Chen Ping’an had originally planned to head straight to the Spirit Source Duke’s Water Mansion, but he changed his mind on a whim. With a thought, he disregarded the distance of mountains and rivers, and in a green robe, stood beneath a sycamore tree in the capital of the Great Source Dynasty. He looked up at the distance, and then took another step, arriving at a palace that was only black and white, as if he were a being unbound by constraints, entering an uninhabited realm.

This Great Source Dynasty was founded on the virtue of water. Last time, when Chen Ping’an met with the Lu Emperor in the Cloud Canopy Palace of the Esteemed Mystery Bureau to discuss a deal, the emperor had only brought one young imperial prince with him, named Lu Jun, who was now the Crown Prince. Besides gifting the prince Lu Jun a calligraphy piece personally written by his teacher, Chen Ping’an also gave the young man a hand-copied version of a boxing manual, which was the “Mountain Shaking Fist” from the Great Seal Dynasty’s martial artist of the apex, Gu You.

As for Lu Jun’s aptitude for cultivation and martial arts, it was actually quite ordinary. Chen Ping’an had been honest and straightforward about it, without using polite words to gloss over it.

In the end, by some strange twist of fate, they became teacher and student without formally acknowledging the relationship.

Before dawn, some time before the morning court, Emperor Lu Yang woke up early and found it difficult to fall back asleep. He simply had the eunuchs light the lamps, sat cross-legged on a heated brick bed in a small warm chamber, and was reviewing memorials. He rubbed his brow. The warm chamber was equipped with a subterranean heating system, so even in the depths of winter, it would be warm as spring. However, occasionally His Majesty would order the palace to stop burning charcoal, saying that being chilled a little, tempering the muscles and bones, could strengthen the body. In contrast, the Lu imperial princes studying in the south wing of the Hall of Literary Glory would only be given a hand warmer if they encountered the kind of bone-chilling cold that only occurred once every few decades. Otherwise, they would have to read aloud while surreptitiously stamping their feet and shivering, attending without fail from dawn till dusk. Studying was not exactly hard work, but it was not easy either.

Unknowingly, he began to feel drowsy. In a hazy daze, Lu Yang vaguely heard a knock on the door and subconsciously said, “Enter.”

Outside the threshold of the warm chamber, a figure in a green robe smiled and said, “Your Majesty, I have come unannounced, and I hope you will forgive me.”

Lu Yang opened his eyes and looked at the green-robed figure outside the door, momentarily stunned, but quickly regained his composure. He stepped off the heated brick bed, hastily slipping on his boots, and strode towards the door, laughing heartily, “So it is Master Chen who has graced us with his presence! I have failed to greet you properly, please forgive me.”

Chen Ping’an stood still, cupping his fists in apology, “I came on short notice and was unable to inform the gatekeepers. I assure you this will only happen once.”

“An extraordinary person is bound to have extraordinary matters. Master Chen is a person who has attained the Dao, why bother with such formalities?”

Lu Yang reached out and grasped the arm of the green-robed guest, smiling, “I hope that Master Chen can visit us here often. Come, let us go inside and chat.”

After Chen Ping’an crossed the threshold, Lu Yang released his hand. The two sat on either side of the heated brick bed, Lu Yang leaving the memorials scattered on the low table, showing no reservations.

Lu Yang listened to Chen Ping’an’s concise explanation, learning the truth and marveling greatly. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “Inconceivable, how wondrous!”

This Lu emperor, known throughout the continent for his extraordinary talent and great strategies, said without hesitation, “In fact, Master Chen need not have made a special trip to the capital. It is easy to delay important matters.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “No matter how transcendent the Esteemed Mystery Bureau is, it is still an organization under the Great Source Dynasty. No matter how respected the Celestial Master Yang is, and no matter how selfless the Yang family’s descendants are, they are ultimately subjects of the Great Source Dynasty.”

Lu Yang laughed heartily, showing genuine emotion. From beginning to end, he did not glance at the door once.

Were those pleasing words? Of course, they were pleasing words.

Were they just pleasing words? More than that.

This was, in itself, a clear statement from the young Hidden Official regarding the relationship between the Great Source Imperial Family and the Esteemed Mystery Bureau.

The celestial immortals above the mountains and the emperors below the mountains were like those who governed heaven and those who governed earth. The relationship between the two was complex, with both a shared destiny of mutual benefit and unspoken discords. There would be superficial harmony, even mutual calculation, diverging paths, and even viewing each other as enemies.

His son, Jun’er, was truly blessed with good fortune and good luck, not having recognized a useless boxing instructor. This Master Chen, with his significant identity, always favored those on his own side.

Also an Hidden Official of the Sword Qi Great Wall, but whether or not a name was carved made a world of difference.

Last time, when the two parties met in the Cloud Canopy Palace to discuss matters, Chen Ping’an had not yet traveled to the wild and desolate lands, and his name was not yet carved on the city wall.

Lu Yang asked with a smile, “With half an hour until the morning court, may I accompany Master Chen on a tour of the Cloud Canopy Palace and the Esteemed Mystery Bureau?”

There was no probing involved, nor was it a lack of trust. Lu Yang was simply a ruler of a nation, a sovereign of the nine-five, but he still yearned for the kind of soaring through the clouds.

Chen Ping’an nodded and smiled, “My apologies.”

As soon as the young Hidden Official finished speaking, Lu Yang was somewhat disappointed, because he felt as if he had only blinked and had already moved to another place, the same place where they had met last time. He did not experience the kind of immortal wind-riding, the light and ethereal sensation he had imagined.

Chen Ping’an and Lu Yang stood side by side. Soon, an old True Man appeared at the Esteemed Mystery Bureau, none other than the National Preceptor Yang Qingkong. The old True Man held a white jade-handled horsetail whisk, engraved with the words “Wind God.”

Chen Ping’an was quite skilled at this by now. He apologized to this Daoist Celestial Lord. Yang Qingkong smiled, “It’s nothing. This old one will simply take it as a divine journey.”

Yang Qingkong gave the Emperor a Daoist bow, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Lu Yang stood with his hands clasped behind his back and nodded to the National Preceptor, smiling nonchalantly, “This one is just here to join the fun. National Preceptor, just pretend that I don’t exist.”

If the Esteemed Mystery Bureau was a government institution established by the Great Source Dynasty, then the Cloud Canopy Palace, like the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master’s Mansion, was a family-run affair. Although the Great Source Dynasty had established a Daoist government office here, it was just for show. Anyway, the senior and junior Daoist officials were either surnamed Yang, or were granted their Daoist certificates here at the Cloud Canopy Palace.

Although the Daoists of the Cloud Canopy Palace were not water deities, this National Preceptor Yang had a strong connection to both Daoist Qi and water energies. Moreover, the shrine of Si Tu Jidang, the Water Warden of the Great Waterways who had failed to attain the rank of Duke or Marquis, was nearby.

The three of them sat down on the stone benches beneath the tree, which was the same location as last time. After listening to Chen Ping’an’s deal, Yang Qingkong smiled freely, “To speak only of this merit being delivered to our doorstep, if this old one still harbored even the slightest resentment, then my cultivation would truly be insufficient and my heart insatiable.”
Chen Ping’an felt reassured, this trip was worthwhile.

However, he couldn’t just conclude the deal and leave immediately. So, he took the initiative to chat with the Old Celestial Sovereign about the recent situations of Yang Ningzhen and Yang Ningxing, the two brothers in the Colorful World. However, he didn’t mention his meeting with that “Brother Mu Mao,” only saying that he heard the rumors at the Summer Retreat Palace in Ascension City. Yang Qingkong remained expressionless when he heard that the two brothers, one continuously breaking through realms and the other becoming friends with Yuan Qingshu of Tianyu Grotto-Heaven. It wasn’t until the young Hidden Official casually mentioned the Azure Billow World’s Azure God Dynasty and the matters of the Elegant Prime Minister Yao Qing that Yang Qingkong glanced at the green-robed sword immortal, smiled slightly, and nodded gently.

Yang Qingkong suddenly said, “Houjue has long admired Mister Chen. May I take this opportunity to meet and converse?”

Chen Ping’an took it as just polite words from the Old Immortal and nodded, “Of course.”

Yang Qingkong smiled, lightly flicked his horsetail whisk, and a Daoist with the appearance of a young man appeared, as if he had been detained here.

After appearing, he looked around. His Daoist heart remained calm and unperturbed. He quickly gave a Daoist salute to the three, “Greetings, Your Majesty, Greetings, Grandmaster, Hidden Official.”

Yang Houjue, Jade Purity Realm, Daoist name “Tuan Ni” (Molding Clay).

In Northern俱蘆洲 Continent, even in the entire Great Wilderness, he was considered an extremely young Upper Five Realms cultivator. Although Yang Qingkong held the titles of National Preceptor and Celestial Sovereign, in reality, both the affairs of the Great Origin Dynasty’s崇玄署 (Chongxuan Bureau) and the Yang family’s Cloudsoar Palace were managed by Yang Houjue. Moreover, Yang Houjue was not only the elder of the brothers, but also their half-teacher.

Previously, Chen Ping’an helped the Rainbow Sparrow Mansion find three nominal guest ministers, all of whom had extraordinary backgrounds.

Besides Yuan Lingdian of Crawling Peak 指玄峰 (Pointing-to-Mystery Peak), and Rong Chang, a nascent soul sword cultivator and great disciple of Li Cai, the third was Yang Houjue, the person in charge of the Chongxuan Bureau.

Later, Chen Ping’an heard that it was Emperor Lu who personally recommended him, and Yang Houjue agreed without hesitation.

This was actually quite an unusual matter.

Except for Yang Houjue, who was still standing, all three present were seasoned veterans.

It was just that extremely subtle pause between the young Hidden Official and the Old National Preceptor.

Emperor Lu instantly understood the crux of the matter.

It should be that Chen Ping’an needed a little buffer time to ascertain whether the Old Celestial Sovereign could personally summon Yang Houjue, or whether he needed to do it himself.

And Yang Qingkong took the opportunity to display a masterful immortal technique, directly “transplanting” Yang Houjue from beyond the heavens into Chen Ping’an’s dream realm.

After Yang Houjue sat down, facing Chen Ping’an, he said sincerely with a smile, “Last time, I happened to have something to attend to and missed it. In fact, I have wanted to meet the Hidden Official for many years. Today, my wish is fulfilled, I am truly fortunate.”

Yang Qingkong had roughly explained the situation to this family junior he had high hopes for. Yang Houjue nodded gently, and then the Old Celestial Sovereign jokingly said, “Actually, there are currently two distinguished guests in the Chongxuan Bureau, similar to Houjue, who also admire Mister Chen greatly. I wonder if Mister Chen has heard of Gao Xianting?”

