Chapter 286: A Box of Rouge

Chen Ping'an arrived at a pavilion on the lake's center. He surveyed his surroundings – an expanse of emerald water, misty vapors rising, and over a hundred multi-storied towers suspended above the lake, interconnected by small pathways. Each tower had a few small boats tethered, ready for leisurely lake excursions.

Around the high platform, graceful maidens in green skirts, mostly in their budding years and possessing exceptional beauty, were guiding guests.

The tower Chen Ping'an was residing in was called "Yu Yin Shan Lou" (Mountain Tower of Lingering Shade). When he purchased the jade token, the vendor suggested this three-story tower, suitable for sharing with several cultivators, would be more economical. However, after some contemplation, Chen Ping'an politely declined.

The ferry operators of the Treasure-Swallowing Whale didn't find this peculiar. Cultivators often preferred solitude, which was common. However, if they were unattached cultivators from remote mountains, struggling to make ends meet, they were often willing to share a tower with strangers, hoping to cultivate relationships. On the path of the Great Dao, having more friends, even casual acquaintances, wasn't a bad thing. Perhaps a stroke of luck would lead to a great opportunity.

After being directed by a green-skirted maiden of Bi Shui Lake, Chen Ping'an stepped off the lake-center platform and strolled slowly along a lakeside path. Above and on either side, immortal masters occasionally flew past on swords or rode the wind. Before Chen Ping'an had gone far, a "beauty" grabbed her skirts, took dainty steps, and scurried after him, her manner playful and charming.

Chen Ping'an wasn't someone who shied away from effort, as demonstrated by his dedication as an apprentice in the Dragon Kiln and later when he escorted Li Bao Ping and Li Huai to the Da Sui Academy, meticulously attending to every detail. However, while he wasn't afraid of such labor, he dreaded a different kind of elusive trouble, like this Yin-Yang diviner named Lu Tai. Although Chen Ping'an didn't instinctively feel unease, unlike when he faced Fu Nan Hua or Cui Chan, he was cautious, and when uncertain whether something was good or bad, he preferred ensuring it remained "not bad."

On Inverted Peak Mountain, how many individuals yearned to cross the threshold into the Liu family of Ape Subduing Manor?

Yet, after hearing about the "Sword Respect Pavilion next to Ape Subduing Manor," which gave him a sense of the Liu Clan's standing on the continent of Ai'ai, the first thing Chen Ping'an did was to distance himself from Liu Youzhou, with whom he had a relatively good impression. Perhaps, deep down, Chen Ping'an still favored the solitude of Lizhu Cave, the feeling of living alone etched deep in his heart.

Lu Tai, claiming to be a descendant of the Lu Clan of Middle Earth Continent, walked shoulder to shoulder with Chen Ping'an, turning his head to gaze at Chen Ping'an's profile, and said with a sweet smile, "Are you angry? How can a man be so petty? Be magnanimous! The greater your capacity, the greater the blessings you can contain. You must have heard of the Confucian ideal of 'a gentleman is not a vessel'?"

Chen Ping'an stopped walking, turned, and looked at this odd fellow. "What exactly are you after by following me? Your auspicious hexagram has nothing to do with me…"

Lu Tai smiled brightly. "How can it not? I used the Grain Rain coin you gave me to cast the hexagram. Your involvement is tremendous! You are the one in this game of chance…"

This time, Chen Ping'an interrupted. "The Grain Rain coin wasn't given; it was lent."

Lu Tai frowned, revealing delicate, feminine brows, and thought carefully before asking softly, "Talking about money all the time hurts our relationship. How about we make a small deal? I'll trade you one of my beloved magical treasures for more Grain Rain coins?"

Chen Ping'an shook his head. "Let's just leave it as a debt for now."

Lu Tai looked aggrieved. "Why are you so afraid of me? Do you see me as a monster? Think about it. On the path of cultivation, meeting someone you connect with, traveling together, seeing all the landscapes, how wonderful would that be?"

Chen Ping'an was getting a headache.

It turned out that there truly were things in this world that defied reason. He didn't even know how to explain himself.

