The two individuals at the Abode of the Bishu Consort on Mount Boluo found themselves embroiled in a perilous game of chess.

There were three options: a deadly clash where only one would emerge victorious, the loser likely facing obliteration; a concession, such as Chen Pingan bearing the consequences of slaying the Bishu Consort, or the scholar refraining from unjustly implicating Chen Pingan; or a mutual compromise, where they would jointly withdraw from the Mount Boluo chessboard, embracing the principles of chivalry and mutual benefit, turning their combined might against the remaining five fiends.

Chen Pingan inquired, “You’re not a demon? Are you a spirit of the Yin-Yang Valley engaging in treachery?”

The scholar dusted his sleeves, retorting, “Alive! I’m a living man, overflowing with pure Yang energy, as authentic as they come. My previous demon-subduing tactics were merely deceptive arts to intimidate you. How can one traverse the Jianghu without means of concealing their true identity?”

Chen Pingan asked, “So, shall we form an alliance? Together, we can seek trouble with that Pichen Yuanjun nearby?”

The scholar’s gaze turned peculiar.

Chen Pingan glanced at the Bishu Consort’s skeletal remains on the ground, gaining some understanding. He realized he had been tactless, perhaps revealing his intentions prematurely.

Now that the Bishu Consort was deceased, her mountain abode must hold some treasures. There was no reason to enter a mountain of riches and leave empty-handed. Clearly, he was not a cultivator experienced in plunder.

Chen Pingan shifted the topic, smiling as he asked, “Given your meticulous planning, you must be familiar with the Bright Moon Hall’s treasury secrets. We shall divide the spoils from this mountain, fifty-fifty, what say you?”

The scholar shook his head. “On Mount Boluo, it’s thirty-seventy; you get thirty percent, and I get seventy percent. You were merely a spectator; giving you thirty percent is already generous. As for the other mountain peaks, we’ll determine the division after slaying the demons, based on individual skill and contribution.”

Chen Pingan shook his head. “Forty-sixty.”

The scholar hesitated, finally displaying an expression of reluctant sacrifice, pointing at the bones on the ground. “Although the Bishu Consort’s bones aren’t the jade bones of ghosts or spirits, they’ve absorbed the essence of the sun and moon in the Yin-Yang Valley for nearly a millennium. They’ve been refined to be slightly superior to even a celestial’s golden branches and jade leaves, exceedingly rare. I’ll give them to you, and then we’ll split the rest thirty-seventy. That’s plenty of Jianghu ethics, isn’t it?”

Chen Pingan scoffed, “This is a hot potato. Accepting it would be like smearing mud on my own pants. Shouldn’t it be a forty-sixty split then?”

Besides, the most precious possession of a mountain spirit was naturally its demon core.

It must have already been swallowed whole by the scholar, securing him the greatest advantage.

The scholar feigned sudden realization, slapping his forehead apologetically. “I was imprudent. Very well, we’ll split the loot forty-sixty, and these bones will stay here. Come, I’ll take you to the Bright Moon Hall’s treasury to plunder treasures and secrets. The entrance is beneath the Bishu Consort’s love seat. This toad spirit wasn’t highly skilled, but thanks to the gifts from her lover and the concessions from the other five demons, she still amassed quite a collection of valuables.”

The scholar led the way into the main hall.

Chen Pingan, with the Sword Immortal Slung Behind him, leapt down from the wall and followed the scholar, casually storing the bones into his miniature world with a flick of his sleeve.

The scholar stopped and turned, his face showing astonishment.

Chen Pingan smiled, explaining, “If the Mount Boluo demons were to see this, wouldn’t it ruin things? It would be alerting the enemy, jeopardizing our demon-slaying enterprise. It’s best if I keep them for now.”

The scholar laughed in exasperation. “Should I thank you for that?”

Chen Pingan ignored him, surveying his surroundings. The spacious boudoir was filled with rare and exotic objects, but it reeked of cosmetics. The murals were scandalous depictions of erotic scenes, each over ten feet tall. Fortunately, the figures were no larger than jujube pits. They showed everything from emperors indulging in debauchery within their palaces to fleeting moments in brothels. One mural even depicted a couple wearing Daoist robes, the man with a celestial air and the woman radiating divine light, seemingly celestial partners practicing bedroom arts. The paintings also had dense annotations in small calligraphy, probably what Zhu Lian referred to as “immortal scripts?”

The scholar kicked the giant love seat, using a clever force to slide it several feet away without making a sound.

The scholar crouched down; embedded in the floor was a circular piece of refined iron, as bright and reflective as a mirror, as large as a basin. The scholar gazed at it intently, seemingly trying to decipher a mechanism.

The scholar turned, his face filled with displeasure. He had finally learned what it meant to leave no stone unturned. The wandering swordsman wearing a bamboo hat had swept up not only the six “immortal paintings” containing cultivation secrets but also every single bottle and jar on the Bishu Consort’s vanity. What was this? Had he never seen money before? However, the scholar quickly turned back, continuing to examine the pristine, mirror-like refined iron. A hint of gloom crept into the scholar’s brow. Knowing that they were about to enter the Bright Moon Hall’s treasury and encounter true treasures, he was still collecting these relatively worthless items so voraciously. Could he possess a miniature world? A small pocket dimension wouldn’t have such a large capacity.