Chen Ping’an looked solemn and said in a deep voice, “I have heard of Grandmaster Gao’s name, it is like thunder. Moreover, although Mount Qunyü, where Chief Gao is located, is not a sword cultivation sect, it has always been a frequent visitor to the Great Wall of Sword Qi in the last thousand years.”

From the perspective of Northern 俱蘆洲 Continent, after Gu You’s death, there were only three Boundary Realm martial artists left. Wang Fusuo, that old rascal who spoke without restraint, after returning to the mountains again, has made many military exploits and regained his freedom, no longer having to “check in” with Celestial Sovereign Xie Shi every year.

And Li Er, a guest minister of Lion Peak, was a grandmaster who suddenly appeared. Besides him, there was Gao Xianting, who was just over a hundred years old. When he was in the Distant Journey Realm, Gao Xianting had served as the chief offering of a northern sect, Mount Qunyü, as a pure martial artist. Facts proved that the old patriarch of Mount Qunyü had excellent vision. This young martial artist’s subsequent realm breakthroughs weren’t too fast, but his path to greater heights was extremely steady, ultimately becoming a Boundary Realm martial artist, and expected to enter the Returning to Truth first layer. And Gao Xianting’s wife, a Daoist companion on the mountain, was a female sword immortal who had entered the Jade Purity Realm not many years ago, named Zheng Yuanzhi, Daoist name Qingluo (Green Vine). Eventually, Gao Xianting went from chief offering to son-in-law of Mount Qunyü.

The current sect master of Mount Qunyü, Xiao Shu, was Zheng Yuanzhi’s senior brother, an immortal realm cultivator. Although not a sword cultivator, he led a group of more than thirty people from the sect southward with Han Huaizi of the Taiwei Sword Sect to the Great Wall of Sword Qi. Because his attacks were too heavy, and he went too far out of the city, he was seriously injured and almost fell from his realm. Without exception, all of that group from Mount Qunyü were direct disciples of the ancestral hall, and suffered heavy casualties.

However, it was rumored that Zheng Yuanzhi’s relationship with Li Cai was… not harmonious, only because a culprit named Jiang had offended Zheng Yuanzhi terribly.

And this Jiang rogue, who was famous in Northern 俱蘆洲 Continent, was now the chief offering of his own Fallen Phoenix Mountain, a murky account.

After chatting for a while, Yang Houjue suddenly stood up, took three steps back, and gave Chen Ping’an another Daoist salute, his voice trembling, “Thank you, Mister Chen, for settling a past life karmic debt for me in the Ghost Domain Valley. The Yang Houjue of this life, the old man of the former Longshan Kingdom, on behalf of myself, and for her, sincerely thanks Mister Chen.”

Not only was Lu Yang at a loss, but even Chen Ping’an himself was initially bewildered, but he suddenly understood when he heard Yang Houjue refer to himself as “the old man of the Longshan Kingdom.”

Standing up, after hesitating for a moment, Chen Ping’an still forced himself to return a Daoist salute to Yang Houjue, and said softly, “Like duckweed gathering and scattering, may we meet again by fate.”

The Old Celestial Sovereign sighed softly, but there was more relief between his brows.

It turned out that Chen Ping’an and that Good Man had once traveled together to a secret chamber in a stone cave, inside which were two skeletons, one was a female cultivator from Qingde Sect’s Phoenix Cry Peak, and the other was the ruler of the Longshan Kingdom, who had also been one of the Daoist embryos of Qingde Sect who “opened the golden doors with a drumbeat, and thirty immortals ascended the verdant hills,” but later, when the nation was in crisis, he had to give up halfway, abandon cultivation, and return down the mountain to inherit the throne.

In that case, it was natural for Yang Houjue to be willing to serve as a guest minister of the small Rainbow Sparrow Mansion.
It was no wonder that kind soul had gone to the summer retreat of the Lady of Mount Bo Luo, and “coincidentally” found the secret passage there.

After returning the Lu Emperor to the imperial study in the capital, Chen Pingan made a trip to the Swaying River Shrine, where he once again met the River God named Xue Yuansheng.

The first time Chen Pingan traveled to Northern Ju Luzhou, after leaving the Mural City, it was this River God, who enjoyed being a ferryman, who carried him for a while.

Xue Yuansheng was still the same as before, a dark-skinned old man, like an aged farmer, facing the loess and sky year after year.

Only back then, Chen Pingan was dressed in a bamboo hat and a wine gourd, crossing the river by boat.

After confirming Chen Pingan’s identity, the old River God marveled and shook his head, saying, “Unbelievable, my little shrine once received incense from a Hidden Official.”

Back then, Xue Yuansheng had mistakenly thought he had encountered a naive fool.

Who would allow such a great fortune to slip through their fingers, ultimately missing the opportunity to be recognized by a Deer-Riding Goddess of Mural City?

Xue Yuansheng and the Azure-Clad Sword Immortal walked out of the shrine together, strolling to the riverbank. It was hard to imagine that this old man, whose golden statue was no less than that of a proper River God, was still an unapproved, unorthodox River God.

Xue Yuansheng pointed to a spot by the river and laughed, “That little girl surnamed Pei broke through her realm right here, the spectacle was terrifying. Well, it’s only been a few years, and now we have to call her Grandmaster Pei.”

After the Fall Mountain’s observation of the Zheng Yang Mountain battle, this event became a significant topic of conversation for Xue Yuansheng and his old friends over drinks.

“This old man once stood still by the riverbank, receiving a punch from Grandmaster Pei’s breakthrough.”

“Afterward, they could be considered acquaintances in the martial world. This old man ferried her across the river; we got along quite well.”

Chen Pingan nodded with a smile.

Pei Qian’s opportunity for breakthrough at the time lay in a battle between the principles in her heart and the principles of the world.

Chen Pingan had asked Li Huai in detail about the events, both big and small, during their travels with Pei Qian, along that journey of mountains and rivers.

The little girl had grown up, becoming a young woman, then a young lady; she should keep some secrets.

Even Chen Pingan, as her master, couldn’t ask too much.

Xue Yuansheng habitually squatted down, rubbing the soil, and chuckled, “What were you thinking back then? Others seek fortune but can’t find it, yet you avoided it. At first, I thought you were an unromantic blockhead, or a dim-witted fool; otherwise, it just didn’t make sense. Now I think about it, how could someone who could become a Sword Immortal and become a Hidden Official be a fool? So you must have been pretending to be a fool back then.”

Chen Pingan casually sat by the shore and nodded, “I was indeed pretending to be a fool back then, but I was also genuinely afraid.”

Xue Yuansheng laughed, “That Deer-Riding Goddess is very aloof; she only looks down on people. But who knew an out-of-towner would pop up from nowhere? Back then, she was already furious with you; if she heard such nonsense, she’d be furious again.”

Chen Pingan smiled, “Everyone has their preferences; there’s no superior or inferior.”

The old River God couldn’t help but grumble inwardly, “How strange. It seems that after this young Sword Immortal passed through, all eight painted goddesses of Mural City—Spring Official, Treasure Canopy, Lingzhi, Longche, Immortal Staff, Deer Riding, Rain Bringer, Inkstone Holder—became monochrome sketches. Of course, the first five had already left Mural City long ago, some lived, some died, each with their own destinies.”

But could this Hidden Official be considered a final piece of the puzzle, watching from the sidelines?

Chen Pingan took out the Sword Nurturing Gourd and took a sip of wine; it was truly drinking fake wine in the truest sense.

Of the remaining three painted murals, the Deer-Riding Goddess had her heart broken by a young out-of-towner, and by chance, she went to join He Xiaoliang, the Qingliang Sect Leader, who shared her Dao heart. As for the Rain Bringer Goddess, skilled in Go, named Shushi, she made a sixty-year agreement with the young cultivator holding the ancient jade tablet, kneeling and kowtowing until his forehead bone was exposed. Then, she would go to “Li Liu” to atone for her sins.

As for the Inkstone Holder Goddess, she had followed her master to Flowing Haze Continent. Before leaving the Bone Beach, she made a trip to the Ghost Domain Valley, taking the miniature Thunder Pond of Mount Jixiao into her possession.

And the master she recognized was none other than Shao Baojuan, the City Lord of Appearance City on the Night-Sailing Ship.

Every time Chen Pingan thought about this, he became furious. “I used my own skills to dig up a few Thunder Whips from Mount Jixiao, so how did that lead to a conflict of the Great Dao between us? Is your Great Dao just a country path? Even if it’s a country path, we can just step aside and pass each other.”

Xue Yuansheng asked curiously, “Is this in the Hidden Official’s dreamscape?”

Chen Pingan nodded.

Xue Yuansheng couldn’t help but sigh, “This works too?! You’ve truly achieved great success in cultivation. A scholar who has been away for three days must be looked at with new eyes.”

“Just a trick.”

“You scholars speak so cautiously.”

“It’s only worth eight copper coins.”

Xue Yuansheng was stunned, then burst out laughing, “Alright, what brings you here this time?”

After receiving Chen Pingan’s answer, Xue Yuansheng frowned, “What’s the point? Is it worth it?”

Chen Pingan shook his head and said, “Anyone can ask that question, but it’s superfluous for Teacher Xue to ask.”

If it was about being worthwhile, the height of River God Xue Yuansheng’s golden statue could be at least fifty percent higher.

If so, even if the Great River was rectified today, Xue Yuansheng would be more than qualified to fill the vacancy and become a River Administration Official.

Xue Yuansheng raised his hands and vigorously rubbed his cheeks, nodding, “Then it’s settled. A sincere stick of incense is enough; let’s just pray to the unworthiness in our hearts.”

When discussing serious matters, both sides were straightforward people; it was just a few words.

But when they started talking about Pei Qian, the conversation opened up, one willing to talk, the other happy to listen, reluctant to leave.

Xue Yuansheng said that he couldn’t connect that money-grubbing girl from back then with the later “Zheng Spends Money” and “Pei Qian.”
It is said that the maiden in her younger days moved out a whole set of paraphernalia, weighed the silver with her steelyard, and then carefully clipped out eight qian of broken silver with her small scissors. Besides the small steelyard with the green bamboo pole, there was also a large pile of weights, two of which were engraved with “Never Lose Money” and “Only Allow Earning Money”… No wonder she later adopted the pseudonym Zheng Qian and traveled the pugilistic world…

After apologizing to Xue Yuansheng, she would still be filled with remorse, saying that her fist practice was useless, a complete waste of time.

At that time, there was also a young scholar dressed in Confucian robes, a very kind person, but to be honest, one could tell at a glance that he wasn’t particularly bright.

Chen Ping’an could only remain silent regarding Xue Yuansheng’s evaluation of Li Huai.

