(Heh, unexpected, isn’t it?)

The young swordsman, clad in azure robes and carrying a sword, was once again traversing the familiar, low-lying mountain range during his travels in the Painted Garment Kingdom. Compared to the desolate, ghost-like land he had journeyed through with Zhang Shanfeng years ago, there was now not a trace of Yin Qi. While not a landscape of abundant spiritual energy, it was at least a land of green hills and clear waters, far better than before. Following his memory, he finally arrived at a familiar ancient residence in the dusk. Two stone lions still guarded the gate, with some changes. Spring Festival couplets were now hung, and colorful New Year’s paintings were pasted on the doors.

After knocking, he waited patiently.

An elderly woman, bent with age, held a lantern and laboriously opened the gate. She saw the young man who had removed his bamboo hat, his face radiant with a smile. He was quite tall, albeit a bit thin, and carried a sword on his back, looking like a wandering swordsman from afar.

The old crone’s face was deathly pale, making her quite frightening in the dark.

She tried her best not to frighten the visitor. After all, the residence had overcome its difficulties and even benefited from misfortune. There was no need to deliberately scare away ordinary mortals, lest they be implicated.

The old woman softly asked, “Young master, are you seeking lodging for the night?”

The young man smiled, “Not only am I seeking lodging, but also wine, along with a large bowl of stir-fried bamboo shoots with meat as an appetizer.”

The old woman was taken aback, then her eyes immediately filled with tears. Her voice trembling, she asked, “Could you be Young Master Chen?”

The visitor was none other than Chen Ping’an, who had traveled south alone.

Chen Ping’an smiled gently, “Is Grandmother doing well these days?”

The old crone quickly grabbed Chen Ping’an’s hand, as if afraid that her great benefactor would leave as soon as they met. She gently raised the hand holding the lantern and wiped away tears with the back of her withered hand, her expression excited. “Why did you take so long to come? It’s been so many years. This old body of mine, if Young Master Chen hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have been able to hold on any longer. How would I be able to cook for my benefactor? The wine, it’s all been saved for Young Master Chen. So many years of saving, enough to drink no matter how much you want…”

Chen Ping’an tucked the bamboo hat under his arm and gently clasped the old woman’s hands with both of his, feeling guilty. “Grandmother, I’m late.”

The old crone quickly turned her head and shouted, “Husband, Mistress, Young Master Chen has come, he really has come!”

The man, Yang Huang, who had risked becoming a puppet ghost to prolong his wife’s life, was dressed in a scholar’s robe. He and a woman with a radiant complexion rushed to the door.

The couple wanted to kneel and kowtow upon seeing Chen Ping’an.

A thousand words could not repay the great kindness he had shown them.

Chen Ping’an wanted to stop them, but the old crone tightly gripped his arm, clearly insisting that Chen Ping’an accept their gratitude.

Chen Ping’an had no choice but to acquiesce.

Yang Huang and his wife, Yingying, stood up.

Only then did the old crone release her grip.

Yang Huang and his wife exchanged smiles.

The young lad from the past had seemed to transform in the blink of an eye into a young master. Although he looked a bit thin and haggard, he was even more like a true Sword Immortal. How wonderful.

The group entered the residence. Chen Ping’an naturally helped the old woman close the gate. Yang Huang and his wife smiled knowingly, the old woman felt slightly displeased that he had taken away her small task. She said there was no need to trouble Young Master Chen with such light chores.

The old crone said she would go to the kitchen to light the stove and prepare a midnight snack. Chen Ping’an said it was too late and they could do it tomorrow. But the old crone refused. The woman said she also wanted to personally stir-fry a few dishes, as a poor substitute for proper hospitality, barely enough to welcome Young Master Chen.

Yang Huang led Chen Ping’an to the familiar hall to sit. Along the way, he recounted the events that had transpired after Chen Ping’an’s departure.

All good things.

