In the bright moonlight of the night, a silver sheen blanketed the land. The group departed from the Pavilion of Gathering Clouds. Pei Qian, hand in hand with Li Bao Ping, returned to her abode, their reunion filled with endless tales to share.

Cao Qinglang, after thorough assessments by both Chen Ping An and Cui Dong Shan, showed no hidden dangers. Nevertheless, Cui Dong Shan advised Cao Qinglang not to rush into formal sword refinement. Instead, he should solidify his Golden Core realm before retreating to Jingxing Peak for seclusion. Cao Qinglang naturally agreed without hesitation.

Cao Qinglang departed with Zheng Yougan, their residences being in close proximity.

As they walked along the quiet mountain path late at night, Zheng Yougan tentatively asked, “Senior Brother Cao, may I confide in you about a small matter that troubles my heart?”

He mainly felt that the Junior Master Uncle’s disciple was refined and scholarly, clearly a person of great learning. Indeed, Senior Brother Cao was the ‘Tanhua’ (third place) in the imperial examinations of the Great Li Dynasty. His master always spoke highly of this achievement.

Zheng Yougan found Sect Master Cui to be a peculiar individual. As for Senior Sister Pei, Zheng Yougan was also filled with trepidation. How could he not be?

The mountain and water gazettes he had read on the intercontinental ferry, regarding the female Grandmaster on the Golden Armor Continent battlefields, mentioned “Zheng Qian” in more than a few instances. This caused Zheng Yougan considerable anxiety. Back then, he had always considered “Zheng Qian” to be a figure far removed from his life, someone with whom he had no connection. Yet, things had turned out such that she was the first disciple of the Junior Master Uncle, and had suddenly become his Senior Sister Pei. Now, Zheng Yougan felt a surge of heroism just by managing to speak to Senior Sister Pei without stuttering.

Cao Qinglang smiled and said, “Is it because of your background that you feel a slight awkwardness meeting my master and your senior brothers and sisters?”

Zheng Yougan nodded vigorously. “Yes, it worries me. I didn’t think much of it at first, but a certain friend likes to bring it up, so I can’t help but overthink it. Sigh, the more I think about it, the more angry I get at myself for being so useless.”

Cao Qinglang chuckled. “Then you should sincerely thank Tan Yingzhou tomorrow.”

Zheng Yougan was perplexed. “Ah? I think not getting angry with her already shows great magnanimity. Why should I thank her?”

Cao Qinglang slowly explained, “Some things, and I only say some things, seem like everyone is deliberately avoiding, but in reality, they are constantly being alluded to. This kind of good intention is, of course, beneficial, but over time, it might become a burden. Sometimes, it’s better to confront it directly. If we don’t evade it, it will disappear on its own. If we hide from it, it will be like our shadow, or the way others look at us, and those perceived private discussions, like the daylight and moonlight on life’s journey… they cause certain things we’ve tried to let go of to follow us like a shadow. Of course, this alternative companionship has its good and bad aspects. It’s not all negative. However, the specific degree and proportion of these good and bad influences on our state of mind are something that Senior Brother Cao dares not say too much about for now. But if I gain any insights in the future, I can share them with you. Tan Yingzhou may be young, but she’s very observant. She’s deliberately playing the villain on your end to help you adapt to this awkwardness sooner, like an open-book exam.”

Zheng Yougan exclaimed in realization, “I understand now. Senior Brother Cao is truly learned!”

Cao Qinglang smiled slightly. “I’m far from being as good as Master and Senior Brother Cui.”

Zheng Yougan retorted, “That’s only in comparison to Junior Master Uncle and Sect Master Cui. It doesn’t mean Senior Brother Cao’s knowledge isn’t vast.”

Cao Qinglang was momentarily speechless.

That tone… it’s just like… his own master?!

No wonder Master likes Zheng Yougan so much.

Unknowingly, they had arrived at the entrance of the residence. Zheng Yougan gently pushed the door, but it wouldn’t budge. He applied more force and pushed again, but it still wouldn’t open. It was locked from the inside.

That Tan Yingzhou! He had told her not to lock the door, not to lock the door, but she just couldn’t remember. Such a forgetful person, no wonder she’s always misplacing things.

Cao Qinglang raised his chin and smiled, gesturing for Zheng Yougan to simply “climb over the wall.”

Suddenly, a furious shout rang out from inside the door, “Who’s that petty thief outside?! Identify yourself immediately! If you’re a villain up to no good, I’ll make sure you don’t get away!”

Zheng Yougan scratched his head, feeling quite embarrassed to have been caught in this situation by Senior Brother Cao. “It’s me.”

Tan Yingzhou roared, “What kind of deity are you, with such a strange name like ‘Me’? I advise you to show some sincerity. Since we’re all Jianghu people making a living walking on the night side, we don’t change our names or alter our surnames. Come out with it and challenge this grandma to a match! Asking about fist or sword, either is fine!”

Cao Qinglang walked forward a few steps and said softly with a smile, “It’s me, Cao Qinglang.”

