Wandering throughout the desolate lands, Jiang Shangzhen’s true body encountered a group of itinerant cultivators from the Vast Expanse.

As for Jiang Shangzhen’s ethereal soul, it was currently guiding Senior Qingmi, helping them overcome their difficulties.

If encountering Feng Xuetao was an accident, then meeting this group of young prodigies, each more outstanding than the last, was an even greater surprise.

Actually, Jiang Shangzhen’s original intention was to head to the nearest Tattooed Scar Ferry to find Zheng Juzhong. However, the “nearest” still meant traversing an entire continent’s worth of mountains and rivers.

There was Cao Ci, Fu Jin, Yuan Pang, Chun Qing, Xu Bai, Yu Juanfu, Gu Can, Zhao Yaoguang, and a young monk practicing silent meditation.

As for the group’s nominal protector, Han Qiaose, who had been idle all along, immediately rushed to Tattooed Scar Ferry to find her senior brother after hearing about the situation from Jiang Shangzhen. Her innate escape technique was faster than a message-carrying flying sword.

This group of young people had previously arrived at Tattooed Scar together, where Liu Youzhou and Huai Qian stayed behind, while the rest continued their journey. The famously generous Liu Youzhou directly took out two Flowing Sunset Boats, recognized as the fastest among Vast Expanse ferries. In Liu Youzhou’s words, what if one ferry broke down during the journey? Better safe than sorry. Besides, he had another Flowing Sunset Boat.

In addition, he gifted several sets of Armored Meridian Suits, and stacks of golden talismans, like a foolish young master of a wealthy family handing out silver notes to his hangers-on, not knowing what else to do with his money.

Now, at the foot of a secluded mountain, Jiang Shangzhen was giving these young people…

The reason he wasn’t rushing to set off immediately was twofold. First, Jiang Shangzhen was hesitating about whether to give them the Three Mountains Talisman. Cui Dongshan had previously improved the Three Mountains Talisman, but hadn’t yet had the chance to show it off to his teacher. Secondly, Jiang Shangzhen needed to learn more about the enemies’ methods through his ethereal soul. Finally, he needed these young people to understand one principle: going to save Feng Xuetao was a great risk.

Looking at the nine young people gathered in a circle, Jiang Shangzhen smiled and said, “Ask any questions you have quickly. If you don’t want to go, say so directly. There’s no need to be shy. To be honest, I already regret talking to you about this.”

Cao Ci, a martial artist at the Impeccable realm, reached the pinnacle of Returning to Purity.

Fu Jin, the foremost disciple of Zheng Juzhong of White Emperor City, wore a sword-nourishing gourd named “Three” at his waist.

Yuan Pang wore a gentleman’s jade pendant at his waist. The new Dean of Hengqu Academy, he was the youngest academy dean in Vast Expanse history. At a young age, he had compiled three “Interpretations of Righteousness,” causing a sensation throughout the land, and was one of the top ten young talents in several worlds. He hailed from the Azure Canopy world, but became a direct disciple of a Sage.

Chun Qing was proficient in everything. She was both a Qi Refiner and a pure martial artist. Except for the fact that she wasn’t a sword cultivator, her path was similar to that of Chen Ping’an. She made the list at sixteen.

Xu Bai, like Chun Qing, was also a potential top ten young talent in several worlds. He was originally from Zhaoling, and his tutor was the esteemed “Sage of Calligraphy,” but not a Sage of the Confucian Temple, Master Xu. Xu Bai had now become a military strategist, proficient in chess, with the nickname “Xu the Immortal.”

Yu Juanfu, a martial artist at the peak of the ninth realm, was stuck at a bottleneck.

Gu Can, Zheng Juzhong’s closed-door disciple.

Zhao Yaoguang, a handsome young Taoist priest with a peach wood sword on his back, was a noble disciple of the Celestial Master Mansion, over a hundred years old.

