The day of Lichun, marking the beginning of the year.

It signifies the renewal of all things, a time for fresh starts.

It is both the commencement of the four seasons and the head of a new year.

By the time Chen Ping’an returned from the Jueqi Yard atop Sui Mountain to the Demon Suppressing Tower in Tongye Continent, the Sage of the Highest Truth and the Pure Yang Daoist were nowhere to be seen.

Only Xiao Mo, in his yellow hat, green shoes, and holding a green bamboo staff, stood with Qing Tong, clad in a jade-green Daoist robe, on the top-floor corridor.

Chen Ping’an slung the Night Wanderer sword back onto his back, preparing to head home. This long journey, from leaving Immortal Capital Mountain with Xiao Mo, entering the Demon Suppressing Tower, stepping into the twelve illusory worlds secretly arranged by Zou Zi and personally orchestrated by Qing Tong, to that dreamlike journey through dozens of mountain and water shrines, seeing Lu Chen at the Fen River Shrine within the Dream Millet Kingdom, and then joining forces to ascend Lou Mountain of the Yellow Millet Sect… Compared to all his previous journeys, judging by the actual passage of time, it was not long at all. But if one factored in the mountain and water journeys within the twelve paintings, plus the journey of his heart, it truly felt like a lifetime had passed.

Qing Tong saw the travel-worn young Hidden Official, hesitant to speak. Naturally, he wanted to attend the sub-sect celebration on Immortal Capital Mountain, but he found it difficult to bring up. In truth, Qing Tong had already decided he must latch onto Immortal Capital Mountain; he absolutely could not let Chen Ping’an leave tonight.

A scholar who, after thousands of years, could strike the Welcoming Spring Drum for the Rite Sage… In Qing Tong’s eyes, whether he was the closed-door disciple of the Literary Sage lineage was no longer so important.

Qing Tong even speculated, if Chen Ping’an himself was willing, and strived in this direction, wouldn’t the position of Vice-Teacher of the Literary Temple already be in his grasp?

Chen Ping’an looked at Qing Tong, who several times wanted to speak but held back, and asked with a smile, “Senior Qing Tong, do you have something to say?”

Qing Tong’s smile was awkward; he was beginning to lose hope.

The other party was no longer calling him by his name directly, not even “Daoist Qing Tong,” but “Senior Qing Tong.” It seemed warm, but in reality, it was distant.

Clearly, he was trying to cross the river after dismantling the bridge, wanting to draw a line between himself and the Demon Suppressing Tower.

Having traveled with Chen Ping’an and spent time with this young Hidden Official whom he once mistook for Zheng Juzhong of White Emperor City, Qing Tong felt he had gained some ability to understand subtle cues, to decipher veiled language, and to read people’s faces.

Xiao Mo couldn’t stand Qing Tong’s dithering, delaying her young master’s journey, and said bluntly, “Young Master, Qing Tong wants to attend the Immortal Capital Mountain sub-sect celebration.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “A small matter, a small matter. Just attending the ceremony. Daoist Qing Tong, don’t overthink it. I just felt that Immortal Capital Mountain hadn’t sent an invitation, which would be improper and I worried about slighting Daoist Qing Tong.”

Qing Tong quickly coughed, signaling Xiao Mo to say everything, to not be so wishy-washy.

He had traveled mountains and rivers on this journey; even if he didn’t have merit, he had put in effort. Immortal Capital Mountain should at least give him the position of “Chief”.

Furthermore, it would be a huge joke if a Flying Ascension Realm great cultivator, and half the host of Tongye Continent at that, had to beg someone to become a sect’s enshrined one or guest elder.

Xiao Mo said, “Qing Tong also wants to serve as a named enshrinement or guest elder of the Azure Float Sword Sect. We were chatting just now, and he wanted me to say a few good words. I said that this kind of major matter, which might involve adding a seat to the sub-sect’s ancestral hall, is something I, as a mere named enshrinement of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, have no say in. Whether it succeeds or not depends on Young Master’s decision. Besides, our Fallen Phoenix Mountain isn’t a one-man show; I imagine it will be quite difficult.”

