As per the customs of the market town within the Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven, on the first day of the lunar year, every household would place their brooms upside down, and it was considered inauspicious to travel far.

Therefore, Chen Pingan instructed Ma Duyi to guide Zeng Ye’s cultivation. After spending these days together, and after careful consideration, Chen Pingan, at the end of the previous year, handed over the detailed document recording the secret method of ghost-path cultivation to Ma Duyi, allowing her to study it. If she had any doubts, she could ask Zeng Ye. Being both cultivators, the difference in their innate talent was obvious at a glance. Regarding the cultivation of this secret art, Ma Duyi quickly surpassed Zeng Ye, and in less than a month, she could already offer guidance and resolve his problems.

Fortunately, Zeng Ye was accustomed to this. Not only was he not discouraged, disappointed, or jealous, but he cultivated even more diligently, and became more determined to make up for his shortcomings with hard work.

This brought Chen Pingan some comfort. To be able to accept one’s fate, yet not be resigned to it, was an extremely valuable quality for a cultivator. As long as one persisted, great achievements in later life were not just wishful thinking.

Today, Chen Pingan was basking in the sun in the deserted courtyard of the inn, opening the book chest he had found in the muddy snow, and recording the books within. He planned that if the opportunity arose in the future, he would have Zeng Ye return them to their original owner. The private seals on the pages of the books bore the inscriptions “Water Flows, Clouds Remain” and “Rugged Old Man.” It shouldn’t be difficult for Zeng Ye to follow the clues in the future and find the scholarly family that had fled south.

Around noon, Chen Pingan received another flying sword message from Qingxia Island, stating that a flying sword from the Longquan Piyun Mountain of Great Li had been sent, but because Chen Pingan was not at Shujian Lake, it was temporarily being held at the Qingxia Island Sword Chamber. Liu Zhimao used the flying sword to ask Chen Pingan how to handle it. Chen Pingan replied, informing Liu Zhimao of the current location of their party, requesting the Island Lord to personally make a trip to deliver the message-bearing flying sword.

On the evening of the first day of the new year, Liu Zhimao arrived at the inn in the state city, personally delivering the communication flying sword from the Northern Mountain Deity of Great Li to Chen Pingan.

Chen Pingan did not open the Piyun Mountain flying sword in front of Liu Zhimao. A Nascent Soul earth immortal, especially one like Liu Zhimao who had the potential to reach the fifth realm, possessed countless magical techniques and abilities. The two were just allies brought together for mutual benefit, not friends. Their relationship was not that close.

The two sat facing each other in the inn room.

Liu Zhimao cut to the chase, “As per Mr. Chen’s instructions before leaving Qingxia Island, I have quietly removed the restrictions on Hong Su of Zhu Xian Mansion, but I have not proactively sent her to Gongliu Island to curry favor with Liu Laocheng. Now, Liu Laocheng and Mr. Chen are also allies, but even a friend’s friend is not necessarily a friend. However, the relationship between our Qingxia Island and Gongliu Island has improved thanks to Mr. Chen. Tan Yuanyi has specifically visited Qingxia Island, and it is clear that he respects Mr. Chen even more. Therefore, the main reasons why I am personally making this trip are to deliver the Great Li communication flying sword to Mr. Chen, and also a small gift, as Qingxia Island’s New Year greeting to Mr. Chen. Please do not refuse, as this has been Qingxia Island’s custom for many years, during the New Year, everyone receives a share of the island’s offerings.”

Chen Pingan smiled, “I’m well aware of Qingxia Island’s old and new rules, so even if Island Lord Liu didn’t give it to me, I would have reminded you.”

Liu Zhimao took out a somewhat sparse string of walnut prayer beads. It seemed that they were old and not well-preserved, as nearly half of the walnuts were missing, leaving only eight. The walnuts were carved with images of gods such as the Rain Master, Thunder God, and Lightning Mother. Each bead was about the size of a thumb, exuding an ancient aura, and the distant gods looked lifelike. Liu Zhimao smiled and said, “Just take one off and throw it to the ground. It can command wind, rain, thunder, lightning, fire, etc. The power after a walnut explodes is equivalent to a full-force strike from an ordinary Golden Core earth immortal. However, each walnut is destroyed after use, so it’s not a very good magical treasure. But Mr. Chen’s current physical form and spirit are damaged, and you shouldn’t frequently fight with others, so this item is perfect.”

Chen Pingan gently placed it into his sleeve and thanked him, “Indeed, Island Lord Liu is very thoughtful.”

Liu Zhimao smiled slightly, “Recently, three events have shaken the Zhu Ying Dynasty and all its affiliated countries. One is that the ninth-realm sword cultivator who had been lurking in Shujian Lake was pursued for over a thousand miles by a green-robed woman and a white-robed youth, and was eventually killed by them together. The green-robed woman is the nameless cultivator who destroyed the Ancestral Hall of Furong Mountain during the Gongliu Island meeting. Rumor has it that her identity is that of a Great Li ‘Adhesive Rod’ enforcer. As for the white-robed youth who suddenly appeared, his magic was extraordinary, and his magical treasures were dazzling. He pursued the ninth-realm sword cultivator effortlessly, as if he were taking a leisurely stroll.”

