Dragon Gate Realm cultivator Gu Mo and Floating Hibiscus Sword Lake’s Rong Chang, together gazed at the young man who had just emerged from seclusion.

Gu Mo was somewhat astonished. For a cultivator of the Lower Five Realms to refine their Natal Treasure with such immense fanfare and overwhelming presence was simply illogical.

Rong Chang, as a Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator, stood at a higher vantage point, seeing further. His emotion was more than just surprise, bordering on shock.

Qi Jinglong did not turn around. He retracted the miniature world crafted from his Natal Flying Sword. When he struck, no sword was seen; when he withdrew, still no sword was visible.

Qi Jinglong said to Rong Chang, “A bit impolite there.”

Rong Chang hailed from Floating Hibiscus Sword Lake, blessed with a Sword Immortal like Li Cai. Disciples within the sect could hardly be unhappy, so he bore no grudges, and laughed, “To personally witness Mister Liu’s Natal Flying Sword is an extreme honor. If the opportunity arises in the future, let’s find a place to spar freely.”

Qi Jinglong smiled, “As long as it’s not on砥礪 Mountain.”

Chen Pingan walked to Qi Jinglong’s side, and as he passed Sui Jingcheng, he whispered, “Don’t worry.”

Sui Jingcheng felt greatly relieved.

It seemed that the appearance of the “Senior” gave her even more peace of mind than the release of Mister Liu’s flying sword.

Even though she now knew that the “Senior” was actually just a Lower Five Realm cultivator, whose cultivation base was temporarily inferior to Qi Jinglong.

Chen Pingan stood beside Qi Jinglong. “Thank you.”

Qi Jinglong said, “If you really want to thank me, don’t try to force me to drink.”

Chen Pingan chuckled, “Easily done.”

Then Qi Jinglong briefly explained the cause and effect of the matter. The unknowable secrets naturally remained unspoken. Chen Pingan had to focus entirely on refining his Natal Treasure, allowing no distractions, so he was unaware of the conversation between Qi Jinglong and the others. However, he could vaguely sense the tension on the lotus pond. Especially at the moment when Qi Jinglong unleashed his Natal Flying Sword, Chen Pingan clearly felt it, even though his mind was immersed. But instead of affecting his refining, it was like Qi Jinglong providing another form of support for Chen Pingan.

Chen Pingan turned to Sui Jingcheng and said, “Go back to your room for now. Some things are better left unknown for now. Mister Liu and I need to talk to Fairy Gu and Sword Immortal Rong. Remember, no eavesdropping. It concerns the direction of your Great Dao, don’t treat it like a game.”

Sui Jingcheng nodded and went straight to her room.

Seeing this scene, Rong Chang’s mood became somewhat heavy.

After Sui Jingcheng gently closed the door, Qi Jinglong silently deployed a talisman array near her room, isolating sound and images, before Chen Pingan could even say anything.

A casual act, flowing like clouds and water.

Extremely fast and stable.

Chen Pingan seemed to have no intention of reminding Qi Jinglong. As the door closed and Qi Jinglong was drawing the talisman, he looked at the two mountain immortals who had come together to find Sui Jingcheng and asked, “Can Mister Liu and I sit down and chat with you? It might take a while.”

Gu Mo nodded. “As you wish.”

Chen Pingan sat on the long bench behind Qi Jinglong, who also sat down, but moved slightly, no longer in the center position.

From beginning to end, Qi Jinglong had merely stood up, reasoned properly, unsheathed his sword, and then sheathed it again.

As the two men sat down, Rong Chang’s heart sank again. How could these two men in green robes have such compatible states of mind? Just by looking at their seating positions on the same bench, there was a sense of “you follow my rules.”

Regarding that “Golden Core Sword Immortal” surnamed Chen, Rong Chang and Gu Mo had conducted an in-depth investigation while pursuing Sui Jingcheng, apart from the information leaked by the mountain and water gazettes. The clues were numerous but chaotic, creating a confusing fog.

As for Liu Jinglong, there was no need for them to investigate him further.

Liu Jinglong, the Land Flood Dragon ranked third among the young ten in the Northern Entirely Reed Continent, was the rapidly rising prodigy of the Northern Taihui Sword Sect.

Both of the Taihui Sword Sect’s Sword Immortals were currently travelling far away on Inverted Mount. For a sect with a “宗” character in its name, especially in the Northern Entirely Reed Continent where disagreements often led to life-and-death battles, this was a very dangerous situation. A major faction that based its existence on sword cultivators would not lack enemies.

However, no one underestimated the Taihui Sword Sect without a Sword Immortal guarding it. Those with insufficient cultivation dared not, and those with sufficient cultivation were unwilling.

One of the two Sword Immortals who went to the Sword Qi Great Wall, the Sect Master of Taihui, was not Liu Jinglong’s mentor. The other, of higher seniority, was not Liu Jinglong’s protector. That honor belonged to one of Liu Jinglong’s senior sisters. However, she did not have a place among the Northern Entirely Reed Continent’s ranking of ten, because she was already a Golden Core bottleneck Sword cultivator when Liu Jinglong joined the sect. Even after Liu Jinglong became famous, she still failed to break through. Although Taihui Sword Sect tried to block the news, rumors still circulated that this highly anticipated female Golden Core Sword cultivator had almost become possessed. It was Liu Jinglong who personally intervened, at the cost of his own serious injuries, to help her overcome the tribulation.

