Chapter 212: What a Handsome Magical Artifact Robe
The Tong Xuan Realm is a transitional Realm between the Lower Three Realms and the Upper Five Realms, and it is also a watershed for Immortal Sects.
Those at Junior Third Realm Completion, who are in their prime and break into the Tong Xuan Realm, can enter the Inner Courtyard after the Autumn Tournament. Naturally, some will be left behind in the Outer Courtyard.
These students who haven't entered the Inner Courtyard can still continue their cultivation and subsequently enter the Tong Xuan Realm, becoming the strongest combat force in the Outer Courtyard.
In the past, Pei Ruyi was like this. Although she didn't enter the Inner Courtyard, she touched the threshold of the Rongdao Realm and was once hailed as the Outer Courtyard's chief Disciple.
Pei Ruyi's five-year term had long reached Perfection. Because she had no Worldly Family backing her, she chose to join the Master's Courtyard and remain in the Master's Courtyard.
After she left, the position of chief Disciple fell to Wu Zhen.
However, even so, there was still a considerable gap between the Tong Xuan Realm cultivators of the Outer Courtyard and those of the Inner Courtyard, just as the Rongdao Realm cultivators of an Immortal Villa couldn't compare to those of a Worldly Family.
Therefore, Wu Zhen, an Outer Courtyard Tong Xuan, was considered nothing in the eyes of the Tong Xuan Realm cultivators who came from the Inner Courtyard to watch.
His loss was not unexpected in everyone's minds.
Because the spots were limited, it was very slim for Outer Courtyard Disciples to get a ticket to the Heavenly Dao Conference through the pre-selection. But even so, in the minds of the Inner Courtyard Disciples, Wu Zhen was still a genuine Tong Xuan Realm cultivator.
He should lose, but he shouldn't lose in such an unbelievable way.
A single sword swing, a direct strike to the head, and he fell to the ground instantly.
Was Wu Zhen too weak? Were all the praises he received over the years just empty names?
The problem was that the entire battle unfolded too quickly. What was thought to be the beginning was actually the end of the battle.
No one knew how Ji You managed it, including the scorching Qi and the terrifying Divine Might. They also didn't know where they came from.
Ji You, without using the Spiritual Sword Mountain Sword Dao, was still stronger than they could imagine. At this moment, the Inner Courtyard Tong Xuan cultivators, who were originally full of fighting spirit, all had grim expressions.
Fifty years old is the age to fall asleep.
Ji You glanced at Wu Zhen, then stepped off the Ascension White Jade Platform, drawing everyone's gaze with him.
There was no discussion, no questioning, because everyone was still in a daze.
Even Cao Jinsong, Ban Yangshu, and the others looked at Ji You as he stepped down, in a trance, as if they didn't recognize him anymore.
The next day, no challenge letter.
The third day, still none.
Ji You sat in his small courtyard, waiting for three days, but still saw no movement.
He was actually the type of person who disliked procrastinating. The five battles only had the first one completed, and then there was no news, which made him frown slightly.
It was his first time using a purely Physical Body to wield a sword, and his control over the force was not very proficient, so he was indeed a bit wild.
But he knew that the Elder Council hoped someone could defeat him, who couldn't use the Spiritual Sword Mountain Sword Dao. Now that no one was coming to challenge him, the Elder Council should have pushed for someone to come forward.
But to this day, they still hadn't managed to select anyone, which was too inefficient.
The temperature was rising daily. The white jade-paved Immortal Platform shimmered with visible hot air currents, and the new cicadas began to chirp, their calls hoarse and continuous.
The battle in the Tong Xuan Realm instantly stalled after the first fight, while Shi Junhao, in the meantime, fought four consecutive battles.
There were indeed differences in combat power among the Inner Courtyard Rongdao Realm cultivators, but the difference was not significant.
Shi Junhao was clearly a cautious fighter. The techniques he didn't display in the first match appeared endlessly in the subsequent four matches, continuously revealing his profound magical foundations, slowly achieving the crushing victory everyone expected.