Chen Ping’an put away his sword-nurturing gourd into his sleeve and asked, “Is Lord Xue, the River God, willing to serve as a state-ordained River God?”

If Xue Yuansheng agreed to this matter, soon the Ministry of Rites’ Minister, his carriage pulled by a dragon-like creature called a Yaoye river beast, would come to this place with a golden imperial edict to preside over the state-ordained ceremony. At the same time, a Deputy Mountain Master of the Yufu Academy would also be present.

This was also the reason why Chen Ping’an had changed his route earlier, needing the Dayan Emperor Lu Yang and the Chongxuan Office to help facilitate the connection.

The imperial court’s conferring of titles upon mountain and water deities consumes a nation’s fortune. Xue Yuansheng was notoriously indifferent to incense offerings. As a result, everyone respected this Yaoye River God, but every dynasty along the river dared not actively approach Xue Yuansheng, fearing that it would be unprofitable and drag down the country’s fortune.

However, Chen Ping’an had his own means to offset this expense and would certainly not mistreat that dynasty afterward.

Xue Yuansheng looked strangely amused and laughed, “You insist on pushing my humble shrine into this position. What are you after, Mountain Master Chen? Are you planning to partner with me, similar to the Pima Sect and Chunlu Orchard? Hoping that I, this newly appointed River God, will provide some assistance in river transportation and then earn money and split the profits together, with you growing your wealth and me flourishing with incense offerings?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “Lord Xue, you’re overthinking it.”

Xue Yuansheng teased, “What, are you going to ask me for a favor?”

Chen Ping’an suppressed a smile, “Then I’ll take it as me asking you.”

Xue Yuansheng was puzzled, “Is a Sword Immortal, the head of a sect, so cheap?”

Chen Ping’an replied, “Although not very valuable, it’s still worth something, but Master Xue can afford it.”

Xue Yuansheng shook his head, still insisting on his own opinion, “If I wanted to be a proper river god, I would have already become one. I’m not willing, there are too many restrictions, I’d rather be free as I am now.”

It is said that a close neighbor is better than a distant relative, which is absolutely true. The previous sect master of the Pima Sect, Zhu Quan, a very forthright mountain woman, had approached him twice with similar words, “Old Xue, don’t you feel ashamed being a mere river god? Give this old woman a definite answer, and I’ll help you make it happen. I guarantee that every household will be knocking on your door, and in the future, seven or eight ancestral halls will spring up along the banks of the Yaoye River. If that doesn’t happen, then my name isn’t Zhu Quan, how about it?”

However, Xue Yuansheng had not nodded.

Xue Yuansheng turned his head and said, “Please, Mountain Master Chen, give me a straight answer, otherwise even if I refuse this matter today, I will still be troubled in my heart in the future, with an additional burden.”

Whether the sword cultivators of the world are easy to talk to is something that the ancestral halls on the mountains of Beiju Luzhou know best.

Chen Ping’an waved his hand and smiled, “Lord Xue, please don’t overthink it. It’s fine if you don’t agree, I just had a sudden thought and said it casually.”

Xue Yuansheng said in annoyance, “I believe you like I’d believe a hammer! Show some sincerity!”

Chen Ping’an thought for a while and gave an answer from his heart, “Although I’m not old, I’ve traveled to many places in my life, but I haven’t met too many experienced people.”

Xue Yuansheng sighed, “Having your words is enough, it’s much more comfortable than being a lofty river god.”

Chen Ping’an said in his heart, “Lord Xue, if you remain an unorthodox river god, you may miss a significant opportunity.”

Xue Yuansheng reached out and patted the young man’s shoulder, smiling, “Chen Ping’an, I appreciate your kind intentions. You continue with your business, traveling is important.”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

Xue Yuansheng stood up and asked with a smile, “These years, it hasn’t been easy, has it?”

“In the end, it’s actually simple, it’s just…”

Chen Ping’an paused slightly and slowly said, “People do things, things teach people.”

Xue Yuansheng nodded, “It seems that no matter how grand the talk, it all boils down to this.”

Chen Ping’an smiled brightly and clasped his fist in farewell.

Xue Yuansheng silently clasped his fist in return.

Only today did the old River God realize that the Sword Qi Great Wall and the Last Hidden Official complemented each other, neither failing the other.

Jidu Lingyuan Public Residence.

At dawn, a group of women who did not need to go to the official hall to clock in for duty temporarily gathered in a covered corridor to chat idly. Because they did not belong to the “official route” of the Water Mansion, it was destined that no outsiders would pass by this place, so they did not need to pay too much attention to etiquette. Their identities were mostly female officials and clerks of the Water Mansion’s Source Tracing Department and Boundary Division. The former was responsible for surveying the source of large and small water veins and protecting the source of these water veins from being accessed by mortal scholars, while the latter’s identity and responsibilities were similar to those of geographers in the Astronomical Bureau, drawing clear boundaries and responsible for regularly inspecting the boundary lines of all rivers, lakes, and streams, guarding the boundary markers in various places. Both were veritable departments with little power, no lucrative opportunities, and few things to do in normal times.

These women were either water spirits or female ghosts from the old Nanxun Water Palace, or young female cultivators who had just entered the Water Mansion not long ago. Most of them were still naive and lively, and their edges had not been completely worn away. When they gathered together, they chirped and chattered, very lively. If they were near important government offices and chambers such as the Audit Division and the Rewards and Punishments Division, it would be absolutely impossible to see such beautiful scenery.

A young woman from a prominent family in the Dazhuan Dynasty couldn’t help but ask, “According to Master Xu’s ‘Shuowen Jiezi,’ the word ‘du’ means a small ditch, so it’s just a small ditch. What’s going on?”
A female official from the Nanxun Water Palace’s Boundary Division nodded and smiled, “The Sage Master of Literature also has a chapter on self-cultivation, which includes the line, ‘Detest its source, open its canals, and rivers can be exhausted.’ Clearly, in the eyes of our Sage Master of Literature, ‘canals’ are smaller than rivers, which validates Master Xu’s statement. As for how ‘canal’ evolved into Great Canal, I used to work in the water palace archives and have read many official histories and unofficial accounts, but I don’t seem to have found any written record.”

Another cultivation seedling from the common market hesitantly asked, “How is he ‘our’ Sage Master of Literature?”

Of course, she knew of the old scholar who had been restored to his divine position in the Temple of Literature, but wasn’t the Sage Master of Literature from the Central Earth Continent?

The Ji Canal Water Domain was divided into two, yet remained vast. The Spirit Spring Duke’s Manor governed nearly eighty dynasties and tributary states. For example, the Great Zhuan Dynasty, located near the Ji Canal’s mouth, issued a decree a few years ago. Together with the Great Zhuan Zhou clan and a dozen tributary states, they “contributed” nearly fifty cultivation seedlings to the water manor. There were also some extra favors, similar to back-door deals in the officialdom, that allowed them to enter the water manor for cultivation. In reality, these were merely gilded titles for children of powerful families, a gratuitous Great Canal Water Manor pedigree. Regardless of whether these men and women achieved success in cultivation within ten years, whether they stayed in office or were ultimately sent back home, they would have a future.

Just then, a young woman sitting on the edge of the railing of a covered walkway was studying a paper horse water-drawing talisman. It was a hand-drawn golden talisman, the paper was made of golden foil, and it depicted a divine general in armor riding a horse. It was similar to the swift-foot arts and earth-shrinking techniques of immortals on the mountains, but it used the secret methods of the water manor and took the path of deities and incense offerings. Because it included a sacrificial burning process, it was considered a truly completed talisman. Therefore, ordinary talisman cultivators could not draw it. This talisman had the reputation of “paper money armor horse connects the mystical, ten thousand miles are near at hand.”

Cultivating, one doesn’t notice the arrival of spring; every inch of time is worth an inch of gold.

“You don’t even know that?”

The female official who used to work in the Nanxun Water Palace archives scoffed, “Back then, our swordsmen from Northern Ju-lu Continent crossed the sea in a mighty force to land on the Aiai Continent, intending to question the cultivators there. It was thanks to the Sage Master of Literature’s gentle persuasion that they didn’t fight. But we didn’t make a trip for nothing. After that, the Aiai Continent lost its ‘Northern’ character. This is something even the Temple of Literature recognizes. In ten thousand years, among the nine continents of the Vast Expanse, this is the only time the name has been changed. How could it be a small matter?”

Speaking of this, the female official’s eyes sparkled, “So, it’s clear that the Sage Master of Literature is more inclined towards us, half a member of our Northern Ju-lu Continent.”

“Moreover, the Sage Master of Literature’s direct disciple, Mister Zuo Youzuo, the Great Sword Immortal Zuo, his swordsmanship is the highest under the heavens. Even swordsman Pei Min has to step aside. Back then, when the Great Sword Immortal Zuo traveled overseas, he came here. The Sword Immortal Ji Yue of Ape Cry Mountain and others flew their swords to the coast to learn Mister Zuo’s swordsmanship. Of course, they lost, but it was an honorable defeat. Think about it, ordinary swordsmen, lacking in quality and insufficient in realm, even if they eagerly sought to ask Mister Zuo about swordsmanship, would he bother to pay attention? In my opinion, he wouldn’t even lift an eyelid!”

“Even if we don’t talk about these old stories, just consider what happened in recent years. Over at the Sword Qi Great Wall, what is the relationship between that young Hidden Official who seemed to appear out of nowhere, and the Taiwei Sword Sect, and the Floating Duckweed Sword Lake? Who doesn’t know now? Chen Li and Gao Youqing of the Floating Duckweed Sword Lake were personally handed over to Lake Lord Li by the young Hidden Official as sword immortal embryos. That Chen Li even has the title of Little Hidden Official. I heard from Mama Liu that this Chen Li claims to be a sword immortal of at least a hundred years on that Nameless Plaque. Bragging? Wrong! He’s being modest! It’s possible for him to reach the upper five realms within a Jiazi!”

The young woman from a wealthy family downhill nodded like a chick pecking rice, “I know, I know. Before coming to the water manor, I heard my grandfather say that the young Hidden Official and Sect Leader Liu of the Taiwei Sword Sect are the best of drinking buddies. They can’t outdrink Sect Leader Liu at the table. So, the swordsmanship of our Northern Ju-lu Continent is definitely going to lose to the Sword Qi Great Wall, but when it comes to competing at the drinking table, we’re not afraid of their local swordsmen at all. Old Master Huang, the disciplinary elder of the Taiwei Sword Sect, didn’t he also say that when he left the Sword Qi Great Wall back then, he made that old swordsman who sees off guests named Dong Sangeng throw up at the tavern?”

She seemed to remember something and whispered, “I heard a rumor that Lord Longting said that he and the Hidden Official are sworn brothers who have sworn oaths by killing chickens and burning yellow paper. Is it true?”