On the other hand, Liu Jinglong’s mentor was just an old Dragon Gate Realm sword cultivator of Taihui Sword Sect, whose talent was limited, and who had long been in a pitiful state of nearing the decay of the Great Dao, and had already passed away.

Looking at it now, this was an extremely strange thing in itself, but at the time, it seemed very reasonable. Because Liu Jinglong was not a true innate sword embryo. At the beginning of Liu Jinglong’s cultivation after joining the sect, almost no one outside the Taihui Sword Sect, or even within the sect, thought that Liu Jinglong’s path of cultivation could advance so rapidly. A Sword Immortal, who had a generational friendship with Taihui Sword Sect, expressed doubts about this after Liu Jinglong became a Cave Realm cultivator and was promoted to a rare ancestral hall direct disciple. He worried that Liu Jinglong’s temperament was too gentle, completely contrary to the Taihui Sword Sect’s sword doctrine, and that it would be difficult for him to become a talent, especially the kind that could become the backbone of the sect. Of course, the facts proved that Taihui Sword Sect’s decision to exceptionally accept Liu Jinglong as an ancestral hall direct disciple could not have been more correct.

Chen Pingan looked at the female Daoist of the Taixia lineage and said, “I’m a foreigner. You should have investigated it clearly. In fact, I come from Treasure Bottle Continent. Rescuing Sui Jingcheng was accidental.”

Rong Chang asked, “Could you elaborate?”

Chen Pingan nodded and gave a rough account of the battle at the pavilion. As for the matter of observing people and cultivating the mind, he naturally didn’t mention a word. Nor did he talk about whether people were good or bad, only spoke about their final actions.

Not to mention Rong Chang of Floating Hibiscus Sword Lake, even Gu Mo, whose temper was not particularly good, didn’t suspect that this man was lying.
Because seated beside this young man in the azure robes was Liu Jinglong.

Even cultivators of the Upper Five Realms could weave falsehoods and half-truths, plotting schemes that would leave men dead without a trace of conscience.

But Liu Jinglong was destined not to.

Consequently, those who could become friends with Liu Jinglong likely would not either.

This was an invisible principle, an unspoken rule.

It only required Liu Jinglong to be present, even if he remained silent.

“I previously suspected, with the utmost malice, that you had perhaps enticed Sui Jingcheng, and simultaneously charmed her into devotedly following you in cultivation. After all, Sui Jingcheng is inexperienced in worldly matters and possesses treasures of great value. The avaricious methods of a sect like Golden Scale Palace would be considered base, easily discovered after the fact, posing no real trouble. Instead, it’s the scenario I witnessed earlier that causes the most headache.”

After hearing this, Rong Chang confessed, “I never imagined that Mister Chen had already discerned the opportunity for Sui Jingcheng’s Dao inheritance and even left her an option that leans toward our side. It seems I judged a gentleman by my own petty standards.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Now that I’ve explained my situation, can you share what you’re at liberty to discuss?”

Rong Chang and Gu Mo exchanged a glance, both appearing hesitant.

Gu Mo drifted onto the small boat, sat down cross-legged, and began acting as if he’d delegated his responsibilities. “Sword Immortal Rong, you talk to them. I’m not skilled in these subtle maneuvers; they irritate me to no end.”

Rong Chang was somewhat helpless. In truth, it wasn’t fair to say Gu Mo was being disloyal. The matter of Sui Jingcheng was essentially the Jade Purity Primordial Lord Li Yu helping his master, Sword Immortal Li Cai, or more accurately, helping the future master of Floating Duckweed Sword Lake. Li Cai was lingering in the Northern Ju Lu Continent to await Li Yu’s emergence from seclusion so they could travel to the Sword Qi Great Wall together to slay great demons. Now that the Jade Purity Primordial Lord Li Yu had unfortunately died in battle, his master would likely venture to Upside-Down Mountain alone. His master had long decided that the future master of Floating Duckweed Sword Lake wouldn’t be him, Rong Chang, even though he had attained the Upper Five Realms as a sword cultivator. Nor would it be any of the other elders of Floating Duckweed Sword Lake, all of whom possessed impressive qualifications and cultivation levels. It could only be Rong Chang’s little junior sister, who had been “in seclusion for thirty years.”

Namely, the “Jade Beauty of the Sui Family” from the Five Mausoleums Kingdom.

Rong Chang harbored no resentment or disagreement about this. All the cultivators of Floating Duckweed Sword Lake felt the same way. The reason was simple: they were afraid of being slapped to death by Sect Master Li Cai.

The Jade Purity lineage, Li Yu, was proficient in several exquisite arts, said to be derived from the Daoist teachings of the Fire Dragon True Man.

