Sword Aura to the Heavens
Chapter 113 - 109 Jiangzhou

Chapter 113: Chapter 109 Jiangzhou

The Da Li Dynasty consists of thirty-six states, stretching over vast and endless territories.

For over a thousand years, the Da Li Dynasty has brought peace to the world, gradually unifying it. However, due to its vast domain and numerous powers, it has never truly achieved complete unification.

For example, the area of Li Mountain never obeys the dynasty’s commands.

Additionally, as Ji Hua mentioned, Da Li’s influence is quite limited in Chi Xiao City.

This is the case for many regions home to top powers as well.

As a result, the Da Li Royal Family is now eager to support forces loyal to it, such as the Lingxiao Pavilion.

Moreover, within the Imperial City, the Da Li Royal Family is closely connected with various major powers, forming alliances through marriage and other means to draw in top families. Thus, during the battle at Li Mountain, besides the court’s people, several major families were also involved.

Jiangzhou is located in the south of the Da Li Dynasty, at the core of Jiangnan Dao.

Jiangzhou is rich in mountains, rivers, and lakes, and is also known as a water town. Even demons are often nurtured and born within its lakes and rivers.

Li Fan was quite annoyed; after traveling thousands of miles from Chuzhou into Jiangzhou territory, his horse was accidentally eaten by a demon from a lake by the lakeside.

Although Li Fan avenged the horse by retrieving a Dan, they were left without a horse and had to proceed on foot.

The wilderness was sparsely populated, and the two trudged along, covered in dust.

Li Fan did try moving via Sword Control, which worked for a short time, but it was too taxing in the long run.

"Sister Liu, could you perhaps transform into a demon?" Li Fan looked at Liu Ji beside him, saying, "This journey is a bit too slow."

"Do you want to ride?" Liu Ji gazed at Li Fan with a grin, "Should I carry you, young master?"

"How can you carry me if you don’t transform?" Li Fan replied as he walked.

"You’re not shy at all, young master," Liu Ji said.

"We’ve been together for so long, after all," Li Fan chuckled.

Liu Ji ignored him.

At this moment, the ground slightly trembled. Li Fan’s eyes brightened as he looked ahead, seeing a caravan moving in the distance.

"Let’s go."

Li Fan spoke, and the two quickly headed forward, soon catching up with the caravan.

This seemed to be a guard team consisting of several dozen people, with a carriage in the center driven by an old servant. It was unclear who was inside the carriage.

Beside the carriage, a young man slightly older than Li Fan rode a tall horse. He wore a luxurious blue robe, a jade pendant hanging from his waist, and carried a sword on his back, cutting a gallant figure.

Li Fan noticed that the caravan’s horses were noticeably larger than regular ones, a breed mixed with demon blood, making them quite expensive.

"Whoa!"

Seeing Li Fan and Liu Ji approach, the caravan stopped. The guards looked on guard, their hands on their weapons.

In the wilderness, humans are not necessarily safer than demons.

The man in fine clothing urged his horse forward, scrutinizing Li Fan and Liu Ji as he asked, "Who are you?"

Li Fan cupped his hands, saying, "I am Yang Qingshan. Our mounts were eaten by demons en route. If it’s convenient, could you give us a lift?"

He thought to himself, "Qing Shan, oh Qing Shan, I’m borrowing your name for a bit, it might bring some renown in the future."

The young man did not agree immediately; he glanced at the sword on Li Fan’s back, then at Liu Ji, his gaze lingering on her.

Though Liu Ji appeared dusty from travel, her seductive figure casually standing there was still very eye-catching at this moment. Dressed in a pitiful manner, she looked up at him, a green highlight in her eyes, making her look even more bewitching and attractive.

"Such a beautiful woman," the young man thought to himself. He asked aloud, "Miss, what is your name?"

Li Fan: "??"

Wasn’t I the one talking to you?

"I am Liu Ji," Liu Ji replied with a bow, a bewitching smile flashing in her eyes as she lowered her head.

This guy is getting his comeuppance today.

"Was your mount also eaten by demons?" the young man asked.

"Yes," Liu Ji nodded, "I was travelling with my young master when our mounts were eaten by demons."

"Young master?" Only then did the young man look at the neglected Li Fan. Such a beautiful sister was actually a maid.

"I’m Ji Feng," the young man cupped his hands in greeting, then looked to the guards ahead, "Bring out a horse."

"Yes, young master." One of the guards dismounted and offered his horse.

"Thank you, Young Master Ji." Liu Ji bowed.

Li Fan also offered his thanks and went towards the horse. Liu Ji followed but heard Ji Feng say, "Miss, please ride in the carriage."

Liu Ji turned back to look at Ji Feng, "Would that be alright?"

"A lady would be more comfortable in the carriage. Only my sister is inside, and it’s quite spacious, so you’ll have company to chat with." Ji Feng replied.

The woman inside the carriage furrowed her brows, saying indifferently, "You’re good at currying favor."

"Sister, I’m just worried you might get bored." Ji Feng leaned on the carriage curtain, whispering.

The woman couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge him.

"In that case, thank you, young master." Liu Ji smiled and walked towards the carriage. The coachman glanced at her, his eyes sharp, but since the young master allowed it and the lady said nothing, he let Liu Ji into the carriage.

"Let’s continue," Ji Feng said.

