Yang Ningxing’s face flushed crimson as his neck was constricted, he could only desperately pat the arm of the person behind him, hoping the other party would show mercy. They were just acquaintances, why resort to such violence?

The white-clad youth seemed to be quite angry, not only did he not loosen his grip, but instead, he gathered his Qi in his Dantian, slightly shifted his stance, pulling Wood Abundance’s body backward until his back was almost parallel to the ground.

Yang Ningxing was truly feeling dizzy and seeing stars, he managed to open his mouth with difficulty and said, “Good sir, intervene, please intervene quickly, don’t just stand by and watch me die! Your student is born with divine strength, his attacks are too heavy…”

The fellow who looked like a young man, with a red mole between his eyebrows and a face full of killing intent, the white-clad youth turned his head to look at Zheng Dafeng, squatted slightly, and first twisted his hand fiercely, strangling Yang Ningxing until his eyes rolled back. He didn’t care whether he lived or died, and just smiled brightly, “Brother Dafeng!”

Zheng Dafeng laughed, “Long time no see, Brother Cui is still such a handsome young man.”

As for friendship, Zheng Dafeng was naturally closer to the old cook and Wei Shanjun. The three of them were quite wary of this big white goose, so they were neither distant nor particularly close.

Zheng Dafeng asked, “How did you end up here?”

Cui Dongshan grinned, “A mountain man has his own ingenious plans.”

Chen Ping’an reminded him, “Dongshan, that’s enough. If you continue like this, Brother Wood Abundance will pretend to be dead, and then ask me for medical expenses.”

Only then did Cui Dongshan release his arm and help Wood Abundance up. The latter rubbed his neck and coughed non-stop. Cui Dongshan helped him pat his back and said with a smile, “My bad, I was too enthusiastic. I have admired Brother Wood Abundance for a long time, and I couldn’t restrain myself when I saw you. Brother Wood Abundance won’t hold a grudge, right?”

Yang Ningxing said awkwardly, “No, no.”

The world seen by Qi Refiners and ordinary Confucians is vastly different.

Once a Qi Refiner begins to ascend the mountain of cultivation, they will see a brand-new world.

Everything becomes clear, as if their Heavenly Eye has been opened. The people around them, every detail is visible. The trembling of eyelashes, the fine needle holes in their clothes becoming as large as the meshes of a fishing net. The tremor of crow’s feet when women speak is clearly visible. The gaps in the powder they apply to their faces are like crisscrossing ridges in a field.

The sound of footsteps nearby, even every breath and heartbeat, sounds like thunder in a cultivator’s ears.

Therefore, every Qi Refiner needs to adapt to this earth-shattering change at the beginning of their cultivation.

In addition, all kinds of magical arts and divine abilities, as well as the flying swords of sword cultivators, more or less involve some Qi fluctuations.

To a cultivator, facing these traces is like a Confucian scholar sitting by the water, with someone throwing a stone into the water, the ripples and waves stirred up are the ripples of spiritual Qi in the world.

Therefore, someone approaching the table silently had already surprised Yang Ningxing. He was even more shocked to be ambushed and strangled, with no power to fight back.

This is the Colorful Heaven, where cultivators above the Fifth Realm are few and far between, not the Northern Ju Luzhou, where wild dragons and snakes lurk everywhere.

What use is this Nascent Soul Realm to me?!

At the table, Chen Ping’an, Zheng Dafeng, Cui Dongshan, and Yang Ningxing each occupied a bench. However, Cui Dongshan shamelessly squeezed onto the same bench as Wood Abundance, bumping shoulders and saying with a grin, “Brother Wood Abundance, I have some knowledge of physiognomy. I can tell that your luck is very good. You are at a great time when your fortune and destiny are both flourishing. Coming here, you must have great gains. Why don’t we, brothers, be honest with each other, set up stalls, and have a swap meet?”

