A wizened old Daoist and his young apprentice strolled along the edge of the Great Marsh in the Divine Continent of the Central Earth. The autumn wind howled, and the old Daoist informed his disciple that they were going to visit an old friend.

The young disciple didn’t bother asking who it was or whether they were of high cultivation, as it was unnecessary.

He remembered how, back on that isolated island overseas, a mere scholar had refused to grant them entry.

The young Daoist couldn’t help but feel a sense of complex emotions regarding his master’s cultivation. Especially after learning that the scholar wasn’t some terrestrial immortal, much less a Jade Purity Realm cultivator, a Celestial Realm cultivator, or someone who had Ascended. The young Daoist had initially intended to offer some words of comfort, but seeing his master’s nonchalant attitude, he decided against it. Perhaps it was for the best. If his master’s demon-slaying abilities were lacking, then maybe it was excusable that his own Daoist skills were so wretched?

Later, his master had taken him ashore in the Divine Continent of the Central Earth, to their sect’s upper echelon, Dragon-Tiger Mountain. However, Zhang Shanfeng was left at the foot of the mountain. The young Daoist was somewhat disappointed, but assumed his master simply didn’t have enough influence to bring him along. He said nothing. His master had only said that this trip up the mountain was to beseech those Yellow and Purple Nobles for a favor. If successful, Zhang Shanfeng would be allowed to ascend the mountain. Zhang Shanfeng had encouraged his master to put in the effort and speak properly to the Yellow and Purple Nobles, not act so recklessly as he did back on their own mountain. After all, his chance to visit the Celestial Master’s Residence depended entirely on his master.

The old Daoist had retorted, what was there to worry about when his master was handling things?

The young Daoist gave him a plaintive look. After so many years of cultivation on Crouching Earth Peak, what had his master actually accomplished? Occasionally, Daoists from other branches would come seeking his master to discuss matters, only to find him either snoring soundly or having him and a few older senior brothers help make excuses. Over time, the fellow disciples of the Azure Haze, White Cloud, and Pointing Mystery branches, before even discussing anything, would sigh and turn away without hesitation upon seeing him appear. Although it was natural for disciples to share their master’s burdens, it was unacceptable for the disciple to constantly bear the brunt of those burdens!

The old Daoist returned from the mountain shortly after, saying that the matter was unsuccessful, likely preventing the disciple from gaining experience at the Celestial Master’s Residence.

The young Daoist said it didn’t matter, and in turn, comforted the old Daoist with a few words.

The old Daoist was moved to tears, endlessly touched, saying, “Shanfeng, a disciple like you is truly my little padded jacket!”

The young Daoist looked up at Dragon-Tiger Mountain in the distance, surrounded by celestial mist, the cries of cranes, and brimming with precious light, feeling somewhat disappointed. However, this disappointment wasn’t directed at his master, but at himself. He remembered the time when, following his master’s instructions, he had left the mountain and traveled far away to see the scenery. After his travels, feeling lost and unwilling to simply return to his sect, he had gritted his teeth and spent nearly all of his immortal money to take a ferry to the distant Continent of Precious Bottles. Later, he had met a friend, and then another. The three parted and reunited, only to separate again.

After these experiences, the young Daoist understood many things clearly.

Therefore, Zhang Shanfeng was increasingly grateful to his master.

The old Daoist stopped at a certain spot by the Great Marsh, saying, “Wait here for a moment.”

Zhang Shanfeng stood aside with his bamboo chest on his back, and softly asked, “Master, are we calling on someone without gifts?”

The old venerable, whose Daoist robe was embroidered with two fire dragons, frowned and said, “We were rushing to get here and I forgot.”

Zhang Shanfeng sighed, “Even if it’s just a gift worth a few snowflakes of money, it’s the thought that counts. Master, aren’t we being too impolite? Next time you plan to visit a friend, tell me beforehand and I’ll prepare the gifts.”

The old venerable pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement. He still resisted the urge to tell his disciple the truth. If they brought gifts when calling on the Great Marsh Water God, the Water God might mistakenly think they were planning a preemptive strike, flaying him and skinning him alive. His knees would likely buckle. This Great Marsh Water God, although the number one among the water god shrines of the third-largest dynasty in the Boundless World, had really lacked social grace… as a god. And he had a terrible temper. So he had begun to channel his divine power, boiling the Great Marsh, until the entire marsh’s water level had dropped several feet. Only then had that fellow finally knelt down and kowtowed, begging him to show mercy.

At this moment, the old venerable, having cast a concealing spell, slightly leaked some of his aura.

Soon, a golden-robed old man parted the waters and came ashore. He didn’t speak, not daring to. His heart was pounding, trembling with fear, his face tense, afraid that he wouldn’t be able to resist kneeling down and weeping, groveling and spewing nauseating flattery. That would only incur the old immortal’s displeasure, wouldn’t it? If so, it would be a catastrophe! While in this dynasty, both among mortals and cultivators, this Water God, whose rank and cultivation weren’t low, was known as a tough nut, Huo Long Zhenren was an exception.

Most great cultivators could, at most, use spells and magical treasures to crack his golden body, causing a great loss of vitality. He could restore his golden body with incense and water transport.

But this Huo Long Zhenren could smash his golden body into powder, and he would be powerless to resist.

