Sword Aura to the Heavens
Chapter 118 - 114: The Fate of Ji Xue

Chapter 118: Chapter 114: The Fate of Ji Xue

In the early morning, Ji Xue got up very early today to bathe and change her clothes.

To her, today was evidently a very important day, as she would step into another crucial phase of her life and head to Bai Lu Academy to study.

It is said that Bai Lu Academy collects cultivation techniques from all over the Da Li Dynasty, is rich in resources, and the academy masters are all knowledgeable, coming from all directions to teach and impart knowledge.

For several years, she had been longing for this day to come.

Now, the opportunity had finally arrived.

And things went even smoother than she had imagined.

"Sister, it’s time to set off." Ji Feng called out from outside, and Ji Xue stepped out of the room, dressed simply yet elegantly, with a dignified air, without makeup, still stunningly beautiful, perfectly embodying the demeanor of a wealthy family’s daughter.

Even Ji Feng, who was used to seeing her, was momentarily stunned, then smiled and praised, "Sister, you seem much prettier today."

Ji Xue glared at him and said, "Once I start studying at the academy, take care of yourself and don’t cause trouble outside, or the family will have you brought back to Jiangzhou City."

"Sister, don’t you trust me?" Ji Feng laughed and said, "Make sure you cultivate well at the academy and don’t get deceived by men. I know men’s minds very well; they are all bad. Don’t let it hinder your cultivation, as I’m waiting for you to become a great practitioner."

"Are you actually concerned about me?" Ji Xue glanced at Ji Feng.

"Of course, you’re my real sister." Ji Feng smiled brightly, thinking that once Ji Xue became a great practitioner, he would have more freedom to do as he pleased.

He himself had no hope; his future prospects depended on his sister.

"Sister, get on the carriage and let’s go." Ji Feng said, and Ji Xue nodded, stepped out, and boarded the carriage. Uncle Zhang did not ride but walked alongside, guiding the horse, per the rules of White Deer Street.

Traveling along White Deer Street, the carriage carrying Ji Xue attracted a lot of attention as the news from yesterday had already spread, and quite a few people knew of Ji Xue’s presence.

Activating the array had made her famous overnight.

Upon arrival outside Bai Lu Academy, a considerable crowd had already gathered. As Ji Xue stepped down from the carriage, many eyes remained fixed on her.

Ji Feng stopped outside, and Ji Xue entered Bai Lu Academy alone, where Yun Zhiqiu had been waiting early on, and he hurried forward to greet her upon seeing her arrival.

"Junior Sister Ji, congratulations in advance. From today onwards, we will be studying together." Yun Zhiqiu bowed with palms joined in salute.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Yun." Ji Xue returned the salute in kind, and many who witnessed this scene secretly thought Yun Zhiqiu was quite interested, likely aiming to win the beauty’s heart.

"This way, Junior Sister Ji." Yun Zhiqiu gestured to guide her, and they walked side by side into the academy. Ji Xue took a deep breath and looked up at the academy, which held a glorious history.

She finally arrived at the hall of her dreams.

The academy students passing by all turned to look at her, secretly praising the distinguished daughter with exceptional beauty and talent, predicting that she would become a prominent figure in the academy in the future.

Occasionally, some even took the initiative to greet Ji Xue, to which she responded one by one.

Ji Xue always thought she was not particularly vain; her noble family background made her generous and confident, yet it had never made her arrogant.

But at this moment, entering the academy and being adored like a moon among the stars, a sense of satisfaction arose within her.

Perhaps back in Jiangzhou City, she was already from a top family, and thus there was no environment stimulating vanity. But in the sacred land of her heart, receiving this admiration was a feeling she had never experienced before.

Yun Zhiqiu led Ji Xue to the academy’s reception area, where a young man from the academy, upon seeing Ji Xue, said, "Junior Sister Ji, Mr. Qu has instructed that you go and see him; I will take you there."

"Just as expected." Ji Xue thought to herself, believing that the person from yesterday must be Mr. Qu.

"Congratulations, Junior Sister," Yun Zhiqiu congratulated warmly from the side, and Ji Xue nodded in acknowledgment.

"Thank you, Senior Brother." Ji Xue looked at the young man who led her into the academy, towards a courtyard on the left side of the academy. This place was tranquil and graceful, with plum blossoms planted in the courtyard. A scholarly middle-aged man was reading; it was the gentleman from the day before.

"Mr. Qu," the young man bowed in greeting, and the middle-aged man looked up. Ji Xue also saluted and said, "Ji Xue greets Mr. Qu."

Qu Qingfeng nodded slightly, looked at Ji Xue, and said, "Come forward."

"Yes." Ji Xue stepped forward, and Qu Qingfeng’s gaze, gentle and warm like a spring breeze, fell upon her.

"A soft breeze carries the white deer’s gentle song; it seems you are a fated person." Qu Qingfeng smiled and asked, "Are you willing to become my disciple and cultivate under my guidance?"

Ji Xue was taken aback, her heart stirred slightly, and even though she had speculated this possibility, she couldn’t help but feel a bit of joy within her.

