Chen Ping’an left the Night Wanderer sword at the aptly named Echoing Hall. Taking Xiao Mo in tow, he purchased about two portions of delicate pastries and a flask of fine wine, the total coming to precisely fourteen taels of silver, not a penny more, not a penny less.

Xiao Mo, strolling alongside Chen Ping’an amidst the bustling capital, remarked with a smile, “Only one who can busy himself with what others deem trivial can find leisure in what occupies their minds. The Daoist Lu once jested that he was your ‘helper of leisure,’ a most fitting description, I daresay.”

A compliment disguised as two.

Chen Ping’an, carrying the food box, chuckled, “Xiao Mo, you speak so familiarly of ‘Daoist Lu.’ Are you truly unaware of Lu Chen’s true station?”

Xiao Mo replied, “Daoist Lu spoke with forthrightness. He never concealed his position as the Third Elder of the Jade White Spire. However, addressing him as ‘Elder Lu’ feels too formal, a disservice to his genuine warmth.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “Xiao Mo, you have a way of endearing yourself wherever you go.”

Xiao Mo, his smile tinged with habitual shyness, glanced at the food box in Chen Ping’an’s hand and asked with curiosity, “My Lord, is there a particular significance to this food box and its contents?”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “Indeed. The wood for this box hails from Yuzhang Prefecture, the second homeland of the Empress Dowager of the Great Li. The people depend on food, and more perish from hunger than overeating. We shall see how our Empress Dowager’s appetite fares. This trip to the capital is a simple matter if we avoid meddling in affairs not our own. Fourteen taels of silver, perfectly adequate.”

The Empress Dowager, Nan Zan, traced her ancestry to Yuzhang Prefecture, renowned for its fine timber. In recent years, demand had far outstripped supply. The Great Li court had been lenient, not because the matter was difficult to control, but because the horrific war had claimed so many of the Great Li’s border troops. Where there are dead, there must be coffins.

Only recently had the court begun to truly crack down on unauthorized logging, preparing to seal off the mountains with the simple justification that the Great War had ended. The wood was now being used by nobles and immortal cultivators to construct grand residences and supply timber to ever-expanding temples, bearing little resemblance to its original purpose.

Yi Chi Alley and Chi Er Street lay close to the Imperial City, making them convenient for the many dignitaries who attended court and managed government affairs.

Each dawn, before the sun even dared to peek over the horizon, the two streets became a cacophony of carriages and horses, a veritable dragon of traffic.

Decades prior, when the venerable Guan had just entered the Ministry of Personnel, the streets were often choked, and officials would even brawl over the right of way. In those days, nearly every official in the Great Li was, in essence, a warrior, not unlike the officials of the six ministries in the auxiliary capital. Even if they hadn’t fought on the battlefield, the documents they handled carried the scent of gunpowder and blood.

Chen Ping’an, with Xiao Mo, approached the imposing gates of the Imperial City. Seven spans wide, they boasted crimson-lacquered leaves studded with golden rivets. Their grandeur rose from bases of pure white jade stone, framed by walls of deep vermillion and topped with yellow-glazed tiles. Guardhouses flanked either side of the gate. Normally, common folk had no chance of entering, but Chen Ping’an had given Xiao Mo the “no affairs” plaque to wear at his waist, as a mere formality.

A martial officer in full armor strode forward, quickly recognizing the visitor. A network of arcane wards surrounded the Imperial City gates, allowing the guards to verify the identities of those seeking entry. Many Great Li officials and mountain cultivators, by custom, required no such scrutiny.

Chen Ping’an said, “This is a cultivator from my Fallen Peak Mountain, named Xiao Mo, ‘lane’ and ‘life’.”

Soon, an assistant emerged from the guardhouse, exchanging words with the officer.

The officer clasped his hands in a salute, “Sect Master Chen, we have checked, and there is no record of ‘Xiao Mo’ in the Ministry of Justice. Therefore, Xiao Mo’s wearing of a cultivator’s plaque within the capital is contrary to courtly decorum.”

In other words, Chen Ping’an was welcome, but his attendant was not.

Of course, he would not foolishly suggest the young swordsman simply remove the plaque.

The guardhouse, however, would surely record the event. Whether the Ministry of Justice would later investigate, dared to hold Fallen Peak Mountain accountable, was for the Ministry to decide. Over the centuries, Great Li officials, from high to low, had grown accustomed to a system of clear divisions and specialized roles.

Chen Ping’an smiled, “I’ll have the Ministry of Justice update their records.”

