Chapter 178: A Frown
Although the Yao Race, Barbarian Race, and Human Race now occupy three separate territories, they once lived together in the Nine Provinces.
Even though everyone was oppressed by the Lasting Peace Race at that time, their cultural backgrounds were actually very similar.
Familiar sights could be seen in the goods along the streets and the craftsmanship of the buildings.
However, in terms of cuisine, the Yao Race and Human Race had significant differences.
Ji You was pushed by Gongshu Chou as they walked along the street, passing through the thick smoke rising from steaming hot stoves, and his gaze lingered on the food stalls.
The temperature here was cold, making it difficult for anything to survive except for some cold-resistant spirit crops, but because they were backed by the Winter Sea, there was an abundance of seafood.
It was Ji You's first time seeing such a large fish, almost as tall as a person, frozen solid.
“Yao Race specialties, we could buy some to take back.”
Continuing along the black walls and white roofs, a jingling sound suddenly appeared ahead, attracting their attention.
When they approached, they found two Yao Race members setting up stalls, fighting over territory. Their words grew heated, and they suddenly began to roar furiously at each other.
Then they pulled at each other, heading along the main street of Snow City towards a circular arena.
“I thought we wouldn’t encounter something like this. Let’s go, follow them and see.”
“?”
Gongshu Chou didn’t quite understand, but he still pushed Ji You to the circular arena, where they saw the two Yao Race members from earlier had already started fighting.
One had round ears on his head, the other a single horn. They pulled back their arms and threw punches, fierce Fist Intent constantly clashing, and Qi waves surged between their colliding fists.
Soon, this intense battle attracted many onlookers from the surrounding populace, and even a few patrolling Yao soldiers with iron sabers and waist tags arrived at the scene, standing around the circular platform, watching intently, and diligently recording something.
“What’s going on?”
“They’re using their fists to compete for ownership of the stall.”
Ji You sat in his wheelchair, watching their punches generate wind. They weren’t just wildly swinging; they had moves and stances, coming and going.
Their side kicks and straight punches were all well-executed, their movements as fluid as flowing clouds and water, very coherent.
Ji You could even see a stream of Qi constantly appearing as they moved their fists.
Gongshu Chou was also quite surprised: “Whoever wins the fight gets the stall?”
Ji You nodded: “If disputes arise among the Yao Race populace, they can all be resolved by force. The loser must submit, and the winner can decide how to handle the disagreement. This is stipulated by their laws.”
“How do you know that?”
“Before we set off, a friend of mine gave me a travelogue called ‘Snow Region Yao Race’. I’ve always been very curious about this system, but I wasn’t sure if it was true or not, after all, it’s better to have no book than to blindly believe everything in it. But I didn’t expect to see it as soon as we arrived.”
Gongshu Chou watched the two punching and kicking: “How can such a barbaric law prevent the Yao Race from descending into chaos for thousands of years?”
Ji You shook his head: “It seems barbaric, but it’s actually full of wisdom. Because the Yao Emperor allows his clansmen to engage in private duels to resolve grudges on the spot, preventing resentment from building up in the hearts of his subjects. But at the same time, Yao Race law strictly requires them not to seriously injure others, nor does it grant the Yao Race the right to arbitrarily kill people.”
“They can only determine victory, not life and death?”
“Exactly.”
“What if serious injuries occur then? Fists and feet are blind, after all.”
“Although the Yao Race’s Physical Body isn’t as formidable as the Barbarian Race’s, it’s not as weak as ours, so they aren’t easily seriously injured. However, if serious injuries do occur, the one who caused the injury will be imprisoned in the Cold Prison at the peak of the snow mountain to reflect, and in severe cases, they might have to spend the rest of their Lifespan there.”
Upon hearing this, Gongshu Chou couldn’t help but look up at the towering snow mountain in the distance, surrounded by vast white frozen land and cold sky, momentarily speechless.
Ji You then slightly opened his mouth: “This kind of law has another benefit that isn’t written in books.”
“Oh?”
“It has prevented the Yao Race from ever losing their Battle Intent and courage during thousands of years of hardship in the Snow Region.”
Upon hearing this, Gongshu Chou frowned, vaguely understanding the meaning of Ji You’s words.
This law, which permits private duels and uses them as a method for resolving disputes, is actually similar to how the Barbarian Race has been attacking Hantie Pass for thousands of years; both are cultivating the Battle Intent of their respective races.
In other words, the Yao Race has never given up the idea of returning to the Nine Provinces, and they have instilled this idea in a different way, incorporating it into their laws and engraving it into the habits of their subjects.
Ji You sat in his wheelchair and watched for a long time: “Should we go find a boxing gym to see?”
“The Yao Race has boxing gyms?”
“It wasn’t written in the book, but I think they should be everywhere, because systems often determine the development of industries.”