"Do not rejoice in material gain," Ji Xue reminded herself inwardly, bowing down and saying, "Ji Xue is willing to take you as my mentor."

"Congratulations, Junior Sister," the young man beside her also bowed in congratulation, and Ji Xue returned the gesture.

"There may be a teacher to impart knowledge, but one’s studies form on their own. Though I am your teacher, in a journey of three people, one can always learn from the others. You should learn from those around you to make up for your shortcomings." Qu Qingfeng said with a smile.

"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher. I will remember it in my heart," Ji Xue replied, understanding that there were geniuses as numerous as clouds in the academy, and her teacher was reminding her that although he had accepted her as a disciple, she should not become conceited and should learn from her seniors.

"Hmm." Qu Qingfeng nodded, "Your senior brother will help you get familiar with the academy. Additionally, you don’t have to reside at the academy; you can just come to study."

Ji Xue was somewhat puzzled but nodded in agreement, as she lived nearby on White Deer Street.

"You may go." Qu Qingfeng said, and Ji Xue took her leave.

After she left, Qu Qingfeng got up and walked to the plum tree; a figure appeared behind him, and a woman spoke up, "If she’s not the one, why take her as a disciple?"

"Meeting is fate," Qu Qingfeng said, "The sacred deer has not stirred in many years, so that young man must be extraordinary. However, since he does not wish to join the academy, do not disturb him; forming a good relationship is enough."

"You’re quite open-minded," the woman responded.

After Ji Xue left, the news of her becoming Mr. Qu’s disciple quickly spread through the academy, causing a stir, making Ji Xue an academy celebrity overnight.

However, Ji Xue did not know that all of this stemmed from a chance encounter on her way there.

Li Fan naturally did not know either, but it did not matter to him anyway.

Liu Ji came back with news, and Li Fan asked, "How was it?"

"I’ve found out," Liu Ji said, "Yun Meng Swamp is very deep. It is said that there are extremely powerful demons hidden within it because of its uniqueness, making it difficult for humans to enter. Since the establishment of the Da Li Dynasty, it is said that no one has ever ventured into the deepest parts of the Yun Meng Swamp."

Liu Ji continued, "Moreover, there are many demons within the outskirts of Yun Meng Swamp. The deeper one goes, the greater the likelihood of encountering powerful demons. This city built outside Yun Meng Swamp has withstood numerous invasions of demons from within, and historically, many have sacrificed themselves."

"There was once an extremely severe demon calamity from the Yun Meng Swamp. Under the leadership of a great demon, the entire city faced a catastrophe. However, cultivators from all over Da Li came to support, and the court also sent troops, calming the situation. Afterward, human Great Practitioners entered for a cleansing campaign, gradually establishing a balance over a long period."

"Nowadays, the practitioners in Yun Meng City frequently enter Yun Meng Swamp to hunt demons, and there are many demon hunting teams in the city. However, during demon hunting, many also fall prey within Yun Meng Swamp, with reportedly high mortality rates."

After Liu Ji finished speaking, Li Fan was lost in thought.

Human practitioners hunt demons, just as demons hunt human cultivators within Yun Meng Swamp.

Perhaps this is the so-called balance.

Demons have gained wisdom and hunt humans as prey, just as human cultivators do them, given that Yun Meng Swamp is their domain and they have the home ground advantage.

"Liu Ji." Li Fan looked up, saying, "Do you want to study at the academy for a while?"

Liu Ji glared at him, yet saw Li Fan’s serious expression, seeming to not be joking.

"Are you serious?" Liu Ji asked.

"Yes." Li Fan nodded.

"What would I do at the academy?" Liu Ji asked.

"Learn etiquette," Li Fan said, understanding that Liu Ji, as a demon, might face difficulty integrating into the human world.

Upon hearing of a demon studying at the academy, he thought of Liu Ji. Even if she might not gain much, he did not expect a significant power increase, but at least she would have a platform of acceptance based on her identity.

If Liu Ji could study at Bai Lu Academy, the Jiangzhou Sacred Land, it would grant her protection from scrutiny and judgment.

Liu Ji gave Li Fan a peculiar look, possibly guessing his intentions, and smiled, saying, "I don’t care for human acceptance as long as you don’t disdain me, Master."

"Alright, we’ll leave it at that for now." Li Fan said, "We’re unfamiliar with Yun Meng Swamp and need a guide. See if you can find a demon hunting team, and we’ll join to take a look around."

"Should I arrange it right away?"

"No rush, let’s rest first. You should also cultivate well and reach the Five Realms soon." Li Fan said, knowing the Da Li humans weren’t friendly to demons, and Liu Ji’s strength would ensure her safety.

"Master has become more considerate of me," Liu Ji said, deeply moved, leaning towards Li Fan, soft and boneless, exuding natural allure.

"Hiss..."

"Snake Spirit, don’t play tricks on me." Li Fan gave Liu Ji, who was leaning on him, a sidelong glance, the Snake Demon intended to disrupt his state of mind?

"Haha..." Liu Ji looked at Li Fan with disdain, wasn’t he thinking of riding?

No guts.