Chapter 249: Sisters for Life
After crossing a dazzling expanse of light, they were met with a gray haze.
Ji You stepped into it, feeling as if he was walking through a tunnel, his footsteps echoing with unusual clarity.
After a while, a gentle breeze brushed his face, and the fresh scent of grass and trees gradually wafted over. A dazzling white expanse appeared before Ji You's eyes, and when he reopened them, he was already in a vast, open world.
The first thing that appeared before his eyes was a vast grassland, extending forward in an arc.
Under a gentle breeze, the clear sky shone directly, and everything was a lush green.
Ji You stopped, looking around, and noticed that everyone who had entered this place before him had involuntarily paused, beginning to slowly breathe in and out. As their Qi circulated, they became profound and unpredictable.
Even more so, some subtly exuded the aura of an imminent Breakthrough in their Realm.
These individuals were all Profound Connection Realm contestants, already just a step away from the next Realm. Now, being in a place where Spiritual Qi was so dense it was almost tangible, it was as if an invisible giant hand gently pushed them, bringing them closer to a Breakthrough.
It truly was a good place, no wonder so many people competed fiercely to enter.
Ji You also began to adjust his breathing, slowly inhaling and exhaling.
In an instant, the Spiritual Qi in his body surged in like a raging tide, instantly filling him.
Immediately after, the Spiritual Qi, like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, surged out from his Spirit Origin, which was shattered like a lotus, transforming into mighty rivers,
Rushing and colliding through his limbs and bones, the surging power almost burst out of his Physical Body.
At this moment, with a 'bang,' a whistling aura was instantly stirred up.
Everyone came back to their senses and saw the twin siblings from the Chen Clan take the lead. With flashes of Mystic Light under their feet, they transformed into a blur and soared through the Void Realm.
They had come here for Cultivation, and upon first experiencing its profundity, they naturally didn't want to waste time in the periphery, intent on reaching the very center of Xianxian Holy Land.
Ji You also stopped his breathing at this point. After his aura calmed, he looked around.
Each time he arrived in an unfamiliar environment, he wasn't in a hurry to reach his destination but rather habitually checked his surroundings first.
As he looked, his brow furrowed slightly.
Zhuang Zixin, Zhu Yao, Li Yunlang, and others had entered before him. They were standing on a hilltop not far from him, looking at each other.
Their eyes held scrutiny, and then, by unspoken agreement, they gathered together. After a few words, they walked off together towards the southwest.
These three did not belong to the same Sect, nor were they in the same Worldly Family, and their respective Feng Province, Liang Province, and Yu Province were far apart.
Ji You hadn't heard of any prior acquaintance between them, nor had he seen them converse at the previous Tiandao Conference. Their sudden gathering now seemed unexpected.
Moreover, they were clearly entering for the first time, yet it seemed as if they had a destination in mind.
“Ji You.”
While he was pondering, a soft call by his ear suddenly caught his attention.
Fang Ruoming, dressed similarly in white, came over the grass: “I heard that the closer one gets to the center, the less obstructed the connection between man and Heavenly Dao becomes. There was once someone here who crossed three Realms, and upon leaving, he was already a Sky Soaring mighty expert. Now that you have the opportunity,
You must seize it firmly.”
Ji You turned to him: “Where does Brother Fang Ruo intend to go?”
“Cultivation is, after all, a personal matter. I plan to find a relatively secluded spot.”
“So that’s how it is.”
Fang Ruoming chatted with him for a while, then cupped his hands in farewell and walked along the sea of grass.
Many others also departed one after another, heading in the direction the wind blew.
Seeing that the people who entered were becoming more and more dispersed, Ji You did not linger either, heading towards the depths. Before long, he saw an even vaster sea of grass.
The terrain here gradually sloped downwards, with a dense mountain forest at the very front, dark and silent in its layers.
From Ji You's perspective, what he could clearly distinguish were three slightly protruding low mountains within the forest.
According to the previous map annotations, the area between these three low mountains was the very center of Xianxian Holy Land.
Ji You gently exerted force with his feet, and as his entire body's Qi surged, the Spiritual Qi throughout his body also began to roar.
And when the heat from his Physical Body permeated, he instantly transformed into a ball of Mystic Light, whistling away along the sea of grass, and in a flash, disappeared into the mountain forest at the end of the grass sea.
“Bang!”
After a muffled sound of airwaves bursting, Ji You landed on a cliff. The jade token at his waist began to flash continuously.
The connection between man and Heavenly Dao here was indeed infinitely strengthening. Even without entering meditation or using Divine Thought, he still felt as if the Law was constantly roaring in his ears, causing his heart to tremble.
If he hadn't been unable to ask his own heart, he might have already crossed the threshold of the Rongdao Realm at this moment.
