Chen Ping’an and Xiao Mo ascended the mountain path, their footsteps measured.

Longing for home…was it not simply the longing for the people and things of one’s birthplace? The Old Chef’s table, laden with familiar dishes, was a comforting anchor for wandering souls, a touchstone of reality.

Upon the steps above, Zhu Lian sat, the maiden in the rose-hued dress stood, and the Old Chef waved, a graceful *wanfu* offered in the direction of Master Chen, returning home, and the young Xiao Mo, re-ascending the mountain.

Behind them, at the mountain gate, Immortal Wei helped the crimson-clad youth with his tallying, the incense figurine, hands on hips, watched the Mountain Lord’s departing figure from atop the Daoist’s shoulder, murmuring, “His demeanor…like an unscalable peak. His kindness…like a spring breeze.” The crimson youth sighed, stamping hard on the Immortal Wei’s shoulder, filled with envy. “Wei, oh Wei, your fortunes have turned! Who knew such a paragon of virtue and wisdom existed? Chief Pei is truly a man of sincerity. Wei, you’re destined for greatness!”

Chen Ping’an spoke in a whisper meant for only Xiao Mo’s ears: “With your and Bai Jing’s cultivation, can you see past Zhu Lian’s carefully crafted visage?”

He had once thought Zhu Lian’s ‘face-skins’ were merely a trick learned in Lotus Flower Paradise. But after studying the masks Zhu Lian had gifted him, Chen Ping’an realized they were infused with a mountain talisman technique, strengthened by a warrior’s unwavering *qi*. It swirled about his features like mist, obscuring even the heavens’ gaze. Unlike the illusions of mountain immortals, it was subtle, even undetectable to Chen Ping’an’s earlier *Yu Pu* state. He would have to seek Zhu Lian’s tutelage.

This meant that perhaps Yu Zhenyi of the Songlai Kingdom’s Lake Mountain Sect was not the first warrior to dabble in the immortal arts. Zhu Lian, a generation ahead of both Ding Ying and Yu Zhenyi, might have been the true pioneer.

Xiao Mo replied, “With careful observation, perhaps. But Master Zhu clearly has reasons for hiding his true face. I would not presume to pry. Whether Bai Jing has secretly attempted to pierce the veil, and thus offended Master Zhu, I cannot say.”

Chen Ping’an’s expression was wry. “I doubt Bai Jing could resist such temptation.”

Xiao Mo tilted his head. “Why do you say that, Master Chen?”

Chen Ping’an sighed. “Let us not speak of it. It is of no consequence.”

Truth be told, there were few in either of the two great realms that could inspire a sense of unease in Chen Ping’an. Zhu Lian, upon revealing his true face, was one such being.

Even the fourteen demon kings of the desolate north, including the Grand Ancestor of Mount Tuoyue and the astute Wen Hai Zhoumi, had failed to make Chen Ping’an yield. Instead, he had advanced, sword raised, challenging the ancient horrors.

As Chen Ping’an and Xiao Mo drew nearer, Zhu Lian rose, a smile upon his hidden features. “I was preparing supper. Welcome home, Master Chen.”

The maiden in rose whispered, “Did Millet come home with you, Grandfather?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “She traveled with the Lawkeeper Changming and the others on a wind-kite skyship. I disembarked in Old Dragon City with Senior Song of Combing Water. We journeyed together for a time before I parted ways, hurrying ahead. I arrived first. Xiao Mo, would you be so kind as to fetch the Right Protector?”

That which held Chen Ping’an’s unwavering focus, once the Ground-Shaking Fist, was now this sword-light escape, a technique Ning Yao could master with ease.

The sword-light bloomed, like the last rays of twilight woven into silk. Against the night, the moon was gathered snow, its light scattered flakes. When Chen Ping’an paused amidst the clouds, a dozen blades of light coalesced into one. It was a fitting image: the clumsy bird, flying early.

Xiao Mo nodded with a smile. “Of course.”

The mere mention of Millet seemed to infuse him with an even gentler disposition.

