Fallen Phoenix Mountain. Evening approached, and the air hinted at snow.

Zhu Lian was being excessively verbose.

“First rain, then sun, then rain again; sometimes neither rain nor sun, but snow instead. Our hometown’s scenery is truly peculiar!”

Today, Zhu Lian and Zheng Dafeng were playing chess, exchanging complaints as they went. Zhu Lian lamented that Dafeng’s brotherly gaze was too upright, scaring away the Yellow Court Immortal. Zheng Dafeng grumbled that the old cook’s skills were lacking, failing to retain the Immortal, causing Fallen Phoenix Mountain to lose a Nascent Soul sword cultivator’s honorary offering in vain. The sin was great, and Zhu Lian had to hand over several treasured Immortal books to be kept safe by Zheng Dafeng.

Wei Bo sat nearby, unable to understand what they were still arguing about after so long.

Then, he realized – was that female cultivator, Yellow Court, truly so beautiful?

Zhu Lian looked towards Wei Bo, smiling as he asked, “I heard you’re about to travel to the capital to meet the Emperor, hoping to glean some Dragon Qi to use in our blessed land. That’s what I call a worthwhile trip.”

Zheng Dafeng chimed in, “Indeed. Mountain Lord can’t just watch chess games all the time without contributing.”

Wei Bo was helpless. His title of North Peak Mountain Lord had already spread to the Northern Ju Lu Continent. Even passing wild chickens couldn’t leave without laying an egg, or so the saying went.

But his efforts hadn’t been in vain. After tossing in those several thousand Grain Rain Coins, the newest Lotus Root blessed land had not only ascended to the ranks of medium-grade blessed lands but had also undergone a complete transformation. Mountain and water spirits, wandering ghosts, and even embryonic forms of heroic spirits and deities emerged like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, though there was a limit to their overall numbers.

But as long as enough Immortal money was spent, the heavens would be higher, the earth wider, and the aura would become even richer. The previous bottleneck would then be broken naturally.

What Zheng Dafeng was most interested in was a popular romance novel in the Southern Garden Kingdom. The female protagonist, manifesting as a spirit, was born from a sense of empathy. However, her intelligence was still undeveloped, and she was somewhat muddled, liking to drift around, secretly observing that unfamiliar world of mortals within books and paintings.

Her appearance was a rare occurrence even in the Great Harmony World.

She was different from the little girl Chen Nuanshu’s manifestation.

This yet unnamed woman’s birth was purely the result of the convergence of countless generations, from all over the land, the subtle whispers of humanity’s hearts. It was a rather low-grade form of “Dao Manifestation.”

But even if it was low-grade, it was still a Dao Manifestation, touching upon even a sliver of “Dao,” which was a momentous event.

If she had been found in another blessed land, she would have been captured without hesitation. There would be no shortage of buyers, and she could easily be sold for an exorbitant price.

But fortunately, she was born in the Lotus Root blessed land, under the care of such a principled young Mountain Lord, so her future prospects were likely to be bright.

Zheng Dafeng wiped his mouth, “A place of outstanding people and spirits, worth a visit! A delicate, charming maiden, and a heroic protector, both indispensable. Lest she fall prey to those wandering vengeful spirits.”

But Zhu Lian said, “Keeping her on the mountain seems like a good idea to me.”

Zhu Lian always harbored a deep concern. Regarding the old Lotus Flower blessed land, now the Lotus Root blessed land, Zhu Lian always vaguely felt that the old Taoist priest’s calculations ran deep.

Once one entered the blessed land, no matter who they were, they wouldn’t be at ease.

Wei Bo also said, “Since we’ve chosen a leisurely life, let’s just live this relaxed life to the fullest.”

Zheng Dafeng laughed, “What are you thinking? Our Fallen Phoenix Mountain is full of talent; it doesn’t need my help at all. I’m just going to wander around and relax.”

Zheng Dafeng’s chess skills were actually superior to both Zhu Lian and Wei Bo, so playing chess was very easy for him. At this moment, Zhu Lian was deep in thought, and Zheng Dafeng picked up a folding fan from the table, fanning himself in the dead of winter, which was absurd. Just making a show of it was enough; he held it in his sleeve. Such an elegant item, held by a handsome man like himself, was simply irresistible. As long as a woman wasn’t blind, she would surely like it. And if she didn’t like it, she was just pretending.

At the current Fallen Phoenix Mountain, apart from Pei Qian who was still wandering outside, and Old Master Zhong who had taken Cao Qinglang to the Southern Po Suo Continent for a trip, it was actually quite lively because Yuan Lai and Yuan Bao had been staying on the mountain recently to cultivate. Zheng Dafeng wanted to sincerely guide Yuan Bao’s martial arts, but unfortunately, the little girl was too shy and timid, like Cen Yuanji. She had no choice but to learn boxing from a scruffy old man. Young Yuan Lai wanted to learn boxing from Zheng Dafeng, but Zheng Dafeng wasn’t too willing to teach him, only teaching him some miscellaneous knowledge from books. The boy was scolded many times by his older sister in private.

In addition, three more unnamed disciples had appeared at the Sword Worship Terrace of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, living in seclusion there.

They were three veritable outsiders, from the Great Wall of Swords.

Golden Core sword cultivator Cui Wei.

And two shop assistants, Zhang Jiazhen and Jiang Qu, said to be from a certain shop.

