Chen Pingan and Cui Dongshan went to their own shop on Old Wutong Lane.

Chen Pingan sat on a small bamboo chair by the entrance, basking in the warm autumn sun. Cui Dongshan shooed away the acting shopkeeper, Wang Tingfang, telling him to take a day off. Wang Tingfang, seeing the young master smiling and nodding, left the Ant Shop in a daze.

Business was alright that day, because Old Wutong Lane had heard that a rare and handsome young man had arrived. Consequently, there were many young female cultivators, and with Cui Dongshan’s talent for bewitching words, they earned quite a bit of ill-gotten immortal money. Chen Pingan didn’t interfere.

The next day, at Fu Water Ferry, Tan Ling and Tang Xi appeared together, along with Song Lanqiao, who managed the Spring Dew Garden ferry.

After exchanging pleasantries, Chen Pingan and Cui Dongshan boarded the boat. Song Lanqiao followed them all the way. This well-informed old Golden Core cultivator discovered a strange thing: when he saw the young sword immortal and the white-robed youth alone, he couldn’t connect the two. Especially the idea of teacher and student; it was unimaginable. Yet when they walked together, there was an indescribable harmony. Could it be because they both carried green bamboo walking sticks?

Song Lanqiao didn’t dare to say much, but he did express his sincere gratitude.

It turned out that Song Lanqiao had just earned a seat in the Spring Dew Garden’s ancestral hall. Although he was just filling Tang Xi’s bottom-ranked position, flanking Tang Xi like two door gods in the ancestral hall, this step forward meant a surge in prestige for both the mountain sect and the secular dynasty. It also meant a large sum of extra immortal money each year and the elevation of some of his family members.

So, Song Lanqiao felt that he owed the young sword immortal a great debt. But Song Lanqiao was also clever in this regard. Having been in business for so long, he was pragmatic and didn’t fawn over the young man surnamed Chen incessantly.

On the ferry, Song Lanqiao arranged a top-tier room for them. After thinking it over, he simply didn’t let any of the Spring Dew Garden’s female cultivator servants show their faces.

Inside the room, Cui Dongshan poured a cup of tea for Chen Pingan and leaned on the table. His two snow-white sleeves occupied nearly half the surface. Cui Dongshan smiled and said, “Teacher, in terms of fighting, ten Spring Dew Gardens aren’t worth one Hemp Robe Sect. But when it comes to business, Spring Dew Garden is definitely not inferior to Hemp Robe Sect. In the future, our Fallen Phoenix Mountain and Spring Dew Garden will have things to discuss, and we can definitely interact frequently.”

Chen Pingan drank his tea without saying anything.

Cui Dongshan said, “Tan Ling is someone who seeks stability. The business of Spring Dew Garden has already reached its peak. On the mountain, they are wholeheartedly attached to Hemp Robe Sect; below the mountain, they mainly court the Great View Dynasty. There’s nothing wrong with that. But once the framework is established, Tan Ling also discovered many of Spring Dew Garden’s chronic problems. Many of the older folks have gotten used to enjoying the good life, or they still have the ambition to cultivate, but there are too few people who can be used. Even if she wanted to support Tang Xi in the past, she would have too many reservations, worried that this money god would collude with the power-hungry and uncontrollable Gao Song. Then Spring Dew Garden would be finished. When Tan Ling’s time is up, Spring Dew Garden will undergo a change of dynasty, turning upside down. Tan Ling’s lineage has many disciples, but none who can handle things. There is a gap between generations, which is fatal. They can’t withstand the joint efforts of Tang Xi and Gao Song. When the disciples are useless, they can’t win in a fight, and in terms of money, the difference is like heaven and earth.”

“So, Tang Xi and Lin Luo’e forming an alliance is the most stable option. Although Lin Luo’e has a bad temper, he is, after all, someone without ambition and loyal to Spring Dew Garden. Adding in a Song Lanqiao who is grateful to her, Tan Ling, the three of them sticking together gives Spring Dew Garden some new life. If our Fallen Phoenix Mountain then hands over a pillow, helping Spring Dew Garden open a breach in the northern part of Treasure Bottle Continent, even if it’s just a small breach, it will invigorate many cultivators at the mountain waist and foot who are skilled in trade. And Treasure Bottle Continent is now undergoing large-scale construction everywhere. Spring Dew Garden has people, goods, and money. Both parties can benefit from each other’s needs, making them the most suitable business partners. However, we also need to pay attention to Spring Dew Garden’s acclimatization in Treasure Bottle Continent. Fortunately, the Great Li Dynasty, from government officials to battlefield generals, are on the same wavelength as the Spring Dew Garden cultivators.”

“Teacher’s planning is so far-reaching, and the placement of pieces is so precise and meticulous that it can be called the style of a master.”

Hearing this, Chen Pingan finally couldn’t help but laugh and say, “Did you ruin Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s feng shui?”

Cui Dongshan protested, “How could that be! Old Chef Zhu, Eldest Senior Sister, and Da Feng are all experts in this field! Besides, Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s feng shui isn’t bad at all now.”

Chen Pingan said, “I didn’t deliberately plan to cooperate with Spring Dew Garden. To put it bluntly, I didn’t even dare to think about it. It would be good enough to do some Package Shop business. If it really succeeds, it will be mostly your credit.”

