The ancient scholar strode across the threshold, waving a hand dismissively, signaling the others to remain where they were. He settled onto the bench beside Cui Dongshan.

Cui Dongshan’s lips twitched, as if he were struggling to utter the title “Grandmaster.”

Chen Ping’an produced a jar of fine wine and a set of twelve flower-god goblets, spoils claimed during the last council at the Temple of Literature. He gestured for Xiaomili to distribute the cups and pour the wine.

The old scholar accepted a goblet, and after Xiaomili filled it for the Sage Master, she placed the wine jar on the bench beside him. A thought struck the old scholar. He reached into his sleeve and produced a large stack of red envelopes. Each contained two snowflake coins, a modest sum, but the auspicious New Year greetings inked onto the envelopes were barely dry. He had specifically requested them be written before leaving the Hall of Merit.

Handing the envelopes to Xiaomili, the old scholar chuckled and reminded her, “Don’t lose these, Xiaomili. They’re worth a bit, but their true value lies in their rarity. If you’re ever short on funds, take them to the Guanhai Academy or the Shengao Sect on your Bao Ping Continent. Find a discerning buyer, and don’t sell them for less than two Grain Rain coins.”

Cui Dongshan lightly flicked his own envelope, and it rustled with the sound of two snowflake coins, not Summer Heat or Grain Rain coins. The old scholar promptly swatted him upside the head.

Xiaomili clutched the red envelopes in both hands, bowed deeply, and exclaimed in her clear voice, “Happy New Year, Sage Master! I thank you, Sage Master, and wish you fortune as vast as the Eastern Sea, longevity to rival the Southern Mountains, eternal youth, and endless good cheer!”

The old scholar stroked his beard and chuckled, “Good, good.”

Even Chen Ping’an received a red envelope.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Master, I’m past my youth. I should be content without one.”

The old scholar shook his head. “To your Master, you are all still children. Take it. Take it quickly.”

Chen Ping’an accepted the envelope. The calligraphy was consistent with that of the others, but the blessings differed slightly. Cui Dongshan’s was inscribed with “Great Luck in the New Year,” while Chen Ping’an’s read “Peace for the Whole Family.” Since it was neither the handwriting of the Ritual Sage nor that of the Sutra Scholar Xi Ping, it could only be the work of the Supreme Sage, the Former Master.

The old scholar sipped his wine. Time, as always, was an unreasonable rogue, like a thief who never lost a fight or missed a mark. Chen Ping’an had grown into a man, nearing his fortieth year. Little Bao Ping and Pei Qian had matured as well. Now, within the lineage of the Sage Master, only Jun Qian’s disciple, Zheng Yougan, remained a true child.

The old scholar turned to Zheng Yougan and said with a warm smile, “Yougan, while your Junior Uncle is still young—very young—don’t be in such a hurry to grow up. When you are young and travel the world, you don’t need to be overly sensible. As long as you’re in the right, don’t be afraid. If you can argue, then argue. If you can fight, then fight. If you can’t win, don’t run right away. Just invoke your Junior Uncle’s name and ask if they dare to challenge him!”

Chen Ping’an laughed. “If invoking your Junior Uncle’s name doesn’t work, immediately call upon the name of the Grandmaster.”

The old scholar chuckled heartily. “Invoking my name might just earn you a double beating.”

Zheng Yougan murmured, “My master says I have a bad temper and tells me not to fight.”

Before Liu Shiliu left the Great Bright World, he had indeed mentioned to Zheng Yougan that if he were ever bullied, he should not trouble his Grandmaster but seek out his Junior Uncle instead.

The old scholar grumbled, “Nonsense! When I see Jun Qian again, I’ll give him a piece of my mind. How can Yougan have a bad temper? He treats people with courtesy, is well-mannered, and knows his books!”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “Senior Brother Jun Qian isn’t wrong. Which direct or second-generation disciple of the Sage Master has a good temper? Well, perhaps Bao Ping and Qinglang are slightly better.”

