The commotion around Fushui Island is quite significant.

It even required the Water God Shen Lin to personally command the water currents towards Fushui Island.

Fortunately, the cultivators of Baijia and Cangran Islands had been forewarned by the Nanxun Water Palace that some unconstrained master on Fushui Island was about to break through.

Two trusted handmaidens of the Water God and a lamp-lighting official from the Nanxun Water Palace, along with a water vein surveyor, were respectively visiting Baijia and Cangran Islands. This was both a sign of respect and a form of “oversight”.

In the sea of clouds, Zhang Shanfeng asked, “Master, it’s been so long. He’s clearly refined his Natal Object successfully, so why hasn’t Chen Ping’an regained his senses?”

Fire Dragon True Man said, “He’s simply thinking things through behind closed doors. Intelligent people who get stuck in a rut won’t easily get out. They either retrace their steps or forcibly break through to create something new.”

Li Yuan sat cross-legged in the distance, his hands propping up his chin, breathing in and out like a fish blowing bubbles. It was quite something to see a dignified Jidu Water Administrator this bored.

Fire Dragon True Man turned his head and asked, “Old Li, still playing around? Do you know what you’ve missed?”

Li Yuan replied, “I haven’t missed any of the excitement. I’ve been watching with wide eyes from beginning to end.”

Fire Dragon True Man laughed, “It’s a good thing deities don’t have intestines, or you’d be regretting this.”

Li Yuan rolled his eyes, regretting his guts out?

Fire Dragon True Man asked, “Want me to sell you a bottle of regret medicine? Once this opportunity passes, it’s gone. Think carefully.”

Li Yuan’s eyes darted around. This old guy probably wouldn’t be teasing him for no reason. He asked, “What’s the price?”

Fire Dragon True Man smiled, “A bottle of the finest Jidu Water Elixir, not the kind used to fool river gods.”

Li Yuan grimaced and shook his head, “Forget it. Old True Man, I really can’t produce a bottle of Natal Water Elixir. Even if I don’t manage affairs, I still have to give the Water Dragon Sect one elixir every ten years.”

This decade, it would go to Sun Jie, the next decade to Shao Jingzhi. The Northern and Southern sects took turns. As for what they did with the elixir—whether they used it to curry favor with those cunning enshrined masters and retainers or saved it for themselves or rewarded the direct disciples of the Ancestral Hall—Li Yuan wouldn’t interfere.

What Fire Dragon True Man was talking about wasn’t just one or two Jidu Water Elixirs, but a whole bottle of rare water elixir with rich incense and pure water essence—at least nine of them.

If it had been three or five hundred years ago, Li Yuan might have considered it.

But with his current dilapidated golden body, he wasn’t in much better shape than Shen Lin, whose golden body was on the verge of collapse. Nanxun Water Palace was desperately trying to add luster to Fushui Island. Was Shen Lin really being magnanimous? That woman was thrifty and capable. Wasn’t she just grasping at a lifeline, treating this Fire Dragon True Man as a savior? It was just a last-ditch effort. She probably thought that if Fire Dragon True Man said a few good words to that person on her behalf, it would help her, Shen Lin, weather this storm.

Li Yuan shook his head to himself. The so-called Dao being heartless was originally said about the Heavens, not the mountains.

And that “Li Liu” was one of the existences on the Heavens.

To put it bluntly, Shen Lin’s actions would cost her decades of cultivation. Had she forgotten Fire Dragon True Man’s original words? He had told Nanxun Water Palace to stand aside.

Zhang Shanfeng was somewhat puzzled.

Fire Dragon True Man laughed, “Forcing a cow’s head to drink water is difficult.”

Zhang Shanfeng asked softly, “Did Chen Ping’an break through his cultivation?”

Fire Dragon True Man shook his head, “He’s still at the Third Realm, but he’s reached a bottleneck. For Chen Ping’an, his Willow Tendon Realm is like a true ‘retention realm’. He experienced nascent versions of the three major trials of breaking the inner demon, harmonizing with the Dao, and seeking truth early on, and his Bridge of Longevity is broken. It’s right that he stumbles along. Otherwise, I’d suspect that this kid is the reincarnation of some peak figure.”

Zhang Shanfeng asked, “Isn’t it good to be the reincarnation of an Immortal who departed after dissolving their immortality? I heard that many old ancestors of Sect-level Immortal families will leave a way out before entering secluded death cultivation, seeking out their reincarnation for the sect and laying out clues in advance to continue their Dao affinity and incense.”

Fire Dragon True Man shook his head, “Not really good. I am not me. It’s slightly better if you can’t remember anything from your past life. If you remember some things, but not all, that’s a big problem.”

Of course, Li Liu, who was born with knowledge, was an exception. For her, it was just changing skins. In essence, she had never died.

Sleeping soundly every night was just a short nap. Death was the big sleep.

If cultivators were simply greedy for life and afraid of death and forcibly stole heavenly secrets like sneaky thieves in the night, reincarnating, and the original soul was incomplete, piecing together a person, then who was that half-dead person in the end?

However, Fire Dragon True Man could understand the fear of death and the desire for life of some Upper Fifth Realm cultivators. He understood, but he still didn’t approve.

In some demonic sects that liked to take unorthodox paths, the Ancestral Hall would light a Longevity Incense Stick for cultivators. Historically, there have been many cultivators who simply stared at that incense stick for a moment and saw their Dao hearts collapse, completely going mad. They scared themselves to death.