Chen Pingan was still rummaging through cabinets, asking, “What did you mean when you said that the Bishu Consort was a Moon Palace breed?”

The scholar gently brushed the edge of the “round mirror” with one hand, while the other performed incantations within his sleeve, mentally calculating non-stop, casually replying, “Heaven and earth have the sun and the moon. The moon is the origin of Yin essence. Legend has it that the ancient Heavenly Court had a Moon Palace called the Bright Moon. Within the Moon Palace were the Cinnamon tree, the rabbit spirit, and the toad, all ancestors of the Moon Palace breed. Bathed in ethereal mists and celestial energies, each became a spirit and a deity. Like this Bishu Consort, she’s a descendant of the Moon Palace toad. But like the myriad types of dragons, there are high and low, heaven and earth differences. The one on Mount Boluo is considered a passable Moon Palace fiend.”

Chen Pingan praised, “Your knowledge is indeed extensive.”

While the scholar was studying the treasury’s mechanisms and secrets, Chen Pingan didn’t approach. No matter how much he scavenged the room’s treasures, he always maintained a distance of ten paces, subtly demonstrating his stance.

Chen Pingan chose a rosewood chair and sat down.

Upon hearing this, the scholar shook his head and sighed, “Life is finite, but knowledge is infinite.”

Chen Pingan casually remarked, “To use the finite to pursue the infinite is perilous.”

The scholar turned to glance at Chen Pingan.

Chen Pingan crossed his legs and, with a flick of his wrist, took out the jade bamboo folding fan given by Cui Dongshan, gently fanning himself with a cool breeze.

The scholar had already turned back. He extended a finger, lightly tapping the mirror surface. A portion of the moon-like mirror began to slowly rise.

Eventually, it transformed into a palace-like structure, like a pavilion rising from within the bright moon.
Chen Ping’an hastily retrieved his folding fan and stowed it within his personal dimension, disregarding any potential taboos. He hurried to the scholar’s side, intently examining the flawless piece of refined iron. From afar, it had appeared to be a smoothly polished mirror, tempered countless times. Little did he expect such profound mysteries to lie within. What astonished Chen Ping’an even more was that, even now, with his undivided attention focused upon it, he still found the previous “fit” to be unbelievably exaggerated. The scholar, however, frowned, repeatedly pushing the tightly shut palace gate back into the mirror’s surface, restoring its smooth appearance. Chen Ping’an watched with unwavering attention, marveling at the sight. Such exquisite craftsmanship truly existed in the world?

Chen Ping’an, not wanting to appear suspicious, declared, “Rest assured, I won’t resort to underhanded sneak attacks.”

The scholar sat cross-legged, slowly stating, “Without a doubt, this is a magical artifact crafted by a Moist artisan. It’s quite old. This item is yours; once we enter the treasure vault, a seventy-thirty split? How does that sound?”

Chen Ping’an nodded without hesitation. “Agreed.”

The scholar suddenly smiled, his fingers dancing across the mirror’s surface with incredible speed. In the blink of an eye, a miniature palace rose once more, its gates slowly creaking open. The entire structure began to glow with radiant light, illuminating their faces with a dazzling brilliance. Then, the floor began to creak and groan. The scholar reached out, and a snow-white orb appeared in his hand, like an immortal holding a bright moon. With a twist of his wrist and a rub of his hands, the palace on the surface of the moon seemed to shrink back into the earth, like a hidden immortal realm retreating into the mountain’s roots.

A secret passage appeared in the floor, dimly lit but not gloomy. Flickering, yellowish light emanated from what was likely an immortal’s technique, like wall-mounted lanterns.

The scholar handed the orb to Chen Ping’an. “A seventy-thirty split from here on, as we agreed.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Of course.”

Both men paused slightly in their movements.

One offered the item, the other received it, each using only one hand.

The scholar smiled faintly, the sleeve of his other arm subtly shifting, and the unusual phenomenon subsided.

Chen Ping’an, his hand concealed within his sleeve, also gently relaxed his grip on a string of walnuts.

Only then did the exchange of the treasure truly complete.

Chen Ping’an stored the orb in his personal dimension and followed the scholar into the passage.

The tunnel stretched downwards, slightly damp and filled with dense yin energy. Moss grew on the walls, befitting the secret lair built by a moon palace species.

Finally, they arrived at a stone chamber at the end of the passage.

There, two skeletons sat side by side, one tall and imposing, the other petite and slender, like a pair of immortal Daoist companions. Their hands were clasped tightly together, and it was evident that they had passed away peacefully.

One wore an emperor’s crown upon its skull and was draped in a golden dragon robe, while the other wore neither phoenix coronet nor ceremonial cape, but instead a celestial robe that resembled a Daoist garment but wasn’t quite.

Besides them, three chests were stacked in the corner.

The scholar frowned, gazing silently at the two skeletons.

Chen Ping’an inquired, “Is this some monarch who fell in the battle at the Ruins of Bones?”