Chen Ping’an understood, thought for a moment, and nodded, “Qing Tong, if you are willing to condescend to attend the ceremony and serve as a named enshrinement or guest elder, Immortal Capital Mountain would, of course, be honored and overjoyed. However, Xiao Mo really wasn’t deliberately deceiving you. Firstly, I have an agreement with my student, Cui Dongshan, regarding sub-sect affairs; I almost never interfere and leave everything to Cui Dongshan. It wouldn’t be good to break the rules for anyone. Secondly, even at the Fallen Phoenix Mountain ancestral hall, because I’m unreliable and have become accustomed to being an absentee master, rarely being on the mountain, everyone has grievances. They deliberately argue with me and go against my wishes in many matters.”

Xiao Mo immediately added, “That’s why I used an example when I saw Qing Tong didn’t seem to believe me. Back then, when Young Master’s prized student, the current sect master of Immortal Capital Mountain, Cui Immortal Master, guaranteed and recommended Old Sect Master Jiang to serve as the chief enshrinement of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, wasn’t there considerable dissent? The process was quite tortuous. Protector Zhou said that they even argued in the Jise Peak ancestral hall, almost coming to blows, before he finally became the Chief of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.”

Qing Tong said with a straight face, “If it’s really difficult, then pretend I didn’t mention it.”

Whatever, I’m not going to serve you.

Chen Ping’an smiled. You’re trying to be difficult with me? I’m not going to indulge you.

Xiao Mo reminded him with a mental voice, “While Young Master was on his journey, Qing Tong emptied several rooms of his accumulated treasures, seemingly intending to use them as celebration gifts.”

Chen Ping’an glared at Xiao Mo. Shouldn’t you have told me about this openly? The Hidden Official immediately raised his voice, drawing out a long sigh, “Daoist Qing Tong, why are you saying such angry words? Don’t be like that. Based on my friendship with Qing Tong, the term ‘Daoist friend’ is practically tailor-made for the three of us. Publicly or privately, emotionally or logically, Xiao Mo and I should strongly recommend you and strive to get you a seat in the Azure Float Peak ancestral hall!”

Qing Tong nodded.

He still seemed to be angry.

Before leaving the Demon Suppressing Tower, Chen Ping’an suddenly smiled, “Qing Tong, putting everything else aside, just speaking of ‘Daoist friend’, I am very sincere and earnest about our camaraderie.”

Qing Tong nodded, “I only believe that sentence.”

Xiao Mo looked at her young master.

Chen Ping’an nodded secretly, understanding.

This Daoist Qing Tong is different from before; he’s not easily fooled.

Afterwards, Chen Ping’an took the lead in producing the Three Mountains Talisman. Qing Tong was quite surprised, but remained impassive.

Was he in a hurry to return to Immortal Capital Mountain, or did it indicate that Chen Ping’an could now use this great talisman without consuming merit?

Relying on the Three Mountains Talisman’s shrinking of the land, they arrived at a mountain in the blink of an eye.

They were already within the Azure Float Sword Sect’s territory: Immortal Capital, Cloud Steam, and Foresight, three mountains standing side-by-side, in a main and two auxiliary formation.

Foresight Mountain, Wucao Peak, was where Cao Qinglang was in seclusion.
Veiled by array formations, both Cloud Steaming Mountain and its neighboring peak remained hidden from view.

These three mountains, remnants of the old mountain ranges of Tongye Continent, had been revitalized and refurbished by Cui Dongshan’s meticulous efforts, taking on a completely new appearance.

Atop the main peaks of two of the mountains stood steles, each personally inscribed by Cui Dongshan: “We Are Not Out” and “Heaven and Earth Purple Qi.”

Chen Ping’an, in his green shirt and carrying a sword on his back, Xiao Mo, in his yellow hat, green shoes, and carrying a green bamboo staff, and Qing Tong, adorned in a jade-green robe and possessing handsome features, walked together.

Green bamboo forests thrived on the mountain, the wind rustling through the bamboo, creating a symphony across the landscape. Beneath them, a secluded stream murmured, its sound fluctuating in volume.

The three journeyed along the water’s edge, the stream winding through the bamboo groves, its waters gurgling gently. Stones protruded from the water’s surface, adorned with clumps of vibrant green sweet flag.

Numerous small pools, formed by depressions in the rocks, dotted the stream. The water within these stone basins was exceptionally clear and deep, teeming with darting fish that flitted up and down.

Bamboo thickets lined both banks of the stream, their tangled roots and rocks resembling teeth, reflected in the water like cattle and horses drinking from the stream.