Cui Dongshan raised an arm and tapped the table three times with his finger, drawing a triangle. “Tang Xi, Lin Luo’e, Song Lanqiao, that’s a three. Tan Ling’s lineage, Gao Song’s lineage, Tang Xi’s small faction, that’s another three. Fallen Phoenix Mountain, Hemp Robe Sect, Spring Dew Garden, that’s still a three. The various forces that Teacher has gathered, the southern end of Northern Ju Continent, the northern part of Treasure Bottle Continent, that’s an even bigger three. In the world, this kind of relationship is the most stable. Teacher, are you still unwilling to admit that you are a master chess player?”

Chen Pingan shook his head and smiled, “It’s just a lucky coincidence.”

Cui Dongshan sighed, “Teacher is humble and broad-minded. This student is enlightened.”

Chen Pingan laughed and scolded, “Get lost.”

Cui Dongshan was about to speak, but Chen Pingan immediately said, “Here we go again?!”

Cui Dongshan felt that all his unique skills and eighteen weapons had become useless.

As expected, Teacher is still formidable.

Cui Dongshan suddenly asked, “When we get to Bone Beach, do you want to meet Gao Cheng? I can guarantee Teacher’s safety.”

Chen Pingan shook his head and said, “I’m not going to Jingguan City for now.”

Cui Dongshan asked, “Is it because this person actively broke open the firmament for the Pu Rang Sword Ritual? There’s still some heroic spirit left?”

Chen Pingan said, “It’s not that simple, it’s more complicated. I’ll explain it later.”

Cui Dongshan naturally had no objections.

Passing over the areas of Suijia City and Cangyun Lake, Chen Pingan left the room. Cui Dongshan stood with him by the railing at the bow of the boat, looking down at the land.

The vast Cangyun Lake, as seen from the ferry, looked like a jade-green stone lying quietly in a mountain stream.

I still owe a jar of wine to a certain Fire God Temple over there.

I can only owe it for now.
Cui Dongshan said softly, “In the future, Teacher, please don’t take such risks.”

Chen Ping’an replied, “Of course I should nod and agree. Right now, I will indeed take it to heart, telling myself to stay away from the turmoil. Once I become a cultivator on the mountain, the affairs below will become extraneous. But you and I know, once things come to a head, it will be difficult.”

Cui Dongshan leaned on the railing, his legs bent. The two sleeves exposed outside the railing looked like two small, snow-white waterfalls.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Is Zhou Mili still getting used to staying in Luopo Mountain?”

Cui Dongshan nodded. “She’s quite used to it. She always feels that Pei Qian, who copies books every day, is a scholar, eagerly waiting for Pei Qian to write her the story of the Great Water Monster of Dumb Lake in person. The little girl is so fawning; she’s Pei Qian’s little tail every day, trotting along with her walking stick. Now, she’s been promoted from the Right Protector of Riding Dragon Lane to the Right Protector of Luopo Mountain by Teacher. Now it’s good; before speaking to others, she has to cough twice, first clearing her throat, and then speaking in an old-fashioned manner. She’s learned all these bad habits from my eldest senior sister.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “That’s good.”

Cui Dongshan asked curiously, “Are you really going to record the little girl in the Luopo Mountain Ancestral Hall genealogy, making her a Right Protector similar to a mountain peak offering?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Of course. This is not a child’s play. I was still a little hesitant before, but after witnessing the multitude of mountain strongholds and undercurrents in Chunlu Garden, my thoughts have become firm. I want outsiders to think that Luopo Mountain is strange and incomprehensible. It’s not that I don’t understand the price required to do so, but I can strive to make up for it elsewhere, whether it’s me, Chen Ping’an, the mountain master, earning more money and cultivating diligently, or you, my student, or Zhu Lian, Lu Baixiang. Our existence is the reason for the existence of Zhou Mili, Chen Ruchu, and others. It will also be the reason why some new faces of Luopo Mountain in the future will think, ‘This is not strange.'”

“I don’t reject Luopo Mountain becoming a sect in the future, but I will never abandon the roadside flowers and plants for the sake of gathering forces. Those flowers and plants have never been dispensable existences on Luopo Mountain, and they will never be in the future. Moreover, they have never been beautiful roadside scenery; they are part of my life. I feel especially at ease being able to take care of those who deserve to be taken care of.”

Chen Ping’an turned his head and said, “Can you understand what I’m saying?”

Cui Dongshan nodded vigorously, “I understand and accept!”

Chen Ping’an sighed, “But it will definitely not be easy.”

Cui Dongshan said, “Every grand statement, every ambition, will not be easy as long as it is put into practice.”

Some words, Cui Dongshan didn’t even want to say.

All the joy of reuniting after a long separation will be the sadness of future departures.

But this does not prevent those reunions that can still be seen from making people happy, making people drink wine, and making people smile.

But don’t forget, sometimes, departure is just departure.

Chen Ping’an also leaned on the railing, looking at the golden sea of clouds under the distant sun, and asked, “Being my disciple, won’t you feel uncomfortable?”

Cui Dongshan said, “No.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “The difference in realm, the difference in knowledge, you, this student, are of course fine.”