The young monk carried a Buddha shrine covered in cotton cloth on his back, his personal Buddha, constantly practicing silent meditation.

Jiang Shangzhen felt like a matchmaker, bringing about this unprecedented match made in heaven.

It was highly likely that it would be the first and last of its kind.

In the future, in both worlds, barring any major accidents, these young cultivators and martial artists would be the most formidable individuals in the Vast Expanse and the Desolate World, respectively.

It was like a street brawl where the young talents—Zheng Juzhong, the Great Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, Pei Bei, the Fire Dragon True Man—faced off against future Throne Demon Kings, and ultimately, they would roll up their sleeves and have a fight.

Of course, before they made their decision, Jiang Shangzhen repeatedly emphasized the danger of this trip.

Jiang Shangzhen said from the bottom of his heart that by dragging them to the battlefield, he was taking a huge risk. If any of these young people were to stay there, unable to return home, it would be a threat to Jiang Shangzhen, Cloud Grotto Blessed Land, or even Jade Decree Sect and Tung Leaf Continent. If it ended in total annihilation, Jiang Shangzhen would probably not be able to return to the Vast Expanse and would have to be a rogue cultivator in the Desolate World.

Cao Ci didn’t say much, only one sentence: “When we get to the battlefield, I’ll be the vanguard.”

Fu Jin didn’t say a word, not because he didn’t want to go, but because he was too lazy to talk. Fu Jin wore a snow-white robe, and as the chief disciple of White Emperor City, he carried too much honor and disgrace.

Unlike Cao Ci, who had displayed an invincible stance in martial arts since he was young, in the path of cultivation, no matter how good Fu Jin’s aptitude was, or how high his lineage was, who would dare to say that they were ahead of everyone else on the mountain climbing road, like the sword cultivator Li Zhen of Supporting Moon Mountain, or the Taoist Shan Qing of White Jade Capital?

Yu Juanfu looked towards the battlefield, not knowing what she was thinking, but in Jiang Shangzhen’s eyes, the young lady had an excellent demeanor and was extremely beautiful.

Chun Qing was carefully examining her equipment, lest she be caught off guard on the ever-changing battlefield. Back in Treasure Bottle Continent, she suffered an unwarranted disaster and was forced to fight Ma Kuxuan, where she suffered a lot because she couldn’t use most of her skills due to lack of experience.

The little Celestial Master Zhao Yaoguang was quite agreeable, saying directly, “This Daoist just came to the Desolate World a few years late, otherwise there would be nothing for Ah Liang to do.”

Gu Can was the most pragmatic, consulting with Jiang Shangzhen on many things, asking many details, repeatedly deliberating, and not caring about face.

He asked about the surrounding mountains and rivers, whether the ultimate goal of this trip was only to save people, or to also kill demons, or how to do it. Whether it was possible to wait for reinforcements from their own great cultivators, or whether the other side could have one or even two Throne Demon Kings secretly protecting them.

Jiang Shangzhen answered them one by one.

Xu Bai breathed a slight sigh of relief.

In terms of reputation, he was the worst among the group, but when it came to fighting, especially life-and-death battles, Xu Bai was a little apprehensive, mainly because his own temperament was relatively gentle. Fortunately, Gu Can asked many things that he was too embarrassed to ask or could not even think of.
Gu Can smiled finally, “Old Sect Master Jiang, although we didn’t initially plan to rescue Feng Xuetao on this expedition, we were all willing to bear the consequences of life and death when we set out. It’s like signing a life-and-death agreement before stepping onto the arena. Our mentors, sects, and families are all fully aware of this.”

Jiang Shangzhen nodded and smiled in acknowledgement.

In truth, Gu Can wasn’t saying this for his own benefit, but for everyone else’s sake.

Gu Can suddenly said, “Nobody hold us back, nobody sabotage us. There are countless precedents in the history of the Sword Qi Great Wall battlefield. Being soft-hearted when you should be firm not only fails to save people, but it will only harm yourself and others.”

