Unsheathed

Chen Ping’an threw his head back as he took a large swig of wine, then wiped a hand across his mouth as he mused, “So what do I do? Initially, I thought that I would be free once I traveled to the Northern Complete Reed Continent, but Senior Cui has told me that while this will work, it will only have a trivial effect, and it doesn’t address the problem at its roots.

“This has made me very… hesitant. I’m not afraid of danger, hardships, or adversity, but I’m terrified of the feeling of being lost and without direction. I am alone in this vast world with no relatives to speak of. If I do something right, there is no one to praise me, and if I do something wrong, there is no one to reprimand me.

“This was how I felt as a child, and it was a terrible feeling, one that has continued to linger in my heart, and just the mere thought of it has me feeling a sense of despair. I know that this is a very bad mindset, and I’ve been trying to change over the years, but it’s still not good enough. Hence, when it comes to Gu Can, to Liu Xianyang, to people who I view as my friends, I want to give them everything that I have. Is it truly out of a place of generosity and benevolence?

“Of course not. It’s just that I’ve become convinced that I can’t hold onto anything, but they’ll be able to do so in my stead, and as long as it still exists and I can see it, then that’s better than losing it altogether, whether it be money or other things. I’m also really fond of this Golden Sweet Wine robe. It has saved me during many perilous ordeals, so how could I not be attached to it?

“On the contrary, I’m extremely sentimental, and I felt compelled to bring even Qu Huang back to Downtrodden Mountain with me. However, if I were to die someday during my travels, my possessions would be taken by my enemies or people I don’t even know, so I may as well hand them off to Liu Xianyang in advance.”

“These concerns of yours are not unique to yourself, Young Master. Instead, these are difficult problems that countless people in history have had to contend with,” Zhu Lian said as he set down his flagon. “Not only are you plagued by such concerns, I was as well back in the Lotus Flower Blessed Land, as was Ding Ying, and this is also true for all of the scholars in the Majestic World, whether they be virtuous scholars, noble scholars, or sages.

“In fact, all beings in this world with higher intelligence must eventually face these very same tribulations. At their roots, the principles of the Three Teachings and Hundred Schools of Thought are all contending with the heart of man. In Confucianism, it’s stipulated that one must suppress their selfish urges, and that they must act with morality and virtue even when alone and outside the scrutiny of others.

“In Daoism, it is encouraged for one to follow the natural flow of things and not forcibly manifest things. In Buddhism, it is stated that one must tame their thoughts and desires. These are all great principles in theory, but they’re far too difficult to carry out in practice.

“The positive aspect of Cui Chan and Cui Dongshan’s theory of practical ability is that it can guide one in one’s life down to even the most minute details, but the downside is that too much energy and effort must be spent on frivolous matters. Everything must be weighed up and considered, and one can easily find themselves worn down over time.

“It’s too pragmatic and pays no heed to the abstract and profound, making it difficult for one to elevate one’s mental state to higher levels.”

Zhu Lian rose to his feet and gently rested a finger against the surface of the desk as he smiled and said, “Please pardon me for this one instant of disrespect and allow me to refer to you directly by name, Young Master. Chen Ping’an, what does stalling in your progress entail? It entails that the way you view this world is at odds with how you want to feel and act.

“This seems like a trivial discrepancy, but it’ll become more and more magnified as you attain more power. Right now, you are able to topple houses with a single punch, and someday, you will be able to topple even the city walls of mortal capitals with a single punch. Right now, your sword can intimidate your enemies and allow you to escape from peril, but in the future, perhaps you’ll be able to eradicate entire sects with just your sword qi alone.

“How can you avoid making mistakes? If you were Ma Kuxuan, someone that you detest, or even Liu Xianyang, a close friend of yours, then you wouldn’t have to be this way. However, Chen Ping’an is the current Chen Ping’an. You are you. Back in Bamboo Scroll Lake, all you managed to do was make your principles and reasoning exist in harmony with this world.

“You were able to resolve problems and be pragmatic while ensuring that your mind was somewhat at ease. What comes next is for you to ask yourself exactly who Chen Ping’an is. Seeing as you’ve already chosen this path, then regardless of whether it’s right or wrong, you have to be able to see it clearly in advance.

