Spring sunlight paints the trees with blossoms like brocade, while within the mountains, golden orioles rise and fall in flocks.

Lü Yan smiled faintly, “For a sect, Fallen Phoenix Mountain has rather too few registered disciples.”

To possess over a dozen tributary peaks yet suffer from a scarcity of people was indeed a curious matter.

He recalled that in the Northern Reaches, Fire Dragon True Immortal’s Mount Crouching Dragon, considered a smaller immortal lineage among the vast Daoist sects, still boasted four distinct veins of cultivation. There was the lineage of Taixia Li Yu, skilled in exorcising demons and employing ghosts, deeply involved in worldly affairs; the Peach Mountain lineage, whose registered disciples excelled in thunder magic; the White Cloud lineage, whose cultivators were adept at talismans and arrays; and finally, the Finger-Pointing Mystery lineage of the Yuan Spirit Hall, a school of swordsmanship within the Daoist tradition. Combined, these four lineages surely numbered over a hundred registered Daoists. In contrast, Fallen Phoenix Mountain had never experienced such large-scale branching and expansion, typical of ordinary immortal abodes. Perhaps the ancestral hall members held exceptionally high standards for accepting disciples.

Chen Ping’an chuckled, “Cui Dongshan’s Green Ripple Sword Sect might see its numbers multiply several times over in a few years. Whether there are dates or not, he’ll swing the pole thrice. Our Sect Master Cui has lofty ambitions, proclaiming that when lesser sects pay homage to the greater, the grand procession must surpass Fallen Phoenix Mountain in sheer numbers, lest they lose face during the ancestral rites.”

Thereafter, Lü Yan voluntarily offered to pay respects with incense at the ancestral hall of Jade Dew Peak. Chen Ping’an, though somewhat surprised, was pleasantly so and naturally would not decline such a favorable turn of events. Lü Yan jested that during his travels in the Azure Billow World, he had been fortunate enough to attend several Trinitarian debates as an observer. Most of them had lulled him to the point of drowsiness, but the debate in which the Literary Sage participated was the most captivating and invigorating.

Just as they were about to move, a white-haired page, holding a book and a chicken-距筆(a type of writing brush), and bearing a sword talisman issued by the Dragon Spring Sword Sect at his waist, arrived in a flurry, riding the wind.

Earlier, Ancestor Yin Guan had granted her, a mere menial disciple, permission to compile the annals, recording the visits of esteemed guests, which was also her responsibility as the compiler. As for the title of compiler, it was of course self-appointed, akin to the Little Water Monster’s position as patrol envoy in the Black and White Fiends. Just now, in Riding Dragon Lane, this extraterrestrial demon had sensed the unusual phenomenon on the peak of Fallen Phoenix Mountain’s second peak, giving her quite a fright.

The white-haired page hurried to the top of the Riding Dragon Lane steps, widening her eyes to gaze at Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

It was as if the sun had fallen to earth.

Having employed a secret technique from the Year-End Palace, she saw layers of scarlet auras rippling outwards. Even from Riding Dragon Lane, the white-haired page felt as if she were standing in a furnace where several fire dragons were coiled. After a brief internal struggle, she braced herself and rushed to Fallen Phoenix Mountain. To fulfill her duties as the compiler, she was risking her life, a true testament to the burning zeal of a newly appointed official!

Lü Yan glanced at the white-haired page, quite surprised that an Ascendant Realm extraterrestrial demon was concealed within Locust Yellow County.

Would it not be taboo near the Confucian Temple? But Lü Yan quickly understood, the Confucian Temple likely knew of this matter all along, choosing to turn a blind eye.

Moreover, with a senior brother like Cui Chan to safeguard Chen Ping’an’s path, and the Old Scholar having his statue reinstated in the Confucian Temple, even if someone were to make an issue of this, it likely wouldn’t stir up any trouble.

Chen Ping’an conveyed through a mind-voice transmission, “A long story.”

Lü Yan nodded, every family has its own troubles, and he, an outsider, would not inquire further.

The reason the Confucian Temple was willing to tacitly approve of this matter was mainly because this extraterrestrial demon came from the Great Wall of Sword Qi.