Li Bao Ping narrowed her eyes and grinned. “So-so.”

Cao Qinglang smiled silently.

The old scholar raised his cup and gulped down the wine. “True, true.”

Cui Dongshan grinned, realizing his master was unafraid to contradict the old scholar and expose his flaws.

The old scholar asked, “Ping’an, are you confident you can reascend to the Upper Five Realms soon?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “I am confident.”

The old scholar relaxed and said, “In that case, I can approve the release of a Mountain and Water Gazette. It will help clarify things for you, stating that the battle at Tuoyue Mountain caused you to lose significant ground and necessitated many years of seclusion.”

The Temple of Literature’s regulation of the sects’ gazettes was at its strictest in millennia. Aside from the prohibition against reporting on the progress of the war in the Barren Lands and even discussing the war itself, the gazettes were also forbidden from carelessly mentioning the movements of any of the Great Cultivators of the Great Bright World. The few exceptions were the execution of Nan Guangzhao by the Execution Official Hao Su and the unauthorized announcement by the Mountain and Sea Sect that several Sword Immortals of the Great Wall of Sword Light had launched a joint inquiry in the Barren Lands, along with Chen Ping’an’s solo sword attack on Tuoyue Mountain and his recent inscription on the city wall. Because the Mountain and Sea Sect had overstepped its bounds, the Sage Master had personally interceded, and the fact that the renowned young Hidden Official was his student, the Temple had only imposed a minor penalty.

“When I first heard that Master was inscribing the city wall, I thought it was hopeless,” Cui Dongshan said. “But when this gazette is published and everyone hears that Master is now only in the Nascent Soul Realm, I will think that all is possible again!”

The old scholar’s actions were motivated by a desire to quell the growing murmurs.

Why was the last Hidden Official of the Great Wall of Sword Light not in the Barren Lands?

He had been.

But this would surely lead to new questions.

If he could inscribe the city wall, why not return to the Barren Lands?

Thus, the gazette served as an explanation.

Cui Dongshan said, “Be sure to mention in the gazette that our Qingping Sword Sect’s Chief Mi has broken through.”

The old scholar asked, “Mi Jianxian has finally broken through?”

Cui Dongshan replied irritably, “Just now.”

The old scholar slapped his knee and exclaimed, “Wonderful news!”

With an Immortal Realm sword cultivator as its figurehead, the sect need not worry about standing out too much. Besides, Mi Yu was hardly unknown in the realms of the immortals.

The old scholar said, “Also, just now, at Han Fuzi’s suggestion, the Temple of Literature convened a small assembly of mountain gods. The Divine Lords of the Five Peaks of the Central Earth, including Mount Juyi and Mount Jiuyi, were all present, along with dozens of other mountain lords from major countries. They gathered in a manner similar to the way that Liu the God of Wealth and Yu the Fatty observed the immortal city today. They chatted animatedly, especially Zhou You and Huai Lian. They came in high spirits and left in high spirits.

The Ritual Sage continues to appear rarely.

The Sub-Sage has gone to the Barren Lands to oversee the Temple of Literature’s affairs there.

The old scholar was teased as a housekeeper by an old master of ceremonies in the Temple of Literature.

In the Temple of Literature these days, the old scholar was truly busy, working day and night around the clock.

The reason the Temple of Literature convened the Mountain God Council was that even the Water Gods had participated in that escort mission, so the Mountain Gods couldn’t stand by as bystanders. It wouldn’t sound good if they did. They needed to do something practical to shut the mouths of the world. However, all the mountain gods in countries besides the Five Peaks of the Central Earth had clearly noticed that the old scholar seemed to be deliberately targeting Huai Lian and the others. Even the female mountain lord of Yanzhi Mountain, Zhu Yuxian, got angry. She slammed her chair arm once and directly refuted a few of the Sage’s words. The gentlewoman even claimed that she would leave the Temple of Literature immediately. This was rare for Zhu Yuxian, but Zhou You of Suishan was about to get up and leave when the old scholar hurriedly stood behind Zhou You, put his hands on the Suishan Mountain Lord’s shoulders, and asked if they were angry. Even so, the old scholar’s gaze swept toward the Guishan Mountain Lord, whose title was “Sky Tendon.” The latter had just lifted his butt before quickly falling back into his chair.

