The ascent of Jade Steps began, with Chen Ping’an and the young Xiao Mo leading the way.

Homesickness, it seemed, was but the longing for familiar faces and places. The memory of Old Cook’s table, laden with hearty, familiar dishes, was a tangible ache in the heart of any wandering soul, a yearning made real in spice and savory steam.

Upon the stone steps, Zhu Lian sat patiently, a pink-skirted girl stood beside him, and Old Cook waved a fond farewell to the returning Master and the young Xiao Mo, each a figure etched against the fading light.

Behind them, at the mountain gate, Immortal Wei assisted the scarlet-clad acolyte with his duties, a miniature incense spirit standing proudly on the Daoist’s shoulder, watching the Mountain Lord’s retreating form. “Such grace!” the spirit muttered to himself, “A mountain to which all aspire! His kindness, like a warm spring breeze…” The scarlet acolyte, filled with admiration, stamped heavily on Immortal Wei’s shoulder, envious. “Wei, you’re blessed! Who knew such a paragon existed? Master Pei surely knows how to treat people! You’re on the path to fortune, Wei!”

Chen Ping’an, speaking with a voice only they could hear, inquired, “Could your Dao reach deep enough to pierce the veil of Zhu Lian’s disguise, as Bai Jing can?”

Chen Ping’an had once believed Zhu Lian’s expertly crafted “face” to be mere artistry from Lotus Blossom Paradise. But a closer examination revealed the work of a master, weaving mountain talismans and a martial artist’s unyielding qi into a cloud of obfuscation. Unlike the仙家illusions of the high mountains, Zhu Lian’s technique subtly “shielded the heavens,” proving impenetrable even to Chen Ping’an’s discerning gaze in his previous玉璞realm. He vowed to seek Zhu Lian’s wisdom on the matter.

This implied that Lotus Blossom Paradise harbored more than just martial prowess. Yu Zhenyi of Pine Creek Lake Mountain Sect, often hailed as the first武夫to touch仙道, may not have been the true pioneer. It seemed Zhu Lian, a figure predating both丁嬰and Yu Zhenyi, held a secret lineage.

Xiao Mo replied, “With focus, perhaps. But Zhu Lian’s desire to conceal his true face suggests burdens best left undisturbed. I would never presume to pry. As to whether Bai Jing has taken liberties in reading fortunes, I cannot say.”

Chen Ping’an’s expression turned peculiar. “I suspect Bai Jing could scarcely resist the temptation.”

Xiao Mo tilted his head in confusion. “Why do you say so, Master?”

Chen Ping’an sighed, his mood darkening. “Let us speak no more of it. It holds no allure.”

In all the realms, Chen Ping’an could name but one soul whose unveiled countenance could cause him to falter: Zhu Lian, standing revealed.

Even the fourteen Great Kings of the Wildlands beyond the Great Wall of Swords, including the fearsome大祖of To-Yue Mountain and the cunning Wen Hai Zhou Mi, had never forced Chen Ping’an a step backward. He had instead pressed forward, sword raised, daring the demons to meet his steel.

As Chen Ping’an and Xiao Mo drew near, Zhu Lian rose, smiling. “I was preparing supper when I heard of your return, Master.”

The pink-skirted girl chirped, “Master, has Millet returned?”

Chen Ping’an chuckled. “She travels with Commander Zhang and the others aboard the风鸢airship. I disembarked with Senior Song of梳水in Old Dragon City and traversed the mountains together. I parted with Senior Song and hurried here, arriving before the others. Xiao Mo, would you be so kind as to fetch Right Protector?”

For Chen Ping’an, the pursuit of this one skill, as with the six stances of the Earth-Shaking Fist, was an obsession. And with this skill, it was the Ning Yao-esque sword flight.

The iridescent sword light scattered like the last rays of the sun, the moonlight gathering as snow, each moment felt like an appropriate analogy. A clumsy bird that was flying first.

Xiao Mo bowed, smiling. “Of course.” The mention of Xiao Millet always softened Xiao Mo’s demeanor.

Chen Ping’an quipped, “Supper, supper! We can delay it for Xiao Mo and Right Protector’s arrival. And let us invite Immortal Wei and the Right Protector of Riding Dragon Alley to join us.”