Ji You silently recited a phrase, then looked towards the valley's depths.
Over hundreds of years, Xianxian Holy Land has been visited by Prodigies every five years, so this place is not purely wilderness.
Within his sight, Ji You saw a long path paved with stone slabs, with several slightly dusty stone lamps standing nearby.
Not far from the stone lamps were a few thatched huts, their patched wooden boards seemingly indicating they had been repaired multiple times.
These thatched huts were likely built by those who came here to Cultivate previously, and subsequently repaired by successive generations of cultivators.
In front of the huts was also a wooden tea table and a few tree stumps serving as stools, likely made from local materials.
After observing for a moment, Ji You descended from the cliff, found an empty spot, sat down cross-legged, and gently closed his eyes.
Chen Luo and Chen Xi also arrived at the north side between the three low mountains. Seeing Ji You, their eyes showed some surprise.
Because they had set off earlier than Ji You, they hadn't expected to be a step behind him in the end.
Just then, the siblings suddenly noticed that the Spiritual Qi here was continuously flowing, gradually converging towards Ji You, finally condensing like a vortex, constantly pouring into Ji You.
The advancement of a cultivator's Realm is an upgrade in the connection between man and Heavenly Dao. This process shouldn't require too much Spiritual Qi, which puzzled the two. However, before they could ponder further, they felt a swaying heat rising from the valley. As the heat wave rushed towards them, the hairs on the siblings' arms began to stand on end.
At this moment, Ji You had already ignited the raging spiritual fire within his body, burning along the surging spiritual river inside him.
During these past few days of the Tiandao Conference, besides dueling and chatting, he had been continuously Body Refining. The soreness indicating he was approaching a Bottleneck had already subtly appeared.
Therefore, he planned to use the refined and dense Spiritual Qi here to first assault the next Bottleneck of the Physical Body Realm.
“What a strange Cultivation method.”
“It would be strange if a rural private cultivator didn't want to take first place at the Tiandao Conference, but it's ultimately a bit unorthodox.
The Spiritual Qi within Xianxian Holy Land is actually purer than the Spiritual Qi in Spirit Stones, already subtly approaching the density of Spirit Cores.
And Qi flow usually moves from dense areas to sparse areas, so with the opening of the Mystic Light gate, Spiritual Qi is continuously overflowing into the mountain forest outside.
Countless people who came to see them off couldn't help but close their eyes and breathe outside the gate, hoping to take advantage of the opportunity to gain some benefits.
However, as Ji You and others successively left the grassland at the entrance, the Mystic Light gate began to slowly close, and the flow of Spiritual Qi gradually thinned, eventually being cut off.
Those who had entered meditation on the spot couldn't help but open their eyes, gazing at the gradually disappearing Mystic Light, their eyes filled with complexity.
Just being outside the gate offered endless benefits, so what would it be like inside, especially in the deepest part?
They dared not even imagine.
Although there were stronger and weaker individuals in this Tiandao Conference, they were all in the same Realm. However, starting today, the gap between those inside and outside the gate would grow increasingly large.
Cao Jinsong couldn't help but feel a tremor in his heart, already picturing the scene of his wicked Disciple appearing in the Yingtian Realm: “How long will it take for them to come out?”
“It depends on their Comprehension Ability.”
“Comprehension Ability?”
Qin Zhangshi nodded: “The Heavenly Dao Law permeates Xianxian Holy Land. If one's Comprehension Ability is insufficient, forcefully comprehending the Dao might lead to a backlash. Basically, when they encounter a Bottleneck, they will understand that it's time to leave.”
Yan Shuyi stood proudly on her carriage, gazing at the dissipating Mystic Light, her eyelashes, tinged golden by the morning light, trembled slightly.
Although she hoped Ji You wouldn't come out too quickly because of her shyness, from the moment Ji You's figure disappeared into the Mystic Light, she found herself already missing him a little.
Thinking about it carefully, the origin of this longing was probably knowing that he would be inside for a long time, and unlike before, they could either meet in the spirit mirror or exchange letters. Thus, her emotions began to fluctuate prematurely.
And holding the same thoughts was Yuan Caiwei, the Young Miss of the Dan Sect.
Her time with Ji You had been very short, and they hadn't even had their fill of talking.
As if by a stroke of inspiration, both of them simultaneously turned their heads at the same moment, wanting to see how the other, who was also thinking of the same man, would react. As a result, their gazes met.
Since their gazes had met, it was impolite to look away, so the two walked together.
“Sister Caiwei, are you returning to the mountain now?”
“Yes, My younger brother is trying to take charge of the Sacred Artifact. This concerns the future of our Dan Sect and cannot be neglected. As his Elder sister, I must return to protect his Dao. What about Master Jian?”
Yuan Caiwei wasn't quite ready to call her 'sister' yet, but she had dropped the 'younger sister' part.
