Chapter 79: Sacrificing for Justice
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
The group from Heavenly Script Academy departed from Ningcheng County, traveling westward by carriage for fifty miles to arrive at Fengxing Crossing.
The season was spring, and the weather was serene. The waters of the Raging River lay calm, the sky above blending seamlessly with the reflections below, creating an endless expanse of azure.
Inside one of the carriages, Yuan Cai Wei gently lifted the curtain and gazed at Ji You. Since this morning, she had sensed that her dear friend, Yan Shu Yi, seemed to hold a certain admiration for him. This realization left her heart conflicted for some time, though she now felt somewhat at peace. Whether or not the Mirror Master truly had feelings for Ji You, it was not her place to compete with her.
Still, the situation felt strange. Considering Yan Shu Yi’s prestigious status, she had rejected many prominent suitors, including the Saint Son of the Dao Seeking Sect. Yet, she seemed willing to draw close to an Outer Court Disciple from the Heavenly Script Academy.
As Yuan Cai Wei’s thoughts wandered, the horses pulling the carriage suddenly stopped. The group had arrived at the crossing.
At the riverbank, an imposing immortal ship was docked. Its railings were intricately carved, and its three tiers of decks were built in a harmonious yet grand arrangement. Figures bustled across its surface, making the ship appear like a floating palace.
Disembarking from the carriages, the group approached the dock and saw a gathering of cultivators standing on the ship’s deck. The cultivators initially glanced at them indifferently but soon focused their attention on the new arrivals. Conversations aboard the ship quieted noticeably.
As Yuan Cai Wei ascended the gangplank, she noticed numerous gazes converging in her direction. Her brows furrowed slightly, but it didn’t take long to realize that these stares weren’t directed at her, but at someone behind her.
“The dual cultivator of martial and Daoist arts from Heavenly Script Academy, Ji You…”
“Him?”
“Yes.”
“Carrying so many swords…”
“They say most were gifted by women. One even came from the daughter of the Lu Clan in Yunzhou.”
The incident at the ruins where Spirit Sword Mountain allied with the Dao Seeking Sect to ambush Heavenly Script Academy was a notable event in the cultivation world. Though it didn’t create as much sensation as a rogue ascension, it was still a significant affair. For years, the Seven Great Immortal Sects had maintained an uneasy peace, with conflicts never openly escalating. This direct confrontation was unprecedented.
Some speculated that the event’s impact might be deeper than it appeared, as the Dao Seeking Sect had long been rumored to desire an alliance with Spirit Sword Mountain. Their joint assault on Heavenly Script Academy seemed to confirm underlying tensions.
Among all involved, the person who stood out the most was undoubtedly Ji You, a rogue cultivator from a remote region, who had attained perfection in the Lower Three Stages. Not only was he a dual cultivator of martial and Daoist arts, but he had also defeated Chu He, and nearly slain a cultivator at the Dao Fusion Stage.
“Brother Ji, it seems your fame has spread across Azure Clouds Dominion.”
“Ah, it’s nothing but an empty reputation,” Ji You replied modestly.
Bai Ru Long pointed to the second level of the immortal ship. “Look, a few female cultivators are gazing at you with dreamy eyes. You might gain a few more fiancées soon.”
Ji You glanced at Zhuo Wan Qiu, walking beside him, then patted Bai Ru Long on the shoulder. “Immortal Emperor Ru Long, let’s discuss this spring breeze expression in my room later.”
“Forget it,” Bai Ru Long laughed nervously. “I’m feeling a bit tired.”
Ji You’s smile turned sly. “No problem. I’ll come find you.”
Bai Ru Long clenched his teeth. “Why is it that I, Immortal Emperor Ru Long, must always endure such torment?”
“Because someone will get jealous if they overhear,” interjected Pei Ru Yi, stealing a glance at Yuan Cai Wei. Over the past few days, Ji You had not stayed with their group. From the Academy’s perspective, he must have been with his fiancée. After all, at the tea pavilion where they met, Ji You had eaten an abundance of aphrodisiacs during the banquet.
Though such behavior was unconventional before marriage, cultivators lived uninhibited lives.
