Chapter 116: Aromatic and Beautiful
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
The Heavenly Script Academy’s opening battle in the Dao Inquiry had ended in failure. The injured He Ling Xiu was carried back to her courtyard. While her residence could not rival the one favored by the Little Mirror Master, it was not overly modest.
The courtyard was home to a poorly maintained jujube tree. Even during early summer, it looked wilted. The atmosphere within the grounds was oppressive; disciples of the academy were scattered—some crouched, some leaned against door frames—exchanging silent glances with furrowed brows.
Wen Zheng Xin, Pei Ru Yi, Ban Yang Shu, and Bai Ru Long stood in the yard, notably distanced from the house. Though their relationship with He Ling Xiu was not warm—Fairy Zheng Xin even harbored past grievances with her—their collective identity as disciples of the Heavenly Script Academy prevented them from displaying inappropriate attitudes at such a critical time.
At that moment, Ji You slipped quietly into the courtyard and seated himself among the four.
“Junior Brother, the first battle in the Dao Inquiry ended in defeat…”
“Yes, I saw it from afar,” he replied.
Ban Yang Shu clenched his fists. “We analyzed this beforehand. Out of everyone, He Ling Xiu had the highest chance of defeating Yan Shu Jing.”
Pei Ru Yi nodded in agreement. “Indeed, everyone believed He Ling Xiu would triumph. Winning this match, even if only to secure a draw, would have preserved our honor. But she lost. And that Zhuang You seems even stronger…”
Wen Zheng Xin muttered, “He is in the Dao Fusion Stage. Naturally, he’s stronger.”
“I wonder how much confidence we can place in You Bu Yu for tomorrow’s duel. If we lose again…”
At this, their discussion ceased. No one dared voice the thought further, and the atmosphere grew heavier.
Breaking the silence, Bai Ru Long glanced at Ji You and whispered, “Brother Ji, I sought you yesterday. Did Spirit Sword Mountain send someone to beat you secretly?”
Ji You turned to him. “When?”
“I wasn’t able to get close because someone blocked the way. From a distance, I heard clattering noises and your groans of pain—it sounded miserable.”
“Naive child. That was the sound of joy.”
“…What?”
Bai Ru Long’s expression froze. “Joy? Why?”
Looking to the heavens, Ji You smiled faintly. “Aromatic and beautiful.”
“Did you eat something delicious…?”
Retracting his gaze, Ji You looked at him meaningfully. The clarity in his expression became startling.
“Brother Ru Long, you’ve been unusually bold with your questions these days. What’s gotten into you?”
In just a few sentences, he left Bai Ru Long speechless. Choking on his words, the Immortal Emperor Ru Long promptly silenced himself. Usually carefree and unbothered, he had only tried to lighten the somber mood with humor. However, being so easily outmaneuvered, he gave up immediately.
Before long, the sound of footsteps and hushed voices began echoing from outside. Disciples of other sects pretended to pass by while sneaking curious glances into the courtyard. Their faces, filled with barely concealed mockery, only worsened the gloom among the academy’s students. Many of these intruders were familiar faces from their earlier encounters in the relic.
As dusk approached, Ji You rose and departed, followed by Wen Zheng Xin and the others. The disciples guarding the doorway glanced at them but refrained from commenting.
Had He Ling Xiu won earlier, the sight of Ji You appearing now would have sparked discussions about his achievement in the Sword Forest. You Bu Yu might even have sarcastically remarked on his lack of decorum. But in the wake of the first-round defeat, no one’s thoughts lingered on him. Compared to the academy’s humiliating loss in the Dao Inquiry, Ji You’s embarrassing performance of sixteen strikes in the forest was trivial—insignificant even if he had perished there.
The five exited the courtyard. Beyond, disciples like Wang Yue and Fang Lin Chao joined them. With the second battle looming, they needed to assess You Bu Yu’s readiness. Losing the first round meant winning the next was essential. Otherwise, they would become the biggest laughingstock of the Great Xia’s Tai Yuan Era.
However, as Wang Yue and Fang Lin Chao stepped out, they saw Ji You and his group halted on the mountain path. Ahead, another group blocked the way—led by Min Cheng, accompanied by disciples of the Dao Seeking Sect, with Ding Yao at their side.
“The Heavenly Script Academy’s first round ended like that. Might as well forgo tomorrow’s battle entirely. Claim a sect emergency or a family bereavement—any excuse to descend the mountain. It would spare you the humiliation of losing in front of the world.”
Min Cheng’s words dripped venom, each aimed at wounding the pride of the academy. His enmity toward the academy stemmed entirely from Ji You, and his taunts were directed accordingly. In the street earlier, he had avoided confrontation to prevent complications. But now, surrounded by allies on Spirit Sword Mountain, he held no such reservations.
The aura around Wen Zheng Xin and the others shifted, brimming with killing intent. Even Wang Yue and Fang Lin Chao scowled, uncertain how Ji You would respond.
