Chapter 164: Borrowing the Blade to Kill
Wei Rui and Kuang Cheng had never embarked on the path of cultivation. However, both were well-versed in literature and propriety, making their interactions particularly reserved.
Moreover, due to the clear opposition between the Immortal Favoring Faction and the Immortal Overseer Office, their opportunities for private meetings were scarce, limited only to written correspondence. Consequently, from the time they became acquainted until now, the number of times they had met in person was fewer than the occasions Ji You had antagonized Bai Ru Long.
Thus, three days prior, they had arranged to use the Moon Worship Festival as an excuse to view the lanterns together.
As with all things in the world, a justified reason made matters easier to manage. Just as the presence of bandits on Night City Mountain justified the act of killing, so too did the festival provide an opportunity for an ‘accidental’ meeting.
Ji You had only one comment on the matter—”Blinded by beauty, forsaking friendship.”
“So, a fair maiden is expecting you. No wonder you look so invigorated today.”
“Not particularly invigorated…”
“Give me two taels of silver.”
“??”
Ji You extended his hand. “On such a fine night, when flowers bloom and the moon shines bright, you have a beauty by your side. Shouldn’t you spare some silver for me to buy a lantern and entertain myself?”
Kuang Cheng reached into his pouch and produced two taels in loose silver.
Ji You tucked the silver into his robes and smirked, “If the feelings are mutual, stop wasting time exchanging letters. What’s so great about writing? Make your move! My stronghold is in dire need of new blood.”
Kuang Cheng’s face flushed. “My relationship with Miss Wei is one of virtue and respect. Brother Ji, your words are far too brazen.”
“Procreation has always been the fundamental duty of humankind. How is that brazen? You scholars are too pedantic.”
“Regardless, it is improper! I am bound by my Vast Righteous Qi and must uphold virtue. Thus, if the matter of population concerns you, it is something Young Master Ji must handle himself.”
Ji You picked up a dumpling with his chopsticks. “I made an effort a few days ago, but was rejected.”
Kuang Cheng raised his head at those words, pondering before offering, “If one refuses, then choose another. Taking a concubine first is always an option. The tradition of Azure Cloud World has long allowed for such arrangements. You may establish a secondary wife now and decide on your primary wife later. It will not hinder the continuation of your lineage.”
Ji You spread his hand across the table. “Give it to me.”
Kuang Cheng was startled. “Why does conversing with Brother Ji always cost silver nowadays?”
“I was asking to see the scholarly classics you’ve been reading.”
“Brother Ji is interested in the classics?”
“I am very curious about what kind of texts could possibly inspire such scandalous thoughts.”
Hearing the teasing tone in Ji You’s voice, Kuang Cheng simply lowered his head and continued eating his dumplings in silence.
After dinner, night had fully descended. The two left the courtyard and made their way towards Spring Blossom Alley.
The Capital City was illuminated with countless lanterns, stretching endlessly like a cascade of stars fallen to the mortal realm.
Everywhere, young men and women dressed in splendid attire strolled through the streets, their faces aglow under the hanging lanterns.
Kuang Cheng and Wei Rui had arranged to meet at the entrance of the Lantern Festival, which was conveniently along Ji You’s route back to the mountain. Thus, they walked together.
The festival was held in the Eastern Market, and after weaving through the bustling streets, they arrived to see towering wooden frames adorned with vividly painted paper lanterns, hanging high and shining brilliantly.
Beneath the lantern lights, Wei Rui stood gracefully, her delicate face illuminated by the flickering flames, her slender figure elegant and enchanting.
Yet, she was not alone. Standing before her was Dou Yuan Kong, son of Minister Dou, along with several students of the Outer Court, including Fang Jin Cheng, Pu Yang Xing, and Lu Han Yan.
Additionally, by Dou Yuan Kong’s side stood two young men. Though they wore human race attire, faint scales on their necks and short horns concealed within their hair hinted at their non-human heritage.
Dou Yuan Kong was speaking to Wei Rui, seemingly inviting her to join him. However, Wei Rui lightly shook her head, her expression carrying a hint of reluctance.
“Young Master Dou, I already have plans for tonight.”
“Who? Titled Princess Chang Le?”
Wei Rui pursed her lips and then gently shook her head.
