Chapter 167: Borrowing a Knife to Kill
Neither Wei Rui nor Kuang Cheng had cultivated Immortality; both were well-read and understood etiquette, so they were very reserved with each other.
At the same time, due to the clear opposition between the Pro-Immortal Faction and the Immortal Monitoring Department, they rarely had opportunities for private interaction, usually only communicating through letters.
Thus, from the time they met until now, the total number of times they had seen each other was less than the number of times Ji You had seized Bai Rulong.
So, three days ago, the two had already agreed to stroll together during the Lantern Festival on the occasion of the Moon Worship Festival.
This is how things are in the World; it's much easier with a reason.
Just as there are bandits on Night City Mountain, allowing for killing, the Lantern Festival during the Moon Worship Festival can naturally lead to a deliberate 'chance' encounter.
Ji You's only comment on this was, "Seeing beauty makes one forget friends."
"So, a beautiful woman has an appointment; no wonder you look so spirited today."
"Not overly spirited."
"Give me two qian of silver!"
"?"
Ji You spread his hand: "On such a beautiful moonlit night, with a lovely companion by your side, shouldn't you let me go to the street to buy a lantern to play with?"
Kuang Cheng reached into his bosom, took out his money pouch, and produced two qian of loose silver.
Ji You tucked the silver into his bosom: "If a man and woman are interested in each other, don't always talk on paper. What's good about writing letters? Seize the opportunity to get physical. My stronghold urgently needs people."
Kuang Cheng's face flushed red: "Miss Wei and I have a gentleman's friendship. Brother Ji is truly reckless—"
"Reproduction has always been the core mission of the Human Race since ancient times. How can it be called reckless? You scholar are too pedantic."
"In short, it is reckless. I, Kuang, possess Righteous Qi, so naturally, I cannot act in such a way. Therefore, for the matter of population, Young Master Ji needs to exert himself personally."
Ji You picked up a dumpling: "I tried a few days ago, but I was rejected."
Kuang Cheng looked up at the sound, pondered for a long time, then spoke: "If this one doesn't agree, you can try another. Taking a concubine first is also an option. Qingyun World has always had this tradition. Brother Ji can start with that, and the choice of the main wife can be decided another day. It won't delay the continuation of the lineage."
Ji You spread his hand on the table: "Give it to me."
Kuang Cheng was greatly surprised: "How is it that now even speaking a few words with Brother Ji costs silver?"
"I want you to show me the sagely books you've read."
"Brother Ji is interested in sagely books?"
"I really want to know what exciting things are taught inside."
Kuang Cheng heard that Ji You was teasing him, so he lowered his head and ate his dumplings without speaking.
After dinner, night had already fallen, and the two left the courtyard, walking towards the outside of Chunhua Alley.
At this time, Shengjing City was brilliantly lit, stretching endlessly, as if stars had fallen into the Mortal world.
The streets were filled with Young Masters and Young Misses in splendid clothes, their faces smiling, illuminated by the lanterns hanging by the roadside as they walked along.
Kuang Cheng and Wei Rui had agreed to meet at the entrance of the Lantern Festival, and that entrance was on the path Ji You had to take to return to the mountain, so the two walked together.
The Lantern Festival was in the East Market. The two walked through streets and alleys to reach this place, and saw high flower stands in front, with colorful paper lanterns hanging high above, looking brilliant and bright.
Wei Rui was standing under the lamplight at this moment, her beautiful face illuminated by the firelight, her figure graceful and moving.
However, she was not alone; standing in front of her were Dou Shangshu's son, Dou Yuankong, as well as several students from the Outer Courtyard, such as Fang Jincheng, Puyang Xing, and Lu Hanyan.
In addition, Dou Yuankong had two young men beside him. Although they wore Human Race clothing, there were clearly visible fine scales on their necks and short horns hidden in their hair.
Dou Yuankong was saying something to Wei Rui at this moment, seeming to invite her to stroll with him, but Wei Rui gently waved her hand, her expression somewhat resistant.
"Young Master Dou, I have an appointment tonight."
"Who? Princess Changle?"
Wei Rui pursed her lips, then gently shook her head.
Dou Yuankong suddenly thought of something, and his face gradually turned a bit unsightly: "Is it that penniless scholar again?"
Wei Rui looked up, her beautiful brows slightly furrowed: "Young Master Kuang is an official of my Great Xia, not some penniless scholar."
"Even so, his origin is still that of a penniless scholar. He—how can he be worthy of you!"
Fang Jincheng stood aside at this moment, somewhat puzzled.
