The ferryboat was quite a distance from the ground, buffeted by the winds of the heavens. One would appear as an immortal residing amongst the clouds, even if they were not.

Chen Ping’an jokingly teased Li Huai, “Traveling and studying so far, even wandering the Jianghu with Pei Qian, you haven’t encountered a lady who stirred your heart?”

What does it mean to stir the heart? Perhaps it’s amidst the bustling crowds, a fleeting glance that etches itself into one’s memory, never to be forgotten.

Li Huai shook his head, “Nope, I’m ugly as a twisted melon, my looks follow my dad. Any woman with eyes wouldn’t fancy me. I have that much self-awareness. Even if I wanted to be cheated of money and affection, I lack the wealth and looks for that. So, there’s one good thing: if a woman ever truly likes me, it’ll be genuine affection. So, what’s the rush? I’ll wait patiently.”

Actually, Li Huai’s appearance wasn’t bad at all. A young man with thick eyebrows and large eyes, he could be considered quite handsome.

The young Daoist sighed, “Young Master is truly frighteningly modest.”

Liu Chicheng nodded in agreement, “The first time I saw Young Master Li, I thought he possessed the bearing of a dragon and the grace of a phoenix, with an innate talent.”

Madame Tuoyan, recalling Mi Yu from Chunfan Zhai, suddenly understood why her relationship with Chen Ping’an had always been lukewarm—it was lacking this element.

Li Huai didn’t take the “heartfelt words” of the young Daoist and Pavilion Master to heart. Scolding him didn’t weigh much, and praising him even less.

Speaking of scolding, the truly potent curses weren’t found in books or on mountains, but in the village curses back home. Occasionally, a word or two could leave someone unable to lift their head or straighten their back for years, only daring to fetch water when few people were around.

Li Huai leaned on the railing, lost in thought.

It seemed his life was always inexplicably chaotic, catching him off guard, forcing him to tread on watermelon rinds, sliding wherever they led.

As a child, he only thought of Qi, the teacher at the school, as a strict instructor who was easy to talk to, but somewhat poor. Otherwise, wouldn’t he have a wife? So, at a young age, Li Huai resolved to follow his parents to work the fields, chop wood and burn charcoal, or become an apprentice at the dragon kiln—anything but become a teacher. It wasn’t a job that could fill one’s belly. Later, he learned that Teacher Qi’s knowledge was far greater than he had imagined. He was the mountain master of the seventy-two Confucian academies, the direct disciple of the Sage of Literature, and the junior brother of Grand Tutor Cui Chan of Great Li. Teacher Qi was an extraordinary scholar, and the more one learned about him, the more extraordinary he became.

Parting ways with Dong Shuijing and Shi Chunjia, only he and Lin Shouyi chose to travel far, catching up with Chen Ping’an and Li Baoping. The mountains and rivers looked fine in the broad daylight, but at night, they were pitch-black and frightening. He wore through pair after pair of straw sandals, and his hands and feet were covered in calluses.

Li Huai had never told anyone that, during the journey with Lin Shouyi before catching up with Chen Ping’an and Li Baoping, the phrase he repeated most often was asking Lin Shouyi to swear again and again that if he, Li Huai, ever regretted it and wanted to go home, Lin Shouyi had to accompany him.

Later, they encountered A’liang, a slovenly man with a bamboo hat and a donkey, who looked like he could be easily knocked to the ground by Zhu He with a casual punch, rolling around.

Often, Li Huai felt that A’liang’s way of speaking was so annoying, just like Zheng Dafeng. He seemed like the type of person who had a wooden chest under his bed, probably filled with women’s clothing and bodices. Li Huai worried that A’liang’s unbridled mouth would inadvertently anger Zhu He, especially since Zhu He came from Fulu Street and had many customs. That’s why Li Huai always smoothed things over, figuring that since he was young and spoke carelessly, Zhu He wouldn’t bother with him.

A’liang came mysteriously and left abruptly. Then, they met a big white goose, Yu Lu, who was “unceremonious.”

That “Unceremonious” was quite pretty, probably as beautiful as his two older sisters, Li Liu. She seemed like a girl who wouldn’t have to worry about getting married. It was a pity that Lin Mutou was still wholeheartedly fond of Li Liu. Li Huai couldn’t understand it—did his sister bewitch Lin Mutou with some kind of soup?

When Cui Dongshan said that Chen Ping’an was his teacher, Li Huai was bewildered. He felt that these outsiders were all confused—why didn’t he acknowledge his own father?

His parents went to a faraway place, they moved. His sister became a mountain immortal on Lion Peak. His parents opened a shop at the foot of the mountain, and business was good. They were frugal and didn’t spend much. He heard that his mother, when she returned to her hometown this time, spoke more firmly and loudly to the neighbors. She even brought his brother-in-law back to her parents’ house, and now she dared to be picky, complaining that her sister-in-law, who was cooking, didn’t use enough oil in the dishes, or that the dried bamboo shoots and duck soup weren’t chewy enough, or that the fish had a slight earthy taste.

His best friend, Pei Qian, seemed to have suddenly transformed from a little dark-skinned girl into a grown woman. Li Huai was still unsure which country Pei Qian was a princess from, why she had fallen into hardship, and how Chen Ping’an had picked her up and taken her along.

The world was in chaos, the world was at peace. Zheng Dafeng was no longer guarding the gate at Luo Po Mountain, Old Yang was gone. His sister got married. Chen Ping’an became the Hidden Official.

