Chapter 166: The Abandoned Lands of Humanity

Immortal Emperor Ru Long possessed an impeccable figure, firm and round in all the right places.

Ji You, though not one to be preoccupied with such thoughts, was still a man. He would not find such a sight displeasing. Yet, under normal circumstances, he would merely offer admiration without further contemplation. But if one were to add a tail to the equation… well, that was an entirely different matter.

How was it connected? Did the garments require a hole? Could it be controlled as easily as an arm?

Curiosity, after all, was the noblest of all traits, the very force that had driven humanity’s progress. Some had pursued it to attain immortality; others had forged spells and techniques through its guiding hand. There was no shame in curiosity.

Ever since the Demon Clan began trade with the Nine Provinces, these beings of different races were no longer such rare sights. However, those who ventured into commerce were almost always men; female demons were seldom seen.

Moreover, upon crossing the border, they often mimicked human fashion, making it impossible to ascertain the truth of their natural appearances.

Different regions harbored unique customs and attires. Ji You had once heard of a distant people whose women traditionally left their chests uncovered, a practice they upheld with pride across generations. This was but one of many cultural variations that flourished across the world.

Yet, in The Snowy Expanse, no such details were recorded. Perhaps that wandering hero lacked the courage to truly venture deep into Demon Clan territory.

Kuang Cheng flipped through his scrolls. “I’ve only found a few scattered mentions, nothing substantial. It appears this gap in knowledge is one that Brother Ji must fill.”

Ji You felt the weight of responsibility settle upon him. “I shall do my utmost.”

“I get the feeling you’re not doing this for Feng Prefecture alone…”

“I am investigating on behalf of Brother Ru Long.”

Kuang Cheng refocused. “The matter of tails remains uncertain, but remember—demons can transform into beasts, and the Barbarians can undergo their own savage transformation. Both gain immense strength, and their physical resilience is unparalleled. Do not take them lightly.”

Ji You looked up. “Does transformation always result in a tail?”

“The transformation results in immense power.”

“??”

“I read about it in the archives of the Immortal Overseer Office. The Barbarians have been at war with Great Xia for years, proving nigh unkillable. A major reason for this is their transformation, which grants them the ability to survive even the direst circumstances. They are exceedingly difficult to deal with.”

Among all the races in Azure Cloud World, humanity possessed the most fragile bodies. However, they were also the closest to the Heavenly Dao. Such was the balance of nature—no race could monopolize all strengths. If one ever did, the rest of the world would surely fall into ruin.

Take the Primordial Remnant Race, for example. Their bodies had once been perfect, yet in the end, they became a catastrophe upon the world.

Ji You shook off his thoughts. “No matter. If trouble arises, I shall stand before my comrades, brow furrowed in determination. If the heavens are to collapse, let the tallest among us bear the weight.”

Kuang Cheng opened his mouth, hesitated, then sighed. “A noble sentiment.”

“By the way, do you have maps of the Northern Plains and Snow Realm? I’d like to familiarize myself with the terrain and its surroundings.”

“I do. I transcribed a copy from the archives of the Immortal Overseer Office. It may be somewhat outdated, but it should suffice for reference.”

Kuang Cheng turned and retrieved a stack of documents from a lacquered red cabinet. Among them lay maps of the Northern Plains and the Snow Realm.

However, when Ji You heard the words ‘outdated,’ his mind drifted to a scholar named Kuang who once traveled to the capital for imperial examinations. Using an eight-year-old map of Shengjing, he had managed to lodge himself directly across from a brothel.

Would he end up straying straight into the heart of the Barbarians’ domain?

No matter. This was better than nothing.

It was said that both the Demon Clan and the Barbarians were not fond of grand architectural projects, nor did they undertake massive constructions. Though time changed landscapes, the differences should not be insurmountable.

Besides, upon departure, the Northern Garrison would surely provide him with updated maps. This one was merely for early study.

Ji You stowed the maps away and continued reading about the environments beyond the Nine Provinces. “It appears the terrain of the far north is quite treacherous. Entering the Snow Realm, the cold is said to seep into the very bones. I must prepare suitable winter garments before setting off.”

“Are cultivators not able to ward off cold with spiritual energy?”