As he said this, Liu Zhimao looked at Chen Pingan with a smile.

Chen Pingan asked, “What does Huangli Island say?”

Liu Zhimao said, “After the Huangli Island earth immortal couple learned of the news, they visited Tan Yuanyi the same day, seeking protection, and have completely surrendered to Great Li.”

Chen Pingan nodded, “That’s good news.”

Liu Zhimao continued, “The second event is that General Su Gaoshan has declared that he will conquer the capital of the Shihao Kingdom before the Lantern Festival this year. Those who do not wish to perish with the Han family of the Shihao Kingdom only need to have someone in their family serving in the government and display the portraits of the Great Li door gods, Yuan and Cao, to avoid being affected by the war. If Great Li’s iron cavalry breaks through the city, those noble families who have not yet displayed the door gods will be regarded as remnants of the Han family. After the city is captured, within three days, the city’s streets and alleys must replace the door gods with those of Great Li, in order to avoid any harassment. After three days, any courtyards, large or small, without Great Li door gods displayed will be recorded and dealt with in the autumn.”

Chen Pingan said softly, “Strategic planning beforehand, winning hearts and minds as the priority.”

Liu Zhimao’s eyes twinkled with amusement, “As for the third event, if it were a time of peace and prosperity, it would be a significant event, but now, it’s not so conspicuous. Han Jingxin, the most favored prince of the Shihao Kingdom, died violently in a remote wilderness. His corpse was incomplete. The royal protector, Master Zeng, has disappeared. Hu Han, the foremost martial artist of the Shihao Kingdom, was also beheaded. It is said that Xu Mao, the Horizontal Spear Poet, presented the two heads to Su Gaoshan, the chief commander of Great Li, as a pledge of allegiance in the snowy night, and was promoted to the position of General Qian Wu, a Rank Four official of the Great Li Dynasty. It can be said that he rose to the top in one step. Earning military merit in Great Li these days is really not easy.”
Liu Zhimao placed two wine bowls on the table. Chen Ping’an removed his Sword-Nourishing Gourd and smiled. Liu Zhimao tactfully retracted one, knowing that the accountant across from him wouldn’t use his bowl, but such basic etiquette was still necessary. Chen Ping’an poured Liu Zhimao a bowl of wine, then drank from his own gourd.

After taking a sip, Chen Ping’an slowly said, “Island Lord Liu, you needn’t doubt. I killed him. As for the two heads, Xu Mao took them. I didn’t kill Xu Mao; he helped me avert disaster. A mutual exchange.”

“As expected,” Liu Zhimao said with a hearty laugh. “Shihao Kingdom isn’t large, but it isn’t small either. For Han Jingxin to run headfirst into Master Chen’s sword point, it must be his ill fate not to become emperor in this life. Truth be told, among the princes, Han Jingxin was most favored by the Shihao Kingdom’s emperor, possessed the deepest scheming mind, and initially had the best fortune. Unfortunately, the little fellow sought his own death, so nothing could be done.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “Island Lord Liu, there’s something I’ve never understood. Why do Shihao Kingdom and so many other vassal states of the Zhu Ying Dynasty choose to fight the Great Li iron cavalry to the bitter end? In Treasure Bottle洲, as tributaries of a great dynasty, they shouldn’t be so resolute. Why is there so little opposition in their courts? Starting from the Huang Ting Kingdom, a vassal of Great Sui, all the way to the north of Guanhai Academy, the entire northern territory of Treasure Bottle洲…” Chen Ping’an tapped the table with his finger. “Only this area defies logic.”

Liu Zhimao hesitated for a moment, took a sip of wine, and slowly said, “The Hundred Schools of Thought, each makes its own bet. Treasure Bottle洲 may be small, but Great Li has secured the support of the main branch of the Mohists, the Yin-Yang School, the military strategists led by Zhenwu Mountain in Treasure Bottle洲, and so on. They’ve all chosen the Song clan of Great Li. Therefore, it’s only natural that the Zhu Ying Dynasty, the strongest dynasty in central Treasure Bottle洲, has the support of major and minor branches of the Hundred Schools. As far as I know, it has the full support of the Agrarian School, the Medical School, the Merchant School, and branches of the Strategists. The Zhu Ying Dynasty is filled with sword cultivators, possessing flourishing fortunes, and is also close to Guanhai Academy. It’s not strange that the Great Li iron cavalry is stalled here.”

Understanding dawned on Chen Ping’an. He raised his Sword-Nourishing Gourd, and Liu Zhimao raised his wine bowl. They each drank.

Liu Zhimao wore a plain white linen robe, seemingly simple, like a reclusive hermit from a harsh mountain forest. Yet upon closer inspection, he possessed a distinct air of celestial refinement.