Chen Ping’an jested, “Supper, supper! We shall dine later, when Xiao Mo and the Right Protector return. And let us invite Immortal Wei and the Right Protector of Riding Dragon Lane to join us.”

Xiao Mo, eager to depart, sped toward the mountain gate, extending an invitation to Immortal Wei and the crimson youth to dine at Master Zhu’s abode, promising to return in half an hour. Then, with a flash of rainbow light, he was gone, traversing leagues in an instant. Where clouds served as ports, the sword-light was unparalleled. Even the famed Flowing霞 Skiffs could scarcely match its speed. It made Chen Ping’an long for such a vessel. When would Fallen Star Mountain possess a Flowing霞 Skiff of its own? Though such ships were ill-suited for long-haul trade, consuming far too many spirit coins, they served as impressive displays for major sects, used to transport dignitaries and honored guests to grand celebrations.

Within Zhu Lian’s dwelling, Chen Ping’an sat upon a bamboo chair on the porch, weaving an unfinished basket. Nearby, a rattan lounger awaited, where the Old Chef likely reclined to escape summer’s heat or bask in winter’s snow.

Zhu Lian had retreated to the kitchen, apron tied, already at work. It was not every day that Master Chen dined with them. He would prepare a feast. He remembered leaving their homeland with Little Black Charcoal, when Pei Qian demanded a ‘fist-fight’ with the Four Guardians. Zhu Lian had declared himself the most skilled fighter among chefs, and the most accomplished cook among warriors. Pei Qian had been so amused that she had spared him the ordeal, deeming it a victory unworthy of pursuit. Later, he had heard of Zhu Lian’s reputation as the ‘Banished Immortal of Zhu’, even the title ‘Noble Scion’. Pei Qian had nearly collapsed with laughter. What manner of blinded or naive damsels could see that old, crooked chef and call him ‘Zhu Lang’? Only Old Wei, honest and true, had pondered the matter alongside Pei Qian, concluding that Zhu Lian must have been wealthy in his youth, a moneyed scholar fond of spouting poetry and scattering coins. Money, combined with talent, made a man seem handsome indeed. Wei was unlettered, but not without insight.

Chen Nuanshu sat nearby, her voice soft as she shared tidings of the mountain and the world beyond.

The true harbinger on Fallen Star Mountain, the renowned Right Protector, was but a shadow of this maid.

The hours of leisure passed swiftly. Before long, Xiao Mo returned from the wind-kite skyship with Zhou Millet in tow. They paused at the mountain gate, inviting Immortal Wei and the crimson youth to join them for supper. Zhou Millet bounded up the steps, her face alight with joy. Above her pale brows, like tiny, weathered benches, sat rows of miniature folk, basking in the sun – kin, neighbors, all merry, joyous, delighted, exuberant…

“Coming home!”

The crimson youth, picking his way carefully, said, “Deputy Chief Zhou, I spoke with Master Chen earlier, and he was pleased with my diligent work. He has agreed to recommend me for the newly established position of Chief Protector of Riding Dragon Lane. What do you think? If you and Chief Pei believe I require further training, I shall reluctantly decline, even at the risk of offending Master Chen.”

The intricacies of office were not easily navigated. One needed not only a patron, but also the strength to stand on one’s own.

Immortal Wei rolled his eyes.

He felt as though his years of wandering had led only to the position of Left Protector of Riding Dragon Lane.

Zhou Millet slowed her pace, tugging at the cord of her cotton satchel, frowning in concentration. She nodded. “Master Chen rarely recommends anyone for high office. Do you have the confidence?”

The crimson youth’s face shone. “Yes! I am prepared to brave fire and water!”

He would have confidence even leading a new branch, not just a small lane chief.

He had cultivated personal connections and trustworthy subordinates in the state city, veterans of government who had transferred from Huaihuang County. He had been carefully developing them, waiting for the moment when the branch was established. He could vouch for their capabilities, their discretion, and their loyalty. Their intelligence gathering was unparalleled.

But such ambition could be viewed as presumption. If Chief Pei or Deputy Chief Zhou discovered his plans, they might misconstrue his motives. To be suspected by one’s lord was a cardinal sin. He would keep his plans concealed.