Yang Huang, who had nearly fallen into the demonic path, had now returned to the path of cultivation. Although his great Dao had been delayed and his future prospects were diminished, it was still a world of difference compared to his previous existence as an inhuman puppet ghost. It should be known that Yang Huang had originally been cultivated as a future Golden Core Earth Immortal within the Divine Edict Sect. However, after this incident, he had actively abandoned the Great Dao for the sake of love. Yang Huang himself knew the gains and losses, and he had no regrets.

As for his wife, who had been “detained” in the embroidered tower, she had regained her beauty and was even more fortunate than her husband on the path of cultivation. She had even broken through a realm, and now she could leave her true form in the embroidered tower in the backyard and travel in spirit during the night. She could even go on spring outings and enjoy the autumn scenery, no different from ordinary women. She no longer had to endure the torment of the wind and spiritual turbulence day and night.

Yang Huang asked about the young Daoist Zhang Shanfeng and the big-bearded swordsman Xu Yuanxia. Chen Ping’an told him about them one by one.

Chen Ping’an also asked about the recent circumstances of Prefect Liu of Rouge County and the official’s son Liu Gaohua. Yang Huang told him everything he knew. He said that Prefect Liu had been promoted a few years ago and had gone to Qing Province in the Painted Garment Kingdom to serve as the Inspector, becoming a powerful regional official, which was quite a feather in his cap. Furthermore, his daughter was now a direct disciple of the Divine Edict Sect. It was possible that Prefect Liu’s promotion was related to this.

As for Liu Gaohua, he had taken the initiative to visit the residence twice in recent years. Compared to his previous dissolute behavior, he now enjoyed indulging in the scenery under the guise of escaping society. He no longer wanted to take the imperial exams and had curbed his temper. However, he had not performed well in a previous metropolitan exam and was still only a licentiate. Therefore, during his second visit to the residence, he drank a lot of sorrowful wine and grumbled, saying that his father had declared that if he did not pass the imperial exam, he might as well marry a wife and settle down.

Chen Ping’an also asked about the Daoist fisherman, Mister Yu. Yang Huang said that it was fortunate that the old gentleman had just returned from his travels in the capital and was in Rouge County. He had heard that he had taken in a female disciple named Zhao Luan, whose aptitude was excellent. However, with fortune comes misfortune. The old gentleman also had some worries. It was said that a mountain immortal leader in the Painted Garment Kingdom had taken a liking to Zhao Luan and hoped that the old gentleman would give up his disciple, promising great rewards and even offering to invite Mister Yu to serve as a mountain gate offering. However, the old gentleman had not agreed.

Chen Ping’an listened quietly and asked, “What is the reputation of this Immortal Master, and what is his realm?”
Although Yang Huang had been a vengeful spirit for so many years, damaging his soul’s foundation and his path of cultivation, he was, after all, a favored son who had emerged from the Divine Edict Sect. Moreover, now that he was free from all burdens, he felt no real apprehension when it came to the most influential immortal master of the Caiyi Kingdom. He chuckled, “It’s probably because they recently reached the Dragon Gate realm that they’ve become a bit too proud. The entire sect has become restless, and they’re recklessly accepting new disciples, without any regard for quality. A sect that once had a good reputation is not what it used to be.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “I understand. I’ll inquire further.”

Yang Huang smiled. “My words are merely hearsay and shouldn’t be taken as definitive.”

The food and wine were brought to the table.

The wine was a carefully crafted homebrew, and the dishes were a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.

The woman and the old nanny both took their seats. This house didn’t have so many rigid rules.

Perhaps wanting Chen Ping’an to drink more, the old nanny gave the master and mistress Caiyi Kingdom’s special wine cups, but presented Chen Ping’an with a large wine bowl.

Yang Huang respectfully rose to toast Chen Ping’an, with his wife Yingying and the old nanny following suit.

Chen Ping’an had no choice but to hold up the wine bowl and rise as well, saying with a helpless expression, “If you keep doing this, I really won’t dare to visit again.”

Yang Huang drained his cup and joked, “We’ll talk about that when benefactor comes again.”

Chen Ping’an finished the wine in his bowl in one gulp. The old woman became anxious, worried that he was drinking too fast and would hurt himself. She quickly urged, “Drink slowly, drink slowly. The wine won’t run away from the bowl.”