He was taken as a disciple by the old blind man at the Sword Qi Great Wall, and there was no stopping him, no kicking him away. Li Huai was slender and weak—who could he reason with? And Chen Ping’an wasn’t by his side at the time.

He never knew why, but when things came to a head, he had to make do, or what else could he do?

However, Li Huai felt fortunate, so he always reminded himself to cherish his blessings.

Chen Ping’an said, “Knowing your own weight and not blaming heaven or others when encountering difficulties—that’s called an ordinary heart. You probably inherited that from your father. It’s not obvious usually, but it’s actually a remarkable thing.”

Li Huai was happy to hear that, but he said, “Come on, I’m just a bully at home and a coward outside.”

In his memory, Chen Ping’an rarely scolded people, and he rarely praised them either.

In another street, that other Chen Ping’an also didn’t scold anyone, he just tossed pebbles.

On Ao’tou Mountain, Liu Jubao and Yu PanShui, two cultivators, naturally met here in their forms of wandering Yin Spirits.

They had inquired beforehand with Old Master Dong and Jingsheng Xi Ping, and received permission from the Wen Miao (Confucian Temple) for the matter of leaving their true bodies in the Wen Miao and sending out their Yin Spirits.

Old Master Dong even made a rare joke, saying that the Wen Miao wouldn’t dare to delay the two Gods of Wealth from earning money.

Just how many immortal coins Liu Jubao of Aiai Continent could earn in a day had always been a mystery of the Vast World.
For instance, during this council, both Mr. and Mrs. Liu were fully engaged. The woman visited the Bao Fu Zhai in Parrot Isle, while Liu Jubao had already secretly purchased the entire mountain peak mansion at a high price, waiting for the council to end before publicly announcing it.

Since the Liu family took over Turtlehead Mountain, the fruits and wines in each mansion have noticeably improved, especially the “Eight Water Delights,” with their exquisitely pure taste.

The Literary Temple was happy to see this happen. Besides the existing Wenjin Ferry, the construction costs of the other three temporary ferries built by the Literary Temple had already been recouped, with a profit to boot.

Liu Jubao had already made his plans. Six scenic spots would soon be created on the mountain, including two Go playing sites, one being the spot where the young Jiang Taigong held his challenge, and the other a pavilion just waiting for its signboard. The names of Fu Jin, Lin Junbi, and Yu Qingqing could all be used for promotion, but Jiang Longxiang was too much of a downgrade, not attracting customers and easily scaring people away.

In addition, there was the poetry wall led by Zhang Wenqian, with dozens of people writing poems and signing their names, a gathering of talents. There was also a water and land painting by the Painter Ancestor, with vermillion and green colors, dazzling and resplendent, featuring over five hundred figures of various kinds, a dazzling array, each with its own unique charm… In the future, whenever immortals travel or the Literary Temple holds councils, they will surely stay at Turtlehead Mountain.

The young Emperor Yuan Zhou, his face flushed red, exclaimed, “Excellent, excellent! Lord Hidden Officer is indeed profound and majestic. With just his sword intent, he cast a body-immobilization spell on that old rogue Yunmiao!”

“Yan, that dog-legged lackey, is a master of picking up scraps! Damn it, he actually snagged an Ascension Realm cultivator! I’m so envious!”

“Why aren’t they fighting? That little Yunmiao, how dare he still utter threats? Lord Hidden Officer, stab him to death with a sword…”

In the main hall, Liu Jubao and the others quietly watched the landscape painting, each with their own thoughts, while only the young emperor was chattering away.

Yu Panshui couldn’t stand the emperor’s annoyance any longer and said, “Your Majesty, aren’t you thirsty?”

Liu Suiyu laughed, “It’s quite good, not annoying at all.”

She had already kicked off her boots, sitting cross-legged on the chair, without socks, revealing a pair of jade-like feet, her toenails painted with red rouge, very eye-catching.

The Emperor of the Xuanmi Dynasty was almost like a novice storyteller, but his emotions were sincere, making it quite entertaining.

The young emperor, imitating the Jianghu heroes in the books, cupped his fist and said, “Sister Liu, we really hit it off at first sight. If you don’t mind, we can become sworn siblings. You’re welcome to visit my home!”

Liu Suiyu laughed, “Easy to say. As long as the salary is sufficient, not to mention siblings, even if I’m a maiden, I can still recognize a godson.”

Yuan Zhou immediately fell silent, realizing he had met a master. He couldn’t win.

These Jianghu sisters are unrestrained, not comparable to those wooden puppets in the palace.

Liu Jubao and Yu Panshui suddenly exchanged a glance.

Someone streaked across the sky like a rainbow, heading straight for Turtlehead Mountain.

Pei Axiang wondered, “Why is Chen Pingan coming to Turtlehead Mountain? With such a commotion, what does he want to do?”

Yuan Zhou rolled his eyes, “Isn’t it obvious? He’s definitely going to beat up Jiang Longxiang, with whom he has old grudges. In officialdom, ordinary people warm up cold stoves, but this guy is blinded by greed and tears down cold stoves. Serves him right for dismantling his old bones. It’s fine to beat him for nothing. Beat him and run. If I were Lord Hidden Officer, I would definitely beat the shit out of Jiang Longxiang and feed it back to him to eat his fill!”

Liu Jubao waved his sleeve, and another landscape painting appeared, depicting Turtlehead Mountain. Soon, a figure in green robes dragged Jiang Longxiang away.

