Chen Ping’an departed the ferry mid-journey, heading towards the somewhat remote Qinghao Kingdom in the Northern Ju Continent.

Traversing thousands of miles, Chen Ping’an chose mountain paths, traveling day and night, his figure as swift as thunder.

He soon found the prefecture city, and as he stepped onto the narrow Dongxian Street, a door opened, and a slender man in Confucian robes emerged, smiling and waving.

Chen Ping’an looked up, a touch of bewilderment in his eyes.

Suppressing his thoughts, he quickened his pace.

Li Xisheng walked down the steps. Chen Ping’an cupped his hands in a bow, saying, “Greetings, Master Li.”

Li Xisheng returned the greeting with a smile.

Young Cui Ci stood inside the doorway, watching the long-separated countrymen reunited. Especially when the boy saw the smile on his teacher’s face, Cui Ci felt happy too.

Since arriving in the Northern Ju Continent, his teacher always seemed to be deep in thought, even when his brow wasn’t furrowed, as if countless matters awaited him. Unlike this moment, his teacher seemed free of worries, simply joyful.

Li Xisheng led Chen Ping’an into the house, turning his head and smiling, “I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “I reckon the same will happen when I next see Little Baoping at the academy.”

Arriving at Li Xisheng’s study, the room was small, the books few, and devoid of any superfluous scholarly objects, calligraphy, or antiques.

Li Xisheng told Cui Ci to continue his studies.

Li Xisheng pulled out the chair behind the desk, sitting opposite Chen Ping’an, who had just removed his bamboo hat and box.

Li Xisheng nodded, “Good, your heart is more settled.”

Chen Ping’an scratched his head.

Li Xisheng smiled faintly, “Some things weren’t suitable to discuss before, but now I should tell you.”

Already sitting upright, Chen Ping’an sat even more properly, “Master Li, please speak.”

Li Xisheng said, “I, myself, have never truly understood myself.”

Chen Ping’an hesitated, “Perhaps, that’s so.”

Li Xisheng shook his head with a smile, “It’s quite different.”

Li Xisheng continued, “Do you remember when I wanted to give you a peach charm?”

Chen Ping’an nodded slightly.

Li Xisheng said, “Before that, I fought with the sword cultivator Cao Jun in Mud Bottle Lane, correct?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Master made that Cao Jun feel quite helpless.”

Li Xisheng said slowly, “In the Lihua Grotto-Heaven, cultivation for Qi Refiners is difficult, but my breakthroughs were rapid, so rapid that Ma Kuxuan from Apricot Blossom Lane, after leaving the grotto-heaven, pales in comparison.”

Chen Ping’an remained silent, waiting for what was to come.

Li Xisheng revealed a secret, speaking words that could shock the heavens, “It was only after repeated deductions that I calculated the reason. The fate, or rather, the Great Dao opportunity that originally belonged to you, fell upon me. Like you, I have always believed that everything in the world strives for balance. Your gain is my loss; every large or small ‘one’ never disappears or increases without reason, not even by a fraction.”

Chen Ping’an was about to speak, but Li Xisheng waved his hand, “Let me finish.”

Li Xisheng said, “The way you and I think is similar, and so is how we act. Once we understand something, we must do something about it to feel at peace. Although I didn’t know beforehand that I had taken your Dao affinity, since my realm subsequently rose, my chess skills gradually improved, and I traced it back step by step, calculating a definite result, then knowing it, of course, I couldn’t accept it with equanimity. Although that peach charm, even now I still don’t know its roots, no matter how I calculate, I can’t figure out the result, but I am very clear that, for me, the peach charm must be very important, but precisely because it is important, I wanted to give it to you in the first place, as a kind of exchange in mood, I subtract you add, both sides return to balance. During this period, it’s not because my realm was slightly higher than yours at the time, or that the peach charm was very precious, so it’s not equal, so I should exchange it for something else to give to you. It shouldn’t be so, I got your Great Dao foundation, and I should return it to you with my own Great Dao foundation, this is the real one for one. It’s just that you were unwilling to accept it at the time, so I had to take a step back and act. That’s why I said to Senior Li Er of Lion Peak that whether you give the charm or paint the charm for the Bamboo Tower, if you come to see me, Li Xisheng, because you are grateful, it will only increase your and my troubles, making a mess even worse, it is better not to see each other.”

Chen Ping’an looked calm, nodding slightly.

Li Xisheng smiled, “As for that 《Dan Shu Zhen Ji》 and some talisman paper, they don’t count. I am just thanking you, as Li Baoping’s older brother, for protecting her along the way.”