Chen Ping’an smiled, introducing the area: “The main peak of Cloud Steaming Mountain, We Are Not Out Peak, will be the Daoist sanctum of Cui Dongshan, the Lower Sect’s Sect Master. He will also serve as the first Mountain Lord of Cloud Steaming Mountain. Going forward, in addition to overseeing the Sect’s specific affairs, he will extensively recruit disciples, teaching Daoist arts, swordsmanship, fist techniques, talismans, alchemy, array formations, economic principles, and more, each with their own specialized disciples. After today’s ceremony, the first Azure Ripple Peak council meeting will see Cui Dongshan propose that the first among the Azure Ripple Sword Sect’s young registered disciples to reach the Jade Purity Realm will be eligible to take over We Are Not Out Peak and become the second Mountain Lord.”

“And this Jingxing Peak, rather than the entirety of Sericulture Mountain, will be temporarily managed by Cao Qinglang, who is currently in secluded cultivation to form his Golden Core. Cao Qinglang is not only the first cultivator of Jingxing Peak, but he will also undoubtedly be the next Sect Master. This has long been understood by both the Upper and Lower Sects. As such, the Azure Ripple Sword Sect will have another tradition, an unwritten rule: starting with the second Sect Master, Cao Qinglang, all subsequent Sect Masters will originate from Jingxing Peak. This is clearly inspired by the Jade Regulation Sect’s Nine Yi Peak.”

“Since the Sect’s name is Azure Ripple Sword Sect, swordsmanship will naturally be its foundation. Immortal Capital Mountain, as the ancestral mountain, will be the future home for sword cultivators. Cloud Steaming Mountain will likely be responsible for recruiting purely martial cultivators. In addition to Cui Dongshan, the Lower Sect also has Zhong Fuzi and Sui Youbian from谪Immortal Peak. Furthermore, we have an excellent relationship with Pu Mountain, so there will be no issues with teaching fist techniques. Sericulture Mountain will likely have practitioners of the Hundred Schools of Thought.”

Qing Tong was not particularly interested in these Sect matters. Listening to Chen Ping’an’s detailed explanation, it flowed past him like the stream, leaving no lasting impression.

However, the selection of a Sect’s successors and the inheritance of secret methods were no small matter in any mountain dwelling or immortal abode. But Chen Ping’an spoke of it so calmly and lightly. In reality, for the future registered disciples of the Azure Ripple Sword Sect, it could be a source of countless loves, hates, and shifting loyalties. This demonstrated that Chen Ping’an truly did not consider Qing Tong an outsider.

Xiao Mo smiled gently: “Daoist friend Qing Tong, many of these things are new to me as well, so try not to be so absent-minded.”

Qing Tong wore a helpless expression, but his words held a hidden barb: “I can’t exactly pull out a notebook and record all of this, can I?”

Xiao Mo smiled: “I’ve built a Daoist sanctum at the foot of Immortal Capital Mountain, in a place newly named Fallen Treasure Beach. I believe I’ll have many opportunities to reminisce and exchange pleasantries with Offering Qing Tong or Guest Qing Tong.”

Qing Tong’s face stiffened.

Chen Ping’an abruptly asked: “Have you not taken in a few disciples to teach Daoist arts or fist techniques over all these years?”

After all, Qing Tong was a flying ascension cultivator, practically at the border of the apex realm. And given Qing Tong’s habit of wandering through Lotus Flower Paradise, he didn’t seem like someone who enjoyed a solitary life.

Qing Tong shook his head, embarrassed: “I have not.”

The primary reason was his responsibility of guarding the Demon Suppression Tower, his duties were too specific. Qing Tong dared not casually take in disciples, fearing he might attract trouble. Furthermore, the old Abbot of Eastern Sea, the Cave Master of Azure Sky, had also bluntly admonished Qing Tong, saying that he simply wasn’t the kind of person who could establish a Sect on his own.

As it turned out, Qing Tong’s caution had proven wise. The calamity at Taiping Mountain served as the best example, and the Demon Suppression Tower was likely to face a similar situation. Qing Tong also felt that once he had opened his doors to disciples, he would be unable to stop, much like his collection in the Demon Suppression Tower, he never considered quality or rarity, only what caught his eye. Then, his closing-door disciple would certainly be a long way off.

Chen Ping’an sighed: “Daoist friend Qing Tong is truly dedicated to seeking the Dao, making others feel ashamed of themselves.”