Yang Ningxing said with embarrassment, “It’s embarrassing to say…”

Cui Dongshan raised his feet, twisted his body, stood up again, and with lightning speed, strangled Wood Abundance’s neck again.

Yang Ningxing immediately said, “It’s not that embarrassing! Actually, I have gained a little, a swap meet can be done, why not!”

Damn it, as expected of a student brought out by the “Good Man”, he is surpassing his teacher. He turns his face faster than flipping a book. Back in the Ghost Domain Valley, the “Good Man” was never so unprincipled.

Chen Ping’an ignored Cui Dongshan’s absurd behavior, just picked up his wine bowl, clinked it with Zheng Dafeng’s, and drank the wine, treating this lively scene as an appetizer.

Evil people have their own nemesis. This is called brine curdling tofu, one thing conquers another.

Cui Dongshan sat back in his original position, “No hurry to set up stalls, let’s get the wine down first.”

The Teacher doesn’t like to talk about his travels. When he occasionally mentions some stories of mountains and rivers, he often just glosses over them in a few words. But the Teacher really did say a few more words about this Wood Abundance.

Moreover, when talking about that black-clothed scholar, the Teacher had a lot of smiles on his face.

Early on in the Northern Ju Luzhou, Chen Ping’an had reunited with Jiang Shangzhen. The latter had revealed a heavenly secret: that Yang Ningxing of the Cloud Firmament Palace, praised as the “Little Heavenly Sovereign,” was a true innate Dao seed, and was about to perform the incredibly dangerous act of severing the three corpses. He planned to gather the evil thoughts in his heart into a mustard seed of the mind, and then cut it out. In this way, when Yang Ningxing broke through his bottleneck in the future, from Nascent Soul to Jade Purity, the demons in his heart would be much less of an obstacle.

Severing the three corpses is a unique path to heaven in Daoism. Buddhism also has a similar method of subduing the restless mind, with the same goal through different paths.

Coincidentally, Chen Ping’an had witnessed both of these things. Besides Yang Ningxing, he had also encountered a white-clad monk in the wilderness, carving a cave in the cliff as a Daoist temple, always accompanied by a restless mind.

As for the black-clothed scholar saying that he and Chen Ping’an had fought side by side and split the profits, it wasn’t a lie. The two had schemed against each other in the Ghost Domain Valley, deceiving and calculating, and ultimately both gained something. Only Yang Ningxing had obtained the “quite valuable” golden loach from the old dragon’s lair, and the description “quite valuable” came from Jiang Shangzhen’s mouth.

An item that Jiang Shangzhen considered valuable must be truly priceless, right?

So Chen Ping’an still remembered this debt clearly after many years. In the end, it turned out that he had made a small profit after all his hard work, and Wood Abundance had secretly made the lion’s share?

Yang Ningxing saw the white-clad youth surnamed Cui take out a jade bamboo folding fan from his sleeve, twirl it with two fingers, and open it with a snap. On it were four large characters: “Convince with Virtue.”

Could it be that he had met a fellow practitioner?
“Brother Mu Mao, this humble one possesses a unique secret art that can help you break free from Yang Ningxing’s control. Otherwise, though you seem carefree now, in the end, you’ll inevitably be toiling for another’s benefit. Cultivation is arduous, and the result would be akin to being a dish on a table. Why bother?”

Cui Dongshan’s face was filled with sincerity as he earnestly advised, “Why don’t we, brothers, make a grand deal? Such a ‘Baggage Shop’ is unique under the heavens. You must cherish this opportunity! Once this village is passed, the shop is gone.”

Yang Ningxing smiled, shaking his head. “Brother Cui, why deceive me? Even a great sword immortal like Bai Chang can sever the red threads of marriage, but not the causal threads of the Great Dao.”

Cui Dongshan vigorously fanned himself with his folding fan, scoffing, “Every art has its master. What does Bai Chang amount to?”

Yang Mu Mao turned to Chen Ping’an, questioning, “Brother Good Person, is this Immortal Master Cui truly your student, and not the venerable master who led you to the mountain?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “He is a student.”

