Since they were to linger in the prefectural city for a day, Chen Pingan took Pei Qian out to play. At a kite shop, he bought Pei Qian a wooden kite, a specialty of the Azure Luan Kingdom. The price was quite hefty, and as Chen Pingan paid, Pei Qian’s tender heart ached. She tugged at Chen Pingan’s sleeve and pointed to a large pile of relatively inexpensive butterfly kites inside the shop, saying that they were also quite beautiful. Chen Pingan patted Pei Qian’s head and smiled, saying that there was no need to be frugal with these few coins; the master had a reckoning of the daily expenses.

Before buying the wooden kite, Pei Qian looked at it with both joy and heartache, but after buying it, she was only filled with elation. With a miniature sword and blade at her waist, holding the expensive wooden kite, she grinned from ear to ear.

He took Pei Qian to several scenic spots in the prefectural city that tourists were sure to visit: the City God Temple Street, the Pagoda Temple Stele Forest, the ancient residence of a former dynasty’s prime minister. The morning passed in such a leisurely way.

At noon, Chen Pingan took Pei Qian to a small restaurant for lunch, where the food was good and cheap, but a bit spicy. Pei Qian ate with sweat pouring down her face, blurring her eyes, yet she still attacked the dishes with the speed of a gusting wind.

When there wasn’t much left of the three dishes on the table, Pei Qian, drenched in sweat, wiped her dark face, and suddenly realized that Chen Pingan had put down his chopsticks and was smiling at her. Pei Qian smiled sheepishly, feeling somewhat embarrassed, as her eating habits were a bit uncouth. She would be more mindful in the future, otherwise she might inadvertently disgrace her master when traveling the world.

Back at the immortal inn, Chen Pingan chose an open space in the Hundred Flowers Garden for her. Pei Qian began to fly her kite.

Chen Pingan sat on a bench in the pavilion, watching the small girl run around, the kite fluttering in the wind, and sipping the little bit of osmanthus wine left in the Pocket Dimension, his heart at peace.

Pei Qian turned her head and shouted, “Master, do you want to fly a kite?”

Chen Pingan waved his hand.

Pei Qian continued to sprint about.

The Hundred Flowers Garden was full of vibrant colors and breathtaking beauty.

Cui Dongshan, accompanied by Sui Youbian, approached the pavilion. Cui Dongshan bowed and then sat cross-legged on the bench, leaning against the vermilion pavilion pillar. Sui Youbian, however, did not sit down, saying, “Chen Pingan, I plan to leave here and go to the Jade Regulations Sect in Tongye Continent ahead of time.”

Chen Pingan was not surprised and nodded, “Be careful on the road.”

Sui Youbian waited for more, but after Chen Pingan said these four words, it seemed that he had finished saying everything. Sui Youbian’s face remained cold; she neither left the pavilion nor spoke, creating an awkward atmosphere, as if they were in confrontation.

Chen Pingan looked at Cui Dongshan, who understood. He used a golden flying sword to draw a large circle around the pavilion, isolating a small world embryo, to prevent prying eyes from inside and outside the inn. After all, it was not a true Small World, and might not be able to block the Palm-Sized Mountain and River technique of Earth Immortals. However, in this way, Cui Dongshan would sense it, and what difficulty would there be in dealing with the dog-sh*t Golden Cores and Nascent Souls of a small place like Azure Luan Kingdom? They shouldn’t underestimate his grandfather Cui.

Only then did Chen Pingan say, “Sui Youbian, then I will say some unromantic and practical things. Whether you like to hear them or not, you must listen. First, the Bewitching Heart Sword is lent to you; you have to return it. Also, the Dragon Slaying Platform, you need to pay for that as well. Second, joining the Great Li Dynasty’s lineage is something you and I agreed upon beforehand, and cannot be reversed. So, before you leave Treasure Bottle Continent, you must let Cui Dongshan finalize it; you cannot just leave. Third, I will leave the painting behind, but once you transform from a pure martial artist into a Qi Refiner Sword Cultivator, whether the Golden Copper Coins can continue to allow you to emerge from the painting is something neither you nor I can be sure of. So, in addition to being careful all the way south and not acting rashly, you must also restrain your temper when you reach the Jade Regulations Sect. As a sword cultivator, practicing the sword is cultivation, but cultivation is not just about practicing the sword.”

Sui Youbian looked at Chen Pingan and nodded slowly.

Cui Dongshan wiped the corners of his eyes, pretending to sob, “So touching! If I were a woman with even a little conscience, I wouldn’t leave.”

He turned to look at the kite in the sky outside the pavilion, “The world only knows that immortals are carefree, but I only envy mandarin ducks, not immortals.”

Chen Pingan and Sui Youbian both ignored Cui Dongshan’s jesting.

