In the heart of Bao Ping Continent, nestled amidst a sprawl of regal dwellings, lay the Grand Canal Marquisate of Changchun, its jewel being the Azure Palace.

Within the aquatic manor, a multitude of inscribed plaques adorned the walls. The Dean of the Guanhai Academy had gifted one that declared, “Enduring Merit,” while the patriarch of the Yunlin Jiang Clan had penned, “Poetry and Ritual, a Family’s Companion.” Even the Linlu Academy, distant as it was, sent one proclaiming, “A Bulwark of the Divine Capital.”

Even Liu Qingfeng, the former Minister of Rites from the Da Li Secondary Capital, renowned for his austerity, had made an exception once, bestowing a work of calligraphy. It was a four-character inscription, “Plowing in Sunshine, Reading in Rain,” penned with considerable vigor.

Now, upon the lands of Bao Ping Continent, Yanghua, whom the Literary Temple had ennobled as Marquis, was undeniably the foremost Water Deity.

Chen Ping’an did not approach Yanghua directly.

Alas, the Lady Marquis of the Grand Canal was an exacting woman. One had to have the gatekeeper announce one’s arrival.

However, should anyone observe this series of dreamlike wanderings from beginning to end, they would find that the dreamscape Chen Ping’an wove grew ever closer to the truth.

Chen Ping’an ascended the steps, making his way toward the gatehouse.

It was said that Yanghua’s first decree upon assuming office was to forbid any mountain or river officials within her jurisdiction from paying congratulatory visits. Thus, many water spirits of modest rank, not to mention river deities of significant stature and even the city gods of Da Li’s southern prefectures, had yet to behold Yanghua’s true countenance.

Contrast this with Lord Wei of the mountains, who was far more “approachable.” Even the district city gods and earth spirits had the good fortune to glimpse their mountain lord at his nightly banquets.

Previously, Chen Ping’an had entrusted Dou Yan, the Mountain God of Dieyun Ridge, with a letter for Yanghua. Given Yanghua’s keen eye for detail, he believed she would have already visited Dieyun Ridge and the site of the former Tiaobo River, likely in secret. Given Dou Yan’s penchant for meddling and Cen River Count’s skill in managing waters, Yanghua might not be overly impressed to discover such “pearls hidden in the deep” within her domain, but she would at least not be disappointed.

The gatekeeper was an old cultivator of the Sea-Gazing Realm, impeccably neat, garbed in a magical robe said to have been woven and refined by the Azure Finch Abode of Bei Ju Luzhou. It had become almost standard attire among Da Li’s mountain and river officials.

As the saying goes, “A Prime Minister’s Gatekeeper is a Third-Rank Official.” The old gatekeeper remained amiable, stepping out to greet the guest who identified himself as Chen Ping’an of Falling Star Mountain.

The old cultivator could not help but blurt out, “Who?!”

It was a lapse in etiquette, quite unbecoming of a seasoned gatekeeper. However, the news that had reached his ears was simply too shocking. The visitor was alone, approaching the Marquisate unaccompanied, without any prior sign of a resplendent sword-light illuminating the heavens. He certainly did not bear the demeanor of a Sword Immortal.

Chen Ping’an could only smile and repeat his name.

The old gatekeeper’s brow instantly beaded with sweat. He dared not utter another word, steeling himself to say, “Might Hidden Lord allow me to announce your arrival?”

He did not address him as Mountain Lord or Sword Immortal Chen, but rather used the title he held in highest regard.

The old man longed to grant immediate passage, but the Marquisate’s rules were strict. In recent years, he had turned away countless esteemed guests. Once, the Capital City God from Da Li’s secondary capital had come to discuss matters, and the gatekeeper, weighing the situation carefully, felt it appropriate to grant entry without seeking approval. However, the matter came to the attention of Mama Liu of the Rites Division, who berated him fiercely for his lack of discernment.

Chen Ping’an nodded and smiled. “Follow the rules.”

The old gatekeeper, filled with trepidation, stood beside the Hidden Lord outside the Marquisate gates.

He wondered if the Marquisate would open the ceremonial gate to welcome their guest.