He had been struggling to comprehend the Heavenly Book these past few days and was feeling vexed. He happened to receive an invitation from Dou Yuankong and decided to go out for a stroll, but as soon as he arrived, he found Dou Yuankong heading towards a woman, and only then did he learn that this was Wei Li's granddaughter.
Dou Yuankong seemed to be interested in this woman, but she was indifferent.
But what was this about a penniless scholar? As a Disciple from an Immortal Sect Worldly Family, he seemed to have rarely heard this term.
"What penniless scholar?"
Dou Yuankong turned to look at Fang Jincheng, his face slightly sinking: "A country bumpkin from a remote village who came to the capital to take the imperial examination the year before last and was fortunate enough to pass. After the Qi Ridge incident last year, a large number of refugees came to Shengjing, and this scholar has been pestering Rui'er by offering porridge to the refugees."
As his words fell, not only was Fang Jincheng somewhat surprised, but even Puyang Xing and Lu Hanyan couldn't help but raise their eyebrows.
Qingyun World has always had a strict Rank system: Immortal Sects, Worldly Families, Imperial Relatives, and cultivating nobles in the capital. Mortals, however, didn't even qualify for inclusion, let alone Mortals from the countryside.
Moreover, they had had much contact these past few days and knew that Dou Yuankong was not an easy character.
It was truly strange that a penniless scholar had pestered the woman he liked for half a year and still hadn't died.
"Couldn't you just break his legs?"
Wei Rui's face changed at the sound: "Young Master, my associations are probably none of your business."
Fang Jincheng glanced at Dou Yuankong, only to find that the other party didn't refute, which made him even more curious.
But at this moment, a voice suddenly sounded from the street, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
"Miss Wei, what happened here?"
Kuang Cheng walked over, looking at Wei Rui with concern, and also noticed Dou Yuankong and his group.
The scholar was frail and lacked the strength to even tie a chicken, but at this moment, he showed no timidity.
The Young Miss was invited by him, so he should protect her—
Fang Jincheng, Puyang Xing, and Lu Hanyan turned to look, and found that it was indeed a Mortal with no Spiritual Qi fluctuations throughout his body, looking somewhat delicate.
For them, even if such a person was a Great Xia official, if they didn't have a cultivator background, no one would care if they died.
After all, Immortal power is superior to imperial power; this is an undeniable fact.
But what was strange was that ordinary Mortals would tremble, even if they didn't kneel, upon seeing a cultivator, yet this scholar could walk boldly before them without fear.
Instead, Dou Yuankong said nothing, as if he was enduring something.
But at this moment, a figure following behind the scholar suddenly entered everyone's sight.
That person also wore a scholar's long robe, and as he stepped forward, he instantly made the few people present realize where the strangeness came from.
"Miss Wei, what happened here?"
Ji You approached, cupped his hands like Kuang Cheng, and his question was identical.
Wei Rui slowly curtsied: "Greetings, Young Master Kuang, greetings, Young Master Ji. I just met an acquaintance and chatted for a few moments; nothing has happened."
At this moment, Lu Hanyan and Puyang Xing couldn't help but straighten their backs, raising their hands and folding them in front of them, bowing slightly in salutation.
Ji You looked at Dou Yuankong: "Young Master Dou also came to enjoy the lanterns? But Miss Wei seems to have an appointment with someone else. How about you stroll with me?"
Dou Yuankong held his breath: "Absolutely not!"
"Oh, don't be shy."
After Ji You finished speaking, he turned to look at Kuang Cheng: "Where are you going to stroll?"
Kuang Cheng glanced at Wei Rui: "West along the road."
"Then Brother Yuankong and I will go east along the road. Since it's not on the way, you two go first."
Kuang Cheng cupped his hands to Ji You, then looked at Wei Rui.
Wei Rui's clear eyes flickered, then she nodded gently, and the talented scholar and beautiful lady entered the surging crowd of the lantern street.
Ji You now turned to look at Dou Yuankong, Lu Hanyan, and the others.
He disliked interfering in others' romantic affairs, nor did he intend to bully others by relying on power like these Worldly Family Disciples, because matters between men and women, no matter how many people are involved, should always be relatively equal since ancient times.
And what he was doing now was to provide an equal environment for Kuang Cheng.
"Brother Yuankong, I have two qian of silver. I'll buy you a lantern later."
Ji You, being alone, originally had no intention of attending the Lantern Festival, but at this moment, he suddenly became interested and stepped forward.