The three co-leaders of Confucianism, the Grand Tutor of the Imperial Academy, and the many accompanying sages and worthies in the Confucian Temple, might not give face to a young Hidden Official, but they must give face to the Eldest Sword Immortal.

The white-haired page became even more flustered upon seeing the Pure Yang Daoist, as if she were spinning inside an alchemical furnace, regretting her decision and wishing she hadn’t come.

This Daoist, through some supernatural power, naturally suppressed extraterrestrial demons.

Lü Yan had no choice but to deliberately gather his Daoist arts, condensing them into a single, extremely pure essence of true yang, residing within a vital acupoint. The ripples on his Daoist robe were barely perceptible.

The white-haired page instantly felt relieved, grudgingly thanking the True Immortal.

Chen Ping’an smiled and introduced, “This is True Immortal Lü, Daoist name Pure Yang, a local cultivator from our Jade Bottle Continent. Senior Lü, her name is Konghou, and she hasn’t officially joined the Jade Dew Peak roster yet. She helps out in Riding Dragon Lane and is currently in charge of compiling the mountain annals.”

The main peak of Fallen Phoenix Mountain was Gathering Spirit Peak, while the ancestral hall was built on the second peak, Jade Dew Peak. Chen Ping’an led Lü Yan to Jade Dew Peak, where they both offered incense at the ancestral hall. Upon exiting, Chen Ping’an discovered that not only Little Mo, holding down the head of the sable-hatted girl, but also the white-haired page and Immortal Guard, had come to join the excitement. After Chen Ping’an closed the door, tucking the key into his sleeve, the white-haired page explained with a grin that they were witnessing a grand occasion and had to leave a memento. The annals she was compiling had to be different from those of ordinary sects. Chen Ping’an was bewildered and didn’t rush to agree or disagree, wondering what kind of mischief this fellow was planning. A memento? Compiling annals was a serious matter, what did she intend to do? The white-haired page then said that she was actually a deeply hidden landscape painter. Since everyone was gathered on Jade Dew Peak, why not use the ancestral hall as a backdrop and have everyone line up, sitting or standing, though that would require moving chairs. The point was to create a famous painting similar to a gathering of literati, so the annals would be more lively. “In such and such year, month, and day, the Mountain Lord and esteemed guest True Immortal Pure Yang, outside the Jade Dew Peak ancestral hall, together with the offering Little Mo, the gatekeeper Immortal Guard, and so on, were all in the same landscape painting.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “Annals with paintings, not only written records but also illustrations, and even colored ones, right? Is that what you mean by ‘different’?”

He already regretted letting this person oversee the compilation of the annals. Hmm, before the next official ancestral hall meeting, he needed to consult with Zhu Lian, Warm Tree, Little Rice Grain, and the others.

To personally recommend you for this position, only to have the Mountain Lord agree while everyone else opposes it, is useless.

Xie Gou gave up on pestering Little Mo, straightened his sable hat, patted his cheeks, and loudly chimed in, “Good, that’s a great idea! I want to stand next to Little Mo.”

Unexpectedly, Lü Yan stroked his beard and smiled, “To be painted in front of an ancestral hall as a memento, and to be included in the annals, is a first. This humble Daoist finds it quite interesting.”

The white-haired page was moved to tears, sniffling, finally, she had found a kindred spirit!
Pure Yang Daoist is truly a good person. No wonder his cultivation is so high. First, he reaches the Fourteenth Realm, and then he becomes a nominal Deputy Mountain Lord of our Azure Peak.

Chen Ping’an had no choice but to comply with Konghou’s intentions, but since you are the mastermind, don’t even think about running away.

The White-Haired Child first had the five people stand in a row, then walked to the opposite side himself, where he was chanting incantations and performing the Big Dipper Steps, hopping and humming. Chen Ping’an watched with a straight face, thinking, “Are you performing some kind of ritual?” Seeing the Concealed Official Ancestor’s displeased expression, the White-Haired Child quickly stood still, gathered his Qi into his dantian with both hands, and then twisted one wrist. A woman’s figure, ethereal and indistinct, appeared on the spot. With a wave of her left hand, she unfurled a snow-white painting scroll. Then, raising the right sleeve, she held a colorful brush, shimmering with iridescent light, ready to start painting. Chen Ping’an remained expressionless, thinking, “He’s really putting on a show.”

