Above the central region of the Five Colored World, in the firmament, two sword lights erupted from Ascension City, piercing the heavens. The numerous cloud seas, high and low, were stirred by the sword energies, creating colossal vortexes.

The dazzling sword lights, drawing arc-shaped trajectories between the cloud layers, halted abruptly at a height approaching the Heavenly Gate, though still tens of thousands of miles away. In an instant, they revealed two figures, one with a jade hairpin in his hair, wearing a blue scholar’s robe, and the other in a yellow hat and green shoes, holding a mountain staff.

The two sword cultivators transformed into more than ten sword lights each, darting towards the gate with identical escape techniques, their speed surpassing even a meteor shuttle.

An old scholar in a Confucian robe, with a clear and refined countenance, stroked his beard and smiled. “I must admit, when it comes to traveling, these Sword Immortals are much more unrestrained. A flash of sword light, swift as the wind, unbound by earth, giving one a refreshing feeling of decisiveness.”

Another old man nodded in agreement. “I simply lacked the aptitude to become a sword cultivator in my youth. Otherwise, I might not have been willing to labor so diligently in scholarship.”

These two Confucian Sages, responsible for guarding the Heavenly Gate of the Five Colored World, were the first Grand Preceptor of the Rites Academy and the founder of the Riverside Academy.

Each of the two old men had brought a young Confucian scholar from their respective lineages to jointly garrison this place for sixty years, meticulously recording the changes in the celestial seasons and the flow of mountain and river Qi across the world within the cycle. Initially, this was to prevent cultivators above the Fifth Realm from infiltrating the newly formed world, especially to keep an eye on the northern and southern gates connecting to the Tongye Continent and the Fufeng Continent, preventing Nascent Soul cultivators and Golden Body Realm martial artists from breaking the rules. In those early years, the two Confucian Sages had captured quite a few cultivators and martial artists who harbored wishful thinking, all of whom were now “studying hard for the imperial exams” within the old men’s pocket dimensions.

When they saw the young Hidden Official revisiting this place, the two old men smiled. Earlier, Chen Ping’an had passed through the Heavenly Gate in Tongye Continent to reach the Five Colored World. As the closed-door disciple of the Literary Saint, he was rushing to his destination, and the two sides did not engage in much courtesy at the time.

As for the young Hidden Official’s strange attendant, who transformed into a snow-white spider perched on the blue-robed shoulder, responsible for guarding the Tongye Continent’s Confucian Sage, had already communicated with them in advance, so they turned a blind eye.

Chen Ping’an’s senior brother, Mao Xiaodong, was now the Director of Studies at the Rites Academy. Wang Zai, the Deputy Head of the Five Streams Academy in Tongye Continent, was a gentleman whose mentor was the current Grand Preceptor of the Rites Academy. Wang Zai had visited this Heavenly Gate before, and in his words, he did not conceal his recognition and admiration for the young Hidden Official. The Riverside Academy and the Foothills Academy of Southern Suo Continent were both pillars of the Sub-Saint’s lineage. The old man and Chen Chun’an were both scholars of the same lineage and close friends. Chen Ping’an had once joined forces with the great sword immortal Lu Zhi and the pure scholar Chen Chun’an to encircle and suppress a deeply hidden Ascension Stage demon on the sea. Chen Chun’an had privately approached the old man, saying that he never imagined he would be able to fulfill such a significant wish.

With these layers of connections, the two Confucian Sages, who had not actually interacted with Chen Ping’an before, naturally felt a sense of kinship.

Near the gate, Xiao Mo once again transformed into a snow-white spider, staying on his master’s shoulder.

Scholars cared about face.

Chen Ping’an bowed and greeted the two old men, and the two Confucian Sages returned the courtesy.

One was as a disciple of the Literary Saint’s lineage, and the other was as a tribute to the last Hidden Official of Sword Qi Great Wall.

They discussed the recent state of the mountains and rivers of the Five Colored World, and Chen Ping’an planned to bid farewell and return to Tongye Continent through the gate.

A gentleman with a “Righteous Qi” jade pendant hanging from his waist arrived, riding the wind, and jokingly asked, “Why isn’t Sword Immortal Ning traveling with you? Did you two quarrel?”

Chen Ping’an sighed helplessly. “Brother Qunyu, you truly have too much time on your hands.”

