Chapter 267: The Dao Companion of the Mirror Master

Under a gloomy sky, cold raindrops fell silently, striking the forest and causing a constant rustling through the dense trees.

At the same time, the damp scent mingled with the earthy odor of soil seeped out from the mountains and woods.

"Are both of the Bu family's second sons at the Initial Realm of Response to Heaven?"

"It makes sense. Master Huo has already touched the threshold of the Response to Heaven Realm; only someone with a higher cultivation could have broken his legs."

"Two Initial Realm of Response to Heaven beings transformed into demonic seeds—extremely dangerous."

"What about Ji You…?"

"You also find it hard to believe? Indeed—how could it possibly be Ji You? If it were him, what level would his combat power have reached…?"

"But Master Huo and the others have already been released."

"So what if they've been released?"

"Those elders who've long secluded themselves in the mountains, with little life left, are no gentle souls. Merely seeing them makes one feel their intense malice. If they were lying, they wouldn't have been let go so easily."

"So you mean the elders have confirmed this news is true?"

In the gorge, disciples from the Wenda Sect, Shanhai Pavilion, and Lingjian Mountain were whispering among themselves.

The horrific state of Huo Hong and Jiang Chenfeng's group—limbs severed—had already spread widely since their rescue.

To incapacitate nine Fusion Dao cultivators was already terrifying enough.

But what stunned them even more was that Ji You had been the one to slay those two monsters.

Before the Heavenly Dao Assembly began, many people didn't know Ji You's name.

Even until the third round, some still asked, upon hearing his name, "Who is that?"

But after the Heavenly Dao Assembly ended, few in the Qingyun Realm didn't know him.

Initially, people labeled him as a peerless combatant in his realm, a gifted disciple of the Heavenly Book Academy, a solitary cultivator from the countryside.

After returning from the Sages' Sacred Ground, he gained additional labels: ordinary, pitiable, destined to fade into obscurity, as a countryside cultivator ought to be.

But no one expected to hear of him again—this time, for slaying a Response to Heaven cultivator with his sword.

The disciples of the three sects first learned that two Response to Heaven demonic seeds had been killed, and were still debating whether the killer deserved the title "Great One."

Then came the revelation—it was Ji You.

Many felt it impossible to link "Great One" with "Ji You."

He was too young, without a powerful clan, always alone, and rumors said even the Inner Academy hadn't taken notice of him.

At this moment, as everyone imagined Ji You slaying the Response to Heaven demonic seeds with his sword, their spiritual senses reeled.

Also silent for a long while, lost in shock, were Qin Rong and Ji Jingyuan of the Administration Hall.

They had returned with Elder Fang and now stood beneath the tree shade, expressions hesitant, as if holding back words.

Since returning from the Sages' Sacred Ground, Ji You had remained low-key, visiting Cao Jingsong daily, then staying within the Inner Academy's immortal residence, rarely venturing out.

Many in the academy discussed him, yet he never gave it a second thought.

Even his departure from the Heavenly Book Academy to return to Fengzhou was exceptionally quiet.

The two administrators had assumed he was deliberately keeping a low profile, believing his failure to breakthrough in the Sages' Sacred Ground had left him despondent, perhaps even ashamed.

But now, hearing Huo Hong and Jiang Chenfeng's account tonight, all their previous guesses and speculations shattered like glass.

Yet no matter how many times they heard it, the thought still seemed absurd.

The problem was, they had already begun to believe, deep down, that Ji You was the one who had slain the two Response to Heaven demonic seeds.

Their belief wasn't based on the killer's posture or sword habits matching Ji You's exactly.

It was because the money pouches of those recently killed—and those killed earlier—had vanished.

This was too much like his style; neither of them could imagine anyone else.

Ji Jingyuan lightly stroked his long beard: "This level of combat power is truly absurd…"

After a moment's thought, Qin Rong spoke: "For some reason, I feel it would be unnatural if he weren't like this."

"?"

"In the Sages' Sacred Ground, he didn't come away empty-handed, as everyone claims."