Like his secret inclusion in the Bamboo House’s register of rivers and mountains. Even the esteemed Elder Lingjun, a loyal servant of Fallen Star Mountain, had yet to earn such recognition.

Could one speak of such things aloud? Would Elder Lingjun, who could transform into a dragon, not beat him half to death?

Lingjun’s inclusion was said to be under consideration. Deputy Chief Zhou had once put forth his name, but it had been rejected, to be discussed at a later time.

At the table, Chen Ping’an sat in the place of honor. Zhu Lian and Xiao Mo faced each other.

Immortal Wei offered a seat on a long bench to Little Nuanshu. Zhou Millet sat beside the Old Chef. The crimson youth, due to his stature, sat upon the table’s edge, sipping a bit of fermented rice wine from a thimble-sized ‘wine jar’.

Immortal Wei was fond of everyone on Fallen Star Mountain, but he favored Nuanshu above all.

His earlier complaint to Chen Ping’an had been prompted by the thoughtless Xie, who had provoked Nuanshu.

Otherwise, a seasoned wanderer like Immortal Wei would not risk incurring the resentment of others.

Chen Ping’an took a bowl of rice from Nuanshu and, seeing that no one had yet touched their chopsticks, smiled. “Don’t be shy. There’s no need for ceremony here.”

He placed a portion of stir-fried bamboo shoots and meat in Nuanshu’s bowl, then a helping of steamed mandarin fish for Millet.

Zhu Lian laughed. “Bamboo shoots are easy enough to come by, but this mandarin fish is a delicacy even immortals rarely taste. It’s thanks to Master Chen catching a few in Jumping Wave River, and graciously storing it on ice for us. This fish feeds on apricot blossoms, hence its delicate flavor. To braise it would be sacrilege. Do try it. If it pleases you, it’s not my skill, but the quality of the fish. If not, I shall have to examine my methods.”

Chen Ping’an chuckled wryly. “It’s not entirely for your sake. A fisherman treasures his catch. It’s only natural to parade it through town.”

As a boy, Liu Xianyang had often done such things, dragging Chen Ping’an along to stroll through Apricot Blossom Lane and Mud Bottle Lane. In retrospect, it was an embarrassing display.

Millet, a rapid eater, pretended to savor the fish, nodding her head enthusiastically. “Delicious, indeed! The Old Chef’s skill enhances it further!”

Immortal Wei, having just seized a chicken leg, hastily grabbed a large portion of mandarin fish. To sample such fare was a dream. In this world, money dictates all.

The crimson youth, being a spirit of incense, had little interest in food, but Nuanshu always prepared a small dish for him, a single chopstickful equivalent to a feast for him.

Zhu Lian mentioned, “Master Chen, many families with the surname Chen have relocated from Huaihuang County to the state city. They have all begun to revise their family histories, seeking to claim kinship with you. This tidbit was provided by our Right Protector of Riding Dragon Lane.”

The crimson youth muttered, “Such trifles hardly warrant mentioning at the dinner table. It demeans Fallen Star Mountain and belittles me.”

He spoke more freely with the Old Chef, knowing Zhu Lian was easygoing and held no authority over his career in Riding Dragon Lane. An immediate superior outweighed a distant manager. To please everyone was to please no one.

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

Zhu Lian ignored the crimson youth’s complaints and continued. “What shall we do about this? Shall I alert the state and county governments, asking them to intervene? Otherwise, the genealogists will write whatever they are paid to.”

The profession of genealogist, once a shadowy practice, was now widespread in the southern countries of Treasure Bottle洲.

Chen Ping’an shook his head. “Let them be. I shall not interfere.”

The crimson youth, determined to be a loyal advisor, said, “Master Chen, we cannot ignore this! Before we know it, the state city will be overrun with uncles and cousins. They might not dare to flaunt their status here, but their whispers could harm your reputation. If you trust me, I can speak with the city god Gao Guanggun and his subordinates. I have many friends in the city god temples and earth shrines. They have good relations with me. I can quash this nonsense!”

