortal would be beyond the reach of even the Great Quan Dynasty’s Emperor, let alone this insignificant mountain god shrine. His Majesty wouldn’t be able to invite the old immortal to grace his court.

The Mountain God was initially so terrified that his golden statue in the shrine nearly crumbled. However, after receiving a personal decree from Du Hanling, stating that she was merely borrowing the place to entertain friends and would certainly repay the favor afterward, the Mountain God immediately felt relieved. The old immortal Du wouldn’t stoop to scheming against someone as insignificant as him; he wasn’t worthy of her attention.

Subsequently, a dignified official arrived, radiating an aura of wealth and power. His attendants were all Qi Refining cultivators with considerable accomplishments.

Then, a young Daoist with a face as radiant as jade quietly ascended the mountain, accompanied by a pair of disciples – an elderly man whose cultivation was not high and who suffered from severe injuries, and a tall, honest-looking youth.

Finally, the Mountain God’s direct superior appeared in the dead of night – the City God of the Prefecture City’s City God Pavilion, whose official position was similar to a governor in the mortal world. He oversaw all City God Temples, mountain and water deities within the prefecture. The Temples of Literature and War, however, were exceptions, being directly under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom’s Ministry of Rites. The two types of temples had always operated independently of each other. As for which held higher rank or greater power, and who would preside over affairs in an emergency, varied from place to place.

Abbot Du Hanling of Golden Summit Temple, Duke Gao Shizhen of the Great Quan Kingdom, and the City God of Riding Crane City.

Adding to their ranks was Shao Yuanran, who was both a disciple of Golden Summit Temple and a retainer of the Liu family of the Great Quan Dynasty.

The winter sun was warm, the scenery delightful, and the four of them gathered in a scenic pavilion atop the mountain, enjoying the view.

The Mountain God stood far away, ready to serve at any moment.

Inside the pavilion, they were engaged in pleasant conversation.

After Duke Gao Shizhen descended the mountain, he returned to the Great Quan capital, Mirage City, no longer bearing the gloomy expression and somber countenance he had worn on the journey.

The City God quietly returned to the tallest building in Riding Crane City, the City God Pavilion, staring at the inn with an icy gaze and a hint of mockery on his lips.

Du Hanling stayed on the mountain for an extra day.

Before departing, she once again summoned her disciple, Daoist Baochen, Yin Miaofeng, whose Golden Core was forever out of reach, and her grand-disciple, Shao Yuanran. The master and disciple were both now in the Dragon Gate realm, and were therefore not stationed in Mirage City as top-tier retainers, but rather garrisoned at the border, monitoring the Yao clan’s iron cavalry for the Liu family of the Great Quan Dynasty.

Besides bestowing upon Shao Yuanran a treasured artifact of the sect in advance, considering it as an early reward for Shao Yuanran’s sect award, which he should have received upon reaching the Golden Core stage.

Earth Immortal Du Hanling also revealed a secret.

Even the composed Shao Yuanran couldn’t hide his delight, while Yin Miaofeng grinned from ear to ear, rising to respectfully thank his master on behalf of his disciple.

Du Hanling praised Shao Yuanran a few times before mounting the wind and traveling north, returning to Golden Summit Temple. Before departing, she made sure to gift the Mountain God a decent high-quality spiritual instrument.

The Mountain God was naturally grateful and, after the old immortal Du soared into the clouds, he knelt on the mountaintop, kowtowing and offering his thanks from afar.

In reality, the Mountain God’s nearly obsequious flattery might seem excessive, but it was understandable. The spiritual instrument wasn’t the most important thing; being able to attach himself to Golden Summit Temple and befriend a reclusive Nascent Soul Earth Immortal was the greatest stroke of fortune for his small mountain shrine.

From now on, could the gold-pen evaluation of the Riding Crane City God be bad? Impossible!

The young Daoist Shao Yuanran left his master and disciple on the mountain to recover.

The old Immortal Yin Miaofeng and Shao Yuanran did not enter the city at the same time, but returned to the inn in the city one after another.

In a quiet residence on the mountain, the tall youth who had forced his way into the Temple of War, his expression complex, sat on a brocade stool beside the sickbed, his fists clenched, as if pondering an incomprehensible problem.

His master lay on the bed, recuperating. Although his injuries were severe, making it impossible for him to fight or slay demons for the time being, walking had long ceased to be a problem.

The old man’s face was pale, but his spirit was excellent, his eyes shining brightly. He turned to look at his only disciple. “Taking a good disciple is one difficulty, and a disciple cultivating smoothly is another, no simpler than caring for one’s own children. I have no descendants; you are my only disciple. If I don’t properly plan your future, I won’t die in peace.”

The old man smiled and said, “I’ve already explained the reasons and process to you. As for how your master got to know Golden Summit Temple, and why you happened to run into the Little Immortal Shao this time, don’t ask too much. From today onwards, just cultivate diligently. Old Immortal Du personally helped you break through your bottleneck, allowing you to enter the Middle Five Realms. You must remember this kindness. To put it bluntly, Golden Summit Temple is a large immortal cave residence. Even if you sincerely wanted to repay the favor, would they need it? But still, you must have the intention, or you won’t even qualify to be a dog for Golden Summit Temple.”