Saying this, he rode his horse forward, coming to Li Fan’s side.

"I’m curious about your relationship with Miss Liu," Ji Feng approached Li Fan, asking softly. Li Fan perceived Ji Feng’s intent from his gaze.

"Just an ordinary maid, attending to my daily needs." Li Fan replied with a knowing look.

Sure enough, upon hearing Li Fan’s words, Ji Feng’s smile broadened, and he warmly greeted Li Fan, "I’m Ji Feng. Since we’re of similar age and I’m slightly older, I’ll call you Brother Yang from now on."

"Brother Ji," Li Fan replied with a cupped hand, thinking to himself, "You’ve got quite the taste, I wonder if you’ll still be interested if you truly succeed."

"Brother Yang, where are you headed on this journey?" Ji Feng inquired.

"No particular destination. Wherever the road takes us," Li Fan replied.

"Then why not travel with us? We’re heading to Yun Meng City," Ji Feng suggested.

"Yun Meng City?" In the map given by Senior Brother Ji Hua, this Yun Meng City was quite special. It wasn’t Jiangzhou’s main city; that would be Jiangzhou City.

But Yun Meng City held greater influence than Jiangzhou City.

Yun Meng City got its name from the Yun Meng Swamp, an area known for its Great Demons, shrouded in mystery and often troubling the region of Jiangzhou.

Later, cultivators from across Da Li gathered outside the entrance to Yun Meng Swamp and built an impressive city, Yun Meng City.

This city housed many extraordinary cultivators, and its collective power was far stronger than that of an ordinary state capital.

"Alright," Li Fan nodded, planning to visit Yun Meng City.

It happened to coincide with them feeling somewhat weary from the wilderness journey.

"Where are you from, Brother Yang?" Ji Feng asked again.

"Some small place, not worth mentioning," Li Fan replied.

"I’m from the Ji Family in Jiangzhou City. With me around, Brother Yang needn’t worry about your mount being eaten by demons again, nor survive in the wilds." Ji Feng said confidently, noting Li Fan’s travel-worn appearance.

Both Li Fan and his companion had their mounts eaten by demons, appearing dusty, as if they’d had quite a tough journey.

"Thank you then," Li Fan said.

"What is your impression of Miss Liu?" Ji Feng asked.

"You really have an interest, don’t you, Brother Ji? But I see you’re still quite young," Li Fan replied with a smile.

"To be honest, Brother Yang, I’m fond of elder sisters like her." Ji Feng leaned closer to Li Fan, whispering, "I hope you won’t mind helping me out a bit."

"No worries," Li Fan replied, "Don’t worry about me."

"Good brother," Ji Feng patted Li Fan on the shoulder before turning his horse and heading towards the carriage.

Inside the carriage.

Upon entering, Liu Ji saw a spacious carriage with a woman sitting inside. Her hair, dark as ink, was styled in a flowing cloud bun adorned with pearls and jade, simple yet elegant. She wore a cyan gauze dress, appearing graceful and dignified, with skin as fair as snow – a rare beauty indeed.

Ji Xue glanced at Liu Ji, her beautiful eyes revealing a touch of amazement. She thought to herself, "What a beautiful woman, radiating a natural allure, with a captivating figure. No wonder Ji Feng was so enamored."

But how foolish to invite her inside.

This woman, surviving in the wild, couldn’t possibly be as simple as Ji Feng assumed.

"I am Liu Ji; greetings, miss." Liu Ji nodded in greeting towards Ji Xue.

Ji Xue nodded back, then closed her eyes.

Liu Ji wasn’t bothered. Traveling with Li Fan had indeed been exhausting, providing the perfect opportunity for some rest.

"Sister, Miss Liu, I’m coming in for a rest as well."

A voice announced that Ji Feng was also entering the carriage, yet Ji Xue still closed her eyes, unwilling to even look at her younger brother.

It was a wonder their father sent him to escort her; he would be a hassle rather than a help.

"Miss Liu, I’ve agreed with Brother Yang to travel together to Yun Meng City." Ji Feng said to Liu Ji.

"Since the young master has spoken," Liu Ji responded.

"How did you come to accompany Brother Yang?" Ji Feng asked.

"I encountered danger in the past, and it was the young master who saved me. I have been by his side ever since," Liu Ji replied.

"I see, so Miss Liu is a person of great sentiment." Ji Feng nodded, "We are traveling to Yun Meng City to study at Bai Lu Academy, and we can look after Miss Liu then."

"Bai Lu Academy?" Liu Ji asked, somewhat confused.

"Indeed," Ji Feng smiled and nodded, "We hail from the Ji Family in Jiangzhou. There are elders at Bai Lu Academy, and my sister will become a student there."

He watched Liu Ji, seemingly waiting for her response.

Liu Ji noticed Ji Feng’s gaze, showing a look of admiration, she gazed at Ji Feng with mild reverence.

Ji Feng was delighted internally but maintained a composed demeanor, acting as if indifferent, hiding his merits.

The Ji Family was a celebrated family in Jiangzhou, and Bai Lu Academy’s reputation extended beyond Jiangzhou, recognized even in the vast Da Li.

Evidently, Ji Feng thought he had left a mark.

Liu Ji smiled slightly, observing Ji Feng, neither the Ji Family nor Bai Lu Academy.

She had never heard of them!

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