Chapter 184: Severing the Lion’s Head
The capital, though untouched by snowfall, lay under the grip of a dry and piercing cold. The winter wind swept through the streets, forcing vendors and laborers to shrink within their thick garments. Shopfronts were draped with heavy curtains, and within, glowing embers crackled in braziers, battling against the frigid air.
A cart driver, clad in a threadbare cotton robe, his muscular arms darkened by years of toil, huddled by a merchant’s doorstep, sipping gingerly from a bowl of hot tea. He had barely taken a few sips when the sight of three horse-drawn carriages entering the city caught his eye.
Moments later, a group of figures disembarked, and one among them strode directly toward him. The cart driver instinctively bowed his head, only to notice a hand extending from the side. A few copper coins clinked into the wooden bowl of a nearby beggar.
“The cold months are upon us. Why not spare a few more? It’s all from Brother Bai’s money pouch anyway.”
“Oh? You, scholar?”
“You were occupied with spring plowing these past days. I’ve been assisting Teacher Chen in instructing the students.”
“No wonder your thoughts grow ever clearer.”
“Then tell me, why not give more?”
“To beg in the capital, this child likely has others watching over him. A meager sum may be his to keep, but if it’s too generous, it may not remain in his hands for long.”
“Then why not buy him food instead?”
“Perhaps he doesn’t need food, but rather medicine for a sick mother at home?”
Ji You replied without hesitation, addressing Kuang Cheng’s inquiry before continuing his path toward Mount Ni with Cao Jin Song and the others. He could not help but smirk inwardly—
[I, Ji You, the Fierce Bandit, have returned.]
It had been seven days since his departure from the Snowy Expanse, with the preceding days spent in Feng Prefecture recuperating. There, he rested, healed his wounds, listened to Teacher Chen’s discourse on the path of the rogue cultivator, and even entertained a few Villa Masters who had arrived empty-handed.
When he had first entered Feng Prefecture with his sword drawn, he had given no Immortal Manor any face. By all logic, those Villa Masters should have had no reason to visit him upon his return. Yet, when word spread of his victory over the War King in the Snowy Expanse, their attitudes shifted. Their refusal to bear gifts was the last vestige of their pride.
Having settled these matters, they had journeyed by boat for a day before arriving at the capital, where the temperature had already plummeted.
Ji You slipped an extra silver coin back into his sleeve from the beggar’s bowl, catching the twitching expression on Bai Ru Long’s face.
[Curse it! Bitten again!]
[Am I, Immortal Emperor Ru Long, destined for endless tribulation?]
[Cultivation! When I return, I must cultivate relentlessly!]
Ji You ignored him, his breath steady as he stepped forward. He had established an Esteemed Clan and diminished tribute taxation. He had ventured to the Demon Clan, preventing the outbreak of war.
Though it was far from the best of times, for Feng Prefecture, it was already a bountiful year.
As for the wider world? Ji You knew his reach could only extend so far. The only recourse was diligent cultivation—tempering himself and refining the old hermit in the Heavenly Tome Hall.
He only hoped that this fragile peace would last long enough for him to grow stronger…
As these thoughts stirred, at the entrance of an alley along Everpeace Avenue, a delicate and charming young lady appeared. She was clad in a light green jacket, a fur-lined cloak draped over her shoulders, her bright gaze fixed upon Kuang Cheng. Her lips parted slightly, hesitation flickering in her expression.
The group halted. Kuang Cheng blinked before stepping forward.
“Young Master…”
“Wei Rui, Young Lady…”
Since Ji You and Kuang Cheng had left the capital, Wei Rui had spent her days in restless longing, her appetite waning, her gaze fixed upon the distant streets. Now, seeing him again, she was startled by his formal address, her cheeks instantly flushing.
Kuang Cheng’s face turned red, and he shot Ji You an uneasy glance.
[Brother Ji truly is a man capable of conquering the world through sheer presence.]
Ji You smirked.
[See? I told you, following me would be educational.]