Such an honor was reserved for Da Li’s monarch, feudal princes, or the arrival of a Five Peaks Mountain Lord.

Yet, this young Sword Immortal, born in Bao Ping Continent but serving as the last Hidden Lord of the Sword Qi Great Wall, was a rare visitor. Furthermore, his mistress had risen from the position of Water God of the Iron Talisman River, making them near neighbors to Falling Star Mountain.

It seemed that both publicly and privately, the Marquisate ought to open the ceremonial gate.

However, it was the Second-in-Command of the Rites Division and a Seal-Holding Goddess from the Marquisate’s Seal Division who came to greet the young Hidden Lord. The Marquis of Changchun did not appear in person. This alone made the gatekeeper feel somewhat ashamed, and he grew increasingly cautious, daring not utter a word.

Thus, it was evident that the spectacle at Zheng Yang Mountain, coupled with the earth-shattering Hidden Lord identity that had spread across the continent overnight via gazettes, had made “Chen Ping’an” the most potent credential in Bao Ping Continent’s mountain and river bureaucracy.

The Seal-Holding Goddess first performed the female official’s salute to Chen Ping’an, then offered a graceful bow, apologizing, “Mountain Lord Chen, my mistress is currently entertaining guests and cannot excuse herself. We hope Mountain Lord Chen will understand.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “It is only right. I arrived at your esteemed residence without prior notice. It is already a privilege not to be turned away.”

The two Marquisate goddesses, neither of whom had originated from the Iron Talisman River, breathed a collective sigh of relief.

He was not quite like the lofty Hidden Lord they had imagined. To be precise, he was quite unlike him.

As the three of them made their way through the corridors, two more female officials in public attire approached, their official patches indicating that they were the First and Second-in-Command of the various aquatic divisions.

It seemed they had been waiting on the path, conveniently passing by and offering to accompany them to the Rites Division’s reception hall. It was all quite seamless, leaving no room for criticism.

The Rites Division’s female official glared at them. She had specifically reminded the officials of the various divisions not to act rashly before she left the office. Why were they still behaving so childishly?!

The Seal-Holding Goddess could only remind the two through telepathy, sternly stating, “You’re already here, but from now on, no one is to speak!”

Had Liu of the Rites Division been present today, the two of them would have been in serious trouble!

Similar to the Lingyuan Duke’s Estate of Bei Ju Luzhou, the number of female officials was great, giving off an air of Yin prevailing over Yang, perhaps because the mistress of the residence was female.

As they passed by the public offices of the various divisions, heads would peek out from doors and windows, though all remained quiet, daring not make a loud commotion.

They were all curious about the face of the youngest Inscribed Sword Cultivator in the history of the Sword Qi Great Wall, wondering what manner of three-headed, six-armed monstrosity he might be.

Upon arriving at the main hall of the Rites Division, the Seal-Holding Goddess softly said, “We must trouble Mountain Lord Chen to wait a moment. The Marquis said earlier that she would need about half an incense stick’s worth of time. We will not keep Mountain Lord Chen waiting long.”

A maidservant stationed there quickly brought Chen Ping’an a cup of tea. However, her attire gave her away. A secretary of a department in the Six Ministries would not personally serve tea to guests.

Chen Ping’an thanked her and accepted the tea. The teacup was a Longquan celadon from his hometown, the glaze being the finest plum-green. Judging by the craftsmanship, it was fired in a kiln near Baoxi, and Chen Ping’an even knew which master craftsman had made the cup, or at least whose apprentice had been personally guided by the master. However, as he quietly weighed the cup, Chen Ping’an sighed. The old kilns near Baoxi, which had traditionally used porcelain clay from the Huang Maojian area, were now using soil from the Baxianjian ancient road. This was the result of official kilns becoming civilian kilns.

To the layman, it was just a spectacle, but to the expert, it was a glimpse into the heart of the matter. The same type of porcelain clay, called purple-gold clay, would have subtle differences due to the variations in the mountains and water. The weight, stickiness, and texture of the clay would all vary, resulting in the patterns of the fired porcelain differing in a thousand ways. To the layman, the differences would be imperceptible, but to the expert, they were instantly recognizable. For example, the porcelain clay from the Huang Maojian area was much better than that from the Baxianjian ancient road, but the number of kilns that could be fired would be much lower. In the past, when porcelain was used for imperial purposes, the kilns could disregard costs, but now that some kilns had become civilian kilns, selling their wares for profit, every broken piece of inferior porcelain was like breaking silver.