Chen Ping’an explained with a smile, “Do not trouble yourself. Some of those families are indeed distant relatives of my ancestors. It’s better not to cut them off entirely. If you intervene, they might stop revising their family histories altogether. It’s harmless if their genealogies include a branch of the Chen family. Let them be.”

The crimson youth paused, awed. “Master Chen’s generosity exceeds Gao Ping’s a hundredfold.”

The small figure, sitting cross-legged, hastily raised two fingers. “I swear, I am not flattering you!”

Chief Pei had said her master was righteous and disliked flattery. She had always taught her to be sincere and trustworthy.

The crimson youth would not dismiss such wisdom.

Chen Ping’an glanced at Nuanshu, inquiring if Pei Qian had taught him such things.

The maiden smiled, neither tattling nor lying.

Chen Ping’an, as always when on Fallen Star Mountain, drank while eating. At his wine shop, it was a bowl of wine with a bowl of plain noodles.

Xiao Mo said, “I heard Bai Shang of the Northern Jue Continent has begun his seclusion.”

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

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

Bai Shang, the Northern Sword Immortal, had long been at the immortal realm bottleneck.

If not for Chen Ping’an and Cui Dongshan, Bai Shang’s ascension would have been guaranteed, albeit unjustly. But at least his swordplay would have been pure. Good and evil were of the heart, not of the heavens.

Chen Ping’an remarked, “Either Bai Shang has found a trustworthy and powerful immortal to guard him, or it’s a ruse, a trap waiting to be sprung.”

Bai Shang’s relationship with He Xiaoliang was tense due to his disciple Xu Xuan. He had sworn that He Xiaoliang would never reach ascension.

Knowing He Xiaoliang’s ambition, she would not stand idly by if Bai Shang secluded himself. During the Ghost Cry Valley incident, it was He Xiaoliang who had orchestrated the appearance of Gao Cheng. Chen Ping’an had repaid the favor at the Suijia city.

To maintain tranquility, one should not become too entangled in mortal affairs.

“More likely a deception,” Zhu Lian said.

“If I were someone else, I would fear that Bai Shang’s seclusion is genuine. He is confident in breaking through quickly. To sabotage another during seclusion is a great taboo. Even with Tianjun Xie Shi as an ally, the Xie Shi should not interfere. The sect’s foundation could be at risk.”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

He sensed that He Xiaoliang would seize the chance to delay Bai Shang’s ascension.

Immortal Wei inquired, “Who is this ‘someone’? Are they powerful enough to disrupt a sword immortal’s seclusion? Such enmity!”

Zhu Lian smiled, sipping his wine.

Chen Ping’an changed the subject. “How is Lotus Flower Paradise?”

Zhu Lian replied, “There have been strange occurrences. Recently, in a local shrine within Songlai Kingdom, the deity became manifest. Though this water god’s position is low, it is a good omen.”

Xiao Mo agreed. “One occurrence leads to others. It is a great blessing.”

Immortal Wei was stunned. “You have a private paradise?”

Chen Ping’an, ever the miser, even in riches!

To keep such a thing secret! Did he take him for a fool?

Chen Nuanshu softly corrected him. “We have a paradise.”

Immortal Wei forced a laugh. “Yes, we, we have a paradise.”

The crimson youth raised two fingers again. “I swear to keep all I have heard within me!”

Immortal Wei wondered if his position as a gatekeeper and his meager power would allow him to finally be himself.

Chen Ping’an asked, “How are Cao Yin’s cultivation and Cao Yang’s boxing progressing?”

Zhu Lian nodded. “Cao Yin has talent. Cao Yang is learning quickly. They are both promising. If possible, I think Cao Yin should learn boxing.”

He continued, “At that time when the two become immortals, there will be room to change. It is said that there are two sides to a cultivator, and Cao Yin should make good use of it.”

The path that Chen Ping’an walked was not one to be emulated.

Zhu Lian knew that, for Cao Qinglang to progress, Chen Ping’an wanted him to go one step further.