The three did not take the ferry from Old Dragon City back to the Northern Ju Lu Continent via the Pi Ma Sect, but instead arrived at the Niujiao Mountain ferry via a short-distance ferry to the north. Then, along the underground river rumored to have been carved out by a true dragon, they traveled north with three passports and a Great Li Peace Token, finally passing through Red Candle Town, Qidun Mountain, and entering the territory of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

Finally, under Zhu Lian’s arrangement, they settled down at the Sword Worship Terrace, silently and unnoticed.

Because the three were only considered honorary disciples of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, they did not need to burn incense and worship the portrait for the time being.

With the extravagant spending of the offering Zhou Fei, the construction of all the affiliated mountain residences of Fallen Phoenix Mountain was in full swing. In Zhou’s words, the more expensive, the better, don’t save money for me. How does the immortal aura on the mountain come from? It’s piled up with the immortal money with the strongest copper smell, one by one!

Cui Wei was especially cautious about concealing his identity. After that long journey, Cui Wei already had a general idea of the value of a Golden Core bottleneck sword cultivator in the Great Harmony World. A Golden Core Qi Refiner could hold an Opening Peak Ceremony, which would be highly valued by the sect-level immortal families of the Great Harmony World, let alone a sword cultivator who was guaranteed to become a Nascent Soul. But Cui Wei was even more restrained than Zhang Jiazhen and Jiang Qu, almost timid.

When Cui Wei left the Great Wall of Swords, he only brought two things besides his natal flying sword: a robe made by the clothing workshop and a standard long sword made by the sword workshop.

Zhang Jiazhen received a calligraphy scroll personally written by Mr. Chen, “Plowing in the Sunshine, Reading in the Rain.” The first and middle seals were imprinted with two seals.

Jiang Qu received a stack of talismans from Mr. Chen, including a golden talisman.
Zheng Dafeng inquired, “Old Cook Wei, are those two lads just being left on the Sword Worship Platform? I don’t think that’s right. Shouldn’t we send them over to Stone Rou’s Fortune Shop to soak up some of that worldly air?”

Wei Bo smiled and replied, “That’s hardly necessary. Zhang Jiazhen and Jiang Qu are both from humble backgrounds; they don’t lack for that.”

Zheng Dafeng chuckled, “I just think that Zhang Jiazhen seems like a fine lad, and I’d like to pair him up with Little Wine. Are we three destined to have cold quilts every night? Must we let these youngsters follow in our footsteps? I won’t allow it, absolutely not.”

The Fortune Shop belonged to Shi Rou. Over at the Grass Head Shop resided three registered retainers: the blind old Daoist Jia Sheng, the crippled young man Zhao Denggao, and the little girl Tian Jiu’er.

Zhu Lian chuckled, “Those two outlander youths on the Sword Worship Platform should both amount to something, though it will take time. We’ll need to be patient.”

Wei Bo added, “Even if they didn’t want to amount to anything, they’d have to get past Zhou Fei’s spirit money first. He wouldn’t allow it.”

Zhu Lian and Zheng Dafeng nodded in unison. “True enough.”

Zheng Dafeng said, “Remind Nuanshu to note this down. Next time we have a Founder’s Hall meeting, we’ll bring it up for Brother Zhou Fei to see.”

Chen Nuanshu, having finished her tasks, came over to watch the chess game.

Chen Lingjun strolled into the courtyard, yawning. Spotting Chen Nuanshu, he grinned and said, “Little blockhead, haven’t you refined that Dragon King Basket yet?”

Years ago, before Chen Pingan left Fallen Mountain, he had given the pair of Dragon King Baskets from the North Entire Continent’s Immortal Mansion ruins to Chen Nuanshu and Chen Lingjun respectively, tasking them with refining them as suppressants for Yellow Lake Mountain, a vassal peak of Fallen Mountain. Chen Lingjun had long since achieved great refinement, while Chen Nuanshu’s progress was slow, though this was only in comparison to Chen Lingjun. Someone almost taken by Lu Chen to the Azure Abyss World for cultivation would naturally possess exceptional talent.

Chen Nuanshu’s face fell, and she remained silent, her small hands clenching her sleeves.

Wei Bo reached out and pressed down on Chen Lingjun’s head, bending down to ask with a smile, “What was that?”

Chen Lingjun blinked, then solemnly said, “Nuanshu, with cultivation, diligence is enough. Don’t be hasty, or you’ll only ruin things. Learn from our Master; slow footwork leads to swift punches.”

Wei Bo patted Chen Lingjun’s head. “If you keep running your mouth like that, wait until Pei Qian returns to Fallen Mountain; you’ll be on your own.”

Chen Lingjun nearly knelt before the Great Mountain Lord Wei. He immediately tiptoed, placing his hands on Wei Bo’s shoulders, his smile flattering, encouraging Wei Bo to sit so he could massage his shoulders.

The North Entire Continent’s Grand Tenuity Sword Sect—a foremost sect of renowned lineage! Bai Shou, the direct disciple of Sword Immortal Qi Jinglong, was indeed formidable, wasn’t he?

Yet, one kick from Pei Qian, and he was writhing on the ground.

The most terrifying thing was that Pei Qian held grudges.

Cen Yuanji, and the siblings Yuanbao and Yuanlai, taking a break from their fist training, also came to the courtyard for some relaxation.

As soon as they arrived, they saw Chen Lingjun, massaging Wei Bo’s shoulders and praising Brother Dafeng’s refined taste, saying that if the fan had any spirituality, it would be weeping with gratitude for being in Brother Dafeng’s hands.

Chen Nuanshu offered her seat, but Cen Yuanji and young Yuanlai declined. Yuanbao thanked her and sat down.

Chen Lingjun rolled his eyes.