Chen Ping’an laughed. “Old Nanny, my alcohol tolerance isn’t bad right now. I’m happy today, so I’ll drink more. If I get drunk, I’ll just pass out.”

While pouring wine into Chen Ping’an’s bowl, the old woman continued to nag, “No matter how good your tolerance is, you should still drink slowly. Drink slowly, and you can drink more.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Alright, I’ll drink slowly, as Old Nanny says.”

Chen Ping’an roughly described his travels, saying that he had left the Caiyi Kingdom and gone to the Shuishui Kingdom, then boarded an immortal ferry and traveled along the Dragon Vein to Old Dragon City. From there, he took an intercontinental ferry to Upside-Down Mountain, without directly returning to Treasure Bottle Continent. Instead, he first went to Tongye Continent, then back to Old Dragon City, visited the Green Luan Kingdom, and finally returned to his hometown. After some hesitation, he didn’t mention Sword Qi Great Wall and Scroll Mountain. During this time, he shared some interesting anecdotes, which Yang Huang and his wife listened to with great interest. Yang Huang, who came from a top-tier sect, knew the difficulty of intercontinental travel, while the old woman seemed to enjoy hearing about both the wonders of the vast world and the mundane details of daily life.

That night, Chen Ping’an drank over two jin of wine, which was quite a lot. He slept in the same room he had stayed in during his previous visit.

The next day, Chen Ping’an spent most of his time with the old nanny, basking in the sun and chatting. Chen Ping’an, who was supposed to leave on the third day, was urged by the old nanny to stay for another day.

At dawn, a drizzle began.

Chen Ping’an put on his bamboo hat and bid farewell to the three of them at the entrance of the old house.

Unable to refuse the old nanny’s insistence that the autumn rain, though seemingly light, could still harm the body, Chen Ping’an had no choice but to wear the green raincoat. As for the sword-nourishing gourd that had once revealed his “Sword Immortal” identity, it was naturally filled with homemade wine by the old woman.

Before parting, the old nanny stood under the eaves, holding Chen Ping’an’s hand. “Don’t think Old Nanny is being long-winded and then not want to come anymore.”

Chen Ping’an said softly, “How could I? I love good wine and have a sweet tooth. Old Nanny, you don’t know how many times I’ve thought about the food and wine here over the years.”

The old nanny lowered her head and wiped away tears. “That’s good, that’s good.”

Chen Ping’an adjusted his bamboo hat and said goodbye softly, slowly walking away.

After walking a short distance, the young swordsman suddenly turned around and walked backward, waving goodbye to the old nanny and the couple.

The old nanny called out, “Young Master Chen, don’t forget next time, remember to bring that Miss Ning with you to visit!”

Chen Ping’an’s face turned slightly red, and he called out loudly, “Alright!”

In the rain, the bamboo hat, the green raincoat, the young man’s back gradually disappeared.

The old woman was filled with sorrow. Yang Huang, worried that she wouldn’t be able to withstand the autumn rain and cold, asked her to go back first. The old woman waited until she could no longer see the young man’s figure before returning to the house.

The woman Yingying, in a soft voice, called out, “Husband?”

Then, she felt a little ashamed and didn’t continue. Instead, she apologized, “Husband, don’t blame Yingying for being vulgar and mercenary.”

The thought in her heart then dissipated, and she murmured, “It’s better not to distract Young Master Chen with these trivial matters. Husband, you did well by not mentioning anything. We really shouldn’t be so insatiable.”

Yang Huang held one of her hands and smiled, “You’re doing it for my sake.”

The woman suddenly felt better and smiled, “Husband, good people will surely be rewarded, right?”

Yang Huang said, “I can’t be sure about other good people, but I hope Chen Ping’an will be.”

The woman Yingying smiled sweetly, “Suddenly, I feel very happy that Young Master Chen just came to our house to visit and drink wine.”

Yang Huang hummed in agreement, sighing, “In the season of autumn, it feels like bathed in spring breeze.”

In the rain.

Chen Ping’an slightly detoured and arrived outside a mountain god temple that the Caiyi Kingdom court had recently included in the mountain and river register. He strode inside.