Tan Yingzhou quickly opened the door, the young girl standing at the doorway, forcing a smile with a bashful expression, “Greetings, Immortal Master Cao.”

Cao Qinglang nodded with a smile. “Sorry for the disturbance. I won’t come in. I’ll find Senior Longmen another time to inquire about the authenticity of that Yellow River painting.”

Tan Yingzhou nodded vigorously. Small matter, small matter, no problem at all.

Her master had said that this Mister Cao had great potential on his path of cultivation, and that his future achievements would be no less than those of his fellow disciple, Senior Sister Pei Qian.

Tan Yingzhou caught Zheng Yougan standing nearby out of the corner of her eye, his face expressionless and stiff. Only then did the young girl feel a little better.

Cao Qinglang walked alone in the night, but instead of returning directly to his residence, he retraced his steps and returned to the Pavilion of Gathering Clouds. He kicked off his boots, sat cross-legged.

Cao Qinglang’s Daoist sanctum would be on Jingxing Peak of Silk Tassel Mountain. According to Cao Qinglang’s plans, this so-called sanctum would be neither extravagant, like those earth immortals who built on a grand scale with sprawling mansions and jade towers, nor would it be too simple. After all, those rare and precious books, as well as some of the paintings and calligraphy that he liked, were quite delicate and precious, so there must be a two-story building dedicated to storing books. And scholar’s studies generally have a name. Earlier, while sitting around the stove, Cao Qinglang had asked his master to come up with a name.

His master seemed to have already had it in mind, giving the study’s name without hesitation.

‘Huoran Studio’.

If the character ‘Huo’ (豁) were to be extracted alone, it wouldn’t be considered a ‘beautiful character’, because whether as a verb or a name, it carries unfavorable implications, one of which describes weeds growing among crops. But once ‘Huo’ is paired with the character ‘Ran’ (然) to become ‘Huoran’, the meaning changes drastically. For example, in the path of study and learning, ‘Huoran’ signifies a sudden understanding, as if a long-standing illness has been cured instantly. And the most common usage of ‘Huoran Kairang’ (豁然開朗 – suddenly enlightened) can be used to describe a person’s vision or their state of mind.
Moreover, Cao Qinglang’s name inherently carries the character “Lang” (朗, meaning bright or clear).

However, at the moment the master bestowed such a fine name upon the study, Cao Qinglang detected in the master’s eyes a kind of unfamiliar, yet not entirely unseen, cautiousness.

Deep within the master’s expression and gaze resided a hint of guilt.

It was as if such high expectations made the master feel remorseful.

Why was that?

Cao Qinglang finally understood a certain answer. Back in their hometown of Lotus Blossom Blessed Land, when the then-still-not-a-master, Mr. Chen, escorted him to the village school, Mr. Chen held an umbrella for him and stood with him at the corner of the street. Mr. Chen, with the umbrella in hand, paused, as if wanting to say something several times, but ultimately remained silent, before leading him onward.

The master was an experienced individual, clearly aware of how to guide a child through emotional barriers and endure hardships. But back then, Mr. Chen dared not speak, perhaps because he felt that for a child, understanding even a benevolent truth too early was a kind of cruelty.

Because in Cao Qinglang’s ancestral home, there lived two individuals of the same age. Therefore, Mr. Chen was unwilling to allow a pitiful child he deemed already sensible to become even more so for the sake of a pitiful child who was not. There was no such rationale in the world.

Cao Qinglang leaned against a pavilion pillar, regretting that he did not have the habit of carrying wine with him.

How did he manage to find such a good master?

Little Millet, after leaving Big White Goose’s residence, quietly returned. Anyway, she was idle, and Chief Helmsman Pei was discussing major matters with the Alliance Leader, and she wasn’t high-ranking enough at the moment.

She discovered that the Kind-hearted Mountain Lord was sitting in the courtyard, surrounded by a pile of bamboo tubes of varying lengths.

Little Millet crouched down beside him, discerning what was going on. It was the Kind-hearted Mountain Lord’s signature skill: crafting bamboo chests.

Little Millet softly asked, “Kind-hearted Mountain Lord, could you make a book chest for me too?”

Chen Pingan smiled gently, “Of course, no problem at all.”

The bamboo chest he made for Baoping on their study tour to the Great Sui Cliff Academy was already too small.

Little Millet said, “My book chest can be made last, using the remaining bamboo, small and plain, it doesn’t matter.”

Chen Pingan chuckled, “This pile of bamboo is enough to make three bamboo chests.”

Baoping’s, You Qian’s, plus Little Millet’s, no problem at all.

Cui Dongshan yelled from the desk inside the house, “Master!”

Chen Pingan didn’t even raise his head, “Get lost.”

Cui Dongshan immediately beamed, “Alright!”

As expected, the master was most informal with his prized student. The weather was cold, but the student’s heart was warm.

Eldest Senior Sister, Junior Brother Cao, have you ever been scolded by the master? What’s more, not only scolded, but I’ve even been beaten.