Qing Tong once again hesitated.

The reason he had shamelessly tried to associate with Immortal Capital Mountain was that the situation in the world had changed, and Qing Tong’s thoughts had changed with it. He very much wanted to become the founding ancestor of some Sect.

Chen Ping’an seemed to see through Qing Tong’s thoughts, saying: “In return for your efforts, after my secluded cultivation, I will travel the Vast Expanse with a friend. During our journey through the Central Earth Divine Continent, I will enlist my teacher at the Confucian Temple to say a few words on your behalf, to see if we can obtain permission for you to establish a Sect in the central part of Tongye Continent, near the Demon Suppression Tower. I’ll strive to get permission for the local demon race cultivators of Tongye Continent to join your Sect, sparing them the constant state of alarm and scattered Dao hearts, which leaves them unwilling to cultivate. Over time, these demon race cultivators, already harboring resentment, would pose a threat to Tongye Continent.”

“Qing Tong, you took the initiative to come to the Azure Ripple Sword Sect with your own selfish motives. I brought you to this Jingxing Peak, and I also have my own selfish motives.”

Qing Tong asked, puzzled: “What do you mean?”

Chen Ping’an clasped his hands in his sleeves, walking along the bamboo path: “Those who are ambitious and cautious can accomplish great things. Those who are loyal and honest can be entrusted with important matters.”

“In my view, Qing Tong’s very existence, completely apart from the Demon Suppression Tower, is the fourth mountain of our Azure Ripple Sword Sect, in addition to Immortal Capital, Cloud Steaming, and Sericulture.”

“Daoist friend Qing Tong, may not be an exceptional Sect founder, but he will certainly be an extremely responsible and dedicated protector of the Dao.”

Xiao Mo was greatly surprised.

To use the word “extremely” three times in a row, did Qing Tong truly deserve such praise?
The words of their young master were utterly plain, devoid of any hidden meaning. He laid his intentions bare, hoping that Qing Tong would become a protector of the Green Ripple Sword Sect from behind the scenes, or at least one of them.

Qing Tong was even more astonished, shaking his head with a wry smile. “Even if you say it sincerely, I myself find it hard to believe.”

Chen Ping An smiled. “In this matter, you can believe it, because I myself have walked this path step by step.”

“Friend Qing Tong, please rest assured. There’s no need to worry about being dragged into any troublesome matters. I will speak with Cui Dongshan and the others beforehand, ensuring that you won’t be involved in any sect affairs due to your cultivation level or identity. You only need to observe the development of the Green Ripple Sword Sect year by year as an outsider. If you sense anything amiss, even if you can’t articulate the problem, you can proactively raise it with Cui Dongshan or the future second sect master, Cao Qinglang. There’s no need to worry about whether your views are right or wrong.”

Qing Tong nodded. “I can only guarantee to do my best. I make no other promises.”

Chen Ping An laughed. “Then it’s a deal.”

The group walked to the peak of Jingxing Peak. The sky was clear, the mountains green, and the moon bright. Looking around, they felt refreshed and invigorated.

Because of Lu Chen’s assessment, describing the stele inscription as a “certain immortal transformation” of preserving the spirit and discarding the form, Chen Ping An took a few more glances at the stone tablet this time.

A scholar in Confucian robes hurried out of a stone chamber, cupping his hands in greeting. “Master, esteemed senior.”

As Lu Chen had predicted, the quality of Cao Qinglang’s golden core was between first and second grade.

A first-grade golden core signifies the potential for ascension, like Wei She of the Snowy Continent in the early days, and Yao Qing of the Azure Underworld. However, many great cultivators who now stand at the pinnacle of the world mostly have second-grade golden cores.

Chen Ping An said with a gratified smile, “A second-grade golden core and above, a grand phenomenon! Much stronger than when I formed my core.”

Then Chen Ping An began to introduce Qing Tong, “This friend, bearing the Daoist name ‘Qing Tong’, is a local cultivator from Tongye Continent, an Ascension Realm cultivator. Because his Daoist name and the Green Ripple Sword Sect share the character ‘Qing’, Friend Qing Tong feels it’s a rare coincidence. After my repeated invitations, he will serve as a nominal elder of the Green Ripple Sword Sect.”

Cao Qinglang bowed again, “Junior Cao Qinglang greets Senior Qing Tong.”