It was clear that the two had a good relationship, the kind where they could joke with each other.

This upright gentleman was named Gu Kuang, styled Qunyu.

Also a Confucian scholar who had been to the Sword Qi Great Wall, he was different from Wang Zai, who had only served as a supervisor at the Summer Palace. Because Gu Kuang was also a sword cultivator, he was able to go to the front lines and became close with Ning Yao and Chen Sanqiu. In the Great Li Dynasty’s imitation White Jade City longswords that A-Liang had thrown to the Sword Qi Great Wall, a group of young sword cultivators divided the spoils on the spot, and Gu Kuang earned this sword named “Righteous Qi” through his own abilities.

Diezhang and Chen Sanqiu chose to travel the Wide World together, neither following Ascension City to the Five Colored World nor following the Inverted Mountain to the Azure Nether World like Yan Pangzi and Dong Huafu. Chen Xi hoped that Chen Sanqiu could study in peace in the Wide World, and with the divine powers of Chen Sanqiu’s flying sword, he might be able to refine a natal character in the future. Diezhang came for Gu Kuang, but because he did not expect Gu Kuang to serve as the Recorder of the Five Colored World, the two had not been able to meet for so many years.

Gu Kuang took off the “Righteous Qi” sword from his waist and asked, “Could I trouble the Hidden Official to deliver this sword to Ascension City, or even return it to the Song family of Great Li? It’s inappropriate for me to keep it.”

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “I won’t help with this errand. Brother Qunyu, keep it yourself. How can the favor owed to Ascension City be repaid so easily? As for the Great Li Dynasty’s imitation White Jade City, it no longer needs this ‘Righteous Qi’ longsword.”

Gu Kuang had no choice but to re-hang the sword.

If there were no accidents, Gu Kuang would likely become the Deputy Head of a certain academy after leaving this place.

Back then, the pure scholar Chen Chun’an personally led a group of Confucian students to the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Among the group of Confucian disciples who traveled the Sword Qi Great Wall with Liu Xianyang were the virtuous Chen Shi, a descendant of the pure scholar Chen family, and Qin Zhengxiu, a gentleman from the Foothills Academy of Southern Suo Continent.

Qin Zhengxiu and Gu Kuang were close friends. The former was now in Fufeng Continent, similar to Wang Zai of the Five Streams Academy and Wen Yu of the Heavenly Eyes Academy, and had already become the Deputy Head of a Confucian academy. It could be seen that these promising young Confucian gentlemen, because of their brilliance in the war, had all left their studies after the war ended and, relying on their meritorious service and knowledge, had been able to hold important positions and become the true backbone of the Confucian Temple.
After opening that gateway for Chen Ping’an, the old master Jiang, with the surname Jiang, flicked his sleeves, tumbling out a dozen or so individuals. They steadied themselves, looking somewhat disoriented. For years, they had been confined within his sleeve dimension, each possessing a mountain and water dojo, resembling a study. Inside, there were nothing but books, and more books.

These were all people from Tongye Continent who had sought refuge in a new world years ago. Among them were three cultivators in the nascent soul realm, seven golden-bodied martial artists, and two grandmasters in the far-traveling realm.

The old master smiled and explained, “It’s the Sage of Rituals’ intention, asking Hidden Official to kindly bring them back to their homeland.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “A trivial matter, not troublesome at all.”

Chen Ping’an was amiable, but when the old master looked at the twelve individuals who violated the rules, his expression changed. “You’ve spent years reading behind closed doors, going through many books of sages. You can be considered half-scholars now. Our Literary Temple happens to be a place that manages scholars. After returning home, behave yourselves and make amends for your past mistakes.”

“If you fall into my hands again, hehe.”

Chen Ping’an interjected with a smile, “Actually, it’s quite a blessing for them to reunite with Master Jiang. Since they couldn’t retire in the mountains and live through dangerous times back then, they can now devote themselves to studying the classics. Historically, there are inspiring stories of abandoning the pen for the sword or abandoning scholarship for cultivation, but few examples of abandoning cultivation for scholarship or abandoning martial arts for governance. If they succeed, it might even become a heartwarming tale.”

Master Jiang burst into laughter, “Scholars just know how to say pleasing words.”