This little girl picked up by Lu Baixiang truly lacked perception.

Look at those picked up by his Lordship, with him in the lead—weren’t they all prodigies?

Take Little Millett; wouldn’t she be squatting at Chess Stump Mountain, eagerly awaiting Pei Qian, clutching a huge bag of melon seeds? Little Millett’s heart was bigger than a bowl.

Yuanbao was just lucky to have arrived at Fallen Mountain late. All the extraordinary individuals had been thoroughly vetted, with people like Lu Chen, Ruan Qiong, and Old Yang putting their lives on the line for him. Otherwise, with Yuanbao’s temper, his little head would have been smashed to pieces long ago.

Zhu Lian smiled slightly. “Yuanbao, do you have something to say?”

Yuanbao nodded. “It can wait until Old Mister Zhu finishes his chess game.”

Although the young girl’s talent was sharp, she was still polite.

Moreover, Yuanbao had a very good impression of Senior Zhu Lian. The one she didn’t like was Zheng Dafeng, and the one she considered so-so was the dignified Great Mountain Lord who frequently visited Fallen Mountain.

Earlier, Old Mister Zhu had gone to Lotus Root Blessed Land and brought back only a painting hidden in a secret place, an extensive masterpiece by a renowned painter from his hometown.

It depicted affluence, prosperity, and bustling activity—a scene of flourishing times.

At the time, Pei Qian had sharp eyes and noticed a lack of horses in the painting, with an abundance of oxen, donkeys, and mules. She remarked with a sigh, “So many little donkeys. If I gritted my teeth and took out a Snowflake Coin, could I buy a hundred of them?”

The siblings Yuanbao and Yuanlai were also present. Yuanlai looked for bookstores in the painting, while Yuanbao, after glancing at the painting, coldly scoffed, “Signs of decay are evident everywhere.”

Zhu Lian nodded, agreeing with her assessment.

In fact, the painting depicted the capital city where Zhu Lian had resided. Within less than sixty years, all the romanticism and prosperity had been crushed by the hooves of warhorses.

Even though Zhu Lian had tried his best, he was still unable to reverse the tide. Eventually, he left the court and the battlefield, returning to the Jianghu, transforming from a noble young master into a scholar-general, and finally into a martial fanatic.

In that lifetime, Zhu Lian had three proudest achievements.

Compiling books. Even Cui Dongshan admired Zhu Lian’s calligraphy.

Pioneering double-entry bookkeeping.

Casually writing a martial arts manual, easy to start, fast to improve, but extremely difficult to reach the peak, writing ninety-nine copies in one breath, giving them away to anyone, and letting the Jianghu fight over them.

Scholars, commoners, and the Jianghu.

Looking back on his life, whether it was the noble young master Zhu Lian or the martial fanatic Zhu Lian, he had given a good account of himself.

Zhu Lian placed the white piece he was about to move back into the chess box, smiling as he asked, “Yuanbao, the chess game is evenly matched for now. If you wait for us to finish, it will be a long wait. You can speak first.”

Zheng Dafeng started cracking melon seeds.

Wei Bo didn’t say much. As long as Zhu Lian didn’t deliberately take too long to think, Zheng Dafeng would finish the game in a few moves.

Yuanbao said, “I have some thoughts about Lotus Root Blessed Land. I’ll say whatever comes to mind. If anything is incorrect, please forgive me, Old Mister Zhu.”

Zhu Lian smiled. “Speak freely. Whether it’s right or wrong, it’s not necessarily up to me to decide. We can argue, discuss, and reason with each other.”
Yuan Bao truly appreciated the venerable elder’s magnanimity and openness, allowing her to interact with him without any restraint.

Yuan Bao said in a deep voice, “Take some rudimentary immortal techniques and print them directly into books. Then, have the emperors of the four kingdoms issue decrees, mandating that everyone practice them. Promote martial arts manuals in the same manner, removing all barriers to entry. Even if someone’s aptitude is terrible and they can’t cultivate any immortal techniques, they can still walk the path of martial arts. Whether they succeed or not, at least the opportunity has been given. They can rise through the ranks based on their own abilities. Otherwise, are we just throwing all those Grain Rain coins away just to watch the fun? There has to be some profit, right?”

Yuan Lai said softly, “Knights use martial arts to disrupt the law. It will be very troublesome for the imperial court and government. The entire Lotus Root Blessed Land will be extremely difficult to control. If one is not careful, the government will become a mere decoration. Once the government and imperial court lose their authority, the entire operation of the mountain and river system will be greatly affected. Cao Qinglang once said that even a small world needs stability.”

Yuan Bao sneered, “If those old emperors and officials are unwilling to do things, or can’t do them well, then just replace them with a batch of obedient puppets, capable of killing and suppressing mountain cultivators, and slaughtering Jianghu grandmasters. If we’re really afraid that the place is too small, a small pond can’t raise a dragon, it’s simple, just grab any good seedlings from the blessed land and raise them in Fallen Mountain. So many mountain peaks and immortal mansions, they’re just empty anyway. For example, cultivators who are expected to reach the Cave Heaven realm, or martial artists who are already in the sixth realm, can become unregistered disciples of our Fallen Mountain. Once they accumulate enough merit, they can get a position and learn better fist techniques and higher immortal techniques.”

Yuan Lai’s voice grew softer, “What about people’s hearts? It’s not that simple, Sister. There are so many complex human relationships, even just on Master’s mountain.”

Yuan Bao glared at her bookworm of a brother, so unhelpful! No wonder he got along best with Cao Qinglang.

Zhu Lian had not spoken all along.

