Chapter 159: Ji Stronghold
Robbery was the primary occupation, and cultivation merely served as an advanced study to enhance the success rate of this work. The purpose of such study? To reduce operational risks and make clients more agreeable.
Senior Sister Pei was right—though Ji You had taken an unnecessary detour for a year, everything had now returned to the proper course. In hindsight, the old physician he encountered in Ningcheng County had spoken no lies.
Staying with the Immortal Sect could indeed yield greater rewards.
Now, land was secured, cattle and horses were ready, and the manor was established. Soon, they would cultivate together, harvest together—sowing a single grain in spring and reaping ten thousand in autumn. The path to wealth was clear.
Of course, for those Immortal Manors that refused to obey, those unwilling to toil under Ji You’s rule yet still scheming in the shadows, they could always be turned into clients and treated accordingly.
The future was boundless.
However, Ji You had no intention of staying long in Feng Prefecture. After all, he still had an old man to outlast. Moreover, for his noble clan to endure, his cultivation realm had to rise. The stronger he became, the more stable his legacy would be, and the greater his client base would grow. Otherwise, even if he succeeded in founding a noble family now, the prestigious clans would not allow Feng Prefecture to remain under his control indefinitely.
As he pondered, Ji You idly manipulated a wisp of untraceable energy in his palm, its strength fluctuating unpredictably. Cultivation required gradual progress, and one pressing concern remained—Everlasting Growth.
But…
It was difficult to bring up. The right opportunity had to present itself.
A delicate, fair foot flashed through his mind, making Ji You pause momentarily before he refocused, bending over his desk to put brush to paper.
The evening had deepened, dimming the room. Several individuals who had signed their indenture contracts sipped tea, turning their gazes toward Ji You as he wrote.
“Junior Brother, who are you writing to?”
Bai Ru Long glanced over and spoke confidently. “Surely to his betrothed, informing them that he now has a home, a thousand acres of fertile land, and livestock ready—so they should hurry over to contribute to Everlasting Growth.”
Ban Yang Shu leaned on the table with a sigh. “Ru Long, your family is truly well-off.”
Pei Ru Yi interjected, “I believe he’s notifying his acquaintances that his noble house is established, urging them to prepare gifts posthaste.”
Cao Jin Song put down his teacup, stroked his beard, and nodded. “That is a reasonable assumption.”
Ji You finished the letter, shot them a look, and dismissed their nonsense before handing it to a servant for delivery to Yuyang County.
Five days after news of Ji You’s Ji Stronghold spread, autumn winds howled, and fine rain fell like silk. Raindrops pattered on gray tiles, trickling down eaves and forming tiny pools in the cracks between bricks.
A caravan set out from Yuyang County, enduring a long journey to reach Feng Prefecture. The first carriage carried the scholar Kuang Cheng. The second carried Old Qiu and his family of three. The third held the father-daughter pair from the Fang Clan, while the last contained Teacher Chen and a handful of young children from Yuyang County.
Kuang Cheng, the Qiu family, and Teacher Chen had all received invitations. The Fang father and daughter, however, had not—but they couldn’t resist following.
After three days of travel, their moods fluctuated, but their eyes shone with determination. When their carriages rolled past the vast farmlands outside Feng Prefecture, they saw countless Crescent Moon Scimitars flying through the fields.
Their expressions mirrored those of Wen Zheng Xin and Ban Yang Shu from before.
“Those immortal lords…?”
“They’re… harvesting wheat?”
“What exactly has Young Master done…?”
The dozen travelers exchanged bewildered glances before being led into the estate by Ji You’s servants.
Ji You emerged from the eastern wing, just as Qiu Ru dashed forward, splashing through the rain-damp courtyard and wrapping her small arms around his leg, her childish voice calling, “Young Master!”
Seeing this, the Fang Clan father and daughter’s faces darkened. They could already foresee that in a few years, Qiu Ru would inevitably become a Disciple of the Immortal Sect. Regardless of her talent, she would undoubtedly be wealthy and influential—privileges that should have entered their family through marriage.
Kuang Cheng clasped his hands and bowed deeply to Ji You. “Yuyang—no, Feng Prefecture—shall have no need for the Elder’s Home again.”