If it were true, it would indeed be impressive. Although he was a Great Canal Marquis, slightly inferior to her own Spirit Spring Duke, in this matter, it seemed that the Marquis’s mansion had regained some face?

The female official, a former employee of the Nanxun Water Palace, said unhappily, “He’s just boasting. Only a fool would believe him. Outsiders might not know what kind of person Lord Longting is, but we old neighbors of the dragon palace and cave heavens…”

A teaching mama who happened to be passing by the corridor overheard this and immediately hurried forward, scolding sternly, “Impudence! You ignorant children, talking nonsense!”

This Mama Liu now manages the Rites Division among the sixteen divisions of the water manor. She used to be an official of a great river dragon palace ruin in Northern Ju-lu Continent and is very particular about etiquette. The old, dragon-like woman slowly walked up to these girls and said angrily, “Daring to gossip and stir up trouble, with no rules at all! If outsiders hear you, they will mistakenly believe that our Duke’s Manor has no laws. All of you who have spoken will have a record made in the Thin Record Division. If there are similar words again, once discovered, you will be expelled from the manor immediately!”

The old woman’s gaze was like an eagle staring at those little chicks. Not only the former water palace official, but all the other women were also frightened into silence, their faces pale.

The old woman’s sternness was genuine, and she was not deliberately making a fuss or picking on a group of girls to show off her power. She had no need to do that at her position. However, such outrageous words could be a big or small matter, but if they were to reach the ears of the Longting Marquis’s mansion, it could lead to disaster. It could easily create a gap between the owner, with whom the Longting Marquis had a good relationship.
Even if Marquis Longting possessed great magnanimity and didn’t take it to heart upon hearing such rumors, she still feared some rigid officials within the Marquis’s estate, those with an ancient sense of loyalty, willing to die for their lord’s honor. The borders of the two estates were intertwined, making disputes all too easy. In the countryside, even a simple matter like water rights could spark armed conflicts, let alone between the great estates of a Duke and a Marquis!

Furthermore, you ignorant little girls, do you truly believe that Li Yuan, who disregarded even the Water Dragon Sect when he was merely a Water Warden, is someone easily trifled with?

Just consider the Leishen Manor at Infant Mountain, far west of the Dadu. Even the two characters on the plaque at its entrance were torn off back then, yet why were they ultimately forced to release the perpetrator? It was because Li Yuan had spoken, threatening to flood Leishen Manor if they dared refuse! A mere Water Warden who had only recently become Marquis Longting dared to so utterly disregard officialdom and Confucian regulations. On what basis? Was Marquis Longting an idiot?

Alas, Marquis Longting himself wasn’t present, or he would have been unable to resist replying, “You’re mistaken. I acted solely on righteous fervor and loyalty!”

This is called “going through fire and water” for a friend, first stabbing oneself to see if the enemy is afraid. If the enemy isn’t afraid, then stab the enemy. Repeat until one side yields.

There was a woman adorned in palace attire, resembling an imperial concubine, exuding elegance and unparalleled beauty.

Her spirit was clear, her bones refined, like a lotus blossom from a distant mountain.

This woman was none other than the former mistress of the South Fragrance Water Palace, now Duke Lingyuan of the Dadu, Shen Lin. Behind her followed two Water Palace Goddesses, the leading female officials of the Inspection Bureau and the Offering Bureau, one holding high authority, the other responsible for… receiving gifts.

Shen Lin softly smiled, “This is not to be repeated. This time, the Record Bureau need not record a demerit.”

The old woman immediately performed a deep bow to Duke Lingyuan, for the Duke’s words were a great blessing to those young girls.

The female officials and clerks all bowed to Shen Lin.

Shen Lin had them all rise, then gently patted the heads of the most talkative girls, her expression gentle as she softly chuckled, “In the future, you must be more cautious when speaking in public. Liu’s Ritual is acting out of good intentions, but also following regulations. However, once you return to your residences and close the doors to whisper, there’s little problem. Don’t be too constrained. Hmm, especially be careful not to be overheard by your ‘Liu the Stiff,’ then all will be well.”

The old woman was, of course, aware that she had been given such an unflattering nickname by the Water Palace officials, but she didn’t care much. Hearing Duke Lingyuan’s jesting, the old nanny couldn’t help but smile.

Shen Lin smiled, “The hour is still early, you may continue your chat. It’s always good to praise more and criticize less.”

Then, turning to the old nanny, she said, “Liu’s Ritual, I would like to discuss something with you.”

After leaving the winding corridor, the old nanny asked, “Is Your Grace still troubled by the name of the Daoist sanctum?”

Shen Lin nodded, “Delaying it further is not an option. Marquis Longting has already conceived of a name, and after reporting it to the Confucian Temple, it seems to have been approved.”

Like Lord Yang Hua, the Marquis of Everlasting Spring in the southern Treasure Bottle Continent, who has two plaques hanging on his mansion, Marquis of Everlasting Spring Estate and Azure Cloud Palace.

One is an officially sanctioned public office by the Confucian Temple, the other is a Daoist sanctum of a spirit.

Lord Qi Du, the Marquis of Torrential Showers, originating from an old dragon of the Wind and Water Cave, whose previous divine office was the Long of Qiantang, has also long since hung a plaque after being ennobled as a Marquis, Cloud Pattern Palace.

Both were penned by the heads of the Linlu Academy and the Guanhua Academy, respectively.

Only the Lingyuan Duke Water Palace has remained without a name. Shen Lin initially harbored the hope of seeking a name from That Existence, but after sending a silent sword message to Lion Peak at the beginning of the construction of the mansion, it vanished without a trace. Clearly, the other party simply did not wish to pay her any attention, and Shen Lin dared not disturb Their reclusive cultivation again.

Another method was to, like the Marquis of Everlasting Spring and the Marquis of Torrential Showers, seek a name from the heads of academies in the continent. If there was personal friendship or connections with the Confucian Temple in the Central Continent, or if the Rectors and Vice-Rectors of those Imperial Academies could be moved, that would naturally be even better. However, let alone the Confucian Temple, there was hardly any goodwill from the Vice-Rectors of academies like the Yufu Academy in the Northern Reed Continent. After all, helping to choose a name was no small matter of simply giving two characters.

Think of one herself?

Shen Lin truly did not believe she was any better at naming than Li Yuan.

Shen Lin rubbed her temples, truly troubled. The matter was significant, but haste would avail nothing. How could she not worry? She couldn’t help but sigh, “Liu’s Ritual, you are acquainted with Vice-Rector Zhao of the Yufu Academy. Find an opportunity to visit him and see if you can invite him to take a trip to the Water Palace. There is no need to explicitly mention the naming matter.”

The awkwardness of this matter lay in the fact that if the other party agreed, seriously helped to choose a name, and produced a piece of calligraphy, what if she disliked it and felt that the name did not align with the Water Palace’s Dao, would that not be slapping the other party’s face?

The old nanny nodded, “I know the importance of discretion. Your Grace, rest assured. I believe that with our Water Palace’s Feng Shui and karma, the ship will naturally right itself when it reaches the bridge.”

Shen Lin forced a smile and said, “Let us hope so.”

The old nanny immediately set off, carrying the Water Palace token, to visit Vice-Rector Zhao of the Yufu Academy.

Shen Lin entered the old South Fragrance Water Palace, where the various offices were mostly staffed by goddesses, though there were also men, just in relatively smaller numbers.

Some diligent Water Palace officials, not yet at their official posts, were already seated in their respective offices, beginning to handle their tasks.

Shen Lin returned to her study, where a plaque hung, inscribed in gold characters, “Source Runs Long.”

Shen Lin said, “Pass down the order that for one month, I will be declining all visitors. As for the Grand Seal Zhou Family’s spring ceremony, help me politely decline. Have Cui Wan of the Record Bureau draft the letter, and send my official seal to her for a while. Do not disturb me unless it is a matter of utmost importance.”

A personal goddess standing outside the study, who also served as the Water Palace’s Seal Officer, respectfully replied, “Understood.”

Shen Lin waved her sleeve, closed the door, and with hand seals, opened layers of extremely concealed mountain and water restrictions. Then, her figure dissipated, transforming into a profound and mysterious painting, like a water map.

The golden half of the Dadu’s main vein, the light golden major rivers, some relatively minor rivers were silver-white, and the most numerous streams were gray.
Shen Lin quietly arrived at a secret realm within the South Fragrance Palace, her true Daoist sanctum. It was akin to the ancestral hall of a mountain sect, also housing her golden effigy. The sanctum’s true form was a transformed azure snail, a veritable Daoist abode crafted within a snail shell. This “Dharma Conch” hailed from a bygone great sect, serving as a ceremonial vessel. Were it not for this artifact, Shen Lin feared she wouldn’t have endured long enough to reunite with that Supreme Being.

The sanctum wasn’t vast, resembling an external study, yet it manifested a Daoist “mind-fasting” state, a testament to the Dharma Conch’s former master’s unfathomable Daoist attainments.

Within the sanctum, besides a golden-character talisman of purple material, there was nothing else.

The talisman, imbued with purple qi, resembled a hanging landscape painting, suspended in the void. A string of golden characters shimmered brilliantly, proclaiming the “Hall of Uprightness and Illumination.”

Wisps of incense smoke gathered here from various water mansions, rivers, and ancestral temples. Grains of humanity’s incense essence, the subtle energies of fate, floated within the room like starlight.

Shen Lin initially intended to steal a month of leisure to refine her golden effigy. Water mansion affairs were numerous, and unlike Li Yuan, who enjoyed being a hands-off manager, Shen Lin preferred meticulousness, handling everything herself. Yet, despite her change in status, Shen Lin showed no signs of laxity. Ultimately, these deities cultivated their golden bodies with incense, elevating their divine positions, which was the fundamental principle of the Great Dao.

Suddenly, Shen Lin sensed something amiss. She immediately reached out to touch her brow, instinctively closing her eyes. A faint golden celestial eye seemed to open between her brows, but Shen Lin’s taut nerves immediately relaxed, and she silently withdrew a water-based offensive divine art.

Shen Lin smiled charmingly, with all her grace and bearing, she performed a curtsy towards the extremely audacious, uninvited guest, and softly said, “Shen Lin, former resident of the South Fragrance Water Palace, greets Mister Chen.”

The blue-robed guest before her was the “Mister Chen” that “Li Liu” used to call him, the outsider.

Shen Lin was indeed grateful to him, owing him a great deal.

Looking back, if she hadn’t encountered “Li Liu,” the prestigious positions of Grand Canal Duke and Marquis would have undoubtedly been secured by Li Yuan, the Water Warden of the Shui Long Sect, who shared its fortunes. Even with the support of Floating Lotus Sword Lake and Li Cai’s sword cultivators, she would have stood no chance against the profound resources of the Great Source Dynasty’s Department for the Veneration of Mystery, which would have staunchly supported the Water Warden of the Upper Ancestral Temple of the Ji River, Si Tu Jidang.