Chen Ping’an suddenly sighed, “Without realizing it, I almost forgot that Island Lord Liu is a Nascent Soul cultivator.”

Liu Zhimao leisurely sipped his wine, completely at ease. Looking through the window, the rooftops outside were still covered with accumulated snow. He smiled and said, “Without realizing it, I almost forgot that Master Chen came from Mud Lane.”

Chen Ping’an abruptly leaned forward and offered his Sword-Nourishing Gourd. Liu Zhimao paused for a moment and gently tapped it with his own wine bowl.

Chen Ping’an took a hearty gulp of wine, his expression earnest. “I was wrong before. You and I can indeed be considered half-acquaintances, regardless of whether we are friends or foes.”

Liu Zhimao put down his wine bowl, not rushing to drink. He gazed at the young man in the azure cotton robe, whose vitality was gradually fading, leaving only a pair of eyes that were once exceptionally clear and bright, now growing increasingly profound. However, they weren’t becoming turbid, or filled with deep scheming currents. Liu Zhimao drained his bowl, stood up, and said, “I won’t delay Master Chen’s business any longer. If Shujian Lake can be resolved peacefully, then while we can’t hope to be friends, I only hope that when we meet again in the future, we can still have a chance to sit down and drink, chatting idly, parting when we’ve had our fill, and drinking again when we meet in later years. Nothing more.”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “Once you, Island Lord Liu, ascend to the Upper Five Stages after leaving Shujian Lake, you’ll enter a different world altogether. You may not have the same state of mind then.”

Liu Zhimao smiled. “Master Chen’s cultivation of the heart advances a thousand miles a day. By then, you may not have today’s state of mind either.”

They both said in unison, “Indeed, acquaintances.”

After Liu Zhimao left, Ma Duyi and Zeng Ye came over and sat down apprehensively.

Liu Zhimao hadn’t used any Immortal Earth techniques to create a secluded space, and Chen Ping’an hadn’t deliberately concealed his words.

Therefore, Ma Duyi and Zeng Ye could still faintly hear their laughter and conversation.

Ma Duyi’s expression was complex.

Zeng Ye was filled with confusion.

Chen Ping’an didn’t explain much. Instead, he asked Zeng Ye about his cultivation bottlenecks, thoroughly explaining each one, with meticulous detail and occasional insightful remarks. Ma Duyi and Zeng Ye encouraged each other and even helped Zeng Ye with his issues, but they still fell short compared to Chen Ping’an. At least, that’s how Chen Ping’an felt. However, those words that Chen Ping’an considered ordinary were like a sudden enlightenment to Ma Duyi, who was naturally more gifted than Zeng Ye.

It was as if an immortal was guiding a waterfall, while she and Zeng Ye could only stand beneath it, using basins and bowls to catch water to quench their thirst.

After Ma Duyi and Zeng Ye left, Chen Ping’an opened the restriction on the Great Li Biyun Mountain flying sword.

It contained an unexpected message.

A Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites from the Great Li Song Clan had personally arrived in Longquan County. While inspecting the matters of the Civil and Martial Temples in Longquan County, he had secretly met with the Mountain God Wei Bo and proposed a new suggestion.

The Great Li imperial court had recently “redeemed” many mountain peaks that had been abandoned by Immortal forces. They intended to use this to make a large deal with Chen Ping’an. Chen Ping’an could use the remaining Golden Essence Copper Coins that Great Li owed him to buy those “mature” mountain peaks, where immortal residences had already been developed and protective formations had already been prepared. If Chen Ping’an agreed to this, adding the existing mountain peaks, including Fallen Phoenix Mountain and True Pearl Mountain, Chen Ping’an would in one fell swoop occupy nearly thirty percent of the western mountain territory of Longquan County. Ignoring the amount of spiritual energy nurtured by the mountains, just in terms of scale, Chen Ping’an, this “great landlord,” could almost be compared to the Saint Ruan Qiong.
Wei Bo candidly stated in the secret letter that this was a tremendous boon, yet it contained significant hidden dangers. Chen Ping An’s entanglement with the Song clan of Great Li would only deepen, making it far more difficult to extricate himself than with the Xu family of Qingfeng City, who, sensing trouble, could simply sell off their mountain to someone else. The Great Li court had also stipulated that once Chen Ping An possessed a territory as vast as Longquan County, downgraded from a Grotto-Heaven to a Blessed Land, a special pact would be required. Mount Piyun in the Northern March would serve as the object of the mountain alliance. Great Li court, Wei Bo, and Chen Ping An would jointly sign a mountain alliance of the dynasty’s second-highest order. The highest-level mountain alliance would involve the simultaneous appearance of the Five Peaks’ mountain deities and require the Jade Seal of the Great Li Emperor, forming an alliance with a cultivator. However, such a grand agreement would only be reserved for cultivators above the Fifth Realm, concerning the very destiny of the Song clan’s empire, justifying such a grand demonstration of power by Great Li.

