Chapter 180: Swaying Tail
The Jade Garden had fallen amidst a fierce martial clash. Main halls, side chambers, and courtyards shattered one by one, and even the proud snow pines lay broken. The ground was now reduced to ruins, unfit for dwelling.
Thus, following the Demon Emperor’s decree, Demon Minister led the Human Envoys to Spirit Garden, situated just across from Jade Garden.
Spirit Garden was another imperial garden near Demon Emperor Palace, very similar to Jade Garden but somewhat larger.
This garden bordered the sea. Standing on its second floor, one could gaze upon the Winter Sea, frozen solid for a thousand miles.
Because Spirit Garden had not suffered attack, snow lay smooth and even, blanketing roofs and grounds alike, starkly contrasting the dark stone walls.
“Honored envoys, last night’s events were truly unexpected. None can fathom why the Scaled Fang Clans chose rebellion. However, His Majesty will surely offer an explanation.”
“Today, please rest here.”
“Physicians have already been summoned and will arrive shortly. A meal is also being prepared in the main hall of Spirit Garden. Please help yourselves.”
“Court matters require urgent attention, so we will withdraw first. Rest well.”
The Demon Minister bowed respectfully and departed, leaving Spirit Garden cloaked in silence.
The group walked toward the Central Courtyard. Passing a tea pavilion, weariness washed over them, mingled with lingering fear.
Spirit Garden closely resembled Jade Garden. Just yesterday, near this place, beautifully crafted invitations filled with hidden killing intent had been presented to them.
If they had attended last night’s feast, death surely awaited.
Even those who might escape would struggle to cross the vast Snowy Expanse and distant Savage Wilds safely back to the Nine Provinces.
After all, upon their arrival, they’d already witnessed the Barbaric Race’s ruthless madness. Even slipping past the border wouldn’t end pursuit.
Moreover, even the Elders accompanying them would likely perish trying to break through the Barbarian-Demon Alliance toward Cold Iron Pass.
Some truths are like this—unclear when first encountered, yet obvious once revealed.
Last night’s hidden killing intent was truly the dividing line between life and death, leaving their hearts deeply shaken.
Ji You now sat quietly in his wheelchair, being pushed into Spirit Garden. His hands hung limply at his sides, still usable but wracked with intense pain—worse even than upon first awakening.
This meant Feng Yang’s needle treatment was fading. Meridians forcibly opened now gradually returned to their original blocked state.
By midday, his hands would lose function again.
[Better visit the restroom first…]
[If I keep little Mirror Master waiting again, she’ll definitely trouble me.]
Ji You softly exhaled, breath forming a mist in the northern chill. His gaze drifted toward Demon Emperor Palace.
The assassination wasn’t entirely negative; it had accelerated the Demon Emperor’s decision-making.
They would soon leave this frozen land…
Although Ji You had recently grown curious about exploring foreign lands, homesickness inevitably arose after prolonged stays abroad.
At this moment, Gong Shu Chou asked curiously, “That Demon General Shu He… was he really so formidable?”
Ji You emerged from his thoughts, nodding, “I monitored the entire Western Wing with my Spiritual Consciousness, yet still nearly missed him. He evaded my strikes several times, nearly gaining advantage. His speed was terrifying.”
Gong Shu Chou thoughtfully said, “More surprising was his martial skill. Inflicting sword wounds bare-handed—I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“Perhaps that’s his talent,” Ji You replied. “His palms were blades themselves. It truly surprised me.”
“Could he have secretly held a short sword, unseen due to assassination tactics?”
Ji You’s face turned solemn: “Speak carefully! Forget short swords—I saw no weapon at all.”
Gong Shu Chou imagined striking with bare hands like wielding swords: “Your Physical Body is famously tough. Without weapons, it’s hard to believe he wounded you.”
Ji You raised his gaze, frowning deeply.
[Stop speculating, you’ll soon discover the truth yourself.]
“Brother Gong Shu, bring me to my room. I’m tired.”
“Understood.”
Gong Shu Chou pushed Ji You toward his chamber, still muttering about sword wounds inflicted bare-handed.
Nearby, the Human Race Heaven’s Chosen watched Ji You depart, their expressions heavy.
They hadn’t seen Shu He alive, unaware of his true strength. Ji You’s Physical Body was renowned for matching Barbaric warriors hand-to-hand.
