Chapter 109: Speak, or I'll Draw My Sword
There was nothing to do that afternoon after entering the city, so Ji You moved the meditation cushion and tea table from his bed to the window, brewed a pot of clear tea, and then watched the clouds and mist constantly drift around the palace on the mountaintop.
At this moment, Ji You silently recited the words 'boudoir,' his heart stirring slightly.
He had never been to Lingjian Mountain before, but he had heard Yan Shuyi mention that she lived in the Cloud Top Heavenly Palace at the highest point of Xuanjian Peak.
Pfft, she really is an Empress...
He suddenly understood why Master Jian was always so conflicted between being a baby and not being a baby.
Because even the softest-natured woman, living in such a domineering palace, would probably develop a grand and heroic personality.
Ji You felt a slight sense of relief in his heart.
If their meeting that day hadn't been in Tianshu Academy, a place unfamiliar to Yan Shuyi where her lonely and fragile state of mind could be released, but instead here, where Lingjian Mountain could be gazed upon...
His action of suddenly pinching her face while his Dao Heart was clear would probably have gotten him stabbed like a sprinkler.
Indeed, sequence and location are both very important.
It would be difficult to get close to such a woman through conventional means.
The Disciples of Tianshu Academy came to Ask the Dao, and although they hadn't sent a formal notice, their arrival had been so widely noticed that the people of Lingjian Mountain must have already known.
Ji You was fairly certain she was on the mountain, and Yan Shuyi probably knew he was currently at the foot of the mountain.
Rumble, rumble—just as he was gazing into the distance, Nanhua City suddenly became noisy.
Ji You withdrew his gaze and looked towards the west of the city, only to see a mighty group of cultivators approaching along the street, completely filling the wide main city road.
Horses fed with Spiritual Plants were strong-boned, six of them yoked together, pulling a carriage as large as a small courtyard.
The thick wheels rolled over the flagstones of the main city road, causing the square bricks on the pavement to constantly lift and emit creaking sounds.
And accompanying the carriage were countless Immortal Sect Disciples carrying broadswords.
As they walked, their Aura was immense, and all eyes followed their path.
Just then, Ji You's door was knocked.
Wen Zhengxin and Pei Ruyi arrived at his door: "Junior Brother, come down with us for a moment."
12
Ji You immediately left the window and followed the two Senior Sisters to the front of the inn, where he saw that You Buyu and others had also arrived.
Looking into the distance, the heavy carriage was heading towards the mountain path, towards Lingjian Mountain.
Then another group of cultivators arrived, riding the wind, following behind them, also rushing up the mountain in large numbers, continuously advancing along the steep and rugged mountain path.
At this moment, the wind was rising on Lingjian Mountain, the clouds covering the mountainside suddenly dispersed, and then a burst of light flared on Tianjian Peak.
The huge carriage then drove into the clouds, and the cultivators who followed closely also entered one after another.
"Mountain and Sea Pavilion and Asked the Dao Sect, why are they here too?"
Bai Rulong looked at the grand procession and recognized their identities by the style and color of their immortal robes, unable to help but let out a strange cry.
When their Tianshu Academy Disciples came to Ask the Dao, the Lingjian Mountain great formation did not open, as if feigning ignorance.
But at this very moment, Asked the Dao Sect and Mountain and Sea Pavilion had so brazenly ascended the mountain?
After a long while, the carriage and the many cultivators entered the clouds and gradually disappeared from sight, while the gazes on the street all fell upon the Tianshu Academy Disciples.
Their current situation was like being shut out, left alone at the foot of the mountain; how condescending this was.
However, it didn't take long before a group of Lingjian Mountain Disciples came down, holding a stack of invitations, which they scattered into Nanhua City like falling snowflakes.
Bai Rulong reached out and picked one up, then turned to look at Ji You and Ban Yangshu: "Lingjian Mountain is holding a tea party, they say it's for tasting tea and discussing the Dao—"
"Why scatter invitations down the mountain for a tea party? Could it be to invite the people of the city to ascend the mountain together?"
Ji You glanced at it calmly: "Naturally, it's for Tianshu Academy to see."
Wen Zhengxin nodded: "It seems Junior Brother Ban was right, it really is a show of force."
"Among the Seven Great Immortal Sects, excluding Dan Sect, there are three in the north and three in the south. Now the three Southern Sects have gathered, it seems they are waiting for us on the mountain."
Li You turned his head after hearing this, looking at You Buyu and He Lingxiu.
The carriage and cultivators had disappeared from the mountain path a while ago, but their gazes remained fixed on the clouds at the mountainside, their brows furrowed into a 'chuan' character.
Lingjian Mountain's action was like making the situation bigger, wanting all the Southern Immortal Sects to witness Tianshu Academy Asking the Dao.