A realization seemed to dawn on Dou Yuan Kong, and his expression turned somewhat unpleasant. “That penniless scholar again?”
Wei Rui raised her gaze, her brows knitting slightly. “Young Master Kuang is an official of Great Xia, not some penniless scholar.”
“Even so, his background is still that of a penniless scholar. He… he does not deserve you!”
Standing nearby, Fang Jin Cheng, who had been frustrated by his Heavenly Tome studies as of late, found himself intrigued. He had accepted Dou Yuan Kong’s invitation to unwind, but the moment they arrived, Dou Yuan Kong had rushed towards a young woman—whom Fang Jin Cheng now knew to be Wei Li’s granddaughter.
Clearly, Dou Yuan Kong had feelings for her, yet she remained indifferent.
However, the term penniless scholar was unfamiliar to Fang Jin Cheng. As someone born into an Immortal Sect, such labels were foreign to him.
“What do you mean by penniless scholar?”
Dou Yuan Kong cast him a brief glance, his expression darkening. “A country bumpkin from some rural backwater. He traveled to the capital for the Imperial Examinations two years ago and was fortunate enough to succeed. After the Qiling Incident last year, a flood of refugees arrived in the capital. This so-called scholar latched onto Miss Rui under the pretense of distributing porridge to them.”
As his words fell, both Pu Yang Xing and Lu Han Yan raised their brows in mild surprise.
In the Azure Cloud World, social hierarchy was rigid. Immortal Sects, noble families, royal kin, and cultivators of the capital—they stood high above mere mortals, who were not even worthy of acknowledgment.
A mere mortal from the countryside, persisting in pursuit of a noble lady for over half a year, and yet… still alive?
“Wouldn’t it be simpler to just break his legs?”
Wei Rui’s face darkened. “Young Master, whom I choose to associate with has nothing to do with you.”
Fang Jin Cheng cast a glance at Dou Yuan Kong and noticed that, surprisingly, he did not rebuke the suggestion. This only deepened his curiosity.
However, before anything further could be said, a voice suddenly rang out from the street, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Miss Wei, is something the matter?”
Kuang Cheng approached, his concern evident as he looked toward Wei Rui—while also taking note of Dou Yuan Kong and his companions.
A scholar, frail and unarmed, yet he showed no fear.
After all, the lady was here for him—he must stand his ground.
Fang Jin Cheng, Pu Yang Xing, and Lu Han Yan turned to look. Indeed, the newcomer bore no traces of spiritual energy, appearing as weak as an autumn leaf.
To cultivators like them, even if this man was an official, without an Immortal Sect backing him, his life was insignificant.
Yet curiously, the usual deference mortals showed before cultivators was absent in this man’s demeanor. He walked straight up to them, utterly unafraid.
Even more strangely—Dou Yuan Kong, for some reason, remained silent, seemingly restraining himself.
Just then, another figure emerged behind the scholar, stepping into view.
Another scholar, clad in similar long robes.
And in that moment, the assembled cultivators finally understood why something felt… off.
Ji You stepped forward, mirroring Kuang Cheng’s respectful greeting with a cupped fist. His question, too, was an exact replica.
Wei Rui responded with a graceful bow, her voice calm, “Greetings, Young Master Kuang, Young Master Ji. I was merely chatting with an old acquaintance. Nothing of note has transpired.”
At this, Lu Han Yan and Pu Yang Xing instinctively straightened their backs, placing their hands before them in a gesture of formality before offering a respectful bow.
Ji You’s gaze shifted to Dou Yuan Kong. “Young Master Dou, are you also here to admire the lanterns? Though it seems Miss Wei has prior engagements. How about you accompany me instead?”
Dou Yuan Kong held his breath. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Ah, no need to be shy.”
With a playful grin, Ji You turned his attention to Kuang Cheng. “Where were you two headed?”
Kuang Cheng glanced at Wei Rui before answering, “We were heading westward.”
“In that case, Brother Yuan Kong and I shall go eastward. That way, we won’t cross paths. You two go ahead.”
Kuang Cheng acknowledged Ji You with a cupped fist and then turned to Wei Rui. Her clear eyes flickered slightly before she gave a gentle nod. With that, the talented scholar and fair lady disappeared into the bustling lantern-lit street.