Xu Bai’s initial goodwill towards Gu Can waned,

Because she was the most likely to become a hindrance.

Zhao Yaoguang chuckled. Alas, this poor Daoist is known for his chivalrous heart.

Yuan Pang glanced at Gu Can, somewhat surprised.

In truth, the same reasoning could be expressed more tactfully, less harshly.

Yuan Pang quickly understood the key point. Gu Can was pursuing a strategy of affirmation, negation, and then affirmation again. If this rescue mission for Feng Xuetao succeeded and they returned safely, Xu Bai’s impression of Gu Can, this demonic cultivator from Baidi City, would be permanently fixed. Not only would her reservations disappear, but she would feel even more grateful towards Gu Can, genuinely acknowledging him.

Yu Juanfu said in a deep voice, “Gu Can’s words are harsh, but the reasoning is sound. So, during the upcoming journey, we should all think carefully about it.”

When it came to one-on-one duels on the mountain, Sword Immortal Fu Jin was the most skilled. But when it came to battlefield melees, Cao Ci and Yu Juanfu, who had been to the Sword Qi Great Wall and fought on the battlefields of Fuyu Island and Golden Armor Island, were the most qualified to offer a few words.

Chun Qing muttered softly, “If only Chen Yin Guan were here.”

She would feel much more at ease.

Although they had never met, she had seen one of Chen Ping’an’s students at Nanyue, the Mountain of the Crown Prince, Cai Zhi Mountain. Anyone who could teach a student like Cui Dongshan must have a better mind and stronger methods.

Gu Can glanced at Chun Qing, his impression of her improving slightly.

Yu Juanfu’s palm caressed a seal. The inscription on the side read, “A rock in the stream, how could it not be a pillar of strength? Auspicious clouds in the sky, the fist still exists in that heaven above heaven.” The eight characters on the seal read: “Female Martial God, by Chen Cao’s side.”

Jiang Shangzhen suddenly looked up, laughing and scolding, “The tattoo mark over at Gui Xu must be busy, probably unable to spare us any attention. Everyone, this isn’t good news. Perhaps we should reconsider?”

It turned out that the celestial phenomenon was unbelievably exaggerated. Just now, during the daytime illuminated by the great sun, a moment of night suddenly appeared out of nowhere, as if the light of a desolate world had instantly converged into a single “line.”

Pointing straight at the tattoo mark at Gui Xu!

Jiang Shangzhen looked up at the sky, rubbed his temples, and felt a headache coming on.

Didn’t they all say that the girl with pigtails in green robes from Chen Mountain Lord’s hometown had a particularly good temper?

However, everyone present, even those who had noticed this anomaly, showed no sign of backing out. Even Xu Bai’s eyes were firm.

Gu Can’s eyes were burning with fervor.

Relatively speaking, only Cao Ci’s expression was the most indifferent.

Jiang Shangzhen finally cupped his fist and smiled, “Jiang is fortunate to meet you all.”

The nine of them returned the gesture to Jiang Shangzhen.

Bai Xuan set up a table ten li away from Luopo Mountain, because a rest pavilion had been built here for people to take a break. Bai Xuan didn’t know where he got a Zisha hand-held teapot, a dragon-head bamboo-wrapped style. Affecting elegance, the little brat looked like an old accountant well-versed in tea ceremony, sitting behind the table, legs crossed, leisurely sipping tea while keeping accounts.

Bai Xuan glanced at the outside of the pavilion. He hadn’t seen anyone yet, but he first saw a sleeve of azure color, the sleeve being swung by its owner with a cracking sound, dragon strides and tiger steps bringing forth a fresh breeze.

Chen Lingjun strode into the pavilion, immediately changing to his hands clasped behind his back, pacing slowly, “Ha, isn’t this Brother Bai, busy?”

Bai Xuan sat still, smiling and raising his hands, cupping his fists to Chen Lingjun as a true show of respect. Generally, people didn’t get this treatment from Bai Xuan.