Fire Dragon True Man rarely tried to comfort his disciple. He smiled and said, “Earlier, I said Chen Ping’an was walking with a limp. It was more about the baggage on his heart, which affected the direction of his entire heart. In reality, a temporary lower realm isn’t a big deal.”

Zhang Shanfeng was still worried, “Chen Ping’an owes so much debt. What is he going to do? That guy Chen Ping’an is most afraid of owing favors and owing money.”

Fire Dragon True Man laughed, “Chen Ping’an isn’t afraid of some big worries. For example, on the way up a mountain, Chen Ping’an buries his head and walks, not walking fast. If he finds that he can bend down and pick up money a few steps ahead, even if it’s just a snowflake coin, do you think Chen Ping’an will walk faster? Every time he picks up a coin, he has less of a burden. Over time, he will naturally walk faster and faster.”

Zhang Shanfeng suddenly understood. His master was amazing. He had only met Chen Ping’an twice, and he understood him so well?

Fire Dragon True Man suddenly said, “The dust has settled. We can return to Fushui Island.”

Li Yuan finally couldn’t help but ask, “What realm is this Mr. Chen at?”

Li Yuan couldn’t hear a single word of Fire Dragon True Man and his disciple’s conversation.

The number one fire-art cultivator in the world. His water art should be firmly in the top ten.
Don’t forget, Real Man Fire Dragon is still a Great Celestial Master of the Dragon Tiger Mountain bearing an outside surname. What kind of place is the Celestial Master’s Residence of Dragon Tiger Mountain? The cultivators on the mountain have always revered the techniques of the world, with thunder magic as the supreme art, the pivot of heaven and earth, governing all methods. And the Celestial Master’s Residence’s Five Thunders Righteous Method, known as the “Creation is all in my掌中,” is the orthodox source of thunder magic in the world. Could Real Man Fire Dragon’s thunder magic be weak? Generally speaking, the successive Great Celestial Masters of Dragon Tiger Mountain with outside surnames, except for lacking the Celestial Master’s Seal and Immortal Sword, can study all the techniques of Dragon Tiger Mountain.

That is why Real Man Fire Dragon can be so detached and unique in the Northern Entire Reed Continent, where sword cultivators are as numerous as clouds.

Real Man Fire Dragon ignored Li Yuan, and descended from the clouds with Zhang Shanfeng, arriving at the residence on Fushui Island.

Chen Pingan had already emerged from his secluded cultivation, his divine aura restrained, his skin radiant. However, because he had just refined his natal object and had not completely stabilized his Qi Palace, his entire body was overflowing with spiritual energy, making him appear even more ethereal and transcendent. Once the wooden house was settled, this nascent immortal demeanor could be controlled at will.

Real Man Fire Dragon nodded in praise and said, “When I was in the Lower Five Realms, I didn’t have such an aura.”

Chen Pingan clasped his fists in thanks.

This time, Real Man Fire Dragon didn’t find Chen Pingan’s formalities tedious. On the path of cultivation, when one guards and protects another during their closed-door cultivation, when the person successfully emerges, some superficial gestures are still necessary.

Real Man Fire Dragon said, “Since it’s done, I and Shanfeng won’t stay any longer. There are still a lot of affairs on Crawling Peak.”

Zhang Shanfeng muttered, “Sleeping is sleeping, no matter where you do it.”

Real Man Fire Dragon was not at all annoyed by his disciple’s dismantling, but instead explained with a smile, “Of course, it’s more comfortable to doze off in your own nest.”

There’s a reason why cultivators occupy famous mountains and great rivers, and stay away from the mundane world. Immortals, *qian* also, moving into the mountains. The mortal world has many worries, the lotus root is broken, but the silk still connects. Therefore, it is appropriate to enter famous mountains, where the body is cleansed and the mind is also cleansed.

Zhang Shanfeng nodded, “I really miss those fellow brothers and nephews.”

Chen Pingan said, “I may still need to trouble the old Real Man with one thing.”

Zhang Shanfeng had already said, “No trouble, no trouble at all.”

Real Man Fire Dragon smiled without speaking.

Zhang Shanfeng was afraid that his master would think he was siding with outsiders, so he quickly whispered, “Master, Chen Pingan is a man of discretion. He says it’s trouble, but it shouldn’t be too much trouble. This is like getting a favor for nothing. On his trip to the Northern Entire Reed Continent, before returning to the Precious Bottle Continent, he will definitely visit our home. At that time, I’ll take him around. Many places in the sect, such as Peach Mountain and the vicinity of Tai Xia Peak, I haven’t been to much, it’s not right.”

Real Man Fire Dragon nodded and looked at Chen Pingan with a smile, “Speak.”

Chen Pingan then said that he hoped to give all of the one hundred and twenty-two pieces of emerald green glazed tiles to him. He would only keep two pieces, and would trouble the old Real Man to sell the rest to White Emperor City in the Central Earth Divine Continent. He would only accept six hundred Valley Rain Coins.

Zhang Shanfeng was dumbfounded. He was about to speak, but Chen Pingan stopped him with a look.

Real Man Fire Dragon seemed to be weighing the pros and cons, smiling, but not speaking.

Chen Pingan then waited quietly for what would come next.

Distant water cannot quench immediate thirst.