It was harvest season, and early in the morning. The mountain god temple, built on the ruins of a licentious shrine, was empty of worshipers.

Chen Ping’an took off his bamboo hat and shook off the raindrops, stepping over the threshold.

He no longer deliberately concealed his fist intent and aura.

The local mountain god immediately appeared in his golden form, a burly armored general, walking out from the painted statue. He was uneasy and clasped his hands in salute, saying, “This humble god greets Immortal Master.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Sorry to bother you. I’m here to ask if any immortal peaks in the vicinity have cultivators coveting the spiritual energy of that house.”

It was neither Caiyi Kingdom’s official dialect nor Treasure Bottle Continent’s literary language, but rather the official language of Great Li.

Being proficient in the Great Li language was now a necessary skill for all mountain and river deities in the central Treasure Bottle Continent. The mountain god smiled awkwardly, preparing to formulate an appropriate response, but before he could, the intimidating young Sword Immortal had already put on his bamboo hat again. “Then I’ll have to trouble Mountain God Lord to take care of it.”
The mountain deity felt as if he had returned from the gates of hell, and immediately said in a deep voice, “I wouldn’t dare presume to say I can look after anything. Immortal Master, please rest assured, this humble deity and the Yang couple are neighbors. A near neighbor is better than a distant relative; this humble deity understands the situation.”

Chen Ping’an cupped his fists to take his leave, smiling as he reminded, “Just pretend I wasn’t here.”

This new mountain deity, officially appointed by the Caiyi Kingdom court and responsible for guarding this treasured geomantic site, hurriedly nodded, understanding perfectly.

If one wasn’t clever enough, merely relying on merits from their previous life and virtuous deeds after death wouldn’t be enough to snatch up such a desirable position. A deity governing a region’s mountains and rivers was no different from climbing the official ladder.

Chen Ping’an left the mountain deity temple.

The mountain deity slowly paced within the main hall, finally making up his mind: he would no longer provoke that residence. No matter how abundant the spiritual energy, it wasn’t something he could partake in.

Chen Ping’an traveled to Yanzhi County in the Caiyi Kingdom, presenting his travel documents at the city gate. It was a brand-new household registration certificate that Wei Bo had procured for him, still indicating that he was a resident of Longquan County in the Great Li Dynasty.

After asking around, he finally found the location of Fisherman’s residence.

It was a tranquil alley where only the sound of rain could be heard.

Chen Ping’an knocked on the door knocker.

Soon, a thin, tall teenager with a wooden expression emerged. Upon seeing Chen Ping’an, the teenager hesitated, seemingly unsure of Chen Ping’an’s identity.

Chen Ping’an smiled and greeted, “Zhao Shuxia.”

The teenager exclaimed in surprise, “Mr. Chen!”

Chen Ping’an nodded, sizing up the lanky young man. His fist intent was not abundant, yet pure. He was currently at the third realm of martial cultivation, but still quite far from breaking through. Although he wasn’t a martial arts prodigy like Cen Yuanji, who was easily seen through, Chen Ping’an actually preferred Zhao Shuxia’s “meaning.” It seemed that the six-step stance that Zhao Shuxia had “secretly learned” had been practiced diligently.

The teenager was none other than Zhao Shuxia, the one who had wielded a wood-chopping knife to protect a little girl back then.

Zhao Shuxia closed the door and led Chen Ping’an into the backyard of the residence. Chen Ping’an smiled and asked, “Have you finished practicing the fist stance I taught you back then, ten thousand times?”

Zhao Shuxia was a little abashed, scratching his head. “According to Mr. Chen’s instructions back then, one repetition counts as one punch. Over the years, I haven’t dared to be lazy, but I’ve been progressing very slowly. I’ve only completed over 163,000 punches.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “Have you ever engaged in combat? Or received guidance from an expert?”

Zhao Shuxia shook his head. “Never.”

