Chapter 217: Departure

Some things can only be understood after you've seen and experienced them.

Otherwise, you're like a peasant who's never seen an emperor and imagines his hoe must be made of gold.

Even their idle tea-drinking is cultivation—how could ordinary people compare?

Ji You couldn't even imagine what life the Headmaster of the Heavenly Book Academy lived, and felt deep sorrow for the old man's grueling mission.

Then, the Administration Office issued its notice.

The departure date for the Heavenly Book Academy's journey to the Dao Assembly was set for the Wu Chen day of the seventh month.

At that time, all cultivators across the land would gather in Zhongxing Commandery to witness the flourishing of the Immortal Dao and jointly explore its profound mysteries.

Yuan Caiwei wrote to him, saying the wheat seedlings he sent were growing exceptionally well; she also heard he'd secured a spot, and added that on the third day of the seventh month, she'd arrive in Shengjing with her sect, then travel with the Heavenly Book Academy to Zhongxing Commandery.

Alchemists have no combat power and require escorts; traveling with the Heavenly Book Academy isn't surprising.

Cao Jingsong, Wen Zhengxin, and Ban Yangshu also planned to attend the Dao Assembly for the spectacle, and to cheer for Ji You.

Long Xiandi had returned home to visit relatives and hadn't come back yet, apparently delayed by some matter, but he'd sent a letter saying he'd join his family in Zhongxing Commandery, where they'd meet again.

Pei Ruyi had also written to them, saying she'd arrive around the same time and had arranged a meeting spot with Wen Zhengxin.

Ruyi Xianzi was obsessed with cultivation—otherwise she wouldn't have kept the Heavenly Book Academy for ten years—and she wouldn't miss such a major event.

The Seven Immortal Sects wouldn't provide lodging for observers like Cao Jiaoxi who came on their own, but Zhongxing Commandery had hosted the Dao Assembly many times, so there were plenty of inns—and even entire estates available for rent.

But estates? With Cao Jiaoxi's finances—spending disciples' dowries on spirit tea—he probably couldn't afford one.

If inns raised prices due to crowds, sleeping on the streets might be inevitable.

As for Ji You, as a competing disciple, everything would be handled for him—he wouldn't have to sleep on the streets with Cao Jiaoxi.

At this moment, he stood in the Sword Grove, wooden sword in hand, towering among emerald bamboos, giving Lu Jia's second daughter a prolonged, face-to-face tutoring session.

To others, the Dao Assembly was the biggest matter now, but for her, the Autumn Duel was far more urgent.

Ji You had little time to guide her, so he simply sparred with her, pointing out every flaw.

Thus, her pert rear was struck many times in a single day; though hidden beneath gauze skirts and silk trousers, it was surely bright red.

"Don't blindly imitate the sword forms I've shown you—swords are strongest when they flow naturally from your heart. Form your own understanding based on your own style."

"Yes, Senior Brother."

"Be steadier when striking—beginning, ending, thrusting, landing—each motion must be complete; the sword qi must never pause."

"Yes, Senior Brother."

"Your waist is still too stiff—this limits your power. You've had this bad habit since day one."

"But Senior Brother, I don't know how to make my waist more flexible."

"Forget it—you'll improve once you're married…"

Lu Hanyan's eyes widened; her sword form instantly faltered as the bamboo sword struck her rear with a sharp *pop*, and she let out a whimper.

Lu Qingqiu stood guard west of the bamboo grove, strictly obeying Ji You's order: "Don't let anyone disturb him."

Now, her ears strained to catch the rhythmic *slap-slap-slap* and the occasional cries of pain and breathy "Senior Brother," and she couldn't help blushing.

Naughty little thing…

But strict masters do produce outstanding students—though her rear was swollen and plump, her sword skill had improved noticeably these past days.

Two days ago, Lu Qingqiu sparred with her sister again and found Lu Hanyan's strength far surpassed her former self—just the opening stance alone filled her with pressure.

Ji You had said he wouldn't teach the Lingjian Mountain sword art to outsiders, yet Lu Hanyan's strikes now subtly bore the aura of true sword Dao—after much thought, Lu Qingqiu concluded Ji You must have taught her insights beyond Lingjian Mountain's teachings.

Add to that the sword-controlling technique she'd already learned, and her swollen rear wasn't unjustified.

Besides, Lu Hanyan didn't see it as punishment—she saw it as reward.