The officer, momentarily speechless, wore a troubled expression.

Taking a deep breath, he steeled his gaze, grasped the hilt of his sword, and shook his head at the robed swordsman. “Sect Master Chen, since it is against decorum, it is my duty. I must apologize.”

Chen Ping’an, ignoring the officer’s hand on his sword, refused to make things difficult. “Your guardhouse can send word to the Ministry of Justice. I will wait here for their reply.”

If they agreed, so be it. If not, what did it matter?

Did they think themselves Liu Jia?

The officer, relieved, gestured for the Sect Master to wait. Without further ado, he returned to the guardhouse and dispatched a message to the Ministry. The reply was swift and simple: “Passage granted.”

However, the message, in addition to the Ministry’s official seal, bore the stamps of two Vice Ministers.

This surprised the officer.

He was filled with curiosity regarding Chen Ping’an’s visit to the Imperial City. It seemed far more than a simple visit to the South Fragrance Workshop.

As the famous swordsman and his attendant faded into the distance,

the officer returned to the guardhouse, smiling at the scribe from the vassal state who was diligently recording the event. “This Sect Master Chen is one of our own. Such a young swordsman is not inferior to Wei Jin of the Snowwind Temple.”

“As for Sect Master Chen’s skill in the martial arts, a master who produced the grand martial arts master Pei Qian, could he be lacking? During the scuffle on Positive Sun Mountain, I couldn’t discern the depths of Mountain Lord Chen’s swordsmanship, but his fight with the mountain’s protector made me spend a good deal of silver on wine.”

The scribe chuckled, “Old Ma, is Chen Swordsman a relative of yours? Strange, I don’t believe he’s named Ma.”

The officer laughed, “Sour grapes.”

The scribe put down his brush, suddenly asking, “Such a powerful Sect Master, both a young swordsman and a master of martial arts, how is it that during the great war, only his disciples and the ancestral hall protectors were seen on the battlefield, never the man himself?”

The officer, somewhat deflated, muttered, “Perhaps he was in seclusion. Immortal cultivators, a mere nap can last months, let alone the crucial matter of breaking through to the upper Five Realms. Missing the war is perfectly understandable.”

With Xiao Mo, Chen Ping’an walked within the Imperial City, a place teeming with government offices and workshops. The atmosphere was somber, a stark contrast to the outer city.

Chen Ping’an glanced towards the auxiliary capital, Da Du, guessing that his Majesty had already received word from the Jade White Spire.

Intimidation?

Forgive me, but even fourteen Great Demon Sovereigns arrayed on the battlefield had failed to frighten him.

Chen Ping’an withdrew his gaze, saying in a hushed tone, “Xiao Mo, if a flying sword arrives, I’ll need you to intercept it.”

Xiao Mo’s smile faded, and he nodded. “My Lord, worry only about enjoying your drink. With Xiao Mo here, your lady’s cultivation will not be disturbed.”

Finally, he had an opportunity to make amends.

Back in the Sword Qi Great Wall, Daoist Lu had gloated, giving him a thumbs-up and marveling that he had dared to strike down the Lady Ning from the moon itself.

Chen Ping’an, hearing Xiao Mo’s use of the word “lady,” nodded slightly.

He was wasted as a protector.

They arrived at a heavily guarded palace gate. Chen Ping’an said to the general in charge, “Please announce my presence. I wish to see only Nan Zan today.”

Or rather, Lu Jiang of the Yin-Yang School of Central Earth.

Unexpectedly, a young cultivator with a first-class “no affairs” plaque emerged from the shadows of the gate, waving a hand to dismiss the general and indicating that he would receive the visitors.

Chen Ping’an narrowed his eyes. “Old Senior Lu, long time no see.”

The young cultivator smiled noncommittally, pretending not to understand, and instead asked, “Why has Mountain Lord Chen not brought his sword? Is it intentional to leave it unused?”

This man before him, the Master of Fallen Peak Mountain, a Sect Master of this world, a martial artist, the last of his lineage, a disciple of the Sage of Literature.

Of course, all of these titles stemmed from the boy’s good fortune in choosing to walk forward in the corridor and become the Sword Lord.

But in all perspectives, he found it hard to reconcile with the images of the poor child of the Alley of Clay Vessels.

That apprentice of the ceramicists was merely a boy who, when sending messages, worried when his sandals tread upon the blue flagstone path of Fortune and Peach Streets.

He had just received a letter from his family, talking of Chen Ping’an traveling with a few sword cultivators to the Wild lands.