Yet Ji You ignored Min Cheng, treating him as nonexistent. Instead, he turned to Ding Yao.
“Could you fetch a Tranquil Spirit Pill?”
He Ling Xiu’s Accompanying Arts had been forcibly broken by Yan Shu Jing’s sword qi. While her injuries weren’t severe, the chaotic spiritual energy surging within her meridians was troublesome. Earlier, disciples in the courtyard had sought the pill to stabilize her condition, but no one had prepared for such a contingency.
Min Cheng’s expression froze momentarily before he chuckled. [You’re treating Spirit Sword Mountain as if it were the Heavenly Script Academy!]
But the moment was fleeting. To his confusion, Ding Yao, after frowning deeply for a while, turned away without a word and left. This sudden departure puzzled him.
What’s more, he noticed something unusual: Ding Yao, someone so proud and aloof, seemed to avoid meeting his eyes just now and even displayed a subtle bowing posture.
This subconscious reaction stemmed from the time Ding Yao had spent by the sides of Ji You and Yan Shu Yi over the past few days. It had unknowingly cultivated a servant-like mindset in her. Especially after reporting to the Mirror Master the previous day about Ji You needing sixteen sword strikes to clear Little Overlapping Mountain, only to find that the Mirror Master didn’t care in the slightest, she had given up on any further fuss.
Her sole thought now was to quickly see Ji You off. After all, it was only one more day—surely, she could endure it. Acquiring a pill was no difficult task, and it was far better than preparing his bathwater.
As others passed by, Wang Yue and Fang Lin Chao headed to You Bu Yu’s courtyard. At that moment, You Bu Yu was surrounded by a faint mystical radiance, circulating Daoist techniques as he cultivated. He had been in this state for an hour, and only after hearing approaching footsteps did he open his eyes and reach out to push open the door.
“Senior Brother You.”
“How is Senior Sister He doing?”
Wang Yue followed him outside the courtyard, explaining, “Senior Sister He, under the state of Infinite Arts, was struck down by a single sword blow. Though her injuries aren’t severe, the spiritual energy within her has been rampaging, causing her extreme pain.”
You Bu Yu frowned deeply. “No Tranquil Spirit Pill available?”
“That type of pill is rare and difficult to find. None of the disciples who came with us were prepared for this. However, just now, Ji You asked Ding Yao from Spirit Sword Mountain to request one.”
“From someone of Spirit Sword Mountain?”
Wang Yue couldn’t help but laugh lightly. “Do you know how he made the request?”
You Bu Yu lifted his gaze. “How?”
“He furrowed his brows and clasped his hands behind his back, giving an air of command. He instructed Ding Yao to deliver a Tranquil Spirit Pill as though Spirit Sword Mountain were his domain and Ding Yao merely a servant.”
“?”
Even Fang Lin Chao couldn’t hold back. “Senior Brother You, I understand your earlier disdain for Ji You, but perhaps it’s a misunderstanding. Ji You might just be… not all there in the head.”
This mix of veiled praise and overt ridicule left You Bu Yu in an unexpectedly better mood.
Wang Yue then added, “Senior Brother You, should we send a disciple to the city to search for a Tranquil Spirit Pill?”
“Didn’t you say this pill is hard to find in the South? Besides, heading down the mountain now would attract too much attention. Let’s let Senior Sister He rest for a few days; she should recover on her own.”
“Wouldn’t Ji You suffice? That way, he wouldn’t have to make more trouble in the Sword Forest, drawing unwanted attention.”
“That… is indeed a good idea.”
Fang Lin Chao nodded and summoned a fellow clan disciple named Fang Qing, instructing him to go up the mountain to find Ji You. Meanwhile, the three of them strode forward toward He Ling Xiu’s courtyard.
By then, the sky was painted with the hues of twilight, and a fresh breeze swept through the mountain. As they entered, they saw Ding Yao of Spirit Sword Mountain in the courtyard. She was holding a pill in her hand and hurried into the room.
The three exchanged glances and followed. Inside, they witnessed the pill already in He Ling Xiu’s possession. As she swallowed the Tranquil Spirit Pill, the chaotic spiritual energy within her dissipated instantly, and her aura stabilized.
Seeing this, Wang Yue and Fang Lin Chao shared a look before turning their eyes toward Ding Yao. To their surprise, her face was devoid of emotion, though her brow furrowed deeply.
Earlier, they had seen Ji You “requesting” a pill. To call it a request was generous; it was more of an order. Yet, none of them could have predicted Ding Yao would obediently deliver the pill without a word.
Considering her notoriously arrogant demeanor, which they had experienced firsthand over the past two days, this was incomprehensible. The Ding Yao they knew would mock anyone who dared ask for favors, especially after Spirit Sword Mountain’s recent victory. For her to meekly comply with Ji You’s demand was baffling.
