Chapter 210: Forbidden Sword

"Did you see? A notice was just posted—Ji You is the first to defend the Tongxuan realm."

"He actually has this much confidence?"

"If not him, then who else could have such confidence?"

"But Ji You isn't the type to be so showy—he turned down challenges from senior Tongxuan cultivators about to leave the academy, declining several times before finally accepting."

For the entire afternoon after the notice was posted, everyone was discussing it.

In Cao Jingsong's courtyard, the subject of the gossip sat on the eastern stone bench, flanked by Ban Yangshu, Wen Zhengxin, and Bai Rulong, seated around him.

Behind Ji You stood two women, both tall and slender.

The one on the left had an alluring gaze, slightly more composed; the other was younger, yet equally adorned with jade hairpins and tinkling ornaments, radiating opulence—Lu Hanyan and Lu Qingqiu, the two sisters.

Perhaps because she learned swordplay in the Sword Grove, Lu Hanyan had grown clingy—even outside the Sword Grove, she'd follow him whenever she spotted him in the outer academy.

As Ji You put it, it was ultimately broken.

Perhaps women with high pride are more eager to be conquered—Ji You's wooden sword struck her rear, but it seemed to strike her heart too.

Of course, that also had to do with Ji You's soft heart and his willingness to give her whatever she asked for.

The truth proved that such a strict master produces no outstanding disciples, only rebellious ones…

At this moment, the slanting sun sank toward the west; the osmanthus trees in the courtyard were full of buds, all tightly closed, so their fragrance was absent, leaving only the scent of tea to fill the air.

Lu Hanyan was pouring tea for Ji You, behaving demurely—not like a noble lady, but like a maid—her eyes fluttering lightly as she listened to the voices of Cao Jingsong and Master Ji echoing through the courtyard.

"Did you voluntarily sign up to defend the Lei?"

"Since returning from the Snow Region, I haven't fought at all. Lately, I've been eager to test my combat strength. I heard those who strike first are the most confident—perfect for me."

Ji You spoke softly: "Five matches to earn a spot—not too hard."

Cao Jingsong gripped his teacup, his gaze sharp as he stared at him: "You make it sound easy. Yes, five matches aren't many, and for you, they're child's play—but I heard the Elders' Pavilion forbids you from using the Sword Mountain's sword arts in the tournament?"

"Huh? News spreads that fast?"

"Is this really true?"

After a moment of silence, Ji You nodded: "The Elders' Pavilion originally wanted to strip me of my eligibility outright. But the Inner Academy's You Dianzhu and Zuoqiu Dianzhu intervened, forcing them to back down—they allowed me to compete for the spot, but forbade me from representing Sword Mountain."

Cao Jingsong's face flushed red instantly: "Why?!"

"The Elders' Pavilion claims the Heavenly Dao Assembly should send disciples who better represent the Heavenly Book Academy—I don't qualify. Now they let me compete, but at least don't let Sword Mountain's prestige shine."

"Did you agree?"

Ji You nodded: "It's just for the preliminaries. I thought about it and agreed—just no Sword Mountain sword arts. Once I earn the spot, how can they possibly control me?"

He truly thought so.

First secure the Heavenly Dao Assembly spot; once there, even if the Heavenly Book Academy's Elders' Pavilion brags, they can't interfere.

At that point, I'll definitely use Sword Mountain's sword arts—otherwise… that little girl, Yan Shuyi, would surely object.

Why not use Sword Mountain's sword arts?

Do they think Sword Mountain is inferior?

If so, then don't even think about expecting me to give her endless vitality—she'd need a long while of coaxing, telling her it was the Elders' Pavilion's old men who forbade me from using my wife's sword.

Then she'd pretend to be cold and pout, only to be kissed until she gasped.

Hearing Ji You had compromised to secure the spot, Cao Jingsong remained furious: "The Elders' Pavilion is being outrageous! Everyone knows sword arts are your greatest strength—they're restricting even that! Then why didn't the Inner Academy teach you spell arts in the first place? Disgusting."

Ban Yangshu nodded after hearing this: "The Abbots have ruled with non-action for over two hundred years, leading to rampant factions within the sect. The Elders' Pavilion has long acted this way, but this blatant targeting is excessive—Sister, do you agree?"

Wen Zhengxin sipped her tea, then turned to look at Lu Hanyan: "There's certainly a matter of conduct, but ultimately, the real cause lies with Miss Lu Er."

Lu Hanyan, who had been silent, finally raised her eyes: "Me?"

