Upon the Isle of Gongliu, even in late autumn, the willow trees swayed gracefully.

This island served as the main mountain of the True Realm Sect, the very peak upon which the Ancestral Hall was built.

Including Gongliu Isle, the entirety of Shujian Lake had been undergoing massive construction for the past year. Dust filled the air, obscuring the sky. The True Realm Sect, with its immense wealth, had hired numerous Mo family artificers and Yin-Yang geomancers to survey the terrain, ascertain the mountain’s roots and waterways. Agriculturalist immortal masters and a large number of mountain artisans labored tirelessly. In the words of Sect Master Jiang Shangzhen, “Spare no expense! Every brick, every window lattice, every flower bed must be the finest that Treasure Bottle Continent has to offer!” Those especially skilled in crafting immortal abodes, a grand assembly of hundreds, mostly hailed from Tongye Continent. The cost of hiring them for intercontinental voyages and the True Realm Sect’s comprehensive arrangements, including accommodation at luxurious immortal inns, meant that the sect’s expenditure on this single endeavor would bankrupt many of Shujian Lake’s older island sects overnight.

Hence, all the mountain immortals of Treasure Bottle Continent were aware of a second fact: the True Realm Sect possessed wealth beyond comprehension.

The first fact, of course, was that the True Realm Sect boasted three and a half Upper Fifth Realm venerated elders.

There was Li Cai, the sword immortal from North Ju Lu Continent, the Jade Decree Sect elder who had once been a contender for the position of True Realm Sect Master, Liu Laocheng of the Jade Purity Realm, and Liu Laocheng of Azure Gorge Isle, the half Jade Purity Realm cultivator.

Now, Liu Zhimao had begun his closed-door cultivation to break through to the next realm.

Therefore, the islands surrounding Gongliu Isle had recently been sealed off.

Two figures strolled slowly along the willow-lined shore: Sect Master Jiang Shangzhen and Chief Venerated Elder Liu Laocheng.

Jiang Shangzhen broke off a willow branch and wove it into a circlet, placing it upon his head. He smiled and said, “As I went forth. Isn’t that so, Brother Liu?”

Liu Laocheng remained silent.

Jiang Shangzhen was a peculiar and formidable figure, ruthless and adept at concealing his intentions behind a smile, yet fiercely adherent to rules. This sentiment was not expressed through words, but rather through the selection of Shujian Lake as the site for the Jade Decree Sect’s branch, and Jiang Shangzhen’s actions, conveying this principle to the sect’s cultivators. Of course, many of the regulations Jiang Shangzhen established were unreasonable. Consequently, General Guan Yiran of the Great Li Iron Cavalry had engaged in multiple negotiations with the True Realm Sect. Nascent Soul Venerated Elder Li Fushu often argued with the general at his manor, the two sides clashing fiercely, faces red, slamming tables and glaring. Fortunately, despite the heated arguments, they never resorted to violence. Not because Li Fushu possessed a gentle disposition, but because Jiang Shangzhen had warned this female venerated elder, who served as the True Realm Sect’s public face, that her life was worthless, and the True Realm Sect’s reputation… also worthless. The only thing of true value in this world was money.

Jiang Shangzhen’s earlier, sentimental utterance, “As I went forth,” held a simple meaning: since he was willing to discuss the matter openly, it meant that while he, Jiang Shangzhen, was aware of Liu Laocheng’s past romantic entanglements, Liu Laocheng could rest assured that there would be no malicious schemes to trouble him.

Liu Laocheng, without hesitation, indeed felt reassured.

As for Liu Zhimao’s successful breakthrough, the True Realm Sect’s Upper Fifth Realm venerated elders would then number three.

Because the Jade Decree Sect elder who had claimed to be in closed-door cultivation was now utterly deceased.

They had staged a four-person encirclement, but only two had truly attacked.

Liu Laocheng and Liu Zhimao had merely overseen the event, or rather, watched the spectacle.

It was a display of strength.

It all happened on Gongliu Isle.

Li Cai and Jiang Shangzhen, one drawing a sword, the other conjuring willow leaves. Upon seeing Li Cai, the meritorious elder of the Jade Decree Sect abandoned any thought of mutual destruction with the madman Jiang Shangzhen. Alas, his attempt to escape failed, and he met his end.

The battle was utterly uninspiring. Even many of Gongliu Isle’s cultivators merely sensed a fleeting anomaly in the atmosphere, before everything returned to tranquility, with gentle breezes and a bright moon.

Jiang Shangzhen suddenly said, “In the future, should we encounter a Divine Edict Sect Daoist, have our True Realm Sect disciples show respect. Keep a low profile. Regardless of right or wrong, if they engage in combat and are killed, the True Realm Sect will act as if nothing happened. If they accidentally kill an opponent, the True Realm Sect’s Ancestral Hall will immediately sever the head of this valiant hero, and Li Fushu will deliver it to the Divine Edict Sect as atonement.”

Liu Laocheng nodded. “Understood.”

Jiang Shangzhen chuckled. “Do you not quite understand?”