Chen Ping’an said softly, “I suspect that the reason I was turned away at those few mountains was that the Supreme Sage had indirectly instructed them not to allow me to ascend. It had little to do with the four mountain lords themselves.”

The old scholar looked contrite and said, “Ah? Is there a hidden reason for this? In that case, the Master has misunderstood Huai Lian and the others. No problem, no problem. The Master may not have other abilities, but he is not afraid of being misunderstood.

In fact, after that Temple of Literature Mountain God Council ended, the old scholar was waiting for Zhou You and the others to come to pay a visit at the Hall of Merit. Sure enough, the five Mountain Gods came together, Zhu Yuxian was the first to apologize, and the old scholar thanked her instead. After all, what the Temple of Literature wanted was Zhu Yuxian’s result of “Not giving up and doing what the Temple of Literature ordered”. As for the mountain lords of those great dynasties, they probably wanted to be ridiculed by the Sage Master himself.

Before the old scholar appeared at the Triratna Debates, the Buddhist masters from the Western Buddha Country, who were proficient in the three treasures of Buddhism and were very familiar with the teachings of the other two sects, were always better than those from the Temple of Literature and the White Jade Capital. Moreover, they had never “won a row.” In particular, the Confucian sect has always lost especially often. Therefore, the old scholar’s sudden appearance, winning two debates in a row, caused many of the Buddhist and Taoist scholars to convert to the Confucian sect.

The elderly master named Li, who worked temporarily at the Temple of Literature, once made a well-known fair comment, “If the old scholar is not going to joke and say strange things to you, is he going to quarrel with you seriously?”

The old scholar was probably worried that this close disciple would overthink and feel that he was causing trouble for himself. He explained with a smile, “Zhou You is very clear in his heart and has a kindred spirit with me. He is simply a long-lost and reunited brother. There are some things that do not need to be said too clearly, but if they are made too clear, they will become a bit vulgar. The rest of Huai Lian and the others had a good impression of you. As for that Guishan Heavenly Tendon, he used to have some knots with our Sage Master. The Taoist friend just feels a little embarrassed. This time, when you went to visit Guishan, he didn’t dare to show up because he had received the approval of the Temple of Literature. Moreover, seeing that you were very polite, didn’t cause trouble, and didn’t scold anyone, he felt much more comfortable in his heart. So, after the meeting, in the Hall of Merit, the Guishan Heavenly Tendon asked me to bring a message, saying that you are welcome to visit Guishan, but do not take it to heart if I’m still busy or not there. I have agreed on your behalf first. As for whether you go to Guishan in the future, it’s up to you.”

Chen Ping’an couldn’t help but laugh and say, “It really is difficult for Master Xi Ping and Master Li to bring me these kind words.”

Cui Dongshan muttered softly, “So it turns out that he is secretly showing off his connections.”

Li Bao Ping gave the big white goose a thumbs-up, and exclaimed, “Senior Brother Cui’s head is still tough.”

Cui Dongshan smiled awkwardly. “Oh, oh.”

Xiaomili scratched her face. Why is the Big White Goose imitating me?

Chen Ping’an took out a small wooden box from his sleeve and handed it to Cao Qinglang, saying with a smile, “Inside is a very good ancient sword pellet, named ‘Niwan’. Try to refine it, consider it my gift to you for forming your core.”

The patterns carved on the wooden box are exquisite, with divine officials riding dragons, female immortals riding phoenixes, and ancient real people riding tortoises and scale armors.

Cao Qinglang hesitated, but still stood up, took the wooden box in both hands, and bowed to his master.