As for why Huo Long Zhenren could freely attack a mountain and water god, and why the academies of the Central Earth had so few rules restricting this old immortal, was something of a mystery.

The young Daoist glanced at the man, who looked like a secluded hermit cultivating in a thatched hut, and then at the man’s cold, silent expression, feeling some resentment towards his master. “Look at this! Is there even a hint of joyful reunion between old friends? Could it be that Master felt he lost face at Dragon-Tiger Mountain and wants to come to the Mirage Marsh to show off his extensive friendships in the Divine Continent of the Central Earth in front of his disciple? Master, you really don’t need to do this!” The young Daoist felt sorry for his master.

Zhang Shanfeng cleared his throat, “Master?”

The Huo Long Zhenren, whose mind was wandering thousands of miles away, said, “Oh,” and smiled. “It’s been a while.”

The golden-robed old man swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “It has been a long time.”

Huo Long Zhenren didn’t bother with small talk. “I want a bottle of water elixir.”

The golden-robed old man nearly burst into tears on the spot.

A bottle of natal water elixir from the Mirage Marsh Water God’s palace was such a small matter. It could have been mentioned in a message. Why did the old venerable need to come personally? Wasn’t walking these few steps of rural path delaying the old immortal’s cultivation? Did the old immortal know that his appearance had nearly scared the little god to death?
The golden-robed elder felt as if he had survived a great tribulation. Turning back, he planned to host a grand feast at the Water God Palace. For over a thousand years, he had been constantly worried, fearing that the next time he met True Man Fire Dragon, he would at least lose a layer of skin, if not his life. Who would have thought that just a vial of Water Elixir would solve the problem? Of course, the phrase “just a vial” was only applicable to old immortals at the peak of the Ascension Realm like True Man Fire Dragon. Ordinary Immortality Realm cultivators proficient in fire-based magical arts wouldn’t dare to speak so lightly. As a high-ranking Central Earth Water God, he could at least escape if he couldn’t win, hiding in the water, defying anyone to do anything. Anyway, if the other party really resorted to bullying and caused a major disturbance, the dynasty and the academy wouldn’t stand idly by.

Thus, the golden-robed elder immediately produced a porcelain vial and asked cautiously, “One vial is enough?”

True Man Fire Dragon smiled. “What do you think?”

Without another word, the golden-robed elder was about to take out another portion of Water Elixir condensed from the essence of the Mirage Marsh water fortune.

True Man Fire Dragon actually only needed one vial, but suddenly remembering that someone from the White Cloud lineage on his own mountain might need this item to help them break through their realm, he didn’t plan to refuse.

Zhang Shanfeng gently tugged at his master’s sleeve.

True Man Fire Dragon chuckled. “That friend of yours gifted you such a great present and treats you with such sincerity. Although your master once gave him a small token in the past, in truth, according to your master’s seniority, it wasn’t enough. So, I plan to give him another vial of Water Elixir. This is both to help you repay the favor and to sever some karmic ties. As for the other vial, it’s a gift for your senior brother in the White Cloud lineage.”

Zhang Shanfeng didn’t quite understand the meaning of the “token in the past” and “karmic ties.”

But the thought of Chen Ping’an being able to receive an extra vial of Water Elixir was ultimately a great thing.

True Man Fire Dragon didn’t mind his disciple associating with that young man, sharing the same path and standing together for eternity, but some trivial karmic debts still needed to be sorted out.

True Man Fire Dragon accepted the two vials of Water Elixir and, at the same time, secretly left a thread-like fire serpent in the Mirage Marsh Water God’s palm to help him temper his divine golden body.

When one receives benefits from others, one should always reciprocate.

Moreover, regarding Chen Ping’an, True Man Fire Dragon didn’t want to force his growth in the past. In fact, his disciple Zhang Shanfeng, or rather himself, owed the young man two favors.

The first was the seal personally engraved by the previous generation Grand Celestial Master. The item wasn’t valuable, but it held profound significance for Zhang Shanfeng. This was a Dao connection.

For a Daoist, the Dao connection was the most important thing, surpassing even magical treasures and immortal weapons.

The second was the sword, but that was another Dao connection altogether.

It was also an important reason why True Man Fire Dragon was willing not to lose his temper at the Celestial Master’s Mansion after his “request” was unsuccessful.

This time, according to the agreement, True Man Fire Dragon ascended the mountain hoping that his disciple Zhang Shanfeng could receive the current Grand Celestial Master’s authorization to hold the position of Grand Celestial Master, generation after generation, despite not being a member of the family.

However, the Celestial Master’s Mansion acknowledged Zhang Shanfeng’s promising future in the Great Dao, but they believed that the signs of a great chaotic era were already present, and help from afar couldn’t solve immediate problems. They asserted that Zhang Shanfeng was destined not to become the mainstay of Dragon Tiger Mountain within a century. In addition, the Celestial Master’s Mansion had found two other candidates for Grand Celestial Master from outside the family in the past thousand years, so they didn’t accept True Man Fire Dragon’s proposal. Therefore, as soon as True Man Fire Dragon truly ascended in the Northern Entirety Continent, Dragon Tiger Mountain in Central Earth would immediately introduce a Grand Celestial Master from outside the family. Although much inferior to True Man Fire Dragon, they were naturally vastly different from Zhang Shanfeng.

