Chapter 81: Fierce Bandits Never Complain About Their Environment
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
As spring rain drizzled down, the disciples of the Heavenly Script Academy returned after their seasonal departure. The capital city of Shengjing was soaked, the rain washing over the streets, polishing the stones that had been smoothed by countless footsteps into mirror-like surfaces.
On Everpeace Street, in a certain tavern, several children of prominent noble families were seated. Their attire was resplendent, their table filled with a myriad of dishes, none of which had been touched. Presiding over the group was a woman dressed in an elegant Snow Silken Thousand Ripples Gown, her hair adorned with a phoenix hairpin. Her noble bearing identified her as Princess Zhao Yun Yue of the Prince Chong’s Mansion.
To her right sat Wei Rui, clad in a jade-colored embroidered skirt, her face luminous and delicate, framed by coiffed hair adorned with flowers. She was the granddaughter of Minister Wei Xiang. Beneath them sat several young men, sons of officials, including Dou Yuan Kong, the son of Minister Dou and the host of the gathering.
Each of them carried a degree of cultivation. Among them, Princess Zhao Yun Yue was the most advanced, having reached the pinnacle of the Lower Three Stages, though she was not a disciple of the Immortal Sect. By the founding decree of the Great Xia Dynasty, relatives of key court officials could cultivate but were forbidden from affiliating with any sects. Instead, their families often retained experts as guest cultivators, like the elder from Spirit Sword Mountain who resided in Prince Chong’s Mansion.
“We agreed to meet at this hour. Why hasn’t anyone arrived yet?” asked Princess Zhao Yun Yue, her tone slightly impatient.
“Please don’t worry, Princess. They might be delayed,” Dou Yuan Kong replied courteously.
“Remove the dishes for now and have them remade later. Our guests may find cold food unappealing,” suggested Zhao Yun Yue, gently rubbing her legs, which had gone slightly numb from sitting too long.
Today’s banquet was intended for disciples of the Heavenly Script Academy, including Lu Qing Qiu and Lou Si Yi. However, this was not a simple social gathering. It was organized under the orders of their families, targeting matters concerning spiritual ore and immortal saplings.
Recently, the Emperor had been appointing new officials and established the Immortal Overseer Office, which many thought would amount to nothing, as had happened with previous reforms. But unexpectedly, the new office promptly initiated tax and corruption investigations, arresting numerous officials. In the past, the Immortal Faction in court would not have been concerned, as Prince Chong famously stated, “Under the heavens, immortal authority reigns supreme.”
However, after the incidents at the Ancient Ruins, the major sects suffered significant losses. With many still searching the mountains, they had no resources to interfere in minor political matters. Meanwhile, the presence of the Divine General of the Northern Garrison in the capital had cowed the court, allowing the Emperor to replace many officials, including key positions related to the mining of spiritual ores and cultivation of immortal saplings. Such measures had greatly displeased the noble families and sect-aligned clans in the capital.
Thus, under the guise of a social gathering, these families aimed to coordinate and remove the appointed officials.
Shortly after the dishes were cleared, a maidservant from Lou Si Yi hurried in under an umbrella.
“Princess Zhao, Miss Wei, Young Master Dou, my lady regrets she cannot attend the banquet today. She hopes to reschedule another day,” the maid informed them.
Dou Yuan Kong rose in surprise. “Reschedule? Why the sudden change?”
The maid hesitated before replying, “My lady said someone has returned to the academy, and she must see them. Miss Sun shares the same reason and will also be absent.”
The group exchanged puzzled glances. Who could have returned to the academy, causing them to miss a prearranged banquet?
Soon after, a maidservant from Lu Qing Qiu arrived, delivering a similar message: Lu Qing Qiu would also not attend due to pressing matters at the academy.
Zhao Yun Yue bit her lip thoughtfully. “Lu Qing Qiu is a proud woman. Who could return and cause such a stir that even she has to join in?”
“Perhaps it’s the people who explored the ruins?” someone speculated.
Lu Qing Qiu’s maid interjected, “It is Ji You, Young Master Ji, who has returned to the academy. My lady once gifted him a sword.”
The mention of Ji You sparked recognition among the group. He was a self-taught cultivator who entered the academy and resonated with the Heavenly Tome, only to be sent to explore the ruins during his breakthrough attempt.
“What about Chu He?” someone asked.
“Chu He isn’t coming either.”
Although the Chu Clan was not deeply entwined with the court, their reputation ensured invitations to all major gatherings. Years ago, Prince Chong had hosted Chu He, and Zhao Yun Yue had seen him from afar, impressed by his charisma. Later, she learned of the events at the academy—how Ji You had resonated with the Heavenly Tome, deeply wounding Chu He’s pride. After a long seclusion, Chu He emerged stronger, advancing to the Initial Profound Comprehension Stage ahead of Ji You.