Liu Laocheng shook his head.

It was not difficult to comprehend.

Tall trees catch the wind; the target of public criticism.

The True Realm Sect had no goodwill to draw upon in Treasure Bottle Continent. Seemingly glorious and limitless, it was, in fact, surrounded by enemies, such as the Great Li Song Clan’s Iron Cavalry.

However, understanding aside, Liu Laocheng still admired Jiang Shangzhen’s willingness, as a young sect master, to lower himself to such an extent.

This registered immortal master, who possessed a Cloud Cave Blessed Land, was even more unconventional than a rogue cultivator.

Jiang Shangzhen sighed. “My current situation is, in essence, your situation and Liu Zhimao’s situation: we must strengthen ourselves and accumulate power, while simultaneously making our opponents believe they can control us. I simply wonder which member of the Great Li Song Clan will ultimately be chosen to restrain our True Realm Sect. Treasure Bottle Continent is fine in every respect, save for this one flaw: the Song Clan, as the rulers of the continent, a secular dynasty, actually aspire to completely control both the mountains and the world below. If this were our Tongye Continent, the heavens would be high and the emperor far away, and the cultivators would truly live freely.”

Liu Laocheng smiled. “In the past, Shujian Lake was much the same, with the monarchs and nobles of the surrounding nations living in constant fear.”

Jiang Shangzhen shook his head. “It’s different. The lawless nature of Shujian Lake is somewhat akin to the barbaric lands of ancient times, where myriad demons roamed unchecked, the deities of the heavens subsisted on mortal incense offerings, and the earthly demon races preyed on humans. That is why the Sage of Merit separated the heavens and the earth. Those who dwell in fortune and remain unaware are not merely foolish, but practically all of us. We are all without exception.”

Jiang Shangzhen walked slowly. “Today, when the common folk of our Grand Azure World speak of mountain and water deities, flower and tree spirits, shape-shifting creatures, and ghostly apparitions, what do they consider them to be? They are far away in the heavens and the netherworld, in the remote mountains and lakes. Even those that are close to us, coexisting among us, are still bound by incredibly intricate rules. Therefore, they will assert that where there is demonic disturbance, there shall the celestial master draw his sword. Every street and alley is adorned with peach wood charms, door gods, and ancestral shrines filled with incense. One can visit temples and Daoist abbeys to pray for blessings and ward off disasters, to ascend the mountains in search of immortals, and various opportunities.”
Jiang Shangzhen halted his steps, surveying his surroundings. He plucked a willow branch, tossing it casually into the lake. “So, if one day, we humans, be we common folk or cultivators, were forced to swap positions with ‘them’, what sort of plight would that be? Do you fear it? I, Jiang Shangzhen, certainly do.”

Liu Laocheng replied, “I will not dwell on such thoughts.”

Jiang Shangzhen nodded. “It matters not. For there are those who will ponder it. Thus, you and Liu Zhimao can remain untainted, cultivating your own paths. Even should the heavens and earth overturn, you may still evade death, for your realms are high enough to secure your escape and survival.”

Liu Laocheng frowned slightly.

Jiang Shangzhen smiled and inquired, “But what if all the cultivators atop the mountain peaks thought as you, Liu Laocheng?”

Liu Laocheng shook his head. “It shall not be so.”

Jiang Shangzhen scratched his head, sighing, “And thus lies the most intriguing aspect. All the good we deem as natural and right, requiring little thought or discussion. The ill, however, we resent with gnashing teeth, harboring long-lasting grievances.”

Liu Laocheng was puzzled, unsure of what the Sect Master aimed to achieve by sharing these thoughts.

Jiang Shangzhen had already shifted the topic, his demeanor leisurely, devoid of the earlier strange emotions, his steps light. “In tales of heroes and martial exploits, heroes’ friends perform good deeds, even embracing noble deaths. In accounts of deities and the bizarre, human hearts surge, and spirits roam rampant, yet good and evil are ultimately rewarded. Liu Laocheng, do you peruse such frivolous books?”

Liu Laocheng shook his head. “Never.”

Jiang Shangzhen chuckled, “Hence, one must read more.”

Liu Laocheng knew the Sect Master jested, not to be taken seriously.

The Sect Master seemed perpetually bored, outside of cultivation, he would use illusion techniques to wander the four cities bordering the Shujian Lake. Each time he returned, he would purchase trinkets for the child brought by the sword immortal, Li Cai, amusing the child and teaching him to walk. Jiang Shangzhen could spend vast amounts of time on this. At times, Liu Laocheng would feel bewildered, was it Jiang Shangzhen’s unfathomable nature that had elevated him to his current position, or was it after ascending to such heights, that his original heart and nature had gradually transformed, giving rise to the True Realm Sect Master of today.

Jiang Shangzhen arrived at a ferry crossing. “Before Liu Zhimao entered seclusion, he requested the old territories, including Qingxia Island and Sulin Island, intending to bestow them upon his disciple, Gu Can. Little did he know, the land near Cloud Pavilion City was specifically designated for Gu Can by me. Yet Gu Can, that young lad, upon hearing this, dared to accept it despite his youth. Truly, the timid starve, while the daring feast.”