The people from Tongye Continent finally noticed a figure. He was a young man dressed in a blue robe, with a stacked knife at his waist and his hands clasped in his sleeves. His identity was unknown.

These lords of Tongye Continent were used to throwing their weight around behind closed doors. Even though the old master had mentioned “Hidden Official” earlier, they were still clueless.

But even at their dimmest, they could sense something. Among the cultivators of the vast world, someone could actually make the Sage of Rituals speak personally? If they weren’t mistaken, Master Jiang had even used the word “kindly” just now?

Could this be an old immortal who had mastered the art of preserving youth and possessed profound magic?

Master Jiang looked at the dullards and reminded them, “If it weren’t for Hidden Official passing by this place and coincidentally heading to Tongye Continent, someone offering a ride, you would probably have to study the sages’ books for another seven or eight years. What are you standing there for? Shouldn’t you thank Hidden Official?”

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately tried to comply, but they all looked at each other in dismay. Whether they wanted to clasp their fists or bow, they couldn’t lower their heads or bend their waists. It was an awkward moment.

Chen Ping’an looked at these clever people who were the best at assessing situations and said with a smile, “Old immortals and grandmasters, no need to be polite. I dare not accept it, no need to thank me, I’m afraid it’ll shorten my lifespan.”

Another old master said, “Fellow Daoist Xizhu, why not show yourself. These people need you to protect them on their journey through the two gateways.”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

Little Mo then revealed his true form, taking the dozen or so people into his sleeve.

Afterward, Chen Ping’an, along with Little Mo, walked out of the gateway at the edge of Tongye Continent’s sky, along the colorful, glazed river of time.

After the two swordsmen stepped through the gateway, Master Jiang sighed, “The phoenix tree is half-dead after the clear frost. It’s a mess, just a mess.”

The other sage who accompanied the sacrifice remembered something and said with a silent voice, “Regarding Tongye Continent, Zou Zi had a prophecy in his early years. How should it be interpreted? Judging from the current situation, did Zou Zi miscalculate?”

Master Jiang shook his head, “It seems too early to say that Zou Zi miscalculated.”

The phoenix descends with the heavenly wind, perching high on the phoenix tree branch. The peach and plum blossoms bloom in the spring breeze, the phoenix dies and the leaves fall in the autumn chill. The simple conveys the profound truth, and one sees the ancient people.

At the edge of Tongye Continent’s sky, Chen Ping’an had Little Mo take the dozen or so people in his sleeve elsewhere, to avoid being an eyesore. As for how they would ride the wind back home, and whether their respective hometowns still existed, presumably these people wouldn’t care too much.

Chen Ping’an cupped his hands to the old master and asked again, “Could you help this junior find the whereabouts of that Wind Glider Ferry?”

The old master nodded and quickly pointed out a location to Chen Ping’an, which was exactly where the Wind Glider Ferry heading to Immortal Capital Mountain was.

After Little Mo returned, they transformed into sword light and headed towards the ferry. Landing gracefully on the Wind Glider Ferry, Little Mo was a little surprised and whispered, “Young Master, it seems Sword Immortal Mi is currently in seclusion, and Sect Master Liu is personally protecting him.”

Liu Jinglong walked out of the house and came to the viewing platform. Chen Ping’an came to his side and asked, “Has Mi Yu found the opportunity to break through the jade purity realm bottleneck?”

This Grand Sword Immortal Mi, as the head of his summer retreat palace, had psychological shadows regarding seclusion for breakthrough.

Liu Jinglong nodded, “Accumulation leads to breakthrough, it’s only a matter of time.”

Chen Ping’an shook his head and said with a smile, “It is indeed only a matter of time, but it’s at least ten years earlier than Little Mo’s ‘earliest’ expectation. Tell me the truth, did you help a lot?”

Liu Jinglong didn’t feign modesty and roughly explained the reason. He used his natal flying sword to create a Tai Xu world, first placing Mi Yu in it, then guiding Mi Yu’s mind, which was equivalent to observing the Dao in person, watching the manifestation of all the great Dao in that world, ultimately returning to one sword to break all laws. As for the true mystery, it was by no means as simple as Liu Jinglong and Mi Yu discussing a few principles. Mi Yu may have seen his life in that world, why he delivered his sword cleanly when he was young, and why he didn’t dare to deliver his sword afterward, remembering the delivery of swords by others, remembering those swordsmen from his hometown, living and dying gloriously, coming and going silently…

Chen Ping’an smiled, “When I prepare to enter the jade purity realm in the future, will you also show me a trick?”

