With the completion of the Ancestral Hall on Fallen Phoenix Mountain, the rest of the structures on Verdant Peak must follow suit – it was only right and proper.

Zhu Lian had long since drafted a plan, starting from the archway at the foot of Verdant Peak, ascending along the central axis. Over thirty buildings, large and small, would be constructed, incorporating both the grandeur of palaces and temples and the charm of gardens. He had even meticulously detailed the inscriptions for the plaques and couplets. The auxiliary structures beyond the main halls and pavilions were where his true skill shone. Zheng Dafeng and Wei Bo had also contributed ideas, but ultimately, the decision rested with Chen Ping An, the Mountain Lord of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

Chen Ping An had brought back the “Yingzao Fashi” (Building Standards), a book from the Ministry of Works treasury of the Nanyuan Kingdom in Lotus Flower Paradise, which he greatly admired. Together with a stack of copied blueprints from the ancient Immortal Mansion ruins in the Northern Pavilion Kingdom, he gifted them to Zhu Lian. Chen Ping An only had one small request for the ancillary buildings of the Ancestral Hall: he wished for a replica of a waterside pavilion from Senior Song Yushao’s manor, perhaps named Knowing Spring Pavilion or Dragon Pavilion. Beyond that, Chen Ping An had no further expectations.

However, after Zhu Lian received the “Yingzao Fashi,” he smiled meaningfully. Chen Ping An then recalled that this was an official manual promulgated by a certain dynasty in Lotus Flower Paradise’s history. Zhu Lian chuckled, saying that he had indeed played a part in compiling this book back then. Two or three out of ten construction regulations within, including the caissons and brackets, were actually penned by him.

Chen Ping An then jokingly asked why the residences halfway up Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s main peak showed no traces of the “Fashi,” being rather unremarkable in their construction. Zhu Lian replied with perfect justification: back then, the coffers were bare, a clever cook couldn’t make a meal without rice. Moreover, the young master lived in a bamboo hut, so everyone else should be grateful for a place to stay. If he, Zhu Lian, had personally handled things, it would have cost a fortune to build such magnificent and ostentatious residences, which was unnecessary.

Now, however, with the Ancestral Hall leading the way, this collection of buildings was the face of Fallen Phoenix Mountain and would not be included in that previous category. It must be personally overseen by Zhu Lian, who would not allow mediocre craftsmen to ruin the scenery of Verdant Peak.

In Zhu Lian’s words, one should think about how to save money when one is poor, and one should feel ashamed of being poor. To act like one has ten strings of coins jingling in one’s pocket when one doesn’t is just inviting disdain. But when one has money, one must be particular about how it is spent.

Chen Ping An found this extremely reasonable, but still suppressed his smile, pretending to be serious, and said that Zhu Lian shouldn’t act on his own initiative again, because how could he mistreat his own people, lest he chill the hearts of his warriors?

Even Pei Qian felt that her master’s words and expression at that moment weren’t even remotely sincere.

Pei Qian also felt that the old chef’s subsequent performance, as if he wanted to apologize with his death, was far inferior to her own natural and effortless demeanor.

The guests who had attended the ceremony had naturally already left Fallen Phoenix Mountain. Du Wensi and Pang Lanxi of the Hemp-Clad Sect, who were recorded as devotees of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, had also returned to Skull Shoal on their own ferry.

Chen Ping An gifted Pang Lanxi two calligraphy scrolls in the cursive script, which he had acquired years ago with a few jars of immortal wine from a young county magistrate in a small town in the Plum Glaze Kingdom, asking Pang Lanxi to pass them on to his great-grandfather.

Lu Baixiang also led the siblings Yuanbao and Yuanlai back to the border of the former Crimson Fire Dynasty.

Chen Ping An gifted each of the two direct disciples of the Ancestral Hall a set of military armor meticulously forged by the Three Lang Temple of the Northern Ju Reed Continent.

Zhong Qiu took Cao Qinglang to travel around Lotus Flower Paradise. After they finished, they would return to Fallen Phoenix Mountain and then travel around Treasure Bottle Continent.

When seeing Cao Qinglang off, Chen Ping An gave his student not only the Spring Grass Dharma Robe, which had cost many Immortal Coins to repair, but also many bamboo slips he had carved along the way, and a single sentence:

“Learn principles from books, and learn how to be a person outside of books.”

Outside the bamboo hut, the student bowed to bid farewell to his teacher, and the teacher returned the bow to his student.