Meanwhile, Yuan Cai Wei listened to the discussions and seemed lost in thought. She had once heard from Yan Shu Yi about Ji You’s restraint against a Dao Fusion Stage cultivator from Spirit Sword Mountain but didn’t know the details. She had assumed that Ji You, amidst chaotic combat, had seized an opening to attack such an expert, risking his life before showing mercy.
However, the murmurs and glances now told a different story.
“Brother, what happened during the ambush on Heavenly Script Academy?” Yuan Cai Wei asked Yuan Chen.
Yuan Chen turned to her. “Oh, that? Brother-in-law and I were heading into the mountains to rescue you when we came across the Academy being attacked. At that time, Fairy Wen and the others were gravely injured and on the brink of death. Brother-in-law drew his sword to save them.”
Yuan Cai Wei paused. “How did he draw his sword to save them?”
“Brother-in-law wielded seven swords at once. Three swords flew through the air, aiding Senior Brother Ban and another Mystic Enlightenment Stage cultivator in repelling one Dao Fusion Stage expert. The other three helped Fairy Wen defeat another Dao Fusion Stage expert,” Yuan Chen recounted, gesturing animatedly. “Finally, Brother-in-law personally fought a Dao Fusion Stage cultivator one-on-one, forcing them into retreat. For some reason, he chose to spare their life.”
Yuan Cai Wei’s eyes widened slightly before she asked, “And the rumor about him being a rogue cultivator?”
“Brother-in-law hails from Feng Prefecture. He had no formal qualifications to cultivate and trained in secret,” Yuan Chen explained.
“Isn’t secret cultivation punishable by death?”
At this point, Pei Ru Yi couldn’t resist chiming in. “It is, but a rogue cultivator who attains perfection in the Lower Three Stages before the age of twenty is different. Miss Yuan might not know this since you don’t cultivate, but any Immortal Sect would scramble to recruit someone of your brother’s caliber.”
Yuan Cai Wei opened her mouth, momentarily speechless. “So, he joined Heavenly Script Academy because of that?”
“No. He dismissed Heavenly Script Academy but was forced to join to save a young girl,” Pei Ru Yi replied.
As the words fell, not only did Yuan Cai Wei gasp in surprise, but even Yuan Chen’s jaw dropped. The disdain for the Heavenly Script Academy was something he had never heard before. His brother-in-law’s fervent gaze practically begged her to elaborate further.
However, Pei Ru Yi didn’t say much. Instead, she raised her head to glance at Ji You, who was now retreating to his room under Zhuo Wan Qiu’s scrutinizing gaze, his demeanor that of a paragon of virtue. She exhaled softly.
Back in Yuyang County, every time she sensed his disdain for the Heavenly Script Academy, she found it laughable. But now, she felt that her junior brother not only had the right to scorn the academy—he could probably look down on any Immortal Sect. She wasn’t sure if this acknowledgment stemmed from his immense cultivation talent, his actions along the journey, or the story he had shared.
At this moment, Yuan Chen turned to Yuan Cai Wei. “Elder Sister, do you now understand why I’ve insisted that you take him as your husband?”
Yuan Cai Wei’s gaze flickered. “This is far from certain. Don’t call him your brother-in-law just yet.”
Yuan Chen shot her a glance, his thoughts lamenting, [Ah, Elder Sister, I call him brother-in-law because you’re not the same as my elder sister. Look at the little Appraiser Master of Spirit Sword Mountain, her skill is impeccable! A single meal stretched over half an hour with three close touches! I even dropped my chopsticks once, and when I bent down to pick them up, I saw her foot stepping on brother-in-law’s boot.]
[But you? There’s no hope. An old maiden like you will only scare away a good man, leaving yourself to regret for a lifetime, clutching an alchemy furnace as you sigh over missed chances. There may be two strokes in this so-called marriage fate, but those belong to the Appraiser Master and brother-in-law. As for you and him, there might as well be an insurmountable ? character between you.]
Unaware of Yuan Chen’s lively inner musings, Ji You had already returned to his room. After unlocking the door, he procured pen, ink, and paper from a ship attendant. Sitting down, he began to write a letter:
“Respected Instructor Cao Jin Song, it has been many days since we… (crossed out)…
Respected Instructor Cao Jin Song, it has been many days since we last met. Are you well?