Liu Laocheng said, “This boy, remaining in Shujian Lake, might be a hidden danger for the True Realm Sect.”

Jiang Shangzhen turned his head, his smile playful.

Liu Laocheng frankly smiled, “Naturally, it’s not solely due to the enmity between me and him, and Qingxia Island. I, Liu Laocheng, and the True Realm Sect, likely prefer not to witness Gu Can’s quiet rise, nurturing a tiger is a grave taboo.”

Not merely that.

Jiang Shangzhen chuckled, “What do you believe is Gu Can’s greatest asset?”

Liu Laocheng said, “Without a doubt, it’s Chen Pingan, who is no longer in Shujian Lake, and the principles Chen Pingan instilled in him. Guan Yiran, who maintains good relations with Chen Pingan, and perhaps others I am unaware of, will surely be secretly monitoring Gu Can’s every move. This implies that Guan Yiran will naturally also keep an eye on me and Liu Zhimao, as well as the True Realm Sect. Gu Can should have already considered these factors.”

Regarding the matter of nurturing a tiger.

Jiang Shangzhen remained noncommittal.

Although Liu Zhimao’s realm was lower than Liu Laocheng’s, his dealings with the Great Li Dynasty had been extensive, and in his early years, he had yearned more fervently than Liu Laocheng to become a true lord of Shujian Lake. Therefore, in certain matters, his vision extended further than Liu Laocheng’s. Of course, fundamentally, it still involved Liu Zhimao’s own interests, thus stimulating his mind more. Whereas Liu Laocheng, as a wild cultivator, with a promising Great Dao ahead, possessed a purer heart and fewer complexities.

In truth, before Liu Zhimao entered seclusion, he had found Gu Can in a humble dwelling in the Poolside City’s alleyways.

Jiang Shangzhen could guess his purpose.

To bestow books and transmit the Dao.

Requesting the return of Qingxia Island from the True Realm Sect was a form of profound protection for Gu Can.

Because Liu Zhimao had similarly discerned Jiang Shangzhen’s long-term plan.

Rather than allowing the Great Li Song clan to foster an unknown force to target the True Realm Sect, it was better for the True Realm Sect to proactively deliver a suitable candidate.

For both sides, this was the most “non-internal strife” and prudent choice.

Jiang Shangzhen’s two highly visible trips to Dragon Spring County would be noticed by anyone with eyes. This was intentionally orchestrated by Jiang Shangzhen for others to contemplate and scrutinize.

Chen Pingan of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

Jiang Shangzhen of the True Realm Sect.

The bridge between them was Qingxia Island and Gu Can.

Therefore, the True Realm Sect’s true challenges never lay with Gu Can, Shujian Lake, or even the Divine Decree Sect.

But rather in surviving two massive trends. One, the Great Li Iron Cavalry swallowing up a continent, and two, withstanding an even greater trend.

It was at that moment that the True Realm Sect needed to shift from choice to critical decision.

However, these matters were completely concealed from Liu Laocheng, let alone Liu Zhimao. The colossal True Realm Sect was presented before these two wild cultivators. Would they deeply contemplate matters seemingly irrelevant to themselves?

Wild cultivators from mountains and marshes, besides possessing some skill in their own cultivation and wielding slightly bigger fists, what else did they comprehend?

Having endured the disdain and suppression of registered immortal masters their entire lives, they still foolishly believed that realm was the entirety of reason.

Would they not carefully consider why the Jade Regulation Sect had a sect master nearing the Ascension Realm, and why Jiang Shangzhen had achieved his current success? The order of events should not be mistaken. In the beginning, who among the strictly regimented Three Teachings and Hundred Schools was not a mud-splattered peasant struggling for survival on the human realm? Who was not a puppet controlled by the lofty gods?

It was not that Jiang Shangzhen looked down upon the world’s wild cultivators. In fact, he had wandered the Northern Entirety Continent for many years as a wild cultivator, and a rather successful one at that.

Jiang Shangzhen gazed towards the emerald waves of Shujian Lake, softly saying, “The scholars’ rulers, are not too many, but…”
“Too little force! Too light a hand! These disciples, these students, their memories are fleeting, they learn nothing from a gentle reprimand. But has anyone ever considered the burdens weighing on us teachers? The mundane worries of firewood, rice, oil, and salt? What happens when disappointment turns to despair? For those who favor reason and discourse, disappointment births true hopelessness.”

Old Liu Cheng remained unmoved.

Jiang Shangzhen suddenly turned, his gaze piercing. “A Sect Leader of the Jade Purity Realm bares his heart to you, and you listen without heed. What then, if it were an Immortal Realm being?”

Liu Cheng felt a chill crawl down his spine.

Jiang Shangzhen smiled faintly. “Ignorance is bliss, as the sages say, ‘To punish without teaching is tyranny.'”

