Chapter 96: The Demon Clan Enters the Capital
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
Though the Seven Great Sects have pursued their own interests over the years, they have maintained regular interaction. Events like the Heavenly Dao Assembly and the Wandering Immortal Conferences are frequently held, and during leisure times, it is common for cultivators to pay visits to other sects.
For instance, when the Young Appraiser of Spirit Sword Mountain descended the mountain for the first time, they visited the Chen Clan of Immortals, receiving the honor of having the clan’s Protective Formation deactivated as a gesture of hospitality.
However, a Dao Inquiry is markedly different from such encounters. Unlike friendly visits, a Dao Inquiry carries an undertone of provocation. As a challenge, it does not require prior notice or formal invitation. The challenger sends their disciples directly to the other sect. Refusal to engage would amount to an announcement of fear, a humiliation no sect can afford. As such, the challenged sect invariably responds.
“The personal disciple of Heavenly Sword Peak is called Zhuang You, a mid-stage Dao Fusion cultivator. Meanwhile, the disciple of Mystic Sword Peak is Yan Shu Jing, an early-stage Dao Fusion cultivator,” remarked He Ling Xiu, the direct disciple of the Freedom Hall, sitting across from You Bu Yu in a white jade pavilion located on the western side of the Purple Bamboo Zen Forest within the inner courtyard of the Heavenly Script Academy.
He Ling Xiu relayed the words of their master: “These two disciples are comparable to us in strength. Before fighting, it’s hard to predict the victor. However, since we initiated the Dao Inquiry, we must not lose. A defeat would reduce the Heavenly Script Academy’s title as a Sacred Sect to a mere joke.”
You Bu Yu, the direct disciple of the Auspicious Hall, picked up a spiritual date from the platter and casually ate it. Without emotion, he said, “An early-stage opponent isn’t worth my time. I’ll take Zhuang You.”
“Senior Brother You is confident as ever,” He Ling Xiu responded with a faint smile.
You Bu Yu’s tone was cold. “I just feel like killing someone. It’s time someone suffered under my sword.”
You Bu Yu’s mood had been particularly foul recently, and his killing intent was palpable. Though the disciples of the Auspicious Hall turned a blind eye, they were all aware of the cause of his agitation.
He Ling Xiu chuckled lightly, not disputing his claim. “Then I’ll take the early-stage Yan Shu Jing. A fair trade.”
You Bu Yu nodded and added, “On the journey from Shengjing to Ling Prefecture, we’ll pass through Yong Prefecture. Join me in visiting the Pill Sect to see Miss Yuan.”
He Ling Xiu’s brows rose in surprise. “I thought you were merely following the orders of your elders. I didn’t expect you truly liked the eldest daughter of the Pill Sect.”
You Bu Yu laughed softly. “Yuan Cai Wei possesses exceptional beauty and is an alchemist of the fifth rank or higher. She’s a match in status and skill. With the elders’ approval, why shouldn’t I like her?”
“Senior Brother You is indeed considerate. However…” He Ling Xiu began but was quickly interrupted by You Bu Yu raising his hand.
“A debt of life can sometimes cloud judgment,” he said. “I’ve been too understated. By not showcasing my authority in the academy, I’ve allowed others to underestimate me. Once I ascend the Pill Sect’s Cinnabar Mountain as the direct disciple of a hall master, Miss Yuan will understand my standing.”
“You’re not wrong,” He Ling Xiu replied with a proud smirk, setting her teacup on the stone table. “We sit in meditation on our verdant mountains, seeking enlightenment, rarely revealing our strength in battle. It’s natural the Pill Sect might not grasp the rarity of individuals like us.”
Cultivators of their age who had reached the Dao Fusion stage were one in ten thousand, prodigies recognized only by those who walked the same path. The Pill Sect, being focused on alchemy rather than cultivation, might fail to appreciate the honor represented by such a realm.
He Ling Xiu’s thoughts drifted to a certain individual on Spirit Sword Mountain—a young woman of even higher status.
“I wonder if, during this journey to Spirit Sword Mountain, we might encounter the legendary Young Appraiser.”
You Bu Yu raised his gaze, and after some thought, he gently shook his head.