“Only then will you have the potential to rectify the faults and perfect this path as much as possible. Otherwise, you’ll be stumbling down the path blind, praying that you don’t go astray, and that’s simply not going to happen. Earlier you said that Wei Bo told you that one’s heart must contain both a sun and a moon, and both are indispensable, and you felt enlightened from this.

“You also said that Imperial Preceptor Cui Chan told you that constantly gazing up at the radiant sun will make your heart grow toward the light like flowers and trees, but you should also turn around from time to time to look at your own shadow. What are those two pieces of exposition telling you? One pertains to the future, while the other to the past. Hence, the question arises: what about the present? Who are you right now?

“There is a very common saying that I believe is no less valuable for its prevalence. It goes “those who know others are wise, while those who know themselves are illuminated.” What does illumination mean in this sense? It entails an untarnished mental state, and it also alludes to the light of the sun and the moon.”

Chen Ping’an sat down on his chair as he sipped on some wine, looking both enlightened and as if a heavy load had been lifted from his shoulders.

In the end, Zhu Lian smiled as he said, “There are some things that you simply won’t be able to wrap your head around, but fear not. Just continue down the path that you think is right, and if it is right, then strive to make it more right. If it’s not, then rectify the faults along the way. All martial arts and principles are useless if they are not put into practical application.

“You’ve been to Stalactite Mountain, to the Parasol Leaf Continent, to the Lotus Flower Blessed Land, to Bamboo Scroll Lake, doesn’t it stand to reason that the Northern Complete Reed Continent is the best place for you to travel to next? Make sure to take a few extra flagons of wine with you, and by the time you return, perhaps you’ll have already won the title of sword immortal for yourself.

“Perhaps you’ll have left such a deep imprint on the Northern Complete Reed Continent that your name will be remembered for a hundred years, even a thousand years!”

Initially, Chen Ping’an felt inspired by Zhu Lian’s words, but at the end, he felt like those aspirations were too far beyond his reach for him to even consider.

“There are also many beautiful women prone to infatuation in this world, so you have to be careful, Young Master,” Zhu Lian said in a serious manner.

Chen Ping’an shook his head in a resigned manner. This was a much more familiar Zhu Lian to him.

Zhu Lian raised his flagon and said, “This has been a very enlightening and inspiring conversation, Young Master. Can I finish my wine with you before I leave?”

And just like that, Zhu Lian was completely back to his usual self.

Chen Ping’an smiled as he raised his flagon, and the two of them finished their osmanthus wine together.

Zhu Lian departed with his empty flagon, while Chen Ping’an resumed packing.

All of the immortal currency was being stored in the jade tablet minimization treasure that had been gifted to him by Zheng Dafeng back in Old Dragon City, and he had requested thirty grain rain coins from Wei Bo, who was looking after his money.

This money was not to be used under normal circumstances, and it was reserved for purchasing items related to the refinement of his three bonded items outside of the water and the earth attributes, or to purchase any immortal treasures that both caught his eye and were suited to him.

On top of that, he was also bringing along fifty lesser heat coins and a thousand snowflake coins.

Of course, Sword Immortal and his Sword Nurturing Gourd were also coming along with him.

He was wearing the Dao robe by the name of Spring Grass, but he had heeded Zhu Lian’s advice and brought Golden Sweet Wine with him in case of unforeseen mishaps.

The walnut bracelet that had been gifted to him by Wu Yi of the Purple Sun Residence, of which each walnut was equivalent to an attack from an earth immortal, was an offensive immortal treasure that was a perfect fit for him.

The Day and Night Wandering Deity True Body Talisman was currently in an unusable state. Chen Ping’an had heard that Li Xisheng was currently traveling the Northern Complete Reed Continent, so he would see if Li Xisheng could repair the talisman.

After that, it was up to Li Xisheng whether he wanted to recover the talisman for the Li Clan or continue to have Chen Ping’an hold onto it. Cui Dongshan had subtly warned him to draw a clear line between himself and the Li Clan outside of Li Baoping, but Chen Ping’an still wanted to maintain a good relationship with Li Xisheng.