As a result, clashes of magic techniques were performed all day on the Ascension White Jade Platform, dazzling the onlookers.
And the number of spectators increased daily, including some Worldly Families from nearby who came to watch the battles.
Because their Family members were also going to participate in the Heavenly Dao Conference, understanding their opponents' strengths in advance was a way for these Worldly Families to increase their chances of winning.
Taking advantage of the lively atmosphere, the taverns in Shengjing City also made a fortune, sending off one batch of customers every day,
and welcoming another.
The kitchen was constantly busy, and the Great Master almost broke the spatula.
At the same time, the aroma of wine in Shengjing City grew richer, as the jade liquid brewed from these spirit seedlings could linger all day.
Boom!
A Mystic Light descended on the Ascension White Jade Platform. In Shi Junhao's fifth match, he replaced his sword with a saber and decisively defeated Dong Yunfei, a Junior Brother from the Inner Courtyard, with overwhelming force.
With his techniques empowered, he left his opponent no chance to retaliate.
However, the crowd's enthusiasm was no longer as high as when Shi Junhao fought Yang Zijin, and they were no longer amazed by the dazzling magical bombardments.
Because whenever the crowd watched, they couldn't help but recall a simple sword swing, and their brows would furrow in distraction.
Some visiting Worldly Families came to observe the battles, and after watching, they praised Shi Junhao repeatedly, muttering that his Mystic Arts were truly peerless. However, they often turned their heads and saw the Tianshu Academy students around them looking dazed and spiritless, which greatly perplexed them.
“After Shi Junhao, Xiao Hanyan will be defending the arena. Post the announcement first, then wait for people to come.”
“Yes.”
Ji Jingyao of the Master's Courtyard heard Qin Rong's words, picked up a brush from the desk, and began to write the announcement for Xiao Hanyan's arena defense.
The Master's Courtyard instantly fell silent, with only the incessant chirping of cicadas.
Lang Hetong sat at the tea table, rolling two iron balls in his hands. After a long silence, he spoke: “Is the Tong Xuan Realm pre-selection stuck here?”
Qin Rong picked up his teacup: “I still haven’t understood that sword move to this day, let alone others. Who would dare to go on stage again? Ji You’s sword move was too strange—”
“It was indeed too strange. I didn’t even feel any Spiritual Qi fluctuations, and that Wu Zhen just fell straight down.”
“You felt it too?”
“Of course I felt it, which is why I find it incredible.”
The three recalled the previous sword move, their expressions complex and difficult to decipher.
It ended too quickly; they only remembered that simple sword, and nothing else seemed to have been seen.
The only thing that could be confirmed was that Ji You truly did not use the Spiritual Sword Mountain Sword Dao.
But that's the most terrifying thing.
Everyone said that Ji You, without the Spiritual Sword Mountain Sword Dao, was a toothless tiger, but who had ever seen such a tiger?
The Elder Council's original intention was to make Ji You lose his strongest reliance, then have him defend the arena first, then lose, and miss out on the Heavenly Dao Conference spot.
Now, he alone suppressed all the Tong Xuan Realm cultivators in the entire academy.
“The competition must continue. Our Tianshu Academy cannot just send one Tong Xuan Realm cultivator to battle.”
“This matter was originally the Elder Council's idea, so let the Elder Council worry about it.”
Qin Rong raised his eyes: “They thought restricting Ji You from using the Spiritual Sword Mountain Sword Dao was a stroke of genius. Now, he has become an insurmountable obstacle for all Tong Xuan Realm Disciples of Tianshu Academy. It’s quite interesting.”
Just as they were speaking, footsteps sounded outside the Master's Courtyard.
A figure stepped over the threshold, blocking the dust-filled morning light, and stood heavily on the floor tiles.
Qin Rong thought it was a Disciple responsible for communication between the Inner and Outer Courtyards and didn't look up, merely tapping his finger lightly on the table,
telling him to just leave the results of the ongoing Elder battle in the Inner Courtyard.
Young people have the drive to fight bravely, but the old-fashioned Elders weigh the pros and cons.
