Chapter 91 Youthful Spring Robes (Thirty-Seven)
The flying boat slowly came to a stop amidst the drifting clouds.
As the largest clan on the Pingze Continent, the Jiang family occupies an extremely vast territory. The Jiang family headquarters occupies the most powerful main spiritual vein in the entire Pingze. Centered on the majestic main spiritual vein, thousands of large and small spiritual veins extend outwards, covering thousands of miles of mountains and cities. The Shang River flows from west to east through the mountains, heading towards Muchi Mountain. The Hui River, with its abundant spiritual energy, becomes the Jiang family's inner river within the vast mountain range. There are countless blessed lands, secret realms, and purple mansions within this area. It can be said that the Jiang family occupies the most abundant resources in the eastern part of the Pingze Continent, forming a confrontation with the Linglong Sect, one in the west and one in the east.
The Jiang family's main residence is situated atop the towering peaks of the main spiritual vein. Magnificent palaces soar into the clouds, and arched dragon-flying plank roads connect the mountain peaks. Countless flying boats and phoenix carriages travel through the sea of clouds, and waterfalls seem to cascade down from the heavens. The misty water vapor and the sea of clouds reflect each other, creating a scene resembling a fairyland on earth.
As soon as they stepped off the flying boat, a damp, cold mist rushed towards them. Gnarled pines and cypresses intertwined with deep blue camphor trees, revealing a quiet and wide bluestone path. Jiang Xiangyun brushed the moisture off his sleeves and smiled, "Has the little apprentice that Seventh Brother took in been included in the Jiang family's imperial register?"
"Not yet." Jiang Gu's voice was indifferent.
Jiang Xiangyun wasn't surprised. He said jokingly, "I always thought the Divine Kite Shark was ugly, but I didn't expect it to be so majestic. The workings of Heaven are truly amazing."
Jiang Gu: "..."
Jiang Xiangyun smiled and said, "After a few days, bring the person to the Jiang family. Can I borrow them for a couple of days? You have so many spirit pets in your garden, one more won't make a difference."
He had gone to great lengths to find the Divine Kite Shark, and the Jiang family knew perfectly well that the Divine Kite Shark's scales had fallen into Jiang Gu's hands. However, Jiang Gu had also taken the Fire-Separating Pill, and Jiang Xiangyun hadn't gotten either of those things, so he was inevitably somewhat dissatisfied.
Jiang Gu met his eyes, which held little smile. "My apprentice is clumsy and timid; I'm afraid he'll spoil the young master's enjoyment."
Wei Feng's true form has been exposed to everyone. With his Qi Refining stage cultivation alone, he can fight against cultivators in the True Immortal realm. Anyone can understand that Wei Feng's identity is not just that of a Divine Kite Shark. Jiang Xiangyun's words clearly indicate that he has designs on Wei Feng. As for whether he wants to refine him into a magic weapon or tame him as a spirit pet, it is hard to say.
Although Jiang Gu had both thoughts, the thought of Wei Feng, that fool, being schemed against like this suddenly filled him with deep resentment.
If it falls into Jiang Xiangyun's hands, I'm afraid that bastard will cry his eyes out and still not get the slightest benefit.
Jiang Xiangyun looked at Jiang Gu with a half-smile, "Seventh Brother is really... By the way, where is your little red fox? I saw him at the main family a few days ago, but it was just a brief glimpse. Why didn't he come with you this time?"
"Dead." Jiang Gu's tone became even more indifferent.
"Dead?" Jiang Xiangyun asked in surprise, "You wouldn't even let him enter the main gate of the family home, and you just let him die like that?"
“Life and death are unpredictable. Didn’t Elder Wu, who was by the young master’s side, just pass away?” Jiang Gu said expressionlessly.
Jiang Xiangyun was taken aback by his sudden remark, "Seventh Brother is certainly well-informed."
Clearly, the two had not reached an agreement on Wei Feng's matter. More precisely, Jiang Xiangyun was asserting his authority over Jiang Gu, but Jiang Gu rejected him, which meant a certain degree of provocation. The smile on Jiang Xiangyun's face faded a bit.