The little girl’s words were not entirely right, nor entirely wrong.

It’s just that some things are interlinked, not simply additions and subtractions like those done by an art practitioner, but rather like building a house: if one beam is crooked, the whole house will collapse after a long time.

However, being able to think and speak more is a good thing, so Zhu Lian was in no hurry to refute or agree with anything. He just smiled at the little girl, signaling her to be bolder and continue to speak her mind.

Yuan Bao crossed her arms and squinted, “The reason Master is so restrained is because the situation is too chaotic. The Lotus Root Blessed Land is different from Fallen Mountain. Here, we, Fallen Mountain, are the very heavens of the entire blessed land! Who isn’t afraid of death? Who doesn’t cherish their life! Our Vast Sky is full of wondrous immortal techniques. Under the general trend, what do people’s hearts matter? They might even be scrambling to cling to our Fallen Mountain.”

Zheng Dafeng smiled, “In childhood, one only fears the difficulty of reading; in youth, one always feels it easy to be a person.”

The young Yuan Lai immediately wrote it down in his heart. Uncle Zheng’s knowledge is actually quite vast.

Zhu Lian scratched his head and sighed, “Yesterday a young boy rode a bamboo horse; tonight, how has he become an old man with white hair?”

Wei Bo asked with a smile, “Yuan Bao, I have a question. What will this group of people do in the Vast Sky after they are raised on those subsidiary mountain peaks of Fallen Mountain?”

Yuan Bao had already prepared her answer, blurting out, “Continue to cultivate, or supervise them to practice martial arts! As long as cultivators become Dragon Gate Realm cultivators, or martial artists become seventh-realm grandmasters, sell them directly to various forces in Treasure Bottle Continent, build good relationships, and make big money. If they have high ambitions and are unwilling to be reduced to commodities, they can sign a contract with our Fallen Mountain. After leaving Fallen Mountain, agree to a term of several decades or a hundred years, and let this group of people buy their freedom with money!”

Wei Bo asked again, “If someone in this group does evil and causes chaos, who is responsible for this mess?”

Yuan Bao frowned, “Why worry about these things? People are in the Jianghu, responsible for their own life and death, suffering the consequences of their own actions. The incompetent are trampled upon, and the one with the bigger fist makes the rules. The ways of the mountains and the world have always been like this! Why should it be counted on our Fallen Mountain?”

Zhu Lian still had his usual expression.

Zheng Dafeng rolled his eyes.

Wei Bo stretched out two fingers and twirled the golden earring, feeling troubled as well.

Lu Baixiang teaching his disciples is truly effortless and worry-free.

Yuan Bao clenched her fists, and said sternly, “In the Lotus Root Blessed Land, we are the heavens, managing them in every way. Those who obey will prosper, and those who resist will perish! After leaving Fallen Mountain, they will have nothing to do with our Fallen Mountain, and there will only be trade. What about the nurturing of heaven and earth? This is a good world that our Fallen Mountain has painstakingly created with thousands of Grain Rain coins! We will continue to invest money, and invest more Grain Rain coins in the future. Why should we?”

Yuan Bao was a little annoyed, “The formation of those natural treasures is too slow, and how quickly can spiritual energy gather to become a cultivation treasure land? Are we just going to keep losing money like this? It’s not easy for my master to make money; it’s very hard! Unlike some people who sit on the mountain peaks basking in the sun, playing chess, and enjoying the snow.”

Zhu Lian waved his hand with a smile, “Yuan Bao, we, Fallen Mountain, need to remember the four words ‘stick to the facts’ whether we are discussing things now or arguing in the future. Otherwise, even if you have a point, you will be wrong.”

Yuan Bao nodded, “I will listen to Senior Zhu.”

Zheng Dafeng was eating melon seeds, feeling a little guilty because of what the little girl had said.

Yuan Bao took a deep breath, her eyes firm, and glanced at Zheng Dafeng and Wei Bo, “If any of you dislike them, okay, I will be responsible for taking action and killing them in the future to clean up the sect, just as if we raised a useless piece of trash for nothing.”

Cen Yuanji hoped that her good friend would say less, so she kept winking, which had been going on for a long time, and now she couldn’t move her eyelids anymore, they were aching.

Cen Yuanji started rubbing her eyes at this moment.

Yuan Bao gently pinched Cen Yuanji’s arm, signaling that she understood.

In the entire Fallen Mountain, Cen Yuanji was the most pleasing to the eye; she was a friend.

The rest were either freeloaders, or pit people, or had a hippie smile and no proper appearance, and there were also those who were confused and didn’t know what they were thinking all day long.

Well, the little girl Nuan Shu was an exception. She was diligent and uncontroversial, and still very clever and pleasing.
Zhu Lian said, “Yuan Bao, I roughly understand your idea, and I’ve taken it to heart. Rest assured, I won’t deliberately ignore it. Perhaps next time the Ancestral Hall convenes, your idea will be brought up for separate discussion. Ancestral Hall meetings are not child’s play; every word is recorded, so it’s best if you think more thoroughly about it in the near future, lest others find loopholes. I have a suggestion for you, whether you take it or not.”

Yuan Bao smiled and said, “Please speak, Old Master Zhu!”

Zhu Lian glanced at the apprehensive young man, Yuan Lai, and said, “Doesn’t Yuan Lai have a lot of dissenting opinions? Then, why don’t you put aside your elder sister’s airs for now and try to be more calm and composed. First, convince Yuan Lai. If you can’t even convince Yuan Lai, even if I’m willing to include this matter in the Ancestral Hall agenda, do you think you’ll truly have the confidence? Does that make sense?”