The Heavenly Dao Conference is held every five years, which is just a blink of an eye for the Lifespan of these old guys. This time you go, next time he goes, the outcome of wins and losses won't be of much concern.
However, to Qin Rong's surprise, the visitor did not leave.
So he looked up and found that the visitor was an Inner Courtyard Disciple.
“Disciple Liu Qichen, here to participate in the Tong Xuan battle, challenging Ji You.”
“?”
The three Masters exchanged glances: “Are you sure?”
Liu Qichen nodded: “No one can understand that sword move, but someone has to challenge him, otherwise this matter cannot proceed. Therefore, Qichen is willing to share the worries of the Master's Courtyard and the Elder Council.”
Lang Hetong and Ji Jingyao couldn't help but turn to look, staring as he pressed his handprint on the challenge letter, their expressions becoming thoughtful.
“It seems some benefits were given.”
“The Liu Family in Feng Province has indeed declined somewhat.”
At this moment, Liu Qichen walked out of the Master's Courtyard gate, followed by several old friends from Tianshu Academy and Junior Brothers with whom he had good personal relations previously.
These people had just watched Liu Qichen sign the challenge letter, and they were indeed somewhat confused.
Senior Brother Liu entered the Inner Courtyard in the early years of Taiwu, but his cultivation was stuck at the Tongxuan Upper Realm, and he had been unable to enter the Rongdao Realm. However, his strength far surpassed Wu Zhen's.
If he avoided Ji You and faced anyone else, he would almost certainly have a sufficient win rate.
Liu Qichen glanced at them, then chuckled softly, offering no further explanation.
By avoiding Ji You, he might still get a spot in the Heavenly Dao Conference, but he wasn't sure if he could enter the top ten after participating in the Heavenly Dao Conference. It might end up being nothing more than a fleeting illusion.
However, the benefits promised by the Elder Council to the Liu Family were tangible.
Their Liu Family's cultivation talent was gradually thinning. By this generation, only he could enter the Immortal Sect's Inner Courtyard.
The Elders in the Elder Council had strong power in the four northern provinces and were willing to help the Liu Family, allowing them to stand for another hundred years. In Liu Qichen's view, that was enough.
This was a matter of choice. Between himself and his Family, Liu Qichen chose his Family.
Moreover, he didn't believe that he had no chance against Ji You, who couldn't use the Sword Dao.
They were all in the Tong Xuan Realm; there couldn't be a world of difference. Liu Qichen walked up the mountain, returned to his small courtyard, and then saw many things placed on the stone table in the courtyard.
There were Magical Artifacts, Spirit Stones, even Medicinal Pills of a higher Rank than the body-protecting Divine Pill Wu Zhen took, and a black long robe.
At the same time, a Disciple from the Master's Courtyard, holding a challenge letter, walked up the mountain along the vast, newly green forest, and then delivered a letter to Ji You's courtyard.
Actually, when Liu Qichen returned earlier, the news of his challenge to Ji You had already spread throughout the Outer Courtyard. Now, seeing the Tianshu Academy Disciple who came to deliver the letter, they knew there would be another battle today.
“Junior Brother Ji.”
“Is there a challenge letter?”
“Liu Qichen from the Inner Courtyard.”
During the days when he didn't receive any challenges, Ji You occasionally went out, guiding Lu Hanyan in Sword Dao and begging for food from Cao Jinsong.
He also made a trip to Shengjing City to visit Kuang Cheng.
It was said that they held hands, and he was generally acting like a scoundrel, which was why he seemed to have lost his mind when he went shopping with Wei Rui that day, even forgetting who his closest friends were. Ji You kept muttering that long-distance relationships were for dogs.
More than two-thirds of the transportation route in Feng Province has been repaired, and the Immortal Supervisor is currently conducting an inspection.
Kuang Cheng would occasionally return to Feng Province because he didn't trust anyone else with this matter.
During this time, Old Qiu also sent a letter, talking about the situation at home, and also mentioned that Kuang Cheng had returned to Yuyang County, walking through the streets and alleys, drawing many paintings, including one of Ji You taking in seventy-two adopted sons and daughters that day, which was extremely well done.