Wei Rui was too intimate, while Miss Wei was too distant. Kuang Cheng had wrestled with this dilemma for seven days, so much so that he had not even written a letter of reassurance. In the end, it was Ji You who advised him—‘Young Lady Wei’ struck the perfect balance between familiarity and decorum, a respectful address with just a hint of warmth to stir the heart.
Observing this, Immortal Emperor Ru Long could not suppress a twinge of envy.
Ji You cast him a sidelong glance. “What about that round-hipped Junior Sister you flirted with using my name?”
Bai Ru Long opened his mouth but hesitated. “Once she learned I wasn’t you, she no longer paid me any mind…”
“No worries. You’re still young, plenty of chances ahead. Look at Cao Jin Song—he’s much older and still has no Dao companion.”
“???”
Wei Rui’s gaze finally moved past Kuang Cheng to greet the rest with a slow, graceful bow. “I heard Young Master Ji suffered injuries to both hands. How is your recovery?”
“I can manage. But tendon and bone injuries take time… there’s no rushing them.”
Ji You raised his hands, demonstrating their unfinished healing. When he flexed his arms, there was still an unnatural tremor.
Lately, he relied less on his muscles and more on spiritual energy to move his limbs, bypassing the meridians, using external force to guide his motions. Simple tasks were manageable.
Judging by the rate of recovery, he should regain most of his strength before the New Year and be fully healed by spring.
Ji You turned his gaze toward Kuang Cheng and spoke with a calm demeanor, “Let us part ways here. We shall return to the mountain, while you… go about your own affairs. That meal you promised me before leaving the capital—I will find time to collect on it.”
Kuang Cheng cupped his hands in farewell. “Then, I bid you farewell here, Brother Ji.”
“Kuang Cheng, my residence remains quite empty,” Ji You remarked casually.
Wei Rui, who had been following Kuang Cheng as they turned away, suddenly froze at Ji You’s words, her brows slightly knitting in confusion. “What residence?”
Kuang Cheng merely wrapped his sleeves around himself and murmured, “The heart is a vast and empty field…”
Wei Rui pondered the phrase for a long while, yet its meaning eluded her. Resigning herself, she obediently followed behind him, her eyes wandering up and down his form. Inwardly, she noted how her dear Kuang seemed to have grown thinner.
Ji You, watching their departing figures, chuckled inwardly. [Since Kuang Cheng has taken to calling Wei Rui ‘Young Lady Rui,’ should she not, in turn, call him ‘Dear Kuang’?]
[Dear Kuang, Dear Kuang…]
He smirked. The title had an odd cadence to it.
Meanwhile, Bai Ru Long still harbored resentment over Kuang Cheng urging Ji You to take extra silver coins earlier. Watching Kuang Cheng’s retreating figure, he grumbled, “It’s nearly noon, and that scholar doesn’t even have the courtesy to invite us for a meal.”
Ban Yang Shu shook his head. “That is not surprising. Anyone who dares to be courteous would only invite Junior Brother Ji to feast.”
Ji You shot Ban Yang Shu a glance before shifting his gaze westward down the long street. “Wait here for a moment. I have some business to attend to. We’ll return to the mountain shortly.”
…
At that moment, in a nearby tea pavilion, Titled Princess Chang Le, Zhao Yun Yue, sat surrounded by a group of esteemed young masters and young ladies of the capital. Their eyes remained fixed upon Ji You.
She had long been aware of Ji You’s return. After all, she and Wei Rui were as close as elder and younger sisters. Claiming to have simply spotted him while sipping tea was plausible, but admitting she had deliberately come to see him was equally valid.
As for her intentions? There was none in particular.
Yet, recalling how this man once refused to acknowledge good intentions, a surge of anger welled up within her. Deep in her heart, she wished not to see him return unscathed. Thus, she came merely to confirm whether those hands of his remained intact.
Alas, her expectations were unmet.
With a cold expression, she took a slow sip of tea, watching Ji You—his white robes flowing elegantly—as he strode unhurriedly toward an alleyway. Without hesitation, he passed through it and emerged onto Heavenly Triumph Street, vanishing from sight.
