Red Candle Town, even in the first month of the year, still held a strong festive atmosphere. As a crucial hub for commerce and trade, the Great Li Dynasty had established numerous guild halls here from various states and counties. Familiar faces adorned new spring couplets, and everyone was filled with joy.

In one of the bookshops, the young proprietor was currently dozing on a rattan chair. He had delegated the affairs of the Water Mansion to his subordinates and officials, emulating the Master Chen of the Fallen Mountain, and becoming a hands-off manager.

Someone, covered in dust from travel, strode over the threshold, clasped his fists in a greeting, and spoke auspiciously, “Proprietor Li, may your business flourish and prosper like a blazing fire.”

Li Jin, recognizing Chen Ping’an, sat up from the rattan chair. Knowing each other well, Li Jin didn’t bother with excessive formalities or greetings. He simply returned the gesture with clasped hands, “Business is indeed quite good.”

Chen Ping’an was pleased that Li Jin was so casual, feeling more at ease. He entered the bookshop, glanced at the bookshelves, and his gaze settled on one particular spot. He inquired, “This set of ‘Biographies of One Hundred Generals from the Twenty-Seven Histories,’ how is one volume missing?”

In the collecting world, completeness is sought in addition to quality. If it is incomplete, the price won’t go up. It was strange that Li Jin, a shrewd businessman, would make such a losing deal, considering the second volume was missing.

“An old friend took a fancy to it. The shop made an exception and didn’t charge him.” Li Jin explained without ambiguity. After all, the young Hidden Official before him and the Fallen Mountain, currently enjoying its moment in the sun, had bestowed upon Li Jin a rare “gift of enlightenment.” First, Zhu Lian had gifted him two paintings, and then Chen Ping’an had personally helped with the gilding and imprinting, essentially helping Li Jin achieve a monumental transformation, like a carp leaping over the Dragon Gate. This karmic debt was something Li Jin knew he couldn’t repay in a short time; he would have to let it flow like a gentle stream, taking his time.

Chen Ping’an pondered for a moment, recalling the contents of the first and third volumes. He instantly understood.

The guest who could persuade Li Jin to make an exception was likely the City God “Zhang Ping” of that state city. Formerly the Earth Deity of the Steamed Bun Mountain shrine, his path to promotion in the Great Li’s water deity bureaucracy had been meteoric, a truly exceptional promotion. No one would believe that the current City God of Chu Prefecture, “Zhang Ping,” didn’t possess some hidden and profound great Dao roots. Although Wei Bo had never revealed the details, during their occasional casual chats, whenever Zhang Ping was mentioned, Wei Bo, as the Mountain Lord of the Northern Peak, might have concealed his words, but his expression betrayed the truth. Furthermore, Fallen Mountain and Zhang Ping’s City God Temple were close neighbors in terms of landscape. Chen Ping’an naturally paid attention, researching numerous records about the ancient Shu region, especially the historical Divine Water Kingdom. Additionally, the little incense figure from the State City God Temple had formed a connection with Fallen Mountain. Little Millet often spoke of him, saying that for many years, rain or shine, he had reported on time, with great sincerity, succeeding her in the position of Right Guardian of Riding Dragon Lane… Therefore, Chen Ping’an had long heard of the vermilion-robed child, but unfortunately, they had never met. On this trip home, Chen Ping’an intended to chat with this little fellow, who was completely focused on becoming the Chief Guardian of Riding Dragon Lane.

Li Jin smiled slightly, “Please, Master Chen, see but don’t speak.”

Chen Ping’an nodded, hesitated, and said telepathically, “Please convey a message to City God Zhang that, if the opportunity arises in the future, I will help him request a military treatise with personal annotations from someone. However, I cannot guarantee this. I can only say I will try my best. If it doesn’t work out, tell City God Zhang not to be too disappointed. Let’s set a tentative period of a hundred years.”

In the Azure Billow Heaven, the year-end guardian of the Age Remover Palace, was once the young proprietor of the Crane Sparrow Inn in Upside Down Mountain. Chen Ping’an was quite familiar with him. If Wu Shuangjiang hadn’t revealed the secret on the Night Voyage Ship, he would have never guessed that Bai Luo of the Age Remover Palace was once that murderous god, enshrined in the Martial Temple, only because of “excessive killing and flawed merits” his divine position had been moved out of the main hall dedicated to the Ten Philosophers of the Martial Temple, downgraded to one of the side halls, ultimately only ranking as a fourth-class famous general.