Chen Ping’an nodded again.

Li Xisheng suddenly looked a little lonely, and said softly, “Chen Ping’an, aren’t you curious why my younger brother is called Li Baozhen, and Little Baoping’s name also has the character ‘Bao’ (宝, treasure), but only I am different?”

The three children of the Li family on Fulou Street: Li Xisheng, Li Baozhen, and Li Baoping.

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “I never thought about it.”

The little girl in the red cotton coat spoke freely to her little martial uncle, so Chen Ping’an heard that her mother seemed to favor Li Baozhen more out of her two sons, and was not so close to her eldest son, Li Xisheng. Chen Ping’an, like he said, only listened to Baoping’s family matters, and would not delve into them.

Li Xisheng stood up, walked to the window, and looked into the distance.

Every Spring Festival, the Li family has an unwritten family custom. The mother of their three siblings will ask the maids and servants in the house to say idioms and verses with the character “Li” (李, plum), such as the beautiful idiom “Taoli Buyan Xia Zicheng Xi” (桃李不言，下自成蹊), or the moving “Tao Zhi Yao Yao” (桃之夭夭), or even the likeable “Zheng Guan Li Xia” (正冠李下), even if a child accidentally said the not-so-complimentary “Fan Tao Su Li” (凡桃俗李), their mother did not get angry, and still gave a red envelope. However, when she heard “Tou Tao Bao Li” (投桃报李), her smile lessened a lot, and then when she heard “Tao Dai Li Jiang” (桃代李僵), the woman, who was always kind to any servant, unusually could not hide her anger.

At that time, Li Xisheng was still a young boy, and he happened to be standing at the corner of the corridor not far away. He saw that scene and heard those words.

At that time, Li Xisheng did not understand, but he buried a curiosity deep in his heart. At first, he did not think it was a big deal, but he felt vaguely uneasy.

Since ancient times, it seems that peach and plum have always been mentioned together in poems and lyrics.
Li Xisheng turned his head, and said softly, “Across the street lives a Chen family. They have a Confucian disciple a few years older than Li Baozhen, named Chen Baozhou. If you were to meet him, you would understand why I, Li Xisheng, am the only one capable of inheriting your share of destiny.”

In truth, there was no need to meet him.

Hearing Li Xisheng say this, Chen Pingan already understood everything.

Li Xisheng suddenly laughed, “I’m alright.”

North Entire Reed Continent, Dongxian Street, Chen Xisheng.

Azure Bottle Continent, Lizhu Grotto-Heaven, Li Baozhou.

Originally, it should have been like this.

This also explains why the Chen family ancestral grave in that deep mountain grew a *Koelreuteria paniculata* tree, symbolizing the birth of a sage.

Because this Mister Li should have been named Chen.

Li Xisheng sighed softly, “There are still many things I can’t understand, like the obstacles and difficulties on the road of life. Only when one’s cultivation is higher can one overcome them.”

Chen Pingan stood up and said, “Mister Li should be sad, but it seems there’s no need to be so sad.”

Li Xisheng laughed, his eyes clear and bright, “Those words are truly comforting.”

Chen Pingan laughed along.

Afterward, Li Xisheng suggested they play chess.

The two played chess casually, chatting idly.

Chen Pingan played chess slowly. During the endgame, he would say a few words after each move.

“Before coming to North Entire Reed Continent, I was quite afraid. I heard that there were many swordsmen here, who acted without restraint both on and off the mountains. I thought coming here would bring me peace of mind, but I realized that as long as one’s heart isn’t at ease, even if others travel freely in the wind, one’s own feet remain in the mud.”

“I was also afraid of going from one extreme to another, so I took the alias ‘Chen Good Person’. It’s not something to joke about; it’s a reminder to myself that I can’t truly act without restraint and follow the crowd during this experience.”

“Perhaps deep down, I’ve always secretly wished that I could be a truly good person.”

Li Xisheng didn’t say much, but hearing this, he said, “Recognizing the presence of selfish desires in your heart, yet consistently doing good. Chen Pingan, do you know what that is?”

Chen Pingan shook his head.

Li Xisheng picked up a chess piece and gently placed it on the board, saying, “This is what our Confucian sages have been yearning for: *shen qi du ye, ke ji fu li* (Be cautious when alone, restrain yourself and return to ritual propriety).”

Chen Pingan shook his head, disagreeing.

