Chapter 290 Brother-in-Law, Save Me!
The Imperial Capital's relay station had been unusually busy these past few days. After all, in the exchange of courtesies, many goods were constantly circulating throughout the Qingyun World.
Ji You emerged from the Worry-Free Commerce in the morning mist, dressed in white, and arrived at the station. After waiting in line for a long time, he finally retrieved his goods.
Old Qiu had sent several jars of wine, all brewed by farmers in Feng Province.
After counting them, Ji You waved his hand and stored them in his storage gourd. He then made his way to Kuang Cheng’s residence, where he found Kuang Cheng vigorously writing New Year couplets.
Ji You stood by and glanced at them, seeing a perfectly matched couplet:
Reading history by the pine window, always concerned with the world's joys and sorrows.
Brewing tea in the plum grove, never forgetting the rise and fall of the nation.
Ji You knew that Kuang Cheng had written this for himself.
His current life was much better than before, a world of difference compared to his time in Yuyang County. This couplet served as a reminder to himself not to forget to be prepared for danger in times of peace.
Kuang Cheng stopped writing and looked up, “Brother Ji, you’re here?”
Ji You nodded, “Well written. If you ever leave the Immortal Supervision Department, you could make a living selling calligraphy and paintings.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Brother Ji. Would you like me to write a couplet for you too?”
“Sure, write it. Appearance, talent, whatever you wish to use as the theme. But please, no ‘gentleman’ or ‘sage,’ I’m not worthy.”
Kuang Cheng picked up his brush again. After much thought, he carefully put the brush to paper and wrote two lines of large characters:
Three wives and four concubines fill the backyard, a host of beautiful women.
Many sons and daughters around the knees, bustling and lively.
Ji You was silent for a long time after reading it. He looked up at Kuang Cheng, thinking this kid seemed to be mocking him.
After he returned from here yesterday, he had been kissing the Master Jian of Lingjian Mountain until evening, almost making that girl’s head taller than his own.
Then Yan Shuyi just said it was getting late and left, completely ignoring his plight, which resulted in him not getting a good night’s sleep.
Many sons and daughters around the knees, bustling and lively.
Ji You took out the wine from his storage gourd, “Old Qiu sent these. I’ll leave two jars for you.”
“I live alone, two jars might be a bit much—”
“Not at all. Goodbye.”
“Eh? Brother Ji, why are you leaving in such a hurry?”
“To Cultivate!”
“?”
Ji You left the wine and departed gracefully, then returned to the Worry-Free Commerce.
The guild’s clerks had been given leave a few days ago, so the courtyard was empty. He lit the stove in the tea pavilion, then sat cross-legged in meditation.
He then cleared his Dao Heart and began to absorb the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.
Ji You had guessed before that Spiritual Qi was a ubiquitous substance that could exist in any form. At this moment, due to the weather, the Spiritual Qi absorbed into his body carried a cold chill.
And as this Spiritual Qi flowed into his body along his fractured Spirit Origin, it immediately ignited into a blazing fire under his will.
The scorching flames began to burn through every inch of his Physical Body, causing him to tremble all over, the pain penetrating deep into his bones.
His last major Body Refining Breakthrough was in the Xianxian Holy Land, where the Spiritual Qi was so dense that his Physical Body improved by leaps and bounds.
But after returning from there, the Spiritual Qi concentration outside was not enough to sustain such intense burning.
Body Refining was no easier than comprehending the Dao, because Ji You felt the process lengthen with each of his Breakthroughs in the Xianxian Holy Land. First, it was three stages, then five stages, seven stages, and now it was probably nine stages.
The fifth and seventh stages, with the aid of the Xianxian Holy Land, did not consume much of Ji You’s time, but the current ninth stage was progressing extremely slowly. Only now had he touched the first stage.
This was also why he couldn't defeat Yan Shuyi, because if measured by the division of Dao comprehension Realms, he hadn't even completed the initial Realm.
Ji You clenched his fists at this moment, his whole body surging with Qi, and sweat began to appear on his forehead.
