Chapter 267: The Dao Companion of Master Jian
Under the gloomy sky, cold raindrops subtly fell from the sky, hitting the forest, causing a constant rustling sound among the dense trees.
At the same time, the damp smell mixed with the scent of earth continuously overflowed from the mountains.
“Both of the Bu family’s second sons are in the Initial Yingtian Realm?”
“That’s reasonable. Senior Brother Huo has already touched the threshold of the Innate Realm. Anyone who can break his legs must have a higher cultivation than him.”
“An Initial Yingtian Realm cultivator, especially two of them, after being alienation into Evil Seeds, are quite formidable.”
“Then Ji You—?”
“You also find it hard to believe? Indeed, how could it be Ji You? What level would his combat power have reached—?”
“But Senior Brother Huo and the others have already been released.”
“So what if they’re released?”
“Those Elders who have lived in seclusion for many years and are nearing the end of their Lifespan are not to be trifled with. Just seeing them usually gives off an extremely strong Evil Qi. If they were lying, they wouldn’t have been let off so easily.”
“You mean that the Elders have confirmed this information to be true?”
Inside the canyon, Disciples from the Asked the Dao Sect, Mountain and Sea Pavilion, and Lingjian Mountain were conversing in low voices.
The tragic state of Huo Hong and Jiang Chenfeng’s group, with their severed hands and feet, had already spread widely as soon as they were rescued.
To be able to severely injure nine Integration Realm cultivators was already a terrifying feat.
But what was even harder for them to imagine was that Ji You was the one who suppressed and killed those two villains.
If it were before the Tiandao Conference began, many people certainly wouldn’t have known Ji You’s name.
Even up until the third round, some people would still ask who Ji You was when they heard his name.
But after the Tiandao Conference ended, few in the Qingyun World didn’t recognize him.
Initially, people labeled him as a Peak combatant within his realm, a Tianshu Academy Disciple of extraordinary talent, and an unconventional private cultivator from the countryside.
However, after everyone returned from the Xianxian Holy Land, he gained additional labels such as being unremarkable, regrettable, destined for obscurity, and a private cultivator from the countryside who was supposed to be like that.
But no one expected that the next news of him would be that he killed an Innate Realm cultivator with his sword.
The Disciples of the three sects first learned that an Innate Realm Evil Seed had been killed, and they were just discussing how the combat power of the person who acted was worthy of being called a Great Power.
Unexpectedly, the truth that was subsequently revealed was that it was Ji You.
Many felt that “Great Power” and “Ji You” simply couldn’t be linked.
Because he was too young, and he didn’t belong to a Sect; he had always been a lone wolf, and it was said that even after entering the Inner Courtyard, he wasn’t highly regarded.
At this moment, as everyone imagined the scene of Ji You killing an Innate Realm Evil Seed with his sword, their Divine Souls were in a daze.
Also silent for a long time due to their dazed embarrassment were Qin Zhangshi and Ji Zhangshi from the Master's Courtyard.
They had returned with Elder Fang and were standing under the shade of the trees, their expressions somewhat hesitant to speak.
Ji You had been very low-key ever since he returned from the Xianxian Holy Land. He usually only visited Cao Jinsong, and then stayed in his Immortal Abode in the Inner Courtyard, rarely going out.
There were many discussions about him in the courtyard, but he never took them to heart.
Even when he left Tianshu Academy and returned to Feng Province, he was exceptionally low-key.
The two Masters-in-charge originally thought he was doing it on purpose, because he hadn’t been able to break through in the Xianxian Holy Land, and he must have felt lonely or somewhat inferior.
But with what Huo Hong and Jiang Chenfeng said tonight, all their previous conjectures and fantasies were shattered.
However, no matter how many times they thought about it, the news still seemed incredible.
The problem was that they had already begun to believe from the bottom of their hearts that Ji You was the one who had acted to suppress and kill those two Innate Realm Evil Seeds.
The reason for their belief wasn't that the person's posture was extremely similar to Ji You's, or that his sword-wielding habits were exactly the same as Ji You's.
It was because the money pouches of those who died today, and those who died previously, had all disappeared.
This kind of thing was too much like his style; the two of them simply had no other candidates in mind.
Ji Jingyao lightly stroked his long beard: “Such combat power is truly a bit outrageous.” Qin Rong pondered for a moment before speaking: “I don’t know why, but I always feel that if he wasn’t like this, it would be abnormal.”
“?”
“In the Xianxian Holy Land, he shouldn’t have gained nothing, as everyone says.”