The current Fallen Mountain desperately needs Immortal Coins. There are holes that need to be filled everywhere, and each one is not small.

Upgrading the Lotus Root Blessed Land to a mid-level Blessed Land is one thing, and it is still the most important thing. If you don’t count Wei Bo’s income from the third Mountain and Water Spirit Night Banquet, if you can sell that pile of glazed tiles, you will immediately earn six hundred Valley Rain Coins, which can make up for all the gaps, and there will be a surplus of about two hundred Valley Rain Coins. Send half of the extra Valley Rain Coins to Zhu Lian as Fallen Mountain’s savings, to avoid being stretched thin with every expense. Some favors, since there is no choice, then simply owe a big one, but be sure to do it less often. It is far better than exchanging small favors one by one, and not being able to repay them. That’s not a favor at all, it’s purely making friends feel like they’ve met the wrong person. Favors in the world have always been about borrowing and repaying, and then borrowing is not difficult.

Moreover, is it appropriate to always exploit Wei Bo like this, a dignified Northern Mountain God of a continent, scraping the ground three feet in his own territory? Even rabbits pay attention to not eating the grass near their nests. Think of me, Chen Pingan, at least I’m a “Baggage Shop,” even if I run far away carrying a well-shaped ceiling, can it be the same?

Chen Pingan can keep one hundred Valley Rain Coins for himself to buy two or three imitation swords of the Sword Immortal from Hate Sword Mountain. If they are really cheap, far below expectations, then I will buy a few more, can’t I give them away?

In addition, the construction and operation of Fallen Mountain’s Mountain-Protecting Great Array is another considerable expense.

Selecting and placing suppression objects for many new mountain peaks, including Gray Mist Mountain and Turtleback Mountain, is the third thing. In fact, Jiang Shangzhen was originally using the guise of thanking Chen Pingan for helping the True Realm Sect have one more Sword Immortal offering, and for missing Wei Bo’s two night banquets that must be compensated. In fact, he already had three important suppression treasures. The Dragon King Basket that Real Man Fire Dragon took to repair also counts. For the rest, Fallen Mountain needs to continue to pay out of its own pocket.

Therefore, Chen Pingan only kept two pieces of emerald green glazed tiles for himself as a souvenir. After all, this item is hard to come by. Keeping them in Fallen Mountain is like asking for a good omen of good things coming in pairs.

Real Man Fire Dragon smiled and said, “Six hundred? Half price? Chen Pingan, you’re making a very bad deal.”

Chen Pingan smiled and said, “It varies from person to person. If it were a big tycoon, I would sell it to him for two thousand Valley Rain Coins without blinking an eye.”

According to Real Man Fire Dragon’s previous estimation for appraising treasures, one hundred and twenty glazed tiles could be sold for one thousand two hundred Valley Rain Coins at the Glazed Tile Pavilion in White Emperor City.

But some accounts are not calculated that way.

Accidentally picking up such a large pile of glazed tiles is already a great unexpected joy.

Otherwise, according to Chen Pingan’s own idea, coupled with Real Man Huan Yundu’s uncertain attitude towards the price of glazed tiles, he would definitely follow Real Man Fire Dragon’s statement. If he could sell a piece of glazed tile for a Lesser Heat Coin in the Northern Entire Reed Continent, Chen Pingan would be overjoyed. Maybe he wouldn’t even keep the last two glazed tiles.

Selling them to Crawling Peak at a 50% discount.

The reasons for this choice are: first, to immediately exchange them for a sum of Valley Rain Coins that is already too large to imagine; second, to express gratitude to Real Man Fire Dragon for his guidance and guarding; third, to avoid the many accidents of doing business with White Emperor City in the Central Earth himself. Finally, Chen Pingan still hopes that before returning home in the future and pay a visit to Crawling Peak and see Zhang Shanfeng, I can be a little more confident and not owe Real Man an overwhelming debt of gratitude and still have the nerve to mooch off him.
There were calculations within this, and things left uncalculated. Good intentions resided within, as did private thoughts, and Chen Pingan achieved an open and forthright state of mind.

Fire Dragon True Man said, “Quickly refine the scattered and chaotic spiritual energy within the three key Qi Residences. Otherwise, you’ll have to return it to Fushui Island and Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven, and Li Yuan and Shen Lin’s favors will have been given in vain. It’s like the host kindly offering a cup of tea, and the guest only taking a sip or two before leaving – how is that proper? This is one thing.”

“Secondly, human power has its limits. It’s inevitable that you can’t absorb all the spiritual energy, especially since you’re only a third realm Qi Refinement cultivator at the bottleneck. You can’t drink tea until you burst. The host sincerely treats guests, but doesn’t want to end up having to help the guest dispose of their corpse, which would be inauspicious. Therefore, you can carefully study the Mountain Refinement and Water Refinement incantations, and continue to refine the Dao intent within the Blue Brick Daoist Temple. This is also cultivation. Before this, you were standing in a treasure mountain without realizing it. Did you think these supreme Dao techniques, capable of refining all things, were only meant for refining objects? Ponder it yourself.”