Cui Dongshan said, “Teacher, if you say that, this student will be unconvinced. If Pei Qian’s martial arts progress rapidly, her breaking through realms as fast as Xiao Mili eating, bowl after bowl, leaving those at the same table unable to keep up, would Teacher also feel uncomfortable?”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “Of course I would feel uncomfortable. Where would I put my teacher’s face? When reasoning, if I raised my voice a little, I would have to worry about being given a chestnut on the head by my disciple. Wouldn’t I be flustered?”

Cui Dongshan laughed heartily.

Teacher’s northern tour has been very good for his mind.

After a moment of silence, Chen Ping’an said, “I’m a stubborn person, I like to split hairs. One day, in Luopo Mountain, some minor matters will become my huge problems. At that time, give me some advice.”

Cui Dongshan nodded, “As the sage said, ‘When there is work, the disciple does it.'”

Cui Dongshan turned his head, his cheek pressed against the railing, and smiled, “With wine and food, the teacher is served. Is this considered filial piety?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “Don’t tamper with the original meaning of moral articles, wasting the good intentions of the sages.”

Cui Dongshan said, “Teacher, don’t forget, this student back then was so high-spirited, so sharp, with so much knowledge that it burst out of the bag, unable to be hidden by myself, unable to be blocked by others. It’s not that I’m bragging without drafting, the Grand Sacrificial Wine of the Academy was easily obtainable. If I were really more mercenary, the Vice Hierarch of the Central Earth Confucian Temple wouldn’t be impossible either.”

Chen Ping’an shook his head and said, “I believe what the National Preceptor says, but as for you, give it a rest. It’s windy here at the bow, be careful you slip your tongue.”

Cui Dongshan chuckled, “Speaking of which, this student really doesn’t need to draft when bragging.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “Is Central Earth Divine Continent very large?”

Cui Dongshan nodded, “Very large. The sum of the eight continents is only comparable to Central Earth Divine Continent. If the other eight continents can have one or two people squeeze into the top ten of Central Earth, that’s ability. For example, the Pure Scholar Chen Chun’an of Southern Jambudvipa Continent, the non-surname Grand Celestial Master of Dragon and Tiger Mountain of Northern Kuru Continent, the Fire Dragon Real Person, and the wealthy Liu of Alaka Continent.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Then I must go and see it in the future.”

Cui Dongshan said gloomily, “That is the student’s sad place.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “You asked for the beating, you have to grin even with a bruised face.”

Cui Dongshan said helplessly, “Teacher is not righteous.”

The ferry entered the boundary of the Bone Beach, and Song Lanqiao took the initiative to visit, bringing generous gifts.

There were two portions.

One for himself, one for Tan Ling of Chunlu Garden.

His gift was actually a magic treasure selected by his teacher, Lin Luo, from the Ancestral Hall, a bamboo yellow dragon pattern scripture box made of Chunlu Garden’s specialty immortal wood, which also contained four jade slips.

Tan Ling’s gift was even more valuable, one of the few treasures of Chunlu Garden, a set of eight ingots of anthology ink.

When handing it over, Song Lanqiao felt sorry for Tan Ling.

Chen Ping’an did not refuse. Tan Ling did not personally send the gift at Fu Shui Ferry, but instructed Song Lanqiao to send it out when the ferry was about to dock at the Bone Beach Ferry, which itself was sincerity.

This was the first official matter for Song Lanqiao after becoming a member of the Chunlu Garden Ancestral Hall. It went smoothly, which made Song Lanqiao relieved.
Just sitting and drinking tea with that pair of master and disciple already made Song Lanchiao uneasy, especially with Cui Dongshan sitting beside him.

Cui Dongshan twirled his teacup between his fingers, gently tracing patterns on the table, and said with a smile, “Lanchiao, alas, so many poor souls in this world are like someone carrying a pig’s head but unable to find a temple. Lanchiao, you should count yourself lucky.”

Just a moment ago, Chen Pingan was calling him Senior Song, but now he was being addressed as Lanchiao this and Lanchiao that by Chen Pingan’s student, which naturally made him uncomfortable all over.

Since Spring Dew Garden treated people with sincerity, Chen Pingan naturally wouldn’t let Cui Dongshan continue with his jesting. He waved his hand, signaling that he had matters to discuss with Song Lanchiao.

Unexpectedly, with just this simple gesture, the next scene caused cold sweat to pour down Song Lanchiao’s forehead.

It was as if the white-clad youth had been slapped away by Chen Pingan, spinning countless times in the air along with his chair. Finally, the man and chair stuck to the wall, slowly sliding down. Cui Dongshan wore a mournful expression, leaning against the chair, which was leaning against the wall, and said timidly, “This student will just sit here, then.”

Chen Pingan’s face darkened.

Song Lanchiao was deeply shocked. Could it be that this amiable Chen Sword Immortal was no different from Liu Jinglong of the Grand Emblem Sword Sect? That he was not a mere Earth Immortal, but a deeply hidden Jade Pure Realm Sword Immortal?