Liu Jinglong shook his head, “It’s only useful for Mi Yu to see, it’s not useful for you. Moreover, it’s not like I can casually do it just because I want to evolve the Great Dao.”

Chen Ping’an heavily patted the railing, “I knew it!”

This action must have consumed many years of Liu Jinglong’s cultivation.

Liu Jinglong said, “You don’t need to take it too seriously, I actually gained a lot as well.”

To the outside world, after watching the ceremony of Zhengyang Mountain in Luopo Mountain, the ever-cloudy Luopo Mountain finally unveiled a corner. Although Mountain Master Chen Ping’an was also a jade purity realm swordsman, it was possible that Sword Immortal Mi Yu, who came from the Great Wall of Swords, had the highest sword skills and the greatest killing power.

Once Mi Yu successfully entered the immortal realm, it would definitely not be a small matter for the entire Treasure Bottle Continent, whether it was above or below the mountain.

After all, any brand-new great swordsman, except for the Central Earth Divine Continent, is a huge impact on the existing pattern of any continent’s mountains and rivers.
Liu Jinglong chuckled, “Regardless, I did lend a hand to Fallen Mountain and Mountain Lord Chen, right? How about some wine? Whether it’s to thank me or to celebrate Rice Grain’s impending breakthrough, Mountain Lord Chen shouldn’t have any reason to refuse, should he?”

Chen Ping’an immediately sensed something amiss. For Liu Jinglong to break precedent and offer wine so eagerly, he must have an ulterior motive. He resolutely stated, “No rush. I have some business to attend to. I won’t be staying long at the ferry, as I’ll be departing soon.”

Liu Jinglong grabbed Chen Ping’an’s arm. “Just a few jars of wine each. With our capacity, it won’t delay your business.”

Chen Ping’an patted Liu Jinglong’s arm, but it was no use. He shook his arm with force, still to no avail. He could only say with sincere eyes, “I truly have something important!”

Xiao Mo had to intervene. “Sect Master Liu, Young Master truly has a major task to undertake. I must accompany him, but I can only pave the way. Afterwards, I won’t be able to offer any protection.”

Liu Jinglong released his grip and asked, “Where are you going?”

Chen Ping’an said, “To take a look at that Wutong tree.”

Liu Jinglong frowned slightly. “Not waiting until you return to the Jade Purity Realm?”

Chen Ping’an took a deep breath. “Anyway, realm cultivation isn’t that significant. No need to delay.”

Liu Jinglong could only remind him, “Be careful.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “As long as I’m not facing someone at the wine table, I’ll be fine.”

Liu Jinglong wasn’t in the mood for banter. He asked, “In that case, will you make it back for the celebration in two days?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “That’s definitely not a problem. If we can’t reach an agreement, it’ll just be a wasted trip. Or perhaps the other party simply doesn’t want to talk, or might even slam the door in my face.”

Liu Jinglong asked, “Leaving immediately?”

Chen Ping’an couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll go see Rice Grain first. Someone asked me to pass on a message. Xiao Mo, wait here for a moment. If Sect Master Liu really wants to drink…”

Xiao Mo nodded. “Understood.”

Liu Jinglong smiled. “Chen Ping’an, you wait for me on the day of the Beginning of Spring.”

Chen Ping’an left the Colorful World when night had already fallen. When he returned to the Vast World, it was midday.

A little girl in black, carrying a golden carrying pole on her shoulder, was circling the bow and stern of the boat. Taking advantage of the absence of others, the Right Guardian, holding a green bamboo staff, was hastily practicing a set of Mad Demon Swordplay.

Chen Ping’an hopped over the railing and onto the deck of the ferry, laughing, “Good swordplay.”

Rice Grain quickly threw the Walking-Mountain Staff onto the ground, immediately regretting it. She hurriedly picked it up again and ran towards her good Mountain Lord. Rice Grain gently patted the green bamboo staff, expressing her apologies.

Chen Ping’an said, “I went to the Colorful World and saw Mr. Wu. He asked me to send his regards.”