The two continued silently. Chen Ping'an couldn't find the words, and Lu Tai looked around, saying to himself, "This secret realm was once part of the Drooping Blossom Minor Paradise, occupied by a female immortal who loved collecting springs from around the world. Sadly, she failed her ascension. Not only did she die, but she was also met with a backlash from the Heavenly Dao, causing the entire Drooping Blossom Paradise to fall apart. Most of it dissipated into the world, but this Bi Shui Lake is quite famous because these three hundred miles of lake water are from one of the famous springs she collected. If you can find the subtle water veins where the essence of the springs lies, it'll be perfect for brewing tea."

Chen Ping'an didn't say a word. After walking four or five miles, he saw the three-story Yu Yin Shan Lou. The tower was surrounded by a roofed corridor with white jade railings, and there was a small ferry landing where two small boats were moored. Near Yu Yin Shan Lou was a large lotus pond, where lotus-picking girls floated in boats, singing rustic folk songs in soft, charming voices.

Chen Ping'an stopped and said, "I'm here."

Lu Tai nodded.

Seeing him play dumb, Chen Ping'an had to be direct. "I won't invite you in today. If I have time, I'll look for you. Which tower are you staying in?"

Lu Tai pointed to Yu Yin Shan Lou.

Chen Ping'an said with a wry smile, "Lu Gongzi, don't joke around."

Lu Tai raised his hands, holding a large handful of Minor Heat coins. "Just now, at the lake-center platform, I was thinking about making a living. Considering how good our relationship is, I figured you'd give me a place to stay, so I sold my lodging to an extremely wealthy deity."

Chen Ping'an's expression darkened.

Lu Tai quickly said, "Don't worry, I won't disturb your cultivation. Just lend me a small boat. I'll sleep on it every day, and I promise not to enter Yu Yin Shan Lou unless it's absolutely necessary. I brought some food to sustain myself, so you don't have to worry about me. In this world, for us cultivators, everywhere is just a temporary stop on a journey. You really don't need to feel guilty. Suffering is also a form of cultivation…"

Chen Ping'an's face was turning black.

How could there be such a shameless leech in the world?

Lu Tai suddenly smiled. "Alright, alright, I'll be honest with you. Besides divining that this trip to Tong Ye Continent is an 'enfeoffment' type of good omen, I also divined that the opportunity isn't in treasures, but in the five words 'Viewing the Dao on Shang Yang Platform'. Traveling with you, using your state of mind, whether good or bad, high or low, can temper my Dao heart. It's like borrowing another mountain's stone to polish jade…"

Saying this, Lu Tai chuckled and corrected himself. "Wrong, wrong, it's borrowing another mountain's jade to polish stone!"

Chen Ping'an didn't dwell on Lu Tai's wording, but after Lu Tai spoke the words "Viewing the Dao," Chen Ping'an felt both worried and relieved.While Chen Ping'an was reassured that Lu Tai wasn't deliberately scheming against him, his concern stemmed from the unexpected addition of Lu Tai, whose background remained a mystery, to his quest for the Daoist temple and the old Daoist.

Lu Tai hesitated, then declared, "If you continue to be so wary of me, it will undoubtedly hinder my 'Dao Sealing' opportunity. I can earnestly cast a divination for you, as long as it doesn't involve figures of immense power. My accuracy is considerable, but if it concerns immortals above the fifth realm, I'll suffer greatly—a thousand times worse than sleeping on a small boat! Chen Ping'an, this is a rare chance, don't miss it!"

Lu Tai, seemingly afraid of Chen Ping'an's disbelief, stared intently. "I'm not deceiving you!"

Chen Ping'an sighed, waving his hand to refuse the offer, stating, "Just stay at the Yu Yin Mountain Manor, but after that, we cultivate separately, living and letting live."

Lu Tai wore an odd expression, gazing at Chen Ping'an's retreating figure, before snapping back to reality, a look of relief spreading across his face as he hastened to follow.

Eventually, Chen Ping'an settled on the first floor, while Lu Tai chose the third, effectively creating a buffer zone on the second floor.

Lu Tai sprawled comfortably on the bed on the third floor, a contented smile playing on his lips. *Heh, so particular about interactions between men and women*, he mused.