Ji You gave a thumbs-up. “Good.”
“I heard you were attacked on your way into the city?”
“Not exactly an ambush—more like an open assassination. They merely donned the guise of mountain bandits. But they probably never expected that some things become real simply because they are spoken.”
Ji You lifted Qiu Ru into his arms and recounted the night’s events to Kuang Cheng. Even without the finer details, his words sent shivers down the listeners’ spines. Ji You had appeared untroubled, and they hadn’t considered how perilous the situation must have been.
Kuang Cheng clenched his teeth. “These Immortal Manors from outside truly lack principles.”
“Human nature is predictable,” Ji You said dismissively. “But it’s fine. A few more times being robbed, and they’ll become quite kind-hearted.”
“…?”
Qiu Zhong spoke hesitantly. “Young Master, what’s with the people cutting wheat outside?”
Ji You placed a finger to his lips. “They may look like they’re harvesting, but they’re actually practicing Sword Dao. Best not to mention it outside. Come, let’s tour my new manor.”
After the Five Great Immortal Manors vacated their residences, five grand estates near Feng Prefecture were left unoccupied. By right, these estates were at Ji You’s disposal.
Now, as their party arrived at the Floating Smoke Mountain Estate, they gazed upon its towering pavilions from afar. Intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes adorned the buildings, showcasing the estate’s grandeur and magnificence.
In Feng Prefecture, land was never in short supply. This meant that the high and mighty immortal lords could build their manors as vast as they pleased. Compared to estates in other regions, this residence rivaled those of noble clans, which explained why many immortal manors refused to leave despite losing their patronage.
Kuang Cheng withdrew his gaze and turned to Ji You. “On the way here, didn’t you already claim Falling Moon Villa?”
Ji You nodded. “But this one is larger. Besides, the Governor of Feng Prefecture advised me to establish my residence closer to the Feng Prefecture’s seat. This estate is nearer to Everpeace Crossing, making travel more convenient. I think his reasoning is sound.”
Kuang Cheng smirked. “It seems the Governor fully understands that immortal authority reigns supreme. He clearly wishes to align himself with your emerging noble clan.”
Regarding Ji You’s choice of residence, every official in Feng Prefecture harbored their own thoughts. After all, Ji You’s was the first noble clan of the region. The closer they were to him, the better it would be for their own family’s future. Across the other eight prefectures, many families had risen to prominence simply by affiliating themselves with thousand-year-old noble clans.
Thus, once the Five Great Immortal Manors vacated their properties, He Zhang personally invited Ji You to inspect the estates. Naturally, Ji You understood his intent. After much consideration, he found this place to be a fine choice.
With a horse-drawn carriage, one could reach Everpeace Crossing in half a day. By immortal ship, Shengjing, the capital, was only a half-day’s journey. Such convenience was invaluable.
Moreover, while it was true that immortal authority reigned supreme in the Azure Cloud Continent, Feng Prefecture’s seat remained its heart. Its access to information and response speed far surpassed that of Cinnabar Water Prefecture, its subordinate region.
Ji You strode forward, leading the group into the grand Floating Smoke Mountain Estate.
Upon entering, they saw a White Jade Avenue, flanked by towering evergreen cypresses. Further in, a flourishing garden spread across the grounds, with a vast pond connecting to a covered bridge. At the pond’s center stood an elegant pavilion. The main hall lay beyond the water, while the eastern and western wings, once housing the estate’s disciples, now stood empty.
The Qiu couple gaped in astonishment, while Fang Zhong Zheng and Fang Ruo Yao trembled inwardly at the sight.
After Immortal Worship Mountain Manor departed from Yuyang, some daring individuals had ventured inside. Yet, compared to this place, their estate was but a humble dwelling.
Ji You called out, “Old Qiu.”
Qiu Zhong immediately responded, “Young Master.”
Ji You looked at him intently. “From now on, this will be the new home of the Ji Clan. You will continue to serve as its steward. I’ve already spoken with the Governor—once I return to the Heavenly Script Academy, you will oversee Feng Prefecture’s tax tribute. You have been my steward for many years; this shouldn’t be a difficult task for you.”
Hearing this, Qiu Zhong lifted his head, his expression filled with unease.