Chen Ping’an slowly said, “I fought with Ye Yunyun at the Celestial Capital Mountain, and her boxing, I understand. Furthermore, she is willing to spread it. There will be many Qing Ping Swordsmen visiting us. We can learn from each other.”

Zhu Lian smiled. “Teach them boxing, and I will keep an eye on them.”

Chen Ping’an lifted his bowl.

Chen Yuji was already on this path, but Zhu Lian taught her by hiding it.

Chen Ping’an let it go. For Chen Yuji, this was a good thing.

Cao Yin, Chen Yuji…Zhu Lian was creating more successful disciples so that Fallen Star Mountain could carve out a new path to ascension.

Immortal Wei asked, “Ye Yunyun? The one from Tongye Island? Was it a win or a lose?”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “A draw.”

The crimson youth exclaimed, “That’s a win!”

Immortal Wei looked confused. “Why?”

The crimson youth rolled his eyes. “Master Chen is humble. Besides, with him, Pei has learned how to fight.”

Chen Ping’an took it as an opportunity to remind his disciple to stop blowing smoke.

Zhou Millet, though quiet, was definitely happy.

With Master Chen home, gathering at the Old Chef was warm and lively, but she felt like she was missing something. It felt better to be at home.

Xiao Mo suddenly said, “I’ll deal with Xie Dog.”

Zhu Lian grinned.

Immortal Wei’s head snapped up. What? That sounded dangerous.

Chen Ping’an retorted, “She might just buy a home in town or buy one of the nearby peaks.”

Xiao Mo became deflated.

Millet picked up on one thing. “She has money?”

It wasn’t cheap to buy a mountain!

“She is rich,” Chen Ping’an confirmed.

Xiao Mo sighed, admitting that, among them, Bai Jing had the strongest household and ability to make money.

Chen Ping’an asked, “Why isn’t she with you?”

Xiao Mo looked pained. “She’s busy posting notices in town. She had to post a notice in Taoye Alley and got almost beat up.”

“If it comes to blows, she definitely won’t fight back,” Zhu Lian said, “and she will stumble back here for you to see her bruises.”

Xiao Mo smiled helplessly, seeing that Bai Jing was acting like a younger Bai Jing.

Immortal Wei was impressed.

Chen Ping’an looked complicated.

He’s now poor, but the first coin was forged by him.

Chen Ping’an had given Chang Ming, one of his followers, the first coins as payment to enter the cave.

Zhu Lian said, “We have been receiving many invitations for you, so I declined. But you should still look through them.”

Too much time spent on these things would be a waste and would deplete one’s energy.

Chen Ping’an nodded.

Zhu Lian was touched. “Only you would say that!”

Chen Ping’an wanted to curse, but when Nuanshu and Millet began to clap, he resisted.

Immortal Wei found him agreeable.

Immortal Wei then asked, “What about Bai Xuan?”

Chen Lingjun and Bai Xuan were both good friends with Immortal Wei, but the two of them were different. Chen Lingjun was friendly and liked to chat, and Bai Xuan was quiet. It was said that every morning, he went down the mountain, and every evening, he returned to the hall, with a pot of tea. At the mountain gate, he asked Immortal Wei about the world, hoping to learn about his journeys.

Chen Ping’an laughed. “He’s cultivating, and has to progress to the Dragon Gate before he’s allowed back.”

After dinner, Nuanshu and Millet helped clean up.

Chen Ping’an left Zhu Lian’s home and went to the bamboo building.

The Grey Mist mountain and the Celestial Capital peak were close to the Fallen Star Mountain. The Celestial Capital was home to a sect that was similar to the Yellow Beam Sect, but never exchanged visits.

The top of the Fallen Star Mountain was much higher. Chen Ping’an turned into a sword, reaching the peak, and he looked out onto the town.

Before, the people of the town were happy to go through Mud Bottle Alley.

Chen Ping’an took a drink from his gourd.

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

Zhu Lian took out the chess set, and played against Xiao Mo.

The crimson youth sat down on a chess piece.