Yan Shuyi, accompanied by Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu, came to freeload a meal and once again observed his Cultivation process. “Young Master Cultivates for longer than before. It’s already the hour of Yi.”
“The New Year is approaching. These past few days, I’ve seen many Tianshu Academy Disciples pause their Dao Cultivation and go down the mountain to meet friends. Why has Young Master suddenly become so diligent?”
Listening to Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu’s conversation, the aloof Master Jian clenched her fists, recalling how he wanted to carry her back to his room yesterday.
This guy wanted to defeat her and make her bear his children...
It was now nearing the New Year, and the Imperial Capital was becoming increasingly lively.
Every household hung paper lanterns, and the East and West Markets began planning stalls for the famous Lantern Festival. Stalls filled with winter brews also started appearing on the main street.
The Master Jian, who loved excitement, couldn’t sit still, but instead of saying it herself, she had Ding Yao act spoiled and beg Ji You to take them to the streets.
In the bustling East and West Markets, vendors vigorously hawked their wares amidst the surging crowds.
Ji You led the three masked girls through the long street, bought some visually appealing but useless items, and then went to the second floor of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, where they found a private room and sat down.
Yan Shuyi could use her spirit mirror to erase their traces to prevent their identities from being exposed and causing a commotion, but everyday conversations were still inconvenient, so finding a private room was better.
And naturally, you get what you pay for. Although the private rooms on the second floor were expensive, the view was much more expansive than the crowded hall.
Whether it was singing and dancing or playing and singing, everything could be seen clearly.
After the four sat down, they ordered some tea and snacks. Before they were even served, Yuan Chen rushed in.
He came up, drank a cup of tea, grabbed a piece of mung bean cake, and then ran back down, struggling through the crowded front hall to squeeze to the front of the stage below.
He had now figured out the showtimes of all the major tea houses and wine houses in the Imperial Capital, knowing that the storytelling program would start soon.
Sitting at the very front was for the most direct impact.
Ji You had been busy Cultivating these past few days and hadn’t paid much attention to Yuan Chen. Seeing him so frantic, he couldn’t help but wonder, “What has Yuan Chen been busy with lately?”
Yan Shuyi put down her teacup and looked at him, “Yuan Chen has not been successful in controlling the Sacred Artifact, so I gave him a wisp of Sacred Artifact Origin. He has been refining that wisp of Sacred Artifact Origin these past few days.”
“Sacred Artifact Origin?”
“It’s for testing. If he isn’t rejected by the Sacred Artifact Origin, then he can wield the Sacred Artifact. And from what I’ve seen these past few days, Yuan Chen should not be rejected.”
Ji You opened his mouth, “Then why was he always unsuccessful on Dan Mountain?”
Yan Shuyi’s expression turned serious, “Perhaps Yuan Chen truly wasn’t diligent enough, which made Yuan Caiwei very angry, causing Yuan Chen to have a miserable time these past few days, only able to sneak out to listen to stories.”
“Does giving out a wisp of Sacred Artifact Origin affect you?”
Yan Shuyi detected a hint of concern, and going against the grain, she maintained her Master Jian’s dignity and made her eyes turn cold, “A mere Tianshu Academy Disciple is quite meddlesome.”
Ji You looked up at Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu, “You two turn your heads away. Don’t ruin your Master Jian’s dignified and aloof image in your hearts.”
The Master Jian: “?”
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu didn’t dare to delay and immediately turned around, thinking, “Our high and mighty Master Jian is about to get spanked again.”
Sure enough, as their thoughts arose, a “thwack” sound echoed from behind them, along with the whistling sound of Sword Qi blowing their robes.
When the two turned back, they found their Master Jian looking at him with a face full of Killing Intent, but they couldn’t help but purse their lips, thinking, “Master Jian only knows how to scare people with her aura; in reality, she can’t bear to lay a hand on him.”
After a while, Yan Shuyi, whose Sword Qi had whistled for a long time, was fed a piece of pastry and couldn’t help but speak softly.
