Chapter 456 (3): The True Bamboo Scroll Lake

Prior to his departure, Chen Ping'an had sat down with Gu Can and outlined to him what had to be done over the coming years.

It would take at least two years for Gu Can to arrange the Heavenly Dao and the Liberation Rite of Water and Land, and that, in addition to the what Chen Ping'an had done earlier in the Stone Brush Nation and the Plum Glaze Nation, would only go halfway to repaying Gu Can's debts. From there, he would have to continue his travels and strive to create an island in Bamboo Scroll Lake that was fit for the cultivation of ghostly entities and yin spirits.

The trio slowly traveled toward Cyan Gorge Island by boat, and Gu Can was standing at the front of the boat with the bamboo bookcase on his back.

Over the past year, he had been constantly carrying the Hall of the Underworld on his back.

It seemed like a blessing to be able to transform into a yin entity following one's demise, but it was actually more so a curse.

All yin entities, regardless of whether they had once been mortals or cultivators, had to have held very deep seated fixations during their lifetimes and strong attachments to the world of the living. However, the cycle of life and death was part of the natural order, and they were punished by the laws of heaven and earth for defying this cycle.

The passage of time, the twenty-four solar terms, the rumbling of spring thunder, the yang energy of summer... All of these aspects of nature posed no harm to the average person, but were nothing short of torture for yin entities to endure.

There were also things like the morning gong strikes of monasteries and temples, the incense offerings in scholarly and martial sage temples, as well as city god pavilions, the door gods plastered to the entrances of households, the aura of war on battlefields... All of these things harmed yin entities to different extents.

That wasn't even to mention the official immortals who often went out slaying ghostly entities in order to accumulate merit for themselves, as well as ghostly cultivators who relished in capturing yin spirits before molding said yin spirits to their needs, often through extremely tortuous and painful means. With so many trials and tribulations constantly hanging over the heads of all yin entities, it was truly a fate worse than death.

Of course, Gu Can had been somewhat familiar with this prior to Chen Ping'an's arrival in Bamboo Scroll Lake, but he had never bothered to look into such matters.

However, things were different now.

On their way back, they were met with a louchuan from Cyan Gorge Island coming from the opposite direction.

Tian Hujun drifted down onto Gu Can's boat, and neither Ma Duyi nor Zeng Ye thought that Gu Can would set foot onto the louchuan, but to their surprise, Gu Can accepted Tian Hujun's invitation and stepped onto the large louchuan.

The two of them engaged in an amicable conversation with each other, and it seemed that there were no hard feelings between them, as if they were still the senior sister and junior brother duo from back when Cyan Gorge Island was in its heyday.

Tian Hujun jokingly said to Gu Can that Chen Ping'an still owed them a lot of money, and that the cultivators in the secret vault of Cyan Gorge Island had been constantly complaining to her about his outstanding debt. The Hall of the Underworld and the Colored Glaze Pagoda replica that they had borrowed from Yu Gui on Chen Ping'an's behalf were both very valuable ghostly treasures.

In response, Gu Can replied that this was an important matter for their master to give a verdict on once he returned to Cyan Gorge Island.

An awkward look instantly appeared on Tian Hujun's face upon hearing this.

There was barely even a single cultivator in the entirety of Bamboo Scroll Lake who believed that Liu Zhimao would be able to leave the water dungeon on Palace Willow Island alive.

𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

If he were able to leave, then he would've returned to Cyan Gorge Island long ago, and there was no reason for him to delay. Now that Su Gaoshan was gone, everyone was convinced that the day that the leader of the Jade Tablet Sect's lower sect was named would be the day that Liu Zhimao met his demise.

It had been a very long time since Gu Can last wore that dark green python robe, but he still had a habit of tucking his hands up their opposite sleeves as he said in a quiet voice, "One cannot be faulted for doing some underhanded things in order to reach the pinnacle of the Great Dao, but there are certain lines that must not be crossed.

“I may be Liu Zhimao's final disciple, but in reality, he only took me under his wing in order to use me, and our relationship turned into one of collaboration for mutual benefit. That was clear to everyone in the Bamboo Scroll Lake. Hence, my relationship with my master is not something that I need to hold near and dear.