Immortal Wei placed another chess piece down. The crimson youth asked what was happening. Immortal Wei laughed and said that he talked too much.

The crimson youth began to argue with the Immortal Wei.

Immortal Wei then asked, “How beautiful is this Ye? If we saw her, would we fall for her?”

Zhu Lian smiled. “Probably not.”

Immortal Wei sighed. “We have everything here, except for the women.”

Zhu Lian said, “That rhymes.”

Immortal Wei pulled his collar.

The crimson youth burst out in laughter.

Zhu Lian smiled.

Immortal Wei said, “Those who are holy do not strike women.”

Immortal Wei was talking about himself.

The crimson youth continued to laugh.

All three of them looked at Xiao Mo, who looked helpless.

When Chen Ping’an returned to the bamboo building, he found Nuanshu guarding the door.

Inside, the home was clean.

On the table was a pot of calamus, brought and cared for by Nuanshu.

During a ceremony, someone had gifted him calamus, and Chen Ping’an had given it to Nuanshu.

Chen Ping’an brought out books and stored them on a bookshelf.

Chen Ping’an then gave books to Nuanshu.

She bowed in thanks, then prepared to leave.

Chen Ping’an said, “Stay and read for a bit.”

She placed the books down and picked one up.

Chen Ping’an suddenly laughed. “It’s good that there’s so few people on the mountain. Nuanshu doesn’t have to work hard.”

Chen Nuanshu hesitated and said, “Cui sent me a letter, and said that you were coming home soon. He told me to work with Zhu, and had the dishes that you like listed. Finally, he told me not to tell you about it.”

Chen Ping’an smiled. “I’ll settle the score with him.”

Nuanshu stopped talking. Chen Ping’an said, “I will pretend that I don’t know.”

She smiled.

Chen Ping’an joked, “I don’t know how to be a teacher.”

Nuanshu thought about it and smiled, “Does it mean that you can be troubled?”

Chen Ping’an thought about it.

They began to read. Chen Ping’an asked, “Do you ever rush towards immortality?”

Nuanshu lifted her head and blinked.

Chen Ping’an said, “This is not me urging you to cultivate. Just so that I, as a mountain lord, am not neglectful. If there is a goal that you want to do, I’ll do it with you.”

Nuanshu shook her head. “There’s no need.”

Chen Ping’an rubbed her head. “Then there’s no need to rush.”

Nuanshu smiled.

Pei Qian, Cao Qinglang, Mr. Zhang, Chen Yuji…Everyone at Fallen Star Mountain.

He was looking at them.

There were also those who always hit a wall.

On the wall was a painting from Wu Shuangjiang, a grindstone from the small demon, and a stone from Yuzhou. At this moment, all these items were on the desk.

There were many other treasures that Chen Ping’an had in his possession.

Zhu Lian said, “Recently, the mountains have been sending invitations to visit. Some of these had no connections with us, and the mountain lords of the south, I did not reply. And some that were familiar with the mountain, but not urgent, I rejected. I put them all on the desk for you to read.”

Those who practiced had to spend time on cultivating.

Chen Ping’an nodded.

Zhu Lian changed the subject.

Chen Ping’an then thought of Chen Lingjun and Bai Xuan, who were both good friends with Immortal Wei. He asked, “Why didn’t Bai Xuan come back?”

Chen Ping’an laughed. “He’s training, and has to be in Dragon Gate before coming back.”

After dinner, Nuanshu and Millet helped clean up.

Chen Ping’an left Zhu Lian’s house and sat by the stone table.

The Celestial Peak was still next to the Fallen Star Mountain, but it belonged to someone else.

Chen Ping’an turned into a sword, stood at the rail, and looked east into the small town.

Before, the people of the town were happy to walk through Mud Bottle Alley. As for those who were the same age as Chen Ping’an, they did not like to pass by Mud Bottle Alley, and they would make family comments. One was an orphan who destroyed his parents, and the other was a bastard who had been abandoned.