Rice Grain pursed her lips and nodded vigorously. Then, she coughed a few times, straightened her face, and said, “Mr. Wu is too polite.”

It was as if Mr. Wu was right beside her. Then, the two experienced figures, one big and one small, exchanged pleasantries.

Chen Ping’an bent down and patted Rice Grain’s head.

Rice Grain smiled, her eyes narrowed into crescent moons. She held both the green bamboo staff and the golden carrying pole in her arms, took hold of the good Mountain Lord’s sleeve, and walked together, whispering, “I’ll prepare more melon seeds, pastries, and dried fish at Fallen Mountain.”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “Sounds good. Rice Grain is so thoughtful.”

Rice Grain asked, “Has the good Mountain Lord forgotten?”

Chen Ping’an looked down, feigning confusion. “Forgotten what?”

Rice Grain giggled. “Thoughtful, Thoughtful, my surname is Zhou!” (Zhou can mean thoughtful.)

Chen Ping’an realized. “So that’s it. No wonder.”

At Fallen Mountain, there was no cultivator that Chen Lingjun wouldn’t dare offend.

Of course, there was also no elder that Rice Grain couldn’t win over.

Over at Soaring City, Ning Yao was in a room, guiding a little girl named Feng Yuanxiao in her cultivation.

Beside the table sat another doll-like little girl, looking extremely clever and mischievous, holding up a seal in her hand, examining the inscription in the lamplight.

She had “picked it up” from a table in the side room of someone’s residence. Ning Yao didn’t stop her, only told her to remember to return it.

The inscription wasn’t large, but it contained many auspicious phrases: scholar’s spirit, sword immortal’s romance, divine couple, children’s love.

Before Chen Ping’an left Soaring City, he had left many Spring Festival couplets and “Fu” (good fortune) characters for the Ning residence.

He also didn’t forget to write a plaque and several楹联(yinglian, couplets) for Qiu Long and Liu E, the husband and wife team’s new wine shop.

A white-robed youth, traveling alone again, rode the wind in the night. With nothing else to do, he raised his arm high, joined two fingers together, and drew a series of flowing lights and colors in the air.

At the foot of Fallen Mountain, the Immortal Guard, currently serving as the gatekeeper, was a true scholar disguised as a fake Taoist. He was truly poor, but thankfully, Brother Dafeng, whom he had never met but admired greatly, had left behind that Book Mountain. Therefore, he wasn’t idle every day. Either he watched that female martial artist named Cen Yuanji walk the stakes back and forth along the mountain path, or he diligently perused Brother Dafeng’s treasured books. In some pages, whenever there were “omitted” passages, there would be a slip of paper inserted, on which the incredibly talented Brother Dafeng had personally written hundreds of words of brilliant content.

My Brother Dafeng is truly a divine person!

It truly warmed one’s heart!

An ultimate master, a grandmaster of our generation!

Chen Lingjun arrived at the foot of the mountain and saw Brother Immortal Guard wrapped up like a dumpling, shrinking in his chair. Fortunately, he was still holding a hand warmer made by the old cook. However, Brother Immortal Guard seemed to be in a good mood recently, as if he had struck it rich every day.

Chen Lingjun sat on a bamboo chair beside him and laughed, “You’re supposed to be a cultivator. How can you be so vulnerable to the cold?”

The Immortal Guard complained bitterly, “Lower Five Realms cultivators suffer even more in this freezing weather. Brother Lingjun, you’re too unaware of the hardships of the common people.”

Chen Lingjun chuckled and said nothing.

He had actually known a little about it back in the Yellow Court Country’s Imperial River domain.

The Imperial River Water God brothers had spent a lot of the water mansion’s incense offerings in those years, helping the area avoid several droughts and floods.

The Immortal Guard asked curiously, “When will Brother Dafeng return?”

Chen Lingjun shook his head. “Hard to say. I’ll ask Old Master later.”

He truly missed the years when Zheng Dafeng guarded the gate at Fallen Mountain.

There are two helplessnesses in life: a man having talent but no backing, and a woman having beauty but no background.

Zheng Dafeng had said that.

I will open up a path of longing for all the talented scholars and beauties in the world.
It was also what Brother Dafeng mentioned.