Li Jin revealed a rare look of shock, “That’s possible?”

In Zhang Ping’s own words, he wasn’t even worthy of holding this person’s horse.

Li Jin tentatively asked, “How about adding me to the list?”

Chen Ping’an nodded and smiled, “Similarly, no guarantees.”

Li Jin waved his hand magnanimously, “Take any book you fancy; since I’ve already made an exception, it doesn’t matter anymore.”

Chen Ping’an laughed, “No rush. I’ll have Li Huai come here to choose books later. Remember, you said he can take whatever he likes, don’t go back on your word.”

Li Jin was speechless. That little rascal with the tiger-head hat wasn’t a bookworm, but he had remarkably good luck. Li Jin had already experienced it.

Chen Ping’an reminded him, “If I really do manage to get that military treatise for you, don’t turn around and put it in the shop to sell for a high price. That kind of thing isn’t appropriate.”

Li Jin smiled, “Not only would Master Chen not agree, but if Zhang Ping found out, he’d tear down my bookshop, snatch the book, and break off all ties with me.”

Chen Ping’an raised his hand and made a gesture, “My memory is quite good. Consider all the books in your shop sealed for now. Don’t think about moving them away overnight, especially don’t think about hiring some shills to pretend to buy books and then secretly send them to the Water Mansion. That kind of scheme is unethical.”

Li Jin lay back in the rattan chair and waved his hand towards the door, “No farewells, no farewells.”

Chen Ping’an didn’t rush to leave, teasing, “Oh, are you giving me the boot?”

Li Jin began to close his eyes and rest.

Chen Ping’an looked around. He had seriously considered being a bookshop owner in the future, making a living by selling books.

After retracting his gaze, Chen Ping’an smiled, “Visit Fallen Mountain when you have time.”

Li Jin nodded, “I will when I’m free.”

Chen Ping’an said irritably, “Free? Is there ever a busy time for you, Li Jin? You’re putting on airs. You’re a real big shot.”

Li Jin opened his eyes and said, “I’m afraid that once we become familiar, everyone will be as rude as you, Master Chen. Zhu Lian, the former Zheng Dafeng, the Immortal Officer Daoist who likes to haggle prices, and Zhou Juchen of Riding Dragon Lane, who likes to run up debts, all come here to move books up the mountain.”

Chen Ping’an said helplessly, “Outsiders misunderstanding is one thing, but you, Li Jin, don’t understand Fallen Mountain? I’m used to being a hands-off manager; I can’t control them.”

Li Jin smiled knowingly, “I know.”
Leaving the bustling Red Candle Town, and heading towards Chess Mound Mountain, Chen Ping’an visited the mountain deity, Song Yuzhang, at the shrine, sharing a drink. They reminisced about the past, a topic that often earned the mountain deity the derisive nickname “Song Gold-Head” from his colleagues. Today, Song Yuzhang was somewhat surprised, as Chen Ping’an took the initiative to inquire about the old folks and events of many kilns. Since Chen Ping’an had been a kiln apprentice himself, there was no awkwardness in their conversation. They both thoroughly enjoyed the drink, each pouring for themselves, without any forced toasts. This kind of drinking was deceptively potent. Finally, watching the swaying figure of the man in the green robe as he left the shrine’s reception hall, Song Yuzhang was filled with emotion. If, thirty years ago, someone had foreseen that the boy named Chen Ping’an from Mud Bottle Lane in the small town would achieve such great things in the future, Song Yuzhang would have dismissed it as a laughable jest he’d soon forget.

It was early spring, the breeze gentle and the sun warm. A hazy light enveloped the fragrant trees, the air filled with the unique scent of mountain vegetation, a fragrance that invigorated the soul.

Chen Ping’an didn’t bother to dispel the alcohol’s influence. Passing Chess Mound Mountain, his mind stirred. He tapped his toes lightly and leaped high, soaring like a bird through the mountain forests. He paused on a branch of a green pine tree, his green robe blending with the ancient pine’s color. His sleeves hung down slowly, and with arms crossed, he leaned against the pine’s trunk. By a stroke of fate, he spotted the incense figurine who had to report to Fallen Phoenix Mountain every month.

On a rarely trodden mountain path, there was a tiny, adorable vermillion-robed child, riding a white-patterned serpent as thick as a water bucket. The serpent had not yet successfully undergone its transformation. Its scales were like refined iron. The vermillion-robed child seemed to be holding reins, embarking on a long journey on horseback.