Cui Dongshan spun his folding fan, showing the other side to Yang Ningxing.

*Refuse and Die.*

Yang Ningxing caught sight of the four bold characters and leaned back in shock, hurriedly cupping his fist. “No wonder I felt an instant connection with Fellow Daoist Cui! His few words have truly spoken my heart. Yang Mu Mao’s foundation and conduct are all encapsulated in the eight characters on Fellow Daoist Cui’s fan!”

Cui Dongshan took out a small celadon dish from his sleeve, then shook his sleeve again, causing some peach slices and candied fruits to fall out. He looked at his teacher.

Chen Ping’an shook his head. Cui Dongshan then picked up a piece of candied fruit and put it in his mouth, pushing the porcelain dish towards Zheng Dafeng, speaking indistinctly, “Brother Dafeng, quickly have a taste. It’s a rare delicacy that will be hard to find later.”

Zheng Dafeng didn’t stand on ceremony and grabbed a candied fruit, popping it into his mouth. After a single chew, he immediately discerned the secrets within, praising in wonder, “Fine craftsmanship!”

Chen Ping’an picked up the porcelain dish and handed it to Yang Ningxing, who cautiously picked up a candied fruit with two fingers, noting that it seemed to be made from dried peaches. Chen Ping’an then placed the dish back in front of Zheng Dafeng before casually asking, “Brother Mu Mao, what are your plans next?”

Yang Ningxing savored the fruit slowly, suddenly looking radiant. It was as if his one soul and two spirits had encountered a long-awaited rain, benefiting immensely, like swallowing and refining a furnace of elixirs. Casting a sidelong glance at the porcelain dish, he noted that there were still three candied fruits remaining. He said, “I will continue to wander. Since I came from the South, I plan to go see the North, to see if I can find a wise and ambitious monarch to invite me to be a state preceptor. Next time Brother Good Person passes by, I will be the host and offer generous hospitality!”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

Yang Ningxing asked, “Brother Good Person, once I finish setting up my stall with Fellow Daoist Cui, I will truly depart.”

Chen Ping’an simply nodded again.

Seeing that Brother Good Person remained unmoved, Yang Ningxing had to bite the bullet and ask, “Are you truly not inviting me into the Summer Abode Palace? Perhaps if I get a surge of enthusiasm, I might stay. Though not a sword cultivator, becoming a guest elder is still possible, to contribute a small measure of strength to Flying Ascention City and the Hidden Lineage.”

Chen Ping’an took a sip of wine, smiling. “The Summer Abode Palace is too small, how could it accommodate Brother Mu Mao’s unparalleled talents? Forced melons are not sweet; I don’t see the need to persuade you to stay.”

“Not sweet? Why isn’t it sweet? If one could eat delicacies like these candied fruits two or three times a year, even a forcibly plucked bitter gourd would be as sweet as honey. Besides, Brother Good Person knows me well, I can endure the most hardship when I am traveling. As a guest elder of Summer Abode Palace, I wouldn’t even need a stipend.”

Yang Ningxing forcefully swallowed the candied fruits, which were rapidly dissolving in his mouth, and secretly circulated the spiritual energy of his miniature world, guiding it to several of his vital acupoints to “store them.” He then reached for the porcelain dish, wanting another piece, but Cui Dongshan snapped his folding fan shut and sharply tapped the back of his hand, causing Yang Ningxing to withdraw his hand sheepishly.

“Brother Mu Mao, why seek afar what is near? How can you run a ‘Baggage Shop’ if you don’t want a free benefit that’s already offered?”

Cui Dongshan fanned himself with a gentle breeze, smiling. “If I am not mistaken, you have been to the North, served as a Guardian True Person, and acquired your own territory, supporting a puppet emperor. Then, when all is ready except for the final touch, you will seek out either the elegant Prime Minister Yao Qing or a direct disciple of State Preceptor Bai Ou, to negotiate a mutually beneficial deal with the Azure Sky World’s Azure Mountain Dynasty. You are doing it for self-preservation. The Azure God Dynasty can obtain a large enclave and several affiliated immortal mansions. With Brother Mu Mao’s current fortune, the chances are quite high.”