In the center of the main house is the bedroom of the family head, Jiang Yinzhong. Jiang Xiangyun, as Jiang Yinzhong's direct great-grandson, grew up here and is very familiar with the place. Jiang Gu, on the other hand, only came to the main hall when he was recognized by the Jiang family and saw Jiang Yinzhong from afar. He has never set foot here since.
The main hall was not much different from what he remembered. The furnishings inside were simple and unadorned. An old man with white hair was playing chess with a middle-aged man. The room was filled with a bitter fragrance.
Jiang Xiangyun stood outside the inner hall with Jiang Gu.
About an hour later, the two people playing chess in the inner hall finally stopped.
"Zhuan'er's chess skills have improved! You're chasing me around and beating me." The white-haired old man laughed.
"I wouldn't dare," Jiang Zhuan said with a smile, "It was my father who asked me to."
Jiang Yinzhong pointed at him with a smile, "Alright, hurry up and let the kids in. If they stand here too long, they'll start cursing us old folks in their hearts."
"Xiang Yun," Jiang Zhuan finally spoke.
Jiang Xiangyun went in and bowed respectfully, saying, "Grandson Jiang Xiangyun greets great-grandfather and grandfather."
"Disciple Jiang Gu greets the Patriarch and the Grand Elder." Jiang Gu also bowed.
"Good children, get up." Jiang Yinzhong stroked his beard with a smile.
Jiang Zhuan raised his hand, and Jiang Gu and Jiang Xiangyun knelt down below the two men.
"I heard Wu Jiu is dead?" Jiang Yinzhong didn't rush to ask Jiang Gu, but looked at Jiang Xiangyun instead.
Jiang Xiangyun quickly stood up and said, "Great-grandfather, Old Master Wu passed away a few days ago. It was my incompetence that caused this."
“It’s because Wu Jiu’s skills are inferior. He finally reached the Great Perfection of True Immortal. I thought the Jiang family could produce another Taiyi Realm expert.” Jiang Yinzhong said regretfully, “He followed me for many years. Now he died to protect you. He died a worthy death.”
Jiang Xiangyun's face showed a hint of grief at the right moment. Jiang Zhuan saw this and said, "Father, I have already reprimanded Xiangyun. These children rely on the protection of the Jiang family and have never known their own limitations. They only know fear after causing trouble. It is my fault for not disciplining them properly."
Jiang Gu lowered his eyes, pretending not to hear the admonition.
Jiang Yin waved his hand with a smile, his gaze falling on Jiang Gu, "This must be Xiao Yuan and that girl's child, right?"
“Yes, the Jiang family that we found all the way from the far south back then, ranked seventh in Jiang Yuan’s branch, is now on page thirteen of the list. Although their talent is mediocre, they are very hardworking and have now reached the Refinement of Void cultivation level,” Jiang Zhuan replied.
Jiang Yin sighed and glanced at Jiang Zhuan with a hint of reproach, "You went too far back in what happened to Xiao Yuan, exiling his wife to the far south, and causing his children to suffer as well."
"Your son knows he was wrong." Jiang Zhuan lowered his head.
"Enough, there's no need to bring up the past. I'm old and senile, and I don't like to get involved in clan affairs." Jiang Yinzhong looked at Jiang Gu with kindness. "Don't blame Jiang Zhuan either. The Jiang family is so big, it's inevitable that he will be inconsiderate at times."
"This disciple dares not," Jiang Gu said coldly.
Jiang Xiangyun glanced at him and smiled as he smoothed things over, "Great-grandfather, since Seventh Brother returned, he has never mentioned the past and has been focusing on cultivation."
Jiang Yinzhong's eyes showed a hint of satisfaction, and he finally got to the point, "Jiang Gu, now that you have obtained the divine artifact and have been personally named by Wangyue, don't think about anything else. Before going to Wangyue, stay at the main family with Xiang Yun and focus on your cultivation. Zhuan'er, give them the authority to Songsui Tower."
