Having entered the alleyway residence, Liu Qingfeng and Chen Ping’an engaged in conversation, reminiscing about the past. However, compared to the camaraderie Chen Ping’an shared with his fellow townsman Zhao Yao, this felt more… formal.

They mostly discussed the customs and culture of the Azure Luan Kingdom, as well as Liu Qingshan and the Lion Garden. Liu Qingfeng’s younger brother, Liu Qingshan, after marrying the female Daoist Liu Boqi of the Martial Blade Workshop, had been traveling afar for many years. He even paid a visit to Upside-down Mountain, almost like a family reunion. On that mountain, becoming a disciple was akin to reincarnation. Liu Boqi’s esteemed master was none other than the aged female Daoist guarding the gate of Upside-down Mountain. Separated by a single doorway, were two worlds: the “little Daoist” Jiang Yun Sheng of Azure Jade City in White Jade Capital, and the Sword Immortal Zhang Lu of the Great Wall of Sword Qi. When Liu Boqi returned to the Martial Blade Workshop, Liu Qingfeng embarked on his first journey to Upside-down Mountain. The Summer Palace was aware of his arrival, but Chen Ping’an did not make an appearance.

After they were seated, Chen Ping’an chuckled, “The first time I saw a certain travelogue in a foreign land, my immediate thought was that Master Liu had no interest in officialdom and was trying to earn a living through writing.”

The old physician, who had a past with the River God of the Clear Ripple River, Li Jin, was the head of the Court of Sacrificial Rites. This court, along with Zhao Yao’s Court of Merit Evaluation in the Ministry of Personnel, and the Court of Military Appointments in the Ministry of War, were consistently the most powerful “minor” departments in the Great Li Dynasty. The old man had once participated in a meticulously planned mountain and river hunt orchestrated by Great Li, aiming to encircle a saber-wielding man wearing a bamboo hat in Red Candle Town. But the outcome was hardly in doubt, as that man single-handedly took down the entire group.

After that, the old physician even led Ruan Xiu and Xu Xiaoqiao of the Dragon Spring Sword Sect south to the Book Brief Lake, eventually settling at Hibiscus Mountain. There, he engaged in activities like catching butterflies and dragonflies, all in pursuit of a martial talent native to Great Li. As the saying goes, old men have many old stories.

He was no stranger to this lord of Fallen Phoenix Mountain. Moreover, for over two decades, regardless of how the Mountain Lord of Northern Peak, Wei Bo, used Cloud-Veiled Mountain to obscure Fallen Phoenix Mountain, it could not escape the scrutiny of the Great Li Ministry of Rites, the Directorate of Construction, and the Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s Mountain God, Song Yuzhang. However, as time passed, Song Yuzhang’s golden statue and ancestral temple were moved to Chess Mound Mountain, and the Director of Construction, Cao Gengxin, was promoted to the auxiliary capital of Great Li. Coupled with the collapse of the Ascension Platform, this earth-shattering event brought the Great Li Ministry of Rites’ secret surveillance of Fallen Phoenix Mountain to an end. And whether it was the two Great Li emperors’ support and regard for Northern Peak’s Wei Bo, choosing the unreliable Cao Gengxin as the Director of Kiln Affairs whose confidential reports could directly reach the imperial study, or allowing Song Yuzhang to move out of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, all could be seen as gestures of goodwill.

Therefore, the young sect leader’s straightforward jest upon being seated alerted the old physician to a sense of impending danger.

Was he planning to settle accounts with Great Li after the harvest season?

To be honest, if it weren’t for his duty, the old physician would have been reluctant to deal with this young man.

His background and experiences were too complex. His style of doing things was too cautious. Over the years, the old physician frequently perused the Ministry of Rites’ confidential files as a side dish with his wine, wanting to find a “natural” explanation for the young lord of Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s rise to prominence. However, whether it was Chen Ping’an’s bleak years as a kiln apprentice in his hometown or his later role as a bookkeeper in Book Brief Lake, the old man only saw the word “fallen” reflected in “Fallen Phoenix.” Yet, as if with each turn of the page, Chen Ping’an would quietly ascend to a higher position. For the average young person, many of those old grudges from the lower reaches of life would have been resolved decisively with youthful exuberance, but this young lord had just left them lingering, year after year, without making a move.

Now, a mountain in the Northern Peak region, and the place where the Great Li Song clan rose to power, were, according to the immortals on the mountain, only a few steps apart. Right under the Emperor’s nose, it had quietly been elevated to a sect, and surprisingly, it had circumvented the Great Li Dynasty, conforming to the etiquette of the Confucian Temple, but not to reason.

It was like a trivial matter in the villages and towns. A simple, honest man who had endured in silence for most of his life suddenly bought a pot of good wine, drank it all in silence, and then, filled with the smell of alcohol, went out into the night with a knife in his hand.

The oppression of local bullies and the tyranny of profligate sons could still be guarded against, but how could one predict the homicidal rage of an honest man?

There was no tea or wine on the table.

