Sword Immortal Sun Juyuan’s residence resembled the mundane estates of wealthy clans in the vast world, yet the divine coins spent to cultivate this “resemblance” were an astonishing sum.

Sun Juyuan sat upon a bamboo mat that nearly spanned the entire corridor, each corner weighed down by an exquisite paperweight of varying materials.

Beside him stood Bitter Summer, a sword immortal from the Central Earth Continent, his expression grave.

Sun Juyuan chuckled, “A rough start is not to blame on Lin Junbi’s miscalculations, but rather on your poorly chosen name. Right in the midst of summer, you ‘Bitter Summer,’ how could you not implicate Lin Junbi?”

Bitter Summer sighed helplessly, “He shouldn’t have provoked Ning Yao.”

Sun Juyuan laughed, “Isn’t that obvious? How many sword immortals were spectating earlier? Thirty? Counting those who didn’t reveal themselves, it’s been a while since we’ve had such a lively gathering.”

Bitter Summer lamented, “If such a woman could marry into the Shaoyuan Dynasty, it would be an immense blessing. Our dynasty’s swordplay destiny might even rise by a mountain peak.”

Sun Juyuan scoffed, “Stop daydreaming. Lin Junbi is already considered the embodiment of your Shaoyuan Dynasty’s sword fortune. And what? He didn’t even earn a mention from our Ning girl. Besides, Ning girl once left the Great Wall of Sword Qi alone, traversing many continents of your vast world. Still, no one could keep her. So, if you lack the ability to hold on, don’t blame Ning girl for having high standards.”

Sun Juyuan suddenly exclaimed in surprise, “Could it be that your Shaoyuan Dynasty’s national preceptor truly intends to have Lin Junbi poach talent from our side? Is Lin Junbi even aware of this?”

Bitter Summer remained silent.

Sun Juyuan’s playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a solemn tone, “If it’s true, I advise you to dispel that notion and immediately extinguish any such thoughts in Lin Junbi’s mind. Some things, no matter how influential the Shaoyuan Dynasty’s national preceptor may be, cannot outweigh a sword immortal’s own life and dao. If Lin Junbi, this naive novice, acts recklessly, then without Ning Yao even lifting a finger, just Chen Ping’an’s schemes and tactics alone will ensure that Lin Junbi and his ilk, along with that border region, will suffer an unbearable fate.”

Bitter Summer turned his head, puzzled, “This young man, I’ve heard some tales. It’s not surprising that the young people of the Great Wall of Sword Qi are wary of him, but why do even you, a sword immortal, hold him in such high regard?”

As for certain inside information, even with his life-or-death friendship with Sun Juyuan, Sword Immortal Bitter Summer would still not say much, and therefore simply did not discuss it in depth.

Sun Juyuan sat cross-legged, flipping his hand to reveal a wine cup. With a gentle swirl, fine wine spontaneously appeared within. This cup was the ultimate treasure for the world’s immortal drunkards, surpassing even the wine worm in value, because this cup was named “Wine Spring.” Unless one drank constantly throughout the day, downing hundreds of pounds in one go, this tiny cup was practically a boundless wine vat that could never be emptied. Thus, in the Great Wall of Sword Qi, filled with countless drunkards, there were only three of these cups in existence.

One was in Sun Juyuan’s possession, another in Yan Ming’s hands, though ever since that sword immortal lost his arms and regressed in cultivation, he seemed to have ceased drinking. The last one belonged to the old Sword Immortal Qi.

Historically, there had been as many as five Wine Spring cups at the Great Wall of Sword Qi, but someone back then had set up a gambling den and, through a combination of luck and trickery, conned away a pair of them. Now, it was unknown whether they had returned to the vast world or been taken beyond the Azure Underworld to that extraterrestrial realm. After succeeding, he had even called it a happy coincidence, pairing them as a couple, so they wouldn’t be as lonely as their master.

Sun Juyuan drained the wine in one gulp, and the cup refilled itself as if from a spring. He smiled, “Bitter Summer, what do you think makes a person truly remarkable?”

Bitter Summer shook his head, “I’ve never considered it, nor do I care to dwell on it. Please, Sword Immortal Sun, enlighten me.”

