Alas, my tardiness in delivering this tale is my burden to bear. Forgive me.

Beneath a velvet cloak of night, the Wind Kite ferry, a vessel of renown, glided toward the Jade Tablet Sect’s Azure City Landing. This fabled port, whispered of throughout the continent, was a place where mountains offered warmth, and waters mirrored the heavens. The great lake lay still as glass, reflecting the moon’s silver glow upon the land, while lanterns danced like stars caught in the sky.

From the ferry’s cabins emerged a throng of travelers eager to partake in the beauty of the scene. They formed two distinct parties: On one side stood Mi Yu, the Sword Immortal, accompanied by the sprightly Zhou Mi Li, with the Master of Laws, Chang Ming, and his favored apprentice, the graceful Nalan Yu Die. On the other side were the scholarly Wei Wen Long, the contemplative Tao Ran, the wandering poet Shao Po Xian, and their entourage.

Nalan Yu Die, her eyes twinkling with mischief, turned to Mi Yu. “O Great Sword Immortal! Does such a scene not inspire a verse or two from your lips?”

Having spent her formative years amidst the austere heights of the Sword Qi Great Wall, Nalan Yu Die dared to address Mi Yu with an ease others might not. Even the formidable Yuan Zao Hua, once a mischievous ringleader amongst the children of that bastion, held a deep fondness for the slumbering-in-clouds, wine-loving Mi Yu.

Mi Yu chuckled, returning the question with a gentle probe. “The Hidden Officer suggested you join Bai Xuan and Sun Chun Wang to hone your swordsmanship in that blessed grotto. Why did you refuse such a boon?”

As the children of the Great Wall steadily ascended to the Domain realm, capable of soaring upon the winds, the Hidden Officer had long envisioned their futures. The Forsaken Mountain would join hands with the Azure Ripple Sword Sect to guide these budding sword saints on a protective journey of experience, perhaps to the Great Gully Estuary of the Treasure Bottle Continent, or the Dragon Ascension Terrace of Old Dragon City. They would dwell in simple huts, awaiting the rising sun and moon, gazing far and wide to broaden their horizons, nurturing their sword intent and purifying their sword hearts. Once they each achieved the Realm of Ocean Gaze, they would journey to the White Emperor City in the Central Continent, to behold the cascading waterfalls and raging rivers, and witness the legendary Dragon Gate.

Thanks to the Hidden Officer’s rapport with Old Dragon City, the Yun Lin Jiang Clan, and the White Emperor City, such matters were but trifles.

Nalan Yu Die, her lips pursed in a wry smile, offered a reply as bright and innocent as the day. “My master cannot bear to be parted from me, and I, in turn, cannot bear to be parted from my master.”

Chang Ming, his eyes crinkling with affection, gently stroked the young woman’s hair. “That is indeed the truth.”

The path of the sword was myriad and winding, and Chang Ming did not believe that Nalan Yu Die must remain within the仙都仙都山mountain to flourish. He possessed his own methods to ensure her sword cultivation would rival any of her peers.

Of course, Chai Wu was an exception.

A thought struck Mi Yu, and he remarked, “Nalan Cai Huan is now the newly appointed sect leader of the Rain Dragon Sect. Perhaps you should visit her? I would gladly accompany you on a journey across the sea. I hear the moon’s light upon the Reed Flower Isle, where a creation grotto resides, is wondrous to behold. By virtue of lineage, would you not address her as Grand Ancestor?”

Of the nine fledgling sword cultivators, even a fool could see that the Hidden Officer held a special fondness for Nalan Yu Die and Yao Xiao Yan, the small accountant and the little dreamer. Yet, in matters of importance, he was always fair and impartial.

Azure City Landing was the foremost port in the southern reaches of the桐葉洲桐葉洲 continent. Though named a landing, its scale rivaled that of a grand city, having been painstakingly renovated by the skilled artisans from the mountain over the years. It was adorned with rare flora, ever verdant, and the very stone used in its construction possessed a near-jade luster, hence the name “Azure City.”

The simultaneous docking of over thirty ferries was a testament to the depth of a sect’s foundation.