Anyway, Chen Ping’an was a guest.

Liu Qingfeng smiled, “If I were to be the ghostwriter, I wouldn’t change a single word of the first few thousand, keeping the beginning intact. But the rest would need major revisions. Chance encounters in the martial world would be filled with erotic descriptions, imitating the artistic style of the Bone Beach Mural City, and then imitating the Flower God Mountain of the Cloud Cave Blessed Land, accompanied by twelve paintings of colorful beauties. The strange and wonderful encounters on the mountain would be written with many twists and turns, in bold strokes, emphasizing the word ‘immortal’. Slaying enemies would be written with decisive and ruthless actions, never dragging on, emphasizing the word ‘ruthless’. In the officialdom, it would be praised for its sophistication and cunning, with airtight handling of affairs, highlighting the word ‘steady’.”

“In leisure time, when encountering mountains and rivers, he would meet reclusive hermits, engage in elegant conversations with famous figures from the three religions, discussing sincerity, debating Daoist principles, and expounding Zen secrets, all about the word ‘leisure’. It would make people feel like they were treading on high ground, with mountains as their foundation, white clouds at their feet, and birds on their shoulders. Seemingly ethereal, but in reality, empty. Where the writing is simple, it would be straightforward, taking full advantage. Where the writing is complex, it would be otherworldly and reclusive, but only a showy façade. The core purpose of the writing, in the final analysis, would be nothing more than the common sentiment of a person who is ‘afraid of poverty’, and the word ‘business’ in everything written, said, and done. When making money, it would be for profit, for practicality, for the elevation of one’s realm, for the day when ‘I am the principle’. Where money is lost, it would be for fame, for nurturing reputation, for accumulating good karma, for winning the hearts of beauties.”

“Finding the Jade Forest Sect in Beiju Luzhou, we would split the profits nine to one, and I might not even take a single copper coin. I would only ask that outside every immortal ferry crossing, every bookstore in the towns below should have a few copies of this travelogue. The first volume? The first volume would be about this person’s subtle and unfathomable mind, with more than a dozen details worthy of careful examination by those interested, allowing busybodies to savor them. A gentleman or a hypocrite, ambiguous and uncertain. The second volume would be about his bright actions and magnanimous character, infiltrating the military camps of the desolate lands amidst the chaos, befriending many demon kings, playing with people’s hearts with ease, solely for the sake of Haoran, establishing immortal merit.”

Hearing this, Chen Ping’an smiled, “The key to whether there is a second volume of the travelogue depends on whether this person can safely escape and return home to establish a sect.”

Fortunately, these were just replays of a game of chess. Fortunately, Liu Qingfeng was not that writer.

A scholar who only knows how to talk about the mind can’t stir up any waves. Even with a brilliant pen and voluminous works, he might not be able to withstand a single nursery rhyme, and the world would be turned upside down. But every scholar who can gain a foothold in the officialdom, especially if this person can rise rapidly, should not be provoked lightly.
Liu Qingfeng chuckled, saying, “Has Master Chen ever considered that I, too, am wary of you?”

Chen Ping’an remained noncommittal, asking, “I am well aware of Master Liu’s character. You are not the sort to worry about winning fame and reputation, so are you concerned about failing to ‘fulfill your sovereign’s mandate’?”

Liu Qingfeng patted the armrest of his chair, shaking his head. “I, too, deeply believe in Master Chen’s integrity. Thus, I never worry that Master Chen is a second Jia Yi of Hao Ran, or a Zhou Mi of Bao Ping Continent. I simply worry that the chair that is Bao Ping Continent still has loose mortise and tenon joints, not yet truly solid. After Master Chen returns, you will be swept up in the grand scheme of things, endowed with destiny, and then, when you sit down, give it a little wiggle, and accidentally, the whole thing collapses.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “So, what is His Majesty the Emperor’s intention?”

Liu Qingfeng replied, “Therefore, His Majesty hopes that Mountain Master Chen can concurrently serve as the Headmaster of the Linlu Academy on Píyún Mountain. Afterwards, regardless of whether the location of the Lower Sect is in the former Zhūyíng Dynasty in the central part of Bao Ping Continent, or in Tóngyè Continent or Běijùlú Continent, the Great Li Dynasty will provide full assistance in helping the literary lineage of the Sage of Culture to flourish. Within the three continents, the teachings of the Sage of Culture will be uniquely esteemed, yet without rejecting the contention of a hundred schools of thought. Within a century, including Cliff Academy, Linlu Academy, Guānhú Academy, Yúfú Academy, and Dafú Academy, at least ten academies across the three continents will erect stone tablets at their gates, inscribed with teachings. Taking the Cliff Academy of the Great Sui Dynasty as an example, it will inscribe ‘Exhortation to Learning,’ while Linlu Academy will erect a tablet with ‘Cultivating the Self.’ Perhaps, one day, there will be a thirty-second academy erecting a tablet.”

In Hao Ran Nine Continents, the seventy-two academies established by Confucianism are a fixed practice.