The Seal-Holding Goddess gave the “maidservant” several glances, and the latter finally left the hall with great reluctance.

Yanghua appeared outside the door of the Rites Division’s hall, seeing the green-clad Sword Immortal inside drinking tea, his legs crossed, leisurely sipping, with no trace of displeasure.

When Yanghua stepped over the threshold, Chen Ping’an simply set down his teacup.

The two female officials in the room quickly bowed to Yanghua and took their leave, their footsteps light as they swiftly exited the hall.

Yanghua sat down in the opposite chair and directly asked, “What are your instructions for today’s visit, Mountain Lord Chen?”

Chen Ping’an deliberately skipped over the word “again” and explained his purpose to Yanghua.

Seeing Yanghua’s hesitation, Chen Ping’an picked up his teacup again and smiled. “No need to be troubled. I’ll leave after I finish my tea.”

It was a double entendre.

Yanghua likely had to seek approval from the Empress Dowager, not daring to act on her own, fearing that too close a relationship between the aquatic manor and Chen Ping’an’s Falling Star Mountain would arouse suspicion.

But if Yanghua felt troubled, then that incense stick’s worth of time would be meaningless.

Although Chen Ping’an saw that Yanghua, despite being a Marquis of the Grand Canal, had been unable to escape the shadow of her former role as a handmaiden to Empress Dowager Nan Zan, which would have considerable aftereffects.

But Chen Ping’an, as an outsider, could say little about such matters, lest he inadvertently make things worse.

As expected, Chen Ping’an stood up after drinking his tea.

Yanghua suddenly said, “That incense stick’s worth of time, I have no issue with it.”

Chen Ping’an was quite surprised, but he still cupped his hands in thanks.

Yanghua rarely smiled, but returned the courtesy, saying, “It is a mutually beneficial matter. No need for Mountain Lord Chen to thank me.”

From the moment of his arrival, other than crossing paths with her, he had been sitting there with his teacup and crossed legs, acting with utmost courtesy.

Afterward, Yanghua took the initiative to tell Chen Ping’an about the group of guests she had just entertained. They came from the Qingmei Monastery of Nantang Lake. Besides two female cultivators from the Qingmei Monastery, there was also the Water Lord of Nantang Lake. This water deity was now an official under the Changchun Marquisate’s jurisdiction. They had left not long ago, and among them was Shao Yunyan, a Sword Immortal from the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect, and Madame Tuoyan, who went by the alias “Mei Qingke.”

On the credentials, Madame Tuoyan used “Mei Qingke” and the Taoist name “Qu Xian.”

Thus, Chen Ping’an could not help but smile and ask, “If I hastily depart and leave the hall on the wind, will Marquis not mind?”

Yanghua, unaware of his intent, said it was of no consequence.

In the corridor of the hall, a figure in green robes bid farewell to Yanghua with a cupped fist, transforming into a sword light that vanished thousands of miles away in an instant.

After Yanghua left the Rites Division, the goddesses returned to the hall one after another. The female official from the Rites Division, who had pretended to be a maidservant, serving and refilling tea, raised her arm and giggled, saying that she had gotten goosebumps when she first saw the young Hidden Lord. The Second-in-Command of the Rites Division, her superior, playfully scolded her for being infatuated.

Catching up to a Qingmei Monastery private ferry in the clouds, a figure in green robes, sleeves fluttering, landed on the bow.

Shao Yunyan sensed the unusual ripples of Taoist Qi and moved to the bow of the ship, surprised. He cupped his hands and smiled. “Why has Hidden Lord come?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “It was just a coincidence. You left first, and I arrived at the Marquisate afterward.”