Mountain Lord Chen Ping’an and the guest, Lü Yan, stood together in the middle, flanked by Xiao Mo and Xie Gou on one side, and Immortal Commandant and Konghou on the other.

Before setting brush to paper, the woman holding the colorful brush carefully scrutinized everyone. She raised her head, her voice clear and melodious, and said with a smile, “Mountain Lord, don’t keep such a stiff face. Give us a little smile, eh, still not sincere enough. It needs to come from the heart. Oh dear, hands in your sleeves look too lazy, and hands behind your back seem too arrogant. How about your arms hanging naturally? Never mind, just let your arms hang naturally. Concealed Official Ancestor, don’t get impatient…”

“Look at the person next to you. Pure Yang Daoist is doing so well – composed, holding his horsetail whisk, and carrying his sword on his back. Truly, a figure of immortal bearing.”

“Immortal Commandant, are you too nervous? Quickly, wipe the sweat off your forehead. It’s not like we’re going to post this in the streets and alleys of Huaihuang County. Don’t be so uptight. Take a deep breath. Ah, that’s much better.”

“My dear Konghou, don’t laugh so unladylike. Close your mouth a little. Are you going to eat someone?”

“Xie Gou! Don’t stand on your tiptoes! Keep your head straight, and don’t keep leaning into Xiao Mo’s arms! Crossing your arms is fine, just lower your head a little more, you’re showing your nostrils.”

“Xiao Mo, you don’t need to stand shoulder to shoulder so close to Xie Gou, but you don’t need to push her away either.”

This day was the twenty-second day of the first month of the sixth year of Chunping in Great Li.

The ancestral hall square on Azure Peak of Fallen Phoenix Mountain.

Mountain Lord Chen Ping’an, with a white jade hairpin in his hair, wearing a blue shirt, long gown, and cloth shoes.

The gatekeeper of Fallen Phoenix Mountain, the Daoist Nian Jing, wearing a cotton Daoist robe and cloud-treading shoes, with the Daoist title “Immortal Commandant.”

The Loose Immortal Lü Yan, with the Daoist title Pure Yang.

The providing spirit Xiao Mo, wearing a yellow hat, green shoes, and carrying a green bamboo cane, using the alias Mo Sheng, with the Daoist title Joyful Candle.

The girl in the sable cap, now using the alias Xie Gou, with a long list of Daoist titles she used to use: Bai Jing, Morning Halo, Outer Scenery, Radiant Spirit, and so on.

The White-Haired Child, an outer demon, using the alias Konghou, with the true name Tianran.

A total of six people, including one pinnacle martial artist, four Ascension Realm cultivators, and a fake Daoist in the Lower Five Realms.

When the White-Haired Child merged back with the “woman” who had put away the colorful brush, Chen Ping’an and Lü Yan went down the mountain together, with Xiao Mo silently following behind them.

The girl in the sable cap came to the White-Haired Child’s side and gave him a look.

The White-Haired Child looked displeased, “What is it?”

Xie Gou held out her hand, “Don’t play dumb with me. Hurry up, quickly cut it out. The painting only needs to have me and Xiao Mo, and that will be enough. Give me a copy as a memento.”

The White-Haired Child crossed his arms and snorted coldly, “With your realm, you can paint whatever kind of landscape painting you want. Why are you asking me?”

Xie Gou’s eyes instantly turned cold. She stared at the short, white-haired runt for a moment. Konghou tilted his head and stretched his neck, signaling that she could try to chop him if she dared.

With the Concealed Official Ancestor present, was he afraid of her? A perfected Ascension Realm sword cultivator, so formidable! Oh, how terrifying! Haha, I’m not even human.

The girl in the sable cap suddenly smiled, revealing a rare hint of flattery. She lowered her head, rubbed her hands, and whispered, “How can it be the same? We’re good sisters, what can’t we discuss? You want money, right? Name your price. How many Snow Coin?”

