Chapter 196: Spirit Stone Trade

"I'll stay here to celebrate the New Year, and won't return for a long time."

Zhuo Wanqiu received a message from her master and fell into deep thought on the front terrace of Yun Ding Palace.

For some reason, merely these few scattered words made her feel her master had become strangely soft-spoken.

Because this wasn't her master's usual phrasing—if it had been, she would've said the capital affairs weren't yet settled and more time was needed, don't rush.

Zhuo Wanqiu stared at the message, thinking: I wonder what the young master did to her, making her even whimper onto paper.

"When will the master return?"

"Not for a long while…"

Ding Yao came up from the mountain, glanced at the letter, and after a long silence, said: "This tone… it's starting to sound more and more like the master when she was young."

Zhuo Wanqiu looked up at Ding Yao.

She knew that although Ding Shijie had been neglected by the master for years due to her selfishness, she was indeed the personal maid who had grown up alongside the master from childhood, and thus understood her better than even the master's own parents.

So when she said the tone resembled the master's childhood, Zhuo Wanqiu had no doubt.

So it wasn't a change.

Their lofty master had always been this sweet, whimpering girl—only after taking up the Spirit Mirror did she slowly mold herself into the image of a master.

The breeze was gentle now, though still carrying winter's chill, yet it was a rare clear day.

Suddenly, a surge of energy struck the Xuan Jian Peak, stirring the layers of clouds.

The two looked up and saw Yan Zhong, the patriarch of Ling Jian Mountain, clad in yellow robes, accompanied by dozens of elders at the Ying Tian level and above, radiating divine authority as they descended from the sky and landed at the main hall of the Xuan Jian Peak's chief residence.

Yan Jingxiang, chief of the Xuan Jian Peak, dressed in a black cloud-patterned robe, stood beside his younger brother Yan Jingrui at the palace gate, bowing slightly as Yan Zhong and the others arrived.

"Has Yu Danzong started delivering the herbs?"

"Yes, Tian Jian Peak came here specifically to discuss the herb allocation."

Yu Danzong's annual herb allotment is fixed, delivered twice a year: mid-year and year-end.

Because the quantity is limited, each peak's share, and which peak gets more or less of each herb type, must be negotiated.

In the past, Tian Jian Peak, relying on its deep roots and large number of disciples, left Xuan Jian Peak and Wen Jian Peak with mostly low-grade elixirs, and in small quantities.

But as the young master's strength has grown over the years, wielding the Spirit Mirror has gradually become Ling Jian Mountain's new spiritual pillar, and with her balanced mix of authority and benevolence, Xuan Jian Peak's overall power has continuously risen, and its influence has grown stronger.

Now Tian Jian Peak has lost its former arrogance; the venue for discussing herb allocations has shifted from Tian Jian Peak's chief hall to Xuan Jian Peak's chief hall.

"When the master left, she issued an imperial decree: this year's herb share must reach sixty percent."

"Sixty percent?"

"The master says Wen Jian Peak has been steadily declining; in recent years it hasn't even had the right to attend council meetings, so its annual share is less than ten percent, making it hard to recruit new disciples. This year, the master plans to help them reclaim two more percent."

Zhuo Wanqiu gazed at the high mountain under the clear sun: "Excessive internal strife drains Ling Jian Mountain's overall strength. The master probably thinks that if Wen Jian Peak, as one of the main branches, continues to wither, it will truly die out."

Ding Yao glanced at him: "I'm not afraid Wen Jian Peak will die out—I'm afraid the master will suddenly have a child."

"So you're afraid the master will come back with a fat baby boy too…"

"No, the master's Dao heart has always been clear—she knows the stakes well. She won't lightly conceive."

Ding Yao thought of this, then recalled how the master, during her seclusion, would emerge each morning to gaze at the portrait of the man—and suddenly she wasn't so sure anymore.

A woman's beauty is deadly to a man, and a man's beauty is just as deadly to a woman.

Not to mention the master, who already adored him—Ding Yao herself dared not often look at the painting of the man, bare-chested, chest exposed, head raised proudly.

Meanwhile, the Heavenly Book Academy also welcomed a warm dawn, its light falling upon snow-covered peaks and melting frost from the branches.