*Since I'm here, I might as well make the best of it.*

Chen Ping'an ceased to concern himself with the enigmatic Yin-Yang master. Besides the longsword on his back and the Sword Nurturing Gourd at his waist, he possessed nothing else, light and unburdened—save for the perplexing addition of Lu Tai.

Chen Ping'an sat by the window, retrieving a stack of books from his Miniature World: the divine book *The Classic of Mountains and Seas*, two books introducing the Elegant Tongues of both Central Earth Continent and Tong Ye Continent, and several travelogues of scenic locations acquired in the Kingdom of Rainbow Attire. He arranged them neatly on the table, then took out some precious bamboo scrolls from the Azure Divinity Mountain in the Bamboo Sea Grotto-Heaven, planning to inscribe characters while reading.

Each morning, he practiced the Mountain Shaking Fist, the *Hammering Mountain Stance*, each afternoon, the *True Scripture of Swordsmanship*, and each evening, he read, learning the Elegant Tongues of the two continents.

Oddly, despite being merely a fragmented Secret Realm, the Azure Billow Lake still displayed the extraordinary spectacle of the sun and moon rising and setting, creating a distinction between day and night. Was it a superior illusion cast by an immortal, or a unique rule resulting from the fragmentation of a Grotto-Heaven?

Chen Ping'an practiced his fist techniques and walking stances along the corridor surrounding the Yu Yin Mountain Manor.

A cool breeze carried the fragrance of lotus flowers, and amid the faint sounds of the lotus-picking maidens' songs, the white-robed youth practiced his fist techniques with a calm demeanor.

In the afternoons, Chen Ping'an practiced his swordsmanship only on the spacious first floor, without venturing out to the corridors, still only practicing the empty hand sword form.

Because carrying the longsword "Sword Qi" could temper his soul, he considered it a form of cultivation. Chen Ping'an didn't even remove the sword while sleeping at night, opting to sleep on his side.

The Sword Nurturing Gourd hung high before his bed. Now that he no longer drank often, he didn't need to hang it at his waist. Having spent thousands of miles journeying with Little Ancestors First and Fifteenth, they had grown increasingly attuned to each other, making communication smoother, as if the spirits of the two Natal Flying Swords were maturing.

After Chen Ping'an fell asleep, he entrusted them with guarding the house. First didn't agree, but didn't refuse either, while the more docile Fifteenth happily "nodded" within the gourd.

While reading at night, Chen Ping'an would occasionally take out the *True Traces of the Alchemic Scripture* from his Miniature World. After reaching the fourth realm of martial arts, he discovered that he could draw two more types of talismans: the *Mountain and River Sword Edict Talisman*. The "Mountain" in its name referred to the mountains of the Three Mountains, but the book didn't elaborate on what the Three Mountains were. The explanation of the "River" component of the talisman was also vague, stating only that a deity once resided in the rivers, responsible for "slaying evil and eliminating baleful auras," with a penchant for "devouring myriad ghosts."

The Sword Edict Talisman was a type of protective talisman. The second type was the *Rain Seeking Talisman*, capable of "darkening the heavens and earth, causing torrential rain." As the name implied, this talisman belonged to the Altar Talisman category, typically mastered by high-ranking Daoist priests, which didn't particularly interest Chen Ping'an.

Compared to the Yang Qi Lamp Talisman, the Filth Cleansing Talisman, and the Pagoda Demon Suppressing Talisman, these two talismans were of a slightly higher grade. Chen Ping'an was particularly interested in the Sword Edict Talisman, and he wrote one on ordinary yellow talisman paper. It was somewhat strained, but after entering the Qi Refining Realm of martial arts, Chen Ping'an's soul had become more stable and profound, and he could often hear the faint sound of dripping water as the three souls passed through his Mind Lake.

Thus, he could discern that the divine intent of this Sword Edict Talisman was insufficient, but because Lu Tai was staying upstairs, he hadn't had the chance to verify its specific power.

After ten days, he would occasionally hear faint footsteps from the second floor, but not often, and Lu Tai never came downstairs to disturb Chen Ping'an.