The White-Haired Child reached out and patted his chest, feigning shock and horror. His words grew increasingly insolent, “I wonder who it was who wanted to kill someone with their eyes just now.”

Xie Gou’s mouth twitched, and she said with a laugh, “A great person is broad-minded and magnanimous. Why would you bother with a young maiden like me?”

The White-Haired Child wanted to say a few more words.

Xie Gou deliberately turned her head to look, and said to herself, “The three of them are walking a little far.”

The White-Haired Child’s smile immediately became even more fawning, his face beaming. He took out a small, cropped painting from his sleeve. The painting combined meticulous brushwork with freehand expression, with skillful and sophisticated strokes. The brushwork possessed the spirit of the imperial court painting style. Sure enough, only Xie Gou and Xiao Mo were standing side by side in the painting, but a newly added inscription had appeared on the painting. The White-Haired Child handed over the painting and raised his head, his eyes sincere, “Sister Xie, do you need me to take care of the mounting?”

Xie Gou held the scroll in one hand and heavily patted the White-Haired Child on the shoulder with the other, her face radiant, “Konghou, consider me owing you a favor. I’ll help you kill people in the future!”

On the way down the mountain, Chen Ping’an asked, “Senior Lü, are there more or fewer extraordinary people and talented individuals in the Azure Gloom World compared to the Great World?”

Lü Yan smiled and said, “Extraordinary people and talented individuals? How do we define that? So, it’s difficult to say. But if we’re just talking about realms, the number of peak cultivators in the two worlds is not that different for now, but that is only temporary. As for the shift in the heavens, after a rain of Dharma falls, the next hundred years will be very chaotic. Some Ascension Realm cultivators will have great opportunities to reach the Fourteenth Realm, and old and new Fourteenth Realm cultivators will unleash their power to kill Ascension Realm cultivators. As for those who seize the opportunity before the situation is settled, to settle old grudges between Ascension Realm cultivators, or to create new feuds in their struggles, I believe there will only be more.”
The once revered, untamed, and unfettered primordial wilderness, by virtue of the arrival of a single Bai Ze, may well become the most stable realm. I have heard that in the Western Buddhist kingdom, the Zen masters who champion the school of thought concerning intention, and the Buddhist Vinaya masters who uphold strict precepts, are on the verge of an irreconcilable schism. Furthermore, the disagreement between the esoteric and Zen schools, as well as within Zen itself, regarding the rightful lineage of a certain historically renowned high monk, is considerable. Each faction is compiling its own genealogy, seeking to incorporate him into their respective lineage, as this directly affects the standing of the two prominent Zen branches. Deciding which side holds precedence is no trivial matter. As for the ancient doctrinal dispute, despite the best efforts of Buddhist luminaries to blur the lines over the past millennium, the discord persists. In my many years wandering the Azure Vault Realm, a sentiment once dared only to be held in the heart of cultivators, namely “The world has suffered under Yu Dou for far too long,” has surfaced like a stone from the water. It has transformed from a private thought into a public discourse, gradually spreading among the Daoist officials of the fourteen prefectures. Even the Jade Capital seems disinclined to suppress this discussion, and it has taken on the momentum of a wildfire. You must understand that the current situation is not the same as when Sect Leader Lu presided over the Jade Capital; it is Yu Dou himself who sits upon the throne.”

“Rest assured, individuals like myself are rare, whether you look three thousand years into the past or three thousand years into the future.”

As they neared the foot of the mountain, Lü Yan said, “Mountain Lord Chen need not see me any further.”

Chen Ping’an halted.

Lü Yan smiled and said, “The stream flows for a thousand years, winding around the mountain myriad times. One burns incense at the temple, but upon leaving the mountain gate, one must resume one’s individual cultivation.”

Chen Ping’an nodded and replied, “Below the mountain, a hundred years of life harbor a thousand years of aspirations. Above the mountain, cultivators often live for centuries or millennia. This so-called cultivation hinges only on a single heart.”

Lü Yan asked, “Did you not receive an invitation?”

Chen Ping’an replied helplessly, “Even if I were invited, I would not dare to go. No amount of persuasion would sway me.”