He succeeded in that achievement that pulled the moon, moving it to the Qing Ming lands.

As to what else he did, it was unknown.

Chen Ping’an said, “Senior Lu may be older and have cultivated for longer, but since you are not a swordsman, you should not speak lightly of the Sword Path.”

After a pause, Chen Ping’an stared at this Lu family ancestor who had concealed himself in the Pearl Grotto for so long, offering a gentle reminder, “When abroad, heed advice.”

The young cultivator didn’t take offense, smiling. “The Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall is indeed qualified to say such things. Lu has learned.”

Now that it had come to this, there was no need to hide his identity. This Chen gentleman, though young, was incredibly cunning.

In any case, the identities of Feng Yi, the old coachman, and the others had already been exposed.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Will you guide the way, or will you receive swords here?”

The Lu family ancestor stepped aside, extending a hand. In a hushed tone, he said, “Please. Lu Jiang has prepared a banquet to welcome Mountain Lord Chen.”

The three walked through the palace gates.

Xiao Mo asked, “My Lord, this fellow is an eyesore. Since he’s a disciple of Daoist Lu, and his realm isn’t high, merely a celestial a bit away from ascension, shall I kill him?”

Then Xiao Mo added, “Three swords at most.”

It seemed that this peak demon clan warrior, who had just left the Wild Lands, had truly assimilated. “My Lord, I can first find a reason to spar, keeping it measured, just enough to wound him severely without killing him outright.”

There was no need to question the swordsmanship of one who had chased after Yang Zhi, challenged Bai Ze twice, and tested swords with Yuan Xiang and the Dragon Lord.

The young cultivator, walking slightly ahead, could vaguely sense that something was amiss. He glanced at the young man beside Chen Ping’an, whose identity was still unknown.

Xiao Mo smiled faintly at him.

A nod, just a nod, and he would take it as acceptance.

If his Lord gave the word, Xiao Mo could draw his sword.

But unfortunately, the cultivator quickly turned away.

Chen Ping’an said in a hushed tone, “No rush. Some old debts must be settled.”

They encountered Nan Zan, who appeared alone.

A feast awaited.

Chen Ping’an placed the food box on the table, opened it gently, took out a flask of wine and two pairs of plain bamboo chopsticks. “Either hand over your destiny porcelain, or it will be slightly more troublesome. Today, I’ll kill you and search for it myself.”

Seeing that Nan Zan was about to speak, Chen Ping’an picked up just one chopstick from the table, reminding her, “You have only one sentence to say. If I don’t hear the answer I want, I’ll assume you choose the latter.”

Nan Zan hesitated, a stark contrast to their previous meeting at Echoing Hall. Today, she dared not utter a single word.

She looked at her own ancestor, who remained expressionless.

Chen Ping’an

waited patiently for the answer.

Sometimes, reason with the unreasonable is reason.

The Great Swordsman had once taught Chen Ping’an a simple truth.

—-

At the Imperial Observatory, the two directors had once again called upon the scholar Yuan to determine the future.

They had no choice but to admit Yuan was truly an expert of the world in this matter.

Yuan’s position was like that of a guest cultivator in the world.

An exception.

Many years ago, the scholar traveled to court for an audience with the ruler of Great Li.

The scholar was skilled in divination and told of the lives of the Minister of Personnel Guan, the General Su, and Cao, among the other central figures of the court, and his predictions came to pass.

The court never took offense nor paid heed to it.

The scholar said, “When that Chen mountain Lord inexplicably became a level fourteen cultivator, the signs were stable.”

The vice officer asked, “Does that mean there’s a ‘but’?”

The scholar said, “But once he became not level fourteen, the signs became of unknown fate.”

The scholar said, “Previously, the Mountain Lord was calm and collected, now it is time for you to be tolerant.”

The vice officer corrected, “Us, we are the Great Li!”

At the fire temple,

Feng glanced at the old driver who had come over uninvited. “Are you addicted to free liquor? Do you think you have more face than the Sage of Writing?”

The old driver sighed and held out a hand. “I sense something is wrong. It’s been a long time since it’s happened. I am scared that if I don’t drink today, I won’t be able to in the future. Before the palace breaks out into chaos, hurry and get the hundred-flower liquor. I’ll drink as many cups as I can today.”

Feng threw over a cup of liquor. “If you old farts think it’s dangerous, team up. Do you think you’re scared of a person half your age getting back at you for the past?”

The old driver uncorked the clay and drank it down. Wiping his mouth, he said, “Team up? I’m scared of the kid digging up my ancestral grave now. This kid is different coming back. There’s something wrong. He’s a different person. It’s related to that weird level, but not just the level.”

