Chapter 90: Shattering the Dao Heart Through Battle
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
When Dou Yuan Kong concluded with his self-deprecating remark, he was met with a barrage of disdainful gazes. Only Yuan Cai Wei’s expression, filled with regret and unwillingness, revealed a nuance that perhaps only another woman could comprehend.
At this moment, Lu Qing Qiu’s emotions were complicated. Previously, she had used the Pill Sect and the Lu Clan as a comparison, but deep down, she understood that the Lu Clan of Yunzhou could not stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Pill Sect, not even in another thousand or ten thousand years.
As a result, she, the Miss Lu of Yunzhou, was naturally no match for the Eldest Daughter of the Pill Sect. When she was ambushed on the street that one time, she had harbored thoughts of Ji You. After all, the heart of a young maiden often longed for a white-robed sword immortal who might descend from the heavens.
Just like that night when she was on the brink of death—he had reached out and pulled her away, then unleashed surging sword qi upon the enemies. Within just a few strikes, the assailants were defeated, and his robes remained unblemished.
However, considering Ji You’s background, Lu Qing Qiu had to abandon her fantasies, no matter how fervent. Back then, it never crossed her mind that Ji You might reject her outright. In her eyes, someone like him, born in a remote region, would surely leap at the chance to win the favor of the Lu Clan of Yunzhou.
Yet Ji You’s words in defense of Yuan Cai Wei earlier pierced deeply into her heart. If he could reject the Eldest Daughter of the Pill Sect and politely distance himself from her, what did she, a mere noblewoman, count for?
“Young Master Ji’s conduct is truly unconventional. To even turn away the Eldest Daughter of the Pill Sect… I wonder if he is employing a tactic of feigned indifference?”
“I think he’s being sincere.”
“Huh?”
“Qing Qiu, have you forgotten about the ethereal woman who came looking for him at the Field of Enlightenment?”
Lu Qing Qiu finally recalled the enigmatic and noble figure she had seen that day—her presence otherworldly, as if untouched by the mortal realm.
The murmuring wasn’t confined to their table. Wei Rui, seated at the same table as Ji You, couldn’t help but chime in. She had been sitting with Yuan Cai Wei and had a clearer view of everything that had unfolded.
“Young Master Ji seems quite popular. Even Miss Lu from the other table was staring at him for a long time.”
Hearing Wei Rui’s soft tone, Kuang Cheng responded with a self-righteous expression, “He even brought someone with him before. I criticized him thoroughly, for Kuang Cheng will never stoop to such frivolous behavior.”
“Huh?”
Ji You looked up at him, thinking, [How can a righteous gentleman like me be painted as a scoundrel by all of you?]
Then he noticed Wei Rui glancing at Kuang Cheng, her cheeks turning faintly pink before she quickly lowered her gaze.
[Scholar boy, you sure know how to flirt. Who could compete with you?]
Ji You pursed his lips, stabbing his chopsticks into a piece of roasted pheasant. Only Miss Yuan here truly understood his intentions, sparing a thought for her reputation. She alone recognized him as the modest gentleman he was.
In truth, Yuan Cai Wei misunderstood. Her thoughts were entirely elsewhere. She regretted saying, on their first meeting, that he did not meet her criteria for a husband.
After the Grain Rain Festival, the weather swiftly turned clear, and the earth began to warm. The malignant beings that had emerged from the ancient ruins lost their vitality after the aura of malice dissipated following Clan Ancestor Zheng’s ascension. The Immortal Overseer Office was now discussing plans to relocate the refugees surrounding the Capital City back to their hometowns. Their illnesses cured, they could not remain camped outside the city indefinitely.
Meanwhile, after their banquet at the Grand Cauldron Tower, the Pill Sect siblings departed with Elder Dan Qiong Zi early the next morning, returning to the Pill Sect. Before leaving, Yuan Cai Wei paid Ji You a private visit at his small courtyard to personally bid him farewell.
Yuan Chen, for reasons unknown, did not follow, leaving Ji You and Yuan Cai Wei alone in the courtyard for quite some time.
When it came time to part ways, Yuan Cai Wei gifted him a fragrant handkerchief, leaving Ji You momentarily dazed. Back in Ningcheng County, he had clearly agreed with Yuan Cai Wei that they were even, debts settled.
[And now, she’s acting like she’s really interested in me?]
Later, Yuan Cai Wei led Yuan Chen into the inner courtyard to bid farewell to He Ling Xiu and You Bu Yu. There were no further opportunities for private conversation between them. Yet, this same series of events was perceived quite differently by those in the inner and outer courts, sparking a flurry of speculation and intriguing discussions.
“Many people in both the inner and outer courts think you’re quite conspicuous right now,” Ban Yang Shu said, visiting Ji You’s courtyard to bring him news.
“?” Ji You responded with a puzzled look.
Ban Yang Shu elaborated, “Chu He is eyeing a spot in the inner court. Naturally, those connected to Clan Chu aren’t pleased with you. Meanwhile, Yuan Cai Wei’s interactions with You Bu Yu symbolize growing goodwill between the Pill Sect and the Heavenly Script Academy. Yet your presence makes many people lose face, especially You Bu Yu.”