Ji Jingyao now raised his head: “Although that’s true, Elder Fang just specifically instructed us to send a message back to confirm.”
Qin Rong looked up upon hearing this: “Back then, Lu Hanyan and Fang Jincheng were at loggerheads over the Inner Courtyard spot, which caused him to bear a grudge against Ji You, leading to all sorts of difficulties during the Tiandao Conference preliminaries. So, he should be the one who least wants this to be true.”
Ji Jingyao nodded at this: “Being targeted by such a person, I imagine the esteemed Elder Fang must also be worried.”
“But no matter what, since he instructed it, we will do it.”
“Then I’ll go use the Communication Spirit Platform.”
Qin Rong nodded, thought for a moment, and then added: “I’ll also trouble Brother Ji to send a separate message to Hall Master Zuoqiu regarding the events of the past few days.”
Ji Jingyao nodded and turned to leave.
Before long, a message instructing the Disciples in the courtyard to confirm Ji You’s whereabouts was sent out via the Communication Spirit Platform, reaching Tianshu Academy in an instant.
Messages from the Master's Courtyard are generally divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow, and this message was marked with the character ‘Earth’.
So, the Disciples remaining in the Master's Courtyard immediately set off for the Inner Courtyard and Outer Courtyard.
Some went to find Wen Zhengxin and Ban Yangshu, others went to find Lu Qingqiu and Lu Hanyan, and some Disciples also went to the Purple Bamboo Zen Forest and the vicinity of Ji You’s residence.
As Wen Siyuan was familiar with them, he was responsible for finding Cao Jinsong, and another group of Disciples went to find Kuang Cheng.
In fact, they were all quite puzzled, because Ji You had left ever since he received a message from Shengjing City.
Before leaving, he only left a note saying he had something to take care of.
The news of everyone searching for Ji You throughout the courtyard quickly reached the ears of the Disciples, making them very confused.
Ever since Ji You returned from the Xianxian Holy Land and failed to break through, everyone thought he would become transparent and wouldn't receive much attention anymore.
But no one expected that today, the Master's Courtyard would so ostentatiously search for Ji You’s whereabouts.
He Lingxiu, Xiao Hanyan, Shi Junhao, and others were in seclusion in the courtyard. Upon hearing this, their brows couldn’t help but furrow slightly, unsure what trouble this name, which they hadn’t heard in a long time, had stirred up again.
However, in their view, although Ji You, a Transcendent, had combat power close to Integration Realm, no matter how much he stirred things up, he couldn’t cause a major incident worthy of their attention.
However, Fang Jincheng and others who were not in seclusion were discussing it animatedly.
Because they all recalled that a few days ago, the Master's Courtyard had sent a message back, requesting to dispatch more personnel to the Dongping Mountain Range.
“It seems there truly is a natural Spirit Treasure appearing in the Dongping Mountain Range. Do you think Li You will be chosen? To be sent to contend for the Spirit Treasure?”
“Nonsense. The lowest cultivation level sent these past few times has been Integration Realm. What can a Transcendent like him do?”
Fang Jincheng looked at the person who spoke, and relying on his identity as Elder Fang’s great-grandson, his tone was impolite.
That Senior Brother spoke upon hearing this: “That’s precisely why he’s being sent.”
“You mean, send him to his death?”
“This kind of thing isn’t new; it has happened before. I believe it’s definitely Elder Fang’s order to vent his anger for Brother Fang. We are truly envious.”
Upon hearing this, Fang Jincheng felt a slight satisfaction, thinking to himself that perhaps it was really like this.
Otherwise, why would they be searching for Ji You so urgently?
This hateful private cultivator from the countryside, this time, perhaps he really is reaching the end of his road. Thinking of this, he suddenly began to feel a sense of anticipation.
Because Lu Hanyan was in the Inner Courtyard, his entry into the Inner Courtyard had always been considered illegitimate by others, so he harbored deep resentment.
And hearing such a speculation, he naturally hoped that Ji You would die in the Dongping Mountain Range, and even more, he wished to see what a wonderful expression Lu Hanyan would have then.
At the same time, a Master's Courtyard team dispatched to Shengjing City arrived in a hurry.
No one at Tianshu Academy knew Ji You’s whereabouts, but someone in Shengjing City did.
This person was not Kuang Cheng.
In fact, Ji You’s note to Kuang Cheng also didn’t mention where he was going.
Because this matter involved secrets of the Immortal Sect that they didn’t want to spread, Ji You worried that this guy might act impulsively and get himself into trouble.
And the one who truly knew Ji You’s whereabouts wasn't a specific person, but the post station in Shengjing City.