At that time, within the Ancestral Hall of the Celestial Master’s Mansion, apart from the Grand Celestial Master who remained composed, almost all the yellow and purple nobles were somewhat disturbed in their Dao hearts, inevitably feeling fearful.

They were afraid that True Man Fire Dragon would act impulsively if he didn’t agree.

Fortunately, the old immortal silently descended the mountain, taking his disciple Zhang Shanfeng away from the Dragon Tiger Mountain territory.

By the side of the great swamp, the golden-robed elder was lost in ecstasy. Just as he was about to kowtow to express his gratitude, True Man Fire Dragon signaled with his eyes, telling him not to act so rashly.

The golden-robed elder quickly calmed his mind.

Zhang Shanfeng took the two vials of Water Elixir from True Man Fire Dragon and, after storing them in his sleeve, beamed with joy.

He could finally do something for Chen Ping’an, couldn’t he? Not only had he sponged off him all the way back then, but he also owed Chen Ping’an a lot of debts. In the haunted house of the Colored Clothes Country, he had bought the Sweet Dew Armor on credit, and at the ferry of the Combing Water Country, he had also bought the sword on credit. Later, when he and Xu Yuanxia were trapped in an encirclement in the Azure Luan Country, wasn’t it Chen Ping’an who came to their rescue?

True Man Fire Dragon glanced at the golden-robed elder, who immediately understood and, gritting his teeth, took out the last vial of Water Elixir he carried with him, gifting it to the young Daoist.

Just a lower-fifth realm cultivator?

Was he really the high-achieving disciple of True Man Fire Dragon’s Crouching Peak? Although True Man Fire Dragon had a strange temper and never determined the selection of his disciples based on aptitude, since the old immortal was willing to travel the Central Earth Divine Continent with a disciple, how could this disciple be simple?

The young Daoist was somewhat embarrassed, wanting the vial of Water Elixir but feeling that it was impolite, so he declined politely.

The golden-robed elder brazenly claimed that the Water Elixir was the least valuable thing in his house. It was their first meeting, and he was a few years older, so it was only right to give a gift.

He didn’t dare to say that he was a senior of the young Daoist, otherwise, if he was the little Daoist’s senior, wouldn’t he be on the same level as True Man Fire Dragon?

Zhang Shanfeng had actually decided not to accept it, but True Man Fire Dragon advised him to accept it, saying that he could return the favor when he had the opportunity to travel the Central Earth Divine Continent alone in the future.

The golden water god’s scalp crawled upon hearing the words “return the favor”, and his heart was filled with fear.

He guessed that True Man Fire Dragon was related to Dragon Tiger Mountain, because in the thousand years after True Man Fire Dragon had burned the great swamp and returned to the Northern Entirety Continent, yellow and purple nobles from the Celestial Master’s Mansion would often descend the mountain to travel, making a special trip to admire the battlefield.

Only then did Zhang Shanfeng accept the third vial of Water Elixir, making a Daoist salute to express his gratitude.

The golden-robed elder didn’t dare to stay any longer and took his leave.

He had to quickly use the fire serpent gifted by the old immortal to temper his golden body. Before that, of course, he had to order all the lake and swamp spirits within his jurisdiction to immediately return to their lairs. If anyone dared to lose control of their legs, he, the Mirage Marsh Water God, would make sure they couldn’t bear their heads.

True Man Fire Dragon continued to travel on foot with Zhang Shanfeng.

True Man Fire Dragon had some heavy words that he didn’t say much to his disciple Zhang Shanfeng.

That Chen Ping’an had very deep karmic ties with the Northern Entirety Continent, making it easy to drag this disciple into it.

He believed that with that young man’s nature, even if he was trapped in a desperate situation, he wouldn’t actively pull Zhang Shanfeng along. But the world was a tangled mess. Even if Chen Ping’an did that, the disciple would have his own ideas and would definitely throw himself into it without hesitation.
When the time comes, will this master, like back then, allow the sword immortals of Beiju Luzhou to go to sea together to resist those Taoists from the Longhu Mountain Celestial Master’s Mansion? Or will he break the rules and go down the mountain to help his disciple and that young man?

One must admit, many of the fundamental principles of Taoism advocated by Lu Chen seem absurd at first glance and jarring to the ear, but after a hundred or a thousand years of deliberation, they are the ultimate truth.

Cultivating on the mountain, everyone cultivates themselves, treads on emptiness like a boat, ascends or reincarnates, naturally the mountain is pure and the world is peaceful.

Once those who cultivate Taoism on the mountain decide the fate of the world below based on personal preferences, and then add in the learning of the various schools of thought, pulling this way and that, the tangled mess becomes even more chaotic.

Everyone talks about reason, yet no one is reasonable.

The Fire Dragon True Man, by a twist of fate, had visited the Azure Heavens world in his early years.

He saw both the good and the bad of the Taoist’s straightforwardness in that world, and he also saw the good and the bad of the Confucian’s web of human relationships in this world.

Sure enough, there is great reason in the fact that the Taoists of Azure Heavens use a White Jade City to resist the ethereal extra-terrestrial demons, and the Righteous Path Heavens uses the Sword Qi Great Wall and the Upside-Down Mountain to resist the barbaric world.