Chen Pingan ignored Cui Dongshan and began to discuss matters with Song Lanchiao in earnest, striving to reach an agreement on future cooperation between Fallen Peak and Spring Dew Garden. It was only a broad framework and direction, as Song Lanchiao certainly couldn’t make the decision on the spot, and would need to return to the Ancestral Hall to argue it out. Once the two sides finally decided to cooperate, all specific matters would still need to be decided by Zhu Lian and Wei Bo of Fallen Peak. Chen Pingan was fairly familiar with the business of Spring Dew Garden, so his conversation with Song Lanchiao wasn’t awkward. His time as a shopkeeper in the Northern Entirety Continent wasn’t wasted. Fallen Peak’s greatest reliance was, of course, the Ox Horn Mountain ferry crossing, which served as an important transportation hub. With Mountain Lord Wei seated on Cloud-Draped Mountain, the Ox Horn Mountain ferry crossing could accept most intercontinental ferries from the Northern Entirety Continent, which was equivalent to a shopkeeper having a place to set up shop. When the world’s wealth paused briefly in one place and then flowed again, money begat money.

Chen Pingan occasionally wondered how many cultivators a worn-down Snowflake Coin had seen. A thousand? Ten thousand? Could it have already traveled across all nine continents of the vast world?

Song Lanchiao was initially focused on discussing important matters with Chen Pingan. In his mind, the old Golden Core cultivator even felt that today’s discussion could very well determine the major trend of Spring Dew Garden for the next hundred years.

Then, Song Lanchiao saw the Sword Immortal Chen glance towards the wall.

Following his gaze, Song Lanchiao saw the white-clad youth holding the chair arms, swaying back and forth, as if using the chair legs as human feet, staggering as he “walked”.

After being discovered by his master, Cui Dongshan immediately stopped his movements and looked up, whistling.

Song Lanchiao gave a polite smile and turned his gaze away.

*This fellow is insane, right? He must be!*

Chen Pingan talked with Song Lanchiao for a full hour, with both sides putting forward many possibilities, and they enjoyed the conversation immensely.

As they continued, Song Lanchiao relaxed considerably and became increasingly comfortable. He could freely express many ideas that had been accumulating for years without an outlet. The young sword immortal who frequently refilled their teacups was also a rare and likeable businessman, never using definitive words like “yes” or “no”, but rather gentle phrases like, “I’m a bit unclear here, may I trouble Senior Song to explain in more detail?” or “Regarding this matter, I have some different ideas, Senior Song, please listen and feel free to speak your mind if you disagree.” However, he wasn’t ambiguous, and although he didn’t directly expose some of Song Lanchiao’s small measures to dig pits for Gao Song, he only said, “This matter may require Senior Song to put in more effort at the Spring Dew Garden Ancestral Hall.”

The white-clad youth had been idle all along, swaying his chair, circling the table. Fortunately, the chair “walked” silently, without making any noise.

Song Lanchiao could now ignore him.

After the chat, Song Lanchiao felt refreshed. There was no more tea to drink, and although he was still somewhat reluctant to part, he still rose to take his leave.

Song Lanchiao told Chen Pingan that there was no need to see him off, and the young man nodded with a smile, only seeing him to the door. He only asked Cui Dongshan to see him off a bit further.

After Song Lanchiao entered the corridor, he saw no sign of the green-shirted sword immortal, only the beautiful youth in white robes. The old Golden Core cultivator immediately tensed up.

He saw the youth walking backwards, gently closing the door, then turning his head to smile at Song Lanchiao.

Song Lanchiao’s smile began to stiffen.

Cui Dongshan came to Song Lanchiao’s side, who had subconsciously bent over, jumped up and put his arm around Song Lanchiao’s neck, dragging the old Golden Core cultivator along, “Brother Lanchiao, eloquent and full of brilliant words!”

Song Lanchiao almost couldn’t help but shout for Master Chen to come and help him out of this predicament.

Song Lanchiao suddenly felt terrified and wanted to stop, but to his surprise, he couldn’t. He was pulled along by the youth, who wasn’t using much force. After taking a step, Song Lanchiao knew something bad was about to happen.

The next moment, the white-clad youth had vanished.

Song Lanchiao found himself in a misty white world, with no scenery around him. It was like a withered small world, with nothing but chilling white in his vision. Walking felt slightly soft underfoot, but the ground wasn’t made of any earth he knew. Pressing down slightly only created ripples.

He carefully began to walk. After the time it took to burn an incense stick, he started to control the wind. After an hour, Song Lanchiao still conjured a magical treasure. No longer caring about etiquette, he began to pour out his treasure’s light, bombarding everything madly. But he could not change the slightest bit of this small world. After a year, Song Lanchiao sat cross-legged, his face haggard, waiting to die.

In an instant, Song Lanchiao looked up and saw a huge head, a youth’s face, smiling but with cold eyes. He slowly raised his arm.

Song Lanchiao’s scalp tingled. Had he been running in circles on the youth’s white sleeve this whole time?

Exhausted in mind and spirit, Song…

The next moment, Song Lanchiao found himself standing in the corridor of the ferry, not far from the youth, who was watching him with a smile, hands tucked into his sleeves.