Wei Wen Long sighed in admiration. “The Azure Robe Landing would require a century, at least, to reach the grandeur of Azure City Landing.”

Shao Po Xian surveyed the port from above, its lights ablaze, its streets bustling, the very air thick with coin and humanity. “The most elusive element is popularity, especially in matters of financial credit. The Jade Tablet Sect is undeniably at the pinnacle of the桐葉洲桐葉洲 continent. The Azure Ripple Sword Sect pales in comparison, though this is to be expected. With an upper sect as support and Sect Master Cui’s management, there is always the possibility of surpassing them in the future.”

Shao Po Xian would disembark from the Wind Kite ferry at the banks of the燐河燐河 river on its homeward journey. Apart from a generous sum of Grain Rain coin from seed Master’s sect coffers, Cui Dong Shan had also gifted him over a dozen mountain treasures to gather the luck of mountains and waters, paving the way for his nation’s founding and consecration. The initial stages were always the hardest. With this divine coin and magical artifacts, he would not be overly strapped for cash. The money, of course, would be repaid, without interest. As for the debts of gratitude, he had already incurred three: the first when he fled and sought refuge upon Forsaken Mountain; the second when they aided him in establishing a nation on the foreign banks of the燐河燐河 river, restoring the realm of the Zhu萤 Dynasty of the宝瓶洲宝瓶洲 continent; and the third was the immeasurable debt owed to Wu Yi, the founding ancestor of the Purple Yang Estate, who had willingly agreed to serve as his nation’s guardian saint, bringing a retinue of trusted disciples.

Wei Wen Long remarked, “Of the dozens, even hundreds, of trade routes that once belonged to the various sects of the桐葉洲桐葉洲 continent, only a handful of vital ones remain in their grasp. The rest have actively sought the patronage of the Jade Tablet Sect.”

Shao Po Xian smiled. “Thus, the Temple of Literature possesses foresight in appointing Mountain Chief Zhou to oversee the Five Streams Academy, lest the Jade Tablet Sect attain unrivaled dominance.”

Wei Wen Long, ever stable in character, rarely opened his heart to those outside the Hidden Officer. He smiled faintly. “Shao, you are now a nascent soul sword cultivator. Once Dugu Meng Long establishes her nation, and if you manage to attain the upper five realms, founding your own sect would be within reach. A nation and a sect, supporting one another, would surely make a foothold in the桐葉洲桐葉洲 continent not difficult. The future is bright, and I wish you smooth sailing in all your endeavors.”

Shao Po Xian bowed his gratitude. “If that day ever comes, I shall invite you to drink with me!”

The woman now known as Dugu Meng Long, the future empress of her new nation, might have been acquainted with Mountain Lord Chen, but she did not seem overly warm or ingratiating toward him. However, having followed Shao Po Xian, the exiled prince, and resided at Forsaken Mountain, she felt a kinship with the treasurer from the Inverted Mountain Spring Stream Temple, despite their infrequent encounters. Such was the nature of fate; personal connections were all a matter of eye contact and mutual understanding. Hearing these words, she clasped her hands in gratitude, saying, “I have received much care from you over the years, Sir Wei. Please, visit us often.”

Wei Wen Long turned serious. “It’s a good thing the Hidden Officer isn’t here to witness this. I’d surely be held accountable.”

Dugu Meng Long, innocent as she was, did not understand. Shao Po Xian chuckled, explaining, “Sir Wei is jesting, teasing you for never showing Mountain Lord a pleasant face, yet being so accommodating toward him.”

She laughed. “Mountain Lord’s heart is not so small.”

Shao Po Xian chuckled. “Please, convey these kind words to Mountain Lord, however roundabout.”

Dugu Meng Long blushed. “I did not intend to, for these are my true feelings. There is no need for you to convey my words, or they would lose their sincerity.”

Wei Wen Long nodded. “Rest assured, the Hidden Officer sees everything with perfect clarity. He understands. He once spoke in casual conversation, saying that you, Meng Long, were able to follow Shao through thick and thin, without a word of complaint, something that not everyone could do. Adversity strengthens the spirit, hardship nurtures the soul. The darkest hour is but prelude to the dawn.”