“If you want to know, I can tell you. A little more or less of the Origin power doesn’t matter much, but it’s connected to my spirit mirror. If it falls into the hands of someone with malicious intent, there might be trouble.”
“Did Yuan Caiwei ask you for it?”
“She was too worried, so I thought of this method.”
“It seems that even though you sisters bicker daily, your relationship is actually quite good.”
As the words fell, the private room suddenly fell silent.
Ji You looked at Yan Shuyi’s glaring expression and thought, “I spoke too soon.”
Before, when he said “sisters,” they really were sisters. Now, the word “sisters” in Yan Shuyi’s eyes meant stealing a man.
However, even though the tsundere’s jealousy hadn’t diminished, she still took the risk of giving a wisp of the Sacred Artifact Origin to Yuan Chen.
This was partly because she was inherently proud and felt that no one could surpass her, and partly perhaps because of his relationship with the Yuan family siblings.
Speaking of which, he also felt that Yuan Caiwei seemed a bit elusive, only coming over for dinner every day, and always carrying a strong scent of classes.
However, the Master Jian thought that the sister matter had stepped on his toes, so he felt it was inappropriate to ask further.
At the same time, a sudden commotion erupted downstairs.
Three or four people in black clothes with their hair tied in buns came down from the second floor and began to clear a path through the crowd towards the front desk.
During this time, there was a lot of pushing, which caused some disgruntled murmurs.
Subsequently, several Young Masters and Young Misses from prominent Sect, dressed in luxurious clothes, came down from upstairs, holding cups brimming with Spiritual Qi, and approached Yuan Chen.
As the New Year approached, many Sect came to visit the Nishan Heavenly Tome Academy. In addition, those who had heard the news earlier and attended the Immortal Appreciation and Snow Appreciation gatherings, cultivators were everywhere.
Those who came downstairs this time included several Young Masters from the Cui Family of Liang Province, the Young Miss of the Xu Family of Qing Province who was affiliated with the Mountain and Sea Pavilion, the son-in-law of the Miao Family of Yu Province, and the younger generation of the old imperial Li Family.
They had all been invited by the Imperial Capital Sect to drink and enjoy themselves with friends.
Someone upstairs had just seen Yuan Chen and confirmed that he was a direct Disciple of the Dan Sect, so they immediately couldn't sit still.
Just like Liu Junchi in the past, what they were thinking about were the spare Medicinal Pills that Dan Sect brought when delivering the Medicinal Pills this year.
These types of Medicinal Pills are usually bought by various ancient Sect with powerful backgrounds after the Medicinal Pills are delivered, making it difficult for ordinary family Disciples to even see them.
However, Dan Sect's direct Disciple naturally had the right to choose who to give the Medicinal Pills to, and today, for them, was a rare opportunity.
"The front hall is so crowded and chaotic, Young Master Yuan's status is noble, why not join us upstairs for a drink?"
"Who are you?" Yuan Chen looked at them, a bewildered expression on his face.
A Cui family Disciple gently cupped his hands: "Young Master Yuan doesn't know us yet, but we all wish to befriend Young Master Yuan."
Yuan Chen immediately waved his hand after hearing this: "Thank you for your kindness, this place is quite good."
"If Young Master Yuan wants to watch a performance, our private room also has complete song and dance, why squeeze in here?"
"I don't watch song and dance. What's so good about wiggling hips and thrusting shoulders?"
He came here just to listen to storytellers and wasn't interested in any song and dance.
Upon hearing his refusal, several people nearby couldn't help but subtly step forward and grab his arm.
A direct Disciple of Dan Sect was rarely seen, and now that they had seen him, it was impossible to be dismissed with just a word.
This action was slightly impolite, but it was well-known throughout the Qingyun World that alchemists had no combat power. Although he was reluctant, as long as they invited him up and then apologized, a few drinks might make them good friends.
There was an old saying in Qingyun, 'Friends are made through conflict'.
However, they didn't realize Yuan Chen's firm resolve to listen to stories, and he immediately shook off their hands.