There were also the three facades that had been meticulously crafted by Zhu Lian, and they were of a young boy, a young man, and an old man. They wouldn’t be able to fool earth immortals, but they would more than suffice for his travels.

Li Er, his wife, and his daughter were all staying on the Complete Reed Continent’s Lion Peak, so Chen Ping’an was going to visit them as well.

Additionally, he was going to personally examine the route that flowed into the sea in accordance with the deal that he had made with Branch Master Lu Chen. Of course, Lu Chen hadn’t given Chen Ping’an any choice in the matter. In any case, Chen Ping’an wouldn’t have turned down the task as whether this route was passable or not had a direct impact on Chen Lingjun’s Dao attainment.

It was never a simple matter for the likes of snake and fish spirits to enter the rivers. That catfish river demon on the Parasol Leaf Continent had been barred from entering the rivers by the Burial River Goddess, thereby preventing it from reaching the Golden Core Tier.

Of course, there were people and things that he wanted to see, as well as some that he wanted to avoid, such as He Xiaoliang of the Divine Edict Sect.

The thought of He Xiaoliang struck him with a more severe headache than the thoughts of Yao Jinzhi of the Parasol Leaf Continent, White Swan River Goddess Xiao Luan, and Liu Chongrun of Bejeweled Hairpin Island combined.

He could only pray that he didn’t run into her.

Chen Ping’an heaved a long sigh after finishing packing for his northbound journey, and for some reason, the thought of Zhu Lian sprang into his mind.

He couldn’t imagine just how glorious Zhu Lian had been in his prime in the Lotus Flower Blessed Land.

After stumbling back to his residence, Zhu Lian discovered that Cen Yuanji was still practicing her fist techniques. However, her fist intent was very forced and unsteady, and she was doing a lot of work for not much gain.

He leaped over the wall to land directly in the courtyard, then said, “Don’t overdo it. You only know how to tense up in your fist technique practice, but you don’t know how to relax, and that’s a big problem. Practicing fist techniques is much like tempering the heart. Being able and willing to endure hardship is naturally a good thing, but you must know moderation.

“Otherwise, your mind and your fist techniques will only become duller by the day, and you could easily cause irreparable damage to your body by training this way. If that were to happen, how will you ever reach your full potential?”

These were not very kind or gentle words, and they were similar in nature to the blunt “your fist techniques are no good” that Chen Ping’an had uttered to Cen Yuanji in his drunken state.

However, her reaction to Zhu Lian’s criticism was completely different from how she had reacted to Chen Ping’an. Not only did she accept the criticism in earnest, she immediately began pondering how she could rectify her mistakes.

Zhu Lian nodded as he continued, “Then again, it’s already very good that you’re able to withstand hardships. You are an unofficial disciple of our Downtrodden Mountain, so you have to hold yourself in higher regard. I suggest you go to the summit of Downtrodden Mountain to practice your fist techniques from time to time.

“You can take a look at the stunning surrounding scenery while you’re at it and tell yourself that even a woman can harbor the world in her heart, that even a woman can reach the pinnacle of the Martial Dao and look down on the entire martial arts world.”

Cen Yuanji was so inspired to hear this that she was moved to the point of tears. Zhu Lian was the immortal that she respected the most on Downtrodden Mountain. Not only had he saved her and her clan from a terrible fate, he had given her a bright future in martial arts and treated her with the tenderness of a guiding senior without asking for anything in return. In light of all of this, how could she not be moved?

She wiped the tears from her eyes, then said in a quivering voice, “I will be sure to remember all of your teachings, Senior.”

Zhu Lian nodded in response, then turned to depart, but as he did so, Cen Yuanji blurted out, “Senior Zhu, why are you content to suffer so much humiliation on Downtrodden Mountain?”

“What humiliation have I suffered?” Zhu Lian asked with a smile.

Cen Yuanji was too embarrassed to speak her mind. It wasn’t that she feared Chen Ping’an, she simply didn’t want to hurt Zhu Lian by pointing out the bleak reality that she was witnessing.