The vermillion-robed child sat cross-legged on the white-patterned serpent’s back, chattering incessantly, “You might not have performed great services, but you’ve certainly suffered. Following me won’t be bad for you, rest assured. When this master is promoted someday, I’ll certainly not mistreat you. At that time, I’ll only need to discuss it with Chieftain Pei and Vice-Chieftain Zhou, and they’ll permit you to accompany me on my ascents of the mountain. If we do it enough times, I believe we’ll eventually run into that elusive Mountain Lord Chen. Then, we’ll have Mountain Lord Chen open his golden mouth, casually giving you some pointers, and how difficult would it be to transform into an immortal? This is what they mean by, ‘A single line of true scripture is worth more than ten thousand scrolls of false scripture.’ Haha, this is what you call hitting the jackpot! Don’t believe me? Look at Immortal Hongxia and Immortal Master Yunzi, how are they now? Can’t they be considered immortals? Of course they can. As for our kind and amicable Ancestor Lingjun, we won’t even mention him. Don’t be fooled by his youthful appearance, his Dao age is quite old. He is a veteran figure on Fallen Phoenix Mountain. If he were in the dynasties down the mountain, wouldn’t he be a founding meritorious official who could have his portrait hung in some pavilion? You don’t understand anything about Fallen Phoenix Mountain. I often meet Ancestor Lingjun. You don’t understand anything. I imagine that the highly respected Mountain Lord Chen has heard of me, knows what kind of opportunity this is? This is what they call being held in imperial favor…”

Chen Ping’an felt a throbbing headache. No wonder this little fellow was so compatible with Fallen Phoenix Mountain; birds of a feather flock together.

The vermillion-robed child was still rambling on, now speaking of the love-hate entanglement between Mountain Lord Chen and Liu Chongrun of the Snapping Turtle Back. He had a good reason; if there wasn’t something going on, why would Island Master Liu relocate all the way from Scripture Brief Lake to the Fallen Phoenix Mountain territory? “Keeping a beauty in a golden house, do you understand?” He lamented that he had such a stingy master, that it was difficult to even see a mirage. The mountain and water reports from the City God Temple were all regularly distributed by the imperial court, and not a single one from the immortal residences on the mountain. As a result, he had not been able to see the true face of Mountain Lord Chen, how hateful and regrettable! “But that Liu Chongrun is indeed good-looking, slender where he should be, plump where he should be…”

Chen Ping’an really couldn’t bear to listen anymore. He floated down and coughed a few times.

The vermillion-robed child hurriedly patted his mount’s scales, and with a “whoa” sound like reining in a horse, loudly asked, “Who goes there?!”

Chen Ping’an suppressed a smile and said, “Just passing by.”

The vermillion-robed child thought for a moment and asked, “Are you cultivating on the mountain, or wandering the pugilistic world?”

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “Wandering the pugilistic world.”

The vermillion-robed child understood. This person must have come for the reputation of Fallen Phoenix Mountain. He advised, “Young man, don’t be too ambitious, hoping to ascend Fallen Phoenix Mountain and become Mountain Lord Chen’s disciple. Take my advice, they’re not receiving guests there right now. When you get to the mountain gate, outsiders must stop. If you don’t believe me, you’ll just make a wasted trip. I won’t laugh at you. Well, all visitors are guests. When we get to the mountain gate, I’ll say hello to Immortal Guard Daoist. You can still get a bowl of tea. So it won’t be a complete waste of time. When you return home, you can brag to others a bit, and it won’t be like blowing hot air.”

Chen Ping’an cupped his hands in a fist salute, “Much obliged.”

The vermillion-robed child nodded, his face stern. This young man was polite, not bad.

Wandering the pugilistic world, he certainly wouldn’t starve.

The two met by chance and, by coincidence, traveled together, crossing mountains and rivers towards Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

The vermillion-robed child was both carefree and fearless of encountering a murderer and robber. In this state’s territory, who would dare to act rashly?

However, he would occasionally size up the young man in the green robe who claimed to be a passerby. Crossing mountains and ridges, the green-robed guest walked as if on flat ground, showing the demeanor of an expert. He estimated that in the small southern countries outside the Great Li, it wouldn’t be difficult for him to establish a sect. No wonder he dared to come to Fallen Phoenix Mountain to try his luck.