Sui Youbian had already gone down the mountain to the True Realm Sect of the Book Brief Lake. Even though Sect Leader Jiang Shangzhen, under the guise of the rogue cultivator Zhou Fei, was at Fallen Phoenix Mountain, Sui Youbian had not spoken with him about anything from beginning to end. She had also not mentioned much about the life-and-death grudges of the Jade Tablet Sect. During her time at Fallen Phoenix Mountain, she mostly stayed in her residence, only going out once to wander around the affiliated peaks of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, including Greymist Mountain and Yellow Lake Mountain. Only then did she feel slightly better, as if she had chosen a certain place and had some plans.

Chen Ping An had originally wanted to ask about the whereabouts of the Infatuated Heart Sword, whether it had been shattered in a life-or-death battle or stolen by someone. At least there should be some explanation, right?

Unfortunately, Sui Youbian didn’t bring it up herself, so Chen Ping An was too embarrassed to ask.

Wei Xian took Pei Qian to Lotus Flower Paradise, saying that he wanted Pei Qian to know whether or not his family had a golden carrying pole.

Pei Qian then asked the founding emperor of the Nanyuan Kingdom that if he arrived at the imperial palace and his family didn’t have a golden carrying pole, what would he do? Wei Xian said that he would give her one. Pei Qian widened her eyes at the time, raised both hands, and held up two thumbs, exclaiming, “Wow, Old Wei really is a great official now that he’s become a Wu Xuan Lang! So generous! Why not give me a golden carrying pole whether you win or lose the bet?” Wei Xian smiled.

As the Sect Leader of the True Realm Sect, he should have been the busiest person, but Jiang Shangzhen had shamelessly stayed at Fallen Phoenix Mountain. He had even chosen a certain residence halfway up the main peak. Zhu Lian said that there were no vacant houses at the moment, as every house had an owner. If absolutely necessary, he would grit his teeth and build one specifically for Devotee Zhou. Jiang Shangzhen then suggested building more immortal residences, as Fallen Phoenix Mountain had plenty of idle land, not only halfway up the main peak, but also on the empty back mountain, and on all the mountain peaks under the names of the mountain lords, including Greymist Mountain. He, Zhou Fei, would pay for all expenses. Zhu Lian rubbed his hands and smiled, saying that was particularly, particularly appropriate. Jiang Shangzhen waved his hand and gave Zhu Lian a large handful of Valley Rain Coins, saying that this was the responsibility of a devotee, extremely appropriate.

Zhu Lian held the Valley Rain Coins in the palm of one hand, carefully counted them, and said that there were fifteen, an odd number, so shouldn’t he return one to Devotee Zhou?

Then he stood there, not doing anything.

Jiang Shangzhen looked guilty and said that it was true that he should make it an auspicious pair, so he gave three more Valley Rain Coins.

Zhu Lian then accepted the money, carefully tucking it into his sleeve, lamenting that it would be difficult to find such a straightforward and delightful person like Devotee Zhou at Fallen Phoenix Mountain again.

Recently, Cui Dongshan had been busy crafting items to suppress evil and large-scale geomantic formations for mountain peaks such as Greymist Mountain and Yellow Lake Mountain. For example, Chen Ping An…
The pair of Dragon King Baskets that Chen Ping’an had earned from the continent, after Fire Dragon True Man repaired them to their original state, could be placed in Yellow Lake Mountain. Chen Ping’an gifted the Dragon King Baskets to Chen Lingjun and Chen Ruchu respectively, entrusting them to refine them. However, Chen Lingjun initially refused, hoping Chen Ping’an could give them to the black serpent of Chess Mound Mountain, who was about to transform into human form. Ultimately, Chen Lingjun was still worried about the Ji Ferry crossing the river; once one of the Dragon King Baskets was lost, it would affect the mountain and river luck of Yellow Lake Mountain, and the protective mountain array built around the two Dragon King Baskets would also be greatly weakened.

Chen Ping’an did not agree, telling Chen Lingjun not to worry about this matter, and just focus on refining them into his natal items. Even if the river crossing succeeds in the future, it could still benefit Yellow Lake Mountain.

Chen Lingjun was still hesitant, so Chen Ping’an had to say, “Such a precious mountain treasure like the Dragon King Basket, I’m willing to give it to you, but if I give it to someone else, it will break my heart.”

Only then did Chen Lingjun accept it, and he walked a little bit floaty when he left.

On this day, by the bamboo building cliff, Chen Ping’an sat and drank wine with Jiang Shangzhen, who was about to go down the mountain.

Of course, it was the immortal wine that Jiang Shangzhen brought.

Jiang Shangzhen asked, “Is Lotus Root Blessed Land really going to give my True Realm Sect one and a half shares of the profits? And is it permanent?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head and said, “Not the True Realm Sect, nor the Jade Tablet Sect, but the Jiang family head, or rather, the offering Zhou Fei.”