Mainly because Chen Lingjun knew a lot and was very chatty, telling Bai Xuan a lot about the strange customs and traditions of Haoran Heaven, one set of local slang after another. Bai Xuan treated it as listening to a storyteller without paying money, things like immortals descending to ask the land god, don’t think the land god isn’t an immortal. Things like the Kitchen God, the River God and Goddess, all sorts of things, anyway Chen Lingjun knew them all.

Chen Lingjun reached out and pressed on the table, his eyes rolling, and laughed, “Brother Bai, why don’t you find a handle teapot to drink directly from, it’s more heroic.”

Bai Xuan asked, “What’s a handle teapot? Is there something special about it?”

Chen Lingjun waved his hand, “No need to ask too much, I’ll send you a few later.”

Bai Xuan didn’t like owing people favors, but now he was short of money, a dragon trapped in shallow waters, so he had to say, “Put the money on the account for now.”

Chen Lingjun bent his fingers and vigorously tapped the table, glaring at Bai Xuan, “What the heck? Brother Bai, do you know that talking about money between brothers at the dinner table is like climbing over the wall in the middle of the night to grope the buttocks of the neighbor’s wife, it’s not in accordance with the rules!”

“That’s right, that’s right!” Bai Xuan nodded vigorously. There was also a row of cleaned licorice roots on the table, which Bai Xuan used as a snack while he gossiped, picking up a piece and handing it to Chen Lingjun.

Chen Lingjun took the licorice root, chewed it in his mouth, casually flipped through the ledger on the table, and asked, “Brother Bai, what are you recording these for? They’re all obviously outsiders who can’t become Luopo Mountain disciples.”

Anyway, Pei Qian wasn’t on the mountain now, Bai Xuan laughed loudly, “Calling friends and gathering allies, forming a Jianghu alliance, so that everyone can swarm up and beat up Pei Qian. Of course, I, this Jianghu leader, will do things with a sense of propriety, saying in advance, no fatal blows allowed, so as not to hurt feelings.”

Chen Lingjun was dumbfounded, was Bai Xuan’s brain beaten silly by Pei Qian?

Swarming up to beat up Pei Qian? Isn’t this a sin, it’s courting death? But then he thought, maybe Brother Bai was blessed in his foolishness?

Bai Xuan asked in a low voice, “Brother Jingqing, Guo Zhujiu, that’s Hidden Official’s youngest disciple, are you familiar with her?”

Bai Xuan’s idea was very simple, since that big white goose said Pei Qian was afraid of Guo Zhujiu, then as long as Guo Zhujiu was afraid of him, Bai Xuan would win against Pei Qian.

As long as everyone was a swordsman, Bai Xuan wouldn’t be intimidated or cowardly in front of anyone except Hidden Official.

Chen Lingjun shook his head, “I haven’t even seen her, the little girl hasn’t come to pay her respects to my mountain yet.”

Bai Xuan casually asked, “Did you go to Qilong Alley to drink with Jia Daoren again?”
Chen Lingjun, having thoroughly chewed the licorice root, swallowed it in one gulp and chuckled, “A woman’s face is endlessly varied, each hue different, yet all are pleasing.”

He’d learned that saying from the Big Wind brothers.

Bai Xuan understood not a word of it.

Chen Lingjun leaned against the table, arms crossed, head tilted slightly, and slowly intoned, “Of late, I’ve diligently pursued the Dao, gaining some minor insights, which I shall share with you. The heavens loom but five feet above, yet the Immortals reach down their hands, aiding my clear talent and soaring spirit, to traverse the three continents, to cross the Sahasra worlds, and to stand firm at the very summit. When fortune graces us with the celestial wind, that is the true cultivation, leaping through the Dragon Gate with three sips of water, good mountains and rain accompany my flight. The Divine Dragon is infinitely mutable, capable of all things; in the realm of man and heaven, drifting clouds, carefree waters, I sit amidst the five-colored clouds, idly discarding worldly affairs to enjoy boundless bliss.”