Sui Youbian remained silent.

Chen Pingan said, “Have you prepared travel expenses? Never mind, I didn’t ask. You haven’t earned any money on this journey. Then I’ll prepare two money pouches for you, one with worldly gold and silver, and one with Snow Coins. I don’t have many Lesser Heat Coins left myself, and I don’t have a single Grain Rain Coin, so you won’t have the chance to spend lavishly on your journey south to Tongye Continent. You’ll probably need to carefully calculate the immortal ferries and routes, and you won’t be able to stay in expensive rooms, lest you have to travel on foot halfway, which would easily lead to complications.”

Chen Pingan suddenly changed his mind, “You can go to Old Dragon City first and find Fan Er. Tell him that I agreed, and have him lend you money.”

Chen Pingan held out a hand, “At most five Grain Rain Coins, at most five!”

Sui Youbian’s lips curled slightly, but she still didn’t say anything.

Chen Pingan thought she was mocking his stinginess and said crossly, “There’s no room for negotiation. At most, you can borrow five from Fan Er.”

Sui Youbian nodded, “Okay.”

Cui Dongshan thought for a moment and didn’t overstep his bounds by acting as a generous benefactor in place of Chen Pingan. For minor matters, it didn’t matter if his pitiful disciple, destined to be a money bag, helped his teacher handle things, but for major matters involving life and death, it was better to leave it to the teacher to handle himself.

However, two bags of money still appeared out of thin air in Cui Dongshan’s hands, which he tossed to Sui Youbian. Then he turned to Chen Pingan and smiled, “Master can pay me back later.”

Chen Pingan naturally had no objection.

Chen Pingan and Sui Youbian were both not fond of lingering sentiments, so there was really nothing more to say.

Sui Youbian turned and walked towards the pavilion, and Cui Dongshan removed the restriction of the golden thunder pool. Sui Youbian walked down the steps without turning her head, which made Cui Dongshan click his tongue in amazement, calling her a spendthrift and a heartless woman.

But Cui Dongshan smiled knowingly, closed his eyes, clenched his fists, and began to count, silently saying “one” and extending one finger.

After Sui Youbian left the pavilion, she found Pei Qian. Pei Qian quickly put away the kite and chatted with Sui Youbian. After nodding and shaking her head, she quickly ran to the pavilion, panting, “Master, Sister Sui said she wants you to see her off, just to the entrance of the inn, no need to go far.”
Just as Cui Dongshan finished counting to ten, his fists transformed into palms, and he burst into hearty laughter, winking playfully at Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an found this perfectly natural, so he quickened his pace to catch up with Sui Youbian, who was already walking away.

After Chen Ping’an caught up, the two walked in silence until they reached the entrance of the inn, with the two towering, painted door gods standing guard behind them.

Sui Youbian stopped, and Chen Ping’an followed suit.

Without looking at Chen Ping’an, Sui Youbian raised her head, gazing at the clear azure sky, and softly said, “Have you always seen me as a burden? So when I said I was leaving, you felt relieved.”

Chen Ping’an turned to look at Sui Youbian’s profile and smiled, “Don’t always think the worst of people.”

Undeniably, Sui Youbian was a woman of exceptional beauty, especially when her expression wasn’t so icy. At times, she possessed a fleeting, breathtaking allure.

Chen Ping’an wondered if Sui Youbian would meet a man she admired in the martial world, or perhaps in the Jade Decree Sect of Tongye Continent, she would find her immortal match, most likely a young sword cultivator of similar brilliance.

Chen Ping’an was curious to see which man would eventually capture Sui Youbian’s heart, and he looked forward to the day they would meet again in Treasure Bottle Continent, when she would greet him, standing side-by-side with her companion.

Imagining these hard-to-picture, yet intriguing scenarios, Chen Ping’an couldn’t help but smile.

Sui Youbian turned her head, asking curiously, “What are you smiling at?”

Chen Ping’an didn’t dare voice his thoughts, as they were rather impolite and frivolous. Sui Youbian was easily embarrassed and quick to anger, and he didn’t want their farewell to end with him getting slashed by her sword.

Chen Ping’an simply said, “Take care.”

Sui Youbian strode away, leaving Chen Ping’an with a soft, yet bold declaration, “I will become an Upper Five Realms sword immortal soon.”

Reaching the end of the street, Sui Youbian turned back, but Chen Ping’an was no longer in sight, only the two painted door gods remained.

A hint of a smile touched Sui Youbian’s lips as she departed.

As if on cue, right after Sui Youbian left, Lu Baixiang also came to bid farewell, saying he wanted to visit all the major temples within Qingluan Country, including the White Water Temple, before traveling to Qingshan Country and Cloud Canopy Country. He estimated he wouldn’t be able to reach Chen Ping’an’s hometown of Dragon Spring County for several years.