“Ignorance is bliss, so keep it up. There’s no need for you to change. Actually, it’s best if you don’t. Maintain your ignorance for as long as possible, our Downtrodden Mountain needs someone like you,” Zhu Lian mused.

Cen Yuanji gave a faint smile in response. Even though Zhu Lian was insulting her, she could tell that he was doing so for her own good.

“Do you enjoy staying here, Senior?” Cen Yuanji asked.

“I’m a very lazy man, so I can’t think of a better place to live,” Zhu Lian replied with a nod.

“You are an exceptional man who has freed himself from the attachments of the mortal world, Senior!” Cen Yuanji praised in earnest.

“The feng shui on Downtrodden Mountain seems a little strange,” Zhu Lian remarked, and this time, he departed through the gate instead of leaping over the wall again.

After closing the gate behind Zhu Lian, she gently clenched her fist as she murmured to herself, “You mustn’t disappoint Senior Zhu, Cen Yuanji! You must work hard, but also work smart!”

As opposed to returning directly to his own residence, Zhu Lian made his way to the summit of Downtrodden Mountain, where he sat down at the top of the steps. He raised his empty flagon, and only then did he recall that there was no more wine inside. That was not a concern, he would just have to wait for the sunrise without any wine to drink.

All of a sudden, Zhu Lian spotted an unexpected guest.

Cui Cheng had made a rare appearance outside of the bamboo building.

Zhu Lian rose to his feet to greet him with a smile.

Cui Cheng slowly made his way up the mountain, raising a hand to gesture Zhu Lian to sit back down, and Zhu Lian duly obliged.

Cui Cheng sat down beside Zhu Lian, and he had come with two flagons of wine, one of which he tossed at Zhu Lian, who removed the clay seal before taking a long swig.

A wide smile appeared on his face as he said, “If the young master were to find out that you had dug out two flagons of wine, he wouldn’t dare to blame you, but he would certainly denounce me for partaking in the spoils.”

“If Chen Ping’an didn’t like someone, he wouldn’t speak to them at all,” Cui Cheng said in an expressionless manner.

“That’s true,” Zhu Lian replied with a nod.

“Why are you still intentionally progressing so slowly, even though you’re no longer bound by the Heavenly Dao bottleneck of the Lotus Flower Blessed Land?” Cui Cheng asked as he peered into the distance.

Zhu Lian set down his flagon beside Cui Cheng’s, then leaned back with his elbows against the ground as he replied in a lackadaisical manner, “This is the most enjoyable way to live for me.”

“Chen Ping’an is a great young man, but is he worthy of this treatment from you?” Cui Cheng asked.

Even in the face of a peak tenth tier martial artist’s questions, Zhu Lian was still as casual as ever as he replied, “I do what I want.”

Cui Cheng wasn’t bothered by this response. He would just have to reward Zhu Lian with a few more punches in their next training session.

“You’re going to keep walking around in this facade, keeping your true appearance secret even from your young master?” Cui Cheng asked with a smile.

Zhu Lian grinned as he replied, “Back in my hometown, I benefitted too much from my looks, and I’m kind of tired of it. Now that I’m a senior citizen, I have to act the part. It simply wouldn’t do to have a bunch of young women swooning over me at my age.”

Cui Cheng shook his head and departed.

There was no speaking to someone like Zhu Lian.

If it weren’t for what Zhu Lian had said earlier on the first floor of the bamboo building, there was no way Cui Cheng would’ve made this trip to deliver him wine.

Following Cui Cheng’s departure, Zhu Lian laid down onto the ground, using his hands as a pillow as he closed his eyes to rest.

On the cusp of daybreak, Zhu Lian sat up, then pressed two fingers into the corner of his face, gently peeling away a facade to reveal his true appearance.

Wei Bo appeared beside Zhu Lian in a wraith-like manner, then took a glance down at him as he sighed, “You truly put me to shame.”

Zhu Lian threw his hands over his own face like an embarrassed little girl, then imitated Pei Qian’s tone as he squealed, “So embarrassing!”

Wei Bo was rendered speechless for a long while, then departed in disgust.

Zhu Lian burst into laughter as he rose to his feet with his hands clasped behind his back.