Wei Bo frankly stated that Chen Ping An could consider his trustworthiness and whether he wished to sign this mountain alliance, but these factors should not weigh too heavily.

When matters concern the Great Dao, utmost caution is paramount.

In the letter’s conclusion, Wei Bo reassured him that there was no need to rush. He could help delay the matter for six months to a year, allowing ample time for contemplation. Even if the situation in Treasure Bottle Continent became clear by then, with Great Li Song having conquered the Vermilion Glow Dynasty and continuing southward, he, Wei Bo, as the intermediary, and Chen Ping An, the buyer, could simply set aside their pride and shamelessly sign the pact with Great Li. In the world of cultivation and business, such things were commonplace and nothing to be ashamed of.

Chen Ping An opened the small wooden box and sent a flying sword message to Liu Zhi Mao’s exclusive Sword Mound, requesting the island lord to relay a message to Mount Piyun. The reply on the letter needed only contain two characters: “Can do.”

Having completed these tasks, Chen Ping An went to the window. Warlords like Xu Mao of Stone Millet Country, a strategist with the potential to rise in chaotic times, would have a significant opportunity to flourish if Great Li managed to conquer the Vermilion Glow Dynasty and continue southward. Xu Mao, already a mid-level officer of considerable power in Great Li, would be like a tiger given wings if he could command an elite Great Li cavalry. The southward advance would be rife with military merit waiting for him to seize. Crucially, Xu Mao possessed a disposition and skill far surpassing that of the prince, Han Jingxin. Xu Mao’s only disadvantage was his lack of noble birth.

Su Gaoshan, it was said, also hailed from a humble border family, a characteristic he shared with Xu Mao of Stone Millet Country. This connection likely played a role in Xu Mao’s unconventional promotion. If Xu Mao had joined the command of Cao Ping, one of the generals from the Upper Pillar State clan, he would still receive rewards. However, he would have immediately gained the position of a Fourth-Rank General. He would likely be heavily utilized in the future, but his ascent through the military and official ranks would be significantly slower.

During this northward journey, Chen Ping An passed through many prefectures, counties, and cities. While Su Gaoshan’s iron cavalry could not be said to be entirely faultless, many rules of the Great Li border army could be discerned, such as in the dilapidated prefecture city where Zhou Guonian’s hometown was located. A fierce conflict erupted with righteous men of Stone Millet Country risking their lives to assassinate a secretarial clerk. Great Li swiftly mobilized an elite cavalry to reinforce the prefecture city, jointly with accompanying cultivators. The main culprits were executed on the spot, their heads displayed on the city walls. Local officials of Stone Millet Country within the prefecture city, including the Prefect and Vice Prefect, were imprisoned pending disposition, and their families were confined to their residences without any unnecessary persecution. During this period, an incident occurred that impressed both Chen Ping An and Su Gaoshan. On a snowy night, a young man climbed the city walls and stole the head of his teacher. He was discovered by Great Li soldiers on the wall but managed to escape. However, he was quickly intercepted by two secretarial clerks. This matter, though minor, was an isolated incident during the southward march. It was reported up the ranks, eventually reaching the attention of General Su Gaoshan. Su Gaoshan had the Stone Millet Country youth brought before his tent. After a conversation, he gave the youth a large bag of silver, allowing him to bury his teacher’s corpse with honor. However, his only condition was that the youth knew the true culprit was Su Gaoshan and that he should not cause trouble for the Great Li border army, especially the civil officials. If he wanted revenge, he could come directly to Su Gaoshan in the future if he had the ability.

This event became widely circulated in the officialdom and Jianghu of the central heartland of Stone Millet Country.

Then there was the first major event Liu Zhi Mao mentioned.

A woman in green, a youth in white.

Chen Ping An smiled.

With a flicker of his thoughts, he leaped onto the windowsill, gently tapped his toes, and leaped onto the roof ridge, walking slowly and aimlessly, simply strolling on the rooftops.

His Sword-Nourishing Gourd remained on the table, and his Bamboo Sword and Imitation Qu Huang Sword were also not carried.

Following his heart’s desires, without overstepping the boundaries.

The vastness of heaven and earth, all were reachable.

Finally, Chen Ping An stopped, standing on the upturned eaves of a roof ridge, closed his eyes, and began practicing the Sword Furnace Stance. However, he soon ceased, listening intently. The sound of melting snow seemed to fill the air.

A Great Li military secretarial clerk stationed in the city, and a cultivator accompanying the army, whose origins from some mountain of Great Li or possibly from the True Martial Mountain, one of the ancestral courts of strategists.

It was a young man wearing light armor. He was walking on the roof ridge. Today was a day off, and he was not on duty. He carried a pot of warmed wine, stopped scores of steps away from the eave, and said with a laugh in the elegant language of the continent, “Admiring the scenery is fine. Even if you want to go to the prefecture city walls, that’s alright. I just came out for a stroll and can accompany you.”