“A cultivator cannot sustain such a defense indefinitely, especially in an unknown environment. One must always maintain a reserve of strength. Even the strongest street performers do not walk around bare-chested at all times.”

Ji You lifted his head. “Besides, secrecy is paramount on this journey. If I travel too openly, using spiritual energy to keep warm, I might as well paint a target on my back.”

Kuang Cheng nodded. “That is indeed a wise approach.”

“Mm. I must also purchase a few more spirit swords, as well as that defensive artifact I saw earlier. It’s said to withstand a full-force strike from someone in the Heaven Resonance Stage, but I hesitated due to its price.”

“Oh, and a spiritual communication platform—that is most crucial. If anything happens, I will send word to the city immediately to prevent delays.”

“The journey is long. I should also bring some tea; I’ve developed quite a fondness for it lately.”

“Cao Jin Song’s birthday is approaching as well. I should pick out a gift—something expensive, preferably. There are things one simply cannot be stingy with…”

Kuang Cheng listened in silence, but as Ji You continued listing his purchases, a strange look crossed his face. He knew the Heavenly Script Academy had granted Ji You a sum of silver. Yet, he found it hard to believe that Ji You would actually spend his own money on a mission. That was simply… unreasonable.

Especially when the list included tea leaves and birthday gifts—hardly necessities for escorting a diplomatic envoy.

“Brother Ji.”

“Hmm?”

“Who are you planning to rob this time?”

Ji You paused mid-thought, then turned to face Kuang Cheng.

As the sun set, its fiery hues stretched across Shengjing City.

A servant from the Celestial Splendor Pavilion stepped out of its grand doors, holding an unusually long bill. Alone, he made his way toward the Heavenly Script Academy.

This was, strictly speaking, against protocol. According to the pavilion’s rules, unless a customer could present the seal of an immortal sect, they could not charge their purchases to an immortal sect’s account.

But the visitor had spoken with alarming conviction, claiming that war with the Demon and Barbarian Clans was imminent, and that his journey was meant to prevent catastrophe. If he perished due to a lack of proper artifacts, everyone would suffer the consequences.

The shopkeeper seemed to recognize the name involved and relented, allowing the goods to be taken while sending the servant to deliver the bill.

In the Office of Affairs, Steward Qin held the invoice bearing Ji You’s name, his eyelid twitching.

Spirit swords, defensive artifacts, a spirit mirror—these purchases were understandable.

But why were there also spiritual fruits, candied delicacies, tea leaves, jade-carved longevity peaches, hairpins, and undergarments on this list?

The reward for this mission had already included a veritable fortune—thousands of spirit stones and a vast sum of gold. Many noble heirs had been hesitant to accept the task despite the riches offered, preferring power and prestige over mere material wealth.

Yet Ji You had taken the money… and still found a way to extort even more.

Cao Jin Song and the others stared in a daze at the massive Spiritual Stone peach before them, their eyes momentarily frozen in disbelief.

Ever since Snow Domain Demon Stones had been introduced to the Nine Provinces through trade with the Demon Clan, they became highly sought after due to their superior quality and reasonable price. In contrast, Central Prefecture Stones, being of lower quality, depreciated the fastest, leading to an increase in their use for crafting hand-held ornaments and decorative pieces.

However, such a large Central Prefecture Stone carved into a peach of longevity was still incredibly valuable—it was, after all, a Spiritual Stone.

“Ji You said he was originally heading to the Northern Frontier, but when he went to the Office of Affairs, he feared they might maliciously raise the price, so he had them change their minds and decided to take the silver first.”

“After receiving the money, he intended to acquire some artifacts, but found himself reluctant to spend, so he simply charged it to the Heavenly Script Academy’s account.”

“He reasoned that since so many people wanted him to go, they wouldn’t change their decision over a single bill. So he decided to ask for even more, knowing they wouldn’t be able to refuse.”

“And he said that even if they refused, the silver they had already given him would not be refunded. That was his Dao.”

Ban Yang Shu recounted Ji You’s words with a twitching mouth.

At this moment, Cao Jin Song lifted the massive Spiritual Stone peach, took a deep breath, and muttered, “Damn, this kid is something else.”