Jiang Shangzhen smiled and said, “Then I’ll just wait to get paid while lying down. Thinking about it makes me worried.”

There was no reason for Jiang Shangzhen to refuse such benefits that were offered to him.

Just like Jiang Shangzhen gave money and treasures to the Fallen Mountain, Zhu Lian accepted them without any hesitation.

It was just a matter of reciprocity.

Initially, Jiang Shangzhen opened his mouth to Fallen Mountain, wanting a permanent two shares of the Blessed Land’s profits. The True Realm Sect was willing to lend Fallen Mountain three sums of money: the first sum of one thousand Grain Rain Coins, used to help Lotus Root Blessed Land upgrade to a medium-grade Blessed Land; then another two thousand coins to stabilize the mountain and river luck of Lotus Root Blessed Land and boost the flow of spiritual energy. After becoming a high-grade Blessed Land, Jiang Shangzhen would also need to take out three thousand Grain Rain Coins. These three sums of immortal money would not accrue interest, and Fallen Mountain would pay them off within one hundred, five hundred, and one thousand years respectively. Otherwise, the True Realm Sect would be lending at high interest. Fallen Mountain could sell its vassal mountains to the True Realm Sect at a discounted price. If they were unwilling to give up territory, they could pay with people instead.

This was a real, down-to-earth business deal.

For Jiang Shangzhen, having a lot of money and giving it away was one thing, but how to earn money was another. Rules had to be followed.

During this period, in addition to gifting the six islands of Book Brief Lake to Fallen Mountain, Jiang Shangzhen would also transfer capable personnel from the world-renowned Cloud Cave Blessed Land to Lotus Root Blessed Land to be responsible for specific operations. As for how much power the Jiang family disciples would have in this emerging medium-grade Blessed Land, it would depend on how much Fallen Mountain was willing to give.

However, Zhu Lian insisted that Fallen Mountain could only give the True Realm Sect one share.

Wei Bo, the dignified North Mountain Lord of Treasure Bottle Continent, was contributing money, effort, and people, working like a bull, but he only received one share of the profits. The True Realm Sect was asking for too much, and even if Zhu Lian agreed, it would easily hurt the face of Mountain Lord Wei. Everyone knew Wei Bo’s stubborn and vain nature. Once Wei Bo became estranged from Fallen Mountain because of this, Fallen Mountain would suffer a loss.

Jiang Shangzhen didn’t initially expect to really get two shares; his bottom line was a permanent dividend of one and a half shares. If Zhu Lian stubbornly insisted on one share, it would be too little.

Moreover, Zhu Lian said something that touched Jiang Shangzhen’s heart. The Lotus Root Blessed Land was not large, and the two million people and other spiritual beings in South Yuan Kingdom, whose souls were complete, plus the three lands of Songlai Kingdom, North Jin Kingdom, and the Outer Grasslands, although everything, including the souls of people, seemed to be in a virtual state, and was roughly divided into four parts, as long as time passed and Fallen Mountain was well-managed, once the number of people in the Blessed Land exceeded fifty million, it would be a rare medium-grade Blessed Land known for its population. Cloud Cave Blessed Land, as one of the few high-grade Blessed Lands, had been unable to break through the bottleneck of ninety million people after generations of management by the Jiang family of the Jade Tablet Sect. Of course, this was also due to Jiang Shangzhen’s “willful and reckless” actions. In history, there were a total of five great upheavals that caused widespread devastation, and Jiang Shangzhen was responsible for as many as three of them, affecting both the mountains and the lower realms, with no one spared.

This was also what made Zhu Lian interesting.

His words were flowery and his nonsense was abundant.

But he would always secretly hide one or two sentences that carried great weight.

Chen Ping’an lightly tapped the table with his fingers, “Immortal money, gold and copper coins, worldly dynasty emperor.”

This was the outline that should be followed to govern a Blessed Land well.

The cultivators in the mountains, the mountain and river gods between the mountains and the lower realms, and the hearts of the people in the lower realms.

If any link went wrong, one after another, and accumulated malpractices grew, then the Blessed Land would not be a cornucopia, but a bottomless pit that swallowed countless money, turning into a burden and even greatly weakening the foundation of an immortal sect.

Privately, Wei Bo said a meaningful sentence to Chen Ping’an, “Having obtained this Lotus Root Blessed Land with forty million people temporarily, you must be careful of your own heart.”

Chen Ping’an reassured Wei Bo.

Jiang Shangzhen smiled and said, “In the beginning, it’s just the heartache of throwing money, the trouble of dealing with mountain and lower realm affairs. Only after a long time will there be real troubles waiting for you. The mountain master should be mentally prepared.”