The young Taoist suddenly smiled and said, “Master, now that I have walked through the Central Earth Divine Continent, I am like Chen Ping’an, a person who has walked through three continents.”

The Fire Dragon True Man nodded with a smile, “Both are remarkable.”

Zhang Shanfeng asked, “Are the younger generation of Qi refiners in Treasure Bottle洲 weaker than those on our side?”

The Fire Dragon True Man said, “The great eras of the two continents are only sixty years apart. Perhaps if we look again, everyone will find that the young people of Treasure Bottle 洲 are becoming more and more remarkable. But then again, the fortune of a continent is fixed, but there is no such thing as more or less spiritual energy. Whichever continent is larger, the number of young geniuses sprouting up like bamboo shoots after a rain will be even more exaggerated. So if Treasure Bottle 洲 wants to impress the other eight continents, it still needs a little luck. As it stands, my former friend, now named Li Liu, will definitely stand out. No one can stop that. Ma Ku Xuan is also a gifted person, only a few years short, and the woman he assists is no exception. These three, relatively speaking, have the fewest surprises, so I will single them out to talk about. However, small surprises do not mean no surprises.”

Zhang Shanfeng smiled, “Chen Ping’an will definitely stand out too, right?”

The Fire Dragon True Man nodded, “He should count as one. But the final height is hard to say for the time being. Because there are too many variables.”

Zhang Shanfeng said, “Master, my eye is good, right? The first friend I made in Treasure Bottle 洲 was Chen Ping’an.”

The Fire Dragon True Man said, “I think Chen Ping’an’s eye is also good.”

Zhang Shanfeng thought for a while, “Chen Ping’an’s eye for making friends is not bad, but your eye for accepting disciples is probably neither good nor bad. After all, some senior brothers and sisters who walked out of the Lying-Down Peak are still very powerful.”

The Fire Dragon True Man was silent for a moment, and said with a smile, “Shanfeng, remember one thing.”

Zhang Shanfeng asked curiously, “What is it, Master?”

The old True Man said with emotion, “In the future, you will also accept disciples and teach them Taoism. Remember, don’t think that someone will definitely become a mountain peak and like these disciples especially, but rather these disciples have many… good qualities, perhaps even better than the master, so it is destined to give them more opportunities to climb the mountain and reach the top, and you can like them more. Don’t get the order of things wrong. Aptitude is never absolute. All things grow and are graceful, and the scenery has no uniqueness. Many old patriarchs of the sect-named immortal families have cultivated to the point where their brains are rusty and they can’t figure out this little thing, so they make a mountain peak without any humanity.”

The old True Man turned his head and saw his disciple holding back a smile, and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Zhang Shanfeng smiled and said, “Master, how can I be embarrassed to accept disciples with my current Taoism? Wouldn’t that be misleading others?”

The old True Man smiled and said, “Take your time, don’t worry.”

The so-called Taoist inheritance, passing on the torch.

It may never be a big deal, it’s just that someone first lights a spark, although the light is thin, it can help the people behind to light a spark on the road of the dark night.

Otherwise, the world will always be dark.

Tao gave birth to one.

One gave birth to two, two gave birth to three, and three gave birth to all things.

“Shanfeng, do you want to sit on the fairy ferry of the Jade Pool Sect? Cross the continent to the south, travel to the Southern Jambudvipa Continent, the scenery along the way is quite good.”

“Master, let’s not do things that are beyond our means, shall we?”

“But a friend over there has invited the master to visit as a guest, and it is hard to refuse their kindness.”

“Then I think your friend is probably not very close to you, Master, otherwise, how could they not know that you are short of money?”

“Shanfeng, if it really doesn’t work, then you can only suffer a little. The master’s ability to slay demons and eliminate monsters is indeed a bit lacking, but you have experienced the master’s shrinking earth technique.”

“Then let’s take the intercontinental ferry. Money is an external thing. The disciple will prepare more dry food and pickles before boarding the ship.”

“How did the master accept such a smart disciple like you?”

“The master has a good eye?”

“That makes sense.”

“Master, we always have to prepare a gift for this visit, right? When you’re out, after all, you’re not cultivating on your own mountain peak, so you still have to pay attention to etiquette.”

“They’re a scholar, we can just buy a few books from a roadside stall, it’s easy to deal with.”

“Another scholar? Don’t get the cold shoulder again.”

“Shanfeng, the master has to tell you some truth. In fact, the master’s Taoism and reputation still have some face outside of our own mountain.”

“Then why was that senior unwilling to invite us to his residence as a guest? It would be nice to offer us a cup of tea. I always feel that the senior was actually very polite, even though he clearly didn’t want to see our master and disciple, he was still polite. I’m not unfamiliar with this kind of scene. When I left Lying-Down Peak and traveled down the mountain, there were quite a few wealthy families with evil spirits lingering around them. I wanted to help, and after knocking on the door and explaining the situation, they didn’t drive me away, but threw me a handful of copper coins or a few pieces of silver. I understood what they meant.”

“I see.”
“Master, henceforth, refrain from spending all your days slumbering on the mountain. Venture down more often; these rudimentary matters of human interaction, I learned through experience below.”