Yan Shuyi glanced in the direction Ji You had left: "I cannot be away from Lingjian Mountain for long. Since the Tiandao Conference has ended, I must return to the mountain immediately and continue my secluded cultivation."
Yuan Caiwei nodded upon hearing this: "It seems we must part ways here. It's a pity we sisters haven't seen each other for so long and cannot spend a few more days together."
However, if they truly became "sisters for life" in the future, there would likely be many more opportunities to spend time together.
Yuan Caiwei secretly sighed in her heart, then suddenly noticed the Young Miss narrowing her eyes, staring at her vigilantly, as if she had also thought of this.
After bidding farewell to Yuan Caiwei, Yan Shuyi sat back in her carriage.
Yuan Caiwei also turned and got into her carriage. Before leaving, she lifted the curtain and gently waved to Yan Shuyi.
Then, this red carriage flew off with the Spirit Qi, soaring into the sky, while other Immortal Sect Worldly Families also headed towards their respective Daoist sites, Flying Swords and carriages traversing the Void Realm, with a wave of dust stirred up by the carriages below.
After a long journey, Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu, who were serving as attendants, suddenly saw a golden expanse slowly appearing in the distance.
As the breeze blew, layers of wheat rippled, and many people were using Spirit Qi to control sickles, harvesting the wheat ears.
Their eyes gradually widened in surprise, and after a moment of stunned silence, they looked at their Master Jian.
Cui'er, at this moment, looked at the unfamiliar surroundings below, feeling a sense of bewilderment: "Master Jian, it seems we've gone the wrong way—"
Yan Shuyi calmly said: "I don't know how long it will be before I can come down again after returning to the mountain this time. Ding Yao complained earlier about being bored on the mountain, so before returning, I'll take her for a casual stroll."
Ding Yao: "?"
Cui'er suddenly understood: "So that's how it is."
Lingjian Mountain was in autumn, and it should have been covered in red leaves, a beautiful sight.
However, everyone had seen such scenery for over a decade, and no matter how beautiful, it would eventually feel monotonous.
Once Master Jian entered secluded cultivation, it would be at least half a year, or even a year. It was only natural to take a longer stroll after finally descending the mountain, Cui'er understood.
Only Ding Yao, who had been singled out, thought to herself that Master Jian was truly stubborn. She clearly wanted to go back and hear people call her "Ji Family wife" and "Young Madam," but insisted that she found the mountain boring (←1).
Yan Shuyi noticed Ding Yao's gaze and felt she was looking at herself. She couldn't help but narrow her eyes, giving a stern look.
The carriage sped along and soon arrived at a county town.
Upon entering, they were on the main street of the city. The first thing that caught their eye was a huge stone archway, surrounded by elderly women cooking in the open air, who all turned to look at the carriage that had descended from the sky.
It was harvest season, and in previous years, even the old, weak, women, and children of the household would have to work in the fields, let alone them.
But with the involvement of cultivators, harvesting didn't require too many people, so they took on the important task of cooking large pots of food.
At this moment, the gauze curtain of the carriage was lifted, and Yan Shuyi stepped out, immediately attracting a flurry of discussion.
"Look, the Ji Family wife is back again."
"The Ji Family wife—so majestic!"
"I said last time, the Ji Family wife must be an Immortal Sect Young Miss."
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu both turned to look at Yan Shuyi's deliberately cold and aloof expression, but couldn't help noticing the slight upward curve of her lips. They exchanged glances.
Master Jian never admitted that she liked Ji You, believing that as the next generation's Immortal Sect Master and Sacred Artifact wielder, falling in love would harm her dignity. So she always called Ji You a "stranger." But she truly loved being called "Ji Family wife." Cui'er walked behind them at this moment: "?"
Yan Shuyi then arrived at the Ji Family's old residence. After stopping at the entrance, she looked at the three: "Go explore other places."
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu thought to themselves, Master Jian, you're too pragmatic. Even when the Young Master isn't here, you won't even enter the door. You only came here to hear a few calls of "Ji Family wife," didn't you?
However, where to go and what to do was naturally decided by the Young Miss.
So the carriage quickly left Yuyang County and headed towards State Prefecture.
Yuyang County was Ji You's hometown, and Feng Province was the true Ji Family Worldly Family. Of course, both had to be taken care of.
Half an hour later, the carriage landed in front of Ji Village. Yan Shuyi, feigning authority, lifted the gauze curtain and then stepped down.
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu were already familiar with the routine, but Cui'er, looking at the words "Ji Village" on the plaque, had a completely bewildered expression on her face.
First, she couldn't figure out if there was a typo on the plaque.
Second, she couldn't figure out why Master Jian had said they were just going for a casual stroll, but this journey felt very purposeful.
