Chapter 207: Curled Up
Lu Hanyan’s swordsmanship had improved tremendously. In the early morning, she had only a rudimentary understanding of swordsmanship, but by dusk, she was already quite proficient.
Thrust, chop, point, parry, collapse, intercept.
She had almost mastered six of the basic sword forms.
These are the foundations of swordsmanship; only by laying a solid foundation and establishing momentum can a swordsman, in the future, wield a sword with seamless fluidity, achieving whatever their heart desires and their sword points, without deviation or distortion.
At this moment, the wind and waves in the Sword Forest gradually subsided, and Lu Hanyan sheathed her sword, already drenched in fragrant sweat.
The blush on her face had not faded, her cherry lips slightly parted, and she slowly gasped for breath, her full chest continuously rising and falling with the rhythm of her breathing: “Senior Brother, I’m done practicing.”
“You’ve made rapid progress.”
“Really?”
Ji You nodded affirmatively. Lu Hanyan indeed learned swordsmanship quite quickly; compared to others, she could be considered to have excellent Aptitude: “Today’s progress is enough. Go back and rest, and remember to soak your hands in warm water.”
Hearing the hint of departure in his Senior Brother’s words, Lu Hanyan felt a slight disappointment, but still politely said: “Thank you, Ji (Master), for your guidance. Hanyan is extremely grateful.”
“Tomorrow, same time. Don’t come too early, and don’t be too late. Just when the sun first rises will do.”
“Will Ji (Master) come again tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Hanyan’s eyes, which were like Lu Qingqiu’s and carried a hint of Demonic Qi, instantly lit up.
She thought Ji You had only come to the Sword Forest on a whim to take a look, and then on a whim to personally guide her, and that after today, such an opportunity would be rare. She hadn't expected that Ji (Master) was treating it as a serious matter.
So, Lu family's Second Miss immediately nodded in agreement, and then saw Ji You turn and leave, walking up the mountain towards the setting sun.
Outer Courtyard Disciples are not permitted to enter the Inner Courtyard without reason, and Inner Courtyard Disciples, due to matters concerning the Tiandao Conference, are mostly cultivating in the Purple Bamboo Zen Forest, so there are rarely people coming and going.
As he walked, the only sound Ji You heard was the rustling of new leaves in the gentle breeze, and he felt the surroundings grow quieter and quieter, until even the wind stopped.
But it wasn't that the wind stopped; it was that he began to think again.
Because when a person thinks, their five senses are restricted, and they become less sensitive to external sounds.
One step, two steps, three steps. Ji You had not yet walked out of the vast forest when his mood, which had improved somewhat, began to gradually sink again.
People always have idle moments; it's impossible to always have something to do.
After a while, Ji You returned to the Inner Courtyard, pushed open the door, and entered Wen Zhengxin’s courtyard.
Zhengxin Fairy, upon seeing her Junior Brother return, meticulously stared at him for a long time, feeling that although he appeared to be fine,
His thoughts seemed extremely heavy, with a knot of depression in his brow that wouldn't dissipate.
She had seen her Junior Brother Ji in this state for several days now.
“How is that Lu family's Second Miss’s swordsmanship talent?”
“It’s alright.”
“For you to say ‘it’s alright,’ it seems she’s truly good?”
Ji You sat on the stone bench in the courtyard and said, “In terms of progress, her talent is much higher than Fang Jincheng’s.”
Wen Zhengxin pondered for a while: “After the Immortal Supervisorate changed the Spirit Stone route, you and the Lu family became adversaries. I thought you wouldn't want Lu family's Second Miss to enter the Inner Courtyard?”
“Lu Hanyan and Lu Qingqiu’s character is much better than Fang Jincheng’s. Bad cultivators shouldn’t be allowed to become stronger. Besides, although the Lu family has male members, their cultivation Aptitude isn’t high. The Lu sisters might have the chance to take power in Feng Province in the future, and then the children in the fostering pavilion…”
Ji You suddenly paused.