Ji Jingyuan looked up: "Even so, Elder Fang specifically instructed us to send word back to confirm."

Qin Rong raised his eyes: "Originally, Lu Hanyan and Fang Jincheng clashed over the Inner Academy spot, leading to their feud with Ji You. He deliberately made things difficult for Ji You during the Heavenly Dao Assembly preliminaries—he's the last person who'd want this to be true."

Ji Jingyuan nodded: "If someone like him is watching, even Elder Fang, high above, must be uneasy."

"But regardless, since he gave the order, we'll carry it out."

"I'll activate the message platform."

Qin Rong nodded, then added: "Please also send a separate message to Lord Zuqiu."

Ji Jingyuan nodded and turned to leave.

Soon after, a message ordering disciples to verify Ji You's whereabouts was sent via the message platform, arriving instantly at the Heavenly Book Academy.

Messages from the Administration Hall were classified into four tiers: Heaven, Earth, Mystery, and Earthly. This one bore the "Earth" mark.

The disciples stationed in the Administration Hall immediately set out, heading to both the Inner and Outer Academies.

Some went to find Wen Zhengxin and Ban Yangshu; others sought Lu Qingqiu and Lu Hanyan; still others went to the Purple Bamboo Meditation Grove and around Ji You's residence.

Since Wensiyuan was familiar with them, he was assigned to find Cao Jingsong; another group was sent to locate Kuangcheng.

In truth, they were all puzzled, for since Ji You received a message from Shengjing, he had left.

Before departing, he left only a note saying he had matters to attend to.

The search for Ji You quickly spread through the academy, leaving all disciples bewildered.

Since Ji You failed to breakthrough after returning from the Sages' Sacred Ground, everyone assumed he'd become invisible, no longer worth attention.

Yet no one expected the Administration Hall to launch such a vigorous search for him today.

He Lingxiu, Xiao Hanyan, Shi Junhao, and others were in seclusion; upon hearing this, they furrowed their brows, unsure what trouble this long-forgotten name had stirred.

But in their view, Ji You, though a Tongxuan cultivator with combat power nearing Fusion Dao, couldn't possibly cause anything worth their notice.

Meanwhile, Fang Jincheng and others not in seclusion were buzzing with speculation.

They all recalled the recent message from the Administration Hall ordering reinforcements to the Dongping Mountains.

"It seems a natural spiritual treasure has indeed surfaced in the Dongping Mountains. Do you think Ji You was chosen again? Sent to compete for it?"

"Nonsense. The lowest rank sent before was Fusion Dao. What can a Tongxuan do?"

Fang Jincheng glared at the speaker, leveraging his status as Elder Fang's great-grandson, his tone dismissive.

The senior disciple replied: "Precisely because of that, he's the one they're sending."

"You mean they're sending him to die?"

"Such things have happened before. I'm sure it's Elder Fang's order—to get back at Fang Brother. We're truly envious."

Hearing this, Fang Jincheng froze, wondering if it might truly be so.

Otherwise, why the frantic search for Ji You?

That damned countryside cultivator—this time, he might finally have walked his path to its end…

Thinking of this, he suddenly felt a flicker of anticipation.

Because Lu Hanyan remained in the Inner Academy, his own entry had always been seen as illegitimate, breeding deep resentment.

Hearing this speculation, he hoped Ji You would die in the Dongping Mountains—and especially longed to see Lu Hanyan's expression when it happened.

Meanwhile, a small team dispatched to Shengjing hurriedly arrived.

No one in the Heavenly Book Academy knew Ji You's whereabouts, but someone in Shengjing did.

That person was not Kuangcheng.

In fact, the note Ji You left for Kuangcheng mentioned nothing about his destination.

Because the matter involved secret knowledge the Immortal Sects wished kept hidden, Ji You feared Kuangcheng's impulsive nature might bring trouble upon himself.

The one who truly knew Ji You's whereabouts wasn't a person, but the Shengjing relay station. Ji You had rented a carriage again, and the driver had recorded the journey upon returning.