Qing Tong nodded in acknowledgment, smiling slightly. Inwardly, he was amused by how readily Hidden Official Chen spoke.

Chen Ping An said, “Friend Qing Tong’s cultivation and qualifications are clearly evident. It’s just that because Mi Yu is already the designated chief elder, Friend Qing Tong can only be ranked second.”

Qing Tong was speechless.

So he was the second-ranked elder?

Wasn’t this a bit autocratic?

Cao Qinglang smiled amiably. “After all, our Green Ripple Sword Sect is still a sword cultivation sect, so Senior Qing Tong will have to bear with it.”

Qing Tong laughed. “There’s no question of bearing with anything. It’s an honor to be associated with the Green Ripple Sword Sect.”

He dared not feel the slightest bit aggrieved.

Moreover, Xiao Mo beside him, a perfect Ascension Realm sword cultivator, was now just a nominal elder of Fallen Mountain, even inferior to himself, who didn’t even have a second-ranking position.

A white-clad youth with a cinnabar mole between his eyebrows came flying through the air like a whirlwind. As he gracefully landed, his snow-white sleeves fluttered in the wind. He bowed and said, “Greetings, Master.”

As Cui Dongshan had just risen, a young woman with a bun hairstyle, leading a little girl in black, hurried to Jingxing Peak.

It turned out that after Cui Dongshan sensed the presence of the Master and his group, he had gone to knock on the door, asking Senior Sister Pei Qian to bring Little Millet, who was already in the house with her, staying up all night and warming themselves by the stove.

Little Millet was overjoyed, announcing, “Good Person Mountain Master, Yu Mi has broken through, becoming the rightful, genuine, and authentic Great Sword Immortal Mi!”

Chen Ping An deliberately revealed a surprised expression, praising, “Impressive, impressive.”

Qing Tong’s heart stirred slightly.

That Mi Lanyao from the Great Wall of Swords, the first chief elder of Immortal Capital Mountain, had actually become an Immortal Realm sword cultivator?!

Chen Ping An bent down and rubbed Little Millet’s head. “Did you often guard him during his seclusion?”

Little Millet grinned. “Nope, nope, occasionally, occasionally.”

Little Millet raised her hand to her mouth, whispering to Good Person Mountain Master, “Yu Mi said that the seclusion process was very dangerous, and whenever his Dao Heart became unstable, he often thought of Hidden Official’s composure on the battlefield, and his heart calmed down. That’s how he fortunately broke through. So Yu Mi repeatedly told me that he could break through this time and come out alive, besides sincerely thanking Sect Master Liu of the Grand Tenuity Sword Sect, most of the credit goes to Hidden Official, and has nothing to do with his own cultivation, sword heart, or anything like that.”

Chen Ping An was amused and angered, blurting out, “Bullshit!”

Little Millet scratched her face.

Chen Ping An immediately became amiable, “Never mind him, let’s go back to Secret Snow Peak.”

Qing Tong remained silent.

As for the atmosphere of Fallen Mountain, because Chen Ping An had chosen not to enter the door during his previous dream wandering, Qing Tong had never had the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

However, Xiao Mo’s words and actions had already prepared Qing Tong mentally, but judging from the current situation, it seemed like it still wasn’t enough.

Chen Ping An helped introduce Qing Tong again.

Afterward, two more figures transformed into rainbows and flew from the ghost town within the Great Abyss Dynasty, Zhong Kui and the ghost immortal Yu Jin, who called himself Gusu. Chen Ping An had to introduce Qing Tong’s identity again, but omitted the matter of the Demon Suppression Tower and Qing Tong’s cultivation level, not because he didn’t trust Zhong Kui, but because he didn’t trust that greasy-looking fat man, a king who almost completed the feat of a country being a continent earlier than the Great Li Song Clan, the so-called “Man holding a white blade, cutting off a million heads” in history was not a compliment.

Zhong Kui glanced at Chen Ping An.

Chen Ping An nodded.

Zhong Kui secretly gave a thumbs up.

Chen Ping An also gave Zhong Kui a thumbs up.

They understood each other without words.

Both were good.

Because the two friends were like one responsible for opening up the road, and the other responsible for helping to protect it.