Wen Zhengxin looked at him thoughtfully: “You think if the Lu sisters take power, the child slaves in the fostering pavilion will have a better life?”
“That’s the logic.”
The two chatted for a long time in the room about cultivation, about Tianshu Academy, and about the Tiandao Conference, and then each returned to their rooms.
Zhengxin Fairy’s cultivation recently has been much more diligent than before. Although she didn’t say it, Ji You felt that she intended to participate in the Tiandao Conference.
When she competed with He Lingxiu for the position of personal Disciple, she didn't lose in terms of ability, but in terms of background. So, although she usually didn't show it, she must have never been reconciled deep down.
She never showed it, but she was never reconciled.
Ji You returned to the west wing and lay down on the bed.
Before long, Zhengxin Fairy officially began her meditation. Ji You could clearly see Spiritual Qi flowing from the opposite room, gradually whistling.
So he remained silent for a long time, his body gradually curling up, finally shrinking tightly into a ball.
Deeply questioning one’s Dao Heart can indeed affect one’s mindset, especially when a certain distracting thought is on the verge of breaking through but hasn’t yet, it will be infinitely magnified.
But besides this reason, Ji You was actually very clear about one thing: some things were never forgotten, they were just suppressed over the long years. The next morning, the morning glow filled the sky, spanning across the Qingyun World.
Ji You made white porridge, left a portion for Wen Zhengxin, and then went down the mountain again to the Outer Courtyard Sword Forest, still with a knot of depression between his brows.
At this moment, under the gentle breeze, the green bamboo in the Sword Forest rustled, and Lu Hanyan was waiting in the forest.
She had arrived very early. Upon seeing Ji You, she immediately spoke in a soft voice, calling out “Senior Brother,” then handed the wooden sword that often struck her into Ji You’s hand, and then stepped into the forest, striking a sword pose.
And the next few days were largely the same: Ji You constantly traveled back and forth between Wen Zhengxin’s courtyard and the Sword Forest, leaving early and returning late.
Of course, Lu Hanyan’s comprehension of swordsmanship also increased day by day. Her sword momentum grew stronger, and her Sword Qi also became incredibly sharp.
She already possessed the Aura of a sword capable of severing objects.
This put Fang Jincheng, who was often in the same Sword Forest, under immense pressure, and he was gloomy every day.
However, Ji You remained very strict with Lu Hanyan, and the wooden sword in his hand often struck down crisply, making loud smacking sounds.
After each beating, Lu Hanyan would pause for a while, and then her eyes would flicker.
After a full seven days and nights of learning swordsmanship, on a clear spring day, a series of sword cries suddenly emanated from an elegant courtyard by Bi Shui Lake.
Lu Qingqiu rose gracefully in the courtyard, her swordsmanship soaring through the air, carrying Spiritual Qi as it surged forward, the blade whistling down.
Her younger sister had been learning swordsmanship with Ji You for seven days. As her Elder sister, she was very concerned about her progress.
Of course, she naturally wouldn't doubt Ji You's swordsmanship level, but she always felt that she should assess her sister's current combat strength.
At this moment, the Dao sword whistled towards her.
Lu Hanyan retreated and initiated her stance, then amidst the “humming” sound of the iron sword, her sword surged down like overlapping waves. A fierce Aura continuously enveloped her, instantly forcing Lu Qingqiu to retreat, not daring to meet it head-on.
And just as Miss Lu was about to retract her sword to create space and look for her sister’s opening to attack, she suddenly felt a biting Qi rush towards her.
The next second, the sharp sword tip rested against her fair neck.
Lu Qingqiu was startled, and a look of disbelief flashed in her eyes.
Pure Dao cultivators using swords actually have no Sword Heart or Sword Qi; they merely use the sword as a medium for Spiritual Qi and techniques. But just now, she realized that she hadn't even seen her sister’s movements clearly, or rather, her sister’s coordination with the sword was so fluid that it didn’t leave her enough reaction time.