Yang Ningxing’s expression changed, and he fell silent.

Cui Dongshan pressed on while the iron was hot. “But there are still many years before the next opening. Brother Mu Mao’s nascent soul realm seems stable on its journey, but since you encountered me today, there’s no telling who you might encounter tomorrow. And since encountering me is a great blessing, logically speaking, encountering someone else next time will be perilous. Let me state in advance, I’m not cursing Brother Mu Mao!”

Chen Ping’an allowed Cui Dongshan to entice him.

Cui Dongshan repeatedly said that the black-clothed scholar had good fortune, which was the honest truth. If his luck had been slightly worse, as one of Yang Ningxing’s severed Three Corpses, he would have long since dissipated.

This was also why Chen Ping’an had a sense of sadness, as if “this parting would be their last”, when he bid farewell to the black-clothed scholar back then.

Yang Ningxing smiled, looking at Chen Ping’an. “Brother Good Person, I trust you more. Can you give me a straight answer: does this Fellow Daoist Cui truly have a win-win solution?”

Chen Ping’an nodded, saying, “He does, but it’s still not a method that solves everything once and for all. However, it guarantees that Brother Mu Mao won’t need to seek out that ‘Prime Minister Yao’ and can spontaneously gain several hundred years of cultivation. I think that won’t be a problem. During this time, how you interact with Yang Ningxing, whether you can reach the Jade Pure realm or even become an immortal, and whether you can find a way to unlock the dead knot in the future will depend on Brother Mu Mao’s own opportunities and fortune.”

Yang Ningxing seemed to have taken a reassurance pill, clapping his hands in admiration. “As expected, Brother Good Person’s business is fair and honest, with no deception of young or old.”

Putting everything else aside, this Brother Good Person is extremely wary of others, but has absolutely no intention of harming them. Isn’t that what a good person is?

The Mu Mao before them, possessing one soul and two spirits of Yang Ningxing, came to the Five Colors World to train, in fact because Yang Ningxing unexpectedly chose an even grander path.
Scheming for treasures, snatching opportunities, and breaking through cultivation realms are all mere distractions. Truly pursuing the “Great Dao and future prospects” lies in forging a connection with Yao Qing, the Grand Secretary of the Azure Divinity Dynasty, and visiting the enigmatic “Elegant Minister” Yao Qing in the Azure Void World when the doors reopen.

This was an edict from Yang Ningxing himself. As one of his three corpses, “Brother Mu Mao” couldn’t defy it, especially since it was also a form of self-preservation for the black-clad scholar.

Because if the plan failed, Yang Ningxing would have no choice but to retreat, reclaiming, refining, and merging “Yang Mu Mao,” one of his three corpses, to become the complete Yang Ningxing once more.

If the black-clad scholar failed to reach an agreement with Yao Qing and returned empty-handed, Yang Ningxing had ways to ensure that Brother Mu Mao would cease to exist in the human realm.

Chen Ping’an suddenly asked, “Has the real Yang Ningxing already entered the Five Colors World through the Tongye Continent and secretly gone to the Azure Void World?”

The black-clad scholar looked crestfallen. He raised his wine bowl, took a large gulp, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and stared with a profound gaze at the faint ripples in the wine within the bowl. “Obviously, my only escape route has already been blocked by that fellow. With Yang Ningxing’s disposition, how could he leave me alone, letting me, the rogue he despises the most, seek refuge in White Jade Capital? As expected, he is already somewhere within the five cities and twelve towers of White Jade Capital, beginning to cultivate the Dao.”

He raised his head and chuckled, holding up the white bowl and gently swirling it. “No matter how good the wine is, it’s only in one bowl. But there’s nothing to regret, it’s still good wine after all.”