Lu Qingqiu listened for a long while, then bit her lower lip, and waited until noon, when the sword qi whistling in the bamboo grove suddenly ceased.

She turned to see Ji You walking slowly out, followed by Lu Hanyan, cheeks flushed, lips lightly bitten, walking while gently stroking her own rear.

"I've taught you nearly everything—do your best in the Autumn Duel."

Lu Qingqiu tore her gaze from her sister's rear: "Thank you, Young Master Ji, for your generous instruction."

Ji You glanced at Lu Hanyan: "She still has many shortcomings—note them down and keep an eye on her practice. But don't be too harsh—her current level is already excellent; Fang Jincheng can't catch up."

"As you command, Young Master."

Ji You listed Lu Hanyan's remaining flaws for Lu Qingqiu, then took his leave without lingering, even declining lunch.

The last few breathy sounds from Lu Hanyan were too alluring—he feared he'd be overwhelmed.

He was a proper teacher—his method with Lu Hanyan was the same as Pei Ruyi's with Ru Ru: strict master, outstanding student. Even the most forgetful things stick if they hurt enough.

Ru Ru, that greedy little thing, ate ten meals a day—but she'd become diligent and studious from all the beatings.

This proves the spanking method is legitimate and reliable, and the teaching content is rigorous and proper.

As for why he'd trained a rebellious disciple who wanted to "rush" him—the only possibility was that Lu Second Miss wasn't a proper student…

Lu Qingqiu watched Ji You leave the Sword Grove, gazing as his white robes fluttered like wind down the mountain, then turned to her sister: "Why did you make so many mistakes today? Young Master Ji even sweated from hitting you."

Lu Hanyan stared at Ji You's retreating figure, thinking she hadn't made that many errors—some strikes were probably just him getting carried away.

Seeing her sister silent, Lu Qingqiu remembered Ji You's advice not to be too harsh, so she changed tone and offered to take her for lunch.

Lu Hanyan asked her sister to wait—she needed to return to her quarters and change her silk trousers…

At this moment, Ji You had already left the outer courtyard and followed the Nishan Sacred Path to Shengjing, where he made some purchases.

Zhongxing Commandery had a Qionghua Pavilion too, but no discounts—this one in Shengjing, which he'd brought business to, would give him a discount.

After finishing his shopping, Ji You rolled up his sleeves and stepped toward the door, then paused on the stone steps, captivated by over a dozen carriages radiating spiritual energy.

Each carriage flew large banners embroidered with different family crests.

Twin fire lotuses blooming on bronze plates, nine stellar traces encircling iron swords, yin-yang fish biting each other's tails…

Behind these crest-bedecked carriages, countless figures hovered in midair, swords beneath their feet, each radiating immortal grace as they floated down gently onto the street.

There were young lords with radiant charm, immortal maidens in flowing robes adorned with jade ornaments, and aged elders with haughty expressions, walking with hands clasped behind their backs, swords inlaid with gold and silver-ringed blades flowing into the city like a tide.

The Dao Assembly was held in Zhongzhou; these clans lived far away, so they'd departed early and planned to stay several days in Shengjing to rest and sightsee.

Because of this spectacle, the East and West Markets had already closed; many merchants and peddlers no longer entered the city, fearing they might accidentally offend noble immortals.

Meanwhile, the four major inns and three estates in the capital had earned far more these past days than during the Heavenly Book Academy's preliminary trials.

Soon, Ji You saw a group of officials appear on the street, then bowed deeply as they approached the arriving immortals from all directions, warmly welcoming them—almost every surname under heaven seemed represented.

Qingyun Realm had always been this way—anything touched by the word "immortal" became a major event.

But such a magnificent scene, Ji You had rarely seen before.

After watching for a while, he stepped down from the threshold and walked toward two cultivators standing before a brothel, then patted two beggars nearby, took them to Xicheng, gave them some copper coins, and told them to play elsewhere.

These beggars had no worldly experience and couldn't read the situation like adults—if they caused trouble now, it'd be hard to handle.

Ji You then returned to the main street and, after walking a few steps, spotted a middle-aged man and paused slightly.

The man stood disheveled before a mansion, glaring at him with bloodshot eyes.

Though his hands were hidden in wide brocade sleeves, they trembled visibly.

Ji You froze, glanced at the two headless stone lions, then walked silently toward Kuangcheng's residence.

"Young Master Ji, when will you depart for the Dao Assembly?"