…
Suddenly, a sharp and resounding sword chant split the air, like a thunderclap striking from a clear sky. It rang from the opposite end of the street, its reverberations soaring straight into the heavens.
As the sword chant erupted, a vast and mighty surge of qi force roiled forth like a tidal wave, sweeping across the city in an instant.
The chill that had previously lingered over the capital was completely swallowed by the unrelenting sword qi, which now rampaged through the east and west streets like a stampede of untamed beasts.
In a mere moment, the biting cold that had once clung to Everpeace Avenue gave way to an oppressive aura. Banners of merchants and peddlers fluttered wildly, their poles trembling under the pressure of the tempestuous qi.
Cao Jin Song and his companions had just steadied themselves against the incoming wave of frigid energy when they caught sight of a dazzling sword light descending upon Heavenly Triumph Street with overwhelming force. A deafening roar echoed through the long thoroughfare.
Those who had been immersed in the humdrum of daily trade and bargaining found themselves frozen in place, as if immobilized by an unseen force. All heads turned in unison toward the western part of the street.
In the middle section of the avenue, before the grand gates of a mansion, dust and debris now swirled chaotically.
And from the thick haze of dust, Ji You stepped forth, his expression calm. He glanced at Cao Jin Song and said, “Let’s go. Back to the mountain.”
Cao Jin Song’s mouth hung open. “What did you do?”
“I simply warned someone that they should never return to the capital again in this lifetime.”
…
Zhao Yun Yue rose from her seat in the tea pavilion, turning to her servant boy. “Go. Find out what happened.”
The servant boy bowed at once. “Yes, Your Highness!”
By now, a dense crowd had gathered along Heavenly Triumph Street, their curiosity drawing them in droves.
A servant from Prince Chong’s mansion hurried through the masses and returned to the tea pavilion, panting. “Your Highness, I have returned.”
“What happened?”
“The guardian lion statues at the entrance of Dou Mansion… they were beheaded by a swordmaster.”
Zhao Yun Yue fell silent for a long moment.
As expected. She knew Ji You would not be one to bow down like a pliant weed in the face of adversity. Many had claimed that his mission to the Snowy Expanse had been voluntary, but that did not mean just anyone could meddle in such affairs. Dou Yuan Kong was fortunate to have fled quickly.
…
Minister Dou had rushed out of his manor only after hearing the commotion. Seeing his guardian lion statues reduced to headless ruins, he immediately turned to his gatekeeper. “What happened here?!”
The gatekeeper swallowed hard. “Ji You from the Heavenly Script Academy was here…”
Minister Dou’s eyes widened in shock.
He was well aware that his son had played a role in dispatching Ji You to the Demon Clan. Even so, he clenched his fists tightly. “I have no prior grievances with the secret cultivator of the Heavenly Script Academy. What is the meaning of this?!”
The gatekeeper hesitated before speaking. “He said that Young Master should never return to the capital again.”
“Outrageous! Simply outrageous! He believes that by establishing a so-called esteemed clan in Feng Prefecture, he has become one of them? No! He remains alone—a mere wandering rogue cultivator!”
Minister Dou could tolerate the desecration of the statues. But barring his son from ever returning to the capital? That was intolerable.
Furious, he stormed toward the Immortal Overseer Office.
A wandering rogue cultivator, no matter how formidable, no matter his ties to the Heavenly Script Academy, could not be permitted such impunity.
He would report this. Yes, he would report this!
Yet, when he arrived at the Immortal Overseer Office, he was met with silence. A deep, eerie silence.
It was as though no one had heard him speak at all.
Minister Dou’s expression twisted in bewilderment.
The imperial power of Great Xia had long been waning, its authority cowering before the deeply entrenched esteemed clans. A cultivator at the Mystic Enlightenment Stage, no matter how unparalleled in combat, should not have been enough to render the Immortal Overseer Office deaf to a minister’s pleas.