It was true he had managed the Ji Clan’s affairs before, but that had only been a landowner’s household in Yuyang County. Now, he was expected to handle the tax tribute of nearly the entire Feng Prefecture.
Yet, Ji You had no better alternative. Just as others described him as solitary, he truly lacked people he could trust.
Moreover, he was no expert in calculations or taxation.
This was precisely why, on the Azure Cloud Continent, the principle of Everlasting Growth was regarded as equal to Cultivation of the Immortal Way. In a land where conflicts over power and resources were ever-present, blood ties remained the most direct and reliable bond. No matter how powerful an individual was, there were always things beyond their reach.
At this, Kuang Cheng frowned. “Brother Ji, though Feng Prefecture is far more stable now, the remaining immortal manors still have their eyes on you. Old Qiu is a mortal. Entrusting him with such an immense responsibility… I fear for his safety.”
Ji You replied calmly, “There’s no need to worry. Senior Sister Pei has decided to stay. She will oversee the estate. With her Dao Fusion Stage cultivation, nothing will go amiss.”
Kuang Cheng was taken aback. “Fairy Pei isn’t returning to the Heavenly Script Academy?”
Ji You nodded. “She spent a long time deliberating, only telling me her decision yesterday. I was surprised at first, but after careful thought, it makes perfect sense.”
Pei Ru Yi was a native of Feng Prefecture, born into an official’s family. She had secured a spot at the Heavenly Script Academy. However, failing to enter the Inner Academy and lacking the backing of an immortal clan, she found herself alone, much like Ji You.
After her five-year term, in order to remain at the Heavenly Script Academy, she joined the Office of Affairs, climbing from a mere errand-runner to an admissions officer. Though she was known as the Chief of the Outer Court, she understood well that the title held little real weight.
Especially after the Qiling Incident, she saw little reason to remain at the Heavenly Script Academy.
Thus, during their long and arduous journey to Feng Prefecture, she had already decided where she truly belonged.
In Yuyang County, Ji You had acknowledged seventy-two foster sons and daughters. Initially, this had been a clever maneuver, but as Ji You’s status evolved, it became apparent that this could be something more significant.
She intended to stay and become their instructor.
The question of whether these foster children could cultivate had no strict ruling in the Azure Clouds Immortal Edicts.
Moreover, Feng Prefecture was a vast and sparsely populated land where people did not adhere rigidly to the Immortal Edicts. Otherwise, Night City Mountain would not have been strewn with corpses.
A year ago, in Yuyang County, she had met Qiu Ru, and after witnessing how the girl had thrived under Ji You’s long-term nurturing of spiritual energy, she knew that the child’s path in cultivation would be smooth.
Other children had also been subtly nurtured by Ji You, and they too had the potential to achieve greatness.
Ji You was naturally in full support of Senior Sister Pei Ru Yi’s decision. After all, with someone watching over the household, he could leave for the Heavenly Script Academy without any worries to endure the lectures of those old men.
Hearing Ji You’s explanation, Kuang Cheng suddenly understood. “So that’s why you invited Teacher Chen over?”
“Exactly. When I returned to Yuyang County for a few days, I attended a few of Teacher Chen’s lectures. Although he is a bit old-fashioned, he teaches loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness quite well.”
Ji You turned his head and spotted an elderly man stroking his long beard, leading a group of children leisurely through the courtyard.
This man was none other than Teacher Chen, an elder in his sixties, slender in stature, and the embodiment of old-fashioned principles.
Ji You had many teachers throughout his life. Cao Jin Song had led him into the immortal sect, and Qi Zheng Yang had taught him the way of the sword.
But the very first person to teach him about the world was this very Teacher Chen.
At this moment, Teacher Chen stepped forward and pointed at the plaque above the entrance. “Ji You, there’s a mistake in the characters on your plaque. The character for ‘Stronghold’ and the one for ‘Manor’ may sound similar, but they’re not the same.”
“You’re mistaken, sir. It’s an example of phonetic loan characters.”
“…?”
Teacher Chen studied the plaque inscribed with the words Ji Stronghold for a long moment before stroking his beard again and remarking, “Hmph. Quite interesting.”