Dugu Meng Long paused, surprised. “I thought I only garnered grim remarks.”

Wei Wen Long shook his head. “The stars revolve, and Yin and Yang transform, not for the sake of a single person. The sun and moon shine, not just for one individual. Each has their own life, their own fate.”

Shao Po Xian chuckled. “Those words sound like Mountain Lord’s.”

Gazing upon the picturesque Azure City Landing, Shao Po Xian felt at peace.

Spring is the heart of Heaven, autumn its diverging thought. Flowers bloom, wither, and bloom anew.

The Wind Kite ferry docked at Azure City Landing this night, not to flaunt the Forsaken Mountain’s wealth. The ferry, traversing the lands of three continents, needed to unload and load cargo at each port, as well as reconcile accounts. This was typically handled by Zhong Qiu and Zhang Jia Zhen, along with Jia Sheng, the Wind Kite ferry’s second-in-command, who were responsible for liaising with the Azure City Landing. Wei Wen Long, being the treasurer of an upper sect, was, according to the mountain’s conventions, not to involve himself too deeply in the financial affairs of a lower sect. Though Zhang Jia Zhen was also a member of the Forsaken Mountain’s register, his presence was more of a trial and learning experience under Zhong Qiu’s tutelage. A sect’s legacy encompassed more than just its spells and arts.

As for Old Immortal Jia, an old man in the house was a treasure. Setting aside his cultivation realm, his knowledge of human affairs was, according to Cui Dong Shan, at least at the Ascendant realm.

Generally, the ferry’s stewards would disembark and seek out those in charge at Azure City Landing to discuss cargo exchanges and audit accounts. This was a gesture of respect toward the Jade Tablet Sect. However, had it been up to Chief Mi, Azure City Landing would have broken its conventions. Indeed, Azure City Landing was of a mind to show favor towards Forsaken Mountain, or rather, the Hidden Officer Chen Ping An. However, they worried about the Jade Tablet Sect’s ancestral hall at Divine Seal Peak. Yet, to inform Divine Seal Peak of such a trivial matter seemed inappropriate. The intricacies of the mountain bureaucracy were truly manifold. Fortunately, Zhong Qiu and Jia Sheng had disembarked swiftly the first time the Wind Kite ferry passed by, bringing the managing elders of Azure City Landing great relief.

In a counting house at Azure City Landing, more than the familiar three, were three more guests from the Wind Kite ferry.

One of them was the Sword Immortal Mi, who never left the ferry when passing Azure City Landing in the past. Another was a man in a green robe and a small girl in black, who were sipping the tea the counting house officers offered.

Old Immortal Jia did not introduce them, so the counting house officers, who had rushed over, dared not to ask more.

The sword carrier appeared gentle and carefully checked the accounts, meaning he had a high position in Forsaken Mountain or the new Azure Ripple Sword Sect.

Perhaps he was the Sword Immortal Mi’s disciple?

Rumors had it that Sword Immortal Mi, from the Great Sword Wall, had become a true immortal.

How great of a fortune would it take to become a disciple of a great sword immortal? It was something you dared not even dream of.

The man in green asked professional questions about the accounts. The accountants, experienced themselves, could tell he was an expert. An amateur would never ask such questions.

Chen Ping An did not stay long. He bid goodbye with the little rice and Sword Immortal Mi after checking the accounts.

Old Immortal Jia was about to get up, but Chen Ping An smiled and waved his hands, so Old Immortal Jia stayed in his chair. The counting house officers looked at each other, wondering if they had slighted their guests, especially when they saw the man in green leading the way and Sword Immortal Mi following.

After they left, the officer in charge asked Old Jia, “Old Jia, who is that master?”

Jia Sheng stroked his beard. “To tell the truth, it is Mountain Lord Chen of Forsaken Mountain. You may not know that Mountain Lord highly respects accountants, so he had to meet you even when he was busy. He said you were half of the same profession, and I told him about your pasts. He remembered them all. As for why he did not announce his name, it was not to be arrogant. He knows accountants are busy, so he did not want to distract you.”

