Entering Dragon and Tiger Mountain again, the scenery is beautiful with majestic peaks reaching close to the clouds, and hundreds of steps at their feet, Chen Yi leads two women and a soul leisurely up the steps.

Chen Yi surveys the scenery of Dragon and Tiger Mountain. Previously, coming to Dragon and Tiger felt like entering a dragon’s lair or tiger’s den, unsure of where deceit may lie. Now, it seems like the clouds have parted to reveal the clear sky, his mindset is no longer the same, much more relaxed.

The high-hanging great sun pulls a long shadow, and around him glows a circle of golden halo.

Rows of Dragon and Tiger Taoists and heroic figures are right behind, led by the Old Heavenly Master, maintaining a distance of six or seven zhang.

They cast their eyes toward that man, filled with deep perplexity and unease.

When Chen Yi glanced sideways under the blazing sun, everyone instinctively tensed up, turning their faces away collectively, avoiding his gaze.

The once-in-a-century Hero Conference has finally reached its opening day, destined to become a cherished tale passed down for generations, not to mention the strange anecdotes emerging from it, enough to be printed in small booklets and carted around for sale across Jiangnan, fascinating generations of Jianghu juniors who admire it. Heroes measuring virtue and vice on Dragon and Tiger dare the world, yet amid the twists and turns, a notorious demon appears at the Hero Conference, measuring enough merit to make the Heavenly Official kneel, breaking the golden scales.

It’s a misfortune for the historian but luck for the poet.

In a vast Jianghu, the heroes who usually act with chivalry and wisdom, none can compare, regardless of the true situation, various rumors have quietly spread.

The Old Heavenly Master gazes at that upright silhouette, sighs heavily, while a disciple squeezes through the crowd, lowering his voice:

"Master, there are many rumors, some say he seems to be named Chen, but is actually named Zhang..."

The Old Heavenly Master widened his eyes and questioned back: "Could I have such a son?"

The Taoist remained silent.

After a while, the Old Heavenly Master helplessly said: "It’s too life-shortening."

Chen Yi’s assertiveness is undeniable, Dragon and Tiger Mountain’s aggressive response is also well-known. Both sides are entrenched in a standoff, no need for a life and death struggle, whoever concedes first loses face. Moreover, they demanded the measuring of merit, and in the end even the Heavenly Official knelt, leaving Dragon and Tiger Mountain utterly humiliated with their faces slapped, the much-awaited Hero Conference ending in such a manner, leaving them with such a mess.

Even rumors that imply Chen Yi’s actual last name is Zhang are spread, all to save Dragon and Tiger Mountain’s reputation.

"Master, the rumors are getting out of hand..." the disciple paused, then asked, "Should a disciple acknowledge him as father under these circumstances?"

"You’re really clever, aren’t you, come, come, you be the Heavenly Master, I will acknowledge him as father."

After a round of secret scolding, the Old Heavenly Master sighed heavily,

"Clarify what should be clarified, it’s not Dragon and Tiger Mountain that’s after him, we have deceived but not wronged anyone. Our Dragon and Tiger Mountain has two thousand years of dignity, enough to turn major issues into minor ones. Go."

The disciple nodded, shrank back into the crowd, he was Zhang Dongjing, the youngest disciple of the Old Heavenly Master Zhang Qilong, a standout among the current Inner Chamber Disciples, and a candidate for successor or lineage master barring unforeseen circumstances. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Zhao Tong followed closely behind the Old Heavenly Master, watching as Dongjing left and then returned his gaze to Chen Yi, staring deeply at Chen Yi’s vigorous strides, a hint of resentment flashing across his calm demeanor.

Zhang Qilong, as the Heavenly Master of the era, is somewhat concerned about rumors, at most he is depicted as muddled in old age. Consequently, the speculation is bound to target him as the chief disciple of the Heavenly Master.

Zhao Tong recalled past incidents, pondered various clues, but couldn’t find where Chen Yi had manipulated things, could this person really have aided Nuwa in repairing the heavens thousands of years ago?

The mountain path reached its end, Dragon and Tiger Mountain’s Daoist Temple and palatial halls came into view, the mountain scenery serene, the waters elegantly clear, the landscapes and architecture harmoniously integrated, a tall white jade archway towering ahead, inscribed with "Dragon and Tiger World Exclusive," distant forests layered, nearby cliffs and stones majestic, water color azure.

During the previous journey up the mountain, he didn’t have time to look closely, now Chen Yi feels the grandeur of it.

Clouds nearing Penglai, elixir success subdues Dragon and Tiger.

Even Yin Tingxue was captivated by the view, by comparison, Yin Sword Mountain’s barrenness and Cangwu Peak’s poverty were evident. In Chen Yi’s mind, he compared the two, his eyes lowered, inevitably feeling a bit indignant.

Under the arch, a little Daoist child was sweeping the ground, scattering flowers in welcome, chanting blessings, a watchdog leisurely strolling by the pillars, wagging its tail in the sunlight.

Feeling unbalanced, Chen Yi quickly moved forward and kicked the watchdog twice.

"Hey, you! Why did you kick Dragon and Tiger Mountain’s dog?" The little Daoist child was startled, loudly questioning.

"No reason, just found it unpleasant."

"...Layman is indeed rude!" said the little Daoist child, almost fuming.

Chen Yi hesitated whether to slap the person a couple of times as well to avoid favoritism.

Yin Tingxue, catching up, tugged at his sleeve, cast an apologetic glance at the little Daoist child, then lowered her voice: "What’s wrong with you?"

"Nothing," Chen Yi looked at the majestic archway, "Dragon and Tiger Mountain is so overbearing and arrogant, if I don’t take this chance while they’re on their high horse, where else would I find the opportunity? You agree, Little Fox?"

Yin Tingxue couldn’t understand his twisted logic, just shook her head saying: "Don’t lead me astray."

The Little Fox has grown bold, even disregarding his words, Chen Yi smirked wanting to say something, yet hesitated, turned his head and saw among the overlaps of halls on the path, that all-too-familiar figure gradually approaching.