"Though the Elders' Pavilion has many Elders, only a few hold real power—one is Fang Yan, Fang Jincheng's great-grandfather. You learned sword arts from Master Ji, yet you secretly fought and defeated Fang Jincheng before the Autumn Duel. Did you ever consider Fang Elder would target Master Ji and block him at the Heavenly Dao Assembly?"

Mistress Zhengxin always spoke plainly, with clear likes and dislikes.

Just as she previously scolded Ji You for his grunting and drove him out of the courtyard—she always said what she meant.

Hearing Wen Zhengxin expose this, everyone fell silent, their expressions varied.

The targeting was too obvious, and Fang Yan was the instigator—why, it wasn't hard to guess.

They had all thought of this long ago, they just hadn't spoken it aloud.

Hearing this, Lu Hanyan froze.

Though she was a noblewoman, she wasn't an Inner Academy disciple, and her family had never rooted itself in the Heavenly Book Academy—otherwise, the Lu family wouldn't have gone to such lengths to send both sisters here, hoping they'd enter the Inner Academy.

They were well-informed about spirit stone markets, but had no channels to learn Inner Academy gossip or factional struggles.

When Elder Fang arrived at the Sword Grove and saw Fang Jincheng lying on the ground, he'd merely said both were first-time offenders and warned against repetition—Lu Hanyan thought the matter had quietly passed.

Only when Wen Zhengxin finished speaking did Lu Hanyan realize this severe restriction on Ji You stemmed from her.

She knew Ji You's greatest strength was his Sword Mountain sword arts—if his strongest technique was blocked, the Heavenly Dao Assembly was in jeopardy. She instantly turned to Ji You.

"So this is all because of me…"

Lu Hanyan stared at Ji You: "Please, Master, punish me."

Ji You turned to her: "Should I punish you for learning sword arts from me?"

Lu Hanyan lowered her head and whispered: "When Fang Jincheng insulted me in the Sword Grove, I shouldn't have acted on impulse—I should've waited for the Autumn Duel to settle it. Then the Fang family wouldn't have interfered with Master Ji's Heavenly Dao Assembly preliminaries."

"Nonsense. What kind of logic is that?"

Ji You lifted his teacup: "Sword arts follow the straight path—the path of clear swordheart. If you can't strike back when insulted, why even learn swordplay? Just go home and farm."

Hearing this, Lu Hanyan froze.

Ji You met her gaze evenly: "This has little to do with you. In the Inner Academy, I've always been an outsider. Even without Fang Jincheng's incident, they'd never have let me earn the spot easily. Since entering, everything I've gained, I've carved out with my own blade. What fault do you have?"

Though his tone was heavy and hoarse, Lu Hanyan remained still for a long while—her eyes now glimmered brighter than before.

When Mistress Wen had spoken of her, everyone had glanced at her sideways—she'd expected blame, but instead received comfort.

Lu Qingqiu was also watching Ji You, her red lips slightly pursed.

Some things are clear to observers, obscure to those involved.

Lu Hanyan, who dueled Fang Jincheng, was the one involved; Lu Qingqiu, who watched, was the observer.

That day, she had been in the Sword Grove—she knew Ji You had been there all along.

He must have known this incident would anger the Elders' Pavilion and harm his chances at the Heavenly Dao Assembly. If he truly cared, with his strength, he could've stopped his sister and Fang Jincheng before either could land a blow—there'd be no winner or loser.

But he just stood there, watching—until Fang Jincheng fell, sword at his throat, still silent, even praising her swordplay.

Meaning—he didn't care.

Yes, Ji You has never cared about such things.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have established his own noble house in Fengzhou, nor reclaimed all the tax revenues from the entire region's people.

Just as he said: since entering the academy, everything he's gained wasn't given—he carved it out, blade by blade…

The tea in the teaching courtyard had been half-drunk, yet Cao Jingsong's brow remained furrowed.

"Since it's come to this, prepare yourself. Without your sword, be even more cautious—don't be overconfident."

Ji You lifted his gaze: "I never intended to use my sword. Don't ask why I'm so confident—they should look at who my teacher is."

"That's true enough."

Cao Jingsong muttered, feigning nonchalance, but his chest swelled like inflating—making the stone table rattle.

Ji You puffed out his chest too: "Then… Master, please grant me the sword."

Cao Jingsong's chest instantly deflated, his eyes filled with confusion: "What sword? Do you want to spar with me again?"

"No—I mean grant me money to buy a sword. Short for 'grant sword.'"

"?"

"My sword shattered in the Snow Region—I only have over forty sword hilts left. I can't really go defend the Lei with bare hands."

"Wretched disciple!"

Cao Jingsong gritted his teeth and pulled out his money pouch.

Bai Rulong instantly held his breath, quietly set down his teacup, smiling as ever—but his feet began subtly shifting leftward.