His little junior sister’s true form was indeed in Floating Duckweed Sword Lake, in secluded cultivation. However, under the control of the Jade Purity Primordial Lord’s divine abilities, his little junior sister, in a manner similar to an immortal spirit’s astral projection, had been half-“reincarnated” as Sui Jingcheng, without harming Sui Jingcheng’s original soul in the slightest. One could say that the Sui Jingcheng within the house was still the legitimate daughter of the old Vice Minister Sui Xin Yu, but she was not entirely so. In short, it was a mystical state that Rong Chang found headache-inducing to contemplate too deeply. As for the ultimate outcome, how his little junior sister was using this to practice swordsmanship, Rong Chang was even less inclined to ponder.

Master Li Cai hadn’t said much back then, seeming to have reserved some information. In any case, all Rong Chang needed to do was erase the minor complications in Sui Jingcheng’s situation caused by the great misfortune of the Jade Purity Primordial Lord’s death in battle, and leave Sui Jingcheng in the Northern Ju Lu Continent to await Master Li Cai’s return home across the continent. That way, Rong Chang could avoid a sword strike from his master upon his return to the sect. As for Golden Scale Palace, and Cao Fu, Rong Chang had never even heard of such trash before and thought he would sully his sword by drawing it against them.

After some deliberation, Rong Chang still hesitated to reveal too much. The two azure-robed men before him liked to reason and were skilled at reasoning. However, if he took them for fools, then Rong Chang himself would be foolish. Perhaps if he revealed even a hint of a clue, they would follow the trail and uncover more of the truth. The two onlookers might even see further than Rong Chang himself. They might not necessarily use this to blackmail them, but it wouldn’t be a good thing.

In Floating Duckweed Sword Lake, two things were most unacceptable: failing at swordsmanship and being too foolish.

However, Master Li Cai thought everyone was a blockhead when it came to swordsmanship.

Whenever Master got angry and struck people, he couldn’t help but blurt out his catchphrase, “If your brain isn’t sharp, then practice your sword to death! How dare you be lazy?”

How could anyone argue with that?

Thus, Rong Chang carefully considered his words before saying, “Given the current situation, the key is how to break the deadlock. Sui Jingcheng is clearly infatuated with Mister Chen. Severing emotional ties with a wisdom sword is easier said than done. There are sword cultivators who have successfully used emotional hurdles as whetstones, but they are too few.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “Indeed.”

In Lotus Root Paradise, Zhou Fei of Springtide Palace, or rather Jiang Shangzhen, employed all sorts of methods to help his friend Lu Fang overcome his emotional entanglement, resorting to extreme measures. These were not only appalling but also represented the utmost cruelty, yet they were still ineffective. Lu Fang ultimately failed to enter the top ten, not only because he lost to Chen Ping’an but also, more importantly, because Lu Fang had yet to achieve a complete state of mind. Even if he could “ascend” and leave Lotus Root Paradise, it would be akin to wasting sixty years of time.

Rong Chang asked, “This is not to blame Mister Chen, but speaking of the current situation, since Mister Chen is the one who tied the bell, is he willing to untie it?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “Difficult.”

Rong Chang frowned.

Gu Mo, who had planned to practice silent meditation, couldn’t help but interject, “What kind of attitude is that?! A cultivator who is greedy for beauty has fallen to a lower path! Or are you scheming something grand, perhaps wanting to become Daoist partners with Sui Jingcheng? Well, that would be like forging a relationship with our Jade Purity lineage and Floating Duckweed Sword Lake! You’re playing a shrewd game!”

Chen Ping’an still shook his head, “It’s not like that.”

Some words are hard to hear.

But it’s better when someone is willing to say them to your face.

The truly unpleasant words are forever hidden in other people’s bellies, or lurking in the shadows, spewing a couple of bland and seemingly fair comments, those are the most disgusting.

Qi Jinglong also nodded, “Very difficult.”

Chen Ping’an suddenly said, “I’ll only say what I can…”
The possibility… Let’s start with two extremes. The eastward transmission of Buddhism gradually led to the divergence of Hinayana and Mahayana. Small detachment from ego is inferior to complete egolessness. When Sui Jingcheng cultivates her mind and achieves enlightenment, today’s infatuation could become next year’s indifference, truly severing the threads of affection. Of course, there’s also the possibility that Sui Jingcheng’s roots of love run deep, so that even if separated by ten thousand miles, the feeling will linger in her heart. Even if she ascends to the Upper Five Realms and becomes a sword immortal, her sword will struggle to cut it away.

Then, there are the possibilities in between these two extremes. Both of you are eminent cultivators from immortal clans bearing the “Zong” title. You must possess some mystical arts and divine powers specifically designed to overcome emotional trials and tribulations. However, I believe we must also consider Sui Jingcheng’s mental state…”

Gu Mo started to have a headache again. “Can’t you just be more direct? How should we proceed? Is there a need for all this tedious rambling?!”

Chen Ping’an looked at her and asked, “For you, it’s just a matter of one or two interventions. But for Sui Jingcheng, it’s the direction and potential of her entire life’s path of cultivation. What’s wrong with discussing it a bit more? What’s wrong with patiently talking about it for a few days? Cultivating on the mountains, one loses track of the changing seasons. Is this little bit of time really that long?! If it weren’t for me and Mr. Liu sitting here today, and instead it were two other cultivators of comparable realm and cultivation, the two of you might have already been severely injured and forced to retreat.”