These were very considerate words. With the might of the Great Li iron cavalry, everything outside Great Li was naturally a foreign land, a tributary. However, the young cultivator’s unspoken meaning also contained a warning.

Chen Ping An smiled and shook his head. “No need, I’m going back soon.”

The young cultivator was stunned, then laughed loudly, raising his wine pot high. The young man in the azure cotton robe unexpectedly spoke in the most fluent official language of Great Li.

So, the young military secretarial clerk, who had been in the military for nearly a decade, said loudly, “Guan Yiran of Yunzai County, Yi Prefecture!”

Chen Ping An hesitated, feeling it inappropriate to announce his name, and simply cupped his fist towards the man, smiling apologetically.

Guan Yiran laughed and said, “In the future, if you encounter any difficulties, you can seek out our Great Li iron cavalry. Wherever our hooves tread, that is our Great Li territory!”

Chen Ping An looked dazed, unsure how to respond.
After the third day of the new lunar year, Chen Pingan and his two companions departed the city, continuing north, steadily approaching the northern border of the Shihao Kingdom.

The heavy snows began to melt.

Spring’s breath coaxed willow shoots into verdant life, and the sunlight painted the locust trees with misty hues.

Along the way, Zeng Ye had gathered a considerable amount of salvaged goods. Among them was a Shihao Kingdom’s commanding general’s seal, engraved with the words “Crafted by the Ministry of Rites.” He also found numerous antique trinkets discarded by the roadside, mostly larger pieces and miniature objects scattered haphazardly. Presumably, those of a moderate size and easily portable had already been snatched up by fleeing refugees. In peaceful times, these would have been valuable items worth tens or even hundreds of gold pieces, but now they were treated like worthless junk. There were also precious calligraphy scrolls and paintings, nearly ruined by the mud, or treasures sold for next to nothing to pawnshops in the unaffected counties. Unexpectedly, Ma Duyi turned out to be a bit of a miser, and Zeng Ye even more so. Every time they established a porridge kitchen or pharmacy, they would seize any free moment to hunt for bargains. They had already borrowed twice from Chen Pingan, a mere twelve snowflakes’ worth of immortal money in total. However, converting it into worldly gold and silver wasn’t easy, requiring a trip to an immortal’s ferry or inn. Fortunately, a female Yin spirit residing within the fox-hide talisman was from a first-rate, though not top-tier, immortal abode in the Shihao Kingdom. After Chen Pingan fulfilled her wish, he exchanged some immortal money with the immortal family for gold and silver, which he handed over to Ma Duyi and Zeng Ye to manage themselves. Ma Duyi even pestered Chen Pingan to build a large bamboo chest specifically to store the gold and silver.

Chen Pingan had no objections to this, as long as it didn’t interfere with their cultivation and duties.

One day, in a small prefecture city near the border, Chen Pingan took the lead in liaising with the local government, while the experienced Zeng Ye and Ma Duyi busied themselves with setting up the porridge kitchen and pharmacy. They dared not be even slightly careless in this, and only after completing their daily tasks did they gleefully head off to the pawnshops in search of treasures. They knew that although Mister Chen never intervened in the specifics and rarely even spoke, he observed everything. Furthermore, he saw deeper than they did.

As for the antiques and trinkets they purchased with the money they had borrowed from Chen Pingan, they were temporarily stored in his “咫尺物” (Zhichi Wu – A magical item with pocket dimension).

This was largely due to Ma Duyi’s noble birth and her former role as a manager in a treasure shop on her island. Her eye for quality was far superior to the younger Zeng Ye.

Later, Chen Pingan worried that Ma Duyi might also be deceived. After all, the items they were buying were mostly miscellaneous, flowing out of wealthy Shihao Kingdom households and were incredibly diverse. So, he summoned a Middle Fifth Realm cultivator’s Yin spirit residing in the imitation glazed pavilion to help Ma Duyi and Zeng Ye. The spirit, who had been refined into a water-well-suppressing ghost general by Zhu Xianfu’s Ma Yuanzhi, became instantly addicted. First, he denigrated all the items Ma Duyi and Zeng Ye had found, claiming they were worthless. Then, he insisted on personally appearing and leaving the imitation glazed pavilion to help the two idiots buy real treasures. To this end, he was even willing to manifest with the face of the woman on the fox-hide talisman. For an old ghost whose cultivation had reached the Sight of Seas Realm in life to make such a sacrifice, it seemed Chen Pingan’s records in his ledger were not false. He was indeed an enthusiast of collecting antiques, considered “broken junk” by Shu Jian Lake cultivators. The ledger also contained a comment from an earlier Earth Immortal cultivator, saying that if this Sight of Seas Realm cultivator, who was perpetually short on funds, hadn’t wasted his money on such items, he might have already ascended to the Dragon Gate Realm.