Just then, Fang Qing returned in haste. “Senior Brother, I couldn’t find him.”
Fang Lin Chao gestured dismissively toward the now-stable He Ling Xiu. “It’s fine. He’s not needed anymore.”
“Understood.”
“Wait.” Fang Lin Chao paused. “Go back and tell him not to meddle in the Sword Forest again. After Senior Sister He’s defeat, Spirit Sword Mountain is already insufferably arrogant. There’s no need for him to cause more trouble.”
Fang Qing’s posture stiffened, and he hesitated. “Senior Brother, I couldn’t even approach him.”
Fang Lin Chao’s brows knitted. “What do you mean?”
“When I went up the mountain, I was stopped. They told me that beyond this point lies the Mirror Master’s quarters, and no one is allowed to enter without permission.”
“How did you end up near the Mirror Master’s quarters?”
“I only climbed halfway up the mountain! His assigned courtyard is still further up.”
“?”
Ding Yao glanced at Fang Lin Chao and let out a cold laugh. [Do you really believe, apart from the Mirror Master’s parents and personal maid, that just anyone can ascend the heights of Mystic Sword Peak?]
Taking the medicine box, she stepped out of the room and began her ascent toward Mystic Sword Peak. At the doorway, she spotted Zhuo Wan Qiu holding a roasted sweet potato, sharing it with the “accidentally wandering by” Little Mirror Master.
Ji You stood nearby, handing over a cup of tea. Little Mirror Master hesitated, their gaze flickering back and forth before finally taking a large sip. Ji You then retreated to the furnace, using the fire hook to stir the embers.
Ding Yao approached and frowned slightly. “Why does the Mirror Master have a bright red handprint on their face?”
“Young Master Ji said a disciple from Mystic Sword Peak bullied his Heavenly Script Academy disciples, so he returned the favor,” Zhuo Wan Qiu replied, tone casual.
Yan Shu Yi, eating her sweet potato nearby, narrowed her eyes, her expression cold and aloof. Overhearing the whispers, she felt a sense of humiliation rising within her. Just as Ding Yao’s frown deepened, Ji You glanced up, hooked a smaller sweet potato from the fire, and tossed it to her.
Ding Yao caught it, momentarily stunned, before mimicking Zhuo Wan Qiu’s posture by leaning against the left doorframe. She peeled the sweet potato and took a tentative bite. It had been years since she—born into a humble background like Ji You—had tasted something so simple. However, unlike him, her fortune had changed when she was chosen as the Mirror Master’s personal maid due to their similar age. She had spent her days striving upward ever since. Surrounded by luxury for years, such rustic food was almost foreign to her.
The sun dipped toward the mountains, its final rays bursting into radiant hues across the clouds before fading.
“Does it taste good?”
“?”
Ding Yao looked at the Mirror Master in surprise before nodding lightly.
Yan Shu Yi’s lips curled into a faint, prideful smile, her earlier indignation fading as if forgotten.
Ji You peeled another sweet potato and casually asked, “That Yan Shu Jing, is she your sister?”
“She’s my second uncle’s daughter,” Yan Shu Yi replied curtly.
Nodding, Ji You handed the roasted sweet potato to Zhuo Wan Qiu. “I think I heard someone at the gate. Can you check for me?”
Zhuo Wan Qiu stood, pulling Ding Yao along as they exited the courtyard. Ding Yao almost dropped her sweet potato, inwardly grumbling, [Why drag me along when he only asked you?]
Meanwhile, Yan Shu Yi continued eating her sweet potato with a calm yet wary gaze fixed on Ji You. Without warning, he moved closer, pinched the half-eaten sweet potato from her hands, and replaced it with a freshly peeled, steaming one.
Her eyes narrowed sharply. “You’re forbidden to eat what I’ve already bitten.”
Ji You hesitated, then sighed. “What makes you think I’d do such a thing?”
“You made me drink from your teacup earlier,” she replied icily.
“Tsk, you’re observant…” Ji You peeled the cooled sweet potato and began eating it. “Waste not. Do you know how rare red-fleshed sweet potatoes were in Yuyang County? Even during New Year’s, they were a luxury.”
Yan Shu Yi’s face flushed, and with a huff, she lightly kicked him. Her foot lingered for a moment before retreating, leaving her arms crossed in apparent irritation.
That evening, a reply arrived from Yuan Cai Wei, stating she had found nothing but had written hurriedly. The untidy script piqued Yan Shu Yi’s curiosity. Ji You had previously remarked that it was an item any woman would adore, intended solely for her.
Unaware of her musings, Ji You, still savoring her leftover sweet potato, asked, “Tomorrow, between Zhuang You and You Bu Yu, who will win?”
“Zhuang You has already defeated the Heavenly Sword Peak’s former direct disciple,” Yan Shu Yi replied with certainty.