As for the inscriptions on the stone tablets at the academy gates, there are no restrictions. Whether or not there is a stone tablet standing at the gate, and the content of the inscription, depends solely on the preferences of the successive headmasters of the academy. However, in general, they follow a rule of only increasing and never decreasing, with only one exception. That was after the conclusion of the “three-four dispute,” when the statue of the Sage of Culture was removed from the Central Earth Temple of Culture, losing its status as an accompanying deity, causing many academy inscriptions to be removed.

Chen Ping’an leaned back in his chair, smiling and asking, “What do you need me to do?”

Liu Qingfeng shook his head, “Master Chen only needs to serve as this mountain master and headmaster steadily and securely, and that will be a blessing for the Great Li and Bao Ping Continent.”

Chen Ping’an smiled slightly, “This matter is of great importance, I need to think it over carefully. As the sages teach, ‘Think thrice before acting.’ In any case, one thing I can guarantee is that I will never make things difficult for Master Liu, and Fallen Phoenix Mountain will never make it difficult for Secretary Liu to be an official.”

“Congratulations to Fallen Phoenix Mountain on joining the ranks of Hao Ran sects, flourishing day by day, advancing smoothly with each step, reaching its zenith like the sun in the sky, hanging high above Hao Ran.”

Liu Qingfeng stood up, cupping his hands and smiling, “I believe that day will surely come. However, according to that saying of Old Master Guan, Liu has already reached the ‘three-no’ age of being unable to walk, unable to chew meat, and unwilling to comb his hair, and will probably not see such a grand occasion, a regrettable matter. Regardless, Master Chen has such a proud disciple as Cao Qinglang, and Liu has such a half-disciple, so I must personally offer my thanks, and additionally congratulate Master Chen, for the flourishing of the literary lineage.”

Chen Ping’an returned the courtesy with cupped hands, “Cao Qinglang is a new Jinshi laureate, and also Master Liu’s half-disciple in the officialdom, a fortunate event. I also need to congratulate the Great Li Dynasty, for the gathering of literary talents.”

The imperial examination in the secondary capital of the Great Li, because the territory still encompassed half of the continent’s lands, attracted as many as several thousand aspiring scholars. The Great Li, according to the new laws, divided the Jinshi into five ranks. In the end, in addition to the three first-rank laureates, fifteen second-rank Jinshi were awarded the title of Maolin Lang, over three hundred third and fourth-rank Jinshi, and dozens of fifth-rank Jinshi were granted the status of Jinshi. The chief examiner was none other than Liu Qingfeng, and the two assistant examiners were the deputy headmasters of Cliff Academy and Guānhú Academy. According to the rules of the examination, Liu Qingfeng was the mentor of this session’s examination, and all the Jinshi belonged to Liu Qingfeng’s disciples. Because the final palace examination had been a formality decided beforehand by the Great Li Emperor, as it had been for over a hundred years, ever since the Xiu Hu Cui Chan served as the national preceptor.

Zhao Yao’s reputation was relatively obscure, he was one of the many paper graders, grading papers in his designated room, one of the dozen or so examination room masters. Moreover, the disciples of Zhao Yao who passed the examination had the fewest number of Jinshi compared to the other graders, with only two second-rank Jinshi.

The top scholar was Zhang Ding, the second was Cao Qinglang.

The third, Yang Shuang, was the youngest of the eighteen, with exceptional grace. If not for a fifteen-year-old prodigy Jinshi, the eighteen-year-old Yang Shuang would have been the youngest new Jinshi in the imperial examinations, and Yang Shuang’s horse ride “seeking flowers” in the Great Li capital had caused a sensation that drew crowds of thousands.

In addition, among the fifteen Maolin Lang of the second rank Jinshi, Wang Qinruo had the best literary talent, and was praised as “ethereally immortal, with many words of deities.” Furthermore, two brothers, both surnamed Cheng, jointly passed the second rank, with simple and sincere writing, “like the sages establishing words,” showing the Great Li literati’s extremely high evaluation of the two brothers.

The three first-rank laureates, plus Wang Qinruo and the “two Chengs,” these six people are now assisting the compilers of the imperial academy, literary leaders, in the compilation, selection, and collation of the Four Great Books.

After the group of three walked out of the residence, Liu Qingfeng stopped at the gate, and said with a smile, “Let me chat with Master Chen for a few more words.”