Chen Pingan allowed the old cultivator to do as he pleased, displaying his imposing posture even in the body of a lithe and graceful beauty. Chen Pingan wasn’t unused to such scenes. Frankly, the initial “Du Mao” constantly fidgeting and swaying his slender waist was even more disgusting.

That evening, Zeng Ye, Ma Duyi, and their two ghostly companions went to the city’s pawnshops in search of treasures. But one could not walk along the riverbank without getting one’s shoes wet. Items worthy of an old ghost in the Sight of Seas Realm would naturally attract the attention of rogue cultivators and even Registered Immortals. Many ancestral treasures passed down through wealthy families did indeed contain spiritual energy that had been overlooked. Seizing this rare opportunity to earn money, they could potentially earn dozens or even hundreds of snowflake coins. So, Zeng Ye and Ma Duyi would sometimes encounter fellow cultivators. Once, in a large city, a conflict almost arose. The other party was several Registered Immortals from a top-tier cave dwelling in the Shihao Kingdom. Both sides argued their case, and neither could be accused of outright robbery. In the end, Chen Pingan stepped in to resolve the situation, persuading Zeng Ye and Ma Duyi to voluntarily relinquish the spiritual item. The other party relented as well, inviting the rogue cultivator “Mister Chen” for a drink. They chatted amicably, although Ma Duyi privately resented Chen Pingan for a long time.

Chen Pingan went to a dog meat shop in a common neighborhood. This was his second time there. Chen Pingan didn’t enjoy eating dog meat, or rather, he had never eaten it.

However, the shop also sold other food. He, an outsider who didn’t eat dog meat, sat alone at a table, speaking awkward Shihao Kingdom’s official dialect. The neighboring tables were filled with steaming dog meat stews, people feasting, raising toasts, making the young man in the blue cotton robe rather conspicuous. Fortunately, the shop was a century-old establishment passed down through several generations and wasn’t particularly snobbish. The old man was the front desk manager, his son was the chef, and his grandson, who was learning to read, was said to be a renowned young scholar in the nearby streets. So, customers often joked about how the shop would continue to operate in the future. The humorous old man and the taciturn man would only say that it was fate and what could they do. But even the solemn and honest man would show a hint of pride on his face when he heard such jokes. The family’s ancestral graves were smoking, and they had finally produced a scholar with the hope of passing the imperial examinations. Could there be anything more fortunate in the world?

No matter how chaotic the times, there would always be a day when the chaos ended.
The dog meat shop tucked away in a humble alley was, as always, packed tonight, doing brisk business. Although the barbarian army from Great Li had breached the city walls last summer, surprisingly few people had actually perished. The main force continued south, leaving behind only a handful of Great Li soldiers, said to be fluent in the official language of Stone Millet Kingdom, to oversee the county magistrate’s residence. These soldiers kept a low profile, a fact largely attributed to the local county magistrate’s cowardice. He had hastily gathered his gold, silver, and valuables and fled, allegedly without even taking the official seal. Disguised in a scholar’s blue robes, he slipped out of the city one night, escorted by his personal guards, while the Great Li cavalry was still a good distance away. Clearly, he had no intention of returning to serve the court.

A thin, dark-skinned mute youth worked as a shop assistant in the dog meat shop, handling customers and serving tea with a marked lack of grace.

Rumor had it he was a refugee who had escaped from the border regions. The kind-hearted old shopkeeper had taken him in. After nearly a year, however, he remained an unappealing young man, and the shop’s regulars generally avoided interacting with him.

As twilight descended, the number of customers gradually dwindled, but the savory aroma of dog meat still lingered in the air.

Chen Ping’an ordered a pot of local county wine and sat near the entrance. The old shopkeeper was drinking with a regular, utterly drunk and red-faced. He regaled everyone with stories of his treasured grandson, imbuing the old man, who could only usually manage a pint of wine, with the capacity of two or three. Even in his intoxicated state, he reminded himself not to get too carried away and undercharge. These were turbulent times. Whether in the county seat or the surrounding villages, it was increasingly difficult to acquire dogs, and customers were fewer and farther between than before. Furthermore, the money in their pockets was significantly less than it used to be, so he had to be extra thrifty. His grandson’s schooling was a major expense, and he couldn’t afford to be overly stingy, lest the boy be looked down upon by his classmates.

Scholarly gentlemen were, after all, very conscious of their reputation.

The lean, swarthy young assistant was still busy, clearing the remnants of a feast from a table, his back turned to Chen Ping’an.

Chen Ping’an, having finished his meal and two bowls of rice, ordered a few more side dishes to go with his wine. He drank sparingly, but his chopsticks were relentless, and the side dishes were quickly disappearing.

Suddenly, Chen Ping’an called out the young man’s name and asked, “I’ll be hosting a guest later. Besides the chicken, do you have any freshly caught river carp in the water tank in the backyard?”

The young man nodded silently.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Then tell the cook to start preparing the dishes. Once they’re ready, my friend will be here to eat. Oh, and add a braised pork with spring bamboo shoots.”

