Chapter 167: Using Another

Wei Rui and Xiang Kuangcheng had never cultivated the Dao; both were well-read in classical texts and deeply versed in propriety, so they treated each other with great reserve.

Moreover, due to the clear rivalry between the Pro-Immortal Faction and the Imperial Spirit Supervision, they rarely had opportunities for private meetings, and usually communicated only through letters.

Thus, from the time they met until now, the total number of times they had seen each other was fewer than the number of times Ji You had interrupted Bai Ru.

So three days ago, the two had agreed to meet during the Moon Worship Festival to admire the lanterns together.

Such is the nature of worldly affairs: with a reason, things become much easier.

Just as bandits on Yecheng Mountain justify killing, so too can a chance encounter be deliberately arranged during the Moon Worship lantern viewing.

Ji You's sole comment on this was: "He abandons his friend for beauty."

"So you have a rendezvous with a beauty—no wonder you look so spirited today."

"I'm not that spirited…"

"Give me two taels of silver!"

"?"

Ji You spread his hands: "On such a perfect night of moon and flowers, you're with a beauty—surely you won't deny me the chance to buy a lantern on the street?"

Xiang Kuangcheng reached into his robe and pulled out two taels of loose silver.

Ji You tucked the silver into his robe: "When both parties are interested, don't just talk on paper—writing letters is useless. Seize the moment and act. My village desperately needs more people."

Xiang Kuangcheng's face flushed red: "I have a pure, noble friendship with Miss Wei. Brother Ji, you're being reckless…"

"Procreation has always been humanity's core duty—how can that be reckless? You're too rigid, scholar."

"It's still reckless. I carry the righteous qi—I cannot act so improperly. As for population, you'll have to handle it yourself, Young Master Ji."

Ji You picked up a dumpling: "I tried recently—but was turned down."

Xiang Kuangcheng looked up, thought for a long moment, then spoke: "If one refuses, find another. Take a concubine first. It's an ancient tradition across Qingyun Realm—you can start now and choose your principal wife later; it won't hinder the continuation of life."

Ji You extended his hand across the table: "Give it to me."

Xiang Kuangcheng was stunned: "Now every time I speak to you, I have to pay silver?"

"I want to see the Confucian texts you've been reading."

"Are you interested in Confucian texts, Brother Ji?"

"I want to know what exactly they teach that's so stimulating."

Xiang Kuangcheng realized Ji You was teasing him, so he lowered his head and ate his dumplings in silence.

After dinner, night had fully descended; the two left the courtyard and walked toward the outer edge of Chunhua Alley.

In Shengjing City, lanterns blazed brilliantly, stretching endlessly, as if stars had fallen to earth.

Everywhere on the streets were young lords and ladies dressed in brocade and silk, smiling as they walked, their faces illuminated by the lanterns hanging along the roadsides.

Xiang Kuangcheng and Wei Rui had agreed to meet at the entrance of the lantern festival, which lay directly on Ji You's path back to his mountain, so the two walked together.

The lantern fair was in the East Market; they passed through alleys and streets until they saw tall wooden frames ahead, hung with colorful paper lanterns glowing brilliantly.

Wei Rui stood beneath the lantern light, her beautiful face lit by the flames, her figure slender and graceful.

But she was not alone; before her stood Dou Yuankong, son of Minister Dou, along with several students from the outer academy: Fang Jincheng, Puyang Xing, and Lu Hanyan.

Beside Dou Yuankong were two young men who wore human clothing but had visible fine scales on their necks and short horns hidden in their hair.

Dou Yuankong was speaking to Wei Rui, apparently inviting her to stroll together, but she gently shook her head, her expression showing reluctance.

"Young Master Dou, I have an appointment tonight."

"Who? Princess of Changle?"

Wei Rui pressed her lips shut, then shook her head slightly.

Dou Yuankong suddenly realized something, his face darkening: "Again, that poor scholar?"

