Chen Ming could only get a rough estimate, nothing more nothing less.

  I need to talk to the nearby stars’ immortal, then I’ll see to it.

  The more he understood the Heavenly Imperial Dao Cannon the more precise and detailed calculations he could make.

  With Li Suyi, Ling Xian as well as no few warring disciples, Chen Ming led his party just outside Obsidian Temple.

  More than twenty Earth Immortals were waiting for him.

  Regardless of Chen Ming’s offered help, with Yan Mountain’s power, swallowing them was but a child’s play. It was better to submit.

  Yan Mountain was, in a way, the local tyrant in this region, and it was always better to come forward in expressing one’s standing.

  This display had this purpose in mind.

  They’re voices overlapped, “We welcome Yan Mountain Mountain Lord to the feast!”


  Followed by many bows along with their own disciples.

  Chen Ming nodded, “No need to be so courteous, let’s join the feast.”


  Chen Ming went after Feng Lu into the side hall. As for why here? It wasn’t of disrespect for his new status, but that the main hall was consecrated to Buddha.

  Feng Lu bowed as they entered, “Please go in, Mountain Lord!”


  Chen Ming smiled, “To this extent?”


  “The fact we survived this time is all thanks to Yan Mountain’s efforts, defender of righteousness. If not for a wise and outstanding military skill of the Mountain Lord, who has the world’s good at heart, we would have been doomed! I can only follow after Mountain Lord.”


  The others echoed, “With the poor state of the paths, people are suffering, yet Mountain Lord is such a selfless immortal. The least we can do is let Mountain Lord go first!”


  Chen Ming’s eyes roamed the crowd. The Earth Immortals had reverence in their bearing, while the younger generation, girls in particular, watched him with heated gazes.

  Am I that good?

  But he didn’t refuse either, accepting everyone’s respect.

  Chen Ming took the first step and saw many tables for ten, but the highest table was a square one.

  En, the dishes aren’t bad and look tasty.

  But who knows if it’s enough for ten.

  Chen Ming picked a random spot, but Feng Lu led him to the high table, hands in prayer, “Mountain Lord, please sit!”


  In Chen Ming’s heart, This is one special treatment!

  Chen Ming took the seat of honor and Feng Lu bowed towards his disciples, “Please sit!”


  They were placed on either side of Chen Ming.

  Chen Ming’s thoughts, I was feeling happy having the table all to my self. Why did you have to bring these dunces too?

  He didn’t show it though, to avoid letting the two dunces think he hated them.

  Only now did the rest of the Earth Immortals took their seats. He saw from their position that the strongest were closest to him. He guessed Li Suyi and Ling Xian’s position had to do with their merits in the war. They were only in the Transcending realm yet they received high treatment.

  But of course, don’t these dunces use immortal beasts when they attack?

  That was equal to an immortal’s power, though barely.

  An Earth Immortal stood up, after much deliberation, and bowed to him, “I heard Yan Mountain has five sect leaders, all of the outstanding talent. Why only two have come? Is our reception lacking?”


  Fear swept the crowd. They had more than just veneration for Yan Mountain’s power. Two sect leaders were enough to sweep the tide, yet it had three more at home.

  Chen Ming smiled, “It’s no bother. My head disciple is in seclusion, fourth disciple and fifth disciple have matters they cannot delay. With Yan Mountain in disorder, I wasn’t assured until I left two disciples to maintain it.”


  The Earth Immortal sat, “I see.”


  The first thought that came to Chen Ming’s mind was to make Ling Xian leave. He didn’t want to stay in the Mind-numbing Aura’s range if he could help it!

  But then he saw how hard at work he was in dealing with the tide and let him have it, this time.

  Being so close to him for the first time filled the said disciple with endless joy. Master doesn’t avoid me. He even offered him spiritual fruit with chopsticks, “Master, this fruit smells great. It’s also dipped in honey, giving it a wonderful taste. It melts in the mouth, sour blending with sweet, crunchy and tasty!”


  Chen Ming declined to comment and gave it a try. I say, the taste is not bad at all. Especially this candied fruit, sour, not too much, yet perfect.

  The cultivators proceeded to rise and toast to him, “It was thanks to Mountain Lord’s grace that we survive this ordeal. Thank you, Mountain Lord!”


  Chen Ming didn’t put on a self-important air, getting up also, “For victory!”


  Downing the wine in one go, another one said, “In this war, Second Sect Leader led the army, dauntless in every battle. You are the one that brought peace to our hearts and lands. Thank you, Second Sect Leader!”


  Ling Xian stood, “I did what everyone would do!”


  Then came Li Suyi’s turn, “Third Sect Leader, you worked hard, fighting your way through ten stars, sweeping the tide and saving the people. We thank Third Sect Leader!”


  Li Suyi stood calmly, neither happy nor sad, and drank his cup.

  They knew by now of his character and weren’t angry but happy instead.

  Chen Ming dug into his food. As for toasting? Aren’t these two dunces aces in drinking? Let them have it.

  Cups were raised, celebrating this momentous victory.

  One Earth Immortal arrived with great care before Chen Ming, “Mountain Lord has always worked hard in cultivation. My humble self has two daughters, twins, growing to be elegant and charming, graceful and feminine, and 18 of age. They admire Mountain Lord with fervor and wish to attend to Mountain Lord as his swords!”


  Chen Ming eyed the ninety-year-old man, So old yet has two 18-year-old daughters. He must still be filled with life!

  Chen Ming reckoned it had to be those twins who stared at him. Ah, twins, just hearing about it is very enticing!

  But he didn’t look for them, thinking they must have fallen for him.

  They won’t last long if I take them!

  Over the entire Yan Mountain, besides Zhuo Qingyao, it will only be just those two girls!

  And Zhuo Qingyao would argue injustice, driving home her point that Li Suyi and Ling Xian were still young and rash. Their Dao Heart was frail, prone to be corrupted by worldly affairs, led astray by womanly charms. That was why there were no girls on Yan Mountain branch, or man for that matter.

  I’m afraid they won’t last beyond the third day.

  Since when have I, Chen Ming, ever been afraid of my disciple? For Ling Xian and Li Suyi’s happiness, I would risk it all!