His eyes carefully selected from the stalls along the street, thinking to himself, 'I'm buying a lantern for Yuankong, so Yuankong should return the favor well.'
Dou Yuankong's lips twitched slightly, and then he heard Puyang Xing speak in a low voice: "Didn't you say he was a country bumpkin? How does that scholar know Senior Brother Ji?"
"Isn't he also a country bumpkin—"
"?"
Hearing this, everyone was somewhat speechless, only then remembering that Ji You also had the title of 'countryside private cultivator' back then.
Dou Yuankong clenched his sleeve: "They are both from Yuyang County. It's said they grew up together."
Fang Jincheng glanced at him at this moment, thinking to himself, 'No wonder you were so tolerant just now.'
Ji You had already walked far ahead at this moment, and couldn't help but turn back, speaking softly, yet his voice rolled like thunder: "Does no one want to stroll with me?"
As his voice fell, Lu Hanyan and Puyang Xing stepped forward to follow: "What is Senior Brother's relationship with that scholar?"
"Probably a life-and-death friendship."
"So that's how it is—"
Ji You's brow furrowed slightly at this moment: "Who are those two Yao Race members?"
Puyang Xing raised his hand at the sound: "This is our first time seeing them too, but according to Dou Yuankong, they are both Yao Race envoys."
Since the Yao Race began trading with Kyushu, the Yao Race has been common in Human Race territory, though most have yellow pupils.
The two accompanying Dou Yuankong, however, had blue pupils.
Earlier in Shengjing City, he had exchanged blows with the guards beside the Yao Emperor's son, which made him curious about the color of their eyes.
Later, he learned that yellow pupils in the Yao Race represented commoners, while blue pupils represented nobility.
The two young men of the Yao Race had already stepped forward, their eyes on Ji You, filled with curiosity.
They knew that the Human Race had a distinction of Worldly Families beneath the Immortal Sects. Seeing their reaction earlier, they thought Ji You was a Worldly Family Disciple, but then learned he was a countryside private cultivator, which only intensified their curiosity.
"This person entered Tianshu Academy a year ago, was the first to comprehend the Heavenly Book, and then with seven swords alone, became famous throughout Qingyun World."
"Half a year ago, he learned the Spiritual Sword Mountain Sword Dao, possessed extraordinary combat power, killed eighteen Tong Xuan Realm cultivators, and established a Worldly Family in Feng Province."
“You two must have heard of a thousand-year-old Worldly Family named Chu among the Human Race; even his second son was defeated by him.”
Dou Yuankong had always disliked Ji You, but seeing these two interested in Ji You, he did not hesitate to praise him, exaggerating his combat prowess to be Heaven-Defying.
Seeing this, Fang Jincheng couldn't help but frown slightly, wondering what he was thinking.
The two Yao Race envoys, upon hearing this, became even more interested, exchanged glances, and said, “So Tianshu Academy has such a person.”
“This Ji You’s Divine Might is not limited to that; he also fought to a draw with the guards around your Ninth Prince.”
“?”
When the Ninth Son of the Yao Emperor came to Shengjing City, Ji You, in order to save a child from a Yao Beast, indeed had a conflict with his guards.
However, because the Yao Race had just entered Kyushu and were already being restrained, neither side engaged in a full-blown fight, so saying they fought to a draw wasn't quite accurate.
But Dou Yuankong made it sound as if it were true, seemingly to make the two more interested in him.
However, the two Yao Race members exchanged glances, suddenly seemed to understand something, and turned to Dou Yuankong: “After saying so much, Young Master Dou actually wants to use a borrowed knife to kill someone?”
Upon hearing this, Dou Yuankong paused.
Afterward, the night grew darker, making the lanterns appear even more vibrant.
Under the oppressive Divine Might of the formidable bandits, everyone began to walk arm in arm, and Ji You often asked them if they were happy.
During this time, Lu Hanyan asked about the experience of breaking through from Junior Third Realm Completion to Tong Xuan Realm, so Ji You shared some of his insights and understandings with her.
He had eaten many meals prepared by Lu Qingqiu and had received her Spiritual Sword, so helping her mentor her younger sister now could be considered a return favor.
Upon seeing the other party meticulously recount the details of breaking through, Lu Hanyan couldn't help but lightly purse her red lips.
Everyone in the courtyard said that Ji You's phrase, “It was the Heavenly Book that sensed me,” was a pretense, but hearing him meticulously teach her about breaking through, she became somewhat uncertain.
Because her Elder sister had also said before that Ji You didn't seem to be a secretive person.
So, that night, it might have truly been the Heavenly Book sensing him.