Xiao Mo, eager to complete his task, sped towards the mountain gate, inviting Immortal Wei and the scarlet acolyte to sup at Zhu Lian’s abode, promising to return within the hour. Then, with a flash of rainbow light, Xiao Mo vanished, traversing hundreds of miles. Where clouds served as bridges, the sword light proved unmatched in speed, surpassing even the famed 流霞舟river-crossing vessel. A thought flickered in Chen Ping’an’s mind: When would Mountain of Decline possess such a craft, prized for its speed? Yet the 流霞舟river-crossing vessel was ill-suited for long-distance trade, squandering vast quantities of仙家currency. Such vessels were reserved for the grandest sects, used to escort honored guests, the most respected mountain cultivators, to celebrations.

Within Zhu Lian’s home, Chen Ping’an, finding himself with time to spare, sat beneath the eaves, weaving a basket from bamboo. Nearby stood a rattan chair, where Old Cook, when alone, would recline, finding shade in summer and basking in winter’s snow.

Zhu Lian donned his apron and headed to the kitchen, eager to prepare a feast for the Master. He remembered the day he and Little Black departed their homeland. When Pei Qian challenged the four painted figures to a “fist meeting,” Zhu Lian boasted that he was the most skilled fighter among cooks and the most accomplished chef among martial artists, delighting Pei Qian and earning a reprieve from her challenge. Later, upon hearing that Zhu Lian was known as the “谪仙谪仙” and bore the nickname “Young Master,” Pei Qian nearly collapsed with laughter. “How could those江湖仙女and heroines be so blind, so provincial, so… generous as to call that misshapen cook ‘Zhu Lian’ to his face?” Old Wei, ever honest, pondered the matter with Pei Qian. “Perhaps Zhu Lian was rich in those days, young and affluent, a scholar who sprinkled flowery prose and coins wherever he went. Money and talent make a man appear handsome in the eyes of women.” Pei Qian found the explanation sound. Old Wei, though lacking education, possessed worldly wisdom.

Chen Nuan Shu sat nearby, her voice soft and gentle, sharing news of the mountains and the world beyond.

Indeed, on Mountain of Decline, the famous Right Protector was merely second in renown as a guardian spirit.

The fleeting moments of leisure passed swiftly. Before long, Xiao Mo returned with Zhou Millet, landing at the mountain gate and beckoning Immortal Wei and the scarlet acolyte to ascend for supper. Zhou Millet skipped up the steps, her face alight with joy, her thin, pale eyebrows resembling tiny benches, each populated by sunbathing sprites. They were kin, neighbors, all happy, joyful, merry, and gleeful…

“Home!” she cried.

The scarlet acolyte, carefully navigating the terrain, ventured, “Right Protector Zhou, I met the Master some time ago and spoke to him. The Master noted my diligence in my duties and promised me a boon. The establishment of the Riding Dragon Alley Grand Protector is now within reach! The Master intends to recommend me for the position. What is your opinion, Right Protector Zhou? If you and Commander Pei believe I need further seasoning in my current role as Right Protector of Riding Dragon Alley, to gather more connections and experience, then I will muster the courage to decline the Master’s offer, even if he mistakes me for lacking ambition. Better that than to be unqualified and bring shame upon the Master for poor judgment.”

Courtly matters were intricate. It was not enough for superiors to issue a decree; one’s own strength was paramount. Connections were valuable, but one must still possess the skill to succeed.

Immortal Wei rolled his eyes.

How had he, a seasoned adventurer, only managed to become the Left Protector of Riding Dragon Alley?

Zhou Millet slowed her pace, tugging at the straps of her cotton bag. Frowning in thought, she nodded. “Our benevolent Master rarely recommends someone for a high position. Do you have confidence in yourself?”

The scarlet acolyte’s face lit up. “Yes! I would gladly brave fire and water!”

Confidence surged within him, enough to govern not only Riding Dragon Alley but even a newly established branch altar.

In the state capital, trusted confidants with integrity and ability, all subordinates in the Mountain and Water officialdom of 处州, had long been cultivated. Once the branch altar was established, it would be like raising a flag of justice on the battlefield, and he could instantly assemble a set of departments mirroring the Six Ministries. He could vouch that his eight or so lackeys were all crack troops, capable officials, with keen ears and efficient hands. The gathering of intelligence alone would be unparalleled.