The young man nodded again and went to the backyard, where he communicated with the man resting in the kitchen through a series of hand gestures. The man, who had just caught his breath, cursed under his breath with a laugh, shook his head, and stood up to slaughter the chicken and gut the fish, knowing he had more work ahead of him. But who, in the business of making a living, would refuse to accept money? The young man watched the cook’s retreating figure as he headed for the water tank, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. He then quietly left the kitchen to catch the largest chicken in the coop, only to be scolded by the cook, who said it was being saved to nourish his son. He told him to pick another one. The young man selected the smallest chicken instead, which still displeased the cook, who stated that while customers might not notice the difference in size, a business should still be ethical. The cook then chose a larger chicken himself and handed it to the youth. The young man was skilled at slaughtering chickens. The cook, in turn, caught a lively river carp.

The youth glanced at the dog cages in the corner before quickly averting his gaze.

The first dish, braised river carp, was brought to the table.

The young man noticed that the friend the customer had mentioned had not yet arrived.

Chen Ping’an simply said to wait, and to bring the second dish when it was ready.

When the braised pork with spring bamboo shoots and ginger scallion chicken were placed on the table, the young man realized the customer’s friend was still nowhere to be seen.

The youth was about to leave.

But the sickly-looking man in the cotton robe suddenly smiled and said, “The dishes are all here. We’re just waiting for you to take a seat.”

The young man looked bewildered.

Only one table of customers remained in the dog meat shop. The old shopkeeper was slurring his words as he forcefully urged them to drink, having imbibed more than his fair share himself. From the looks of it, the thought of offering a discount had long since vanished from his mind.

Chen Ping’an said to the young man, “I suspect you already know that I’ve figured out your true identity. And you’ve likewise realized that I’m a cultivator; otherwise, you wouldn’t have deliberately avoided me and avoided my gaze whenever you served wine and dishes. Since that’s the case, my inviting you to a meal isn’t such a big deal. You were the one who brought the food and drink to the table. I should be the one who is afraid. So what are you afraid of?”

The young man hesitated.

Chen Ping’an glanced at the table in the distance and smiled. “Don’t worry, the old shopkeeper is completely drunk, and those customers are just ordinary people. They won’t be able to hear what we’re saying.”

The young man sat across from Chen Ping’an but didn’t pick up his chopsticks.

Chen Ping’an picked up a piece of carp and placed it in the young man’s rice bowl. He then added some bamboo shoots and braised chicken.

The young man frowned, staring intently at the strange out-of-town guest.

Chen Ping’an took a bite of fish and a mouthful of rice, chewing slowly. He then asked, “How many people do you plan to kill? The cook, who is skilled with a cleaver, will certainly die. The old shopkeeper, who possesses the ‘Dog Whisperer’s’ ultimate skill, who knows how many dogs he’s purchased from the shop and stolen from the countryside, will also meet his end. What about the child attending elementary school? Do you intend to kill him as well? Of the regular customers who frequent this dog meat shop, how many have you memorized? Will they all be killed as well?”

The young man rested his hands on his knees, his fists clenched. His eyes were cold, and he lowered his voice, speaking in a hoarse whisper, “Are you going to stop me?”

Chen Ping’an countered, “What if I do stop you? What if I don’t?”

The young man said darkly, “If you dare to stop me, I dare to kill you!”

Chen Ping’an, holding chopsticks in one hand, smiled and extended his empty hand, motioning for the young man to eat. “Let’s not talk about whether your meager cultivation level is enough to kill me. Why don’t we enjoy this meal first? Once we’re full, we can try to settle things with life and death. This table of food, at current market prices, should cost about seven or eight coins of silver. And that’s because this dog meat shop has reasonable prices. If we were in one of the restaurants in the city center, they’d dare to charge one or two taels of silver, and it would be take it or leave it. If you don’t have the money, then get out.”
The young man gazed into the eyes of the young man for a moment, then began to eat, piling his plate high. If he was going to have this cultivator before him slay demons today, he at least wanted a full meal!

As the youth devoured his food, Chen Ping’an stopped eating. He poured the last bit of wine from the flask, sipping it slowly, and picked up the few remaining peanuts from the dish.

Chen Ping’an finished the wine and snacks, tucked his hands into his sleeves, and simply sat there.

The young man wiped his mouth and set down his chopsticks.

Chen Ping’an said slowly, “Seeing dogs slaughtered and customers eating the meat, you want to kill people. I can understand that, but I don’t accept it.”

The young man sneered.

Chen Ping’an continued, “Because you have your reasons and your principles, and you’re even willing to pay with your life for it. But I hope you learn more about this world. For instance, this meal you’re eating – river carp, chicken, and pork. When you embark on the path of cultivation, you’ll eat even more delicacies. As a half-immortal of the mountains, as long as you don’t die and vanish, you’ll attend banquet after banquet, sometimes as a guest, sometimes as a host, but you’ll never have to worry about lacking meat and fish, except for dog meat. Isn’t that right?”