Sun Juyuan pinched the wine cup between his fingers, gently rotating it, gazing at the subtle ripples within, and slowly said, “To make good people believe he is a good person, and to make those who oppose him, regardless of their alignment, willingly acknowledge him as a good person in their hearts.”

Bitter Summer pondered for a long time, then nodded, “Terrifying.”

Sun Juyuan shook his head, “That’s not the most terrifying part.”

Bitter Summer frowned, “What do you mean?”

Sun Juyuan slowly replied, “The most terrifying part is if he truly *is* a good person.”

The world sees me as my heart sees the world; the world must be the same.

Sun Juyuan recalled the Record of a Hundred Sword Immortal Seals, one of which, the inscription on the seal, was “Observe the Dao, Observe the Dao, Observe the Dao.”

Extremely interesting.

It was a pity that the seal which Sun Juyuan had taken a fancy to at a glance had long disappeared, taken by some sword immortal who had secretly put it into his pocket.

Sun Juyuan suddenly chuckled to himself, glancing into the distance, his gaze turning cold, “What are these little chicks doing here? Lin Junbi is fine, after all he’s smart, it’s just a pity he met Ning girl, even if Chen Ping’an deliberately pointed it out, he should just secretly rejoice from taking advantage and not act all innocent. As for the rest, that Jiang fellow, is he your direct disciple? Running to our Great Wall of Sword Qi to play? It’s fine if there’s no fighting, but if war breaks out, are they just going to deliver heads to those roaring beasts? Aren’t you tired, being a sword immortal? Or is this the current trend in your Shaoyuan Dynasty? I remember when you, Bitter Summer, came here with your companions, it wasn’t like this, was it?”

Sword Immortal Bitter Summer said nothing, and only after a moment of silence, he spoke: “The national preceptor gave orders that even if the great war begins, they are not allowed to leave the city walls.”

Sun Juyuan smacked his forehead, draining the wine in his cup to ease his sorrows, lamenting, “My place has become infamous. Sword Immortal Bitter Summer, you’ve truly lived up to your name, I, Sun Juyuan, have been most severely harmed by you.”

Sword Immortal Bitter Summer felt somewhat apologetic but said nothing further; there was no need for politeness with his friend, Sun Juyuan.

However, this nephew-disciple, one of the ten prominent figures of the Central Earth Continent and a pillar of the Shaoyuan Dynasty, couldn’t help but wonder if his name, Bitter Summer, truly had some mystical power.

Over at the gazebo, Lin Junbi had changed into a robe and regained his composure, still as refreshing and otherworldly as a young immortal.

Border, who had already shown his inclinations, sat on the steps, probably the only sword cultivator with a worried expression.

Because most of the other young people were filled with resentment, muttering curses, while the rest were offering words of comfort that they considered fair.
Not even understanding the significance of guarding these three checkpoints, how can these youths from the border territories even comprehend why they came to the Sword Qi Great Wall? Didn’t their elders teach them before their departure? Or perhaps it’s the fault of the elders themselves, failing to instill proper values, only knowing to make them act subservient once they arrive, thus inciting rebellious thoughts?

Regarding the savage world beyond and the ferocity of the demon clans that lay siege, no one truly understands the reality. The border guard even dares to assert that, in the minds of individuals like Lin Junbi, their only potential adversaries are their peers among the sword cultivators of the Sword Qi Great Wall. The notions of the “savage world beyond” and “demon clans” hold no real significance. The border guard himself is somewhat of an exception, having personally experienced the tyrannical combat prowess and resilient physique of a Nascent Soul demon creature during his travels through the Flowing Sunset Continent. He and a Nascent Soul sword cultivator companion combined their efforts, unleashing countless sword strikes, yet were unable to truly harm the demon. Only with the addition of a Golden Core sword cultivator providing cover were they able to trap and slowly grind the demon to death.