Feng could not help but smile. “Now you know the reason to be good to others. How much did Qi tell you? Did you listen? Why act now?”

The old driver said, “There’s no buying foreknowledge, regrets.”

Seeing the man conceding, Feng did not continue to mock him and glanced at the palace. “The winds are coming. This is no small matter.”

In the Cao residence,

The uncle and his nephew were playing Go.

Cao looked around, the study was more luxurious than his father’s study.

Other than books, there were flowers such as begonias, narcissus. There was also celadon plum vases and bird cages, meticulously cared for by Cao, to please his father.

As a member of the Cao, Cao was afraid of no one, except his Second Uncle.

Luckily, his Second Uncle was going to the Wild Lands to the pass of the Setting Sun.

Cao was an envoy and one of the five most prominent warriors of the land.

“Warriors and Scholars, that is the Great Li.”

It was said that the warrior position was more precious. However, it was hard to say at the moment.

As for epitaphs and titles, they were less valuable.

The uncle Cao was a warrior and had read all the books in his life.

Today they were playing Go.

Cao held his fan and opened it repeatedly.

The official of ceramics wore a red liquor gourd on his waist.

Cao lifted his head to glance at his slacking nephew.

Cao chuckled, “Uncle, are you annoyed? You need more cultivating.”

Cao asked, “You want a beating?”

Cao had to sit properly.

He was not scared of his parents, but Cao was.

When he was younger, Cao would get beaten by Cao.

Cao asked, “When are you getting married?”

Cao replied, “I think Zhou is fine, but I am scared she doesn’t like me.”

Cao knew it was going to be bad, but Cao said, “Good eye. But if she doesn’t like you, you have three years. No matter what, marry her.”

Cao said, “If you can’t, just bring a son home.”

Cao was silent.

Cao never joked.

Cao spoke, “What do you think of Chen?”

Cao spoke softly, “Uncle, it is improper to talk about this.”

The world was filled with dangerous politics.

On the battlefield, it was more honest.

Cao retrieved a letter and gave it to Cao. “You have no choice.”

Cao flipped through the letter. It was about Chen. Cao coughed, “I don’t know him, haven’t spoken a word. I can’t give an honest opinion.”

Cao picked up a chess piece and grabbed his belt.

Cao said, “But I am close with Liu, and he’s a good friend with Chen. I have some understanding. Chen was careful as a child, but never harms others. Chen is the best to work with!”

Cao was not satisfied. He thought and said, “He is strict with himself, gentle with others.”

“Then he can ascend and descend from the mountains.”

Cao nodded, “He is the most powerful in the world, wise and calm.”

The Yuan residence.

Yuan returned to his family and sought out Yuan.

They were seen as the two most prominent members of their family in the last hundred years.

However, they were of different generations.

The appearance of the governor was more mature than the old cultivator.

Those like Cao were often compared to them.

In addition, there was Guan and Liu, they were similar and they had done well.

Liu would be going with Cao to the Wildlands.

Comparatively, Cao was a black sheep.

He would often cause storms and chaos in the capital.

Yuan said, “There was not a large anomaly.”

The governor of Dragon State Wei would be in the capital and serve as an assistant minister of ceremonies.

That meant the governor was a valuable position.

There were some positions that were the same as those in war.

To become a governor was considered a feudal lord.

Yuan nodded. “Are you hurt?”

Yuan said, “Don’t worry about it, just do your job.”

Then Yuan said, “The boat of king Song has reached the capital, but it seems to have changed and is not entering.”

This was his advantage as a cultivator.

He could know secrets that families would dare not touch.

Next to King Song was his maid, a cultivator.

In addition was Zhenwu,

As well as mountains such as cloud and dragon.

In addition to the armies of Great Li

And the officials of the six departments of the auxiliary capital.

Yuan said, “He only respects the King, not the Emperor. This is a blight on the land.”

Yuan said, “It’s not that serious.”

Yuan said, “I am going to tell the Emperor to move the capital south.”

Yuan did not respond.

Yuan asked, “What is the situation with the Xu family?”

The Xu family was allied with the Yuan family.

Yuan said, “They are weakened.”

They were lucky they ran into him.

In the alleys, the Zhao family was asking the child Zhao to return.

He was from the Zhao family.

Liu said, “Return quickly. Do not forget the art. I want more.”

Zhao nodded, “I got it.”

The Yuan, Cao, and Guan were the most prominent families. Then was the family of the Empress, Yu and Zhao, who managed the horses.