Li Xisheng didn’t say much, just looking at the chessboard, “But a terrible chess player is truly a terrible chess player.”

Chen Pingan said, “I truly don’t have any talent for chess.”

Li Xisheng smiled, “Is that really so?”

Chen Pingan nodded, “Because I lack a broader view in chess, unwilling to sacrifice a temporary advantage.”

Li Xisheng said, “There are many smart people in the world, who treat all matters and people as chess pieces in their own game. The world isn’t lacking one more Chen Pingan.”

Chen Pingan laughed, “Mister Li, those words are truly comforting.”

Li Xisheng said, “I’m speaking from the heart, you’re just flattering me. The difference in quality is obvious.”

Chen Pingan shook his head, “We in the Fallen Mountain, wandering the world, have the character ‘sincerity’ engraved on everyone’s forehead!”

Li Xisheng smiled, cupping his fist in greeting, “Pleased to meet you, pleased to meet you.”

Chen Pingan’s smile suddenly became strained.

Li Xisheng sighed inwardly.

He must have thought of the bamboo building in Fallen Mountain.

Life between heaven and earth is like a traveler on a journey.

When the ferry, traveling from north to south, passed through the Great Seal Dynasty, the Golden Door Kingdom, and the Orchid Chamber Kingdom, it arrived at the Spring Dew Garden’s Fushui Crossing.

It was already autumn. Chen Pingan had missed the Spring Dew Garden’s Farewell to Spring Banquet for another year. The Fushui Crossing was much quieter than last time.

The liveliness of the Spring Dew Garden is all in the spring.

Chen Pingan stepped off the ferry. Compared to his attire when he left last year, there wasn’t much difference, except that he carried a bamboo case on his back instead of a sword immortal appearance. He was still wearing a green robe, a straw hat, and a walking stick.

Chen Pingan went straight to Old Locust Street. The street was even more lively than the crossing, bustling with people. Seeing the small shop with the ant plaque, Chen Pingan smiled knowingly. The two large characters of the plaque were indeed well-written. He took off his straw hat and stepped over the threshold. The shop had no customers for the time being, which made Chen Pingan a little worried. Seeing the acting shopkeeper who had already looked up and greeted him with a smile, a young cultivator from the Illuminating Night Grass Hall, he discovered that it was the new owner, and his smile became even more sincere. He quickly went around the counter, bent over, and clasped his fist, saying, “Wang Tingfang greets Sword Immortal Owner.”

As for the title, Wang Tingfang had pondered it for a long time. He just hadn’t expected to meet this young Sword Immortal surnamed Chen so soon. After all, cultivators on the mountain, once they travel far, often disappear without a trace for ten or dozens of years.

Chen Pingan returned the greeting with a clasped fist, “Shopkeeper Wang, you’ve worked hard.”

Wang Tingfang asked softly, “Should I go get the account books, junior?”

Businessmen talk business, which is more practical than any polite greeting.

Chen Pingan nodded and walked to the back of the counter together. Chen Pingan took off the bamboo case, placing the bamboo hat on the walking stick.

Wang Tingfang took out two account books. Seeing this scene, Chen Pingan’s small worry vanished. If business was really bad, would he be able to record two account books?

Chen Pingan had already seen the various items on the many curio shelves in the shop, understanding in his heart. Then he began to check the accounts. Seeing one place, he was surprised, “Did someone really pay such a high price to buy that pair of golden crowns of magical artifact grade?”

Looking at the date of the sale, Chen Pingan’s expression was strange, and he asked, “Was it a young woman with a Wu Ling Kingdom accent? Was there a sword-carrying guard accompanying her?”

Wang Tingfang was shocked, “Owner, you can even figure that out?”

Chen Pingan was a little helpless, not revealing the identities of Sui Jingcheng and Rong Chang, the Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator from Floating Duckweed Sword Lake. He shook his head and sighed, “They really don’t treat money like money. We still sold it too cheaply.”

Wang Tingfang was somewhat apprehensive.

Chen Pingan leaned on the counter, slowly flipping through the account books, and smiled, “Shopkeeper Wang has already done the best he could with this deal. I’m just casually saying that because I’m quite familiar with the other party. I wouldn’t really be so harsh. If I were to sell the goods in the shop myself, I definitely wouldn’t sell them for Shopkeeper Wang’s price.”

While carefully flipping through the account books, he chatted with Wang Tingfang about the recent situation in Spring Dew Garden and the business of the Illuminating Night Grass Hall.

