[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-watching-the-immortals-fall":3,"chapter-watching-the-immortals-fall-watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-243":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Watching the Immortals Fall",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2260116,4410,"Chapter 243: The Junior Jianzhu","watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-243",243,"\u003Cp>“Your duel has had a tremendous impact on Qingyun Tianxia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one expected you to grow so strong—so many have begun questioning their very lives.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even your master was shaken, wondering what kind of monster I’d brought out of Yuyang County.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Lingxi Daochang battle ended, Yan Hao was removed from the roster; Ji You went to Taiping Garden to register as the new defender and now waits for the next challenger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Taiping Garden was filled with immortals from numerous sects and millennia-old aristocratic families, all here to challenge the defender—clusters to the left, groups to the right, all gazing far off at Ji You’s figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jinsong stood beside him, and upon seeing this, he began muttering to himself, his chest swelling with pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had spent days proclaiming, “This boy is extraordinary,” yet now that he truly saw Ji You’s extraordinariness, he still felt as if in a dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a seasoned instructor like him had yet to recover from it; the shock this morning’s battle delivered to others was unimaginable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You remained silent, his expression stern, appearing profound and inscrutable, forbidding all approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, to Cao Jinsong and the others, Ji You had reached this point alone with a single sword—he ought to carry some immortal dignity now, no longer casually laughing or cursing as before; he needed to cultivate an aura of transcendence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, in Qingyun Tianxia, those with high realms and exceptional talent remained unmoved by praise or blame, calm and composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This posture helped suppress emotional fluctuations and kept the Dao-heart clear, while also making one appear more mysterious and lofty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet comparatively, they still found the earlier, rough-and-tumble Ji You far more lively and interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this continued, their bond would grow increasingly distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The culture of Qingyun Tianxia had always been this way: due to differences in cultivation base and talent, everyone progressed at different speeds; many surged ahead and no longer recognized their former companions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These thoughts churned in the minds of the four men until the Si Xian Jian announced that the shattered Daochang required no compensation—only then did they realize Ji You’s heavy demeanor had vanished, his smile now bursting uncontrollably, and they understood they’d overthought everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Instructor, I won.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, I just remembered there’s something I need to attend to at the inn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jinsong and the others quickly retreated—not because of anything else, but because Ji You’s smile was beginning to look suspiciously like he expected them to treat him to a meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhongxing County Academy’s prices had skyrocketed due to the Tian Dao Hui; even a simple four-dish-one-soup meal could bankrupt you, so growing distant might not be such a bad thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a bunch of dogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I saved them the cost of repairing the Daochang, and yet they won’t even treat me to a meal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You grumbled as he returned to Rusheng Garden, only to find the garden utterly quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Autumn had arrived; the leaves had turned yellow rapidly, golden hues swaying in the wind, rustling softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood in the courtyard for a long while, then noticed two figures before the elegant railing of the opposite pavilion—Zhuo Wanqiu and Ding Yao—also watching him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had returned directly from Lingxi Daochang; their gazes were more reverent than before, tinged with a soft adoration, as if they wished to join his household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their eyes, Ji You understood at once, and pushed open the door to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi sat barefoot upon the tea mat in his small room, examining a pile of letters on the table, her expression cold and haughty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his angle, he could just see her plump, pink-tinted feet, lightly pressed beneath her full hips, her ten toes delicate as spring bamboo shoots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Hao’s injuries were not severe—only stagnant qi and blood, his arms immobilized; compared to the unconscious Tang Jingming and Xiang Hui, or the internally injured Chen Ruiyang, he was far better off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This also proved the vast gap between Rong Dao and Tong Xuan realms—too bad he’d encountered a monster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After being removed from Lingxi Daochang, Yan Hao was taken to a clinic for treatment; upon returning, he apologized to Yan Shuyi, claiming he had disappointed Lingjian Mountain’s expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had indeed been appointed by Tianjian Peak to secure the top rank and find a way to seize the Sacred Artifact, yet he still maintained a respectful posture toward Yan Shuyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi gazed at him coldly and said, “Losing to him isn’t surprising at all—he’s him, after all,” causing surrounding disciples to exchange startled glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lingjian Mountain disciples knew their Jianzhu presided over the world with icy elegance; they never imagined she’d describe a Tian Shu Academy disciple in such a tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, the Jianzhu’s voice sounded as if she’d caught a cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu watched their Jianzhu’s expression—clearly, everything was “my husband is perfect”—and thought: You’d better go find your husband before everyone returns, or you’ll slip up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Yan Shuyi came here, quietly brewing tea and shelling pumpkin seeds, waiting for him to return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bold Tian Shu Academy disciple, you injured our sect’s disciple!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi’s face remained cold and haughty, but the moment Ji You entered, her pink toes tucked beneath her hips curled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You removed his boots and stepped onto the tea mat: “And?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though Tian Shu Academy claims to be the Holy Sect of Daya, it’s merely a hollow title—everyone knows Lingjian Mountain is the foremost of the Seven Immortal Sects. Are you truly unafraid of inviting disaster upon yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have secret marital ties with Lingjian Mountain’s high-ups; I acted on his request. Must I explain this to you too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You rascal…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t provoke me, or I’ll expel you from Lingjian Mountain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi paused, then remembered Gongshu Chou’s words—that Ji You treated Lingjian Mountain like his own home: “I’ll beat you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You sat up straight: “Don’t you believe my connections? Go ask around—my instructor was personally received by Lingjian Mountain’s junior Jianzhu during the match. She even placed my instructor’s seat directly before her own, clearly treating him as an elder.