“Shānfēng, on your last descent, did you perhaps encounter an elder halfway down? I heard the conversation was most agreeable?”

“Indeed, that venerable senior claimed to be an old acquaintance of yours, seeking guidance on the Dao. I merely pointed him in the right direction and exchanged pleasantries for a time. He seemed quite pleased afterward.”

Fire Dragon True Man nodded, offering no further comment.

*A Twelfth Realm Sword Immortal, after leaving Prone Earth Peak, spreading gossip like a village busybody – how could he not be pleased?*

*When that fellow returns to Northern Ju Continent, I’ll pay his sect a visit and make him even happier, sating him to the full.*

However, a shade of melancholy crossed Fire Dragon True Man’s face. No matter how lofty one’s cultivation, the sorrow of separation in the mortal realm remained.

*He might never return.*

*A broken sword can be reforged, but a man, perhaps not.*

Beyond Upside-Down Mountain, towards the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Sword Qi soared to the heavens.

In the Vast World, the crowing of roosters and barking of dogs, rising smoke from hearths, ten thousand lights illuminating homes.

*Three continents stand at risk of losing all this in an instant.*

Finally, Zhang Shānfēng offered without prompting, “Master, though your Dao arts may not be the highest, I believe you are the best Master in all the Heavens and Earth.”

The old True Man chuckled, “That is as it should be. My eye for selecting disciples and your eye for perceiving your Master are both equally discerning.”

Zhang Shānfēng casually remarked, “Master, is it fair to say that when I attain your level of Dao arts, I’ll have achieved a minor completion of cultivation?”

The old True Man laughed heartily, “Indeed.”

*All Dao arts under Heaven, originating from one person?*

After a moment of silence, the old True Man smiled and softly intoned, “Blessings upon Immeasurable Heaven.”

*Earlier, during the beginning of summer…*

At the Dragon Riding Lane shop, only Shí Róu remained to tend to the business.

Péi Qián had already left the academy, with Zhū Liǎn’s consent, so Shí Róu said nothing.

With Péi Qián’s departure, Zhōu Mǐlì had followed her to Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

From bustling liveliness, it had suddenly become desolate, and Shí Róu struggled to adjust.

Wèi Bì had been frequently visiting Fallen Phoenix Mountain in secret recently. Zhèng Dàfēng also regularly left his opulent residence at the mountain’s foot, which he had personally overseen the construction of, to visit Zhū Liǎn.

Lotus Root Blessed Land had been divided into four, allowing Fallen Phoenix Mountain to claim one portion.

*A boon, of course, but also a burden, as any blessed land required “money” to maintain its stability – vast sums of immortal coins.*

*Especially if one sought to elevate a spiritually barren, lower-grade blessed land into a mid-grade one where the local populace could cultivate, the individual in charge would have to continuously expend immortal coins. In simple terms, it was a bottomless pit. However, if managed well, it could become like the Cloud Grotto Blessed Land controlled by the Jiāng clan of Jade Decree Sect in Willow Leaf Continent. Initially, it would devour immortal coins without end, but after rising to an upper-grade blessed land, it would form a relatively stable state. Various spirits would appear to help stabilize the mountain and river spiritual energies, and cultivating sects would gather spiritual energy on the major immortal mountain peaks. Far from bankrupting the Jiāng clan, it would become a source of endless wealth, ultimately enriching the Jiāng clan in return.*

*The local cultivators of the blessed land and the various natural treasures gradually nurtured by the spiritual energy were all sources of wealth.*

Recently, Wèi Bì, Zhū Liǎn, and Zhèng Dàfēng had been discussing this matter – how to manage this small territory, tentatively named “Lotus Root Blessed Land.” The true naming, of course, would have to wait for Chén Píng’ān’s return.

The current territory of this small blessed land was the former Southern Garden Kingdom of Lotus Root Blessed Land.

The total population was twenty million.

When Fallen Phoenix Mountain acquired Lotus Root Blessed Land, it was already much richer in spiritual energy, somewhere between a lower-grade and mid-grade blessed land. This meant that the people of Southern Garden Kingdom, whether human or plant spirits, had the potential to cultivate.

However, the crux of the problem was that unless it ascended to a mid-grade blessed land, even if the Southern Garden Kingdom’s emperor and court conferred titles upon mountain and river deities, they could not retain spiritual energy. The spiritual energy of this blessed land would dissipate without a trace. Even a mountain god like Wèi Bì could not find the slightest clue to the flow of spiritual energy, let alone prevent it from slowly leaking out. Therefore, the immediate priority was how to throw money at Lotus Root Blessed Land to elevate it to a mid-grade blessed land. But how to throw money, and where to throw it, was a great art. It was not as simple as randomly scattering large amounts of immortal coins. If done well, a single Valley Rain coin might retain the spiritual energy of nine Minor Heat coins. If done poorly, being able to retain the spiritual energy of four or five Minor Heat coins could be considered lucky.

Normally, this was fine, but when encountering such matters, Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s lack of a robust foundation was immediately apparent, even more so than when building the Fallen Phoenix Mountain mountain-protecting grand formation, where they were constantly strapped for cash.

Before recklessly spending a fortune, there was another problem – how to borrow money, from whom, and how much.