The scholar nodded. “Most likely a ruler of the Longshan Kingdom. In his youth, he was an unloved and powerless son of the royal family. Back then, the largest sect in the southern region of Beiju Luzhou was called the Pure Virtue Sect, and the perfected cultivators on the mountain were all revered as Hidden Immortals. That conflict between the two dynasties, if you trace it back to the source, actually stemmed from an internal struggle within the Pure Virtue Sect, though later generations of immortals have kept it secret. This monarch, in his younger years, aspired to cultivate the Dao. He went incognito, visiting the mountain in search of immortal guidance. In the same year, the Pure Virtue Sect accepted a total of thirty disciples as direct inheritors. At first, there were no obvious signs, and it was regarded as a typical recruitment by the Patriarch Hall of Mount Emerald Peak. However, within a mere sixty years, the other sects of Beiju Luzhou noticed something amiss. Half of those thirty individuals were jade talents with the potential to become earth immortals, and the other half also possessed remarkable opportunities and destinies that could not be underestimated. Therefore, the scene of the thirty ascending the mountain to become disciples became a source of endless conjecture for later generations. There’s a poem that testifies to this: ‘With a single drumbeat, golden doors are opened, thirty immortal talents ascend Emerald Peak.’ And this monarch of the Longshan Kingdom was one of them, considered an outstanding figure even among those chosen ones. Unfortunately, the royal family members of the Longshan Kingdom who were eligible to succeed the throne began to die one after another, so he had to descend the mountain. Already at the Dragon Gate realm, he still chose to sever his path to immortality and inherit the throne. There are tales circulating in the streets that he had a close relationship with a female elder of Phoenix Cry Peak within the Pure Virtue Sect. I didn’t believe it before, but now it seems to be true.”

The scholar sighed, no longer scrutinizing the two skeletons. The dragon robe was merely a common object of the mortal world, appearing valuable but nothing more. The dragon energy contained within the male’s body had already been depleted or dissipated on its own. After all, once a dynasty falls, dragon energy will scatter. As for the Pure Virtue Sect robe worn by the female cultivator, it wasn’t a magical artifact of any rank, but simply a common robe bestowed upon every inner disciple of the Pure Virtue Sect by the Patriarch Hall. This mortal monarch and the female cultivator of Phoenix Cry Peak were likely both people who cherished the past.

The scholar then proceeded to open the three chests one by one. One chest was filled with thousands of gleaming, white spirit coins, dazzling to the eye. Another chest contained an ancient stele with dense inscriptions of seal script. As for the final chest, the one placed at the very bottom, it contained only one object: a small stone mortar, barely reaching the knee, no different from those used by common folk to pound glutinous rice.

The scholar’s expression changed slightly, and he shook his head gently, evidently finding his suspicion unlikely.

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “Could it be the legendary stone mortar used by the moon rabbit spirit to pound medicine?”

The scholar smiled. “Shall we… make a wager?”

Chen Ping’an asked, “How shall we wager?”

The scholar pointed to the stone mortar within the chest. “This item will be valued at seventy percent, and the rest will be valued at thirty percent, but I’ll let you choose first.”

Without hesitation, Chen Ping’an was about to choose the thirty percent.

The scholar hurriedly spoke, “Wait, don’t choose yet, I take it back.”

The scholar gently tapped the stone mortar, and it instantly crumbled into powder, revealing a piece of jade shaped like a white bowl. He said regretfully, “As expected, this white jade bowl is the place where the Heat-Averting Matron attained enlightenment. Because she was a moon palace species, she crafted the stone mortar to encase it, probably to bring good luck.”

The scholar picked up the bowl and held it in his palm. On the bottom of the bowl were eight characters in tiny script: “Pure Virtue Hidden Immortal, Invites the Moon with Wine.”

It was one of the ancestral ritual instruments of the Pure Virtue Sect.

Merely a spiritual tool.

However, it naturally held great significance for the Heat-Averting Matron, who had cultivated into a spirit.

Chen Ping’an inquired, “Will you choose the Dragon Gate Stele or the chest of spirit coins?”

The scholar’s eyelids twitched.
The seal script of this world is ancient and varied. Some ancient forms are so archaic that, unless you’re from an established immortal clan or sect with an unbroken lineage, you wouldn’t recognize a single character.

How did this young outsider recognize the archaic seal script for “Dragon Gate” at the top of the stele?

The scholar chuckled.

This underground grotto truly was a fitting place for a deadly brawl.

But just then, the man unexpectedly said, “Not only can you have that Dragon Gate statue stele, but you can take seventy percent of the silver snowflake coins in the chest. I just want those two sets of bones.”

The scholar looked puzzled. “Those two skeletons aren’t worth much. This Qingde Sect female cultivator only had a Dragon Gate Realm cultivation in life. Her robes are ordinary, worth barely a few Summer Solstice coins. And that dragon robe? Trust me, if you so much as touch it, it’ll turn to ash.”

The scholar’s smile grew playful. “Besides, stripping a corpse, especially a female cultivator, isn’t really appropriate, is it?”

Chen Ping’an said, “None of your business.”

The scholar nodded. “Then it’s settled.”

With a wave of his sleeve, he collected the stele along with the wooden chest. At the same time, Chen Ping’an stored the two sets of bones within his shrunken space.

Clearly, the scholar possessed at least one item capable of holding extra-dimensional space.

As for the chest of silver snowflake coins, Chen Ping’an received roughly fifteen hundred.