Zhong Qiu drank tea in silence.

Zhang Jia Zhen checked the accounts, admiring him.

Zhou Mi Li did not plan to disembark at first. She was going to see the view at the rails. But the Good Man Mountain Lord said he wanted to eat a midnight snack. She secretly checked her purse, realizing she had a whole army of money. She would not lose to a dinner. But she left the golden pole on the ferry.

Thus, a girl in black, carrying a bamboo case and walking with a staff, was in the middle. She was borrowing authority from others.

The Good Man Mountain Lord, with a jade hairpin, was wearing a green robe and carrying a sword.

In white robes, Sword Immortal Mi was handsome and carried a sword, and wore a gourd.

One was leisurely, with the bearing of a master. The other was lazy and handsome.

They were not to be trifled with.

Even at night, the streets were crowded. Many were curious about the little girl, wondering if she was an ancestor who had achieved youthfulness. You had to know how to observe others when you were out, such as their clothes, style, and decorations, as well as the emblems that told you about the person’s sect.

Chen Ping An chuckled, “Perhaps it’s because we’re too far from the Treasure Bottle continent. No one recognizes Sword Immortal Mi, even when we’re walking here.”

Zhou Mi Li asked, “Good Man Mountain Lord, is Master Yu famous outside?”

Mi Yu knew something bad was going to happen. As he was about to explain, Chen Ping An nodded. “Sword Immortal Mi is very famous. I cannot compare.”

Zhou Mi Li said quietly, “That’s right. Sister Luan told me that Master Yu is popular in Colorful Sparrow Prefecture in the North Ju Luzhou. The immortals would greet him. He is very welcome there.”

Chen Ping An glared at Sword Immortal Mi and chuckled, “Oh?”

Mi Yu explained, “I didn’t speak to anyone at Colorful Sparrow Prefecture.”

The Hidden Official sneered. “Ha.”

The little rice was confused. Why was Master Yu so arrogant there? Why did he not socialize? She tried to smooth things over. “Ah?”

Mi Yu was helpless.

Chen Ping An asked, “Want to buy some seeds?”

Zhou Mi Li shook her head. “You can buy anything anywhere else. You cannot buy pig at a slaughter house. You must buy seeds at Red Candle town. I know the place, and I am a regular. There is a discount when you buy a lot!”

Chen Ping An nodded. “You are good.”

They were here for the midnight snack. Zhou Mi Li reached into her sleeve and touched her purse again, smiling. “It’s on me tonight!”

She picked a restaurant. The wooden boards listed the dishes. Zhou Mi Li liked them all, but then she looked at the prices…

Zhou Mi Li scratched her face and took a deep breath. Money was not important. She would let it go and find a good place. She was willing to part ways and meet again.

After ordering and sitting down, Mi Yu could not help but ask, “Little Rice, you like to eat fish?”

The old cook would sometimes cook river fish in Forsaken Mountain. Mi Yu would look at Zhou Mi Li, but he could not tell if she liked it or not. She would eat it without spitting the bones. Today, Little Rice was being generous and had ordered river fish: one steamed and one braised.

Little Rice blinked.

Chen Ping An angrily said, “What else is Little Rice supposed to eat at Mute Lake? Water? What kind of question is that? Mi Yu, are you a…”

Chen Ping An and Little Rice said together, “Idiot?”

Little Rice laughed.

Mi Yu laughed as well.

That was right. Little Rice even had a bag of dried fish.

Zhou Mi Li winked at Mi Yu, meaning the past was forgiven.

Chen Ping An asked for another cup so that Little Rice could try some.

When Pei Qian was young, she liked liquor. She wanted to show that she was old enough to drink. Chen Ping An was strict at the time, and he would punish her.

Little Black would find Wei Hai Liang in secret and play drinking games, pretending to be adults. Wei Xian could not even beat her.

Zhou Mi Li would only take a sip and say, “Wah! Delicious liquor!”

You were supposed to hold the cup with two hands and nod when drinking tea.

Zhou Mi Li had learned all of this herself.