“Thirdly, there are the one hundred and twenty glazed tiles, at six hundred Grain Rain coins, the price you yourself named. No buyer in the world offers to raise the price. This poor Daoist, truly an impoverished cultivator, is famous in the Northern Ju Continent as a pauper. Fortunately, I borrowed money from Peach Mountain and Finger Mystery and their disciples to make ends meet. Gathering a few hundred Grain Rain coins wasn’t too difficult. So, I’ll take the glazed tiles first, and later I’ll send a message to Yuan Lingdian of Finger Mystery Peak, instructing him to send you the money. I reckon he can arrive before you leave the Water Dragon Sect.”

At this point, Fire Dragon True Man smiled and said, “Rest assured, you won’t be shortchanged a single Grain Rain coin, nor will you be given an extra one.”

Chen Pingan once again clasped his fist in gratitude.

Zhang Shanfeng was somewhat conflicted.

He was conflicted by the fact that his master and senior brothers were so rich, and that Chen Pingan was inevitably losing money – a loss of six hundred Grain Rain coins. Chen Pingan didn’t mind, but Zhang Shanfeng felt the pain. But after all, his own sect earned six hundred Grain Rain coins. Was this the so-called “keeping the fertile water within the family”?

Therefore, whatever he said now, whether he was happy or unhappy, would make him look like he was disloyal to both sides.

Zhang Shanfeng felt a bit stifled.

Being a person is difficult.

Fire Dragon True Man suddenly asked, “Chen Pingan, what do you think of Zhang Shanfeng’s fist technique?”

Chen Pingan was stunned for a moment, then honestly replied, “A little slow, not yet perfected.”

Zhang Shanfeng was so embarrassed he almost dug a hole to bury himself. Master, don’t tell me you think Chen Pingan’s talent is too good and you have to forcibly praise your disciple to save face?

There’s no need for that.

He knows his own capabilities. His skills in everything are mediocre. Going down the mountain to travel and slay demons is still far off. So, Zhang Shanfeng resolved that he would only go down the mountain again when he had truly achieved success in his Dao techniques.

Furthermore, Senior Brother Yuan of Finger Mystery Peak has good talent. The little Daoist children on Padi Peak love to guess whether this Uncle-Ancestor Yuan is a Golden Core Immortal or not.

Fire Dragon True Man said, “Chen Pingan, you weren’t wrong to choose to cultivate martial arts first.”

Chen Pingan smiled and said, “Actually, it wasn’t my choice. In the beginning, I had no choice. If I didn’t rely on practicing fist techniques to keep myself alive, I wouldn’t have survived, let alone gone far.”

Fire Dragon True Man nodded. “No matter what, treat yourself well first, so you can truly treat others well. You must understand this clearly and thoroughly. After that, when you give good deeds and acts of kindness to this world, do you still need to ask yourself what your intentions are? I personally think it’s not necessary.”

Chen Pingan pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, “Understood.”

Fire Dragon True Man recalled something and smiled, “Since you like to overthink so much, like to stroll around Fushui Island, and can even say ‘not yet perfected’, I’ll tell you a short story. After hearing it, think whatever you want. A scholar and a boatman were crossing a river together. The scholar was full of poetry and books, while the boatman was illiterate. The scholar spoke a lot of great principles, and the boatman blushed and felt ashamed. A big wave capsized the boat, and both fell into the water. The scholar was drowning, about to die. The boatman, who only had a single skill to rely on and nothing else, pondered whether to save him or not.”

Chen Pingan said, “I’ve remembered it. I will think more about the deeper meaning.”

Fire Dragon True Man smiled noncommittally, and slowly said, “Does it necessarily need to have a deeper meaning? Because I have the cultivation and status that I do, and have said something, you must listen and think extra hard.”

Chen Pingan was about to say something.

Fire Dragon True Man waved his hand. “I am on the shore, so I don’t need to hear the boatman’s answer.”

Finally, Fire Dragon True Man casually collected the green glazed tiles with a wave of his sleeve, and they flew into his large sleeve.

It is said that the sleeves of peak cultivators contain the universe, capable of holding small mountains and rivers.

Chen Pingan was somewhat envious. With this mountain divine power, running the Burden Shop would be like a fish in water.

Fire Dragon True Man took the lead towards the shore. The talisman boat quietly hovered at the ferry, rising and falling with the water.

Zhang Shanfeng and Chen Pingan slowed their pace and walked side by side.

Chen Pingan said, “I can only see a bit of meaning in your fist technique. After you get to Padi Peak, don’t neglect this fist technique in addition to your cultivation.”

Zhang Shanfeng asked with a smile, “Does that make me half of your fist technique master?”

Chen Pingan rewarded him with one word: “Scram.”

Zhang Shanfeng whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ll help urge Senior Brother Yuan of Finger Mystery Peak to come to Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven as soon as possible. Although Senior Brother Yuan’s Dao techniques are high, his temper is good.”

The Fire Dragon True Man in front chuckled.

Whether his disciple Yuan Lingdian had a good temper was hard to say.

In his early years, this kid was the most unruly, forcing his way to his current realm through sheer brute force. But later, his master forced him to stay in a stone cave on Peach Mountain in seclusion for ten years, and after leaving seclusion, he was confined for sixty years, which greatly improved his temperament.

Chen Pingan stood at the ferry, watching the talisman boat rise into the air and sail into the sea of clouds.

He planned to take the initiative to visit the South Xun Water Palace and thank the Water God Lady.

But he had to ask Li Yuan how to get there.

Li Yuan waited anxiously, and when the talisman boat finally left, he immediately appeared on Fushui Island.