Chen Lingjun waited a long while, only to realize that his old brother Bai behind him had no reaction. Turning his head, he saw the fellow busily tilting his head back to drink tea. Noticing Chen Lingjun’s gaze, Bai Xuan put down the teapot, perplexed, “Finished already?”

Forget it, Chen Lingjun himself didn’t understand it either. He’d borrowed it from the Big White Goose; truly, it was both pretentious and foolish.

Chen Lingjun did not choose to sit on the nearby bench, but instead walked around the table, sitting shoulder to shoulder with Bai Xuan. Looking at the road outside, Chen Lingjun remarked without prompting, “My old master once said that there’s an old saying in our hometown: those who ride in sedan chairs across bridges this year are likely those who built bridges and paved roads in their past lives.”

Bai Xuan chewed on his grass root, unimpressed.

In his hometown, whether one was a sword cultivator or not, such things were not discussed.

Chen Lingjun continued, “My old master also said, it doesn’t matter whether you believe it or not. If you don’t believe it, then don’t, and life goes on as it always has. But if you do believe it, then those who are enjoying a life of luxury can spend a little extra money to ease their conscience. And those who are enduring a life of hardship will feel a little better, because even in the most hopeless days, there’s still a glimmer of hope.”

This speech was plain and simple, and Bai Xuan finally understood it.

Chen Lingjun reached out to touch Bai Xuan’s head, but Bai Xuan turned his head sharply. “What are you touching? A woman’s backside and a man’s head, can you just touch them whenever you want?”

Chen Lingjun chuckled, patting Bai Xuan on the shoulder, then raised his palm and waved it. “Old Brother Bai Xuan, you don’t understand, this hand of mine is like it’s been blessed!”

Bai Xuan scoffed. “Why don’t you go touch Nuan Shu’s head then?”

Chen Lingjun adopted the air of a senior, speaking earnestly, “Old Brother Bai Xuan, you should be thankful I’m not petty, otherwise with that mouth of yours, you wouldn’t have any friends.”

Bai Xuan stuck out his thumb, looped it over his shoulder, and pointed to the distant Cloud-Veiled Mountain behind him, grinning. “Would you consider yourself and Mountain Lord Wei to be close friends?”

Chen Lingjun rolled his eyes.

A young Daoist priest carrying a sword box approached on the road, his appearance and demeanor quite ordinary, certainly not resembling a transcendent being riding the clouds and mist.

The young Daoist stopped at the pavilion. Before he could even speak, Chen Lingjun leaped to his feet with lightning speed, rushed out, bent over in a deep bow, clasping his hands so low they almost touched the ground. “May I dare ask, is this esteemed Daoist an elder immortal of the fourteenth or fifteenth realm? May I presumptuously ask if this is the revered, universally admired, and enlightened Grand Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain?”

Bai Xuan picked up the teapot and drank tea, his eyes wide with amazement. So this was how Old Brother Jingqing made friends?

What do you know? This is my, Grandmaster Chen’s, secret and unshared experience of the world.

Zhang Shanfeng was baffled, shaking his head and smiling. “Of course not. Furthermore, this humble Daoist’s cultivation is not high.”

Chen Lingjun felt as if a great weight had been lifted, but still, for the sake of caution, he did not rise. Instead, he lifted his head, tentatively asking, “Then may I inquire as to which renowned Immortal Mountain and celestial abode this exceptionally talented young Daoist hails from?”

Could it be that his eyes were deceiving him, and this was truly a Daoist of the Cave Dwelling realm?

Zhang Shanfeng smiled. “My master is not well-regarded down the mountain, so it’s best not to mention it.”

Chen Lingjun straightened up, quickly wiping the sweat from his forehead, and said with a hearty laugh, “Where does this young Daoist come from?”