Meanwhile, Wen Zheng Xin picked up a traditional undergarment, examined it for a while, blushed deeply, and lightly spat in embarrassment. Only then did she realize—it was actually a defensive artifact designed to protect the heart.

At the same time, Bai Ru Long received a large money pouch, even bigger than the one he had before.

Strange. Why give me a money pouch?

All the money in my old pouch has already been moved into his pouch. What do I need another pouch for?

“Ji You said this money pouch is also made from Spirit Vine, making it extremely sturdy.”

“What’s its purpose?”

“He didn’t say, but I think… maybe it’s so that no matter how hard you try to tear it apart, it won’t rip.”

“??”

Bai Ru Long turned to glance at Ban Yang Shu, falling into silent contemplation.

Wen Zheng Xin, still holding the traditional undergarment, turned her head upon hearing the conversation and said, “Ru Long, can’t you be a little more diligent? With just a bit more effort, you could reach Mystic Enlightenment. Next time you get robbed, at least you could fight back for a few rounds.”

“Cultivation is exhausting… Besides, Brother Ji isn’t that bad…”

Ban Yang Shu interjected, “He isn’t bad at all. He even told me to tell you—there may indeed be Demon Clan women with round hips and long tails, but since your cultivation is too low, he can only go and see for himself. He can’t take you with him.”

“WHAT?!”

Bai Ru Long slammed the money pouch onto the table and stormed out. “This is too much!”

Ban Yang Shu blinked. “Where are you going?”

“To cultivate diligently!”

“…”

Meanwhile, the entire Immortal Overseer Office was busy preparing for the envoy mission to the Snow Realm.

As the Reception Division Inspector, Kuang Cheng, who had previously handled Demon Clan trade affairs, had also joined the preparations.

They compiled information on the Barbaric Race gathered from the Northern Garrison, turning it into a handbook, while also redrawing maps of the Northern Plains and Snow Realm.

The sections depicting the Northern Plains came from intelligence provided by the Northern Garrison’s spies, whereas the Snow Realm portions were provided by the Demon Clan in charge of commerce.

In fact, this period was supposed to be when the Seven Great Immortal Sects retrieved their annual offerings from Great Xia. Originally, the Immortal Overseer Office was busy with this matter, but due to the importance of the envoy mission to the Snow Realm, it was temporarily set aside.

For centuries, collecting tax tributes had been a significant affair, ensuring that cultivators could pursue the Immortal Way free of worldly concerns. After all, they could obtain anything they needed from these offerings, and the ones toiling were mere mortals, no different from ants in their eyes. They simply enjoyed the fruits, so why would they develop other desires?

Yet, even this matter had been postponed, demonstrating the gravity of the mission.

After all, the Barbaric Race’s envoys had already been in the Snow Realm for days. If they truly formed an alliance, the Human Race would be too late to respond.

During this time, the government offices of each province and county had also been mobilized, imposing strict control over Demon Clan merchants in the Nine Provinces. Whether entering, exiting, or traveling across borders, all Demon Clan individuals were required to register.

If the mission failed, there was a high possibility that the Demon Clan within the Nine Provinces would seize the opportunity to cause chaos. Such precautions were necessary.

Meanwhile, Ji You was packing his belongings, storing everything in his storage gourd, including a medicine chest.

The medicine chest had been sent that morning by Yuan Cai Wei and Yuan Chen, filled with countless spiritual medicines.

Enclosed was a lengthy letter.

It explained that Ji You’s sudden trip to Feng Prefecture to establish a noble clan had caught them off guard, and they had only learned of it afterward, unable to provide any assistance.

Thus, upon hearing that he was heading to the Demon Clan’s territory, they specially prepared numerous alchemy pills for him in case of emergencies.

Yuan Chen also wrote that these were not standard Pill Sect pills; their clan had no stock. He and his sister had worked tirelessly, keeping the furnace burning for several nights, refining the pills with great effort, wishing him a safe return.

This kid still hadn’t given up on the idea of making me his brother-in-law… but he wasn’t lying.

Indeed, they had exhausted themselves, their faces pale from countless sleepless nights. By the time the furnace cooled, their Alchemic Hands of Mystic Jade had gone completely numb.