On our way to the Ruins of Qiling, my fellow senior brothers and sisters and I were ready to sacrifice ourselves in pursuit of the greatest Immortal fortune of the Azure Clouds Dominion for the honor of the Heavenly Script Academy.
However, we encountered the direct disciples of the Pill Sect, including Yuan Cai Wei, the daughter of their Sect Master, known by the Daoist title Dan Wei Zi, aged 23, with measurements of 95, 61… (crossed out and smudged).
Upon hearing that Yuan Cai Wei had been ambushed while escorting spirit pills on behalf of the Heavenly Script Academy, we took it upon ourselves to fulfill the academy’s duty and assist the Pill Sect. Note—these were the direct disciples of the Pill Sect, not just any ordinary members.
Through perilous trials, even brushing against death several times, we managed to rescue them. Yuan Chen is now spirited and energetic, while Yuan Cai Wei is… hopping around lively. Despite sustaining serious injuries during these events, I have recovered completely and bear no regrets.
However, the urgency of the situation prevented me from reporting promptly, and I feel quite uneasy about it. Thus, I write this missive.
Later, when we attempted to escort the siblings of the Pill Sect safely out of the ruins before venturing deeper into the Qiling Mountains for the academy’s cause, unforeseen lightning storms sealed off the path. My heart is heavy with regret for being unable to contribute further.”
Sealing the letter, Ji You entrusted it to Wen Zheng Xin to deliver back to the Heavenly Script Academy. As he stepped onto the deck, he encountered Yuan Chen.
“Have you sent a message to the Pill Sect?” Ji You asked.
Yuan Chen nodded. “My elder sister sent it before sleeping last night.”
“Then we should expect a response soon…” With his hands clasped behind his back, Ji You gazed at the stormy waves rushing past the Immortal ship, his eyes deep with thought.
The news of Ji You breaking through to the Mystic Enlightenment Stage—Mid Level hadn’t spread widely due to the monumental events in the mountains. Yet, those with special sources, like the Chu Clan, had caught wind of it. They reported that Ji You had achieved a breakthrough and was now returning aboard the Immortal ship.
That night, Instructor Ding Ang of the Chu Clan received the report. Early the next morning, he brought it before Steward Qin in the Office of Affairs.
“Ji You acted against academy rules, leaving the team without permission during the Qiling incident. He should be expelled from the academy.”
Steward Qin furrowed his brow. “Wouldn’t such a decision stir controversy?”
Instructor Ding Ang replied coldly, “Chu He is already at the Mystic Enlightenment Stage, and the academy’s inner circle regards him highly. There’s no need for unexpected variables. That wandering rogue cultivator never belonged here. Moreover, the evidence in the letters is clear. You’re simply following regulations—who could object?”
After a long pause, Steward Qin nodded. “If that’s the case, then so be it.”
At that moment, hurried footsteps approached from outside the Office of Affairs. A disciple entered and bowed. “Steward Qin, a message has arrived from the Pill Sect.”
Steward Qin glanced at Ding Ang. “Brother Ding, allow me to review this message before drafting the ruling.”
Instructor Ding Ang nodded. “Given the Pill Sect’s unparalleled control over top-tier spiritual medicines, it’s only natural to prioritize them.”
Turning to the disciple, Steward Qin asked, “What does the message say?”
“The elders of the Pill Sect have dispatched a team to arrive in two days, along with a gift of gratitude.”
“Why are they thanking the Heavenly Script Academy?”
“Apparently, Ji You, while preparing to risk his life for the academy’s honor, happened to save the Pill Sect’s direct disciple. Later, he also rescued their Sect Master’s daughter during his mission. The Sect Master has decided to express his gratitude personally.”
Stunned, Steward Qin and Ding Ang exchanged glances before rising in disbelief. “Where did you hear this?”
The disciple turned toward the outer courtyard. “Instructor Cao Jin Song is currently proclaiming it from the White Jade Terrace, and his chest is about to burst with pride.”