Qi Jinglong nonchalantly added, “Or dead.”

Chen Ping’an helplessly said, “Do you have to phrase it like that?”

Qi Jinglong hummed in agreement. “You continue.”

Chen Ping’an took out two jugs of wine, tossing one to Qi Jinglong and opening the other for himself, taking a sip. Qi Jinglong merely held the wine, not drinking it, as he genuinely didn’t enjoy it.

Rong Chang chuckled.

The words were harsh.

But the logic was sound.

He was relatively accepting of it.

However, he guessed Gu Mo wouldn’t be too happy about it.

As expected, Gu Mo stood up and coldly sneered, “Afraid of death, yet dares to join the Tai Xia lineage?! Goes down the mountain to slay demons and vanquish monsters?! Wouldn’t it be easier to hide on the mountain and steadily ascend, avoiding encounters with people like you?! If I, Gu Mo, die, it’s just the death of a Dragon Gate Realm cultivator. But in Beiju Luzhou, two higher-realm bastards would die. Who loses and who gains in this deal?!”

Chen Ping’an hesitated for a moment. “Wouldn’t you yourself lose?”

Gu Mo cursed, “Lose your ancestor!”

Chen Ping’an didn’t get angry in the slightest, turning his head to laugh. “You have a higher cultivation, you should reason with her.”

Qi Jinglong smiled faintly. “You have a better temper, you should be the one to reason with her.”

Gu Mo’s “Tai Xia” robe billowed, her face turning ashen with anger. “You two, stop dawdling! One of you just step out and fight me!”

Chen Ping’an said, “Your sect is too powerful, I dare not fight you.”

Gu Mo laughed in anger. “Am I a madwoman? I’ll only spar with you, no life or death!”

Qi Jinglong smiled faintly. “Picking on the weak is not very virtuous.”

Gu Mo wasn’t embarrassed in the slightest, taking it for granted. “It’s not like slaying demons and vanquishing monsters, where death is death. It’s just a spar, why would I seek humiliation by challenging you, Liu Jinglong?”

Gu Mo looked at the Lower Five Realm cultivator. “Since you’ve been pretending to be a Golden Core sword cultivator all along, and even fought several tough battles, even the Vajra Realm martial artist of the Da Guan Dynasty lost to you. That swordsman Xiao Shuye was even killed by you. I don’t think you’re an easy opponent either. You and I will fight, without involving our respective sects.”

Then, Gu Mo asked suspiciously, “Are you two whispering something?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “I was asking Mr. Liu if your robe could withstand a full-powered strike from an Earth Immortal sword cultivator, which is why you’re so confident. Mr. Liu said it absolutely could.”

Gu Mo furiously said, “Shameless!”

Rong Chang rubbed his brow.

What was going on?

If he had known it would be this troublesome, he should have let someone else get involved on this trip away from the Floating Green Sword Lake.

Chen Ping’an stood up.

Gu Mo smiled. “Oh, are you going to prattle on for a few more sentences before the fight?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “I don’t talk much during fights. It depends on whether you have the ability to make me speak, and secretly catch my breath.”

Chen Ping’an stomped his foot, and a faint white flood dragon appeared above the courtyard wall of the house. Light exploded, incomparably brilliant, like a mortal suddenly looking up at the sun, naturally blinding.

Rong Chang merely squinted slightly.

Gu Mo subconsciously closed her eyes, then realizing something was wrong, she abruptly opened them.

It was just a moment.

A streak of snow-white sword light and a streak of dark-green sword light flew out.

A figure in a green robe suddenly disappeared, appearing beside Gu Mo, then swiftly returning to its original position, gently sitting down.

Gu Mo stood frozen in place for a moment, then sat cross-legged on the small boat. “Alright, I lost. You can continue reasoning, I’ll endure even if it’s annoying.”

This was also why Rong Chang was willing to travel with Gu Mo and why they had a good relationship.

Gu Mo seemed to realize something belatedly, angrily saying, “That’s not right! Did Liu Jinglong help you draw a talisman to gain the upper hand?!”

Qi Jinglong waved his hand. “It has nothing to do with me.”

Rong Chang said, “It really has nothing to do with Mr. Liu.”

Gu Mo sized up the stranger in the green robe and asked curiously, “Why do you have two flying swords that aren’t your natal swords?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Do you have the nerve to say that to me?”

Gu Mo grinned. “Too bad neither of them are as fast as your sword, and besides, it’s not a life-or-death battle. I’m not crazy enough to trade injuries for injuries.”

Chen Ping’an sighed inwardly.

Aside from the robe she was wearing, Gu Mo was actually hiding at least two flying swords. Similar to himself, none of them were her natal objects. One of them should be from the Tai Xia lineage’s foundation, and the second one was probably a gift from the Floating Green Sword Lake. Therefore, as Gu Mo’s realm increased, especially after reaching the Earth Immortal stage, her opponents would have a greater headache. As for reaching the Upper Five Realms, that was a different story altogether. Everything external needed to be pursued to the extreme: maximum lethality, strongest defense, strangest spells. The truly hidden trump cards became even more terrifying, and the chances of winning increased. Otherwise, everything was just icing on the cake. For example, Jiang Shangzhen’s many magical treasures were certainly useful, and very useful, but ultimately, in an evenly matched life-or-death struggle, even after a winner was decided, it still depended on the level of refinement of that willow leaf to deliver the final blow and determine the fate of both sides.