Today, nothing to do—just lounging and lazily chatting.

Yan Shuyi, who habitually slept late, had just stepped into the main room when she was swept into a full embrace, her bare white feet curling up, her mouth already filled with Ji You's scent.

Then came lighting the stove and preparing breakfast.

The young master sat in the courtyard, boiling water for tea, sitting quietly, staring blankly.

Their teacups were identical; once they'd subconsciously distinguished them, now they grabbed whichever was handy.

They'd exchanged saliva countless times—there was no point anymore in keeping track of whose cup was whose.

Ji You watched her sip tea slowly, seated on the snow, his eyes filled with tenderness.

He knew Zhuo Wanqiu had sent a message yesterday, and now he felt like some lowlife had lured a noble lady into his rented room and taken every advantage.

Yet the noble lady herself didn't want to leave—she even seemed to have no desire to inherit her family's business.

Ji You had once watched TV dramas like this, always commenting with worldly wisdom: "This noble lady is truly foolish—what's so great about that lowlife?"

Never did he imagine one day he'd become the lowlife himself—and suddenly he understood this mindset.

Ji You now stood with his hands on his hips, watching Yan Shuyi, as docile as a cat, while waiting for the pot to boil—thinking: as long as she doesn't go out and doesn't see a cat with its tail up, this docility is quite charming.

"I'm going down the mountain today. Wait for me at home."

"Where to?"

Yan Shuyi asked coldly, but her eyes seemed to say: I want to come too.

"When I woke up, I suddenly remembered Cao Jingsong should've received his monthly salary—I'll go check on him. Also, the Imperial Immortal Supervision seems to have something for me. Since there's nothing fun to do, just stay home and peel potatoes. I'll stir-fry them for you tonight."

Ji You thought: I won't take you out—wouldn't want you seeing another cat with its tail up.

After breakfast, Ji You descended the mountain to Cao Jingsong's courtyard, vividly demonstrating what it meant when something was bound to happen.

But Cao Jingsong had the foresight to act early—he'd already spent all his money. Seeing Ji You enter, he casually tossed an empty money pouch onto the table.

Ji You didn't believe him: "You spent it all already? How will you live the rest of the month?"

Cao Jingsong stroked his long beard: "For the next few days, I'll live off gifts from my beloved disciples."

"Give me half."

"What?"

"The gifts from your disciples—I've had heavy expenses lately. Can't just be spending, not earning."

Cao Jingsong knew Ji You kept a woman in his courtyard, and now he asked: "Who is the woman you're keeping?"

Ji You glanced at her: "Of course, she's my woman."

"You guard her like a treasure—even you won't tell me. Is she truly a mortal with no cultivation? Afraid she'll be threatened?"

"No. I'm just afraid if I tell you, you'll be startled."

Cao Jingsong thought: I've lived this long—what haven't I seen? Even if Mount Ni collapsed before me, I wouldn't flinch.

Startle me? Unless the woman in your courtyard is the young master of Ling Jian Mountain!

But…

Cao Jingsong looked up at Ji You, thinking: if this boy is willingly keeping her, the woman must be quite formidable.

Ji You thought: Go ahead and guess. Then he rose and headed down the mountain.

Shengjing City was even busier than the past few days—massive carriages crossed the main street, gathering before Chong Wang's mansion, causing Ji You to pause.

All these carriages bore marks like stone blocks, escorted by several experts of the top five realms, greeted at the gate by Chong Wang himself with clasped hands.

Ji You had seen these marks before, during his mission to the Snowlands.

That night, countless carriages had flown in, inviting the celestial disciples of the Immortal Sects to a banquet—all bearing the same emblem.

It was the Yunzhou Spirit Stone Consortium…

Ji You watched from the side and noticed they didn't enter Chong Wang's mansion. After brief greetings, they headed south toward Nancheng, the rumble of wheels echoing.

After long thought, he walked toward Kuangcheng's courtyard.

Kuangcheng had already donned his official robes and waited at the gate: "Brother Ji, how is Lady Yan's health?"

"?"

"I've gathered some eggs from scattered peasant flocks—perfect for nourishing a pregnancy."

Ji You pursed his lips, thinking: That sly little master is faking pregnancy to trick people into giving her eggs.