For Shu He to injure Ji You bare-handed suggested terrifying strength.
Yet such a formidable person had silently fallen to Ji You’s hand, unable even to resist.
Speed?
Stealth?
They’d seen nothing—only Shu He’s lifeless body collapsed in the Western Wing corridor, never reaching their doors.
Jiang Yan suddenly spoke: “Ji You’s cultivation isn’t high, but his Spiritual Consciousness might surpass us all. His sword techniques reveal that clearly.”
Jiang Chen Feng replied coldly, “Seeing and striking differ. He needs a swift sword.”
Yan Qiu Bai added, “The Returning Sword of Dao—that is my Spirit Sword Mountain’s swiftest sword technique.”
“That man didn’t die unjustly. But if Ji You hadn’t guarded the Western Wing last night…”
Huo Hong, Shi Jun Hao, Jiang Chen Feng, and Xiao Han Yan clenched their fists tightly, frowning.
Imagining themselves in Ji You’s position, none felt confident they could’ve stopped the Demon General.
And imagining being Shu He, they felt Ji You could kill them just as easily.
After silence, Huo Hong said, “Perhaps he was lucky, encountering someone whose talents he could naturally counter.”
Jiang Yue Rou glanced at him, replying calmly, “You can’t simply say that.”
“Why not?”
“Spiritual Consciousness, Physical Body, Sword Dao—aside from his lower cultivation, Ji You excels greatly in all other aspects. One who withstands the Barbaric War King’s fist can’t be judged by cultivation alone…”
Heaven’s Chosen fell silent again, minds repeating endlessly the words Mystic Enlightenment Realm.
Facing the Barbaric Race bare-handed, slaying a War King by sword, reversing today’s assassination attempt…
On their journey, Ji You had demonstrated astonishing martial prowess—even more shocking than leaving sword wounds with bare hands.
Elder Ge from Heavenly Script Academy quietly listened, deep in thought.
Though high-level masters often viewed lower-realm battles as child’s play, Ji You’s performance surpassed expectations.
Such a disciple couldn’t be treated lightly.
Regret filled Elder Ge’s heart. Influenced earlier by Inner Court politics, he’d left Ji You to fend for himself.
Especially when the Barbaric War King shot that arrow—Elder Ge’s lack of intervention had complicated matters greatly.
Ji You could have been a Direct or even Personal Disciple to a Palace Master. Thankfully, Ji You’s commoner origins lessened the sting of loss, yet regret lingered.
Elder Ge’s family had risen only recently to mid-tier Esteemed Clan status, still lacking depth and history.
His greatest regret was not making Ji You his own Direct Disciple—especially given whispers of Ji You’s innate Dao Heart Clarity being inheritable…
While deep in contemplation, footsteps approached Spirit Garden gates. Memories of last night’s ambush spurred everyone’s Qi, gazes sharp as swords, relaxing only upon seeing demon physicians carrying medicine boxes.
Most injuries from last night were minor. Chu Bu Tian had suffered most, pierced by a sword, while Tu Xu’s earlier wounds reopened.
Still, Immortal cultivators didn’t fear injuries outside critical areas, thus accepting only simple bandaging.
Jiang Yan had minor bruises, with only a wrist wound. She spoke as a physician approached: “We have another companion injured last night, resting in his room.”
The physician glanced briefly at her but said nothing, quietly treating her wound.
Jiang Yan was puzzled. Turning around, she noticed several physicians had stopped moving after minor treatments.
“Are they refusing to treat Ji You?”
“Is it because Ji You killed a Demon General?”
“How petty of the Demon Clan…”
Just then, another set of footsteps echoed outside the Spirit Garden. Everyone turned, freezing in place.
At the garden entrance stood princess Feng Yang, stepping gracefully forward, a medicine box upon her back.
Her figure was elegant—waist slender, posture tall, with refined and delicate features. Her curled eyelashes shimmered faintly with golden sunlight, exuding noble serenity.
She wore neither the plain dress from earlier nor the physician’s white robes, but instead a gown highlighting her graceful form. Without glancing toward the group, she went directly upstairs, heading toward Ji You’s room.
The group exchanged astonished looks.
They had just met this demon clan princess earlier that morning when she arrived with the imperial vanguard troops, thwarted the assassination, and escorted scale and fang clan members back to demon emperor city.