The difficulty in crossing the three checkpoints…

It is the Sword Qi Great Wall’s hope that these outland sword cultivators will be more mindful, understanding the hard-won victories of every great battle. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder, especially to those who are young and lack combat experience, to stay put on the city walls during battle, contributing modestly by controlling their flying swords. Under no circumstances should they act impulsively and rush down to the battlefield. The many sword immortals of the Sword Qi Great Wall will not deliberately restrain such rash actions, nor can they afford to be distracted by them. As for those who come purely to hone their swordsmanship, the Sword Qi Great Wall does not reject them. Whether they can truly establish themselves, or gain the favor of a sword immortal willing to impart advanced sword techniques, is all a matter of personal ability.

“Junbi is only a few years old, and how old is that Ning Yao? Victory by unfair means, coupled with such condescending words! Is this the ‘number one young talent’ of the Sword Qi Great Wall? In my opinion, even if the sword immortals here possess immense killing power, their magnanimity is as small as the eye of a needle!”

“That Ning Yao clearly knows that the Sword Qi Great Wall people won’t gain any advantage over us in the three checkpoints battle, so she deliberately acted in such a way, forcing Junbi to draw his sword, hence her arrogant and aggressive manner!”

“Exactly! And those sword immortals watching the battle, each harboring ulterior motives, deliberately creating pressure for Junbi.”

Jiang Guancheng sneered, “In my opinion, that Ning Yao has no real oppressive aura at all, it’s all an illusion! She just wants to win against Junbi through despicable means, just to maintain her pitiful reputation. If Ning Yao is like this, then Pang Yuanji, Qi Shou, Gao Yehou, these sword cultivators who are barely our peers, how much better can they be? Truly a land of barbarians!”

The border guard rubbed his temples, his head aching.

Fortunately, Lin Junbi frowned and reminded, “Jiang Guancheng! Watch your words!”

Jiang Guancheng then stopped speaking, but his expression remained filled with indignation.

Among the crowd, Zhu Mei remained silent.

Golden Core sword cultivator Jin Zhenmeng also didn’t say much.

Zhu Mei was reminded of Gao Youqing, who lost the first match, his face contorted in tears, standing silently beside Gao Yehou and Pang Yuanji. And Liu Tiefu, after losing his sword duel, was greeted with jeers and boos from the watching sword cultivators, yet the young Liu Tiefu could still smile sheepishly, clasping his fist in thanks amidst the jeers.

Jin Zhenmeng, on the other hand, remembered Si Tuweiran, who smiled and returned the greeting after defeating him.

And when that Ning Yao appeared, the atmosphere on the street suddenly became solemn, not merely the breathless excitement of watching a spectacle.

A twelve-year-old girl, the youngest of the group, was particularly resentful, her chest tight with indignation. She whispered, “Especially that Chen Ping’an, targeting Junbi at every turn, clearly feeling inferior. So what if he defeated Qi Shou and Pang Yuanji? He’s a disciple of the Sage of Culture, and his senior brother is the Great Sword Immortal Zuo You! Day after day, year after year, he receives the meticulous guidance of a Great Sword Immortal, relying on the lineage of the Sage of Culture, gaining so many magical treasures gifted by others! Is that ability even considered skill? If Junbi has another ten years, that Chen Ping’an wouldn’t even dare to breathe loudly in front of Junbi!”

The border guard internally wailed. My little lady, you can’t say such things just because you like our Junbi!

Lin Junbi shook his head. “Chen Ping’an is not a simple person. He’s not as worthless as you make him out to be.”

Lin Junbi then smiled. “If my opponents are too weak, wouldn’t that just prove my own mediocrity?”

Hearing this, the girl saw the young man as infinitely good.

The border guard resolved that he would rather die than get involved in the foolishness of these young masters and young ladies in the future.

Whatever will be, will be.

I’m not serving them anymore.

But truth be told, the border guard hadn’t really been serving them, just watching the spectacle along the way. His only stroke of luck was that his half-master, the National Preceptor, had frankly stated that these fellows would not participate in the great battles. Once the Sword Qi Great Wall and the demon clans began their all-out war, they would immediately retreat back to the Plum Garden of Upside-down Mountain, and then set off to return to the Central Earth Continent, preferably not even lingering in the South婆娑洲.