At Fallen Mountain, Steward Zhu Lian had received two guests today, one after the other. Wu Yuan, son-in-law of the Yuan family, a pillar of the state, and student of National Preceptor Cui Chan, now the Prefect of New Chu Prefecture.

And Jing Kuan, who was leaving the capital to take up the post of Prefect of Baoxi County.

The old cook had also gone to the back of the mountain to instruct those two young masters of the Cao family in some fist techniques.

Then Zhu Lian returned to the front of the mountain, because someone was “knocking” at the door of the Lotus Root Blessed Land – it was that Pei Xiang.

With Law-Enforcer Changming not on the mountain, this matter was entrusted to Zhu Lian.

Zhu Lian opened the door and asked with a smile, “Is there something I can help you with?”

Pei Xiang’s eyes held a hint of melancholy.

The autumn-water eyes of this Fox Kingdom’s Mistress seemed to be asking, “In your eyes, what constitutes ‘something important’? If there’s nothing pressing, am I not allowed to seek you out, to speak with you?”

Sorrow piled up like mountains, all gathered between her brows; affection flowed like water, all poured into her heart.

Zhu Lian smiled, offering her the hand warmer he held. “It’s good to come out for a walk.”

Together they walked toward the mountaintop. Pei Xiang spoke of the current state of affairs in the Lotus Root Blessed Land. Zhu Lian didn’t say much, but listened patiently.

When Pei Xiang had finished speaking, Zhu Lian inquired about the recent events in the Fox Kingdom.

Chatting as they walked, they reached the white jade railing at the summit. Zhu Lian leaned against the railing, gazing into the distance, the mountain wind ruffling his hair. He pressed his palm against the hair at his temples.

Pei Xiang, gazing at Zhu Lian’s profile, inexplicably recalled a line from a book:

*The carved balustrades and jade steps should still be there, only the rosy faces have changed.*

A young man named Shi Yuyan, having finally managed to take a breather from his official duties, sat by the river, his lips parched. He took out a wine flask and drank a mouthful of strong liquor to invigorate himself.

The chilblains that had accumulated on his hands during the winter had yet to heal, even as the new spring approached. He was destined to miss the New Year celebrations back in the capital this year, having only sent a letter home.

His Great Chong Dynasty was striving to restore itself.

The Emperor, in the prime of his life, had been working diligently these past years. Great Chong’s reputation amongst the cultivators and its national strength were both respectable.

However, compared to its northern neighbor on Treasure Bottle Continent, Great Chong Dynasty’s so-called “most righteous restoration” in Tongye Continent was merely a comparison with the other nations of the continent, making it merely the tallest among dwarves.

Shi Yuyan turned to look at the old strategist beside him and asked, “Old Zhang, you’re a celestial being, though your realm isn’t very high, you’re still a Sea Gazing realm cultivator. What are you hoping to gain by staying at my side?”

Before Old Zhang had become familiar with him, he had even taken the initiative to visit his father and chat with him. Otherwise, his father would not have been at ease with a Qi Refinement cultivator suddenly appearing at his side.

Shi Yuyan’s father, the Minister of Justice, had secretly spent a great deal of effort, enlisting several familiar immortal masters to investigate “Zhang Xie’s” background. That Small Dragon Pool, in the former Tongye Continent, might not have been considered a first-rate immortal abode, but now it was a prominent one. Furthermore, it had the backing of the Great Dragon Pool in the Central Earth Divine Continent. Among the several vassal forces of Small Dragon Pool, there was indeed an inconspicuous Huangshui Water Mansion, with a bookkeeper named Zhang Xie. Everything matched up.

This celestial master was indeed experienced and had unusual ideas. Shi Yuyan had a talented but impoverished friend who was struggling with the imperial examinations and unable to make a name for himself. Old Zhang took action, and his success was immediate. Following Old Zhang’s plan, Shi Yuyan found several scholars and literary celebrities known for their pure discussions and literary gatherings in the capital. In fact, he didn’t spend much money to organize an elegant gathering of scholars and nobles. Then, he hired a few shills to pose as merchants who appreciated elegance, each hosting banquets along the way. Then, he had his friend disguise himself as a beggar, wearing tattered clothes, carrying a wooden staff, and holding a broken bowl, reciting amorous poems as he went, begging for wine along the way. A merchant would then challenge the beggar, setting riddles with the phrases “Cang Guan,” “Qing Shi,” and “Pu Wo,” requiring him to compose poems in response to each before he could drink. The beggar would laugh and say, “Who doesn’t know pine, bamboo, rabbit,” and then compose a poem with each step, instantly winning applause. He cleared each challenge along the way, reaching the pavilion where the famous scholars were gathered, and spontaneously composed a poem that amazed everyone. After drinking, he left, and when someone in the pavilion exclaimed his name, everyone realized who he was and regarded him as a “banished immortal,” becoming famous overnight…

