Chapter 314: Ji You Appears
Similar to the Xianxian Garden, Rihua County also has an immortal manor, but the difference is that its interior is not divided into small gardens. Instead, it is surrounded by pavilions on all sides, with a massive white jade Dao field at its very center.
In the early morning, the Tianshu Academy One line and the Great Xia Dynasty One line arrived together.
Upon entering Rihua County, they saw numerous cultivators in the county city, and the teahouses and taverns were bustling with continuous discussions that could be heard everywhere.
Along the streets, old established businesses such as Qionghua Pavilion, Chunri Hall, and Forging Sword Pavilion had also set up stalls.
Magical Artifacts, weapons, Spirit Stones, and countless other items were on display.
However, the group did not linger on the street but went directly into the manor.
Similar to the bustling scene outside, the immortal garden was filled with people in splendid clothes, bowing and chatting as they came and went, creating a lively atmosphere.
The Tianshu Academy's carriage was in front, followed by the Great Xia Dynasty's carriage, and they drove straight into the manor, facing the gaze of these people.
As they proceeded to the central part, countless people lifted their curtains and gazed out, observing the huge Dao field surrounded by viewing platforms for a long time, then circled around to the east side.
As the sound of carriage wheels gradually slowed, the carriages successively stopped side by side in front.
The first three carriages lifted their curtains first. From the right and middle carriages, Zizai Hall Master Zuoqiuyang and Jixiang Hall Master You Yingqiu descended one after another. From the left carriage, the young emperor in a bright yellow robe also leaned out and showed his Face.
Next, from the second row, Chong Wang and Wei Li appeared, and the Master-in-charge of the Tianshu Academy's Master-in-charge Pavilion also emerged.
After exchanging greetings, the group entered the main hall.
As for the rest, they packed their belongings and passed through the blooming gardens and the Listening Fragrance Water Pavilion, entering the residential courtyards within.
Following closely behind the Tianshu Academy was the Mountain and Sea Pavilion, which was relatively close by.
Sitting in the leading imperial carriage were Vice Sect Master Huo Jin and his direct Saint, Huo Xingzhong.
Next was Asked the Dao Sect's Vice Sect Master Shang Xingkong and his direct Disciple Shang Xiyao.
Then came the Chen Clan, Xuan Yuan Immortal Mansion, and finally Lingjian Mountain, all with important figures making an appearance.
Tall imperial carriages arrived one after another, bringing with them a profound Aura, accompanied by bursts of Mystic Light, attracting countless gazes.
Cao Jingsong had by now unloaded his belongings and, along with Ban Yangshu, Wen Zhengxin, Lu Qingqiu, Lu Hanyan, Xiang Fu, and Cong Yi, came to the pavilion on the east side to observe.
As they watched the imperial carriages, accompanied by bursts of Mystic Light, pass before them, all seven of them felt a wave of pressure wash over them, like a mountain roaring and a sea raging.
Normally, when they saw these, they might only feel simple admiration, bowing before the might of the Immortal Sects.
But at this moment, seeing this magnificent Aura, their hearts were heavy, and their eyes narrowed slightly.
Because Ji You had offended such colossal entities.
“Normally, today and tomorrow are rest days. Besides going to draw lots in the evening, there’s no need to be too stressed for the remaining time.”
“In same-Realm duels, it's about endurance and strategy, so rest is quite important.”
“Relax when you should, don't let your Dao Heart be too heavy; just make sure to rest well the night before the battle.”
After a long silence, Cao Jingsong couldn't help but speak, instructing the three participants to calm their minds and give their all in the competition.
Everyone listened attentively and nodded obediently, but no one mentioned the matter that weighed heavily on their hearts.
With Immortal Sects and Sects gathered here, there were too many people and too many ears; some things simply couldn't be spoken aloud.
In the evening, everyone went to draw lots, then returned to rest and recuperate.
By the second day, as the Immortal Sects and Sects arrived, the number of people coming and going gradually increased.
Those who came to the east side were some Sects friendly with or affiliated with the Tianshu Academy.
The He Family of Zhong Province, the Zuoqiu Family, the Qiu Family, the Huang Family, the Liang Province Guo Family, and the Sun Family appeared in succession.
They exchanged greetings from south to north, and gradually, some people began to arrive at their secluded courtyard.