Halfway through the meal, Wang Ji, the ancestral hall officer, Qiu Zhi, the Nine Yi Peak Chief, and the young sword cultivators, Wei Gu Su and Wei Xian You, arrived.

The restaurant was shocked.

Upper five realm cultivators were rare.

It was also told that Wei Ying’s favorite disciple,

There were also guesses that it was the genius of the Nine Yi Peak.

Wang Ji cupped his hands and said, “Mountain Lord Chen, we are here at Azure City Landing and heard the Wind Kite ferry had docked. Sorry to disturb.”

In the past, there were as many intercontinental ferries as ascendants in the 桐葉洲桐葉洲 continent.

Now, there were two from North Ju Luzhou and two from the Treasure Bottle Continent. One was Forsaken Mountain’s Wind Kite ferry and the other was the Fu Family’s ferry from Old Dragon City.

Chen Ping An got up and cupped his hands. “Master Wang, Old Year, Girl Wei.”

Mi Yu was eating and did not want to get up. He only cupped his hands.

Chen Ping An and Zhou Mi Li were sitting on one bench and Mi Yu took another one, leaving two.

Wang Ji sat down in front of Chen Ping An. Wei Gu Su stood. Wei Xian You took the seat next to Mi Yu.

Wei Xian You said, “Brother, sit. What are you standing for?”

Wei Gu Su sat next to Wang Ji.

Wei Xian You smiled. “Sword Immortal Mi, we meet again.”

Mi Yu nodded.

Wei Gu Su drank.

He was heartbroken, even before drinking.

Why was Sect Master Jiang so accurate in the ways of love?

Mi Yu could not explain it. He could not use his skills around the Hidden Official.

Chen Ping An glanced at Mi Yu, who sat straight like a gentleman.

Wang Ji found it strange. How could an immortal sword cultivator be without face?

If not for Mi Lan Yao’s reputation, Wang Ji would wonder if Mi Yu was a native of Great Sword Wall.

Wang Ji asked, “Mountain Lord Chen, should we chat in private after we eat?”

Azure City Landing was Jade Tablet Sect’s property. It was only rented. The Jade Tablet Sect got a lot of income from the sects and governments who were doing business here.

Chen Ping An shook his head. “That’s not needed. We can talk while we eat.”

Wang Ji sent a voice transmission, “The Cloth Sack Shop wants to participate in the Great Gully project. They paid 4,000 Grain Rain coins as a deposit. The ancestral hall at Divine Seal Peak has received your letter and had a discussion. There were not many objections. They told Sect Master Wei. Most of them are in favor.”

The ancestral hall’s meetings, whether big or small, were never to be leaked. Wang Ji was being honest because he trusted the Azure Ripple Sword Sect and Chen Ping An. Moreover, the Cloth Sack Shop was only working together with Azure Ripple Sword Sect as a courtesy to Jade Tablet Sect.

The way Cloth Sack Shop would participate was not going to affect anything. Otherwise, the Yao Dynasty would object.

Chen Ping An fed Little Rice and raised his cup to Wang Ji. “It is not bad to have objections. The Cloth Sack Shop is probably ready for it.”

Wang Ji understood and drank with Chen Ping An.

Mi Yu was also learning. The scholars were good at business.

Chen Ping An said, “The Cloth Sack Shop has a good reputation that has accumulated over years. I think the Cloth Sack Shop is focused on the桐葉洲桐葉洲 continent south of the Great Gully. You will be working with them more in the future. I have met Old Ancestor Zhang. He is cunning, but I think he is true to his emotions. You should be direct with him.”

Wang Ji nodded. “Understood.”

Then Chen Ping An talked to Qiu Zhi. It seemed Qiu Zhi had been in contact with Bai Xuan.

After a happy meal, Zhou Mi Li asked for more liquor. Chen Ping An was about to ask Mi Yu to pay, but Wang Ji said, “We cannot let you pay when you are at Azure City Landing.”

Wei Gu Su stood up and said, “I’ll pay.”

Zhou Mi Li smiled. “Master Wang, I already paid.”