Chen Ping’an glanced at Cui Dongshan inside the house, who quickly explained, “It has nothing to do with me! If I’m lying, may I be struck by the Five Thunders Rectification!”

Lu Baixiang chuckled, “It’s truly unrelated to Master Cui. I simply wish to be alone for a while, like back in Lotus Blossom Paradise, to fully appreciate the beauty of the land. I hope to not only reach the seventh realm within three years but also attain the Far Roaming Realm, allowing me to travel on the wind like a qi refiner, so I can witness the magnificent scenery of the mountains. After that, Lu Baixiang will settle down and faithfully serve as your retainer, until the day I grow restless again and decide to travel once more.”

Chen Ping’an had just returned the two bags of silver and immortal coins to Cui Dongshan not long ago, and now he had to dig into his pockets again. He said with a wry smile, “Tell me, how much money do you need as travel expenses?”

Lu Baixiang laughed heartily, “Not even a single immortal coin. Just some silver will do.”

Nevertheless, Chen Ping’an still gave him two bags of money, handing them to Lu Baixiang, “A penny can stump a hero. Keep this bag of snowflake coins for unforeseen circumstances.”

Lu Baixiang didn’t refuse out of politeness. He accepted the money and suddenly chuckled self-deprecatingly, “Wouldn’t it be extremely awkward if I died right after leaving?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “You’ll soon be a seventh-realm martial artist, and you’re not the rash type. Those two factors alone are enough for you to roam Treasure Bottle Continent unimpeded.”

Lu Baixiang stood up to take his leave, cupping his fist and saying, “Then, farewell for now?”

Chen Ping’an returned the gesture, “Farewell.”

Chen Ping’an teased, “This is Vast Expanse, not Lotus Blossom Paradise. Don’t go creating some demonic cult.”

Cui Dongshan chimed in, “Lu Baixiang isn’t a mountain immortal. Founding a sect and proclaiming oneself an ancestor in the martial world isn’t a big deal.”

Pei Qian suddenly shouted, “Little White, wait for me!”

Pei Qian turned around, pulled out the money pouch Lady Gui had given her, and took out a snowflake coin. She ran up to Lu Baixiang and said, “Little White, hold out your hand.”

Lu Baixiang smiled and extended his palm.

Pei Qian heavily slapped the snowflake coin into Lu Baixiang’s hand, solemnly saying, “Little White, this is for you. The gift may not be much, but the sentiment is deep!”

Lu Baixiang held the snowflake coin. For this little money-grubber, to willingly give away an immortal coin, and as a gift, not a loan, the sentiment was indeed profound. Lu Baixiang smiled and said, “Don’t worry, during my travels in the martial world, I’ll keep an eye out for good things. I’ll see if I can get my hands on something to give you as a reunion gift next time we meet.”

Pei Qian nodded vigorously, earnestly saying, “Have fun, but don’t neglect your martial arts training! The path of martial arts is like sailing against the current, if you don’t advance, you fall behind. You need to learn from me, walking the stakes, copying books, and practicing swordsmanship and saber techniques every day, diligently, like a slow bird starting early!”

Lu Baixiang smiled and reached out his hand, “I know, I know.”

Pei Qian nimbly dodged his hand, grumbling, “It’ll stunt my growth.”

She quickly gave Chen Ping’an a radiant smile, “It’s okay for Master to pat my head.”

Lu Baixiang laughed heartily, and finally, he looked at the white-clad young immortal sitting beside Chen Ping’an with his legs crossed. Cui Dongshan raised a hand, signaling Lu Baixiang to swallow his words, “We’re men, let’s not dawdle and act like lovers.”

Lu Baixiang left with a carefree air.

Silence filled the room.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Do I need to prepare again? Is it Zhu Lian or Wei Xian next?”

Cui Dongshan pointed at himself.

Pei Qian held back her laughter with great effort.

Cui Dongshan picked up a jujube and flicked it with his finger, accurately hitting Pei Qian’s forehead.

Pei Qian bent down to catch the jujube. This time, she didn’t dare eat it, afraid that Cui Dongshan would scare her again with some unsavory trick, and she cautiously placed it back on the small plate on the table, sitting down next to Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Aren’t you going to watch the Buddhist and Daoist debate in Qingluan Country?”
Cui Dongshan shook his head, divulging a secret of Heaven, “Ordinary people can only see two factions in the capital bickering. Those stinky Daoist priests and bald monks pointing fingers at each other, not much substance there. The true contest lies between the reincarnated Buddha-son of White Water Temple and the master of White Cloud Temple in Qingluan Kingdom’s capital. One was a renowned and virtuous high monk in a past life, and possesses exceptional comprehension in this life. The other is a middle-aged Daoist priest without any backing, who only knows how to read, and understands everything he reads. However, few will pay attention to their discourse, but each of those who do is a considerable headache – Viewing Lake Academy, the Jiang clan of Yunlin, perhaps even wandering immortals descending from the heavens, and old tortoises who rarely crawl out of the water to breathe. Firstly, I’ve seen grander things, so I still look down on this debate. Secondly, I have too many enemies and it’s not suitable for me to go there.”