The tall youth’s eyes welled up, and he lowered his head, saying, “This disciple is useless, causing Master to suffer.”

The old man sighed and reached out a finger, tapping the stubborn oaf. “Ah, you still haven’t opened up at all. But that’s fine, otherwise, I wouldn’t have accepted you as my only disciple. To tell you the truth, even if I had seen someone as amazingly talented as Little Immortal Shao early on, I might not have dared to take him into my sect. Once the wind and clouds change into a dragon, how could I, a Sea Gazing cultivator, be able to control him?”

The tall youth was still competitive at his age. “Master, being able to enter the Dragon Gate Realm at a young age, I also have some hope.”
The old man chuckled and scolded, “You foolish child! Going out to cultivate while your master is still ailing? It’s like playing the zither to a cow!”

The tall youth gave an “oh” and rose, taking his leave.

As the youth reached the doorway, the old cultivator softly consoled, “On the path of cultivation, some grievances are inevitable. The most frightening thing is to hoard those grievances for a lifetime. Therefore, you must surpass your master and reach greater heights, so that you may suffer less. This mountain shrine and viewing pavilion aren’t very high, and traveling from Tongye Continent to this Great Spring Dynasty isn’t considered far. This world is full of gods, immortals, and extraordinary beings, but they reside at higher levels.”

The robust youth turned his head and nodded, “I understand.”

The old cultivator smiled, “If possible, in the future, when your cultivation has improved, and the day comes when you can sit as equals with figures like the venerable immortal Du, remember to be kinder to the mortals down the mountain.”

The youth, who had been sullen, now displayed a radiant smile, nodding vigorously in accordance with his heart.

The old man chuckled, “Truly a foolish child!”

The day before setting off for Mirage City, someone came to visit Chen Ping’an.

It was a young Daoist clad in a Daoist robe, with a hibiscus crown atop his head, appearing travel-worn. He drank a bowl of cool tea in Chen Ping’an’s room, explaining that he was the closest to Crane Riding City and had been fortunate enough to receive a decree from his ancestral master to deliver something to Chen Ping’an.

The young Daoist from Peace Mountain carefully produced a jade pendant.

After placing the jade pendant on the table, he explained its origins to Chen Ping’an, speaking frankly, “Our ancestral master instructed me to be clear that Master Chen need not worry about Peace Mountain tampering with the jade pendant, leaking your whereabouts, or being monitored by our Peace Mountain. The ancestral master has already removed the mountain gate restrictions from the jade pendant. To Master Chen, it is just a good-quality object, but to others, it holds extraordinary significance. Therefore, we hope that Master Chen can be slightly inconvenienced and wear it at your waist every day before leaving Tongye Continent.”

Chen Ping’an rose to express his gratitude, and the Peace Mountain Daoist hastily returned the courtesy, repeatedly saying he didn’t dare.

Chen Ping’an accepted the jade pendant and immediately hung it at his waist, flanking the sword-nurturing gourd on either side.

He escorted the young Daoist, who openly declared his name and entered the inn, to the main gate.

Peace Mountain’s action was well-intentioned.

The jade pendant worn by Chen Ping’an, belonging to a direct disciple of the Peace Mountain Ancestral Hall, was engraved with “Peace Mountain Cultivates Me” and “Ancestral Hall Continues the Incense.”

Even Peace Mountain’s Golden Core and Nascent Soul Earth Immortals might not be able to wear it.

Because it had nothing to do with cultivation level or age.

In all of Peace Mountain, only five or six people wore this jade pendant. The oldest was three hundred years old, now overseeing Peace Mountain’s Daoist books, but was only a Dragon Gate realm cultivator. The youngest was a mere seven or eight-year-old Daoist child, exceptionally gifted.

But the most famous of them was undoubtedly the female Daoist Huang Ting, who descended the mountain alone with her sword to wander.

Therefore, from that moment on, Chen Ping’an’s talisman in Tongye Continent was the entire Peace Mountain.

And the ancestral master of Peace Mountain, the Old Celestial Lord, had just displayed an eye-catching immortal divine ability, manifesting his golden body and wielding the Bright Moon Mirror, controlling a celestial sword to slay enemies tens of thousands of miles away.

Who would dare provoke the Peace Mountain that was currently in its full glory?

Chen Ping’an was filled with emotion as he returned to the courtyard.

Dressed in a white robe, with a jade hairpin in his hair and a jade pendant at his waist.

The inn officials on the road saw Chen Ping’an and took him for a scholar.

The Yao family’s team set off for Mirage City at dawn that day.

The closer they got to the famous ferry of Mirage City, the closer Chen Ping’an and his group were to parting ways with the Yao family.

One evening, the Yao family lodged at the last inn of their northward journey. The inn was simple and unadorned, even somewhat crude, a far cry from the inn with gardens in Crane Riding City.