Zhao Yun Yue stepped out of the Tea Pavilion, her steps unhurried as she made her way toward the Immortal Overseer Office. “Minister Dou, it’s time to go back.”
Minister Dou turned, his gaze heavy upon her. “Princess, does this truly mean my son can never return to the capital? What reasoning is this?”
“There is no use shouting here,” Zhao Yun Yue replied calmly. “The current Supervisor of the Immortal Overseer Office was once a disciple of Wang Ming Chang in his younger years. In his later years, Lord Wang suffered many hardships and became eccentric in temper. Even in his youth, he dared to defy imperial orders with the common people of his jurisdiction. Upon returning to court, he has seen few he finds pleasing to the eye—including His Majesty himself, who treads carefully around him.”
Minister Dou frowned. “I am aware of Wang Ming Chang’s temperament, but what of it?”
Zhao Yun Yue gave him a measured look before reciting, “Three days ago, upon his return to the capital to deliver his report, he composed a poem on the spot:
‘Majestic bearing, righteous and fierce,
Laying down life to defend the gates of the realm.
Heart devoted to the people, swords raised in ten thousand strikes,
Such a name shall endure in history for generations.’
Minister Dou stiffened. “Princess, what do you mean by this?”
“I mean to tell you,” Zhao Yun Yue said softly, “that he wrote this poem for Ji You.”
—
At the same time, within the Heavenly Script Academy, countless gazes turned toward the mountain gate.
They had seen that sword strike earlier.
And within this sacred ground, where Daoist cultivation had been revered since ancient times, there was only one person who could exude such an awe-inspiring Sword Qi.
As expected, before long, a group of figures ascended the Divine Path of Mount Ni. Among them, a man in white robes walked with his hands relaxed at his sides, the remnants of his Sword Intent still lingering about him.
Along the great forested paths, disciples of the Inner Court looked toward the White Jade Terrace of Ascension. At the forefront stood He Ling Xiu, with Xiao Han Yan and Shi Jun Hao close behind her.
The details of this journey had already been relayed to the Inner Court disciples through the firsthand accounts of Xiao Han Yan and Shi Jun Hao. Now, upon finally laying eyes on the legendary figure of the Forty-Nine Folded Peaks, the turbulence in their hearts seemed to settle all at once.
“To cleave through the War King with his sword… this must be his limit, right?”
“It should be.”
In truth, when news of the battle on the Snowy Expanse reached the Heavenly Script Academy, many found it difficult to believe in Ji You’s strength.
But after much contemplation, they realized—whether it was the Autumn Duel or the night of the bandit extermination at Night City Mountain, Ji You had won both battles. Yet victory alone did not define his limits.
Because in both famed battles, Ji You had never once been injured.
Neither the Chu Family’s Second Son, who had mastered the Huntian Arcane Techniques, nor the Dao Fusion Stage Villa Master of Sunrise Manor had ever forced Ji You to his utmost.
Only when he took the War King of the Barbaric Race’s punch did the world finally witness where his limit truly lay.
—
As Ji You stepped beyond the mountain gate, a disciple of the Steward’s Courtyard stopped him. “Junior Brother Ji, you have a letter.”
“Hmm?”
The steward disciple handed over the letter. “It arrived from the Pill Sect two days ago. I’ve been holding onto it for you.”
Ji You nodded his thanks and opened it. At a glance, he recognized the delicate handwriting of Yuan Cai Wei.
“Young Master Ji, there is no need for such courtesy regarding the matter of the pills. You once saved my life at Qiling; no number of pills could ever repay such a debt. Though refining medicine through sleepless nights is exhausting, I do so willingly.”
“I have heard that Young Master’s injury stems from damage to the meridians. If the pills in the Medicine Casket prove ineffective, then healing will have to come with time.”
“Additionally, the Heavenly Script Academy has placed an order for a batch of pills from the Pill Sect. I will be escorting them alongside Yuan Chen. The date has not been set, but I believe we will arrive around the New Year.”