So, several more young ladies from Sect came forward and started pulling at him, instantly drawing the attention of everyone around.
"Who is that person? Why is he so popular?"
"A direct Disciple of Dan Sect."
"How could a direct Disciple of Dan Sect be here?"
"He came to Tianshu Academy to deliver Medicinal Pills and has been here for several days."
"No wonder those family Disciples are so enthusiastic, but they've already laid hands on him—aren't they afraid of offending someone?"
"Let alone a direct Disciple of Dan Sect, even ordinary Upper Five Realms alchemists are extremely difficult to meet on weekdays. There's no chance to make enemies with them. Besides, you don't hit a smiling person. After going up and having a few drinks, it counts as an acquaintance. This kind of opportunity is truly rare."
However, at this moment, Yuan Chen suddenly shouted "Brother-in-law," instantly silencing the entire hall.
A private room on the east side of the second floor opened in response, and Ji You walked out, looking down with lowered eyes.
Yuan Chen cried with a long face: "Brother-in-law, there are a few people I don't know who insist on dragging me away!"
Ji You's brow furrowed slightly as he looked at the family Disciples holding Yuan Chen: "Are you doing this because you want to die?"
Many private rooms on the second floor, due to that word "Brother-in-law," pushed open their windows, unable to resist looking at Ji You.
Among them were Tianshu Academy Disciples sitting idly, Lu Qingqiu who was meeting guests with her uncles, and Princess Changle Zhao Yunyue dressed in a flowing immortal dress, as well as Liu Junchi, whom Chong Wang had chosen for her.
In fact, those Cui family Disciples and Miss Xu family below were all guests invited by Zhao Yunyue.
It was Zhao Yunyue who had just spotted Yuan Chen in the crowd, and upon hearing that the family Disciples she had invited wanted to invite Yuan Chen up, she readily approved, wanting to get to know him.
But she hadn't expected that the Cui family Disciples would act with a hint of coercion because the other party had no combat power, and what was even more unexpected was that Ji You, who hadn't shown his face for a long time, was also here.
At this moment, the smiles on the faces of those inviting family Disciples faded, their brows furrowed, and the person gripping Yuan Chen's arm slowly lowered their hand.
Seeing this, Yuan Chen broke free from them and then ran towards the upstairs.
This was originally a small matter; if both parties were willing, it would be a perfect match. If you invited and I refused, it wouldn't lead to enmity. It was nothing too major.
However, looking at the direct Disciple of Dan Sect running past, the Tianshu Academy Disciples sitting on the south side of the second floor couldn't help but fall silent.
They, like Ji You, belonged to the same immortal sect, and among them were even Ji You's Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters. They had been cultivating in the deep mountains for many years, and their cultivation had indeed been increasing.
But in the Qingyun World, only those direct Disciples of the Hall Masters were remembered.
Logically, Ji You should be like them, and might even be weaker than them due to his background, but in fact, every time, just his appearance or even just his name was enough to force many people to retreat repeatedly.
Besides that, there was also the attitude of Dan Sect's direct Disciple.
Countless people in the Qingyun World wanted to befriend Dan Sect, let alone its direct Disciple. In recent days, many people wanted to intercept Medicinal Pills from them as before, but couldn't find anyone.
How could anyone, like Ji You, summon a direct Disciple of Dan Sect so easily? In a private room almost diagonally opposite, Liu Junchi watched Zhao Yunyue's figure, who was gradually leaning out of the window, with a gloomy expression.
He and Zhao Yunyue had known each other for over two years, during which he had shown her all sorts of favors, yet he had never managed to get her to express her feelings.
Although Zhao Yunyue didn't say it, he actually knew the reason was Ji You.
His Junior Sister Yunyue had once actively sought Dual Cultivation with Ji You, but Ji You refused, so she vowed to find someone stronger than Ji You and trample him underfoot.
But now, Zhao Yunyue's resistance to him was almost tantamount to saying he was inferior to Ji You.
