At the school in Huaihuang County City, classes had ended while the sky was still bright. The children from well-off families all set paper kites flying.
After drinking tea and chatting about sights from their travels, Chen Ping'an took Shao Yunyan and Madam Tuoyan out for a leisurely stroll around Luopo Mountain.
Travelers climbed to the green mountain's crest; white were the clouds, jade were the trees—who knew what day it was in the mortal world?
Unexpectedly, Shao Yunyan found an excuse and, without a shred of loyalty, went off for a walk by himself, leaving Madam Tuoyan exceedingly nervous at being alone with the young Yin Guan.
Chen Ping'an walked with her toward the summit. A Colored Rope Knot, resembling a copper coin, appeared in his hand. Smiling, he asked, "Recognize this?"
Madam Tuoyan's expression shifted slightly.
This Colored Rope Knot had been refined from a wisp of essence soul from each of the many Flower Gods of the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land.
It had no direct connection to her, but there was some old affinity. Back then, when Madam Tuoyan had managed to escape alive to Inverted Mountain, several Flower Gods from the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land had secretly lent their strength.
That was why, at the last Temple of Literature gathering, Madam Tuoyan had been exceptionally friendly with the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land.
Chen Ping'an put away the rope knot and said, "Since you're accompanying Sword Immortal Shao on his travels through the Central Lands this time, you can help me deliver a message to the Hundred Flowers Blessed Land. Tell them that when I next visit the blessed land, I'll bring this item with me. As for returning it, that will require a face-to-face discussion."
Madam Tuoyan revealed a surprised expression. Was the young Yin Guan