“During this time, I will seek out additional medical texts to see if there are other treatments.”
“One more thing—since Young Master’s mission to the Demon Clan, Yuan Chen has done nothing but call you ‘Elder Sister’s Husband’ all day, fretting over your safety. If you send a reply, please offer him some reassurance.”
Ji You regarded Yuan Cai Wei as more than a fellow Daoist, but not much beyond that.
However, Yuan Cai Wei’s letters always bore a strong offensive strategy—frequently using Yuan Chen’s words to address him as ‘Elder Sister’s Husband.’
It reminded Ji You of how Kuang Cheng had written letters to Wei Rui back at Ji Stronghold. Miss Wei… Rui’er… eventually becoming Rui’er Young Lady.
Yuan Cai Wei’s way of using Yuan Chen’s voice to call him ‘Elder Sister’s Husband’ was much the same. She thought ‘Young Master Ji’ too distant, yet ‘Ji Lang’ too forward—so she used Yuan Chen as a tool instead.
Ji You suddenly recalled how the Little Mirror Master from Spirit Sword Mountain had once addressed him: “Ah, that stranger I’ve only met X times.”
His brows furrowed slightly at the thought. He turned back to the steward disciple. “Is there anything else?”
The disciple shook his head. “That was the only letter.”
“Impossible.”
“Exactly!” Bai Ru Long strode forward. “My Brother Ji has so many fiancées!”
Wen Zheng Xin gave him a look. “Ru Long, you also claim to have many silver coins.”
Bai Ru Long: “…”
The steward disciple rummaged through the letters again but ultimately shook his head. “Truly, there is only this one.”
Ji You found it puzzling. Could it be that the Little Mirror Master had not sent a reply?
Though the distance between the Heavenly Script Academy and Spirit Sword Mountain was greater than that to the Pill Sect, five days should have been enough time for a response. Could she be waiting for him at Mount Void instead…?
Ji You put the letter away, his gaze shifting toward the Field of Enlightenment. “I am going to seek Dao Enlightenment.”
Bai Ru Long blinked. “Isn’t that a bit too dedicated?”
Wen Zheng Xin folded his arms. “Perhaps after his journey to the Demon Clan, Junior Brother truly feels the disparity in strength and is now eager to cultivate further.”
Cao Jin Song stroked his beard and chuckled. “As expected of my rebellious disciple.”
All throughout their journey from Feng Prefecture to the capital, Ji You had incessantly pestered Cao Jin Song, asking whether the academy had issued two months’ worth of stipends. Cao Jin Song had taken to calling him ‘rebellious disciple’ the entire way.
But seeing his rebellious disciple so driven was something that filled the old instructor with pride.
At this very moment, Fang Jin Cheng, Lu Han Yan, and Pu Yang Xing, along with many disciples of the Outer Court, were all striving to break through their cultivation in the Field of Enlightenment. Suddenly, a surge of Heavenly Radiance erupted, humming through the heavens, casting endless streams of mystical light upon the earth. For a moment, they thought they had gained enlightenment from the Heavenly Tome.
Fang Jin Cheng, in particular, was on the verge of ecstatic joy. However, when he turned to see Ji You seated in quiet meditation, surrounded by waves of ethereal light, his smile froze in place.
This year, no one from the Heavenly Script Academy had succeeded in sensing the Heavenly Tome, yet Ji You sat effortlessly in its presence, summoning vast celestial brilliance as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The contrast was so stark that it nearly shattered Fang Jin Cheng’s Dao Heart.
[So easily?]
Standing on the mountain path, He Ling Xiu furrowed her brows slightly.
The Inner Court and Outer Court were not granted equal resources—especially in matters of Dao Enlightenment. The Field of Enlightenment was far inferior to the Purple Bamboo Zen Forest. Yet even when she had meditated within the Purple Bamboo Zen Forest, her enlightenment had proceeded at the same pace as what she was witnessing now.
After pondering for a long moment, she could only sigh in acknowledgment of his extraordinary talent.