Wei Rui lifted her head, her elegant brow slightly furrowed: "Master Kuang is an official of Great Xia—not some poor scholar."

"Even so, his origins are still those of a poor scholar—how could he ever be worthy of you?"

Fang Jincheng stood nearby, puzzled.

His recent meditations on the Heavenly Book had been unproductive, leaving him restless; he had accepted Dou Yuankong's invitation to clear his mind, but upon arriving, he saw Dou rushing toward a woman—and later learned she was Wei Li's granddaughter.

Dou Yuankong clearly had designs on her, yet she showed no interest.

But what was this "poor scholar" business? As a scion of an immortal sect family, he had rarely heard the term.

"What poor scholar?"

Dou Yuankong turned to Fang Jincheng, his expression darkening: "A peasant from a remote village. He came to the capital two years ago for the imperial exams, lucky enough to pass. After the Qiling Incident last year, a flood of refugees arrived in Shengjing; this scholar has been persistently pestering Rui by distributing porridge to them."

Upon hearing this, not only Fang Jincheng was surprised; even Puyang Xing and Lu Hanyan raised their eyebrows.

Qingyun Realm had always been rigidly stratified: immortal sects, noble families, imperial clan, cultivated aristocrats of the capital—while ordinary mortals didn't even qualify for inclusion, let alone peasants from the countryside.

Moreover, in recent days they had observed Dou Yuankong closely and knew he was no gentle soul.

A poor scholar had harassed a woman he favored for half a year—and still lived? That was truly odd.

"Just break his legs."

Wei Rui's face changed at the sound: "Young Master, who I associate with is none of your concern."

Fang Jincheng glanced at Dou Yuankong and noticed he offered no retort—this only deepened his suspicion.

But at that moment, a voice suddenly rose from the roadside, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

"Miss Wei, what's happening here?"

Xiang Kuangcheng walked forward, looking at Wei Rui with concern, then noticing Dou Yuankong and his group.

The scholar was frail, unarmed, yet showed no fear.

The woman was his appointment—he must protect her…

Fang Jincheng, Puyang Xing, and Lu Hanyan turned to look and saw a true mortal, utterly devoid of spiritual energy, appearing frail and weak.

To them, even if he was an official of Great Xia, without immortal backing, his death would be ignored.

After all, immortal authority surpassed imperial authority—this was undeniable.

Yet strangely, ordinary mortals usually knelt or trembled before immortals; this scholar walked up to them calmly, unafraid.

Even Dou Yuankong said nothing, as if holding back.

But then, a figure behind the scholar suddenly entered everyone's view.

The man wore the same scholar's robe, walking forward—and instantly, several in the group realized the source of the strangeness.

"Miss Wei, what's happening here?"

Ji You stepped forward, bowing as Xiang Kuangcheng had, his words identical.

Wei Rui bowed slowly: "Greetings, Master Kuang, Master Ji. I merely greeted an acquaintance and chatted briefly—nothing has occurred."

At this, Lu Hanyan and Puyang Xing straightened their backs, clasped their hands before them, and bowed slightly.

Ji You looked at Dou Yuankong: "Young Master Dou also came to admire the lanterns? But Miss Wei seems to have another appointment—why not stroll with me?"

Dou Yuankong held his breath: "No need!"

"Oh, don't be shy."

Ji You turned to Xiang Kuangcheng: "Where are you two going?"

Xiang Kuangcheng glanced at Wei Rui: "West along the road."

"Then I'll go east with Young Master Dou—we're not heading the same way. You two go ahead."

Xiang Kuangcheng bowed to Ji You, then looked at Wei Rui.

Wei Rui's eyes shimmered clearly, then she nodded slightly; the scholar and beauty stepped together into the throng of the lantern street.

Ji You turned now to Dou Yuankong, Lu Hanyan, and the others.

He disliked meddling in others' romantic affairs and had no intention of bullying like these noble youths; love, no matter how many are involved, had always been meant to be relatively equal.