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi’s cold face flushed; her plump toes curled again: “Why do you always fixate on such trivial things? Why not wonder why I didn’t tell you Yan Hao planned to break through mid-battle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you didn’t tell me, it means you didn’t know either. But why did Yan Hao hide so deeply—even from his own sect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps for the Sacred Artifact.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi then told him about the ancient sages’ sacred ground possessing the origin of the Sacred Artifact, and the speculation that Tianjian Peak might be seeking a way to reclaim the Sacred Mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Ji You couldn’t help but open his mouth slightly, thinking: This is truly bizarre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All this time, I’ve helped eliminate a hidden threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems the incident of the proud spirit entering Wujiang Realm has placed immense pressure on Tianjian Peak. Thank goodness I didn’t hold back, and thank goodness I chose to pursue the Body Refinement path—otherwise, Yan Hao would’ve been truly difficult to handle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You pondered for a moment, then felt a cool, soft object brush his palm. He looked down and saw Yan Shuyi’s petite, delicate foot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at the junior Jianzhu, sitting upright, slender waist arched, her beautiful eyes filled with reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You reached out and grasped the snow-white foot, then noticed the mountain of letters: “What’s all this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though this room wasn’t his, he’d lived here half a month—he knew it intimately. He remembered leaving with no such pile on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi now looked at the desk too: “They’re for you. I don’t know what’s inside—open them yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Signed by Huang Rou—who’s Huang Rou? I don’t think I know her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sounds like a woman.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You tore open the plump envelope; before he could reach in, a water-pink undergarment slipped out, carrying a sweet, powdery scent, embroidered with the characters “Huang Rou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Undergarments are the most intimate female garments, made of the smoothest silk to glide effortlessly—hence why it slid out automatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alongside the undergarment was an invitation, asking him to meet at the willow grove on Huxindao at dusk tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Ji You held his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew this well—he’d received many similar letters after defeating Chu He, and more after securing his Tian Shu Academy slot; he understood these were signals from women seeking dual-cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His battle with Yan Hao must have spread throughout Xianxian Garden; such attention isn’t surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But clearly, all these women sending letters came from minor aristocratic families; mid- to upper-tier clans still looked down on his rustic, self-taught status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You coughed, looked up at Yan Shuyi, and saw her eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boring. I’m not looking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ve already been sent—keep looking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Yan Shuyi’s words, Ji You fell silent, then reached for the other letters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The contents were all similar—mostly undergarments, some underpants, a riot of colors, filling the room with sweet powder scents and rising sword qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The powder scent came from the intimate garments; the sword qi came from the jealous Wujiang Realm spirit beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You looked up again and saw Yan Shuyi had unconsciously puffed out her cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The letters were too numerous; some were shockingly explicit, filled with words like “spring night” and “phoenix canopy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi’s cold face flushed as she spotted two more letters—from Huahua Clan and Zeng Clan of Lingzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You turned to her: “Jealous spirit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You won’t let me see, then insist I look—and then you’re unhappy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi glanced at him: “How could the Jianzhu possibly be displeased? I merely wish to see how many bees and butterflies you attract.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You placed the letters on the table: “Marriage between man and woman is natural law. I’m of age now—I must consider lineage. I don’t want anyone else—but I wonder when the one who’s claimed me will give me children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was no longer afraid of provoking Yan Shuyi—he knew this little jealous spirit turned docile the moment he held her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, Yan Shuyi gave him no chance to embrace her; without warning, she swung her fists, and the two clashed inside the room with loud thuds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not set up barriers beforehand, the entire courtyard would’ve been awakened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As her pink fists struck, air rippled—he blocked them with his arms, then a fragrant, snow-white foot shot toward his face; he dodged instantly, but one kick still landed on his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi didn’t fully channel her qi; her foot was cool and soft, not enough to hurt him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several dodges, Ji You was puzzled—why had she reacted so impulsively now? He’d said the same thing before, yet she’d never struck so suddenly, as if some nerve had been triggered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a flurry of blows, Ji You was pinned in the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He now realized: Yan Shuyi wasn’t angry—she was expressing something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior Jianzhu kicked him twice, then punched him twice with her pink fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wouldn’t truly hurt him, so Ji You seized the moment, pulling her into his arms, locking her fists and restless feet, then leaning down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi’s lips were sealed; her hands clenched tightly before her chest, her mouth opening and closing, her mind filled with his question about how many children he wanted—and her heart drowned in shame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long after, they parted gently; Yan Shuyi breathed lightly in his arms, her eyes glistening as if about to overflow, yet her spiritual energy never ceased flowing, guarding against the weapon beneath her hips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You held his breath, not daring to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those punches and kicks had seemed like affectionate play—but the sword intent now condensed by her spiritual energy was real, unmistakable…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Si Xian Jian said the finals are ten days away. From what others imply, no one plans to challenge me, so I intend to leave for a while—will you come with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just go along with it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you even going to ask where?