Normally, Lu Qingqiu, who was skilled at making connections, would surely have many visitors, especially since her younger sister had entered the Inner Courtyard and reached the Tongxuan Middle Stage, which should have made it even more so.
But in reality, not a single person came to visit her; instead, Chong Wang and Princess Changle's side was filled with distinguished guests.
In the spacious hall, Chong Wang ordered his servants to serve tea, and the pervasive tea aroma gradually drifted into the courtyard.
In fact, Chong Wang was merely a prince of the Great Xia, not particularly high in cultivation. His only ability was to make money, and he shouldn't have had so many cultivating Sects visiting him.
Especially the Liang Province Guo Family and the Yong Province Long Family, whose relationship with them was not that close, at most just nodding acquaintances.
The reason they came here was because there had been many rumors in Shengjing since the New Year, which made them feel concerned.
“I heard that some time ago, the Five Great Immortal Sects went to question the Tianshu Academy?”
“Master Guo is not mistaken. On that day, the Five Great Immortal Sects arrived with their immortal banners, and everyone in Shengjing witnessed it.”
Chong Wang held his teacup and truthfully answered the inquiries of the various Sects.
Upon hearing this, the various Family heads couldn't help but exchange glances.
When they first heard this news, they were actually skeptical because the Seven Great Immortal Sects had maintained harmony on the surface for a thousand years.
Except for minor frictions like the Mountain and Sea Pavilion once accusing the Chen Clan and the Tianshu Academy once questioning Lingjian Mountain, there hadn't been too many opposing conflicts.
But now, with five great Immortal Sects simultaneously questioning one Family, such a major event made them feel utterly unbelievable.
However, at this moment, upon hearing confirmation from an eyewitness, they no longer had any doubts.
Guo Huai, an Elder of the Guo Family, his eyes slightly shifting, said, “After those five great Immortal Sects left the Tianshu Academy, it is said that they searched Shengjing City for a night, looking for someone related to Ji You?”
Chong Wang nodded: “Ji You has a close friend named Kuang Cheng, who is his childhood friend. They both came from the Tianshu Academy, graduated in Taiwu 2, and after half a year as an editor, he joined the Immortal Supervisor during the New Deal. The Immortal Sects were looking for him that night.”
“So, does that mean Immortal Sect Disciples really went to Feng Province?”
“That’s right. After searching Shengjing, they went to Feng Province, but by the time they arrived, Ji Village was already deserted.”
The Long Family head stroked his beard upon hearing this: “It seems this Ji You has indeed committed a heinous crime.”
Guo Huai nodded: “Immortal Sect Disciples cultivate diligently year-round, seeking a clear Dao Heart, and rarely act easily. What Ji You did must be horrifying.”
The reason why these two were so concerned about this matter and specifically came to verify it was because when the Spirit Stone transportation was halted, they also went to the Tianshu Academy, but were dismissed with a simple 'forget about it' and had to go north to retrieve them themselves, losing Face in front of everyone, which had always bothered them.
Now, hearing such news, they naturally felt a sense of relief.
“Perhaps, he brought disaster upon the Dan Sect.”
“?”
The Sun Family head said, “The Dan Sect’s sealing of their mountain is a big deal, and Ji You has a private relationship with that Dan Sect’s daughter. There are countless threads, and it’s likely inseparable.”
He Long, an Elder of the He Family, snorted coldly after hearing this: “I’ve long said that this country bumpkin cultivator doesn’t know the immensity of heaven and earth, always trying to gain attention by relying on his decent talent. I warned the Tianshu Academy not to take him in back then, and now he has indeed caused a great disaster.”
The He Family is an in-law Sect of the Zuoqiu Family and has a very close relationship with the Tianshu Academy.
The five great Immortal Sects questioning the Tianshu Academy had no direct consequences on the Immortal Sect level, but it still affected them.
The He Family had several young nephews and nieces with marriage contracts with other Sects in Zhong Province.
After this incident, half of the marriage contracts were dissolved.
Even the businesses of several branch lineages under the He Family were implicated, so this He Family Elder naturally held a grudge.
Chong Wang couldn't help but say, “Everyone, there’s no need to be so agitated. Since he offended the Five Great Immortal Sects, Ji You probably won’t be able to show his Face again. Out of sight, out of mind.”