However, he remained standing in place, as steady as a mountain, unmoving.

What if this was a reclusive expert who liked to joke around, deliberately tricking people? Wouldn’t that be terrible luck?

Zhang Shanfeng said, “This humble Daoist comes from the Northern Entirety Continent. This time, I am going to Fallen Phoenix Mountain to visit a friend.”

Chen Lingjun chuckled. “What a coincidence! I am a patron of Fallen Phoenix Mountain. My reputation as a friend in the Jianghu is not too shabby; I’ve even earned two nicknames: ‘Little White Stripe of the River’ in my younger years, and now ‘Little Dragon King of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.’ The one behind me is named Bai, a good brother of mine. Unfortunately, it’s bad timing. We at Fallen Phoenix Mountain are not currently receiving outsiders, nor are we accepting disciples.”

Zhang Shanfeng smiled and explained, “This humble Daoist already has a master. However, I am friends with your Mountain Lord, and we agreed to travel together before.”

Chen Lingjun was stunned. A friend of his master from the mountain?

Zhang Shanfeng said, “My name is Zhang Shanfeng, and I come from the Ground-Hugging Peak. Has Chen Ping’an not mentioned me?”

Bai Xuan blurted out, “Ground-Hugging Peak? Is that the peak where the Fire Dragon True Master is seated? That Fire Dragon True Master, whose sorcery is heaven-piercing, is the boss of bosses of both the righteous and the underworld of your Northern Entirety Continent?”

Chen Lingjun immediately knew he was done for.

Because this was a saying that Pei Qian often repeated as a child. Back then, Pei Qian yearned for the Jianghu. Coupled with Chen Ping’an’s deep respect for the Fire Dragon True Master, every time he spoke of the old Daoist’s deeds, he would do so with both humor and admiration. Influenced by what she heard and saw, Pei Qian also held the old Daoist in great esteem. Especially after inheriting the position of Martial Arts Alliance Leader from Li Bao Ping, Pei Qian felt that when she roamed the Jianghu in the future, she must become like the old Daoist.

Of course, once Pei Qian became a grown woman, she no longer liked to talk about such things.

Zhang Shanfeng was also stunned. When did his master have such a resounding reputation on Fallen Phoenix Mountain?

Near the Fallen Phoenix Mountain gate, Nuan Shu, having a moment of respite from her busy work, came down the mountain to Little Rice Grain’s side. As they chatted while snacking on melon seeds, they both began to miss Pei Qian.

Although Pei Qian was now tall, she was still Pei Qian.

In the past, Pei Qian would often take Little Rice Grain with her on mountain patrols, searching for hornet nests, but not rushing to poke them. She called it reconnaissance, and along the way, they would find hawthorns, jujubes, and tea leaves to eat. Every time, she would leave a bag for Elder Sister Nuan Shu.
Once, Pei Qian even egged on Little Rice Grain to compete with those burrs, commonly known as “idiot-headed women.” He had Little Rice Grain pick them off and toss them onto her little head, laughing and saying, “Little River Crone, a maiden about to be wed!”

As a result, Little Rice Grain ended up with a head full of burrs. These things were difficult to remove even from clothing, so one can imagine the consequences of having a headful.

In the end, of course, it was Pei Qian who brought the wailing black-clad little girl to Sister Warm Tree to clean up the mess.

At Warm Tree’s place, Little Rice Grain, her two sparse eyebrows furrowed in misery, sat on a small stool, tilting her head and gazing pitifully at Pei Qian, who stood to the side with arms crossed and a look of disdain. The little girl vowed, “Pei Qian, Pei Qian, I promise I’ll pick them off today, and the day after tomorrow I’ll go again.”

“The day after tomorrow?! Why not tomorrow? Are you going to let me eat you tomorrow?”

Little Rice Grain drooped her head and didn’t speak, but in her heart, she was secretly delighted. As expected, Sister Warm Tree was skillful and gentle, and removing the burrs didn’t hurt much.