"The fifth day of the seventh month—I'll travel with the Administration Office. Cao Jiaoxi and the others will ride carriages; Sister Pei should also arrive from Fengzhou."

"I'll leave around the same time, traveling with the Imperial Immortal Supervision's carriages—we'll meet again in Zhongxing Commandery."

The Dao Assembly involved many mundane affairs—meals, lodging, banquets, venue arrangements—the detached immortals wouldn't trouble themselves, so these duties fell to the Great Xia Empire.

Previously, the Immortal-Friendly Faction handled these tasks, but this year, the Imperial Immortal Supervision was assigned the responsibility.

As Director of the Imperial Immortal Supervision, Kuangcheng naturally had to go along.

But he didn't need to worry about being separated from Wei Rui—she'd go with several imperial princesses and Zhao Yunyue of Chong Prince's Mansion, all there for the spectacle.

Without eyes in the capital, the big boy might finally find his match between "Kuang Lang" and "Kuang Lang."

"The final stretch of the Fengzhou road and the autumn harvest will coincide with the Dao Assembly—I may be too busy to oversee them. You'll need to watch closely. If any trouble arises, notify me—I've already informed Cao Jiaoxi and Brother Ban; they'll help you."

Kuangcheng looked up: "I'm from Fengzhou too, just like Young Master Ji—it's only right. You need only focus on your battle; I'll relay any news to you immediately."

Ji You glanced at him, thinking: You're hesitant about matters of life and death, but this? You're as energetic as if you'd eaten a Snickers.

Then Ji You suddenly paused: "What's going on with Minister Dou?"

Kuangcheng blinked, uncertain: "Minister Dou came to see you?"

"No—I saw him on the road, outside the Dou residence. His eyes were wide, like he wanted to devour me, and his face looked terrible—like he hadn't slept in days."

"That's not surprising…"

"?"

Kuangcheng thought a moment before speaking: "A few days ago, news came from the capital—Dou Yuankong had vanished. Only his personal servant was found, along with a bloodstained sleeve."

Ji You stiffened, then frowned—no wonder Minister Dou's killing intent had been so intense.

When returning from the Snowlands, he'd threatened Dou Yuankong never to return to the capital. Now that he was missing, it made sense Minister Dou would blame him.

"Dou Yuankong had some cultivation—ordinary people shouldn't be able to capture him. How did he vanish so suddenly?"

"Likely ambushed by rogue mountain bandits. The Imperial Immortal Supervision is investigating, but his servant died upon returning, so there are no leads yet."

Kuangcheng lifted his head: "He harbored ill intent toward you, trying to use the demon clan's delegation to kill you. This misfortune is karmic retribution—you needn't blame yourself."

Ji You pressed his lips: "I'm not blaming myself—I just realize now I'm like other cultivators: one word can end a life."

Kuangcheng shook his head: "Young Master Ji is destined to be different from other cultivators—I've always believed that. Even my colleagues in the Supervision say if all cultivators were like you, the world would truly be at peace."

Ji You looked at him: "But even a hero can't withstand constant provocation. You know, people in the Academy have already started matchmaking for me—some even wrote out dowries in detail, so tempting I can't resist, even though I'm not easily swayed by beauty—how could I resist gold and silver?"

"Aren't you afraid Lady Yan will stab you to death?"

"I am a little afraid…"

Kuangcheng leaned on the table: "With a sharp sword in hand and a true love in heart… you won't be blinded by worldly things."

Ji You glanced at him and thought, That 'we' you used is awfully subtle—you're practically trying to kill me with your wordplay.

Kuangcheng lifted his eyelids: "By the way, Brother Ji, will Miss Yan attend the Dao Assembly?"

"I don't know."

Ji You had never told Kuangcheng Yan Shuyi's identity, but as an official in the Imperial Spirit Surveillance, he had access to dossiers of all major immortal sects; the surname Yan's origins couldn't hide from him.

Yet Kuangcheng was one of the few people Ji You could fully trust—even if he knew, Ji You didn't think it mattered.

As for whether Yan Shuyi would appear at the Dao Assembly, he truly couldn't say.

Logically, the Dao Assembly was extremely important to the immortal world; the Five Hall Masters of the Heavenly Book Academy would all attend, and some even claimed the Patriarch himself would appear.

So the Young Inspector of Spirit Sword Mountain should appear too.

But for this prideful immortal maiden, breaking through to Wujiang was the most critical issue—one that even affected the entire stability of Spirit Sword Mountain.