What he did now was simply to provide Xiang Kuangcheng with an equal environment.

"Young Master Dou, I have two taels of silver—I'll buy you a lantern later."

Ji You had come alone, with no intention of strolling the lantern fair—but now he suddenly felt inclined, stepping forward.

His eyes carefully scanned the stalls along the street, thinking: I buy Dou a lantern—he'd better repay me well.

Dou Yuankong's lips trembled as Puyang Xing whispered: "You said he was a country bumpkin—how does he know Brother Ji?"

"Isn't he a country bumpkin too?"

"?"

Hearing this, the group fell silent, remembering Ji You had once been called a "country hermit cultivator."

Dou Yuankong clenched his sleeve: "They both come from Yuyang County—they say they grew up together."

Fang Jincheng glanced at him, thinking: No wonder you held back earlier.

Ji You had already walked far ahead, then turned back, his voice rolling like thunder: "No one wants to stroll with me?"

At his words, Lu Hanyan and Puyang Xing stepped forward: "Brother Ji, what's your relationship with that scholar?"

"Probably sworn brothers in life and death."

"Ah, I see…"

Ji You's brow furrowed slightly: "Who are those two demonic beings?"

Puyang Xing raised his hand: "We've never seen them before, but Dou Yuankong says they're demonic envoys."

Since the demonic clans began trade with the Nine Provinces, their kind had become common in human lands—though most had yellow eyes; these two accompanying Dou Yuankong had blue eyes.

He had once fought a guard from the Demon Emperor's son and had been curious about their eye color.

Later he learned: yellow eyes meant commoners in the demonic clans; blue eyes meant nobility.

The two young demonic men now approached, their eyes fixed on Ji You with curiosity.

They knew human society had noble families beneath the immortal sects; seeing the others' reactions, they assumed Ji You was a noble scion—but then learned he was a country hermit cultivator, and their curiosity deepened.

This man entered the Heavenly Book Academy a year ago and was the first to comprehend the Heavenly Book; thereafter, he wielded seven swords alone and became renowned throughout Qingyun.

Six months ago, he studied the Sword Dao of Spirit Sword Mountain, achieving extraordinary combat prowess and slaying eighteen practitioners of the Tongxuan Realm, establishing a noble family in Fengzhou.

You two must have heard of the Chu family, a thousand-year-old human clan— even their second son fell to him.

Dou Yuankong had always disliked Ji You, but seeing these two take interest in him, he now spared no praise, extolling Ji You's combat might as boundless.

Seeing this, Fang Jincheng couldn't help but frown slightly, wondering what scheme he harbored.

The two demonic envoys, upon hearing this, grew even more intrigued; they exchanged glances and said, "So the Heavenly Book Academy has such a figure."

"Ji You's divine might doesn't end there—he once fought evenly with one of the Ninth Imperial Prince's bodyguards."

"?"

When the Ninth Prince of the Demon Clan came to Shengjing, Ji You clashed with his bodyguard while rescuing a child from demonic beasts.

But since the Demon Clan had just entered Jiuzhou and was keeping a low profile, neither side truly fought hard; calling it a draw is inaccurate.

Yet Dou Yuankong spoke as if it were fact, seemingly aiming to make these two even more interested in him…

The two demon envoys exchanged glances, then suddenly seemed to understand; they turned to Dou Yuankong: "After all this, are you trying to use us to kill him?"

At this, Dou Yuankong froze.

The night deepened, making the lanterns glow even brighter.

Under the threat of bandits, the crowd began walking arm in arm, often asked by Ji You if they were happy.

At this moment, Lu Hanyan asked about the experience of breaking through from the Lower Three Realms into the Tongxuan Realm, so Ji You shared some insights and realizations with her.

He had eaten many meals at Lu Qingqiu's expense and received her spirit sword; now helping her train her sister was repayment enough.

Seeing him detail the breakthrough process, Lu Hanyan softly bit her lips.