As the night deepened, the candlelight of the lanterns gradually dimmed, and everyone began to bid farewell in succession: first Fang Jincheng, then Puyang Xing, then Lu Hanyan, and finally Dou Yuankong, who was holding a lantern and seemed utterly drained, as he hurried away with the two Yao Race members.
Ji You turned back from East Street and arrived at the Willow Bank Bridge, where he saw countless young men and women reluctantly waving goodbye.
At this moment, Kuang Cheng and Wei Rui walked onto the bridge.
The two had just been heading towards the flower building on the west side, where folk artists were singing opera; now, they returned with sparkling eyes, clearly indicating a passionate affair, though they probably hadn't gotten physical yet.
“Brother Ji, you're done with your stroll, but why are you alone?”
“Everyone left; it seems they weren't very happy walking arm-in-arm with me.”
A flash of light appeared at Ji You's waist, and a delicate box appeared in his hand: “Brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones—all excellent items, considered a gift for the Moon Sacrifice.”
Kuang Cheng reached out to take the box, opened it, and after a glance, was somewhat surprised.
Because from the appearance alone, he could tell that the brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were indeed valuable; even if bought from a legitimate merchant, they would probably cost close to a hundred taels of silver.
“Brother Ji, did you pick up someone else's money pouch on the street?”
Ji You shook his head: “No, I just spent two qian of silver to buy Dou Yuankong a lantern, and I didn't expect him to be so courteous and return me so many things.”
Wei Rui's eyes were somewhat bewildered; after looking for a long time, she looked up: “Young Master Ji and Dou Yuankong, so your private relationship is this good?”
Ji You shook his head: “No, we've only met a few times.”
“Then—”
Kuang Cheng now looked up at Ji You, seemingly understanding something: “Brother Ji, you really are professional—”
Ji You raised the corner of his mouth: “I've been held back by the reputation of being a Disciple of a renowned Sect like the Tianshu Academy Inner Courtyard; otherwise, I wouldn't even need to send a lantern.”
The day after the Moon Sacrifice Lantern Festival, the streets appeared much quieter.
A sedan chair arrived before the Nishan Sacred Path, and then the Supervisor of the Immortal Bureau, dressed in official robes, went alone to the Tianshu Academy Inner Courtyard.
Subsequently, the Tianshu Academy's imperial decree once again flickered across the Qingyun World for half a day.
This imperial decree could only be used by the Palace Lord, and its last appearance was to clear the Dan Sect's name for assisting the Zheng Family Old Ancestor in his Heaven-Defying Ascension.
“The Barbarian Race has dispatched an envoy group to the Yao Race?”
In the Master's Courtyard, Lang Hetong's expression was somewhat surprised upon hearing this news.
Qin Rong nodded after hearing: “That's right, this happened a few days ago, and the news has attracted widespread attention. It is said that the Barbarian Race envoy group received a warm reception from the Yao Race, so the Great Xia Emperor is also preparing to send an envoy group there, lest the Yao Race suddenly defect.”
Since the Qi Ridge incident, the Yao Race and the Barbarian Race have felt that the Human Race's Luck was gradually diminishing, and they were eager to enter Kyushu.
However, due to historical reasons, their two races have not allied; otherwise, relying solely on the Zhenbei Army to guard the pass, Kyushu might have already fallen by now.
Human Race Immortals have always been high above since ancient times and rarely concern themselves with Mortal affairs, be it war, disease, or the lives and deaths of the common people. To those who aspire to the Dao, these are all minor matters.
But everyone knows that the goal of the Yao Race and the Barbarian Race is the Heavenly Dao’s Luck.
And Luck, in turn, is related to Immortal Ascension.
They are merely Master-in-charge of the Tianshu Academy and do not know how to seize the so-called Heavenly Dao's Luck.
However, since it can continuously attract two great races, it means that the matter of Luck is definitely not groundless.
And for Immortals, this is a fatal matter.
“The Tianshu Academy’s imperial decree yesterday was to inform the other Immortal Sects to select people to escort the Great Xia envoy group into the Snow Region to meet the Yao Emperor.”
Lang Hetong narrowed his eyes: “To cross the Northern Plains, they will inevitably encounter the Barbarian Race.”
Qin Rong nodded: “Anyone below Rongdao Realm who leaves Hantie Pass will surely die, so the various Immortal Sects have sent Rongdao Realm and above experts these past few days.”
Lang Hetong looked at the dispatch list at this moment, and after a long silence, he spoke: “Then why is Ji You also on this list?”