Afterwards, Shi Yuyan asked Old Zhang how he came up with such a plan. The old strategist said that he was merely borrowing from ancient books, people, and events. Old Zhang sighed at the time, saying that the person in the book was truly talented, not someone who used such tricks.

If that matter was merely theoretical, another practical matter truly made Shi Yuyan look at Old Zhang with new eyes. It turned out that a group of acquaintances, only semi-familiar, had partnered with one of Shi Yuyan’s good friends in business. After several years, because they had secured a large number of local construction projects, that friend seemed to be raking in the money. He had even wanted to pull Shi Yuyan into the venture, but Shi Yuyan had never been interested in making money and had declined, especially after becoming an official in the Ministry of Works. After hearing about this matter, Old Zhang immediately told Shi Yuyan to warn that friend. Shi Yuyan was dubious, but he still advised his friend twice, but the other party didn’t listen. As a result, that friend was now in a state of utter chaos, because all the money outside the books had been withdrawn in just half a month, leaving his friend with an empty shell and a mess to clean up, borrowing money everywhere to make ends meet, but it was still of no avail.

And this “old servant” named Zhang Xie was naturally Zhang Liuzhu, the chief guest of Small Dragon Pool.

Only, one was old and the other young, one didn’t look like an nascent soul ancient immortal, and the other didn’t look like a Vice Minister of Works.

From the capital to the provinces, things were alright along the way. The meals and accommodations at the post stations followed official regulations. But once they reached the new site of the secondary capital, they were truly eating in the wind and sleeping in the dew. In fact, the construction of the secondary capital was nominally led by the Minister of Works in the capital, but the person truly in charge now was the Right Vice Minister, Shi Yuyan.
The reconstruction of local towns and their Wenwu Temples, City God Temples, the renovation of shrines to mountain and water deities, and the repair work on royal and official Taoist abodes in the mountains – there seemed to be no end to the tasks, especially with a Deputy Minister of Public Works genuinely dedicated to getting things done.

Some who initially intended to exploit this opportunity for personal gain found themselves in a difficult position, facing a Deputy Minister who was surprisingly knowledgeable. Despite his youth, he was keenly aware of the intricacies. During his journey south, many places hastily revised their account books, reducing requests for ten thousand taels of silver from the court to seven or eight thousand. The cost for one mountain god shrine was even cut in half.

Of course, all of this was thanks to the elderly strategist beside Shi Yuyan; otherwise, how would Shi Yuyan know the quality and prices of timber from the mountains?

However, for items that didn’t cost money, such as plaques and楹聯, the young Deputy Minister utilized his family’s reputation and influence, subtly guided by the old strategist. He was reminded that cutting off someone’s livelihood was a grave offense, and some compensation was necessary. Officialdom had its rules, but this didn’t preclude showing consideration. In fact, in the bureaucratic world, giving face was often more effective than giving money. For the gilded signboard of a River God’s mansion, Shi Yuyan even privately asked his father for help. The elderly Minister of Justice, swallowing his pride, sought a calligraphy piece from a gentleman of the Great Fu Academy. This River God’s mansion was the only one that didn’t complain about poverty to the Ministry of Public Works or demand excessive funds from the Ministry of Revenue. As a result, this minor River God, known throughout the court for his fiery temper and upright integrity, would tell anyone who listened that Minister Shi was an honest official and a capable minister. He believed that with such a minister, the Great Chong Dynasty would surely prosper.

After their farewell at the Lantern Riddle Pavilion in Luo Jing, Zhang Liuzhu and Dai Yuan, two brothers in adversity, returned to their respective homes and began making their plans.