Ji You turned toward Dou Yuan Kong, Lu Han Yan, and the others.
He had no interest in meddling in others’ romantic entanglements, nor did he intend to throw his weight around like the scions of noble houses. Matters of the heart, no matter how many were involved, should always be approached with fairness.
What he did now was merely to provide Kuang Cheng with an equal footing.
“Brother Yuan Kong, I have two taels of silver. I shall buy you a lantern.”
Originally, Ji You had no intention of strolling through the lantern festival alone. But now, a sudden interest took hold of him. With steady steps, he wandered forward, his keen eyes scanning the various stalls along the street. [If I buy Yuan Kong a lantern, he better prepare a fine gift in return.]
Dou Yuan Kong’s lips twitched involuntarily. Beside him, Pu Yang Xing muttered under his breath, “Didn’t you say he was a mere country scholar? How does he know Senior Brother Ji?”
“He is a country scholar…”
“???”
The group fell into stunned silence before recalling that Ji You himself was once known as a wandering rogue cultivator.
Dou Yuan Kong clenched his sleeves. “They both hail from Yuyang County. It’s said they grew up together.”
Fang Jin Cheng glanced at him, his thoughts clear. [No wonder you were holding back earlier.]
By now, Ji You had wandered quite a distance ahead. He suddenly turned back and called out, his voice rolling like thunder through the streets, “No one wishes to accompany me?”
At his words, Lu Han Yan and Pu Yang Xing hastened to follow.
“Senior Brother, what is your connection to that scholar?”
“I suppose you could call it a bond forged through life and death.”
“I see…”
Ji You’s brows furrowed slightly. “Those two demon clan members—who are they?”
Pu Yang Xing raised his hand in acknowledgment. “We are seeing them for the first time as well. But according to Dou Yuan Kong, they are envoys from the demon clan.”
Since the demon clan began trading with the Nine Provinces, their presence within human territories had become common. Most bore yellow eyes, a mark of the common folk among their kind. However, the two accompanying Dou Yuan Kong possessed blue eyes, signifying noble heritage.
Back in Shengjing, Ji You had once clashed with the personal guards of the Demon Emperor’s ninth son. That encounter had made him curious about the significance of their eye color.
It wasn’t long before the two demon envoys approached, their gaze fixated on Ji You with keen curiosity.
They knew that within human society, noble clans flourished under the Immortal Sect’s protection. Based on the reactions earlier, they had assumed Ji You to be from such a lineage. But upon learning he was a wandering rogue cultivator, their curiosity deepened.
“This man entered the Heavenly Script Academy a year ago and was the first to resonate with the Heavenly Tome. Soon after, he became renowned across Azure Cloud World for his mastery of One Person, Seven Swords.”
“Six months ago, he studied the sword dao of Spirit Sword Mountain, reaching unparalleled heights in combat. He slew eighteen cultivators of the Mystic Enlightenment Stage and established a noble house in Feng Prefecture.”
“You should have heard of the Chu Family, a thousand-year-old lineage. Even their second son suffered defeat at his hands.”
Dou Yuan Kong normally held no admiration for Ji You, but seeing the two envoys’ curiosity, he took the opportunity to shower him with praise, portraying his strength as unparalleled.
Fang Jin Cheng frowned slightly at the display, unsure of Dou Yuan Kong’s intentions.
The two envoys exchanged glances, their interest visibly piqued. “So, the Heavenly Script Academy boasts such a figure.”
“His might extends beyond that,” Dou Yuan Kong continued, his tone casual. “He once fought the personal guard of your Ninth Prince, matching them evenly.”
“??”
When the Ninth Prince of the Demon Emperor arrived in Shengjing, Ji You had indeed clashed with his guards while rescuing a child from the hooves of a raging demon beast. However, as the demon clan was newly entering the Nine Provinces, they had exercised restraint, and the battle had never escalated fully. Calling it a ‘draw’ was quite the exaggeration.
Yet Dou Yuan Kong’s wording made it sound like an indisputable fact, seemingly intent on stirring the two envoys’ intrigue.
After a brief pause, the demon envoys exchanged knowing looks. Their expressions shifted subtly before one of them suddenly remarked, “After all this praise, Young Master Dou, are you hoping to have Ji You dealt with?”