And Gu Mo was able to see at a glance that the swords named Initial and Fifteenth were not natal flying swords, which was probably the insight that a disciple of a major sect should possess.
Rong Chang began, “There’s a relatively safe method at hand, which is to wait for my master to arrive here and meet Sui Jingcheng. I wonder if Master Chen and Master Liu are willing to wait a while longer?”

This was, in truth, putting them in a difficult position.

“Relatively safe” was only relative to Rong Chang and Gu Mo.

For the outsider before them, a single misstep could lead to a life-or-death tribulation, with endless future troubles. If he were to leave today, abandoning Sui Jingcheng, it would actually be easier. Even if his master, Li Cai, arrived in Emerald Oriole Country, she wouldn’t find fault. Could he beat some sense into his “secluded disciple” for falling for someone else? Could he even succeed? Perhaps with an ordinary woman, but Sui Jingcheng’s every word and action revealed a clever and intricate mind, a world apart from his junior sister’s straightforwardness during her cultivation.

Therefore, the more Floating Lotus Sword Lake valued Sui Jingcheng, the higher Rong Chang’s master’s cultivation, the more dangerous this young outsider would be, as the unforeseen variables would increase.

The reason Rong Chang hadn’t suggested this initially was that it could easily turn a situation where they could have a good talk into a life-or-death struggle justified by the heavens.

Then, they could hide in the Taiwei Sword Sect.

Even his master, Li Cai, wouldn’t seek them out there.

It would be neither justifiable nor meaningful.

The cultivators of Beiju Luzhou weren’t entirely unreasonable, but everyone had their own set of principles conforming to the customs of the continent. It was just that their principles differed from those of other continents.

That was why so many foreign cultivators with powerful backing died here without a burial place, and in the end, they couldn’t even find out who killed them. Aside from the Wealth God of Aihai Continent’s own younger brother and the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master’s direct descendant, there were several others with equally shocking identities, but the news was kept under wraps. Only the immortal families with the character “Sect” in their name knew. For instance, there was a proud disciple of the Deputy Headmaster of the Confucian Temple.

These deceased figures had powerful living figures behind them, old immortals with deep pockets and hard fists.

But dare to come to Beiju Luzhou and roll up your sleeves and bare your fists?

Beiju Luzhou had plenty of everything, especially sword cultivators and sword immortals!

Chen Ping’an made a decision, but he didn’t say anything. He simply turned to look at Qi Jinglong.

Qi Jinglong smiled, “I’m still free.”

Chen Ping’an hesitated.

Qi Jinglong chuckled, “My reason hasn’t been fully explained, and even if it has, the Taiwei Sword Sect will have their own reasons to give.”

Chen Ping’an then remained silent.

He stood up and knocked on the door.

Qi Jinglong had already removed the talisman formation.

Chen Ping’an led Sui Jingcheng to the lotus pond, telling her everything that could be told.

Finally, Chen Ping’an smiled, “Now you don’t need to think about anything else. With that in mind, what are your plans?”

Sui Jingcheng asked softly, “Won’t this cause trouble for Senior and Master Liu?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “On the path of cultivation, as long as you don’t go looking for trouble, don’t be afraid when it comes knocking.”

Gu Mo sat on the small boat, even more idle than Qi Jinglong. Seemingly gazing at the lotus leaves outside the boat, she was actually eavesdropping the whole time. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

It wasn’t because she disagreed with what he said. On the contrary, Gu Mo found it quite reasonable, but she had a strong prejudice against the man surnamed Chen, so she couldn’t help herself.

Sui Jingcheng nodded and smiled, “Then should I wait to meet that expert before deciding?”

Chen Ping’an said, “That’s acceptable.”

Sui Jingcheng looked somewhat dejected, her eyes filled with guilt. She hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.

Chen Ping’an frowned, “If you overthink everything, it will only weigh you down. Are you complaining that your cultivation is progressing too quickly? Or that your mind cultivation is too easy?”

Sui Jingcheng gave a soft “oh.”

Neither refuting nor reflecting.

If it were his eldest disciple, Chen Ping’an would have already given him a flick on the forehead.

Qi Jinglong remained seated, averting his gaze and ears from what he shouldn’t see or hear.

But with his high cultivation, the words were clear as day, impossible to block out.

Rong Chang was probably the most tormented.

With the overall situation settled, Gu Mo, who had been so anxious at the beginning, had become the most relaxed. Watching the strangely related man and woman, she found it somewhat intriguing.

Afterward, Gu Mo and Rong Chang stayed at the Dragon Head Ferry Inn, each occupying a sizable courtyard.

They were located some distance from the lotus pond residence, a small sign of sincerity, to avoid being misunderstood by the two green-robed men as distrusting them.

Gu Mo and Rong Chang sat facing each other in the courtyard.