During the end of the year, the people would go to the graves of their ancestors to pay respects. When he went with his father, there was always a set route. After his parents died, Chen Ping’an went by himself, but was caught. The people were displeased, but they could not stop him. Then one year, Chen Ping’an found that his offerings were missing, thrown to the side.

He carefully picked them up, but wondered if picking them up would be wrong, but he also worried about bringing them home.

The child stood alone, lifeless.

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

Chen Ping’an sat on the railing and drank.

Zhu Lian’s house was left to Xiao Mo, Immortal Wei, and the crimson youth.

Zhu Lian took out the chess set, and played against Xiao Mo.

The crimson youth was about to sit on a chess piece that had been taken from the chessboard.

Immortal Wei laughed as he placed a piece down. The crimson youth asked why, and the Immortal Wei laughed and said he talks too much.

The crimson youth and the Immortal Wei began to argue.

Immortal Wei then lowered his voice and asked, “Old Cook, how beautiful is this Ye? If we saw her, would we fall for her?”

Zhu Lian laughed. “Probably not.”

Immortal Wei sighed. “There’s nothing wrong here, except for the lack of strange women.”

Zhu Lian said, “That rhymes.”

Immortal Wei tugged on his collar.

The crimson youth began to laugh.

Zhu Lian said, “Did you have any love stories?”

Zhu Lian was serious. “Those who are holy do not strike women.”

Immortal Wei said, “Like me, like me.”

The crimson youth laughed.

The three of them looked at Xiao Mo, who felt helpless.

Chen Ping’an returned to the bamboo building to find Nuanshu guarding the door.

The bamboo house was clean.

Chen Ping’an placed the books on the bookshelf, organized with care.

Finally, Chen Ping’an gave Nuanshu books. She thanked him and bowed.

Nuanshu prepared to leave.

Chen Ping’an pulled up a chair. “Read a bit with me.”

She placed the books and picked one up.

Chen Ping’an suddenly laughed. “With not so many people, Nuanshu doesn’t need to work too hard.”

Chen Nuanshu then said, “Cui sent me a letter.

Chen Ping’an smiled. “I’ll settle the score with him.”

Nuanshu hesitated. Chen Ping’an said, “Even if he guesses, I’ll settle the score.”

Nuanshu smiled.

Chen Ping’an derisively said, “I don’t know how to be a teacher. What to do.”

Nuanshu lifted her head, and smiled. “Master knows how to be a student.”

Chen Ping’an agreed.

The flipping of pages rang through the air. Chen Ping’an then said, “Nuanshu, are you worried about your immortality?”

Nuanshu looked up and blinked.

Chen Ping’an laughed. “I am not urging you, but am just worried that you are afraid to say it. Tell me your plans. I’ll make preparations, so you can rely on me.”

Nuanshu shook her head and waved her hands. “There’s no need, there’s no need.”

Chen Ping’an rubbed her head. “Then there’s no need to rush.”

Nuanshu smiled and lowered her head.

Pei Qian, Cao Qinglang, Mr. Zhang, Chen Yuji… Everyone at Fallen Star Mountain.

He was looking at them.

Of course, there was also the lazy guy.

On the wall was Wu Songjiang’s painting.

Chen Ping’an found everything on the desk.

Duirng the discussion in Wen, Zhang Zhi had bought some things. As for some of the items that were not in the study, there was also the Three Willow Armor.

There was also the Jade Mushroom.

Chen Ping’an was going to give Shao Jingzhi a little dragon to Yun and Hong before they left.

Chen Ping’an gave Jun Mao the jade.

He did not know how long it had been, but Nuanshu had finished half of the book, and she got up, then took the book and left. Chen Ping’an said he was going to walk as well, and sent her to her home. Millet was guarding the door, and Chen Nuanshu quickly apologized. The two waved goodbye.

Chen Ping’an returned to the bamboo building and sat at the stone table and looked in surprise.

A little lotus sat on the table.

Chen Ping’an smiled and placed the little one on his shoulder, together, they looked into the distance, Chen Ping’an recounted the stories of his travels.

One was detailed, and one was patient. Chen Ping’an finally murmured, “I have come home. Nothing to do.”