Big White Goose continued to bury himself in accounting, writing with a pen in one hand while the abacus rattled.

Because of the viewing ceremony, several additional installments of Grain Rain Money had suddenly appeared on the Azure Verdant Sword Sect’s account books.

From the Great Quan Dynasty, Minister of Rites Li Xiling brought eighty Grain Rain Coins, which was undoubtedly a heavy blow to the already stretched Great Quan Ministry of Revenue.

The Jade Turtle Sect offered eight hundred Grain Rain Coins. Wealthy and powerful, worthy of being the leading sect in Tongye Continent!

According to past revenue, the Yellow Crane Shoal and Inkstone Mountain in the Jiang Clan’s Cloud Grotto Blessed Land, after deducting costs, averaged about seventy to eighty Grain Rain Coins per year. Not much? It was a lot!

Especially since it was a long-term income of five hundred years? Chief Zhou never disappointed once he acted.

Originally, Sect Master Cui had even wanted to heed the will of the people and write a confidential letter to Chief Zhou, who was already half an outsider, at a certain ferry in the Wild Desolate World, advising him not to visit the Azure Verdant Sword Sect if he had nothing to do. They were all worried about Xiao Mo’s misunderstanding.

Now it seemed that the letter still had to be written, just not that sentence. It would hurt feelings and was inappropriate. He had to reminisce with Chief Zhou more in the letter, offering comfort and concern. Since the chief offering of Fallen Phoenix Mountain was half an outsider to Immortal Capital Mountain, then he was also half family. The Azure Verdant Sword Sect must welcome Chief Zhou home.

In fact, Pei Qian had secretly given that “Ruler’s Inch” treasure to Cui Dongshan behind her master’s back.

Eldest Senior Sister said that together with the “Ruler’s Inch” treasure and the thousand Grain Rain Coins, it was considered a loan from her to Junior Brother and the Azure Verdant Sword Sect, with no interest.

Of course, Cui Dongshan dared not accept it. He would obviously be scolded by the master, but looking at Eldest Senior Sister’s posture at the time, he changed from daring not to accept to daring not not to accept.

Being reprimanded by the master to his face was better than being recorded in Eldest Senior Sister’s account book, right?

Damn it, he’d find an opportunity to offer up Bai Xuan’s “Register of Heroes” and see if he could have all his debts with Eldest Senior Sister written off.

The old real person Liang Shuang and the other esteemed guests’ congratulatory gifts, added together, amounted to less than twenty Grain Rain Coins, but after all, they were genuine Grain Rain Coins. If converted into snowflake money, it would be a huge pile.

There was also the “Tung Tree Shade” ferry, which was now docked at “Azure Garment Crossing”, next to the transcontinental Wind Kite ferry, one large and one small, as neighbors.

Chen Pingan asked, “Within sixty years, how many sword cultivator prodigies can be found in the Great Quan Dynasty? Can you give me a rough estimate?”

Cui Dongshan thought for a while, “The sword dao fortune of Tongye Continent is really… hard to describe. If according to common sense, within a Jiazi cycle, even if the entire country were dug three feet deep, it would probably only be able to find two? Three? But after all, today is different from the past. With Master here to oversee, and with the Great Quan Yao Clan’s ability to absorb the continent’s fortune, can the number roughly double?”

Chen Pingan said, “It’s not easy for Great Quan either. Everything needs to be rebuilt, money is needed everywhere, and they also have to maintain a border army force commensurate with the first dynasty in Tongye Continent. Let’s assume that five sword cultivators come to Immortal Capital Mountain for cultivation. The rules are still the same. The cost of heavenly materials and earthly treasures consumed by their sword practice will be discounted by half to the Great Quan Ministry of Revenue, and then reported. After a Jiazi cycle, if the Great Quan Dynasty has fully recovered, there will be no need for discounts. How much immortal money it should be is how much it will be.”

Cui Dongshan hummed in agreement, “As Master says.”
Over at Mount Pu, two land deeds were sent as gifts, worth at least five or six hundred Grain Rain coins. One of the mountain peaks had been abandoned for many years, but it occupied a large area and had a silver mine since ancient times. Historically, it had been intermittently mined or sealed off. If it weren’t for it belonging to the private land of Pu Shan Cloud Cottage, the newly restored dynasty would have already been busy mining the mountain. The other detached piece of land wasn’t considered a place of great feng shui, so it escaped the calamities of war. Currently, a small immortal mansion sect registered with Tianmu Academy, consisting of dozens of displaced registered cultivators who had become wild cultivators, had gathered together for warmth and established a proper sect. The first generation sect leader was an old Dragon Gate Realm cultivator who had some connections with Pu Shan. Since Pu Shan had always been generous, they only symbolically accepted a few Lesser Heat coins scraped together by the sect, and leased the mountain to them. What Zhong Qiu previously said about this place being suitable as a Golden Core Earth Immortal’s Daoist site wasn’t an exaggeration.