Cui Dongshan sighed, “Yao Qing might be feasible, but Yang Ningxing might not be. In terms of aptitude, inherent qualities, and fortune, the Little Celestial Sovereign of the Northern Entirety Continent is still inferior to Yao Qing’s natural advantages. Of course, if Brother Mu Mao thinks I’m being alarmist, I can’t stop you.”

The Daoist method of severing the three corpses to attain enlightenment is both profound and perilous. Not everyone can succeed. Historically, many high-ranking Daoists who embarked on this path failed miserably, with severe repercussions.

Even if successful, it is of great benefit to the Daoist himself, but for the three corpses, it often means death and dissolution, their fate akin to being refined into natal objects, returning to the soul, a life as short as an autumn grass.

However, there have been a handful of exceptions in Daoist history, such as in the Azure Void World. During the era of the Azure Divinity Dynasty, which saw the emergence of a large group of “Five Tombs Youths,” Grand Secretary Yao Qing, with the Daoist title “Grave Keeper,” a high-ranking Daoist frequently invited to give lectures in the Jade Emperor City of White Jade Capital, accomplished a feat. Yao Qing not only severed his three corpses but also created three “corpse-liberated immortals” out of thin air, all listed in the immortal registry. One person, three bodies, cultivating together, their Great Dao closely related, yet not interfering with each other. In addition to Yin and Yang spiritual incarnations, Yao Qing had three extra “Great Dao friends,” born from his three corpses, similar to ghost immortals but not the same.

And Yao Qing himself, as the “original尊,” was a peak Ascension Realm cultivator.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Is your brother, Yang Ningzhen, planning to reach the peak realm in the Five Colors World and then seek out White Lotus, hoping she’ll help him ‘feed him fists’?”

Yang Ningxing shook his head and smiled, “I don’t know about that. My brother’s ideas are always whimsical, making it difficult for outsiders to fathom.”

White Lotus, the national mentor of the Azure Divinity Dynasty, is a pure martial artist, a woman who wears a hand halberd called “Iron Chamber” on her waist. She is undeniably the third strongest in the martial arts of the Azure Void World, a reached the limit existence.

Yang Ningxing seemed to have finally made up his mind. “I’ll do this deal! Even if there’s still some lingering connection, it’s better than being a puppet. That way, I’m free and he’s also relaxed. Yang Ningxing can cultivate the Great Dao in White Jade Capital without distractions. For Yang Mu Mao and Yang Ningxing, in the long run, it’s all for the best.”

Xiao Mo had been inside the shop, carefully examining the worry-free plaques on the wall.

Cui Dongshan waved vigorously, “Xiao Mo, Xiao Mo, come here quickly.”

Xiao Mo quickly walked out of the shop, smiling and asking, “Mr. Cui, what’s the matter?”

Cui Dongshan asked with a smile, “Xiao Mo, can you see that clear cause-and-effect line with distinct primary and secondary connections?”

Xiao Mo glanced at the black-clad scholar and nodded. “I can see it. This cause-and-effect line of violet-gold Daoist energy extends all the way to the sky, forming what Daoists used to call a ‘line to the sky’ with someone in another world.”

Normally, Xiao Mo would never actively probe other people’s hearts, nor would he care about their realm or background.

Because there was no need.

In ancient times, many gods who fell to the human world for various reasons were allowed by the old Heavenly Court to walk the world in a state of penance if their sins were not too severe.

This was the beginning of some human earth immortals and their return to the heavens.

The heavens hang down a long line, tethering the earth.

This is the so-called “the net of heaven is vast, its mesh is wide, yet nothing escapes.” The small fish swim freely within it, and even if they cultivate Dao and become powerful “big fish,” they can hardly break free from their bonds until they die.

Later, the Little Sage’s severing the connection between heaven and earth was largely due to this.

The Sage separated heaven and earth with his own Great Dao, and the price this Ritual Sage paid was that he could not reach the fifteenth realm.