Guo Huai nodded after hearing this: “That’s true. Speaking of which, Qingyun World has been plagued by disasters frequently in recent years, and it seems every incident is related to him. This kid is truly a jinx.”
He Long couldn't help but frown at this moment: “However, among those from the Tianshu Academy participating in the Youxian Assembly this time, there are some who are closely related to him.”
“This naturally shows the Immortal Sect’s broad-mindedness.”
“That’s right, the Tianshu Academy allowing them to participate in the Youxian Assembly is also the Immortal Sects saving Face for each other—
The arrangements for the Youxian Assembly were similar to those for the Tiandao Conference. The evening of the second day of rest was the Juxian Banquet.
However, the Rihua Immortal Garden was not as large as the Xianxian Garden, so there was no distinction between inner and outer areas; everything was arranged in the central Dao field, and immortal tables were set as soon as dusk fell.
With Sects gathered, everyone took their seats in the Dao field, illuminated by lanterns.
Subsequently, the great figures of the Immortal Sects, exuding an air of mystery and aloofness, also made their grand entrance.
Although there was no distinction between inner and outer areas, Qingyun World had always held the belief that east was superior, so the eastern arrangements were more luxurious than those in the west.
The Six Great Immortal Sects each occupied one of six massive round tables, arranged in a line.
At the Tianshu Academy's table, Zuoqiuyang and You Yingqiu were in the principal seats, flanked by the six Elders who had accompanied them, and the three Hall Masters of the Master-in-charge Pavilion.
Lingjian Mountain had Sect Master Yan Zhong and the Young Master Jian in the principal seats, surrounded by three Peak Masters and several Chief Elders.
The seating arrangements for the other Immortal Sects were much the same.
The eastern and western regions were both in the Dao field, with no barriers or screens in between, but to the Sects in the western side, the two regions seemed to be separated by a chasm.
No matter how great a Qingyun Sect was, it was still only a thousand-year-old Sect, incomparable to an Immortal Sect.
Even the so-called Eighth Great Sect, the Chu Family, ultimately lacked the power of a Sacred Artifact.
After a long period of gazing, the maids from the immortal garden emerged from the moon gate. Dozens of them lined up on either side, like a long dragon, carrying delicacies.
Seeing this, the Sect Disciples on the west side snapped back to attention, and the clinking of cups began at the wine tables.
During this time, the words “Ji You” vaguely echoed in the discussions on the west side.
Regarding the matter of the five great Immortal Sects questioning the Tianshu Academy, it was actually known by everyone in Qingyun World, but because this matter involved the dignity of the Tianshu Academy, no one dared to discuss it when they entered the academy yesterday.
After all, the Nine Provinces were far apart, and some rumors, if not confirmed, could be deadly.
However, after the Guo Family, Sun Family, Long Family, He Family, and others went to Chong Wang’s side before noon, the news was confirmed and has now spread widely, so naturally, someone would bring it up.
This was especially true for the Sects affiliated with the Five Great Immortal Sects, and even some Lingjian Mountain Disciples.
In the eyes of Lingjian Mountain, Tianshu Academy was a rival Sect, so anything that caused Tianshu Academy to lose Face naturally boosted their own prestige.
“This Ji You is ultimately just a rogue cultivator from the countryside; if he had a Family background, perhaps an Elder could have mediated for him, preventing him from disappearing completely.”
“That’s why, knowing he came from a rural background, he shouldn’t have yearned for cultivation in the first place.”
Liu Junchi, a Lingjian Mountain Disciple sitting with Zhao Yunyue, spoke slowly, with a profound air as if he had long anticipated this outcome.
During the banquet, the Young Masters from the Sects who had invited Yuan Chen upstairs in the teahouse and were rebuked by Ji You also echoed his sentiments repeatedly.
They had no direct connection to this matter, but they had opposed Ji You before. Seeing him so glorious at the Tiandao Conference, now forced to hide, naturally brought them joy.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yunyue couldn’t help but raise her wine glass: “A rootless duckweed, no matter how far it floats, will eventually be overturned by the waves.”
Liu Junchi nodded upon hearing this: “That’s exactly what Junior Sister Yunyue means.”
On the other side, Lu Xiong introduced Guo Zixing, whom Lu Qingqiu and Lu Hanyan had met in Shengjing City, to them at the banquet.