Ji Jingyuan soon received confirmation: Ji You had reached the Dongping Mountains. He passed the message to Elder Fang and Elder Ge.

Elder Ge spoke first: "Could it really be him…?"

Ji Jingyuan replied: "Though the carriage driver confirms Ji You was near, once he entered the mountains, we can't know for sure."

Elder Fang raised his eyes, dark and brooding: "It can't be him. How could a countryside cultivator achieve this?"

Ji Jingyuan nodded: "Elder Fang is absolutely right…"

In truth, there was already overwhelming evidence that Ji You had slain the two Response to Heaven demonic seeds—there was no other possibility.

But as Qin Rong said, Elder Fang was the one among them least able to accept it; his refusal to believe was understandable.

Ji Jingyuan thought: I earn so little—I have no desire to offend him.

He figured Ji You's target was also the Bu family; whether to kill or capture, they'd meet again soon—he didn't need to argue further…

Rustle-rustle-rustle—

Light rain fell steadily; a soft footstep echoed through the gloomy woods.

Jiang Yan arrived at the eastern valley where Lingjian Mountain's disciples rested.

Her injuries were mostly concentrated in her abdomen; after interrogation, her fellow disciples had bandaged her and she'd taken healing pills and slept.

But so much had happened today that her sleep remained shallow; she awoke after only a few hours.

After staring blankly for a long while, she decided to take a walk and find someone to talk to.

After thinking it over, she thought of Yan Qiubai of Lingjian Mountain.

Through the Wildlands, the Snowfields, and the Dongping Mountains, they had faced death together multiple times. Though not from the same sect, they had formed a deep sisterly bond.

And they had both survived the massacre in the valley—only she could understand certain things.

Coincidentally, Jiang Yuerou of Shanhai Pavilion had the same thought, and the two met, then found Yan Qiubai together.

She sat by a campfire now, wearing a new robe, her full curves rendered sleek and alluring.

But what drew the eye most was not her curvaceous figure, but the two dark purple finger marks on her neck.

They had been left by Bu Yao—and in that moment, as his fingers closed, she had truly felt death approaching.

In other words, had Ji You not suddenly appeared, slashing through the valley with overwhelming force, she believed she would already be dead.

So Yan Qiubai, too, could not sleep; her gaze remained fixed and vacant until Jiang Yan arrived and snapped her back to reality.

Jiang Yan sat beside her, smoothing her robe: "How is Xie Chenyu?"

"Senior Brother Xie's arms are broken, his internal injuries severe—he's been coughing up blood. What of Young Master Jiang?"

"His abdomen was pierced, his spiritual core damaged—he's still unconscious. His condition is uncertain."

After speaking, both women turned their eyes to Jiang Yuerou.

Jiang Yuerou couldn't help sighing: "Brother Huo Hong's injuries are grave—both legs shattered, his spiritual core seemingly ruptured by malevolent energy. Since collapsing in the valley, he hasn't awakened."

The two nodded, but showed no sympathy.

In their eyes, having survived at all was already a miracle; besides, he had brought it upon himself—there was nothing to lament.

Jiang Yan tossed a dry branch into the fire, paused in thought, then spoke softly: "I just tried to sleep, but all I could see was Ji You's sword sweeping in a perfect circle…"

Yan Qiubai and Jiang Yuerou exchanged glances, lips pressed shut, thinking: Sister's being so proper—we've already been thoroughly pounded in our minds.

Women admire strength, and cultivators are no exception.

Especially at life-or-death moments, seeing a man who appears divine naturally makes one want to cling to him.

Women with Jiang Yan's cultivation base—Rong Dao Realm—are exceedingly rare.

To find someone stronger than herself, she'd need to seek an Ying Tian Realm cultivator.

But Ying Tian Realm cultivators in the world are mostly old men; the younger ones are all direct disciples of sects, hard to encounter.

Jiang Yan had entertained thoughts on the Snow Fields, but nothing came of it because Ji You had yet to break through.

To her, Ji You was now more than enough.