Pei Qian rolled her eyes. Cao Qinglang is the most restrained.

Chen Ping’an looked at his master, and then said to Cao Qinglang, “Back then, the former master of Master also took a sword pellet with a very high rank from Suishan. It’s a pity that my aptitude is ordinary, and I have never been able to refine that sword pellet into a life object.”

The old scholar stroked his beard and smiled.

Chen Ping’an continued to introduce, “This sword pellet used to be the treasure of the Ziyang Mansion. It was originally given to his eldest daughter, Wu Yi, by the current master of the Dafu Academy as a gift for joining the Middle Five Realms. Wu Yi is the founder of the Ziyang Mansion in the Huangting Kingdom. Over the years, Wu Yi has never opened all the forbidden things in this sword box. It is estimated that she originally intended to give it away as a gift for accepting disciples.

“That’s how I managed to get it by chance, still a great stroke of luck. That’s why the sword pellet must be sent out as soon as possible, so as not to dare to see that Wu Yi in the future. If she regrets it, I can say that I have already sent it away. It’s not a good item that can’t be replaced if you miss it.”

“Qinglang, why don’t you open it and have a look? When Master first got it, a series of purple-gold characters appeared, and the meaning of the content was very great, which means, ‘No one knows about being in front of the wall for thousands of years, but the Three Purities only need mud.’ According to Wu Yi, the sword pellet is of great origin. It came from the ancient Central Earth Xiyue, and was carefully cast by a Taoist.

Cao Qinglang nodded and replied, “I saw in a book that the Ancient Xiyue was in charge of the casting and smelting of the five metals, and also managed the birds in the world. Therefore, the most important responsibility is a bit similar to the Ministry of Industry.”

Chen Ping’an smiled and nodded. Cao Qinglang’s words were almost exactly the same as what he said to Wu Yi, and both like to read miscellaneous books.

Once Cao Qinglang takes over the position of sect leader in the future, there is no need to doubt whether he can win the crowd if he is not a sword cultivator. Cao Qinglang is not a sword cultivator, and he is also a person who likes to have concerns.

From the moment Chen Ping’an insisted on taking Zhou Milin from Yabah Lake back to the Lost Mountain, he not only included him in the Landscape Genealogy of Jisegong’s Ancestor Hall, but also directly promoted Xiaomili to the position of Guardian Dharma of Luopo Mountain.

From that moment on, everyone knew it.

The young master of the mountain respects everyone’s wishes, and indeed everything can be discussed.

But as long as Chen Ping’an regards it as a matter of real significance to Luopo Mountain, there is no room for any discussion, quarrel, or compromise.

After Cao Qinglang opened the sword box, the sword energy was very strong in the house in an instant. As a result, Chen Ping’an stopped what he was about to do because the originally lifeless sword pellet suddenly turned into a miniature flying sword. After the sword tip hit Cao Qinglang’s hand, although Cao Qinglang was a golden core cultivator, he still failed to avoid this sudden sword strike. Finally, a drop of blood condensed at the tip of the sword, and then disappeared. The sword pellet was suspended in the air, and the sword tip vibrated slightly, making a buzzing sound, like a child jumping for joy.

On the mountain, it is similar to a spiritual thing that takes the initiative to “recognize its master” and is a rare fairy opportunity.

In other words, Cao Qinglang has already refined this “Niwan”.

After that, a “Niwan” flying sword hovered around its master, Cao Qinglang, like a bird circling a branch.

Then everyone looked at Chen Ping’an.

Even Xiaomili was no exception. Could it be that the kind mountain lord is really of “average aptitude”?

Cui Dongshan deliberately hiccupped and helped his master break the awkward atmosphere.

The old scholar couldn’t help but smiled, raised his wine glass, and said, “Drink, drink.”