However, this endeavor smacked of presumption, and premature disclosure to Commander Pei and Right Protector Zhou might invite trouble, raising suspicion that he found his current office too small. Suspicions from above were a taboo in court. He dared not expose his ambition so early; great deeds must not be discussed in public.

He was secretly listed in the Mountain and Water Registry of Bamboo Hall, yet even Elder Lingjun, a long-serving vassal of Mountain of Decline, had not yet gained entry.

Could such a matter be voiced aloud? The Elder Lingjun, capable of transforming into a dragon in the sewers of 北俱芦洲, would beat him half to death!

It was said that Elder Lingjun’s inclusion in the registry remained under consideration. In fact, Right Protector Zhou had once recommended him, only to be rejected. Further discussion was postponed.

At the table, Chen Ping’an naturally occupied the head seat, with Zhu Lian and Xiao Mo facing each other.

Immortal Wei offered a bench to Little Nuan Shu, while Zhou Millet sat beside Old Cook. The scarlet acolyte, being unique, could hardly sit on a stool, so he was allowed to sit at the table. The little fellow carried a thimble-sized “wine vat” filled with sweet rice wine.

Of all those on Mountain of Decline, Immortal Wei favored Little Nuan Shu most of all.

The earlier accusation against Chen Ping’an stemmed from the muddle-headed Miss Xie’s harassment of Little Nuan Shu.

Otherwise, Immortal Wei, a seasoned veteran, would not risk making enemies over such a trivial matter.

Chen Ping’an, after taking his seat, accepted a bowl of rice from Nuan Shu. Seeing that no one had yet begun eating, he said, “Do not hesitate. There is no need for ceremony here.”

Chen Ping’an first placed a spring bamboo shoot stir-fry on Nuan Shu’s plate, then a steamed apricot blossom perch for Little Millet.

Zhu Lian smiled. “The bamboo shoots are plentiful, but the apricot blossom perch is a delicacy even immortals rarely taste. The Master personally caught these fish from the Leaping Wave River. He treasured them, storing them on a special ice tray in his咫尺item. That is why we have the fortune to taste such fare. The perch feeds on杏花blossoms and hence possesses such delicate flesh, best savored when steamed. To braise it would be sacrilege. Taste it; if it pleases you, it is no credit to my cooking. If it tastes ordinary, I must reflect on my skills.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled wryly. “It is not entirely out of consideration for you all, nor is it a lack of generosity on my part. We anglers, upon landing such treasures, must parade them through the village.”

In his youth, Liu Xianyang had often done just that, dragging Chen Ping’an along to wander the Almond Blossom and Mud Bottle Alleys. Remembering it now, the shame was real.

Little Millet, ever swift in her meals, pretended to chew meticulously, nodding and giving Zhu Lian a thumbs up. “Delicious, indeed! Old Cook’s skills add the perfect touch.”

Immortal Wei, halfway through devouring a chicken leg, quickly took a large helping of apricot blossom perch. He had long heard of this river delicacy, but to taste it? A thought dared not be conceived. What was the easiest thing to flaunt? Money!

The scarlet acolyte, being a spirit of incense, cared little for the taste of food, but Nuan Shu had prepared a small oil dish specifically for him, a mere pinch of food equaling a feast for most.

Zhu Lian began a casual conversation. “Master, in the state capital, many陈姓families who had moved from Locust Yellow County are now eagerly revising their family trees, all seeking to establish kinship with you. This news was gathered by our Right Protector of Riding Dragon Alley.”

The scarlet acolyte muttered, “Was it worth the effort? It belittles Mountain of Decline, and it demeans me.”

In Old Cook’s presence, the little fellow was less formal, knowing Zhu Lian to be accommodating. Although Zhu Lian was the grand steward of Mountain of Decline, holding high authority, he had no sway over the acolyte’s own bureaucratic advancement in Riding Dragon Alley and Bamboo Hall. A district magistrate was more influential than a county official. Fawning over everyone was the same as fawning over nobody, and he couldn’t give Commander Pei the impression he was a bootlicker.

Immortal Wei chuckled. “Are you perhaps a junior disciple of the Daoist Jia?”

Zhu Lian ignored the ungrateful acolyte and pressed on. “What is to be done about this? Should I inform the state and county governments and ask them to intervene? Otherwise, those genealogists, who take money for their services, will not be so scrupulous.”

