Chapter 291: The Battle Was Intense
After a series of twists and turns, Drunken Immortal Restaurant finally returned to its previous tranquility.
On the high platform, singing and dancing resumed, with flowing skirts accompanied by the continuous strains of string and wind instruments, echoing through the beams. Simultaneously, private performances in the VIP rooms also continued.
However, the image of Fang Jincheng would occasionally flash through many people's minds, causing them to fall silent during their casual conversations.
During this time, the several Young Masters from Sect who had earlier tried to force Yuan Chen to stay in the front hall did not linger for long and then departed in a hurry.
From the second floor to the front hall and then outside the building, their actions were discreet, but they were still clearly seen by those on the second floor.
Drunken Immortal Restaurant was a place for pleasure, and people coming and going was common. It couldn't be said that these people were truly anxious, but because of what had happened earlier, everyone couldn't help but think in that direction.
Ji You was currently sitting in a VIP room, checking if Yuan Chen had suffered any hidden injuries. Only after confirming he was fine did he relax.
“It's said that the private performances in the VIP rooms are more exciting than those downstairs, and the courtesans wear less. Why did you insist on not going, you rascal?”
“What's so good about singing and dancing? I want to hear a thrilling story!”
“So, he hasn't even had his first taste of love yet…”
Ji You murmured to himself, thinking, 'Good kid, unlike me.'
Yan Shuyi turned to look at him: “The one who ran out just now, was that Elder Fang’s great-grandson from Tianshu Academy?”
Ji You regained his composure and nodded: “After returning to the Academy from Dongping Mountain Range, I formed another grudge with them. I tried to kill him at night, but didn't succeed.”
“Tianshu Academy’s actions are why it should decline. Why don’t you consider joining my Lingjian Mountain? I’ll make you Master Jian’s personal Disciple.”
“Then wouldn’t I become a Rebellious Disciple who attacks my Master?”
“?”
A hint of displeasure appeared in Yan Shuyi’s eyes.
She thought that if she took Ji You as her Disciple, she wouldn't have to be afraid. The Qingyun World’s Legacy had lasted for thousands of years, and the tradition of respecting one’s Master was highly valued.
However, although she didn’t understand the character “rush” (chōng), the four characters combined made her realize that even if he became a Disciple, he would still cause her trouble.
As her words fell, the small pot on the table boiled, emitting a burst of tea fragrance.
Ji You picked up Yan Shuyi’s cup, intending to pour new tea, but found that there was still half a cup of cold tea in it.
Unconsciously, he drank the cold tea from the Young Master Jian's cup and then poured in the new tea.
Yan Shuyi glanced at him, then took the teacup he had drunk from and took a small sip.
Since their last meeting after the winter solstice, they had been kissing whenever they met, and who knew how much saliva they had exchanged. Such matters no longer needed much attention.
Ji You then handed the teapot to Ding Yao and sat back in his chair.
It wasn't that he hadn't noticed Fang Jincheng, but he had noticed him a little too late. He had originally planned to draw his sword and kill him, but Fang Jincheng, though envious and extremely petty, still had some cleverness.
When he fled using Spiritual Qi, he did not fly through the air but specifically squeezed through crowded areas.
In such a situation, Ji You found it very difficult to draw his sword in front of the streets full of vendors and common people.
Moreover, the VIP room fee was quite expensive. He calculated that the success rate of killing him at that moment was too low, and the cost was slightly high.
So, he had no choice but to give up.
As the tea fragrance permeated the air, the singing and dancing on stage ceased. The slender-waisted dancers and musicians dispersed, and then a waiter from the teahouse brought up a table. A robed old man then ascended the stage, lifted his robe, and sat down.
Seeing this, Yuan Chen instantly became excited.
Ji You knew from his expression that this was the storytelling performance he had been looking forward to for a long time.
He was different; he liked singing and dancing.
He had paid for the VIP room, but instead of seeking pleasure, he was listening to some nonsensical story.
However, what Ji You didn't expect was that the storytelling at Drunken Immortal Restaurant was actually quite a performance.
At this moment, the storyteller had already seated himself, then rolled up his sleeves, picked up the gavel, and slammed it on the table. With a shake of his goatee, he slowly began in a resonant voice.