Chen Pingan nodded, “Better safe than sorry.”

Cui Dongshan stood up, cupping his fist in apology, “This student needs to take Wei Xian along on this trip, and begs for the master’s permission.”

Chen Pingan chewed on a date, and laughed, “Shouldn’t I be thanking you instead?”

Cui Dongshan, uncharacteristically without his usual flippant words, placed his arms on the table, interlacing his fingers, and slowly said, “The situation in central Treasure Bottle Continent is now complex, a complete mess both above and below the mountains. Wild rogue cultivators are taking advantage of the chaos, especially vicious ones. Many unscrupulous Earth Immortals have emerged, including some from orthodox immortal sects, acting without any propriety. That Bamboo Scroll Lake is already a cesspool of mixed fish and dragons, a tank full of trash. Therefore, I suggest that after you leave the capital of Qingluan Kingdom, you first go to Cliff Academy in Great Sui. You can refine the golden Literary Courage there, and use it as your second Natal Treasure.”

“I will write a letter, and Great Li can directly send the remaining golden essence coins to the academy. At that time, Mao Xiaodong will help you guard the formation. For you, it’s adding flowers to the brocade, but for the Gao family of Great Sui, it’s like sending charcoal in the snow. You don’t need to feel like you’re taking too much advantage. Great Sui is a country flourishing in literature, and refining that golden Literary Courage of excellent quality is most suitable.”

“After that, whether you revisit the Colorful Garment Kingdom and Combing Water Kingdom area, or return to Dragon Spring County to take a look at the old house, it won’t be a problem.”

“After that, it will be safe for you to go to Bamboo Scroll Lake. By then, central Treasure Bottle Continent will have stabilized, and perhaps a ‘Peace and Tranquility’ plaque issued by Great Li’s Ministry of Rites will be enough to make any Earth Immortal bow their head.”

Chen Pingan pondered for a long time, took down the Sword Nourishing Gourd and drank a mouthful of Minor Alchemy Wine, and finally nodded, “Acceptable. After leaving Qingluan Kingdom, I will generally follow the route you’ve planned.”

Cui Dongshan did not conceal his relief, “Master, rest assured, there is absolutely no scheme to harm you in this. Besides, this student and you are now grasshoppers on the same rope, walking the same path. The higher your achievements, the more I, Cui Dongshan, even if I’m lazy and do nothing all day, can bask in your glory, and be forcibly elevated by you.”

Chen Pingan hesitated for a moment, “How are you dealing with the one in the capital these days?”

Cui Dongshan slammed his head heavily on the table, looking dejected as if he wanted to die. It resounded three times before he raised his head and said, “Just mentioning this makes my heart ache.”

Chen Pingan laughed, “You brought it upon yourselves, you can’t blame others.”

Cui Dongshan felt wronged, “But why does that old fellow get to enjoy the benefits, continuing to be the prestigious Great Li National Preceptor, while I don’t even have the nickname ‘Embroidered Tiger’ anymore? Every time I have to run around, I have to eat wind and sleep dew, hiding my head and concealing my tail?”

Chen Pingan gloated, “You should be content. Aside from the many magical treasures within your spatial artifact, there’s also this immortal remains that’s even better than Du Mao’s Yang God incarnation.”

Cui Dongshan sighed, propped his chin with one hand, and put on a look of gazing at the sky, “That’s true. It’s fortunate that I’m not very interested in fighting and killing these days. Youngsters are easily prone to trivial comparisons. It’s better after leaving Great Sui Academy, being with you day and night is enjoyable. In that Eastern Mountain, Little Bottle doesn’t bother to pay attention to me, I find Yu Lu and Xie Zhi annoying, and there’s nothing to talk about with Li Huai and Lin Shouyi. What a desolate, miserable, and lonely existence!”

Chen Pingan was too lazy to comfort him, and besides, did this Great Li Embroidered Tiger need someone to ease his mind? What a joke.

Cui Dongshan straightened his back and laughed, “Master, the painting scroll of the Lotus Root Blessed Land four is coming to an end. Let this student briefly review it for you, as the last game of chess within a game before parting ways.”

Chen Pingan unconsciously sat upright, always so serious when learning chess with Cui Dongshan, “Please speak.”

Cui Dongshan found it somewhat amusing, and also felt a little bit sad, but he concealed these emotions very well, without revealing the slightest bit.