The border guard rubbed his face with both hands, silently chanting in his heart, “You can’t see me, you can’t see me.”

Unfortunately, Jiang Guancheng didn’t let him off the hook, excitedly saying, “So, Senior Brother Bianjing, you’ve been hiding the deepest! That Chen Ping’an was clearly worried that Senior Brother Bianjing would take action.”

The border guard looked helpless. Isn’t it obvious that you’re completely blind?

With Jiang Guancheng’s words, the window paper was broken, and discussions immediately erupted. The border guard listened to the flattery, which was actually quite sincere, but he couldn’t feel even a hint of joy.

Thinking of that young man with his hands in his sleeves and a smiling face, the border guard felt inexplicably uneasy, sensing that things weren’t so simple.

The border guard ignored the others’ compliments and some of their carefully calculated attempts to incite him, and turned to look at Lin Junbi.

Lin Junbi smiled. “I will be careful.”

The border guard then breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Now it seems that Lin Junbi’s earliest plan, breaking through twice and challenging three people in succession, relying on his own strength to fight in the Sea Gazing Realm, Dragon Gate Realm, and Golden Core Realm respectively, passing all three checkpoints, seems to be the best choice.

Perhaps in the eyes of many watching sword immortals, Lin Junbi would have garnered more goodwill. Instead of the current situation where they are watching Lin Junbi’s failure like a spectacle, siding one-sidedly with that Ning Yao.
Even if Chen Ping’an was given a chance, an extra fourth battle, what advantage would he gain? Lin Junbi would still be a winner even in defeat. The more unrestrained and exhilarating the fight, the more likable he would become, just like Chen Ping’an fighting Pang Yuanji. If he could directly force Ning Yao to draw her sword, instead of Chen Ping’an seemingly picking up a bargain, Lin Junbi would undoubtedly win even more acclaim.

However, these were just “ifs.”

Bianjing wouldn’t be foolish enough to ask his little junior brother if he had any regrets.

Nor would he say that his earlier words, “Competing with others for victory and defeat is meaningless,” were a reminder to Lin Junbi to strive to surpass himself.

Because saying so would create enmity.

During Lesser Fullness, the sun shone brightly.

Having not drunk alcohol at the wine shop and unaware of the curses being hurled his way, Chen Ping’an carried a stool to the street corner, where he explained the origins of the twenty-four solar terms to the newly increased number of children. He spouted some similar hometown proverbs like “Lesser Fullness not full, no water to wash dishes, wheat in danger,” and didn’t forget to occasionally show off a cobbled-together phrase: “Young ears align, tender children delighted, dreaming of shepherd’s purse fragrance at night.”

Unfortunately, the children weren’t interested in literacy, the twenty-four solar terms, or Chen Ping’an’s affected scholarly airs. They chattered and asked about the circumstances of the Immortal Maiden Ning Yao’s unprecedented sword drawing on that Xuanhu Street. Chen Ping’an brandished the bamboo branch in his hand, describing it in vivid detail, embellished with fanciful language. The little rascal named Le Kang, whose father was now helping the wine shop make Yangchun noodles, was quite something these days. He even dared to speak firmly to his mother. This child still enjoyed debunking things the most, asking how many Chen Ping’ans it would take to defeat Immortal Maiden Ning Yao. Chen Ping’an was stumped. Then he received a disdainful eye-roll from the children.

The little brat Feng Kangle shook his head, patted Chen Ping’an’s knee, and said in an old-fashioned way, “Chen Ping’an, you’re always wandering around here, not properly practicing martial arts and swordsmanship. I think, sooner or later, Immortal Ning will dislike you for being useless. So what if you beat Pang Yuanji? Look how high you’re riding, always acting like a big shot here, working hard for three days and slacking off for two. That won’t do.”

The children nodded in agreement.

Chen Ping’an placed the bamboo branch across his lap, reached out, and held Kangle’s cheeks, smiling, “Shut your mouth.”

The little brat reached out to hammer Chen Ping’an, but his arms were too short to reach.

A young boy squatted on the outer edge, remembering the previous uproar, and said with a cheeky grin, “Kangle, speak louder. I, Chen Ping’an, the dignified closed-door disciple of the Sage of Literature, can’t hear you clearly.”