The amount of immortal money thrown into the Blessed Land determines the number of cultivators and the height of their cultivation bottlenecks. In a lower-grade Blessed Land, no matter how talented you are, it’s difficult to reach the Cave Mansion Realm. Even a cultivation genius like Yu Zhenyi of the Lake Mountain Sect, who would definitely become a Fifth Realm cultivator in the Vast World, was stuck at the Dragon Gate Realm bottleneck in Lotus Root Blessed Land back then. After becoming a medium-grade Blessed Land, cultivation geniuses could expect to become Earth Immortals. In the history of Cloud Cave Blessed Land, during a great calamity, Jiang Shangzhen was secretly plotted against by a Jade Pure Realm cultivator who quietly broke through his bottleneck, colluding with several Earth Immortals, abandoning their grudges, and working together to assassinate Jiang Shangzhen, the “Heavenly Lord” of the Blessed Land in disguise, attempting to completely break free from the Jiang family’s control and create an unprecedented “separation of heaven and man” situation.

Of course, there were also the painstaking plans of certain opposing forces within the Jade Tablet Sect. Otherwise, relying solely on the cultivators of the Blessed Land, they would never have such means.

Jiang Shangzhen then slowly narrated, explaining in detail the secret history of Cloud Cave Blessed Land.

Jiang Shangzhen began to draw a conclusion for that disaster, “Although I later used thunderous…”
Bearing a wrathful countenance, they sought to butcher their way through Cloud Grotto Blessed Land. But in truth, I harbor no resentment towards those peak cultivators of the Blessed Land who met with failure at the final hurdle. On the contrary, I find them both pitiable and respectable, yet also lamentable. Pitiable for their centuries of arduous cultivation, some even achieving a Jade Purity Realm never before seen, only to perish. Respectable for their audacity and spirit. Lamentable in their delusion that their undertaking would succeed, that without Jiang Shangzhen, Cloud Grotto Blessed Land would finally be free. Little did they know, the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. The Jiang Family Head can be replaced, even installed as a puppet. When the new official assumes office with his three fires, as the price for becoming the Jiang Family Head, whether to repay favors or debts, it signifies that Cloud Grotto Blessed Land will suffer at least a century of calamity.”

Jiang Shangzhen sighed, “But such reasoning, if presented by Jiang Shangzhen, would be untenable from the start, destined to fall on deaf ears. I find no fault in those proud, heaven-blessed prodigies. Were I in their shoes, I would act the same, the only difference being greater patience, more comprehensive planning, and bargaining for more benefits for the Blessed Land with the mastermind behind the scenes.”

Jiang Shangzhen smiled at Chen Ping’an, “The world is a strange place. Good fortune may not arrive, but misfortune surely will. I don’t say this to spread gloom, but rather for Mountain Master to contemplate future countermeasures. He who does not think far ahead will find it hard to make big money.”

Chen Ping’an said, “Thinking of the worst-case scenario first is one of my few good habits.”

Jiang Shangzhen nodded with a smile. After finishing his wine, he prepared to depart on the wind.

In recent times, Jiang Shangzhen had been collecting the talisman swords forged by Dragon Spring Sword Sect through various channels, paying a hefty price for over a dozen of them.

Ruan Qiong’s two direct disciples, Dong Gu and Xu Xiaoqiao, almost considered becoming dedicated providers for this enigmatic wandering cultivator, planning to open a furnace specifically to forge a pile of talisman swords. However, they were met with a rare scolding from Ruan Qiong.

Chen Ping’an stopped Jiang Shangzhen and retrieved the Daoist Fasting Tablet from his personal dimension.

Jiang Shangzhen exclaimed in surprise, “Is this a perk of being a venerated guest of Fallen Phoenix Mountain?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “It’s a gift for that child.”

Jiang Shangzhen accepted the timeworn Fasting Tablet, clucking his tongue, “One item, two favors. In the art of business, I, Zhou Fei, concede my inferiority to Mountain Master.”

Chen Ping’an cautioned, “Just don’t cultivate a scourge upon the world.”

Jiang Shangzhen said, “The current Scroll Lake no longer possesses the conditions for another Gu Can to grow.”

Chen Ping’an’s expression remained impassive as he said, “Let’s hope so.”

Jiang Shangzhen sighed, “The wandering cultivator Zhou Fei is idle, but the Sect Master of True Realm Sect and the Jiang Family Head are quite busy. So, upon returning to Scroll Lake, I may send someone from below to represent me at the allied meeting, perhaps Liu Laocheng or Li Fuchu. In any case, it won’t be our True Realm Sect’s Intercepting River True Lord.”