Back then, Ji You had rented a carriage again, and the coachman who returned with the carriage had recorded the itinerary.
Ji Jingyao quickly received a reply, confirming that Ji You had arrived at the Dongping Mountain Range, so he handed the message to Elder Fang and Ge Elder.
After reading it, Elder Ge was the first to speak, “Could it really be him?” Ji Jingyao heard and said, “Although the inn stableman can prove he was in the vicinity, we don’t know what happened after he entered the mountain. We don’t know if it’s truly him.”
Elder Fang raised his head with a gloomy look: “It couldn’t be him. How could a rural rogue cultivator be so capable!”
Ji Jingyao nodded: “Elder Fang is absolutely right—
In fact, there is already so much evidence proving that Ji You was the one who killed the two Evil Seeds at the Innate Realm with his sword; there’s simply no other possibility for this matter.
But as Qin Rong said, Elder Fang is the one among them who can least accept this point, and it’s understandable that he’s unwilling to believe it.
Ji Jingyao thought to himself, ‘I’ve only taken a few coins, so naturally, I don’t want to offend him.’
He felt that since Ji You’s target was also the lower-ranking family members, whether it was to kill or capture, they would definitely meet next time. He naturally didn't need to waste any more words. A light drizzle fell, and a soft sound of footsteps echoed through the gloomy forest.
Jiang Yan arrived at the eastern valley where the Lingjian Mountain Disciples were resting.
Her injuries were mainly concentrated in her abdomen, and after the interrogation, her Junior Sister had helped her bandage them up.
After taking a Medicinal Pill for healing, she had a nap.
However, because too much had happened today, her sleep was never deep, and she woke up after only a few hours.
After being in a daze for a long time, she decided to go for a walk and find someone to talk to.
So, after much thought, she thought of Yan Qiubai from Lingjian Mountain.
In the Barbarian Wilderness, Snow Region, and Dongping Mountain Range, the two had experienced several life-and-death situations together. Although they were not in the same Immortal Sect, they now shared a deep sisterly bond.
Moreover, they had experienced the slaughter in the valley together, and only she could speak of certain things.
Coincidentally, Jiang Yuerou of the Mountain and Sea Pavilion thought the same, so the two met and also found Yan Qiubai.
She was currently sitting by a bonfire, having changed into a new dress, her full curves outlined in a delicate and alluring way.
But what was most eye-catching was not her undulating figure, but the two black-red and purple finger marks on her neck.
They were made by Bu Yao, and at the moment she was choked, she truly felt the arrival of death.
In other words, if Ji You’s figure hadn’t suddenly appeared, breaking through the entire valley with overwhelming Aura, she felt that she might have truly perished.
Therefore, Yan Qiubai also found it difficult to sleep, her gaze fixed, until Jiang Yan’s arrival brought her back to her senses.
Jiang Yan sat down next to her, smoothing her skirt: “How is Xie Chenyu?”
“Senior Brother Xie’s arms are broken, his internal injuries are severe, and he’s been coughing blood. How about Young Master Jiang?”
“His abdomen was pierced, his Spirit Origin is damaged, and he’s still in a coma. His condition is hard to say.”
After speaking, the two looked at Jiang Yuerou in unison.
Jiang Yuerou couldn’t help but sigh: “Junior Brother Huo Hong’s injuries are very serious. Not only are both his legs broken, but his Spirit Origin also seems to have been ruptured by Evil Qi. He hasn’t woken up since he passed out in the valley.”
The two nodded after hearing this, but showed no sympathy.
Because in their opinion, it was already a great fortune to have saved their lives, and besides, he had provoked this himself, so there was nothing to sigh about.
Jiang Yan threw a piece of dry wood into the bonfire at this moment, and after pondering for a while, she quietly said, “I tried to sleep just now,”
“But Ji You’s figure, swinging his sword in a circular slash, kept replaying in my mind—”
Yan Qiubai and Jiang Yuerou exchanged glances, then pursed their red lips upon hearing her words, thinking, ‘Sister is quite proper; we’ve already been thoroughly imprinted by him in our minds.’
Women admire strength, and cultivators are no exception.
Especially at the brink of death, seeing a man who seems like a divine presence naturally makes one instinctively want to rely on him.
Women with Integration Realm Realm cultivation like Jiang Yan are rare in the world.
To find someone stronger than herself, one would only look to the Innate Realm.
However, most Innate Realm cultivators in the world are old men, and the younger ones are direct Disciples of various sects, not easily encountered.