The scholar got the lion’s share, but still seemed unsatisfied. “Mount Peel’s Lady of Summer Respite constantly needs to pay tribute to that powerful backer of hers. Her coffers are a bit thin. Otherwise, a Golden Core demon like her would have more to offer.”

Chen Ping’an said, “To survive a life-and-death struggle in Ghost Domain Valley is already exceedingly rare. How can you compare it to the Golden Core Earth Immortals outside?”

The scholar nodded. “True.”

Chen Ping’an casually asked, “Do you have any water flasks or similar spirit tools for storing water?”

In that instant.

Chen Ping’an had already drawn his sword. The two flying swords, Beginning One and Fifteenth, traveling beneath the earth, were already pointed at the scholar: one aimed directly at the crown of his head, the other hovering behind him, its tip aimed at his heart.

The scholar said helplessly, “What are you doing? Planning to double-cross me already? Can’t we wait until we’ve leveled the other five mountain strongholds, each had our fill, before we start fighting to the death?”

Chen Ping’an’s expression was grave. He had sensed the other man’s killing intent in that instant.

The killing intent emanating from the scholar was even stronger than in the place where the Lady of Summer Respite had met her end.

Chen Ping’an saw that the scholar’s state of mind and expression were, at this very moment, completely normal.

Chen Ping’an recalled Beginning One and Fifteenth back into the Sword Nourishing Gourd, sheathing Sword Immortal. “I mistook there was an ominous creature guarding the cave, attempting to ambush you.”

The scholar chuckled. “Never thought this big brother would also have such a compassionate heart. But if you’re prone to fainting at the sight of blood and have poor eyesight, don’t hold me back when we’re fighting on the other mountain peaks.”

Chen Ping’an responded with a smile.

The two left the grotto together, returning along the dimly lit passage.

They walked side by side.

The scholar smiled. “How should I address you, brother?”

Chen Ping’an said, “My surname is Chen, and my given name is Good Person.”

The scholar seemed to choke, momentarily speechless.

He’d seen shameless people before, but never one so brazenly shameless.

Chen Ping’an asked, “And you?”

The scholar still hadn’t recovered. Weakly, he said, “I won’t mention my surname. You can call me Mu Mao, as in flourishing trees.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Not a bad name.”

The scholar said, “Not as good as Good Person.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Not at all, not at all.”

The scholar suddenly asked with a smile, “Do you know the origins of that Dust-Avoiding Primordial Mistress?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “You know I’m an outsider. I entered Ghost Domain Valley just to sightsee, and accidentally passed by Mount Peel. How would I know the origins of these demons? But these demons are interesting, daring to collectively call themselves the Six Sages, with titles like Mistress and Primordial Lord, and even their minions dare to call themselves Gentlemen.”

The scholar said, “The demons in these small places are strangely meticulous. That Dust-Avoiding Primordial Mistress was originally a clever little sable in the Little Profound Capital Temple. It gnawed on two pieces of incense dedicated to Heaven and Earth, and wasn’t satisfied. It even stole the fragrant oil in the crystal lamp. After it finished eating, it accidentally knocked over the lamp, and thus gained enlightenment and became a demon. It was discovered by a young immortal attendant, who, in a fit of anger, lashed it with a whisk until it was a bloody mess, on the verge of death. Unexpectedly, an old Immortal took pity on this karmic connection to the Dao and not only released it from the temple and peach grove, but also grabbed a handful of millennia-old soil from under the peach trees and smeared it on its wounds. Therefore, this little sable is innately immune to fire and sharp weapons. Ordinary magical instruments and weapons cannot harm it in the slightest.”

The scholar recounted these secret matters in detail, as if he had seen them with his own eyes. “This little sable, after leaving the peach grove, found the world vast and boundless. It claimed a mountain as its own, declared itself a Primordial Mistress, and established a cave abode, living a carefree and happy life. However, it still remembered the incense offering of the Little Profound Capital Temple, the place where it attained the Dao, and was especially respectful of that old Immortal. So, on its own mountain, it enshrined a memorial tablet for the old Immortal of the Little Profound Capital Temple, offering incense and sacrifices daily. Most demons in the world are like this, showing great reverence for the place where they attained the Dao and the opportunities that led to their enlightenment. The Lady of Summer Respite was like this, and so is this little sable. Speaking of which, this Dust-Avoiding Primordial Mistress is the same as the Lady of Summer Respite, a demon with a powerful backer. Aren’t you afraid of provoking that temple master Immortal? After all, you should look at the master before beating the dog.”

Chen Ping’an grunted in acknowledgment. “Then we won’t provoke the Dust-Avoiding Primordial Mistress. We’ll go directly to cause trouble for the Mountain-Moving Great Sage.”

The scholar laughed heartily. “No need for that. That old Immortal only respects the karmic connection to the Dao. He doesn’t have much attachment to the sable itself. We’ll join forces and kill it if we have to.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “How can you understand and see through the mind of an old Daoist Immortal? I’ve heard that before obtaining the Dao, cultivators yearn for a chance in a million, but after obtaining the Dao, they fear that chance in a million.”