However, if this Mister Chen hadn’t been traveling through the Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven, Li Liu would never have returned to the Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven, one of his many former summer residences, and would never have helped Shen Lin restore her golden effigy.

Therefore, this Mister Chen was truly her benefactor, Shen Lin’s savior.

Chen Ping’an returned the greeting with a bow, saying, “I apologize for intruding without invitation.”

Shen Lin smiled faintly, “Your presence only brings luster to my humble abode.”

Unlike Water Warden Li Yuan, who nominally managed the Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven’s wind and rain for years, Shen Lin’s South Fragrance Water Palace was like water without a source, and Shen Lin’s golden body was like a tree without roots.

The Great Source Yuan Dynasty, through barriers erected by the Cloud Canopy Palace’s Department for the Veneration of Mystery, intercepted the Grand Canal’s water transport, allowing just enough to flow into the Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven to maintain a delicate balance, preventing Shen Lin’s golden body from collapsing due to water exhaustion, but also making it difficult to use the water to refine and stabilize the golden body, mending its cracks. It was like being bound and waiting to die… a slow demise.

Hence, when Chen Ping’an first traveled to the Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven and encountered Shen Lin, who had no intention of using illusions to conceal her true appearance, his first impression was of a face shattered like a celadon glaze, with countless fine cracks, a truly pitiful sight. It was the very edge of golden body collapse, a life hanging by a thread, not an exaggeration in the slightest.

For Water Warden Li Yuan, serving as the Grand Canal Dragon Pavilion Marquis was a promotion, icing on the cake.

But for the South Fragrance Water Palace Water Goddess, it was like sending charcoal in snowy weather, a life-saving act.

After years of relying on others, like a bullied daughter-in-law, she had finally endured to become the mother-in-law.

Chen Ping’an didn’t linger on the Daoist sanctum, asking, “Could we find another place to discuss matters with the Spirit Source Duke?”

Shen Lin smiled without a word.

Mister Chen, have you forgotten? In your… dream, the host and guest have already switched roles. How could I, Shen Lin, lead the way?

Chen Ping’an explained with a smile, “The Spirit Source Duke simply needs to envision a familiar scene.”

As expected, with a slight thought from Shen Lin, they found themselves outside the Dharma Conch, in the study.

However, Shen Lin quickly noticed something peculiar. The objects she remembered clearly were vividly colored, while those she had never paid attention to were in black and white.

When Shen Lin’s gaze fell upon those black and white objects, they instantly transformed into color, as if gaining a new lease on life.

Unwilling to create a distinction between host and guest, Shen Lin brought two chairs. Chen Ping’an lightly brushed his blue robe and sat upright.

Shen Lin said, “Mister Chen, you can just call me by my name.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “Then I’ll continue to call Spirit Source Duke, Lady Shen.”

She had heard about the matter of the incense stick. The most crucial aspect was that the person offering the incense had to possess so-called sincerity, which couldn’t be faked in the slightest.

Otherwise, it would be easy to light this stick of incense, but the heart’s incense, the fuel for maintaining the ritual, would be impossible to ignite.

However, Shen Lin had no issues. It was true that she disliked the Tongye Continent cultivators, but since Mister Chen’s lower sect was established in Tongye Continent, what difficulty was there in being sincere?

She would simply offer her thanks to her benefactor from afar.

As for the merit, Shen Lin initially declined. When Chen Ping’an insisted, she became flustered and angered. Chen Ping’an continued to reason with her, and Shen Lin tried to sway him with emotion, her face sorrowful. As Chen Ping’an prepared more words, Shen Lin became furious, her eyes reddening, tears welling up, and she accused Mister Chen of deliberately placing her in an unrighteous position, or if Mister Chen, from beginning to end, had thought of her, Shen Lin, as an ungrateful and heartless person? Chen Ping’an had no choice but to withdraw his words and apologize to Lady Shen. Shen Lin then suddenly smiled, already beginning to wipe the corners of her eyes with her thumb.
Chen Ping’an retrieved a manuscript from his sleeve and handed it to Shen Lin, explaining, “This can barely be considered a congratulatory gift for Madam Shen’s appointment as the Spirit Spring Duchess, but I certainly have my own ulterior motives.”

Shen Lin received the booklet and, upon opening the first page, exclaimed in surprise, “Is this the Golden Canon and Jade Edict of the Water and Land Dharma Assembly?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “I encountered a virtuous Daoist in the Tongye Continent. I sought his counsel, and the venerable Daoist generously imparted his knowledge. Madam Shen can present this to Sect Master Sun in the name of the Spirit Spring Water Mansion.”

The “Golden Canon and Jade Edict” mentioned by Shen Lin referred to the essence of Daoist rituals, truly golden and jade-like words, an “ancient practice” that could not be bought with even the most exquisite immortal coin.

The liturgical texts used in Daoist rituals generally fall into two categories: Yang rituals for seeking blessings, averting disasters, resolving misfortunes, and fulfilling vows to the gods, and Yin rituals for transcending ancestral spirits, delivering the deceased, and performing rites of redemption and nourishment. Among these, the original manuscript is the most precious, as the saying goes, “to recite from the book,” meaning to follow the established procedure. The Emperor of the pro-Buddhist Northern Jin Dynasty in Tongye Continent exerted great effort in acquiring a manuscript, attempting to restore the old system.

Previously, Chen Ping’an, while strolling along the Emerald Scale River with Liang Shuang, the lay Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, incidentally inquired about the unique rituals of Dragon Tiger Mountain and also touched upon the Water Dragon Sect’s fasts and sacrifices. Every year on the tenth day of the tenth month and the fifteenth day of the tenth month, the Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven would hold two ancient sacrificial ceremonies, with the Golden Register, Jade Register, and Yellow Register rituals being performed in different years.

Hence, the old Daoist couldn’t help but jest, “You’re trying to fleece me, aren’t you?”

Shen Lin hesitated for a moment and asked, “Why didn’t Master Chen give this to Marquis Longting and have him pass it on to Sun Jie or Shao Jingzhi?”

This was an immense favor.

Mountain sects value this kind of long-term benefit the most.

In terms of personal friendship, Master Chen was undoubtedly closer to Li Yuan. Before today, how many words had Master Chen spoken to her? Only a handful.

Shen Lin didn’t suspect that Chen Ping’an had any designs on her Spirit Spring Water Mansion or herself.

Master Chen was as pure as the bright moon and gentle breeze, a gentleman of impeccable character, radiant and clear.

Chen Ping’an smiled and explained, “Li Yuan can’t keep secrets. Once he’s had too much to drink, he easily bares his heart and blurts out everything. In the past, it might not have mattered, but now that he’s Marquis Longting, he needs to be more careful. Li Yuan has high standards for friendship, and he only has a few close friends. Suddenly producing this manuscript would easily arouse unnecessary suspicion on the part of the Water Dragon Sect. If I were them, I would also wonder why Li Yuan, during his long tenure as Water Master, never brought out this liturgical manuscript. It’s human nature; Sect Master Sun and the others can’t be blamed for overthinking it.”

Shen Lin nodded, acknowledging that Master Chen’s actions were indeed mature and prudent.

Chen Ping’an continued, “But there’s no need for such restraint with Madam Shen. The Spirit Spring Duchess’s Mansion is now teeming with extraordinary talents. It can easily be explained as something someone acquired from an ancient source and was discovered by Madam Shen’s discerning eye. Therefore, its presentation to the Water Dragon Sect today is perfectly justified, marking a successful conclusion and forging a new connection, leading to another auspicious beginning.”

Shen Lin pursed her lips and smiled, barely managing to stifle her laughter. She said softly, “There’s another reason: If I had obtained this extraordinarily precious Daoist liturgical manuscript back in the day, given my circumstances, I would have hidden it away unless I had a death wish.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “It wouldn’t be appropriate for me, a guest, to say such obvious truths.”

Shen Lin’s face bloomed with a radiant smile.

She recalled their first meeting. The young man was holding an oiled paper umbrella, his eyes bright like the flickering lights in the rain.

Chen Ping’an said, “Helping others is helping oneself.”

Shen Lin nodded. She was well aware of Chen Ping’an’s so-called ulterior motives. Li Yuan would help his “sworn brother” with one thing every year.

Chen Ping’an had purchased Fushui Island in the Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven for a very low price.

Now, he was returning the favor. Was it not also a fitting and auspicious conclusion to a new beginning?

Chen Ping’an prepared to take his leave.

Shen Lin suddenly said, “To win the hearts of the people moves Heaven, and good intentions prolong life.”

Chen Ping’an smiled knowingly, cupped his fist in a respectful bow, and said, “Then I shall accept Madam Shen’s auspicious words.”

These were the words of his own master, the teachings of the sages inscribed in black and white, recited and annotated by countless scholars.

Madam Shen’s words were perfectly fitting for the occasion.

Shen Lin also rose to her feet, urging him to stay. “Master Chen, why be in such a hurry? Surely you have a moment. Allow me to lead the way and invite Master Chen to visit the former site of the Nanxun Water Palace?”

Chen Ping’an had no choice but to truthfully reply, “This dream-like journey through the long river of time requires a certain amount of merit.”

Shen Lin looked puzzled. “It’s just a few steps; surely the consumption is limited. Besides, are you even expending merit here with me? Did you know from the start that I wouldn’t accept that merit?”

Chen Ping’an felt a sense of helplessness and could only offer a polite response, “Then I shall accept your kind offer.”

Madam Shen and Zhu Quan, the Sect Master of the Hemp-Wearing Sect, seemed to have completely different personalities but were equally formidable.

Of course, the one who gave Chen Ping’an the biggest headache was a certain female sword immortal from the Snowy Continent.

Afterward, Chen Ping’an followed Shen Lin, walking through the Water Mansion, where reality and illusion were difficult to distinguish.

The distance between their shoulders was just enough for one person to pass.

Shen Lin found it amusing. She had heard some news from the mountains, saying that during the years when this young hidden official was the “second shopkeeper,” he was often locked out by Ning Yao for drinking and had to spend the night squatting outside? And he didn’t have a temper at all?

Was that Ning Sword Immortal really that powerful?

No wonder she could become the number one person in the colorful world. It was not without reason.

According to the mountain and water etiquette established by the Confucian Temple, the “ducal and marquis families” of the Five Sacred Mountains and the Four Great Rivers could use glazed green tiles.