He first drew a Thunder Pond with a flying sword.

“That Sui Right is just a silly girl, a dragon kiln porcelain vase, beautiful but easily shattered. But silly as she is, she is indeed a congenital sword embryo. As long as Jade Tablet Sect is willing to cultivate her, she’ll be a Core Formation sword cultivator without question. As for whether she can become a female sword immortal in the Upper Five Realms, it’s not up to her alone to decide, she’ll have to ask if this world will agree. In any case, Sui Right is the luckiest of the four in the painting scroll. You’ve taken good care of her along the way. Having died three times, Sui Right’s state of mind hasn’t been shattered, but has instead become brighter.”

Chen Pingan’s expression was strange.

Cui Dongshan extended his fingers, “I swear to the heavens, this student’s words have absolutely no double meaning, no hidden implications whatsoever!”

Chen Pingan handed Pei Qian a snow-white pear. Pei Qian covered the pear with both hands, twisted it a few times, as if wiping it clean, and then gently nibbled it.

Cui Dongshan continued, “As for Wei Xian, that hot potato… I’ve already settled it for you. Anyway, he’s just a simple and honest man, no need to mention him further.”

Cui Dongshan originally wanted to explain the intricacies of the game in detail, but he noticed Chen Pingan winking at him. Cui Dongshan was so clever, he immediately understood and changed his tone, skipping over it.

Cui Dongshan glanced askance at Pei Qian, who was shaking her head and eating fruit, “Eat, eat, eat, all you know is how to eat, no sense of perception at all…”

As a result, under the table, Cui Dongshan received a kick from Chen Pingan.
Cui Dongshan sighed ruefully, “Lu Baixiang is immensely talented, and has the potential to become a true polymath. Reaching the pinnacle of martial arts is exceedingly difficult, though. The ninth realm isn’t too hard, but the tenth is something he shouldn’t even dream of, unless a great fortune falls from the heavens. Of course, a ninth-realm martial artist, even in the future Dali Dynasty, will still be a transcendent figure possessing a certain amount of martial destiny. With Lu Baixiang’s intelligence, I can teach him some unorthodox tricks, and he’ll still be a fairly formidable… loyal follower. No, a good henchman, a fine escort.”

Pei Qian glared, “Speak properly in front of my teacher, don’t talk nonsense and treat Old Wei and Little Bai like that.”

Cui Dongshan smiled, “Shall I tell you a story about the spirit lurking within this fragrant pear?”

Pei Qian immediately beamed, “To acknowledge one’s mistakes is of utmost importance, a truly great deed. Teacher is fortunate to have a student like you, it doesn’t diminish his standing.”

Cui Dongshan mimicked Pei Qian’s tone, gently waving a hand, and tsked, “My teacher is equally fortunate to have a righteous disciple like you, an exceptionally great thing.”

Pei Qian feigned ignorance, her face all smiles.

Cui Dongshan’s expression shifted, and he said gravely, “Zhu Lian, of all of them, seems the least likely to get bogged down in trivialities, content wherever he is, but that means he’s the one with the most turbulent heart. Born into a family of wealth and status in Lotus Paradise, he was once a handsome and noble young master, yet he chose to practice martial arts, and truly became the best in the world. Skilled in culinary arts, fond of delicacies, always talking about winning the heart of a beautiful woman. He’s adaptable, so among the four depicted in the painting, Zhu Lian has the highest vision, and the highest aspirations.”

Pei Qian nodded vigorously.

Of the four, she feared the hunched old man the most.

Cui Dongshan suddenly chuckled, “That kind of guy, he’s not truly attached to anything. If Teacher doesn’t guide him well, Zhu Lian might betray Teacher at any moment. But if Teacher guides him well… there will be a pleasant surprise. Among the four, Zhu Lian is the only one who would willingly die for Teacher! And he’d die without hesitation, even if he only had one life left. I can manage the other three, but Zhu Lian is someone I can’t teach. Only Teacher can handle him.”

Seeing Chen Ping’an’s puzzlement, Cui Dongshan patiently explained, “Sui Youbian is focused on seeking the Dao of the Sword, it’s what she desires most. Lu Baixiang seems most compatible with Teacher in terms of personality, but that’s not the case. He is almost devoid of emotion.”

Then, Cui Dongshan ceased speaking aloud and communicated to Chen Ping’an in secret, “Wei Xian believes he cannot die, he hasn’t achieved his wish yet. As a former emperor, he’s willing to kill anyone and trade anything for his sole obsession. Speaking of that obsession, Teacher, please forgive my intrusion, but I need to use the connections in Tongye Continent to thoroughly investigate the imperial family affairs of Wei Xian’s Nanyuan Kingdom in its early days.”