Lu Qingqiu, with the sword at her throat, was silent for a moment, then sheathed her sword and chuckled softly: “Good sword.”
Lu Hanyan retrieved her sword and cupped her hands: “Thank you, Elder Sister, for showing mercy.”
“It was you who showed mercy, not I.”
Seeing this scene, the crowd gathered around the courtyard couldn't help but widen their eyes.
Lu Qingqiu had a wide circle of acquaintances and many sisters.
In the past few days, everyone knew that Lu family's Second Miss was learning swordsmanship with Ji You, and their curiosity was strong. So, upon hearing that Lu Qingqiu was going to spar with her sister, they couldn't help but rush over.
Among these people were not only Outer Courtyard Disciples but even a few from the Inner Courtyard.
Now, seeing Lu Hanyan’s sword easily pressed against Lu Qingqiu’s throat, their expressions were one of greater astonishment than the last.
The two looked similar and were in the same Realm, but their swordsmanship was completely different.
Lu Hanyan’s sword was very strong. Although it was still a world apart from the sword Ji You had unleashed in Cao Jinsong’s courtyard, it already made people feel the difference between someone who knew how to use a sword and someone who didn’t.
The key issue was that she had only been learning for seven days.
Many people in the crowd had complex expressions, with jealousy and solemnity in their eyes.
Ji You was a private cultivator from the countryside, and his background and origins had always been criticized, but no one had ever doubted his achievements in swordsmanship. After all, Lingjian Mountain, renowned for its swordsmanship, had said he was a natural sword seed with a clear Dao Heart.
But the combat strength Lu Hanyan now displayed once again made everyone deeply realize how terrifying Ji You’s talent was.
However, what made everyone even more envious was that Ji You was truly willing to teach her, leaving early and returning late every day.
At this moment, Fang Jincheng, standing outside the crowd, had a gloomy expression. He then turned and left, his fists tightly clenched as he departed.
His cousin had been telling him that he learned slowly these past few days, but he felt that he hadn't met a famous master.
Although he didn't want to admit it, comparing his own progress in learning swordsmanship with the combat strength Lu Hanyan now displayed, he felt that his cousin's swordsmanship talent was not just a little bit worse than Ji You's.
At this moment, Lu Hanyan had already sheathed her sword and saw many Disciples from the same period looking at her, their gazes filled with admiration and fervor.
But Lu family's Second Miss’s gaze was cold and empty, like a proud immortal crane.
Young Misses of Immortal Sect Worldly Sect were probably all like this. Back when Lu Qingqiu first entered the academy, her proud and indifferent demeanor was exactly the same as hers.
Seeing this distant and indifferent glance, the male Disciples who were intently watching her couldn't help but sigh, thinking that such a woman would be extremely difficult to pursue.
Even if someone was lucky enough to receive her favor, they would probably be treated with utmost care, not daring to act presumptuously.
“With this sword displayed today, Hanyan’s chances of entering the Inner Courtyard are extremely high.”
“Indeed. Seeing the swordsmanship carefully taught by Young Master Ji, Fang Jincheng must be feeling double the pressure. I just caught a glimpse of him, and his expression seemed extremely unpleasant.”
Lou Siyi and Sun Qiaozhi chattered excitedly in front of Lu Qingqiu.
Lu Qingqiu smiled without speaking, then turned her gaze to her younger sister.
Her sister’s combat strength had indeed increased significantly, and in some sword forms, one could even see Ji You’s shadow. Her chances of entering the Inner Courtyard had indeed improved a lot.
However, there was another very obvious change in her sister that puzzled Lu Qingqiu.
That was, compared to seven days ago, her sister’s buttocks seemed to have become much larger and more shapely, appearing plump and full.
But her sister was only one year younger than her, and at this age for women, their figure is basically set; there wouldn’t be such a big change in a short period, let alone only in one area, unless it was due to external influence. “It seems Ji You is really taking this seriously.”
“Yes, if he were just going through the motions, Lu Hanyan’s swordsmanship wouldn’t improve so quickly.”