The letter said that the painting should probably be for Young Master, after all, Young Master's birthday should be approaching.
But Ji You didn't receive it. When asked, he said, “What painting? I don’t know.”
Additionally, he had actually watched three of Shi Junhao's battles.
He watched the one with Yang Zijin, and he also watched the third and last matches.
As he came and went, he always saw countless eyes fixed on him, with many people discussing him, but no one dared to point fingers.
At this moment, Ji You finally received the next challenge letter. He raised his hand, took it, opened it, and quickly read it twice.
Liu Qichen, he knew this person.
A Liu Family Disciple who entered the academy in the early years of Taiwu, and one of the few who entered the Inner Courtyard without sensing the Heavenly Book. He was rarely seen in the courtyard, even less often than he spanked Miss Lu Er’s backside.
Actually, Ji You was quite puzzled by these cultivators who couldn't break through their Realm yet were always elusive, like a Dragon appearing and disappearing. What exactly did they do all day?
They neither practiced Body Refining nor farmed, nor did they have a main profession like him. They just hid on the mountain all day, accepting offerings from the common people, not knowing the meaning of life.
Such people should be sent to Feng Province for farming—
In their village's joint farming team, they could at least be a captain.
In a short while, the Outer Courtyard's Ascension White Jade Platform was surrounded by people, all standing in their usual spots.
To the east were the Master's Courtyard and the Elder Council, while the noble families of the capital were on the south side. Among them, Fang Jincheng and Zhao Yunyue had arrived again, their gazes fixed on the arena with anticipation.
Six days had passed since the battle between Wu Zhen and Ji You, but even now, they still couldn't believe what they had witnessed.
To them, that sword strike was too fast; they couldn't see anything at all.
They preferred to believe that the sword strike was Ji You emptying his reserves and draining his Spirit Origin; there was no other good explanation.
At this moment, Ji You had already descended the mountain from the Inner Courtyard and was heading to the Ascension White Jade Platform with Cao Jinsong and others.
The Lu Family sisters had reserved seats for Cao Jinsong and the others, while Ji You carried his sword and walked onto the Baiyu Platform.
“Don’t panic, and don’t be timid before the battle.”
“Unleash your strongest sword and cut forward with unwavering resolve.”
“Don’t be like that Wu Zhen, who suddenly switched to blocking when he rushed forward. He thought he was being cautious, but he didn’t realize that his Dao Heart had already weakened by more than half. How could he not lose?”
On the east side of the Baiyu Platform, Liu Qichen had already arrived with his sword. As he passed the west side of the Baiyu Platform, he was called over by several Elders who meticulously gave him some instructions.
Wu Zhen had fainted after losing his challenge six days ago, and no one knew why he chose to switch to a defensive stance at the very last moment of his attack, except for himself.
In many people's eyes, if he had ruthlessly struck out at that time, instead of trying to block Ji You's sword first, he might not have lost so miserably.
Upon hearing this, Liu Qichen nodded, his gaze fixed on the expressionless Ji You, continuously replaying Elder Fang's words in his mind.
Do not be timid before the battle; strike forward with unwavering resolve.
Lu Qingqiu looked eastward, carefully observing the black brocade robe on Liu Qichen: “It’s a Magical Artifact, a defensive Magical Artifact, and one of extremely high quality.”
Ban Yangshu watched for a moment: “Is it expensive?”
“Extremely expensive. It’s said to be able to withstand a strike from a Rongdao Upper Realm cultivator. However, this kind of defensive Magical Artifact has always sold slower than cultivation-assisting Magical Artifacts. To my knowledge, Qionghua Pavilion shouldn’t have any in stock.”
“It’s probably another trick by the Elder Council. They’re really going to great lengths for a mere Tong Xuan Realm Junior Brother.”
At this moment, Liu Qichen stepped onto the stage.