Wang Tingfang smiled, “Just…”
By sheer coincidence and thanks to the immense influence of the benefactor, the “Golden Crowns,” the shop’s prized possessions, were sold. This embellished the ledger of last year’s business, and it has little to do with this junior. I humbly beseech the benefactor not to disclose the truth to my esteemed master. Otherwise, I’ll surely be packing my bags and leaving the Ant Shop. My master is extremely concerned with the shop’s business, personally reviewing the gains and losses each season and summoning me for inquiries.”

Chen Pingan nodded, “This time, I’ve brought some ‘Little Profound Cliff Tea Cakes’ from the Painted Finch Manor. I’ll personally visit Immortal Tang to express my gratitude. The shop’s business has been managed far better than I imagined. If Shopkeeper Wang isn’t worried about me adding unnecessary details to Immortal Tang’s understanding, I will certainly speak well of you.”

Wang Tingfang took two steps back, cupped his hands in a bow of gratitude, “The Sword Immortal Benefactor’s kindness is as heavy as a mountain. This junior can only strive harder, helping the Ant Shop earn even more money.”

Chen Pingan closed the ledger. He simply wouldn’t flip through the second one. Since Wang Tingfang said that the Illuminated Night Hall would review it, Chen Pingan would reciprocate in kind. To scrutinize further would be to slight Wang Tingfang and the Illuminated Night Hall.

Gently pushing the two ledgers towards Wang Tingfang, Chen Pingan smiled, “The accounts are flawless, detailed, and clear. I have no worries. Also, Shopkeeper Wang, in future business dealings, just aim for a steady flow. No need to be too demanding of the shop’s annual profit. As good as the books may look, after I leave Spring Dew Garden this time, I estimate I’ll be a hands-off owner for many years. I trouble Shopkeeper Wang to take good care.”

Wang Tingfang responded with a smile, accepting the ledgers and carefully locking them in a drawer.

Chen Pingan turned around and took out two items from the bamboo chest. One was a jade bracelet with the aura of “Fire in Water,” inscribed with a palindrome poem. The other was an ancient bronze mirror, undoubtedly a demon-warding mirror, bearing the most valuable inscription, “Made by the Gong Family.” Along with the burlwood teapot and the purification tablet, all four items were gifts from Martial Master Huang. Looking back on that mountain treasure hunt, parting ways with Huang was definitely not a happy occasion, but a clean break was.

The burlwood teapot itself wasn’t of high quality, but after Real Man Huan Yun examined it, he clearly stated that this ancient object could help Qi practitioners absorb the spiritual energy of wood-attributed spiritual treasures. For Chen Pingan, who was currently refining his third wood-attributed natal treasure, it was precisely what he needed, worth more than a thousand pieces of gold. On the journey south, he used Fire Dragon True Man’s Three Mountains Refining Technique to refine it into an auxiliary treasure for the key acupoint where his Wood Abode was located, placing it within the Wood Abode.

As for the purification tablet, Chen Pingan also planned to refine it into the Wood Abode, but the refinement process was too time-consuming. In addition to the unchanging six hours each day spent refining the blue brick’s water essence, successfully refining the burlwood teapot was already considered diligent cultivation by Chen Pingan. Several times, while on ferries, Chen Pingan almost used his free time to refine items.

Chen Pingan placed the jade bracelet and ancient mirror on the table, explaining the origin of the two objects, and smiled, “Since two Golden Crowns have already been sold, the Ant Shop is missing its treasures. Shopkeeper Wang, take these two to make up the numbers. However, they are not for sale. You can ask for exorbitant prices, just to display them in the shop to attract celestial customers. The shop may be small, but it must have premium goods.”

Wang Tingfang nodded with a smile, deeply agreeing. He carefully put away the two items and said, “Then this junior will purchase two of the finest matching wooden boxes from Spring Dew Garden, or else we’d be unworthy of these two treasures.”

Chen Pingan laughed, “For these types of expenses, Shopkeeper Wang, you don’t need to tell me in the future. I trust the business acumen of the Illuminated Night Hall, and I also trust Shopkeeper Wang’s character.”

Wang Tingfang once again bowed in gratitude.

Chen Pingan left the Ant Shop and went to see the young shop assistant who had helped carve the forty-eight jade-like goose egg stones from Jade Luster Cliff. The latter was moved to tears. Chen Pingan didn’t say much, but simply chatted with him for a moment with a smile. Then he went to see the old locust tree, standing there for a long time. After that, he piloted the talisman boat given by Huan Yun, going to the Illuminated Night Hall and the old woman, the teacher of Spring Dew Garden’s ferry manager Song Lanqiao. The gifts for the visits were the Little Profound Cliff Tea Cakes given by Martial Empress, the Law-Enforcing Ancestor of the Painted Finch Manor.