The Abbess of the Qingmei Monastery, a female cultivator appearing to be middle-aged, had a full head of white hair, indicating that the forced relocation of the ancestral hall had damaged the foundation of her Dao. Besides cultivating water arts, she also shared a fate with Nantang Lake. The relocation of the monastery’s female cultivators was just a move, but for her, it was a serious blow. Even without engaging in battle with the demon race, she almost fell from her realm.

Standing beside the abbess were Zhou Qionglin, an expert in the art of reflections and moon in the water, and a woman full of water energy with light-gold eyes.

Now, Nantang Lake was full of water again, the plum blossoms bloomed anew, and the landscape was refreshed.

Chen Ping’an cupped his hands and smiled. “Greetings, Abbess Song, Lake Lord Qin, and Fairy Zhou.”

After some pleasantries, Chen Ping’an said he was just catching up with Sword Immortal Shao and would not disturb the Qingmei Monastery any further.

It was evident that the three from Nantang Lake were extremely nervous.

The name of a person is like the shadow of a tree.

Just being one of the ten youngest people in the world was enough to intimidate.

So, hearing that Mountain Lord Chen would soon be leaving the ferry, they were both regretful and relieved.

Arriving at Shao Yunyan’s residence, Shao Yunyan asked if he wanted to drink, but Chen Ping’an said it was unnecessary. He would chat for a few words and then leave.

Madame Tuoyan sat upright, prim and proper, with her hands clasped in front of her, knees together, eyes fixed ahead. She was as restrained as if she were attending a meeting in the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect’s ancestral hall, facing the sect leader, Old Sword Immortal Qi.

Chen Ping’an asked Shao Yunyan about the recent situation of the Dragon Elephant Sword Sect and Nan Po Suo Continent, then said to Madame Tuoyan, “If possible, Madame Tuoyan should change her Taoist name.”

Madame Tuoyan asked with a bitter face, “May I ask Hidden Lord why?”

What’s wrong? I just casually took a refined Taoist name. Does that bother you? Do I have to take an earthy name for Hidden Lord to feel comfortable? Mind your own business!

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Just a casual remark. There’s a pure martial artist named Ma Quxian who recently fell from his realm. Do you think it’s unlucky or inauspicious? Of course, if Madame Tuoyan doesn’t mind, then I certainly don’t care.”

Madame Tuoyan sighed and lightly stamped her foot. How could she run into this?

Shao Yunyan was more concerned about the affairs of Haoran Continent, asking, “Is that Cao Ci’s eldest senior brother, Ma Quxian?”

Chen Ping’an nodded, then took out a white bowl from his sleeve, his fingers seemingly picking up something, crystal-clear like a black pearl, glowing with treasure light and rich water energy.

Shao Yunyan recognized it and asked with a smile, “This is?”

Chen Ping’an explained, “I saw the Great Demon Yang Zhi in a certain place in Central Earth Continent. This was an extra bonus from a deal.”

Shao Yunyan was puzzled, smiling and joking, “What is Hidden Lord doing? No merit, no reward. This trip is just a jaunt, no different from sightseeing. I don’t cultivate water arts. Giving this to me would be a waste.”

Madame Tuoyan felt a headache. Something that had been eaten by a former Throne Demon King could also be… obediently spit out?

Our Hidden Lord has such great official prestige.

Chen Ping’an glanced at Madame Tuoyan, saying without much politeness, “Go invite Lake Lord Qin over for a chat. Remember, it’s an invitation.”

When the woman surnamed Qin from Nantang Lake arrived, she saw that Hidden Lord Chen and Sword Immortal Shao were already standing in the doorway, waiting for her to arrive.

There was a white bowl on the table, and the water bead in the bowl, as soon as Lake Lord Qin sat down, glowed with treasure light, as if meeting an old friend or seeing its former master, filling the room with light.

Originally, Chen Ping’an had not planned to do business with this Lake Lord Qin, but it was such a coincidence that he considered it an opportunity not to be missed.

After hearing the story, Lake Lord Qin refused to accept the merit, saying that it was already great fortune that 80% of Nantang Lake could return to its original state. Not to mention a mere effort, even if Nantang Lake built a shrine for Hidden Lord and offered the spirit tablet, it would be appropriate.

Her sincere words made Madame Tuoyan feel complicated. She had not expected that this taciturn female Lake Lord would be so devoted to Falling Star Mountain.