"These Cui family Disciples, Xu family Disciples, they're all cowards."
Zhao Yunyue heard his cold remarks and snapped back to reality: "The rumors from a while ago have already made many people believe that Ji You's combat power is unusual. Their choice not to act may not be wrong."
Liu Junchi raised his eyes upon hearing this: "There are many reasons why Elder Fang was unwilling to act against Ji You. Perhaps Ji You received protection from certain figures, or perhaps Tianshu Academy didn't want a Disciple to die within the academy, but it doesn't necessarily prove how unfathomable Ji You truly is."
"Where did you hear all these things?"
"I didn't hear them; it's just that you and I are both cultivators, so how could we not know the difficulty of Cultivation?"
Zhao Yunyue frowned slightly after hearing this: "I thought you had heard some rumors."
Liu Junchi put down his teacup: "Knowing the hardship of Cultivation, one can discern the absurdity of rumors; no other corroboration is needed."
In fact, similar discussions were abundant in the other dozen or so private rooms.
They were unaware of the existence of the Night Watchmen, and judging by the difficulty of their own Cultivation process, they always felt that other reasons were more plausible.
Although Elder Fang was old and frail, with not much Lifespan left, and his Realm was far from its peak, he was still a Wujiang Realm mighty figure. A lean camel is still bigger than a horse; he wasn't someone just anyone could try to provoke.
However, these matters were ultimately irrelevant side issues to them.
In their view, no matter what Ji You was like, it was unrelated to them.
So they resumed their previous topics, discussing Cultivation, business, and so on.
And those family Disciples who had just gone to the front hall to invite Yuan Chen, only to be rebuked by Ji You, had now returned to Zhao Yunyue's private room, muttering about how it was not advisable to fight with Tianshu Academy Disciples in front of its gates.
There was also another group of people who knew which private room Yuan Chen was in and were holding their wine, hesitating whether to go over and exchange a few pleasantries.
Just as everyone was lost in thought, a clattering sound suddenly came from the hall downstairs.
Because the front hall was very quiet due to the previous incident, such a sound seemed particularly jarring.
Everyone couldn't help but look over, only to see a shadowy figure standing in the front hall, seemingly having walked too hastily and accidentally bumped into a table's teapot, causing the pot and cups to overturn.
And when everyone saw his face, many couldn't help but show a slight shock.
"Isn't that Fang Jincheng?"
"What is he doing—"
The people in Zhao Yunyue's private room also couldn't help but look over, seeing Fang Jincheng trembling all over, a trace of bewilderment flashing in his eyes.
There was a rumor in the capital that Fang Jincheng had used Peng Yu to cause trouble for Ji You, and as a result, Elder Fang had imprisoned him in the Mountain Abyss.
Although the first part was hard to discern as true or false, many people knew that he had indeed been imprisoned in the Mountain Abyss, because since then, many people had never seen Fang Jincheng's shadow again.
However, with the New Year approaching recently, the city was filled with song and dance, the aroma of wine permeated the air, and it was exceptionally lively. Young people couldn't sit still.
So many people knew that this Prodigy, who had a Grandfather backing him, had secretly snuck out of confinement to seek pleasure a few times.
But many people didn't know he was in this building today, nor did they know what he was doing.
At this moment, Fang Jincheng, who had knocked over the teapot and made a sound, looked terrified. He glanced at the private room where Ji You was, then stumbled out of the building, as if a great disaster was imminent.
And in the side hall from which he emerged, several Tianshu Academy Disciples also ran out after him. Seeing that the private room remained silent for a moment, they frantically rushed out of Drunken Immortal Pavilion.
Seeing this, those who had planned to visit Yuan Chen suddenly retreated.
Including Liu Junchi and others who had remained in their private rooms, attempting to persuade Zhao Yunyue not to believe the rumors, all fell silent.
Fang Jincheng, who had secretly come out for pleasure, was scared away, near Tianshu Academy, which had a Wujiang Realm Grandfather overseeing it.
(Requesting monthly tickets)