The scholar started to play the rogue. “Believe it or not, I’m definitely going to the Dust-Avoiding Primordial Mistress’s Earth-Surging Mountain. It’s been lively at the Mountain-Moving Great Sage’s place lately. The Demon-Catching Great Immortal of Dirty Water Cave and the Decree-Issuing Lightning General of Accumulated Cloud Mountain should all be drinking and feasting together, plotting something. Maybe that old turtle’s daughter should also be there, flirting with the Mountain-Moving Great Sage. Only the Dust-Avoiding Primordial Mistress dislikes crowds. She’s probably alone right now. If you think the name of the Little Profound Capital Temple is too frightening, then let’s part ways amicably. You take the main road, and I’ll take my own narrow path. How does that sound?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Then let’s part ways amicably and go our separate ways.”

The scholar was surprised again, but didn’t say much.
He simply regarded it as encountering an eccentric individual.

After the two returned to the boudoir of the Frost Avoiding Consort, the scholar extended his palm, signaling Chen Ping’an to depart first, leaving Mount Stripping as soon as possible, lest he be mistaken for running out of the Cold Moon Palace first, then banging gongs and drums, alarming the demons of Mount Stripping.

Chen Ping’an leaped onto the wall, departing silently.

The scholar stood in place. His chivalrous behavior stemmed not only from his reluctance to break face and create unnecessary complications but also from his delight in watching this person clash head-on with the Mountain Moving Great Sage, attracting attention, while he leisurely dealt with the Dust Cleansing Yuanjun, enjoying another feast. These demons, though not of high cultivation, formed their own structure, yet mutually supported each other. This was the foundation of their survival in Ghost Domain Valley; otherwise, a single Nascent Soul cultivator could easily sweep through and defeat them individually, how could they have survived until today? A Nascent Soul Yin spirit from a northern city in history attempted to overwhelm the demons with his realm but suffered a great loss here, nearly meeting his end on Mount Accumulating Miasma.

The scholar raised his palm, gently exhaling, and a crimson demon core hovered in his palm, spinning around, emitting bursts of misty cold air.

He was not a ghost or a monster. Swallowing this thing would only damage his own Great Dao.

The scholar produced a crystal-clear white jade box, placing the demon core inside for safekeeping. He dusted off his sleeves. The Frost Avoiding Consort’s flesh essence had already been absorbed by the robe he wore. This Dharma robe, obtained from a rogue Earth Immortal cultivator in his early years, was named “Hundred-Eyed Glutton.” Initially, its grade was not high, not even considered a magic treasure. He wore it not only to conceal his identity but more importantly because this Dharma robe could grow. Over the years, each time he ventured out for relaxation, each act of demon slaying at his whim had become nourishment for this Dharma robe.

The scholar suddenly reached out, rubbing his brow, and muttered to himself, “Why did you stop me from killing in the grotto? What did it matter if it harmed your merit? When you sever the Three Corpses in the coming years, everything will naturally be settled. You are also amusing. The other Daoists who attained Golden Immortal status all severed me, the chief of the Three Corpses and Nine Worms, first. Yet you deliberately left me for last.”

The scholar remained silent for a moment, his expression complex.

He flipped his sleeve.

Transforming into a rolling cloud of black smoke, he drilled into the ground, vanishing instantly.

In a residence within the Cold Moon Palace, a fan-wielding monster who styled himself a Confucian gentleman, along with the goat-bearded old man and a group of lackeys from Mount Stripping, were drinking and making merry.

This “gentleman” was somewhat downcast, drowning his sorrows in wine. The other fools, lacking any sense, were high on spirits, gesticulating wildly, spitting everywhere, and speaking without restraint. One said the Frost Avoiding Consort’s buttocks were round and plump, willing to die for a single touch. Another boasted that the Black River King’s daughter had large breasts, eager to get a feel. Even more recklessly, someone said the Mountain Moving Great Sage was nothing but a fart, claiming that with a single command from the Frost Avoiding Consort, he could smash the ape’s head with one punch…

The fan-wielding monster drained his cup in one gulp, feeling that drinking with these fellows was a real eyesore, a disrespect to the golden Copper Stink City wine in his cup.

He sighed sadly, shaking his fan with one hand and his empty wine cup with the other, “Wine is for pleasure and dispelling sorrow. If Heaven’s will is so, then let us drink from the cup…”

The other monsters found nothing strange about it, laughing heartily. Their Lord Gentleman was getting sentimental again.

The fan-wielding monster glanced up at the Frost Avoiding Consort’s courtyard, feeling a heat in his abdomen. Regardless, the Consort’s figure was truly excellent.

He thought about how many years he had spent on Mount Stripping, serving diligently, yet the benefits he had received were few. He desired to become a personal favorite of the Frost Avoiding Consort. In the eyes of mortals, this Consort might not be considered beautiful, but for them, mountain spirits and monsters, why be so picky? However, he feared the Frost Avoiding Consort’s bedchamber methods, which even deities dreaded. One wrong move, and he would truly die beneath the peony flower.

The Frost Avoiding Consort left alone almost every few years, to see whom, to do what, no one knew.

Opinions varied.

Some said the Frost Avoiding Consort was the mistress of the Powder Rouge City Lord, others claimed that the true master of Mount Stripping was a Ghost King, as famous as Pu Rang of White Cage City. Still others whispered that the Frost Avoiding Consort and the Black River King’s only daughter shared… that kind of relationship.