Everyone in the academy said Ji You's claim—"The Heavenly Book sensed me"—was an excuse, yet hearing him explain breakthrough techniques in detail made her uncertain.

Because her elder sister had also said Ji You didn't seem the type to hoard knowledge.

So perhaps that night, the Heavenly Book truly had sensed him.

As night deepened, the candlelight of the lanterns dimmed; people gradually took their leave—first Fang Jincheng, then Puyang Xing, then Lu Hanyan, and finally Dou Yuankong, holding a lantern, looking hollowed out as he hurried away with the two demon envoys.

Ji You returned from East Street and arrived at Willow Bank Bridge, where countless young men and women waved farewell, reluctant to part.

At this moment, Kuangcheng and Wei Rui walked toward the bridge.

They had just been to the western brothel, where folk performers were singing opera; now returning, their eyes sparkled—clearly the sparks were hot, though they hadn't yet touched.

"Brother Ji, finished your stroll? Why are you alone?"

"Everyone left. Seems they didn't enjoy walking arm in arm with me."

A glow flashed at Ji You's waist; in his hand appeared an exquisite box: "Brush, ink, paper, inkstone—all top quality. A gift for the Moon Sacrifice."

Kuangcheng reached out, took the box, opened it, and stared in surprise.

Just from its appearance, he could tell the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were extremely valuable—even bought from a reputable merchant, they'd cost nearly a hundred taels of silver.

"Brother Ji… did you pick up someone's money pouch on the street?"

Ji You shook his head: "No. I spent two cash to buy Dou Yuankong a lantern. He returned the favor with far more than that."

Wei Rui looked bewildered, stared for a long while, then looked up: "Brother Ji and Dou Yuankong… are you really that close?"

Ji You shook his head: "No. We've only met a few times."

"Then…"

Kuangcheng looked at Ji You, as if understanding: "Brother Ji, you're truly professional…"

Ji You smiled: "The reputation of being a Heavenly Book Academy inner disciple has held me back—I didn't even need to give the lantern."

The day after the Moon Sacrifice Festival, the streets grew noticeably quieter.

Before the Nishan Sacred Path came a palanquin; the Director of the Immortal Supervision Office, dressed in official robes, arrived alone at the Heavenly Book Academy's inner court.

Soon after, the Heavenly Book Academy's edict shimmered across Qingyun for half a day.

Only the Hall Master could issue such an edict; the last time it was used was to clear the Yu Danzong's name after they helped the Zheng family's patriarch defy heaven and ascend.

"The Barbarians sent an envoy to the Demon Clan?"

In the Administration Hall, Lang Hetong heard the news and looked astonished.

Qin Rong nodded: "Yes. This happened just days ago. The news sparked widespread attention—the Barbarian envoy received a warm reception from the Demon Clan, so the Great Xia Emperor plans to send his own envoy, lest the Demon Clan suddenly switch sides."

Since the Qiling incident, the Demon and Barbarian Clans have felt the human race's fortune waning and are eager to enter Jiuzhou.

But due to historical tensions, the two clans never united; had they done so, Jiuzhou might already have fallen under the defense of Zhenbei Army alone.

Since ancient times, human Immortal Clans have looked down on mortal affairs—war, disease, the lives and deaths of common folk—all trivial to those pursuing the Dao.

Yet everyone knows the Demon and Barbarian Clans seek the Dao's fortune.

And fortune determines immortality.

As mere administrators of the Heavenly Book Academy, they didn't know how to seize the Dao's fortune.

But since two great clans constantly coveted it, the fortune must be real.

And for Immortal Clans, this was a deadly matter.

"Yesterday's edict was the Heavenly Book Academy's declaration to other Immortal Sects: choose disciples to escort the Great Xia envoy into the Snowlands to meet the Demon Emperor."

Lang Hetong narrowed his eyes: "Crossing the Northern Plains means encountering the Barbarians."