The Spirit Sword Mountain’s Mirror Master being a direct disciple of the sect and possessing a Heavenly Dao Sacred Artifact, was already comparable to a sect leader in status. For their group to be traveling to seek guidance, it would be excessive for the Mirror Master to appear in person—a gesture that would overly flatter the Heavenly Script Academy. Besides, if Spirit Sword Mountain truly wished to extend such favor, this matter of traveling to seek guidance would not exist at all.
Not half a day later, news of the Heavenly Script Academy’s decision to send their Hall Master’s direct disciples to Spirit Sword Mountain had spread beyond Mount Ni to the bustling city of Shengjing.
The itinerant cultivators stationed in Shengjing quickly learned of this and immediately relayed the information to their respective sects. The level of detail in the message was such that even the names and identities of the participating disciples were listed with precision. This wasn’t due to the itinerants’ exceptional intelligence network but rather a deliberate action by the Heavenly Script Academy. After all, making a provocation required a grand display.
Spirit Sword Mountain, in turn, swiftly received this news through Bai Xi, their representative stationed in Shengjing. Copies of the list were sent to both the Palace of the Sect Leader on Heavenly Sword Peak and the Yunding Celestial Pavilion on Mystic Sword Peak.
“Coming to seek guidance?”
“Heh, how bold of them.”
“The seven great immortal sects have not waged war in a century. Does the Heavenly Script Academy truly think they’re unmatched under heaven?”
In the Yunding Celestial Pavilion, Yan Shu Yi lounged on a red silk-draped phoenix couch, her slender, fair legs crossed elegantly. Despite her outward composure, a cold fury radiated from her, her snow-white skin flushed faintly as her voice carried a sharp, chilling edge.
Outside the celestial pavilion, two maids exchanged glances, silently agreeing that the Mirror Master was genuinely enraged this time. However, it wasn’t long before they heard a cheerful hum coming from within the red silk curtains, leaving them utterly bewildered.
At this time, Ji You was busy packing his belongings. After sneezing several times, he stuffed all the essentials into a storage gourd. He had previously expressed a desire to visit Spirit Sword Mountain to study swordsmanship, but Yan Shu Yi had warned that he’d likely have his legs broken and be thrown out before even setting foot on the mountain. Yet, the sudden opportunity stirred an uncontainable longing in his heart to witness their swordsmanship.
However, Cao Jin Song harbored concerns about Ji You’s inclusion in this trip to Spirit Sword Mountain. Unlike Pei Ru Yi, who was part of the group seeking justice after being injured by Spirit Sword Mountain disciples, Ji You was someone who had injured one of their disciples—nearly defeating a Dao Fusion Stage disciple in the process. His presence at Spirit Sword Mountain, regardless of intent, could easily be perceived as a provocation.
Cao Jin Song worried that Ji You’s bold and carefree demeanor might draw animosity from Spirit Sword Mountain disciples. Yet Ji You seemed utterly confident, a faint smile playing on his lips for reasons known only to him.
Once everything was packed, Ji You descended the mountain. The late spring in Shengjing brought a gradual warmth, and the city was awash in fresh greenery.
When Kuang Cheng heard that Ji You was heading to Spirit Sword Mountain, his gaze faltered. “Didn’t you just return? Why are you leaving again?”
“I can’t stay idle on the mountain. It’s good to get out and experience the world. With the current volatile state among the immortal sects, I need to improve my strength as quickly as possible.”
“I see…”
Ji You took a sip of tea, his brow furrowing slightly. “Why do you seem distracted?”
Kuang Cheng hesitated for a long moment before looking up. “Ji, my friend, I’m being promoted, but I’m unsure which position I’ll be filling.”
“Promoted? It hasn’t even been a year.”
“Though I hold a minor position now, I’m still a top scholar. Many of the Wei faction’s trusted aides have fallen, leaving gaps in the court that must be filled.”
Ji You set his teacup down. “Yet I don’t see any joy in your expression. Instead, you seem burdened.”
After a long silence, Kuang Cheng sighed deeply. “Ji, there’s something you should know. Wei Rui… she’s actually Wei Li’s granddaughter.”