Without the Fire Dragon True Man, Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven seemed much more amiable.

After hearing that Chen Pingan wanted to go to the South Xun Water Palace, Li Yuan said that the matter was simple, and used his water magic to take Chen Pingan on a long journey through the water.

He wouldn’t be so petty as to be jealous of this Mr. Chen making friends with Shen Lin.
For so many years, Shen Lin had been diligently managing the operations of the Jidu Summer Palace, while Li Yuan merely considered himself to be taking it easy in comparison. Furthermore, with each having their own responsibilities, they wouldn’t proactively overstep boundaries. In truth, Li Yuan’s deliberate and inadvertent “social ineptitude,” intentionally distancing himself from Sun Jie, the Sect Master of the Water Dragon Sect, made the private friendship between Nanxun Water Palace and Shao Jingzhi of the Southern Sect all the more valuable. This fostered gratitude in Shao Jingzhi, who, even after ascending to the Jade Purity Realm, always treated the Water God Shen Lin, who was only in the nascent soul realm, with the respect due to a senior.

Upon arriving at the Summer Palace, they entered through a side door without hindrance.

Being the Water Warden of Jidu did indeed have its advantages.

Moreover, the young ladies of the Nanxun Water Palace had always been on familiar terms with him, Li Yuan. They were practically family, all of them!

Furthermore, within the strictly regulated Nanxun Water Palace, Li Yuan’s slightly risqué, commoner-style jokes were even more popular. Many attendants, divine maidens, and ghost palace maids, whose aptitudes were merely average, loved listening to this youthful-looking Water Warden tell tales of talented scholars and beautiful ladies from the mortal realm. At the most amusing parts, they would burst into laughter, their faces radiant. The more bashful ones would blush after hearing the story and coyly say, “How annoying!” before gracefully departing, their slender waists swaying in a captivating manner.

As Li Yuan walked through the Water Palace, which he knew like the back of his hand, he couldn’t help but lament that if he were still in his untainted golden body, he would truly be living like an immortal.

Shen Lin soon emerged to personally greet the two of them.

Li Yuan initially had no intention of getting involved. He planned to introduce Chen Ping’an to Shen Lin and consider his task complete, then go find the young ladies to chat, asking if they had taken a liking to any handsome young talents from the Water Dragon Sect, and if they needed him to play matchmaker, orchestrating some inconspicuous encounters, coincidences, or misunderstandings. However, when Mr. Chen said he would only stay for a short while before returning to Fu Shui Island, Li Yuan had no choice but to reluctantly suppress the scandalous stories he had recently overheard. Over the centuries, Li Yuan had told no less than a hundred stories, embellished with his own additions, but it seemed that the most popular was still the scandalous adventures of that cur, Jiang Shangzhen. It was truly unfair!

Chen Ping’an was carrying a small Xuanbi tea cake as a gift, light in weight and even lighter in sentiment. In reality, it could only be considered meager.

Alas, Chen Ping’an truly couldn’t offer a more suitable gift for this visit.

However, Shen Lin was genuinely delighted. Without any pretense, upon hearing that it was Xuanbi tea from the Colorful Sparrow Estate, she invited Chen Ping’an and Li Yuan to stay and personally brewed tea in the pavilion beside the flower garden. She also asked Master Chen not to take offense, as she would use the gift to entertain guests.

This time, Shen Lin didn’t reveal her true face, but instead used a spell to conceal her face, which was covered in cracks.

As Chen Ping’an drank his tea, he couldn’t help but feel that she was a mountain and water spirit who knew how to conduct herself with grace.

Shen Lin also had her own thoughts. This young cultivator, who could command the Fire Dragon True Man to personally protect him, must undoubtedly be from a distinguished sect or a family of great wealth, judging by the way he carried himself while drinking tea.

Chen Ping’an then inquired about methods for refining water pills, specifically how to minimize waste.

Shen Lin naturally didn’t hold back, explaining the key points one by one, greatly benefiting Chen Ping’an. This was the difference between having a wise master to guide you on your cultivation journey and not.

Perhaps rogue cultivators could snatch many opportunities from established immortals, but how they consumed those opportunities and treasures, and ultimately succeeded, was the crucial point: whether they absorbed seventy or eighty percent, or ninety or a hundred percent. The key lay in the “orderly inheritance and continuous lineage” of the immortal mountain. Many minor mistakes, accumulated over time, could directly lead to a difference of an entire realm, especially the distinction between the Dragon Gate and the Golden Core, which was truly as different as heaven and earth.

Throughout the conversation, Shen Lin didn’t ask a single question about Chen Ping’an’s origins, not even a subtle probing.

After drinking the tea, Chen Ping’an bid farewell and hurried back to Fu Shui Island.

Li Yuan personally escorted him back.

Upon arriving at his residence on Fu Shui Island, Chen Ping’an sat on his meditation cushion and began to contemplate and plan his next steps in cultivation.

Li Yuan returned to Nanxun Water Palace, where he met Shen Lin at the pavilion, where the tea set was still untouched.

Li Yuan didn’t particularly enjoy tea, but since Shen Lin had brewed another pot, he didn’t mind. It was better than drinking water, wasn’t it?

With the Fire Dragon True Man’s departure, Shen Lin seemed much more relaxed.

The two then chatted casually about recent events on the mountains of Northern Juuzhou.

