613. Each Side

Ji Xuan pondered for a moment, then shook his head:

“We will continue to gather scattered Dragon Qi, and as for that major host, let the Azure Dragon Seven Constellations subdue them.

“Hehe, right now we have no way of knowing Xu Qi’an’s whereabouts, and it would be unfortunate if we ran into him in Yuuzhou, just as we never expected to encounter him in Yongzhou.

“But as for the Azure Dragon Seven Constellations, with their genuine third-rank strength, they will certainly be able to handle it more easily than we could.

“Even if they are not a match for Xu Qi’an, escaping will not be a problem.”

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded silently.

Liu Hongmian and Qihuan Danxiang let out a sigh of relief, their tense expressions easing considerably.

After breakfast, Ji Xuan and his party returned to their temporary residence, an abandoned courtyard in the slums. There were many such vacant courtyards in this small county town.

Their former owners may have sought refuge with relatives because of poverty and famine.

Or perhaps perished during some bandit raid, with no one in the family spared.

All along the way, Ji Xuan and his group had become used to desolation and poverty, and had become accustomed to seeing corpses lying in the snow.

In the shabby room, Ji Xuan sat at the table, focusing on the box in his hand.

He opened the sandalwood box, the formation inscribed on it dispelled, revealing a bead that glimmered with a crimson glow.

It was about the size of a pigeon’s egg.

It was the condensed essence and vitality of a beyond-mortal artial artist.

Ji Xuan stared at it for a few seconds, his gaze somewhat vacant, his thoughts drifting far away.

Knock knock!

At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

Ji Xuan’s pupils contracted, and he snapped out of his trance. With a click, he closed the box and slipped it into his robe, a smile appearing on his face:

“Come in.”

Xu Yuanshuang pushed the door open and glanced around the shabby room with its almost non-existent furnishings. “Seventh Brother.”

Behind her were Qihuan Danxiang, the White Tiger, Liu Hongmian, and Xu Yuanhuai.

Ji Xuan glanced over them and smiled. “Is there something you wish to discuss with me?”

Xu Yuanshuang nodded:

“I do indeed wish to consult with you, Seventh Brother.

“After the battle at Yongzhou, Daoist Jiaoye died, and Liu Hongmian and the others were so frightened by Xu Qi’an that even the defiant Yuanhuai lost his nerve.”

Liu Hongmian let out a little “aiya”, and said coquettishly, “I’m only a mere woman, and that Xu Qi’an is both fierce and domineering, it’s only natural to be afraid.”

The proud Xu Yuanhuai pulled a face, but could not refute his sister’s words.

When it came to that elder brother, he felt nothing but helplessness.

Ji Xuan fell silent for a moment, then said, “And then?”

The one-armed White Tiger gave a snort and said,

“I have been thinking about it these days. In fact, collecting Dragon Qi is not a necessity. Whether we can acquire the Dragon Qi or not is not important.

“What matters is hindering Xu Qi’an’s collection of Dragon Qi. As long as the Dragon Qi does not return to its rightful place, chaos in the Great Feng will worsen, and only then will the City Lord and National Teacher have a chance to succeed in their revolt.”

Ji Xuan nodded slowly.

From their perspective, as long as their opponent’s situation was bad enough, their objective was still achieved.

Dragon Qi could enhance their stake, but it was not absolutely necessary.

Xu Yuanshuang continued,

“In that case, why should we act alone?

“The Buddhist faction is also collecting Dragon Qi. Though Arhat Duqing has been captured, there are two Vajras in the Central Plains gathering Dragon Qi, both are third-rank.

“The Church of the Warlock God must also be seeking Dragon Qi. If our three factions join forces and form a united front, Xu Qi’an, no matter how strong, cannot possibly defeat us all at the same time.

“In this way, we can stall his progress, buying time for Dad and Uncle.”

Ji Xuan smiled and said, “That’s a fine plan.”

At that moment, Qihuan Danxiang chimed in,

“I can return to the Southern Marches and persuade the shaman clans to join our rebellion against the Feng. Don’t underestimate the shaman clans. They have several experts comparable to beyond-mortal strength.