Compared to Li Yuan’s Marquis Longting Mansion, the two were roughly the same size, but this place was slightly simpler, and construction was still underway. Back then, the Water Dragon Sect had lent money to Li Yuan, taking out a large sum of immortal coins to help build the marquis’s mansion. Li Yuan, of course, didn’t hold back.
Moreover, the Water Dragon Sect, under the private instructions of Shen Lin, was to prioritize the Marquis of Dragon Pavilion’s needs. As for herself, Shen Lin expressed that the Water Dragon Sect need not go out of its way to accommodate her. However, the Water Dragon Sect, breathing a slight sigh of relief, still invested a significant amount of manpower and resources. While money was scarce, there was no shortage of registered cultivators to add to her entourage.

Fortunately, the old Southern Fragrance Water Palace had been relocated from the Dragon Palace Grotto-heaven and could serve as the central hub for the various departments. The various halls and houses were repurposed as offices for these departments.

The Grand Canal Duke’s manor was essentially a small court, with numerous government offices. According to the rites prescribed by the Literary Temple, sixteen departments were generally established, and slight variations in number were not a significant issue.

Although the official ranks of the Spirit Source Duke and the Marquis of Dragon Pavilion were equivalent on the Literary Temple’s golden jade register, there were still some differences. For example, Shen Lin could build two canal temples and have two Water Rectors responsible for incense offerings, while Li Yuan only had one slot. Furthermore, the Spirit Source Duke’s manor had twenty percent more Water Gods under its jurisdiction than the Marquis of Dragon Pavilion. As for River Earls and River Maidens, there was no fixed number, depending solely on the number of tributaries.

As Shen Lin approached the Incense Offering Department, she softly asked, “Does Master Chen have any recommendations for the candidates for the two canal temples?”

Chen Pingan shook his head. “During my previous two travels to the Northern Majestic Continent, I did not interact much with the mountain and water deities along the way.”

Now, the numerous mountain and water spirits along a major canal, who were previously under the jurisdiction of various national courts, suddenly had two additional superiors.

However, compared to Li Yuan’s solitary appointment, Shen Lin, in addition to those Southern Fragrance Water Palace Goddesses, had also brought a batch of water sprites and ghost creatures from the Dragon Palace Grotto-heaven, truly a case of “one attains the Dao, and even one’s chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.” Moreover, Shen Lin had also won over a considerable number of cultivators, including those in the middle five realms, as well as water-dwelling monsters who had proactively sought her out. The teaching matron beside her, who was in charge of the Etiquette Department, was a prime example.

Currently, the Spirit Source Water Manor’s eighteen departments were well-organized and each fulfilling its duties.

In terms of management acumen, several Li Yuans combined might not equal a single Shen Lin.

After all, Li Yuan was accustomed to being a loner, the kind who would rather lie down and enjoy himself than sit up and doze off. Shen Lin, on the other hand, was renowned for her household management skills. Previously, in the Dragon Palace Grotto-heaven, she only had the Southern Fragrance Water Palace, and it was a case of “a skilled housewife cannot cook without rice.” Now, things were different. Each time she went out to inspect her jurisdiction, the ceremonial guard was imposing, radiating great authority.

As she approached the entrance of the Pure Offering Department, Shen Lin looked somewhat embarrassed.

Inside the hall, a group of female officials were reconfirming a list.

It turned out that every Canal Water God in the Grand Bright World had an “Attainment Day” each year, similar to the birthdate of mortals down below.

However, ordinary mountain and water deities, those of lower rank, did not pay much attention to this and would not celebrate lavishly. At most, their respective ancestral halls would have more human incense offerings. Otherwise, celebrating every year would be too much to bear. The relationships between mountain and water officials were like the exchange of gift money down below, all about reciprocity. Hence, there was an unwritten rule that it was usually celebrated once every sixty years, or simply ignored altogether.

But for a Grand Canal Duke like Shen Lin, who had only recently taken office, she could not afford to simplify things.

And Shen Lin’s Attainment Day happened to be in this month, so the female official leader of the Pure Offering Department had been frantically busy every year-end for the past few years. Not to mention entertaining guests, simply receiving and counting all sorts of gifts, or rather, tributes, was a truly massive undertaking. The national courts of various countries, aristocratic clans, the major and minor sects and immortal abodes on the mountains, the Canal Water Gods and Mountain Gods within her jurisdiction, as well as the state, county, and city隍temples…

The several pots of priceless orchids from the Orchid Chamber Kingdom, the falcons painstakingly raised by the Golden Door Kingdom, the several koi carp from the Golden Scale Palace, and those from Spring Dew Garden and the Great Seal Dynasty…

Which gifts would need to be reciprocated in the future, and with what kind of gifts? Which ones only needed to be recorded and then categorized, each filed with the previous congratulatory gifts? All of this needed to be determined by the Pure Offering Department, and then discussed with the Etiquette Department, without any room for error.

Chen Pingan’s first journey to the Northern Majestic Continent, after leaving Skeleton Beach, had taken him on foot through the Orchid Chamber Kingdom and the Golden Door Kingdom, eventually reaching Spring Dew Garden, where he had by chance encountered that Drunken Immortal Liu.

He remembered that the Orchid Chamber Kingdom was prosperous in trade, so women married to merchants would often throw money into the water to ask for good fortune. Moreover, releasing creatures had become fashionable throughout the kingdom. Whenever there was drought or flooding, they liked to vent their anger on paper dragon kings.

The area north of Spring Dew Garden, including the Great Seal Dynasty and a dozen other countries, had revered martial prowess since ancient times, with fierce customs and rampant martial artists. They mostly regarded the Great Seal Dynasty as their suzerain state. Martial fortunes flourished, and they often called upon friends and acquaintances, hundreds of martial artists surrounding and beating up a mountain sect was a common occurrence. It was estimated that this was unique in the entire Grand Bright World. The poor Golden Scale Palace, that Nascent Soul old immortal, suffered bitterly, and his disciples being ambushed and beaten up in sacks was no joke.

Shaking Mountain Fist, Senior Gu You. He was once an old steward of a mountain village, going by the alias Qiu Fengjia.

In the end, he exchanged fists and swords with the Ape Cry Mountain Sword Immortal Ji Yue.

It was said that the Great Seal Zhou Dynasty emperor’s personal bodyguard was a female martial artist who used a sword.

Originally, her reaching the Distant Journey Realm was seen as a dead end, but unexpectedly, she had reached the Mountain Peak Realm.

In the Construction Department, a young Minister of Works from the Green Oriole Kingdom was discussing matters with relevant officials. Hearing that the Spirit Source Duke had just returned to the manor after an inspection tour, but had announced that she would be refusing guests, the young Minister was somewhat disappointed. He had hoped to meet her, even if he dared not expect more.

The Green Oriole Kingdom, as the mouth of the Ji Canal into the sea, had proactively taken matters into its own hands in recent years, starting construction without even notifying the Spirit Source Duke’s manor. They were opening up a temporary palace for Shen Lin’s inspection tour of the Grand Canal. In just a few years, the Green Oriole Kingdom had not only emptied its treasury, but the amount of debt it had borrowed externally was probably an astronomical figure. Of course, Shen Lin did not want the Green Oriole Kingdom to spend so lavishly.
The Green Oriole Kingdom, however, never complained about being poor. They always insisted their national treasury was overflowing and there were no problems. But when several female officials from the Ministry of Construction, along with a decree from Lord Lingyuan, arrived in the Green Oriole Kingdom, the expenses reported to the Water Mansion were still a ridiculously low price. This face-saving charade left Shen Lin both amused and exasperated. He had no choice but to issue another secret decree, worded with severe urgency, leaving no room for the Green Oriole court to haggle. The remaining construction, which was barely halfway completed, had to be taken over entirely by the Water Mansion’s Ministry of Construction. Otherwise, it would just be abandoned. The Green Oriole Kingdom could then see for themselves who would be willing to reside there in the future.

Over at the Ministry of Rites, the officials were somewhat perplexed.

The head of the ministry, the venerable Liu, had just left the Water Mansion, and Lord Lingyuan was refusing all visitors. Yet, at noon today, two esteemed guests were expected to arrive.

Shen Lin smiled, “These social obligations are truly exhausting.”

Chen Pingan nodded, “I deeply sympathize.”

Shen Lin asked, “Do you have any tips for dealing with such matters, Mr. Chen?”

Luo Po Mountain had a very good reputation in the southern part of Northern Club芦洲.

Chen Pingan crossed his arms in his sleeves and shook his head, smiling. “I can only tell myself, whether you eliminate the heart but not the matter, or eliminate the matter but not the heart, you must achieve at least one. Don’t end up with neither heart nor matter resolved.”

After a moment of silence, Chen Pingan suppressed a laugh. “Actually, there is a shortcut: find a capable steward, and you can happily be a hands-off boss.”

Shen Lin shook his head. “I can’t learn that.”

In recent years, Lord Lingyuan’s Water Mansion had been constantly filled with guests. There was a never-ending stream of carriages outside. However, in a few years, the situation would likely improve.

After visiting the various ministries, Chen Pingan stopped. Shen Lin said, “Mr. Chen, the next time you travel to Northern Club芦洲, please visit us here, whether you have business or not.”

Chen Pingan cupped his fist in greeting and smiled. “Definitely.”

Shen Lin suddenly said, “Mr. Chen, I have a favor to ask!”

Chen Pingan laughed. “No problem. I can send a letter of introduction for you, sir.”

Actually, Chen Pingan had already guessed what it was about—the naming of a plaque. In that case, Shen Lin had truly come to the right person.

Not just one plaque, but even ten plaques could be handled by his own teacher’s erudition for Lord Lingyuan’s Water Mansion.

But Shen Lin looked embarrassed and smoothed his temple, gently smiling. “I wouldn’t dare trouble the Literary Saint. Could Mr. Chen do it personally?”

Chen Pingan chuckled, but quickly shook his head. “The matter of naming is really not my forte.”

Shen Lin wore a playful expression, straightened his sideburns, and softly laughed. “Chen Lingjun didn’t say that back then.”

Chen Pingan shook his head.

Shen Lin took a deep breath and had no choice but to use her trump card, forcing herself to say, “Perhaps Mr. Chen isn’t aware, but I’ve actually been secretly in charge of the Golden and Jade Talisman Daoist temples inside the Dragon Palace Grotto-Heaven.”

If it wasn’t absolutely necessary, Shen Lin would never have proactively mentioned such a thing. She truly hoped that Mr. Chen could leave behind a piece of calligraphy, and had no choice but to resort to this measure.

Chen Pingan remained composed. After a moment of silence, just as Shen Lin was about to change her mind, Chen Pingan nodded and smiled. “Then I shall embarrass myself.”

They returned to Shen Lin’s study.

Chen Pingan flicked his wrist, and a large brush appeared out of thin air. With a gentle dip, the large brush seemed to be soaked in thick ink, but the ink was golden.