Jiang Shangzhen stroked his chin. “I hadn’t planned to reveal the truth so soon. The Mountain-Suppressing Treasure I hid on my maid, Ya’er, is the true linchpin in your rivalry with Liu Zhimao. But I’ve changed my mind. It dawned on me that reason is wasted on you backwater cultivators; a fist is all you understand. To expend more effort is simply squandering my precious coin!”

Not just wasting time earning, but wasting time spending.

Liu Cheng’s face was a mask of impassivity, not a word escaped his lips.

A long-forgotten feeling of being trapped, of walking on the edge of a blade, of being surrounded by killing intent.

Jiang Shangzhen sighed. “I once believed that everyone, good or bad, high or low, would gain wisdom as they ascended to greater heights. But years of observation have left me disappointed. Liu Cheng, if you don’t seize the moment, truly focus inward to cultivate your heart-mind, alter the fundamental pathways of your thoughts and beliefs, you’ll never catch up to me. Hell, Liu Zhimao will leave you in the dust, and even Gu Can, that’s inevitable. The day will come when you, the esteemed Chief Enshrinement, will be a laughingstock. Gu Can, whom you consider an ant, will forever be beyond your reach. Liu Zhimao will be your equal, and I, Jiang Shangzhen, will be a figure you can only look up to.”

Jiang Shangzhen raised a hand, flicked his sleeve, and with a flick of the wrist, conjured a verdant bead of Water Essence, crushing it lightly between his fingers. “Did you think that accountant who visited you on the island years ago looked up to you? No. His respect and fear were for the order you represented. But soon, perhaps not so long, a few decades? Sixty years? It will reach a point where even if you stand atop the pinnacle of Gongliu Island, and he stands at the pier below, you will feel diminished.”

Liu Cheng said, “I am instructed.”

Jiang Shangzhen chuckled. “Indeed, the words of an Immortal Realm cultivator are more agreeable. So, you must study diligently, and I must cultivate fervently!”

Liu Cheng sighed.

Jiang Shangzhen remarked, apropos of nothing, “Perhaps one day, I will return to the Tongye Continent to oversee the Jade Decree Sect. Then, you will be the next Sect Leader of the True Mirror Sect. You could suppress Liu Zhimao at the peak of the Jade Purity Realm, denying him the courage to break through to the Immortal Realm. Or, if you’re feeling generous, and he poses no further threat, allow him to ascend and establish a subordinate True Mirror Sect on the Treasure Bottle Continent.”

Jiang Shangzhen clasped his hands in his sleeves. “This is no empty promise, Liu Cheng. I, Jiang Shangzhen, would never stoop so low.”

Liu Cheng seemed to understand something.

Currently, the True Mirror Sect has people dedicated to gathering all the news and gossip from the Tongye Continent, including rumors that the Jade Decree Sect, the undisputed number one immortal sect of Tongye Continent, may have entered closed-door cultivation.

Pursuing that elusive Ascension Realm.

As for the old Sect Leader, Xun Yuan, Liu Cheng was actually quite familiar with him, after all, they had walked a long path together on the Treasure Bottle Continent.

In fact, Liu Cheng was originally appointed as an Enshrinement of the True Mirror Sect by Xun Yuan himself.

However, in Jiang Shangzhen’s eyes, that bit of old friendship was worth less than a copper.

Liu Cheng took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of ambition stirring within him. He nodded, his voice resolute. “Then, from this moment on, I, Liu Cheng, will wholeheartedly dedicate myself to the True Mirror Sect, risking life and limb!”

Jiang Shangzhen turned and lightly patted Liu Cheng’s shoulder. “We’re all in the same family, so no need for formalities. I may have spoken harshly earlier, Brother Liu, please don’t take it to heart.”

Liu Cheng hesitated for a moment.

Jiang Shangzhen said, “We’re family, of course you can say a few harsh words. I’m not bothered, as for me, nothing troubles me except having too much money.”

Liu Cheng, with a stiff face, said, “Sect Leader Jiang, how can you be so deserving of a beating?”

Jiang Shangzhen rubbed his cheek, pondering for a moment, before suddenly realizing, “Perhaps it’s because you’re not a woman.”

Over in the Azure Phoenix Kingdom, a white-robed youth of extraordinary bearing, accompanied by an old man and a young child, toured the scenic spots of half the kingdom.

Prior to this, in Honeycomb Ferry, the hometown of Liu Cheng, the only Upper Fifth Realm rogue cultivator on the Treasure Bottle Continent, this youth had “discovered” a lost national jade seal of the defunct Wenjing Kingdom from a fallen-from-grace man.

However, this Wenjing Kingdom was not destroyed by the iron hooves of the Great Li cavalry, but was an older, bygone era.

The Wenjing Kingdom’s crown prince, it seemed, never had any intention of restoring the kingdom, for all these years, he had not left the mountain and was still cultivating.

As a result, even if Wenjing Kingdom still had some residual luck, it was effectively a severed dynasty.

Because any Middle Fifth Realm cultivator could not become an emperor or monarch, it was an iron law of the human world.

