While the True Disciples were practically idling, the two Ninth Generation Elders were utterly swamped.

This cleanup work, truly, was tedious beyond belief. First came the analysis of why the Moon Demon Sect had ventured so close to the surface—though Lu Yuan had confessed the reason, it still required verification, and moreover, they needed to formulate a satisfactory explanation for the Great Jin Imperial Court. While the Imperial Court didn't rival the Five Great Immortal Sects, they were, after all, the visible authority, and an account had to be rendered. On top of that, the area needed to be sealed off; thus, they were rushing reinforcements of Talisman Masters from the Great Jin court to sanctify the land.

Of course, even with such a mountain of work, stealing moments of leisure was not entirely impossible. Originally, Gu Fei had planned everything perfectly: letting Wei Bei and Shen Luo challenge Lu Yuan while he observed secretly from the shadows. Who knew that Chu Fei was not a man to be trifled with? He had stuck to Gu Fei all day, not leaving his side, all while lamenting how much work there was. With Chu Fei glued to him, Gu Fei found no opportunity to slip away and watch the duel.

Chu Fei wore a perpetual, smug smile.

Gu Fei simmered internally, displeased.

Both were elites among the Ninth Generation Elders; if one could scheme, so could the other. They were old rivals, forever locked in counter-schemes, finding perverse enjoyment in the dance. They were acutely aware of each other's intentions, but clearly, Chu Fei had gained the upper hand this time. Chu Fei chuckled, "Ah, so much work to do."

The work was indeed plentiful, but complaining about it was unnecessary. By the time one reached the level of a Ninth Generation Elder, cleanup operations had been performed countless times; the procedures were deeply ingrained. It wasn't truly that troublesome, and Gu Fei knew exactly what Chu Fei was thinking, having already mentally cursed him half to death.

Damn him. Two Ninth Generation Sword Immortals, with few direct disciples watching their every move, yet still so hypocritical—this was a habit ingrained by years in the Righteous Sects. In the Righteous Sects, meetings were frequent, often held for the sake of meeting. Except when dealing with the subterranean demons, where ruthlessness was necessary, internal affairs were rarely settled with brute force; most issues were resolved through endless committee work.

Too many meetings make men effete.

Sigh. Forget it. Time to focus on the cleanup. He couldn't be bothered to get worked up over someone like Chu Fei. He had conceded the advantage this time; getting angry now would only lead to him wearing himself out first.

The cleanup was now entering its final phase.

At this moment, the Great Jin Imperial Court had transported vast quantities of Talisman Earth. Before this Talisman Earth activates its power, it is soft and feather-light, making transportation easy. Once buried underground and transformed by specialized talismans, it hardens to a density surpassing even refined steel.

Talisman Earth was developed many years ago by Talisman Masters in response to the subterranean demons breaching pathways to the surface. The Talisman Masters among the cultivators consequently engineered this earth. Typically, during the final clean-up, this Talisman Earth is spread over the breaches, filling the soil to seal the tunnels opened by the subterranean demons.

The very last task involved the Talisman Masters using inscribed papers and incantations to reinforce those entry points further.

The cleanup work was finally nearly complete. The reports detailing all this had long since been filed.

——————— The cleanup was finally over. It was time to depart Donglu County.

On a mountain peak just outside Donglu County town, a group of people was assembling. Leading this group was Chu Fei, and following him were the eight True Disciples of the Northern Peak. With the cleanup finished, this expedition was concluded, and it was high time to leave Donglu County.

When they arrived, the region was plagued by torrential rain; now, as they departed, the sky was clear and bright. The sunlight warmed their skin. Glancing back at Donglu County, bathed in sunlight, the county suddenly felt strangely distant.

And not far away, another group approached on foot—the contingent from the Southern Peak. This time, the Southern Peak party was not returning to Mount Hua. They were reportedly continuing their training, as their Ninth Generation Sword Immortal, Gu Fei, was dissatisfied with the results of this particular trial, thus electing to persist. The two groups met on the path.

Chu Fei and Gu Fei, the two Ninth Generation Sword Immortals, naturally regarded each other with mutual disdain.

However, the eight True Disciples of the Northern Peak and the seven True Disciples of the Southern Peak did not share this animosity. Fifteen True Disciples, all young men, initially displayed some Southern Peak arrogance, but after witnessing Lu Yuan’s swordsmanship, that pride had largely evaporated. And being young, and having lived together for a time, many of them had actually formed amicable bonds.

"Fare well," they said to each other with smiles. "Fare well."

"Lu Yuan, we will challenge you again during the Five Peaks Grand Competition at Mount Hua. By then, I will have mastered the 'Thousand Three Hundred Forms of the Myriad Shifting Clouds and Mist,'" Wei Bei told Lu Yuan, though he reluctantly added the parting phrase afterward: "Take care." Indeed, the road across the Great Jin Kingdom was long, the winds harsh and the seas rough—travel safely.

Subsequently, the two contingents from the Northern and Southern Peaks parted ways. The Northern Peak party headed toward Mount Hua. Ye Fang nodded, "I truly miss it." Ye Yuan strongly agreed, "Yes, I truly miss it."

At this, Ling Yuzhu expressed surprise, "You miss Donglu County that much? Although this was our very first training ground, I wouldn't say nostalgia is warranted."

Lu Yuan chuckled, "They don't miss Donglu County; they miss the food and wine of Donglu County." "He who knows me, knows me well—Lu Yuan does," Ye Fang confirmed. "Indeed, indeed," Ye Yuan echoed.

Ling Yuzhu shook her head then, "Ye Fang, it’s a wonder you maintained the façade of the 'Gentleman Swordsman' back on the peak. We finally see your true colors now." This remark provoked a burst of laughter. Junzi Jian (Gentleman Sword) Fang Ru had two disciples among the Top Ten True Disciples: one was the fourth, Fang Dan, but Fang Dan was indifferent, hardly a gentleman. In contrast, Ye Fang usually presented a much more gentlemanly image within the peak; sadly, his true nature was exposed now.

Chu Fei stood at the front, silent, but the conversation drifted to his ears. He turned back. Under the blue sky, amidst the green grass, through the wooded paths, those youthful faces, those smiling expressions, that cascade of laughter—this was youth! Flying, vibrant youth.

When he first entered the cultivation world, descending the mountain, it must have been much like this. Truly a time worth cherishing. But alas, the time of youth, once gone, never returns. Some things, once missed, are gone forever. Cherish this present youth well. That, after all, is the most beautiful time in life. Later, perhaps with the increase in spiritual power, the attainment of greater strength, perhaps even immortality or eternal life, that initial joy of youth can never be recovered.

Chu Fei suddenly felt the urge to sing a song he loved in his youth, but on second thought, he abandoned the idea; he no longer possessed the frame of mind for it. He could only hope that these juniors behind him could hold onto this youthful joy for longer. Yet, thinking it over, among the disciples behind him, Lu Yuan would likely be the happiest in the future, due to his disposition—he lacked great ambition and grand pursuits, thus finding happiness easily.

Ling Yuzhu, though a woman, possessed a slight tendency toward ambition regarding power. Fang Dan was detached, which was fine, but his pursuit was longevity, which was difficult, difficult, difficult. Sima Bo, influenced by his grandfather, was fiercely ambitious; such individuals found happiness less readily. His own disciple, Ye Fei, was rather decent. ... (Updating slowly, truly wishing I could write faster.)