Upon the arched bridge they sat, as they had countless times before. The air, thick with unspoken memories, hung heavy between them.

“A strange notion crossed my path,” Chen Pingan began, his voice a low murmur against the whisper of the winds. “A whisper of a world, this very天地 we inhabit, caught in an endless, unyielding loop. A repetition, precise and unwavering, spun countless times.”

He paused, gazing into the swirling clouds below. “In this劫, this cosmic calamity, creation and destruction dance a cruel waltz. The heavens are born anew, only to fall and begin again, an echo without end. The span of this劫, they say, varies. Some claim three myriad years, others ten, and still others, an age beyond reckoning. Hence, the saying, ‘None can escape the 劫’, a truth the ancients glimpsed, yet could not fathom.”

He turned, a question etched upon his face. “Is it so, do you think?”

She listened patiently, her gaze unwavering, her silence a gentle counterpoint to his unsettling words. When he finally sought her opinion, a delicate smile bloomed upon her lips. “A captivating thought, novel and curious,” she replied softly. “But utterly mistaken. A path far, far from the truth.”

A sigh of relief escaped Chen Pingan’s lips. “Then, it is not so,” he murmured, as if a great weight had lifted from his soul.

For if every deed, every word, every life, was predetermined, if the stars wheeled in fixed patterns and the very leaves danced to a preordained rhythm, if even the snowflake’s descent was scripted, then what meaning could there be in this present life, this fragile existence?

“Does this conjecture,” she asked, her eyes twinkling, “spring from the notion of ‘divine infallibility’ and ‘destiny ordained’?”

Chen Pingan rose, balancing effortlessly upon the bridge’s railing. He began to practice a series of slow, deliberate punches, a faint smile playing upon his lips. “A fool’s errand, worrying over what may be both good and ill.”

He stopped, his gaze reaching towards the veiled sky. No star pierced the dense cloud cover. Only the golden bridge beneath his feet, an island in a sea of swirling mist.

As if sensing his longing, she swept her sleeve in a graceful arc. In that instant, the heavens were rent asunder. Countless stars blazed into view, scattered like jewels upon a velvet cloth, a panorama of breathtaking grandeur.

Clusters of stars formed radiant rivers of light, like celestial swords drawn in the heavens. Others coalesced into shimmering palaces of unimaginable beauty.

Chen Pingan stood transfixed, lost in the spectacle. After a long moment, he spoke, his voice tinged with curiosity. “The flow of martial fortune across the land, it seems the Three Teachings take no heed. Is it because it is beyond their control, a task too arduous with too little reward? Or is it forbidden, an agreement amongst the founders, to stand aside and observe?”

Her own question met his, a hint of knowing in her voice. “Have you, perhaps, visited a peculiar peak, one veiled in ancient mystery?”

Understanding dawned in Chen Pingan’s eyes. “That mountain,” he murmured, “does it not stand upon the earth? Does it dwell amongst the stars?”

“Beyond this world, an infinity of suns and moons exist, heavens granted to all. Yet, certain stars hold a singular significance, unique in all creation. Once shattered, they can never be remade. The ascension wars of ages past splintered many of these ‘godly abodes’. But some remained, spared by a careful calculus. The Dao Ancestor and the founder of talismanic arts, the Sage of the Three Peaks and Nine Marquis, foresaw which should endure, and for what purpose.”

She raised a delicate finger, pointing towards a void beyond mortal comprehension.

Following her gesture, Chen Pingan felt a sudden surge of enlightenment, a “divine eye” akin to the Buddhist’s unhindered vision. His gaze locked onto a star, a familiar beacon in the night.

To the mortal eye, it was 金星, the Metal Star of the Five Elements. It shines brightest before dawn, banishing the other stars, earning the names 长庚 and 启明. According to ancient texts, should the trajectory of 长庚 falter, it portends “a change in heaven,” a sign of impending war. Imperial observatories employ 天师, celestial masters versed in the stars’ movements, to meticulously track its position and course throughout the seasons.

“The forefather of the military arts, a tragic figure indeed, yet he charted a path for martial prowess to reach the heavens, though he stumbled before completion, failing to bridge the realms,” she mused. “Had he succeeded, his very existence would have become a third ascension platform. The world would have recognized this contribution. And thus was born the millennial covenant between the Three Teachings and him, a secret whispered, yet unrecorded. Now, as the millennium nears its end, the imperial observatories of the land will have their hands full.”