Yuan Zhou slapped the armrest of the chair, “Worthy of being Lord Hidden Officer, always full of surprises! This move of ‘dragging the dog away for a stroll’ is unparalleled in style.”

The young man turned his head, “Grandpa Yu, please, help me make connections and have a good word with Lord Hidden Officer. Come to our side, not as a National Preceptor, just to establish a sect! Our Xuanmi will provide money, manpower, and resources, everything is negotiable, as long as he’s willing to open his mouth, Xuanmi will agree. Even I, the emperor, can be a nominal guest elder in his sect. When Lord Hidden Officer’s carriage arrives in the capital, I’ll have the Ministry of Rites plan it well, to create a historically memorable, jam-packed spectacle. I’ll personally lead his horse into the imperial city, allowing him to wear a sword to the palace, ride a horse, and use a palanquin, without palace restrictions…”

Liu Youzhou said, “Count me in, I also want to be a nominal guest elder.”

The more he looked at the young emperor, the more he liked him. He must visit the Xuanmi Dynasty more often in the future.

Yuan Zhou said, “Brother Liu, if you ever go to our Xuanmi to do business, no matter what you fancy, from the court to the local, from the mountains to the plains, a friendly price, an across-the-board 20% discount. One spit, one nail, I’ll leave my words here today!”

Yu Panshui rubbed his forehead. How could he not have a headache with such a seemingly foolish but actually cunning little rascal?

Liu Jubao laughed, “My business in Tongye Continent is a bit too large, not suitable for getting too close to Chen Pingan and Fallen Mountain. Your Xuanmi Dynasty is fine.”

Yu Panshui shook his head, not thinking that Chen Pingan forming an alliance with the Xuanmi Dynasty was necessarily a good thing. Firstly, it would easily attract attention. Secondly, familiarity breeds contempt, prolonged stays lead to disdain, and frequent visits make even relatives distant. These old sayings must be heeded. The age of old sayings is always greater than that of old people.

Chen Pingan, this young man, only acts like an embroidered tiger, but is not a true embroidered tiger after all.

The national strength of the Xuanmi Dynasty is on the rise. It doesn’t need anyone to offer help in times of need, let alone add splendor to perfection. Everything is stable and orderly, just needing to act according to plan. Within a hundred years, the dynasty’s ranking can be improved. If they can seize this opportunity to attack the Barbarian Wilderness, perhaps in one generation, the Xuanmi Dynasty can sit eighth, contend for seventh, and hope for sixth.

Yu Panshui began to nitpick, “Tongye Continent is such a leaky mess, seemingly full of money to pick up, with opportunities everywhere. But if Fallen Mountain’s lower sect is located in Tongye Continent, they might clash with the Liu family behind the scenes, causing both sides to turn red in the face. You are a principled person, but in recent years, the businessmen gathered under the Liu family are a mixed bag, with a fierce desire to make money, and may not be so principled.”

For a family or a mountain sect, as long as there are too many people, they will often do things that are superfluous.
For instance, they might worry about becoming idle and incompetent, desperately clinging to their prestigious positions. Those in charge of the Mountain and Water Gazette, even in a seemingly unimportant department, often can’t restrain their pens, leading to well-intentioned but misguided actions. Similarly, those responsible for upholding the law in ancestral halls and patriarch halls are cold and critical, finding fault with everyone and everything. And those who control the purse strings often create unnecessary obstacles, making it difficult for those seeking wealth within their own faction…

The Liu Clan of Aiai Continent has consistently handled these matters better than others.

Great wealth is in fate, not in labor. Great honor is in timing, not in diligence.

It sounds reasonable, therefore, Liu Jubao cares more about “family tradition” than anyone else. All Liu Clan descendants must start from the lowest positions, struggling and striving to make a name for themselves. They often change their names and identities, venturing into the marketplace, the imperial court, and the martial world, gaining experience over many years. During this process, the family will only secretly provide assistance twice. Only when the ancestral hall confirms their true potential can they return to the family. After that, they still face layers of scrutiny, one challenge after another, before finally becoming capable of handling affairs independently.

As for the only son, Liu Youzhou, does he need to earn money? Of course not. Liu Youzhou can spend money freely when he is out and about, like that Upside-Down Mountain Ape’s Roost Mansion.

Liu Jubao said, “For ambiguous matters, the Liu Clan’s vassal forces in Tongye Continent can yield a few steps if disputes arise in the future.”

It’s best to avoid their sharp edges, and never follow the example of the Nine Truth Immortal Hall by courting disaster. There are many unsavory outsiders acting recklessly in Tongye Continent, and their behavior will only become more unrestrained over time. The Liu Clan’s true target for collaboration is actually Wei Ying, who remained low-key during this Wenmiao meeting. A Jade Decree Sect Leader willing to actively support Tongye Sect cultivators is worthy of the Liu Clan’s attention. Therefore, the Sword Immortal Xu Xie, stationed at the Quishan Ferry, will soon receive a handwritten flying sword letter from Liu Jubao.

As for Chen Pingan and the Fallen Mountain, the Liu Clan doesn’t need to actively curry favor. As long as their business is large enough and they have many avenues for trade, they will inevitably encounter the Liu Clan of Aiai Continent, which has already established a foothold in Tongye Continent.

This isn’t Liu Jubao being arrogant or underestimating the young Hidden Official, but simply a statement of fact.