“However, you are Liu Zhimao's most prized disciple, and you were only able to reach your current heights thanks to Liu Zhimao and Cyan Gorge Island. If you step too far out of line, think about how that would tarnish your reputation in the eyes of the Great Li Empire, Guan Yiran, the cultivators of Bamboo Scroll Lake, and the future cultivators of the Jade Tablet Sect's lower sect.

“Seeing as you're already an earth immortal now, wouldn't it be best for you to exercise a bit more foresight? After all, there are now many rules in Bamboo Scroll Lake, and the way that we used to do things is no longer suited to this new environment."

"Did Mr. Chen ask you to relay that to me?" Tian Hujun asked.

"It has nothing to do with Chen Ping'an," Gu Can replied with a shake of his head. "I'm sure he was able to see your actions even clearer and with deeper insight than I can, and that's why he didn't bother to tell you all of this.

“Our relationship may have been a little rocky at some points in the past, but I still consider you someone close to me, so this is some advice from me to you from the bottom of my heart. It's up to you whether you heed my advice or not. I understand that this may sound like I'm preaching to you, and I may be coming across as a little pretentious, but I have to say this, even if it annoys you."

"It's too late for me to turn back," Tian Hujun sighed.

A faint smile appeared on Gu Can's face upon hearing this, and he felt as if he were seeing his past self in the current Tian Hujun.

Unfortunately, she had no one like Chen Ping'an in her life.

With that in mind, Gu Can cast his gaze into the distance, and even though his future was rather uncertain, he didn't feel afraid.

After turning his gaze back to Tian Hujun, he said, "Rest assured, Senior Sister, you and my other senior brothers and sisters and all of the guest elders can fight over Cyan Gorge Island's remaining wealth and territory as you please. I don't have the power to secure a share for myself, nor do I wish to be swept up in such a conflict.

“In my current state, I am no match for any of you, so I may as well voluntarily back out, and perhaps that may at least leave a positive impression on all of you. Besides, I'm going to be spending the majority of my time away from Cyan Gorge Island for the foreseeable future, so as opposed to keeping an eye on me, your time and energy would be much better spent on other avenues."

Tian Hujun's expression stiffened slightly upon having her intentions exposed by Gu Can, but overall, this meeting had yielded a positive outcome for her. With Gu Can willing to be so candid with her, she would at least no longer have to constantly speculate about his intentions.

It wasn't that Tian Hujun fully trusted that Gu Can was being genuine and candid with her. What had truly put her at ease was the fact that Gu Can had to pay a visit to the Fan Clan in Pond Water City for protection prior to entering Bamboo Scroll Lake, and that in order to secure a path out for himself, he had resort to speculating that there was a chance that Liu Zhimao could leave Palace Willow Island alive, something that no one believed was possible.

All of this indicated to Tian Hujun that Gu Can truly was no threat without that catfish and Chen Ping'an by his side.

As the louchuan reached Cyan Gorge Island, Gu Can expressed no desire to return to the Spring Courtyard Mansion. Instead, he told Tian Hujun that he would be content with staying in the room at the entrance of the mountain, where he would be neighbors with Zeng Ye.

In the end, Ma Duyi took over Chen Ping'an's room as its sole occupant, kicking Gu Can out to stay with Zeng Ye.

Gu Can wasn't bothered by this.

He knew that despite her abrasive demeanor, deep down, Ma Duyi possessed a kind heart, and over time, he had become rather fond of her.

Chen Ping'an felt like he had espoused all of the principles of his entire lifetime in Bamboo Scroll Lake, while Gu Can felt like he had heard an entire lifetime's worth of flattery during the past few years that he had spent in Bamboo Scroll Lake.

During his time on Cyan Gorge Island, Gu Can paid a visit to the ruins of the Hengbo Residence, then stood outside the Spring Courtyard Mansion for a short while.

On this day, the weather was sunny and clear, and Gu Can, Zeng Ye, and Ma Duyi were sunbathing while seated in a row on three small, bamboo chairs.

Liu Chongrun of Bejeweled Hairpin Island arrived by boat before approaching them.