Chen Ping’an nodded with a smile, “Both are fine.”

Next, Chen Ping’an would board a boat at Ox Horn Mountain Dock, taking the next southbound intercontinental ferry of the Hemp Robe Sect directly to Old Dragon City. On this southbound journey, he would meet two groups of people. One group would be the Hemp Robe Sect and Spring Dew Garden, to discuss the specific details of their tripartite cooperation. The second group would be the allies centered around Lotus Root Flower Blessed Land, including Jiang Shangzhen, Fan Er of Old Dragon City, and Sun Jiashu. Now that the Blessed Land had been upgraded to a mid-grade one, many matters needed to be renegotiated.

While waiting for the Hemp Robe Sect’s ferry to head south again, after Wei Xian and Pei Qian returned to Fallen Phoenix Mountain, Cui Dongshan would take Wei Xian away from Dragon Spring County. Chen Ping’an intended to travel on his own Dragon Boat with Pei Qian to Great Sui Cliff Academy.

He had to go.

With the completion of Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s Ancestral Hall, Chen Ping’an desperately wished that Li Baoping, Li Huai, Lin Shouyi, Yu Lu, and Xie Xie could have been present.

Life is rarely as one wishes, and matters rarely go as planned.

Chen Ping’an had once told Lu Tai about his wish: that one day, those he had accompanied step by step to the academy, could, in the future, immerse themselves in scholarship on Fallen Phoenix Mountain or on one of Dragon Spring County’s mountains. They would not be people of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, not recorded in the genealogy. Fallen Phoenix Mountain would simply have such a place, with beautiful mountains and clear waters, abundant books, and every spring, willows swaying in the breeze, grass growing and birds taking flight, allowing them to remain close to the small town’s academy, even for a very brief period in some segment of their future lives. And then, if they wished to travel far, they would travel far; if they wished to train, they would descend the mountain. That was all.

Chen Ping’an felt that he couldn’t seem to do much more than that.

Because everyone was growing up.

The little girl in the red padded jacket who used to carry locust wood all over the streets, Li Huai who cried and demanded a small bamboo box in the muddy mountains, Lin Shouyi who offered well-intentioned but inarticulate advice in the Yellow Court Kingdom’s immortal inn, the deposed crown prince Yu Lu who liked to take over Chen Ping’an’s late-night watches, and Xie Xie, who was always cold-faced but, in reality, full of fear towards the entire world, were all like that.

That night, Chen Ping’an, lying on the desk on the first floor of the bamboo building, made a funny face, mimicking the lotus-sitting little figure lying on his desk, chuckling gleefully.

On the back of the Ao Fish rented from Fallen Phoenix Mountain, Island Lord Liu Chongrun of Pearl Hairpin Island had not yet gone to Scroll Lake, wandering alone on the mountaintop.

From the moment she decided to refine the Water Palace on the back of the Ao Fish, the name “Pearl Hairpin Island” had, in fact, ceased to be an accurate description.

Liu Chongrun returned to her residence. On the table lay a landscape map she had drawn by hand, encompassing the sixty-two peaks of Dragon Spring County, including Cloud-Piercing Mountain.

Divine Beauty Mountain, the location of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect’s Ancestral Hall, formed a triangular formation with Lamp-Lighting Mountain and Horizontal Spear Peak. In addition, there were three mountains, identical to Ao Fish Back, rented from Fallen Phoenix Mountain: Rainbow Cloud Peak, Immortal Grass Mountain, and Treasure Mountain. These six peaks formed a continuous line of power. Coupled with the many mountains that Dragon Spring Sword Sect had acquired later, although Dragon Spring Sword Sect and Fallen Phoenix Mountain were roughly equal in the number of peaks, Dragon Spring Sword Sect’s territory was slightly superior. Moreover, it was rumored that Great Li Dynasty intended to allocate a large area of land in the north of the capital, extending all the way to the old Central Mountain, to Dragon Spring Sword Sect.

Apart from Sage Ruan Qiong’s Dragon Spring Sword Sect and Chen Ping’an’s Fallen Phoenix Mountain, the remaining forces were no longer significant. Even if they banded together, they clearly could not compete with those two behemoths.

Dragon Spine Mountain, Dried Spring Mountain Range, Fragrant Fire Mountain, Distant Curtain Peak, Earth True Mountain…
Liu Chongrun lowered his head, his gaze fixed upon the strategic map displaying the distribution of forces. Mount Ao Fishback was evidently a third party, separate from the dueling powers. However, the immortals of Great Li Mountain had apparently already included Pearl Hairpin Island as a territory of Fallen Peak Mountain. Before the observation ceremony, Liu Chongrun had harbored some reservations, as he never wished for his Pearl Hairpin Island to become a vassal of any major power. But after that ceremony at the Fallen Peak Mountain Ancestral Hall, Liu Chongrun felt a certain melancholy.