A hint of mischief laced her words as she gently tapped the bridge’s railing. “So, in truth, the line between martial arts and术法 is blurred, not sharply defined. They are streams diverging from a single source. Seemingly separate, they are, at their heart, kin. It is why you, a pure martial artist, could wield talismans.寇名 saw this, then, with the help of the Grand Master of White Jade City, adapted符籙 for武夫. A shortcut, a side door into a grand estate. Hence, places like the Peak of 桐叶洲 allows pure warriors to dabble in仙家術法. It cannot spread, for its threshold is high, demanding exceptional aptitude. The great cultivators are consumed by the pursuit of immortality, hearts undivided. The higher they climb, the more they must shed, leaving little need for martial prowess, rendering it a useless appendage.”

“Yet, the path of the pure warrior is the truest path to corporeal divinity, to imperishable spirit. It is merely the hardest, demanding ascent to the eleventh realm within two or three centuries. Now, those with even a modicum of talent seek the easy road, the smooth ascent. Why risk a dead-end path? 陆沉 is among the few who truly see this. If I am not mistaken, the master of White Jade City, besides being the 白骨真人, harbors a secret avatar, one dedicated to the practice of martial arts. His visits to the hardships on 闰月峰 are more than they seem. Perhaps the martial skill of 姜照磨, the紫气楼 guardian, pales in comparison to 陆沉.”

Chen Pingan smiled, his eyes narrowing. “So 陆沉 dabbles in martial arts? All the better.”

Back within the city, seated at the wine table in the main hall, Chen Pingan’s mind drifted to the heavens while his mortal form continued the evening with 秦不疑 and company.

He asked casually, “Does Senior Qin and the西山剑隐 know much about me?”

Qin Buyi shook her head. “Not much, nor is much needed. For example, during your travels in 北俱芦洲, you encountered a 北燕国 cavalry troop, infiltrated by assassins from 割鹿山. A contest of courage.”

Chen Pingan nodded, acknowledging the truth. It was the first time he had truly unleashed his might.

Even as a youth, fighting alongside 宋雨烧 against the elite cavalry of 梳水国, he had sought to avoid harming ordinary soldiers.

曾先生 smiled. “One leaf falls, and autumn is revealed.”

崔东山 chuckled. “Unneeded, or impossible? 宝瓶洲 is small. No secret can remain hidden for long.”

Qin Buyi nodded. “宗主 Cui speaks truly.”

The 西山剑隐, led by 师兄刘桃枝, had sought to establish roots in 宝瓶洲. But their ideals clashed with the governing philosophy, and they were politely escorted out. “Politely” being a euphemism for “expelled.” Cui Chan, to his credit, did so discreetly, without involving the imperial court or shedding blood.

Cui Dongshan offered a thumbs up. “Sister Qin, you speak plainly! A friend indeed!”

Qin Buyi smiled noncommittally, then asked, “Why does Lord Chen refuse the position of imperial preceptor?”

Even 简明 leaned in, eager for Chen Pingan’s answer.

Serving the 大骊 dynasty in its time of need, while also enriching himself and 落魄山. What was not to like?

By lineage, deeds, reputation, strength, or shared mountain bonds… Chen Pingan was the perfect, the only, choice.

Chen Pingan sipped his wine, smiling silently.

Was the 洗冤人 of 刘桃枝’s 西山剑隐 about to surface, like 洛阳木客 before them? Had they made a pact with the ancestral figures of諸子百家, seeking to draw water from the heavens in the wake of the Three Teaching dispersal?

The hall fell into an awkward silence as Chen Pingan remained quiet.

Cui Dongshan broke the silence. “If I don’t speak, this will be frozen for a half an hour!”

Seeing Chen Pingan’s reluctance, Qin Buyi let the matter drop.

Song Zhi asked, “Does 宗主 Cui possess knowledge of many secrets?”

His 洛阳木客 lineage, unranked hermit dwellers, had no ties to the world. Yet, the young宗主 seemed to know the true name of the 包袱斋 founder. Whatever was discussed, he could converse. The world, full of奇人異士, untold tales, and hidden truths, was vast. Gaining insight into these matters was like searching for a needle in the sea. Yet, this youth could easily retrieve these stories. One would need age, cultivation, and connections to do this.

Cui Dongshan held his wine bowl, spinning it gently. “Picking fallen grains in the fields, gathering sprouts in the drying grounds, idle pursuits, nothing of value.”

Cui Dongshan tested the waters. “Songzhi, you are already here in the仙都山 territory, the proper form is to enter. After the banquet, rest for a moment and I will personally escort you to the 燐河. Together, we will seek the correct land and found a仙家 crossing. I swear upon myself that as long as I live, I will use all my means to make your project a success!”

The taciturn man spoke. “Just call me by my name, Cui 宗主, Pang Chao.”

He was uncomfortable with the constant compliments.

Cui Dongshan replied sternly. “I cannot do that. Formal speech would be too strained. You must call me Dongshan and I will call you Brother Pang. I’m intending to climb up the ladder, and you cannot stop me!”

If he and Pang Chao were as brothers, then when Zhang Zhi would see him, Zhang Zhi would call him Uncle.