Song Lanchiao, experiencing the joy of surviving a catastrophe, almost burst into tears.
“Esteemed Sir instructed me to escort you a ways, and I took the liberty of extending the journey somewhat,” Cui Dongshan said with a faint smile. “Lan Qiao, you absolutely mustn’t lodge a complaint with my Esteemed Sir afterward, or your next send-off might be delayed by a decade, even a century. By then, who’s truly lost their mind will be anyone’s guess.”

Song Lanqiao, trembling with unease, replied, “Thank you for the Senior’s guidance.”

Cui Dongshan inquired, “Accustomed to the vibrant spiritual energy of the Spring Dew Arbor, and then to the sparse qi aboard the ferry, why is the Land of the Lawless so disagreeable to you?”

Song Lanqiao was taken aback.

Cui Dongshan brushed past him, patting Song Lanqiao’s shoulder with heartfelt sincerity. “Lan Qiao, your heart cultivation is a mess, your Golden Core as fragile as paper.”

Song Lanqiao slowly turned, bowing deeply in gratitude. This time, his respect was genuine. “The Senior’s teachings have cleared the fog, granting me a glimpse of the moon’s halo. Though I have not yet truly seen the radiant moon, the benefit is immeasurable.”

Cui Dongshan, as if deaf, knocked on the door. “Esteemed Sir, would you like me to fetch some melon, fruit, or tea?”

Song Lanqiao gazed at the youthful face, a sense of otherworldly displacement washing over the old man.

Chen Ping’an opened the door, clamping a hand on Cui Dongshan’s head, gently pressing it down. He turned to Song Lanqiao and asked, “Senior Song, has my disciple been disrespectful to you?”

Whether driven by despair or a stroke of inspiration, Song Lanqiao spoke words he would never have dared utter before. “To be honest, it has been an ordeal.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, smiling. “I understand.”

The white-robed youth was seized by the ear, howling as Chen Ping’an dragged him inside.

Curses could still be heard emanating from within: “You damned Song Lanqiao, you ingrate! Just you wait… Esteemed Sir, I was only trying to help Brother Lan Qiao with his cultivation, I didn’t mean to play tricks on him… Esteemed Sir, I was wrong!”

Song Lanqiao flicked his sleeves, striding away.

What a relief.

The ferry docked at the Bone Beach Wharf, and Song Lanqiao conspicuously avoided making an appearance. He had someone else see them off, fabricating an unassailable excuse to disappear early.

Cui Dongshan stroked his chin, glancing around.

The two disembarked and headed towards the Hemp Robe Sect’s Wood Robe Mountain.

Cui Dongshan began to complain and tattle. “Esteemed Sir, Zhu Quan, upon first seeing me, claimed you never mentioned me, pretending not to know me. It broke my heart!”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “I mentioned you to Sect Master Zhu a few times, but he is the leader of a sect, concerned with everything, and must be wary of the entire Ghost Domain Valley. It’s not surprising he forgot.”

Then Chen Ping’an cautioned, “Sect Master Zhu is a rare cultivator on the mountain, one I deeply respect. When we arrive at Wood Robe Mountain, don’t cause any trouble. And that youth, Pang Lanxi, is the ancestral hall’s direct disciple, someone Wood Robe Mountain has high hopes for. As an outsider, refrain from speaking carelessly. I know you have a sense of propriety, but this is still Bone Beach, not our own Fallen Mountain.”

Cui Dongshan nodded, glancing at Wood Robe Mountain with a touch of regret.

With nothing to do, it’s going to be rather dull.

Reaching the gates of Wood Robe Mountain, they proceeded without obstruction. Chen Ping’an was well-known to most Hemp Robe Sect cultivators, having recently returned from his travels.

Zhu Quan was not on the mountain, having already departed for Green Hut Town in Ghost Domain Valley.

However, Du Wensi had returned to the ancestral hall and entered closed-door cultivation to break through, aspiring to reach the Nascent Soul realm, a prospect that seemed very promising.

Cui Dongshan mentioned Du Wensi, grinning. “Esteemed Sir, that lad is a love-struck fool. I hear that Huang Ting, the female cultivator from Peace Mountain, had previously visited Ghost Domain Valley, entirely for Du Wensi’s sake. However, unwilling to let Du Wensi dwell on it, she declared, ‘Huang Ting will never take a partner in this life,’ shattering Du Wensi’s heart. Despite his sorrow, he still harbored some secret hope, comforted that, though he could not possess the maiden he yearned for, at least he wouldn’t have to worry about her being with another man. Thus, Du Wensi began to ponder, feeling his cultivation was still insufficient. If his cultivation were high enough, perhaps he’d have a chance, maybe to visit Peace Mountain in the future, or even better, to travel the world with Huang Ting…”

Chen Ping’an laughed. “You haven’t even stayed on Wood Robe Mountain for more than a few days, and you know everything so clearly?”

Cui Dongshan nodded. “Just wandering around. There’s not much difference between the mountain and the foot of the mountain. Everyone likes to gossip about matters of love and infatuation when they have time. Especially some of the younger female cultivators who admire Du Wensi, who are even more worried than Du Wensi himself, one after another rallying against injustice, saying Huang Ting is nothing special, just a little higher in cultivation, a little prettier, and from a bigger sect…”

Wood Robe Mountain, the main peak of the Hemp Robe Sect, was much like the ancestral halls of most immortal families, with stairs leading straight up.