For example, Ji Yue and Gu You had perished together, Liu Jinglong of the Taiwei Sword Sect had begun seclusion, and the female Sect Master of the Clear Cool Sect had actually found a Dao partner.

When Li Yuan mentioned the Sect Master He, he beat his chest in regret, saying how wonderful it would be if such a celestial beauty were never tainted by a filthy man.

Shen Lin looked at Li Yuan, a wistful expression on her face.

She was somewhat envious of the Water Warden’s constant idleness, frolicking in the mortal realm in his divine form.

Back on Fu Shui Island…

Chen Ping’an felt that from now on, he wouldn’t have a single moment to spare.

The Dao intent contained within those thirty-six bluestones had only reached the first stage, barely managing to invite the spirits into the mountain and establish them in the mountain shrine. The next step, completely refining them into mountain roots, was the most important thing. Otherwise, it would just be a facade. But the difficulty of refining Dao intent was even greater than extracting and transporting the wisps of water luck to the Water Mansion. It would take a great deal of time, and there was no shortcut. He could only rely on the slow, persistent work of dripping water wearing away stone, stubbornly refining them little by little. Chen Ping’an estimated that the complete refinement of the first bluestone would take a full month, at least six hours a day. Perhaps the refinement of the remaining thirty-five bluestones would become faster as he progressed, but at best, it would still take two to three years of patient work.

Carrying the bluestones up the mountain and transferring the water luck into the mansion were both long-term tasks.

Fortunately, Chen Ping’an realized that his current fist practice was trending towards mindless repetition, so he could focus more on cultivating as a Qi Refiner.

In fact, he didn’t need to deliberately pursue a certain number of stances every day. As long as his fist intent flowed continuously, and the bottleneck was about to break but not quite, he could simply let it happen naturally. As for whether he could enter the Golden Body Realm in the strongest Sixth Realm, it wasn’t that he didn’t want to, but he wouldn’t demand it anymore. If it came, then so be it; if it didn’t, then it didn’t. There was no need to blindly practice fist stances in order to create more martial luck to give to Pei Qian. If he himself went down the wrong path, how could he be a teacher to his first disciple?
When did Chen Ping’an ever demand martial fortune? Even his master didn’t force it, so why should a disciple insist on having a shortcut in martial arts? There’s no such logic in the world. Just because Pei Qian is your disciple, Chen Ping’an, doesn’t mean she deserves such a boon.

Moreover, Chen Ping’an had a vague feeling that after the Martial Luck bestowed by Senior Gu You dissipated, reaching the pinnacle of the Sixth Realm would be more difficult. Actually, Senior Gu’s gift had no necessary connection with Chen Ping’an’s own pursuit of deserved martial fortune, but the mysteries of the world are beyond words. Besides, the world of martial artists across the Nine Continents is filled with talented individuals, each with their own opportunities and experiences. How could Chen Ping’an dare to claim he was the purest?

Chen Ping’an stopped watching the spectacle of eighteen stalks of sword energy assailing the final barrier.

He also didn’t rush to refine the two flying swords into his Natal Treasures, which would come with the sharpening of the sword’s edge on the first and fifteenth of each month.

Next, while staying on Fu Shui Island, he would follow Old Real Person’s advice and properly refine the abundant spiritual energy accumulated in the three acupoints.

Rain fell outside the house again.

Chen Ping’an thought for a moment, then rose from his prayer mat, opened the door with an umbrella.

The mountains and rivers were still the same, and his state of mind still had problems to reflect upon, but Chen Ping’an felt he had one good quality: as long as he wasn’t trapped in a state of utter confusion, and had taken the first step, he could endure hardship.

Chen Ping’an walked slowly through the rain.

Understanding one fundamental principle leads to understanding all principles.

Clearing the clouds reveals the blue sky and the bright moon.

If the heart has many flaws and major mistakes, then amend them.

For example, “Intending to do good, though good, is not rewarded.” So what if there’s no reward? If good fortune falls on others, isn’t it still good fortune? If one intends to do good but cannot correct mistakes further, or make up for wrongs, or accumulate merit for the wronged and vengeful spirits, then find a way to correct those mistakes. Over these years of traveling up mountains and down rivers, how many paths haven’t been forged? You, Chen Ping’an, always advocate that a virtuous person bestows favor without seeking return. Is that just for deceiving yourself and others? When it falls upon yourself, you become uncomfortable? If this kind of selfish deception continues to spread, won’t it deceive and harm others? At that point, the more so-called principles you carry in your backpack, the less you’ll realize your own lack of understanding.

The knot in his heart was untied.

His mind was light, but his shoulders were heavy.

However, Chen Ping’an didn’t feel anything wrong. He no longer wore straw sandals, but he was still Chen Ping’an. The thing that the poorest families in the world least need to talk about is hardship. Only by enduring hardship can one enjoy blessings.

Chen Ping’an walked a circle of Fu Shui Island, along the intertwined mountains and water, returning to the mansion and sitting on the prayer mat, beginning to practice forgetting and exhaling, slowly refining the spiritual energy lingering in the wooden house.

Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy is the biggest immortal money for those who cultivate the Dao.

Just treat it as a way to make money.

While waiting for Yuan Lingdian from Zhi Xuan Peak to come to Fu Shui Island, Chen Ping’an, besides his unwavering six hours of Qi refinement every day, of course hadn’t forgotten drawing talismans.