Cao Jinsong and Ban Yangshu also watched this sword duel, and pondered for a long time on their way back to the academy.
Ji You’s willingness to spend entire days on Lu Hanyan should have been influenced by his questioning of the Dao Heart, but this matter, like his sudden repayment of everyone’s Spirit Stones, made people feel strange.
He had previously said he wanted to break through his Realm, saying that regardless of identity or background, he needed to achieve higher combat strength.
But now he was idle, spending all his time on other things.
People act with motivation, and Cao Jinsong and Ban Yangshu felt that the motives they had guessed so far could not explain Ji You’s current state.
“Have you heard? Many Disciples in the Outer Courtyard are discussing that Lu Hanyan has a very high chance of entering the Inner Courtyard this year.”
“Lu Hanyan? Who said that?”
“That’s what everyone outside is saying.”
A group of Instructors from the Outer Courtyard were gathered together, chatting idly on a warm spring afternoon.
An Instructor named Zhong Lang returned from the Immortal Meal Workshop, and with one sentence, he shifted the topic to the Autumn Tournament, instantly drawing the attention of the other Instructors.
Another Instructor named Luo Wen heard this and couldn't help but say, “Although Fang Jincheng’s speed of condensing Mystic Light has slowed down recently, he is still ahead of everyone else. Moreover, I heard that Elder Fang from the Inner Courtyard has been collecting Gathering Mystic Pills for him these past few days, and the Fang Family has also sent people to protect his Dao. How could Lu Hanyan have a greater possibility? Impossible.”
The other Instructors also nodded in agreement, not endorsing Instructor Zhong’s hearsay.
Elder Fang, as an Inner Courtyard Elder, had access to countless resources and had numerous Disciples under him, so in their eyes, such talk was not credible.
Zhong Lang then said, “The facts are similar to what you said, but there’s an unexpected development: Ji You has been coming down from the Inner Courtyard every day recently to personally instruct Lu Hanyan in swordsmanship. Her older sister, Lu Qingqiu, only lasted three moves against her.”
“?”
Upon hearing this, the Instructors’ conversation abruptly ceased, and a hint of solemnity involuntarily appeared on their faces.
In this world, cultivators sometimes cannot simply be judged by their Realm. Sometimes, it also depends on their Realm and background.
Lu Hanyan was clearly inferior to Fang Jincheng.
But for some reason, as soon as they heard that Ji You had taught Lu Hanyan swordsmanship, they suddenly felt that this Miss Lu Er’s chances of winning seemed to be rising in a straight line.
Even with Elder Fang from the Inner Courtyard standing behind Fang Jincheng, it seemed incomparable to Ji You standing behind Lu Hanyan.
Currently, Lu Hanyan was certainly no match for Fang Jincheng, but if Ji You continued to teach her like this, then Fang Jincheng’s entry into the Inner Courtyard would truly be uncertain.
At this thought, some Instructors showed a trace of disbelief as they pondered.
Because they seemed to only now realize that Ji You’s influence on them seemed to be equivalent to an Inner Courtyard Elder.
But upon closer thought, this wasn’t due to Realm, strength, or status. In short, they couldn’t quite explain why.
However, a question still remained: why was Ji You so concerned about the Lu sisters’ affairs, even coming down from the mountain every day to provide guidance?
Could it be that he truly intended to take Lu Qingqiu into the academy? Or had he already taken her in?
Or perhaps, he intended to take both sisters.
No one understood Ji You’s motives for his current actions, especially after Ji You had stood against the Ling Shi Merchant Association, making it even more perplexing.
Willow catkins and gossamer threads in the third month, wind blows and rain washes the city's flowers.
Unknown if the wine of Dongguo in Qingming, how does it compare to the Valley Rain tea by the west window?
The copper bells on the eaves swayed with a faint, clear sound in the biting spring wind, and the old peach tree outside the courtyard wall shed its branches full of pink and white blossoms in the wind. Scattered petals floated in through the half-open window, spiraling down to land by the pillow.