However, direct disciples could often travel by wind or sword, and on some peaks, even ordinary disciples were not restricted. However, immortal abodes often emphasized that each bird has its own path, with different heights and different routes. The reason it was so different in Dragon Spring County was that it was still in the initial stages of development, and the Dragon Spring Sword Sect and Fallen Mountain did not have many disciples and did not pay much attention to these formalities, which made it seem very different. In the old immortal families such as the Hemp Robe Sect and the Spring Dew Arbor, there were many rules and strict laws. In Chen Ping’an’s view, this was actually a good thing.

However, there was no such thing as a free lunch in the world. The reason why the Spring Dew Arbor was so volatile was that the rules on paper and the regulations on the stage had not really penetrated the hearts of the people.

On this point, the Hemp Robe Sect was worthy of Chen Ping’an’s sincere admiration. From Sect Master Zhu Quan, to Du Wensi, to Pang Lanxi, they all had different personalities, but the demeanor they exuded was the same.

Life and death were trivial matters, the sect was the most important thing.

Cultivators were clearly pursuing immortality, but the Hemp Robe Sect cultivators were all willing to die for the sect. Zhu Quan and the previous sect masters and patriarchs took the lead in every deadly battle, willing to die first!

The Hemp Robe Sect’s Law Enforcement Ancestor floated down the stairs, landing in front of them. The old man smiled at them and said, “Young Master Chen, Fellow Daoist Cui, I am sorry for not greeting you earlier.”

After the greetings, Chen Ping’an noticed something strange. This Hemp Robe Sect ancestor seemed to be very close to Cui Dongshan, and his words seemed to imply that they were confidants.

Could it be that Cui Dongshan had been more than just idling and wandering around on Wood Robe Mountain?

Otherwise, even if Cui Dongshan had fought a battle in Jingguan City, it would not have been enough to impress a Law Enforcement Ancestor so much. The Hemp Robe Sect cultivators were all cultivators who had fought their way out of piles of bones. Even a Golden Core cultivator like Du Wensi, who seemed gentle and refined, had been fighting in Ghost Domain Valley for a long time.
The Ancestral Master personally led the two to the residence where Chen Ping’an had once lived.

The intercontinental ferry of the Pi Ma Sect, traveling between Skull Beach and Old Dragon City, would still require about ten days to return to Northern Club Reed Continent.

Pang Lanxi and his great-grandfather, Pang Shanling, were already standing near the doorway.

The boy smiled and waved, “Mr. Chen!”

Upon meeting, Pang Lanxi’s first words were to deliver good news, whispering, “Mr. Chen, I’ve managed to wheedle two more sets of Goddess Paintings from my great-grandfather for you.”

Chen Ping’an softly inquired, “What’s the price?”

Pang Lanxi grinned, “At market price…”

Pang Lanxi paused, “That’s impossible! A gift, no charge!”

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “Immortal Pang is too indulgent of you. Still, let’s stick to the market price. Friendship is friendship, business is business.”

Pang Lanxi seemed a bit dejected. “It’s only been a few days, Mr. Chen, why are you being so distant?”

Chen Ping’an lowered his voice. “Polite words cost nothing. You’re polite first, I’m polite too, then we don’t need to be polite anymore.”

Pang Lanxi beamed.

He had learned something new again.

Mr. Chen’s knowledge was truly vast and varied.

The four took their seats. Pang Lanxi, being the youngest and of the lowest generation, stood behind his great-grandfather.

Chen Ping’an went straight to the point, discussing the matter of the Spring Dew Orchard.

The Pi Ma Sect’s Law Enforcement Ancestor, named Yan Su, immediately sent a flying sword missive to a Nascent Soul cultivator on another peak, Wei Yushong, who was a generation younger than Yan Su, but not young in years. Wei Yushong was a master of the sect’s finances, similar to Gao Song of the Spring Dew Orchard. He was a gaunt, short, and shrewd old man who was exceedingly polite upon meeting Chen Ping’an and Cui Dongshan.

Ever since Zhu Quan had successfully concluded the small deal with the Cow Horn Mountain ferry crossing of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, his first action was to seek out Wei Yushong for a heart-to-heart. On the surface, it was the Sect Master showing concern for Wei Yushong’s cultivation, but in truth, it was a blatant attempt to take credit. Wei Yushong, both amused and exasperated, didn’t offer a single flattering word, leaving Zhu Quan thoroughly frustrated. Wei Yushong only had a favorable impression of the young man in the azure robe; nothing more.

However, he admired the youthfully-visaged Fellow Daoist Cui immensely. The reason was simple: after Cui Dongshan arrived at Wood Robe Mountain, he wandered around the mountain for two days before finding the Pi Ma Sect’s Ancestral Hall. He presented a large stack of diagrams, stating frankly that the mountain’s protective array was somewhat crude, wasting the combat prowess of those valiant spirits. The Wood Robe Mountain Ancestral Hall gathered and invited an old retainer who was a Mo family artificer. They discovered that modifying the Wood Robe Mountain array according to Fellow Daoist Cui’s blueprint would only cost a thousand or so Grain Rain coins, yet increase the array’s power by twenty percent! The Mo family artificer was so ashamed he nearly resigned from his retainer position after diligently completing the array’s inspection and patching.