Liu asked the Zhao family for family art.

The Zhao were called the “manure.”

Liu would often call the officials “Little Zhao.”

Zhao returned and saw his grandfather who was sick. But he was healthy in the boy’s eyes.

The old man petted the boy on his head and said, “Have you been struck by lightning?”

Zhao rolled his eyes.

The old man strolled to the garden and spoke to himself.

“The Leaf continent is a book of sadness. The Support continent is a book of anger.”

“But our Treasure continent is a book no one can understand.”

When the old man finished, the boy said, “The art, did you get it?”

“Why is it a basket?”

The old man said, “Why are you rushing when he is not?”

The boy was silent. He could not leak it.

The old man said, “Cooperate with the brave, read the unspoken.”

The boy said, “Grandfather, write that down, I want to take it with me.”

The old man smiled.

For the old man, every sleep might be their last.

That was why the old man was a light sleeper.

Every morning, sunlight entered and caressed their face.

The Queen went home to visit the family and traveled to the alley.

The Great Li Songs were generous in this. The office of ceremonies turned a blind eye.

The prince and Yu were protecting her.

Yu was young but of high ranking in the family.

Chen gave a high rank to Song.

“The sword cultivator is twenty, it is impressive.”

The prince ignored it.

A closed immortal lodge, several people were talking.

The monk Hou had returned to translating scriptures.

He seemed to be called to the Dao court.

It had a white complexion.

asked, “What’s up?”

The other was bitter. They had similar feelings.

The white clothes man said “flowers bloom,” and his friend was struck.

The ghost cultivator was cut into bits. It was said he invented the sword style.

How could they not be scared?

A small temple.

The office was in a meeting.

Several members were in attendance.

A smiling man was there.

He was not one to laugh, but he read day and night, which harmed his eyes.

He was the leader of the church.

A young officer of ceremonies was collecting reports of the different offices.

He did not have much power, but he was trusted. Therefore, he was temporarily overseeing other areas. It was an honor and soon he would be promoted.

The master of ceremonies asked, “What does the Chen seem like?”

The officer would not lie and said that he had limited contact.

Fallen Peak.

sitting cross-legged. In the garden was a depiction of the Leaf continent.

was sitting and rubbing his shoulders.

He had never seen look like that before.

Ever since that Zheng had left, the goose had been like that.

Could it be all people dressed like geese are like that?

But the Zheng guy didn’t waddle around.

remembered something. “Do you know what is the wood of Luo?”

said, “They are people who barter and don’t like money. On the mountains, they are not well known. The man behind Bao is from Luo, but they are not well known.”

asked, “Do you know anyone named Qin?”

said, “I haven’t heard of her.”

“She claimed to be from China.”

said, “Does she wear wood clothing?”

“Yes!”

“No way, but she and Bai are from the same area and age. She is famous and killed her enemies in the city. The writers wrote poems, but she disappeared and went to the mountain. She is suited for the path. It is said she helped the woman of the Green mountains.”

“But in the alleys, she was only a cultivator.”

Since the Qin was a contemporary of someone famous, she could not be.

said, “Don’t worry, she doesn’t mean to hurt us.”

The Treasure continent was often ignored. Someone stopping or getting famous was seen as an oddity.

Now, there are more and more odd people visiting the world.

said, “That guy is’s student, so I am a senior. Next time I see him, I will toss ink on him. I will avenge you!”

was forced to act fierce.

He felt bad that was like this.

wanted to tell to be careful what he said, but he seemed to not care.

was certainly better at many things.

seized and laughed. “Teacher took on a genius.”

“Sight is what I am gifted with.”

peered at the grains of rice.

lifted his hand, giving them thumbs up.

from the door.

didn’t escape and acted weak, “Oh, if that isn’t, rare guest.”

ignored and with a document said, “The boat of the Treasure, the courts have agreed. Here are a few things to note.”

had designed a route from the continent of Central to the Leaf continent.

Since he was in charge, he could not be lazy.

He had to begin taking students.

He could take the disciple.

Among the nine talents, there were good candidates.

This happened earlier than anticipated.

And was planning something even further in the colorful lands.

stood and walked to the bamboo house.

After left, pushed open the door of the house, it was both a study and home.

There was a couplet.

“Outside the mountains, wind and rain, the sword.”

“Inside the clouds, birds, and books, read the ancient.”

looked at the couplet and left, closed the door, and bounced on the rocks.

The boy said, “What moves me is the moon, the beauty, the snow, the sword.”