"What do you think about Chen Ping'an?" Liu Zhimao asked.0

Zhang Ye thought for a moment and replied, "He's quite terrifying. If he were a vagrant cultivator belonging to Bamboo Scroll Lake, then you could probably forget about your current position."0

Liu Zhimao nodded and said, "There are some secret matters between us that I won't reveal to you. It's not that I don't trust you, but it's perhaps better for you to not know about these matters. In any case, there are some small and harmless matters that I can reveal to you as entertainment."0

Zhang Ye didn't throw any more verbal jabs at Liu Zhimao.0

Liu Zhimao was referring to them as small matters, but they most definitely wouldn't be small matters in the grand scheme of things.0

Liu Zhimao gave a detailed recount of his conversation with Chen Ping'an, as well as how they had enjoyed a meal of winter solstice dumplings at the Spring Courtyard Mansion and then each went their own way and did their own thing afterward.0

"Say, why did Chen Ping'an purposely bring me along to frighten that woman? And why did he gift me an opportunity to provide such a massive favor? Why did I need to keep the truth from her and act as a good person?" Liu Zhimao asked.0

Zhang Ye pondered for a moment before answering, "The reason is simple. Chen Ping'an drew a clear line between himself and Gu Can's mother when he moved out from the Spring Courtyard Mansion, but he did so in a relatively gentle manner that allowed both sides to retreat with dignity. The situation wouldn't become too tense or sour. 0

"However, Gu Can's mother most likely only felt a sense of relief at the time, not understanding Chen Ping'an's true intentions. Afterward, Chen Ping'an was merely reassuring them when he occasionally visited the Spring Courtyard Mansion to have meals with them. Gu Can's mother gradually felt at ease, reaching a mental state where she felt most comfortable, at least in her own mind. Chen Ping'an would no longer have a detrimental influence on Gu Can and lead him astray, causing him to become a death-seeking good person. 0

"Meanwhile, Chen Ping'an would remain on Cyan Gorge Island and therefore continue to be a shield for the Spring Courtyard Mansion. In this sense, they would have an additional door god. Gu Can's mother was...0