Chapter 29: Discovery of Five Desiccated Corpses
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
The rhythmic sound of water swallowing, “Gu du du, gu du du,” filled the air as Ji You drank. Nearby, Physician Chen sat watching him, engaging in gentle conversation. He inquired about Ji You’s family background and aspirations, exuding the warmth of an elder.
Ji You responded with polite smiles but remained guarded, reluctant to reveal much. [In the martial world, one must never carelessly disclose their origins, lest it invite calamity.]
However, upon learning that Physician Chen did not charge for his services, Ji You’s demeanor relaxed, and he became more forthcoming. Over two and a half years of living in Yuyang County had instilled in him a keen fondness for those who helped freely.
“So, the day you arrived, you took silver from that young friend surnamed Kuang?”
“Eh, how can such matters among scholars be called ‘robbery,’ Elder? You’re quite impolite.”
“Scholars? That Kuang boy is the true scholar, no?”
“…”
“Robbing a scholar is no less than scholarly conduct itself!”
Soon, the room resounded with the hearty laughter of an elderly man, accompanied by a strange, dog-like chuckling.
Meanwhile, outside in the courtyard, You Ying Qiu, Master of the Auspicious Hall, sat at a stone table sipping tea. Winter’s chill hung in the air, and the tea cooled quickly on the small stove, prompting her to use her spiritual qi to keep it warm.
She had just warmed a new pot when she heard the laughter from within, her curiosity piqued. Earlier that morning, rumors of a scholar being attacked in the streets had already spread within the inner court. The narrative of a dual-cultivating martial artist defeating assailants in the streets had grown to legendary proportions.
Yet, what surprised her more was that her master had emerged from his Bamboo Forest Cottage deep within the Cloud Ridge, declaring his intention to visit the outer court. She had assumed his visit was born from prolonged seclusion and a desire to reconnect with the mortal world. To her surprise, he had come directly to the Elegant Garden by Azure Lake to see the boy who had collapsed from exhaustion after depleting his spiritual consciousness.
Footsteps sounded from the house, and You Ying Qiu rose to see her master emerging, dismissing any offer to escort him. “No need, no need.”
“Master, have you finished your visit?”
“Indeed, I have,” the old man replied, smiling as he left the Elegant Garden with his hands behind his back. His “visit” seemed less about care and more about observation—much like the time he had chosen her as the Master of the Auspicious Hall, saying, “You’ll do. I think you’re promising.” She had never understood his reasoning, but rumor had it that someone of his cultivation could see every detail of one’s spiritual qi at a glance.
No sooner had they departed than a sharp gust of wind stirred the air. Cao Jin Song descended, sweat soaking his brow, despite the cold day. Steam rose from his body like mist. Usually, navigating this courtyard required only a small expenditure of spiritual qi, but today seemed cursed; no matter how he flew, he couldn’t seem to arrive.
He swore he had crossed the stone bridge on Azure Lake five times, though he lacked proof.
Finally reaching his destination, Cao Jin Song attributed his arrival to his great cultivation and unyielding determination. “Has Ji You awoken?” he wondered aloud as he pushed open the door.
Ji You was stretching languidly on the bed, yawning. “That physician was rather impressive.”
“…”
Cao Jin Song froze. [Who called for a physician?] Spiritual exhaustion wasn’t an injury—why would anyone so enthusiastically summon a doctor? Could it be someone trying to poach my student? Damnable… it must have been Instructors Ma and Ding! Ever since Ji You had sensed the Heavenly Tome, they’d been coveting him.
Ji You, recalling the attack, asked, “Have the disciples sent to search returned yet?”
Snapping out of his thoughts, Cao Jin Song replied, “That’s why I’m here. The stewards of the Office of Affairs sent me to ask if you’d like to participate in the discussion. If not, they’re willing to come to you personally.”
“Did they capture the three who attacked us?”
“Yes, but they also caught five.”
“…?”
Ji You raised an eyebrow. [Since when did apprehending bandits come with freebies?]
Seeing his confusion, Cao Jin Song elaborated, “After your fight in the city, the instructors led disciples in pursuit. The attackers fled toward Thousand Marks Mountain, using its treacherous terrain to escape.”
Ji You arched an eyebrow. “The usual conclusion to that story is, ‘We were unfamiliar with the terrain and lost them.’”
“One group managed to catch up but lacked sufficient cultivation to detain them, leaving two seriously injured.”
Having faced these enemies, Ji You knew how formidable they were. Capturing Dao Fusion Stage cultivators was no easy feat; it was a testament to their elevated status within the top five realms. Yet, the academy’s efforts seemed lacking in capability.
He muttered under his breath, then recalled Cao Jin Song’s earlier remark. “What did you mean by ‘capturing five’?”
Cao Jin Song’s expression darkened further. “While pursuing the group, another team discovered a narrow cave with a deep interior. Inside were five desiccated corpses—we recognized two.”
Ji You squinted. “Cai Zi Yao and Zhang Cong Zhi…?”
“How did you know?”
Ji You gave him a sideways glance. “Didn’t you tell me yesterday they were missing?”
Cao Jin Song nodded grimly. “Indeed. While their faces are unrecognizable, their attire and accessories match what they wore on the day they disappeared.”
[This script for a noble sword immortal has turned into a detective drama,] Ji You thought wryly.
Falling silent, he followed Cao Jin Song to the Office of Affairs. Despite being no larger than the Azure Lake, the courtyard was bustling. Disciples who had returned from their search stood alongside cultivators from other sects who had witnessed the street battle but hesitated to intervene.
As Ji You entered, murmurs rippled through the crowd. Those who had seen the clash on the street couldn’t help but recall the white-robed swordsman, his three strikes swift and decisive under the night sky.
In the world of cultivation, witnessing a master display Daoist techniques often inspired admiration. Yet, this swordsman had used none and still commanded respect.
Unlike a wand in the tales of mortals, swords here were tools—vessels for spiritual qi or techniques, not standalone weapons. But Ji You had demonstrated something beyond convention, leaving an indelible impression.
Walking past the awestruck crowd, Ji You noticed a group of officials clad in the uniforms of Great Xia standing apart. Among them was Kuang Cheng, who offered a nod of appreciation. From his gaze, Ji You read two words: [Impressive.]
[What’s Kuang Cheng doing here?] Ji You wondered. [Oh, right, he joined the Immortal Overseer Office. But isn’t he a desk worker? Why is he involved in this?]