Kuang Cheng also noticed the character choice and turned to Ji You. “With such a large stronghold, Brother Ji, you might really need a fierce mistress to keep everything under control. Otherwise, the back courtyard might catch fire sooner or later.”
“She’s more than capable. I have faith in her.”
Just as he said that, the sky—clear and bright moments ago—began rumbling with the distant sound of thunder, hinting at an incoming storm.
Everyone instinctively looked up, then back down, only to see Teacher Chen already huddled under the covered walkway, taking shelter against the wooden pillars.
But sometimes, thunder didn’t always bring rain. Noticing this, Teacher Chen cautiously peeked out from behind the pillar, gazing at the ominous sky for a long while.
Ji You smirked. “Still as timid as ever?”
Kuang Cheng nodded knowingly. “He’s always been this way.”
Soon after, the steward from the Governor’s Mansion arrived, bringing an invitation from He Zhang, the Governor of Feng Prefecture. The governor had prepared a banquet at his residence and invited them all as honored guests.
Thus, they departed Ji Stronghold and made their way to He Zhang’s grand estate.
During the feast, Qiu Ru could not stop eating. Though still young, her appetite was astonishingly vast.
She had a particular fondness for chicken drumsticks. Yet, no matter how much she craved them, she always left one untouched for Young Master Ji, her eyes misty with longing as she fought her internal battle between greed and loyalty.
Seeing this, Cao Jin Song couldn’t help but remark, “It seems Qiu Ru is reaching the age where she should awaken her spirit.”
Upon hearing this, Pei Ru Yi responded, “Once my junior brother returns to the Heavenly Script Academy, I’ll guide her in sensing innate spiritual energy and help her awaken.”
A child’s immense appetite often signaled rapid growth. At this stage, their bodies had stabilized enough to endure the influx of external spiritual energy, making it the most suitable time for their awakening.
In noble families, most children awakened their spirits at this exact age.
Qiu Ru, who had suffered hardships alongside Qiu Zhong since childhood, had never even tasted meat before. But now, she was starting at the same level as the scions of prestigious clans.
“But I don’t want to be a cultivator.”
“…?”
Qiu Ru blinked innocently at her elders, speaking in her soft, childish voice. “Cultivators are all bad people. I want to be a bandit with Young Master Ji! That way, I can eat the finest foods and drink the best wines.”
The entire table went silent. Then, one by one, all eyes turned to Ji You, who was busy eating without a care, their expressions a mix of amusement and incredulity.
Ji You lifted his head and met their gazes. [What? I taught her well, didn’t I? Look at her ambitions!] He then placed a chicken drumstick into Qiu Ru’s bowl. “Eat up. From now on, you’ll be Feng Prefecture’s fiercest female bandit.”
Qiu Ru’s mouth watered at the sight of the drumstick. At that moment, the dream of becoming a fearsome bandit was seared into her very soul.
After the feast, the guests began to take their leave. Ji You called Kuang Cheng to his current residence in the eastern wing.
The room wasn’t particularly tidy, but it wasn’t exactly chaotic either. Instead, it was cluttered with various official documents and registers, scattered across the bed and desk—many of which had already been examined thoroughly.
Ji You picked up a few of the records and handed them to Kuang Cheng.
“What are these?”
“The official records of Feng Prefecture over the past several years. Census registers and documentation on the immortal estates that have settled here.”
Kuang Cheng was momentarily stunned. “These were sent by Governor He Zhang?”
Ji You nodded. “He said that even though I am merely establishing a noble family here, I should still understand matters regarding tax tributes and the immortal estates. That way, even if I am far away at the Heavenly Script Academy, I will still have a grasp on the situation.”
Kuang Cheng let out a small, helpless laugh. “The officials of Great Xia have truly become mere servants to the immortal clans.”
Under Great Xia’s laws, such records were strictly confidential. Aside from the Governor, only the Ministry of Revenue and the Great Xia Emperor himself had the authority to access them.
Yet this so-called regulation seemed utterly meaningless now.
Kuang Cheng opened the census register and carefully read through it. Soon, his brows furrowed deeply.
The census register, known as the Yellow Register, was the foundation of tax collection and recorded every household in Yuyang County following the autumn harvest.