And beneath the eaves, insects began to crawl through the cracks in the stone steps, the spring breeze carrying the faint green scent of new willow buds.
Ji You had been leaving early and returning late these past few days, channeling his energy elsewhere.
Teaching Lu Hanyan swordsmanship, cleaning Wen Shijie’s courtyard, chatting with Kuang Cheng—the knot in his brow gradually lessened, and the influence of his Dao inquiry slowly began to dissipate.
He started sleeping, and the images in his mind no longer surged out suddenly as before.
However, Wen Zhengxin asked him what was wrong multiple times, but he never said.
It was bright daylight, and Ji You stood in Wen Zhengxin's courtyard, looking up slightly at the bodices and underpants drying on the bamboo poles, scrutinizing them.
At this moment, footsteps came from inside the room.
Zhengxin Fairy had not slept for seven consecutive days, constantly trying to break through to the next Realm. She yawned as she arrived at the doorway, only to see Ji You looking up and admiring her personal clothing.
She was already used to this.
Let him look, it's not like she'll lose a piece of flesh, nor gain one—
Zhengxin Fairy, with the free-spirited mindset of a cultivator, wasn't as shy as mortal women. She had even observed him multiple times and determined that Ji You's favorite was the pink one embroidered with lotus leaves.
"Senior Sister, good morning."
"Good morning. Are you still teaching the Lu family's Second Miss sword Dao today?"
Ji You looked up at her, "I'll go this afternoon. I want to visit Cao Instructor first."
Wen Zhengxin was putting on her boots in the room, preparing to go to Purple Bamboo Zen Forest. Hearing this, she found it a bit strange, "Didn't you just go two days ago? Why are you seeing him now?"
Ji You raised the corner of his mouth, "Yesterday was the day Tianshu Academy issued monthly stipends to Instructors."
"You seem to be in a better state?"
"I guess so. I just realized I'm broke recently, so I'm going to extort some from him. How about you, Senior Sister?"
Wen Zhengxin finished putting on her boots and said, "Going to Purple Bamboo Zen Forest to break through to the next Realm."
Ji You nodded after hearing this, "Then I'll be going first."
"Okay."
Wen Zhengxin watched him leave, and after a long silence, she followed him out the door. Looking at his swaying figure descending the mountain, she felt that his state was indeed very different from a few days ago.
Cao Jinsong had been busy with his beloved Disciple's affairs recently. Xiang Fu's Aptitude was good, and she had now progressed from Ninghua Upper Realm to Junior Third Realm Completion.
Although it was already April, even with Ji You's speed in condensing Mystic Light, it would be difficult to break through before the Autumn Tournament. But Cao Jinsong intended to encourage her.
After all, there were too few usable people in Feng Province. Even if Xiang Fu couldn't enter the Inner Courtyard, it was still better for her to be stronger.
Cao Jinsong had just returned from Wudao Field this time, and he also picked up the monthly stipend he had forgotten to collect yesterday. He placed the money pouch on the stone table, and just as he finished brewing tea, he saw Ji You walk in from outside the courtyard.
He had actually been very worried about Ji You's state these past few days, repeatedly asking Wen Zhengxin for updates.
Because the impact Ji You suffered from this Dao Heart inquiry was too profound, it lasted for half a month without improvement. Sometimes his eyes carried Demonic Qi, and other times he was utterly dejected, completely devoid of his previous carefree demeanor.
He even repeatedly pulled out his money pouch in front of Ji You, but this unfilial Disciple showed no reaction, as if his heart were dead ashes.
Seeing him again now, Cao Jinsong's worry remained undiminished.
"Why do you have time to come to my place?"
Ji You sat on the stone stool and reached for the money pouch, "Instructor, extort some money to spend."
Cao Jinsong: "?"
"Huh, your tea leaves are too low quality. Haven't your favorite Disciples been here recently?" Ji You picked up the teacup and poured himself a cup, then took a pastry and said.