The old secretary of the Clear Affairs Department nodded, bid farewell to Chen Ping’an first, and quickly left, walking out of the alley.
Liu Qingfeng and Chen Ping’an strolled through the alleyways, indeed engaging in idle chatter, discussing topics unrelated to the affairs of a nation or continent. He spoke softly, “Among the martial arts sects that practice with spears and staffs, there must be a few disciples who are adept at writing and painting. Otherwise, the profound martial arts of the founder and the captivating legends of the Jianghu would be lost to time. Similarly, in the literary world, or even on a grander scale, within the lineage of Confucianism, the same principle applies. Once the incense fades and no successors emerge, if their skills in literary debate are lacking, or their ability to extol the achievements of their predecessors is insufficient, they will suffer greatly. As for the truth and falsehood within, or the degree of each, it is similar to the travelogues I mentioned earlier. Ordinary people simply watch the spectacle for amusement. Life is filled with worries, and few have the leisure to investigate the truth. It is like someone weeping next door; passersby may find the heart-wrenching cries merely annoying and inauspicious. If a wedding procession passes by and the sedan chair overturns, if onlookers see that the bride is beautiful, they may rejoice, feeling they have gained an unexpected benefit. If the bride is plain or vulgar, or if the groom falls from his horse and makes a fool of himself, delaying the wedding night, others may also be secretly pleased. Whether the bride is beautiful or ugly is of no concern to the passersby, but who cares?”

The old man was alright speaking while seated, but when walking, Liu Qingfeng’s breathing became uneven, and his steps faltered.

Chen Ping’an reached out to support the old Secretary’s arm, nodding and smiling, “I wonder when everyone in the world will be able to afford to read, understand reason, and discern truth from falsehood.”

Liu Qingfeng exclaimed in surprise, “Not discern right from wrong?”

Chen Ping’an said, “Knowing the truth of worldly matters will always be more difficult. As for whether one possesses a sense of right and wrong, it has little to do with reading.”

Liu Qingfeng nodded, then reminded him, “The more prosperous the era, the more obsequious scholars become, especially when they enter officialdom. Their flattering words are like a riot of colors, and their viciousness is hidden deep, steeped in ink. The better their writing, the longer it endures, so you must be even more cautious. If you were not a closed-door disciple of the Sage of Literature, these would all be external matters, not worth your concern. Achieve enlightenment and immortality, sever ties with the mortal world, and with a stomp of your foot and a shake of your shoulder, troubles below the mountain would not affect you above. You would still be yourself, free from all worries.”

Upon entering the door, he was the Grand Li’s Minister of Rites in the secondary capital, a man who had weathered the storms of officialdom, discussing official matters with the Mountain Lord of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

Upon leaving the door, he was merely an aging scholar, Liu Qingfeng, discussing the state of the world and the hearts of people with a like-minded companion.

It was unclear whether Chen Ping’an, as the Lord of a Sect, was still too idealistic, having not experienced enough hardship to understand the need to conform to local customs when one is not in a position of power.

It was clear that conforming to local customs without being corrupted by them was the mark of someone who had read ten thousand books and traveled ten thousand miles; the impoverished youth from the humble alley had indeed achieved something on his travels.

Chen Ping’an said, “Mr. Liu, please rest assured that, besides Liu Qingshan and Liu Boqi, who are already friends, and the Lion Garden of the Liu family ancestral home in Qingluan Kingdom, as well as the future generations of scholars, I will do my best to protect those people and things that deserve protection.”

Liu Qingfeng said helplessly, “I did not mean that.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Coincidentally, I have that intention.”

Liu Qingfeng was not so pedantic as to refuse a good intention, smiling knowingly.

Liu Qingfeng was silent for a moment, then standing at the alley entrance with Chen Ping’an, he asked, “Including those three hermits in Gray Haze Mountain, you always seem to seek trouble, expending effort and energy. What do you gain from it?”

Chen Ping’an thought for a moment, then joked, “When a heavy rain falls suddenly and the roads become muddy, who can avoid becoming a drowned chicken?”

Liu Qingfeng nodded, “After the rain clears and the scorching summer arrives, there will also be a touch of winter’s charm.”

A carriage was not far away. Both men cupped their hands in farewell.

Liu Qingfeng took only a few steps before stopping abruptly, turning around to ask, “Our Apothecary?”

Chen Ping’an looked blank, “Who?”

Liu Qingfeng hmm’ed, realizing, “Old age makes me forgetful. The Apothecary just took his leave.”

The old man turned, then turned his head again, smiling and asking, “The Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall, what kind of official is that, really?”

Chen Ping’an replied, “The rank is not small, but the authority is not great.”

Chen Ping’an leaned against the wall of the alley, hands clasped in his sleeves, watching the old man board the carriage, slowly departing in the twilight.

If there were no unexpected events, there would be no chance to meet Mr. Liu again. With the help of medicinal cuisine and nourishing pills, it could only slightly prolong the life of an ordinary scholar who had never cultivated, but it was ultimately powerless against the inevitable approach of death. Moreover, the more carefully one was nourished, the more a person’s mental and physical exhaustion would resemble an unstoppable flood, and forcibly prolonging life would only result in a poison along with medicine, or even exchange lifespan for a state similar to “a final blaze of glory.”

In this world, besides the absence of regret pills, there are also no panaceas that can cure all diseases.

With Liu Qingfeng’s departure, the Prince Song Jixin in the secondary capital would likely breathe a sigh of relief, but the Emperor in the capital would have a headache over the posthumous title, too high would be troublesome, too low would be guilty.