After the young Hidden Lord left the ferry, Shao Yunyan smiled and reminded, “Lake Lord Qin, take my advice and forget about building a shrine, and don’t secretly offer tablets and incense every day. Hidden Lord is a Confucian disciple, and it is against propriety.”

Lake Lord Qin, holding the white bowl in both hands, had not put it in her sleeve. She thought for a moment and said, “According to the Literary Temple, I, as a Lake Lord, am allowed to open a government. I can ask a nearby academy for a Confucian ritual vessel. Would asking the Guanhai Academy for a sage book from the Literary Sage cause trouble for Hidden Lord?”

Shao Yunyan smiled approvingly, nodding and saying, “This is feasible.”

Madame Tuoyan was full of emotion, Qin Lake Lord, have you been cultivating in Falling Star Mountain?

Tiaobo River has now been officially renamed Old Fish Lake.

The former River Count, Cen Wenqian, has also been promoted two ranks, becoming a local Lake Lord, with the same rank as a River God, now a Proper Seventh Grade official.

Because Cen Wenqian had followed the Female Marquis Yanghua to the capital’s Ministry of Works and had given much advice on Grand Canal dredging and certain “closure” matters, and had been rated as excellent by the Da Li court, Cen Wenqian even held a temporary position as a secretary in the capital’s Ministry of Water, and every so often, he had to go to the capital to “report” for duty. And with Yanghua’s personal recommendation, the Da Li court’s Ministry of Rites examined and approved the promotion to Lake Lord. There were many matters and connections involved, but the speed was extremely fast.

This made Cen Wenqian feel very emotional. If it were in the old country’s bureaucracy, not to mention less than a month, it would take at least a year and a half of grinding to achieve this.

Seeing the green-shirted Sword Immortal, they saluted each other and smiled, tacitly understanding certain things.

Cen Wenqian agreed to the incense stick’s worth of time without hesitation, “Then I won’t keep Mr. Chen here.”

Unexpectedly, Chen Ping’an smiled. “There’s still time for a few drinks.”

Cen Wenqian asked, “Then let’s go to Dieyun Ridge to get a free meal?”

The self-brewed wine of Dieyun Ridge’s Mountain God Temple was famous.

Back then, the scholar named Cui had come to the area, seeking the fish of Tiaobo River and the wine of Dieyun Ridge. Eating fish and drinking wine would be a delight.

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Eating from a wealthy household is like robbing the rich to help the poor.”

Arriving at the Mountain God Temple of Dieyun Ridge, the temple keeper hurriedly prepared a secluded room. Dou Yan stood at the door, smiling, and hurried forward, the old immortal looking obsequious, “Isn’t this Sword Immortal Chen? I was just saying, looking at the calendar today, it’s good for both traveling and entertaining guests. It turns out that Sword Immortal Chen is giving our little temple a chance to entertain, come in, come in, Lake Lord Cen, how can you come empty-handed? That’s not right, ah, quickly, notify the Lake Lord’s Mansion to send two big fish, I’ll personally cook a table of home-style dishes for Sword Immortal Chen today.”

Helping his Dieyun Ridge connect with the Azure Palace and having the Marquis Yanghua personally visit his mountain, Dou Yan had managed to become a familiar face to the Marquis, especially since he had helped his old friend Cen Wenqian through his difficulties. And, turning misfortune into fortune, the river change, which was clearly a disaster, resulted in a promotion. Now that Cen Wenqian knew how to “flirt” with the Marquisate, it wouldn’t be a problem for Dou Yan to bow and scrape, learning from the sycophants in the officialdom to call Chen Big Brother Chen or Master Chen.

Ordinary young people don’t know how hard it is to ask for help. It’s bone-chillingly cold for the poor in summer, and asking for help is like swallowing a three-foot sword. Being able to never understand these old principles would be true luck.

Originally, Dou Yan had prepared to personally go fishing in the river, but Cen Wenqian, perhaps after several trips to the Grand Canal Marquisate and the Da Li Capital, suddenly became enlightened. He told them to wait a moment, then personally went to catch fish.