Zhang Zhi was someone that would take from others without compensation. Now, the two were family. Zhang Zhi would not continue the same practices.

Pang Chao was not a good speaker. He could not handle Cui Dongshan and could only drink and remain silent. Cui Dongshan treated this as Pang Chao’s tacit agreement.

The wine has been drunk, and the matter settled, they now bid farewell to each other and travel to their destinations.

曾先生 would travel by himself to the north. He was a wandering cloud that was free to roam everywhere.

The knife that 简明 stole from 姚岭 would be given by 韩-光虎 to the 大泉 姚氏 emperor. It would be up to the female emperor, 姚近之, to determine how to use the knife that suppressed their nation’s fortunes.

韩-光虎 would travel with 简明 to the Mirage City. The old man decided that he would go to the imperial court and help 姚近之 for at least thirty years. Now, the 大泉 dynasty would have the power that it lacked. This would deter any hostile actions from their neighbors.

Qin Buyi and Pang Chao did not need the guidance from Cui Dongshan and traveled to the Cold Snow Peak to stay for a period of time. They would eventually travel to the 燐河 with Cui Dongshan.

Song Yushao would travel with the new friend that he made in 韩-光虎 to see the Mirage City. After that, he would wait for a渡船 from the Peach Leaf Crossing. Then, he would travel to the 驱山 Crossing and return to 梳水国.

Chen Pingan wanted to escort Song Yushao, but Song Yushao rejected. Chen Pingan escorted him to the street.

韩-光虎 said. “I will test your strength next time I see you in Mirage City.”

Chen Pingan laughed. “Testing pressure, I’m good at that.”

韩-光虎 was rendered speechless. The youth didn’t know how to speak politely.

简明 joked. “Chen Pingan, I’m traveling to 大泉 with 韩 老儿, I’m sure I’ll see that someone. Do you have anything you want me to pass on?”

Chen Pingan berated. “Your drinking manner is bad. Remember to drink and speak less!”

简明 was embarrassed.

曾先生 reminded his apprentice. “Good things come to those that wait, remember that.”

Song Yushao and his group of three slowly faded away.

简明 turned around and called out, “Master, take care!”

曾先生 nodded and smiled. “You too, take care.”

Cui Dongshan squatted down and played with snowballs. 曾先生 and Chen Pingan stood next to each other. 曾先生 said, “Chen Xian Sheng, please don’t mind my rudeness the first time we met.”

When the female in white showed herself on top of the city wall and call Chen Pingan her Master, he reversed the river of time without 秦不疑 or Pang Chao noticing. He admitted that this type of skill was beyond what he was able to perceive. It was not something to get worked up over for a short period of time.

Chen Pingan bowed. “You flatter me. There were no grudges when we met for the first time. We are able to sit and drink together. Jian Ming’s temperament is good, like you said, one leaf falls, and autumn is revealed.”

曾先生 agreed with a smile and bowed in return.

Chen Pingan spoke. “I won’t be able to send you off. Please visit the Lost Mountain, I will spend more time there. The Green Ripple Sword Sect is looked after by Cui Dongshan, I’m at peace with it.”

曾先生 laughed. “No need to send me off, the wind and snow is a good journey. ”

Cui Dongshan held his snowball and complained. “Why are you speaking like that, it hurts my heart.”

曾先生 laughed. “Words that are easy to hear are hard to do, people who are famous receive equal praise and criticism.”

Chen Pingan said. “Do good, and don’t seek others to know. Don’t do evil, and don’t fear for others to know.”

曾先生 nodded. “You are on the correct cultivation path.”

Chen Pingan replied, “Then let us both strive for greatness.”

曾先生 held his sword and dagger, “My identity is not what it seems, my apologies for making you laugh.”

Chen Pingan replied, “The world is not just sword cultivators, a sword cultivator must be from the world.”

曾先生 spoke, “These are excellent words to cheer with.”

After 曾先生 left, Cui Dongshan dragged Chen Pingan inside a house.

There was a brazier in the house, the skinny man was warming his hands by the fire.

When he heard the loud knock, he quickly got up and opened the door. He saw Cui Xian Shi and the man that almost caused a fight.

The person was smiling and said, “Sorry to bother you.”

The man felt a little strange. He wasn’t acting like Cui Xian Shi.

Cui Dongshan coughed. 钱猴儿 turned around and said, “Please come in.”

The house was small, but it had a number of chairs.

Cui Dongshan sat down on the chair and they all sat around the brazier. Cui Dongshan spoke, “Qian Hou Er did not study, but he is always learning. Not too long ago, he said to me that not studying for a day and nothing will get done.”

Chen Pingan agreed with a smile.

钱猴儿 was confused and tentatively asked, “I don’t think I said that.”