But they couldn't understand, did Lingjian Mountain truly have such great confidence, believing that Tianshu Academy's trip was bound to fail?
If not, why would they invite so many spectators?
"Let's go back first."
"Mm."
They had only arrived in Nanhua City after noon, so they now had time to eat; though a bit late, it wasn't too late.
You Buyu sat at the table and said with a solemn expression, "It seems the three Southern Immortal Sects are not friendly towards our Tianshu Academy."
He Lingxiu also couldn't help but frown: "It's not surprising that Asked the Dao Sect came so brazenly; their direct Disciple already has designs on Master Jian. But why would Mountain and Sea Pavilion come to join this fun?"
"I haven't heard that Mountain and Sea Pavilion has a grudge against our Tianshu Academy—"
Ji You sat nearby, and hearing this, he looked sideways: "Perhaps it's because of Dan Sect."
You Buyu and He Lingxiu paused slightly at the sound, then immediately understood the connection.
During the Qi Ridge incident, Mountain and Sea Pavilion was at loggerheads with Chen Clan and Dan Sect, but whether it was due to the pain of losing too many Disciples or wanting to demand some benefits, no one knew.
However, Tianshu Academy stepped in to support Dan Sect, preventing Mountain and Sea Pavilion from taking action against Dan Sect, who was the easiest to control.
This matter might be the reason for their presence at the Lingjian Mountain tea party today.
Furthermore, there is a geographical separation between the Southern Immortal Sects and the Northern Immortal Sects, and Dan Sect's position among the six great Immortal Sects makes its situation even more delicate.
Ji You then turned his head to look at Ban Yangshu and the other two: "People from Chen Clan also showed up in town just now."
"No way?"
Seeing that the three didn't believe him, Bai Rulong couldn't help but nod: "Brother Ji is telling the truth, I saw them too."
1?
Ban Yangshu and the other two were a bit confused, thinking that Junior Brother Ji cultivated Divine Thought and had reached the point where his eyes gleamed golden, so it was understandable he could spot figures in the chaos, but how did Junior Brother Bai also acquire such ability?
However, after a moment, they understood.
Among the Disciples of Chen Clan, there must have been women with shapely buttocks.
Bai Rulong then added that he also saw some Yao Race members.
Everyone nodded, thinking that there must also have been women with shapely buttocks among the Yao Race.
Then the few of them came back to their senses, exchanged glances, their brows slightly furrowed.
Zheng Family Old Ancestor originated from Chen Clan and orchestrated the Qi Ridge incident, leading to a joint siege by Mountain and Sea Pavilion and Lingjian Mountain's Tianjian Peak. Chen Clan Disciples, by rights, should not have appeared here.
But since they did appear, it means the matter has been concluded.
Although they didn't know what Chen Clan had conceded, there was no fighting in the end.
Thus, the matter of Tianshu Academy Asking the Dao at Lingjian Mountain will become the most watched event in Qingyun World.
Ban Yangshu straightened his back: "The stage is set. Lingjian Mountain should open its mountain formation tomorrow."
Wen Zhengxin's brow furrowed slightly: "I have a feeling of lambs entering a tiger's den—"
Pei Ruyi looked at Ji You: "Junior Brother, if we go up the mountain tomorrow, remember to be careful. Even if Lingjian Mountain won't do anything to you, Asked the Dao Sect definitely won't let you off."
"Oh right, Brother Ji almost exclusively killed Asked the Dao Sect Disciples in the ruins that day. If it's not okay, don't go up the mountain. What Ru Long said is true, not going up the mountain might be safer. You're not You Buyu, you don't need to draw your sword. No one will say anything if you stay at the foot of the mountain, but if you really go up, it will indeed be too conspicuous."
Ji You looked at Pei Ruyi and softly said, "It's fine."
He had to go to Lingjian Mountain; otherwise, this trip would be for nothing, even though he hadn't figured out how to both steal a person and steal a sword.
"I'm going out for a bit."
Bai Rulong, eating his meal, looked at him: "Going out to seek death?"
Ji You put down his bowl and chopsticks: "I'm going to buy a sword."
Nanhua City is backed by Lingjian Mountain, and influenced by the mountain's atmosphere, there are many master blacksmiths in the city. The Spiritual Swords they produce are renowned throughout Kyushu, their quality no less than Qionghua Pavilion, and their prices are half cheaper.
He had specifically saved a portion of his money after buying Medicinal Pills to buy a sword here.
It's always better to get things from their place of origin; this principle has remained unchanged throughout history.
After Ji You finished speaking, he pulled Bai Rulong along and headed towards the largest Spiritual Sword trading market in Nanhua Town.
At the same time, two familiar figures walked side by side across the long street.