Chen Ping'an felt slightly relieved.

A connection that had inexplicably appeared before him—as long as it wasn't a karmic debt, he didn't need to deliberately pursue a favorable relationship.

This night, Chen Ping'an had just finished writing his second Sword Edict Talisman, still not satisfied.

Like firing ceramics, to the trained eye, the seemingly identical pieces could reveal the difference between heaven and earth.

Did he really need to find an ancient battlefield site, to seek out the endless fighting of the heroic spirits and vengeful souls of the battlefield, to perfect the fourth realm of martial arts? Only then could he skillfully wield this type of Sword Edict Talisman?

Chen Ping'an frowned in thought, suddenly turning his head to see Lu Tai descending the stairs, then stopping and reaching out to knock on the wall, like a guest knocking on a door. Then, he sat smiling on the steps, still not entering the first floor.

Just as Chen Ping'an was about to grab the *Classic of Mountains and Seas* to cover the Sword Edict Talisman, Lu Tai couldn't help but chuckle, "Why hide it? It's just a lost ancient talisman, not of a high grade. Its strength lies in its simple purity. I accidentally glanced at it just now, and my heart ached so badly that I was shaking. It still hurts now."

Chen Ping'an asked, "What do you mean?"

Lu Tai pointed to the Sword Edict Talisman on the table. "This protective talisman is quite old. I estimate that in the entire Lu family, there aren't two others my age who recognize its origins. The reason I'm hurting is, first, you're a pure martial artist, and you've drawn such a terrible pure ancient talisman, it's truly shameful..."

Chen Ping'an couldn't help but interject, "It's not reasonable for a martial artist to draw talismans, is it?"

Lu Tai twitched the corner of his mouth. "Oh? Is that so? Then it seems my Lu family's records are in error, or perhaps my knowledge is limited."However, Lu Tai wasn't keen on delving too deep into this topic and continued, "Second, your talisman drawings rely more on that brush than on any deep study or comprehension of the art. Hmm, it's as if you've glimpsed the correct scenery, but your path to it is crooked and winding. Hence, the talismans you produce are usable, but not truly potent. Third, possessing such high-quality talisman paper and using it for such trivial purposes is an utter waste of resources. In this aspect, you can't even call it a 'deviant path'; it's more like a 'heretical perversion'. If a master of the Daoist talisman sects were to witness this, they'd likely want to pulverize you with a single blow!"

Chen Pingan frowned deeply, carefully considering Lu Tai's words, first discerning their truthfulness, then determining their merit. However, Lu Tai was simply too enigmatic, making it difficult for Chen Pingan to reach any conclusions.

Lu Tai smiled and asked, "Could you pick up that talisman? I'd like to examine the material closely. I only caught a fleeting glance before and couldn't be certain."

Chen Pingan hesitated for a moment, then carefully picked up the Sword Edict Talisman, only showing Lu Tai its back.

Lu Tai smiled faintly, not taking Chen Pingan's caution to heart. After studying it for a while, he nodded and said, "Indeed, it's the precious material of the 'Returning Spring' talisman. Drawing on it allows for repeated use. For a successful talisman, the quality and potency are highly dependent on the paper. The truly excellent talismans in this world, aside from those that solely pursue raw power, can usually be reused. You, on the other hand, are like 'rosy cheeks bidding farewell to the mirror, blossoms departing from the tree,' as a Daoist patriarch humorously put it. Ultimately, it's all about 'what cannot be retained.' Chen Pingan, wouldn't you say that's a pity? Talisman paper, especially 'Returning Spring' paper, is incredibly expensive! Alas, I feel a pang of heartache for you, but then again, you, Chen Pingan, are a wealthy fellow and don't need to worry about such trifles."

Chen Pingan glanced at Lu Tai, then back at the Sword Edict Talisman resting on the table.

Lu Tai was somewhat intrigued, resting his chin on his hands and gazing at the slightly frustrated youth by the table. He asked with a smile, "Didn't the person who gifted you these precious talisman papers say anything? Didn't your guide in talisman drawing tell you that you, as a half-baked talisman maker, should strive to be as frugal as possible?"