Yuan Bao thought for a moment and nodded, “Okay!”

Zhu Lian said, “Outside the Ancestral Hall, in all parts of Fallen Mountain, the great Dao is cultivated in various ways, each following its own path. However, once you enter the Ancestral Hall and take a seat, everyone’s words must be considered and reconsidered. This is just a matter of principle and not me relying on my age, targeting you, Yuan Bao, or thinking that this little girl’s sharpness is too much and must be suppressed. We at Fallen Mountain don’t have these messy, bad rules; we don’t have them now, and we won’t have them in the future.”

Yuan Bao smiled and said, “Old Master Zhu has always been forthright and honest; Yuan Bao won’t have any wild thoughts.”

Zheng Dafeng sighed deeply.

Whatever the old cook says, the little girl listens.

So many Immortal Books, all bought and hidden on the mountain by the old cook, how is it that only he is an idle loafer?

Comparing people is infuriating.

Yuan Bao, along with her friends Cen Yuanji and her blockhead of a younger brother, came in high spirits and returned in high spirits, leaving the courtyard.

Chen Lingjun muttered, “What a domineering little brat.”

Zhu Lian smiled and said, “Fallen Mountain should have such thoughts, used for fighting and competition, the more the better. So, I’m telling you in advance, no matter what the final outcome of the Ancestral Hall discussion is, you are not allowed to hurt the little girl’s feelings.”

Wei Bo shook his head, “It’s not that this move is without benefit. In fact, many blessed lands in the Vast Expanse do business following this path, and even those practices aren’t as direct as Yuan Bao’s. On one hand, it’s too mercenary, with a bad reputation, making it extremely difficult to become a Sect-head candidate in the future, let alone a legitimate Sect. On the other hand, as Yuan Lai worried, Yuan Bao is still underestimating people’s hearts. The more they are seeds of the Great Dao, or martial arts geniuses, most of them, if not all, will rebel and become enemies of Fallen Mountain. Ultimately, it’s easy to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.”

Zheng Dafeng said, “How many realms of martial artist is the little girl now? It’s already not easy to have this kind of vision.”

Wei Bo’s expression suddenly darkened.

Zheng Dafeng asked, “Something happened to Little Rice Grain?”

Wei Bo had only felt a subtle sensation earlier, but now he immediately activated his divine ability, surveying the mountains and rivers with his palm.

Unexpectedly, Chen Lingjun had already risen with the wind, directly leaving Fallen Mountain, going like a green rainbow.

Wei Bo smiled and said, “Pei Qian is already protecting Little Rice Grain.”

Zhu Lian said calmly, “Wei Bo, don’t interfere in this matter; Fallen Mountain will handle it.”

Wei Bo didn’t mind, nodding, “If I interfere, it’ll be harder to manage. I’m going to the capital for a meeting anyway, so I’ll leave first. Do as you please.”

Zhu Lian suddenly became coy, “This is so embarrassing; it’s really awkward.”

Wei Bo asked with a smile, “Then, I’ll leave later?”

Zhu Lian had already stood up, “Mountain Lord has important matters; go early and return early, and it’s best to bring back some windfalls.”

Wei Bo’s figure dissipated, instantly thousands of miles away.

Zheng Dafeng gestured for the warm tree girl not to be nervous, let alone follow Chen Lingjun to Red Candle Town, the place where the three rivers converge.

Zheng Dafeng continued to crack melon seeds.

Our Fallen Mountain, can we allow people to bully us on our own territory? You must be joking.

Then, Zheng Dafeng rubbed his chin, grateful that the young mountain master wasn’t on the mountain. Otherwise, with Chen Ping An’s current temperament, he would probably start with a punch, and at most, in some secluded spot, cut off a certain river before reasoning.

The Great Li Emperor’s imperial study, the room was not actually that big.

But to enter and sit down to speak, one’s official hat had to be big enough, or one’s realm high enough.

The young emperor, Song He, was resting with his eyes closed. Today, he made an exception and held no morning court, all for the sake of the upcoming meeting.

And the situation was special, mostly cultivators, with only a handful of Great Li officials, the Minister of Rites and two Vice Ministers, just three people.

Song He opened his eyes, about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense. The young emperor looked at the desk, with Li Yingqiu’s landscape painting, placed here by the late emperor. After Song He inherited the throne, he had not taken anything out of the room, only slightly adding some items, and then feeling that it was too bloated, quietly removing some.

Containing Li Yingqiu’s landscape painting scroll was an azure porcelain brush holder fired in the Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven dragon kiln in earlier years, which was actually quite an eyesore.

Li Yingqiu was not a mountain person. The zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting of the mortal world had never caught the eyes of the immortal families of the mountains. There would be exceptions however, Li Yingqiu was someone who could not be bypassed in the history of calligraphy and painting in the Great Sui. He was not only favored by the Song family of the Great Li. In fact, many immortal families on Treasure Bottle Continent also liked him.

Inside the brush holder, besides Li Yingqiu’s meticulous blue-green landscape painting, there was also Bian Ye’s flower-and-bird painting.

Song He glanced at the scrolls inside the brush holder. The young emperor wanted to apologize to Li Yingqiu, feeling sorry that the old master’s landscape painting was in the company of this person’s flower-and-bird painting.