Soon, a table of wine and dishes was served. Dou Yan took off his apron and casually hung it on the back of his chair, indicating that he had indeed cooked the meal himself.

Chen Ping’an picked up a piece of steamed perch, the unique apricot blossom perch of Tiaobo River, took a sip of wine, and raised his thumb, praising, “Eating fish and drinking wine, the taste is excellent, the reputation is well-deserved.”

Hidden in a certain place, Qing Tong could only whisper, “If you stay any longer, this business will be a loss.”

Chen Ping’an’s stay in the dream of the long river of time required the consumption of merit.

“What’s the point of working so hard to do business?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said to him in his heart, “Isn’t it just so that when I want to drink, a friend will invite me, and I can eat and drink for as long as I want.”

Qing Tong could only continue to wait patiently.

When he was drinking tea at the Female Marquis’s residence, he didn’t see you being so generous.

At that time, Chen Ping’an was actually complaining in his heart, it seemed that he was going to charge that Yanghua, who had not shown up for a long time, for the bill.

When Dou Yan learned that Falling Star Mountain in Tongye Continent was planning to establish a lower sect, he began to inquire, smiling and asking, “Are they really going to learn from our Bao Ping Continent and open up a brand new canal? If they really start, can it really be done?”

In the Nine Continents of Haoran, the three leaders of the Literary Temple, along with the presidents and teachers of the three major academies, went to each continent and recognized a total of sixteen major canals.

Bei Ju Luzhou and Bao Ping Continent each had one, while Tongye Continent had none. So, one of the things discussed at the Peach Leaf Alliance was to jointly open up a major canal and re-dredge the old canal waterways, using the buried river as the main stem, connecting the river to the sea.

Of course, not all water that flows into the sea can be called a “canal.”

Like the Lin River in Tongye Continent, which, with its tributaries, was tens of thousands of miles long, the river god’s rank was only Seventh Grade, while some waterways that were only three or four thousand miles long could become major canals.

The Literary Temple has never publicly announced the specific criteria for renaming rivers, how to promote them, and how to obtain the “canal” suffix.

Chen Ping’an nodded and smiled. “There is such a plan, but it’s difficult to implement. First, the interests of all parties are difficult to balance. Lake Lord Cen is an expert in water management and knows the pitfalls. Second, the presidents of the three academies of Dafu, Tianmu, and Wuxi in Tongye Continent dare not nod their heads. Even if it’s some kind of hint, the academies will definitely not give it. Once the main canal of the major canal takes shape, the closing of the confluence, the branching of the streams, and the changing of the roads will result in the Literary Temple not passing it, causing this major water to never obtain the title of major canal. Then, for the Daquan Yao family, the Golden Peak Temple in the north, and the Pushan Cloud Grass Hall, all the dynasties, small countries, and mountain immortal residences involved will not only lose dozens or hundreds of Valley Rain Coins, but may even have as much as ten thousand Valley Rain Coins worth of bad debts and confusion. Then, they will be embarrassed and return to their respective homes. To fill their coffers, the ministers of households and the gods of wealth in each country may resign in anger, because there’s no hope.”

Dou Yan sighed.

Chen Ping’an raised his wine bowl and lightly touched it with Mountain God Dou, smiling and asking, “Why did you think of asking about this?”

Cen Wenqian was also curious. What could it matter to Mountain God Dou whether there was a major canal in Tongye Continent? He joked, “Wearing the hat of a sesame seed green bean official and worrying about the affairs of the prime minister.”

Friends often enjoy tearing each other down.

Dou Yan raised his head and drank the wine in his bowl, then told the truth, “Isn’t it because there’s a small mountain sect in Tongye Continent that is one of the mountain forces in the Peach Leaf Alliance? They found our Bao Ping Continent through various relationships, and then one of my mountain god friends got involved. This guy thinks there’s an opportunity to make money, so he asked me if I wanted to participate. We can pool some money. If it succeeds, we can get our money back in two or three hundred years, and then we can lie down and split the profits every day. This good life can last for seven or eight hundred years. According to that friend, we can roughly get a profit of at least two times our investment.”

Cen Wenqian said angrily, “Are you guys crazy about money?”

