Chapter 82: Spirit Sword Mountain is Truly Something Else
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
When Ji You descended from the Office of Affairs, the siblings from the Pill Sect who had entered the academy with him had already been summoned by Hall Master Fei of the Inner Court. Meanwhile, Elder Dan Qiong Zi of the Pill Sect was waiting in his Hall of Purity, enjoying tea and biding his time.
Previously, on the path of guarding the pills, one Yuan Cai Wei had been lost. Now that Ji You had rescued two people, the relationship between the two sects naturally required proper acknowledgment. However, the so-called thanks were merely incidental; their true purpose was to discuss the blazing Karmic Flame within the ruins.
For ordinary cultivators, the underlying implications might be unclear, but the high-ranking figures wielding the authority of the immortal sects could perceive that the alchemy techniques of the Pill Sect had been used during the ascension of the demonic individual.
In the vast Azure Clouds Dominion, any matter involving cultivators was significant. And when it came to ascension, it was a matter of utmost gravity.
This was why the Pill Sect had dispatched a venerable elder personally. They intended, on one hand, to uncover the full details of the incident through Yuan Cai Wei, and on the other, to use the Heavenly Script Academy as a platform to declare their innocence to the other sects.
Among the Seven Great Immortal Sects, only the Pill Sect, which refrained from killing, had abstained from entering the ruins and thus suffered minimal losses. The other six sects, however, had all sustained injuries to their vitality. Inevitably, their fury required an outlet.
Rumors circulated that the Mountain and Sea Pavilion, having lost many people, had taken its anger out on the local families involved in the quest for immortality. Meanwhile, the Chen Clan of Immortals, whose headmaster had been gravely injured, had recently begun a stringent identity audit of its disciples. Those with questionable backgrounds were either expelled or subjected to incessant interrogations.
The Chen Clan’s rule, requiring disciples to adopt the family name upon entry, was originally intended to strengthen control. Ironically, it had dulled their vigilance, making it hard to distinguish true clan members from impostors. Consequently, distrust began to brew between the immortal sects and the aristocratic families.
From the sects’ perspective, the Zheng Clan might be an isolated case—or it might not. From the families’ viewpoint, the once-reliable sects of a prosperous era resembled ravenous wolves in times of turmoil.
Yet, after millennia of intermingling, these colossal entities were so intertwined that any disturbance would send ripples throughout the system, making separation nearly impossible.
Adding to the complexity was the ruin itself. Was Clan Ancestor Zheng’s use of Karmic Flame to refine cultivators for ascension merely a fragment of a larger scheme? Opinions among the sects varied widely.
Because the discussions involved secrets of multiple sects and families, someone like Ji You, an Outer Court Disciple, was naturally excluded, even though he was the protagonist who had saved both the Pill Sect’s Direct Disciple and the Sect Master’s Daughter.
At the moment, Ji You had followed Cao Jin Song to the teaching courtyard, accompanied by Pei Ru Yi, Ban Yang Shu, Wen Zheng Xin, Bai Ru Long, and the casually dressed Zhuo Wan Qiu.
Cao Jin Song prepared tea for the six of them and asked, “Did the disciples of Spirit Sword Mountain and Dao Seeking Sect attack you merely for spiritual stones?”
Unlike the powerful figures concerned with grand schemes, Cao Jin Song only cared about why his disciples had been wronged.
“In the Qiling Mountains, the suppressive killing qi was intense, preventing cultivators from replenishing spiritual energy through breathing techniques. Spiritual stones became crucial. It so happened that Senior Sister Pei had brought many spiritual stones,” Wen Zheng Xin explained.
Pei Ru Yi added, “I anticipated the risks before setting out and had informed Zheng Xin. That’s why I converted all my assets into spiritual stones.”
“I see…”
Cao Jin Song pondered for a moment, then suddenly slammed the table in agitation. “Spirit Sword Mountain is truly something else!”
Zhuo Wan Qiu immediately clenched her fists, ready to act, but Ji You gently stopped her.
Seeing this, Cao Jin Song raised an eyebrow. “Another fiancée brought back, Ji You?”
Ji You: “?”
Bai Ru Long was so moved he nearly wept, thinking, [Instructor Cao, you truly understand me, Bai Ru Long, the future Immortal Emperor Ru Long! But… I wonder if your money pouch is sturdy enough.]
Ji You’s thoughts aligned with Bai Ru Long’s for once: [Once my feelings of gratitude run dry, I must teach this old man what it means to understand a rogue’s heart.]
The others exchanged peculiar glances, silently noting that criticizing Spirit Sword Mountain in front of one of their disciples was bound to elicit such a reaction.
After some thought, Ban Yang Shu spoke. “Actually, this matter isn’t about conflicts between the three sects. It’s just small-time scoundrels stirring up trouble.”
Wen Zheng Xin nodded in agreement. “In the end, disciples from Spirit Sword Mountain did help us.”
Cao Jin Song waved dismissively. “What’s right or wrong isn’t for you to decide. This matter is far from settled.”
“What do you mean?”
“The issue with the ruins hasn’t been concluded yet. Investigations will continue, but once results are in, it will be time for the immortal sects to settle scores.”
Rolling up his wide sleeves to his wrists, Cao Jin Song continued, “Rumor has it that the mountain demon was Clan Ancestor Zheng, originally from the Chen Clan. The Chen Clan will be held accountable, and the Pill Sect won’t escape scrutiny. After that, it will be Spirit Sword Mountain’s turn.”
Pei Ru Yi looked up sharply. “Are you saying the Heavenly Script Academy will demand an explanation from Spirit Sword Mountain?”