“Esteemed audience, the New Year is approaching, and all things are renewed. Our gathering here today is truly fated. However, some have come before, and some have not, so this story might not be fully understood. Please allow this old man to go back a few segments.”
“The story we are telling today is a newly compiled one, titled ‘The White-Clad Blade Master Teases Two Fairies’.”
“This story was originally planned to be told in just two or three segments, but the owner said that the tips these past two days have been quite generous, so we shall continue to tell it.”
“Last time, we spoke of how the White-Clad Swordsman entered the Tianshan School, splitting open the Inner Courtyard gate with a single blade. He was then entrusted by the Young Miss of the Precious Stone Family to teach her sister blade techniques.”
“As they spent more time together, feelings gradually arose. Thus, their bodies became wet and dry with perspiration, their hairpins rose and fell on the pillow, a spring emerged in the cave-like space, and butterflies danced among the flowers in a spring embrace.”
“But this second Young Miss did not know that her Elder sister had also shared a passionate encounter with this White-Clad Swordsman in the spring tent, like a pair of phoenixes on a silk pillow...”
Li You’s teacup froze in mid-air, his eyes gradually widening.
He had only intended to listen for the excitement, but as he listened, his expression became as solemn as Yan Shuyi’s.
Whether it was novels or storytelling in the Qingyun World, they were generally adapted from real events, used to eulogize the noble and unrestrained nature of Cultivators.
But this was just changing the School names, replacing swords with blades, and Spirit Stones with precious stones!
Damn it, they might as well just give out ID numbers.
Most importantly, the latter part was completely fabricated.
Ji You was about to draw his sword when he suddenly saw Lu Qingqiu peeking out from a VIP room on the opposite side of the second floor, her thin lips tightly pressed, listening intently.
As for Yuan Chen, after the line about “perspiration drying and wetting his body,” Ji You had used Spiritual Qi to seal his hearing. At this moment, he watched the storyteller’s mouth move without sound, completely dumbfounded.
“Brother-in-law, what did the storyteller say?”
“Uh…”
Yuan Chen grabbed his arm, looking at him anxiously: “How was it? Was there a battle?”
After a moment of silence, Ji You nodded: “There was a battle, a very intense one.”
Sound propagates through vibration, so Ji You’s voice could be transmitted through Spiritual Qi.
Indeed, there was a “battle.”
Ji You turned to look at Yan Shuyi, finding her calm at this moment.
She had inquired about this matter some time ago, wanting to ask if it hurt, but then found out it was fake.
However, when she heard phrases like “rose and fell on the pillow” and “spring emerged in the cave-like space,” she couldn’t help but imagine the scenes in her mind.
Drunken Immortal Restaurant truly had storytelling performances, which continued until dusk. Aside from a few somewhat suggestive scenes, most of the story was praise for the White-Clad Blade Master.
The scattered guests in the front hall and those in the VIP rooms left one after another. Upon reaching the cold, swirling air outside the building, they couldn't help but look back at the VIP room on the east side.
During this time, some Disciples from Tianshu Academy also hurried back, inquiring around. They heard that Fang Jincheng had re-entered the mountain abyss, and the patrolling Disciples on the mountain path had unexpectedly been replaced by several Elders close to Elder Fang.
When Ji You and his group left Drunken Immortal Restaurant, it was already dark. Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu’s cheeks were flushed, and the story of ‘The White-Clad Blade Master Teases Two Fairies’ seemed to still echo in their minds, clearly having left a deep impression.
Only the Young Master Jian, who was already afraid, had an even colder and more arrogant gaze, and she wouldn’t let Ji You walk behind her.
Later, smoke began to rise from Worry-Free Commerce. Ji You was cooking, while Yan Shuyi watched coldly from the side, looking scrutinizing.
But in Ji You’s opinion, she just wanted to be fed.
Yuan Caiwei then also arrived at the small courtyard. As soon as she entered, she reprimanded My younger brother for secretly running out to listen to the story.
Yuan Chen, with a tearful Face, hid behind Ji You, unable to express his bitterness.