Qin Rong nodded: "No one below the Rongdao Realm can survive passing through Han Tie Pass. Thus, over the past few days, every Immortal Sect has sent experts of Rongdao or higher."

Lang Hetong stared at the list of names, fell silent for a long while, then asked: "Then… why is Ji You on it?"

"On the night of the Moon Sacrifice, Dou Yuankong, son of Minister Dou, hosted two of the demon envoys and encountered Ji You. He praised him as if he were a god descending. Several noble demons in the envoy group, impressed, demanded he escort them back."

"Do they have private ties?"

Qin Rong lifted his eyes: "They have private enmity."

Lang Hetong instantly narrowed his eyes: "But our Heavenly Book Academy's affairs aren't their business to dictate!"

"True. Our Heavenly Book Academy is the Great Xia's Sacred Sect, its authority vast. Even Dou Yuankong, let alone the Demon Clan, dare not dictate to us."

"Then why is he on the list?"

Qin Rong took a deep breath: "Yesterday, several inner court Elders came to me, saying Ji You's fame made him fit for the task—they pushed the matter along to smooth over Dou Yuankong's request."

Lang Hetong froze, then realized: "It's because of Fengzhou?"

"Correct. He slaughtered recklessly in Fengzhou, angering many—hence why he couldn't even enter the Immortal Hall. Most crucially, Fengzhou's Immortal Sect tax this year was shockingly low."

"I heard it was only one percent?"

Qin Rong slowly nodded: "Fengzhou is poor, but vast. Its annual tax is substantial. Do you think those outside Immortal Estates truly consumed so much? No—the taxes went to noble families, to us."

Lang Hetong sank into his chair: "A Tongxuan entering the Northern Plains dies for sure."

"Ji You isn't an ordinary Tongxuan. He can kill Rongdao."

"The Rongdao in Immortal Estates aren't real Rongdao—mere hollowed-out realms. If brought to our Heavenly Book Academy, two Tongxuan could slay them easily."

Qin Rong studied the list: "If he dies, everyone wins. If he survives, he'll likely stop being so reckless. Either way, it's beneficial. Dou Yuankong doesn't realize—he's pulled off a masterstroke."

Ji You established a noble family and controlled Fengzhou's tax revenue—this complies with Qingyun Immortal Law.

Qingyun Immortal Law is the face of the Seven Immortal Sects, tied to countless interests; no one dares tear it apart and trigger human chaos.

But letting the Barbarians kill him? That's perfectly natural—and leaves no stain on their honor.

Lang Hetong lifted his teacup: "Ji You is an inner disciple—he has the right to refuse the Administration Hall's orders. And he's no fool. I doubt he'll accept."

"What if we offer him ten thousand taels of gold, plus three thousand spirit stones from the Snowlands?"

At this, Lang Hetong held his breath.

Qin Rong sighed: "Everyone has a weakness. Ji You's is obvious—he's utterly manipulable…"

"A beggar doesn't deserve to live."

After the Moon Sacrifice Festival, temperatures kept falling; autumn deepened.

A cold front swept from the north, bringing more frost to morning leaves.

Ji You was now lighting a fire in his study—not for warmth, but to brew tea in the morning.

When the tea boiled, poured into the cup, rinsed, and steeped, the small courtyard filled with the scent of tea.

His fifteenth micro-illumination had reached its midpoint: seated motionless, his blood and qi often roared, radiating intense heat.

Beyond that, his spiritual sense strengthened, and his understanding of Dao methods deepened.

At that moment, a knock came at the door—"Dong dong dong." Ji You said, "Enter," and an Administration Hall disciple pushed in.

"A letter for me?"

"No. Director Qin requests your presence."

Ji You lifted his gaze and sneered: "The Administration Hall never calls me for good news. I'm not going."

The disciple blinked: "Uh… Director Qin said there's money to be made."

"Lead the way."

Ji You's interest sparked. He set down his teacup and strode out of the mountain with the disciple.

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(End of chapter)