Lu Han Yan, however, was more concerned with the timing of the Heavenly Radiance’s descent.
Since she stood the closest and had been the first to turn her gaze, she was certain that before Ji You had even taken his seat, the celestial radiance had already begun gathering in the heavens.
This did not feel like Ji You sensing the Heavenly Tome. Instead, it felt as if the Heavenly Tome had been awaiting his arrival, eager for his Spiritual Sensitivity.
This reminded her of something he had said on the day they entered the academy: It is not I who seeks the Heavenly Tome; it is the Heavenly Tome that seeks me.
When this remark spread, many Inner Court senior brothers had dismissed it as mere wordplay, jesting that the Heavenly Tome and cultivators naturally shared a mutual resonance. But now, witnessing this scene, Lu Han Yan found herself believing that Ji You’s words had been the truth.
…
Meanwhile, Ji You’s Spiritual Consciousness drifted across a realm of void, finally returning to Mount Void after two months.
The mountain remained unchanged since his departure. However, the white jade foot ornament that had once belonged to the fairy was nowhere to be seen. The entire ethereal expanse was eerily empty.
“Hmm?”
“No message left behind, and she is not at Mount Void…?”
“Did she encounter a bottleneck in her Realm-Breaking?”
…
Cao Jin Song had already returned to his quarters when he received a visit from Liu Jian An.
During the Winter Solstice, Liu Jian An had come bearing gifts but had not encountered Old Cao. Now, upon hearing of his return, he had prepared another lavish offering, earning a hearty laugh from Cao Jin Song, who called him his beloved disciple.
Shortly after, Xiang Fu and Cong Yi, two scholars from Feng Prefecture, arrived in succession.
Liu Jian An presented a cask of fine Spirit Wine. Xiang Fu brought a small ornament carved from a Spirit Stone. Cong Yi gifted a calligraphy painting—an enchanted artifact. Though it held little power, gazing upon it could bring peace to the Dao Heart.
Cao Jin Song continued to call them his dear disciples, but his laughter soon stiffened into an awkward silence.
The three visitors turned their eyes toward the doorway—there, clad in flowing white robes, Ji You strode gracefully into the courtyard.
Ah… the Rebellious Disciple had arrived.
Cao Jin Song watched as Ji You stepped forward and seated himself across from him. “Weren’t you supposed to be cultivating?”
Ji You glanced at the various gifts still displayed on the table. “Why have you prepared so many gifts for me?”
“Silence! Rebellious Disciple, cease your nonsense!”
“What is the purpose of this painting?”
Cong Yi bit her lip lightly before replying, “Senior Brother, this painting is an enchanted artifact. It does not hold significant power, but observing it brings a sense of tranquility and focus.”
Cao Jin Song, suddenly on edge, questioned, “Why the sudden interest in calligraphy? You never understood it before. And how has your cultivation already concluded so quickly?”
Ji You lifted his head at these words. “I have thought it over. This matter need not be rushed.”
Cao Jin Song stroked his long beard. “Indeed, I have also pondered this. Your cultivation should not be pursued with undue haste. At the very least, I do not recommend rigorous training in the near future.”
“Oh?”
“The Heavenly Dao Assembly, held once every five years, should not be unfamiliar to you. You must have heard whispers of it while at the Field of Enlightenment.”
Ji You nodded in acknowledgment. He had indeed overheard discussions regarding the matter.
The Heavenly Dao Assembly was the grandest event in all of Azure Cloud World’s cultivation circles. The Seven Great Immortal Sects and the Esteemed Clans of the Nine Provinces flocked to it every cycle.
Senior Sister Wen and Senior Brother Ban had already decided to participate, and many from the Inner Court would not let such an opportunity slip past them.
However, Ji You did not place much importance on the event. He was not the type to seclude himself in the mountains, cutting off all worldly ties in pursuit of endless training.
For him, there was still ample time before the Heavenly Dao Assembly commenced.
But Cao Jin Song was considering his cultivation level.