In addition to this cheaply purchased jade seal, the youth also visited the old apricot tree, the “Emperor Tree,” the “Prime Minister Tree,” the “General Apricot,” a tree with three imperial edicts. The youth lingered there, squatting at the hollow base of the tree, muttering to himself for a long time.

Subsequently, along the way, the youth who obtained the jade seal, using the reason of “collecting for completeness,” made a trip to a certain mountain, and gambled against an old cultivator who followed the path of assisting a dragon, one treasure for one. After winning, he gambled again, two for two, barely eking out a win. Then, he continued to bet all his winnings, placing four against four. Finally, he gambled eight against eight, winning everything the other party had, leaving him with only two jade seals. That outsider named Cui, was so addicted to gambling that he seemed to have lost his mind, even declaring that he would bet the sixteen treasures he had acquired against the other party’s last two, but still he lost.

In this way, relying on sheer luck, the white-robed youth inexplicably obtained the other sixteen treasures of Wenjing Kingdom, swaggering down the mountain, placing those priceless national seals

, haphazardly packing them into a cotton cloth bundle, and having a delicate child carry them on their back, clanging along the way.
The Liuli Immortal Elder, acting as an old servant, felt a chill run down his spine on the descent. He feared the mountain-protecting array would be activated at any moment, trapping them inside, a classic ‘close the door and beat the dog’ scenario. Of course, who would be beating whom was debatable. However, the old cultivator worried that the magical artifacts might not have eyes, and the Great Immortal Master Cui might not be able to protect him from friendly fire. The old cultivator knew very well that the only one Cui Immortal Master cared about was that dull-witted little simpleton with the turbid eyes.

Fortunately, the mountain’s luck had finally turned for the better, and they weren’t attacked.

The journey was long, with the trio doing plenty of walking.

They witnessed the martial exercises of the Cloud Gazing Kingdom’s so-called iron cavalry in the capital’s outskirts and admired the Mid-Autumn Festival lantern displays in the Qing Mountain Kingdom’s capital. Alas, the old cultivator missed the chance to see the Qing Mountain Kingdom emperor’s peculiar obsession, the “Buxom Five Beauties,” a regretful loss of an opportunity for broadening his horizons. However, Immortal Master Cui purchased a popular book called “Money as Herb,” not a rare or valuable edition, just a common bookshop find. He frequently flipped through it on the mountain trails, saying it had a certain “chewiness” to it.

After crossing the Azure Luan Kingdom’s border, Immortal Master Cui slowed down even more, often taking out a jade seal and rubbing it against the cheeks of the toddler he affectionately called “Old Gao.”

The Liuli Immortal Elder continued in his role as a pack mule for a wealthy young master on a scholarly tour, carrying the luggage trunk.

But he felt fortunate compared to “Old Gao,” who was frequently ridden like a horse, so he often reminded himself to be grateful.

As for the many whimsical actions of Master Cui, the old cultivator had long grown accustomed to them.

For example, a group of wild cultivators from the mountains and marshes, one of whom was named Lü Yangzhen, happened to cross paths with them. They traveled together for a while, and the Liuli Immortal Elder couldn’t understand why such insignificant wild cultivators were worthy of amiable conversation with the Great Immortal Master Cui. In the end, they even received an opportunity deliberately left behind by the Great Immortal Master Cui – a cave for shelter from the rain. They “accidentally” triggered a mechanism, and one of the array masters among them, blessed by immense good fortune, obtained a large stack of talismans called Yellow Seals. Converted into immortal coins, it would be a huge windfall. The remaining two of the Lü Yangzhen trio also gained considerable benefits. The old Immortal Elder figured that they must have felt as if they had stepped in dog droppings, but upon lifting their foot, discovered gold hidden underneath.

The Liuli Immortal Elder watched those overjoyed wild cultivators discuss the matter. Displaying a bit of integrity, they offered some immortal coins to Immortal Master Cui, who surprisingly accepted with a look of “unexpected joy” and “tearful gratitude.” The Liuli Immortal Elder, standing to the side, felt stifled and awkward.

But what to do when one couldn’t understand something? Simply don’t think about it! The Liuli Immortal Elder, this demonic cultivator, was particularly clear-headed about certain matters.

As for the Rouge Pavilion, a gathering place for female cultivators in the Cloud Gazing Kingdom, the white-robed youth stood at the mountain gate, hands on his hips, loudly hawking his immortal erotic illustrations. Unsurprisingly, no deal was struck, and goodwill was absent. Instead, he was chased down the mountain by a large group of furious female cultivators.

Such events were nothing extraordinary.

The Liuli Immortal Elder felt that his cultivation of the mind had reached a high level on this journey!

Besides these playful antics,

Immortal Master Cui’s occasional moments of seriousness filled the old cultivator with admiration.

At the Golden Laurel Temple, Immortal Master Cui sat and discussed Dao with the Temple Master.

As they talked, the old Temple Master entered a state of seated oblivion.

The Temple Master, named Zhang Guo, was a Dragon Gate Realm cultivator who seemed on the verge of breaking through to the Golden Core Realm.

The Liuli Immortal Elder watched with envy.