Since returning from the ruins, Ban Yang Shu had been stabilizing his cultivation. Now that he was visiting Ji You, he shared the latest updates. Previously, Ji You had been compared to Chu He. Now, his notoriety had reached the level of direct disciples in the inner court.
The tangled relationships among the influential families, with their intricate webs of alliances, had made Ji You a target of disdain in both the inner and outer courts. Ban Yang Shu continued, “It’s said that after the Pill Sect siblings left, You Bu Yu casually remarked to his friends that if disreputable individuals were allowed into the inner court, it would tarnish the academy’s reputation.”
Although no names were mentioned, it was blatantly obvious who You Bu Yu was referring to. Fortunately, as a direct disciple of the Hall Master, he wouldn’t openly act against an outer court disciple. However, covert actions were an entirely different matter.
“Many senior outer court disciples, nearing their five-year term limit, are preparing to leave the academy. Some have reached the Mystic Enlightenment Stage. Considering their need to secure future opportunities, some might choose to curry favor with You Bu Yu by targeting you, seeking to shatter your Dao Heart.”
Ban Yang Shu’s concerns stemmed from personal experience. He had been stuck at the Dao Fusion Stage for nearly five years and had already prepared for life after leaving the academy. This was why he had once allied himself with Chu He and Lu Qing Qiu. However, after successfully breaking through following the ruin expedition, those concerns no longer troubled him.
Yet, every year, numerous disciples faced the prospect of leaving the academy. Making a favorable impression on someone like You Bu Yu before departing seemed like a logical choice. Reflecting on this, Ban Yang Shu sighed, “You’re a rare case, Junior Brother Ji, drawing such animosity from the inner court before even setting foot in it.”
Ji You’s expression grew thoughtful. “Do disciples of the Heavenly Script Academy engage in private duels?”
“In the same realm of cultivation, one can issue a challenge under the guise of sparring,” Ban Yang Shu explained. “However, such occurrences have been rare because most focus on cultivation. Many also fear losing face in defeat. But with term limits approaching, grudges will naturally resurface. People will settle their scores.”
“And do you think, Senior Brother, that anyone in the same realm could best me?” Ji You asked.
“One or two individuals might not be an issue, but what about ten or more? If they challenge you in succession, it will inevitably wear you down and disrupt your Dao Heart. Even if it doesn’t break, the irritation alone could drive you mad. So, for now, I suggest you avoid going out,” Ban Yang Shu advised earnestly.
After contemplating for a moment, Ji You raised his teacup. “It seems the ancients were right.”
Ban Yang Shu tilted his head. “What ancient wisdom?”
“A beauty is a curse,” Ji You quipped, a faint smirk on his lips.
Ban Yang Shu pondered briefly before nodding. “Though it may seem impolite, it’s indeed true. That Miss Cai Wei has been interacting with You Bu Yu under the elders’ guidance for a long time now. It wouldn’t be proper for her to develop feelings for another junior brother. Calling her a ‘Beauty Who Brings Ruin’ isn’t entirely wrong.”
The recent rumors swirling in the courtyard had reached his ears. He understood that the engagement misunderstanding was just that, a misunderstanding. Still, he felt the whole situation was quite unfair to Junior Brother Ji.
Ban Yang Shu thought for a while longer. “Unless one ascends to immortality, cultivators cannot escape the grip of emotions and desires. Beauty, wealth, and power will always stir envy and resentment.”
Ji You, hearing this, glanced at him. “I’ve been labeled the ‘Beauty Who Brings Ruin.’”
“?”
Ji You’s expression remained calm. “It seems a battle between Spirit Sword Mountain and the Pill Sect is inevitable. Perhaps it cannot be avoided.”
Ban Yang Shu, watching Ji You’s unbothered demeanor, couldn’t help but think, [What does this have to do with Spirit Sword Mountain?]
Fate has its peculiar ways. The two of them had just been sharing tea in the courtyard one peaceful morning when a figure arrived outside. The visitor held a challenge slip, infused with spiritual energy, and flung it into the yard.
Paper can sometimes be sharper than swords, especially when driven by spiritual energy. If not for Ji You’s powerful spiritual consciousness blocking the incoming slip with a wave of his hand, it might have sliced off his hair crown.
“It seems Senior Brother’s prediction was correct. Someone indeed wants to beat me up,” Ji You remarked.
“Sun Bin?” Ban Yang Shu’s brows furrowed in thought. “That name rings a bell. Thirty-something years old, he stagnated at the mid-stage of Profound Comprehension five years ago and hasn’t advanced since. He’s set to leave the outer court this year.”
Ji You turned to Ban Yang Shu. “Can I refuse?”
Ban Yang Shu paused. “Naturally, you can. However, in the past, most disciples accepted such challenges to save face.”
Ji You waved his hand dismissively, throwing the challenge slip back over the wall.
He didn’t even know this Sun Bin. The man was just an aging uncle about to leave the academy; there was no need to pay him any attention.
