Chapter 98: The Eighth Glimmer of Spiritual Light
(This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation)
On the eve of the Beginning of Summer, as verdant shades replaced barren landscapes and warm breezes extended the daylight, a group of twenty disciples from the Heavenly Script Academy departed from the Capital. Their destination was the Jing Prefecture Crossing, where they boarded an immortal ship to head southwest.
At this time, the rumors of the Demon Clan entering the borders had spread far and wide, sparked by the spectacle of a ferocious beast soaring above Eternal Prosperity Avenue. Along with the demons came an influx of unique herbs from the Snow Realm, high-grade spiritual stones, and rare metals used for forging weapons, which were gradually being transported into the Nine Provinces.
However, whether to permit the Demon Clan’s entry into the Nine Provinces remained a contentious issue. Despite their past alliance with the Human Race against the Primordial Remnant Race, the Seven Great Immortal Sects harbored deep suspicion toward the demons. This wariness echoed the Demon Emperor’s old adage: “Those who are not of our race are bound to harbor differing hearts.”
The situation took a drastic turn when the barbaric tribes of the Northern Plains poured out of the Ten-Thousand Mountain Range, launching an aggressive offensive against Cold Iron Pass. The threat left even the reclusive Scholar Emperor of Great Xia with no choice but to personally authorize a decree permitting the Demon Clan to enter the Nine Provinces. Surprisingly, the Seven Great Immortal Sects tacitly consented, refraining from intervention.
The reason was clear: the Human Race could not afford a conflict with the Demon Clan at such a crucial moment.
The Human Race’s millennium-long history was punctuated by unending clashes with the Barbaric Races, the Cold Iron Pass serving as the critical line of defense. Although the barbarians had attempted invasions numerous times, never before had they breached the pass. This time, however, the circumstances were markedly different. As summer approached and temperatures rose across the Northern Plains, the barbarians mobilized their full strength in a ferocious campaign. Even their mighty leaders took to the battlefield, plunging the Northern Garrison into desperate straits.
“The Demon Clan’s territory lies just west of the Northern Plains, separated only by the Kunling Mountains. If not for this natural barrier, they might already have allied,” mused an official. “The Human Race cannot afford to lose the Nine Provinces, nor can the Seven Great Immortal Sects relinquish the fertile grounds of the Northern Plains, where countless innate spiritual herbs grow. For the sake of survival, both races must avoid conflict.”
Yet this precarious truce was rife with unease, as each side—human and demon—watched the other with wolf-like ambition.
“Our first battle of summer was fiercely contested,” another added grimly. “Should the Demon Clan attack as well, Cold Iron Pass would surely fall.”
The Emperor gazed out from the magnificent palace, his regal figure clad in royal robes, hands clasped behind his back. Barely thirty, he was in his prime, his features handsome yet marred by a deep furrow between his brows, etched as though by a sharp blade. The sight of the twilight sky darkening his view evoked a heavy sigh.
Standing respectfully behind him was He Jing Yuan, the Chief Overseer of the Immortal Overseer Office. Hearing the Emperor’s lament, he remained silent, knowing the ruler was speaking more to himself than to anyone else.
The Emperor’s gaze shifted from the fading light to the banquet below, where dancers twirled gracefully to the joyous strains of flutes and zithers. At the center of the revelry sat a young noble from the Demon Clan, his sapphire eyes fathomless and unreadable.
“Why are you here, Brother Emperor?”
A soft voice interrupted the scene. A woman in ornate attire approached, her tone gentle as a spring breeze. Her refined features bore a resemblance to the Emperor, exuding grace and composure.
He Jing Yuan bowed upon recognizing her. “Greetings, Princess Chang Le.”
The Princess nodded slightly before turning to the Emperor. “The wind has picked up, and you’ve had quite a bit to drink. You should rest, Brother Emperor.”
The Emperor shook his head, resting a hand on the stone pillar before him. “Let me watch a little longer. Who knows? Someday, I might become a ruler of a fallen kingdom.”