This… must be the benefit of being a Beauty Who Brings Ruin…

Ji You flipped through the pill manual within the medicine chest, detailing each pill’s effects.

Hmm. Very practical.

By now, the entire Azure Cloud World knew how poor he was. They had also heard that despite all his cultivation, he had never taken any high-quality alchemy pills. The Yuan siblings were probably worried he wouldn’t know how to use them properly.

But he had no time to go through them now. Most of these pills were for healing or replenishing energy, but the best option was to avoid injury altogether.

Ji You placed the medicine chest into his storage gourd, then sat cross-legged on his bed.

It was time for his fifteenth Minor Illumination, guiding Spirit Fire to temper his body. He aimed to complete this refinement before departing the capital.

The world knew the Barbaric Race and Demon Clan were naturally gifted with powerful bodies. However, apart from the warriors of the Northern Garrison, no one truly understood the extent of their strength.

Thus, enhancing his body refinement was crucial for the journey to the Snow Realm.

A strong body might hinder Spiritual Consciousness and Heavenly Dao perception, but before worrying about such matters, staying alive came first.

Two days later, scorching heat radiated from Ji You’s lodging, spreading through the courtyard. Many Senior Sisters in the inner academy remarked on a faint, alluring fragrance in the air, while Senior Brothers remained oblivious.

[He had literally refined himself into a Stallion Holy Body.]

At the same time, an official decree from the Immortal Overseer Office was issued.

Thus, at dawn the next day, over forty grand carriages lined Everpeace Avenue in the capital.

Cultivators who had long since arrived at Shengjing, residing in Spring Pool Courtyard, now made their appearance. Their mystical auras drew the attention of countless onlookers.

They varied in stature—tall, short, stout, thin—male and female alike, some wielding blades, others carrying swords or spears, all gathered together.

With their arrival, many in the Capital City felt the flow of spiritual energy surging rapidly, centering around the middle section of Everpeace Street. Waves of energy roiled through the air, nearly triggering the protective formation of the Heavenly Script Academy.

In truth, aside from the Pill Sect, the relationships among the other six Great Immortal Sects were far from harmonious. Ties to noble families, competition over prestige, and unspoken rivalries had long fostered tension, making such energetic clashes inevitable.

“Jiang Chen Feng of the Dao Seeking Sect…?”

“You know him?”

“I heard of him during the Heavenly Dao Assembly five years ago. A prodigy of remarkable talent. But he has remained in seclusion ever since. I never expected him to have already reached the Higher Dao Fusion Stage.”

“And that one, the one who hasn’t tied his hair?”

“Huo Hong of the Mountain and Sea Pavilion. Do you know what surname dominates their sect? It’s Huo. But this one seems to be a bastard son…”

“Then who is that one, standing upon the rooftop, his gaze loftily overlooking the world, exuding an air of utter disdain?”

“Oh, that one is even more extraordinary—Gong Shu Chou, a disciple of Spirit Sword Mountain. Even when his spiritual essence was suppressed by killing qi, he still fought fiercely, engaging in a grueling battle against Ji You, who wielded seven swords at once, without yielding an inch.”

Along the Capital City’s bustling streets, countless spectators gathered. Some stood at the roadside, while others perched atop tea pavilions and taverns, gazing upon these heaven’s chosen with mixed expressions.

Among the crowd were distinguished figures: Princess Chang Le, the Prime Minister Wei Li, heirs of prestigious noble families like Dou Yuan Kong, scholars of the Heavenly Script Academy, and roaming cultivators from the Great Immortal Sects.

Especially the disciples of the Great Immortal Sects, who recognized their senior brothers and sisters with reverence. Much like Shi Jun Hao and Xiao Han Yan of the Heavenly Script Academy, these figures were guaranteed great rewards after this journey. Direct disciple positions, supreme-grade elixirs—whatever the prize, it would be well worth their time.

At this moment, Ji You had already arrived before the Imperial Palace. He reached out, stroking his restless steed before turning his gaze forward.

The heaven’s chosen from various sects cast solitary, proud looks at him, their eyes pausing upon him for but a fleeting moment.