Ji You spoke calmly: “If martial prowess can determine one’s life, then everyone will practice martial arts, just like all Human Race members yearn for immortal cultivation. And when this desire becomes widespread, it will form an industry, and this industry should develop exceptionally quickly and maturely.”
Gongshu Chou pondered for a while: “You want to watch boxing?”
Ji You nodded: “Even the punches of those two street vendors were quite exquisite. I want to see something even more exquisite.”
“Then I’ll take you to find one.”
Ji You nodded, then slightly frowned.
Never mind, it’s fine.
Then, Gongshu Chou pushed him along the road, and soon they saw a courtyard located on the main city street.
The Yao Race language and Human Race language are mutually intelligible, but their written characters are not entirely the same. The reason they found this courtyard was because they felt a powerful Qi as soon as they arrived.
So they stepped inside, walked through a long path, and finally reached the depths of the courtyard.
What they didn’t expect was that this courtyard was enormous, almost half the size of the Tianshu Academy Outer Courtyard, containing several square formations, each with more than twenty sturdy Yao Race men.
In front of the formations, boxing masters taught boxing techniques, striking with powerful force and flowing Qi.
Ji You watched for a long time: “Let’s go see what’s happening up front.”
Gongshu Chou looked in the direction he pointed and saw a group of people engaged in actual combat, their Fist Intent fierce, fighting with the force of thunder.
“What fierce Fist Intent.”
“Indeed, it’s very fierce Fist Intent, not commonly seen among the Human Race.”
Gongshu Chou was behind him at this moment and didn’t notice that Ji You’s eyes were gradually showing a faint golden glow.
Just then, several Yao Race members who were watching the two Yao Race members box noticed him, then frowned slightly, and couldn’t help but whisper among themselves.
The matter of the Human Race envoy visiting the Yao Race was rumored within the inner city; it was no secret.
But they didn’t expect to see a Human Race member in the Imperial City’s boxing gym.
“If the Yao Race and Barbarian Race truly invade, the ordinary Human Race populace will have no power to resist.”
Ji You watched for a long time, then the golden light in his eyes receded, and he couldn’t help but speak.
Gongshu Chou frowned: “Do you really think the Yao Race and Barbarian Race will form an Alliance?”
“I can’t be certain, but after observing along the way, I actually think the probability of war is not very high.”
“You can tell that too?”
“If the Yao Race truly intended to ally with the Barbarian Race, they should already be in a state of readiness. The first step would be to outwardly channel the Battle Intent cultivated over thousands of years, for example, by promoting how vast and fertile the Nine Provinces are, to incite strong jealousy among the Yao Race populace. But along the way, I haven’t seen anyone discussing this.”
Gongshu Chou relaxed slightly: “So you weren’t just here to look at Yao Race women’s buttocks?”
Ji You instantly narrowed his eyes: “Didn’t I say I have a friend, and I was looking at buttocks for him? And now this is what I need to see.”
“I thought you were making up a friend—
Ji You smiled faintly, as if nothing bothered him, but then he couldn’t help but frown again.
Never mind, it’s fine to hold it in a bit longer—
The Snow Region, with its freezing cold and long nights, was almost identical to the Human Race’s winter. In a blink of an eye, it was dusk.
At this time, night began to gradually envelop this magnificent city.
Due to the snow mist and the continuous charcoal fires of the Yao Race, the sky was hazy, and neither stars nor moon could be seen.
Ji You, pushed by Gongshu Chou, returned to Yu Garden and stood on the covered walkway, looking at the magnificent Imperial Palace ahead.
As night grew thicker, Gongshu Chou left first, leaving him there with a slight frown.
At this moment, a fragrant breeze brushed past his face.
Ji You instinctively turned his head and saw Princess Feng Yang gracefully walking through the covered walkway.
Night Chill was hosting a banquet for the Immortal Sect Prodigies in Yu Garden today. Ji You hadn't attended because he went out for a stroll. Princess Feng Yang had just left the banquet and seemed to be heading back to the palace.
The Yao Emperor had many descendants, reportedly over twenty, vividly illustrating what it meant to be endlessly fertile.
However, only Night Chill and Princess Feng Yang were born to the current Yao Empress, naturally giving them a status second only to the Emperor and above all others.
At this moment, she was dressed in a water-red, exquisite immortal dress, adorned with pearl hairpins and jade belts. The fine scales on her neck reflected the moonlight as she walked gracefully along the covered walkway, then suddenly stopped and turned to look at Ji You.
“Your serious injury has not yet healed, why are you standing here?”
Ji You spoke upon hearing her: “I just came back from outside and wanted to get some fresh air before going in.”
Princess Feng Yang looked him over a few times, intending to leave, but stopped before taking a step.