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I, the Mirror Master, do not need to explain my actions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Shuyi curled up in his arms, her snow-white feet twitching slightly as she whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The day he faced Yan Hao was the beginning of autumn, followed immediately by an autumn rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji You did not appear all day, and Cao Jingsong and the others never showed up in the Hall of Sages, causing those who had hoped to host them to return empty-handed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the challenge matches, perhaps because Ji You’s displayed strength made all competitors reassess themselves, everyone became extremely cautious, and no challenge matches were held the next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was nervousness or quiet reflection, the atmosphere was undeniably strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, He Lingxiu had also successfully entered the challenge matches, but had not yet chosen an opponent to challenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She broke through late and had only just stabilized her realm; whether she could make the top ten still depended on luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others like Shi Junhao were also being extremely cautious and refrained from rushing into a choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically, this was the right decision, but whenever they thought of Ji You directly challenging the strongest and stepping onto the stage with a swift, clean strike, their hearts grew complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was mid-afternoon. He Lingxiu sat inside the room, receiving the Qiu family father and daughter. On the desk, fragrant tea steamed beside an invitation letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the day before, the head of the Qiu family had noticed his daughter had grown quiet and often drifted into thought. Yesterday morning, she rose early, as if heading somewhere to watch the matches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His daughter, who had never cared much for the Heavenly Dao Tournament duels, had suddenly changed her nature—naturally drawing her father’s attention. So he followed her to Lingxi Dao Field yesterday, sat in silence for a long time after watching, and today wrote an invitation, bringing her here in haste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When He Lingxiu first suggested marrying Qiu Hanyue to Ji You as a concubine, the head of the Qiu family had not taken it seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He agreed not because he valued Ji You, but to maintain ties with the He family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when his daughter repeatedly avoided and refused this match, he did not press further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after yesterday’s duel, he regretted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why he brought his daughter, hoping to see if the marriage proposal might still be possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading the letter the Qiu family head had written to Ji You, He Lingxiu raised her eyes to Qiu Hanyue, who sat with her hands clasped, resting on her skirt, head bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, according to Qiu Hanyue’s own wishes, she would have refused outright to come here today if her father had forced her—but for some reason, she had come anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lady He, what do you think of my letter? Is it appropriate?” the Qiu family head asked anxiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingxiu snapped out of her thoughts: “It’s well-written, but… better not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Hanyue lifted her head slightly, gazing at He Lingxiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qiu family head blinked in surprise: “Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Some things were meant to be a simple favor, but when one side doesn’t want it and the other doesn’t care, saying too much only makes both me and Brother Ji feel awkward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingxiu placed the invitation back on the table: “Brother Ji already told me plainly he would not accept this marriage. I suggest the Qiu family find another suitable groom. Use this Heavenly Dao Tournament as a chance to look around and choose wisely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qiu family head fell silent for a long while: “My daughter was foolish before, but Ji You can’t possibly marry only one woman. I still beg you, Lady He, to try again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re really determined, aren’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Earlier, I was ignorant. Now… I regret it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingxiu looked at the father and daughter, then glanced toward Ji You’s residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After watching his duel with Yan Hao, her desire to recruit Ji You had grown stronger, but she had yet to find another candidate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the Qiu family was so insistent, He Lingxiu thought it might be worth trying again. After long consideration, she rose and walked toward Ji You’s house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qiu family waited quietly, and soon saw He Lingxiu return, the invitation still untouched in her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He… refused?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yesterday, twenty-eight families sent letters and invitations. I just asked my maids—they said all were returned, and some of the clothes… were even mixed up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingxiu handed the invitation back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the word “they say” from He Lingxiu, the Qiu family head froze: “Lady He, you didn’t even see him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingxiu’s expression turned complex: “I didn’t see him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could he refuse to meet even his own senior sister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not that he refuses—he’s gone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I went to his residence and found it empty. His clothes were all neatly packed. I asked a disciple from the Administration Office—they said after Ji You returned the twenty-eight letters, he left, and will return in time for the duels.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qiu family head opened his mouth: “Why leave now? Is there something urgent?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Lingxiu lifted her teacup: “He said the wheat in his fields had ripened—he had to go home to harvest it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Ji is just like that. Others care about what he ignores, and he cares deeply about what others ignore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Hanyue lifted her head at this, expression startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cultivators stood above mortals, paying no mind to common folk, let alone farming and harvests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet for some reason, when she heard Ji You had gone home to cut wheat, she felt from those casual words a wild, elegant immortality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2961,"2026-06-19T15:28:41.422Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c40f80202b8f62dc1fcd0829e72f388db0401343b8d78666723233e0540063ff","watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-244","watching-the-immortals-fall-chapter-242",430,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwatching-the-immortals-fall-cover.jpg"]