Chen Ping’an was relieved. If Zhao Shuxia had experienced many life-or-death trials and his fist intent was proficient and polished, his punches would have become faster and faster. He shouldn’t have only thrown 160,000 punches after so many years. But if he hadn’t, then he could only slowly throw each punch, persevering like water dripping through stone. The stance would naturally be difficult to progress quickly. But Chen Ping’an wasn’t worried about this slowness. With fist intent in the body, it was like an old granny handing over a bowl of wine. As long as it was held steadily, no wine would be spilled. Drop by drop, the fist intent would accumulate in the body. But if one was lazy, the fist intent would become frivolous, the wine would splash everywhere without awareness, and it would be difficult to pass the great barrier of the third realm. It was extremely difficult for a martial artist to break through the third realm bottleneck and ascend from the Body Refinement realms to the Qi Refinement realms. Chen Ping’an had suffered greatly. Zhu Lu hadn’t been able to endure it himself and had relied on the Yang Family Medicine Shop’s ointment to barely break through. And Yang Lao’s newly accepted female disciple had relied entirely on her own endurance, resulting in vastly different martial arts futures for the two women.

Zhao Shuxia led Chen Ping’an to the secluded backyard. An elderly scholar in a Confucian robe and a delicate and intelligent young girl stood side by side under the eaves.

Zhao Shuxia smiled. “Mr. Chen is here!”

Chen Ping’an removed his bamboo hat, cupped his fists, and smiled. “Greetings, Fisherman.”

Then, he looked at Zhao Luan, who was barely old enough to be considered a young woman. “Luan Luan, long time no see.”

The old scholar with a head full of white hair didn’t dare recognize Chen Ping’an for a moment.

The change was too great.

Although it had indeed been many years since they had parted, the old scholar still found it difficult to superimpose the image of the tall, elegant young man before him with that of the bamboo-chest boy from back then.

However, the “Luan Luan” from back then, her face covered in tears, cried and laughed, her voice trembling as she called out “Mr. Chen.”

For Chen Ping’an, her gratitude and longing were beyond words.

Over the years, she had been constantly thinking of him, always remembering him. All the boredom, hardships, grievances, and joys on her path of cultivation would remind her of that person from back then.

Her brother, Zhao Shuxia, always liked to tease her with jokes, but as she grew older, she became more and more adept at hiding her thoughts, lest her brother’s teasing become too excessive.

Zhao Shuxia was taciturn by nature, and only towards Luan Luan, who was no different from a younger sister, would he be completely unreserved.

The four of them sat down together. At the old residence, they had reunited over wine, while here they reunited over tea.

The tea water contained wisps of spiritual energy. This was also for Zhao Luan’s cultivation. The better a cultivator’s talent, the smoother their journey. The more they consumed in terms of clothing, food, housing, and travel, the more it was like burning through mountains of gold and silver.

The Fisherman who had once fought demons and monsters with him in Yanzhi County was named Wu Shuowen and was an old Confucian cultivator. Chen Ping’an only had respect for him, otherwise he wouldn’t have entrusted Zhao Shuxia and Luan Luan to the old man.

It was evident that the old scholar had indeed lived up to his trust in treating Luan Luan and Zhao Shuxia.

Moreover, Chen Ping’an had felt somewhat uneasy in recent years. As his experiences in the martial world grew richer and he became more aware of the dangers of human nature, he realized that his so-called good deeds from back then might have brought considerable trouble to the old scholar.

As long as one set foot on the path of mountain cultivation, they would be just as much a pawn.

Not being in the martial world meant fewer disputes and competitions that could potentially involve life-or-death matters. Not being on the mountain meant misfortune, because one would never be able to appreciate the magnificent and bizarre scenes along the path to immortality and longevity, but it was also a kind of stable fortune.

Moreover, the better Zhao Luan’s talent, the greater the burden on the old scholar’s shoulders and heart. How could he avoid hindering Zhao Luan’s cultivation? How could he seek immortal arts that matched Zhao Luan’s talent? How could he ensure that Zhao Luan could cultivate in peace, without worrying about the cost of immortal money?

In the past, Chen Ping’an would never have thought of these things.

Only after traveling ten thousand miles and seeing a hundred kinds of people and a thousand things could one truly understand the difficulty of being a “good person,” and feel more empathy for the countless sufferings in the world.