Gu Can knew that Chen Ping'an felt a little guilty toward Liu Chongrun as he owed her some money. Hence, even if Liu Chongrun hadn't come to visit Cyan Gorge Island, Gu Can would've made a trip to see her and reassure her that Chen Ping'an wasn't running away from his debts. At the moment, Liu Chongrun was a very important figure in Bamboo Scroll Lake.

Even though she had revealed her true Golden Core Tier cultivation base, the fact that she was able to secure a Peace and Safety Tablet from the Great Li Empire was still the subject of much envy and speculation from all of the island masters. Could it be that Su Gaoshan had taken a liking to her? Or perhaps Guan Yiran was into more mature women?

After all, even that sword immortal from the Luminous Vermilion Empire had been completely enamored with her, and even though many years had passed since then, her beauty hadn't waned in the slightest.

Gu Can was naturally aware that no such shady dealings had taken place. Chen Ping'an had disclosed to him that Liu Chongrun had secured that Peace and Safety Tablet in exchange for a bountiful water residence that was still yet to be unearthed by the Luminous Vermilion Empire to this day.

Not only had she managed to single-handedly ensure the survival of Bejeweled Hairpin Island, she had earned herself the lofty status of guest elder of the Great Li Empire.

As for whether Chen Ping'an had played any role in all of this, that was something that he hadn't divulged to Gu Can.

As Gu Can stood up to approach her, Liu Chongrun smiled and asked, "When will Mr. Chen be returning to Bamboo Scroll Lake?"

"I'm not sure, but it's unlikely that he'll be back in the near future," Gu Can replied with a shake of his head.

Liu Chongrun's expression remained unchanged as she nodded in response, then turned to depart without another word.

Gu Can hurriedly caught up to her and relayed Chen Ping'an's message to her, but she offered no response as she continued to depart without pause.

Gu Can returned to his little chair, and right as he did so, Ma Yuanzhi appeared at the dock.

Liu Chongrun hesitated momentarily, then stopped in her tracks as she sighed, "Ma Yuanzhi, you've already kept this up for so many years, is this something that you enjoy? Why don't you focus your time and energy on cultivation instead so you can strive to reach the Golden Core Tier?"

Ma Yuanzhi had intentionally changed into one of his better robes for this meeting, and he smiled as he said, "I know you're too shy to admit it, but the fact that you've come to visit Cyan Gorge Island even though you know full well that Chen Ping'an isn't here tells me everything that I need to know."

"Piss off!" Liu Chongrun snapped.

Ma Yuanzhi didn't dare to go against her, and he obediently stepped out of the way, clearing the path to her boat.

However, he was unable to help himself from sneaking a few glances at her voluptuous behind as she passed him by.

Liu Chongrun stopped in her tracks once again before turning around with a furious expression.

"Ma Yuanzhi! Do you have a death wish?!"

Ma Yuanzhi put on a pitiable display as he explained, "I was worried that you may have lost weight from the stress of all of the recent turmoil, but I now see that my concerns were unwarranted."

He took advantage of this opportunity to take a glance at her chest as he spoke, and it was truly a breathtaking sight.

"You're like a dog that can't kick the habit of eating its own shit!" Liu Chongrun grumbled.

An indignant look appeared on Ma Yuanzhi's face as he protested, "You can liken me to a dog or whatever you please, but I refuse to allow you to liken yourself to dog shit! In my eyes, you will always be the most beautiful and perfect woman in this world!"

Liu Chongrun became even more furious upon hearing this, and she sent Ma Yuanzhi flying out of the dock with a forceful sweep of her sleeve.

After steadying himself, Ma Yuanzhi was moved to the point of tears, and he wiped a hand across his own face, feeling as if his tireless efforts were finally being somewhat rewarded as he said, "I understand that as a woman, you're too shy to verbally flirt with me, but that was undeniably an act of physical affection just now!"

Liu Chongrun stormed onto her boat before departing as quickly as she could, fighting back the urge to murder Ma Yuanzhi in cold blood the entire time.