Gu Mo asked, “Rong Chang, I’m just asking casually, but you really can’t beat that Liu Jinglong? You lost in one move?”

Rong Chang smiled, “In a real fight to the death, I certainly wouldn’t lose so miserably, but my chances of winning are indeed slim. Qi Jinglong either held back in his battle with that foreign female cultivator at Stone Whetstone Mountain, or he found an opportunity to break through.”

Gu Mo sighed, “This Liu Jinglong is a freak! How can anyone break through so easily, as if splitting bamboo? It’s infuriating to compare oneself to others.”

Rong Chang chuckled, “If we were to look at Liu Jinglong’s previous two, wouldn’t we just want to bash our heads in and die?”

Gu Mo shook her head, “Those two? I wouldn’t even bother comparing myself to them, not even a thought. Liu Jinglong has a great chance of joining the ranks of those at the peak of Beiju Luzhou in the future, but those two are guaranteed, even my martial aunt in another branch said that one of them, even if they went to Central Earth Continent in the future, would have a chance to join the top ten there.”

Gu Mo suddenly asked, “Sword Immortal Li went to Treasure Bottle Continent. I heard Sword Immortal Wei Jin of Wind and Snow Temple and Great Li’s Prince Song Changjing are also powerful figures?”

Rong Chang nodded, “Both are very strong, with promising futures.”

Gu Mo was puzzled, “Let’s not talk about Wei Jin, but Song Changjing is purely a martial artist, having taken a dead-end path. ‘Promising future’ doesn’t apply to him, does it?”

Rong Chang recalled a certain guy who dared to be nonchalant even standing next to his master, and the unintentional words he had spoken. He repeated them verbatim, “Beyond the Great Dao of longevity, there are other Great Daos.”

Gu Mo smiled, “These kinds of words are somewhat similar to those of the martial uncles and aunts on our Crouching Peak.”

Rong Chang said nothing more.
After all, Crouching Earth Peak was the mountain abode of the ancient immortal, True Man Fire Dragon. The venerable immortal almost never concerned himself with the affairs of the sect, leaving them to be managed by his disciples and grand-disciples. His only concern was sleeping.

Gu Mo’s master, the Primordial Lord of Azure Dawn, was one who had achieved success in cultivation and established her own peak early on, leaving Crouching Earth Peak to gather disciples and expand her lineage.

Besides the Azure Dawn lineage, there were three other lineages that were renowned throughout Beiju Luzhou. The Peach Mountain lineage was particularly skilled in the Five Thunders Divine Method, the White Cloud lineage was adept at talismans and formations, and the Finger Mystery lineage excelled in swordsmanship.

However, without exception, all four direct disciples who had made such great names for themselves in Beiju Luzhou, when discussing their master’s teachings, would always say that they had only learned a superficial understanding.

Did listeners believe such polite words?

In Beiju Luzhou, they truly did.

This wasn’t even the most outlandish thing. The most speechless tale was one that had spread a few years ago, quickly becoming widespread across most of Beiju Luzhou. It was said to be a claim from one of True Man Fire Dragon’s direct disciples. During a journey down the mountain, he chatted with a reclusive expert who was visiting Crouching Earth Peak and somehow “leaked a heavenly secret,” saying that his master had once confided in him that his greatest regret in life was that his skills in subduing demons and exterminating evil were somewhat lacking.

It seemed that the disciple had even deeply agreed with this sentiment. Fortunately, when talking about this, the young Daoist didn’t show any dislike for his master.

Many sword immortals from elsewhere wanted to grab that disciple’s head and loudly ask the young Daoist, whose brain was presumably addled, if he was truly joking!

Of course, after asking the question, the sword immortals would still smile and politely send him on his way.

The sword immortals of Beiju Luzhou feared nothing and no one, except for True Man Fire Dragon, who was almost one of their own.

Fortunately, this ancient immortal loved to sleep and rarely descended the mountain.

However, like that missing young Daoist, there were a dozen or so other direct disciples of True Man Fire Dragon with mediocre talent who remained on Crouching Earth Peak, living in simple thatched huts to cultivate. While they called it cultivation, in the eyes of cultivators from other prominent sects, it was simply… wasting time and resources. Besides them, there were also many young Daoist attendants. After all, even those with poor cultivation would have their own disciples. One could often hear True Man Fire Dragon, who never seemed to sleep, personally imparting Daoist teachings, but it seemed they still remained unenlightened. For a long time, no disciple or grand-disciple from Crouching Earth Peak had caused anyone to feel like saying, “Can we please be reasonable?” regarding cultivation matters. In short, they had all wasted such a great opportunity of immortal destiny. Many terrestrial immortal cultivators in Beiju Luzhou felt that if they were to become any of those dull Daoists on Crouching Earth Peak, they would have already ascended to the top five realms.