Truth be told, even an expenditure of ten thousand Grain Rain coins to increase the mountain’s protection array’s power by even one percent would be a worthwhile deal, deserving of incense offerings to the departed ancestors.

Therefore, the elder cultivators in the Pi Ma Sect’s Ancestral Hall regarded Cui Dongshan with increasing favor.

Especially after the white-robed youth tossed down the diagrams, spoke of some key points in the Ancestral Hall, and then sauntered off to continue wandering around Wood Robe Mountain, chatting with the fairy sisters.

Afterward, Zhu Quan personally asked Cui Dongshan how the Pi Ma Sect should repay him. As long as Cui Dongshan spoke, the Pi Ma Sect would sell all their assets or borrow debts to repay this favor.

Cui Dongshan didn’t stand on ceremony, specifically naming Du Wensi and Pang Lanxi, requesting that they serve as registered retainers of Fallen Phoenix Mountain after reaching the Nascent Soul Realm. Registered only, Fallen Phoenix Mountain would not require them to do anything unless they volunteered.

Zhu Quan was puzzled at the time, asking, “Just that?”

Cui Dongshan countered, “What else should it be?”

Zhu Quan then revealed his remorse, sighing and saying, “That Chen Ping’an didn’t mention you, his student, at all to me. It’s outrageous, his conscience has been eaten by dogs. The next time he comes to Skull Beach, I’ll be sure to scold him for you.”

Cui Dongshan feigned tears, pitifully saying, “Sister Zhu, your conscience has been eaten by dogs.”

Zhu Quan then spoke fairly, “Chen Ping’an should be proud to have a student like you.”

Cui Dongshan returned the favor, “A woman as good as Sister Zhu is still without a Daoist companion. Heaven cannot tolerate it.”

As a result, the two almost started fighting, and Zhu Quan was still fuming when she went to the Green Reed Town of Ghost Domain Valley.

Wei Yushong was a shrewd man familiar with business, or else with an unreliable Sect Master like Zhu Quan and untrustworthy Ancestral Masters like Yan Su, the Pi Ma Sect’s direct disciples would have been slowly whittled away by the capital’s cutthroat merchants. Wei Yushong never wore a smile during Ancestral Hall meetings, even in front of Zhu Quan and his teacher Yan Su. He always brought account books to the meetings, flipping through them while making pointed remarks, one after another. Over time, the Ancestral Hall’s elders would wear forced smiles, pretending not to hear, growing accustomed to it.

Wei Yushong felt that helping the Spring Dew Orchard transport goods to Treasure Bottle Continent was no problem, of course, but the profit split needed careful negotiation.

While Wei Yushong began to calculate the accounts, Yan Su and Pang Shanling instinctively smiled. Cui Dongshan felt that he shouldn’t speak at this time, so he winked at Pang Lanxi. Pang Lanxi was wary of this handsome “peer.” Still a youth at heart, he worried that his childhood sweetheart would meet someone better. Especially when he went down the mountain to Mural City to see her, she casually mentioned this foreign youth who came to the store to buy Goddess Paintings. Although she described him as having strange youthful temperaments, Pang Lanxi’s heart was in turmoil.

Pang Lanxi had been worried to death recently.

Therefore, he especially wanted to seek advice from Mr. Chen.

Chen Ping’an, representing the rogue cultivator Parcel Stall, and Wei Yushong, who controlled all of the Pi Ma Sect’s finances, haggled fiercely.

Even Chen Ping’an felt somewhat helpless.

This Wei Yushong was truly excessively stingy.

He showed no manners whatsoever, unlike a proper Sect-affiliated Immortal Master.
Once some thorny details arose, Wei Yusong would bring up an ancient patriarch who had long traveled afar, beyond Yan Su. He would sling mud, speaking with utter conviction, about how antiquated and stubborn this old ancestor was, how he would haggle over every single snowflake coin, and how even the slightest suspicion of harm to the sect’s interests would lead him to hold court in the Ancestral Hall, showing no one any face. He, Wei Yusong, had the least status in the Pi Ma Sect, and anyone who came to him for money would raise their voice, threatening to turn hostile if he refused. Some relied on their high cultivation, others on their seniority, and still others, shamelessly, even those with low seniority and cultivation, would still cause trouble.

Listening to Wei Yusong’s endless complaints, it seemed that he was the most useless person in the entire Pi Ma Sect, the least able to get things done.

Thus, Chen Ping’an had no choice but to gently set down his teacup and clear his throat.

Cui Dongshan, who had been yawning, immediately sat up straight and said, “Regarding the matter of the Mu Yi Mountain’s protective formation, there is actually still room for improvement.”

Wei Yusong slapped the table. “Everything will be done according to what Master Chen has said! It’s settled!”

Chen Ping’an asked with sincerity, “Will this make things difficult for the Pi Ma Sect?”

Wei Yusong said with righteousness, “What are you talking about? As long as it involves money, not even Sect Master Zhu, not even the Heavenly King himself, can interfere with me, Wei Yusong, in the Pi Ma Sect!”