The light of the rising sun illuminated his features, giving him the appearance of an immortal among immortals.

He quickly put on the facade again, and after carefully smoothing it back into place, he made his way down the mountain while carrying the two flagons of wine. Along the way, he encountered Cen Yuanji, who was practicing her fist techniques as she scaled the mountain.

Her fist intent was almost severed as soon as she caught sight of Zhu Lian, and she reflexively wanted to stop and greet him, but after recalling their conversation from the night before, she forced herself to maintain her fist intent as she continued her practice.

Zhu Lian nodded as he passed her by.

Only after reaching the summit did Cen Yuanji stop in her tracks, and as she turned around, she could make out Zhu Lian’s diminutive figure in the distance, looking as tiny as a grain of rice. In her mind, even though Zhu Lian wasn’t very handsome, he surely had to have been very popular with women back in his prime.

Zhu Lian made his way to Pei Qian and Chen Ruchu’s courtyard, where the latter had already begun busying herself.

Pei Qian was definitely still sleeping. In her words, one’s best friend under the heavens was one’s blankets at night, while the most difficult foes to fight off were one’s blankets in the morning.

Zhu Lian greeted Chen Ruchu with a smile, then began pounding on the door.

Pei Qian was jolted awake, and she called out in a bleary-eyed manner, “Who is it?”

“The young master has already left Downtrodden Mountain,” Zhu Lian declared with a smile.

Pei Qian was immediately snapped wide awake upon hearing this, only to then yell in a furious manner, “Who’re you trying to fool? Master’s leaving on tomorrow’s intercontinental ship!”

“Oh, in that case, you can keep sleeping,” Zhu Lian said.

Pei Qian sat on her bed in a daze for a moment, then yelled, “Get back here, you old chef! If you have some spine, then eat my full set of Deranged Demon Sword Techniques without moving or retaliating!”

“I have no spine,” Zhu Lian conceded as he departed.

Pei Qian still wanted to sleep, but she no longer felt sleepy, so she could only roll around on the bed, slapping her blankets in frustration.

On this day, Chen Ping’an departed from Downtrodden Mountain at around noon with Pei Qian. He chatted with Zheng Dafeng for a while at the entrance of the mountain, only to be shooed away by him in disdain. The construction at the entrance of the mountain was wrapping up, so Zheng Dafeng was very busy. Pei Qian was infuriated by this cold reception.

After that, Chen Ping’an paid the small town a visit with Pei Qian. He first went to his parents’ grave, then spent the night in his ancestral residence on Clay Vase Alley.

As daybreak arrived, Chen Ping’an left Pei Qian behind as he traveled to the Ox Horn Mountain ferry station with Wei Bo in accompaniment. They boarded the intercontinental ship headed to the Skeleton Shoal together, and as they did so, Wei Bo communicated through his mind’s lake, “There may be people who want to see you on the way to the Skeleton Shoal. Right now, you are considered a very prestigious figure in our Great Li Empire.”

Chen Ping’an turned to Wei Bo with a skeptical gaze upon hearing this, and the latter responded with a slight nod.

Chen Ping’an smiled and said, “Rest assured, I can handle it.”

“I’m not worried. We’re still in the territory of the Northern Mountain,” Wei Bo replied.

Following Wei Bo’s departure, Chen Ping’an paid no heed to the complex looks aimed at him from all directions as he made his way up to his room on the top floor.

Upon arriving in the room, he made his way out of the observation deck as the ship slowly ascended into the air. From this vantage point, he was able to see the entirety of the Jewel Small World.

Once again, he was about to embark on a long journey.

The words “Heaven Creates Divine Elegance” were engraved onto a cliff that was enshrouded in cloud and mist, and Ruan Xiu and Pei Qian were seated side by side atop the cliff.

Pei Qian was swinging her legs vigorously as they hung over the cliff, and she turned to Ruan Xiu as she said, “Those two bags of fried dough twists were really delicious, right, Big Sister Xiuxiu? They were so crispy and sumptuous! Master bought them from a very faraway place!”

“They were indeed delicious,” Ruan Xiu replied with a smile and a nod.