The fan-wielding monster drank his wine, feeling a pang of jealousy.

Why was the Frost Avoiding Consort unwilling to confide in him?

He was getting a little drunk.

He wondered if he could ever be like the Frost Avoiding Consort, possessing a mountain, building a luxurious mansion, commanding wind and rain, how glorious.

He wondered if one day he could leave this Ghost Domain Valley and venture into the vast world beyond Skull Beach, to visit a Confucian academy, meet real scholars, and read the true Confucian classics.

Earth Surge Mountain.

Compared to Mount Stripping, it was much more heavily guarded.

A seemingly proper Mountain Protecting Array had even been built.

However, for the scholar, it was like entering an uninhabited place.

But to kill demons and seize treasures without causing a stir, to search the treasury, was very difficult.

The scholar was not in a hurry. Entering Earth Surge Mountain, he stood on a lush pine tree, wanting to wait.

As soon as the Mountain Moving Great Sage’s mountain and water array was activated, it would mean that the fellow had already stormed the mountain or his whereabouts had been exposed. That would be the time for him to act.

The only things to be careful of were the old turtle in the Old Dragon Cave and the little turtle in the Black River, who had a close relationship with the Frost Avoiding Consort. It wasn’t that he feared them joining forces with Earth Surge Mountain, but that the father and daughter were quite difficult to kill. If they insisted on protecting Dust Cleansing Yuanjun, it would be quite troublesome. The scholar’s trip to slay demons was, after all, just a pastime, like obtaining a ridiculous new scholar title in Copper Stink City, just to relieve boredom.

This Dust Cleansing Yuanjun, and the old turtle of the Black River King, one had roots in the Little Profound Metropolis Temple, the other had some connection with the Great Full Moon Monastery, an old turtle raised in the monastery’s release pond. Before Skull Beach became an ancient battlefield ruin, according to official historical records, before the old turtle became a spirit, it often floated to the surface in the temple, listening to sutras year-round. Later, two great dynasties fought, involving more than a dozen tributary states. The temple was protected by a Golden Body Arhat, avoiding the ravages of war, and eventually moved into Peach Blossom Grove in Ghost Domain Valley, becoming neighbors with the Little Profound Metropolis Temple, which was originally thousands of miles away.

The old turtle secretly left the temple, proclaimed himself the Black River King, and occupied a bottomless cave, naming it the Old Dragon Cave. He raised a pair of golden Winged Fish, saying they were a dowry for his daughter.
Her daughter styled herself the Ocean-Covering Yuanjun. The old turtle rarely showed his face, leaving her to manage the mountain affairs. Outside the Old Dragon’s Lair flowed a surging river, occupied by her, leading her aquatic demon horde in year-round tempestuous rampages. This little turtle spirit was born dark and stout. Once, the City Lord of Powder Rouge City ran into it and uttered a cruel taunt that pierced its heart, saying the little turtle’s appearance was so repulsive, even if he ate anything, he wouldn’t be able to bring himself to touch it, even with the lights out. This was considered by the Ocean-Covering Yuanjun to be the most shameful humiliation of her life.

The scholar stood on the tree, first taking a deep breath. The yin energy contained within the ancient pine was completely drawn out, then gently exhaled by the scholar, immediately turning the surroundings into a misty fog. Only then did he spread his palm, drawing a talisman with his fingers.

“Palm Observation of Mountains and Rivers.”

His palm flickered.

Transforming into a landscape painting of the Earth Surge Mountain’s residence.

The scene in the painting was somewhat blurred, as he was unwilling to reveal any traces. After all, that Dust-Clearing Yuanjun came from the Daoist lineage and possessed Golden Core cultivation, so she might sense something.

Atop a high platform in the Earth Surge Mountain’s residence, a grand banquet was in full swing.

The scholar smiled bitterly.

He saw that the banquet on the high platform was crowded with demon creatures, each with a substantial true form. In the scholar’s eyes, they were like guardians, their monstrous visages looming behind the demons, protecting their masters.

The scholar murmured, “What’s going on? Why are they all gathered at Earth Surge Mountain? Is that fellow even luckier than me? Is he stumbling upon it, or did he foresee this?”

Cultivators and deities all have dharma forms, while demons who have transformed into human form have what is called a true form. The higher the cultivation, the more blurred the true form becomes. After entering the Nascent Soul stage, the true form can be completely concealed. However, below the Nascent Soul stage, especially Golden Core demons, their true forms are the most condensed and stable, and also the most difficult to hide.

Nascent Soul cultivators with profound cultivation, as well as Golden Core cultivators from ancient sects, are often able to see through the true forms of demons.

The scholar quickly withdrew his Palm Observation of Mountains and Rivers supernatural ability.

In that fleeting glimpse of the high platform, he saw the Mountain-Moving Great Sage, whose true form was a silver-backed ape; the Demon-Catching Immortal, a plump rat spirit; and the Thunder-Commanding Divine General, with a colorful python coiled behind him.

Of course, there was also the Dust-Clearing Yuanjun, whose true form was a golden fluffy little sable.

Besides these, there was also a Golden Core ghost.