He Jing Yuan frowned, his voice firm. “Your Majesty jests. The lands of Great Xia are destined to endure for countless generations.”
The emperor chuckled softly and turned to the two before him. “How peculiar. I had expected the Demon Clan, upon returning to the Nine Provinces, to act arrogant and overbearing—at the very least, towards me. After all, everyone knows the Great Xia Imperial Dynasty is little more than a tool under the control of the Seven Great Immortal Sects. Yet, their demeanor was unexpectedly courteous.”
One of his advisors responded, “Before entering the palace, the Demon Clan faced a sword strike on Eternal Prosperity Avenue, which likely tempered their arrogance.”
The emperor raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. “Who wielded the sword?”
He Jing Yuan glanced towards Mount Ni in the distance. “A student of the outer court from the Heavenly Script Academy, a young man named Ji You.”
Hearing this, the emperor hesitated momentarily before nodding. “The one who resonated with the Heavenly Tome upon entering the academy?”
“Exactly so.”
“I hear he is a childhood friend of my personally appointed top scholar. Do you know what caused this conflict with the Demon Clan?”
“It’s said that when their mounts landed, they nearly trampled a child in the street. Ji You happened to be nearby, saved the child, and struck the beast. Before he could evade, he ended up punching the creature squarely.”
The princess’ gaze wavered as she listened, her lips parting in astonishment.
After a long silence, the emperor’s eyes lifted. “Bring my top scholar before me. Assign him to oversee the Demon Clan’s entry into the Nine Provinces under the Immortal Overseer Office, and have him concurrently manage their integration through the Ministry of Revenue.”
He Jing Yuan pondered the directive for a while before cautioning, “Your Majesty, isn’t this a bit hasty? Moreover, the Inspection Office has reported that he has been closely acquainted with Wei Li’s granddaughter.”
“It matters not. He is among the few who share my path.”
Following the imperial banquet, the Demon Clan began to emerge across the Nine Provinces in increasing numbers. However, their appearances, especially those with prominent demonic traits, often sparked whispers and suspicion among the populace. Even so, no major unrest arose. While rumors persisted about them consuming humans, the Demon Clan seemed to ignore such talk.
The Seven Great Immortal Sects, however, had no time to concern themselves with these matters. Internal strife plagued their ranks. On Yellow Cloud Mountain, the factions of the Mountain and Sea Pavilion and Heavenly Sword Peak of the Spirit Sword Mountain Sect squared off before the Chen Clan of Immortals’ protective formation, their tension palpable. This turmoil even led to sword clashes among wandering disciples across the Nine Provinces.
Thus, the western plains, delineated by Qing Prefecture, became a hotbed of clandestine activity.
Meanwhile, the disciples of the Heavenly Script Academy journeyed southward from the capital along the Nu River, drawing attention wherever they passed.
“Look, the academy’s two direct disciples, and behind them, the one without a noble lineage—Ji You.”
“Heading to Spirit Sword Mountain, are they?”
“That’s correct. The academy seeks answers there.”
“If his swordsmanship is as extraordinary as rumored, he’s better suited to be a disciple of Spirit Sword Mountain. A shame he was born in Feng Prefecture.”
“I heard he struck the Demon Clan envoy’s mount with a sword just days ago in the capital.”
Three days later, their celestial vessel arrived at Xiyang County in Liang Prefecture. The disciples disembarked at the port, settling in the Sunrise Inn. This stop was necessary, as Pill Sect lay southwest of here. You Bu Yu wished to visit Cinnabar Mountain, making this inn a convenient place for preparation.
As Xiyang County was a crucial waypoint to Qing Prefecture, the area bustled with cultivators, many heading towards the Chen Clan of Immortals for their purposes.
The journey had exposed the disciples to the sight of the Demon Clan and clashes between cultivators, heightening a sense of unease.
In his chamber at the inn, Ji You sat cross-legged, his meridians wide open as he drew in spiritual qi. A pale blue flame, mysterious and ethereal, danced within him, tempering his every fiber. The fire eventually leaped beyond his body, refining every inch of his skin. Sweat beaded on his forehead, a testament to the intensity of his cultivation.