Ma Yuanzhi nodded to himself in self-affirmation as he murmured to himself with a vibrant smile, "I've never seen Her Highness act so shy before! Looks like she really has begun opening up her heart to me! Chen Ping'an, you better get ready to attend our wedding soon! You are my best friend under the heavens!

“If you hadn't told me the importance of reading between the lines and seeing the implications when dealing with women, how could I have possibly realized Her Highness's suppressed feelings? She's encouraging me to focus on my cultivation to reach the Golden Core Tier because she doesn't want me to get left too far behind. She's worried that I'm feeling inferior next to her!

“If she didn't love me deeply, why would she have gone to the effort of saying things in such a roundabout and tactful manner? Chen Ping'an, Mr. Chen, my brother! I am forever indebted to you!"

Following Ma Yuanzhi's joyful departure, Zeng Ye turned to Gu Can in an uncertain manner as he quietly asked, "Why do I feel like he's misunderstanding something?"

Ma Duyi was munching on some sunflower seeds, and she harrumphed coldly, "If I were Island Master Liu, I would've already killed him and been done with it! I can't imagine constantly being gawked at by someone so seedy and disgusting!"

"Do you two think Island Master Liu would fall for Chen Ping'an?" Gu Can asked with a smile.

Zeng Ye considered the question for a moment, then shook his head as he replied, "I don't think so. There's a huge age gap between them, and they barely even get to see each other. On top of that, Golden Core Tier cultivators all possess very resolute Dao Hearts, so as exceptional as Mr. Chen is, I think it's unlikely that she'll fall for him."

"I wouldn't be surprised at all if Liu Chongrun had feelings for Mr. Chen, but there's no way Mr. Chen would fall for an old hag like her," Ma Duyi scoffed, and Gu Can burst into laughter upon hearing this.

Ma Duyi tossed a handful of sunflower seeds at Gu Can in annoyance, only for the latter to dodge to the side. As a result, all of the sunflower seeds fell onto Zeng Ye's head, and he hurriedly began picking them up from the ground. Having been with Chen Ping'an for so long, it was difficult not to be a miser.

————

Palace Willow Island, water dungeon.

A prisoner in white linen garbs was seated with his legs crossed in a spacious cell, looking very calm and collected.

Standing outside the cell was an elderly cultivator of the Upper Five Tiers from the Parasol Leaf Continent, the same one that had accompanied the leaders of Peace and Tranquility Mountain and the Planchette Writing Sect out to sea to hunt down that great demon. Since then, he defected to the Jade Tablet Sect and taken a powerful treasure from the Parasol Leaf Sect's ancestral hall with him.

His actions had almost sparked a full blown conflict between the Parasol Leaf Sect and the Jade Tablet Sect, but thankfully, the situation was defused when Sect Leader Xun Yuan of the Jade Tablet Sect personally paid the Parasol Leaf Sect a visit. Following a chat with the leader of the Parasol Leaf Sect, the crisis was averted, presumably with the Jade Tablet Sect giving some form of compensation to the Parasol Leaf Sect.

The man's name was Zhou Fenglu, and he was the one in charge of the site selection for the Jade Tablet Sect's lower sect. As for whether he was just a poor errand boy, that would depend on whether he was ultimately elected the leader of the lower sect, or if that prestige went to Jiang Shangzhen.

Zhou Fenglu hadn't already killed Liu Zhimao because he wanted to get more out of him, thereby furthering his contributions to the Jade Tablet Sect. In doing so, the small group of higher-ups of the Jade Tablet Sect who were secretly supporting him would have more of a reason to dissuade those stubborn old farts of the ancestral hall that were leaning toward Jiang Shangzhen.

Not everyone in the Jade Tablet Sect was on the same page, and there were many senior figures in the sect that had become rather disgruntled with how rapidly Jiang Shangzhen had been rising of late.

This was an opportunity for Zhou Fenglu.

If he could become the first leader of the lower sect, then that would make him a very important figure in the Jade Tablet Sect, allowing him to claim a seat in the sect's ancestral hall. On top of that, it would be a very prominent seat, perhaps one that was right next to Jiang Shangzhen's. Many of the senior figures of the sect who had grown disgruntled with Jiang Shangzhen of late would surely be very pleased to see that.