The vermillion-robed child couldn’t help but ask, “Judging by your accent, you don’t sound like a foreigner? Where are you from? Near Great Ferry, going north all the way?”

In the Great Li Dynasty, the so-called foreigners were only the vast mountains and rivers south of the entire Treasure Bottle Continent. But if one were to go back a few years, they would be people from other continents.

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “We met by chance, don’t ask about my origins.”

The vermillion-robed child smiled. “Oh ho, not old, but quite experienced.”

This incense figurine said with a grin, “Red Candle Town is a famous place for spending money, ah. Heroes find it hard to pass the beauty test. You don’t have much money left in your pocket, right?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head and said, “I wander the pugilistic world alone, and I’m not fond of that.”

The vermillion-robed child curled his lips. “We’re all men, why are you pretending to be a gentleman? Not honest.”
Originally, I intended to have tea at the mountain gate, assess this person’s character, and if deemed worthy, take them to the City God Temple to broaden their horizons, fulfilling my duty as a host. Then, I’d reveal my true identity to startle them. The only problem was that Zhang Ping reeked of poverty, and might not be willing for me to bring guests. Back in Mantou Hill, I’d exerted myself to connect him with a thrifty Earth Mother, only to have my kindness repaid with ingratitude. It brought a flood of bitter memories, but thankfully, I’m doing quite well now, a big shot wherever I go.

Arriving at a mountain ridge with a wide view, the crimson-clad boy patted the back of the white flower snake, signaling a brief rest to enjoy the scenery.

Chen Pingan squatted nearby, plucked a licorice root, brushed off the dirt, and chewed on it. He gazed ahead, spotting a body of water far away, where the wind was fierce, the sky high, the shore clean, and the sand white. Patches of vibrant green grew there, with birds circling.

As a child, he felt his hometown was vast. As an adult, he felt Baoping Continent was small.

Different stages of life, the same scenery before his eyes, yet different flavors within his heart.

The crimson-clad boy was silent for a moment, then curiously asked, “You’re not a mountain immortal. Seeing this snake that’s about to become a spirit, you’re not afraid at all? And my appearance, in those strange tales from the foot of the mountain, would certainly be considered supernatural. Why aren’t you surprised at all? Could you be a disciple from some high-ranking immortal mansion, pretending to be a wandering knight, traveling the mountains and searching everywhere?”

Chen Pingan smiled, “I’ve been traveling for a long time. I wouldn’t dare say I’ve seen it all, but at least I’ve walked enough dark paths to be less easily frightened. I’m accustomed to the strange.”

The crimson-clad boy crossed his arms, watching the man squat there, chewing on the grass root with such familiarity. He asked, “Humble beginnings?”

Chen Pingan shook his head and smiled, “Not really. A small family, but my elders have accumulated good karma. It seems we always have surplus grain, so our descendants never starve.”

The crimson-clad boy nodded, sniffing. He shouldn’t have brought it up; it always made him feel bitter. “I had humble beginnings. I can’t blame anyone but myself. I was just unlucky to meet the wrong people. For many years, I was half-full and three-quarters empty. Luckily, I worked hard and saved up some possessions, or I’d suspect my house was haunted by a poverty ghost.”

Chen Pingan chuckled, “According to books, if a poverty ghost enters your home, it can ward off disasters. And if you can eventually get rid of it, well, it’s easy to invite a god but hard to send one away. If you part ways amicably, you might even gain some good fortune.”

The crimson-clad boy exclaimed, “Huh?” It seemed this kid had read a few proper books. He looked surprised and asked, “Failed at the imperial examination, so you resorted to reading miscellaneous books?”

Chen Pingan nodded, “It’s always good to read more. As the old saying goes, the previous life reads for this life, and this life reads for the next. That’s probably the idea.”

The crimson-clad boy suddenly said, “I can tell, you’re also a sentimental person.”

Chen Pingan looked up and asked with a smile, “You can tell that?”

The little guy raised his hand and pointed to his eyes, “My judgment of people is always accurate.”

Chen Pingan smiled, “Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Chen Pingan.”

The crimson-clad boy raised a hand and shook it vigorously, laughing, “I’ve looked through the land registry. In the prefecture city, there are at least this many people with that name!”

Chen Pingan smiled knowingly and nodded, “Good thing.”

There was a time when this name in Huaihuang County was as good as nonexistent.