Not because he couldn’t, but because he didn’t want to.

In ancient times, a small group of Daoists, blessed with inspiration, accidentally discovered certain orderly circulations of Daoist magic due to these celestial phenomena. Later generations gradually developed many Daoist lineages, such as the Qi Observers.

Cui Dongshan asked, “Can it be severed?”

Xiao Mo nodded. “Now that ‘heaven doesn’t care,’ completely severing this long line is possible. Besides, even back then, I’ve done this kind of thing before. I guarantee it can be done without causing any damage. If this Daoist Yang is ruthless enough to trade a few realms for freedom, I can help him scrape out that small half of a Dao seed from his Dao heart. Then, whether to keep this thing and return it to its former owner one day, settling the score, or to be even more ruthless and have me smash the Dao seed with a sword, ruining that person’s future prospects, is no problem.”

Chen Ping’an smiled with narrowed eyes, “Brother Mu Mao, what do you say?”

The black-clad scholar rubbed his hands and said with a smile, “Just temporarily sever the cause-and-effect line. As the old saying goes, ‘Leave a line for others, and you may meet again in the future.'”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “That makes sense.”
So our friend Mu Mao here, began to focus and hold his breath, mentally preparing himself for the collapse of his own miniature world within, the destruction of mountains and rivers. The several natal treasures that Yang Ningxing had left him were already poised for action within the major Qi repositories, gathering Dao Qi from all directions, like troops mustering, rushing to defend some crucial “capital,” ready to fight to the death, lest he accidentally fall from his realm and damage the very foundation of his Great Dao.

But the fellow that Daoist Cui referred to as “Xiao Mo” simply walked up to him, spread his fingers above his head, twisted his wrist, seemingly gave a gentle tug, and was done.

The black-robed scholar patiently waited for a moment, and seeing that Xiao Mo had already sat down on an empty stool, he hesitantly asked, “That’s it?”

Did this cultivator in the yellow hat and green shirt think he was a soaring realm sword cultivator?

Damn it, my good friend, are you playing the same old trick, conspiring to set me up?

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Why not take a good look at the Qi phenomena within yourself, especially that small seed of Dao. Whether it’s real or fake will be obvious at a glance.”

Cui Dongshan quickly came behind Xiao Mo and began to massage his shoulders with his elbows. “Hard work, too much hard work! This action must have depleted you greatly!”

Xiao Mo wanted to say that it wasn’t hard, just a small effort, but he refrained from saying it. In fact, it was quite tiresome.

A moment later, the black-robed scholar lost all traces of jest. His expression turned solemn as he asked Chen Ping’an, “How shall I repay you?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “In the future, when passing by some treasured land, remember to play the host.”

The black-robed scholar raised a hand, opened his palm, and promised, “Before I open the door again, if I truly become a state preceptor of some new dynasty, I can find a way to send fifty thousand people to Soaring City.”

Cui Dongshan looked at his teacher, his eyes asking if this deal was profitable. If there was no profit, he would step forward and have a tantrum with this Mu Mao.

Chen Ping’an nodded, indicating that it was a good deal, and that their Bao Fu Zhai would benefit.

The black-robed scholar felt relieved, as if a massive stone weighing on his Dao heart had been removed. His Dao heart instantly became clearer, faintly touching upon a breakthrough opportunity, like a bamboo shoot emerging from the earth. He suppressed his joy, and his expression became complex as he said, “From today onward, I am truly Yang Mu Mao.”

Sure enough, every time he met his good friend, something good was bound to happen.

If there weren’t outsiders present, he would have put his arm around him and said from the bottom of his heart, “My good friend, you are truly my lucky star.”

Chen Ping’an raised his wine bowl and said, “Brother Mu Mao, I’ve taken this upon myself. Next time we meet, don’t make me do remedial work to correct mistakes.”

Yang Mu Mao laughed, “How can a person not cherish blessings?”