At the words, Dou Yuan Kong momentarily froze.
As the night deepened, the lantern festival grew even livelier.
Under the looming pressure of an ever-present fierce bandit, the group finally wandered together. Ji You frequently inquired whether they were enjoying themselves.
At one point, Lu Han Yan sought his insight on the experience of breaking through from the Lower Three Stages into the Mystic Enlightenment Stage. Ji You gladly shared his knowledge.
He had often dined at Lu Qing Qiu’s table and had even received a spirit sword from her. Now, guiding her younger sister seemed a fitting gesture of repayment.
As he spoke of the intricate details of realm-breaking, Lu Han Yan bit her lip slightly.
Many in the Heavenly Script Academy dismissed Ji You’s words—“It was the Heavenly Tome that resonated with me”—as mere evasion. Yet now, hearing his meticulous explanations, she began to wonder if perhaps he had spoken the truth all along.
Her elder sister had once said that Ji You did not seem the type to hoard knowledge selfishly.
Perhaps that night, the Heavenly Tome truly had chosen him.
As the night wore on, the lantern flames gradually dimmed. One by one, the group took their leave—first Fang Jin Cheng, then Pu Yang Xing, followed by Lu Han Yan. Finally, Dou Yuan Kong, carrying a single lantern, departed hurriedly alongside the two demon envoys, looking utterly drained.
Ji You retraced his steps eastward, arriving at the Willow Shore Bridge, where countless young couples bade reluctant farewells.
Just then, Kuang Cheng and Wei Rui approached from the bridge.
The two had ventured to a brothel in the western district, where folk singers performed. Now, their eyes shimmered, filled with warmth. Clearly, the spark between them was growing, though nothing untoward had yet occurred.
“Ji Brother, done with your stroll? How come you’re alone?”
“They all left. Seems they didn’t enjoy walking with me.”
A flicker of light shimmered at Ji You’s waist as he produced a finely crafted box. “This is ink, brush, paper, and inkstone, all of the highest quality—a gift for the Moon Worship Festival.”
Kuang Cheng took the box, opened it, and was visibly taken aback.
At a mere glance, he could tell—the set was no ordinary purchase. Even from the most honest merchant, such an item would cost nearly a hundred taels of silver.
“Brother Ji… Did you just pick up someone else’s money pouch on the street?”
Ji You shook his head. “No, I merely spent two silver coins to buy Dou Yuan Kong a festive lantern. I did not expect him to be so courteous in return, gifting me many things.”
Wei Rui’s gaze turned blank, staring at him for a while before lifting her head. “So, Young Master Ji and Dou Yuan Kong are actually on such good terms?”
Ji You shook his head again. “No, we’ve only met a few times.”
“Then…”
At this moment, Kuang Cheng lifted his eyes to look at Ji You, seeming to grasp something. “Brother Ji, you truly are professional…”
Ji You curled his lips into a smirk. “Had it not been for my reputation as an Inner Court disciple of Heavenly Script Academy, I wouldn’t even have needed to buy the lantern.”
The day following the Moon Worship Festival, the streets were noticeably quieter.
A sedan chair arrived before the Divine Path of Mount Ni, and shortly after, the chief of the Immortal Overseer Office entered the Inner Court of Heavenly Script Academy alone.
That very day, the edict of the academy once again shone across Azure Cloud World for half a day.
Only the Hall Master could issue this decree. The last time it had been used was to vindicate the Pill Sect, when it had been falsely accused of aiding Clan Ancestor Zheng in defying fate for ascension.
“The Barbaric Race has dispatched an envoy to the Demon Clan?”
Inside the Office of Affairs, Lang He Tong’s expression was one of shock upon hearing the news.
Qin Rong nodded. “Indeed. This happened just days ago. Once word spread, it garnered much attention. It is said that the Barbaric Race’s envoys were warmly welcomed by the Demon Clan, prompting the Great Xia Emperor to send an envoy as well, lest the demons suddenly change allegiances.”
Since the Qiling Incident, both the Demon Clan and the Barbaric Race had sensed the waning fortune of the Human Race, eager to descend upon the Nine Provinces.
However, due to historical conflicts, the two had never truly allied; otherwise, even with the Northern Garrison, the Nine Provinces might have already fallen.