Chen Pingan sighed heavily.

Lu Tai gloated, "A pure martial artist in the Seventh, Eighth, or Ninth realm could probably write a decent talisman, relying solely on their true Qi in one fluid motion. However, martial artists who reach that level, having climbed step by step to the summit, have long forged hearts as hard as iron. Who would bother with drawing talismans? You're merely fortunate to have such rare talisman paper and a brush, allowing you to produce passable talismans. Otherwise, each drawing would be equivalent to burning a large stack of silver notes. Well, you're slightly better off, only burning half a stack."

Chen Pingan glared fiercely at the person who was rubbing salt in his wounds.

Lu Tai chuckled and said, "Chen Pingan, you're truly intriguing. A martial artist drawing talismans, with a sword-nurturing gourd and a flying sword, and, most excessively, still diligently reading books every day? Aren't you afraid of neglecting your primary pursuit, hindering your martial arts cultivation? Ending up as neither fish nor fowl, a failure in all endeavors?"

Chen Pingan ignored his mocking remarks, picked up the Sword Edict Talisman, and began to peruse the "Classic of Mountains and Seas."

Lu Tai quietly rose and returned to his lodging on the third floor.

After that, Lu Tai began to leave the Yu Yin Mountain Manor, either sailing on the碧水 (Bìshuǐ) Lake or visiting the treasury that every Treasure-Swallowing Whale was said to possess. The Treasure-Swallowing Whales earned their name because, over the long centuries, they would swallow sunken, wrecked ships from the bottom of the sea. Vessels that could cross continents often deserved to be called "treasure ships," so an adult Treasure-Swallowing Whale's belly was bound to contain countless bizarre and wondrous treasures.

There might even be the golden remains of an immortal who had undergone a celestial dismemberment, left behind in the mortal realm.

One afternoon, Lu Tai began to take out a nearly cumbersome tea set from his pocket dimension, using secret arts to extract the essence of the 碧水 (Bìshuǐ) Lake's spring water. In the corridor on the first floor, he leisurely began to brew tea.

The tea fragrance was delightful.

Chen Pingan didn't ask for a cup of tea, simply practicing his swordsmanship inside.

Afterward, Lu Tai would brew tea every day, drinking alone and enjoying the scenery, often sitting for an entire afternoon.

One day, near noon, Chen Pingan, who was about to finish his footwork and boxing practice, saw Lu Tai rowing a small boat back from afar.

After securing the boat, Lu Tai jumped onto the corridor, stood in place, and as Chen Pingan passed by during his boxing practice, he raised his hand high, with several boxes of rouge and powder stacked in his palm, seemingly showing off his gains for the day. Not far from the 碧水 (Bìshuǐ) Lake's Heart Platform, there were a few buildings where the ferries ran shops that specialize in expensive goods. Chen Pingan had only been there once and found them too black-hearted. After choosing a few similar items, he discovered that the prices were even more outrageous than on the Upside-Down Mountain, so he completely lost the desire to buy anything.

Lu Tai lightly tapped his toes and jumped back, sitting on the white jade railing. He opened one of the rouge boxes, took out a small bronze mirror, and began to purse his lips. Afterward, he even raised a finger and gently smoothed his long eyebrows with his fingertip, his movements gentle and meticulous.

Chen Pingan simply continued to practice boxing along the corridor, never once glancing aside.

As Chen Pingan passed by again, Lu Tai, who was carefully drawing his eyebrows while sitting on the railing, slightly moved the small bronze mirror away and asked with a smile, "Do I look good?"

Chen Pingan didn't look at the rouged and powdered Lu Tai, nor did he respond.

Then, every time Chen Pingan walked past, Lu Tai would ask a different question.

"Chen Pingan, do you think my blush is a little too flamboyant?"

"Should the eyebrows here be drawn a bit thinner?"

"The rouge picked out from the box with a fine hairpin from the Flower Dew Studio is indeed more evenly distributed and natural. What do you think?"

Chen Pingan silently practiced his footwork, stopping only when the time arrived, according to his predetermined plan.