"Junior Sister Ding, my Senior Brother entered seclusion to break through to the Sky Soaring Realm the day before yesterday, so he cannot be present today. I hope Junior Sister can inform Master Jian. However, Senior Brother entrusted me with a gift; please hand it over to her."
Min Cheng of Asked the Dao Sect held a long box, opened the lid, and inside was a treasure sword radiating Spiritual Light.
Inside the lid was also a gift list, which read: "Presented by Shang Xiyao, direct Disciple of Asked the Dao Sect, to Master Jian on the Yimao day of the Guisi month in the early Taiyuan year."
Ding Yao took the wooden box and then smiled sweetly: "Senior Brother Shang is thoughtful. Our Master Jian was looking at a silver note for several days recently, saying she wanted to buy a sword."
"Master Jian wants a sword, does she still need to buy it herself?"
"Master Jian has countless treasured swords, all famous swords well-known in Qingyun World, but I don't know why she insisted on buying a sword herself a few days ago. I later saw that she only bought a sword of rather decent quality, but it was hung in the most conspicuous place in her bedchamber."
Min Cheng smiled upon hearing this: "Master Jian loves swords so much, it seems Senior Brother Shang truly delivered it straight to her heart this time."
Delivered it straight to her heart...?
Ding Yao smiled after hearing this, but her brow couldn't help but furrow slightly.
Lingjian Mountain women are extremely fond of swords, especially Master Jian. Even with countless famous swords, she never feels she has too many and continues to buy more.
But that sword she bought with her own money seemed to hold far more significant meaning to her Master Jian than any other sword.
Ding Yao had later seen that sword and could tell its origin was just an ordinary blacksmith shop in Nanhua City, not the work of any famous master.
The only difference was that the silver note used to buy the sword seemed to have been mailed from Shengjing—
"Besides the matter of Senior Brother Shang and Master Jian, I have a private matter concerning myself, and I hope Junior Sister can grant it."
Ding Yao heard the voice in her ear again, so she came back to her senses and said, "Senior Brother Min, just say it without reservation."
Min Cheng stood with his hands behind his back and said, "Elder Qi's Sword Forest, I want to try it."
Elder Qi of Tianjian Peak, a Sword Dao cultivator at Upper Five Realms Perfection, set up a Sword Forest on Lingjian Mountain half a month ago. It contained the Sword Dao he had comprehended in his lifetime, inviting Disciples to challenge it. Those who passed would inherit his mantle.
After the Sword Forest was set up, even the direct Disciples of Sword Peak tried it several times, but none succeeded.
Mountain and Sea Pavilion and Asked the Dao Sect came to Lingjian Mountain this time, not only to witness the direct Disciple of Tianshu Academy's Palace Master Asking the Dao,
It was also for that Sword Forest.
Among the Seven Great Immortal Sects in Qingyun World, Lingjian Mountain's Sword Dao is the most famous, enough to attract many cultivators.
"Senior Brother Min is interested in our Lingjian Mountain Sword Dao?"
"Indeed, Lingjian Mountain's Sword Dao is rigid and direct, emphasizing a relentless forward momentum, similar to the Great Dao in my heart. Naturally, I wish to observe it."
Ding Yao glanced at him, smiling faintly without speaking.
That day in Ningcheng County, she personally witnessed Ji You breaking through in battle, forcing Min Cheng to flee like a wolf and fox, but Min Cheng probably didn't know that she knew, which is why he spoke like this.
In fact, ever since that incident, Ding Yao had lost much interest in Min Cheng.
But regardless, he was still a confidant of Asked the Dao Sect's direct Disciple, with great utilization value.
So, regarding Min Cheng's desire to challenge the Sword Forest, Ding Yao thought it over and felt there was no harm in agreeing.
Even the direct Disciples of Sword Peak couldn't pass that Sword Forest, so there was no need to worry about any Sword Dao leaking out. If he tried and failed, he would naturally give up that idea.
"What Sword Forest?"
"Where is it? On Lingjian Mountain?"
"Can Disciples from other sects go too? Can I?"
Just as Ding Yao was about to agree, she heard a familiar voice from behind her and turned slightly.
Ji You was holding a sword at this moment, revealing a curious expression.
It was this direct, almost head-on gaze that made Ding Yao's eyes widen instantly, and then her brows furrowed tightly.
Ji You, he really came.
When Tianshu Academy released the Asking the Dao list that day, she already knew this person was coming, and couldn't help but recall the scene under the moonlight in Ningcheng County when he reached out and pinched Master Jian's cheek. Meanwhile, Min Cheng, who was beside her, instantly took a step back, his long sword trembling slightly, his face turning pale in an instant.
Ji You frowned slightly: "Speak, or I'm going to draw my sword."