At the White Water Temple, where spring water bubbled from the ground, Immortal Master Cui sat on top of a sealed well, discoursing on Buddhist teachings with a young monk who preached more outside the temple than within.

Both were dressed in white.

One a Confucian scholar, the other a Buddhist monk.

Initially, they debated the saying, “Deviate from the scriptures by a single word, and it becomes demonic.”

The Liuli Immortal Elder found it incomprehensible and completely uninteresting.

The toddler “Old Gao” squatted by the bamboo gate, listening to their conflicting arguments, babbling incoherently, still unable to speak.

Finally, the white-robed Immortal Master Cui, sat cross-legged on the stone-sealed well, and laughed before saying a few Zen phrases: “Ten directions severed, a thousand eyes blinded? Why not sever the tongues of all under heaven? Should one not hate to kick over the lotus throne and smash the Buddha’s head?”

Then, he slammed his palm down, shattering the stone slab sealing the well.

The youth in white robes hovered above the wellhead, laughing loudly, and asked, “Does the old monk also harbor the heart of a cat, afraid to meow in public?”

The white-robed monk lowered his head, put his palms together, and gently chanted a Buddhist verse.

Immortal Master Cui laughed again, “The Buddhist scriptures are a bit heavy, only those who can lift them can put them down. The two gates of the Western Paradise, impenetrable until one sees through them.”

The young monk raised his head, smiled knowingly, and slowly said, “Few under heaven are as skilled in strategy as you, and none on earth are as foolish as I.”

Then, the Liuli Immortal Elder saw his Immortal Master Cui, seemingly satisfied with the conversation, jump down the well, laughing as he went. He patted the toddler’s head, and the three of them left the White Water Temple.

The white-robed youth waved his sleeves, his gait carefree, and exclaimed, “What a pity it would be if this stubborn stone refused to nod, buried in wild weeds and never discovered!”

The Liuli Immortal Elder didn’t understand anything, but he pretended to know, nodding and saying, “Immortal Master, you are not only learned, but also possess high Dao skills and profound Buddhist understanding. You could participate in a debate between the three religions without any problems.”

The white-robed youth scolded with a smile, “What nonsense you speak!”

The Liuli Immortal Elder smiled awkwardly but still nodded and said, “Immortal Master is always right.”

The white-robed youth turned his head, “You have a bit of wisdom in you, why not stay here and become a monk?”

The Liuli Immortal Elder said with a mournful face, “No, I truly don’t have the wisdom to practice Buddhism! Not even a little bit!”

Afterward, Cui Dongshan took the old and the young to the capital of the Azure Luan Kingdom.

They visited a small Daoist temple.

The temple was called White Cloud Temple, a quiet place the size of a tofu block, nestled next to the bustling streets and alleys, filled with the sounds of chickens, dogs, children playing, and vendors hawking their wares.

Cui Dongshan stayed there for a few days, donating a considerable amount of incense money and borrowing many books to read. The Temple Master didn’t have much else, but he had many books. Moreover, the obscure middle-aged Daoist priest had nearly a million words of reading notes, which Cui Dongshan read even more attentively. The Temple Master wasn’t stingy with his knowledge, happy to have someone read his books, especially since this traveling scholar was a generous benefactor, ensuring that his White Cloud Temple wouldn’t be left with an empty pot.
On the morning Cui Dongshan bid farewell, the little Daoist novice, who had finally enjoyed a few days of heavenly life, was genuinely reluctant to see him leave, his face streaked with tears. Even the novice’s master, the Daoist abbot, felt a pang of guilt, wondering if he had been a negligent teacher.

Cui Dongshan had been gone for less than half a day.

The little Daoist was still feeling despondent, listlessly sweeping the fallen leaves in the Daoist temple.

Then, seven or eight ox carts arrived at the entrance of White Cloud Temple in a grand procession, claiming to be delivering books.

The carts were laden with books from various schools of thought, box after box being carried into the small Daoist temple.

This scene left the gaunt, middle-aged abbot utterly dumbfounded.

However, when the last ox cart unloaded a plaque, the abbot called over the overjoyed little Daoist, and together they carefully carried it to the study.

The plaque bore two characters: “Zhai Xin” (Purified Heart).

After leaving the capital of the Azure Luan Kingdom, Immortal Weng Liuli acted as the driver of a carriage, with Cui Dongshan sitting beside him and a simpleton child dozing inside the carriage.

The old cultivator softly asked, “Immortal Master, that abbot of White Cloud Temple is not a cultivator, so why do you hold him in such high regard?”

Cui Dongshan, waving his snow-white sleeves up, down, left, and right, replied, “Ah, he is the same kind of person as my two previous teachers. In times of peace and prosperity, they go unnoticed, but in times of chaos, they become…”

The old cultivator waited for further explanation, but none came for a long time.

Just as Immortal Weng Liuli was about to give up on an answer, Cui Dongshan chuckled, “The best of educators.”