“If they are willing to act, the Great Feng will surely fall.”

Liu Hongmian laughed,

“The shaman clans bear a grudge against the Great Feng. When the time for open revolt comes, they might indeed become our allies. But for now, expecting them to send their experts against Xu Qi’an…

“Have you forgotten how he learned his Gu techniques? If you say it has nothing to do with your shaman clans, Auntie won’t believe you.”

Qihuan Danxiang frowned, at a loss for words.

Ji Xuan said,

“This plan is feasible. As for the shaman clans, there’s no need to contact them for now. We know how to reach the two Vajras, but as for the Church of the Warlock God…”

Xu Yuanhuai said, “Let’s leave that to the Tianjigong.”

Ji Xuan nodded, concluding the meeting. As he ushered the others out, he said,

“Yuanshuang, stay a moment.”

Xu Yuanshuang closed the door and sat down at the table again, silently watching him.

“What do you think of Xu Qi’an?” Ji Xuan asked with a smile.

“He’s very strong, so strong, it’s frightening,” Xu Yuanshuang replied frankly.

“Yes, very strong…”

Ji Xuan sighed,

“Before the battle in Yongzhou, I, and even those brothers and sisters in Qianlong City, all believed that Xu Qi’an owed his current achievement entirely to fortune.

“That may be true, but not wholly so.

“After what happened in Yongzhou, I truly realised how terrifying he is. He and I are both fourth rank, but his ‘will’ made me tremble with fear, and that has nothing to do with fortune.”

Xu Yuanshuang could not help but recall the scene outside Yongzhou city, when he felled the formation of zen monks with a single sabre.

That strike, formidable and sharp, carried a sense of desperation, a man who had no way out, giving it his all.

“I understand that with Aunt’s influence, you pity him, believing our National Teacher is callous and heartless, harming her own flesh and blood. Yuanhuai, for his part, is mostly influenced by the National Teacher.

“He wants nothing more than to surpass Xu Qi’an, to prove to him that he is no worse than his elder brother in the capital. But does Yuanhuai really hate Xu Qi’an? Not really.”

Xu Yuanshuang coldly interrupted, “You mean to tell me not to show mercy?”

Ji Xuan shook his head and smiled. “I want a promise from you, Yuanshuang.”

“What is it?”

“Not now. When the time comes, I will tell you,” Ji Xuan smiled.

Xu Yuanshuang gave him a long look, said nothing, and silently left the room.

…

The capital, the Grand Sacrificial Hall in the southern part of the imperial city.

The Great Feng held two major sacrifices each year, the Spring Sacrifice at the start of the year and the Ancestral Ritual at year’s end.

The Ancestral Ritual took place by Sangpo Lake, where the ancestral tablets were enshrined. The Heaven Sacrifice was held at the Grand Sacrificial Hall in the southern imperial city.

On special occasions, there could be a second or third sacrifice, or even more.

For example, when the Emperor Yongxing ascended the throne, both the Ancestral Ritual and Heaven Sacrifice were held simultaneously. Or, when a national war was declared, the emperor would lead all his civil and military officials in sacrifices to Heaven and to the ancestors.

Since the onset of winter, famine had swept the Great Feng, and Emperor Yongxing had wanted to hold a Heaven Sacrifice ceremony to pray for blessings. Now, under the pretext of soliciting donations, he was holding the grand sacrifice.

Once the ceremony was over and the court released funds for disaster relief, and the lives of the common people improved, it would make it look as if the Emperor’s prayers had yielded outstanding results.

At noon, Xu Erlang rode up to the Grand Sacrificial Hall south of the imperial city.

There was still some time before the Heaven Sacrifice began, but officials were already arriving in succession.

“Sir Xu!”

After handing his horse to a clerk, Xu Erlang saw a group of civil officials approaching.

These were the very officials who usually greeted Xu Erlang with stern looks, yet today they were extraordinarily friendly.

Xu Xinnian’s expression did not change as he cupped his fist in greeting.