In calligraphy, the difficulty of large characters far surpasses that of small characters. Therefore, writing a large signboard is even more difficult.

After thinking deeply for a moment, Chen Pingan said, “If this name is not to your liking, Madam Shen need not feel any burden. Just treat it as a small note in our correspondence.”

Madam Shen seemed relieved and nodded. “Of course, there’s no problem.”

Chen Pingan held the brush in his left hand, and brought his right hand fingers together and brushed lightly. In front of him unfolded a sheet of half-ripe, snow-white Xuan paper.

Finally, he wrote three characters: Virtue Wander Palace.

Taken from the phrase “Virtuous men wander the heavens”.

Virtuous men wander the heavens, autumn moon over a cold river. The sun asks the moon, travelers remember their hometown.

It also implies that the water of the great river flows continuously, and only with solid virtue, like a lotus emerging from the mud, can it be a place of peace.

Shen Lin watched intently, looking at each stroke on the paper.

The characters were like divine dragons emerging from the sea, with an imposing aura.

Chen Pingan put away the large brush, dusted off his sleeves, and cupped his fist in farewell.

Shen Lin was speechless. By the time Chen Pingan had quietly left, the Lord Lingyuan had even forgotten to say goodbye.

After a long while, Shen Lin regained her senses and treasured it as if she found a rare treasure. Only then did she realize that the blue-robed figure was no longer in the study. Shen Lin bowed and carefully put away the calligraphy.

The next moment, Shen Lin returned to the Daoist temple.

Standing in the room of righteousness.

Shen Lin stood in the void, like a lotus on a distant mountain, standing gracefully.

Tomorrow is the Beginning of Spring.

But today, Shen Lin was already bathed in the spring breeze.

Cangyun Lake in the Silver Screen Kingdom was not far from Suijia City, and it managed a lake, three rivers, and two canals.

Lake Lord Yin Hou, wearing a purple robe, had restrained himself a lot in recent years. Although Cangyun Lake was not elevated in rank when the Wen Temple promulgated the golden and jade registers of mountain and water deities, Yin Hou had come to terms with it. He was better than those below, but not as good as those above. When he was unhappy, he would think of Huangyue City and Baodong Immortal Realm, and he would feel better.

Mountains of iron, immortal masters of flowing water.

Back then, the river-crossing dragon, a fellow who called himself Chen Haoren, was incredibly cunning and ruthless.

Next to the young sword immortal at that time, there was also a follower who seemed to be a casual acquaintance from the martial arts world, Du Yu, a military cultivator from the Ghost Axe Palace.

Cangyun Lake had kicked an iron plate. At this moment, Yin Hou would vaguely feel a bit of “toe pain.”

Otherwise, why would Yin Hou, as a great lake water lord, need to frequently and proactively drink with the small Fire God Temple in Suijia City?

It was like a capital official from one of the six ministries of the imperial court needing to call a local magistrate a brother?

Today, Yin Hou was planning to go out for a walk to relax after his cultivation, but he stumbled and mistakenly entered… a mountain peak cultivator’s secret realm?

As a result, he saw a smiling… acquaintance. Yin Hou immediately saluted and said, “Yin Hou pays respects to Sword Immortal Chen.”
The moment the Sword Immortal Chen uttered a few words, Lake Lord Yin Hou declared with resolute certainty, “Whatever the Sword Immortal decrees, the Azure Bamboo Lake Dragon Palace shall obey!”

It was the same old adage from yesteryear, not a single word altered.

Ordinary words, yet two different intentions.

Last time, it was a matter of duress, as if a blade was pressed against his throat, leaving him no choice but to comply.

In their contest of wits and martial prowess, he had lost to this cunning and ruthless outsider Sword Immortal.

The Azure Bamboo Lake could be described as tragic, especially those confidants who had perished on their own turf. It transformed the once bustling hub into a desolate, quiet place.

Which mountain-dwelling immortal masters from the surrounding dozen kingdoms would dare to come here for a drink? Did they have extra lives to spare?

Seeing that the green-robed Sword Immortal showed no signs of leaving despite his swift agreement, Yin Hou inwardly groaned. Surely their acquaintance didn’t warrant them sitting down for drinks?

Could it be that he had erred again, and this troublesome fellow had come to settle accounts? Perhaps it was due to Du Yu’s visit last time? The problem was, Yin Hou believed he had been as benevolent as possible, truly unable to help Du Yu. He wasn’t an heir to a great sect, nor a wild hermit. Offending the Jade Forest Sect, where could he run? If this Sword Immortal was here to question him on this matter, then Yin Hou would… stretch out his neck and let him do as he pleased. As long as he didn’t kill him, he would run to the Fish-Duck Academy and cry foul, seeking justice!

Chen Ping’an seemed to be “dragging” the Lake Lord, walking side by side within the familiar underwater Dragon Palace, before quickly ascending to the water’s surface and treading on the waves towards the once dilapidated Water Immortal Shrine.

As for the incense stick…

Often, such heartfelt fear could also bring about sincerity.

Chen Ping’an casually asked with a smile, “I presume the Lake Lord’s Dragon Palace officials have been replaced with many new faces?”

Yin Hou cautiously savored the lingering taste of these words.

Was he rubbing salt into the wound?

Unlikely.

He was honored to be able to exchange a few words with Sword Immortal Chen.

A passerby willing to bear the Heavenly Tribulation of the Accompanying City, a figure who slaughtered with abandon in Azure Bamboo Lake and sat like a deity upon a throne. Truly a formidable… monster.

Yin Hou, taking caution, nodded and said, “The new Algae Creek Chief is a woman of utmost chastity in her previous life. If Sword Immortal Chen doubts it, he need only change course and witness the current landscape and aura of Algae Creek.”

As for that other Chief, who accomplished nothing but made things worse, the less said, the better. In any case, both he and Sword Immortal Chen knew the full story.

But strangely, in the early years, one Water Immortal Shrine was like a thriving, prosperous household, always filled with guests, while the other was a wretched, dilapidated hovel. Even the painted statues inside could barely withstand the Chief’s golden body.

Yet, it was this dim-witted woman who was the only river deity of Azure Bamboo Lake to benefit from misfortune. Now, she had prospered, and her Water Immortal Shrine had been renovated. The mottled painted statues had been repainted and gilded.

In contrast, the infinitely glorious previous Algae Creek Chief had been the first to fall during that past turmoil.

Chen Ping’an laughed, “Of course, I trust Lake Lord Yin.”

Before going to the Dragon Palace, he had already seen the landscape and aura of the new Water Immortal Shrine. After the change of ownership, it had indeed taken on a new appearance. It still hung the plaque “Green Waters Flow Forever,” thanks to him who had tried his best to stop Du Yu back then, advising him not to be too consumed by money, to leave room for future encounters… otherwise, it was estimated that the shrine’s plaque would have been relocated by now.

Today, the Algae Creek was overgrown with algae, each strand reaching several yards in length, beautiful as phoenix tails. The stream was crystal clear, swaying with the current, graceful and charming.

And the stream beside the path under his feet, although not comparable to Algae Creek, had also undergone a great transformation. The banks were no longer a desolate scene of overgrown weeds. The cobblestone path was flat and clean, wide enough for a carriage to pass through. Back then, the Chief’s shrine was only a few dozen miles from the city, yet it suffered from dwindling incense offerings, to the point where the statues inside could not bear the divine light. She could only borrow from the water mansion, patching and mending year after year, living on debt. It was said that borrowing and repaying made borrowing easier the next time, and she had accumulated years of old debts, yet she was able to borrow through incense offerings, which was her skill.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Is her Luminous Cup from the Qingde Sect?”

Yin Hou nodded, “Sword Immortal Chen has sharp eyes. This item was indeed one of the ritual vessels of the Daoist Qingde Sect in its early years.”

Chen Ping’an teased, “And the Chief Madam used it to hold love potions and attract romantic fortune?”

Yin Hou’s expression immediately turned awkward.

Reaching the Water Immortal Shrine, they did not enter. Chen Ping’an took Yin Hou and used the technique of shrinking the earth, and in an instant, they arrived at an ancient alum-carrying path near Azure Bamboo Lake.

Chen Ping’an walked on foot in the mountains, asking, “According to the local county gazetteer’s geographical map, this place seems to be called Stone-Striking Mountain. Isn’t there a Jumping Point nearby?”

Yin Hou was even more uncertain about what this fellow was planning, and could only nod, “Sword Immortal Chen doesn’t forget the past at all.”

Chen Ping’an produced a walking stick, lightly tapping it on the ground, and joked, “Flattery really doesn’t suit Lake Lord Yin. Let’s not torment each other from now on.”

Climbing to the top of the mountain, Chen Ping’an overlooked the surroundings, and could see the White Sword Waterfall in the distance, a white water, like a sword hanging upside down.

Nearby, there were mountains rich in porcelain clay, and the porcelain produced could be loaded onto ships along the Algae Creek, and sold to various places by waterway.

Yin Hou tentatively asked, “Has Sword Immortal Chen been to Locking Cloud Sect?”

This sword duel, which caused a great stir, had already spread like wildfire throughout the Northern Passage Continent.

The young Sect Master of the Taiwei Sword Sect, Liu Jinglong, together with an unknown Sword Immortal surnamed Chen, ascended Mount Yangyun and demolished the ancestral hall of a deeply rooted sect.

The immortal Wei Jingcui, even after offering a bottom-of-the-barrel Moon-Chasing Mirror, still failed to withstand Liu Jinglong’s sword duel, and now obediently secluded himself to recuperate.

However, for some reason, not long after, Yang Que of Locking Cloud Sect personally went down the mountain and took the initiative to form an alliance with Taiwei Sword Sect, even positioning himself as a vassal mountain.
Chen Ping’an mocked himself, “Good news never leaves the gate, bad news travels a thousand miles.”

Yin Hou was about to say something when he suddenly recalled the reminder from the Sword Immortal Chen earlier. He stopped himself, swallowing back the truly disgusting words.

Yin Hou then asked, “What about the Qionglin Sect’s Ancestral Hall?”

A bit later than the Suoyun Sect, the Qionglin Sect’s ancestral hall also experienced a disturbance. However, the commotion wasn’t as grand. The Qionglin Sect spared no effort in trying to conceal the matter, but with their well-established reputation and countless friends across the Northern Entire Reed Continent, how could no one “speak out for justice” on their behalf?

Although the perpetrator remains a mystery to this day, the only certainty is that it was the work of a sword cultivator.

For example, the Floating Duckweed Sword Lake issued an official gazette, using phrasing that would stun cultivators from other continents but was quite commonplace in the Northern Entire Reed Continent. It stated that since no one admitted to demolishing the Qionglin Sect’s ancestral hall, the Floating Duckweed Sword Lake would have to endure the slander. Since they couldn’t explain it clearly, they wouldn’t bother explaining at all…

The problem was that the Qionglin Sect had never provoked the Floating Duckweed Sword Lake, nor had they even suspected Li Cai. What slander were they talking about? What exactly was this female sword immortal trying to explain?