Dong Shuiqing came to Chen Ping’an’s side, asking, “Chen Ping’an, do you already know my identity as a Deferred-Payment Knife Merchant?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head, “I don’t know.”

Dong Shuiqing did not hide it, “Back then, it was Mr. Xu who went to the wonton shop on the mountain and found me, asking me to consider becoming a Deferred-Payment Knife Merchant. After weighing the pros and cons, I still agreed. I’ve been walking barefoot for too many years, and I don’t want to wear straw sandals for the rest of my life.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “What’s between you and me? Don’t give me all this flowery language. Isn’t it just because you think you don’t have enough money to marry a wife, and you’re worried that Lin Shouyi, that scholar from the academy, or even an immortal from the mountain, will beat you to the punch? So you’re determined to make big money, save enough money for your wife, and then have the confidence to visit Uncle Li’s family to propose marriage? If you ask me, you’re just too thin-skinned. If it were me, hehe, the water tank at Uncle and Aunt’s house would never be empty. Li Huai is going to the Great Sui? I’d follow along. Uncle and Aunt are going to the Northern Ju Continent? I’d just set off a little later and follow along. Anyway, I’d just pester them to no end.”

Dong Shuiqing almost suffered internal injuries. Chen Ping’an was the exception, or who would dare to touch someone’s sore spot?
Dong Shui Jing suddenly sized up this fellow, and said, “That’s not right. According to your words, coupled with the information I heard from Li Huai, it seems like you’ve been doing just that, haven’t you? Protecting Li Huai on his journey to study abroad, smoothing out relations with your future brother-in-law, taking on all the burdens along the way. Li Huai is particularly close to you. You even traveled across continents to visit, helping out at the shop at the foot of Lion Peak, earning praise from all the neighbors?”

Chen Ping An laughed in exasperation, “Can I be compared to you and Lin Shouyi? If you like a girl, but you’re all timid and foolish, aren’t you?”

Dong Shui Jing sighed, “You’re right. You went to the Great Wall of Swords when you said you would.”

Dong Shui Jing actually admired Chen Ping An the most for this matter.

In his youth, he traveled alone with his sword to Upside-Down Mountain, all the way to the Great Wall of Swords, just to see the girl he loved. If you like her, you have to let her know. It’s best if she likes you back, but even if she doesn’t, the young man doesn’t seem afraid of knowing that.

Dong Shui Jing couldn’t do it, and neither could Lin Shouyi. So the two cowards could only drink in silence together in the end, putting on a false show of strength.

Dong Shui Jing suddenly said, “You can travel so far, not afraid of thousands of mountains and rivers. So how about Divine Show Mountain, so close to Fallen Phoenix Mountain, how come you never go?”

Chen Ping An remained silent, unsure if it was because he had no answer, or because the answer in his heart was not suitable to be spoken.

There are some things in life, not just matters of romantic love, but also many regrets, like a person being at the Great Wall of Swords, but never having been to Upside-Down Mountain.

Maybe he never wanted to go, maybe he wanted to go but couldn’t. Who knows? Anyway, he ultimately never went.

Chen Ping An concealed his presence and returned to Fallen Phoenix Mountain from the city via wind manipulation.

In the archives room on the main peak, Spirit Gathering Peak, which was the domain of the Lawkeeper Chang Ming, Jiang Shangzhen and Cui Dongshan had already carefully examined the secret records regarding the Righteous Sun Mountain and Clear Wind City. There were dozens of them, categorized into nine major sections, involving the two Zong-level landscape registers, affiliated forces, overt and covert sources of wealth, the realms and origins of numerous guest elders, the intricate grudges of the mountain sects, and the strength of the opposing enemies… On each secret record, there were detailed annotations and circles, with vermillion words written beside them, including “Undoubtedly True”, “Doubtful, Pending Confirmation”, “Extendable”, and “Must Dig Deep”.

Although Zhang Jia Zhen was a small accountant from the Springs Office, he had always been assisting the Lawkeeper Chang Ming in classifying these files and intelligence for many years.

Seeing Chen Ping An enter with a knock, Zhang Jia Zhen softly said, “Mr. Chen.”

It was out of habit.

Just like those sword immortal seedlings, when they saw Chen Ping An, they still liked to call him Instructor Cao. Chen Lingjun still liked to call him Master.

Chen Ping An smiled and nodded in greeting, came to the table, casually opened a secret record book with the words “Righteous Sun Mountain Incense” written on the page, found the item for the Great Li Dynasty, and used a pen to circle the name of the feudal lord Song Mu, annotating beside it, “This person doesn’t count, the fiefdom remains.” Chen Ping An then flipped to the Righteous Sun Mountain Patriarch Hall genealogy, heavily circling the name of Tian Wan, and asked Chang Ming for a separate sheet of paper. He began to write. Jiang Shangzhen marveled, and Cui Dongshan repeatedly said “Good words, good words!” Finally, Chen Ping An inserted this piece of paper into the book, closed the book, held it down with his hand, stood up, and said with a smile, “It’s just such a character, even more unassuming than our Fallen Phoenix Mountain. Their actions and character are very senior, which is why I mobilized you two to explore the path together. Be sure, be sure, not to let her run away. As for whether it will stir up trouble, I won’t force it. If she sees the situation is not good and decisively flees, you can directly invite her to Fallen Phoenix Mountain as a guest. Don’t worry about making too much noise. The weight of this Tian Wan is not lighter than half of a Righteous Sun Mountain full of sword immortals.”