This foundational method of refining spiritual essence was originally used to purify one’s spiritual essence. However, due to Ji You’s shattered spiritual essence, the dispersed spiritual energy had scattered throughout his body. Thus, he employed this method to temper his physique.
After a long while, the whistling qi dissipated in all directions. The radiance illuminating the surroundings quickly receded. Ji You, lying on the bed, slowly opened his eyes.
The eighth attempt of spiritual light condensation was complete.
This time, he felt his vital energy and blood brimming with vigor. Furthermore, he noticed an additional surge of qi within his physique. Each session of tempering caused it to collide and disperse, only to immerse itself into his limbs and bones after the process ended.
That day on the White Jade Terrace, Sun Bin had consumed a pill and condensed a milky protective aura, using it to guard against Ji You’s swordsmanship.
Now, Ji You’s physical strength seemed comparable to Sun Bin’s condensed aura.
[Sturdy indeed… I wonder which fortunate girl will benefit from this someday.]
With a swift punch, Ji You practiced the Mountain Shaking Fist, channeling the flow of qi as his movements dictated. The winds of his fists expanded through the room, producing a roaring sound reminiscent of a tiger’s growl.
After enhancing his physique, his strength had significantly increased. This was a natural, complementary relationship.
Clenching his fist, Ji You recalled his battle against the Demon Clan guard on Eternal Prosperity Avenue. Reflecting on the surge of qi traversing through the spear, he mused: [Truly, among all the races under heaven, the human race has the weakest physical constitution.]
Had he not completed three prior spiritual light condensations, that street fight might have ended with his bones broken.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. Wen Zheng Xin, clad in a cloud-brocade gown, called him downstairs for a meal.
“Senior Sister, do you know why the Demon Clan doesn’t cultivate techniques?”
“The Demon Clan does cultivate techniques, but it is said to be much more difficult for them than for humans. Only those with extraordinary natural talents succeed. According to the teachings of the Inner Academy, this is because their nature is incompatible with the Heavenly Dao.”
Wen Zheng Xin walked gracefully ahead and continued, “However, the Demon Clan possesses their own secret methods of cultivation. Their combat prowess is not inferior, and like the Barbaric Race, they possess certain innate bloodline abilities. Now that Great Xia allows the Demon Clan entry, Junior Brother must remain cautious should you encounter them in the streets.”
As they conversed, the two arrived at the ground floor, where the disciples of the Heavenly Script Academy had already gathered in the main hall.
You Bu Yu, who was seated, glanced at Ji You with a sullen expression.
The Heavenly Script Academy’s journey to Spirit Sword Mountain was no small matter, even though it lacked the grand spectacle of the standoff between the Mountain and Sea Pavilion and Heavenly Sword Peak with the Chen Clan of Immortals. The event had still sparked widespread discussion.
As the direct disciple of the Hall Master, You Bu Yu naturally commanded attention. Yet, Ji You’s rising popularity was unexpectedly overshadowing his own. Many who initially focused on You Bu Yu turned their gaze to Ji You.
This stemmed from Ji You’s earlier actions on Eternal Prosperity Avenue, where he defeated the Demon Clan guard with three strikes of his sword. This incident had taken on immense significance amidst debates over the Demon Clan’s integration into society.
Before departing, You Bu Yu had declared to He Ling Xiu his intention to visit Cinnabar Mountain under the banner of being the Hall Master’s direct disciple, aiming to showcase his worth to Yuan Cai Wei. Yet, the name everyone now chanted was Ji You’s.
At this moment, He Ling Xiu, too, gazed at Ji You as he descended the stairs, lost in thought.
“Ji You’s aura seems to change daily.”
“Does it?”
“I didn’t notice it while we were traveling the day before, but yesterday…”
Passing by Ji You yesterday, He Ling Xiu had keenly sensed his increasingly vigorous vital energy and blood through her enhanced perception as a cultivator.
His heartbeat, resounding like a heavy hammer striking the earth, reverberated in her memory as though echoing beside her ears.