Therefore, Crouching Earth Peak was a very incomprehensible place for cultivation. The feng shui and spiritual energy weren’t the best, and the direct disciples and their followers who stayed there mostly seemed to have a slim chance of achieving the Great Dao. Thus, although these Daoists had extremely high seniority, within True Man Fire Dragon’s lineages, that was all they had left. Moreover, Crouching Earth Peak didn’t interact much with the other peaks, and True Man Fire Dragon was often in seclusion… that is, sleeping. The numerous cultivators of the Azure Dawn and White Cloud lineages had no reason to go and curry favor, so they were unfamiliar with those whom they would have to address as grand-uncles and grand-grand-uncles, and they didn’t feel particularly close to them.

As for the origin of the name “Crouching Earth Peak,” there were many theories.

The most mystical one was that several ferocious dragons of extremely high realm had once been hidden in the area of Crouching Earth Peak. True Man Fire Dragon happened to pass by and, perhaps finding them displeasing, stomped on them one by one. Not only that, but after the evil dragons were forced to the ground, none of them dared to move even slightly. After the venerable immortal decided to build his thatched hut there, he had his disciples use their supernatural powers to move mountains and earth from remote areas. Those evil dragons became motionless mountain ranges. It was said that at least the origins of Purple Edict Peak, Southern Glory Peak, and Soaring Wind Peak were related to genuine “dragon veins.”

As for how many evil dragons had been trampled by the venerable immortal in the early years, no one knew.

Rong Chang asked with a smile, “Has the old immortal not returned yet?”

Gu Mo said with some sadness, “Not yet. If Grandmaster were on the mountain, my master would definitely not have undergone the disintegration of her immortal body and departed.”

Rong Chang sighed.

There were some things he couldn’t say much about.

Such as life and death being predetermined.

The benevolence of ancient immortals who had reached the heights of True Man Fire Dragon might not be something that cultivators like them could understand.

However, Rong Chang truly respected True Man Fire Dragon from the bottom of his heart.

So did his master, Li Cai.

It was simple, all because of True Man Fire Dragon’s three sentences.

“We come from the mortal world below the mountains, and we must eventually return to the mortal world below the mountains. Climbing mountains requires walking, descending mountains requires riding the wind. On the path of cultivation, great deeds are difficult to achieve, but once one becomes an immortal, small tasks are easy to do.”

“However, if someone can break free from the shackles of heaven and earth and go to the highest place to take a look, that is of course a good thing. There can be more such cultivators in Beiju Luzhou.”

“Don’t let the title of the first continent outside the Central Earth only rest on swords. Killing each other isn’t true skill; this poor Daoist can slap you all to death with a few blows.”

Inside the premium residence in the Kingfisher Inn.

After the storm, the sky cleared after the rain.

The fragrance of lotuses wafted through the air, and lotus leaves swayed.

Chen Ping An and Qi Jinglong were sitting on a long bench, while Sui Jingcheng sat alone on a bench beside them.

Qi Jinglong said, “Advancing to the third realm is truly a cause for celebration.”

Chen Ping An nodded.

Sui Jingcheng’s eyes lit up.

Only the third realm?

She stood up, squatted beside the lotus pond, picked another lotus leaf, and sat back on the long bench.

Chen Ping An and Qi Jinglong remained silent, simply gazing at the lotus pond.

Chen Ping An suddenly asked, “Are those Mandarin ducks of brocade feathers produced by Spring Dew Garden?”

Qi Jinglong didn’t rush to answer, leaned forward, and glanced at Sui Jingcheng.

That woman had a look of admiration, probably admiring his senior’s vast knowledge?

Qi Jinglong quickly sat up straight and spoke to Chen Ping An with ripples of the heart, saying with a hint of puzzlement, “I didn’t think so before, but now I’m starting to think that Rong Chang’s worries are indeed justified.”

Having advanced to the third realm of Qi Practitioner, Chen Ping An could now barely use the ripples of the heart to communicate. He laughed and said, “Let’s not think about these things for now, and wait for the patriarch of Floating Duckweed Sword Lake to arrive before talking.”

Qi Jinglong said, “That female sword immortal is named Li Cai. She’s not a bad person, but her temper is…”
Chen Ping’an said helplessly, “To be able to become close friends with the Tai Xia Yuanjun, and for the Tai Xia Yuanjun to be able to teach a disciple like Gu Mo, I understand things well enough.”

Qi Jinglong stopped speaking.

Sui Jingcheng didn’t want to be left out, so she made conversation. “Mr. Liu, you said earlier that reason doesn’t lie in strength, but didn’t you still rely on your cultivation to persuade Rong Chang, and ultimately bring up your sect, the Taihui Sword Sect?”

Chen Ping’an and Qi Jinglong exchanged a smile.

Neither of them said anything.

Sui Jingcheng felt somewhat embarrassed. Was she the only clueless fool?

Sui Jingcheng then felt a little aggrieved, lowered her head, and gently twisted the lotus leaf in her hand.

Before, whenever she didn’t understand something, her seniors would explain it to her. Look, now she’s encountered Qi Jinglong, and he’s unwilling.

Fortunately, Chen Ping’an had already said with a smile, “Mr. Liu’s principles are actually meant for the entire Tai Xia lineage, and perhaps even for that old immortal, the Fire Dragon True Man.”

Sui Jingcheng raised her head. This explanation she understood. “So, Rong Chang said his master was coming, and Mr. Liu mentioned his Taihui Sword Sect, also to make that Sword Immortal from Floating Weed Sword Lake wary? Rong Chang will help relay the message, causing that Sword Immortal to have concerns?”