And those village women earlier, calling out "Ji Family wife" and such, seemed to be calling Master Jian, which made her even more bewildered.
However, just as Yan Shuyi stepped down from the carriage and was about to walk towards Ji Village, a carriage sped over and slowly stopped in front of Ji Village.
This carriage was very familiar, as if she had just seen it.
Then the curtain was gently lifted, revealing Yuan Caiwei's beautiful, oval-shaped face.
She had heard earlier that Yan Shuyi had already visited the Ji Family, and although she didn't say anything, her heart was actually filled with envy.
A Pill Master Cultivates the art of alchemy, and broadly speaking, can bring the dead back to life and regrow flesh on bones, but they lack combat power. The Dan Sect is located in the southeast of Liang Province,
separated from Feng Province by a thousand miles, making travel difficult.
That's why Yuan Caiwei had secretly come, taking advantage of its proximity to Feng Province to visit.
At this moment, the two "plastic sisters" looked at each other, speechless, their eyes somewhat frozen.
"My younger brother is attempting to wield a Spiritual Artifact; I must return to the mountain to protect his Dao."
"I cannot be away from Lingjian Mountain for long; I must return to Cultivate immediately."
"It seems we must part ways here."
Yan Shuyi only departed from Feng Province to return to the mountain in the afternoon, and Yuan Caiwei did roughly the same. Before leaving, they had extensively explored Feng Province and even had a meal in Ji Village before their departure.
On the way back in the carriage, Cui'er was still in a daze, unable to comprehend many things.
Master Jian shouldn't have been to Feng Province before, yet she seemed familiar with everything there. The people in that Ji Village also seemed to listen to her, not treating them as guests, but rather as masters.
Even stranger, Feng Province seemed to be in the midst of its autumn harvest, and a portion of the grain was apparently to be sent to the granaries.
However, they seemed unsure about the exact proportion to send, and then a group of local officials from Feng Province came together to consult their Master Jian.
Master Jian said she didn't understand either, but those local Feng Province officials insisted that Master Jian give a number, as if whatever Master Jian said would be the final decision.
So their Master Jian actually seriously studied the matter for a while, then made a final decision for Feng Province, which was thousands of miles away from Ling Province. After making the decision, she even seemed very happy.
As the next Master of Lingjian Mountain, Master Jian's casual decisions would typically impact the entire Qingyun World.
Matters like grain collection were mundane affairs, not something that would normally enter Master Jian's Dharma Eye.
Yet, her Master Jian always showed some resistance when making decisions for Lingjian Mountain, but when it came to making decisions for Feng Province, she was filled with a sense of accomplishment.
What also struck her as odd was that lunch before they left.
Master Jian seemed eager to treat Miss Yuan of the Dan Sect as a guest, calling her a distinguished guest who had come from afar, but Miss Yuan seemed unwilling to be a guest, wanting to be considered one of the family. In response to Master Jian's "distinguished guest" appellation, she immediately put food on her brother's plate and said, "Distinguished guest, eat more."
Cui'er pondered for a long time, her expression foolish.
Meanwhile, Cao Jinsong and his group, along with Kuang Cheng and others, had also returned to Shengjing.
The carriages traveled for a day and a night, finally arriving on the morning of the second day.
Cao Jinsong, stepping through the gates of Tianshu Academy, had a puffed-up chest and an air of looking down on everyone, pointing fingers at Instructor Ding and Instructor Ma as he passed them.
In previous years, because Cao Jinsong came from Feng Province, he was the least respected among the Instructors, always the one being pointed at.
But upon his return this time, he began to point fingers indiscriminately at everyone.
He even pointed fingers at two Inner Courtyard Elders, but those two Inner Courtyard Elders had complex expressions, acting as if they hadn't seen him, and didn't say anything.
"That damn Cao Jinsong is getting a bit too carried away!"
"Don't blame him. If I had a Disciple like Ji You who could take first place in the Tiandao Conference, I'd be carried away too—"
"Speaking of Ji You, I haven't heard any news of Chu River at this Tiandao Conference? Logically, he should have already reached the Profound Connection Realm. He must have been extremely unwilling to lose to Ji You back then, yet he didn't participate in this Tiandao Conference. Does Instructor Ding know why?"
"I don't know either. Although he was once my student, I haven't heard from him since he left Tianshu Academy. Speaking of which, You Province has been quite strange recently."
"Strange?"
"This year's Autumn Tournament has ended, and I've started preparing for this year's new recruits, but several You Province Disciples I had my eye on all refused me."
"Is our Tianshu Academy's reputation too bad now?"
"With Ji You taking first place, who would dare say our Tianshu Academy is bad?"
"That guy is clearly an anomaly; a student like that is encountered once every few hundred years and cannot be used as a reference."
(The lottery is almost over, please give me your monthly votes!)