Song He had an extremely poor impression of Bian Ye, feeling that neither his paintings nor his character were up to par. This person was a down-on-his-luck painter from the old Lu Dynasty, who drifted to the tributary state of Great Li. He was one of the few outsiders to settle here, so he was highly valued by the previous generation of Great Li emperors. All of his paintings were stamped with multiple seals of the two Great Li emperors, one after the other. Bian Ye probably never imagined that less than a century after his death, because he couldn’t make a living in the Lu Dynasty, he ran to the barbarian land of Great Li to make a living. Now, he had inexplicably become a saint in the painting world of the Treasure Bottle Continent, with praise such as “most skilled in the beauty of flowers, birds, and broken branches, with exquisite coloring, vivid and lifelike,” and “exquisite skill, a model for both ancient and modern times,” countless compliments all rushing forth.
When Song He was young, he listened to teachings here with some of the princes. Someone shared Song He’s opinion, saying that the paintings were too gaudy. The late Emperor had no comment on the quality of the paintings at the time, only saying that whoever became the owner of this room in the future, regardless of their personal taste, these paintings must be kept.

However, among the sea of calligraphy, a certain scroll was a truly invaluable treasure, titled “Returning Home Is Worse Than Never Leaving.”

It could even be called the greatest treasure in the Great Li Imperial Study.

It was a work of Song He’s teacher, the Great Li Dynasty’s National Preceptor, Cui Chan, a genuine piece, of course.

Cui Chan’s calligraphy, especially his running script and cursive script, was incomparably exquisite, recognized throughout the entire Vast World as being worth a thousand gold pieces per word.

Back then, Cui Chan, the foremost disciple of the Confucian Sage, the Embroidered Tiger, lived up to the “Embroidered” in his name, just as Chen Chun’an of Sahā Continent lived up to the “Pure” of the Pure Confucian.

Cui Chan had the Four Floral Scrolls, the Four Cloud Scrolls, the Four Spring Scrolls, and the Four Mountain Scrolls, totaling sixteen scrolls passed down through the generations.

The sixteen scrolls were scattered across the Nine Continents, all falling into the hands of renowned collectors. Among them, a grand cultivator of the Central Divine Continent had a deep connection with Cui Chan, spending a vast fortune to acquire two scrolls: “Begging for Rice” and “Dispute Over Seats.” He publicly destroyed them, considered a heroic and satisfying act.

However, a century later, the truth came to light. This old cultivator, who proclaimed himself “the foremost despiser of Cui Chan in the world,” had his secret revealed by his descendants. It turned out that the old turtle had only destroyed two forgeries, secretly keeping the authentic pieces to pass down to his family.

Moreover, it was rumored that the Liu Clan of the White Continent, White Emperor City, the Yu Clan Head of the Central Continent, and Jiang Shangzhen of Jade Decree Sect, all possessed one of these treasures.

Cui Chan entered and bowed, “Your Majesty, we can begin the discussions.”

It was a salute between a subject and his ruler.

The young Emperor immediately stood up and returned the bow, a salute between a teacher and his student.

In fact, it was unnecessary, but Song He never made exceptions, even in front of all the central ministers of the small court assembly.

Not long after Cui Chan sat down, the Minister of Rites and two Vice Ministers bowed and then took their seats.

Then came the cultivators from Bottle Continent.

The Sect Master of Divine Edict Sect, a Taoist immortal, Grand Heavenly Lord Qi Zhen.

The Chief Royal Protector of Great Li, Sect Master of Dragon Spring Sword Sect, Ruan Qiong.

The Old Ancestor of Wind and Snow Temple, a realized cultivator with the appearance of a child. His most recent appearance was during the three sparring matches between Wind and Thunder Garden and Righteous Sun Mountain.

From True Martial Mountain, a sword-bearing man who had just been promoted to Hall Master of the Ancestral Hall.

In the eyes of outsiders, True Martial Mountain only needed a Ma Ku Xuan to possess the future.

In reality, Wind and Snow Temple wasn’t bad either, with a Wei Jin of the Immortal Terrace. The only flaw was that Wei Jin had little attachment to Wind and Snow Temple, having always been distant and indifferent due to his lineage. Now he had even gone to the Great Wall of Swords. Otherwise, Sword Immortal Wei Jin would have had a place here today.

Chief Royal Protector of True Realm Sect, Liu Laocheng, who rose from humble origins as a rogue cultivator from the Book Stream Lake.

A Great Confucian from Viewing Lake Academy.

The Mountain Lord of Hidden Cloud Mountain’s Deer Academy.

City Lord Fu Qi of Old Dragon City.

The Old Ancestor of the Gao Clan of Geyang from the Great Sui Dynasty.

The Four Great Mountain Lords of the new Five Peaks of Bottle Continent. The North Peak Wei Bo and the Central Peak Jin Qing were among them.

Only the South Peak Fan Junmao was absent.

The Grand Master of the Mo Family.

The Mo Family wandering knight Xu Ruo, behind Heng Jian.

An Old Ancestor of the Jiang Clan of Cloud Forest.

Two River Gods from the central part of Bottle Continent.

Rumor had it that they were gathering the waters of the Six Rivers and Twelve Tributaries, ultimately merging them into the sea to form a great waterway!

It seemed that this sensational rumor was not groundless.

The Clan Head of Qingfeng City’s Xu Clan, after obtaining a Wart Armor, was like a tiger with wings, possessing immense killing power.

A young-looking woman from Righteous Sun Mountain. It was said that she was a newly appointed Old Ancestor overseeing financial matters, relatively unknown compared to the sword cultivator Old Ancestors of Righteous Sun Mountain.

She was sitting in the lowest seat today.

Even behind the leaders of the old Great Li territories.