“Sir Xu, I have a friend who is planning to take on a disciple. He has heard that your young sister is highly gifted and wishes to accept her. On my account, Sir Xu, would you be willing to consider…?”

“Sir Xu!” another civil official interrupted.

“This official, too, takes pride in teaching and wish to take on a pupil. Sir’s little sister is truly a once-in-a-century talent, and I would be honoured to enlighten her.”

“Sir Xu…”

All those who approached him were low-ranking officials. The real big shots remained aloof, though they all seemed to be paying close attention, casting glances in his direction.

Xu Xinnian saluted left and right, brushing them off as he squeezed out of the throng.

What on earth is all this about…

…

The Sitianjian.

Yang Qianhuan sat cross-legged in his room, perfectly still and quiet on the outside, yet feeling anxious within.

At last, footsteps echoed down the silent corridor.

Soon, a big-eyed young lady in a yellow dress appeared outside the door. She peered in through the small ventilation window, her voice as crisp as silver bells:

“Senior Brother Yang, I’ve been to Bagua Terrace to check. The Jianzheng’s primordial spirit has left his body.”

Yang Qianhuan’s breathing quickened suddenly, but he managed to restrain his inner excitement and pressed on:

“Did you call out to him?”

“I did, but the Jianzheng ignored me. No idea where he’s wandering off to now,” Chu Caiwei replied.

“Good, very good!”

Yang Qianhuan burst out laughing.

Chu Caiwei reached into her robe and pulled out a slip of paper, tossing it through the window:

“Then the deal’s done. You have to get me everything written on here within three days.”

The slip was a “menu.” Through Xu Qi’an’s letter, Chu Caiwei had listed all the mentioned delicacies and wines.

She had preserved it as if it were a secret manual, intending to try all the dishes across the jianghu after reaching the fourth rank.

That was, until Yang Qianhuan approached her, asking her to secretly keep watch on their teacher.

The clever Chu Caiwei immediately proposed a deal: Yang Qianhuan would have to gather all the food and drink listed for her within three days as payment.

A win-win!

Delighted, a radiant smile appeared on Chu Caiwei’s oval face, though she then looked a little worried and said:

“Senior Brother Yang, what on earth are you up to this time? Can’t you ever let the Jianzheng have a moment’s peace?”

Yang Qianhuan shot back:

“And you’re in any position to talk, spying on your own teacher for a bite to eat?”

With that, the two siblings wisely stood down, steering clear of any further bickering on the topic.

Of course, Yang Qianhuan would never tell Chu Caiwei he was planning to cause a scene at the upcoming Heaven Sacrifice Ceremony.

He didn’t intend to sabotage the ceremony, but to use the occasion to make his name known throughout the world in one fell swoop.

He was going to donate all of the Sitianjian’s wealth.

The people are poor, starving and freezing, how can we live in decadent luxury while commoners suffer? I’m absolutely not doing this to show off, but to do something for the suffering masses.

Yang Qianhuan righteously assured himself.

A clear light shone beneath him, swallowing him up.

Chu Caiwei hopped away merrily.

In a room at the other end of the corridor, Zhong Li quietly took out a sound-transmitting conch and whispered:

“Senior Brother Song, Senior Brother Yang really hasn’t given up his wicked intentions, he’s planning to do the same as last time, donating the Sitianjian’s wealth.

“He even asked Junior Sister Caiwei to help watch the Jianzheng.”

Song Qing’s voice came through the conch:

“The Jianzheng’s prediction was spot on. I understand… I’ll fetch the Disc of Heaven’s secrets and suppress him at once. That fool! If he gives away Sitianjian’s wealth, what will I use for my alchemy experiments?

“Junior Sister Caiwei is abetting the villain too. Looks like I’ll have to suppress her as well.

“The Jianzheng promised that if I kept an eye on Yang Qianhuan for him, he’d allow me to conduct a human alchemy experiment. Now that’s two of them, I ought to argue for an additional round.”

He paused, then chuckled, “Junior Sister Zhong, what’s the Jianzheng promised you?”