He hadn't really listened to a story at all; he had watched a silent play for almost an hour, completely unaware of what the storyteller had said.
Ji You stood by the stove in the night, stir-frying dishes while looking at Yuan Caiwei: “I heard from Yan Shuyi that Yuan Chen is refining the Origin power. How is his progress?”
Yuan Caiwei shed her cold Elder sister demeanor and gently replied: “He has already refined a small portion. I am much less worried than before.”
“But you are still too harsh on him. He always wants to sneak out when he has no rest time. Shengjing is crowded and full of eyes now, and he has no combat power, so it’s easy for something to happen. From now on, give him an hour or two of leisure time, and I will accompany him out for a stroll.”
“Did Yuan Chen cause trouble today?”
Ji You told Yuan Caiwei about today’s events, then couldn’t help but ask, “You’re quite strange too. What have you been busy with these past few days? Why do I never see you?”
Yuan Caiwei regained her composure: “Caiwei is busy repaying a kindness.”
“?”
Right after Yuan Caiwei finished speaking, she was called away by Yan Shuyi.
Ji You then focused on cooking. After all the dishes were ready, he called Yuan Chen and carried the plates into the house.
Upon entering the room, Yuan Caiwei and Yan Shuyi were huddled together, whispering something.
But when the two women saw Ji You enter, they sat up straight, their previous conversation abruptly halted. They then shared a meal together and departed together afterward.
Their relationship really improved? Could it be that they truly intended to be sisters for life?
Ji You wasn’t quite sure, but he just felt that Yan Shuyi’s gaze had suddenly become more arrogant.
Yet, earlier at the teahouse, when listening to the story, she had clearly looked terrified.
The next morning, Ji You still Cultivated as usual in the tea pavilion beneath the green pines.
Just like last time, the Spiritual Fire Body Refining failed to break through his body's surface and was consumed, as if it was just missing a single breath.
And when he reopened his eyes, the courtyard was still empty.
Yan Shuyi hadn’t come, nor had Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu. As for the Yuan family siblings, who were as elusive as a Dragon, they also hadn’t appeared, as if they had all agreed upon it.
Ji You pondered for a long time, thinking, 'If they didn't come, then so be it. I'll try one more time.'
So, the boundless Spiritual Qi began to gather in the courtyard again, gradually condensing into a blue light that flowed downwards.
Meanwhile, Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu, who were staying at Wei Rui’s separate courtyard, were somewhat puzzled, looking at Master Jian playing chess with Wei Rui in the tea pavilion.
They looked bewildered.
Master Jian clearly loved to stick close to Young Master, but today she didn’t come. How strange.
However, it was clear that Master Jian was somewhat distracted; she repeatedly zoned out and had to be called back by Wei Rui waving her small hand.
Additionally, since early this morning, a strange, pleasant scent had been subtly wafting through the courtyard.
This continued until noon, when light snow began to fall, and Yuan Caiwei gracefully walked out from the backyard, carrying a sandalwood box into the tea pavilion.
Yan Shu had been watching her from afar, unconsciously put down the chess piece she was holding, and then smoothed her dress.
"Jian Zhu JieJie."
"Morning—"
Yuan Caiwei also greeted her, then opened the sandalwood box in front of her.
On the right side of the box was a vermilion Medicinal Pill, while on the left was a thumb-sized jade bottle.
Yan Shu stared at the jade bottle for a long time: "Why is the other portion bottled?"
"The Medicinal Pill is for us to take, so there's no need to hide it. The one in the bottle is for others; the liquid is soluble in soup and is colorless and odorless."
Upon hearing this, Yan Shu somewhat understood.
The Medicinal Pill was for pain relief, specifically for women. She already knew this and only needed to take it orally.
As for the bottled one, it was for back pain, intended for a stranger male, so a liquid form was needed to easily mix it into other things.
Logical.
However, Yuan Caiwei's remark, "The Medicinal Pill is for us to take," made the little Master Jian narrow her eyes slightly.
But as the saying goes, 'one's hands are soft when taking from others, and one's mouth is short when eating from others,' so she couldn't complain. She reached out and took the brocade box, preparing to put it into her storage gourd.