Chen Ping’an didn’t forget to eat and sleep, cultivating all day and night, just six hours.

This day, a thin middle-aged Daoist came to Fu Shui Island, without riding a talisman boat, directly breaking through the clouds and arriving on the wind.

The Daoist smiled, looking at Chen Ping’an who came out to greet him.

The Daoist made a Daoist salute, “Zhi Xuan Peak’s Yuan Lingdian, Zhang Shanfeng’s fifth senior brother, you may call me Yuan Zhi Xuan.”

Chen Ping’an quickly clasped his fist in return, naturally not actually calling the other party Yuan Zhi Xuan, but Senior Yuan.

He led this Daoist immortal from Zhi Xuan Peak, with an ageless face, old age, and profound Dao arts, to the mansion.

Zhang Shanfeng wasn’t clear about the true details of his sect, but Chen Ping’an wanted to know more. Before traveling to Northern Ju Lu Continent, Wei Bo had roughly recounted many interesting stories about Pa Di Peak, not some too-hidden secrets, so as long as you had the will, you could know, but it was still difficult for ordinary immortal mountain retreats to see rumors about Pa Di Peak Daoists from the Mountain and Water Gazette. Pa Di Peak and those Daoists who were able to open mountains and establish their own mansions were indeed not the kind of cultivators who liked to flaunt themselves. The esteemed expert from Zhi Xuan Peak beside him was actually not the disciple with the highest realm of the Fire Dragon Real Person, but Northern Ju Lu Continent recognized him as a Jade Purity Realm expert who could be used as an Immortal Realm.

After Yuan Lingdian handed over six hundred Grain Rain Coins to Chen Ping’an, and invited Chen Ping’an to be a guest at Pa Di Peak and Zhi Xuan Peak, there were no more pleasantries.

It wasn’t that this Zhi Xuan Peak immortal was looking down on Chen Ping’an, a Third Realm cultivator, but that there was nothing to talk about between the two sides.

So he came and went in a hurry.

Chen Ping’an again sent Yuan Lingdian to the island’s ferry.

Yuan Lingdian smiled and said, “Young Master Chen, I still want to thank you for your care for Shanfeng along the way.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Senior Yuan, you’re too kind.”

“Whether I’m being too kind or not, I don’t care.”

Yuan Lingdian smiled, taking out a small peach wood box from his sleeve, “Inside is a replica sword forged by Hate Sword Mountain. Young Master Chen, please don’t dislike the gift for being too light.”

Chen Ping’an was shocked.

But he didn’t delay in accepting the gift.

Being polite with these immortals is foolish.

Yuan Lingdian transformed into a rainbow and left.

Chen Ping’an stood in place holding the peach wood box.

He thought that in the future, when buying replica swords from Hate Sword Mountain, even if the price was higher, he would buy two more.

Just with the cash on hand, Chen Ping’an now had more than one hundred Grain Rain Coins on his person, his back was very straight.

Let Zhu Lian worry about the debt first.

Chen Ping’an wasn’t unwilling to have Li Yuan send the remaining five hundred Grain Rain Coins to Fallen Mountain, but he really didn’t want to disturb too much. There was a limit to using people.

So he would talk about it when he got to Lion Peak.

In late winter.

Chen Ping’an left Fu Shui Island.

He had already written a letter, sending it to Lion Peak. He placed it on his desk, and at the same time left the Li Liu “Three Feet of Sweet Rain” Chi Dragon plaque, on top of the letter.

At first, he planned to ask the South Xun Palace Water God Lady Shen Lin to help deliver the letter and jade pendant, but after consideration, he still planned to ask Li Yuan for this third favor.

Anyway, some things, one by one, completely… completely, were written in the letter.

As for the “Juniper Green Rain Appearance”, of course, it needed to be returned to Li Yuan.

Li Yuan initially refused to keep the “Three Feet of Sweet Rain” jade pendant, saying a lot of righteous words.

Chen Ping’an persuaded Li Yuan with great effort, guaranteeing that if Miss Li blamed him, Chen Ping’an would help explain clearly.

Only then was Li Yuan slightly relieved.
Seeing that she was willing to address the young man as “Mr. Chen,” and that this Mr. Chen was willing to vouch for him in such a manner, there should be no major problems.

Chen Ping’an asked Li Yuan to bid farewell to the Nanxun Water Palace on his behalf. Li Yuan had already taken on such a difficult task, so this trivial matter was naturally not a problem.

Li Yuan insisted on escorting Chen Ping’an to the bridge outside the Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven.

Chen Ping’an returned the immortal orange tree tag inscribed with the words “Resting Spot” and continued his journey along the Great Canal.

He was just a young man in a green robe, carrying a bamboo box and holding a walking stick.

The sword immortal and the sword-nurturing gourd were temporarily placed inside the bamboo box.

Li Yuan still did not step off the bridge, watching the young man travel westward.

Li Yuan returned to Fu Shui Isle and dared not touch the jade token. He only cautiously and quickly extracted the letter, sending it swiftly to Lion Peak.

Ten days later.

Li Liu returned to the Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven and saw the trembling Water Administrator Li Yuan. She unexpectedly gave him a proper look and a smile, saying that he had finally made a contribution.

Hearing this decree, Li Yuan almost collapsed to his knees. It was the first time in his life that he felt tears welling up in his eyes.