Chen Ping An nodded and Wang Ji could not help but let her. Wang Ji and Qiu Zhi left Azure City Landing with a ship.

Chen Ping An asked, “How much did you pay?”

Zhou Mi Li raised three fingers.

Chen Ping An was shocked. “Three Little Heat coins?! We are rebelling! I’m going to get an explanation!”

Zhou Mi Li grinned, and Chen Ping An patted her head. “Little Rice, are you a pig? You paid this much?”

Mi Yu did not say anything.

Hidden Official, your acting is bad.

“Wrong! It’s Snowflower coins.”

Little Rice was proud. “If I didn’t order the most expensive liquor, it would be less than two Snowflower coins.”

Little Heat coins and Snowflower coins were given to disciples.

Little Heat coins were the family’s treasure.

Grain Rain coins were the most valuable. It was a pity that Little Rice had not saved any.

She, Pei Qian, Sister Nuan Shu, and Cao Qing Lang each had three money boxes at Sister Nuan Shu’s place: one for copper coins, one for silver and gold, and one for divine coins.

The little girl was guilty. “Good Man Mountain Lord, I ordered the cheapest liquor. The other liquors were too expensive.”

Mi Yu was about to comfort her, saying that it was fine and it was the thought that counted.

But the Hidden Official rubbed her head. “Why are you so stingy? What happened to the great monster of the Mute Lake who bought a bell with Grain Rain coins?”

Little Rice chuckled. “Thrift!”

Chen Ping An nodded. “Like me, we are the same.”

Mi Yu held his head. The women looked at him, but he did not see them.

“Good Man Mountain Lord, where does it cost two to three Little Heat coins?”

“There is. Why not? Some places cost Grain Rain coins. Every chopstick is divine coin.”

“Will it be hard to hold the chopsticks?”

Chen Ping An pretended to hold chopsticks, trembling. “I would have to hold them like this.”

“Then they are eating whatever they want.”

“I’ll take you with me whenever I have the chance.”

“Then I’ll tell the host to give me the money for the food I don’t eat.”

“That’s embarrassing. I cannot say that. We’ll be begging for money.”

“Haha, that is interesting.”

Mi Yu found it interesting.

Zhou Mi Li, Chen Nuan Shu, Cao Qing Lang:

No matter what, they were the Hidden Official’s happiness.

They were eating with him on a clear day.

In life, do not ask for a harvest, only to till. In the heart, cultivate self-discipline, wisdom, and seek blessings from Heaven.

***

A young emperor traveled in disguise to a city in his territory, with a nascent soul imperial officer. The imperial officer was the student of a noble protector, who had died in the capitol. Now, the old capital of the Great Abyss Dynasty was a ruin. There was also a eunuch and the general, Bao.

Other than Gu Qiu and Xiao Fang, there was the martial artist Hong Chou, the casual cultivator Wang Meng, and the Coin Monkey.

It was spring. The emperor Yuan Ying was not a cultivator. He smiled, “Gu Qiu, this is important. You should have informed General Bao sooner. We should be a host, as Master Cui is the sect leader of a sect. There are not many sects in this continent.”

The emperor did not blame Gu Qiu.

His government knew because the Coin Monkey had said something to Wang Meng, who told Hong Chou, who told General Bao. The emperor, Yuan Ying, had heard it.

Gu Qiu remained calm. “General Bao has to govern and train soldiers. I did not know, so I did not want to bother him.”

The general was embarrassed.

Yuan Ying laughed it off and entered the Coin Monkey’s house. The Coin Monkey was scared and brought out two chairs. “Your Majesty, Sect Master Cui and Master Chen sat here.”

It was the first time Qian Jun had worked with an emperor.

Wang Meng laughed. Qian was living with a sect leader but was scared of an emperor.

The Great Abyss Yuan Dynasty was a powerful nation of the 桐葉洲桐葉洲 continent. It was now divided into three, and all three leaders claimed they were the true heirs. The Yuan Dynasty and the Great Spring Dynasty had fought the demon army, but the Yuan Dynasty had fallen.