The young man looked blank.

Chen Ping’an said slowly, “If you take this step today, even if I don’t stop you, you’ll be hunted down by the Dali military cultivators monitoring the city. Death is assured. Even if you manage to escape this prefecture, how many dog-slaughterers and meat-eaters will you kill next? Tonight, ten or dozens? In the future, a hundred or a thousand? You’re willing to die without regret, isn’t that right?”

The young man lowered his head.

Chen Ping’an said, “Since I’ve seen it, I won’t let you kill anyone here. You might think I’m unreasonable, that I’m abusing my power. That’s fine. In this world, being reasonable is a complicated and thankless task. But it’s the same. In the eyes of the dog meat shop owner and his son, the inexplicably dead customers, and the child who might survive but can no longer study, they’ll all think you’re unreasonable, extremely unreasonable. You should know this little truth before you kill.”

The young man looked up.

The man seemed truly concerned about the money spent. Seeing that he was no longer eating, he picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of stir-fried bamboo shoots with sliced meat, then a piece of braised river carp, and said, “The reason I’m doing this, saying all this to you, is because I see hesitation and struggle in you. You also think that the owner and cook, whom you deem deserving of death, have a good side. You should know, I’ve met many, many people, even humans, who are less human than you enlightened spirits who struggle so hard to become human. They’re not as good as you, not nearly as good. That’s why I’m willing to treat you to this meal, and…”

Chen Ping’an smiled, took out a piece of silver and placed it on the table, then took out a Xiaoshu coin and placed it on the table, flicking it so it landed near the young man’s bowl. “Let me tell you a possibility. Consider this Xiaoshu coin a loan. You can repay it or not, as you wish. Repay it in ten or a hundred years, it’s fine. Then, for example, you could choose not to kill for now, enduring the torment in your heart. I know it will be difficult, but if you don’t kill, you can use the money to save more of your kind. There are many, many ways to do this. For example, using your cultivation, you could become a mountain immortal in the eyes of a small county magistrate, helping him deal with minor matters involving ghosts and spirits. After all, in small places, you won’t encounter unreasonable cultivators like me. You can handle those troublesome spirits, so you can take the opportunity to tell the magistrate to forbid the sale of dog meat within his jurisdiction… Or you could become a wealthy merchant, buying up all the dogs in a prefecture or state, forcing many dog meat shops to close down… Or you could diligently cultivate, establishing your own mountain stronghold, dictating the rules within a hundred or a thousand li, one of which would be to treat dogs kindly…”

The young man asked, “Why are you doing this?”

Chen Ping’an thought for a moment and smiled, “Although I’m disappointed in this world, and disappointed in myself, I’ve only recently realized that even if the price of being reasonable is high, it’s still worth trying.”

The young man asked again, “Are you a disciple of the Confucian school?”

Chen Ping’an was silent for a moment, then shook his head. “Not yet. But I am a swordsman.”

The young man looked surprised.

“If you need more money, you can borrow it from me again, but after that, we’ll settle accounts clearly.”

Chen Ping’an slowly stood up. “Think about it. I don’t want you to repay me that Xiaoshu coin so quickly. If you’re smart, you’ll go to a distant prefecture. As long as I don’t hear or see it, that’s fine. But if you can choose a different path, I’ll be very happy that I bought you this meal, that it wasn’t a waste of money.”

Chen Ping’an walked out of the dog meat shop, walking alone through the alley.

The young man suddenly ran out of the shop, catching up to Chen Ping’an, and asked, “Sir, you said I could borrow money from you again in the future, but you didn’t tell me your name, or your hometown. If I run out of money, how will I find you?”

“Is that so?”

Chen Ping’an stood still, scratching his head. “I was just being polite, saying a few things that don’t cost money.”

The young man smiled brightly.

It was the first time, after transforming into human form by chance, that it had laughed so heartily.

Chen Ping’an reached out and ruffled the young man’s hair. “My name is Chen Ping’an. I’m currently wandering in the Shihao Kingdom, and will later return to Green Gorge Island on Shujian Lake. Cultivate well in the future.”

Chen Ping’an continued walking.

The young man shouted loudly, “Mr. Chen, the old owner and his family are actually good people, so I’ll offer them a very, very high price, one they can’t refuse, to buy the shop. Their grandsons and son will be able to study properly, they’ll have their own school and library, and they’ll be able to hire excellent teachers! After that, I’ll return to the mountains and cultivate properly!”

The cotton-robed man, who carried no sword but called himself a swordsman, simply turned his back to the young man, raised his arm high, and gave a thumbs up.

The young man shouted one last time, asking, “Mr., where is your sword?”

The man strode forward, “In my heart.”

After a slight pause, the young swordsman laughed and added.

In the night, only three words echoed lightly in the alley.

“It’s very fast!”