In better times, genealogy was a secretive profession, often pursued by impoverished scholars. Now, in the southern nations of Treasure Bottle Continent, it flourished openly.

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “Let them be. It is of no concern.”

The scarlet acolyte was determined to be a loyal minister and took a deep breath. “Master, such matters cannot be ignored! Before you know it, uncles and grand-uncles will spring up like mushrooms after rain! While they may not dare to claim seniority at Mountain of Decline, their words will spread in the state capital, and that will be unseemly. If you trust me, after this meal, I will descend the mountain and inform Gao Guanggun… all the county and city spirits under Gao Chenghuang. I have many friends among them, those who do not frequently associate with Gao Ping. Over the years, I have personally handled the state city lord’s social affairs. Since we are on solid ground and not seeking personal gain, surely I can stifle this unreasonable trend!”

Chen Ping’an smiled and explained, “It is fine. Do not create such a stir. Some of those families may indeed share a distant connection with my ancestors. Distant relatives are still relatives in name. If you were to block them all, they might not even dare to commission the revision of their genealogies. We cannot allow them to erase my ancestral line. There is no need to travel to the state capital to speak with those two陈姓families. There is no shortage of names in our own family tree. Whether other family trees include a陈氏line is of no consequence.”

The scarlet acolyte paused, then said in a daze, “Master’s heart is a hundred times the size of Gao Ping’s.”

The little fellow, fearing the Master’s misunderstanding, quickly raised two fingers. “I swear to heaven that I am not flattering!”

Commander Pei had said that her master was the most upright person in the world and abhorred flattery. She often taught her senior disciple that to succeed in the江湖, to feast on delicacies and have friends everywhere, sincerity was paramount, one’s word a solemn pledge!

The scarlet acolyte dared not let such a precious secret slip through one ear and out the other. He kept it firmly in mind.

Chen Ping’an glanced at Nuan Shu, his eyes questioning. Had Pei Qian taught him this?

The pink-skirted girl pursed her lips, unwilling to betray her old master, but unwilling to lie.

Chen Ping’an had a habit of never neglecting food while drinking, a bowl of wine often accompanying a bowl of plain noodles, as at his own wine shop along the Great Wall of Swords.

Xiao Mo said, “Master, I have heard that Bai Chang of 北俱芦洲 recently began his formal seclusion.”

Chen Ping’an asked, smiling, “Who is his guardian? Has the news spread?”

Xiao Mo shook his head. “I do not know.”

Bai Chang, the foremost swordsman of the north, had been stuck at the immortal realm bottleneck for many years.

Moreover, Bai Chang and Tian Wan of the正阳山茱萸峰, Zou Zi’s junior sister…

If not for Chen Ping’an and Cui Dongshan’s intervention, Bai Chang’s ascension, though of dubious origins, at least Bai Chang’s sword would be purer and his future more promising. Ultimately, good and evil resided in the human heart, not the heart of heaven.

Chen Ping’an said casually, “Either Bai Chang has enlisted a trusted and capable immortal to guard him, or this is false news. Perhaps he has already ascended and is lying in wait, hoping to thwart someone’s plans.”

Because of his sole disciple Xu Xuan, Bai Chang had a strained relationship with Sect Leader He Xiaoliang of清凉宗, even publicly vowing that He Xiaoliang would never attain ascension.

Given He Xiaoliang’s nature and methods, she would not stand idly by were Bai Chang to truly seclude himself. And Sect Leader He’s cunning was not to be underestimated. Chen Ping’an’s first arrival at骸骨滩 in 北俱芦洲 and the events at Ghost Valley, particularly Gao Cheng of京观city’s actions, were the result of He Xiaoliang’s seeming inaction. Of course, Chen Ping’an returned her hospitality in kind in Sui Jia City.

To cultivate in the mountains, one must avoid becoming entangled in the mortal world.

“A deception, a bewilderment, is more likely.”

Zhu Lian smiled. “If I were someone, I would fear that Bai Chang was truly in seclusion and would quickly succeed in breaking through. That would be the most troublesome scenario. To interfere and be caught would be disastrous. Harming another’s path during seclusion is a great taboo. Even if someone had Heavenly Sovereign Xie Shi as an ally, Xie Shi could not intervene if Bai Chang struck. If someone managed to escape the ensuing pursuit, their sect might not be so fortunate.”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

His intuition told Chen Ping’an that He Xiaoliang would seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delay Bai Chang’s ascension, no matter the risk. The question was, which side would weave the superior web?