Zheng Dafeng smiled as he raised his bowl, “Then let’s each drink our share to the fullest.”

After drinking a bowl of wine, Chen Ping’an asked, “Has Shu Zhongshu been to Soaring City?”

Yang Mu Mao shook his head, “No, or with his ostentatious style, everyone here would already know. Shu Zhongshu is very different from us brothers. He’s a young master of a wealthy family, both delicate and precious. When he goes out, he’s very particular.”

“And that guy is just lazy and doesn’t like to move. He’s lucky. It’s infuriating to compare people. One night he was drinking with me and said he was planning to reach the Jade Purity Realm. The next day, he just casually reached the Jade Purity Realm. I couldn’t even tell if Shu Zhongshu had accumulated enough energy or if it was just a whim.”

In fact, the mountain cultivators of several worlds know that whether it’s the top ten young talents or the slightly inferior candidates, as long as they are on the list, they are beings with great Dao potential.

As long as they aren’t too arrogant and complacent on their path of cultivation, they won’t encounter too many accidents, and can be considered as “candidates for ascension” set in stone.

Like Ning Yao and Fei Ran, they are already in the soaring realm, and they are both sword cultivators.

One is the first person in the Five Colors World, and the other is the co-lord of the Wilderness.

If they were pure martial artists, they would have the hope of reaching the first level of the Return to True Realm, and even have the opportunity to compete for the legendary “With this boxing intent, I am a god.”

Chen Ping’an casually asked, “What does he think of Soaring City?”

Yang Mu Mao replied without hesitation, “He thinks it’s very good, so good that it couldn’t be better. The reason Shu Zhongshu came to the Five Colors World in the first place was because he complained that his parents didn’t allow him to travel to the Sword Qi Great Wall back then. Shu Nanyan dared not let him go, so he had never been to the Sword Qi Great Wall, which he considered the greatest regret of his life. The Shu Cave Master felt extremely guilty about this, so he secretly allowed his only son to go down the mountain without his wife’s knowledge.”

Chen Ping’an asked in surprise, “Is he a sword cultivator?”

Yang Mu Mao nodded, “Indeed, he is a sword cultivator.”

Because Shu Zhongshu had already exchanged blows with a group of forbidden cultivators on the border of Supernal Stage and hadn’t killed them all, there was no taboo about him being a sword cultivator.

Moreover, Shu Zhongshu possessed two natal flying swords, one called “Sanfu” (Dog Days), which, once released, would bring scorching sun and burning earth, with spiritual Qi steaming within a hundred miles. The other, “Huangmeitian” (Plum Rain Season), was the opposite of his natal divine ability, bringing torrential rain and dark skies, with extremely heavy baleful Qi in the rain, making cultivators feel as if they were trapped in the ruins of an ancient battlefield filled with yin winds.

However, the quality of the two flying swords was not yet enough to form their own small world.

Chen Ping’an looked at Xiao Mo.

Xiao Mo nodded, speaking from the heart.

Chen Ping’an continued to ask, “Can you pass a message to Shu Zhongshu? Is Supernal Stage willing to form an alliance with Soaring City?”

Yang Mu Mao thought for a moment, “That’s hard to say. Shu Zhongshu is too lazy. Even if he has a very good impression of Soaring City, he might not be willing to get involved in alliances or anything like that.”

“Shu Zhongshu has had a habit since he was a child. Whenever he does something proactively, he pursues some kind of extreme, then he won’t be lazy at all.”

“If he really becomes an ally with Soaring City, he might take the initiative to ask to be a retainer here. He can’t be the chief retainer, so he’ll settle for being the second-in-command.”

“I estimate that within a year, everyone in your Punisher, Hidden Officer, and Underworld Mansion branches will be annoyed to death by him.”

“Extreme?”

Chen Ping’an asked in confusion, “Give me an example?”

Yang Mu Mao said, “Like reciting the Daoist Canon.”

Chen Ping’an was surprised, “All of it?”