The moment she exerted force, she found Yuan Caiwei pulling it back in the opposite direction, her eyes seemingly filled with hesitation and struggle, while also looking at Yan Shu with a hint of determination.
After a moment of thought, however, Yuan Caiwei finally let go.
Wei Rui, who had been watching the two, couldn't help but ask, "Sister Caiwei, what is that?"
Yuan Caiwei recovered and coughed, speaking nonchalantly, "Medicinal Pill, for Jian Zhu JieJie to use for self-defense—"
"Actually, I only need the one in the bottle, in case of surprise attacks," Yan Shu murmured softly.
"?"
Yuan Caiwei was stunned, thinking, 'If Sister is so brave, then return the Medicinal Pill to me. This Medicinal Pill also has an invigorating effect, and I refined it for a long time.'
However, just as she looked up, she saw Yan Shu had already discreetly put it into her storage gourd.
The two sisters harbored clandestine thoughts, and with Wei Rui present, it was inconvenient to talk much. So, Yuan Caiwei excused herself, saying she needed to check on Yuan Chen's Cultivation, and then left the tea pavilion.
Yuan Chen had already refined one-third of the Origin power sealed within the Spirit Stone, which put her, as his older sister, at ease. She then sat idly in the courtyard, peeking out multiple times.
In her opinion, the little Master Jian had obtained what she wanted and should have gone to the Worry-Free Commerce by now, but she was surprised to find her still in the tea pavilion.
And so it remained for the next several hours.
Playing chess, drinking tea, and even receiving a messenger from Lingjian Mountain responsible for transmitting information, she looked at a secret letter for a long time.
Yuan Caiwei had heard in recent days that her Jianzhu Sister was investigating the recent anomalies in the Immortal Sect. This secret letter, she thought, must be related to the anomalies she had mentioned earlier, and her eyes flashed with coldness.
In fact, this was the true appearance of Lingjian Mountain's Master Jian, inspiring both reverence and awe.
The Tianjian Peak lineage had deep foundations, yet it had been subtly suppressed by a woman all these years. Besides the spirit mirror's influence, it was also due to Jianzhu Sister's clear-cut rewards and punishments, and her impartiality towards everyone.
Yuan Caiwei leaned by the window and watched for a long time, until the sky began to darken slightly, before she saw her Jianzhu Sister quietly leave the door.
She initially held her hands clasped in front of her, walking gracefully, but upon reaching the door, her steps became a rapid patter.
Seeing this, Yuan Caiwei's eyes couldn't help but narrow slightly, a hint of determination in her heart.
Under the gloomy sky, Yan Shu, wearing a veil and holding a jade bottle, leisurely made her way to the Worry-Free Commerce.
She had spent twenty years cultivating in the deep mountains, and suddenly, after meeting a man through the spirit mirror, she always wanted to stick to him.
However, due to her status and position, she always spoke stubbornly. This was a habit formed over twenty years and not something she could change overnight. She had read that Secret Manual and knew that to have a child with a stranger male, she first had to be 'hmm-hmm-ah-ah' and conquered by him. She wasn't ready for that yet.
But after that night in An Yuan City, she found that she really loved sleeping in his arms, so she decided to make his back hurt first.
Yan Shu stepped into the shop, then heard voices talking in the courtyard, so her eyes glowed golden as she looked inside.
Ji You was in the side hall of the front hall, with Kuang Cheng sitting opposite him, and five other people: two middle-aged, two young.
After observing for a long time, Yan Shu stepped inside.
Ji You heard the movement and looked out, then stood up to greet her: "Why are you so late today?"
Yan Shu looked into the room: "Who are they?"
"A few officials from the Immortal Supervisorate, Peng Dongyang, Mu Qing, and also Yu Shuheng and Lu Ming, who accompanied me on a diplomatic mission to the Snow Region before.
With the New Year approaching, they came with Kuang Cheng this time to express their gratitude for the disaster relief."
"When are they leaving?"
Ji You looked into the room: "They've been here for a while. They'll probably leave when it gets dark. Shall we go in first?"
Yan Shu nodded gently, then followed Ji You into the side hall.
The reason for receiving guests in the side hall wasn't because Ji You didn't value the Immortal Supervisorate much; it was mainly because the side hall was small, and after lighting the brazier, the temperature was higher.