Still, free things are always good: "I just saw the Yunzhou Spirit Stone Consortium—they seemed headed toward the Imperial Immortal Supervision."

"That matter is connected to why the Supervision sought you."

"Spirit stones?"

"More precisely—Snowland Demon Stones."

Kuangcheng locked the courtyard gate: "Brother Ji, let's walk and talk."

After the human envoy's visit to the Snowlands, a night raid occurred; the Scale Clan's chieftain and his demon generals were imprisoned in the Snow Prison.

The indirect consequence: Snowland Demon Stone supply to the Nine Provinces halted for half the winter.

Previously, the Seven Immortal Sects, unable to obtain Snowland Demon Stones, had all come to Da Xia to inquire.

Recently, the demon clans resumed supplying the Nine Provinces with spirit stones—good news, but the Yunzhou clans blocked the transport routes.

Snowland Demon Stones are cheap yet of extremely high quality, causing Yunzhou spirit stones' prices to plummet and sales to shrink.

The Yunzhou clans, whose power rests on spirit stones, couldn't let this continue.

So they claimed road repairs were needed, blocked several major trade routes within Yunzhou, and secretly presented demands to Da Xia.

Aside from the stones sent to the Immortal Sects, the Yunzhou Consortium demanded a transport tax on every single Snowland Demon Stone—almost equal to the stone's original price.

The demon merchants naturally refused—their stones were mined from beneath frozen earth, extraction was extremely difficult, profits were already slim; such a tax was unbearable.

But Da Xia had no solution.

In these years of imperial decline, they lacked the strength to maintain and repair public roads; long ago, even before the late emperor's death, they sold the operating rights of several major Yunzhou routes.

Thus, the Yunzhou Consortium's attempt to raise transport fees, though seemingly unreasonable, was technically legal.

The matter had stalled for half a month with no progress, so the Yunzhou Consortium proposed another solution: Da Xia must hand over the exclusive operating rights of Snowland Demon Stones to them, letting them set the price.

Whether raising transport fees or raising prices, the money gained meant little to the Yunzhou Consortium.

Their real goal was to raise the price of Snowland Demon Stones, forcing Yunzhou spirit stone prices to rise with them, to protect their clan's foundation.

Da Xia naturally refused—leaving only one option: change the route.

But changing the route requires someone to step forward and cooperate—and that person must be capable of withstanding the targeting and hostility of the Yunzhou aristocratic clans.

"So they came to me?"

"After much deliberation, we realized only Brother Ji could accomplish this."

Ji You looked at Kuangcheng: "The Imperial Spirit Surveillance Office sees me constantly targeted by the aristocratic sects and thinks adding a dozen more won't matter, right?"

Kuangcheng hesitated, then nodded: "Indeed, the truth is this: among countless cultivators in this world, only you, Brother Ji, are an exception."

Ji You pondered for a moment: "This matter is actually beneficial to Fengzhou—I could profit handsomely."

"Correct. Spirit stone transportation will bring economic prosperity to Fengzhou, and the Great Xia's willingness to rebuild the official roads here is also advantageous for us."

Kuangcheng paused his steps: "But if you agree, you may face immense pressure—pressure originating from Yunzhou, even the entire Nine Provinces' mining industry, since this is essentially competing with Yunzhou for profit."

Ji You lifted his gaze: "I won't shoulder this pressure for free."

"Of course—you must negotiate terms."

"I demand full ownership of all official roads in Fengzhou, the right to operate the relay stations, and that Great Xia abolish transport taxes for civilians, while halving taxes on related industries."

Kuangcheng immediately looked up: "And Great Xia must issue an edict abolishing private bans on inter-provincial migration."

Ji You shook his head: "That will be difficult. Though appointments of officials are still decided by Great Xia, in practice, provincial and commandery officials are largely dependent on local aristocratic clans and immortal estates—they may ignore the Surveillance Office's decrees."

"But even so, it would at least force local officials to rein in their abuses—fewer smugglers would have their legs broken when caught…"

"I just thought of another benefit."

"What benefit?"

"I'll tell you after we finish talking."

Spirit stones, being essential to cultivators, make their operation and transport major matters.