A thunderous burst of laughter immediately erupted around them.

These days, there were many rumors about this second shopkeeper.

Chen Ping’an laughed, “I’m just looking at you little cubs being young, otherwise, I’d punch one, kick two, and send you all scattering with a single sword strike.”

Feng Kangle rubbed his cheeks, raised his buttocks, and craned his neck. Oh no, the most beautiful little girl in Yan Chi Lane was indeed standing not far away, looking at him.

What to do?!

He first relied on a few of Chen Ping’an’s stories about mountains and rivers to get her to agree to be his little wife during a game of make-believe. Later, he relied on Chen Ping’an’s explanation of the meaning of his lane’s name, and then he went to tell her again. Now, when he saw her on the road, although she still didn’t talk to him much, her eyes blinked, wasn’t that her greeting him? This was what Chen Ping’an had told him after hearing about it, making him happy enough to roll around in his blanket before going to sleep every night.

So Feng Kangle immediately sat up straight, secretly gave Chen Ping’an a wink, and then softly complained, “Chen Ping’an, it’s all your fault. If she ignores me in the future, I’ll curse you to death.”

Chen Ping’an then laughed, “For the sake of Kangle’s father’s Yangchun noodles, I’ll tell you another ghost story today! Guaranteed to be extremely exciting!”

A young boy, full of disdain, said, “Chen Ping’an, first tell us what realm the protagonist who vanquishes demons and eliminates evil on behalf of Heaven is in. Don’t let it be another lousy Lower Five Realms in the end. Otherwise, according to your saying, so many sword cultivators from the Sword Qi Great Wall, when they arrive at your hometown, would all be great heroes of the martial world and mountain immortals. How is that possible?”

Someone echoed, “That’s right, that’s right, you deliberately make the appearance of the ghosts and monsters so frightening every time, making me feel like they’re all great demons from the desolate world.”

Chen Ping’an coughed a few times, remembered something, turned his head, and spread out his palm. The little girl squatting beside him quickly handed over a handful of melon seeds, pouring them all into Chen Ping’an’s hand. Chen Ping’an smiled and returned half of them to her, and then, while cracking the melon seeds, he said, “The young sword immortal I’m talking about today, who descended the mountain to travel the martial world with his sword, definitely has a sufficient realm, and he’s so handsome and dashing that countless martial heroines and mountain fairies have fallen in love with him. Unfortunately, this sword immortal, named Qi Jinglong, has remained unmoved, and hasn’t yet met a woman who truly captures his heart. And that water ghost that he will eventually encounter will definitely be scary enough. How scary? Listen to my detailed explanation. When you encounter any place with accumulated water, such as a small puddle in the alley on a rainy day, or a bowl of water on your table, or a large water vat with the lid open, take a sudden look, and good heavens! Not to mention you, even that sword immortal named Qi Jinglong, when he passed by the river and scooped up water to drink, suddenly saw a pale face in a clump of aquatic plants, and was frightened out of his wits.”

One child was already startled and cursed with a tearful face, “Chen Ping’an, damn you!”

Suddenly someone asked, “Who is this Qi Jinglong?”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “He’s a young sword immortal who loves to drink but pretends he doesn’t. This guy loves to lecture people, he’s so annoying.”

Feng Kangle asked, “How old is the sword immortal?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Less than a hundred years old, I guess.”

Feng Kangle clicked his tongue and said, “He’s still embarrassed to call himself a young sword immortal? You should quickly change it and call him Old Man Sword Immortal.”

Chen Ping’an pinched the little brat’s cheek, “He’s my good friend, Chen Ping’an. How dare you be so presumptuous?”

Feng Kangle grimaced, stuck out his butt, and gave Chen Ping’an a hammer on the shoulder with his backhand, “I’m not polite to you, why would I be polite to your friend?”
In the distance, the fair-skinned young girl gaped slightly. She probably hadn’t expected that Kang Le would be so bold with Chen Ping’an, it seemed Kang Le really wasn’t bragging to her.