Cui Dongshan smiled, “Venerable Qiu has sharp eyes. We just happened to keep the three most valuable items from the Dragon Palace treasury. Otherwise, the estimated value wouldn’t be six hundred Grain Rain coins. The congratulatory gift would have doubled.”

Chen Pingan couldn’t help but laugh and scold, “Those were left by Granny Qiu for Hu Chuling, and Hu Chuling is still your direct disciple. How can you even say that?”

Chen Pingan turned to look at Little Rice Grain, “Right, Little Rice Grain?”

Little Rice Grain scratched her face, “It’s not very appropriate, ha.”

The main reason Cui Dongshan was calculating accounts was to carefully record the treasures from the Demon Suppression Tower that Fellow Daoist Qing Tong had provided. There were simply too many, and the list of rare books alone could fill a whole book. All sorts of treasures accumulated over time, and the total value was naturally very considerable.

When Master Zhong previously said the price was twelve hundred Grain Rain coins in the Ancestral Hall of Green Plume Peak, it wasn’t a “false report” of the price. Rather, that price was based on the market price from years ago. In Willow Leaf Continent, where spiritual artifacts and magical treasures were always in demand, there was a huge premium, and there was no need to worry about sales. Everyone would fight over it. Would any cultivator feel like they were being ripped off? Come on, just hack away at my money bag! So Zhong Qiu, the accountant of Green Plume Sword Sect, was initially hesitant, but after much persuasion from Sect Master Cui, he reluctantly reported that price. Fortunately, Fellow Daoist Qing Tong had now also become a registered honorary elder with a seat in the Ancestral Hall.

In addition, there was the bulk of Fatty Gu Su’s wealth.

Perhaps that was the true major congratulatory gift.

After all, he was a Flying Ascension Realm ghost who was once an emperor from Floating Cloud Continent.

Chen Pingan said, “Leave four-tenths of Yu Jin’s possessions, excluding what’s already been returned, untouched for now.”

In the future, Yu Jin might need to help with the Great Canal project, and when the time comes, these possessions that originally belonged to the Ghost Immortal can be returned to him one by one.

Cui Dongshan looked surprised and exclaimed, “Teacher, only three-tenths are left for Immortal Capital Mountain?”

Chen Pingan immediately stood up, ready to check the accounts. Cui Dongshan quickly closed the ledger and laughed, “I misremembered, I misremembered, it’s four-tenths.”

Chen Pingan sat back in the bamboo chair and continued to make bamboo boxes, “How many actual Grain Rain coins are there? Is your Green Plume Sword Sect still complaining about being poor?”

Cui Dongshan was struck by lightning and said heartbrokenly, “Little Rice Grain, listen to what Teacher said, ‘your’ Green Plume Sword Sect. Is that appropriate? Does that hurt people?”

Little Rice Grain shook her head and made a face, “You, you. Our Fallen Mountain, our Fallen Mountain.”

Cui Dongshan leaned against the chair, kicked his legs, and waved his sleeves, “This is unbearable, even the Right Protector is starting to bully people.”

Little Rice Grain quickly ran into the house, tiptoed, and covered her mouth, whispering to the White Goose who was leaning on the armrest of the chair.

Although the ceremony was over, each mansion on Dense Snow Peak had its own guests visiting.

For example, Zhang Shanfeng found the young Sect Master of Taiwei Sword Sect and immediately said, “Sect Master Liu, I can’t hold my liquor.”

Bai Shou laughed until his stomach hurt.

Liu Jinglong smiled, “It’s okay, I won’t force you to drink.”

After helping Zhang Shanfeng and Bai Shou pour two bowls of wine, Liu Jinglong raised the wine bowl in his hand, gently tapped it against Zhang Shanfeng’s, and asked a question he had been curious about for a long time.

Liu Jinglong explained with a smile, “Of course, I don’t like drinking, but those who are persuaded to drink with me by someone, since they are his friends, I think they are definitely worth getting to know.”

The young Daoist drank a large mouthful of wine and smiled, “To be honest, being able to drink with Sect Master Liu would have been something I wouldn’t have dared to dream of twenty years ago.”

Liu Jinglong smiled, “Not many people would believe that, but I’m one of them.”

Bai Shou suddenly sighed, “That most contented one in the human world, and that one in the Barbaric World, and that White Robe in the northern part of Northern Club Continent, plus me, Bai Shou, the surname Bai is a big one on the mountain!”

Zhang Shanfeng began to seriously think about which peak cultivators had the surname Zhang.

Liu Jinglong felt helpless.

Bai Shou took a sip of wine and nodded to himself, “I heard that the Dragon Slayer has the surname Chen, plus that Confucian scholar carrying the sun and moon on his shoulders in Southern Suha Continent, and my good brother Chen Pingan, the surname Chen is second best.”

Qiu Du took Vinegar Vinegar to visit the three cultivators of Elegant Joy Pavilion of Old Jade Laurel Ridge.