His position was near the door; with a slight lean, he could escape, then vanish into the outer academy in a cloud of dust.

But just as his buttocks left the bench and his left hand reached for the courtyard door handle, a hand firmly landed on his shoulder—sending a chill through his chest.

Watching the three count silver, Wen Zhengxin and Ban Yangshu exchanged glances, their brows still knotted.

Master Ji is strong—no doubt. But now his strongest technique is restricted—how strong he truly remains is anyone's guess.

Most crucially, though the Elders' Pavilion clearly targets Ji You, their words hold no flaw.

The Heavenly Dao Assembly is indeed an external event; though no sect rivalry is officially declared, the world always ranks based on it.

So forbidding Heavenly Book Academy disciples from winning with Sword Mountain's sword arts is technically reasonable.

But the more reasonable it is, the more it cuts to the heart.

The two raised their heads and saw Lu Qingqiu pulling silver from her robes, muttering that since it started with her, she'd buy Ji You a sword.

Lu Hanyan also pulled coins from her storage gourd—large chunks of gold spilled out, matching her sister's generosity, soon piling into a small mound beside Ji You.

Ban Yangshu watched this: "Master Ji's romantic troubles are many."

Wen Zhengxin pursed her lips: "Master Ji has the right to them."

"?"

As dusk approached, the group dispersed from the quiet courtyard.

The sisters went to the Enlightenment Grounds and found the notice board still surrounded by disciples, murmuring Ji You's name.

The notice wouldn't openly state Ji You couldn't use sword arts in his defense.

So none of them knew—yet they stared at the Tongxuan realm column, scalp prickling, thinking: Who the hell could win this?

But the Lu sisters knew well—the Inner Academy's Elders' Pavilion would soon amplify this hidden rule, turning this targeted restriction into an open secret.

Only then would their actions have meaning.

As expected, not long after, the news that Ji You had agreed to defend the platform without using Lingjian Mountain's sword arts spread first through the Inner Court.

"The Elder's Pavilion really struck hard—banning him from using Lingjian Mountain's sword techniques is clearly targeted, yet still justifiable. What a brilliant move."

"What does Shi Brother think? If Ji You loses his sword arts, how much of his win rate remains?"

In the Inner Court's Purple Bamboo Chan Forest, Shi Junhao, Xiao Hanyan, and Chai Hu sat together in a pavilion, the air filled entirely with the scent of tea.

All three were at the peak of the Fusion Dao realm, and for this period they had been busy enhancing their combat power atop their foundational realms, studying sword arts and refining techniques, all waiting for the defense tournament to begin.

They were close friends and the strongest Fusion Dao cultivators in the Inner Court, all designated as seed competitors for the Heavenly Dao Assembly.

Along with He Lingxiu, who was currently in seclusion, the four had agreed to each defend five matches and secure their slots, ensuring they wouldn't face each other before the Heavenly Dao Assembly.

Thus, they now had ample free time and couldn't help but discuss the matter of Ji You being forbidden from using swords during his defense.

Like everyone else in the court, they believed sword arts were Ji You's greatest advantage; if he lost that, what was he but an ordinary Tongxuan cultivator?

As for body refinement, Ji You's physique could match a Barbarian Upper Soldier, but in their view, it could not possibly compensate for the loss of his sword arts.

A single stone often stirs a thousand layers of waves.

As dusk fell, the news swiftly reached the capital, and noble youths like Princess Changle couldn't help but smile with amusement.

Zhao Yunyue had been in low spirits for days, primarily because Ji You had taught Lu Hanyan sword arts.

When Ji You cut through Chuhe and entered the Inner Court, she and Lu Qingqiu had both sent personal tokens to him, hoping to become his Dao companions.

Later, both were rejected. Though Zhao Yunyue harbored resentment, she felt slightly better knowing Lu Qingqiu had also failed.

But Ji You had descended the mountain for half a month, personally guiding Lu Hanyan in sword arts, making her believe Lu Qingqiu had become his concubine.

Perhaps this matter was even tied to the Snowfield Demon Stone.

Ji You now governs Fengzhou, and the Immortal Supervisory Office has rerouted the Snowfield Demon Stone transport route to Fengzhou. If the two families married, the Spirit Stone Guild could still control most of the spirit stones.

The position of principal wife would surely go to a daughter of Yu Danzong—no doubt about that—but it wasn't impossible for the Lu family to marry Lu Qingqiu to him as a concubine to control spirit stones across Qingyun.

But then, wouldn't she be the one left behind?

She didn't absolutely need Ji You—she simply despised being treated like merchandise to be chosen, and found it unbearable to think she was the one no one wanted.