The old woman was especially happy. Her disciple, Song Lanqiao’s current status in Spring Dew Garden was rising with the tide, all because of this young, out-of-town sword immortal. And the young man had taken the initiative to visit her twice, giving her ample respect. The previous time, the old woman had not reciprocated with a gift. This time, she still didn’t. It wasn’t that the old woman was so stingy, but that the young sword immortal, who always addressed her as a junior, had cleverly said, “No more than three times, save it all up together,” making the old woman smile heartily. She personally escorted him to the foot of the mountain. Returning to the mountain, the old woman, who had a seat in the Spring Dew Garden Ancestral Hall, thought for a moment and decided that in addition to increasing interactions between herself and the Illuminated Night Hall, which had previously had an average relationship with her, she should also instruct her disciple Song Lanqiao to take care of the Ant Shop’s business in the future. No need to hide anything, worrying about obvious traces, showing inferior tactics. In the future, just make it clear that it was her, the teacher, who was asking him to do it. Who would dare to gossip? Weren’t the two Golden Core masters vegetarian?

At the Fluttering Peak of the Grand Emblem Sword Sect, he should have sent out a can of Little Profound Cliff Tea to fulfill his promise. However, Chen Pingan didn’t dare to add fuel to the fire at the time. Xu Xingjiu’s earlier sincere visit had given Qi Jinglong a bellyful of wine. But after drinking wine, should he then drink tea? Chen Pingan felt uneasy. He planned to send it to Qi Jinglong here at Spring Dew Garden. Even if he didn’t accept it, he would have to.

During his previous visit to the Illuminated Night Hall, Tang Qingqing, the direct daughter of Immortal Tang, was not on the mountain. She had gone to the Ironclad Barracks of the Great View Dynasty to see her lover. Listening to the tone of that Immortal Tang of the Hall, the two were about to be married, becoming a pair of mountain daoist companions. After that, the Spring Dew Garden, the Illuminated Night Hall, and the Ironclad Barracks would become in-laws. Immortal Tang invited Sword Immortal Chen to drink wedding wine. Chen Pingan found a reason to politely decline. Immortal Tang did not force him.

Chen Pingan really didn’t like the Ironclad Barracks. In fact, Chen Pingan still had a deadly feud with them. On the ferry, he had personally killed that golden-bodied martial artist named Liao, who came from the battlefield. However, the Wei family of the Ironclad Barracks not only did not hold him accountable but also behaved very respectfully. Chen Pingan understood their forbearance, so both sides tried to maintain a separation. As for what “meeting without knowing each other, laughing and forgiving each other,” forget it.

Having drunk several times with Liu Zimao, the Intercepting River True Monarch of Book Brief Lake, and even becoming temporary allies, doing business together, was what Chen Pingan called the complexity of the world. Even if he wasn’t used to it, he had to get used to it.
Reunited with He Xiaoliang on the western shores of Beiju Luzhou, Chen Ping’an, in seemingly casual conversation, mentioned that if Zheng Yang Mountain’s Moving Mountain Ape had demanded he kowtow back then, Liu Xianyang could have avoided disaster. He, Chen Ping’an, would have not only knelt and kowtowed, but could have kowtowed a flower into existence.

This was no jest, but the plain truth.

However, when Liu Zhimao broke through and ascended to the Upper Fifth Tier, Fallen Mountain still offered no congratulations.

On the path of life, bowing one’s head to others comes in two forms. One is living under someone else’s roof, compelled by circumstances; the other is a tireless pursuit of maximizing one’s own interests.

The former leaves one stifled and unable to speak their mind, while the latter brings joy.

Chen Ping’an boarded a talisman vessel, heading towards Jade Glaze Cliff, the place where Jinwu Palace’s Liu Zhiqing once brewed tea. Now, like the Ant Shop, it was his own territory.

Chen Ping’an discovered that within the Jade Glaze Cliff pavilion stood a familiar figure: the Spring Dew Garden’s owner, Nascent Soul Elder Tan Ling.

Chen Ping’an stowed his talisman vessel and quickly approached the pavilion.

Tan Ling descended the pavilion steps, smiling, “Hearing that Sword Immortal Chen was gracing Spring Dew Garden with his presence, I happened to be free and took the liberty of coming without invitation.”