Jiang Shangzhen said, “Han Yu Shu?”

Chen Ping An nodded, “It’s very likely.”

Jiang Shangzhen rubbed his fists, looking radiant, and said, “We have Tung Leaf Continent, we have Treasure Bottle Continent, so is the mastermind behind the scenes in Northern Ju Lu Continent hiding in that impoverished Qiong Lin Sect that doesn’t make money?”

Jiang Shangzhen was very familiar with Northern Ju Lu Continent, as it was his second home. His friends on the mountain spanned the entire continent. In Northern Ju Lu Continent, as long as you mentioned Jiang Shangzhen’s name, you didn’t even have to pay for drinks.

Cui Dongshan softly said, “Sir, when we make a move, the knife must be quick, so quick that the opponent doesn’t even realize their throat has been cut. Accurate, steady, and ruthless. Just like when Sir cleaned up a Han Yu Shu on Peaceful Mountain.”

Chen Ping An nodded, “Liu Xianyang and I are in the open, you two are in the dark, in the lands of the three continents, which are not close to the Central Earth Continent, so that’s enough. After all, there is only one Sword Saint Pei Min, and we just happened to meet him.”

There were indeed not many figures that could make the three of them work together to deal with.

Cui Dongshan smiled and looked at Chief Zhou, and said, “If someone wants to learn from the semi-revival ancestor of your Jade Tablet Sect, to be that river-crossing dragon?”

Jiang Shangzhen laughed, “Of course, we must fulfill our duties as hosts. Even if there is no river-crossing dragon, we must use Sister Tian Wan and my ‘Han Yu Shu’ to create opportunities for the river-crossing dragon to come to Treasure Bottle Continent as a guest.”

Chen Ping An glanced at another pile of books, which were secret records about the Xu family of Clear Wind City. After thinking about it, he still didn’t turn the page.

He was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to restrain himself and would call Liu Xianyang to go straight to Clear Wind City. Compared to Righteous Sun Mountain, the grievances there were simpler and clearer.

So Chen Ping An only took out a book that recorded the landscape register of Righteous Sun Mountain and found the guardian enshrined on the first few pages.

Cui Dongshan lay on the table and said with emotion, “This Old Ancestor Moving Mountain is already famous throughout the continent.”

Jiang Shangzhen glanced at the real name of that Moving Mountain Ape, Yuan Zhenye. In the Vast Expanse, the Moving Mountain clan mostly had the surname Yuan.

Jiang Shangzhen’s expression was solemn, “An existence that can make the Mountain Lord and Ning Yao join forces to fight against is not to be confronted head-on, but only outsmarted?”

Zhang Jia Zhen, who personally screened the intelligence and recorded the secret records, was greatly shocked.

The Hidden Official and Ning Yao had once joined forces to resist Yuan Zhenye? Could it be that he had overlooked some shocking inside story? But at Fallen Phoenix Mountain, from the Great Steward Zhu Lian, to the Lawkeeper Chang Ming, to the Mountain Lord Wei, none of them had mentioned this secret affair.

Zhang Jia Zhen stared intently at that page, his mind racing. This guardian enshrined by Righteous Sun Mountain had two great feats in the past when he protected Tao Zi on her journey to the Cave Heaven of Lichee Pearl.

He almost moved Cloud-Draped Mountain back to Righteous Sun Mountain.
Chen Pingan released his grip, chuckling, “Do you really think I’m a fool? Back then, on that border plank road, Shi Rou’s attitude towards you changed so drastically. She must have seen something. Otherwise, with her temper, it’s not like she’d be enlightened just by you reasoning with her. I simply feel that everyone has their own secrets, so I deliberately didn’t ask and pretended not to know.”

Zhu Lian extended a finger, rubbing his temple, tentatively asking, “Young Master, can I show my true face from now on?”

Chen Pingan nodded, “Why not? Our Luopo Mountain is already a sect, so it doesn’t make a difference.”

Zhu Lian turned his back to the bamboo building, peeling off two layers of skin, revealing his true visage.

A martial madman. A noble young master. A banished immortal.

Chen Pingan was well aware of these rumors circulating in the jianghu regarding Lotus Root Blessing Land, but he never imagined how “noble” or “immortal” he could be. At most, he thought he would be like Lu Tai, Cui Dongshan, or Wei Bo.