Except for the father and daughter from the Old Dragon’s Lair and the Black River, everyone was here. There was also an extra Golden Core ghost who liked to compete with the Skin-Nurturing City.

The scholar said helplessly, “Don’t let me get trapped and beaten like a dog. My luck shouldn’t be that bad, right?”

The Ghost Domain Valley, as a small world that has existed for thousands of years, has some intangible suppression on Qi Refiners. The higher the realm, the heavier the confinement.

Furthermore, the suppression is also significant for Qi Refiners with special identities.

Like him.

Mortals can suffer from acclimatization. The same is true for cultivators.

Especially him, with a purely Yang constitution, is completely incompatible with this Ghost Domain Valley. If not for his cultivation method, which is extremely profound and far beyond what heretical arts can compare with, and capable of merging water and fire, balancing yin and yang within his own fate, coming to this Ghost Domain Valley would be very troublesome for him, like a lantern hung high in the pitch-black night, only turning him into a target for countless ghosts and yin creatures.

The scholar began to mutter to himself again, “Leave?”

After a moment of silence, he smiled, “Then I’ll wait and see. Don’t let me die at the hands of others, otherwise, your breakthrough will have a major flaw.”

Since the scholar had made his decision, his mind became as still as water.

He simply decided to wait and see what happens, closing his eyes and focusing his mind, breathing and exhaling.

He would slightly refine that Dragon Gate Stone Tablet to see if it could succeed and add icing to the cake.

A breath of auspicious aura brought down sweet rain. Within the Water Palace, it was as if an old dragon was traveling through the clouds, controlling wind and rain.

Within the Fire Palace, there was a burly man with flames all over his body, like a Fire Department god, forging a short knife. Each swing of his arm to strike released sparks of fire in all directions.

In another vital acupoint, mountains rose and fell, lush with green trees. At the peak of the mountain was a Daoist temple with green glazed tiles, hanging a golden plaque.

In another acupoint, it was like a battlefield filled with the cold and grim aura of metal, two armies facing each other, with the clash of metal and horses.

And when the scholar tried to refine the statue stele obtained from Peeling Mountain, a stone stele stood in the Water Palace, slowly rising into the air. The words “Dragon Gate” on the stele’s head, stroke by stroke, constantly bloomed with golden light.

The scholar did not refine the entire stele in one go. After the words “Dragon Gate” successfully manifested, he stopped. He opened his eyes and gently exhaled a breath of stale air.

The scholar shook his sleeves and looked towards the residence. One by one, the demon creatures soared into the air, slowly gliding towards him. As for the mountain-protecting formation that enveloped Earth Surge Mountain, it instantly activated, but he didn’t pay much attention to it.

The scholar turned his head and looked in the direction of the Mountain-Moving Great Sage’s mountain, and smiled, “Good Fellow Brother, I took more advantage at Peeling Mountain. Now I’ll return some benefits to you. If you can’t get any advantages from this, and can’t return fully loaded, then you will truly disappoint me.”

The scholar glanced at Treasure Mirror Mountain, wondering how the main event there was progressing.

The Five Elements Earth, the Three Mountains Nine Marquis Mirror.

Was his last natal object involving the very foundation of the Great Dao.

For such a major event, he naturally had to come and see it for himself.

Once the Five Elements are complete, and all three corpses are severed, not only can he easily enter the Nascent Soul stage, but breaking through the Nascent Soul bottleneck and becoming an Upper Five Realms cultivator would also become a smooth path. Not only will the inner demons not be as difficult to destroy as those of ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators, but they only need to rely on the persistent effort of water dripping through stone. In at most two or three hundred years, they can be slowly worn away, with almost no danger. The process of grinding away the inner demons can also benefit the soul.

This is the foundation of the most top-tier immortal family in a continent.

Chen Ping’an did not go to the mountain where the Mountain-Moving Great Sage was located, but instead took a slight detour to the Sheep Intestine Palace where the Demon-Catching Immortal was located.

Saying it’s a palace, it was actually no better than the dilapidated temple at the foot of Treasure Mirror Mountain. It was equivalent to a three-courtyard house in Dragon Spring County.

There were only two little spirits guarding the gate, each holding a wooden spear, sitting on the steps chatting. One of the rat spirits even had a tattered paper book on his knees.

Chen Ping’an didn’t care whether it was a blinding trick or a bewitching array. The Demon-Catching Immortal was most likely still at the Mountain-Moving Great Sage’s mountain, discussing how to intercept and encircle him.

Then the two spirits saw an old man in a green robe walking towards their door.

One of the sturdy rat spirits rubbed his eyes and sniffed, “Is it really a living person? Am I dreaming?”
The other, smaller rat spirit hastily gathered his books, a suspicious look on his face. Finally, he abruptly stood up, brandishing a wooden spear, and roared, “Bold intruder! Who allows you to trespass into my Yangchang Palace? Identify yourself, and perhaps I’ll spare your life!”

Chen Ping’an rasped, “I’m sent by Lady Bìshǔ of Bōluò Mountain, inviting the Demon-Catching Great Immortal to be a guest at the Jade Palace. Where is your Great Immortal? Hurry now, my Lady has just captured a scholar from the City of Copper Coins.”

The rat spirit at the doorway drooled, scampering over eagerly. “Truly?”