Since ancient times, the Immortal Clans have remained aloof, seldom concerning themselves with mortal affairs. Wars, plagues, the suffering of the common people—all were considered insignificant to those who pursued the Great Dao.
Yet everyone knew that the goal of the Demon Clan and the Barbaric Race was the Heavenly Dao Fortune.
And fortune was tied to immortality.
As mere stewards of the Heavenly Script Academy, they did not fully grasp the nature of this fortune. But since two major races coveted it so relentlessly, it was clear that this was no baseless rumor.
For the Immortal Clans, this was a dire matter.
“Yesterday, the Heavenly Script Academy’s edict declared that all Immortal Sects must select representatives to escort both the Demon Clan’s capital envoy and Great Xia’s envoy to the Snow Realm together.”
Lang He Tong narrowed his eyes. “To cross the Northern Plains, they will surely encounter the Barbaric Race.”
Qin Rong nodded. “Without cultivation at the Dao Fusion Stage, leaving Cold Iron Pass is certain death. Thus, all sects have sent their strongest cultivators at the Dao Fusion Stage or above.”
Lang He Tong examined the list of assigned cultivators. After a long silence, he spoke, “Then why is Ji You on this list?”
“On the night of the Moon Worship Festival, Dou Yuan Kong, the son of Minister Dou, entertained two members of the Demon Envoy, where they happened upon Ji You. It is said that Dou Yuan Kong praised him as if he were a deity descended from the heavens, and as a result, the Demon Envoy specifically requested Ji You as their escort.”
“They are acquainted?”
Qin Rong lifted his gaze. “They have a grudge.”
Lang He Tong immediately narrowed his eyes. “Yet it is not up to the Demon Clan to dictate the affairs of Heavenly Script Academy, is it?”
“Indeed, the Heavenly Script Academy is the Divine Sect of Great Xia, commanding authority throughout the land. Let alone Dou Yuan Kong—even the Demon Clan has no right to make demands of us.”
“Then why is he still on the list?”
Qin Rong took a deep breath. “Yesterday, several Inner Court Elders approached me, claiming Ji You is renowned and capable, and they simply went along with Dou Yuan Kong’s request.”
Lang He Tong was taken aback, then realized something. “This is still about Feng Prefecture, isn’t it?”
“Correct. He wreaked havoc in Feng Prefecture, angering many. Otherwise, he wouldn’t even be barred from entering the Immortal Hall. More importantly, this year’s Immortal Sect Tax Tribute from Feng Prefecture was too low.”
“I heard it was only ten percent?”
Qin Rong slowly nodded. “Despite its poverty, Feng Prefecture covers a vast area. Its annual tribute is considerable. Do you think those Immortal Manors consumed that much? No. That tribute went to the noble clans… and us.”
Lang He Tong sat down heavily. “A cultivator at the Mystic Enlightenment Stage entering the Northern Plains is certain death.”
“Ji You is not an ordinary cultivator at the Mystic Enlightenment Stage. He can kill Dao Fusion experts.”
“Those so-called Dao Fusion experts from the Immortal Manors are weak, their realms hollow. In Heavenly Script Academy, even two cultivators at the Mystic Enlightenment Stage could slay them.”
Qin Rong glanced at the list again. “If he dies, everyone wins. If he survives by sheer luck, he will learn to restrain his arrogance. Either way, it benefits us. Dou Yuan Kong may not realize it, but this was truly a stroke of genius.”
Ji You had established a noble clan and controlled Feng Prefecture’s tax tribute, all in accordance with Azure Clouds Immortal Edicts.
And those edicts were the foundation of the Seven Great Immortal Sects—a matter of pride none dared to breach, lest it lead to chaos among the Human Race.
But using the Barbaric Race to kill him? That would be effortless and honorable.
Lang He Tong picked up his tea cup. “Ji You is an Inner Court disciple. He has the right to refuse the Office of Affairs’ orders. He isn’t a fool—I doubt he will accept.”
“What if we offer him ten thousand gold ingots and three thousand Snow Realm Spirit Stones?”
Lang He Tong froze.
Qin Rong sighed. “Everyone has a weakness. Ji You’s is the most obvious. He’s easy to manipulate…”
“A pauper doesn’t deserve to live.”
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
Gifting his next advancement