Yu Panshui asked via voice transmission, “What do you think Zheng Juzhong will talk about with Chen Pingan on the way from the house gate in Panshui County to the Wenjin Ferry?”

Liu Jubao chuckled, “Why would I bother guessing? It’s harder to predict than losing money in a deal.”

Zheng Juzhong is a man with deep schemes and near-demonic intelligence, after all, he’s someone who can win against Cui Chan in a game of Go.

Yu Panshui let out a series of “tsk, tsk, tsk.” Listen to what he’s saying, is that the language of a human?

Liu Jubao hesitated for a moment, then asked via voice transmission, “If Zheng Juzhong were to achieve the fourteenth realm of Dao Integration, where do you think he would integrate? Cui Chan talked to you more often in the past, did he give any hints?”

Yu Panshui grimaced, “Get lost, get lost, don’t mention that to me, it’ll get me into trouble. I haven’t heard anything, I don’t know anything, I don’t even know who Zheng Juzhong is.”

Then Yu Panshui looked at the Aiai Continent’s God of Wealth, whose few appearances were all made possible by extravagant spending, with a knowing smile.

What about you, Liu Jubao? Where will you achieve Dao Integration in the future?

The fourteenth realm of Dao Integration for cultivators is a silent struggle at the summit.

Liu Jubao laughed, “I only know how to make money, nothing else.”

Yu Panshui was thoroughly impressed.

Liu Jubao said without any apparent reason, “This Wenmiao meeting is different, it won’t tolerate those who pretend to be ignorant of the truth.”

Besides Nan Guangzhao, there were several other Ascended Realm cultivators who weren’t qualified to participate in the meeting. Wenmiao didn’t invite them, but they didn’t dare not to come.

For example, Jing Hao, whose Daoist name is Green Palace Guardian, a cultivator from Liuxia Continent. And Feng Xuetao, whose Daoist name is Green Secret, from Aiai Continent, but a rogue cultivator, who is always nowhere to be found.

Both of them are Ascended Realm cultivators who prefer to live in seclusion, and both are powerful Great Cultivators on the summit of vastness.

Yu Panshui rested his hand on his chin, “One must use poetry and books to create peace and prosperity, even if village dogs bark incessantly at one’s feet.”

Liu Youzhou laughed, “It’s necessary to give them a kick.”

The Golden Boy and Jade Maiden of the former Divine Proclamation Sect walked side by side, strolling but not sharing their thoughts.

By the banks of the Mandarin Duck Isles, a place with an auspicious name, it was a pity that the two were not a pair of mandarin ducks, only the man’s unrequited love.

Gao Jianfu looked at her and said softly, “Why are you doing this to yourself?”

Years ago, he learned something from the Sect Master. He Xiaoliang had publicly declared in the Northern Ju Lu Continent that she already had a mountain companion, waiting only for the other party’s nod.

Gao Jianfu felt even more desolate and murmured, “Why am I doing this to myself?”

He felt he wasn’t even as good as Wei Jin of the Wind and Snow Temple.

When the woman you love is near, yet feels infinitely far away. This feeling makes even drinking water taste like sorrowful wine.

He couldn’t accept that He Xiaoliang’s chosen companion was the straw-sandaled boy from the Li Zhu Cave Heaven.

No matter how much he reminisced about their first meeting, Gao Jianfu could only remember a dark-skinned, thin, humble, timid, and unremarkable country bumpkin.

He Xiaoliang turned her head and smiled softly, “Is it so difficult to accept that the person you love has someone else in their heart? I think the sky hasn’t fallen, and the road is still there.”

Gao Jianfu looked dejected and nodded, “You can accept it, I can’t.”

He Xiaoliang shook her head and said, “Many times, ‘can’t’ is just something you tell yourself too often. If you repeatedly ask yourself, only giving one answer, then you really won’t be able to do it. That’s why we need to cultivate our minds.”

Gao Jianfu said bitterly, “I’m not talking about Daoist principles with you.”

He Xiaoliang smiled, “If you’re not talking about Daoist principles, what else can you talk about?”

Gao Jianfu felt extremely heartbroken. This woman had always been this way, doing things her own way, with a clear and enlightened Dao heart. But the more she was like this, the more she made others worried and unable to let go.

He Xiaoliang reminded him, “If you continue to let this go, your inner demons will prevent you from ever reaching the upper five realms. What is Qi Tianjun hoping to achieve by deliberately bringing you along this time? Isn’t it hoping that you can sever the ties of love with a wise sword after reuniting with me, and make a clean break?”

Gao Jianfu turned to look at the water of the Mandarin Duck Isles, which seemed to be all sorrowful wine in his heart, regretting that he couldn’t drink it all or see the bottom.

He Xiaoliang sighed in her heart and didn’t try to persuade him further.

Gao Jianfu didn’t look away for a long time and asked softly, “What is so good about him?”
Some infatuated souls only wish that their unattainable beloved is worthy of no man under heaven, including themselves.

Seven emotions, six desires, five senses – humans roll about in the mortal world.

He Xiaoliang said, “The key to my Great Dao lies not in whether he is good or bad.”

The implied meaning is that whether good or bad, he is still her Dao companion in her heart.

Gao Jianfu muttered, “If I had known, I would have died in the central capital battlefield back then.”

He Xiaoliang didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Gao Jianfu, watching the subtle changes in the woman’s expression beside him, was utterly entranced.