After Chen Ping’an drank the wine, he looked calm and smiled and replied, “Qinglang, I am not particularly familiar with Huai Lian, the Divine Lord of Mount Juyi. Fortunately, there is a senior Taoist of the Blue Ox on the mountain. I hit it off with the old senior when we first met on the night boat. Coincidentally, this old real person is one of the three old real people who are stationed in the Ancient Xiyue, and his jurisdiction is in Niaojushan. Next time you travel in Central Earth Shenzhou, you can ask the old senior for advice on the true origin of this sword pellet.”

Cao Qinglang smiled and nodded, “Okay, I must go to Juyi Mountain and Niaojushan.”

Chen Ping’an suddenly asked, “Master, that dragon slayer?”

The old scholar smiled and replied, “Although this senior cannot be regarded as a fourteenth realm sword cultivator in the narrow sense, don’t underestimate him.”

Cui Dongshan curled his lips, replied, “Of course he is powerful. What’s more, this guy is Zheng Juzhong’s master.”

People like Zheng Juzhong are okay with betraying their masters, but if outsiders dare to mess with his master, then the Iron Tree Mountain is the best example.

The old scholar nodded and said, “He is indeed very powerful, but the truth is, about three thousand years ago, Chen Qingliu’s appearance was actually a special case, not only for the dragon family, but also for the entire world. Chen Qingliu drew his sword alone and exterminated the dragons. When he encountered the masters of the various Dragon Palaces and Water Houses, no matter how they were sitting in the small world, they would still be one level lower. Some people and some things just don’t make sense.”

“In addition, according to the Temple of Literature’s secret files, Chen Qingliu also has two natal flying swords, ‘Water Source’ and ‘Fire Spirit’. As a result, as long as he encounters a cultivator who practices water magic, especially those who specialize in water magic, the outcome of being asked about the sword can be imagined.”

The old scholar continued, “Actually, the Temple of Literature has some targeted arrangements for the great demons in the Barren Lands. If it weren’t for the fact that Consort Fei escaped fast enough, Chen Qingliu was already on his way to block her. If Chen Qingliu had found her whereabouts, Consort Fei’s end would probably be worse than that of Yang Zhi.”

Chen Ping’an hesitated.

He wanted to ask why Chen Qingliu wanted to slay dragons and what the cause and initial intention of the matter was.

The old scholar hesitated, raised his head and drank a glass of wine, used a very tactful statement. “This is also one of the reasons why Zou Zi was alone and worried.” Can you understand what I’m saying?”

A swordsman acts according to his reason.

He is free and unrestrained.

What about the people after a swordsman is released?

Chen Ping’an nodded with a smile.

The old scholar nodded with satisfaction. “A great man must draw a clear line between love and hate.

Someone with many people in their heart is likely to be soft-hearted and look at the world with too much gentleness.

“Actually, there are only a few basic paths to swordsmanship in the world.”

The old scholar continued on this topic, “For example, there are only five sounds, but the changes of the five sounds are endless and cannot be heard.

Having said this, the old scholar turned to look at Cui Dongshan.

Cui Dongshan looked blank and waved the wine jar. “It’s not there, it’s not there, there’s still wine.”

The old scholar reached out and twisted the white-clothed boy’s ear, saying “You like to pretend to be stupid, don’t you?”

Cui Dongshan tilted his head and looked aggrieved.

Chen Ping’an was originally confused, but after hearing his master’s words, he immediately understood.

Maybe the three strands of sword energy in his Qi Mansion are the three veins of ancient swordsmanship.

As a result, two strands of sword energy were given to Cui Dongshan.

Master and disciple have been friends from the very beginning.

Chen Ping’an said with a smile, “Master, let Dongshan make his own arrangements for the ownership of those two strands of sword energy, and it can be regarded as my gift to Qingping Sword Sect.”

The old scholar let go of his hand and nodded. “I’m just upset that he takes advantage and still acts clever, as if everyone is a fool.”

Cui Dongshan rubbed his ears, and said angrily, “I’m just making a joke, but you shouldn’t blame me.”