Chen Ping’an gave Feng Kang Le a look, and the little rascal nodded lightly, indicating he understood.

Nearby, a sharp-eyed youth couldn’t help but roll his eyes. This Second Shopkeeper was too bored, didn’t he need to cultivate? He just hung around with them, chattering nonsense, now acting as a matchmaker?

After finishing the landscape tale that startled the children, Chen Ping’an picked up his stool and called it a day.

He went to the liquor store, where having Chen Sanqiu around had one good thing – guaranteed tables and benches to sit on.

The youth Zhang Jiazhen was helping at the store, responsible for delivering wine or a bowl of plain noodles to the swordsmen. The boy wasn’t talkative, but he had a smile, which was enough.

Chen Ping’an sat at the table today but didn’t drink. He simply asked Zhang Jiazhen for a bowl of plain noodles and a plate of pickles. In the end, it was still Chen Sanqiu, Yan Pangzi, and their crew’s poor ability to persuade people to drink.

Before Chen Ping’an returned to the Ning Residence, he reminded Fan Dache, “Dache ah.”

Fan Dache, who was wolfing down a bowl of plain noodles, immediately became as if facing a formidable foe. Nowadays, he panicked whenever he heard Chen Ping’an say those two words. Fan Dache quickly said, “I’ve already ordered a pot of wine that costs five snowflake coins! It’s your own business if you don’t drink it, it’s nothing to do with me.”

Chen Ping’an put down his chopsticks, annoyed, and said, “I told you to come often, don’t take it lightly. Don’t make me squat at your doorstep every day begging you for a spar. If I accidentally use too much force and beat you so badly that you crawl home, your parents won’t recognize you and kick you out.”

Fan Dache nodded.

Chen Ping’an smiled at Fan Dache.

Fan Dache looked puzzled.

Chen Sanqiu turned his head and looked at the youth who was constantly watching the customers, and called out, “Zhang Jiazhen, get me a pot of wine, the cheapest! I’ll pay, but remember to remind me to put it on Fan Dache’s tab. Next time we drink, ask me if Fan Dache has repaid the debt.”

Zhang Jiazhen nodded vigorously and hurried to fetch a pot of Bamboo Sea Grotto Heaven wine from inside the store.

To this boy from the back alleys, Master Chen was a celestial being.

So was Chen Sanqiu, the young master who lived on Tai Xiang Street.

If he hadn’t come to the liquor store for odd jobs, Zhang Jiazhen might never have had the chance to say half a sentence to Chen Sanqiu, let alone be remembered by name.

Zhang Jiazhen had never been to Tai Xiang Street and Xuan Hu Street in his life, not even once.

No one stopped them, but not only Zhang Jiazhen, but also the children from the poor alleys like Lingxi Alley and Yan Chi Alley, with their beautiful names but extreme poverty, wouldn’t think of taking a walk there. They might occasionally think about it, but ultimately wouldn’t muster the courage to actually go.

Chen Ping’an smiled at Zhang Jiazhen, then pointed at Fan Dache, picked up the wine, and left.

Fan Dache continued to eat his bowl of plain noodles.

To be honest, if it weren’t for Chen Ping’an’s last words, Fan Dache really wouldn’t have known how to go to the Ning Residence.

What if it was just polite talk? What exactly did “come often” mean? Once every three days, once a month?

Was the Ning Residence’s gate so easy to cross?

Fan Dache raised his head, looking at the blue-shirted figure on the street. The man was tilting his head, looking at the couplets of the taverns along the way, shaking his head from time to time.

Arriving at the Ning Residence, Nalan Yexing opened the door.

Walking together towards the training ground, Nalan Yexing, holding the pot of wine, asked with a smile, “Did you pay for this yourself?”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “Learned it from Dong Hei Tan, it isn’t a true hero who pays for drink.”

Nalan Yexing laughed heartily, “I’ll take a few sips of wine later, then draw my sword, it’ll help me correct Little Dragon with more strength.”

Chen Ping’an couldn’t laugh anymore.

At the Dragon-Slaying Cliff pavilion, Ning Yao, who said she was going home to cultivate, was actually chatting idly with Granny Bai. Discovering that Chen Ping’an had returned so quickly, the old woman, without her young lady’s prompting, left the pavilion with a smile. Then Ning Yao began to cultivate.