Zhao Yun Yue found it odd that Chu He would join the commotion surrounding Ji You’s return.
“Sister Yun Yue, since no one is attending, shall we call it off?” Wei Rui suggested softly, her voice gentle as a nightingale.
After a moment’s thought, Zhao Yun Yue declared, “I have nothing better to do today, so I’m curious about this Ji You. Let’s visit the academy.”
Reluctant to refuse, Wei Rui accompanied Zhao Yun Yue to the academy by carriage.
The rain had ceased by the time they arrived, and the academy’s gates were crowded with onlookers, including sect-affiliated envoys stationed in the capital. Disciples of the academy were scattered along the mountain gate, the Divine Path, and its surroundings. Among them, Chu He and Lu Qing Qiu stood at a high vantage point. Chu He looked somber, while Lu Qing Qiu wore a complicated expression. Behind them were several disciples of the Pill Sect, clad in red-and-yellow robes embroidered with a three-legged cauldron, eagerly awaiting someone.
“It seems this is more than just Ji You’s return,” Zhao Yun Yue murmured, her curiosity piqued.
Meanwhile, Wei Rui, finding the scene dull, let her gaze wander. She noticed a scholar standing under a distant willow tree, where the ground was waterlogged. He had placed two bricks to stand on, watching the academy intently. Sensing her gaze, the scholar turned and, seeing Wei Rui, hesitated before bowing respectfully.
Wei Rui couldn’t help but smile. She curtsied slightly in return before walking over.
“Why have you come here, sir? Are you also intrigued by cultivators?” she asked.
The scholar replied, “A friend of mine returns today. I wanted to see for myself that he is safe.”
“I see,” Wei Rui said. “And you?” the scholar asked in return.
“Oh… I was brought here to join the excitement,” she answered with a hint of shyness.
Kuang Cheng nodded with a gentle smile, unsure of what to say. He had no idea who this young lady was, but the recent outbreak of malignant beings had driven many refugees to gather outside the city. These refugees, fearful of the Immortal Sect territories, had no choice but to seek safety in Shengjing.
Kuang Cheng had spent the past few days addressing the plight of these refugees, accompanying the Immortal Overseer Office to maintain order outside the city. He had seen this young woman distributing congee and had helped her a few times, though they had spoken only briefly.
Wei Rui looked at him now, her face faintly flushed. In a soft voice, she asked, “Young Master, are you going outside the city today?”
“After I finish here, yes,” Kuang Cheng replied.
“I am as well,” she responded.
Hearing her answer, Kuang Cheng dared not meet her gaze, though he longed to ask her name.
Just then, Dou Yuan Kong approached, walking up to Wei Rui. “Why are you here?” he asked.
Wei Rui glanced at him. “I came to meet a friend.”
“This is your friend?” Dou Yuan Kong inquired, turning his eyes to Kuang Cheng.
“We met while distributing congee outside the city,” Wei Rui explained.
Dou Yuan Kong cast a scrutinizing glance at Kuang Cheng before addressing Wei Rui again. “Are you going out to distribute congee today?”
Wei Rui nodded. “I am.”
“I’ll arrange for someone to accompany you. The refugees, when hungry, can turn unruly. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”
Kuang Cheng, sensing the disparity between them, turned his head away and remained silent. The noblewomen of Shengjing were all from influential families, and judging by her attire and company, Wei Rui was no exception. As a humble scholar in a minor role within the Immortal Overseer Office, Kuang Cheng knew it was difficult to form connections with such people.
As he mulled over these thoughts, a commotion arose near the gates of the Heavenly Script Academy, drawing his attention. Four carriages rolled slowly to a stop before the divine path leading to the academy’s mountain gate. The academy’s group, having traveled by boat from Fengxing Crossing to a relay station outside the city, had finally returned to Shengjing after a journey spanning a day and a night.
[The fierce bandits have returned,] Ji You thought, suppressing a wry smile. He scanned his surroundings and nearly faltered under the weight of so many gazes. It seemed news of his recent realm-breaking had already spread.
The murmurs of the crowd grew louder.
“What’s going on? Why does everyone look so stunned?”
“That’s Ji You…he’s reached Profound Comprehension.”
While the unique Qi Perception Method of the Pill Dao could distinguish specific cultivation levels, most lower-level cultivators could only discern broad stages. However, Chu He, already at the initial stage of Profound Comprehension, could clearly sense Ji You’s current level. His face darkened as he turned and left in a huff. Previously skeptical of the news sent from his family, Chu He now had no choice but to believe it.