Therefore, before entering the Caiyi Kingdom, Chen Ping’an first went to the Guyu Kingdom and found the elm tree spirit, the Grand Preceptor of the Guyu Kingdom, with whom he had long since forged a deadly feud.
Worried that the powerful demon might still cause trouble for that ancient house, Chen Pingan vividly remembered the assassin attack in Shushui Kingdom.

Arriving in the capital of the other party’s territory, Chen Pingan simply went to their doorstep, met the demon, and knocked him down with three punches.

The beating left the demon seriously injured, wasting at least thirty years of diligent cultivation.

Chen Pingan then asked if he wanted to continue his relentless pursuit and dared to send assassins after him.

The Ancient Elm Kingdom’s imperial preceptor, who presented himself as a scholar, was already covered in blood, lying on the ground, and said he wouldn’t dare.

After all, at that time, two flying swords were present: one hovering between his eyebrows, and the other pointing directly at his heart.

Only then did Chen Pingan leave.

Furthermore, he deliberately sat at a tea stall outside the capital gate of the Ancient Elm Kingdom, waiting for the imperial preceptor’s next move.

But there was none.

Only then did Chen Pingan head to the Colorful Garment Kingdom.

Chen Pingan took a sip of hot tea and went straight to the point: “Mr. Wu, I heard that there are cultivators in the Colorful Garment Kingdom who want to take Luanluan as a disciple?”

Wu Shuowen nodded, his face full of worry, “If that Great Immortal Master truly intends to impart immortal techniques to Luanluan, even if I am reluctant, I wouldn’t ruin Luanluan’s opportunity. However, half of the reason why this Great Immortal Master is so insistent on Luanluan ascending the mountain to cultivate is because he values Luanluan’s aptitude, and the other half… alas, is because the Great Immortal Master’s eldest son, a dissolute rogue with terrible character, saw Luanluan at a banquet in the Colorful Garment Kingdom’s capital. Forget it, let’s not mention such filthy matters. If it really comes down to it, I’ll take Luanluan and Shuxia with me to leave the central part of Treasure Bottle Continent. I won’t stay in this Colorful Garment Kingdom and the dozen or so other countries.”

Chen Pingan asked, “What are the names of that immortal mountain and the father and son? How far is it from Rouge County? What is the approximate direction?”

Although Wu Shuowen was puzzled, he still explained everything clearly. The Misty Mountain was more than 1,200 li away from Rouge County, of course, the distance of walking through mountains and rivers.

Chen Pingan drank a bowl of tea, got up and smiled, “Then I’ll go to the Misty Mountain ancestral hall first, and we’ll talk again when I come back. It won’t be too long.”

Wu Shuowen got up and shook his head, “Young Master Chen, don’t be impulsive. This matter needs to be considered carefully. The Misty Mountain’s guardian formation is known for its offensive prowess, and there is also a Dragon Gate Realm Immortal sitting there…”

Chen Pingan looked calm and smiled, “Don’t worry, I’m going there to reason with them. If reasoning doesn’t work… then we’ll talk about something else.”

There were some words that Chen Pingan didn’t say.

The reasoning that can be done now, a person can’t always hold back, speak your mind first. For example, the Misty Mountain. Those that cannot be spoken for the moment, he’ll save them. For example, True Yang Mountain and the Xu family in Qingfeng City. One day, he will bring them up, like pulling out a jar of old wine from the ground.

As for how to reason, Chen Pingan has both fists and swords.

Going to that immortal ancestral hall, the only thing he doesn’t need to do is waste his breath.

Earlier, in the bamboo building of the Broken Shoes Mountain, he had seen Cui Cheng’s so-called tenth-realm martial artist demeanor, and he had also heard the old man’s reasoning, just one sentence.

Drink fine wine with those who reason, and throw swift punches at those who don’t. This is the kind of Jianghu you, Chen Pingan, should have. Practicing boxing is not just for fighting in bed, it is to compete with the entire world, it is to teach those above and below the mountains to kowtow to you when they meet fists!