After that, the little guy rode the white flower snake, and Chen Pingan walked beside him, chatting about everything. He wasn’t idle either. They wandered to the gate of his own mountain.

The crimson-clad boy jumped off its back and promised the trusted general under the Qidun Hill Land God, “Same as always, I’ll record this in the Book of Merits.”

The white flower snake lowered its head to the ground, bidding farewell to this esteemed second-in-command of the prefecture City God Temple. Then, it turned and slithered away along the mountain path, disappearing in an instant.

The crimson-clad boy rubbed his hands and chuckled, “In the future, if it successfully transforms, it might even be a beautiful woman with everything you could want.”

Chen Pingan teased, “You and Daoist Xianwei must get along well.”

The crimson-clad boy’s expression suddenly changed, and he said in a low voice, “How do you know the gatekeeper of Luopo Mountain is Daoist Xianwei?! If I remember correctly, I never mentioned this to you!”

Damn it, he couldn’t have brought a troublemaker to Luopo Mountain. That would be like covering his crotch in mud. He knew that Head Steward Pei was the founder of the bookkeeping practice.

Chen Pingan smiled, “Don’t worry, we’re all on the same side.”

At the gate, Xianwei quickly rolled up a book and hid it in his sleeve. He strode forward and gave a proper Daoist salute, “Greetings, Mountain Lord Chen.”

Chen Pingan smiled, “Thank you for your hard work.”

The crimson-clad boy stood there, frowning.

Xianwei scoffed, “What’s this? Now that you know Mountain Lord Chen, you don’t care about me anymore?”

The crimson-clad boy said timidly, “Daoist Xianwei, which Mountain Lord Chen are we talking about?”

Xianwei glanced at Chen Pingan, who smiled and said, “I told him my name, but he doesn’t believe me. But we’ve had a very pleasant conversation along the way.”

Xianwei was too lazy to bother with the guy who looked like a drunk. He lowered his voice and said, “Mountain Lord Chen, there’s something I need to tell you. But let me state first, I’m not someone who likes to gossip.”

Chen Pingan nodded, “Speak freely.”

Xianwei turned to look at the mountain path, before saying, “Not long ago, a guest came to the mountain, a girl named Xie Gou. Mountain Lord knows about this, right?”

Chen Pingan nodded, “I know. Miss Xie is here to find Xiao Mo. I met her in Riding Dragon Lane not long ago. She’s quite… distinct in personality.”

Xianwei sighed, “Master Xiao Mo is so well-read and reasonable, how could she have such a rogue friend?”

The two walked toward the bamboo chairs at the mountain gate. The crimson-clad boy leaped out, like a fierce tiger descending the mountain, full of momentum. He sprinted a short distance, jumped high onto one of the bamboo chairs, rolled around a few times, and then lay there, wiping it vigorously with his sleeve. He blew on it and wiped it again, before finally rolling off the chair in a smooth, practiced movement. It was clear he’d learned from Chen Lingjun. After standing firmly on the ground, the little guy bowed and said, “Mountain Lord, please have a seat!”
Chen Ping’an thanked the little fellow and sat down on the bamboo chair. “So, what happened? What did Miss Xie do?”

Immortal Attendant, in truth, regretted bringing up this matter. It felt inappropriate, why create unnecessary complications? What if that Xie wretch was a relative or junior disciple of Mister Xiao Mo? How would that be?

However, that mink-hatted girl was acting unethically, bullying someone from Warm Tree. Immortal Attendant couldn’t stand for it.

Chen Ping’an patted the chair and invited the little fellow standing on the ground with a smile, “Want to sit together?”

The crimson-robed boy was momentarily muddleheaded, “I’m small but my butt’s big, takes up too much space. I’ll pass.”

Chen Ping’an didn’t force him. Turning to Immortal Attendant, he said, “Speak your piece. Just think of it as Old Chef informing me of the situation beforehand, and has nothing to do with Immortal Attendant, Daoist Priest.”

Immortal Attendant nodded, not forgetting to remind, “It’s settled then, alright? Please, please, don’t let Mister Xiao Mo misunderstand and think I’m a gossipy busybody.”

Right now, in the Grand Wind brothers’ residence, Immortal Attendant was even enshrining a pair of Cloud-Treading Shoes personally woven by Mister Xiao Mo. They looked incredibly valuable. Immortal Attendant couldn’t bear to wear them, only occasionally slipping them on and pacing around the house, imitating the true Daoists’ steps and formation walking. It truly felt like soaring through the clouds. If Immortal Attendant wasn’t so self-conscious, he would have asked Mister Xiao Mo for another pair.