Walking behind the two of them, the old ferryman accompanying Madam Gui also tried to strike up a conversation, saying, “The Barbarian Wasteland’s Peach Pavilion lives up to its name, truly a hero.”

A soaring realm great demon from the Barbarian Wasteland, daring to subdue Nan Guangzhao so thoroughly in the Wen Temple’s Lovers’ Isle, Gu Qingsong was quite impressed.

His only slight disagreement was that Brother Peach Pavilion was a soaring realm cultivator. With such a high realm, it was slightly flawed. This was not as good as his own jade purity realm after falling from immortal status.

Gu Qingsong glanced at the female immortal from the Qingliang Sect. He had heard that this junior sister had some unspeakable stories with Chen Ping’an.

The old ferryman was pondering how to ask that little brat for guidance on learning. He wouldn’t put on airs of a senior, as it wasn’t pleasing. He was a person who distinguished between what was important and what was urgent, and was generally recognized on the mountain as being steady and articulate.

That little thief Chen Ping’an was truly deceptive; he had kept his talents hidden. Even he had misjudged him back then, mistakenly thinking he was a naive, inexperienced youngster who didn’t understand anything about love between a man and a woman. He never expected that he would be a self-taught, peerless master.

Missing the opportunity, regretting the loss, made one want to turn green with remorse.

Just talking about that sudden, but abruptly discontinued, travelogue, Gu Qingsong was simply the most devout of all the readers. He had memorized it backward and forward. He had circled with a pen all the subtleties of the encounters between Chen Ping’an and various women, as well as the refined dialogues. Unfortunately, he had learned all the eighteen martial arts but ended up by Madam Gui’s side, unable to even speak. The disparity between what was written in the book and what he thought in his heart was too great. Knowledge gained from books is ultimately superficial.

While Gu Qingsong felt that Chen Ping’an’s talent was extraordinary, he was also saddened by his own dull aptitude. He didn’t know how much he could learn even if he sincerely asked Chen Ping’an for advice on that subject, even if the other party was willing to impart everything. He couldn’t help but softly call out, “Madam… Madam Gui.”

Madam Gui ignored him. This celestial vessel had only learned one skill from Lu Chen: to be as clingy as dried beef paste.

Gu Qingsong tentatively said, “It is a good match that Jin Su and Sun Jiashu were able to get together.”

Madam Gui still did not speak. Ordinary people were easy to deal with, giving them an inch and they would take a mile, why bother with him.

Gu Qingsong was a little smug. Did not being scolded this time mean that there was hope?

On the road by the river, two groups of people walked towards each other.

Gu Qingsong’s expression was strange; it was Xu Xuan and his friend passing by.

It was strange, why did everyone have to like his junior sister He Xiaoliang?

Neither side exchanged any glances, treating it as if they were strangers meeting on the road.

After they had walked further away, Xu Xuan turned his head to look back.

He sneered at Gao Jianfu, who was following beside He Xiaoliang.

Lin Su was still talking about the previous sparring match, saying, “His swordsmanship is superb, he has been hiding his strength all along. Facing an immortal, he could still hold back. I am no match for him. One step behind, and I’m always behind. Perhaps I will never catch up in this life.”

Xu Xuan said unhappily, “You want to laugh, then laugh. That guy is the mountain Dao companion that He Xiaoliang has acknowledged in her heart.”

This person had once met He Xiaoliang at the mouth of the Ji River to the west in the Northern Treasury Continent. It was said that this man and woman had once climbed the high platform by the sea together to look at the vast sky and sea.

After that, He Xiaoliang and Xu Xuan had fought each other in the territory designated by the Hualing Dynasty. He Xiaoliang had attacked severely, not only injuring Xu Xuan but also killing two Golden Core Realm maids beside Xu Xuan, and directly seizing the cough pearl and the Fuhe swords. Afterward, He Xiaoliang casually threw them at the entrance of the Qingliang Sect, proclaiming to the continent that Xu Xuan could retrieve them himself. If he didn’t have the guts or the ability, he could ask his master Bai Chang for help.

Xu Xuan had had the opportunity to kill the azure-clad guest who was traveling abroad at that time, but He Xiaoliang had not given him that opportunity.

At the gate of love, those inside the lower five realms can laugh at those outside the soaring realm as they please.

Lin Su laughed, “If you hadn’t said it, I really wouldn’t have known about this. I know that he and Liu Jinglong are friends.”

Lin Su was a typical mountain recluse, living alone in seclusion, focusing on seeking the Dao, and not asking about worldly affairs. Worldly affairs are the affairs of the world. Cultivating the Dao is the private affair that needs to be taken to heart.

True Man Fire Dragon had once commented on Lin Su, saying that he was a cultivating embryo that did not lack celestial energy, but he lacked human warmth. He shouldn’t have been born in the Northern Treasury Continent. He would have had a greater future if he had been reborn in the White Ashen Continent.

It was both praise and criticism, both cursing and complimenting.

However, for the cultivators of the Northern Treasury Continent, even being cursed half a sentence by the old true man of the Mountain Peak was an honor.

As for True Man Fire Dragon cursing the White Ashen Continent in passing, did that even matter? That was giving face to the White Ashen Continent.

Among the former young ten of the Northern Treasury Continent, Xu Xuan was first, Lin Su was second, and Liu Jinglong of the Taiwei Sword Sect was ranked third.

Because of He Xiaoliang, Xu Xuan was severely injured, and his originally smooth progress in breaking through to the upper five realms and becoming a sword immortal was greatly delayed.