Cui Dongshan replied definitively, “You definitely said that.”

钱猴儿 looked at Cui Dongshan and said, “If Cui Xian Sheng said I said that, then I said it.”

Chen Pingan smiled.

Cui Dongshan pulled over a sketchbook and gave it to Chen Pingan. “Please take a look and tell me if 钱猴儿 is someone that is worth taking in.”

Chen Pingan looked at 钱猴儿, the man said, “Please, take a look. It is nothing to be seen.”

Cui Dongshan chastised, “You didn’t study, so speak less.

钱猴儿 was not convinced.

Chen Pingan took the book. “Don’t listen to Dongshan.”

Chen Pingan found out that 钱猴儿’s real name was Qian Jun and his home town was a kiln site.

Chen Pingan knew Cui Dongshan’s plans and invited Qian Jun to see the mountain and asked him if he wanted to stay.

钱猴儿 declined again.

Seeing that Chen Pingan was not angry, he relaxed.

Even if there was an opportunity, it would not come to him. He knew that he would not be rich and he would be fine in his current life. He wanted to bargain, but the man was too powerful.

Chen Pingan and Cui Dongshan left the house and went outside. Cui Dongshan gave a thumbs up to the man. “Qian Hou Er, there are very few that Master will invite. It is rarer for someone to reject it!”

After leaving, Chen Pingan thought of something.

The world is a kiln, and the sunlight will burn everything. Nobody can escape.

The first person to say this was Liu Xianyang.

Cui Dongshan asked, “Master, is something wrong?”

Chen Pingan laughed. “Nothing.”

Chen Pingan retrieved two knives from his sleeve.

Chen Pingan played with the knives.

Cui Dongshan said, “What are we waiting for?”

Chen Pingan put the knives away and spoke. “Why are you pretending to be an idiot.”

Cui Dongshan complained. “I’m just concerned for you.”

Chen Pingan spoke. “I apologize for not asking you about this plan.”

Cui Dongshan was even more upset.

Chen Pingan laughed and said, “You’re the best.”

Chen Pingan lowered his head and rubbed his hands together.

仰止, is a strong demon.

Because of 宋 Senior’s words, 仰止 would not be able to escape after coming to 桐叶洲.

Him, plus Xiaomo, Cui Dongshan and Mi Yu was enough.

The battle was outside, lure the person into the trap and kill them.

Cui Dongshan probed. “Will you be sad if we stop now?”

Chen Pingan remained silent.

Leaving 刘叉 and 仰止 alive was the will of the 礼圣.

There were different views on the inside of the temple, but there was nothing else to say after the 礼圣 decided.

Cui Dongshan sighed and played with the snow.

The mountain being formed was unusual.

Chen Pingan asked, “What would Cui Shixiong do?”

Cui Dongshan answered, “That old bastard would leave no one a chance. It is possible that he would ask 仰止 to form the river or place 仰止 in 宝瓶洲. In the end, the thoughts of children are unimportant. If they are small and don’t understand, it is their problem. If they are old and don’t understand, it is their problem. The death or life of 仰止 will not matter to me!”

Chen Pingan nodded.

Cui Dongshan spoke. “Putting 仰止 aside, did you think that the chief of White Jade City did not kill the old仙君 of 神霄城, Chen Qingdu didn’t kill old erlong, 礼圣 didn’t kill 刘叉. This is a direction.”

Chen Pingan said. “Understood.”

Cui Dongshan smiled.

He was struck on the head.

Chen Pingan retracted his hands and self deprecatingly spoke, “Lu Shen Xian is unlucky to have us as friends.”

Chen Pingan spoke to Cui Dongshan and asked him to buy the medicine pills from Lu Shen Xian to pay off the debt.

“Aren’t you traveling back to the Lost Mountain? We need to pass by Green Tiger Palace, I can’t split my body.”

“I changed my mind, I want to go back to the Lost Mountain by myself to see Xiaomo.”

“Master…”

“Dongshan, students can’t try to take everything from the master, we need to take on responsibilities.”

“Master…”

“I think you should”

“Okay…”

Cui Dongshan asked, “Walking back to the mountain?”

“We just need to get there before the morning.”

“You don’t seem to be in a hurry?”

“We need to take everything as it comes.”

“I can learn from your actions.”

With one blue garment and one white garment, the two left the city.

On the golden archway, she jumped down and asked, “Master, how about we check out the Ascension Platform?”

Chen Pingan nodded. “Sure!”

She said, “Not in a hurry, let’s wait a moment.”

Five figures could be faintly seen in the distance.

She leaned against the guardrail and said, “I miss it.”

She pointed, “The First Master, me, the man I killed recently, 阮秀, and 李柳.”

The five supreme powers were coming.

The distant heavenly commander, sword holder, armor wearer, fire god, and water god.