The last time, Lu Tai didn't ask Chen Pingan anything. He simply placed the small bronze mirror, hairpin, and several rouge boxes on the railing beside him, turned his head to gaze at the vast expanse of lotus leaves, his makeup exquisite, his eyes lost in reverie.

Just as Chen Pingan was about to walk back toward the main entrance on the first floor, Lu Tai didn't retract his gaze and spoke again, "Do you think a man like me is very... laughable? Perhaps you even feel a bit disgusted in your heart?"

Chen Pingan stopped, turned, and walked toward Lu Tai, stopping about five or six steps away. Facing the lake with his back to the corridor, he also sat on the railing.

Lu Tai wasn't annoyed by not receiving an answer. He smiled to himself, picked out a box of rouge, found its color unsatisfactory, not living up to its reputation, and decided not to use it again. He was about to casually throw it into 碧水 (Bìshuǐ) Lake.

Chen Pingan suddenly asked, "How much does this box of rouge cost?"Lu Tai paused, then turned and sat down, facing the lake alongside Chen Ping'an. He chuckled, "Not too extravagant, one Small Heat Coin per box. It's a newly released product this year, quite famous. Many renowned celestial maidens from the Central Divine Continent adore it. Alas, it's probably just a trick of those merchant sons blinded by greed. I was swindled along with them."

Chen Ping'an sighed, "One Small Heat Coin... that's a hundred Snowflake Coins, or ten thousand taels of silver. I think..."

After a moment of silence, Chen Ping'an, his face caressed by the gentle breeze, softly said, "A thousand gold pieces can't buy what the heart desires. You buying it might not be extravagant, but some people, upon hearing the price, would definitely be stunned, and would never believe that such exquisite rouge and powder exist in the world."

Lu Tai looked puzzled. "Hmm?"

After a brief silence, Chen Ping'an, clad in a snow-white robe, placed his hands on his knees and recounted the story of the effeminate man from the Dragon Kiln back in his hometown.

Chen Ping'an spoke calmly, without any heavy emotion in his tone or expression, telling the tale of a deceased man's pitiable life to the man beside him.

Beside him, Lu Tai wore a colorful sash, radiating vigor and charm, a celestial being even more beautiful than any mortal woman.

While that man from his hometown was merely somewhat thin, even sporting stubble. He was not more handsome than any common market woman. Even though he would meticulously groom himself every morning, by the time he finished his work, his fingernails would still be filled with dirt. Therefore, when that man made the orchid finger gesture, it was not in the least bit captivating.

Moreover, he understood nothing of the Flying Rosy Clouds makeup, the Peach Blossom makeup, nor the various rouge and powders used for dabbing the lips, blushing the cheeks, and painting the eyebrows.

Chen Ping'an finally gazed into the distance, filled with a sense of melancholy. "In the end, I still found him to be a very strange person. Clearly a man, why did he like to dress up like a woman? But on the day he stabbed himself with a porcelain shard and then covered himself with bedding, he begged me for one thing. I didn't agree, and to this day, I still regret it. If I had known he would do that, I would have definitely agreed."

"That day, he talked to me a lot, and finally smiled and said that he no longer wanted to be like a woman. So he hoped that I could keep that box of rouge for him, lest he couldn't resist using it again."

"Of course, I wouldn't agree to such a thing, not even after death. He tried to persuade me twice, then stopped."

"After he died, no one saw that box of rouge. Not that anyone cared anyway."

Chen Ping'an turned his head and smiled at Lu Tai, who was as beautiful as a fallen city. "Such expensive rouge, why would I throw it away?"

Lu Tai tilted his head, causing the delicate hairpin to sway. He smiled and said, "Or I could give it to you? When you return to your hometown in the future, you can take this box of rouge to that fellow's grave, and tell him that such exquisite rouge and powder does exist in the world. Tell him to be reborn as a girl in his next life, and smear it on his face as much as he wants, several pounds at a time, without having to worry about the cost..."

Chen Ping'an turned his head, gazing into the distance, and gently shook his head. "I can't even find his grave, how can I show him this, how can I tell him these things?"

The white-robed youth with delicate features clasped his hands behind his head, silent and unmoving.