With such unrest within the demon clan, they’d thought she would be too occupied to return soon. Yet, here she was, swiftly returning and even changing attire.
“So, Ji You didn’t refuse treatment—it’s princess Feng Yang herself who came…”
“She personally traveled here after escorting prisoners this morning. Such dedication!”
“And she even took the time to change clothes?”
During this, Huo Hong rose quietly and silently returned to his room.
Meanwhile, Ji You sat in his room, pain steadily rising in his arm as he admired two short swords with careful attention. Indeed, these swords were extraordinary—sharp, sturdy, and quietly radiating a subtle, refined aura even without a wielder.
[Truly wild blades.]
Just then, the door swung open.
Ji You swiftly tucked away the blades and turned, seeing princess Feng Yang entering. She briefly met his gaze, setting her medicine box down.
“The anesthetic should be wearing off; let me examine your arm.”
“The pain has indeed started returning.”
Princess Feng Yang nodded, gracefully smoothing her skirt as she knelt and opened the medicine box. Her posture emphasized elegant, rounded curves.
Taking Ji You’s arm, she checked his pulse carefully for a long moment, then spoke. “Your forcibly opened meridians are beginning to contract, bringing back sensation. The pain will be intense, so I’ll block it again.”
Ji You raised his head. “Won’t that worsen my injuries?”
“No,” she replied gently. “Forcing meridians open causes damage, not blocking pain.”
Ji You observed princess Feng Yang closely. Her voice seemed softer than before, yet she appeared unaware, maintaining a calm, professional manner.
Feng Yang lifted her delicate face, noticing his gaze. Slightly puzzled, she softly asked, “What is it?”
“I was merely wondering what fate awaits those demon clan members who joined the ambush?”
“Tomorrow at dawn, the imperial heavenly demon will escort them to snow peak, imprisoning them within the frozen prison.”
Ji You felt a gentle sting as the silver needle pierced his skin. After a moment of silence, he murmured quietly, “Truly, it was hanging by a single thread…”
Feng Yang softly hummed agreement, then asked, “Had you not foreseen their actions, war would surely have erupted. Yet, how did you uncover the involvement of the scale and fang clans?”
“The demon emperor had yet to decide, but a demon envoy hurriedly presented a greeting card—it was too eager. Moreover, the card bore the surname Mu, matching the scale clan chief who aggressively advocated war in the demon court.”
“That was his son. The mining of the demon clan spiritual stone has always been under the scale clan’s control.”
“As expected…”
At that moment, Feng Yang gently grasped Ji You’s broad, warm hand, carefully sliding another silver needle into place. “You dared confront the war king and block the demon general. Do you truly not fear death?”
Ji You calmly felt the needle enter. “If I had not acted, the people of Feng Prefecture would face doom.”
“Feng Prefecture?”
“It is the poorest region among our human race, without immortal sects or esteemed clans. I am the only cultivator from Feng Prefecture following the path to immortality. This year, to ease the heavy burden of taxes, I slew many foes, finally safeguarding our lands. Only now can we glimpse brighter days ahead. I cannot allow war to undo it all.”
Ji You suddenly pursed his lips slightly, quietly adding, “[A man must fall upon the path of saving others, or live forever in regret.]”
Gradually, as the silver needle pierced deeper, Ji You felt his pain retreating. The agony from his contracting meridians swiftly diminished.
Lowering his gaze to the demon clan princess before him, his attention caught on a round, polished horn hidden within her silky hair. Indeed, demon clan members possessed more features than humans—horns among them. Yet, these horns were merely hardened tissue, lacking sensation or movement.
Feng Yang released Ji You’s right hand, then gently took his left. “Now it’s this hand’s turn.”
Watching her, Ji You wondered, “[I don’t recall her holding both my hands last time she placed the needles.]”
Yet, her small, delicate hand felt smooth and slightly cool against his palm. Ji You felt no discomfort and quietly wondered if her feet felt the same.
Suddenly, Ji You envisioned a delicate jade-like foot swiftly kicking toward him, causing his breath to catch in his throat.
“[It has been some time since I’ve faced such a kick. My Dao Heart must remain clear and steady.]”
Although Yan Shu Yi often called him a “strange man,” secretly she felt envy, always quietly competing with Yuan Cai Wei. The arrival of yet another might stir even greater trouble.