Just then, a golden light shot forth from the summit of Mount Ni, piercing through the layers of clouds and shimmering across the sky before scattering in all directions. Ji You looked up, his gaze following the fading radiance against the clear sky.
This was a grand technique, likely wielded by one of the Hall Masters, signaling an announcement about the ruins.
[The ruins claimed so many lives. Now, the reckoning begins, but such matters have little to do with a small fry like me.]
Meanwhile, in the inner court’s Auspicious Hall, deep within the Purple Bamboo Zen Forest, You Bu Yu, a direct disciple of the Hall Master, was meditating, exchanging spiritual energy with the heavens and seeking enlightenment. When a voice interrupted him, he opened his eyes reluctantly.
“Senior Brother You, the outer court disciple Sun Bin has just challenged Ji You.”
The messenger was Wang Yue, another disciple. “Did he accept?” You Bu Yu inquired.
“He did not. Ji You threw the challenge slip back over the wall,” Wang Yue replied.
You Bu Yu frowned slightly. “Sun Bin is foolish. Privately delivering a challenge slip makes it too easy to be declined. Were it me, I’d make the matter public, stir up a spectacle. Ji You, concerned for his reputation, would have no choice but to respond.”
Wang Yue nodded, seemingly enlightened, and left with a chuckle. You Bu Yu resumed his meditation but couldn’t help glancing at the roiling sea of clouds above Mount Ni.
Yesterday, his aunt, the Hall Master, had summoned him for a private conversation. She inquired about his relationship with Yuan Cai Wei and expressed concern over his recent laxity in cultivation, instructing him to enter seclusion once Yuan Cai Wei departed.
At the time, he assumed his aunt’s worry was about maintaining the alliance between the Heavenly Script Academy and the Pill Sect. He had no idea her concerns ran deeper. She couldn’t quite discern Ji You’s identity, but she recognized his extraordinary nature. She had considered recruiting him into Auspicious Hall but refrained due to a sacred decree from her master:
[People cannot outthink the Heavenly Dao. The more they ponder, the more likely they err.]
The Hall Master chose caution, unwilling to provoke enmity between her nephew and Ji You. Yet, as Ban Yang Shu pointed out, a cultivator’s emotions and desires are inescapable before ascension. For a man, watching a woman he likes favor another less accomplished man is an unbearable sting.
At the outer court’s Azure Lakeside, drums and gongs suddenly roared to life. Another challenge slip arrived at Ji You’s door, drawing a crowd of onlookers.
“What’s happening? Why all the noise outside?”
“Senior Brother Sun Bin from the outer court is challenging Ji You to a duel.”
“Why are they enemies?”
“Perhaps Ji You’s recent high profile has stirred some resentment.”
“It’s been so long since the outer court had such excitement. When’s the duel?”
“He didn’t accept. The slip was thrown out again.”
Sun Bin’s repeated challenges were met with silence, yet they only spurred more challengers to step forward. All were mid-stage Profound Comprehension cultivators, most of them middle-aged or older, lingering in the academy after giving up on advancing further.
Ban Yang Shu joked, “This is the depth of the outer court’s heritage.” But beneath the humor lay a growing concern. Ji You’s continued refusals weren’t a sustainable solution. If these challengers kept up their raucous visits daily, they could disrupt Ji You’s peace and enlightenment. It was a cunningly sinister tactic. Should Ji You lose patience and retaliate, he would have to face endless opponents in succession. Eventually, he’d fall, shattering his Dao Heart.
“Has he accepted?” Wang Yue asked.
“No, Senior Brother Wang Yue, he hasn’t,” the disciple replied.
“Doesn’t he care about his reputation?”
“I hear Ji You values silver more than pride,” someone chimed in.
“?”
Ji You’s impoverished state was common knowledge. Even Min Cheng of the Dao Seeking Sect had lured him with silver. Such things were no secret.
By the time the eleventh challenge slip arrived, a new message spread: Inner Court Senior Brother Wang Yue had offered a thousand taels of silver to entice Ji You to accept the challenges.
The commotion grew louder. Bai Ru Long, Pei Ru Yi, Wen Zheng Xin, Qian Yun Xiao, Lou Si Yi, and others gathered at Ji You’s courtyard, initially worried he might act rashly. Yet seeing him calmly sipping tea despite the chaos outside, their concerns eased.
But when the reward offer reached Elegant Garden, their faces paled.
“This is bad. They found his weak spot,” someone muttered.
Sure enough, Ji the Bandit smirked upon hearing the news and stood, his eyes gleaming with sword intent.
“They’ve hit my soft spot.”
“You’re really going to accept?”
“I’ll earn some silver and return,” Ji You replied.
“There are too many challengers. Even if you’re undefeated in your realm, you’ll eventually lose in a war of attrition. It’s not worth it. Just endure until they leave the academy.”
“Ignoring silver before me goes against my way of the bandit. I have a more profitable plan.”
Ji You pushed open the courtyard gate and scanned the crowd. His gaze landed on a burly, bearded middle-aged man at the forefront.