After a moment, Sui Jingcheng tentatively asked, “Could it be said that Mr. Liu’s so-called ‘rules are paramount’ is to make those with strong fists, who could clearly kill people, have reservations? So, this allows those with weaker fists to say a few more words? Or even say nothing at all, and that in itself is a principle? It’s just that if the difference in strength is too great, whether or not to act is still up to the stronger party?”

Sui Jingcheng’s eyes brightened. She continued, “Could it also be said that this is equivalent to verifying what my senior calls ‘at the very least, one more possibility’?”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

Qi Jinglong smiled slightly. “Speaking not of exceptions, but of the majority of cases. In the streets and alleys, why don’t the strong dare to casually break into homes and rob? In secular dynasties, why do纨绔子弟 (纨绔子弟 wánkùz弟 – sons of high officials who loaf about) still need to be secretive when committing evil deeds? When cultivators descend the mountain, why don’t they act as they please, plundering all the wealth of a city’s rich families and slaughtering them? Why do I, with a Nascent Soul cultivation, dare to drag your Mr. Chen to await the arrival of a Jade Purity Sword Cultivator? So, having strong fists is impressive, this statement is neither demeaning nor complimentary, but what can restrain those fists is naturally even more powerful.”

Chen Ping’an reminded, “Be careful with your wording.”

Sui Jingcheng smiled slightly.

Qi Jinglong hesitated for a moment, gazing at the lotus pond. “But then again, these are the rules of places with rules, they don’t work in lawless lands. However, as long as the world continues to move forward, looking at history, and from the current situation, it still needs to move from disorder to order, and then everyone works together to transform the surface order, which may not be correct everywhere, into a virtuous order on the mountain, and virtuous laws down below. The world slowly moves from being reasonable to a broad category of being reasoned, trying to benefit as many people as possible, perhaps without being confined to the Three Teachings and Hundred Schools, seeking a state of balance, and ultimately everyone walks out a path of…”

Chen Ping’an said softly, “Let’s not talk about these for now.”

Qi Jinglong stopped speaking.

Chen Ping’an suddenly said, “That Gu Mo’s mindset is commendable.”

Qi Jinglong hummed in agreement. “The world needs many mountain cultivators like that, but it can’t just be cultivators like that. So, when we encounter Gu Mo, we don’t need to be anxious, much less demand too much from her.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “That’s right.”

Sui Jingcheng looked at the two of them, snorted, picked up the lotus leaf, and went inside to cultivate.

Am I an eyesore to you? Fine, I’ll leave, okay?

Chen Ping’an asked, “What’s this about?”

Qi Jinglong said helplessly, “You’re an expert, don’t ask me.”

Chen Ping’an was bewildered. “What expert?”

Qi Jinglong had already changed the subject. “Shall I tell you some things to watch out for when cultivating in the Three Realms?”

Chen Ping’an glanced at the pot of wine in his hand. “If you’re not drinking, give it back to me. It’s immortal wine brewed with several snowflake coins.”

Qi Jinglong said in amusement, “Do you think I don’t know it’s glutinous rice wine? Have you forgotten that I came from the streets? Even if I haven’t drunk it, haven’t I seen it before?”

Chen Ping’an thought for a moment. “Then I must have taken the wrong one.”

Over at the house, Sui Jingcheng, who had deliberately slowed down her pace, quickly stepped over the threshold and slammed the door shut with a loud bang.

Qi Jinglong was puzzled again.

Chen Ping’an said, “You can’t guess a woman’s thoughts.”

Qi Jinglong hummed in agreement. “Words of experience, golden words.”

Then, chatting idly, Chen Ping’an no longer referred to him as Mr. Liu, but used the name “Qi Jinglong.”

“Qi Jinglong, do you have a woman you like?”

“No.”

“How pitiful.”

“Still not drinking? You’re almost a hundred years old and still don’t have a girl you like.”

“Shut up.”

“Shall I get you a real pot of immortal wine?”

“Chen Ping’an, if I drink, can you change the subject?”

Qi Jinglong began to drink heartily, without Chen Ping’an even needing to urge him.

“Qi Jinglong, shall we drink and chat? You’re not bad looking, and your cultivation is high, there must be no shortage of girls who like you.”

“Get lost!”

These days, the Dragon Head Ferry Inn was very calm.

It’s just that the number of guests staying was increasing, and some places were overcrowded.

Because it was rumored that a female priest from the Fire Dragon True Man’s side had appeared, and was accompanied by a Sword Immortal of unknown origin.

They were threateningly confronting another group of people.

But unfortunately, no fight broke out, and fortunately, everything was peaceful.

This was also why cultivators dared to come to the inn to watch the excitement, otherwise wouldn’t they be courting death?

Chen Ping’an consulted with Qi Jinglong about many key aspects of cultivation in the Lower Five Realms.

Qi Jinglong naturally answered everything he knew.

As for the Dao of Talismans, the two also had much to say in common.

However, neither of them casually imparted their secret talisman techniques.

It wasn’t that they were unwilling.