Standing next to Jiang Gu, Jiang Xiangyun turned to look at him, but didn't see that Jiang Gu was particularly excited. She raised her eyebrows in confusion.
Jiang Gu remained unmoved, after all, he had never even heard of Songsui Tower.
"Yes, Father." Jiang Zhuan finally smiled.
After they left the inner hall, Jiang Zhuan gave each of them a jade-colored key and had them bind it to him with their blood. "Songsui Tower opens every six months, with a three-day break in between. You must not slack off in your training during this time, but remember that your cultivation level must not exceed the Great Ascension Great Perfection. Do you understand?"
"Yes," the two replied in unison.
Jiang Zhuan nodded, then suddenly turned to Jiang Gu before leaving, "Yanghua Sect is now under the control of the Jiang family. If you're interested, go find Jiang Duo and transfer the sect to your name. As for that Divine Kite Shark..."
"Send someone to bring them to the Jiang family first, and then we'll make a decision." Jiang Zhuan was clearly not asking for opinions, but rather issuing a notification.
"Yes," Jiang Gu replied.
After Jiang Zhuan left, Jiang Xiangyun slowly curled the corners of his mouth, "Seventh Brother, Wang Yue specifically requested the Divine Kite Shark. Taking him along provides multiple layers of protection, which is safer than staying in a small place like Yanghua Sect, right?"
Jiang Gu watched Jiang Xiangyun leave expressionlessly, his fingers, hidden in his sleeve, unconsciously rubbing together.
Jiang Xiangyun caught up with Jiang Zhuan and said, "Grandfather."
Jiang Zhuan turned around, reached out to help him up, and smiled, "Are you satisfied now?"
"It's just a Divine Kite Shark. Wu Jiu's talent is even better suited for sword forging." Jiang Xiangyun smiled and said, "I'm just afraid that Seventh Brother will act on emotion."
Jiang Zhuan shook his head helplessly, "You used Wu Jiu to forge your natal sword, do you think your great-grandfather didn't know?"
Jiang Xiangyun frowned slightly and sneered, "Originally, I wanted to use that demonic cultivator to refine it, but he was cunning by nature and ran away halfway, and he also seriously injured Wu Jiu. Wu Jiu relied on being someone close to my great-grandfather to restrict me in every way, and even you, my grandfather, were interfered with by him. So I decided to play along and fight with Yao Li."
"Don't act impulsively in the future." Jiang Zhuan said this, but there was no blame in his tone. "Now that Jiang Gu has the divine artifact, and your great-grandfather plans to send him and you to the Moon Gazing Continent, there will inevitably be times when you need him. Don't make things too tense."
“Grandfather, I swear to God, I have been incredibly good to my seventh brother. I have given him so many resources.” Jiang Xiangyun looked at him with a hurt expression.
"He can be your means of survival if necessary," Jiang Zhuan said, patted him on the shoulder, and left.
Jiang Xiangyun stood still, slowly narrowing his eyes, pondering Jiang Zhuan's meaning.
He wondered why his great-grandfather had suddenly changed his personality.
It turned out to be a scapegoat prepared for him.
——
Yanghua Sect, Qingping Peak.
Looking at the layers of Jiang family disciples guarding the door and the seemingly free magic array outside, Wei Feng scratched his head in frustration.
Jiang Guyi left, and before he could even feel sad, he was suddenly "sent" back to Qingping Peak by the Jiang family. These disciples addressed him respectfully as "Young Master," but they wouldn't let him step out of Qingping Peak no matter what, which was no different from being under house arrest.
Before he was "sent" back to the peak, he witnessed the smiling Jiang family disciple kill Ruan Keji and a group of elders and disciples who followed him with a swift stroke of his knife, causing Yanghua Sect to be drenched in blood.
"So as not to offend the Seventh Young Master," the man said with a smile. "If the Young Master has anyone he dislikes, he can simply hand them over to us to deal with."
Wei Feng couldn't even manage a smile at that moment.
For the next ten days, no matter how he inquired, he could not find out any news about Jiang Gu.