Chen Ping An had also personally witnessed Zhong Kui’s certain “invincible demeanor” on the path of ghosts. Opening the road was not easy, and protecting the path was even more difficult.
In the northwestern reaches of the Tongye Continent, Zhong Kui single-handedly performed a feat akin to Bai Ye’s “Sword Transformation into Myriad Forms” back in Fuyao Continent. He embodied his essence across countless roads, guiding legions of wandering spirits and warding off the celestial gales. He forcefully suppressed the inherent dominance of immortal cultivators and mountain deities over these forlorn souls, escorting them through portals leading to the underworld. This was an achievement beyond the capabilities of even an Ascension Realm cultivator. Simultaneously, Zhong Kui personally traversed the Yellow Springs Road and, without needing to pay homage to the “Lords of the Netherworld” in Fengdu, issued decrees. He strictly forbade the underlings of the underworld, the ghost soldiers, and the countless Ox-Headed and Horse-Faced guardians from arbitrarily tormenting any newly arrived spirits. Astonishingly, the exalted Fengdu, an entity that could disregard the rituals of the Confucian Temples, the White Jade Capital, and even the decrees of the Daoist Venerables, seemingly acquiesced to this act of overreach, tacitly endorsing Zhong Kui’s transgression.

Thus, this night of transition held the promise of sleeplessness for the cultivators, the three Confucian Academies, the emperors and ministers of various kingdoms, and the mountain deities of the entire Tongye Continent.

When Zhong Kui embarked on his mission, the portly Yu Jin accompanied him on this long journey, depleting his own spiritual energy in the process.

For the Ghost Immortal Yu Jin, it was an unconventional form of Dao protection.

Upon returning to the desolate ghost city, now devoid of wandering souls, the exhausted Yu Jin collapsed to the ground. He felt little sense of accomplishment and, surprisingly, refrained from complaining to Zhong Kui.

Lying there, completely drained, the corpulent ghost uttered a heartfelt, self-deprecating remark, “Never did I imagine that in this life, beyond slaying, I would ever do something like this.”

When Zhong Kui brought the stout man to Immortal Capital Mountain, Yu Jin grumbled and complained all the way, accusing Zhong Kui of being unfeeling and treating him like a mill donkey, driving him to exhaustion.

However, upon arriving at Verdant Star Peak, Yu Jin felt the trip was worthwhile. His eyes lit up upon seeing the beautiful woman in emerald robes.

The plump ghost felt a new respect for Chen Ping’an. Huang Ting, Ye Yunyun, and the ambiguously related Empress of Great Spring were all peerless beauties.

*To be surrounded by such beauties is scandalous!*

While Chen Ping’an and Zhong Kui chatted idly, Yu Jin eagerly shuffled towards the fairy, “This humble one is surnamed Yu, given name Gusu, and a sworn brother of Mountain Lord Chen. May I inquire, esteemed maiden, besides your Daoist name ‘Qingtong’, what is your given name and family name? What is your ancestral home, where do you reside, and do you belong to any sect or mountain? This one is fond of traveling and would be honored to accompany Sister Qingtong after the ceremony, to descend the mountain and perhaps meet your elders.”

Qingtong was reluctant to engage with the ghost immortal.

Having observed Yu Jin during his escapades with Zhong Kui in the Tongye Continent, Qingtong knew him quite well.

As for being mistaken for a female cultivator by this portly ghost, Qingtong held no animosity.

Yu Jin smiled, “This humble one is unrefined, but possesses some understanding of poetry. Upon seeing you, fair one, as beautiful as a painting, like a maiden standing beneath a parasol tree in the moonlight, the phrase ‘A breeze through the wu leaves, a verdant coolness arises’ spontaneously came to mind… I fear to startle you, but to be frank, I am a ghost. However, do not be saddened by this. In my mortal life, I composed tens of thousands of poems. Now, I have changed direction and embraced the path of Ci poetry. Judging by your elegance, you must be a master of this art. For example, recently I composed a Ci, ‘Melting moon, gentle breeze, willow catkins nestling against pear blossoms.’ However, I feel that the word ‘nestling’ lacks depth and fails to achieve perfection. What do you think, fair one? Would it be better to use ‘caressing,’ as in ‘a gentle breeze caressing the face’? Or perhaps ‘supporting,’ to offer the longest-lasting aftertaste?”

Annoyed, Qingtong scoffed in her mind, “Yu Jin, I have seen some of your dreadful doggerel. While you may be a master of plotting rebellion and leading armies, in terms of poetry, you barely qualify as mediocre.”