Logically speaking, Righteous Sun Mountain and the Xu Clan of Qingfeng City were close allies, but when the Xu Clan Head waited for the summons earlier, he only nodded to the Righteous Sun Mountain female cultivator beside him, not bothering with any pleasantries.

She, however, took the initiative to give a bow, then sat back down.

A total of thirty-six Dao cultivators and Mountain and Water deities gathered together. Most of them were engaged in conversations with each other. For example, the Jiang Clan and the Fu Clan of Old Dragon City were related through marriage, while the Xu Clan of Qingfeng City and the Upper Pillar Kingdom Yuan Clan were related through marriage and had some connection with the Vice Minister of Rites. The Minister of Rites was even seated beside Ruan Qiong, engaging in friendly conversation. Wei Bo and Jin Qing were subtly antagonistic towards each other. The other two new Mountain Lords seemed to have a decent relationship, discussing serious matters. Qi Zhen and the Mo Family Grand Master were chatting happily. Even the Old Ancestor of the Gao Clan of Geyang had lived in Hidden Cloud Mountain’s Deer Academy for many years and could discuss scholarly matters with the Great Confucian from Viewing Lake Academy.

It was a pity that this female cultivator from Righteous Sun Mountain had no one to talk to.

Cui Chan stood up and said directly, “Today, I have gathered everyone here to discuss ten matters.”

Inside and outside the room were two different worlds.

Everyone held their breath and focused, without any casual expressions.

Besides the fact that the discussions in the Imperial Study today were related to everyone’s interests, the Great Li National Preceptor’s current elusive realm was also crucial.

As for the three Rites officials, they seemed to be listening to their teacher’s instruction.

Cui Chan said, “The first matter is that the imperial court will soon announce the subordinate mountains to assist the crown prince, related to the Five Peaks.”

The four Mountain Lords naturally listened carefully to this matter, as it concerned the very foundation of their Dao.

In fact, this matter was not only a domestic affair of the Five Peaks but also involved the personal interests of everyone present.

The Minister of Rites stood up, opened a book, and began to recite the names.

After reading the last word, the Minister of Rites looked at Cui Chan. Cui Chan, who had been standing all along, nodded slightly, and the old Minister sat down.

Cui Chan said, “The second matter is to select a few well-respected sect candidate mountains.”

The Clan Head of Qingfeng City’s Xu Clan straightened his back and sat up straight.

The female cultivator from Righteous Sun Mountain also quickly composed herself.

The woman seemed especially afraid to look directly at the Sage Ruan Qiong of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect.

Even when waiting for the Emperor’s summons earlier, the female cultivator didn’t glance at Ruan Qiong.

The reason was simple. Righteous Sun Mountain wanted to become a “Sect”-level immortal family, to take the entire sword dao fortune of the Vermilion Fluorescence Dynasty into its possession, to establish immortal residences there, and to attract and plunder all sword dao talents.

In the end, four candidate mountains, including the Xu Clan of Qingfeng City and Righteous Sun Mountain, were expected to rise to the ranks of sects, and the Great Li imperial court would allocate financial and material resources to them in the future.
The third matter is to discuss the dredging of a major canal into the sea, as well as nominate suitable immortal masters to assist in this endeavor.

The two river deities, whose authority now rivals that of the Yang Flower of the Iron Talisman River, could scarcely conceal their excitement.

Although today’s meeting will not determine who will ultimately serve as the Grand Canal River God, being invited to participate in today’s discussion is already a great honor.

In addition, the Great Li Imperial Court has officially selected three individuals: the civil official Liu Qingfeng, the military general Guan Yiran, and Liu Xunmei.

The remaining assistant candidates are all mountain cultivators. Those residing near the future Grand Canal each offer their own suggestions.

The Old Ancestor of the Yunlin Jiang Clan felt this journey was particularly worthwhile, because the Grand Canal’s estuary is very close to the Yunlin Jiang Clan, so he also proposed that a Jiang Clan scion, Jiang Yun, participate.

Gongfeng Liu Laocheng of the True Realm Sect smiled knowingly.

The fourth matter is to conduct a screening of the mountain and water shrines in various places, elevate the legitimate ones to official status, and have the imperial court issue corresponding imperial decrees. Cultivators from various mountains will help to increase their incense offerings. If any are classified as licentious shrines, they will be immediately prohibited and destroyed. Various mountains will be responsible for suppressing them.

The two Vice Ministers of the Ministry of Rites each read the contents of their respective books.

The fifth matter is to relocate the Great Li capital, this imitation White Jade City, to the Central Peak region of the former Zhu Ying Dynasty.

The Mohist Giant stood up and briefly stated some precautions.

Anyone below the Thirteenth Realm can be killed. The person responsible for guarding White Jade City is an old acquaintance of Mountain Lord Jin Qing of the Central Peak, the Mohist rogue Xu Ruo.

The sixth matter is to discuss that all immortal forces in Treasure Bottle Continent must pay taxes to the Great Li Imperial Court in accordance with the law.

The Imperial Study was immediately plunged into silence.

Cui Chan spoke: “This matter is complex. It is impossible to reach a comprehensive agreement in just one or two days. All of you only need to say whether you agree or disagree today. If you agree, someone will refine the details. If you disagree, it will be shelved for the time being, and the Great Li Imperial Court will not deliberately target anyone in the near future. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree, you will receive a booklet upon leaving this place, which contains detailed explanations. There will be some differences between different mountains, but they will not be too significant. There is no need for you to rush to express your views now. Today is just to notify you. There will be a grace period of at most one year.”

