Chapter 91: Spending Money to Make You Draw Your Sword
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
Sun Bin claimed to be in his thirties, but in truth, he was nearing forty, making him one of the oldest disciples in the Outer Court. He was one of those cultivators whose mediocre talent forced him to rely on lifespan and pills to barely reach the Upper Five Realms. Now, breaking through further was a hopeless dream, and leaving the Heavenly Script Academy was inevitable.
For him, causing a commotion before his departure seemed laughable on the surface, but in reality, it was a highly calculated move. Though his cultivation had reached a dead end, his family’s honor needed to continue. His actions would not only earn the satisfaction of the You family, which included You Bu Yu, but also curry favor with the Chu family. This was the fate of a Wandering Rogue Cultivator among the scions of prestigious clans.
As Sun Bin mulled this over, he stroked his beard and chuckled lightly. Over the past six months, the Outer Court had been rife with tales of Ji You’s strength, but seeing him now—with his fair, unblemished face—Sun Bin couldn’t help but find the sight amusing.
In a duel, the rule was to stop short of lethal blows, so Sun Bin had little to fear. His derisive smile was meant to provoke Ji You’s anger, for there were many more challengers waiting in line.
“Where shall we fight?” Ji You asked.
“The White Jade Terrace, of course,” Sun Bin replied.
Ji You glanced around. “Who offered the reward? Pay up first. If I don’t see the money, I won’t fight.”
Wang Yue, who had arrived early to observe, stepped forward from the crowd. In his hands was a stack of silver notes, which he threw into Ji You’s arms.
Ji You stared at the notes, suppressing a smirk. [Hilarious. With this much money, I could easily concede. But instead, I’ll go fight.]
With that, he walked towards the White Jade Terrace, surrounded by a throng of onlookers.
Among them were Ban Yang Shu and others who understood they couldn’t dissuade him. Money was an irresistible temptation for their junior brother—something proven countless times.
There was even a story from Ningcheng County where disciples of the Dao Seeking Sect had tried to lure Ji You into an ambush in a desolate area by scattering silver coins along the way…
As the hour of You (early evening) arrived, the sun dipped toward the horizon, yet the skies remained clear and windless. News of the duel spread quickly, drawing every disciple of Ji You’s generation to gather at the White Jade Terrace of Ascension.
Ji You walked through the sea of hostile gazes, his demeanor calm and unruffled.
Miss Lu of Yunzhou, Lu Qing Qiu, hurried to the scene and stopped at the steps leading up to the terrace. Unable to restrain herself, she called out, “Young Master Ji, there are eleven opponents. No matter how strong you are, you’ll be exhausted by the end. This is unwise.”
“I know,” Ji You replied. “But they’re paying.”
“You’re truly obsessed with money. I can’t help but wonder—if your enemies wanted to kill you, could they simply throw coins at you to lead you to your death?”
Ji You paused and stared at Lu Qing Qiu. [How does she know about that?]
His gaze, always intense, made her cheeks turn faintly pink.
Nearby, Fang Ruo Yao observed Lu Qing Qiu’s bashful expression, her own feelings in turmoil. She, too, had heard the rumors—of Ji You’s rivalry with a senior from the Inner Court, which had led to this spectacle. Whether it was women seeking out Ji You, the eldest daughter of the Pill Sect, or Lu Qing Qiu’s current reaction, they all placed Fang Ruo Yao in a terribly awkward position.
Since entering the academy, she had declared herself Ji You’s fiancée, a title that had once been dismissed as a joke. Though recent events made many doubt the claim, every time Ji You became entangled with another woman, the judgmental stares inevitably landed on her.
The greatest challenge, however, was that Ji You had grown ever more dazzling, while the women drawn to him became increasingly formidable. Lu Qing Qiu’s status as a noble daughter of the Lu Clan of Yunzhou was already far beyond Fang Ruo Yao’s reach. The eldest daughter of the Pill Sect was an even more unattainable figure.
[He has to lose…] Fang Ruo Yao bit her lip and silently prayed.
She knew Ji You’s strength was unparalleled, but with ten challengers still to come, he was bound to falter. If he lost, perhaps his brilliance would dim, and he wouldn’t shine so blindingly.
[Am I not your fiancée?]
Her father had written earlier that month, mentioning how news of Ji You’s Heavenly Tome Resonance had reached Yuyang County. He urged her to mend her relationship with Ji You and strive to become his Dao companion, ensuring the continuation of their lineage.
But to Fang Ruo Yao, Ji You’s radiance was now so overwhelming that she hesitated to approach him. All she could do was hope for his light to fade just a little…
“Thank you for your concern, Miss Lu. I know my limits. Also, your new outfit suits you,” Ji You remarked before stepping onto the terrace.
“New outfit?” Lu Qing Qiu glanced down at her Soft Smoky Gauze Dress, puzzled. [This is an old skirt I’ve worn before. How could it be new?]
Suddenly, her cheeks flushed deeper as she tightly covered her chest. The only new garment she had donned that day was a bellyband she’d changed into at noon…
The gauzy fabric of her dress had tiny gaps. With Ji You’s formidable Spiritual Sense, he could perceive everything in detail.