Therefore, at this moment, Chen Pingan was struck by lightning, stunned for a long time. He glanced at the gloating Wei Bo, then looked back at Zhu Lian, still hunched over. Chen Pingan grimaced, his smile turning awkward. He even subconsciously took two steps back, as if distancing himself from Zhu Lian’s face would bring him peace of mind. He lowered his voice and advised, “Zhu Lian, just stick to being your old cook. This business of being a ‘reflection in the water, flower in a mirror’ is dishonest and makes you money, but the reputation isn’t good.”

“Indeed, the most shameless thing in the world is making a living off your looks.”

Zhu Lian nodded, his voice gentle and unfamiliar. Then, smiling, he reapplied the two layers of skin, one being Manager Yan Fang’s, the other being the old cook’s.

Chen Pingan reminded, “Voice, don’t forget the voice.”

Zhu Lian smiled, “Okay.”

Finally, his face and voice transformed back into the familiar old cook.

Chen Pingan breathed a sigh of relief but added, “If Luopo Mountain is ever really short on money, we’ll talk about it again.”

The “reflection in the water, flower in a mirror” act of Luopo Mountain was indeed worth anticipating.

Zhu Lian.

Jiang Shangzhen, Mi Yu, Wei Bo. Cui Dongshan.

Among the guest elders, there was also Liu Zhiqing. In the future, they could add Lin Junbi…

And among the younger generation, there were Chen Li, Bai Xuan…

Talent abounded, with absolutely no worries about a lack of successors.

The two sat down, and Chen Pingan took out two jugs of glutinous rice wine, beckoning towards Wei Bo.

Chen Lingjun followed beside Wei Bo, addressing him as “Brother Wei” at every turn, as warm as a dish freshly served at the table.

Chen Lingjun’s attitude towards Mountain Lord Wei had been fluctuating ever since he arrived at Luopo Mountain. There was a clear dividing line. When the Mountain Lord went down the mountain for a long journey and there was no one to rely on at home, Chen Lingjun would be polite to Mountain Lord Wei. When Mountain Lord was on Luopo Mountain, Chen Lingjun would be less reserved with Brother Wei.

Ascending cultivators usually only remembered being beaten, not being fed. Old Master Jing Qing was different, only remembering being fed, not being beaten.

A limping child walked towards the stone table, his face bruised and swollen. For the first time, he wasn’t clasping his hands behind his back.

Bai Xuan covered his face with one hand, his words mumbled, “Hidden Official, I still want to practice boxing, but can you please not let Pei Qian teach me? She’s not honorable. Her sparring doesn’t restrain her cultivation.”

Chen Lingjun lowered his head, struggling to suppress his laughter.

Zhou Mili scratched her face, stood up, and gave her seat to the taller Bai Xuan, asking softly, “How many realms did you ask Pei Qian to suppress?”

Bai Xuan fumed, “I overestimated her, considering her to be a Golden Body Realm. We agreed beforehand that she’d suppress four realms. But she pretended to be polite, saying she’d suppress five realms instead.”

Bai Xuan quickly turned his head to look at the path near the bamboo building, making sure Pei Qian wasn’t there. Only then did he continue, “But her punches were unreasonably vicious. I couldn’t even see how she threw them. I was flying around in the air like a sword, getting hit by so many punches before I landed. As soon as I landed, Pei Qian’s instep was already in front of my eyes. When I woke up, Pei Qian was squatting beside me, saying she had retracted her foot at the last moment, otherwise, a toe jab to my heart would have made me either vomit blood while eating, or… well, practice footwork while sleeping.”

Bai Xuan wore a mournful expression, rubbing his swollen cheeks, complaining, “Hidden Official, how did you accept such a disciple? Pei Qian is a liar. There’s no such thing as sparring like that. She doesn’t show any fellow disciple compassion. It’s like I’m her enemy.”

Chen Pingan was somewhat distressed, then said softly, “Are you stupid? Next time you ask for sparring, ask if she can suppress six realms. As long as she agrees, whatever happens next, I won’t show any favoritism.”

Bai Xuan’s eyes darted around, tentatively asking, “Would suppressing seven realms work?”

Chen Pingan frowned slightly, appearing somewhat disgusted, “Ask her yourself, I don’t care.”

Bai Xuan swayed as he stood up, staggering towards the path. Once he reached a secluded spot, he immediately took off running to find Pei Qian, saying that his master, Chen Pingan, told her to suppress seven realms. Haha, this young master never holds grudges overnight.

About an incense stick later, Bai Xuan staggered back to the stone table, both sides of his face swollen beyond recognition. This time, his mumbled words were genuine. He said weakly, “I’m not practicing boxing anymore. Cao Master, I’m going back to Sword Worship Terrace. Can Mountain Lord Wei give me a ride? I observed the heavens last night, and it’s not a good day for sword flight.”

Chen Pingan chuckled, “It’s not good to stop halfway through practicing boxing. We can have someone else teach you in the future.”

Bai Xuan sat in the seat Zhou Mili vacated, pressing his face against the stone table. He shuddered from the pain and remained silent for a moment. “I’ll practice boxing, and Pei Qian is Pei Qian. One day, I’ll let her know what a true martial arts prodigy is.”