Cao Jinsong was stunned for a moment, then looked at him and said, "It's not a holiday, why would they come."
"The leaves are still shiny, not as good as the tea my Old Qiu drinks."
Cao Jinsong watched him muttering, just as Wen Zhengxin watched him descend the mountain, and his expression also became thoughtful.
Ban Yangshu and Bai Rulong quickly received Cao Jinsong's message and then rushed to the Instructor's courtyard by Bi Shui Lake.
Ji You had already left, leaving only Cao Jinsong, who was frowning deeply while holding his tea.
Seeing the two fly over quickly, Cao Jinsong poured them tea. "Ji You just came by and extorted all my monthly stipend from last month."
"?"
"Why do you seem happy?"
"Doesn't this mean he's fine now?"
Ban Yangshu frowned upon hearing this, "You mean, Junior Brother Ji has broken free from the state caused by distracting thoughts?"
Cao Jinsong nodded, "I feel like he should have passed this hurdle. The distracting thoughts are gone, and his original mindset has returned."
Bai Rulong held his breath upon hearing this, then pulled his money pouch from the pocket slightly to the right of his chest, untied his belt, and hid it in an unknown place, his expression panicked.
This was not a good thing; this was a major disaster.
Wen Zhengxin arrived later, reaching Cao Jinsong's small courtyard in the afternoon. After listening to the two men's discussion, she nodded and said, "I also think Junior Brother Ji should have broken through his distracting thoughts and achieved clarity of mind, because he was very active last night and didn't spend the night in the courtyard."
Ban Yangshu couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, "His Dao Heart inquiry lasted so long, has it been half a month?"
"More than half a month. He's been living in my courtyard for sixteen days now. My—"
Wen Zhengxin paused here, coughed, and added, "Some of my clothes have even faded from him washing them."
Bai Rulong looked up, a hint of confusion in his eyes, "Why would he wash your clothes? Senior Sister, what did you and Brother Ji do..."
Wen Zhengxin glared at him, "It has nothing to do with whose clothes they are. He just doesn't want to be idle, so he looks for things to do every day."
"So he teaches Lu Hanyan sword skills for this reason too?"
"That's largely the reason. Also, he said it's because of the child slaves in the Spirit Stone merchant association's foster care facility under the Cloud Province merchant association. He thinks the Lu family's sisters have good character and will be able to do something in the future."
Wen Zhengxin suddenly remembered something after saying this, "I think Junior Brother Ji's distracting thoughts should be related to children. The time Fengxian Mountain Manor captured Qiu Ru for alchemy, it seemed similar."
"Children?"
"I'm not very clear, but this should be the cause."
As Wen Zhengxin spoke, she recalled the struggle that suddenly flashed in Junior Brother Ji's eyes when they talked about the child slaves in the Cloud Province foster care facility yesterday.
Cao Jinsong listened for a long time before looking up, "But whatever he saw in his heart, it's good that this tribulation is over. I think this should be the strongest obsession in his heart, which is why it lasted so long. Now that the Karmic Obstruction is broken, he should soon find the opportunity to establish his Dao, and then enter Integration Realm in Xianxian Holy Land, with a promising future—"
Wen Zhengxin and Ban Yangshu both nodded, deeply believing Cao Jinsong's words.
Although Qingyun World valued background and lineage more, individual strength could sometimes have a great impact.
Junior Brother Ji's influence was extremely strong. If his Realm were higher, he might truly be able to stand alone.
.....
"Your stance must be stable, still as a maiden, swift as a fleeing rabbit. Your sword strikes should be close, sword moves decisive, and your sword should move like the wind. There should be no distracting thoughts in your Dao Heart."
Ji You was currently in the forest, watching Lu Hanyan's every move. When he saw something wrong, he would strike her with a wooden sword.
Then, he saw Lu Hanyan's bashful expression.
Seeing this, Ji You was somewhat speechless.