Chen Ping’an reminded him, “Be careful, it involves that old Daoist from Guandao Temple.”

Cui Dongshan smiled, “I’ll be extremely cautious with that stinky-nosed old Daoist. To be honest, even at the peak of the twelfth realm as an immortal, I wouldn’t dare provoke him directly. Old Master Xiu seems to have a special relationship with him, though.”

Cui Dongshan fell silent for a moment, then stood up and paced back and forth, rubbing his palms together, as if teaching Chen Ping’an “chess”, or replaying his own cultural lineage from back then. He whispered, “Teacher, remember, be it disciples or students, a mountain peak needs variety. It can’t have just one type of person, especially not if everyone is like Teacher.”

“Not everyone can be as kind and virtuous as Teacher, upholding the Way of the Gentleman. Not everyone can just engage in moral essays and grand academic pursuits. Not everyone can be mindless, just shouting for war and killing.”

“There must be someone like me, who does things against his conscience, exploits loopholes in the rules, sees the big picture clearly, understands how to adapt to the situation, and plays the role of the villain that everyone hates. This will highlight Teacher’s goodness, so that Teacher’s image will always be lofty and bright.”

“There must be someone who is willing to recognize only Teacher, whose life and death is the same as Teacher’s, even to the point of prioritizing the latter.”

“There must be someone who inherits Teacher’s scholarship and mantle, a true fellow traveler on the grand avenue of culture. There must be such a good seed to maintain appearances.”

“There must also be a madman who deters evil spirits, petty villains, and especially hypocrites, such as Zhu Lian.”

“There must be a foundation, such as that one in the bamboo building in Fallen Mountain… well, Teacher probably knows already, that’s my grandfather.”

“There must be a jester, revealing innocent childlike fun, so that a mountain peak doesn’t become too stagnant, such as those two water snakes and fire pythons I helped Teacher subdue in the Yellow Court Kingdom.”

“In short, when reasoning with others, someone can stand up and help Teacher convince people with reason.”

“When exchanging pointers on the Dao, someone can step forward and help Teacher convince people with virtue.”

“If there are those who prefer fists and cultivation when we want to reason, or act pitiful when we are forced to strike and are stronger, then someone must help Teacher beat them into submission first. Then, Teacher can scold a few times at most and compensate the bruised and swollen opponents a bit, giving them a date to eat. Then no one will be able to find fault with our mountain’s family style, sect style, or literary style.”

Cui Dongshan stopped, smiled, “Just a casual suggestion, if Teacher is willing to select one or two, I’ll be content.”

Chen Ping’an sat upright and said, “I am enlightened.”

Cui Dongshan looked at Chen Ping’an’s bright eyes, bowed and saluted, and smiled, “As if cutting, as if filing, as if chiseling, as if polishing.”

Pei Qian’s head ached from listening.

Cui Dongshan’s words suddenly took a turn for the whimsical, “There are two things in the capital of the Azure Luan Kingdom that Teacher must try if you have the chance. One is Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, and the other is the stew sold in those old shops in the deep alleys. One is expensive and the other is cheap, but both are delicacies of the world.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Okay.”

Cui Dongshan said cautiously, “Teacher, I would like to say some private words of camaraderie to Pei Qian, is that alright? After we finish chatting, I might leave with Wei Xian. Teacher doesn’t need to see me off. After that, only Shi Rou and Zhu Lian will serve as escorts.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, and turned to look at Pei Qian, who suddenly stood up, “Who’s afraid of who!”

Cui Dongshan smiled and walked out of the house. Pei Qian followed closely behind, turning her head to smile at Chen Ping’an as she crossed the threshold, raising her fist to embolden herself.
Just walking along the corridor, out of Chen Ping’an’s sight, Pei Qian immediately took out the Demon-Subduing Pagoda Talisman and stuck it to her forehead, then followed behind that fellow.

Arriving at Cui Dongshan’s room, she immediately dog-paddled, closing the door for him. With a fawning smile, she sat at the table, reaching for a fragrant pear. “You’re my senior apprentice brother, ah! I’ll wipe it for you, it’ll quench your thirst.”

Cui Dongshan rolled his eyes. “Give me a break! Senior apprentice brother? I should call you Senior Apprentice Sister!”

Pei Qian waved her hands frantically. “No, no, we come from the same school. We still need to respect seniority.”

Cui Dongshan scoffed. “Look at your lack of ambition.”

Pei Qian nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking at rice. “Right, right, I’m too young now, so my ambition isn’t great.”

Cui Dongshan stood up, took out the Time River Scroll Painting, but didn’t immediately unroll it. He asked, “What do you think your Shifu was like when he was young?”

Pei Qian was stunned for a moment. “I’ve heard Shifu talk about it, and I’ve also heard him chat with others. It seems he was quite poor when he was young, growing up in the Mud Bottle Alley of the Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven.”