Zhong Li, sounding innocent and harmless, whispered:

“Nothing much. I’ve just been a bit bored lately and wanted someone to keep me company.”

…

Jiangzhou City.

Xu Qi’an held half a small bronze mirror, both sensing his surroundings and giving orders:

“I want a bird’s eye view of Jiangzhou.”

The surface of the Huntian Divine Mirror displayed an image:

In the room of a certain inn, Miao Youfang lay naked in a medicinal bath, his face contorted with pain, his skin as red as boiled prawn.

Xu Qi’an’s expression froze: “What are you showing me this for?”

The spirit of the Huntian Divine Mirror answered, “Isn’t this exactly what you wanted to see?”

Xu Qi’an twitched his lips: “I’ve told you many times, I have no desire to watch men bathe.”

Huntian Divine Mirror: “Understood. I’ll switch to something else.”

The scene changed, and now an unfamiliar, much more handsome man than Miao Youfang appeared bathing.

Do you have issues with reading comprehension? Xu Qi’an expressed his attitude through silence.

“I understand, you want to watch a male and a female copulate and bathe together.”

As Xu Qi’an said nothing, the Huntian Divine Mirror switched the scene on its own initiative.

This time, the picture showed a young couple, soaked together in a wide bath barrel, naked bodies pressed close amid the steaming mist. Water splashed everywhere as they moved vigorously.

Phew… Xu Qi’an exhaled, “I think we need to have a talk.”

The image shattered, and the Divine Mirror’s “single eye” bulged, observing Xu Qi’an:

“All right.”

“No need to be so earnest and solemn. You can keep showing that picture, mm, I just think it’ll make this chat a bit more relaxed.”

Once the Huntian Divine Mirror resumed broadcasting, Xu Qi’an said slowly:

“I’ve put up with you long enough. Why do you insist on doing things your own way every time?”

“Don’t you want to peek into people’s secrets?”

The Huntian Divine Mirror spoke as if it were only natural:

“My greatest ability is to let you shamelessly spy on others’ most private affairs. This will give you the confidence and superiority of a deity.”

Did the Nine-Tailed Fox really use you for this sort of thing in the past? Did she also like to watch two men bathe together… Xu Qi’an felt he finally understood.

The Huntian Divine Mirror continued,

“You never used me to watch women bathe, so you must prefer to watch men. I’m being so considerate, you should be thankful.”

No, only I can look at pictures of Huaiqing and Lin’an bathing. Even if you’re a genderless artefact spirit, it’s not allowed… Xu Qi’an heaved another sigh:

“I can’t be bothered to argue with you. My request is simple: From now on, do exactly as I say and nothing more. No more taking matters into your own hands.

“Otherwise, forget about being nourished by Dragon Qi ever again.”

“Fine…” the Divine Mirror compromised.

“I want a bird’s eye view of Jiangzhou. Don’t hold up my Dragon Qi collection.”

Recently, Xu Qi’an had discovered a new use for the Huntian Divine Mirror. He could use it as a medium to observe an entire city, and then, through the resonance between the Earth Book fragment and the Dragon Qi, search for the Dragon Qi host hidden among the crowds.

The limitation was, he needed to see the Dragon Qi host clearly in the Divine Mirror before he could sense him, he couldn’t just scan Jiangzhou from above and immediately pinpoint the host.

Xu Qi’an used the Divine Mirror to survey the north of the city, street by street.

Meanwhile, he wandered around the south of the city, sensing for any possible Dragon Qi hosts nearby.

This method proved highly effective, by late morning, he had already found one.

That fellow was a flatbread vendor. Ever since obtaining the Dragon Qi, business had boomed and he became the envy of other vendors nearby.

Xu Qi’an bought two flatbreads from him, and casually collected the Dragon Qi.

…

Yuuzhou.

Xu Yuanshuang returned from an outing and said to Ji Xuan and the others in the courtyard:

“The Azure Dragon Seven Constellations have caught that Dragon Qi host.

“Also, the spies in Xiangzhou report that the two palace lords of the East Sea Dragon Palace are seeking Dragon Qi hosts as well.”

613. Each Side

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