Chen Ping’an leaned back in the chair, stretched languidly, and listened to Immortal Attendant recount the misdeeds of that Xie wretch. It sounded exactly like something Bai Jing would do. There was no possibility of accusing her wrongly.

Chen Ping’an glanced towards the steps. “Why haven’t I seen Miss Cen practicing her fists?”

Immortal Attendant said, “Ah, she went home. Hasn’t come back yet.”

The crimson-robed boy wasn’t idle; he was busy quietly trying to make amends, silently wiping the chair legs, which were as thick as beams, with his sleeves. Whether the Mountain Master appreciated it or not, it was still a token of his good intentions.

Chen Ping’an didn’t know how to advise this little fellow. He couldn’t help but feel that the feng shui of his own Fallen Phoenix Mountain was truly extraordinary. These past years, after much thought, he realized that it all came down to Mister’s contribution. As for Pei Qian and the others, they could be considered to have surpassed their predecessors.

According to the planned route, the Wind Kite ferry was expected to arrive at Ox Horn Crossing in the next day or two.

Hongxia and Yunzi, whose walls had been dug into by Cui Dongshan, would accompany the ferry on a long journey to the Northern Passage Continent, eventually settling down near Immortal Capital Mountain to participate in the Great River excavation. It seemed to be their first official traveling experience.

Chen Lingjun and Guo Zhujiu, having attended the Yellow Millet Sect’s mountain-opening celebrations and accepted the invitation to serve as enshrined protectors, were making another trip to the Dreaming Liang Kingdom’s capital. They were probably about to return to Fallen Phoenix Mountain as well.

Li Huai and the young Daoist would likely settle down here together before heading to the Great Sui Cliffside Academy. Chen Ping’an planned to discuss matters concerning the Great River in Tongye Continent with the young Daoist.

He had already sent word to Madam Tuoyan. The Mountain Lord of Nine Doubts Mountain in the Central Continent had personally invited her to be a guest on the mountain. With Madam Tuoyan’s temperament, she wouldn’t refuse. After all, the Vast Expanse already had the saying, “There are two and a half plum blossoms in the world, and one blossom is on Nine Doubts Mountain.” And the former owner of this plum blossom garden, now with the credentials of a Dragon Elephant Sword Sect enshrined protector, was returning to the Vast Expanse from Upside-down Mountain, allowing her to walk the world without any restrictions.

Earlier, at the Chessboard Mountain Shrine, he had spoken with Song Yuzhang about the new kiln supervisor taking over Cao Gengxin’s position. He was a fourth-rank official named Jian Feng, seemingly a bit of a bookworm, who had been running into brick walls everywhere. Both Song Yuzhang, who was separated from Jian Feng by the officialdom, and Dong Shuiing, who had interacted with Jian Feng once, had a good impression of this downtrodden Supervisor Jian.

Wu Yuan had been dormant in the Great Li officialdom for many years, sitting on the cold bench for a long time, but unexpectedly launched a beautiful counterattack. Now, he was the esteemed Prefect of New Chu Prefecture, a true regional official. As for the whispers about having connections in court, they were inevitable. Previously, Wu Yuan’s identities outside of the officialdom were the son-in-law of Upper Pillar General Yuan and the student of National Preceptor Cui Chan. Now, he had gained the inexplicable identity of a junior uncle in the literary lineage.

Jing Kuan, from the Ministry of Revenue’s Clear Governance Department, whom Chen Ping’an had previously shared a vegetarian meal with at the Iris River in the Great Li capital, had also been transferred out of the capital to serve as the Prefect of Treasure Creek County.

It was said that Xun Qu, an attendant of the Court of State Ceremonies and Cao Qinglang’s examination classmate, had also been promoted and transferred to the Military Department’s Armory Department.

Yuan Bai remained at the Bamboo Mountain Sword Sect, which was a branch of Righteous Sun Mountain, and did not accept the offer to go to Tongye Continent.

He just didn’t know if that Immortal Master Liu in the alley outside the Tower Beyond the Tower, where rumors abounded, had recently stopped anyone.

Chen Ping’an shook off his thoughts and asked with a smile, “Immortal Attendant, how’s your cultivation going?”