Jiang Yan had considered it in the Snow Region, and the reason there was no follow-up was because Ji You had been slow to break through. In her opinion, Ji You was now completely sufficient.
She poked the bonfire twice, then looked at Yan Qiubai.
“When we were envoys in the Snow Region, we even fought each other, saying we wanted to marry and Dual Cultivation with him. This Ji You is extremely fond of swords, and his Sword Dao Legacy also comes from your Lingjian Mountain. Junior Sister Qiubai seems to have a great chance.”
After Jiang Yan finished speaking, she couldn’t help but softly say, “However, if Junior Sister isn’t interested, then I, your Senior Sister, will make a move.”
Yan Qiubai smiled slightly: “Didn’t Senior Sister recognize the two women who were following Ji You just now and called him ‘Guye’?”
“They do look familiar; I think I saw them once at the Tiandao Conference. I’m also curious, you all seem to know who they are, but why did no one speak when Elder interrogated you just now?”
“It’s nothing; it’s fine if Senior Sister doesn’t know. It’s not a big deal.”
Jiang Yan’s curiosity had been piqued; how could she be brushed off with a single sentence? So she pressed for answers.
However, Yan Qiubai kept her mouth shut, beating around the bush, and finally just said she hadn’t seen clearly either.
If it were in the past, Jiang Yan wouldn't have been so easily convinced, but at that moment, a Disciple from Asked the Dao Sect hurriedly came to find her, saying that Jiang Chenfeng had woken up.
So Jiang Yan immediately got up and hurriedly left with that Disciple.
With one person less, Jiang Yuerou couldn’t help but look at Yan Qiubai: “Judging by your reaction just now, I wasn’t mistaken, right?”
Yan Qiubai was silent for a long time before speaking: “Those two are named Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu, and they are the personal maids of our Young Master Jian.”
The address “Guye” is very common in the Qingyun World, where marriage alliances are prevalent, usually used by female family members or servants.
To address their husband.
So the simple two words “Guye” are nothing unusual.
But when the identity of the caller is revealed, it takes on a completely different meaning.
When Jiang Yuerou heard Yan Qiubai’s words, a figure appeared in her mind.
She was dressed in a red and white Master Jian Immortal Robe, wearing a glazed Immortal Crown on her head, with a cold and stunning immortal demeanor, looking down upon the world.
After a long silence, Jiang Yuerou slowly spoke: “Could it be that you saw wrong?”
Yan Qiubai’s red lips parted slightly: “I am a Lingjian Mountain Disciple, so I’ve naturally seen them countless times. I’m not familiar with Zhuo Wanqiu, but Senior Sister Ding Yao is too familiar. To be honest, although my surname is Yan, my actual status is not as high as Senior Sister Ding’s.”
“Why is that?”
“Senior Sister Ding Yao grew up with Master Jian since childhood.”
Yan Qiubai recalled the scene of seeing them: “She and Master Jian are like sisters, so she has a very high authority within the sect and is also very arrogant. Even the Elders dare not slight her. And yesterday, I saw her at her most obedient.”
This Fairy Qiubai from Lingjian Mountain took a very long detour, constantly emphasizing how high Ding Yao’s status was.
But in reality, Jiang Yuerou knew that what she wanted to express was actually a meaning that could be clearly stated in one sentence.
Ji You might be the Dao Companion of the Young Master Jian of Lingjian Mountain.
But even though only the two of them were chatting now, with no one else around to hear, Yan Qiubai dared not easily utter that sentence.
It was just like during the interrogation earlier, no matter how much the Elders pressed, those who recognized Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu remained silent.
Because this matter concerned the reputation of a future Sect Master of an Immortal Sect.
That’s why Yan Qiubai was unwilling to speak, even after Jiang Yan pressed her for a long time.
Her own wild guesses were her own wild guesses, completely different from being rumored by others.
At this point, both of them couldn’t help but recall the incident that happened in the spring of this year.
At that time, when the direct Saint of Asked the Dao Sect came to visit the mountain, the Young Master Jian had personally admitted that she had a beloved.
After this news spread, many found it hard to imagine who the man favored by the Young Master Jian of Lingjian Mountain could be.
And when the possible candidate appeared, they only had a buzzing sensation in their minds.
Jiang Yuerou smiled slightly for a long time before speaking: “I’ve never heard of him knowing the Young Master Jian before, and besides, isn’t the relationship between your Lingjian Mountain and Tianshu Academy always very bad?”
Yan Qiubai looked at her: “You mean we heard wrong?”
“I just think that the Young Master Jian has always been cold and peerless, acting rationally. If this is true, it would be too incredible—”