Fallen Mountain’s Law Enforcer, Chang Ming, along with his direct disciple Nalan Yudie and Jia, the old immortal who was the second manager of the Wind Kite Ferry, found Wu Gou and Xiao Manying, the Daoist couple.

Old Immortal Jia actually took the initiative to become the chef, put on an apron, and personally stir-fried a few dishes to go with the wine. This naturally made the Daoist couple feel flattered, mainly because they hadn’t truly adapted to the style of Green Plume Sword Sect. They would soon stop being so surprised by such things.

Liu Jubao and Yu Panshui took the initiative to find Jade Tablet Sect, whose accommodation was one of the best mansions on Dense Snow Peak.

This was also why many registered cultivators were willing to grit their teeth and give a gift to attend certain sect celebrations.

It wasn’t just about socializing, but many real deals, big businesses, were actually negotiated in this way.

Of course, for the Wealth God Liu, this was definitely not the case.
On the way, Yu Panshui chuckled, “Even for a grand celebration of a Sect, receiving this many Valley Rain Coins as gifts in one go must be quite rare, wouldn’t you say?”

Liu Jubao nodded, “The last time might have been when Wei She reached the Fifth Realm, and before that, perhaps when Yu Xuan established a Lower Sect for the second time.”

Once a Sect’s Lower Sect has another Lower Sect beneath it, the former can ascend to become an “Orthodox Sect” or be revered as an “Ancestral Court.”

Such occurrences are exceptionally rare throughout the history of the Great Continent.

Zhong Kui took the portly fellow to chat with General Yao, and the trio from Pu Shan were also present.

Yu Jin noticed something strange – Zhong Kui seemed rather bashful around the woman in yellow, Yun Yi. Even his voice was different, enunciating each word meticulously, trying to appear refined.

“As a true man of courage from Gusu, I find Zhong Kui’s behavior utterly repulsive! Disgusting!”

After drinking and leaving the residence, Zhong Kui noticed the plump man beside him wearing a displeased expression. He then mentioned Cui Dongshan’s willingness to return sixty percent of his family’s wealth.

The portly man immediately bent his knees, grabbed Zhong Kui’s arm with both hands, and with tears welling up, cried out in a trembling voice, “Brother Zhong Kui! Such immense kindness is impossible to repay! What should I do!”

Zhong Kui shook his arm free and scoffed, “With your drinking manners, you’ll be drinking with dogs next time.”

The portly man gave a mournful look, “I was just afraid of overshadowing Brother Zhong’s glory at the banquet.”

Zhong Kui pushed the man’s head away.

Yu Jin lowered his voice and asked, “Brother Zhong, are you interested in Yun Yi? What a coincidence, we seem to have similar tastes! Fine, for the sake of brotherhood, I’m willing to part with my love. Do you need my help to connect you? When it comes to dealing with women, especially outstanding ones like her, I have quite the talent.”

Zhong Kui laughed, “What are you thinking? I’ve always admired Mountain Master Ye since I was young. Of course, I like her, but it’s not the kind of liking that involves romance.”

Yu Jin sighed in admiration, “I admire Brother Zhong’s honesty and integrity! A true gentleman!”

Speaking of women, Yu Jin was furious, stomping his feet in anger. “Does Chen Ping’an think he’s the Grand Guest Elder of the entire Hundred Flowers Blessed Land?!”

But upon second thought, and speaking honestly, the young man was talented and had a sense of responsibility. “If I were him, I’d walk around with my nose in the air and Yu Jin wouldn’t bat an eye.”

Zhong Kui clasped his hands in his sleeves, walking slowly and gazing up at the sky.

“Many gaze at the bright moon, yet who knows that they are being watched by the moon in turn?”

Zhong Qiu found Shao Boxian, Meng Long, and Shi Qiu.

Zhong Qiu’s main purpose was to convey two matters. First, Wu Yi from Ziyang Prefecture within the Huang Ting Kingdom was likely to enter Tongye Continent in the near future, not as a traveler, but with the intention of settling down. Wu Yi was willing to serve as their guardian immortal after their establishment of a nation by the Lin River. Shao Boxian smiled at the maidservant beside him. Meng Long’s name was now listed on the Register of Landscapes as Du Gu Meng Long. She nodded with a smile. Since her young master had no objections, she was naturally pleased.

Zhong Qiu then produced two scrolls, one depicting the overall terrain of central Tongye Continent, and the other a section of the Lin River. She informed the three that the Lin River would become one of the main tributaries of a new great river in the future. Shao Boxian stared at the two scrolls, pondering for a moment, and said, “Our future selection of the Five Peaks may need to be slightly altered.”

Once a nation was established, in addition to choosing a capital, it was necessary to consecrate the Mountain Gods of the Five Peaks, invite the River God to establish his abode, and gather scattered refugees. These matters, large and small, still relied on the support of the Azure Bamboo Sword Sect in terms of divine coins, connections among cultivators, and ministers to aid in the rise of a new dynasty.