In the previous days, he had been deeply affected by the Dao Heart inquiry and hadn't paid much attention to Lu Hanyan. Only today did he notice her expression after being struck.
This girl didn't seem to take it as punishment; instead, she treated it as encouragement.
This hobby, among a Worldly Family's Young Miss, was indeed quite niche. If she had met him when he was first undergoing a Dao Heart inquiry and was influenced by lust, she could truly have learned many postures from this Lu family's Second Miss.
More importantly, if that were the case, he felt that this Lu family's Second Miss would probably be even more diligent in learning postures than in learning sword skills.
After guiding Lu Hanyan in sword practice, Ji You adjusted a few of her sword-drawing postures, told her to practice diligently, and then reduced the number of times he struck her with the sword.
One reason was fear of truly injuring her, and the second reason was also fear of truly injuring her.
After Grain Rain, Ji You still went to the Sword Forest every day. After all, since he had started something, he hoped to do it well.
However, he wouldn't stay there all day like before.
Because Lu Hanyan's sword forms were already quite developed, as long as she was diligent, she could continue to refine them, without needing constant supervision like before.
Only when Lu Hanyan said she didn't understand something would he stay longer.
However, those so-called "don't understand" were basically feigned misunderstandings.
Cao Jinsong had also visited the Sword Forest a few times during this period, and as time went on, his deeply furrowed brow, caused by Ji You's state, furrowed once more.
He had originally thought Ji You had passed the previous hurdle and that establishing his Dao would be easy, but now he realized that ever since his unfilial Disciple started returning money, he had never been to Purple Bamboo Zen Forest again.
He stayed in the Sword Forest during the day, where there were many Disciples, but no one had seen him comprehending Dao in the Sword Forest.
In the evening, Ji You would still go to Wen Zhengxin's courtyard to stay, and according to Zhengxin Fairy's observations, he had never comprehended Dao late at night.
In other words, he had never again attempted to establish his Dao or inquire his Dao Heart, as if he had completely forgotten about cultivation.
And the same problem also existed in the hearts of some people in the Inner Courtyard.
On a clear morning after the rain, Ni Mountain in spring was lush green. He Lingxiu sat in the Purple Bamboo Zen Forest, drinking tea with Shi Junhao, Xiao Hanyan, Chai Hu, and others.
He Lingxiu planned to go into seclusion to break through to the next Realm, but she also sought advice from them. During their casual conversation, she couldn't help but bring up Ji You.
"He seems to have not been to Purple Bamboo Zen Forest to comprehend Dao for a long time?"
"He is teaching the Lu family's Second Miss sword skills; he should be preparing for the Autumn Tournament."
He Lingxiu held her teacup and pondered for a moment, "Strange, a few days ago he was clearly leaving early and returning late every day, seemingly extremely diligent, but now for some reason, he suddenly gave up—"
Xiao Hanyan and Shi Junhao exchanged glances, then also fell into thought.
Some time ago, Ji You's Aura fluctuations did not attract Mystic Light, nor did he receive any Heavenly Book sensing, indicating that he should be looking for an opportunity to establish his Dao.
One day, after his Aura suddenly became particularly strong, Xiao and Shi couldn't help but feel nervous.
If Ji You were to participate in the Tiandao Conference with the Realm of Integration Realm's initial stage, his chances of winning were not high. In their eyes, he might not be a threat, but once they recalled that one sword strike in the wilderness, they couldn't help but be wary.
But who knew he never came to comprehend Dao again, even passing by Purple Bamboo Zen Forest once as if he hadn't seen it, and didn't enter.
Actually, it wasn't that he didn't want to, or couldn't.
Ji You was currently heading towards the Sword Forest, and as he passed by Purple Bamboo Zen Forest, he glanced inside.
He never passed that hurdle, never.
He just kept trying to reassure himself, making his heart feel a little better.
But if establishing Dao required eliminating distracting thoughts, otherwise the Dao Heart would become demonic, then he would probably never be able to enter Integration Realm, let alone the higher Realms.