The seventh matter is the Great Li Dynasty borrowing people and money from various mountains, and how to repay the debts. Furthermore, various mountains need cultivators to descend the mountains to gain experience, and to “pacify” the surviving elders and descendants of the destroyed dynasties and vassal states, inviting them to reside in the capital of the Great Li for a period of time. If they like the local customs, they can stay for a long time.

The eighth matter is to discuss revitalizing Buddhism in Treasure Bottle Continent and building temples, and to appoint a prominent monk to serve as the chief official.

Upon hearing this matter, Heavenly Lord Qi Zhen frowned.

The ninth matter is that Cliff Academy of Great Sui must return to the ranks of the seventy-two Confucian academies. If possible, Deer Forest Academy should also strive for it.

The Old Ancestor of the Geyang Gao Clan was very gratified.

One matter after another, one item after another on the agenda, was advanced extremely quickly under Cui Chan’s guidance.

The young Emperor Song He just sat behind the desk, showing no sign of anger at the national teacher overstepping his authority, but instead looked radiant.

Cui Chan said, “The previous nine matters were all for the sake of this last tenth matter. This last matter is also crucial to the lives of everyone present, including His Majesty.”

Cui Chan waved his sleeve, and the mountains and rivers of the continent were revealed to everyone.

All important mountains and sects were lit up on the scroll like lanterns.

Cui Chan said, “We need to talk about what kind of defense line Treasure Bottle Continent should deploy to resist the northward advance of the demon race army after the Sword Qi Great Wall is breached and the entire Tong Ye Continent collapses.”

One continent with five sacred peaks, commanding the mountains. The great canals in the center of the continent consolidate the continent’s waterways.

Lake View Academy, Cliff Academy, and Deer Forest Academy are the location of the continent’s cultural heritage.

God Decree Sect, Dragon Spring Sword Sect, Wind and Snow Temple, True Martial Mountain, Old Dragon City, Yunlin Jiang Clan, True Realm Sect of Scroll Mountain Lake, and Xu Clan of Clear Breeze City, are all key defense locations on the continent.

In addition to the various vassal forces and the scattered great mountains, each is a firmly rooted chess piece.

Cui Chan said, “It is definitely far from enough to have only a series of defense centers along the coast, such as Old Dragon City and Yunlin Jiang Clan. There must also be sufficient strategic depth, as well as mutual support between the mountains.”

“Connecting points into lines, and then to surfaces, is still not enough, it is too rigid.”

“We also need a large number of attacking sword boats, more mountain-crossing ferries, and countless immortal coins must be invested.”

“In addition, many plans are not related to you, and it is useless to say more. You will know them one by one in the future.”

The Imperial Study of the Great Li capital was deathly silent.

Cui Chan pointed to the farther south and west of the Treasure Bottle Continent map, one being Tong Ye Continent, and the other should be Middle Earth Divine Continent.

Cui Chan’s expression was indifferent, “A vast world actually needs the smallest Treasure Bottle Continent to help block the demon race army. Isn’t that a huge joke? I want the seven continents of that vast world to be laughed to death.”

Finally, Cui Chan said in a deep voice, “Since a huge Tong Ye Continent cannot stop the demon race army and is destined to collapse and sink in an instant, let our little Treasure Bottle Continent accomplish this matter. Everyone, a major trend is imminent. Those who are willing to save the situation, please stand up.”

The young emperor was the first to stand up.

Everyone present stood up.

At this time, a person who did not look like a cultivator walked into the Imperial Study and smiled, “My surname is Fan, of course not the Fan family of Old Dragon City. I am from Middle Earth Divine Continent, with some wealth, and I am willing to use immortal money as the mainstay to do my best for Treasure Bottle Continent.”

In the corridor outside the Imperial Study, an old eunuch in a bright red python robe stood, his expression strange, squinting at the white-clothed boy squatting on the ground against the wall.

The white-clothed boy said angrily, “I broke my life, rushing around, tired and exhausted, and finally tricked this old man Fan here. I’ve been standing here for most of the day, and I’m not allowed to rest? Am I pissing or shitting here? Do you care whether I squat or stand? Try looking at me again, and I’ll give you a monkey picking peaches, fishing for the moon in the sea, do you believe it, are you afraid?”

Heaven and earth were isolated, no one knew the words outside, Cui Chan still drank softly in the house: “Cui Dongshan!”

The white-clothed boy with a mole between his eyebrows shook his sleeves, not striding into the Imperial Study, but just walking in, only leaving a sentence: “There is good news, the Sword Qi Great Wall can hold on for two or three years longer than expected.”

Cui Dongshan went to that imitation White Jade City, alone on the high building.
Perched atop the building, Cui Dongshan gazed through the window at the vast expanse of the sky, a wistful longing blooming in his heart for those childhood days spent confined to the attic, immersed in his studies.

Never did he imagine that even now, a youth in appearance, he would bear the visage of an old, white-haired sage.

Damn the saying, “Youth knows no sorrow,” and damn the claim that with “An old crane’s single cry, all other chirps are silenced.”

To blossom without bearing fruit, a lament sung since ancient times.

One continent suffers thus, several continents suffer thus, the mountains, the mortal realm, the world entire suffers thus.

Cui Dongshan slapped himself firmly on the cheek. “At this very moment, in this very scene, weep for me!”

He massaged his reddened cheek, opened his mouth wide, and let out a fearsome roar, “I am fearsome indeed!”

After departing the capital city of Dali.

Along the official road, travelers cast sidelong glances, unable to restrain their curiosity.

A frail and pitiable child, carrying a white-robed youth on his back, staggered onward, while the young man radiated pure, unadulterated joy.