Chen Ping’an feigned realization and nodded with a smile.

Wei Yusong’s smile remained unchanged.

Truly, they were kindred spirits.

Wei Yusong, Yan Su, and Pang Shanling left together.

Wei Yusong insisted on catching up with Fellow Daoist Cui, so Cui Dongshan had no choice but to follow.

Only Chen Ping’an and Pang Lanxi remained. Pang Lanxi sat down and said softly, “Master Chen, is this Senior Cui really your student?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “It’s normal to think it doesn’t seem like it.”

Pang Lanxi hesitated to speak.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “If you find it difficult to ask for something directly, then…”

Chen Ping’an stopped speaking, raised his hands, and made a gesture.

Pang Lanxi immediately understood: the Lang Tian Divine Maiden Painting.

Pang Lanxi hurriedly took flight, returning to his residence, and placed two wooden boxes on the table.

In addition, there was also a letter from Cloud Citadel, addressed to him, Pang Lanxi, to be forwarded to “Good Person Chen.”

Chen Ping’an pocketed the letter and smiled. “Do you have the confidence to speak now?”

Pang Lanxi said softly, “Master Chen, I’m a little worried.”

Chen Ping’an understood.

Pang Lanxi was a youth who did not need to worry about cultivation. A youth’s worries on the mountain, if not about cultivation, could only be about the rise and fall of the sect. However, the Pi Ma Sect could not be said to have such hidden worries, or rather, it had always been fraught with dangers, and all the cultivators had grown accustomed to it. Then, only that matter remained.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Tell me what’s on your mind, and I’ll help you analyze it.”

Pang Lanxi then spoke about those things, which weren’t really anything at all.

It was just a young man’s budding emotions, sometimes winding around like mountains and rivers, not just something that young women did with such twists and turns.

After listening, Chen Ping’an thought for a moment, suppressed a smile, and said, “Don’t worry, the girl you like will definitely not change her mind and start liking Cui Dongshan. Besides, Cui Dongshan wouldn’t be interested in your beloved girl either.”

Pang Lanxi’s face turned red, and he said in annoyance, “Master Chen, I’m going to get angry! What do you mean Cui Dongshan wouldn’t be interested in her?!”

Why was Master Chen so tactless?

He wasn’t like this before.

Chen Ping’an couldn’t help but laugh.

Pang Lanxi thought about it, scratched his head, and felt somewhat embarrassed.

That knot in his heart was gone.

Not only that, but the young man also felt somewhat indignant deep down, feeling that he must cultivate diligently and let his girl know that she had absolutely not misjudged him, and would never regret liking him.

Chen Ping’an then said, “That girl likes you not because you, Pang Lanxi, are a cultivation genius, but if you can prove that you are a true cultivation genius, then the girl who likes you will be even happier, happy for you, and then she herself will be happy too.”

Pang Lanxi asked softly, “Is that so?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “That’s right, I’m absolutely certain about this.”

Pang Lanxi lay on the table, lost in thought.

Chen Ping’an opened the wooden box, took out a scroll of the Divine Maiden Painting, spread it on the table, and examined it carefully. It was indeed Pang Shanling’s masterpiece.

Pang Lanxi suddenly asked, “Master Chen, there must be many girls who like you, right?”

Chen Ping’an slowly put away the Divine Maiden Painting and shook his head. “That’s not true.”

Pang Lanxi shook his head. “I don’t believe it.”

Chen Ping’an opened Xu Xingjiu’s letter, which was concise and to the point, mentioning the recent situation in Cloud Citadel, and that everything was ready. Once Master Liu successfully challenged with his sword, they would visit the Taihui Sword Sect again. This time, it would be a training journey down the mountain, reaching as far north as the Taihui Sword Sect and as far south as the Skeleton Shoal.

After reading the letter, Chen Ping’an said, “I have a friend, the letter writer, Xu Xingjiu from Cloud Citadel. He might come to this area for a tour in the future. If you have time then, you can help me entertain him. If you’re busy, there’s no need to go out of your way. This isn’t just polite talk. Anyone who’s not my friend will surely be your friend, so there’s no need to force it.”

Pang Lanxi nodded in agreement. “Okay, then I’ll send a letter to Cloud Citadel first and make arrangements in advance. Whether we become friends or not, we’ll see when we meet.”

Master Chen’s friends are definitely worth befriending.

Just like when Master Chen and Senior Brother Wei were discussing the Spring Dew Garden earlier, although Pang Lanxi was not familiar with administrative matters, he knew that there were so many Pi Ma Sect cultivators, and he understood the Pi Ma Sect’s attitude towards the Spring Dew Garden. It wasn’t that they looked down on it, but they certainly didn’t consider them friends. It was just a business transaction, after all, the Spring Dew Garden had a heavy scent of copper, which Pi Ma Sect cultivators didn’t like very much. That’s why, for so many years, the Spring Dew Garden had always wanted to show their respects to Wei Yusong, but they didn’t dare to be too overt. Moreover, Song Lanqiao, who managed the Spring Dew Garden ferry, didn’t speak very fluently in front of the Nascent Soul Wei Yusong. After all, Wei Yusong’s position in the Pi Ma Sect was extraordinary, and he was known for being…