Chen Ping’an walked into the pavilion with Tan Ling and sat opposite her, finally speaking with a slight smile, “Madam Tan is too polite.”

Tan Ling smiled, handing over a collection of essays newly published by Spring Dew Garden last winter, “This is the latest edition of ‘Winter Dew, Spring Persists.’ The most popular piece, according to the feedback from the mountain gate, is the one about Sword Immortal Chen and Sword Immortal Liu’s tea-drinking discourse at Jade Glaze Cliff.”

Chen Ping’an accepted the booklet, flipped to his article, noting the beautiful phrasing and appropriate content, and decided to show it to his eldest disciple later.

Chen Ping’an tucked it into his sleeve, gazed at the jade-like cliff face and deep ravine, and said softly, “Missing the Spring Farewell Banquet twice is truly regrettable. After this departure, I don’t know when I’ll be able to return to Spring Dew Garden.”

Tan Ling was actually curious as to why this young Sword Immortal held Spring Dew Garden in such “high regard.”

During their previous meeting, Tan Ling’s attitude could only be described as polite, yet slightly distant, because for Tan Ling and Spring Dew Garden, there was no need for additional business; stability was all that mattered.

However, not long after this young Sword Immortal in azure robes left Spring Dew Garden, in the vicinity of Fuyu Kingdom, not too far north, there was the grand spectacle of Great Remnant Sword Sect’s Liu Jinglong and a certain Sword Immortal jointly offering a sword on a mountaintop. It was a golden sword light that shot straight into the sky, piercing the night. Linking this with the incident of a ray of golden light from Jinwu Palace cleaving a thundercloud, Tan Ling had some conjectures.

A sword cultivator acquainted with Jinwu Palace’s Junior Uncle Liu Zhiqing was someone Tan Ling could meet and chat with for a while.

But if, in addition to having a close relationship with Golden Core Sword Cultivator Liu Zhiqing, one was also qualified to travel and offer a sword with Liu Jinglong of the Great Remnant Sword Sect, a Jade Purity Realm Sword Immortal, then Tan Ling, if she disregarded her pride a bit, should have personally waited outside the Ant Shop on Old Wutong Lane.

It wasn’t that Tan Ling couldn’t let go of this face, but that she worried that her attitude would be too stiff if she appeared twice and changed her demeanor so abruptly, which might cause this young Sword Immortal to despise and underestimate the entire Spring Dew Garden.

Within the pavilion, the two chatted politely as always.

However, the young Sword Immortal’s earlier remark had already made Tan Ling feel that this trip was worthwhile.

Tan Ling exchanged pleasantries with Chen Ping’an for a moment before rising to bid farewell. Chen Ping’an escorted her to the foot of the pavilion steps, watching as the Nascent Soul female cultivator departed on the wind.

Chen Ping’an wrote three secret letters and made another trip to the Spring Dew Garden sword room, sending them to Great Remnant Sword Sect, Cloud Top City, and Jinwu Palace respectively.

Besides the letter to Qi Jinglong, there was, of course, the small Mysterious Wall.

The letter discussed the Imitation Swords of Hate Sword Mountain and the purchase of treasures from Three Lang Temple. One hundred Grain Rain Coins were to be used after Qi Jinglong accepted the three sword duels, he was to handle it as he saw fit, with a guaranteed purchase of one Sword Immortal Imitation Sword and one Three Lang Temple Treasure Armor. If that wasn’t enough, Qi Jinglong would have to pay in advance. If there was any surplus, he could buy more Imitation Swords from Hate Sword Mountain and try to select more miscellaneous treasures from Three Lang Temple, buying whatever he liked. The letter was quite clear, asking Qi Jinglong to display the demeanor and spirit of an Upper Fifth Tier Sword Immortal. When he was haggling, if the other party wasn’t cooperative, then he should shamelessly repeat phrases like “I am from Great Remnant Sword Sect” and “I am Liu Jinglong” several times.

At the end of the letter, he wished Qi Jinglong success in accepting the three sword duels from Li Cai, Dong Zhu, and Bai Shang.