Yin Hou had this thought because Du Yu, who had been a guest at his Dragon Palace, frankly admitted to provoking the Qionglin Sect.

Then, just days after Du Yu left Azure Canopy Lake, the Qionglin Sect suffered this unexpected calamity.

Could there really be such a coincidence in the world?

Chen Ping’an chuckled in exasperation, “Can this be pinned on me too?”

It was Liu Jinglong, Rong Chang, and Liu Zhiqing who colluded to do the dirty deed; it had nothing to do with him.

Chen Ping’an turned to look towards the Algae Creek Shrine.

There, a handsome youth once stood on a corner eave, a yellowed bamboo flute tied to his waist. He was He Lu from Yellow Halberd City, and with Yan Qing from the Treasure Grotto Celestial Realm, they were the golden boy and jade girl of the mountain.

He Lu, Yan Qing. “Let us drink and sing, how short is life? Like the morning dew, the days gone by are filled with bitterness.” “The sea is calm and the world is at peace.” They were all good names, but put together, they seemed like… a predetermined prophecy?

Later, among the nine children he brought out of the Great Wall of Sword Qi, there was the chubby Cheng Zhaolu and He Gu.

There was the phrase “Fortunately, all is safe, and the sun is seen again. What is there to blame? Only the morning dew fades first.” And there was “In an era of utmost peace, the laws are like the morning dew, pure and unscattered.”

Perhaps this was what they meant by coincidences making a story.

Chen Ping’an regained his senses and said, “Azure Canopy Lake didn’t kick Du Yu when he was down; instead, they did what they could to help. Lake Ruler Yin is quite generous.”

Yin Hou forced a smile; it didn’t really sound like a compliment.

He’d just take it as one then.

Yin Hou asked in his mind, “Could you ask Sword Immortal Chen for his real name?”

He couldn’t keep being this anxious all the time.

The azure-robed sword immortal actually revealed his name and origin.

“True name is Chen Ping’an, from the Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven.”

Yin Hou was instantly overwhelmed with shock. A chill ran down his spine, and his heart lake churned with stormy waves. He swallowed hard and stammered incoherently, “Mister Chen is the closed-door disciple of the Venerable Master of Literature?”

Yin Hou deliberately avoided mentioning his more astonishing identity as a sword cultivator.

Chen Ping’an smiled knowingly and nodded. “Of course.”

This Yin Hou was reminding him that Chen Ping’an was a proper Confucian disciple, a member of the orthodox literary lineage, a scholar, a little gentleman. He shouldn’t resort to fighting and killing at every turn, lest he disgrace his status.

Chen Ping’an held his mountain-walking staff and turned to ask with a smile, “Even you have heard of the Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven?”

Yin Hou nodded. “Of course!”

Now, who in the vast world wouldn’t know about that small grotto-heaven that had long since broken and fallen to earth?

Ma Kuxuan, Liu Xianyang, Gu Can…

These younger generation cultivators all came from that Li Zhu Grotto-Heaven, which seemed no bigger than the palm of a hand.

Among them was the Hidden Official Chen Ping’an, as if diving deep to retrieve a pearl. The rest of his peers were like obtaining scales and claws. In any case, they were all outstanding talents under the heavens.

Chen Ping’an’s expression was calm as he looked south, his gaze seemingly able to cross the sea and extend all the way to the Treasure Bottle Continent, the Great Li Dynasty, and Old Dragon Province.

In an instant, the azure figure was no longer visible on the mountain peak.

Yin Hou immediately returned to the Azure Canopy Lake Dragon Palace, feeling as if he had been on the verge of death, relieved and still shaken.

Only a moment later, Yin Hou muttered softly, “I once fought him to a standstill. If word of this gets out, how will I ever face anyone again?”

At the Misty Snow Peak residence, Huang Ting had already gone to refine his sword.

Yu Fushan was leaning on the railing, continuing to enjoy the scenery.

Suddenly, his expression became dazed, the misty waters blurred, and gradually dispersed. He was still sitting in the shop in Ink Line Ferry.

Yu Fushan wasn’t surprised. He sneered and turned to look, only to see the azure-robed guest wearing a bamboo hat and straw raincoat had once again visited his shop. He gently removed his bamboo hat, shook off the rainwater outside the door, and smiled, “Fellow Daoist Fushan, we meet again. Is the hospitality of Mount Immortal Capital satisfactory?”

Yu Fushan said in a deep voice, “Mountain Master Chen, such great magic!”

The azure-robed guest smiled. “Don’t be nervous. I only have one request for Fellow Daoist Fushan. Whether you agree or not, I won’t force you.”

“Since Sword Immortal Chen is on Mount Immortal Capital, why act so suspiciously? You can discuss it openly.”

“To be honest, I am not on the mountain at this moment. If there is any offense, I hope you will forgive me.”

“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.”

“Fellow Daoist Fushan is about to become a highly respected enshrined cultivator of Mount Taiping. Why are you so lacking in magnanimity?”

After discussing the matter, Yu Fushan was extremely curious. “How did you do it?”

“Sincerity moves mountains?”

“Can you teach me? Can I learn it?”

“Easy to learn, hard to teach.”

Afterward, still on Misty Snow Peak, Chen Ping’an found the old horned dragon who had disguised himself as Qiu Du.

For cultivators seeking the Dao, regardless of their aptitude, unless in some rare exceptions, they cannot escape diligence.

Qiu Du was currently breathing and exhaling. After opening his eyes, he quickly got up and saluted, “Greetings, Mountain Master Chen.”

Subsequently, Chen Ping’an left Mount Immortal Capital and went to the Azure Billow Palace to visit the River Burial Water Goddess. It didn’t seem like he was there to discuss serious matters. Instead, he ate a bowl of genuine fish noodle soup, thankfully not pickled cabbage fish.
Setting a leg on a long bench, the Water God Lady rolled up a large bundle of noodles with her chopsticks, blew on them, and asked, “Little Scholar, when are you bringing that Senior Brother Junqian of yours over for a visit? You two should come together.”

Chen Pingan smiled and nodded, “No problem.”

Liu Rou sincerely praised, “Little Scholar can handle spice better and better. Next time, I’ll ask Old Liu to add two more handfuls of dried chilies.”

Chen Pingan helplessly said, “There’s really no need.”

“Don’t be so polite. It’s not like two handfuls, even a whole basket of dried chilies costs that much.”

“It’s not about the money.”

Lion Peak.

Li Liu, having heard Chen Pingan’s request, laughed and said, “Without realizing it, Mr. Chen has changed a lot, but this is good. Just the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, it’s not a big deal. Mr. Chen is overthinking it.”

Chen Pingan shook his head and said, “If it were just asking for this matter, I wouldn’t have come to you. It involves too much.”

Coming to Li Liu was to ask for a token. This way, when he reached Lady Dan Dan, the Land Water Transport Co-ruler, he could intimidate a little by borrowing prestige. After all, that Lushuikeng Puddle used to be Li Liu’s summer retreat.

Li Liu teased, “Why not look for that Zhigui who only throws tantrums?”

Chen Pingan shook his head, “Forget about her. Among the Four Seas Water Sovereigns, I’ll only look for Li Yehou.”

After Chen Pingan sought out Lady Dan Dan, whose Daoist name was Qing Zhong, the two parties seemed to be standing on opposite sides of a border. At first, she hesitated, clearly wanting to decline, mainly because she was worried about impropriety and getting reprimanded at the Confucian Temple.

“You, Chen Pingan, have a Sage of Literature as your teacher, but I don’t. I don’t have anyone to back me up at the Confucian Temple. It’s tough, you know?”

But when Chen Pingan took out the token that Li Liu had given him, Lady Dan Dan immediately exclaimed, full of smiles, saying that such a small matter didn’t require the Hidden Official to personally visit her humble abode. Anyone could just pass on a message for him.

The South Sea Water Sovereign, Li Yehou, agreed without any hesitation, as it was just another business deal.

The concept of merit becomes increasingly rare. This is already a consensus among a small group of peak cultivators in Haoran.

Chen Pingan didn’t care. The Hidden Official was rich and generous and didn’t take it to heart, but Li Yehou valued it very much. If the Confucian Temple were to investigate afterward, Chen Pingan’s personality would not allow him to back down. He probably wouldn’t engage in the scheme of sacrificing a friend to save himself. Besides, with Old Xiucai at the Confucian Temple, there was nothing to fear even if the sky fell. When it came to arguing, Old Xiucai had never lost. As for the determination and ability to protect his own, hehe, in Haoran, it seemed best not to compete with Old Xiucai in this matter.

However, before Chen Pingan left, Li Yehou couldn’t help but ask him a question, “Even if it’s to mend a continent’s mountains and rivers, why are you in such a hurry? Wait until…”

But after saying the word “wait until,” Li Yehou stopped speaking.

He believed Chen Pingan knew what he wanted to say.

But that fellow just said, “A swordsman acts as he pleases, free and unrestrained.”

Li Yehou helplessly shook his head, waved his hand, signaling that he wouldn’t see him off.

Anyway, it was hard to say who was the guest and who was the host.

“That damned sword cultivator is just… straightforward.”

Over at the Yulong Sect, the Sect Master, Nalan Caihuan, was in high spirits today. She found the Law Overseer, Yun Qian, and tossed her a jade token.

It was the simplest style of a “no-thing” token, with no clear front or back.

One side was engraved with Sword Qi Great Wall, and the other side was engraved with Haoran World.

However, on the Sword Qi Great Wall side, besides the small seal script of “Hidden Official,” there was also a tiny numerical character in regular script.

Yun Qian asked in confusion, “What is this?”

Nalan Caihuan smiled and said, “I just accepted a direct disciple for you. This is his apprenticeship gift.”

Yun Qian was slightly annoyed. How could there be such a nonsensical act? She hadn’t even met the person, and she already had a direct disciple?

Nalan Caihuan smiled and said, “Don’t worry, that young cultivator has good aptitude, and… he’s definitely not a lecher!”

Nalan Caihuan leaned back in the chair in Yun Qian’s room, swinging her legs back and forth. “If he were a sword cultivator, you wouldn’t have gotten the chance.”

Yun Qian was still easy to talk to. Clutching the jade token in her hand, she raised her hand and asked, “Are there any special instructions?”

Nalan Caihuan pointed at her and said, “All you know is cultivating, cultivating, cultivating. You have the annoying habit of being oblivious to everything else. Don’t you even read the latest gazettes?”

Yun Qian blushed and said, “I flip through them occasionally. I haven’t been reading them much lately.”