As a result, in the latest young ten that had been released a few years ago, Xu Xuan was still first, but Liu Jinglong and Lin Su were no longer on the list. Lin Su was because of a drop in realm.

Mountain grievances do not end because one side is indifferent to the world. It’s just that Lin Su took it very lightly.

Liu Jinglong was because he took over the position of sect leader, which was not appropriate. In addition, he had entered the Jade Purity Realm, and Liu Jinglong had taken on the three sword debates from Li Cai, Dong Zhu, and Bai Chang, one by one. Therefore, the Northern Treasury Continent recognized Liu Jinglong’s identity as a sword immortal. They would not bully those juniors who were still climbing the mountain.

Lin Su said silently, “Take it easy, don’t give them cause for criticism. The young sword immortal now is taking advantage no matter who he is debating.”

Xu Xuan smiled, “The mountain road is long and winding, there is no need to compete for a moment of superiority.”

Lin Su was a little puzzled, feeling that his friend was implying something, but he really had no intention of getting entangled in these mountain grievances.
On the Isle of Mandarin Ducks, Yan Ge had already rushed off to “win the beauty’s heart,” while Tian Ni had prepared his drafts and returned to his residence on Ao’tou Mountain to begin writing. The events on Mandarin Duck Isle today were worthy of a grand chronicle, waiting only for the Wen Miao to lift the ban on mountain-and-river gazettes. Only Qin Zao remained, seeking out the Plum Blossom Flower Goddess, Yu Mian, one of the four Fudi fate masters.

In truth, the literati had bestowed far too many elegant names upon this Flower Goddess. Suffice it to say, during this Wen Miao gathering, without even mentioning the sages and worthies of the Wen Miao, Su Shi, Liu Yong, Cao Zu… all had penned popular poems and lyrics praising plum blossoms.

So much so that she would change her name every few centuries, not unlike a woman changing her makeup daily. For example, she once quite liked the name “Qing Ke” (Eminent Guest), but when even that Rui Feng’er received the name “Yu Ke” (Feathered Guest), she cast it into the cold palace, abandoning it completely.

Besides, “Yan Po” (Bewitching Soul) and “Qu Xian” (Emaciated Immortal) were among her more favored monikers.

As for “Baihua Kui” (Leader of a Hundred Flowers) and “Yu Xiao Shen” (Jade Firmament Spirit), the names were too grand. While Haoran scholars dared to grant them, she dared not use them openly, only liking them privately, engraving them on her collection seals and jade pendants.

As for “Yi Shi” (Courier)… forget it, it was simply too rustic.

Qin Zao smiled and asked, “Shall we go take a look at the Xiping Stone Classics?”

She nodded in agreement.

This Flower Goddess had close relationships with several mountain spirits, such as Mount Jiuyi, abundant with both sweet flag and plum trees. The Narcissus Flower Goddess, also one of the Fudi fate master Flower Gods, had an excellent rapport with the Five Lakes Water Spirit. This was due to the affinity of the Great Dao; contention was useless.

Once, a swordsman, secretly wandering through the Hundred Flowers Fudi, championed her cause, squatting on the courtyard wall and exclaiming that the Eastern Sovereign did not cherish her, and that the snow and frost pressed down on her, causing her to bend. He vowed that one day, even if he wore out his iron shoes and searched all of Haoran, he would help her regain her dignity.

At first, she thought of him as a glib-tongued rogue. Later, she realized she hadn’t mistaken him; he was.

Regrettably, she hadn’t seen that wandering rogue who loved to travel far and wide at any of the numerous elegant gatherings and drinking parties.

As Yan Ge arrived at the Ao’tou Mountain residence, Nan Guangzhao shook his sleeves, suddenly awakening. The old man stood in the courtyard, his eyes gleaming, having put away his Immortal Soldier grade water robe.

The repairs alone would require a large sum of Grain Rain money. More troublesome, however, wasn’t the money, but the refined rivers that had been shattered by the young Daoist.

At this moment, Nan Guangzhao showed no signs of being severely injured.

Yan Ge was somewhat apprehensive.

Nan Guangzhao was, in fact, quite seriously injured, but he simply didn’t want to be frank with Yan Ge.

Earlier, within that small world, the young Daoist had given him only one choice: either play dead or be beaten to death alive. If he wisely chose the former, he had to remember to continue playing dead for a while after returning to Mandarin Duck Isle.

When the young Daoist spoke these words, he had revealed his true form, a claw pressing down on his Dharma body and a mouth biting into Nan Guangzhao’s Dharma head.

Although Yan Ge was surprised, he still wore a look of shame and said, “Senior Nan, I have acted presumptuously.”

Nan Guangzhao, of course, knew what kind of person Yan Ge was, but Mandarin Duck Isle had suffered a great calamity, not only diminishing the Great Dao but also losing face.

Having an immortal like Yan Ge nearby was somewhat comforting.

Nan Guangzhao’s expression softened, “Thank you for your trouble.”

Yan Ge looked flattered and clasped his fist, “I dare not.”

Nan Guangzhao then cut to the chase, “Select two or three members of the Yan family and send them to my mountain to cultivate.”

*Damn it,* if that Yun Miao doesn’t show some kind of compensation afterward, I’ll pay a visit to his Nine Truths Immortal Hall!

Yan Ge clasped his fist and bowed his head, “I dare not trouble Senior Nan too much. In my family, there is only one with decent aptitude, Yan Li. If Senior Nan could spare a few words of guidance in his leisure time, it would be this child’s great fortune.”