Lü Yan said, “That is because you have not truly convinced yourself. Too much reasoning is therefore ineffective. The White Bone True Man once offered an analogy, likening it to a chaotic brawl, a crucible of nascent power.”

Chen Ping’an pondered for a moment, “A fitting analogy.”

Lü Yan performed a Daoist salute, saying, “Until we meet again, I will trouble Mountain Lord Chen to serve as a protector for my journey.”

Chen Ping’an returned the gesture with cupped hands, “I will certainly exert myself to the utmost, and I shall not fail Senior’s expectations.”

Lü Yan pointed his horsetail whisk towards the mountaintop, “Just now, Fellow Daoist Konghou used her heart’s voice to invite me to serve as the Vice Mountain Lord of your Fallen Phoenix Mountain, claiming it was her own idea, and had absolutely nothing to do with the Mountain Lord. Would you say this is a family tradition? Regardless of whether there’s any truth to it, let’s test the waters with a few probes?”

Chen Ping’an’s smile faltered, and he had no choice but to offer another cupped-hand salute, “I apologize for the transgression. I offer my regrets to Senior on behalf of Konghou.”

Lü Yan waved his hand dismissively, “One gets used to it.”

Chen Ping’an asked with his heart’s voice, “May I ask Senior, how is the boxing technique of Lin Jiangxian of the Azure Vault Realm?”

Lü Yan smiled slightly, “This Master Lin’s boxing skills are extremely high, but his swordsmanship is even higher.”

Chen Ping’an asked no further.

Lü Yan said, “By gifting a Fire Talisman, my destined encounter with Chen Nuanshu comes to an end, reaching a conclusion that is thankfully both auspicious and complete. As for the future of our karmic connection, that shall depend upon fate.”

Chen Ping’an nodded.

Lü Yan retrieved his horsetail whisk, looked around, and said, “A mountain must allow a hundred flowers to bloom, not stifle voices and leave everyone imitating another, failing to truly become themselves. A patch of fragrant herbs is better than a single towering tree.”

Xiao Mo said, “Pure Yang Daoist, I dare not say much else, but as for this principle, you have wasted your breath. My young master has already done his best in this matter.”

Lü Yan smiled and nodded, “I have grown accustomed to the common world. Before departing, if I do not utter a few lofty words befitting a transcendent figure, I feel as if something is amiss. Please forgive me.”

Xiao Mo laughed, “Then I shall also invite Pure Yang Daoist to become a Vice Mountain Lord of Fallen Phoenix Mountain. I offer this invitation with sincerity and without any pretense.”

Lü Yan clicked his tongue in amazement, saying, “The customs of your Fallen Phoenix Mountain are truly extraordinary. This entire body of mine is about to succumb to your Pure Yang Daoist magic.”

Chen Ping’an said apologetically, “It is my fault for acting as a figurehead for far too many years. I lack sufficient authority, and each and every one of you is far too unreserved.”

According to an unwritten rule of the mountain world, when visiting a mountain, one enters through the mountain gate, and when leaving, one exits through the same gate. Lü Yan, upon reaching the foot of the mountain, directly employed the earth-shrinking technique, traversing half of the Treasure Bottle Continent in a single step. He arrived at a celestial ferry at the northernmost tip, and gazed towards the Northern Assembly Continent to the north. He employed the art of observing qi, seeing three faint glimmers scattered around the mountain where Bai Chang was in seclusion. It seemed He Xiaoliang would not be making a move for the time being. Lü Yan once again shrank the mountains and rivers, arriving on the sea surface in an instant. He fixed his gaze, waved his horsetail whisk, and casually cleaved the sea, creating a hundred-zhang tidal wave. The Daoist’s figure flickered and vanished, heading towards the remains of a submerged Dragon Palace that had yet to be discovered by the True Dragon King Zhu. The layers of restrictions were rendered meaningless. The Pure Yang Daoist strolled leisurely, as if entering an uninhabited place.

On the mountain path, Xiao Mo used his heart’s voice to remind him: “Young Master, Xie Gou’s temperament is unpredictable. If she stays in the Fallen Phoenix Mountain, she could cause trouble at any time. Perhaps I should find a way?”