The Yunzhou Spirit Stone Guild's sudden arrival in the capital drew widespread attention, and soon the news spread like wildfire.

In the rear garden of Chong Prince's mansion, a gathering of Beijing nobility sat together, with courtesans singing and tea fragrance drifting on the wind.

These Beijing nobles all participated in Yunzhou's spirit stone trade.

Especially Chong Prince—when his elder brother ruled, he personally led the sale of Yunzhou's official road rights to the Spirit Stone Guild, and he held substantial shares in Yunzhou, which is also why Princess Changle frequently met Lu Qingqiu.

"The Snowfield Demon Stones are currently stalled at the northern border; the final outcome will simply be who blinks first."

"Our Great Xia's imperial authority has declined so far—throughout millennia, we've always been the ones to retreat the most. This time will be no different."

Chong Prince spoke with a smile, when suddenly a servant rushed in: "Your Highness, I have urgent news."

Chong Prince dropped his smile and tossed a pinch of fish food: "Speak."

"Our infiltrator just sent word—the Imperial Spirit Surveillance Office may decide to change the transport route."

"Change it? Hah—they're truly imaginative. Forget where they'd reroute it or where it would enter; in this Qingyun realm, who dares defy the enmity of a dozen aristocratic clans? The peace between our people and the demon tribes is only temporary. Once the Snowfield Demon Stones vanish, who can withstand the lack of spirit stones?"

The servant watched Chong Prince's mockery and swallowed hard.

Chong Prince turned to him: "Did the message say where the Surveillance Office plans to reroute the route?"

"No, but they just summoned Ji You from the Heavenly Book Academy."

Upon hearing this, Chong Prince's smile froze, then his eyes slowly widened, his face instantly turning pale.

At this moment, Qin Rong and Lang Hetong sat across from each other in the Office of Management, playing go.

They had long known of the Spirit Stone Guild's grand arrival in Shengjing, but upon hearing Ji You had been summoned to the Surveillance Office, they fell into silence.

"No one in Qingyun fears aristocratic enmity and targeting more than Ji You—the Surveillance Office truly found the right person…"

Qin Rong placed a stone: "The barefoot aren't afraid of the shodded. Ji You always has this mad, 'I don't care if I die, let's fight' attitude."

Lang Hetong glanced at him: "A few days ago, a distant relative of a distant relative of my neighbor's second uncle somehow got through to me, asking me to help his family relocate to Fengzhou."

Qin Rong lifted his sleeve: "Have you heard this saying?"

"Hmm?"

"The greatest tragedy for a prodigy is being born in Fengzhou; yet for commoners, being born in Fengzhou is the luckiest thing."

At this moment, Ji You had arrived at the Imperial Spirit Surveillance Office and was surveying the newly built government office from last year.

Unlike any building he'd seen before, the Surveillance Office was entirely white, shaped like a square " Hui " character, with eight stories and a deep central courtyard.

Its pure white walls were engraved with intricate patterns, and suspended in the center was a golden fire wheel, its flames flickering and rising.

By standard specifications, this government building towered higher than the imperial palace halls, standing out starkly against the surrounding red walls and gray tiles.

Ji You glanced around briefly and suddenly noticed a man standing in the courtyard—slightly older than him, dressed in luxurious brocade, staring at him with sharp, venomous eyes.

"Who is that man?"

"He came with the Lingzhou Merchant Guild."

Ji You paid it no mind and followed Kuangcheng through the deep courtyard and long corridors to the Surveillance Office's banquet hall.

Presently, Director He Jingyuan and Wang Mingchang—who had previously debated the Demon Emperor—sat at the table.

As Ji You and Kuangcheng entered, Wang Mingchang rose shakily and bowed deeply to the ground.

Such a gesture—even toward the current Emperor—Wang Mingchang, a septuagenarian minister, had never made before.

He Jingyuan and Peng Dongyang also rose immediately, bowing, and cast extra glances at Ji You.

【I am here for Fengzhou.】

【Can you truly convince the Demon Emperor not to ally with the barbarians?】

【Actually, if I wanted to flee, I could have escaped already.】

【I don't mind dying here—but you'd better keep your word.】

After the delegation returned from the Snowfield, based on the accounts of my teachers and ministers, they meticulously recorded every step of the journey.