Immortal Attendant looked embarrassed, “Don’t ask about what I don’t want to talk about.” He laughed awkwardly and said, “Haste makes waste when it comes to cultivation. It’s best to proceed gradually.”

But in truth, if eating a bowl of hot tofu could increase one’s realm, he’d have a whole basin, not just a few bowls. But Immortal Attendant then changed his mind. What was the point of a higher realm? Middle Five Levels, then Land Immortal, Upper Five Levels? When would this path end? Being a gatekeeper was good enough. One should be like himself, avoid trouble to have less trouble. As for cultivation, let the true Daoists who pursued perfect merit be busy with it. This fake Daoist of his should focus on reading books.

A flash of sword light, and Xiao Mo appeared out of nowhere. He had been staying in the small town these days, keeping an eye on Bai Jing near Riding Dragon Lane to prevent her from causing any more trouble.

Seeing his young master, Xiao Mo hesitated.

Chen Ping’an said in his heart, “The reason I separated a wisp of my mind outside is because…”

Xiao Mo suddenly understood and said, “Young Master doesn’t need to say it.”

He was refining a sword.

Perhaps the dojo was outside the heavens.

As for the specifics of how he was refining the sword, Xiao Mo wouldn’t inquire.

Earlier, in that vortex of the river of time, because they had talked about a certain sect that was purely imaginary, Chen Ping’an suddenly laughed, “We need to add one more person, Chief Enshrined Protector Wu Shuangjiang.”

The white-haired boy was eager to try, “Old Ancestor Hidden Official?”

Chen Ping’an nodded, “Then add one more, Last-Place Enshrined Protector, Daoist name Natural, alias Konghou.”

A sect without a few pairs of immortal couples was indeed inappropriate.

At the time, Xie wretch was unimpressed and said, “Since you’re saying ‘what if,’ what’s the point of talking about it?”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Although this is just the best choice in some people’s hearts. But if Immortal Attendant were here, he wouldn’t think so.”
Xie Gou rolled his eyes and said, “How can one compare to him?”

The usually proud and arrogant Bai Jing rarely admitted defeat so readily.

If this sect was merely a hypothetical construct, then there was another mountain peak that was very real.

For example, there was the Sect Leader Chen Ping’an and his Dao Companion Ning Yao.

Within the Ancestral Hall were Cui Dongshan, Jiang Shangzhen, Xiao Mo, and Mi Yu. Also present were Zhu Lian, Sui Youbian, Zhong Qiu, and Cui Wei. There were Konghou of Qilong Lane and Qing Tong from the Demon Suppressing Tower…

Among the younger generation were Pei Qian, Cao Qinglang, Chai Wu, Bai Xuan, and Sun Chunwang…

Before Chen Ping’an set off to ascend the mountain, he squatted down and smiled at the Zhu Yi (red-robed) child, saying, “Regarding the new position of Grand Protector of Qilong Lane, I’ll discuss it with Pei Qian and the others later. I personally recommend you for the job.”

Zhu Yi, who hadn’t even completed a hundred roll calls, was overjoyed, repeatedly murmuring, “How am I worthy? How am I worthy…”

It was practically a replica of Chief Zhou’s demeanor and phrasing in the Ancestral Hall of Jise Peak back then, a unique talent that one could only admire in oneself.

Chen Ping’an smiled and asked, “Want to go up the mountain together?”

Zhu Yi shook his head vigorously, “I have to go to Immortal Wei Daoist’s residence to mark my attendance and sign in first. This subordinate is small and has short legs, easily causing delays, so I won’t accompany Mountain Master to ascend the mountain.”

Afterward, Chen Ping’an and Xiao Mo slowly ascended the mountain together.

Immortal Wei clicked his tongue in amazement, “Where did you learn such speech skills? Teach me later?”

Zhu Yi put his hands on his hips, looked up and glared, “Good heavens, Immortal Wei, you’re being too impudent! Mountain Master is still here, stop acting so frivolous and undisciplined, lest you implicate me and cause the Mountain Master to misunderstand.”

Chen Ping’an asked, “Bai Jing staying in Qilong Lane, can he really get used to it?”

Xiao Mo nodded, “I’ve seen Young Master before, and he’s been quite honest lately. He just bickers with Konghou all day, but he has a good relationship with Zhou Junchen.”

Chen Ping’an smiled softly with a voice transmission, “This sword refinement is actually another distant journey, only this time, we’re traveling back two thousand years along the river of time.”