For a pure sword cultivator, especially a savage demon, the way of looking at the world outside of themself is actually very simple. It’s carefully considering their combat power and estimating how many swords they need to use against different cultivators. In Bai Jing’s eyes, even a reclusive expert like the Pure Yang True Man, whose depth of cultivation she cannot fathom for the time being, she is not afraid of at all. If it was in the savage wilderness, Bai Jing would have already proactively initiated a sword fight. Since she can’t see the depth of his cultivation, she would just fight to find out.

Chen Ping’an joked: “A way? What way? Will you offer yourself? Xiao Mo, is that how you act as a death warrior? You even need to sell your appearance?”

Xiao Mo wanted to say something but stopped.

Chen Ping’an said: “I know what you’re thinking. You want to come up with a set of rules similar to an agreement, telling her that if she crosses the line, you will use your natal flying sword. Of course you are serious, and Bai Jing will believe you are serious, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Alright, alright, don’t worry about this matter. Since I agreed to let her return to the mountain, just relax and practice your sword well. Damn it, this Bai Jing, she said your aptitude was inferior to hers, and she kept chattering on and on, making me so angry. I guess you heard it too, so Xiao Mo, you must cultivate hard.”

Xiao Mo said helplessly: “Since following Young Master, I have never slackened in my cultivation for a moment.”

Otherwise, it would be impossible to find a way to advance to the Fourteenth Realm, but she was one step late.
Chen Ping’an smiled, “Earlier, the Dao Ancestor himself visited the town and asked me about my views on cultivation. I once replied with a poem by Su Shi: ‘Danzhou clouds and mists, the Qiantang tide, if you haven’t seen them, you’ll forever regret it. But once you arrive, you find there’s nothing special, just Danzhou clouds and mists, the Qiantang tide.'”

Xiao Mo knowingly smiled, “Su Shi is revered as the master of Ci poetry, but this poem is imbued with Zen-like meaning. You, Young Master, are the only scholar in the realm who would discuss this with the Dao Ancestor.”

Chen Ping’an, adopting the tone of his teacher, sighed and complained, “Don’t spout nonsense, you’re overthinking it. I had no intention of competing.”

Chen Ping’an explained, “The reason I spoke of this is to tell you that matters of love between men and women are often the same. What you yearn for, what you can’t obtain, is actually just that Danzhou cloud and mist, Qiantang tide in your mind. Worrying and longing, filled with a hundred regrets and a thousand grievances, how can a single word ‘sorrow’ describe it? But once you truly obtain it, the Danzhou cloud and mist, Qiantang tide is still just the Danzhou cloud and mist, Qiantang tide, but your heart has changed. Is it the wind that moves, or the banner that moves? It is the heart that moves.”

“I’m not worried about what Xie Gou will do, but I’m worried that one day you’ll truly fall for her, and then the situation will reverse. You yourself said that Bai Jing’s affections are fickle, her love can fade, and then it will be your turn to repay the debt. You’ll have a hard time, and I don’t want to see you drowning your sorrows in alcohol every day, unkempt and slovenly, like a drunkard.”

“As for why I’m more tolerant towards Xie Gou, it’s naturally because I believe she can still love someone after ten thousand years. After ten thousand years, in order to reunite, she actively crossed two continents to find this person. I think that’s a remarkable thing.”

Xiao Mo was silent.

Chen Ping’an said, “Xiao Mo, even if you still don’t like her, you need to be aware of it. Don’t just feel annoyed. At least in your usual words, show a little patience.”

Xiao Mo nodded, then suddenly said, “Young Master’s reasoning sounds very reasonable, but it doesn’t seem very convincing coming from you. Young Master and Miss Ning, from your first encounter to knowing each other, understanding each other, longing for each other, and loving each other, you have never wavered.”

Chen Ping’an reacted extremely quickly, blinking his eyes.

Xiao Mo was puzzled.

Chen Ping’an didn’t explain anything, but patted Xiao Mo’s shoulder, then put his hands back into his sleeves and slowly climbed the mountain.