In the mustard seed world of the training ground, Nalan Yexing put away the wine pot, having drunk about half, and began to unleash his sword skills.

Then, with a careless mistake from Nalan Yexing, no matter how careful he was, Chen Ping’an would have to lie down for half a month.

Granny Bai hurriedly rushed to the training ground, and Nalan Yexing was almost scared to run away from home.

Fortunately, Chen Ping’an explained to Granny Bai that he had gained a lot this time, that this cultivation path was correct, and that he didn’t even need to brew medicine, as self-healing itself was cultivation.

Nalan Yexing didn’t dare to talk nonsense and told the truth, “That’s right.”

Chen Ping’an was helped to the small residence by Ning Yao.

Nalan Yexing waited anxiously for a scolding, but Bai Lian Shuang only looked at their backs and didn’t say anything for a long time.

Nalan Yexing felt that this wasn’t right, it was better to be scolded sooner than later, and was just about to open his mouth to beg for a scolding, but the old woman didn’t have any intention of starting her lecture with “Old Dog”. She just sighed softly, “Do you think the young master and young lady look like the master and madam when they were young?”

Nalan Yexing took out the wine pot and nodded, “How could they not?”

The old woman frowned, “These days, you’ve worked hard.”

Nalan Yexing was confused, “Huh?!”

The old woman scolded, “Old dog, go watch the door!”

Nalan Yexing nodded, that was more like it, and turned to go to the gate, feeling much more at ease.

Chen Ping’an sat on the bed, starting to breathe and meditate, his mind immersed in the little world within his body.

Ning Yao sat beside him, leaning on the table, watching Chen Ping’an. He seemed to have met the person he wanted to meet in his heart, a smile appearing involuntarily.

She knew who it was, because after the fourth natal treasure, Chen Ping’an stumbled and barely managed to refine it. After leaving the secret room and seeing Ning Yao, he hugged Ning Yao in front of Grandpa Nalan. Ning Yao had never seen Chen Ping’an so relieved, Grandpa Nalan immediately tactfully left, and she felt sorry for him, and hugged him back.

He was beaming, radiant, saying that the little guy was still there, right in his heart, but now he had turned into a little bald head. After their reunion, on a path in his heart, the little bald head rode the fire dragon, chasing him and cursing him all the way.
Ning Yao seldom witnessed Chen Ping’an so openly displaying a delighted expression, especially the grown-up Chen Ping’an. Aside from when he was with her, Ning Yao couldn’t help but worry. Chen Ping’an’s state of mind seemed almost like that of a wizened old monk who had lived for countless years, witnessing too much joy and sorrow. Ning Yao didn’t wish for Chen Ping’an to become like that. So, when she saw Chen Ping’an appearing as if he had returned to the days when he was a youth and she was a maiden, Ning Yao was truly gladdened.

A friend arrived from afar, and it was a little bald head.

However, he wasn’t clad in a kasaya. He still wore the robes of a Confucian scholar, only now, alongside his sword, the little fellow also carried a Buddhist scripture within his sleeve.

It was a long-awaited reunion that Chen Ping’an hadn’t even dared to dream of. It was a regret and remorse that haunted him only in his dreams, leaving him unable to find peace after waking, a feeling he could never express to anyone.

In his life, there were too many farewells without goodbyes, never to be seen again.

Ning Yao leaned on the table, gazing intently at Chen Ping’an. She chuckled to herself, recalling how, on Xuanhu Street, Chen Ping’an had hesitated for a long while before taking her hand and secretly asking, “When I was about the same age as that Lin Junbi, who was more handsome?”

At the time, Ning Yao had first countered, “What do you think?”

Then Chen Ping’an had begun to scratch his head, finding the answer to be quite troubling.

So, Ning Yao sincerely spoke the answer in her heart, not keeping the words to herself, and told him, “You are much better looking!”

Chen Ping’an then reached out with both hands and gently smoothed her brow, “My silly Ning Yao, ah, you truly have excellent taste!”