Pei Qian, wearing a stern face, lectured, “Little Rice Grain, we are heartless assassins, the most formidable group of killers in the world. How can you not even withstand this little bit of pain? How will you roam the pugilistic world with me in the future? Huh?!”

“Are there Chinese dates left?”

“Nonsense, I saved some for you, open your mouth!”

“Bring it on!”

“Does it still hurt?”

“It’s very sweet.”

Warm Tree glared at Pei Qian from the side, “Don’t fool Little Rice Grain like that in the future.”

Pei Qian sighed, “Little Rice Grain, Sister Warm Tree thinks you’re not very bright. Standing next to Cen the Simpleton, you two are like long-lost sisters.”

Warm Tree chuckled in exasperation, “Don’t talk nonsense. Little Rice Grain is not stupid.”

Pei Qian grinned, “Little Rice Grain is bright, then what about Cen the Simpleton?”

Warm Tree lowered her eyes and smiled without saying a word.

With Warm Tree removing all the burrs from her head one by one, Little Rice Grain shook her head and grinned, “It feels like my brain is several pounds lighter.”

Pei Qian was about to scare Little Rice Grain, threatening to have Old Chef make a large pot of chopped pepper fish head when she got back.

But Warm Tree seemed to have foreseen it and immediately glared at Pei Qian, stopping her from speaking. Pei Qian had no choice but to give up and patted Little Rice Grain’s head to show her reward.

Little Rice Grain was in a good mood today. Unlike in previous years, when she missed Good Person Mountain Lord or Pei Qian, she didn’t dare let people know, only daring to confide in the passing white clouds. Now, she wouldn’t do that anymore.

Little Rice Grain laid the green bamboo staff and golden carrying pole across her knees. Remembering something, she grinned and quickly raised her hand to cover her mouth, saying, “Sister Warm Tree, let’s go to Red Candle Town to play sometime, that place is very familiar to me!”

Warm Tree smiled and asked, “Just the two of us?”

Little Rice Grain scratched her face, feeling a little embarrassed, “Of course, there’s also Good Person Mountain Lord.”

Little Rice Grain quickly explained, “It’s not that I’m timid, it’s that my legs are short, and walking is tiring, very tiring. Standing in Good Person Mountain Lord’s basket is effortless.”

Warm Tree narrowed her eyes with a smile and reached out to pinch Little Rice Grain’s cheek, “Is that so?”

The stream flows long and far into the distance, the grass and trees grow tall and large.

Old Chef said that children who haven’t grown up keep their thoughts on their lips, while adults keep their thoughts carefully in their hearts.

A blue-robed man with a stubbly beard appeared in Fox Town on the border of Great Spring. Sadly, the familiar inn was gone, leaving the former accountant somewhat disappointed. He heard that Ninth Maiden first went to Jade Laurel Sect and then to Dragon Tiger Mountain in the Central Plains. He wondered if Ninth Maiden would be fatter or thinner when they met again, but either way, she would be beautiful. He also wondered if their reunion after the ordeal would feel like a dream.

The mountains and rivers of Willow Leaf Continent were truly scarred and unbearable to look at.

He thought about it and didn’t go to Great Fuchu Academy. Instead, he planned to make a trip to Hidden River’s Jade Ripple Palace to see if he could freeload on some Water Blossom Wine and eel noodles. He had been craving them for years.

As for that Water God Maiden, her surname was Liu, her given name was Rou. Who would believe it?

Meeting the Hidden River Water God Maiden in the main hall of Jade Ripple Palace, they sat facing each other as usual, each with a large bowl of noodles.

The Water God Maiden placed one foot on a long bench, “Brother Zhong, how does it taste? Compared to the bowl of eel noodles from back then, is it even better?”