Along the official road outside the inn, about ten miles away, was a Screen Peak, not very tall but like a sword drawn from its sheath. It was very suitable for admiring the sunrise and sunset, a famous scenic spot in the capital, often visited by high officials, nobles, and royal descendants who would stay overnight in the mountain-top inn just to admire the sunrise over the Eastern Sea.

Yao Zhen insisted on taking Chen Ping’an to Screen Peak, and except for the three Yao, he did not allow any accompanying cultivators to follow.

In the end, only Old General, the three Yao, Chen Ping’an, and Pei Qian went to Screen Peak, climbing the mountain and staying overnight in one of the inns at the summit.

Behind this inn was an eastward-facing viewing platform on a cliff, the best place to enjoy the scenery among the six inns on Screen Peak.

The group took the inn’s fine wine and late-night snacks to the table, first to admire the moon and then the sunrise.

The young Yao Xianzhi accompanied Pei Qian, who was holding a walking stick, engaging in childish antics, both busy “sparring martial arts.”

The young maiden Yao Lingzhi went alone to the railing by the cliff, gazing into the distance to the south, seeming somewhat melancholic.

Old General vowed to stay up all night to wait for the sunrise, but after drinking two pots of wine, he failed to defeat Chen Ping’an but got drunk himself. Yao Jinzhi and Yao Ling had to help their grandfather back to the inn.

Pei Qian and Yao Xianzhi were full of energy and would definitely be able to see the sunrise.

Chen Ping’an sat alone at the table, picked up the walking stick that Pei Qian had thrown aside, and idly drew circles in the mud at his feet.

A small circle, a large circle, another larger circle, and another larger circle.

Layer upon layer, intertwined.

Chen Ping’an’s mind was immersed in it.

Yao Jinzhi had been standing behind Chen Ping’an for a long time and asked, “Why don’t you continue drawing?”

Chen Ping’an put away the walking stick, leaned against the stone table, and smiled, “I can only draw this far.”

Yao Jinzhi sat down, poured herself a cup of wine. After entering the inn, she had taken off her veil. Her face was wrinkled as she drank, as if the wine was difficult to swallow. After drinking, she glanced at the ground and said, “It is indeed difficult to continue drawing. I guess even Confucian gentlemen can’t continue.”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, saying nothing, only looking at the railing by the cliff. Yao Xianzhi and Pei Qian, one big and one small, were acting furtively, seemingly discussing something.

Yao Jinzhi smiled and asked, “Don’t you ask me if I truly understand what you drew, or if I only pretend to understand?”

Chen Ping’an softly said, “Miss Yao most likely knows.”
Yao Jinzhi hesitated, then poured herself a cup of wine, draining it in one gulp. Her cheeks flushed a rosy red, making her even more radiant. She slowly said, “Between you and me, the disparity of our backgrounds, the wars between nations, the conflicts between continents, the clashes between cultures, the disputes between the three religions, the contentions between the hundred schools of thought… between all the myriad realms, between humans and demons! You, Chen Ping’an, contemplate the principles you believe you understand. But just the word ‘principle’ itself, how many circles can it encompass? Then you’ll revolve around the outermost circle’s path, wandering until you determine the boundary of the next circle, step across it, and continue onward! Only by doing so can you ensure that every step you take is free of guilt. Although it may be exhausting to navigate the world, your heart will be at peace. Therefore, only when you throw a punch or draw your sword, you can advance fearlessly. Only someone like you, Chen Ping’an, is qualified to say to the gentleman of the academy in the inn, ‘Search your own conscience!'”

Chen Ping’an turned his head, looked at the woman, and nodded, “Miss Yao, you are one of the most intelligent people I have ever met.”

This was the truth.

Without the “one of,” it would have been insincere flattery.

After all, not to mention others, even his own “disciple,” Cui Dongshan, was not someone Yao Jinzhi could currently compare to.

Yao Jinzhi seemed to have drunk two cups of wine, and being unable to hold her liquor well, her words and expressions carried a unique charm. She gazed at Chen Ping’an and softly asked, “In your eyes, is Jinzhi only intelligent?”

Chen Ping’an was taken aback, scratching his head. “Miss Yao, I already have a woman I like.”

Yao Jinzhi covered her mouth and laughed, not at all annoyed. Instead, she asked, “Is she very beautiful?”

Chen Ping’an’s eyes suddenly sparkled with spirit, and without hesitation, he declared, “All the beautiful mountains and beautiful waters in the entire world combined are not as beautiful as her!”

Yao Jinzhi seemed to hold no resentment. She smiled, took a sip of wine, and after sitting with Chen Ping’an for the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, chatting about the local customs of Mirage City, she rose to take her leave.

After turning around, this devastatingly beautiful woman walked towards the inn, her eyes filled with an ambiguous light.

Chen Ping’an did not turn his head. He kept his elbow on the table, leaning sideways, smiling as he gazed at the distant moonlight.

His eyes were gentle, as if he were looking at a maiden, unable to accommodate any other beauty in the world.

The maiden he loved was both the cinnabar mole on his heart and the bright moonlight.