Yet breaking through was inherently mysterious, could take short or long, and even she herself couldn't be sure when she'd succeed.

Still, even if she didn't go, Zhuo Wanqiu and Ding Yao would attend; he could ask them then.

After hearing this, Kuangcheng asked again: "What about Miss Yuan from Yu Danzong? Will she go?"

"She wrote me a letter today saying she'll come first to Shengjing, then depart with the Heavenly Book Academy—the opening of the Former Sages' Path to Enlightenment apparently requires alchemists."

"I see."

"?"

Ji You pulled out a packet of tea from his robe: "Somebody gave me this spirit tea—I'm leaving it with you. Though you don't cultivate, drinking it should sharpen your senses and cure illness, prolonging life."

Kuangcheng held the tea for a long while: "I've heard of spirit wine, but spirit tea? I've never even heard of it."

"Things only the poor can't afford—I wouldn't even give it to Cao Jingsong."

"Isn't this a bit too precious?"

"I'm not charging you."

Ji You then left Kuangcheng and walked along the afternoon road toward Nishan, as the sun set; along the way, he saw the cultivators who had entered earlier now appearing in taverns and teahouses, chatting excitedly.

This was different from the expressions Ji You had seen in them before.

Previously, though they'd been enthusiastic, they hadn't been this gleeful, nor this astonished.

The Dao Assembly was common knowledge—it shouldn't have caused such surprise—so Ji You judged something else must have happened.

But these aristocratic families were cautious; they all used sound-blocking artifacts and revealed no whispers—he couldn't probe anything.

Ji You returned along the mountain path to the Heavenly Book Academy's mountain gate; once inside, he found the disciples' expressions similar to those he'd seen on the street—gathered in small groups, talking nonstop.

This time, without any artifact-blocking, Ji You's sharp hearing clearly caught what they were discussing.

The matter still concerned the Dao Assembly—more precisely, the Rongdao Realm competition.

Two dragon-and-phoenix disciples of the Chen Shixian Clan will compete in the Rongdao Realm at this Dao Assembly, aiming to enter the Former Sages' Path to Enlightenment and break through to Yingtian Realm there.

A sect's direct disciple isn't the same as an immortal hall's or pavilion's direct disciple; even someone as esteemed as He Lingxiu within the inner court of the Heavenly Book Academy paled in comparison.

If you had to compare, it'd be like the distance between Sister Wen and her—even greater.

After all, a sect's direct disciple might one day become a Patriarch and wield a sacred artifact.

The Rongdao Realm competition, already perilous, now carried the weight of sect direct disciples—placing immense pressure on those hoping to rank, leaving everyone in the city vying for Rongdao Realm positions uneasy.

Upon hearing the news, He Lingxiu, Shi Junhao, Xiao Hanyan, and Chai Hu from the inner court fell into heavy silence.

Yet though this news was astonishing, it wasn't mentioned most often.

The most frequently mentioned—and most shocking—news came from the shores of the Mystic Sea, from Spirit Sword Mountain, where three peaks stood side by side.

Many female cultivators today call themselves goddesses or immortal maidens.

But only Yan Shuyi, the Young Inspector of Spirit Sword Mountain, is truly regarded by the entire Qingyun Continent as a goddess.

Of the Seven Great Immortal Sects, only the Heavenly Book Academy still lacks a direct disciple; all others already have theirs.

Yan Shuyi isn't the oldest among them, but she has always been the highest in cultivation base—her prodigious talent speaks for itself.

This morning, a piercing, crystalline sword cry surged skyward, cleaving open a clear sky over Lingzhou, which had been raining.

The Young Inspector of Spirit Sword Mountain, Yan Shuyi, broke through and emerged—now the youngest Wujiang in the world, without rival.

This news reached Ji You upon entering Kuangcheng's courtyard, brought by the Mountain Sea Pavilion of the southern immortal sects; within half an hour, it had spread through the entire city.

"Did Instructor Cao hear?"

"Heard what? That the Young Inspector of Spirit Sword Mountain entered Wujiang? Such talent is utterly beyond reach—truly a goddess descending to earth."

"No, I mean about Ji Shidi picking up silver."

Cao Jingsong turned, stunned: "He picked up silver?"

Ban Yangshu blinked: "Didn't you hear? I just returned from Shengjing; at the mountain gate, I saw Ji Shidi grinning—I thought he'd found silver."

(End of Chapter)