Everywhere else, the entire winter was spent basking in the sun or snow, but Jade Ripple Palace was drying chili peppers. They weren’t large, their appearance was ordinary, and they were wrinkled, but they were very spicy. The chili peppers from the mansion were no match for them, appearance aside.

Zhong Kui wiped the sweat from his forehead, rolled up a large mouthful of noodles, swallowed them, and then raised his wine bowl. He took a sip and shuddered, “Extremely domineering.”

Cultivators who wanted to taste the flavors of the mortal world, whether it was wine or food, still needed to deliberately suppress their spiritual energy. It was a small joke.

The Water God Maiden raised three fingers in a row, “I have seen Chen Ping An, that little teacher, and the Old Master of Literature, the most knowledgeable person in the world, and Mister Zuo, the greatest swordsman in the world!”

Zhong Kui chuckled, “I took a trip far away and saw the Rite Sage, the Sub-Sage, and two Bodhisattvas from the Western Buddhist Kingdom, and many virtuous monks and Buddhist dragons.”

Liu Rou said gloomily, “Why are you, a man with a stick, competing with me, a woman without a stick?”

Zhong Kui smiled without saying a word and took another large mouthful of noodles.

Liu Rou burped, put down her chopsticks, patted her stomach, and asked, “What are you going to do now that you’re back? Are you going back to the academy to study in the library?”

She turned her head and shouted, “Old Liu, quickly bring me and Brother Zhong another bowl each, remember to change to slightly larger bowls. Don’t touch these two small bowls on the table, Brother Zhong still has a few mouthfuls left to eat.”

The old man by the door responded, “Okay, wait…wait a minute, Ma…Ma’am.”

Liu Rou said in exasperation, “I’ve been stuck with such a sharp-tongued cook, forcing me, a big golden maiden, to be a mother for so many years.”

Zhong Kui shook his head, “I haven’t decided yet, I’ll walk around and see.”

Zhong Kui was now in the form of a ghost, after all. With Cheng Longzhou serving as the headmaster of the academy and the Confucian Temple having set this precedent, it wouldn’t be difficult for Zhong Kui to return to the academy. Moreover, with his merits, the resistance would be small. Not to mention restoring his gentleman’s status, becoming the vice headmaster of the academy would be possible. But Zhong Kui felt that being a free cultivator like a ghost immortal wasn’t bad either, especially since the mountains and rivers of Willow Leaf Continent were now broken and in need of restoration everywhere.

Liu Rou sighed and then suddenly smiled, “Forget it, anything is fine now, no need to think too much.”
She suddenly lowered her voice, “Brother Zhong, do you know about our current Emperor and that Little Master, hmm?”

Zhong Kui curled his lip, “Isn’t it obvious that Yao Jinzhi has a little something for Chen Ping’an? Anyone can see that at a glance.”

*Human Moon Round, when parting, I still remember, the beauty’s eyes filled with autumn water.*

But it’s definitely not talking about Chen Ping’an and Yao Jinzhi. Chen Ping’an, in this respect, is just an unawakened blockhead. But the problem doesn’t seem to be about me and Jiu Niang either. Thinking of this, Zhong Kui took another hefty gulp of wine.

Liu Rou widened her eyes, shocked. “You can see that? Have you awakened your celestial eye?”

Zhong Kui took a sip of wine, shuddering slightly. Chili with wine, truly invincible. “It’s not really that Yao Jinzhi truly likes Chen Ping’an, it’s more like…”

“It’s something unattainable, the more you desire it, the harder it is to let go, like burying a jar of wine. Only one is buried underground, the other in the heart.”

Liu Rou was skeptical, “You, a confirmed bachelor for so many years, a virtuous gentleman, you understand these convoluted romantic feelings?”

Zhong Kui sighed, and the Water Goddess also sighed along with him.

Zhong Kui laughed, “Why are you sighing?”

Liu Rou said helplessly, “I’m not young anymore, worried about marriage.”

Fortunately, two more bowls of noodles were brought to the table, at least there’s no worry about food.