The Literary Temple’s reopening of the recognition of major canals was thanks to three people.

Wei She of the Ai’ai Continent. Cui Chan of the Da Li State. Yuan Fang of the Yasheng lineage, the youngest president of the academy in Haoran’s history.

One had been running around for years calling for this matter. Although Wei She did not participate in the Literary Temple’s discussions, it was rumored that Wei She had brought up the old matter and sent a letter to each of the three Literary Temple leaders.

Cui Chan, on the other hand, had not said a word, not even dealing with the Literary Temple, but had just “gone his own way” and “done his own thing.”

The appearance of Qi Du became the best positive example, proving that having a major canal in a continent was more beneficial than harmful for gathering water transport.

Then Yuan Fang formally proposed the matter during the Literary Temple’s discussions.

In fact, Chen Ping’an knew a secret. On that night boat, Chen Ping’an had met with Yuan Fang, the young Heavenly Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, and the young monk. In addition to examining the subtle shifts in the latest weights and measures of Haoran Continent, they had indeed made a special trip to complete a Qi Du, which was considered a key inspection object.

Dou Yan refilled his wine and raised his wine bowl to a certain person, looking at the green-shirted Sword Immortal with a smile. You small Lake Lord Cen, cool off to the side.

Hidden Lord, can you give us a definite answer?

If not, I’ll advise my friend not to waste money. If so, then Dieyun Ridge will have to sell everything to raise money.

Chen Ping’an poured wine, shook the wine bowl, and啧嘖said, “This Dieyun Ridge wine isn’t cheap.”

Cen Wenqian tapped the table with his wine bowl, reminding Dou Yan not to overstep, glaring and saying, “Mountain God Dou, Mr. Chen has already said so much, and you still don’t understand? Have you been a mountain god for too long and can’t understand human speech?”

Because Cen Wenqian could be sure that, unless there was an accident, Tongye Continent would not be able to reopen the major canal. Chen Sword Immortal’s words had already revealed the secret, and it could be said that they had given the matter a final verdict.

The Peach Leaf Alliance had only a few mountain and down-mountain forces. How could they have the ability to accomplish such a feat? The so-called agenda was just a superficial effort to gather people’s hearts.

There was only one possibility to create a major canal in Tongye Continent, and that was led by the Jade Rule Sect, and Wei Ying had to show his face in person, not hesitating to consume his sect’s merit, and then pull in the Aiai Continent’s Liu family, who were rich and powerful, and perhaps the Da Li court, an ally in the north, to sit down and split the profits.

Chen Ping’an thought for a moment and said, “Not only Old Brother Dou, but if Mr. Cen has some spare money, he can invest too.”

Cen Wenqian was stunned, this new Lake Lord was a bit confused.

Chen Ping’an continued, “Mountain God Dou, you have to give me a guarantee. You can borrow money from anyone, but don’t say a word to your colleague friend. Even if you can’t resist their questioning, just perfunctorily say that it’s just rumors you heard on the road, and you can’t be sure. It’s up to them whether they believe it or not. Don’t get drunk and tell anyone about our chat today.”

Dou Yan nodded like a chicken pecking rice, laughing and saying, “If I didn’t understand these official rules, I would have been a mountain god in Dieyun Ridge in vain.”

Cen Wenqian asked curiously, “This is?”

The other party smiled and gave an answer.

“I will facilitate this matter.”

Cen Wenqian was speechless, feeling incredible and unable to believe it, but had to believe it.

The meaning of this young Sword Immortal was very clear.

I can do what the three academy presidents dare not nod to.

Cen Wenqian was silent for a long time, and then this Lake Lord opened his mouth, almost making Dou Yan spit out a mouthful of wine.

“Mr. Chen, I’ve been short of money for a long time, you have to lend me some money, of course, Valley Rain Coins.”

Chen Ping’an had just picked up a piece of steamed perch and was holding it in the air, with a helpless look on his face. “This plate of fish is really not cheap either.”

Finally, after Chen Ping’an left Dieyun Ridge.

Dou Yan said in confusion, “It’s strange, why do I always have a feeling, it doesn’t make sense.”