After these two questions were resolved, there was the matter of signing a contract with the Southern Garden Kingdom’s emperor and Zhòng Qiū, followed by the clandestine placement of immortal spiritual tools and treasures, the distribution of cultivation manuals, and a series of other trivial matters. Then came the transmission of a complete set of etiquette and rituals for the Southern Garden Kingdom’s court to confer titles upon mountain and river deities, as well as how Fallen Phoenix Mountain would obtain revenue from Lotus Root Blessed Land, ensuring that they would not deplete resources to the point of exhaustion, while also allowing a mid-grade blessed land to potentially ascend to an upper-grade one in the future, producing a batch of Earth Immortal cultivators who could be recruited by Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

This required Fallen Phoenix Mountain to act as “Heaven,” establishing a meticulous set of rules and regulations for Lotus Root Blessed Land.

Zhū Liǎn, Zhèng Dàfēng, and Wèi Bì each produced a detailed plan and then cross-checked to fill in the gaps.

Afterward, Zhū Liǎn rarely took the initiative to send a letter to Lú Báixiàng, asking him to accumulate immortal coins while consolidating his power.

As for Wèi Xiàn’s letter, it only needed to be sent to Cuī Dōngshān. In the end, it was still to Cuī Dōngshān, as he was his young master’s disciple and student, and there was no need to be polite.

The letter to Suí Yòubiān of Jade Decree Sect was sent using an expensive intercontinental flying sword, causing Zhū Liǎn to curse under his breath.

He wanted Suí Yòubiān to not delay his cultivation while also remembering his conscience and occasionally sending a few magic treasures back to his mother’s home.

Wèi Bì, speaking as a businessman, was willing to borrow money from various forces with whom the Great Lí dynasty was already relatively familiar, but the profit sharing after Lotus Root Blessed Land ascended to a mid-grade blessed land, like the Ox Horn Mountain Ferry, needed to be included.
Zhu Lian, without a hint of prior agreement, turned his back on their previous understanding. He insisted that Wei Bo not only provide a substantial sum of Valley Rain Coins but also reduce his share of the Lotus Root Blessed Land’s profits to a mere ten percent, retracting his initial suggestion of twenty. Moreover, Zhu Lian sought to impose a one-thousand-year limit, after which Wei Bo would have to offer additional Valley Rain Coins for continued profit sharing, the exact amount to be determined at that time.

Naturally, Zheng Dafeng sided with Zhu Lian.

While Wei Bo frantically borrowed and raised funds through his secret channels, he slowly negotiated with these two individuals.

Zhu Lian and Zheng Dafeng remained silent on Wei Bo’s actions, confident in his ability to manage the situation appropriately.

The three men shared a unanimous sentiment regarding the various possibilities after Cui Dongshan received the secret message. Regardless of how many immortal coins he was willing to offer, they would absolutely not allow him to interfere with the profit-sharing, even if Cui Dongshan approached Fallen Phoenix Mountain under the guise of borrowing money.

One day, the three met again in Zhu Lian’s courtyard. Wei Bo sighed and slowly said, “The calculations are complete. It will cost a minimum of two thousand Valley Rain Coins and a maximum of three thousand to barely qualify as a mid-tier blessed land. The longer we delay, the greater the cost.”

Zhu Lian said, “We haven’t received replies from the Fan and Sun families of Old Dragon City yet.”

As per their agreed-upon plan, if these two families were willing to lend money to Fallen Phoenix Mountain, it was best to include interest, which Fallen Phoenix Mountain would repay as agreed. However, if the two families were each willing to contribute a large sum of Valley Rain Coins, they could jointly share ten percent of the blessed land’s profits, or Fallen Phoenix Mountain could repay the loan with a half share of the profits plus half the principal, interest-free. Nevertheless, the three had prepared for the worst, that both families would find the returns too small or too slow and politely decline Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s request.

Ruan Qiong had already returned to Dragon Spring County from a newly formed Great Li mountain range, but the three didn’t even consider asking the Dragon Spring Sword Sect, their neighbor, as they felt it was inappropriate to become too deeply involved. After all, Chen Ping An was the true master of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, and any plans had to consider his situation first.

Zheng Dafeng chuckled, “Why not have Wei Bo host another Night Revels Banquet? Every little bit helps. And another one in a couple of days after you reach the Jade Pure realm? That’s two mosquito legs right there.”

Wei Bo said helplessly, “Isn’t that a bit shameless?”

Zheng Dafeng turned to Zhu Lian and asked with a smile, “What do you think?”

Zhu Lian said solemnly, “I think it’s quite appropriate.”

Wei Bo smiled, “Alright, then I’ll host another one and collect another batch of immortal coins and various spiritual artifacts.”

Zheng Dafeng said, “However, if Ox Horn Mountain reopens its shop and sells those still-warm welcoming gifts at exorbitant prices, I think that would be truly shameless.”

Zhu Lian chuckled, “I’ll sell them. I’ll be the shopkeeper. Wei Mountain God doesn’t need to show his face. What’s there to be afraid of? We can always have Draped Cloud Mountain spread rumors that Wei Mountain God’s house was ransacked by thieves, and everything was stolen.”

Wei Bo rubbed his temples, “Let’s open the shop before the Mountain and Water Night Revels Banquet. Since we’re already shameless, we might as well let them know that I’m short on money.”