Several phrases still rang powerfully in memory.

Kuangcheng leaned close to Ji You's ear: "The Yunzhou Spirit Stone Guild's representatives are currently in the adjacent hall, entertained by Deputy Director Peng."

Ji You nodded; his spiritual sense had already sensed their presence.

The Yunzhou aristocrats were all cultivators, including several from the top five realms—they must have sensed his aura as well.

He Jingyuan bowed slightly: "Young Master Ji, Director Kuang has surely informed you of the demon tribe's spirit stone matter."

Ji You nodded: "You wish to transit through Fengzhou, but Fengzhou is filled with foreign aristocratic clans and complex conditions, so you seek my involvement. Yet Director, you know this imposes immense pressure on me."

"We are well aware. If you have difficulties, speak plainly."

"It's not difficult. Since entering the Heavenly Book Academy, I've already offended nearly every faction in the cultivation world. But you know my style—I never walk away empty-handed."

He Jingyuan lifted the wine jug: "State your terms, Young Master Ji."

Ji You and Kuangcheng exchanged glances and repeated the conditions they'd discussed on the way.

Full ownership of Fengzhou's official roads, operation rights for relay stations, abolition of transport taxes for civilians using the roads, and halving taxes on related industries…

He Jingyuan's brow furrowed instantly.

Their current dilemma stemmed from having surrendered Yunzhou's road rights to the Spirit Stone Guild—now Ji You's demands exceeded those of the Yunzhou merchants.

He glanced at his master, Wang Mingchang, and found his master staring at him with an expression that screamed: "What are you thinking? Say yes immediately and thank Brother Ji profusely!"

Meanwhile, in the adjacent hall, Peng Dongyang had subtly revealed the Surveillance Office's plan to change the transport route.

The next instant, a young nobleman in luxurious attire stormed into Ji You's hall, face icy.

The chairman of the Yunzhou Spirit Stone Guild is Lu Xiong, Lu Qingqiu's father; the vice-chairman is Ding Mao, head of the Ding clan, who is a cousin to Tian Shu Academy's outer school instructor Ding Ang.

This young man storming in is Ding Mao's only son, Ding Shaojie.

And this Ding Shaojie was the young man who had stared venomously at Ji You in the courtyard earlier.

He and Lu Qingqiu were childhood friends; their families had long been close, and since youth, people around them had joked about them being a destined couple.

Ding Shaojie believed it—and kept believing it.

Until Lu Qingqiu returned home after a year at the Heavenly Book Academy, when he heard many were saying Qingqiu wanted to marry a rustic private cultivator—and even that she'd sent him her undergarment.

Now, Ding Shaojie glared coldly: "You're Ji You, right?"

"What do you wish to advise, sir?"

"You're so fearless of offending our Spirit Stone Guild, you must not yet understand the relationship between demon tribes and our people. I've come to enlighten you."

Ding Mao grabbed him: "Shaojie, no need to say more."

"Father, let me finish—before he thinks he's gained the upper hand."

Ding Shaojie turned back: "Everyone in Qingyun knows the demon tribes have coveted the Nine Provinces for a thousand years. Their peace with us is temporary. Have you considered what happens when they stop supplying spirit stones—and you've alienated us? What will your fate be?"

Ji You paused, then bowed slightly: "Thank you for the warning, sir."

"You're not afraid?!"

"I was just starting to be afraid—but then I remembered: I never use spirit stones."

"?"

Ding Shaojie froze, then opened his mouth to laugh—only to find no one else laughed. His eyes flashed with disbelief.

Lu Xiong glared sharply: "Young Master Ji, you truly are the barefoot unafraid of the shodded?"

Ji You stood: "I have no interest in spirit stone trade. Some matters can be settled calmly."

"Name your terms—spirit cores, daughters, anything."

"Then dismantle all your Yunzhou foster halls and grant freedom to the descendants of the miners."

Ding Mao spoke up: "Are you truly trying to dig up Yunzhou's roots?"

Ji You drained his wine: "I just thought of it on the way here—if your mines collapse, Yunzhou won't have so many slave miners anymore."

(Scheduled release failed???)

(End of Chapter)