Just imagining Lu Qingqiu naked, drenched in sweat, gasping beneath Ji You, watching his powerful chest move closer then farther away, filled her with resentment.

So when she heard Ji You couldn't use swords, her joy was more than slight.

The Elder's Pavilion was extremely pleased with how fast this unwritten rule spread, so they dispatched disciples repeatedly to the Administration Office to inquire and see how many, upon learning Ji You couldn't use Lingjian Mountain's sword arts, were eager to challenge him.

The next day, Shengjing was again clear and bright.

On the fifth visit, the Elder's Pavilion disciple brought news that did not match their expectations.

Everyone knew Ji You couldn't use swords during his defense—this was true—but neither the Inner nor Outer Court's Tongxuan cultivators rushed to challenge him as everyone had eagerly anticipated; instead, silence reigned.

It felt as if Ji You stood alone on the platform, unarmed, bound by chains, yet the crowd below, swords drawn and tension thick, dared not be the first to step forward.

"Brother Wu, you've lingered in the Tongxuan realm for years—your cultivation is already profound. This opportunity of the Heavenly Dao Assembly is right before you. Won't you try?"

"Let's wait a bit longer."

"Why wait still?"

"Though Ji You can't use Lingjian Mountain's sword arts, he still possesses mastery over sword control. Facing his seven-sword technique, I'd have only slight advantage—not reliable enough. Let someone else go first. Some arrogant fools chase the first victory, but it means nothing to me."

Seeing the disciples' reaction, the elders in the Elder's Pavilion all grew grim.

They hadn't expected Ji You's name to carry such weight.

"He doesn't even use sword arts anymore, and still people fear him?"

Fang Yan's face darkened, his booming voice shaking the teacups in the Elder's Pavilion.

He had long surpassed the Boundless realm; by years and combat power, he was nearly at the Threshold of Divine Travel.

To him, Ji You—a mere Tongxuan cultivator—was no more than an ant. But bound by court rules, he couldn't strike Ji You directly, so he had only restricted his sword use. He never imagined even this wouldn't satisfy him.

Ge Elder, who had once journeyed to the Snowfield with Ji You, spoke up: "Even without Lingjian Mountain's sword arts, Ji You's combat power isn't comparable to ordinary Tongxuan cultivators. The disciples' caution isn't surprising."

"Worthless! All of you are worthless! With such timid Dao hearts, how will you ever reach the Great Dao?"

"Wait a little longer, Fang Elder. Someone will eventually grow impatient."

The three Administrators of the Administration Office had also waited a full day, seeing no one come to register for a challenge; their expressions were complex.

Ji You was famous—in Tian Shu Academy, in Shengjing, even across the Great Xia Empire—his reputation bordered on legendary.

Especially on the Barbarian Frontiers, where he blocked a Barbarian Warlord's punch with forty-nine sword strikes.

Yet they truly hadn't expected that even after he promised not to use swords, no one dared challenge him.

This wasn't mere fame—it was awe-inspiring renown.

Simply writing "Ji You" on the notice board had already paralyzed every Tongxuan cultivator in the tournament, freezing them in place.

"Brother Qin, when do you think the Tongxuan battle will begin?"

"Hard to say."

Qin Rong gazed out the window at the sunlight streaming in, watching dust motes drift in the light, and rested his hand on the sandalwood desk: "Everything is hardest at the start. Ji You's combat power has always been unfathomable. The disciples' caution is natural."

Lang Hetong raised his eyes: "We can't keep delaying forever. What do you think, Ji?"

Ji Jingyao turned two iron balls in his left hand and shook his head.

He didn't know—or rather, couldn't predict…

No one had come to challenge yet.

A few days ago, Ji You ordered a sword from Qionghua Pavilion; now he came to collect it and couldn't help but sigh.

If he had rushed day and night these past two days, he could have made a round trip to Lingjian Mountain, stopped by Yu Danzong to see Yuanchen, and even visited his sister.

He stored the Dao sword in his storage gourd, then turned his gaze to several defensive artifacts on the shelf.

At that moment, two figures entered Qionghua Pavilion.

Ji You sensed a familiar presence and turned his head.

One was a scholar in a Confucian robe; the other wore a purple cloud-patterned silk skirt, like a noble lady, stepping gracefully.

The man chatted and laughed with the woman as they walked, his gaze calm and open; the woman smiled sweetly, her voice soft, occasionally glancing at the scholar beside her.

Sensing Ji You's gaze, both turned to look at him, their expressions puzzled.

After racking their brains in vain, they exchanged glances, shook their heads, and walked away with an air of awkwardness.

Ji You: "..."

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