Lu Qing Qiu, having heard vague rumors of Ji You’s breakthrough, couldn’t understand Chu He’s intense reaction. “What’s wrong with him?” she asked.
Instructor Ma took a deep breath and replied, “Ji You has reached the middle stage of Profound Comprehension.”
“The middle stage?” Lu Qing Qiu’s eyes widened in astonishment.
Cao Jin Song, meanwhile, stood apart from the others on the White Jade Terrace of Ascension, his imposing figure facing the mountain gate. When Ji You stepped through the gate, Cao Jin Song’s eyes instantly reddened. On the boat, Cao Jin Song had written to Ji You, confessing to sleepless nights of worry—though Ji You now wondered how those sleepless nights had seemingly added weight to Cao Jin Song’s frame.
“You’re back. That’s all that matters,” Cao Jin Song said, stepping forward and clapping Ji You on the shoulder. Words momentarily failed him as emotions welled up.
Ji You returned the gesture, patting Cao Jin Song’s shoulder. Ever since arriving in the Azure Clouds Dominion, Ji You had struggled to form close bonds. Old Qiu counted as one, as did Kuang Cheng. Now, Cao Jin Song could be added to that list. Initially, Ji You had thought Cao Jin Song merely admired his talent. But when Cao Jin Song later allowed him to leave freely, their bond deepened. [In the future, I’ll compete less with him and focus more on Instructor Wang.]
At this moment, however, Cao Jin Song’s eyes showed surprise. Following his gaze, Ji You saw Pei Ru Yi walking up the divine path. Though her appearance had not changed significantly, her aura was markedly different.
“Ru Yi, did you also have a breakthrough?” Cao Jin Song asked, his voice tinged with astonishment.
Pei Ru Yi nodded lightly, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “I sensed an opportunity while on the boat and managed to break through.”
The previous night, while dining aboard the ship, Pei Ru Yi had declined a summons from Wen Zheng Xin, choosing instead to meditate in her room. That decision led her to break through a bottleneck she had struggled with for years.
Hearing her explanation, Cao Jin Song opened his mouth but found himself at a loss. Eventually, his face filled with pride. Feng Prefecture, a region known for its remoteness and scarcity of talent, now boasted two exceptional individuals: one at Dao Fusion and another at Profound Comprehension.
Taking a deep breath, Cao Jin Song turned to Ji You, intending to deliver a bold proclamation. But he paused, realizing Ji You was heading straight for the Office of Affairs, wielding one sword while six others floated behind him.
“Ji You, where are you going?” Cao Jin Song called out.
“To get my hundred taels of silver,” Ji You replied.
“Why are you carrying swords?”
“I wore out my blades shedding blood for the academy. I’m going to ask for compensation.”
Cao Jin Song hurried after him, advising, “The Office of Affairs has rules. You’ll need to leave your swords at the entrance.”
Within the office, Steward Qin overheard the commotion and soon saw Ji You entering, sword in hand. Qin’s eyes narrowed as he sensed the sharp intent emanating from Ji You’s blades—an intent seemingly aimed at the authority of the office itself.
Since the academy’s founding during the rise of the human race, no disciple had ever openly challenged the office, let alone an Outer Court Disciple like Ji You.
Steward Qin’s forehead creased as veins bulged, but in the end, he pretended not to notice. Not only did he hand over the hundred taels, but he also compensated Ji You for a new sword.
With the Pill Sect siblings currently residing at the academy, even Steward Qin could not act rashly against Ji You.
“You’ve grown bolder after this trip, haven’t you?” Steward Qin remarked.
“The Office of Affairs preys on the weak,” Ji You retorted. “And I’m no pushover. With the Pill Sect here, why not seize the chance?”
“The academy has rules,” Steward Qin said sternly.
“True bandits don’t complain about their environment,” Ji You replied with a smirk.
Unbeknownst to them, high above the clouds of Mount Ni, two figures watched the scene unfold. One, a sloppily dressed elder, eyed Cao Jin Song and thought, [That old rascal acts more like a headmaster than I do.]
“This boy has spirit,” the elder remarked. “I like his audacity. Perhaps I should replace the Direct Disciple of the Hall of Tranquility with him.”
You Ying Qiu glanced at the Headmaster, seeking a reaction. The headmaster chuckled softly and waved a hand.
“I once altered the course of fate for another,” he said, “only to learn a bloody lesson.”
[Azure Clouds Dominion has a saying: ‘Fortune and misfortune are intertwined.’ To shield someone from calamity is to rob them of their blessings.]
“My disciple’s faith in him stems from the Heavenly Tome itself, not from any superficial merit,” the headmaster continued. “Interfering would only bring great disaster.”