That young man who had served as a bookkeeper on Azure Gorge Island for several years had, unbeknownst to him, already amassed such a substantial and profound foundation.

His relationship with Fallen Peak Mountain was so close that they seemed to share the same trousers, especially with Northern Peak Mountain Lord, Wei Bo, who never bothered to conceal this fact. The three Night Sojourns were like the incessant rains of the plum season, swift and dense, catching everyone off guard. Before and after the Night Sojourns, the faces on Shawl Cloud Mountain were all smiles, but inwardly, each was groaning in distress. The three Mountain Visit Gifts alone were no negligible expense; those without significant resources were likely tightening their belts just to get by.

Furthermore, there was the formal appointment of a rogue Jade Purity Realm cultivator as a retainer – an unheard-of occurrence. What sect, not bearing the title of “Sect,” possessed an Upper Fifth Realm retainer? Were they not afraid of being overthrown by an overbearing guest?

And then there were the two Wood-Clad Mountain ancestral hall direct lineage cultivators from the Northern Ju Lu Continent’s Hemp Robe Sect, serving as honorary retainers. What sort of arrangement was that?

As for the white-clad youth, Cui Dongshan, standing in the second row, Liu Chongrun felt he was no easier to deal with than the “rogue cultivator Zhou Fei.”

And who among the four men and women standing in the third row – Zhu Lian, Lu Baixiang, Sui Youbian, and Wei Xian – were simple? Liu Chongrun recognized three of them; he had spent a considerable amount of time with them during the salvage of the Water Palace Dragon Boat. Each possessed concealed divinity and an astonishing aura. The origins of the remaining woman, whose presence was no less imposing than the three martial arts grandmasters, remained obscure. Yet, the fact that she could stand alongside them implied that Sui Youbian’s combat strength was not to be underestimated. Were these four at least Golden Body Realm martial artists and registered members of Fallen Peak Mountain?

Where in the vast Treasure Bottle Continent could one find such individuals?

But what truly forced Liu Chongrun to resign himself to reality was the younger generation of Fallen Peak Mountain, fostering an atmosphere where one frequently encountered Pei Qian, the suddenly prominent young man Cao Qinglang, Cen Yuanji, and the sibling pair Yuan Bao and Yuan Lai…

Because these young second-generation disciples of Fallen Peak Mountain determined the depth of Fallen Peak Mountain’s foundation and its future height.

Yet, what truly shook Liu Chongrun were not these, but two things.

One, was the three portraits hanging in the Fallen Peak Mountain Ancestral Hall.

This revealed the origins of Fallen Peak Mountain.

That day was the first time Liu Chongrun understood, and simultaneously realized, that the mountain’s name held such profound meaning.

The second thing was the atmosphere within that small Ancestral Hall at the time, where silence spoke volumes.

The green-robed young man with the jade hairpin stood alone at the forefront.

Behind him, regardless of realm, origin, or disposition, whether direct lineage or retainer, everyone was solemn.

Especially when Chen Pingan announced Zhou Mili’s duty as the mountain’s guardian, Liu Chongrun, as an observer, carefully scrutinized and sensed the subtle expressions of the crowd.

It wasn’t just a feeling; it was an undeniable truth that no one considered the young Mountain Lord to be doing something absurd or laughable.

The thought of all this made Liu Chongrun feel suffocated. He walked out of the house and strolled around the courtyard.

Looking up at Fallen Peak Mountain, Liu Chongrun’s emotions were complex.

***

Cliffside Academy.

Li Huai, after class, found his elder sister standing outside the schoolhouse.

Graceful and slender.

He couldn’t deny that his sister was quite attractive.

Li Huai smiled and said, “Sister, I ran into Lin Shouyi today; he was just mentioning you when you arrived.”

Li Liu looked at her younger brother, who was already taller than her, and said softly, “I received a letter from home. Mother was worried about you after hearing you say in your letter that your studies were demanding, so she insisted that I come and see you.”

Li Huai opened the schoolhouse door, poured Li Liu a cup of tea, and said helplessly, “I was just casually complaining. Mother doesn’t understand, but you should. For me, ever since I started studying at the academy, there hasn’t been a day when my studies weren’t demanding.”

Li Liu placed the bundle she was carrying on the table and sat down beside him, nodding. “The only difference is that you’ve grown up.”