The Magical Artifact robe instantly emitted a Mystic Light, and then he opened his mouth and swallowed a body-protecting Divine Pill. A hazy Mystic Light formed around his body, continuously surging.
This Mystic Light was more powerful than the faint aura Wu Zhen had previously emitted, clearly indicating a higher quality Spirit Pill,
making Liu Qichen appear even more mysterious.
In fact, this Mystic Light could even, to some extent, obscure his physical form.
Such a Medicinal Pill also made the Lu Family sisters frown, thinking that this could already be considered a collector's item, almost a Sect-protecting treasure in an Immortal Villa.
Just then, the gong suddenly sounded.
It was at the very instant the gong sounded that Liu Qichen suddenly stepped forward, Spiritual Qi surging from his Dao Sword, sharp energy scattering as he furiously slashed towards Ji You.
No need for words, no need to hold back, just advance fearlessly!
Ji You’s brows instantly furrowed, golden light burst forth from his eyes, and he suddenly drew his sword, its water-washed blade emitting a sharp ‘clang’!
His response was the same as in the previous match: his waist taut, he still raised his sword with a decisive forehand, powerful force instantly erupting from his Physical Body, while a scorching aura whistled out, a scalp-numbing sensation buzzing straight to the heart.
Then, with a thud!
The perfectly fitted white stone slab was shattered by a single stomp. Ji You swung his sword, and the heavy force directly made the high platform tremble. At the same time, his Dao Sword slashed down, cutting out a suffocating vacuum.
Do not be timid before the fight; advance fearlessly.
Liu Qichen gritted his teeth and let out a furious roar, his long sword charging forward with anger.
Witnessing this scene, everyone from Zhou Cheng widened their eyes, enduring the trembling impulse, wanting to clearly see every detail, especially the moment the swords collided.
But at this critical juncture, Liu Qichen suddenly changed his sword style, turning his slashing sword into a parrying sword, and in an instant, poured all his Spiritual Qi out, causing the Elders of the Elder Council to instantly furrow their brows!
Why like this!?
Why did he change his sword style!?
It was clearly stated just now not to imitate Wu Zhen, just to advance fearlessly, and the rest would be left to fate. Liu Qichen had even recited it many times, but unexpectedly, at this critical moment, he switched from offense to defense.
In the eyes of the onlookers, Liu Qichen, who had parried with his sword, already had eyes wide with disbelief.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to strike with a single sword; it was that the moment Ji You raised his sword, he felt as if he was facing an unconquerable monster.
The trembling fear emanating from his heart was not the pressure of a Realm; it was a most primitive biological instinct, like a physical suppression.
In such a fleeting moment, he could only follow his inner decision, which was to defend!
There was no fearless advance, only defense!
At this moment, Liu Qichen watched as Ji You swung his sword down, the arm gripping the sword taut like a drawn bowstring. Before the sword even arrived, a scorching wind swept over him like a tsunami, filling his ears with a buzzing sound.
Clang!
With a loud crash, the stone bricks beneath Liu Qichen’s feet instantly cracked with a crunch, his tiger’s mouth splattered with fissures.
He felt a twisting, powerful force directly transmit through the sword to his arm; the aching pain almost made him unable to stop himself from crying out, but before he could, he heard Ji You let out an angry roar.
“What a fine Magical Robe!”
“?”
With a look of admiration, Ji You immediately retracted his sword, then in the next instant, pulled back his right arm again and swung his sword fiercely once more.
With a loud clang, the iron sword fell again, like a Heavenly Sword pressing down!
The protective Spiritual Qi barrier around Liu Qichen, originally formed from solidified Spiritual Qi, was directly shattered by a single sword strike, and the resulting back-pushing force sent him flying backward.
Liu Qichen, seeing an opportunity to use the force, stomped his feet hard, and like an arrow leaving the bowstring, he shot up into the sky, intending to attack from above with speed.
But before he could soar too high, he saw a black shadow darting, and Ji You, who had just been retracting his sword, was already above him.
Seeing the shattered floor tiles from before, the faces of the Master's Courtyard Disciples turned pale again and again.