“This year marks the fourth since the last assembly. After the New Year, it will be the fifth, and you will be eligible to compete. Among those in the Mystic Enlightenment Stage, none can match you. However, if you break through into the Dao Fusion Stage, you may face certain risks. Therefore, regardless of how fast you cultivate, you must suppress your progress for at least a year.”
He continued, “The victor of the Heavenly Dao Assembly is granted entry into the Ancient Sages’ Ascension Grounds—a land closest to the Heavenly Dao. One year of cultivation there is worth ten years elsewhere. And that is a modest estimation.”
Ji You toyed with the scroll in his hand, his gaze calm yet contemplative. “Where exactly is this Ancient Sages’ Ascension Grounds?”
“It lies at the border between Central Prefecture and Feng Prefecture,” Cao Jin Song replied. “When we traveled south by boat from Everpeace Crossing, we passed a cascading waterfall. It should be to the west of that place. However, since the Ancient Sages’ Ascension Grounds was sealed by the sages of the Human Race after the war of antiquity, it is rarely seen.”
“A land of such profound cultivation—by reason, it should have been divided and occupied. Why was it sealed instead?”
“Because the power of the Sacred Artifact bestowed by the Heavenly Dao was too immense,” Cao Jin Song explained. “That region of heaven and earth nearly collapsed under its might. To preserve the safety of Azure Cloud World, the area was sealed. However, heaven and earth have their own means of restoration, requiring the flow of Dao principles for five full years. That is why the Heavenly Dao Assembly is held once every five years.”
Ji You nodded in understanding. “So Sect Instructor hopes that I will remain in the Mystic Enlightenment Stage until after the Heavenly Dao Assembly.”
Cao Jin Song inclined his head. “Precisely. If you enter the Assembly at the Mystic Enlightenment Stage, victory will be nearly assured. However, if you step into the Dao Fusion Stage prematurely, you may find yourself at a disadvantage against those at the higher levels of Dao Fusion.”
Ji You exhaled slowly, then declared, “Even so, I plan to advance to the Dao Fusion Stage as soon as possible.”
“Why?”
Ji You extended his hand towards a spirit stone ornament, his voice unwavering. “The time of cultivation and spring plowing requires a great number of Cultivators of the Immortal Way. I fear some unforeseen event may arise. Compared to a sacred land, my cultivation holds far greater importance. Even if I step into the Dao Fusion Stage, that does not mean I am without a chance.”
Cao Jin Song clenched his fist atop the table. “Truthfully, you won’t even need a year. Though the exact date of the Heavenly Dao Assembly has yet to be set, by tradition, it is held in half a year.”
“Half a year… much can happen to me in that time.”
“This…” Cao Jin Song hesitated, but he could not refute the truth of Ji You’s words. Unlike other Cultivators of the Immortal Way who had the support of Esteemed Clans and could cultivate with peace of mind, Ji You, with no such backing, was always beset by trouble. Half a year was a blink of an eye for those meditating deep in the mountains, but for Ji You, it was enough time for disasters to unfold.
As he lifted his gaze, Cao Jin Song noticed Ji You reaching for a nearby jar of spirit wine. His expression twisted in an instant. “Leave me at least one!”
Ji You clicked his tongue, retracting his hand. “I was only looking.”
Cao Jin Song swiftly cradled the wine jar in his arms. “Now that you have entered the Inner Court, my guidance to you is limited. Since you have already made your decision, I will not waste my breath persuading you otherwise.”
At that moment, the Steward Hall disciple who had delivered a message earlier appeared at the doorway once more. “Junior Brother Ji, the Steward Hall requests your presence.”
Ji You turned to glance at him, then rose from his seat. “How convenient. I was about to seek them out myself.”
“Oh, and Junior Brother Ji, I have another letter for you.”
“Didn’t you just say there were none?”
“This one just arrived.”
Ji You reached out and took the letter from the Steward Hall disciple, his eyes lowering to the seal.
[Nanhua City—Ding Wan Qiu]
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)