In fact, Yan Ge favored Yan Lu the most because that kid was a sword cultivator and had even trained at the Sword Qi Great Wall. But Yan Ge wasn’t a fool; what kind of situation would it be to send a sword cultivator to Nan Guangzhao at this time?

So, it was a complete waste of an opportunity for that Yan Li.

Nan Guangzhao’s eyes flickered. Yun Miao had secretly betrayed his master in that treacherous scheme years ago, claiming that his master had entered a life-or-death seclusion and unfortunately died in his sleep. Yun Miao and his Daoist companion, that dog of a couple, obtained that great opportunity, thinking that no one knew. Did they really think he was a fool who couldn’t see the changes in the Nine Truths Immortal Hall? Yun Miao’s master, who imparted the Dao, was known for valuing his life.

Meanwhile, the immortal Yun Miao did not directly return to his residence on Ao’tou Mountain.

He landed on the ground downstream from Mandarin Duck Isle, flicked his sleeves, and tossed Li Qingzhu to the ground before creating a concealing mist with another wave of his sleeve.

Yun Miao remained silent, his eyes cold, as he looked at his former prized disciple.

Li Qingzhu rose tremulously, feeling wronged, “Master, that sword immortal is simply insane…”

Yun Miao waved his sleeve, striking Li Qingzhu and sending him spinning to the ground. He was then pulled up, and Yun Miao struck him on the forehead with a white jade lingzhi, pinning him to the ground.

Li Qingzhu lay on the ground, vomiting a mouthful of blood.

Yun Miao sneered, “What, you couldn’t get any benefits from me, so you thought you’d go complain to your mistress?”

Li Qingzhu trembled, “I dare not, this disciple would never dare to cause any more trouble for the sect.”

Yun Miao turned to look at Ao’tou Mountain.

He began to worry about that old turtle, Nan Guangzhao.

He seemed kind and benevolent, but he was just a hypocrite.

Otherwise, how could he have teamed up with his master? Calling each other brothers for many years? According to his master, he and Nan Guangzhao had joined forces several times to search for immortal abodes and secret realms. Nan Guangzhao would not act unless he was certain, but when he did, he was ruthless and eradicated all traces, leaving no future troubles. His master had once joked that if they weren’t of the same cultivation level, with each having hidden trump cards, he wouldn’t dare travel with Nan Guangzhao.

Yun Miao withdrew his gaze and cursed at the disciple on the ground, “What a waste! You couldn’t even handle a Golden Core Realm little girl from the Eyebrow Mountain Sword Sect! What about all your tricks with women? Weren’t they always successful? Didn’t you boast that any woman, even a Jade Purity Realm cultivator, would fall into your hands? Do you think the Nine Truths Immortal Hall’s ancestral hall is truly unaware of your dirty deeds?! Do you know that the Zhuolu Song Clan’s spies are fully aware of this and have already recorded it, ready to launch an attack on the Nine Truths Immortal Hall at any moment?!”
Li Qingzhu raised the back of his hand, wiping away the blood from the corner of his mouth, and said softly, “Master, this disciple is mindful of my actions in the mortal realm. In the end, those women will become devoted to me, preventing the Song Clan of Zhuolu from using these trifles to cause trouble for our sect.”

Yun Miao sneered, “Relying on that paltry soul-shifting technique? A few inferior, unorthodox talismans? You truly have the audacity to boast!?”

If it weren’t for the Nine Truths Immortal Hall needing this disciple to accomplish a certain task, this boy would truly think the esteemed mistress of the Hall favored him!

The female sword cultivator from the Eyebrow Mountain Sword Sect, named Xu Xinyuan, is the current Sect Master’s granddaughter, and also the disciple of the Eyebrow Mountain Old Ancestor. The little lass is blessed with extraordinary luck, for she was somehow favored by that banished immortal from Jadeite Peak, Liu Zhou, who abandoned swordplay for the game of Go. He made an exception to accept her as an unregistered disciple due to her inherent talent for cultivation. Combining these three factors, Xu Xinyuan is a highly sought-after treasure within the sect.

In other words, if Li Qingzhu could truly become a Daoist couple with Xu Xinyuan, it would be more than just an alliance between two sects. Yun Miao has her own means to carefully manage and support this disciple, turning the Eyebrow Mountain Sword Sect into a vassal state of the Nine Truths Immortal Hall within five hundred years, all without anyone suspecting a thing.

Yun Miao recalled something and sneered.

Earlier by the river, that little nun from the Plum Blossom Temple was so simple-minded, blessed in her ignorance. She liked Li Qingzhu because he was so debonair, but was immediately disillusioned when he became a drowned rat. It’s likely that if they were to meet again, she would no longer cling to Li Qingzhu.

On the other hand, Xu Xinyuan, who had previously given Li Qingzhu a cold shoulder, unexpectedly developed pity for him after the incident? Was she dissatisfied with that blue-robed sword immortal, feeling his actions were too domineering, despite being a fellow sword cultivator? That foolish girl doesn’t know that man indirectly saved her, saving the continuation of the Eyebrow Mountain Sword Sect’s lineage? With the upheaval at Mandarin Duck Isle, the Nine Truths Immortal Hall’s conspiracy, like Li Qingzhu, has been washed away.

Even if Xu Xinyuan is naive, the elders of the Eyebrow Mountain Sword Sect are not. They would never allow her to form a bond with a cultivator who has become a laughingstock.