Guo Ran, bearing the Daoist title “Dragon Gate,” had already agreed to become an honorary offering of the Huang Ting Kingdom at Mount Taiping.

Therefore, in a couple of days, after descending the mountain, Guo Ran would take his disciple Tan Yingzhou and accompany Huang Ting and his guardian offering Yu Fushan to the old site of Mount Taiping.

The immortal had already sent a flying sword message back to Iron Tree Mountain, informing his senior sister, who was currently in charge of sect affairs, that he planned to stay in Tongye Continent for another year or two.

For Fifth Realm cultivators, traveling for a few years, or even decades, was a common occurrence.

In addition to that, Guo Ran had also used his personal connections to send several secret letters to the Central Earth Continent, inviting several craftsmen and construction masters, all of whom were demons by birth, to “travel” to Tongye Continent.

Mi Yu, Cui Wei, and Xiao Mo, three sword cultivators, rarely gathered together.

Add to that Qing Tong from Immortal Capital Mountain, who seemed unfamiliar with everyone, and the only person he was somewhat familiar with, but didn’t want to be, was present.

They also invited the two young sword cultivators, Yu Xiehui and He Gu, who had been allowed to participate in the Ancestral Hall discussions as an exception.

Mi Yu, who had been promoted to chief offering of the Azure Bamboo Sword Sect, and his direct disciple He Gu, would have their training grounds and residences built on Cloud Peak of Immortal Capital Mountain.

Law enforcer Cui Wei and his disciple Yu Xiehui would have their training grounds built on Sky’s Edge Peak, the Immortal Palm.

Neither of the two sword cultivators had taken any disciples back in their hometown of the Sword Qi Great Wall, so the two children were their first true disciples in every sense of the word.

As for Xiao Mo’s temporary training ground at the Azure Bamboo Sword Sect, it was the most simple, without a doubt, located at the Fallen Treasure Shoal at the foot of Immortal Capital Mountain. A thatched hut served as his training ground.

The group sat around a large fire pit. Mi Yu bent down, reaching out his hand to warm himself by the fire. He looked up and smiled, “You two aren’t fools, so you know why Chief Steward brought you over to observe the discussions, right?”

He Gu didn’t bother to acknowledge his infamous master from their hometown, especially since the question was a pointless one. He remained silent.

Yu Xiehui nodded, “We know. It’s because our Natal Swords can be of some small help to Chief Steward. Anyway, it’s like forging a sword and traveling around, what’s not to like?”

Xiao Mo chuckled, “It’s the Azure Bamboo Sword Sect.”

Yu Xiehui said, “It’s pretty much the same.”

Cui Wei didn’t say anything. It really was pretty much the same.

It was only at the Azure Bamboo Sword Sect. In other mountains, the difference would be significant.

Throughout the history of the Great Continent, it wasn’t entirely uncommon for a Lower Sect’s Sect Master to fall out with the Upper Sect’s Ancestral Hall, or for their relationship to become strained.
The most outrageous instance occurred when a certain mountain peak in Streaming Haze Isle attempted to establish a subordinate sect on Golden Armor Isle. For reasons unknown, they abruptly declared independence from their parent sect and publicized it via the mountain and river gazette, broadcasting it to the world. Although ultimately unsuccessful, the affair caused a great uproar and remains a subject of amusement among cultivators even now. Following this internal strife, the sect experienced a complete overhaul within a few years, with the subordinate sect’s leader, law enforcers, chief venerated elder, and guest elders all replaced. The upper and lower sects became estranged, and both the well-established parent sect and the originally thriving subordinate sect soon declined.

Establishing a subordinate sect is exceedingly difficult, and once hearts are scattered, reuniting them becomes even more challenging.

Mi Yu chuckled, “To be able to participate in deliberations without being a member of the Ancestral Hall is unprecedented, not only in the Azure Ripple Sword Sect but also in Fallen Peak. You two truly have reason to be proud.”

Yu Xiehui curled his lip and mimicked the Hidden Official, folding his arms in his sleeves. “This is no real skill, just superficial fluff.”

He Gu nodded in agreement.

Among the nine sword immortal seedlings, He Gu was the tallest. His natal flying sword, “Flying Peak,” possessed extraordinary mystique. Upon summoning it, he seemed to possess a natural, innate ability to command mountains. Naturally, the scale of mountains that could be manipulated depended directly on He Gu’s cultivation realm.

The He family’s residence wasn’t located on Grand Image Street or Jade Tablet Street, but their foundation was profound. The He family’s ancestral line of sword cultivators all hailed from the line of the Executioner Official.

Therefore, the ancestral short sword “Reading Maid” hanging from He Gu’s waist was of considerable quality.

If they were in the Sword Qi Great Wall, He Gu’s natal flying sword “Flying Peak” wouldn’t stand out much. According to the Summer Palace’s ranking system, it would at most be classified as a “Lower Grade B.” However, upon arriving in the Great Harmony World, it could be elevated by two small grades, allowing “Flying Peak” to ascend to the rank of “Upper Grade B.” Furthermore, as Yu Xiehui’s cultivation advanced, should he engage in a sword duel in a suitable battlefield, it would be akin to a Grand cultivator overseeing a small world, resulting in an explosive increase in lethality.