The other small rat spirit was suspicious, pointing the spear at Chen Ping’an, giving a few tentative pokes. “Our ancestor has said that Bìshǔ, that stinky woman, always likes to hoard everything for herself. Don’t you dare lie!”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “To be honest, my Lady needs a favor. She hopes I can summon the Demon-Catching Great Immortal to come and help her deal with a young sword immortal shouting challenges on the mountain.”

The drooling rat spirit muttered, “It must be that formidable sword immortal the ancestor mentioned, seeking out Bìshǔ. Bōluò Mountain is so close to Copper Coffin Mountain, so it’s the first to be troubled.”

The rat spirit wielding the wooden spear pondered for a moment, nodding. “Alright, then you can scurry back to Bōluò Mountain. I’ll go to the palace and inform the ancestor at once. I won’t delay Lady Bìshǔ’s request for help.”

The other rat spirit grew anxious, frantically winking.

Such a large, defenseless human, even if he is a little old, once he’s in the pot, aren’t they easy to boil? Kill him, then inform the ancestor at the Mountain-Moving Great Sage’s place won’t be too late. Since Bōluò Mountain is seeking a favor from our Yangchang Palace, what does it matter if a messenger dies? Surely, that Lady Bìshǔ wouldn’t dare utter a single fart. That way, the two of us brothers could have a delicious meal!

The rat spirit didn’t seem to understand, poking Chen Ping’an again with the wooden spear. “Hurry and scram! Do you think you can meet our ancestor whenever you please? Are you blinded by greed, seeking death?”

Chen Ping’an noticed that this rat spirit was secretly winking at him, probably telling him to leave quickly.

Meanwhile, the rat spirit beside him had quietly drawn a sharpened sleeve dagger, hiding it behind his back, and walked towards him, smiling. “It wouldn’t hurt to meet the ancestor. Our Yangchang Palace has always been hospitable.”

Chen Ping’an only stared at the anxious eyes of the rat spirit before him, then extended a finger and gently flicked it, piercing a bloody hole through the forehead of the rat spirit hiding the dagger, sending him flying backward. He died instantly, collapsing at the entrance of Yangchang Palace.

The small rat spirit wielding the wooden spear seemed dazed, then utterly terrified, turning to flee.

But a palm pressed down on his shoulder, and the rat spirit dared not move, his mind blank. In his vision, his comrade lay in a pool of blood, and he didn’t know why he died.

The ancestor had once said that he had the potential to become a great demon. The ancestor had always favored him, and also said that when Yangchang Palace was expanded in the future, and a residence no less inferior than the Jade Palace was opened up, he would be sent to sit there as the abbot. The ancestor had never liked himself much, often rewarding him with food from banquets at other mountain peaks, and taught him a set of knife techniques, while he would often beat and scold himself.

Chen Ping’an, carrying the rat spirit, sat down by the steps, took out the yellowed book from his sleeve. It turned out to be a badly damaged scholar’s notebook. Upon opening it, it became even more interesting. There were some crooked marginal notes, written in very fine charcoal, showing that he wrote quite seriously, but still looked like earthworms crawling. The words in those marginal notes were often few, some childish questions, and some flattering words.

Chen Ping’an found it amusing, closed the book, and returned it to the small rat spirit with a pale face and trembling body.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Do you know where the Demon-Catching Immortal hides his treasures?”

The small rat spirit stiffly took the book, his voice trembling. “I don’t know… even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you… I’d rather die than tell you.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled softly, waved his hand, and a brand-new book appeared, still with the faint scent of ink. “Remember to hide it well, preferably dig a hole and bury it first, otherwise, if that Demon-Catching Great Immortal survives by luck and returns to this Yangchang Palace, you’ll be the one who dies. Your ancestor has a keen nose; he almost discovered me earlier.”

The small rat spirit was dumbfounded.

Chen Ping’an placed the book in his hand. “Do you understand?”

The small rat spirit nodded blankly.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Hurry up and hide the book, then let me knock you unconscious, or you can just hit your head on the door and faint, either way. As for running away, don’t even think about it.”

The small rat spirit dropped the wooden spear, went to a place to dig up the soil, and hid the book.

Then he ran back to the steps at the entrance, hesitated, and slammed his head hard against the door, but he did not lose consciousness after falling backward. He turned his head miserably and said, “This Immortal Master, you should do it, it would be better to draw some blood.”

Chen Ping’an waved his sleeve, knocking him unconscious, with blood slowly flowing from his orifices, but it only looked miserable.

Chen Ping’an kicked open the door of Yangchang Palace, stepped directly across the threshold, and began to search for the Demon-Catching Great Immortal’s treasure trove.

He tapped the Sword-Nurturing Gourd, letting Chuyi and Shiwu help him find clues.

Finally, under the incense table in the main hall of Yangchang Palace, he pried open a wooden plank and found a secret passage. Compared to the spacious tunnel on Bōluò Mountain, it was too narrow and cramped. Chen Ping’an could only crawl into it, and had to let Chuyi lead the way and Shiwu guard the rear. After about an incense stick’s worth of time, he finally arrived at a dim cave where one person could stand. Chen Ping’an lit a fire stick and found that there was only an iron box, askew.