For these Human Race members, the Yaozu Gongzhu left the same impression: not much feeling. But only towards Ji You did she have the mindset of a doctor towards a patient, so she spoke again: “How is your body?”
“Thank you for Your Highness’s concern, I’m doing alright.”
“But I see some gloom between your brows. Could it be that you’re worried my Yao Race will go to war with your Human Race?”
“Uh, no.”
Yaozu Gongzhu Feng Yang frowned: “Excessive worry will affect the recovery of your injuries. You should try to lighten your thoughts. If you can’t resolve it yourself, it’s best to speak out.”
Ji You was silent for a moment, looking at his arm: “I want to pee.”
Yaozu Gongzhu Feng Yang: “?”
“You were the one who insisted on asking.”
“You, don’t you have someone else with you?”
Ji You was silent for a moment: “Forget it, I’d rather hold it in until I die.”
After a long silence, Yaozu Gongzhu Feng Yang lightly bit her lip, then looked at the maid beside her: “Xiao Rou, go help him.”
“Yes.”
Xiao Rou softly replied, stepped forward, supported Ji You, and walked towards the room.
Ji Hanfei was composed at this moment, entering the room with the demeanor of a gentleman.
There was no other way to be composed; otherwise, with his arms as useless as they were, he would have no choice but to pee his pants.
As for asking Gongshu Chou for help, in his opinion, that was even worse than peeing his pants. So he had held it in all the way from the street until he returned, originally thinking of asking Jiang Yan or Yan Qiubai for help, after all, a hundred days for bone and tendon injuries. He truly didn't have the confidence to endure it.
Of course, the best choice was Jiang Yan.
Because Yan Qiubai was from Lingjian Mountain, by identity, she was Yan Shu’s elder cousin. Such a matter, while stimulating, was basically equivalent to courting death.
But what he didn't expect was that in the end, he didn't get Jiang Yan, nor Yan Qiubai, but the Yaozu Gongzhu.
At this time, Yaozu Gongzhu Feng Yang was waiting outside the connecting corridor, waiting for a long time, her eyes darting around. Although her expression was calm, her gaze felt somewhat restless.
It wasn't until she heard the sound of the door opening that she slowly turned her head, only to see her maid, Xiao Rou, walking out with a shocked expression, as if she were out of her wits, her steps becoming weak.
“What’s wrong?”
“He, he—he—”
Xiao Rou stammered, as if she couldn't speak, blushing as she “he’d” for a long time, finally indicating two scorching sizes.
Yaozu Gongzhu Feng Yang’s red lips parted slightly, and images uncontrollably flashed in her mind. Then she held her breath and hurried away from the connecting corridor.
The next morning, the sun rose from above the towering snowy mountains, bringing only light but no warmth. The Human Race delegation changed into their court robes and were led into the Imperial City under the watchful eyes of a group of Yao Race guards.
The Immortal Sect Prodigies followed closely behind, proceeding along the white marble paved Avenue towards the palace that resembled a crouching giant beast.
Contrary to imagination, the Yao Emperor's palace was not as magnificent as the Great Xia Imperial Palace; instead, it was entirely black and white, rugged and grand.
Its pillars were black, its dome was black, its floor was white, and its stone steps were white, already filled with Yao Race ministers and Clan Chiefs.
Ji You was pushed over by Gongshu Chou at this moment and saw Night Chill and Yaozu Gongzhu Feng Yang standing on the left.
As he looked over, Yaozu Gongzhu Feng Yang gently averted her gaze to the right.
Night Chill noticed his sister's action and couldn't help but ask: “What’s wrong?”
“No, nothing.”
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“I’m fine—”
Ji You’s gaze did not linger on Yaozu Gongzhu Feng Yang for too long, but instead looked towards the man on the white throne.
His figure was burly, his shoulders broad, and his blue Yao Race eyes shone brightly.
Despite restraining his aura, a strong sense of oppression still assailed them, causing the cultivators in the delegation to involuntarily change their expressions slightly.
So strong, Ji You couldn't help but silently chant in his heart.
He came from Yuyang County, entered Tianshu Academy to cultivate immortality, and along this journey, the most powerful aura he had encountered was Qi Zhengyang.
He was the Sword Dao Chief of Lingjian Mountain, a master of Upper Five Realms Perfection, but even so, his aura still couldn't compare to the Yao Emperor before them.
Following that was the court presentation. Wang Mingchang held a memorial and recited the gift list.
After he finished reciting, he bowed forward: “Your Majesty, our Human Race and the Yao Race have been in good relations, coexisting peacefully for a thousand years.
Now there are those with ill intentions attempting to incite war, causing widespread suffering. Their hearts deserve to be condemned. We hope Your Majesty will see clearly.”