Their Lu Family was a Spirit Stone Sect. Logically, at such an event, there should have been countless people exchanging pleasantries, but after they arrived at the Immortal Garden yesterday, all the Sects that had been friendly with them previously avoided them.
The reason, naturally, went without saying, which only strengthened the resolve of the Lu Family couple.
“Father, I told you I could remain unmarried my entire life and manage the Lu Family’s Spirit Mine business for the Ling Shi Business Association. I thought you had already agreed to this.”
Lu Qingqiu, from a merchant Family, had always been a rational woman. She knew that Ji You, who had offended the Five Great Immortal Sects, might never recover, and she didn’t want to harm her Family for him.
But the rumor of her losing her virginity was spread by her, and what’s done is done, so she felt she could marry no one.
When Ji You, alone with three swords, saved her from the Evil Seed, she had weighed the pros and cons for a long time and felt it was not suitable, let alone Guo Zixing.
Who would have thought that as soon as she spoke, the Lu Xiong couple did not respond, but instead, Guo Zixing’s words leisurely rang out.
“Miss Lu Er misunderstood, we are not discussing marriage.”
Miss Lu Er frowned upon hearing this: “Then what is Young Master Guo’s intention?”
Guo Zixing chuckled: “I’m here to take a concubine.”
“?”
“If Miss Lu were a virgin, marriage would naturally be possible, but unfortunately, she was entrusted to the wrong person. I am only willing to discuss this out of consideration for the Spirit Mine.”
Lu Hanyan instantly gripped her sword: “My sister and I are both Senior Brother’s women, stop dreaming here!”
As her words fell, Miss Lu Er suddenly felt a scrutinizing gaze, so she looked up towards the east and finally landed on the table of Lingjian Mountain, but she couldn’t confirm where the gaze originated.
Lu Qingqiu did not feel the gaze. At this moment, she pressed down her sister’s sword-gripping hand and turned to look at her parents, her eyes filled with inquiry, but she found that her parents did not speak.
In other words, they had already discussed the matter of taking a concubine beforehand.
In fact, their Family would even offer a Spirit Mine as a dowry.
Besides them, there were three other tables in the southwest of the training ground, occupied by several Sects bordering Feng Province. They were also discussing practical issues, namely the ownership of Feng Province.
In their view, Ji You dared not show his Face, and Ji Village was deserted, so Feng Province had now become ownerless land.
And the current Feng Province, not only had astonishing grain production but also a transportation route for snowy region demon stone, naturally made them eager to immediately carve it up like a piece of fat meat.
As they talked, a few drinks later, two Sects even started arguing over the ownership of that route.
However, as they bickered, He Long arrived at their table with three Elders and unfurled a scroll of paper before them.
“Uh, what does Family Head He mean by this?”
“You don’t need that route in Feng Province; my He Family will take full control, but we can give each of your families 10% of Feng Province’s tax tribute.”
As his words fell, the Faces of the Sect Family Heads at the table immediately turned ugly.
Feng Province’s operational model was to exchange agricultural products with the Yao Race for Spirit Stones, thereby obtaining extremely high profits from the Sects and Immortal Sects.
To put it bluntly, the most valuable thing in all of Feng Province was that route.
If an ordinary person spoke so domineeringly, they might have already drawn their swords by now.
But the Central Province He Family was a thousand-year-old Sect, and also closely connected to Tianshu Academy, so they truly dared not refute him.
“You all don’t need to feel like you’re losing out.”
He Long raised his wine glass: “That route in Feng Province will be managed by my Family’s branch. As for the price of Spirit Stones, your families can all get a low price.”
After a long silence, everyone, who had just been red-faced and thick-necked from arguing over how to divide Feng Province, sighed helplessly. Finally, they pressed their handprints on the division scroll, confirming the ownership of all aspects of Feng Province.
However, at this moment, the banquet suddenly quieted down.
The reason was that some Immortal Sect attendants, who had been guarding the courtyard, suddenly rushed to the east district, whispering in the ears of the Sect Masters and direct Disciples, attracting countless curious glances.
After the whispers, Elder Ge and Elder Peng of Tianshu Academy stood up and walked towards the courtyard exit.
And the people from the Six Great Immortal Sects simultaneously stopped drinking and eating, their eyes slightly cold as they looked towards the moon gate.
Upon seeing this, countless Sects also looked over, their eyes first puzzled, then stunned.