Li Huai rolled his eyes. “I also wish I could stay small, like Pei Qian, just eating without growing taller. My studies aren’t going well, and it’s really tiring. Only when I travel with the masters and teachers, covering thousands of miles, is my heart not tired, even if my legs are. Compared to toiling away at my studies in the academy, it’s actually easier. So, I’m more suited to being a chivalrous hero of the Jianghu; I’m not going to amount to much in my studies in this lifetime.”

Li Liu patted the bundle. “There are some items inside; keep them safe. If you need money in the future, you can ask Mountain Master Mao to sell them for you to exchange for silver.”

“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t dare go to Mountain Master Mao; I try to avoid him whenever possible.”

Li Huai leaned on the table, opened the bundle, picked through the contents, and complained, “I knew it; you’ve only been working as a maid for the Old Immortal Master on Lion Peak for a few years, so you definitely haven’t accumulated any good items. Look, there isn’t a single celestial treasure with a dazzling aura. They’re far inferior to the ones Chen Pingan gave me. Sister, work harder, cultivate diligently, and become a middle-fifth-realm immortal in the Cave Mansion Realm as soon as possible. You don’t know how popular Lin Shouyi is these days; women from the Great Sui capital are practically fighting over him.”

Li Liu smiled gently, not responding.

The items in the bundle, of course, only appeared dim and lusterless because the secret method seals were temporarily unopened. She feared that the academy and Mao Xiaodong would carelessly fail to conceal that aura.

Li Huai sighed and shook his head, putting down the items in his hand and retying the bundle. This was as much as he could help Lin Shouyi.

As for why Lin Shouyi had to like his elder sister, Li Liu, Li Huai couldn’t figure it out no matter how hard he tried. It was understandable that Dong Shuijing liked his elder sister; he ran a wonton shop in Longquan County and was a good match for his family. But Lin Shouyi was now a renowned cultivation talent throughout the Great Sui. What was so good about his sister that he had to long for her for so many years?

Li Huai picked up the bundle. “Oh, it’s quite heavy.”
Afterward, Li Huai glanced at his elder sister, who was holding a cup with both hands, sipping tea slowly. He couldn’t help but say with earnest sincerity, “Sister, I won’t say much today. Anyway, you haven’t married yet. We’re family, so sending things back and forth, the silver is just circulating within our own home. But once you’re married, you absolutely can’t give me things like this anymore. Cultivating on the mountain isn’t easy to begin with, and you only got onto Lion Peak through family connections. People will definitely gossip and talk behind your back. You should save more money for yourself. In reality, just helping out our parents’ shop a little is enough. Our parents won’t hold it against you. If Mom says anything, just blame it on me. I’m not trying to criticize you, but you’re not young anymore, almost an old maid. You should start thinking about your own marriage. With a generous dowry, your husband’s family will at least show you a better face.”

Li Liu smiled, her eyes crinkling. “Looks like you’ve really grown up, thinking about your sister.”

Li Huai sat cross-legged on the long bench, poured some soybeans into a bowl, and pushed it towards his sister. He grabbed a handful for himself, chewing on the soybeans while grinning. “Sister, that’s a heartless thing to say. I’ve always worried about you since I was little, trying my best to find you a future husband. Like my good brother A’Liang, or Chen Ping’an, whom I admire the most. Unfortunately, none of them worked out. Blame yourself, don’t blame me.”

Li Liu tossed a soybean at him. “You’re the only brother who disparages his own sister like that.”

Li Huai caught it, added it to the handful in his palm, and tossed them all into his mouth. “Jokes aside, if you ever get married and keep sending things here and supplementing the family, it really won’t do. Your husband won’t be happy. Don’t always listen to Mom’s nagging. I’ll take care of my own future. Relying on my sister and brother-in-law is not the way. It’ll just make your husband’s family look down on you.”

Li Huai felt more and more like he was making sense. “Even if your future husband is generous and doesn’t mind, you still shouldn’t do it.”

Li Liu asked with a smile, “Why not?”

Li Huai said impatiently, “Sister, are you trying to annoy me? Just do as I say. Who’s the boss in our family? Me. Mom listens to me, Dad listens to Mom, you listen to Dad, so who’s word is the most effective?”

Li Liu chuckled.

Li Huai blinked. “Alright, I admit, I came up with those earlier words with Chen Ping’an back then. But with so little time together these past years, I haven’t had a chance to talk to you about it. But as for the later question, Chen Ping’an didn’t teach me how to explain it to you. If you really want to know the answer, I’ll ask Chen Ping’an later.”

Li Liu asked, “How do you know Chen Ping’an is always right?”

Li Huai countered, “Did Chen Ping’an say anything wrong?”