As for Yu Xiehui’s natal flying sword, “Word-Breaking Order,” it not only carried a sense of taboo in the Great Harmony World but was also unrecorded in the Sword Qi Great Wall and the Summer Palace. Once Yu Xiehui could mature into an Upper Five Realms sword cultivator, especially a Grand Sword Immortal, it would be an unprovoked disaster for the demon race’s Qi practitioners, especially those Upper Five Realms demon cultivators whose “true names” had been exposed, leading to deaths and injuries of unknown origins.

To use an imperfect analogy, Yu Xiehui, or rather the Grand Sword Immortal Yu Xiehui, the hypothetical Yu Xiehui who might participate in the city wall discussions in the future, was in a sense like a… “Miniature Bai Ze”. Those whose true names were known by Yu Xiehui, would be injured upon contact with his sword if their cultivation was equal. Those with cultivation lower than Yu Xiehui would die upon contact with his sword.

Cui Wei said, “In Immortal Capital Mountain from now on, you must diligently refine your swordsmanship.”

He Gu almost couldn’t help but retort, “You, a nascent soul realm cultivator, have the nerve to tell me this nonsense?”

But for some reason, glancing at his nominal master’s unchanging poker face, which seemed slightly softer in the firelight, He Gu still nodded.

Mi Yu rubbed his chin and had to add, “Xiehui, the same goes for you.”

Yu Xiehui immediately shot back, “The same goes for what? Don’t imitate the Hidden Official’s speech. My sword refining is none of your damn business.”

He Gu burst into laughter, glancing at the poker face.

Cui Wei twitched his lips, managing a rare smile.

Xiao Mo lowered her head and carefully flipped the zongzi on the iron mesh, ensuring they were grilled to a golden brown for optimal flavor.

Qing Tong’s feelings were mixed; his dislike for sword cultivators was indeed well-founded.

The sky was just beginning to lighten.

The Jade Tablet Sect would depart from the Azure Ripple Sword Sect’s territory via their own ferry at noon today.

Liu Jubao and Yu Panshui had already left Dense Snow Peak last night.

Xu Xie had also greeted the Jade Tablet Sect and descended the mountain alone, returning to the River-Driving Ferry of Yu Province ahead of them.

Chen Ping’an had made a special trip to bid them farewell.

Today, led by Bai Xuan, they had brought Xiao Mili and the others to visit Qiu Zhi.

In fact, Qiu Zhi had already given Bai Xuan the address of the letter-receiving sword chamber on Nine Yi Peak yesterday. They agreed to frequently communicate via flying swords in the future. Bai Xuan, of course, didn’t forget to subtly hint to Qiu Zhi that he didn’t have much money and was short on funds, as his entire fortune was at Fallen Peak. Qiu Zhi replied that it was no problem, and that once he returned to Nine Yi Peak, he would quickly send a letter to Dense Snow Peak with a few immortal coins inside.

Bai Xuan then patted Qiu Zhi’s shoulder, “You’re young but clever. Follow me and venture into the martial world. We’ll be an invincible duo, cutting down anyone we want. By the way, if there’s anyone on Nine Yi Peak or other mountain peaks that you dislike but can’t defeat, just let me know and tell me their general itinerary when they descend the mountain to travel. In a few days, my cultivation will increase by leaps and bounds. Then I’ll find an excuse to go out with the Hidden Official and ambush that guy on the road to help you…deal with him, understand?”

Qiu Zhi’s scalp tingled, and he quickly shook his head, “No, no, everyone on Nine Yi Peak is very good to me.”

He was starting to regret signing the Heroic Register.

Today, Qiu Zhi left on his own and wandered around Dense Snow Peak with Bai Xuan and the others.

The little girl named Chai Wu suddenly asked Qiu Zhi what kind of wine they had on Nine Yi Peak.

Qiu Zhi truthfully replied that Nine Yi Peak didn’t produce any immortal wine because Sect Master Wei wasn’t particularly fond of drinking.

Chai Wu didn’t say anything more.

Qiu Zhi quickly added that the Emerald Dew Wine of Painted Eyebrow Peak and several wines from the Cloud Cave Blessed Land were very famous in their Tongye Continent.

Chai Wu’s eyes lit up, and she nodded, saying that if she had the opportunity to travel in the future, she might visit Nine Yi Peak.

However, the little girl thought it was unlikely in the near future, and that she might not be able to descend the mountain for several decades.

Alas, her talent was too poor, and even Mountain Master Chen had given up on teaching her sword techniques and immortal methods.

It was truly a worry.

He had heard from Great Sword Immortal Mi that there used to be someone surnamed Dong in the Sword Qi Great Wall who was good friends with Mountain Master Chen and never carried money when he went out, drinking wine freely.