Zhang Liuzhu, as the chief protector, first returned to Little Dragon Pool, made some arrangements, and quickly set off for the Great Chong Dynasty. He eventually found the young man named Shi Yuyan and, using an alias and a false identity, happily became the scheming strategist for the young and high-ranking Deputy Minister of Public Works.

The Deputy Minister’s name was quite fitting: *bing dao yu de, jiang yi li yan.* He embodied integrity in governance and established a reputation for his artistry and speech.

The Minister of Justice was a typical case of having a child late in life, naturally spoiling his only son. The idea of “spare the rod and spoil the child” was out of the question.

Furthermore, while Shi Yuyan was known for his carefree nature, if one overlooked that one scandalous affair, he was indeed a top-notch figure among the sons of officials. He was a *jinshi* through his own merit, a genuine disciple of the Emperor.

Zhang Liuzhu replied with a smile, “Of course, I saw the Deputy Minister’s great and limitless future.”

Shi Yuyan chuckled, “Are you being sincere, Old Zhang? Do you even believe yourself?”

Zhang Liuzhu said decisively, “Of course, I believe it!”

The young Deputy Minister said in exasperation, “You mock me too much!”

Zhang Liuzhu shook his head. “Why must the young master belittle himself?”

Serving as a strategist for this young Deputy Minister didn’t feel like a compromise or a disservice to the old Nascent Soul master. One reason was the coveted but still vacant position of National Preceptor, and the other was that Dai Yuan genuinely found the reformed prodigal, young Deputy Minister, to be congenial. After all, Shi Yuyan, while serving as a minor clerk in the Ministry of Revenue, had dared to privately misappropriate three million taels of silver to elevate a favored celestial maiden’s ranking on the Rouge List, throwing it all to the Flower God Mountain in Cloud Grotto Paradise. He had nearly lost his head, and his father had to clean up the mess, selling everything and borrowing money everywhere, but still couldn’t fully repay the debt. If the Emperor hadn’t valued the hard work and merit of the elderly Minister of Justice Shi, who was a trusted confidant and a pillar of support, and who was a capable administrator rather than a mere scholar indulging in empty talk, his son would have dragged his father into prison.

The turning point came when Shi Yuyan couldn’t bear his father’s constant sighs and laments, nor his scolding, as if he had died and was no longer his son.

His mother would often intentionally weep before his father, saying it was all her fault for not disciplining him properly. She would claim that Yuyan wasn’t bad at heart and would surely reform one day, eventually maturing and taking responsibility. She envisioned a future where both father and son were ministers, bringing glory to the family. She argued that among the officials in the capital, many had attained their positions through inheritance and weren’t as talented as their Yuyan, who had passed the *jinshi* examination with honors. However, when she was alone with her son, she would use different words, telling him not to be afraid, as his father was still the Minister of Justice and the Emperor’s right-hand man. She claimed that the court couldn’t do without his father, who dared to speak frankly to the mountain deities on behalf of the court and the Emperor. She asked if the Minister of Rites Liu and the Minister of Revenue Ma could do the same, as they were too afraid to even fart. She reminded him that these were secrets between them and should not be shared, or his father would be in a difficult position.

Shi Yuyan couldn’t bear the atmosphere. His father looked down on him, and his mother always treated him like a child. In a fit of youthful anger, he decided to travel the world, believing that if one place wouldn’t have him, another would. He met a confidant named Zhou, who seemed to be from Treasure Bottle Continent and claimed the title of Collapsed Truth Sovereign. Zhou gave Shi Yuyan a sincere letter, and Shi Yuyan felt he had never met such a loyal friend. He also received three divine coins, which he later learned were the Valley Rain Coins from the mountains. He used them to repay the entire deficit in the Ministry of Revenue’s treasury.

After that, Shi Yuyan returned to officialdom, but not to the Ministry of Revenue. To everyone’s surprise, he went to the Ministry of Public Works, still as a clerk. While everyone in the capital thought he was preparing to make money through illicit means, Shi Yuyan spent his days in the Ministry’s archives, diligently studying the tedious subjects of earthworks, repairs, and construction methods. After half a year, he volunteered for a difficult assignment, even using his own money to hire experienced water engineers and craftsmen to accompany him out of the capital, just as his friend Zhou had said: there was no reason why someone who could be a successful wastrel couldn’t be a good official, the easiest job in the world.