The letter to Xu Xingjiu of Cloud Top City said that he had already met that “Mr. Liu.” Last time they drank, they didn’t really enjoy themselves to the fullest, mainly because the three great battles were imminent and he had to cultivate his mind and nurture his nature. However, Mr. Liu greatly appreciated your, Xu Xingjiu’s, drinking habits. So, when Mr. Liu successfully completes the three sword duels, don’t be shy or embarrassed; you, Xu Xingjiu, can absolutely make another trip to Great Remnant Sword Sect. This time, Mr. Liu might open up and drink freely. By the way, please pass on a message to that young man named Bai Shou: When Bai Shou descends the mountain to travel, he can take a trip to Fallen Mountain on Treasure Bottle Continent. At the end of the letter, he told Xu Xingjiu that if there was a reply, it could be sent to the Mourning Clothes Sect in Skull Beach, addressed to Pang Lanxi, a direct disciple of the Ancestral Hall of Wooden Clothes Mountain, who would forward it to Chen Haoren.

The last letter was sent to the Smelting Peak of Jinwu Palace, and the recipient was, of course, Liu Zhiqing, the former owner of Jade Glaze Cliff.

The letter contained only a few words, two sentences: “Cultivating the mind is not easy; let us encourage each other.”

“When I return to Skull Beach, I will definitely ask for a set of the ‘Divine Maidens’ most accomplished works for you from Old Man Pang.”

Returning to Jade Glaze Cliff, Chen Ping’an sat alone in the pavilion, pondering for a long time.

The ferry that travels back and forth between Spring Dew Garden and Skull Beach would not arrive at Talisman Water Ferry for another two days.

It seemed like there was a lot to do, and yet it seemed like there was nothing to do.

Chen Ping’an left the pavilion, rolled up his sleeves and trouser legs, and went to the stream beneath the deep pool to feel for stones.

Golden Core old cultivator Song Lanchiao of Spring Dew Garden was a bit uneasy.

Because a very terrifying passenger had boarded his own ferry, which had set sail from Skull Beach on its return trip.

It was a young man in white, heading to Spring Dew Garden.

Previously, at the junction of the two large and small worlds of Skull Beach and Ghost Domain Valley, the earth-shattering commotion had occurred suddenly and ended quickly. Song Lanchiao hadn’t been able to witness it personally, but the pedigree cultivators on the mountain, with any status, were best at collecting information and searching for clues. After the handsome young man with the green bamboo staff boarded the ship, Song Lanchiao’s first action was to quickly send a flying sword message to Spring Dew.
The ancestral hall of Chunlu Orchard requires utmost caution. This individual’s temperament is peculiar. Upon arriving at the Bone Beach, his first act was to tear apart the sky of Ghost Domain Valley and smash a magical treasure at the head of Gao Cheng, the Jade Pure Realm spirit enshrined in Jingguan City!

Gao Cheng, who is stationed in Jingguan City, possesses cultivation equivalent to a celestial being, yet he did not pursue this “youth” who came to cause trouble.

If Chunlu Orchard suffers an undeserved calamity, what can be done?

During the ferry journey to Chunlu Orchard, the white-clad youth secretly slipped off the boat once, venturing to the mountains and rivers around Cangyun Lake. He quickly returned to the ferry, riding the wind and paddling like a dog, stealthily returning to the boat late at night. If not for Song Lanchiao’s constant vigilance, his eyes glued to the ferry, it would have been unimaginable that this person could treat a ferry with Chunlu Orchard’s secret restriction as if it were his own backyard.

Song Lanchiao grew increasingly alarmed.

The youth seemed to have a lot of free time, frequently leaving his room and wandering around the deck of the ferry every day.

As they approached Chunlu Orchard, the handsome youth with the red mark between his eyebrows became somewhat impatient, seemingly disliking the ferry’s slow speed. However, for some reason, he stubbornly remained on board, not taking flight.

One day, the youth took the initiative to find Song Lanchiao, knocking on his door and directly asking, “How’s business these days at your Old Locust Street ant shop?”

Song Lanchiao, who hadn’t noticed the youth’s arrival, cautiously asked, “Does Your Excellency know Sword Immortal Chen…are you friends?”

The youth widened his eyes, angrily retorting, “What nonsense are you spouting? How could we possibly be friends?!”

Song Lanchiao’s expression changed slightly, and his heart churned. Could this person be an enemy of that young sword immortal? Was Chunlu Orchard caught in the crossfire? What should he do?

The youth coldly sneered, “Oh? You know him?”

After much internal struggle, Song Lanchiao gritted his teeth and said with a bitter face, “This junior does know Sword Immortal Chen, and we’re quite familiar. Sword Immortal Chen’s first visit to Chunlu Orchard was aboard this junior’s ferry.”

Unexpectedly, the youth slapped the old Golden Core cultivator heavily on the shoulder, his face beaming as he exclaimed, “Good lad, you’re making strides!”