Cui Dongshan slowly opened the scroll, beckoning. “Then let’s take a look.”

On the painting, first was the river outside the small town, and the covered bridge that was eventually torn down.

Cui Dongshan said slowly, “Cultivators in this world, they respect mountains but not water. Because the sages of the various schools of thought have far more affection for water than for mountains. Supreme good is like water. The wise find pleasure in water. The Buddha observes water in a bowl. As for the distant truths within this, you will know them later.”

Next was Chen Ping’an’s childhood.

Flying a kite at the Gods’ Graveyard, there was a dark, solitary child, enviously watching the running peers and the kites soaring high in the sky.

Going to the Yang Family Pharmacy to buy medicine, returning home to brew it, standing on a small stool to cook. Secretly running to the Gods’ Graveyard to pray before the dilapidated idols.

Later, under the scorching sun, carrying a basket almost as big as himself, he went up the mountain to gather herbs, only for his shoulders to burn with pain. He dropped the basket and wailed at the foot of the mountain.

Starving, he walked back and forth in Mud Bottle Alley, until a woman opened her door.

The River of Time flowed gently, and scene after scene slowly changed.

From a child to a teenager.

Finally, the scene froze at the eastern gate of the town. Chen Ping’an stood inside the gate, waiting to deliver messages for copper coins.

Pei Qian watched intently, her expression constantly changing. She watched for a full half of an hour.

During that time, she became engrossed and muttered to herself, “That Song Jixin and Zhi Gui deserve to die! I just happen to have a blade and a sword. In the future, I’ll chop off their heads with the blade and pierce their hearts with the sword!”

“No wonder Shifu can weave straw sandals and make book boxes, he knows how to do everything.”

“Haha, Shifu also craves candied hawthorns, eh? Why did Shifu run away? Wasn’t that candied hawthorn vendor about to give Shifu a skewer? I don’t understand.”

“That effeminate man from the Dragon Kiln is a bit like that old man named Shi Rou.”

“That tree on the grave mound, is it the Chinese pistache tree that Shifu talked about with Little White?”

“Why does that Old Man Yao always like to scold Shifu? Is he blind?”

“That elder sister outside the door, could she be the girl Shifu likes? She’s not much better-looking than Sui Youbian. She doesn’t even seem as good as the female Daoist Huang Ting who taught me swordplay and saber techniques.”

With a snap, Cui Dongshan closed the painting and stored it away.

Pei Qian sat silently on the stool.

Cui Dongshan sat beside her, his expression indifferent. “When your Shifu and I recapped the Lotus Flower Blessed Land trip, he didn’t drink much, but later, when he mentioned you, Pei Qian, he drank a lot in quick succession, saying that he originally thought all parents in the world would want to leave all the good things to their children, but later he realized that wasn’t the case. How could there be such a mother who would secretly hide steamed buns, choosing to eat them alone late at night, even if her daughter was about to starve to death, she wouldn’t take them out.”

Pei Qian drooped her head.

Cui Dongshan said calmly, “I have to thank you, Pei Qian. From beginning to end, you let my teacher know even more how many stupid and wicked people there are in the world.”

Cui Dongshan asked, “Do you know which three times were the hardest for your Shifu to get through in the small town?”

Pei Qian lay on the table, murmuring, “One is if that woman hadn’t opened the door, so Shifu was especially kind to that snot-nosed kid later. One is the first time he went up the mountain to gather herbs, so Shifu was especially grateful to that Old Man Yang. I can’t think of the last one.”

Cui Dongshan was satisfied, smiling. “Of course, you, Pei Qian, couldn’t figure it out even if you racked your brains. It’s that skewer of candied hawthorns.”

Pei Qian turned her head, her cheek pressed against the table, a little puzzled, looking at the fellow with the mole between his eyebrows.

Cui Dongshan said softly, “If you had been there at the time, that skewer of candied hawthorns, you, Pei Qian, could eat it, eat as much as you wanted, beg on your knees for someone to give it to you, steal it to eat, grab it to eat, eat a whole stall of candied hawthorns, that would be no problem. But Chen Ping’an couldn’t eat it. Not even one. The affairs of the world, the people of the world, the ways of the world, the hearts of the people, they seem complex, but as long as you can see the extremely subtle details, there are patterns to follow…”

Pei Qian suddenly became annoyed. “Call him Teacher! How dare you call Teacher by his given name, you’re really bold! I’m going to tell Shifu on you!”

Cui Dongshan rolled his eyes and made a flicking motion.

Pei Qian quickly sat up, protecting her forehead and precious talisman with both hands.

Cui Dongshan folded his hands in his sleeves, leaning against the table, looking out the window, and said softly, “We shouldn’t always disappoint Teacher.”