Bai Xuan remembered something and asked listlessly, “Hidden Official, what realm is Pei Qian in? She said hundreds or thousands of Pei Qians couldn’t beat her master.”

Chen Pingan said helplessly, “You actually believe that?”

Bai Xuan stood up, “I’m going to ask!”

Chen Lingjun’s eyes widened in admiration. There was actually a hero on Luopo Mountain who was no less than him?!

Bai Xuan limped away.

On the path, he encountered Pei Qian.

“Sister Pei, Sister Pei.”

Bai Xuan’s shoulders swayed as he walked forward quickly. Then, he sidestepped, walking on the edge of the path, moving inch by inch. “It’s getting late. Your master told me to get some rest. See you, see you.”
Having brushed past Pei Qian, Bai Xuan summoned all his courage and dashed away. By the time he collected himself, he had reached the stone steps. Unwilling to return to his dwelling, he ascended them, finally collapsing atop the mountain, rubbing his face in embarrassment.

Cen Yuanji, having completed her exercise on the wooden stakes, reached the summit. Bai Xuan, with his reputation in tatters, had already turned around. He lamented inwardly, “This young master hasn’t even learned to wreak havoc down the mountain like the Hidden Official!”

Cen Yuanji sat down to rest, hesitant before gently asking, “Bai Xuan, what happened?”

Logically, no one on Fallen Mountain should dare to bully Bai Xuan.

Bai Xuan muttered, “I was sleepwalking and fell.”

Cen Yuanji silently rose and resumed her descent.

Zhu Lian and Wei Bo, bathed in moonlight, returned to the courtyard for a game of Go, both missing their brother Dafeng dearly.

Outside the bamboo hut, near the cliff’s edge, Nuan Shu returned from a journey to the Lotus Root Blessed Land.

And so, Chen Ping’an, with the lotus infant atop his head, Pei Qian, Nuan Shu, Xiao Mili, and Jing Qing sat in a row on the cliff.

At Niujiao Mountain Ferry, Chen Ping’an, accompanied by Pei Qian and Xiao Mili, boarded the Corpse Beach Ferry to the Northern Ju Lu Continent for a quick trip.

Their planned route included the Hemp Robe Sect, the Ghost Domain Valley, the Spring Dew Garden, and the Prostrate Peak, followed by the Taihui Sword Sect, the Floating Duckweed Sword Lake, and the Dragon Palace Grotto Heaven, before finally returning to Corpse Beach to cross back home.

On the vast ocean, the northward-bound Hemp Robe Sect ferry suddenly received a flying sword transmission for help. A southbound Northern Ju Lu Continent ferry had encountered the legendary Night Wanderer Ferry and, unable to avoid it, was about to collide with the mysterious realm.

Chen Ping’an had originally intended for Pei Qian to escort Xiao Mili to the Hemp Robe Sect to await his arrival, but he changed his mind, deciding they should travel together.

They quietly left the ferry, instructing Pei Qian to fly slowly with Xiao Mili at sea. Chen Ping’an, on the other hand, flew alone on his sword to higher altitudes, gaining a wider perspective to survey the world while keeping an eye on Pei Qian and Xiao Mili, venturing south in search of the strange ferry.

One evening, Chen Ping’an descended upon the sea, sheathing his sword and bringing Pei Qian and Xiao Mili to a location. Soon after, Chen Ping’an frowned slightly, and Pei Qian, squinting, mirrored his expression.

A ferry as large as a mountain had passed right by them on the ocean.

Pei Qian wondered, “Master, how bizarre! It’s not an illusion, nor a mirage, and there isn’t a ripple of spiritual energy.”

Zhou Mili, crossing her arms, furrowed her sparse, pale eyebrows and nodded emphatically, “It’s a teeny bit peculiar, it is.”

Chen Ping’an pondered briefly before conjuring a talisman boat. Sure enough, the elusive Night Wanderer Ferry, nearly impossible to intercept, suddenly leaped out of the water from the ocean depths. The talisman boat seemed to run aground, appearing at the gates of a colossal city. Pei Qian focused her energy, gazing up to see a flash of golden light above the city gates, like a plaque, indistinct and blurry. Pei Qian whispered, “Master, it looks like a place called ‘Category City’.”

“‘Category City’? Never heard of it.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said to Pei Qian and Xiao Mili through mental transmission, “Remember one thing, once we enter the city, don’t speak, especially don’t answer any questions.”

There were no city restrictions, but as Chen Ping’an and his companions entered, a vibrant scene unfolded before them. Crowds surged, carriages rattled, and the bustling atmosphere resembled a prosperous capital.

Chen Ping’an turned to see Pei Qian wielding her Mountain-Traversing Staff and carrying a bamboo basket on her back, with Xiao Mili standing inside, shouldering a golden carrying pole. He playfully tapped Pei Qian and Xiao Mili on their heads, smiling, “Forget about all that caution. Ask and answer whatever you like. The world is vast, and we are free to roam.”