Immortal Wei asked in confusion, “Who is this ‘someone’? They sound formidable, able to disrupt a great sword immortal’s seclusion? To make an enemy of a semi-ascended swordsman, what deep hatred would drive such mutual scheming?”

Zhu Lian smiled, remaining silent, taking a sip from his wine bowl while sitting cross-legged on the bench.

Chen Ping’an, unwilling to elaborate, changed the subject. “How fares Lotus Blossom Paradise?”

Zhu Lian set down his bowl. “It is showing signs of wonder. Recently, within the borders of Pine Creek Kingdom, in a local, unsanctioned shrine, the statue of a deity, long venerated, was enshrined into a gilded body and manifested itself. Though the deity’s position is humble, by the standards of the Great Li Dynasty’s玉牒Jade Register, it has barely entered the清流Purity Order, promoted from clerk to official. It is not comparable to the mountain and water spirits, yet it is the first time in the paradise that a unsanctioned deity has manifested a gilded body.”

Xiao Mo nodded. “From one comes two, and then three. It is a great blessing.”

Immortal Wei was stunned. “What?! You have a private paradise on Mountain of Decline?!”

Chen Ping’an, master of Mountain of Decline, you are capable of pretending to be poor! Even if you are rich, there is a limit to the high officials riding skinny horses and concealing your wealth at night!

Why was this information being withheld? Did you think of me as a outsider, because I am a fake Daoist without an ordination certificate?

Chen Nuan Shu laughed and gently corrected, “Immortal Wei, it is ours, our.”

Immortal Wei smiled abashedly. “Yes, yes, ours. Our Mountain of Decline.”

Without prompting, the scarlet acolyte raised two fingers. “I swear that everything I have heard at this table will be locked in my belly, and I will guard my words the moment I leave this gate!”

Immortal Wei, considering his position as a gatekeeper of Mountain of Decline and his Daoist powers, which were barely sufficient for deceiving mortals, wondered if he would no longer need to pretend to be a Daoist or a deity if he were to travel to that paradise. He was already one!

Chen Ping’an asked, “How are Cao Yin and Cao Ang progressing in their cultivation and boxing in the back mountains? Are they doing well?”

Zhu Lian nodded. “Cao Yin has good aptitude and has nearly touched the Viewing the Sea Realm bottleneck. Cao Ang is strong in his constitution and is willing to endure hardship. He learns boxing quickly and will soon reach the fifth realm. Both are promising talents. If possible, I think Cao Yin should formally practice martial arts as well.”

“When Cao Yin reaches the cultivator’s Golden Core or martial artist’s Golden Body, a choice can be made. The benefits will still be reaped. It would be even better if he could be like Master, where internal celestial energy and pure true qi seem to be separate but are actually harmonized, creating a balance where the lake and river do not interfere with each other.”

For a qi practitioner to concurrently practice martial arts and achieve success without going astray, there were two difficult hurdles to overcome. They needed excellent aptitude and either a unique family background or a master to guide them. They would also need a complete set of ancestral teachings and secret techniques as support. Even across Treasure Bottle Continent, such sects were rare.

Even Mountain of Decline dared not claim that it had found a stable path.

How could others follow Master’s path of ascension?

For example, Zhong Qiu, now a pure martial artist at the Faraway Realm bottleneck, was also a hidden Golden Core Land Immortal and, strictly speaking, a Confucian qi practitioner who sought the path of sagehood.

But Zhong Qiu’s path was difficult to emulate because it relied so heavily on mindset. In Lotus Blossom Paradise, National Teacher Zhong Qiu was revered as a “martial grandmaster and literary sage.” Chen Ping’an’s intention of placing Cao Qinglang by Zhong Qiu’s side was an expectation that the student would surpass the teacher, traveling further on a path the teacher was destined to halt.