Yu Jin glanced sadly at Chen Ping’an, lamenting, “Someone’s relationship with Lady Qingtong must be quite close, revealing everything.”

Cui Dongshan suggested, “Teacher, why not rest at Secret Snow Peak first? I can have Little Rice Grain notify you half an hour before the celebration begins.”

Little Rice Grain took a deep breath, nodded emphatically, and gripped her walking stick and golden carrying pole tightly, feeling a profound sense of responsibility.

Chen Ping’an smiled, “I just need to doze off for a bit.”

Cui Dongshan said, “Then I shall accompany you down the mountain and discuss some matters along the way?”

Afterward, Cao Qinglang and the others returned to their residences at Secret Snow Peak in Immortal Capital Mountain.

Xiao Mo returned alone to Fallen Treasure Shoal at the foot of the mountain, and Pei Qian would arrange Qingtong’s accommodations.

However, Chen Ping’an left Little Rice Grain behind to accompany Cui Dongshan on his stroll down Verdant Star Peak.

Cui Dongshan indeed had several matters he wished to discuss with his Teacher.

The first was whether to excavate a brand-new Grand Canal in the central region of the Tongye Continent.

The idea had been previously raised at General Yao Zhen’s house and at the Pushan Cloud Grass Cottage.

Unlike the Treasure Bottle Continent, the Tongye Continent had a historical canal, but over time, it had been fragmented by the dynasties, small kingdoms, celestial residences and cities along its course, rendering its restoration impractical. Creating something new would be better. Fortunately, a successful precedent existed in the Treasure Bottle Continent, the Qi Ferry. And the difficulty of building that Grand Canal was far greater than this old canal of Tongye Continent.

Otherwise, even with Chen Ping’an and the Green Myrtle Sword Sect of Immortal Capital Mountain as initiators and true leaders, heated disputes and fundamental disagreements would inevitably arise.

Furthermore, the total cost of constructing such a Grand Canal would depend on the scope of this still unnamed new waterway.

The Great Spring Dynasty had clearly been planning this for some time and already had a rough outline for the canal bed. However, in Cui Dongshan’s eyes, there were too many things that needed correction, far beyond mere minor adjustments.

After hearing the general idea, Chen Ping’an inquired, “When you discussed this with General Yao and the others, did you consider potential candidates for the high-ranking water deities of the Grand Canal?”
Because according to the rules set by the Confucian Temple, once a major waterway is established, it would be equivalent to the Tongye Sect gaining three additional Water Gods of extremely high rank, at the very least three noble Water Gods of Duke, Marquis, or Earl status.

If, apart from the lead factions of Xiandu Mountain and the Green Reed Sword Sect, along with the Yao Clan of the Daquan Dynasty, Pushan, or even the Taiping Mountain of Huangting, all counted as initiators.

Then, would these few forces sit down, close the doors, and divide up the three precious slots early on?

Or would they open up avenues, absorb as many nations and immortal sects as possible, list the most suitable candidates for Water Gods, and proactively relinquish one or even two of the slots?

This was indeed a considerable challenge.

Some scholarly habits were useless and would only make matters worse.

And it wasn’t simply a matter of selfless devotion to succeed.

Cui Dongshan blinked and smiled, “Earlier, in the old general’s house, the students discussed this matter around the stove, but at the time, everyone’s immediate concerns were about the feasibility of the project itself. After all, whether a good start could be made was still uncertain. With you not present, Teacher, we didn’t, and didn’t dare to, discuss it so far ahead.”

Chen Pingan glared.

Cui Dongshan was clearly trying to make his teacher exert himself mentally and physically.

Cui Dongshan chuckled, “The Biyou Palace of the Buried River Water Goddess from the Daquan Dynasty will definitely occupy one of the slots for Duke, Marquis, or Earl.”

Chen Pingan softly said, “This matter still depends on Liu Rou’s own wishes.”

A greater difficulty lay in the fact that a major waterway shouldn’t be too straight, otherwise, the surging waters would easily carry away the fortunes of an entire continent, and ordinary dynasties, nations, and immortal abodes along the way couldn’t retain it. Therefore, wherever the major waterway ran straight, there would be countless complaints.