He couldn't remember how many times the communication talisman had been knocked on his ear. He couldn't contact Xuan Zhiyan and Qu Fengyu, and he had given up all hope of escaping. It seemed that the Jiang family had a special magic array to suppress him. Not to mention ghost patterns, not even a trace of ghost mist could leak out.
These days he had nothing to do but cultivate and think about Jiang Gu over and over again. With the help of what Qu Fengyu had said before, he finally managed to piece together a rough idea.
From the moment they encountered Song Ping and Jiang Gu were injured, and even from the moment half of the divine artifact was placed on him, Jiang Gu may have had this plan in mind. When they first met Song Ping, Jiang Gu deliberately made him suppress the aura of the Ghost Face White Eye. Perhaps in Jiang Gu's plan, he would not be injured. However, because of Wei Feng's presence, he was not discovered by Song Ping and his primordial spirit was severely damaged. If this continued, it would only be a matter of time before they, master and disciple, were captured by Song Ping and his people.
#VALUE! So after Jiang Gu woke up in Qingliang Village, he deliberately gave him a chance to return to Yanghua Sect. Unknowingly, he broke the seal on the aura of the divine artifact. Using the divine artifact on his body, he lured the Linglong Sect and the Zhou Lin family out of their hole. He also took the opportunity to throw away Lin Feibai, a hot potato, and let the Lin family temporarily withdraw. He then watched from the shadows. He only used a small part of his primordial spirit to control Wei Feng's true body. Perhaps he did not really want to kill Song Ping, but rather to lure out Jing Cang behind Song Ping. So when he saw that Wei Feng's true body was no match for his primordial spirit and was about to collapse, he had no choice but to use the control of the divine statue to appear. Jing Cang was overwhelming no matter who he faced. In this way, if the Jiang family wanted to protect the divine artifact and Jiang Gu, Jiang Yinzhong would have to personally step in to quell the matter. As it turned out, this was indeed the case. Jiang Yinzhong used coercion and enticement, exchanging the three spiritual veins of Biya for Lu Zhenyi and Zhou Ningjiang's Dao Heart.
Wei Feng vaguely remembered that the three spiritual veins of Biyai were famous for their abundant spiritual energy. It was said that the Jiang family had gone to great lengths to suppress them and use them for their own purposes...
These steps are interconnected, and if even the slightest mistake were made in the middle, the final result would not have been like this. Before Jiang Gu manipulated the statue to save him, Jiang Gu could have withdrawn at any time if he saw something was wrong, and at most he would have only lost half of the divine artifact and Wei Feng's life.
After figuring this out, Wei Feng felt a mix of emotions.
He became bait in Jiang Gu's meticulous plan, yet he was still smug about his cleverness. As a result, he was completely exploited by Jiang Gu, leaving him with nothing. From beginning to end, he knew nothing about Jiang Gu's plans. Even after racking his brains for many days, he could only figure out these things.
The only thing that could comfort him was that Jiang Gu had risked his life to save him when his primordial spirit was about to dissipate. Clearly, Jiang Gu wasn't entirely confident, but he still did it. However, Wei Feng wasn't sure whether Jiang Gu was gambling on that slim chance of success or trying to save his life—
Just how much value does he have that Jiang Gu would risk his life to save him?
Wei Feng slumped to the ground, wiping his face vigorously. However, since the Jiang family had imprisoned him on Qingping Peak, they wouldn't kill him easily. He just didn't know if his master would hand over the divine artifact, and how long he would be imprisoned...
He was worrying about his bleak future when the door, which had been tightly closed, suddenly opened, and blinding light shone in.
Wei Feng scrambled to his feet with a start, taking a few steps back warily, only to hear the Jiang family disciple who had imprisoned him say respectfully, "Seventh Young Master, as you instructed, Young Master Wei has been living here."
The door closed again, and the light dimmed once more. Wei Feng finally saw the person who had entered.
Jiang Gu frowned slightly as he looked at the mess in the room, wondering why this guy could still make himself look so disheveled even though he wasn't locked in the spirit pet pouch.