Through the moon gate, Elder Ge and Elder Peng, who had just walked out, now stepped back in, and following them, Ji You strode in.
He was wearing the Immortal Robe of Tianshu Academy; the robe was washed snow-white, appearing spotless, fluttering gracefully with his steps. His gaze calmly swept across the venue, passing over the tables of the Five Great Immortal Sects one by one.
Upon seeing this, everyone was stunned.
Among them, Zhao Yunyue’s red lips slightly parted, while Lu Qingqiu and Lu Hanyan’s eyes trembled slightly.
From yesterday until now, everyone had been talking about him offending the Five Great Immortal Sects, lamenting the end of his immortal path, mocking him for having to hide for the rest of his life, and coveting the division of Feng Province.
But no one expected that at the Juxian Banquet, filled with Immortal Sects, he would just walk in so openly.
For a moment, the crowd couldn’t react, unsure if he was no longer willing to hide and had come to seek death, or if he wanted to plead for mercy.
Just then, in the silent training ground, Ji You’s voice suddenly rang out.
“Where do I sit?”
“Up front.”
Elder Ge and Elder Peng extended their hands forward, making a gesture of invitation, and led Ji You towards the east side, where the Immortal Sects were seated, in clear view. The crowd remained silent, watching him walk to the table where Zuoqiuyang and You Yingqiu were. He lightly lifted his robe, sat down, picked up his chopsticks, and self-importantly placed a chicken leg into his bowl.
After eating the chicken leg in his bowl, he gently raised his eyes again and used his chopsticks to pick up another one.
Seeing this, Zuoqiuyang, who had been expressionless, reached out and moved the Immortal Brew Steamed Chicken dish in front of him.
Seeing him invited to the main table, all the Sects present were stunned, then turned to look at the other Five Great Immortal Sects.
At the five tables next to them, Yan Zhong, the Sect Master of Lingjian Mountain, Shang Xingkong, the Vice Sect Master of Asked the Dao Sect, and Chen Rujiang, the Vice Sect Master of the Chen Clan, were all looking at him.
At the same time, direct Disciples Huo Xingzhong, Shang Xiyao, and Chen Luo also narrowed their eyes slightly.
However, after a long silence, with the sound of chopsticks hitting a porcelain plate, someone began to move their chopsticks, and then the others also began to calmly eat their meal.
Sending people to the Dan Sect to forcibly borrow alchemists and committing countless massacres, this itself was an unspeakable matter that could not be known by the entire world.
Otherwise, that day on Dan Mountain, the Five Great Immortal Sects would not have waited so long to act until nightfall.
Because once the Five Great Immortal Sects’ true predatory nature was exposed, it would lead to a complete vigilance from the Sects, and the entire Qingyun World would be in turmoil.
Even if they had Sacred Artifacts to suppress the world, facing the combined hostility and vigilance of all the Sects in the world, they could hardly guarantee their safety.
Most crucially, according to the Mountain and Sea Pavilion, Ji You already knew about the relic fruit, and this was what they least wanted others to know.
He alone could kill five Wujiang Realm experts. Even if the Upper Five Realms Perfection experts present were to act, it would be difficult to guarantee a single blow could kill him, not to mention that the two from Tianshu Academy had an unclear attitude.
In other words, no one could kill him in front of the world.
At this moment, Liu Junchi, who was at the same table as Zhao Yunyue, suddenly closed his mouth.
Guo Zixing, who had just been so arrogant, also quietly stood up and nervously retreated from the table.
As for He Long, who had just been busy dividing Feng Province, he now clutched the paper scroll in his hand, his Face looking awkward as he faced the gazes from the other Sects.
“The immortal brew at this banquet is still very good, you should try it.”
“Thank you, Master-in-charge Qin.”
At the Tianshu Academy table, Ji You thanked Master-in-charge Qin, who had come to pour wine, and then felt a gaze, so he turned his head to the side.
At the Lingjian Mountain table, Yan Shuyi, dressed in an immortal robe, ate her meal with an arrogant expression, as cold as a goddess descended from heaven. Even though there was a crowd before her, her eyes seemed to see no one.
Ji You thought he had misjudged, but the next moment he saw those Phoenix eyes glance at him again.
However, the tsundere apparently didn’t expect this to be a direct gaze; as their eyes met, she immediately narrowed her eyes, then straightened her posture, her expression becoming even more aloof and emotionless.
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