Since his youth, Kuang Cheng had immersed himself in the scholarly pursuit of poetry and the classics. His life had revolved solely around the ambition for fame and success in the imperial examinations. Yet, upon meeting a woman who stirred his heart, he realized that the trials of love could be as formidable as those of scholars and beauties often sung about in ancient tales.
From the very beginning, Kuang Cheng knew that Wei Rui must be a lady of a prominent family in the capital. Still, this knowledge did not quell the stirrings of his heart. First love often comes unbidden and proves impossible to restrain.
However, just the day before, on his way home from the Immortal Overseer Office, he had seen Wei Rui sharing a carriage with the titled Princess Chang Le of Prince Chong’s Mansion. Troubled by this, he sought answers and learned a truth he found hard to accept.
“Even a commoner, seeing her surname, could have deduced some connection. And yet, you, a Top Scholar, allowed beauty to cloud your judgment.”
Kuang Cheng was momentarily taken aback. “Could it be that you already knew, Brother Ji?”
Ji You nodded slightly. “I suspected her ties to Wei Li, but I hesitated on how to tell you. Discovering it yourself might be for the best.”
“Who would have thought a crooked bamboo could yield fine shoots?”
“Is it the nature of scholars to curse so sharply? That tongue of yours seems dipped in venom.”
Kuang Cheng clenched his fists. “Wei Rui is kind-hearted, a good person, but alas, she was born into the Wei Clan. As a member of the Immortal Overseer Office, tasked with investigating the Pro-Immortal Faction, I cannot associate with her further.”
Ji You smacked his lips but refrained from commenting on Kuang Cheng’s decision. Matters of the heart were personal; outside interference rarely helped.
Their thoughts were interrupted by sudden commotion in the city. A clamor rose as countless citizens craned their necks to gaze skyward. The two men turned toward the noise and peered outside. Merchants along the street began scattering in panic.
Just as they grew puzzled, a vast black shadow swept toward the capital, Shengjing.
As a cultivator, Ji You’s enhanced senses allowed him to glimpse the sky more clearly. There, he saw over a dozen beasts bound by reins, striding through the air. These creatures were covered in scales, with twin horns crowning their heads. Though tiger-like in form, their massive wings stretched wide, blotting out the sun.
Ji You steadied his thoughts. Upon closer inspection, he noticed figures astride the beasts. They too bore horns, and some had fine scales glinting under the sunlight along their necks.
“It’s the Demon Clan.”
The aerial beasts hovered above Eternal Prosperity Avenue. Kuang Cheng gazed upward, murmuring, “So this is what the Demon Clan looks like.”
Ji You turned toward him. “How can you be so sure?”
“Two days ago, the Immortal Overseer Office received a report. It said that the Demon Clan sought to establish trade relations with the Human Race and would send an envoy to the capital to negotiate with Great Xia. I only just remembered it. These individuals clearly aren’t human, yet they dare enter the city so openly. They must be the Demon Clan.”
The notion of trade was the Demon Clan’s public reasoning. Yet, as Yan Shu Yi had warned, they were aware of the Human Race’s faltering Daoist Lineage and were beginning to make their moves across the Nine Provinces. The once-mighty Great Xia Dynasty, weakened by the suppression of the Seven Great Immortal Sects, was now fragile. Their arrival in Shengjing seemed to be a test of the waters.
“Truly a time of unrest,” Ji You remarked.
Kuang Cheng withdrew his gaze. “Brother Ji, did you hear that the Divine General of the Northern Garrison returned to the Northern Plains yesterday?”
Ji You’s expression shifted. “Is there to be war in the Northern Plains again?”
“That is what puzzles me,” Kuang Cheng replied. “Only half a year ago, the Barbaric Race suffered a crushing defeat and retreated to the Ten-Thousand Mountains. Logic suggests they would spend years recuperating. Yet, their swift return is baffling.”
As Kuang Cheng spoke, his eyes wandered back to the window. Suddenly, his pupils dilated. “Brother Ji…”
Under the clear sky, one of the flying beasts plummeted. Below, a child stood frozen, staring blankly upward at the descending mass.
In the next instant, the tavern was swept by a surge of air. Ji You vanished from his seat, reappearing on the avenue below.
Objects in the world always seem larger up close. As the falling beast loomed, its colossal size became evident.