The new emperor Yuan Ying had gathered the old officials, but the warriors were going to Yuan Li, as he gave them better positions and gifts. But Yuan Ying did not want to put them in power.

The warriors who could fight were going to Yuan Li, and Yuan Li would give them land and women. So Yuan Mi wanted to ally with him, but Yuan Ying knew it was too dangerous. Thus, Yuan Ying was indecisive.

Qian spoke nervously, “Your Majesty, Master Cui sat on this chair, and his master sat on this chair. The immortals from 仙都仙都山mountain were friendly and talked with me for a while.”

Qian was still lost and did not know what had happened.

He hoped not to be caught up.

Yuan Ying nodded.

It was bad to have a sect as a neighbor.

Yuan Ying read about the city and had decided to come.

Yuan Ying smiled. “Qian Jun, don’t be nervous. What did the immortals say?”

The emperor had them bring in more benches. “Let’s all sit and talk.”

Qian swallowed. Yuan Ying laughed, “Qian Jun, do you drink?”

Qian glanced at Wang Meng and saw that she was indifferent.

Hong Chou said, “Your Majesty, Qian can drink, but not much.”

Yuan Ying nodded. “Bring him some liquor.”

Yuan Ying told Gu Qiu, “I’ve seen what you’ve done. Gu Qiu, you will be the temporary city god here. I’ll tell you one day when I rebuild the capital…”

Gu Qiu nodded.

Yuan Ying could not use honeyed words.

“Hong Chou, you are a realm six master. If you want, you can work for General Bao. I’ll give you an answer in half a month.”

Hong Chou cupped his hands.

“Wang Meng, you are a middle five realm immortal. If you want to start a sect, I’ll give you land. But I cannot give you money.”

Wang Meng smiled. “Your Majesty, I am only at the Domain realm and am a wild cultivator. I’m not suited for being in the bureaucracy. Please forgive me.”

Yuan Ying nodded, “I won’t force you.”

Qian told him about the talk.

Emperor Yuan Ying found it unfathomable. Who was this Master Chen? How could he be the sect leader’s teacher?

Gu Qiu said, “Your Majesty, we have guests. There are four people. Two are ghost cultivators at the nascent soul realm. I cannot tell how powerful the others are.”

Soon, four people had arrived. Two were ghost cultivators.

Gu Qiu frowned and saw who they were. There was good and bad. It was not about the person’s species.

They were Cao Qing Lang, Cui Wei, Wu Gou, and Xiao Meng Ying.

Yuan Ying waved his hands and came outside.

The scholar bowed. “Cao Qing Lang of the ancestral hall of Azure Ripple Peak in 仙都仙都山mountain greets Your Majesty.”

The man said, “Cui Wei, law master of Azure Ripple Sword Sect.”

The ghost cultivators said, “Wu Gou, officer of the Azure Ripple Sword Sect.” “Xiao Meng Ying, officer.”

The young emperor was moved.

The law master said his name after the officer?

There was no news from the mountains and from other continents. The royal court had to buy them at Azure City Landing and Peach Leaf Landing.

The first day of Spring was the day Azure Ripple Sword Sect was founded in 仙都仙都山mountain. The guests were the Jade Tablet Sect and the Great Spring Dynasty.

That was all the information that could be found.

Who was Cui Dong Shan? No one had heard of him.

Yuan Ying straightened and bowed. “I, Yuan Ying, the descendant of Great Abyss, greet Master Cao, Law Master Cui, and Master Wu and Xiao.”

Cao Qing Lang smiled. “Your Majesty, no need. I, Law Master Cui, Officer Wu, and Officer Xiao have looked at the people in your territories.”

The other emperors had learned more. Yuan Li was going to the仙都仙都山mountain with his men.

Cao Qing Lang said, “You cannot govern with only skill.”

Emperor Yuan Ying was speechless.

Cui Wei said, “Cao Qing Lang is the direct student of Mountain Lord Chen of the upper sect Forsaken Mountain, so his views are the same as the Azure Ripple Sword Sect’s.”