Cui Dongshan stopped waving his hands and slowly said, “Ordinary tutors can make good students even better. Slightly better teachers will teach good students and also manage the bad ones, willing to persuade people to correct their mistakes and strive for goodness. As for the best educators in the world, they are willing to extend the greatest patience and kindness to those who are ignorant and wicked. Regardless of where they go, the schoolhouse and the sound of studying are always there. Some may find it noisy, but it doesn’t matter. If someone can listen and learn, then it is good.”

Cui Dongshan smiled, “Therefore, they are not repairers of a tottering world, but the source of clear springs for the human heart. The water flows downwards, passing by everyone’s feet, so it is not high. Anyone can lower their head, bend down, and scoop up the water to drink.”

Cui Dongshan suddenly stood up, raising his arm high, as if holding a wine cup. At this moment, the white-robed youth stood tall, his spirit soaring, “The human world is full of rich and cloying things, which everyone craves, and naturally, there is nothing wrong with that, and it should be so. But when one is thirsty, there is water to drink, available for you to take as you please. How delightful, how fortunate?!”

Immortal Weng Liuli carefully drove the carriage.

Great Immortal Master Cui was spouting nonsense that no one could understand.

As a result, the old cultivator received a kick to the back of the head, and the person scolded, “Damn it, you don’t have a single flattering word, not a bit of applause?!”

The old cultivator was startled and quickly began to compose himself, searching for the right words.

However, such sycophantic language was not something that came easily, especially after being frightened by Great Immortal Master Cui. Immortal Weng Liuli racked his brains but couldn’t come up with a single suitable compliment.

Fortunately, the person behind him said, “Forget it, you’re not fortunate enough to go to Fallen Phoenix Mountain in this lifetime anyway.”

After that, Immortal Weng Liuli felt a little more relaxed.

Because around the carriage, paper-folded azure birds, seemingly alive, swirled and danced.

These were not the ordinary yellow talisman paper that mid-level cultivators bought at great expense.

Instead, they were “Qing Bai Talismans,” made of material and color like the sky after rain, said to be talisman paper exclusively used for Daoist texts, extremely rare and expensive.

The old cultivator was considered a half-expert in the talisman lineage.

Therefore, he also knew that the most profound talisman paper in the world was a type of azure paper that contained the true meaning of the sages, with no definite name.

However, these precious Qing Bai Talismans were casually used to fold paper birds.

Was Great Immortal Master Cui really suited for this?

It would be better if you old sir gave me a few as family heirlooms.

The old cultivator lamented inwardly.

This journey of hardship and displacement had not brought him any real benefits. He could only hope that one day, Great Immortal Master Cui would think that he had at least put in some hard labor, even if he hadn’t made any great contributions.

Just thinking about the hard labor made the old cultivator feel a little better.

That little simpleton in the carriage was the one truly doing the work of an ox or a horse.

Cui Dongshan suddenly said, “Take a detour, we’re not going to the Lion Garden of the Liu family. I’m going to see a pitiful person.”

Then, according to the route given by Cui Dongshan, the old cultivator steadily drove the carriage, slowly heading south.

There were many rumors about the Lion Garden of the Liu family in the Azure Luan Kingdom.

The leader of the literati, the Liu family head, had suffered a fall from grace, his reputation ruined. From being a prominent figure akin to the state’s literary conscience, he had become a tainted character, like a literary demon. His poems and essays were devalued to nothing, not to mention the more slanderous accusations that were being thrown at him, impossible to avoid. One of the four great private gardens of the Azure Luan Kingdom, once a literary haven, had suddenly become a place of filth and corruption. Many poorly printed erotic books were circulating throughout the court and the common people.

Therefore, when the second son, Liu Qingshan, returned from his travels and held a wedding banquet at the Lion Garden, marrying an unknown woman from another place, the old Vice Minister Liu did not see a single close friend or acquaintance.

As for the eldest son, Liu Qingfeng, who “put righteousness before family,” he had long been removed from the Liu family genealogy. Now, he was not a high-ranking official, reportedly serving as an assistant in charge of canal transport and dredging. Although he had been promoted compared to his previous position as a magistrate, no one thought that such a person could reach a high position in the Azure Luan Kingdom, where reputation and integrity were highly valued. Perhaps one day, he would even lose his official position, and no one would care. It wasn’t even a joke worth talking about after a meal, too boring.

Moreover, the current Azure Luan Kingdom was thriving and its national fortune was flourishing.

The court, the mountains, the martial world, and the literati were all filled with talented individuals, springing up like bamboo shoots after the rain, a grand and promising sight.

For example, there was a child who was only six years old, whose name as a prodigy had spread throughout the court in just one year. At this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival lantern festival in the capital, the young prodigy…
Summoned to the capital, he was received by His Majesty the Emperor and the Empress. The Empress, taking one look at the child, was filled with affection and drew him onto her lap. The Emperor personally tested the prodigy’s poetry, instructing him to compose a poem extemporaneously on a given topic. Held in the Empress’s embrace, the child pondered briefly before uttering a poem that flowed effortlessly. The Emperor was overjoyed, granting the child the unprecedented position of “Great Zhou Rectifier,” an official candidate. Though not a formal official position, it was a genuine government appointment, implying the child might be the youngest civil official not only in the Azure Luan Kingdom, but in the entire history of the Treasure Bottle Continent!