Chen Ping’an said slowly, “At谪仙Peak in仙都Mountain, I had a contest with Ye Yunyun. She did not intentionally hide anything, so I understand a bit of the mysteries of the boxing route from the仙人圖immortal diagrams of蒲Mountain Cloud Herb Hall. Moreover, Ye Yunyun’s Cloud Herb Hall has always been open to all paths, willing to generously impart boxing techniques to martial artists, except for the ancestral boxing techniques of the ancestral hall. I intend to compile some of my insights into a book and send a copy to Ye Yunyun. Our Green Plume Sword Sect and蒲Mountain are now allies. I believe that disciples from蒲Mountain will definitely visit Mountain of Decline. With this connection, our boxing principles are naturally similar, and both sides can encourage each other in martial arts. I am just worried that Cao Yin began practicing martial arts late. If he does not learn the correct methods, he may end up drawing tigers and cats and delaying the development of a good talent.”

Zhu Lian smiled. “Master, just teach the boxing techniques with confidence. I will watch over the rest.”

Chen Ping’an raised his wine bowl. “Let us drink to that.”

Cen Yuanji was already walking this path, but Zhu Lian’s teachings were too subtle, so she remained in the dark.

This was why Cen Yuanji, despite her aptitude and diligence, was not progressing quickly.

Zhu Lian’s own boxing techniques were known for their rapid advancement in Lotus Blossom Paradise.

Chen Ping’an did not reveal this. A pure martial artist with a good foundation would achieve great heights.

First Cen Yuanji, then Cao Yin, Zhu Lian intended to use more successful examples to pave a new path to ascension for Mountain of Decline, reducing the obstacles and widening the road.

Could anyone really think of him as just an old cook in an apron? Preparing three meals a day did not take up much time, and he had to find something to do.

Immortal Wei asked curiously, “Master Chen, is the Ye Yunyun you mentioned the Huang Yi Yun of Tongye Continent?”

Chen Ping’an nodded. “That is her. Have you heard of her?”

Immortal Wei grinned. “I loitered around an immortal ferry once and overheard her mentioned. They say that the female martial arts grandmaster likes to wear yellow robes when traveling in the mountains, and her boxing techniques are high, and she is even more beautiful. Master Chen, did you win or lose the contest?”

When he was still wandering around the江湖, he found that only a few修士on Treasure Bottle Continent had good things to say about the ill-reputed Tongye Continent: the old sect leader of玉圭宗, Jiang Shangzhen; the new sect leader, the great sword immortal Wei Ying; the 清境Mountain God Lu Yong; the talented 女帝of Great Quan, Yao Jinzhi; and the legendary beauty Huang Yi Yun.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “We fought to a draw.”

The scarlet acolyte said suddenly, “That means you won.”

Immortal Wei asked in confusion, “How do you come to that conclusion?”

The scarlet acolyte gave him a look. “Master has always been self-deprecating. Why would you even ask? Otherwise, could he have taught a disciple like Commander Pei, who is highly respected in the江湖? Wei, what is wrong with you?”

Chen Ping’an thought that he should remind his chief disciple that he felt a little ashamed for being praised in this way.

Xiao Millet did not chat much, but she was definitely the happiest.

When good Master was not at home, gathering at Old Cook’s house for a meal was lively and did not feel lonely. But something was missing without good Master. It was hard to say what. It was just that good Master’s presence made everything better.

Xiao Mo said suddenly, “I will handle Xie Gou.”

Zhu Lian’s smile was strange.

Immortal Wei, who was eating with his bowl in his hand, looked up. Handle? What was that supposed to mean? If Xiao Mo had not said it, Immortal Wei would have thought it was江湖black talk.

Chen Ping’an teased, “You? You cannot beat her, and you certainly cannot drive her away. If you provoke her, Miss Xie will cut ties with you and Mountain of Decline and buy a house in town. Or, she will buy one of the three mountains near Mountain of Decline – Leaping Fish Mountain, Skyward Mountain, or Capital Heaven Peak – and become our neighbor. Then she can sit on the roof every day and stare at Mountain of Decline. How would that be?”

Xiao Mo was speechless. With Bai Jing’s way of doing things, it was not a possibility but a certainty.

Little Millet caught the key point. “So the newly arrived Miss Xie is very rich?”

The price of buying a mountain in the western mountains was not cheap!

When Pei Qian was Little Black, she wanted to save money to buy Capital Heaven Peak someday. She would not even frown, no matter how high the price.