Hong Chou and Wang Meng trembled and looked at each other. Hong Chou swallowed and cupped his hands. “May I ask, are you talking about the Forsaken Mountain of the Treasure Bottle continent? Mountain Lord Chen… is that Mountain Lord Chen?”

Cao Qing Lang nodded. Cui Wei asked, “Or is there another?”

The emperor and Qian were like zombies.

But it was a good dream.

***

Dragon Riding Lane.

Xie Gou hesitated and did not show his true form. He shrunk his head. “We are family now.”

“Why did you pick such a name? Bai Jing, Chao Yun, Wai Jing, Yao Ling are better. Now, you might lose your head.”

Bai Jing was a sword cultivator and the new master of Wei Jia. Thus, Bai Jing and Yang Zhi each had an inheritance.

Xie Gou forced a smile.

Sword holder, sword attendant, or sword spirit?

Xiao Mo was about to get up, but Chen Ping An told him to sit.

The table was like a whirlpool and an impassible river.

A Buddhist poet said, “Men pass over bridges, but rivers do not flow.”

The “Chen Ping An” smiled. “Xiao Mo, my true form is in the 桐葉洲桐葉洲 continent. I am an exile. Of course, I am still myself.”

Xiao Mo asked, “Xiao Mo greets Master.”

Bai Jing asked, “Did you eat each other?”

The true body and deity of a cultivator were related.

This was a difficult question.

Zhao Deng Gao, Tian Jiu Er, the white haired boy Kong Hou, and Cui Hua Sheng were frozen.

She looked at the celestial demon. “Are we playing a game?”

The boy blinked, realizing that they were family and no longer pretended to be a wooden person. He shouted, “Ancestor Hidden Official is powerful, suppresses three continents, and is undefeated! His plans are perfect!”

He created colorful streamers, and his words turned to gold.

Chen Ping An smiled. “Keep going. You cannot have too much praise.”

The boy was tired. “I don’t have any words.”

Chen Ping An said, “Can’t you think of any?”

The boy sniffed. “I have to read books.”

Bai Jing was surprised. “Kong Hou, you were hiding it well.”

Bai Jing had thought his neighbor was a celestial, but now she realized that he was a flying ascendant.

They could not see each other’s strength. It was not like martial artists, who could tell each other’s power based on breathing and walking.

Chen Ping An looked at Bai Jing, so Bai Jing said, “Do I need to swear?”

Bai Jing had learned what it meant to be full of dragons in this small county. There was the guardian and a flying ascendant demon was working as a janitor at Forsaken Mountain?

She patted his hat. “The identity of Kong Hou is important, but swearing is nothing. I only need to kill you.”

Bai Jing sighed, “When man is about to defy Heaven, there is always a way.”

Xie Gou looked at the demon with contempt, but the demon looked back.

Xie Gou said, “You win.”

Chen Ping An asked, “Is Fei Fei your great disciple?”

Xie Gou thought. “I have too many disciples. It is hard to tell who Fei Fei learned from. I have to fight her to know for sure. I had to rush to meet Xiao Mo, so I didn’t see her.”

Bai Jing had built a temple in the sun. Most demons got help from her, so Chen Ping An guessed that she was an embodiment of fire.

10,000 years ago, some genius had “divinity.” They were the reincarnation of gods. They were naturally suited for cultivation and could reach their realm quickly, but it was hard for them to break through to the immortals.

Xie Gou was not boasting about her disciples.

She looked at the tall woman and then Chen Ping An.

She looked at him, lazily. “I don’t care about fourteen realm.”

Xie Gou was mad. He was the one who always said that, using ascendancy realm instead of fourteen realm.

He was shorter, but it was not just that.

She ignored Bai Jing. “What if we found a mountain here in Huang County.”

“One day, we will found a religion and name ourselves ancestors.”

“Kou Ming, Cui Chan, and Qi Jing Chun would be the heads, Zheng Ju Zhong would be the law master, and Liu Ju Bao would be the money manager.”

“They can guide others, and they can be examples. They can make difficult paths easy. At the same time, they can complement each other in scholarship, education, and career. There would be five fourteen realm masters.”

Bai Jing was stunned.

Fourteen realm masters were not turnips!