Yun Miao finally sighed, “The Great Dao is impermanent.”

The immortal’s expression softened slightly. “Qingzhu, rise.”

Li Qingzhu stood up, gave a bow, and said with his head lowered, choked with sobs, “This disciple has caused trouble for Master, and deserves to die a thousand times over.”

Yun Miao extended her hand, as white as jade, and gently helped him up. “Just consider this a test of your heart. By the way, let’s talk as we walk. You must recount the events that transpired earlier, without omitting anything.”

Li Qingzhu wiped away his tears and began to recount the events, saying that he seemed to be possessed, and that he spoke without thinking. According to his usual temperament, he would never have provoked that blue-robed sword immortal repeatedly.

Yun Miao’s heart trembled.

Indeed!

It was indeed that City Lord Zheng whom she revered like a god.

Indeed, Liu Daochun’s sudden appearance was a smokescreen!

By the time Yun Miao returned to Turtle Head Mountain with Li Qingzhu, she was shocked to learn about the events at Wenjin Ferry.

Yun Miao was speechless, her heart filled with boundless awe.

What a City Lord Zheng, “offering generosity to the world first,” truly deceiving everyone!

If it wasn’t Zheng Juzhong, then who could it be?

The Baofu Studio on Parrot Isle had money flowing like water.

Many beautiful young immortal maidens traveled and enjoyed the scenery, making friends with the young talents on the mountain, achieving three things with one effort.

A mountain deity from a small kingdom in Flowing Rosy Clouds Continent had painstakingly travelled to request the celestial talisman to remove the floating talisman that was holding up his mountain.

A middle-aged Daoist, claiming to be from the Scripture Observatory, found an ordinary family in a city near the Temple of Literature. He said that his ancestor had chosen their child’s inherent talent, blessed with an immortal fate, and that they should cultivate and nurture their Daoist spirit in the mountains.

The child’s parents were reluctant to hand over their only child easily, repeatedly confirming that the other party was not a con artist. They even brought the good-tempered, newly arrived immortal master to the academy teacher and the county yamen for inspection, carefully verifying the other party’s transit documents and immortal mansion records. Only then did they confirm that it was not a kidnapping attempt. They were also informed that the Scripture Observatory, which had an imposing name, was a Daoist immortal mansion of the “Sect” lineage.

The confused child had what appeared to be two blue snakes hanging from their nose.

The Daoist who was the abbot was the re-transmission disciple of Fu Yu Xuan of the Central Earth Talisman, and the Scripture Observatory was one of the three sects on a mountain.

Someone in the Temple of Literature copied a copy of the Xiping Stone Sutra, and some who were too lazy to copy the scriptures simply bought rubbings from nearby shops. Others, with more flexible minds, simply paid a scribe who specialized in copying books for a living to help them write the monument. Compared to buying rubbings, it was more meaningful. If these currently down-on-their-luck scribes became sages of the Temple of Literature or gentlemen of the academy in the future, it could even be passed down as a family heirloom.

In Pan Shui County, many Qi refiners bought a lot of books, the prices of which were so ridiculously low that immortal money was useless. Could it even be called spending money? They bought books to absorb more literary aura to take home as gifts, light but meaningful. Besides, who knows if these books had been touched by any of the accompanying sages or mountain top cultivators?

Everyone’s trip to the Temple of Literature was worthwhile, especially for the young female cultivators, who were so excited that they seemed to break through their realms every day.

That Liu Qi was truly unparalleled in his charm, with a willow branch at his waist, the most banished immortal in the world.

Fu Jin, the little White Emperor, lived up to his reputation and did not disappoint the women who were captivated by him at first sight.

And that Cao Ci, his smile was simply intoxicating.

The young Xu Bai was indeed ethereal, worthy of the nickname Xu Xian (Immortal Xu).

Xu Bai was the easiest to find because he was defending the arena at Turtle Head Mountain. Cao Ci and his friends also appeared at Turtle Head Mountain. Fu Jin and Yu Qingqing played a game of Go, of course, with Fu Jin giving a handicap. As the undisputed master, Fu Jin gave Yu Qingqing two stones, with extraordinary demeanor, an immortal in hiding, with the aura of “I am invincible except for my master.” Liu Qi once sailed at night on Mandarin Duck Isle, so some lucky ones, who were willing to travel back and forth, saw two or three, or even all four, feasting their eyes to the point where the women were “stuffed” with beauty.

Some immortal maidens were starting to imagine that if there was a sect that could gather Liu Qi, Fu Jin, Cao Ci, and other handsome men, and then open up the mirror, flowers and water, wouldn’t they go crazy? The matter of cultivating on the mountain could be put aside.

A young man, who was fishing with his friend at Mandarin Duck Isle, packed up his fishing rod and went home.
He was a scribe, specializing in copying the Xi Ping Stone Classics for others. Though not a formal disciple of Confucianism, he possessed a hand that could write beautiful, miniature calligraphy. For several years he had earned his living this way, accumulating enough wealth to rent a shop in Pan Shui County, where he began to sell books.

Unlike the other outsiders who had come seeking the favor of those Peak Masters like Zhang Tiaoxia, he had not arrived drawn by their fame. He simply enjoyed fishing here alone.

He was not one for many words, and when he did smile, it was with a shy sincerity, particularly when haggling with the young masters of traveling noble families.

This young man, whose given name was Liu Cai, was in truth, a sword cultivator.