"Master?" Wei Feng stared at him blankly. He looked much thinner, with sunken eyes and dark circles under his eyes.
His face was covered in grime from who-knows-where, black and gray patches, and he was still wearing the tattered, blood-stained clothes from the battle that day. His wounds, some good and some bad, made him look even more miserable than when he was on the verge of death.
Jiang Gu glanced at him with disdain, then looked at the mermaid claw marks on the window and beam, and realized that the Jiang family's binding formation was guarded by a hundred Nascent Soul cultivators. Even True Immortals would have some trouble getting out, let alone a lowly Qi Refining cultivator who had lost his mind.
Wei Feng hesitated for a moment, then took two steps forward, rubbed his eyes hard, and after confirming that he wasn't seeing things, he suddenly rushed forward, crying, "Master!"
After recovering from his injury, this guy was incredibly fast and powerful. Jiang Gu couldn't dodge immediately and was knocked back half a step. He coldly warned him, "Get out of the way."
Wei Feng buried his face in his chest and took a deep breath. After a while, he reluctantly raised his head, looked at him with red eyes, and said in a choked voice, "Master."
Jiang Gu frowned, made a water-drawing spell, and washed the person inside and out. "Go change your clothes."
Wei Feng obediently responded, and without going behind the screen to change his clothes, he took off his tattered clothes in front of him, revealing the crisscrossing wounds on his back. Some wounds had healed and revealed pink flesh, while others were so deep that the bone was visible and had not yet healed. Blood mixed with water stains spread and quickly stained his snow-white undergarment.
Wei Feng, however, didn't seem to care. He would turn his head to look at Jiang Gu every now and then, as if afraid of being abandoned by him again.
"Come here," Jiang Gu said.
Wei Feng's shirt wasn't even buttoned up, and upon hearing this, he hurriedly ran barefoot to him on the floor.
Jiang Gu's method of treating the wound was rough but effective. Wei Feng grimaced in pain but dared not move. His pale face turned slightly red as Jiang Gu's cool fingertips brushed against his shoulder blade. He had to distract himself, "Master, did the Jiang family make things difficult for you?"
"No." Jiang Gu used his spiritual power to cover the unhealed wounds and placed several healing arrays on them.
"Master, it hurts." Wei Feng gasped and turned to look at him, but Jiang Gu's cold voice rang out from behind him, "Why are you crying?"
Wei Feng raised his hand to touch his eyes, and asked in confusion, "I didn't cry."
"The primordial spirit is about to cry itself out." Jiang Gu's wisp of primordial spirit looked at the dark, almost dissipated mass in front of him in his sea of consciousness. He made a spiritual energy shield and gathered it up. However, the mass of primordial spirit stuck directly into his arms and became sticky and impossible to pull off.
After a long while, Wei Feng finally said in a muffled voice, "I thought... you didn't want me anymore again."
Jiang Gu didn't speak, silently treating his wounds before shifting his gaze from the boy's thin, scarred back. "Let's go."
Seeing him get up, not even properly dressed, Wei Feng hurriedly grabbed his hand, "Master, where are we going?"
He deliberately emphasized the word "we," and the ghostly tattoo uncontrollably wrapped around Jiang Gu's waist, while his inner garment hung loosely on his body, looking quite inappropriate.
A mocking, chilling sound came from the doorway, "Hiss—"
"Who!" Jiang Gu looked over with a cold gaze, grabbed the outer garment next to him, and covered Wei Feng, whose clothes were disheveled, with it.
"What are you doing, Seventh Brother?" Jiang Xiangyun leaned against the door frame with his arms crossed, smiling as he said, "I'm sorry, I thought you were just healing your injuries, that's why I came in."
Wei Feng peeked out from under the coat, looking at the other person warily. He remembered that this was the same person who had taken Jiang Gu away before, and his wariness unconsciously carried a hint of hostility.
"Young Master is very polite," Jiang Gu replied indifferently.
Jiang Xiangyun's smile deepened. He stepped aside, raised his hand towards the door, and said politely, "Seventh Brother, please."
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