He had never thought about the Upper Five Realms before; his greatest wish was to reach Tong Xuan Realm and then go up the mountain to be a bandit.
It wasn't until he encountered this Dao Heart inquiry that he realized he was on a dead end.
One can deceive gods and ghosts, but not one's own heart. Some unresolvable past events will never be as light and carefree as one pretends.
However, so be it. He used to live with such thoughts; as long as he didn't inquire his Dao Heart again, it would be fine.
The human heart is actually very strange. If you don't ask it, it's as if many things never happened.
Ji You strode down the mountain and suddenly saw a large group of people heading towards the Sword Forest, shouting and calling out, which attracted another large group of people.
"A fight broke out! A fight broke out in the Sword Forest!"
"What fight broke out?"
"Fang Jincheng and Lu Hanyan!"
Everyone then rushed into the Sword Forest and saw two figures wielding swords constantly clashing, with the cold light of iron swords splashing as they moved and spun.
And looking at the sweat on their foreheads, it seemed they had been fighting for a long time.
At this moment, Lu Hanyan's sword was like surging waves, falling with a roar, constantly suppressing Fang Jincheng, while the latter roared furiously, hacking fiercely with his sword. The clang of metal on metal was incessant, dazzling to behold.
Lu Qingqiu also rushed over upon hearing the news, as did Elder Fang's Disciples and some Instructors from the Instructor's courtyard, all watching intently and nervously.
Before the two started fighting, there were actually other Disciples in the forest.
According to their explanation, Fang Jincheng's Dao Heart had been extremely unstable recently, and each time he came to the Sword Forest, he would be more irritable than the previous days.
And the reason they started fighting wasn't anything special; it was just a verbal dispute that occurred while they were practicing their swords separately.
But in fact, ever since Ji You appeared in the Sword Forest more than half a month ago, Fang Jincheng had wanted to test Lu Hanyan's influence, and Lu Hanyan even more wanted to know if her sword could suppress Fang Jincheng.
In the rustling bamboo forest, the sound of swords clashing echoed continuously, with sparks flying.
Fang Jincheng pressed forward, each move heavy with power, his killing intent undisguised.
But anyone with a discerning eye could see that Lu Hanyan showed no panic at all, parrying, deflecting, intercepting, chopping, and thrusting with ease.
It was just that Fang Jincheng's attacks were fierce, his sword swift as lightning, making it temporarily impossible for her to find a weakness.
In a single breath, they had exchanged a hundred sword strikes, and bamboo stalks snapped under the sweep of their swords.
Everyone watched intently, their gazes constantly shifting with the two, then their eyes widened in shock.
Before their eyes, a Spiritual Qi surged upwards. Lu Hanyan, stepping off the ground, horizontally swung her sword in a circular cut, and with a clang, it struck Fang Jincheng's sword, making him stagger.
Before Fang Jincheng could stabilize himself, he immediately felt a sharp edge coming at him, and in alarm, he held his sword horizontally to block.
Unexpectedly, just as the iron sword was raised, the sharp tip had already arrived first, directly tearing open a long slit in his collar, instantly making Fang Jincheng's eyes widen as he felt a chilling coldness surge up his spine.
Because if that sword tip had gone forward just one more inch, it would have immediately cut his throat.
Seeing this scene, everyone was shocked, even Lu Qingqiu.
Fang Jincheng was actually from the same period as Ji You and Chu River. He entered the academy a year late to avoid Chu River's sharp edge, so his Realm was very solid.
His strength should be quite a bit stronger than Lu Qingqiu, who had been slow to enter Tong Xuan Realm. No one expected him to be defeated so cleanly by Lu Hanyan.
The Sword Forest instantly fell silent. After a long moment of stunned silence, everyone abruptly turned around, looking bewilderedly at Ji You, who was standing behind them.
(The readers' criticism made Lao Cuo feel ashamed. Today, I worked hard all the way, finally writing 8,600 words. Please give me monthly votes.)