Every five years, or whenever a new reign title was introduced, officials across the provinces conducted thorough population surveys.
All registered individuals were officially recorded, and these records were then distributed to the prefectures as official documentation. Taxes were calculated per person, and in the eyes of immortal sects, noble families, and immortal estates, each registered person was a source of tribute.
Corresponding to the Yellow Register was another record—one that dictated who was marked for a life bound to the immortals: The Immortal Register.
The Official Census Register records the ceaseless toil of countless mortals, whose labor sustains the exalted Immortal Register, ensuring that those cultivating the Dao can do so unburdened, ascending in laughter to the heavens.
“Brother Ji, may I ask, from which year is this Official Census Register?”
“It is from this year.”
Kuang Cheng hesitated for a moment before recalling that the era name had been changed this year, necessitating a re-compilation of the Official Census Register.
He then picked up the previous volume he had reviewed, flipping through it once more. This register was from three years ago, the first year of Tai Chang. As he read further, his expression grew solemn.
According to the recorded population, in merely three years, Feng Prefecture’s four million inhabitants had dwindled by nearly twenty percent.
Closer examination revealed that entire registered villages had vanished, not a single soul remaining—even in the absence of natural disasters.
Ji You had reviewed the register the night before and had found it equally shocking.
For the past six months, cultivators had been murmuring about an impending Chaotic Era, whispering about anomalies in the human race’s destiny.
Yet for common folk, this world had always been in turmoil—perhaps even an apocalyptic one.
“I know you have investigated the Tax Embezzlement Case involving Wei Li and have likely seen the registers of other prefectures. Tell me, is this normal?”
Kuang Cheng frowned. “In the Tax Embezzlement Case, I reviewed Central Prefecture’s register, and the population was also declining. These past years, war has raged beyond Cold Iron Pass, while noble families have swelled in number. Consequently, both taxes and tributes have grown heavier, making survival increasingly difficult for common folk.”
Ji You fell into deep thought for a long while before handing another document to Kuang Cheng. “There is another matter that concerns me.”
“What is it?”
“The number of Immortal Manors in Feng Prefecture has also deviated from my expectations.”
Kuang Cheng examined the document and noted that Immortal Manors had long been established across Feng Prefecture, yet their numbers remained strangely stable.
While new ones were established, the total count did not increase—meaning others had disappeared.
Before the Autumn Duel, Kuang Cheng had returned to Yuyang County and had brought news that Immortal Worship Mountain Manor had relocated. Later, as they traveled back through Cinnabar Water Prefecture, they heard that Falling Moon Villa had also moved.
Now, it seemed neither case was an isolated incident.
Had it not been so, Ji You’s aspirations of establishing a noble family in Feng Prefecture would have faced even greater difficulty.
“When Immortal Worship Mountain Manor relocated, I thought little of it,” Kuang Cheng admitted. “But when Falling Moon Villa followed suit, it struck me as too much of a coincidence. Now, looking at these registers, I realize it was not just those two.”
After a moment of contemplation, Kuang Cheng mused, “Could it be that they feared Brother Ji’s growing reputation and fled in advance?”
Hearing this, Ji You twitched at the corner of his mouth. “A year ago, I was but a pitiable fool abandoned by my betrothed, old Kuang. Do you really think that makes sense?”
“Then I don’t understand—why do you find this suspicious?”
“Because someone once told me, when coincidences pile up, they cease to be coincidences.”
Kuang Cheng shook his head, unable to make sense of it.
Not being a cultivator himself, he knew even less about matters of cultivation, let alone Immortal Manors.
By contrast, he was more concerned with the dwindling population of Feng Prefecture.
Five years ago, a great blizzard had struck Feng Prefecture. The common folk stripped tree bark to fill their bellies, yet still faced starvation. Out of desperation, some resorted to cannibalism. Even now, the mere memory of those scenes sent chills down Kuang Cheng’s spine.
Ji You stood in a different place, had different experiences, and therefore pondered different matters.
He could not divine the secrets of the heavens, yet he found this world inexplicably strange.
The common folk perished without end, and cultivators, too, vanished in droves.
If the realm were likened to a grand vessel, then it was now riddled with cracks—on the verge of shattering—yet, somehow, it still held together.
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)