The slap staggered Song Lanchiao, the force truly immense. The old Golden Core cultivator was momentarily bewildered.

The youth’s smile didn’t fade as he invited Song Lanchiao to sit down for tea. Song Lanchiao sat down with trepidation, accepting the teacup with some apprehension.

Without realizing it, Song Lanchiao had forgotten that this was actually his territory.

The youth didn’t drink tea himself, instead placing his green bamboo mountain staff horizontally on the table within reach. He rested his hands on the table, smiling, “Since you’re acquainted with my Master, then you’re a friend of Cui Dongshan.”

Song Lanchiao grew even more puzzled. He could count the Upper Five Realm cultivators of Treasure Bottle Continent on one hand.

Among the Upper Five Realm cultivators, there was no one named Cui Dongshan. As for those named Cui, there was the Great Li State Preceptor Cui, a renowned name even among the peak cultivators of Northern Ju Continent.

As for the “youth” before him, how could he be a student of that young sword immortal?

It wasn’t that Song Lanchiao looked down on that young man on a journey; it was simply that this matter was utterly illogical.

Cui Dongshan smiled, “My Master is most nostalgic. Before returning to Wooden Clothes Mountain, he will definitely visit your Chunlu Orchard.”

Mainly because there was an old locust tree there.

That was why Cui Dongshan was so certain.

Song Lanchiao couldn’t help but ask, “Is Sword Immortal Chen Your Excellency’s master?”

Cui Dongshan glanced sideways, “Envious? Can you even be envious? My Master is extremely selective when accepting disciples, choosing only one out of ten thousand.”

Song Lanchiao was about to collapse.

What was going on?

That young sword immortal who had some connection to Chunlu Orchard was courteous and proper during their journey together. His conversation was impeccable, leaving a pleasant feeling afterward. How could he have such an eccentric student?

Cui Dongshan suddenly smiled slyly, “Lanchiao, do you not believe that I am Master’s disciple, or do you not believe that Master has a disciple like me?”

Song Lanchiao was already terrified. The two statements, seemingly similar, were actually very profound. How he answered required the utmost caution. In reality, he didn’t have much choice. He could either speak well of the person before him or go insane and praise that young sword immortal, which would inevitably belittle this audacious, treasure-laden, highly-cultivated oddball.

Song Lanchiao quickly weighed the pros and cons and decided to be sincere and seek stability, slowly saying, “This humble one simply cannot believe that Sword Immortal Chen, at such a young age, would have a student like Your Excellency.”

Cui Dongshan shook his head, clicking his tongue, “Alas, alas, you’ve narrowed your path again.”

Song Lanchiao cursed inwardly. Meeting a devious eccentric like you, I’m lucky I haven’t reached a dead end. Once I get back to Chunlu Orchard, I’ll have to burn incense for my ancestors.

Cui Dongshan smiled, “Upon returning to Chunlu Orchard, you should burn high incense for your ancestors.”

Song Lanchiao instantly tensed.

Cui Dongshan smiled, “A clear conscience fears no knocking, I’m not a ghost, and you haven’t wronged anyone, so what are you afraid of?”

Song Lanchiao said bitterly, “Your Excellency is joking.”

Cui Dongshan nodded, “I was speaking to you with a smile, so Lanchiao, your words are double-edged and very profound. You’ve studied, haven’t you?”

Song Lanchiao was speechless.

Cui Dongshan picked up his mountain staff and stood up, “Then I’ll go ahead and try my luck, to see if Master is already in Chunlu Orchard, so that you, Lanchiao, can worry less.”

Song Lanchiao felt that anything he said would be wrong, so he simply kept his mouth shut and silently saw the esteemed senior leave the room.

The handsome youth with the white clothes and green bamboo staff stepped over the threshold, striding down the corridor, waving his hand, “No need to see me off.”

Song Lanchiao stood there in a daze, drenched in sweat, completely unaware.

Cui Dongshan walked to the bow of the boat and soared into the sky, causing the entire ferry to plummet dozens of feet. The man transformed into a rainbow, streaking away, a flash of white, with the force of thunder.

Chen Pingan was squatting by a stream, picking up pebbles, carefully choosing them and placing them in the pouch formed by his rolled-up blue robe, protecting them with one hand. Suddenly, he stood up and turned his head to look.

He saw Cui Dongshan.

Chen Pingan was stunned for a long time, asking, “Senior Cui has left?”

Cui Dongshan hummed in agreement, lowering his head.