Li Liu smiled. “Not really.”

Li Huai harrumphed. “Li Liu! Your brother here is the kind of person who would stab himself twice for the sake of brotherly loyalty.”

Li Huai stuck out his thumb, pointing to his chest.

Li Liu smiled, leaned forward, gently moved Li Huai’s hand away, and pointed to his ribs. “Books say ‘to stab oneself on both sides for a friend’, it’s here, not stabbing yourself in the heart. Even for your best friend in the future…”

Li Huai widened his eyes. “Sister, you’re a lady, what do you know about the martial world! Don’t talk to me about this, or I’ll get mad at you.”

Li Liu smiled and stopped talking.

Did Li Liu understand the martial world?

That was an extremely interesting question.

Legend has it that in ancient times, there was only one world.

Five lakes, four seas, great rivers and streams.

There was once a group of high-ranking heavenly court female officials, whose positions were so high and their authority so great that they surpassed even the Rain Master and the River Earl, as well as many Dragon Kings. They were called the Dragon Slayers, patrolling, supervising, and decreeing over the dragons of the world.

And these high-ranking beings only obeyed an ancient god, who was known as the Overlord of the Martial World.

Li Liu suddenly asked, “How was your experience traveling and studying abroad several times?”

Li Huai gradually restrained his smile and said softly, “When I was a kid, I would just follow Li Bao Ping and the others, reading aloud, but I didn’t even know what I was reading. There were so many words in the history books that I used to memorize by rote, but I couldn’t remember them no matter how hard I tried. But after traveling more and meeting more people, I suddenly found it hard to forget them even if I wanted to. ‘Reclusive experts in the wilderness, seeking hidden truths, practicing eccentric ways to cultivate reputation’, ‘The general’s beautiful talent lies in mobilizing elite troops to punish the disobedient, a path to success in every endeavor’, ‘Remnants on the frontier, gaunt and emaciated, following each other into the ravines are everywhere’.”

Li Huai forced a smile. “Sister, let’s not talk about these things.”

Li Liu nodded. “Then let’s talk about Li Bao Ping?”

Li Huai felt a headache coming on. “No, talking about her gives me an even bigger headache. Now that I see Li Bao Ping, she’s so boring. All she does is read, saying she wants to ‘read ten thousand books until they’re worn out’. She’s still very busy every day, no longer running around like a madwoman. Guess what? She’s even harder to see than Lin Shouyi. Sister, isn’t that strange? I used to think that Li Bao Ping when we were kids was the scariest person in the world, but now I think she was better back then. When Chen Ping’an arrives at the academy, I’m going to risk my life to speak out and tell Chen Ping’an about this Li Bao Ping. There’s no other way, I guess only he, as her junior uncle, can control Li Bao Ping.”

Li Huai shook his head vigorously. “Don’t mention her, it gives me a headache. I don’t see Yu Lu and Xie Xie much either, everyone’s like that. But our relationship is actually not bad, I can still feel it when we occasionally meet.”

After Li Liu left.

Lin Shouyi arrived.

After learning that Li Liu had come and gone in a hurry, Lin Shouyi was somewhat silent.

Li Huai was helpless and didn’t know how to advise him.

If he advised him correctly, he might not become his brother-in-law. If he accidentally advised him wrongly, it would only add salt to the wound.

After Lin Shouyi left.

Li Huai sighed deeply, why fall in love so early, it’s better to be like him.

Returning to his room, Li Huai placed the small bamboo chest on the table, put his sister’s package inside, and then carefully wiped the bamboo chest.

Finally, Li Huai rubbed his chin, feeling the need to use his trump card.

He poured a bowl of tea, dipped his finger in it, chanted some gibberish, and then wrote Chen Ping’an’s name.

After finishing, Li Huai struck a posture of sinking Qi into his dantian, looked at the traces on the table, nodded, and was quite satisfied. Good writing, a hundred A’Liangs are not as good as him.

As winter approached.
At Ox Horn Mountain Ferry, Chen Ping’an, together with Pei Qian, prepared to board his own dragon boat, bound for the Great Sui Academy. Zhou Mi Li, even after surrendering two mountain-walking staffs, still carried a golden carrying pole upon her shoulder.

Cui Dongshan and Wei Xian were also departing Dragon Spring County, albeit aboard a passing warship ferry from the Great Li military.

Wei Xian was engaging in light conversation with Pei Qian.

Cui Dongshan only offered two brief parting words.

“Master, for so many years you have toiled tirelessly, moving mountains, earning with your own capabilities the mountains of support you have. You may now, perhaps, lean upon one or two of them.”

“The road is arduous and long, Master, please proceed with composure.”