Xiao Mo, there’s a reason why you and Xie Gou would make a good couple. High realm, few thoughts, simply put, you’re pure and easily deceived.

This is what’s called, “To describe it is to miss the mark.” With Bai Jing’s stubborn temper, wouldn’t she have a fit and become even more infatuated with you, Xiao Mo, if you ever changed your mind and fell in love with her?

The newly befriended sable-hatted girl and white-haired boy were squatting on the white jade railing at the edge of the plaza, both craning their necks and listening intently.

The white-haired boy asked curiously, “Sister Xie, what did the Hidden Official Ancestor talk about with your man?”

Xie Gou rubbed her sable hat, “Just heartfelt words between two old men, mostly scolding me, so it’s sincere, but it’s also touching, very touching.”

The white-haired boy was extremely curious, “What did they talk about? Tell me about it.”

Xie Gou suddenly said, “Not standing, not sitting, just squatting, the posture is uncouth, looks like squatting in an outhouse to poop.”

The white-haired boy laughed loudly.

Xie Gou suddenly had an idea, “Konghou, let’s form a small gang too. For example, let’s first bring in that Left Protector to join. Can’t we give out titles and ranks as we please?”

The white-haired boy frowned, “Those ‘slanting seal’ official positions don’t carry much weight, seems hard to convince people. And there are so few people in Fallen Mountain, it’s hard to trick people into joining. Ah, I knew I should have agreed to the Hidden Official Ancestor’s offer to go to the Tongye Continent and con a few new faces who don’t know the details.”

Xie Gou nodded, “Then let’s not rush it. Those who accomplish great deeds must be far-sighted and plan carefully. Let’s set a time later, and the two of us can discuss it properly.”

The white-haired boy said, “We’ve read so many books, your knowledge is vast, my learning is abundant, let’s not be like scholars rebelling, nothing accomplished in ten years.”

Xie Gou rubbed her chin, looking a little worried, then her brows relaxed and she slapped her palm, “This is called, ‘Pretending to steal leisure to learn like a youth, the virtuous remain steadfast and await their fate.'”

The white-haired boy nodded vigorously, “That’s quite profound! Zhou Mili’s gang can’t compare to our little hill, which is temporarily just the two of us. Not even close!”

“Why are you so close to Chen Ping’an?”

“No matter what the matter, pretending that it isn’t something when it clearly is, is a very tiring thing. For example, Chen Ping’an, he’s a sentimental fool who could once be moved to tears and heartbroken just by hearing a story about Liu Laocheng of Gongliu Island. So, he actually has a lot of pity for me in his heart, but he never pities me at all. I’m very grateful for that.”

“Yes, indeed, ‘This body originally knew no sorrow, most fearful of encountering tenderness.'”

The white-haired boy rolled his eyes. If Zhu Lian hadn’t said that, I’d eat shit.

“If Zhu Lian were willing to show his true face and hold a few more ‘Mirrors and Flowers, Moon in the Water’ events, I’m sure that within a year, at least a hundred female cultivators would be willing to change sects and come to Fallen Mountain to cultivate.”

Xie Gou deeply agreed, nodding, “If we’re just talking about appearance, my Xiao Mo and Mister Zhu are probably a hundred Chen Ping’ans better.”

The white-haired boy’s face fell, “Miss Xie, friends are friends, but I won’t allow you to belittle the Hidden Official Ancestor like that!”

“Then only ten better?”

“That’s more like it.”

A natal flying sword quietly departed.

Xie Gou grinned, thinking that the flying sword had transformed into emptiness, hiding in the Daoist intent left in the mountain by that stinky-nosed old Taoist. Like a fish diving into the depths, how could this old woman not guess your Chen Mountain Lord’s methods?

Xie Gou took out a pot of wine, the common, unrefined liquor sold by the catty in the town. She took a gulp, remaining silent for a long time before suddenly asking, “To be carefree, unfettered, and unrestrained, and then become something that is neither human, nor ghost, nor god, nor immortal, would you harbor resentment?”

The white-haired boy gave a “heh” sound, his expression calm as he replied, “The grasses and trees in the mountains, the crops in the fields, each has its own fate. What can you do, what can you change?”