She prodded the fire twice, then turned to Yan Qiubai.

"When we were dispatched to the Snow Fields, we joked about marrying him and cultivating together. Ji You adores swords, and his sword lineage comes from your Lingjian Mountain. You, Qiubai, seem to have a real chance."

After speaking, Jiang Yan added lightly: "But if you're not interested, I'll take my turn."

Yan Qiubai blinked slightly: "The two women who followed Ji You and called him 'Guye'—don't you recognize them?"

"They seem familiar—I think I saw them once at the Tian Dao Hui. I'm curious too: you all seem to know who they are, yet when the Elders questioned you, why did no one speak?"

"It's nothing, Sister doesn't need to know—it's not a big deal."

Jiang Yan's curiosity was stirred; she wouldn't let a single sentence brush her off, and pressed further.

But Yan Qiubai was tight-lipped, evading and deflecting until finally claiming she hadn't seen clearly.

In the past, Jiang Yan would never have believed her so easily—but just then, a disciple from Wenda Sect hurried over to summon her, saying Jiang Chenfeng had awakened.

Jiang Yan immediately rose and left with the disciple in haste.

With one less person, Jiang Yuerou turned to Yan Qiubai: "From your reaction just now, I must not have misread it, right?"

Yan Qiubai fell silent for a long while before speaking: "The two women are Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu—they're personal maids to our Little Mirror Lord."

The term "Guye" is common in the Qingyun Realm, where marriage alliances flourish—it's typically used by a woman's family or servants to address her husband.

So "Guye" alone means nothing unusual.

But once the identity of the speaker is revealed, the term takes on an entirely different meaning.

When Jiang Yuerou heard Yan Qiubai's words, a figure flashed in her mind.

She wore a red-and-white Mirror Lord's immortal robe, crowned with a lustrous immortal diadem, her divine bearing cold and exquisite, towering above the world.

Jiang Yuerou remained silent for a long time before speaking slowly: "You didn't mistake her, did you?"

Yan Qiubai's lips parted slightly: "I'm a Lingjian Mountain disciple—I've seen them countless times. I don't know Zhuo Wanqiu well, but Senior Sister Ding Yao? I know her too well. To be honest, though I bear the surname Yan, my status isn't higher than Ding Yao's."

"Why?"

"Senior Sister Ding Yao grew up alongside the Mirror Lord since childhood."

Yan Qiubai recalled the scene: "She and the Mirror Lord are like sisters—so she commands great authority within the sect, and is extremely haughty. Even Elders dare not underestimate her. Yesterday was the most obedient I've ever seen her."

This Qiubai of Lingjian Mountain had circled around for a long time, emphasizing Ding Yao's high status.

But Jiang Yuerou knew she was really trying to say something that could be expressed in one sentence.

Ji You might be the Little Mirror Lord's Dao Companion.

Even though only the two of them were chatting now, with no one else nearby to hear, Yan Qiubai dared not speak those words aloud.

Just as during the interrogation, no one who recognized Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu had spoken a word, no matter how hard the Elders pressed.

Because this matter concerned the reputation of a future sect leader of an immortal clan.

That's why Jiang Yan had pressed for so long, and Yan Qiubai still refused to speak.

One's own speculation is one's own speculation—it's entirely different from being the subject of rumors.

At this point, both women recalled the event from this spring.

Back then, the Wenda Sect's direct disciple, the Sacred Prince, had come to ask for a union, and the Little Mirror Lord had openly admitted she had a beloved.

When the news spread, many found it unimaginable—who could possibly have captured the Little Mirror Lord's heart?

And when possible candidates emerged, they felt only a stunned, ringing silence in their minds.

Jiang Yuerou, after a long pause, spoke: "I've never heard he knew the Little Mirror Lord. Besides, isn't the relationship between Lingjian Mountain and the Heavenly Book Academy always hostile?"

Yan Qiubai looked at her: "Are you saying we misunderstood?"

"I just think the Little Mirror Lord has always been cold, aloof, and rational—if this is true, it's simply too unbelievable…"

(End of Chapter)