Feng Yang gracefully rose, her gaze resting upon the silver needles piercing Ji You’s arm. “Your arm should be free from pain now, but repairing your meridians will still take much time. Until then, you cannot use your arm.”
“My deepest gratitude, Princess.”
“No thanks are needed. But please cherish your life. Being fearless toward death is sometimes an illness itself.”
Ji You raised his eyes. “Fearlessness is an illness?”
Feng Yang gently nodded. “Sometimes, fearlessness and seeking death become one, more deadly even than true ailments.”
Ji You bowed his head slightly. “Thank you for your guidance, Princess.”
“I said there is no need for thanks.”
“Understood…”
With Ji You’s final words, silence enveloped the chamber.
As the Silver Needles required time, Feng Yang stood quietly before Ji You, the awkward stillness unsettling them both.
After a lengthy silence, Feng Yang glanced around before speaking again. “Your arm was forced beyond limits, and the consequences are uncertain. Should sudden pain occur or other matters arise, send someone to summon me.”
Ji You hesitated, carefully speaking, “Princess, I indeed have a minor question. Though, I fear it might not be proper to ask.”
Feng Yang turned her calm gaze toward him. “Speak freely.”
“Well, it isn’t important. Yet, the Humans and Demons nearly fell into calamity due only to misunderstanding. Thus, hoping for better understanding, I wonder…do women of the Demon Clan have tails?”
Feng Yang froze momentarily, cheeks gently reddening as she struggled to speak.
“Ah, if inconvenient, please ignore it. Actually, the question isn’t mine but a friend’s.”
“There is indeed…”
“Truly?”
Feng Yang stood quietly a moment, then spoke softly. Behind her, something beneath her skirt moved, gently lifting its folds. She murmured quietly, “It appears like this, but usually it remains hidden…”
Her voice faded as she noticed Ji You’s gaze fixed behind her. Embarrassed, she turned aside and gently bit her lip.
Ji You quickly regained himself, comprehension dawning.
[Ah, so that’s why I never saw it clearly before. Is this not similar to my own? Only the location differs.]
Silence returned as Ji You drifted into thought.
Feng Yang also became distracted, mind wandering. Without realizing, her hidden tail beneath the skirt began to sway toward Ji You as if possessing its own intent.
Ji You quietly observed before asking softly, “Princess, are you happy right now?”
“??”
Feng Yang glanced back, tail instantly freezing. Confused, she shook her head. “Today nearly brought disaster; how could I feel happiness?”
Ji You nodded slowly. Silence fell once more, yet soon Feng Yang’s tail gently resumed its unconscious sway.
Ji You didn’t understand Demon Clan tail movements nor dared to ask further. He guessed it was involuntary, like his own issue, and pretended not to notice.
After more silence, the acupuncture concluded. Feng Yang awakened from her thoughts, leaning forward to carefully withdraw the needles.
Ji You felt an odd sensation, noticing the pain in his arm was truly gone.
“I’ll return tomorrow for further treatment,” Feng Yang said softly.
“My thanks, Your Highness.”
She carefully placed the needles back into their pouch, tidied the medicinal box, and moved toward the carriage outside. As she passed beyond the courtyard, she called back gently, “Until you recover, avoid spicy foods.”
Settling into the waiting carriage, Feng Yang absent-mindedly stroked her concealed demon tail, lost in contemplation.
[A Demon Clan woman’s tail is something private, not to be carelessly shown. I don’t know why I behaved like that earlier. But fortunately, it was hidden by clothing. Perhaps that’s not too terrible…]
As her thoughts drifted, the carriage arrived at the Princess’s residence, where her elder royal brother, Ye Han, stood waiting by the gates.
“Where did you venture this time?”
“To heal someone from the Human Race again.”
“Ji You?”
Feng Yang glanced at her brother, nodding quietly.
Ye Han’s expression became strange. “Didn’t you claim not to favor him? Yet, leaving the palace, you rushed directly there without first returning home.”
“I did return home. I even changed dresses.”
“??”
Due to the harsh cold of the Snowy Expanse, few plants grew, and Feng Yang had owned very few dresses since childhood. The one she currently wore was a gift Ye Han brought back long ago from the Nine Provinces. Feng Yang treasured it greatly but had never dared to wear it until today.
Ye Han stared blankly at his sister, sensing something was surely unusual.
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)