Zheng Dafeng clicked his tongue, “A win-win situation. It’ll make people think you need immortal coins to help increase your chances of breaking through. This second Night Revels Banquet will be even more meaningful, and the welcoming gifts might be just as good as the first.”

Zhu Lian and Zheng Dafeng exchanged smiles.

Then, the three began to refine the details of upgrading to a mid-tier blessed land.

After Zhu Lian last entered the Lotus Root Blessed Land’s South Garden Kingdom with Pei Qian, he went alone once more. The opening and closing of the blessed land were not trivial matters; the loss of spiritual energy would be significant, potentially damaging the Lotus Root Blessed Land. Therefore, each entry into the new blessed land required careful consideration. Zhu Lian sought out the National Preceptor Zhong Qiu, and under Zhong Qiu’s introduction, met the Emperor of the South Garden Kingdom. The conversation was neither pleasant nor overly strained. Later, Zhong Qiu made a pivotal remark, seemingly inquiring about Zhu Lian’s identity, asking if he was the legendary Young Master Zhu Lian. Zhu Lian neither confirmed nor denied it, and the Emperor of the South Garden Kingdom immediately changed his expression and demeanor, reducing his hesitation.

Zhu Lian was now that “banished immortal,” and the Emperor of the South Garden Kingdom was, of course, wary of him.

But if this banished immortal from the heavens was indeed Zhu Lian, the Emperor of the South Garden Kingdom would be left with only fear.

It was simple. Which martial madman in history killed nine masters alone, nearly wiping out the remaining nine grandmasters? The battlefield was right in the capital of the South Garden Kingdom!

Who wouldn’t be afraid to negotiate with such a person?

In the end, Zhu Lian casually mentioned to the Emperor of the South Garden Kingdom that there were heavens beyond heavens, and that the methods of longevity outside were beyond what the Lotus Root Blessed Land could compare to. He pointed out that so many emperors who practiced alchemy and immortality had died simply because they didn’t know the proper methods.

As a result, the Emperor’s gaze shifted from fear to fervor.

The National Preceptor Zhong Qiu, though concerned, didn’t say much at the time.

After discussing this major matter, the three men in the courtyard had another important matter to address:

Pei Qian’s martial arts training.

Howling and wailing.

Almost every day, it was like this on the second floor.

Wei Bo was worried that Pei Qian’s temperament would drastically change. When Chen Ping An returned to Fallen Phoenix Mountain, who would bear the responsibility?

Zheng Dafeng said that he was just watching the gate at the foot of the mountain, so it was naturally Zhu Lian, the head steward’s responsibility. Zhu Lian said he couldn’t handle it and suggested the old senior Cui Cheng from the Bamboo Lodge. Wei Bo was speechless.

Wei Bo hesitated for a long time and said, “If Chen Ping An really gets angry, I’ll just hide in Draped Cloud Mountain. Where are you two going to run to?”

Zheng Dafeng glanced at Zhu Lian, “At least I’m farther away from the Bamboo Lodge.”

Zhu Lian smiled, “Alright, there won’t be any major problems. If there are, it’ll be something no one can stop. Perhaps it would be better if my young master was on the mountain, but since he’s not and the situation is unavoidable, we can only wait and see.”

Wei Bo had a headache and left.

Zheng Dafeng thought for a moment and went down the mountain to the town.

He went to the Yang family’s shop, not to borrow money, but to inquire about some tips for managing a blessed land.

The old man, shrouded in smoke, didn’t answer those trivial matters, but instead scoffed, “Have you really taken Fallen Phoenix Mountain as your own home?”

The hunchbacked man smiled, “I think it’s good.”

Old Man Yang said, “For these small matters, send a letter to Lion Peak in the Northern Ju Continent. Li Liu will tell you.”

Zheng Dafeng nodded.

Zheng Dafeng asked, “Can I use the Jinliang True Qi Talisman on someone else?”
Old Man Yang simply said, “As you wish.”

Zheng Dafeng then stood up and departed.

At the storefront ahead, the hunchbacked man leaned against the counter, exchanging playful banter with the female disciple, much to the frustration of his junior brother, who itched to strike a blow.

Meanwhile, back at Fallen Phoenix Mountain…

One day at the crack of dawn, the dark-skinned lass, who was usually allowed to ascend to the second floor of the bamboo hut, sprinted all the way to the foot of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, sitting on the steps, secretly wiping away tears.

One more step, and she would be considered to have left Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

Hence, she sat there in a daze.

Moreover, she knew that arriving late at the bamboo hut would only result in greater suffering.

Just as she slowly rose, intending to ascend the mountain…

She discovered that Old Cook was seated on the steps behind her.

Brandishing her walking staff, Pei Qian angrily exclaimed, “Old Cook, are you afraid that I’ll secretly run back to the Pawnshop Lane?! Do you think I’m such a coward?”

Zhu Lian shook his head, “I don’t see anything wrong with you running back to Pawnshop Lane.”

Pei Qian plopped back down, placing her walking staff horizontally, then crossed her arms, seething with anger.