“Exactly. Don’t forget the two words the Office of Affairs always emphasizes.”
“Sect Prestige.”
Cao Jin Song nodded slightly, then paused and remarked, “But Spirit Sword Mountain carries its own authority. This matter is more troublesome than dealing with the Zheng Clan. The Chen Clan’s accountability can be resolved privately, perhaps with some quiet concessions. But Spirit Sword Mountain’s authority is a matter of public perception and must yield a clear outcome. It could result in open opposition.”
Zhuo Wan Qiu couldn’t help but interject, “It may not be as severe as you think.”
“No, you might not understand. The young Mirror Master of Spirit Sword Mountain is no ordinary person.”
“Oh? How so?”
Cao Jin Song stroked his long beard. “Heavenly Sword Peak has deep foundations, but in recent years, Mystic Sword Peak has vaguely overshadowed it. Outwardly, this success is attributed to the Spirit Mirror, yet people overlook the intelligence and cunning of the young Mirror Master. That woman… is extraordinary.”
Ji You straightened instinctively, leaning forward as if captivated.
Cao Jin Song shot him a curious glance. “Hm, your chest… why is it so large?”
“Really? I don’t think it’s bigger than what you saw on the White Jade Terrace just now.”
The others had their own thoughts, each mind preoccupied with different concerns due to what they knew. Despite this, deep in their hearts, a single sentiment resonated: everyone had returned alive, and that was the best outcome. Matters like ascension, sacred artifacts, and powerful individuals like the young Mirror Master of Spirit Sword Mountain felt far removed from their reality.
Shortly after, Ban Yang Shu, Wen Zheng Xin, and Bai Ru Long bid farewell, intending to rest and recover. Zhuo Wan Qiu’s task was complete, so she planned to stay briefly at the city relay station before returning to Spirit Sword Mountain.
Once they had left, Cao Jin Song turned to Ji You and Pei Ru Yi. There were matters that needed to be addressed behind closed doors, with trusted people.
“What did you gain from the ruins?” he asked bluntly.
Pei Ru Yi hesitated momentarily before responding truthfully, “There were no fortunes in the ruins, only disaster. None of the disciples from the Immortal Sects and noble clans who entered survived.”
Cao Jin Song shifted his gaze to Ji You, who was sitting on a stone bench counting silver coins. He saw no need to echo Pei Ru Yi’s words since she already knew as much as he did about the ruins.
“No fortunes…” Cao Jin Song mused for a moment before concluding, “If that’s the case, let it be.”
Pei Ru Yi clasped her hands in a formal salute. “Instructor, I will take my leave. It has been many days since I last returned, and I need to air my bedding.”
“Go on.”
Cao Jin Song watched her leave, his thoughts swirling. This world indeed had its theories about physiques, such as the Chu Clan. It was said that one of their patriarchs, after death, had his body examined by the Immortal Sect, revealing that their bloodline carried the Seven Apertures Exquisite Physique. This physique naturally resonated with the Dao, explaining their clan’s enduring prosperity and growing strength.
However, most physiques provided no advantage in cultivation, so such research and conjecture had long been abandoned as meaningless. From that perspective, Pei Ru Yi’s physique seemed ordinary, her aptitude barely satisfactory. Yet now, upon seeing her again, Cao Jin Song noticed a change. This change wasn’t due to her cultivation level but rather the immortal essence radiating faintly from her aura.
The same essence lingered on Ban Yang Shu as well.
Cao Jin Song withdrew his gaze and turned back to Ji You. He knew his student was brilliant, though his talent often overshadowed his wisdom. While Pei Ru Yi might not grasp what had happened, Ji You, pretending to count his silver, surely had something to say once she left.
“Ji You, do you have something to say?” Cao Jin Song asked.
“Instructor, before we left, I mentioned that silver only matters to the living. Where’s the money I left with you?”
“?????”
Cao Jin Song stood abruptly. “Rebellious student, get out!”
Ji You handed him a banknote from the Office of Affairs, saying, “This is for you. Your meager monthly stipend must be long gone with your habit of giving to this and that.”
Cao Jin Song snatched the note. “At least you have some conscience.”
Ji You carefully folded the rest and tucked it into his pocket. Though this outing had been profitable, there were many expenses ahead. For example, his seven swords had sustained various damages during repeated battles and needed replacing. He also planned to visit the Celestial Splendor Pavilion to see what luxuries “paupers like him” were unworthy of possessing.
Cao Jin Song tucked the banknote into his sleeve. “The upper five realms are the Infinite Arts Stage, as I mentioned before. Once you enter the Inner Court, you’ll learn how to cultivate arts. The Heavenly Tome Pavilion holds the Three Thousand Paths of Dao—this is the foundation of the Heavenly Script Academy.”
“I get it. All the good stuff is in the Inner Court,” Ji You remarked.
“The assessment is still some time away. Though you’ve reached the mid-stage of the Technique Mastery Stage, you cannot afford to slack. The Chu Clan’s deep roots mean Chu He might have been privately taught some profound arts.”
Cao Jin Song had previously considered the academy’s assessments fair. But now, with a wandering rogue cultivator like Ji You stepping into the limelight and crossing paths with someone as prominent as Chu He, shadows of intrigue were beginning to stir. Ultimately, Ji You’s humble origins unsettled the noble clans.
“You and Chu He were born in the same era and are close in age. He might well become your lifelong nemesis.”
Ji You’s gaze sharpened like a tiger’s. “Him? No, he’s unworthy. The Headmaster is my destined nemesis.”
Cao Jin Song: “?”
Unbeknownst to Cao Jin Song, Ji You’s mind was already plotting how to transform the Heavenly Script Academy into his personal stronghold.