This made Pei Qian a little confused, “always”?

But she quickly understood. Pei Qian randomly counted on her fingers, she really did make Chen Ping’an angry less often now.

Cui Dongshan turned his neck, smiling and looking at Pei Qian, “The heavens have the sun and moon to shine upon all directions, people have eyes to see the myriad phenomena. Pei Qian, you are very lucky, and even luckier to have met Chen Ping’an, it’s like… Chen Ping’an meeting Qi Jingchun.”
Cui Dongshan’s eyes were distant, yet a smile graced his face as he murmured, “I remember an old scholar, in his most impoverished days, told me, a simpleton, and Qi Jingchun, the ‘Mr. Qi’ in Chen Pingan’s heart, to our then three disciples, that if a man lives with peace in his heart, wealth matters little. Water tastes sweet, and a plain bun holds the savor of roast chicken. The blockhead, surnamed Zuo, foolishly said he’d be content with water and buns, never starving anyway. The old scholar, infuriated, slammed the table, scolding him to have some ambition! ‘Without using such reasoning to stave off hunger in times of poverty, how will you survive? Who in the world doesn’t desire a better life? When everyone strives for betterment and walks an upright path, the world will rise.’ Then Qi Jingchun inquired, ‘Master, when will we have oily food?’ The master was stumped, speechless for a long while, eventually pointing at me, the hapless senior brother of those two, and chuckled, ‘That depends on when your senior brother’s family sends money!’ Such homely talks, alas, will never be known to posterity, forever confined to that humble school in the alley. Later, the old scholar participated twice in the Three Teachings Debates, his disciples, both registered and unregistered, numerous as clouds, the world’s focus. Yet, the three of us, oddly, seldom wished to recall those times. It seemed the old scholar, thereafter, was constantly busy, rushing here and there, tirelessly working for the supposed common folk, visiting countless academies and institutes, imparting knowledge and resolving doubts for more simpletons. And we, his first three cherished disciples, gradually forged our own paths.”

Pei Qian only caught snippets, Cui Dongshan’s voice being too soft.

Cui Dongshan took a deep breath, his sleeves swirling like snow, and turned to Pei Qian, smiling, “The heart leaving its form is like a bird escaping its cage. Pure and bright, like crystal. With a clear moon within, body and mind feel carefree. Since you’re not suited to Master’s fist techniques but have taken up the sword, you must cultivate the ‘Swift Joy Sword,’ the fastest of swords, quick as lightning, capable of shattering myriad techniques with a single strike!

Cultivate the ‘Refreshing Blade,’ hand draws, blade returns to sheath, and the enemy’s head rolls!”

Pei Qian furrowed her dark face. “You’re not my master.”

Cui Dongshan chuckled. “But you’re my Senior Sister! I’ll cover you now, and you’ll cover me later. That’s what makes a heartrendingly beautiful bond between disciples.”

Pei Qian blinked. “Don’t you try to trick me, or I won’t be your Senior Sister!”

Cui Dongshan remembered something, pulling out a small paper crane. “Keep this safe. When you travel with my Master and he’s at his angriest, you can show this to him. But I hope you won’t have to use it until we meet again. Keep it in your sachet, and remember not to open it without permission, or face the consequences.”

Pei Qian hummed in understanding, carefully storing it in her coin purse sachet.

Cui Dongshan pointed to the golden-flowing Thunder Pool. “Don’t you have a ‘Walking Mountain Staff’? Want to learn my divine ability?”

Pei Qian said, “I’m broke. I gave all my money to Little White as travel expenses.”

Mentioning that was another sore point, as she had lost seven copper coins to this fellow in a game of five-in-a-row Go.

Cui Dongshan waved his sleeve, laughing, “Talking about money hurts our feelings. No need to spend any. Consider it payment for the small favor you did for me.”

In the end, Chen Pingan still escorted Cui Dongshan to the inn’s entrance.

Wei Xian and Pei Qian were chatting.

Zhu Lian and Shi Rou stood behind Chen Pingan.

Cui Dongshan smiled at them. “You two must take good care of my Master.”

Zhu Lian nodded, smiling. “Your Master is my Old Master. Of course, there’s no need to say more.”

Shi Rou’s feelings were complex. She feared Cui Dongshan like a tiger when he was present, yet worried about the uncertain road ahead as he left.

Cui Dongshan bowed farewell. “May the mountains and waters be gentle, and may Master take care.”

After Cui Dongshan straightened, Chen Pingan suddenly raised his arm, fist held to his chest, his back to “Du Mao,” giving a thumbs-up, whispering, “Well done! Zheng Dafeng and I thank you.”

Cui Dongshan, after a long silence, awkwardly said, his first attempt at flattery so clumsy, “Master is truly… a kind man.”