At this moment, winter was approaching.

Beside a partially dredged canal, on a quiet path, a white-robed youth sat cross-legged atop a jolting carriage. In the hands of a young boy was a unique kite of the Azure Luan Kingdom, known as a wooden hawk.

As long as the string remained unbroken, all kites in the world were destined to soar, yet unable to venture far.

Cui Dongshan leaned back, staring blankly at the kite in the sky.

“I wonder, is my teacher well?”

The canal reopening was an intricate matter, involving every aspect of the Azure Luan Kingdom, so the court did not rush, resulting in slow progress.

The officials in charge were not of high rank. There were three: two Attendants drawn from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works, respectively, and the Prefect of the state through which a section of the main canal ran. Because the court had not publicized the matter, there was little attention paid to it by the Azure Luan Kingdom’s court and commoners. It appeared the two officials from the capital were more concerned with theory, while the local Prefect was focused on practicality. In reality, it was the opposite. The Prefect, who initially thought it was just a formality, discovered upon arriving at the temporary government office by the canal that the two esteemed Attendants, though holding lower ranks than himself, seemed to have everything planned out, with detailed and nearly cumbersome regulations. Even he, an experienced local official, felt unable to intervene, simply following the instructions.

Besides the two fifth-rank Attendants from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works, there was also a supporting official of the fifth rank, named Liu Qingfeng.

Prefect Hong despised this up-and-coming official, Liu, with utter disdain. Betraying friends for personal gain was already despised in the martial world, but this bastard who betrayed his father for official advancement… Prefect Hong felt he needed to change his official robes every other day after discussing matters with him, unable to even drink tea without feeling disgusted.

For the past six months, Prefect Hong had treated Liu Qingfeng with nothing but contempt. The two officials from the capital seemed to understand Prefect Hong’s feelings, deliberately ignoring the situation. As for Liu Qingfeng himself, perhaps due to his low rank and guilty conscience, he always feigned humility before Prefect Hong, and rarely spoke proactively during the canal dredging discussions, only answering when the two Attendants from the capital asked for details.

One day, near a village alongside a section of the canal, there was the lively performance of stilt-walkers.

A scholar who had walked the entire old canal route twice, accompanied by a young page named Liu Suo, sat atop a low mud wall, watching the lively scene from afar. The bamboo horses were made of woven bamboo strips, wrapped in colorful cloth, divided into front and back sections, and tied around the stilt-walkers’ waists. According to local custom, those in formal attire rode red horses, those in blue rode yellow horses, women rode green horses, scholars rode white horses, and warriors rode black horses, each with its own meaning.

The scholar no longer looked like an official. His skin was tanned, and he wore rough linen clothing. Only his sturdy but old suede boots were not something found in ordinary village households.

The stilt-walkers didn’t pass through every village, only those that paid for it, and the more they paid, the better the performance.

This village had clearly paid well, making the stilt-walking particularly spectacular.

Near the wall were many idlers and tall young men from other villages, come to join the fun.

They pointed and commented on the girls from the wealthy village, speaking without restraint. They said one girl’s chest would surely grow large, and another was destined to bear sons. Laughter filled the air around the wall, as they argued about which young woman was the prettiest, comparing who was the most beautiful for miles around. Each had their own favorite.

The scholar also looked at the girls they pointed at, openly admiring them. The page beside him was helpless. “Sir, how can you be so improper?”

The scholar smiled. “A woman’s essence, only purity is difficult. Weight is of no consequence.”

The page sighed. “Sir, whatever you say.”

The scholar chuckled. “You’re young, you’ll understand later that a woman’s face isn’t the most important thing; a good figure is the most wonderful.”

The page rolled his eyes. “Sir, why would I understand these things? I haven’t read many books, I still need to pass the imperial examinations and become an official like you.”

The scholar nodded. “You’re destined to be a scholar, you’ll definitely become an official.”

The page was immediately delighted.

Whatever the master said was always accurate!

In the distance, near the stilt-walkers, cheers and applause continued.

Here, near the wall, many onlookers were picky and disapproving, even scornful, with only sparse applause.

The page whispered, “Sir, you’re learned and know the origins of the stilt-walkers. So tell me, are they really not performing well? I think they’re great.”

Liu Qingfeng said softly, “Of course they’re great, but we’re not paying, why should we say they’re good? Nothing good in this world comes without a price.”

The page was confused. “What kind of reasoning is that?”

Liu Qingfeng smiled slightly, ceasing to speak, and stroked the boy’s head. “Don’t think too much about these things. Now is your golden time for studying.”

The page nodded, remembering something and asking curiously, “Why has Sir only been looking at historical records of revenue and taxation from the Ministry of Revenue lately?”

The page was still unaware that these were not records his master was allowed to read in his current official capacity. Someone had even secretly delivered them to his desk.

Liu Qingfeng whispered, “Looking at historical records, they are all accounts of past dynasties written by later emperors, inevitably distorted. But only…”