Once she had saved enough money, she would secretly buy Capital Heaven Peak and then tell Master one day to give him an even bigger surprise.

As for which day and why it would be bigger, Pei Qian did not tell Zhou Millet.

Now, Zhou Millet thought that she had been silly at the time, asking Pei Qian every few days how much she still needed. Pei Qian became annoyed and stopped playing with her. She felt wronged. Those money jars in Nuan Shu’s care did not receive any more contributions from her until Pei Qian took her on a mountain patrol.

Chen Ping’an laughed. “She is a big 土财主, a local tycoon.”

Xiao Mo felt helpless. Bai Jing was indeed rich. Among the ascended realms of similar Dao ages, Bai Jing was probably second only to someone who had balanced the accounts with Accountant “Student.”

Chen Ping’an turned to ask, “Xiao Mo, why did she not come up the mountain with you today?”

Xiao Mo said with a headache, “She is busy posting notices all over town. She used to go to Fortune and Peach Leaf Street, thinking that there were many rich people there. If the notices were torn down, she would put them up again overnight. A few days ago, she was caught in Peach Leaf Street and almost got beaten up.”

The person let her go only after hearing that she was a shop assistant at Riding Dragon Alley’s New Year’s Pouch Shop.

Zhu Lian laughed. “She would not fight back if they hit her. She might twist her ankle or bump into a wall and return to Riding Dragon Alley with a bruised face for Xiao Mo to see.”

Xiao Mo smiled helplessly. Bai Jing could do something like that now.

It could not be said that she was just playing around. Bai Jing, like him Xiao Mo, had used some ancient secret technique to separate out a “smaller Bai Jing” with a simpler personality.

Immortal Wei changed his impression of the貂帽marten cap girl after hearing this. He gave Miss Xie a thumbs up.

In the eyes of Immortal Wei, who was used to poverty, the most helpless thing in the world was a lack of money!

Chen Ping’an looked at his gatekeeper and felt complicated.

You are broke now, but the first coin in the world, if the records of the Temple of Literature are accurate, was made by you.

The money used to enter the Lilac Pearl Paradise, the money exchanged with the Great Li Dynasty, was the three types of gold and refined copper coins – Welcoming Spring, Offering, and Subduing Evil – originally created by a Moist high person for the Great Li Song clan. Even aside from the material, the coins were highly regarded by Treasure Bottle Continent’s coin collectors. Above these engraved coins was the even rarer “unique” ancestral coin. The ancestral coin of the snowflake coin was definitely in the Liu clan in 皑皑洲皑皑洲皑皑洲, but the “qi practitioner’s” chosen appearance was a mystery.

In the prison of the Great Wall of Swords, there were two maids who followed the executioner Hao Su.

Chen Ping’an first met them by the stream. One was an ancestor coin of Golden精refined Copper Coins, and the other was Hao Su’s disciple, Ji Qing, the ancestor coin of Grain Rain Coins.

However, in terms of the age of Dao, they were still far from the first coin in the world, the “ancestral spring.”

During the process of improving the Lotus Blossom Paradise, during the rain of immortal coins, Zhang was the most discerning and discovered a rare existence that was not shown in the Mountain and River Scroll – a ethereal woman who was stealing books in a scholarly family in the territory of Northern Jin. This woman, temporarily named “Book Scent,” was formed from the文运书香cultural transport of the world. There were only seventeen similar existences across the immortal realms.

Zhu Lian said, “We recently received many invitations for Master to be a guest. The reasons are all kinds of strange things. These invitations can be compiled into a book. Many are from sects with whom we have no relationship. As for those who are familiar with Mountain of Decline, I have declined as long as the matter is not urgent. As for the rest, I have replied that the Master is temporarily traveling and that the Master will decide. I have compiled the invitations and had Nuan Shu move them to Bamboo Hall, a small basket full. I have put the important ones at the front. Master can look through them when he has time.”

If 修道people spend too much time on these things, they will waste time and damage their spirits.

Chen Ping’an nodded, took a sip of wine, and said softly, “They may be a pile of invitations for Mountain of Decline and myself, but they are definitely major events for the senders. Otherwise, they would not send a letter to Green Plume Sword Chamber. So, we can decline the invitations, but we must not laugh at the wording on the invitations.”

Zhu Lian immediately changed his expression and said, “Only Master can say such heartfelt words!”