Chen Pingan deeply agreed with the first half of the sentence, but felt that the second half was open to discussion.

It’s just that he didn’t dare to say it in the bamboo building at that time, for fear of being beaten. At that time, the old man had the aura of a tenth-realm peak, fearing that the old man wouldn’t be able to control his fist, and he would really be beaten to death.

Wu Shuowen obviously still felt it was inappropriate, even though the young man in front of him… the young Chen Pingan, had shown extremely steady and outstanding performance in the Rouge County defense battle that year. But the other party was, after all, an old immortal in the Dragon Gate Realm, and even the master of a sect. Now, he has even attached himself to the Great Li cavalry, and it is said that the next imperial preceptor is a sure thing. For a time, he was in the limelight. How could Chen Pingan alone break into the mountain gate?

In the Jianghu, strength is often feared when young, but it is not the same on the path of cultivation. Those who can become great cultivators in the Dragon Gate Realm, apart from cultivation, which one is not an old fox? Without backing?

Zhao Shuxia didn’t have too much worry, probably because he felt that Mr. Chen, who taught him boxing, couldn’t be more capable.

And Zhao Luan was even more anxious than her master Wu Shuowen. Regardless of her identity and etiquette, she quickly came to Chen Pingan’s side, grabbed his sleeve, and said with red eyes, “Mr. Chen, don’t go!”

Chen Pingan looked at the old scholar, then looked at Zhao Luan, and said with a helpless smile, “I’m not going to die. I’ll run away if I can’t beat them.”

Zhao Luan’s tears instantly burst, “Mr. Chen just said he was going to reason with them.”

Chen Pingan was speechless and winked at Zhao Shuxia, wanting him to help comfort Zhao Luan. Unexpectedly, this stubborn boy was also clueless, just smiling and standing still.

Chen Pingan sighed, “Then let’s sit down and drink tea again.”

Zhao Luan’s tearful eyes were more hazy than the Misty Mountain, which was shrouded in mist all year round. “Really?”

Chen Pingan nodded, and she let go of Chen Pingan’s sleeve and timidly walked back to her seat.

Wu Shuowen also sat down and persuaded, “Young Master Chen, don’t be anxious. I’ll just take the two children to travel the mountains and rivers.”

Chen Pingan asked, “What about Mr. Wu’s family?”

Wu Shuowen said, “Presumably, a cultivator in the Dragon Gate Realm wouldn’t be so shameless.”

Chen Pingan looked at Wu Shuowen.

Wu Shuowen lowered his head and drank tea.

The old scholar could only sigh in his heart. How could he not know that the so-called distant travels were just to make Luanluan and Shuxia not feel guilty?

Chen Pingan gently put down the teacup in his hand.

In an instant.

Chen Pingan’s figure was no longer in the house.

Wu Shuowen held the teacup, dumbfounded.

Zhao Luan and Zhao Shuxia looked at each other in dismay.

They saw that a green shirt was already standing in the courtyard, and the long sword behind him had been unsheathed, turning into a golden rainbow, heading to the high sky. The man tapped his toes, leapt onto the long sword, broke through the rain curtain, and rode his sword north.

After the old scholar came back to his senses, he hurriedly took a sip of tea to calm his shock. Since he was destined not to be able to stop him, he had no choice but to let it be.

Zhao Luan’s eyes were dazed and radiant. She quickly wiped away her tears, her pear blossoms and rain were truly moving. It’s no wonder that the young mountain master of Misty Mountain would fall in love with her at first sight.

Zhao Shuxia scratched his head and said with a smile, “Mr. Chen is really like he’s rushing out to buy wine.”
Upon a celestial mountain perpetually shrouded in rain, midday arrived with a torrential downpour, plunging the world into a darkness akin to deepest night.

Therefore, when a solitary golden streak appeared from the horizon’s edge, it became exceedingly conspicuous, especially as it was accompanied by a deafening, thunderous roar that tore through the heavens.

To the cultivators of Misty Peak, whether blind or deaf, it was abundantly clear: a Sword Immortal had come to grace their humble mountain with a visit.