Among these people from the Immortal Supervisorate, except for Mu Qing, the Head of the Executive Department, the others had no Cultivation. Coupled with the biting cold this year, the temperature was especially important to them.
After the two entered the room, Peng Dongyang and the others stood up: "Young Master Ji, who is this?"
Ji You glanced at the little Master Jian: "Kuang Cheng's beloved's god-sister."
Kuang Cheng whispered from the side: "This Fairy is Brother Ji's wife, but they are not yet married, so the address is a bit distant."
Peng Dongyang opened his mouth: "Is it the Eldest Daughter of Dan Sect?"
"The Eldest Daughter of Dan Sect is also here, but this one is not."
"I see."
Logically, one should bow when meeting guests, but Yan Shu merely nodded slightly after entering the room, then sat down by the brazier.
After all, there was no one in this world to whom she needed to bow.
The Immortal Supervisorate people didn't mind; after all, in their eyes, anyone who could be Young Master Ji's wife must also be an Immortal.
Ji You poured a cup of tea and handed it to Yan Shu, then took out two roasted sweet potatoes and placed them into the brazier at Yan Shu's feet, before sitting back in his original seat.
Peng Dongyang stroked his long beard: "Young Master Ji's wife looks like a Young Miss from a prominent family, so well-behaved."
Ji You and Kuang Cheng held their breath upon hearing this, thinking, 'We're so familiar, if you can't praise, don't force it.'
The first half, 'Young Miss from a prominent family,' was indeed true, but the latter half, 'well-behaved,' was a bit offensive.
Let alone a Mortal, even a Cultivator would probably not dare to describe Lingjian Mountain's Master Jian as well-behaved.
Peng Dongyang looked at their slightly tense expressions, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes, not knowing what he had said wrong.
Afterward, the six continued their previous conversation. They had just discussed the situation in the disaster-stricken areas and were now talking about the transportation of snowy region demon stones.
Although snowy region demon stones were currently being sold, it was Ji You who was selling them privately. The people from the Immortal Supervisorate had come this time to discuss officially resuming transportation.
As mentioned before, many things were involved, so as they talked, the sky grew darker and darker. Peng Dongyang sat with his back to the brazier, warming himself, but the longer he sat, the colder his back felt.
Ji You looked up at his arrogant girl at this moment and found her peeling a sweet potato, a hint of confusion in her eyes.
Yan Shu always left as soon as it got dark, but this time, she showed no intention of getting up.
He also noticed the late hour and said, "It's getting late. Since it's already this time, why don't you stay for dinner?"
Peng Dongyang and the others looked at Kuang Cheng.
After all, Kuang Cheng was the most familiar with Ji You here. If they said they wanted to stay, it would seem too impolite; if they said they were leaving, it would seem like they weren't giving Face. So, it was more reasonable for Kuang Cheng to make the decision.
Kuang Cheng wasn't particularly hungry, but thinking it was a rare gathering, having a meal wouldn't hurt, so he stood up, intending to agree.
However, before he could speak, he noticed Yan Xianzi looking at him, her gaze somewhat intimidating.
"Never mind, Brother Ji, let's not trouble you. We won't eat."
"Yes, Young Master Ji, we won't trouble you. It's getting late, and we should head back. The remaining matters can be discussed after the New Year."
Ji You glanced at Yan Shu, who was pretending nothing was amiss, thinking, 'Why is this girl even getting jealous of men now?' Then he turned and cupped his hands to the others: "Since you all wish to leave, I shall see you off."
Peng Dongyang bowed slightly: "Thank you, Young Master Ji."
"Please."
"Please."
Yan Shu watched them leave the room, then took off her shoes and socks, placing them on the wooden stool by the brazier, and then picked up Ji You's teacup and took a sip.
The tea was already cold and would probably be poured out when he returned. If she wanted to give him medicine, she would need to brew another pot.
She could also put it on the roasted sweet potato, but the soggy texture might not be right.
She seriously considered where to put the medicine, her gaze involuntarily falling on her smooth, small feet.
After a long while, she rejected that idea, her gaze settling on the teapot.