“On the night of the Moon Sacrifice Festival, Dou Yuankong, the son of Minister Dou, entertained two of the Yao Race envoys and coincidentally met Ji You.
It is said that he praised him like a Heavenly God descending to the Mortal world, and several nobles in the Yao Race envoy group wanted to return, so they specifically requested him as an escort.”
“Do they have a private relationship?”
Qin Rong raised his eyes: “They have a private grudge.”
Lang Hetong's eyes instantly narrowed upon hearing this: “But the affairs of my Tianshu Academy are not for their Yao Race to dictate, are they?”
“That's right, my Tianshu Academy is the Great Xia Holy Sect, with Divine Might extending throughout the land. Let alone Dou Yuankong, even the Yao Race shouldn't try to dictate to us.”
“Then why is he still on the list?”
Qin Rong took a deep breath: “Yesterday, several Inner Courtyard Elders came to find me, saying that Ji You's reputation is illustrious, and he is capable of great responsibility, thus giving Dou Yuankong a push.”
Lang Hetong felt relieved upon hearing this, then realized something: “Is it still because of Feng Province?”
“That's right, his rampant killing in Feng Province angered many people, otherwise he wouldn't even be able to enter the Immortal Palace. And most importantly, Feng Province's Immortal Sect tax tribute this year is too little.”
“I heard it's only ten percent?”
Qin Rong slowly nodded: “Although Feng Province is barren, its area is vast, and the annual tax tribute is actually quite substantial. Do you think those foreign Immortal Villas really consumed that much? No, those tax tributes were all given to the Worldly Family, given to us.”
Lang Hetong couldn't help but sit down on the chair: “Entering the Northern Plains in the Tong Xuan Realm is certain death.”
“Ji You is not an ordinary Tong Xuan Realm cultivator; you must know, he can kill Rongdao Realm cultivators.”
“The Rongdao Realm cultivators of the Immortal Villa are not considered true Rongdao Realm cultivators at all; they merely possess the Realm without substance. If they were brought to my Tianshu Academy, just two Tong Xuan Realm cultivators could kill them.”
Qin Rong picked up the list and examined it for a few moments: “If he dies, everyone will be happy. If he miraculously survives, he probably won't act so brazenly in the future. Either way, it's a good thing. Dou Yuankong might not know it, but this was truly a stroke of genius from him.”
Ji You establishing a Worldly Family and controlling the tax tribute of Feng Province is in line with the qingyun immortal rules.
And the qingyun immortal rules are the face of the Seven Great Immortal Sects, involving countless matters; no one is willing to break them, leading to chaos in the Human Race.
But to kill him through the hands of the Barbarian Race, this matter becomes extremely natural and does not harm their reputation.
Lang Hetong picked up the teacup on the table at this moment: “Ji You is now an Inner Courtyard Disciple, qualified to refuse the Master's Courtyard's orders. Besides, he's not a fool; I don't think he will agree.”
“What if we offer him ten thousand taels of gold, plus three thousand Spirit Stones from the Snow Region?”
Upon hearing this, Lang Hetong instantly held his breath.
Qin Rong sighed with some emotion: “Everyone has a weakness, and Ji You’s is the most obvious; it could be said he’s easily manipulated.”
“The poor don't deserve to live.”
After the Moon Sacrifice Festival, the temperature began to drop continuously, and the chill of late autumn deepened.
A cold front came from the north, adding much more frost to the morning leaves.
At this moment, Ji You was making a fire in his room, not for warmth, but for the convenience of drinking tea in the morning.
When the tea water was boiled and poured into the teacup, then rinsed and brewed, the small courtyard was filled with the fragrance of tea.
His fifteenth minor illumination was roughly in the middle stage; even when sitting still, his Qi and blood would often roar, emitting a scorching aura.
In addition, his Divine Thought was also strengthening, and his comprehension of Dao was constantly progressing.
Just then, there was a sudden “thump-thump-thump” knocking sound from outside the door. Ji You said “come in,” and a Master's Courtyard Disciple pushed the door open and walked in.
“Do you have a letter for me?”
“No, Qin Zhangshi has invited you.”
Ji You raised his eyes upon hearing this, and couldn't help but let out a cold laugh: “The Master's Courtyard never has good news for me; I'm not going.”
The Master's Courtyard Disciple paused slightly upon hearing this: “Uh, Qin Zhangshi said there's money to be made.”
“Lead the way.”
Ji You suddenly became interested, put down his teacup, and strode confidently down the mountain with the Master's Courtyard Disciple.
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