Li Liu put away the Chi Dragon jade token and casually tossed it to Li Yuan, instructing the Jidu Water Administrator to enshrine it in the ancestral temple to help gather the essence of incense.

Li Yuan prostrated on the ground, thanking the heavens in a trembling voice.

But Li Liu had already departed for the Nanxun Water Palace.

Shen Lin saw her and fell to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.

Li Liu reached out and stripped off a golden statue from the Water Goddess. Then, she pressed down on the statue’s head. In an instant, the thousands of tiny cracks on the golden statue were filled.

Li Liu’s wrist drooped slightly, and she smashed the golden statue back into Shen Lin’s mortal body.

Li Liu sat on a bench in the pavilion.

Shen Lin remained prostrate on the ground, not daring to raise her head.

Li Liu said, “You have worked hard. If there are no major accidents, you will become the Spirit Source Duke of Jidu in the future.”

Shen Lin said in a trembling voice, “This servant would never dare to have such extravagant hopes! Being able to continue guarding the Nanxun Water Palace for a thousand years is already enough for this servant.”

Li Liu frowned and said, “Hmm?”

Shen Lin dared not disobey in the slightest and immediately kowtowed heavily, “Receiving the decree!”

Li Liu stood up and vanished without a trace in an instant.

Shen Lin remained prostrate on the ground in that great salute, unmoving for a long time.

It was not until Li Yuan swaggered into the Summer Palace and came to the pavilion that Shen Lin slowly got up, feeling as if she had lived a lifetime.

Li Yuan, with the “Three Feet of Sweet Rain” jade token hanging from his waist, puffed out his chest and walked with a spring in his step. He entered the pavilion, winking at the seemingly distraught Water Goddess, and pointed to the jade token on his waist.

Look, what is this?

Shen Lin ignored Li Yuan’s actions. She hesitated for a moment, plopped down on the bench, still looking dazed, and murmured, “Li Yuan, I might become the Spirit Source Duke of Jidu, do you believe it?”

Li Yuan seemed to have been struck by a Fire Dragon True Lord’s Five Thunderbolts. He was stunned for a long time, and then he suddenly wailed, clutching his head. He fell backward to the ground, flailing his arms and legs. “Why not me? The Spirit Source Duke, vacant for thousands of years, a Duke of the Great Canal, why isn’t it the hardworking Li Yuan?”

Although Shen Lin had revealed this matter due to her loss of composure, she did not regret divulging the secret. Water Administrator Li Yuan would find out sooner or later. Instead of hiding it, which would only make Li Yuan even more distraught, it was better to be frank and reveal it early.

Otherwise, the rift between them would be even greater.

Li Yuan lay motionless, like a corpse.

Shen Lin felt a little helpless.

Li Yuan sniffed, and a little life finally returned to his face. He muttered, “Congratulations to Madam Shen on ascending to the position of Spirit Source Duke.”

Shen Lin smiled and said, “When you come to Nanxun Water Palace in the future, stop teasing the attendant court ladies here.”

Li Yuan started kicking his feet again and shouted, “No, I won’t! I just won’t!”

Li Yuan completely quieted down, looking pitiful. “I’m going to beg the Old True Lord to sell me a big jar of regret medicine, enough to stuff me to death.”

Shen Lin said softly with a smile, “The matter of the Jidu Consecration hasn’t been finalized yet.”

Li Yuan turned his head, rubbing the ground hard, his eyes dull and wronged. “You’re just pouring salt on my wounds.”

Shen Lin was lost in thought, grateful to the Fire Dragon True Lord, and also grateful to the polite and courteous young man.

Suddenly, Li Yuan leaped up, actually tearing open the sky of the Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven and entering the Great Canal, chasing after that heartless Mr. Chen.

On the banks of the Great Canal.

Chen Ping’an was cupping water to wash his face.

Suddenly, a head popped out. Because it was so silent, Chen Ping’an almost threw a punch.

After seeing that it was Li Yuan, he restrained the surge of fist intent that was like a flood and asked with a smile, “Why are you here?”

Li Yuan came ashore and asked with a smile, “Mr. Chen, are you tired? Shall I carry your bamboo box for you? Rub your shoulders and beat your back?”

Chen Ping’an felt a little goosebumps and said with a wry smile, “What exactly is going on?”

Li Yuan squatted down, hugged Chen Ping’an’s leg, and wailed, “Mr. Chen, do you want some water pills? If you need them, I have two bottles here. They are just a burden to me…”

What does this old Li care about his face? I’ll just be shameless today!

Shen Lin can be her Spirit Source Duke, after all, according to the regulations of Jidu, there can also be a Dragon Pavilion Marquis, although the rank is slightly lower, but in fact, the Dragon Pavilion Marquis is not governed by the Jidu Chief God Spirit Source Duke, it’s just that the water area under the jurisdiction of the Dragon Pavilion Marquis is slightly inferior to that of the Spirit Source Duke. The well water does not interfere with the river water, one east and one west, co-managing Jidu.

Chen Ping’an had no choice but to squat down and say helplessly, “If you continue like this, I’m leaving.”

Li Yuan let go of his hand, sat on the ground, and asked softly, “Mr. Chen, do you know who she is?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “You know, I definitely don’t know. I only know that Miss Li is a fellow villager, the sister of a certain troublemaker.”

In fact…