Chapter 153: The Determination to Overcome All
Ji You returned to Feng Prefecture alongside the recruiting instructors of the Heavenly Script Academy, a matter that many were already aware of.
However, his direct approach to the Feng Prefecture Office caught everyone by surprise. As a result, not only did the immortal manors within Feng Prefecture pay attention, but even the noble clans and immortal sects outside the region took notice.
There was speculation that Feng Prefecture might soon witness the birth of its first noble clan, a momentous event that could be etched into the annals of the Azure Cloud Continent. Within the Heavenly Script Academy, discussions arose among the Office of Affairs, the Outer Court, and the Inner Court. Their thoughts aligned with that of Cao Jin Song, assuming Ji You would wait a few years, find one or more Dao companions, and then establish his clan. Given time, through the principle of Everlasting Growth, the Ji Clan would inevitably stand dominant in Feng Prefecture.
Yet, contrary to expectations, Ji You chose to embark on this endeavor alone. This act placed him in direct confrontation with the established immortal manors of Feng Prefecture, an undeniable provocation that would spark inevitable conflict.
As Steward Qin played a game of Go with Lang He Tong, he raised an eyebrow upon hearing the news. “It seems he is acting for this year’s tax tribute.”
Lang He Tong placed a stone on the board. “That does seem likely. Ji You hails from the countryside; his way of thinking differs greatly from those born into noble clans. To him, some matters simply cannot wait.”
“Do you recall how the historical records described the downfall of the Primordial Remnant Race?” Qin Rong stroked his long beard, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. “The oppressed naturally carry the resolve to break through all obstacles, even at the cost of their lives.”
Lang He Tong set another piece onto the board. “But Ji You’s journey will not be smooth.”
“Indeed. Especially considering that our Heavenly Script Academy also owns several immortal manors in Feng Prefecture.”
“So then, should we approve his registry or not?” Lang He Tong asked pointedly.
Qin Rong rolled up his sleeves. “The approval has already been sent to Feng Prefecture Office.”
Lang He Tong gave him a sidelong glance. “That is unlike you.”
“No one has paid me to obstruct Ji You. Why should I create unnecessary obstacles?”
Meanwhile, discussions among the disciples of the Heavenly Script Academy echoed throughout the Field of Enlightenment, the Purple Bamboo Zen Forest, and other training grounds.
Some mocked Ji You, calling him a penniless fool desperate for tax tribute. They argued that Feng Prefecture was already teeming with foreign immortal sects, weak though they were, but dangerous in numbers. Dying for wealth was pure folly.
Yet, others recalled that Ji You had once joined the Heavenly Script Academy simply to save a peasant girl. People like Lu Qing Qiu, a noble lady of Yunzhou, understood this well and remained silent for a long time.
She realized that from the very beginning, Ji You had always stood in a different position from those born into noble clans.
For noble disciples, cultivation meant seeking immortality.
But what Ji You sought was something few could truly comprehend.
“I heard that Feng Prefecture might erupt into chaos because of Brother Ji. Will the Heavenly Script Academy intervene?”
“No.”
“Why not? Even if Brother Ji establishes a noble clan, he would still be affiliated with the Heavenly Script Academy. And with his Everlasting Growth Physique, he could ensure our academy’s dominance for the next hundred years.”
In the Outer Court Pavilion, Bai Ru Long and Qian Yun Xiao sat with Ban Yang Shu and Wen Zheng Xin. Hearing the question, Ban Yang Shu shook his head.
“Most immortal manors in Feng Prefecture are either backed by noble clans or immortal sects. How do you know who is connected to whom? Who shares ties of marriage? The relationships here are too complex—pull one thread, and the entire web shakes. No one can untangle this mess.”
“So, aside from Instructor Cao and Senior Sister Pei, no one else will help him.”
Wen Zheng Xin looked up at Bai Ru Long and said, “Brother Bai, have you ever heard of White Wave Immortal Manor in Feng Prefecture?”
Bai Ru Long blinked in confusion. “Never.”
“It was founded by a branch of your Bai Clan. It has been operating in Feng Prefecture for years and is under the jurisdiction of our Heavenly Script Academy.”
“??”
The Noble Clans of the Nine Provinces had multiplied relentlessly, their populations growing beyond measure. The burden on commoners increased as a result, but every system had its breaking point.
When the suffering of the masses in a province could no longer sustain the grand households, conquest and expansion became the only options.
Yet, because the Seven Great Immortal Sects held dominion over this world, though conflicts brewed beneath the surface, peace had endured on the surface.
But now, Feng Prefecture’s true master had returned.
The outsiders, who once claimed the land as their own, found themselves in an awkward position.
They did not wish to leave.
And so, their indignation would soon turn to fury.
Wen Zheng Xin gazed at the darkening sky. “We once agreed that once Brother Ji established his noble clan, we would join as honorary retainers. But that depends on whether he succeeds in founding his clan.”
Bai Ru Long, though not the sharpest, was not a fool. With just a nudge, he understood.