Chen Ping’an wanted to give him a sarcastic word, but he saw Nuan Shu nodding vigorously and Xiao Millet clapping silently.

Immortal Wei looked sincere, and the scarlet acolyte felt that he had heard a sage’s teachings and wished he had pen and paper.

There were only so many people at the table.

So, Chen Ping’an had to swallow his words.

Immortal Wei asked curiously, “Why did Bai Xuan not return to Mountain of Decline? What is he doing in仙都Mountain?”

Chen and Bai were both familiar to Immortal Wei, but they were different. Chen liked to chat and gossip, while Bai did not say much. It was said that he went down the mountain every morning and returned to Sword Worshiping Terrace in the evening, carrying a purple clay pot filled with wolfberry tea. Every time he arrived at the mountain gate, he would ask Immortal Wei for advice on Jianghu.

Chen Ping’an laughed. “The old man is staying there to practice sword. Now someone is urging him to break through. He will not return to Sword Worshiping Terrace until he reaches the Dragon Gate Realm. Otherwise, he will be too ashamed to come back.”

After dinner, Nuan Shu and Xiao Millet helped to clean up.

Chen Ping’an left Zhu Lian’s house and came to Bamboo Hall, where he sat alone by the cliffside stone table.

Looking at the gray Mountain to the north and Capital Heaven Peak to the left, he saw that Capital Heaven Peak was closer to Mountain of Decline than Leaping Fish Mountain and Skyward Mountain. However, the vast Capital Heaven Peak was owned by a mid-mountain immortal mansion that was about the same as the Yellow Millet Sect. Unlike, it never interacted with Mountain of Decline. There were only a dozen cultivators in the mountain, and they liked to live in seclusion. It was said that the cultivator in charge of the mountain was not even a Golden Core Land Immortal.

Standing on the mountaintops, Mountain of Decline was slightly higher.

Capital Heaven Peak did not block the view from the top of Mountain of Decline. Chen Ping’an transformed into a dozen sword lights and came to the mountaintop, where he stood on the railing, watching the town below. He could see all the streets and alleys in the town.

In the past, the young men and old bachelors in town liked to walk Mud Bottle Alley, even if it was a detour. Those who were about the same age as Chen and Song did not like to walk Mud Bottle Alley. When they passed by Mud Bottle Alley, they would shout something about family reunion, as if they were taught by their parents or elders. They were scolding two people, one was an orphan who had died, and the other was said to be an illegitimate child thrown away by Song.

Every New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and Qingming Festival, every family in town, regardless of their last name, would have to worship their common ancestors. The surname of the陈family in town was not a large one, but it was divided into several branches. When Chen was young, he followed his father to worship his ancestors. After his parents died, he would carry a plate and light incense, following the route in his memory. However, one day, he was seen by a group of male陈who used to be called grandmother, uncle, or uncle. They did not say anything harsh because of the rule that descendants should worship their ancestors, but one year, he found that the paper he had hung up on New Year’s Eve was gone. It had been thrown into the field below the tomb.

The child, not caring about his sadness, jumped into the field and carefully picked up the discarded paper. He did not know if it was taboo to put the paper back on the tombstone, but he was worried about breaking the rules if he took it home.

The helpless child stood alone in the field for a long time, without anger, just an empty feeling in his heart.

After that year, Chen only went to his parents’ graves.

In the field, in the world.

Chen Ping’an sat on the railing and took out the gourd.

Xiao Mo and Immortal Wei had stayed at Zhu Lian’s house.

Zhu Lian took out a chess jar and played chess with Xiao Mo. Xiao Mo learned chess quickly and was improving rapidly.

The scarlet acolyte was about to sit on a chess piece that had been taken from the board.

Immortal Wei took a chess piece from the jar and placed it on the table. The scarlet acolyte asked what he was doing. Immortal Wei laughed and said that he was just talking nonsense.

Who did he think he was, daring to be so presumptuous to the new Riding Dragon Alley Total? The scarlet acolyte and Immortal Wei began to bicker.

Immortal Wei thought of Huang Yi Yun and asked, “Old Cook, how beautiful is that Sect Master Ye? Would we be moved if we saw her?”

Zhu Lian laughed. “I do not think so.”

Immortal Wei sighed. “Everything is good here, but there are