In the past two years, the Baiyu Platform had only been repaired once, and the last time was when Ji You defeated Chu River with the Xiao Chong Shan.
Clang.
Everyone felt the heat wave suddenly change direction from above to below, so they looked up and saw the iron sword descend fiercely amidst a piercing sword howl.
Liu Qichen accelerated his descent, hitting the Baiyu Platform with a bang, creating deep pits and filling the air with dust.
Elder Fang was silent for a long time: “No Spiritual Qi.”
Cao Jinsong couldn’t help but narrow his eyes, softly saying, “How could there be no Spiritual Qi?”
Ji You’s action of soaring into the air just now wasn’t by controlling Spiritual Qi; he jumped up, directly using his legs to jump up—.
It was unbelievable that he, who practiced Spiritual Sword Mountain Sword Dao, didn't even use Spiritual Qi.
Fang Jincheng’s face was already pale; in fact, his face had turned pale the moment Ji You’s first sword strike made the platform tremble violently.
Amidst the dust, the fierce bandit landed, Liu Qichen clutching his chest as he got up: “I lost, I can’t fight anymore—.”
Ji You returned his sword: “You flatter me.”
“You’re not in the Tong Xuan Realm.”
“How could I not be in the Tong Xuan Realm?”
Liu Qichen felt his own Spiritual Qi fluctuations and gritted his teeth: “How could there be a Tong Xuan Realm like you?”
Ji You raised the corner of his mouth: “What a fine Magical Robe.”
“It is indeed a good Magical Robe. It can block a blow from a Rongdao Realm Upper Realm cultivator. If not for it, I wouldn’t be able to stand here and talk to you right now. But is this Magical Robe the only thing on me that can earn your praise?”
“Then, what a fine landing.”
“?”
Ji You sheathed his sword, then turned and walked off the platform.
Fang Jincheng glanced at Ji You, unable to help but take a step back: “Ji (Master)—what are you going to do?”
“I remember you said before that even if Wu Zhen lost, there were still four more.”
Ji You raised the corner of his mouth: “Go tell Elder Fang, there are now three left. Let them continue to choose people.”
Fang Jincheng swallowed: “Ji (Master)'s Divine Might shakes the heavens. There’s no need for five matches; two matches should be enough to secure the spot.”
“No, I don’t agree. I’m not a Worldly Family Disciple. You don’t need to treat me too well. I want to fight all five matches. You’d better find someone, or continue to change the rules.”
“Ji (Master) has said enough.”
“Who said I’ve said enough? Do I look like I’ve said enough?”
Ji You gazed at him, then turned and walked towards Cao Jinsong and his group. The few of them left the Baiyu Platform while conversing.
Seeing her departing figure, Zhao Yunyue, who had been silent by the side, slightly narrowed her eyes, and still hadn’t recovered until she disappeared by Bi Shui Lake.
And more onlookers quietly left at this time, heading towards Qionghua Pavilion in the city.
The shopkeeper watched the influx of cultivators, then dispatched a young attendant to rush out.
Ji You and his group had already returned to the courtyard and sat on the stone stools. Everyone looked at Ji You with complex and unspeakable expressions.
Many things had happened during this period, and many doubts remained unresolved.
For example, why Ji You had never gone to Purple Bamboo Zen Forest to comprehend the Dao again, this matter had not been revealed until now.
But there was no doubt that he had grown stronger, so strong that even Cao Jinsong, who had been in the Rongdao Realm Upper Realm for many years, couldn’t help but feel a lingering fear.
Lu Hanyan and Lu Qingqiu’s shock was even greater. The two sisters looked at Ji You at this moment, their demeanor almost in a daze.
Lu Hanyan entered the Inner Courtyard in the first year of Taichu, and was of the same batch as Xiang Fu, Cong Yi, and others.
She had heard that Ji You had defeated Chu River, heard that he had established a Family after the battle of Night City Mountain, heard that he had blocked a punch from a Barbarian Soldier King, and also heard that he had counter-killed a Demon General in the snowy night of the Snow Region Demon City, who could inflict knife wounds all over a person with bare hands.