Until Ji You founded his noble clan, Feng Prefecture remained open to all. Countless forces would inevitably rise to block his path.
If he manages to pass this ordeal and truly establishes a noble clan, then Feng Prefecture will be his to command. Former foes might transform into allies worth cultivating.
Wen Zheng Xin observed Bai Ru Long’s furrowed brows and spoke up, “Actually, there’s no need for us to worry too much. The foreign immortal manors in Feng Prefecture—no matter how powerful their lords—only reach the Dao Fusion Stage at best. Junior Brother Ji’s swordsmanship is unparalleled, and with Senior Sister Pei and Instructor Cao by his side, there shouldn’t be any major problems.”
After pondering for a long time, Bai Ru Long finally asked, “No experts beyond the Dao Fusion Stage will intervene in Feng Prefecture?”
“Junior Brother Ji’s establishment of a noble clan aligns with the Azure Clouds Immortal Edicts, which were jointly set by the Seven Great Immortal Sects. These edicts contain numerous clauses, and no one would dare openly break them. Otherwise, these rules would become a mere joke and lose all deterrent power.”
After stating this, Wen Zheng Xin added, “Compared to Ji You founding a noble clan in Feng Prefecture, the Azure Clouds Immortal Edicts hold far greater importance to the Seven Great Immortal Sects.”
Ban Yang Shu, feeling that the conversation had grown too heavy, interjected, “Discussing such matters now seems rather inauspicious. Instead, why don’t we talk about what happens after Junior Brother Ji establishes his clan? He mentioned inviting us to join his household as honored retainers—how much do you think he’ll offer?”
Bai Ru Long shot him a puzzled glance. “?”
“What? Is he not offering any money? That would make sense—knowing Junior Brother Ji’s nature, once silver enters his pockets, no one should expect it to leave.”
“No, that’s not it. Before leaving, Brother Ji told me that in his version of the honored retainer system, we would be the ones paying tribute to his clan.”
“???????”
Bai Ru Long explained Ji You’s unique take on the Ritual of Offerings, leaving the others momentarily stunned. Finally, he looked up and asked, “So… should we go and see for ourselves?”
Ban Yang Shu and Wen Zheng Xin exchanged glances. “The affairs of Feng Prefecture should be handled by its own people. We cannot interfere in the conflict.”
They were scions of noble clans and shared a friendship with Ji You, yet their allegiances remained ambiguous. If they went, their personalities might compel them to intervene, drawing them into the battle.
However, even if they refrained, there were plenty of others eager to witness the unfolding spectacle. Cultivators from all directions began heading towards Feng Prefecture. Simultaneously, envoys from other sects in You Prefecture and Yun Prefecture started gathering in Feng Prefecture as well.
In just two days, the tea houses and taverns in Night City were filled with cultivators. The reason they converged here rather than at Feng Prefecture’s Administrative City was simple—this place lay on Ji You’s direct path to Feng Prefecture, nestled against a mountain range with treacherous terrain. If a confrontation were inevitable, Night City provided the ideal battleground with escape routes in every direction.
Their assumptions proved correct—the ten most powerful immortal manors in Feng Prefecture had already infiltrated the city without making a sound.
The common folk of Feng Prefecture had never seen so many immortals before. Clueless about the unfolding events, they remained unaware that these matters concerned them. They only sensed a growing unease and began fleeing the city in droves.
“Where is Ji You now?”
“He should be arriving soon.”
“Let’s hope they know when to retreat.”
“If they were going to retreat, they wouldn’t have made it this far…”
As the murmurs of discussion filled the air, the sun gradually ascended. Soon, a horse-drawn carriage entered everyone’s line of sight, moving slowly toward the heart of Night City.
Ji You and his companions disembarked under the watchful gazes of the crowd.
For a local to establish a noble clan in Feng Prefecture was entirely within the law. Even if some wished to strike against them, they wouldn’t dare do so in broad daylight.
The trio entered a nearby inn, their expressions solemn.
“There are many powerful presences in this city. It’s almost as intense as the Autumn Duel day.”
Ji You turned to look out the window. “There are many spectators, but few who will actually take action. If they truly intended to cause a scene, we would have already been ambushed en route. They still have to consider the Azure Clouds Immortal Edicts.”
Cao Jin Song glanced at him. “So what’s your plan?”
“After leaving Night City, we must cross a mountain range. That’s where they’ll make their move. I’m considering whether we should depart now or wait for nightfall.”
“Night City backs onto the mountains, and the terrain is complex. If one is familiar with the geography, moving at night might be feasible. But if not, we could easily trap ourselves.”
Pei Ru Yi slightly opened her eyes. “I can currently sense about five cultivators at the Dao Fusion Stage—likely the manor lords of this region.”
Cao Jin Song exchanged a glance with Ji You. “Quite the grand display. Even back when you were surrounded at Qiling Ridge, there were only three Dao Fusion cultivators.”
Ji You pondered for a moment. “Let’s rest here first and adjust our condition.”
“We’re staying for the night?”
“For the night.”
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)