However, a major waterway shouldn’t be too winding either, otherwise, it would easily damage the overall fortune of the continent. At the same time, this would mean that many national cities and farmlands would inevitably be submerged by the waterway’s waters. The relocation of countless people leaving their homes alone could involve millions or even tens of millions of people. Therefore, whenever the major waterway meandered, it would also attract countless criticisms. In addition, with the establishment of a major waterway, besides the excavation of the riverbed, it involved numerous river course alterations. Many mountains located in plains, especially basins, could potentially become relics of the past. For the newly restored monarchs and courts, this was a significant and immediate loss. Therefore, the weighing of pros and cons involved all aspects and extremely complex conflicts of interest.

In Baoping Continent, Dali was essentially a continent-nation, and there was no need to consider the specific advantages and disadvantages for each country and region. Moreover, Dali officials were efficient in their administration, and no one would dare to interfere or drag their feet. How could Tongye Continent compare?

Ultimately, the two major challenges were finances and public sentiment.

Chen Pingan said with a helpless expression, “The most convenient and effortless way is to use immortal coins to buy the entire path of the major waterway.”

To be convenient and effortless, one had to spend a lot of money, using enough wealth to fill the deep pit of human desire.

Xiao Mili furrowed her sparse eyebrows and sighed, “How high and big of a mountain of money would that take to empty?”

Chen Pingan smiled, “There’s probably only one person with such financial resources, and that’s the God of Wealth Liu from Aiai Continent.”

Xiao Mili praised, “That’s too rich. It’s a pity I’m not familiar with the God of Wealth Liu from Aiai Continent. I wouldn’t even know what to say if I met him.”

Cui Dongshan smiled and reached out to touch Xiao Mili’s head.

The little girl quickly lowered her head, bent her knees, and shook her head. The white goose was getting more and more presumptuous. Just look, he hadn’t even become the Sect Leader yet, and he was already so bold. Once he became the Sect Leader, it would be terrible, just terrible, absolutely terrible.

Chen Pingan said, “You will be fully responsible for specific matters on behalf of Xiandu Mountain. I’ll only help with the initial groundwork. But don’t feel wronged. First of all, the Confucian Temple and the Academy, I have to deal with them, right? Secondly, I’ve already made an appointment with Yang Zhi on your behalf. It’s possible that the tender Taoist will also come to Tongye Continent to lend a hand later. Just the expenses for relocation alone, involving one waterway and one mountain, can save an astronomical amount of immortal money. In addition, Zhenyao Tower’s Qing Tong will also contribute. Qing Tong is our Green Reed Sword Sect’s second-ranked honorary elder and will definitely not stand idly by.”

Cui Dongshan rubbed his hands together with a smile, “Enough, that’s more than enough. We must learn from Teacher, knowing when enough is enough, knowing when enough is enough.”

Chen Pingan asked, “Anything else?”

Cui Dongshan spoke truthfully. It turned out that he planned to relocate more of the old Five Peaks and immortal abode ruins, gradually establishing them within the sect’s territory.

Many of these old mountain ruins, falling into the hands of the various restored monarchs, were just burdens because the new Five Peaks Mountain Gods, who were supported after the war, were actually unwilling to establish their abodes on the dilapidated old sites. They couldn’t help but feel a bit unlucky. Moreover, those ruined mountains, not to mention the devastation caused by the demon cultivators, had their surrounding spiritual energy completely plundered, leaving a large hole. These Mountain Gods felt a real headache establishing their abodes on the old mountains. The emperors and monarchs after the restoration also had their own pragmatic considerations, not just seeking glory and greatness for the sake of historical fame. After all, the matter of enshrining mountains, in all dynasties, was not something everyone had the opportunity to do. Monarchs who wanted to perform the mountain-enshrining ceremony had always faced extremely high thresholds. If they changed the mountain selection, they could not only legitimately enshrine the mountain but also help the nation’s fortune usher in a new era, just like the new atmosphere of the new year in the market towns below the mountain.

As a result, Cui Dongshan’s assets, speaking only of immortal money and not mentioning the pile of natural treasures, might be squandered by his extravagance.

Therefore, the first Sect Leader of the Green Reed Sword Sect also had a layer of meaning in complaining about being poor.

The expenses for excavating the major waterway were beyond the capabilities of our lower sect. We can provide manpower, but as for money, we can only rely on Teacher and the upper sect, Fallen Mountain.

Chen Pingan flicked his sleeves and said with a smile, “I’ve truly taken in a good student, a prized disciple.”

No wonder Cui Dongshan deliberately had Xiao Mili walk between them. He was probably worried about getting hit.