But hearing, after all, was just hearing.
The emotions conveyed by what was heard were disbelief, a desire to question, but there wouldn’t be much true shock.
Especially after Ji You began to instruct her in Sword Dao and she truly started to interact with him.
To the Lu family's Second Miss, Ji (Master) was definitely not gentle; on the contrary, he was very strict, but not terrifying. She actually felt that Senior Brother was more like a humble and polite scholar.
Although he sometimes disregarded minor details, that was all.
But it wasn't until today that they realized how powerful the true Ji You was.
Four swords, defeating two people of the same Realm. This was even after he had been specifically restricted by the Elder Council, without using the Spiritual Sword Mountain Sword Dao.
Lu Qingqiu had seen him like this once during the Autumn Tournament that year, while Lu Hanyan was seeing this side of Ji You for the first time.
He wasn't strict, nor was he the troublesome Senior Brother who loved to trick Instructors. Instead, he was a Prodigy so powerful that it was impossible to even conceive of defeating him.
Especially the Physical Body vaguely revealed beneath his Young Master’s robe, just one glance made Miss Lu Er feel as if she would be shattered upon impact.
In fact, before entering the Inner Courtyard, Lu Hanyan had heard about her Elder sister and Ji You.
That was the first time her Elder sister returned home to visit relatives. At that time, the Ling Shi Merchant Association held a banquet, and she heard her mention Chu River and Ji You.
Upon her second return, it was said that the one named Ji You had defeated Chu River and entered the Inner Courtyard. After repeated consideration and weighing the pros and cons, her Elder sister discussed it several times with her parents and decided to propose a marriage alliance with Ji You.
The male members of the Lu Family did not possess high cultivation talents; their eldest brother and younger brother had not achieved much on this path.
In the eyes of her Elder sister and parents, if Ji You could truly be recruited into the Family, it might improve the cultivation talents of their Bloodline and also add a formidable fighter to the household.
But no one had ever expected that her Elder sister would be rejected.
Lu Hanyan had been close to her Elder sister since childhood, and before entering the Inner Courtyard, she had no good impression of Ji You, who had rejected her Elder sister.
Especially the four words “private cultivation in the countryside” made this Young Miss feel quite condescending, believing that the other party was not worthy of her attention.
Later, her perception changed, probably because after entering the Inner Courtyard, every time she heard Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters talk about Ji You, there was a sense of admiration and helplessness in their tone.
But it was not until this moment that Lu Hanyan seemed to understand why Ji You dared to reject a noble Young Miss like her Elder sister back then.
Because only after truly seeing Ji (Master) on the arena did she realize that Ji (Master) seemed to be in a different Realm than them, and also of a different style.
At this moment, the sisters heard Cao Jinsong’s voice change, which instantly brought them back to their senses.
“Wicked Disciple, pay back the money.”
“What money?”
Cao Jinsong’s beard trembled with anger: “I thought you had lost the Spiritual Sword Mountain Sword Dao and would need to use your sword to fight, that’s why I paid for your sword! Who knew you wouldn’t even need it!”
Ji You couldn’t help but glance at him: “Instructor, it’s better not to speak. What if my occupational hazard acts up?”
“?”
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
Bai Rulong, closest to the door, got up and opened it, seeing a young man dressed like a servant, with the Qionghua Pavilion’s mark embroidered on his clothes. He handed over an envelope and hurried away.
Seeing this, everyone couldn’t help but look over curiously, and saw Ji You take out a large denomination silver note from inside.
“Why would Qionghua Pavilion give you money?”
Ji You raised his eyes and slightly bowed: “The day I went to buy a sword, I suggested to the shopkeeper that he should prepare more defensive Magical Artifacts, price them at double, and I wanted five parts of the premium.”
【What a fine Magical Robe】
Cao Jinsong’s mind went blank, while the others’ expressions changed, especially Lu Qingqiu’s.