Lu Qing Qiu suddenly recalled the times she cultivated at the Field of Enlightenment, noticing Ji You’s radiant eyes lingering on her during breaks. At this moment, Sun Bin had already stepped onto the White Jade Terrace ahead of Ji You, observing him ascend.
Although Sun Bin was middle-aged, his cultivation realm was exceptionally stable. His long sword hummed, and his spiritual qi roared around him. However, confusion flickered across his face. Ji You, renowned for his swordsmanship despite his dual cultivation in Martial Dao and Immortal Arts, stood unarmed.
“No weapon? Or do you already know you’ll lose and have given up?” Sun Bin sneered.
Standing still on the terrace, Ji You glanced at Sun Bin before addressing the crowd below. “My sword broke during the exploration of the Ancient Ruins, and I haven’t had the chance to reforge it. Does anyone have a sword I can borrow?”
At his words, Lu Qing Qiu handed out her sword without hesitation, much like that night. Following her, Lou Si Yi, Sun Qiao Zhi, Ban Yang Shu, Wen Zheng Xin, Pei Ru Yi, and others extended their blades as well. Some offered theirs out of goodwill; others sought to make the event more lively.
Witnessing this, Sun Bin grew solemn. The rumors of Ji You’s ability to control multiple swords simultaneously were widely known. Many in the Outer Court had even begun imitating this method. Nevertheless, Sun Bin had prepared. Taking out a vial of pills, he swallowed them, and his body emanated a protective Celestial Aura. Normally invisible, his spiritual qi now condensed into a visible form around him.
“Ji You’s multi-sword technique is disruptive but lacks raw power,” someone whispered. “Only in ambushes does it surprise opponents. With Sun Bin’s precautions and his aura protection from the pills, Ji You’s tactics may not work.”
“Is that so?”
“Look closely. Sun Bin has clearly fortified himself. This fight won’t be easy for Ji You.”
“Ji You’s fame works against him now. Everyone anticipates his sword control. It’s his greatest weakness.”
Amid the murmurs, Ji You remained motionless, eyes shut, beginning to draw in spiritual qi. For most cultivators, spiritual qi naturally circulated within, keeping them at full capacity. But for this battle, Ji You’s reserves wouldn’t suffice.
Near the White Jade Terrace, the Azure Lake and Field of Enlightenment were said to channel spiritual energy into the area, enhancing cultivation. Ji You, whose Spiritual Essence had been shattered, had adapted his entire body into a vessel for spiritual energy. Yet, he had never fully unleashed his potential, wary of its ramifications. Today, he opened all his spiritual apertures, flooding his body with spiritual qi to its utmost limit.
As Ji You’s breathing deepened, the ambient spiritual qi stirred, converging toward the terrace. A hum resonated as Lu Qing Qiu’s sword flew into the air. Then came Ban Yang Shu’s, Pei Ru Yi’s, Wen Zheng Xin’s, and so on. One sword, two, three… Over twenty swords hovered mid-air within half a cup of tea’s time, radiating spiritual energy.
“Isn’t Ji You only capable of controlling seven swords at most?” someone wondered.
“Who said that?” Ban Yang Shu turned to see Instructor Wang from the Sword Testing Forest smirking. “Ji You himself.”
Instructor Wang continued, “That limit applies only when he uses different techniques for each sword. The real constraint lies in mental exhaustion. Ji You has spent countless days honing his spiritual consciousness, his golden pupils proof of this effort to surpass his limits.”
Wen Zheng Xin’s eyes widened. “Did he succeed?”
Instructor Wang shook his head. “The limits of spiritual consciousness are bound to the physical form. Without transcending the flesh, breakthroughs are impossible. Ji You sought my advice on overcoming this, but even I had no answer.”
“Then why is he controlling so many swords now?”
“Because his opponent is just one man. Every sword can employ the same technique, relying solely on spiritual qi, not mental strength.”
Realization dawned on the disciples. Ji You had always fought in chaotic skirmishes—ambushes in the streets, sieges in the Ancient Ruins. He had never faced a lone opponent in a direct duel. For the first time, his focus could center entirely on a single adversary.
As more swords joined the gathering, Instructor Wang frowned deeply. He had once dismissed the concept of multi-sword combat as impractical, constrained by the capacity and flow of spiritual essence. Yet, Ji You’s spiritual qi defied the boundaries of his cultivation level. What he didn’t know was that Ji You, having lost his Spiritual Essence, was operating as his own essence vessel.
The swords trembled as if resonating with Ji You’s boundless energy. Instructor Wang turned to Ban Yang Shu and the others, his voice hoarse and grim. “Pay attention. His swords are coming. Looks like my workload will increase.”
Despite his exasperation, he muttered to himself, “This? I can’t teach.”
Instructor Wang murmured softly, and suddenly, the White Jade Terrace of Ascension erupted with a symphony of sword cries that reverberated across the eight directions.