The Scale Clan leader was the first to speak upon hearing this: “The Nine Provinces are vast with fertile lands, and you Human Race live in peace and comfort. Have you ever thought of my Yao Race?”
“After the Primordial War, our Human Race originally intended to coexist peacefully with the Yao Race and maintain good relations forever, never having driven the Yao Race away.”
“You—”
The Scale Clan leader was stunned, then enraged, and subsequently flung his sleeve, breathing heavily through his coarse nose. But Wang Mingchang had indeed silenced him with a single sentence: the Human Race did not drive the Yao Race here; they migrated here on their own accord.
As his voice fell, low discussions filled the court.
Some Yao Race ministers, though not explicitly stating it, clearly wanted war, but there were also some who looked hesitant, constantly observing the Yao Emperor's expression.
Wang Mingchang and others, though in their twilight years, were spirited at this moment, debating eloquently against the assembled officials.
Seeing this scene, Ji You pursed his lips.
It seems there are also divisions within the Yao Race regarding the Alliance with the Barbarian Race, and a unified opinion has yet to be formed.
However, judging from the current situation, it seems that the various clans are already sharpening their blades, prepared for war.
But the Yao Race, after all, is different from the Human Race.
The Human Race operates independently, each believing itself to be the greatest and deserving of leadership, while the emperor is merely a Puppet with no say.
But the Yao Race has only one voice, that of the Yao Emperor, and whether to fight or not is solely up to his whim.
However, at this moment, the Yao Emperor's eyes were cold, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.
At this time, the chief minister under the Yao Emperor stepped forward: “The three races coexisting in the Qingyun World should not be mortal enemies. Since my Yao Race is adjacent to the Barbarian Race, it is a good thing to improve relations now, but this does not mean my Yao Race wants to be an enemy of the Human Race.”
Gongshu Chou opened his mouth: “He really guessed it right. The Yao Emperor’s Battle Intent is indeed not strong.”
Yan Qiubai stood beside him and couldn't help but ask upon hearing this: “Who guessed it right?”
“Ji You. He told me yesterday that the probability of the Yao Emperor choosing to go to war should be small.”
“Didn’t you two go shopping yesterday?”
“Yes.”
Yan Qiubai opened her mouth: “What did he see? Why would he make such a judgment?”
Gongshu Chou pursed his lips: “He looked at his friend’s butt the whole way.”
“?”
“My Yao Race has been trapped in the Snow Region for years, while the Human Race can enjoy the Nine Provinces alone. This is unfair. Now that the Barbarian Race intends to form an Alliance, this is a good opportunity.”
“That’s right. In the year of the Primordial War, this world should have been ruled by my race. The Human Race were merely usurpers of the Heavenly Dao!”
In the back hall of the Imperial Palace, the Scale Clan leader and the Fang Clan Chieftain were having an intense audience.
They strongly advocated for an Alliance with the Barbarian Race. In fact, even before the Barbarian Race delegation came to pay respects, they already had this idea.
In their opinion, a thousand years of waiting was long enough. Although their Lifespan was longer than that of the Human Race, they would eventually die.
If they missed this opportunity, they didn't know when they would see the Nine Provinces again.
However, the Mao Clan Chieftain and the Claw Clan Chieftain disagreed with them. In their view, the Barbarian Race, who disarmed and fled during the Primordial War, were not trustworthy allies.
The key issue was that if they truly allied with the Barbarian Race and attacked Hantie Pass, with the current strength of the Yao Race, they would most likely end up doing the Barbarian Race's bidding.
And in the Primordial Era, they had already done someone else's bidding once; it was because of that incident that they had to migrate thousands of miles to this Snow Region.
“Your Majesty, please reconsider!”
“We have been considering for a thousand years!”
“Your Majesty, you must consider the citizens of my Yao Race.”
“A thousand years of time is long enough. How much longer must we wait?”
“Your Majesty, let’s fight! Just like our Primordial ancestors, fight back to the Nine Provinces and reclaim the Luck that originally belonged to our race!”
At this moment, the Yao Emperor, listening to the arguments in the study, opened his eyes with some impatience.
Previously, within the Nine Provinces, there were those who forcibly Ascended without borrowing a Dao tradition, which made him certain that the Human Race had lost the favor of the Heavenly Dao, and the time for redistributing the world had arrived.
But the problem was that the Heavenly Dao did not bestow Sacred Artifacts as it did in the Primordial Era, nor did it select sages among other races to initiate the holy war of the Qingyun World.
The impending doom of heaven is absolutely not an empty statement.
But where is the new Dao tradition? To whom has the new Dao tradition fallen?
(I'm going to Singapore recently for the Yuewen IP Gala, so updates might be unstable. Please bear with me. As I always say, I won't take leave unless absolutely necessary, and I will never be lazy because of my own matters. Please give me your monthly votes!)