Zhu Lian, seated on the steps behind her, chuckled, “If you’re worried about disappointing Young Master, I don’t think there’s any need. Your Master won’t abandon you just because you’ve only practiced half the fist technique, nor will he be disappointed or angry. Rest assured, I wouldn’t deceive you. Only if you’re lazy and negligent, delaying your scripture copying, will he be disappointed.”

Tears instantly welled up in Pei Qian’s eyes.

Every time she was carried away from the bamboo hut by Chen Ru Chu, after awakening from the medicinal bath, she desperately wanted to copy scriptures. But with her soul trembling and her body shaking, how could she possibly prevent her hands from trembling?

Regardless of how much she gritted her teeth and persevered, regardless of the methods she employed, such as binding her hands and brush together, she had been unable to write a single character neatly during this period. She had accumulated a mountain of debts.

Zhu Lian continued, addressing the slender figure, “However, negligence comes in two forms. Mental laxity is even more dreadful. If you can make up for your debts someday amidst your fist training, that won’t be considered true negligence. Your Master will, on the contrary, think you’ve done well because your Master has always believed that everyone is capable of failing at things. Temporary helplessness is not a significant fault. What’s truly commendable is being able to make amends when you have the ability.”

Pei Qian wiped her face, silently stood up, and dashed up the mountain.

Zhu Lian remained seated, turning his head to gaze after her.

One day, Zhu Lian was cooking in the kitchen, with a dedication exceeding his usual efforts. He was meticulously preparing a number of seasonal delicacies.

Because standing at the doorway was a tottering, dark-skinned lass, her arms hanging limply, her face ashen. After staggering all the way over, she confessed that she was feeling a bit peckish that day.

Therefore, Zhu Lian intended to reward the little charcoal sprite’s five viscera temple.

Then, Cen Yuanji announced that a guest had come to visit Fallen Phoenix Mountain, hailing from Old Dragon City, claiming to be Sun Jiashu.

Zhu Lian, who was currently wearing an apron, simply grunted and said to have the head of the Sun family wait. If it was truly unbearable, he could shout Wei Bo’s name a few times to have that fellow entertain the guest first.

Pei Qian then said, “Old Cook, you go busy yourself with important matters. You’ve already cooked quite a few dishes; it’s enough to eat. I’ll have Mili serve them up later.”

The little water monster, who was assisting Pei Qian by carrying her walking staff in the courtyard, immediately straightened his back and declared loudly, “Acting Right Protector of the Pawnshop Lane New Year’s Money Shop, Zhou Mili, at your service!”

Pei Qian nodded in acknowledgement, turning her head, her face stern, she said, “If you perform your duties effectively, I’ll speak well of you to Master when he returns home in the future, allowing you to be promoted to Right Protector of Fallen Phoenix Mountain. The opportunity is there.”

Zhou Mili puffed out his chest even further, grinning from ear to ear, but he quickly closed his mouth.

However, inside the kitchen, Zhu Lian didn’t even turn his head, “I think what I’m busy with now is a major matter.”

Pei Qian hesitated for a moment, “Old Cook, you should still go meet that… that person. What will we do if we can’t finish so many dishes?”

Zhou Mili was about to utter some righteous words, but was met with a glare from Pei Qian, Zhou Mili immediately exclaimed loudly, “I’m not hungry today!”

Only then did Zhu Lian put down the spatula, remove his apron, and leave the kitchen and courtyard.

In the main room, Pei Qian instructed Zhou Mili to carry the dishes one by one to the main table. However, to Zhou Mili’s surprise, Pei Qian also instructed her to fetch an extra set of chopsticks and a bowl, placing them on the main seat facing the door.

Zhou Mili took a large bowl, filled it with rice, and sat with Pei Qian on a bench. It had become a common occurrence recently for Zhou Mili to assist Pei Qian with eating, as she, the Right Protector, needed to establish merit. Pei Qian had said that she, Pei Qian, would record all of Zhou Mili’s deeds in the merit book, and when Master returned home, it would be a time for rewarding accomplishments.

Each time Zhou Mili fed Pei Qian a mouthful of food, she would then gobble down a large bite herself. Then, when she looked up, she saw Pei Qian staring at the empty seat where the bowl and chopsticks were quietly placed. Then, Pei Qian retracted her gaze, seeming somewhat happy, shaking her head and shoulders, and telling Zhou Mili to get her another small bowl of rice, as she wanted to eat more today. Only when she was full would she be able to endure a few more punches tomorrow.

After Zhou Mili stood up, she happily carried the empty bowl to the rice bucket placed on a small stool beside her to get more rice.

With her back to Pei Qian, the little water monster secretly wiped her face, sniffling. She wasn’t truly foolish, she knew that every bite of food Pei Qian took now caused her excruciating pain.

This day was the fifth day of the fifth month.

For cultivators, it was fitting to enter famous mountains.

In the deep mountains of the Lotus Kingdom, Chen Ping An encountered a pair of scholars and their servant. They were two ordinary mortals. The scholar had failed the imperial examinations and, after reading some tales of the strange and literary notes, heard that those enlightened masters invariably vanished into the secluded mountains. He was fixated on finding one or two of them, hoping to learn some immortal arts, believing it to be simpler than achieving the gold standard and then returning home in glory. Therefore, they diligently searched for ancient temples, Taoist monasteries, and mountain hermits, suffering many hardships along the way.