Ji You’s eyes snapped open, his pupils gleaming like molten gold. In the next instant, an overwhelming surge of spiritual qi burst forth, enveloping him and stirring up fierce winds that sent robes and garments fluttering wildly.
“Why is his spiritual qi so terrifyingly potent?!”
Before the words fully settled, fifty-three flying swords began to quiver violently. Commanded by the vast spiritual qi, they streaked through the air with thunderous force, breaking through wind and waves as they hurtled directly toward Sun Bin.
Every sword was a straight sword—simple, unadorned, yet imbued with an unrelenting sword intent.
A single straight sword could be broken with ease, but an entire sky filled with them was an entirely different matter.
As sword qi surged across the heavens, the fifty-three beams of sword light converged into a dazzling radiance, resembling a blazing sun. The White Jade Terrace became a blinding sea of cold glints as the swords coalesced into a ferocious dragon of light that charged forward relentlessly.
Lu Qing Qiu and Fang Ruo Yao stared wide-eyed, the spectacle before them mirroring a celestial shower of stars.
Amidst the chaotic storm of flying swords, Ji You strode calmly. His fierce golden gaze burned like fire as he reached out and plucked a single sword from the swarm, wielding it directly.
Clang!
The sharp, crisp clash of metal echoed, but it was only one sound.
Sun Bin’s sword flew from his hands, and he was left pale-faced, staring helplessly at the suspended blade before him. He did not dare to make a move. Though the Heavenly Script Academy forbade duels from becoming lethal, such a massive array of swords made accidental harm unavoidable.
When those fifty-three swords first took to the skies, Sun Bin had thought it was merely a trick, assuming only seven of them carried actual power while the rest were decoys.
But the truth became painfully clear the moment the countless spirit swords howled toward him.
In that instant, no one else could understand the sheer intensity of the killing intent emanating from each blade as clearly as Sun Bin.
Indeed, the protective celestial aura granted by the pills he consumed might have endured damage from seven swords. It could have allowed him to exchange hundreds of moves with Ji You, exhausting the latter’s momentum.
But fifty-three swords? He knew his defenses would be shattered.
And when the flying swords struck, Ji You had already positioned himself behind them, long sword in hand, spiritual qi roaring fiercely in anticipation of delivering the final thrust.
Sun Bin could not comprehend how Ji You’s spiritual qi could be so boundless, achieving such a feat.
“What? One move?” someone exclaimed.
“Senior Brother, he commanded fifty-three swords. Does that even count as a single move?”
“And what about the others?”
“Ji You said he couldn’t keep borrowing other people’s swords indefinitely, so he asked if the remaining ten challengers could each defeat Sun Bin in one move. If they could, they should try it first. After they gave up, Sun Bin claimed he had an unbearable stomachache and left.”
In the Purple Bamboo Zen Forest, You Bu Yu stood in silence for a long time, his eyes blazing with fury.
He had orchestrated this event to humiliate Ji You, not to stage a grand performance that made the man shine.
Fifty-three swords? What kind of Qi Refinement technique was this?
Recalling the rumors about Ji You’s extraordinary display of spiritual qi suppression during the exploration of the ancient ruins—where he had even subdued Dao Fusion stage cultivators—You Bu Yu still found this level of power hard to justify. Unless Ji You was recklessly depleting his own essence, risking exhaustion of his spiritual core.
[Using oneself as the axis for spiritual qi circulation does seem plausible…]
As Ji You descended the White Jade Terrace of Ascension, a heavy silence blanketed the surroundings.
Moments earlier, the dazzling star-like brilliance of the swords had left everyone entranced, unable to recover their senses.
When they finally regained clarity, Ji You casually waved his sleeve, and the fifty-three swords obediently returned to their respective places. However, some were mistakenly sheathed in reverse, with their blades out.
Ji You, ever the gentleman, offered a polite bow to Lu Qing Qiu and the other female cultivators, apologizing with a calm tone, “My apologies for the misplacement.”
Yet, he refrained from extending similar words to the male spectators—his pride would not allow it.
Among the crowd, Chu He’s gaze turned dark, and he stormed off, gritting his teeth in frustration.
“Did you hear? Chu He left the Heavenly Script Academy.”
“He left? When?”
“Right after the duel between Ji You and Sun Bin. He returned home with his family.”
“Is he withdrawing from the academy?”
“Not quite. Word has it he’s merely visiting relatives and will return before the autumn duels. His clan, the Chu family, has profound foundations in comprehending and applying the Heavenly Dao. My guess is he’s going back for some ancestral instruction.”
“So he’ll return, more powerful, for the upcoming duel?”
“Indeed.”
“Funny how these challenges against Ji You were all hinted at by You Bu Yu, meant to break Ji You’s Dao Heart. But instead… it seems to have shattered Chu He’s.”
“That’s the thing about Dao Hearts. They’re fragile under scrutiny…”
“By the way, there’s gossip about how Ji You’s spiritual qi was utterly drained after wielding fifty-three swords. He could only manage one decisive move afterward, and it came at great harm to his essence.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Perhaps he noticed there were still ten more challengers lined up and decided to gamble everything on ending it quickly.”