She had said before that in front of a Sect like Tianshu Academy, which did not allow private duels within the Inner Courtyard, defensive Magical Artifacts and offensive Magical Artifacts were not as easy to sell as Dao-cultivating Magical Artifacts, so they generally wouldn't stock them.
They had thought those Magical Artifacts were obtained through connections by the Elder Council, but they never expected this move came from Ji You.
Lu Qingqiu stared blankly at him, not because he was earning money, but because he was so confident. One had to know that with that Magical Robe that could block a Rongdao Realm attack, Liu Qichen had a chance to turn the tide and win.
At this time, in the Elder Council behind Ni Mountain, a group of Elders were seated, with several other Tong Xuan Realm cultivators who intended to participate in the Heavenly Dao Conference standing beside them, listening to Liu Qichen describe the previous events.
The environment in the pavilion was very dim, with hundreds of long lamps used for illumination, lighting up the incense hall adorned with paintings of ‘Ascension’ and the lacquered red wooden pillars.
It was said that the key to ‘no external objects in the heart’ was to have ‘no objects in front of the eyes,’ so in this dimness, Liu Qichen’s voice was exceptionally clear.
Repeatedly, the meaning in his words was undoubtedly certain, without a hint of luck.
Elder Fang’s expression was very grim. After a long silence, he looked at the Magical Robe on Liu Qichen’s body.
This Magical Robe was indeed a good item, and it wasn’t in vain that he had spent so much money to buy it. Since it could block Ji You’s sword, it meant there was still a chance.
Actually, a small figure like Ji You didn’t need an Elder to pursue him so relentlessly.
But Elder Fang had been humiliated several times and simply couldn’t swallow this anger.
“Qichen, you’ve worked hard. Take off your Magical Robe and give it to your Senior Brother Lu. Tomorrow, your Senior Brother Lu will go on stage. He is an excellent prospect extremely suitable for combat.”
“Elder…”
Elder Fang gently raised his eyes, holding a teacup: “Is there anything else?”
Liu Qichen pursed his lips: “Although this isn’t my place to speak, I still want to suggest, Elder, that you simply find two people to go on stage and directly concede to Ji You.”
Fang Jincheng glared: “Nonsense! Wouldn’t that mean I’m admitting defeat too?”
“Junior Brother Fang, I naturally don’t mean that.”
After Liu Qichen finished speaking, he sighed softly, knowing that more words would lead to more mistakes. So, he took off the Magical Robe and handed it to Senior Brother Lu, who was standing by.
Elder Fang then waved his hand at him, so Liu Qichen cupped his hands and walked out.
However, after only a few steps, Senior Brother Lu suddenly furrowed his brows: “Wait, why does this Magical Robe have no Spiritual Qi fluctuations at all?”
“What?”
“Reporting to Elder, this Magical Robe cannot be activated!”
Liu Qichen stopped and turned at this moment: “After Ji You’s last sword strike, this Magical Robe was actually destroyed. I didn’t notice it then. In fact, I also don’t know why he didn’t break this Magical Robe on the spot. After thinking about it, I feel that he probably left us all a bit of face.”
【Go tell Elder Fang, there are now three left. Let them continue to choose people.】
【I want to fight all five matches. You’d better find someone, or continue to change the rules.】
Fang Jincheng’s expression changed drastically, staring at the Magical Robe, which was now like ordinary clothing, for a long time, unable to recover.
The other Elders behind Elder Fang continuously exchanged glances, their moods also quite complex.
In truth, Ji You was truly the most talented and strongest Disciple in Tianshu Academy in recent years. He should have become a direct Disciple of a hall. Later, after the events in Feng Province, the Elder Council was very displeased with him, stating that such actions would ruin his future.
For the sake of Mortals whose names they couldn’t even recall, clashing with a Worldly Family, many people at the time wanted to ask if it was worth it.
As expected, he didn't even get the qualification to enter the hall, and then some people started to wonder if he would regret it.
But it was not until today that these Elders realized that before the iron sword, no one could stop his future.
(Seeking monthly votes at the beginning of the month. Monthly votes at the beginning of the month are very important and can also enter you into a lottery. Come quickly!)