The old scholar said, “A person’s abundance of knowledge will bring a huge trap to himself. A sense of superiority in computing power and intelligence will bring a habit of looking down on everyone, and sooner or later there will be problems!”

Cui Dongshan swayed and began to act shamelessly, wailing, “Why do you only scold me? You are only fierce to me, what about Bao Ping, Elder Senior Sister, Cao Qinglang…”

Chen Ping’an coughed once.

Cui Dongshan immediately sat up straight and replied solemnly, “What Grandfather said is true, I will write it all down on paper later.”

Xiaomili turned her head to look at the desk and asked softly, “Sect Master Cui, do you want me to help you get paper and pen?”

Even Xiaomili, who was the closest to him, had begun to turn his elbows outward. Cui Dongshan was speechless for a moment, and then began to wail.

Xiaomili hurriedly handed over a handful of melon seeds, and Cui Dongshan smiled again.

Chen Ping’an ignored him and changed the subject, said with a smile, “I met Zhao Yao in the Dali capital before. Our Lord Attendant said that he wants to put together the immortal sword again and merge the “Taibai”, which has been divided into four parts, into one. I think he wants to return the item to its original owner when he sees Mr. Bai again in the future.”

The old scholar nodded. “It’s not that difficult.”

Cui Dongshan said angrily, “Lord Zhao Attendant is really crazy. Doesn’t he know that Master occupies one of the four parts of the fairy sword? When we meet in the future, don’t expect me to call him Senior Brother Zhao!”

One of the four immortal swords, in addition to the sword scabbard still existing, the sword body was divided into four parts back then, and each recognized its own owner. They were Chen Ping’an, Zhao Yao, Fei Ran, and Liu Cai.

Because Zhao Yao studied with a scholar on the isolated island overseas for many years, in a sense, he can be regarded as Bai Ye’s half student.

If you want to reunite an immortal sword Taibai, it means that Zhao Yao must ask questions of the sword of at least three people, and all three questions must be successful.

Zhao Yao was the first to speak and call Chen Pingan directly by his name.

Chen Ping’an immediately reminded, “It’s ridiculous. You have to call Junior Uncle.”

Then there was silence.

Chen Ping’an laughed and replied, “If you can win over the sword, you can take my Night Wandering Sword.”

Chen Ping’an added another sentence, “Of course, you can also ask about my boxing skills.”

Zhao Yao smiled and asked, “What about learning?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and replied, “You are far behind.”

Zhao Yao was smiling.

Chen Ping’an replied, “Mr. Qi once said, ‘The truth is in the book, but being a human being is outside the book.”

Zhao Yao thought about it and nodded. “That being said, I am indeed far behind Junior Uncle.”

Li Bao Ping asked suspiciously, “Is Zhao Yao a sword cultivator?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head and replied, “He’s not a sword cultivator, at least not yet. Maybe he wants to follow the same path of cultivation as Mr. Bai.”

Li Bao Ping replied, “Zhao Yao can be quite stubborn, but he is still very smart.”

Because they are from the same town and classmates, they know each other well.

However, for the school children of the past, they may all remember the school-age girl.

Zhao Yao was already like that, so the others were not worth mentioning.

So, in the small town school in the past, the teacher was lecturing over there, and the girl was standing last, with her arms around her chest, being angry.

After drinking about half a pot of wine, the old scholar was already blushing and stood up and exclaimed, “I have to go back. There are still a lot of affairs waiting.”

Cui Dongshan walked out of the house with the old scholar. It wasn’t that the old scholar was acting. He was truly busy. The affairs of the world were on his shoulders, and he was not joking.

The old scholar paused and looked at Chen Ping’an and said, “You come to the Hall of Merit in the Temple of Literature.”

The old man is getting older year by year, but the young man is hard to return to his youth.

Chen Ping’an led the way and saluted.

The old scholar smiled and nodded.

On the sky, the moonlight is bright, and in the world, the boy is in a hurry.