“Ji You…”

“The one from the Heavenly Script Academy?”

“Indeed.”

The Azure Cloud World had no shortage of prodigies, and while Ji You’s cultivation had yet to reach their level, his reputation far surpassed them.

After all, from the Outer Court to the Inner Court, he had stirred up countless events, proving far more active than those who secluded themselves for cultivation.

Especially his exploits in Feng Prefecture, where the issue of tax tribute was involved, a matter that spread far and wide.

Yet, among these figures were those who had remained in seclusion for years, unaware of him entirely. Seeing a cultivator at merely the Mystic Enlightenment Stage among their ranks, they gave him little more than a dismissive glance before turning away.

Only Gong Shu Chou lingered, his gaze brighter than any other.

Ji You, in turn, observed the Spirit Sword Mountain delegation. Including Gong Shu Chou, they numbered four: two at the Dao Fusion Stage, Yan Qiu Bai and Xie Chen Yu, and an elder from Mystic Sword Peak.

Ji You had seen the name on a record before. This elder was Yan Chuan, a newly ascended Boundless Martial Stage expert. Though over a hundred years old, he was not considered aged in the world of cultivation. His hair was only slightly grayed, his spirit sharp, and his entire being radiated sword energy.

At that moment, a rumbling sound echoed from within the Imperial Palace.

A fleet of carriages emerged. The envoys for the Snow Realm—historians, attendants, and the previously dispatched demon delegation—totaling over a hundred individuals, all heading beyond the city walls.

Seeing this, Ji You turned and stepped into his carriage.

The other sect cultivators followed suit, the sound of whipping reins resounding through the air.

From a vantage point along the Divine Path, He Ling Xiu watched the departing carriages before withdrawing her gaze. She turned back with Fang Li Cheng, Chai Ze, Leng Ying Ying, and others, heading toward the Inner Court.

Meanwhile, in a bamboo grove, Zuo Qiu Yang stroked his long beard as he watched them return from the mountains.

“The envoy has left the capital?”

He Ling Xiu nodded. “Senior Brother Shi and Senior Sister Xiao have already departed. Ji You has joined them as well. I just hope that those ten thousand taels of gold and three thousand demon stones from the Snow Realm won’t cost him his life.”

Chai Ze and his companions chuckled. “Not just that. There’s also a spirit stone-carved longevity peach, a transmission jade platform, a protective undergarment, a defensive robe, and a whole set of winter furs, boots, and tea leaves.”

He Ling Xiu: “???”

“You didn’t know? A few days ago, he visited the Celestial Splendor Pavilion, claiming these were necessities for the journey, and charged it all to our Heavenly Script Academy’s account.”

“…”

Earlier, He Ling Xiu had seen Wen Zheng Xin and Ban Yang Shu trying to dissuade Ji You, thinking they might change his mind.

But not only did he insist on going—he even demanded supplies from the Inner Court.

She had once admired him. After all, during that Spirit Sword Mountain incident, he had supposedly acquired the Tranquil Spirit Pill on her behalf, suppressing the backlash from her shattered Dao Techniques.

Yet, his actions now seemed shortsighted, focused solely on immediate gains—far too similar to those of noble scions.

Zuo Qiu Yang watched her quietly before slipping a letter from his sleeve.

“What is this?”

“A report from the Immortal Overseer Office to the Heavenly Script Academy. Regardless of the demon race’s decision, the human race must make preparations. The barbarian clans and demon race are not something the Northern Garrison can handle alone.”

The Snow Realm envoy mission could end in only two ways. And so, countermeasures had to be prepared.

The human race could not place all hope upon the envoy—alternative plans were inevitable.

He Ling Xiu unfolded the letter and was startled to find that it did not depict the Northern Frontier or even Yun Prefecture, its closest region, but rather the vast and impoverished Feng Prefecture.

“A war zone?”

Zuo Qiu Yang nodded. “If Cold Iron Pass falls, this will be the next battlefield. In truth, for thousands of years, Feng Prefecture has always had such a purpose. From the moment the human race ruled the Nine Provinces, it was meant to be a sacrifice.

It seems that Ji You has realized this from the beginning.”

(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)

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