He truly envied that.
The black-clad little girl named Zhou Mili, wielding both a green bamboo staff and a golden carrying pole, didn’t speak much, but her identity was far from simple.

Qiu Zhi had been quite startled when he first learned within the ancestral hall of Green Reed Peak that she was a Protector Deity of Fallen Mountain.

Mili took the last of her sunflower seeds from her cotton satchel, offering them to Qiu Zhi, saying they were just from the marketplace down the mountain, and not to be too critical.

The main reason was that last night, after returning to her own residence, she had been so preoccupied with carrying the brand new bamboo chest that she forgot to recruit soldiers and buy horses, and then was dragged over here by Bai Xuan early this morning.

Qiu Zhi accepted the seeds, hastily assuring her that he wouldn’t be.

Mili smiled faintly.

Qiu Zhi glanced at Sun Chunwang, his contemporary.

Sun Chunwang always seemed to be like this, looking at him coldly, always wearing an expression of disdain.

Qiu Zhi felt a little dejected.

His mood soured somewhat.

At noon, the group found the Jade Decree Sect cultivators, and together they rode the wind down the mountain toward the Azure Robe Ferry.

Besides Chen Pingan and Cui Dongshan, they also brought Mi Yu, Cui Wei, and Zhong Qiu.

It could be said that the entire management of the Green Reed Sword Sect had turned out.

The council had already concluded, and such respectful treatment of guests meant that, at least on the surface, the Jade Decree Sect could find no fault.

Upon arriving at the Jade Decree Sect’s ferry, Chen Pingan got straight to the point, “Business is business. During the prior council, there were many things that both Sect Master Cui and I could only say in a rather blunt manner. If there were any offenses, I hope you will forgive us.”

Jiang Heng noticed that the Young Hidden Official’s wandering gaze even included her, a pleasant surprise. The young master of Cloud Grotto Paradise still smiled and returned the greeting with a cupped fist, uttering a sentence that wasn’t entirely insincere, “I understand.”

Zhang Fenggu candidly said, “If both our sides, the Jade Decree Sect and the Green Reed Sword Sect, one south and one north, can truly acknowledge each other’s sect ethos and style of conduct through the tedious affairs of excavating the Great Canal, then formally establishing an alliance will simply be a matter of course. I, personally, am very much looking forward to that day.”

Wang Ji was quick to anger, and previously had harbored some complaints, feeling that the Green Reed Sword Sect was putting on too much of an act, giving the Jade Decree Sect absolutely no face. The matter of alliance was clearly a beneficial thing for both sides, so he didn’t understand what the other side was being so pretentious about. But after Zhang Fenggu explained it in detail last night, his anger quickly subsided.

Wang Ji couldn’t help but lament that in the martial world, one could entrust life and death to those one felt an instant connection with. You cultivators are not like that.

After all, Wang Ji had only recently become a Hall of Ancestors consecration at the Jade Decree Sect’s Divine Seal Peak a few years prior.

Zhang Fenggu could only smile wryly and say, “Perhaps like a river winding its way across the land, it will eventually flow to the sea.”

Wang Ji nodded silently, hoping that would be the case. Otherwise, if the Jade Decree Sect and the Green Reed Sword Sect fell out, the consequences would be unimaginable. His hometown, the Tongye Continent, simply couldn’t withstand such internal strife.

Cui Dongshan cupped his fist and said with a cheerful smile, “Don’t blame Master Zhang, it’s all my fault.”

Chen Pingan intentionally or unintentionally walked shoulder to shoulder with Wang Ji, saying with a mind voice, “Esteemed Fellow Daoist, perhaps our Green Reed Sword Sect’s actions in this matter were indeed not so straightforward and pleasant. Let’s just take it as good things taking time? I hope that we can form an alliance in the future, and I can have a good drink with Esteemed Fellow Daoist. Even if, by chance, it doesn’t happen, in this vast Tongye Continent, there is no need to force ourselves onto a single path.”

Wang Ji was taken aback for a moment, then laughed heartily, “That’s straightforward!”

Cui Dongshan smiled.

Regardless of what Master Zhang said to this Esteemed Fellow Daoist.

The same words, spoken by himself, might be useless. But spoken by Master Zhang, they would be believed.

What virtues did he possess, to have found such a Master?

If there weren’t outsiders present, he would have burst into tears in front of Master Zhang.

Cui Dongshan clasped his hands behind his head, looking around. This ferry, which he had named Azure Robe, would gradually become a place where flowers bloomed along the path, vegetation flourished, and spring reigned all year round.

In the past, Master Zhang had returned to his hometown, leading a thin horse, following the water, skirting the mountains, a lone village of two or three houses by the ancient path in the setting sun. The mountains were barren, the water was shallow, the horse was thin, and the man was even thinner.

The sun and moon drove the passage of time, and the world stirred the traveler’s heart.

In the spring breeze of the new year, flowers bloom once more along the path.

The next time Master Zhang goes on a long journey and then returns home, he will definitely not be filled with sorrow again.