Cen Wenqian smiled and said, “We were clearly drinking at the same table, but it’s like we’re in different worlds?”

Dou Yan slapped the table, “You’re right! That’s how I feel! Wenqian, are we dreaming?”

Cen Wenqian asked with a smile, “If you want to verify whether it’s true or not, it’s very simple. Put your face over here, and I’ll slap you.”

Dou Yan laughed and scolded a few times, then restrained his smile and asked softly, “All these good things for us are because of that scholar named Cui, right?”

Cen Wenqian nodded.

Dou Yan was silent for a long time, and then squeezed out a good word, “This guy named Chen is also very nostalgic.”

————

Shujian Lake had a Lake Lord not long ago.

For the Zhenjing Sect, which encompassed the entire Shujian Lake, this was definitely not a good thing.

It wasn’t just a matter of sharing a piece of the pie. It was like adding another bed to their side.

According to the Literary Temple’s latest ranking of golden jade genealogies, the new Lake Lord was a high-ranking Third Grade official, with the same rank as the Da Li Iron Talisman River God and the old Qiantang Lord.

On this matter, the local pedigree cultivators of Bao Ping Continent who were watching the fun were also sympathetic to the Zhenjing Sect. The Da Li court was indeed suspected of crossing the river and tearing down the bridge.

It was said that the person who single-handedly promoted this matter was the old Secretary Liu Qingfeng, who had died in office.

It was not known what the current Sect Leader, the third Sect Leader of the Zhenjing Sect, Liu Laocheng of Gongliu Island, was thinking.

Would the Jade Rule Sect feel resentment and create some rifts with the Da Li Song family because of this?

In any case, in recent months, the atmosphere around the Shujian Lake area of the Zhenjing Sect had been somewhat strange, as if the drinking and boxing on the tables had become quieter.

In the territory of 鹄落Mountain, there was a small sect that had been established in recent years. The sect leader was an old cultivator from a loose cultivation background named Zhang Ye.

The changes in Shujian Lake were like a brewing rainstorm. Those with large doors and courtyards would have more raindrops falling on them, while those with small doors wouldn’t care.

Almost every year, an old friend would come to visit Zhang Ye.

Tian Hujun, the female island lord of Sulindao and Liu Zhimao’s great disciple, was a local Golden Core Earth Immortal of Shujian Lake.

She had also come here today, but like her master, they had both used camouflage because the person they were seeing was Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan, who was in charge of the fishing room among the 青峽Island cultivators, was the earliest “dragon-following minister” who followed Liu Zhimao, and there was no one else like him.

Without Zhang Yan, a non-genealogical cultivator, there would be no later Intercepting River True Lord, let alone the current chief consecration of the Zhenjing Sect.

In a small room, Zhang Yan, the old master Liu Zhimao, and Tian Hujun were sitting around a fire basin. Zhang Yan was drinking a bowl of Utilang wine from Chishui City. This immortal wine was very expensive. It was not easily taken out to entertain guests unless a distinguished guest came. Small households had to spend money everywhere, and he, as the sect leader, could not spend money lavishly. The disciples’ cultivation, the magic weapons as their natal items, the daily medicinal meals, and the occasional gifts to the immortal residences of the 鹄落Mountain neighbors… all required immortal money.

Although it was slightly shabby, the days were fulfilling, and Zhang Yan didn’t even think it was苦中作乐.

The last time he had this kind of mentality was many years ago when he had just met Liu Zhimao.

One was ambitious, and the other was lofty. The two penniless men would look forward to the future together.

Zhang Yan held his wine bowl, picked up a peanut and threw it into his mouth, and asked curiously, “What is the origin and background of this new Lake Lord? Why haven’t I heard any news about him in the officialdom?”

Liu Zhimao mocked, “Zhang Ye, the sect leader of the Langhuan Sect, the former second-in-command of the 青峽Island, Zhang Yan, who was under the command of a Dragon Gate Realm cultivator in 鹄落Mountain, half-renting and half-buying a small piece of land. Tell me, Zhang Sect Leader, do you have any official connections? You’re borrowing those mountain and water reports from the 鹄落Mountain cultivators, right?”

Zhang Yan picked up a few rice cakes from the plate,