Chapter 66 Xuanyuanqiu San San.
The air was dry and warm, filled with a powdery fragrance that Xia Zhu could identify as the scent of spring, best described as fresh and vibrant.
She went up Tiansun Mountain again, but this time she was alone.
The chirping of swallows and warbling of birds are a unique feature of the spring mountains. The mountain path is difficult to traverse, yet it is not lonely. Nature's healing power surpasses all medicine. As Xia Zhu hurried along, she imagined what the legendary Xuanyuan Hill would be like. She had thought she would first go to the Jiang family by the Wei River in search of opportunities, but unexpectedly, instead of building a good relationship with Jiang Xiaqing, she became her opponent in the competition. The Nine Heavens Tournament ended hastily, and she didn't even get to exchange more than a few words with anyone.
She thought about getting a good night's sleep. Perhaps Xuanyuan Hill was also magnificent with its red pillars and carved railings, a truly opulent place—in Feng Feng's words, the epitome of nouveau riche aesthetics. But using "nouveau riche" to describe the descendants of the Yellow Emperor was indeed inappropriate.
Xia Zhu lowered her head and unconsciously chuckled. Then she immediately thought of Ji Tao, the front desk manager, who had slept well.
Before they set off, Feng Mian had come to remind her that being paired with Jiang Xiaqing and Jiang Yuran in the arena might be Ji Tao's doing. Since they had no past grudges or recent conflicts with Ji Tao, it seemed as if she was acting under someone else's orders.
And this person is not hard to guess; it is none other than Ji Yinxiu and Ji Luochi, who had close contact with them.
As for which of the siblings it was, judging from their personalities, it is more likely to be the cautious Ji Yinxiu.
Therefore, Xuanyuanqiu's invitation might not be as simple as just giving away a sword sheath. Feng Mian believes that Ji Yinxiu probably saw something suspicious about Xia Zhu. However, the fact that he didn't publicize his suspicions after becoming suspicious suggests that Ji Yinxiu had a more prudent plan.
Given the way the Glory Family of Kongtong operates, it's highly unlikely they would set up a trap, travel thousands of miles to invite Xia Zhu over, imprison her, and threaten her to reveal her hidden secrets and what she intends to do with the Divine Blood Family.
Therefore, Feng Mian analyzed the situation with his chin resting on his hand, and finally concluded that Ji Yinxiu might have some clues about Xia Zhu's background, and he himself probably had something to ask for, so he hoped to make the most of the situation and make a fair deal with Xia Zhu.
"However, all of the above are just my guesses. Maybe Ji Yinxiu is just a sword fanatic. I'm glad that you also like swords and have your own insights, so it's possible that he invited you to his house to have a long talk about swordsmanship."
That's what Feng Mian said.
However, whatever the reason, Xia Zhu was willing to come. Finding clues or information was certainly good, but even without them, it was still an eye-opening experience. Reading ten thousand books is never as good as traveling ten thousand miles. She silently made a decision in her heart. Of course, this decision might seem significant at this juncture in her life, but she believed that in ten or twenty years, looking back, it would seem insignificant.
From the azure sea in the morning to the verdant mountains in the evening, she stepped out of that small house and experienced things with those around her that she could never have imagined in the previous eighteen years. Only then did she realize that no matter how arrogant she was or how many books she had read, she was still like a frog in a well with a limited view of the sky.
The world is vast, and the good and the bad, the sweet and the bitter, are all indispensable chapters in the book of life.
She couldn't help but recall the change of flags at Jianmu, and couldn't help but sigh once again at the vastness of the sky and the boundless universe.
*
It was almost noon when Xia Zhu finally reached the summit. Avoiding the sparse tourists, she successfully entered the territory of the Wind Chasing Path, following her memory. She rested for a while in the clouds and took out the Divine Strategy she had borrowed from Feng Feng beforehand from her backpack.
Those two that say "Hello" are definitely unusable.
Xia Zhu steadied her breathing and raised her hand to send the divine strategy into the wind.
"Kongtong Mountain".
Clouds surge and winds fly, the world changes in an instant.
*
The Wind Chaser spat her out and threw her onto the edge of a cliff, just one step away from falling into an abyss. Xia Zhu stiffened her neck, determined not to look back.
"It's normal to feel uncomfortable when you first come to the Chasing Wind Trail in Kongtong Mountain. I forgot to ask you beforehand if you had any symptoms like acrophobia."
On the edge of the cliff, there was a lush forest, and under the nearest tree, a familiar figure leaned against the ground.
"But you'll get used to it after a few more times."
Ji Yinxiu walked up to Xia Zhu and gave her a very friendly but polite smile.
Xia Zhu was even more dizzy from the sight of that androgynous face, but she immediately reflected on herself, as if Ji Yinxiu were a pure and untainted Guanyin, and any thoughts in front of him would be blasphemous.
But to be honest, every time Xia Zhu saw Ji Yinxiu, she felt only admiration and an excitement akin to worship. After all, this person exuded an otherworldly aura, and the light downy hair on the outer layer of his fair, almost translucent face seemed to gleam with an exaggerated luster.
Sometimes one can't help but wonder if the human facial recognition system is being a little too arbitrary.
Yes, looking like that, is she even human?
Xia Zhu shook her head.
"Yes, you'll get used to it after watching it a few more times."
"What are you looking at?"
“What a beautiful view.” Xia Zhu pointed to the cliff behind him.
She discovered that Ji Yinxiu not only had an indistinguishable appearance, but also often dressed in a neutral style. She always carried a sword and was as slender as a bamboo leaf, much like when she last met her in her dream and at the Nine Heavens Assembly. From behind, she resembled a valiant female assassin walking in the dark, but her body lines were actually more asexual.
"Thank you for coming all this way."
"It's not hard work, it's what I should do."
After that conversation, the two didn't exchange any more words, as if Xia Zhu wasn't there as a guest, but rather to attend some serious forum event. But that was fine too; at least she didn't have to rack her brains and come up with a bunch of stupid things.
We walked side by side through the lush forest, the surrounding trees beginning to sprout tender buds. The sound of flowing water filled our ears, and as the view opened up, the mountains and fields were a sea of green, even the swirling mist seemed to permeate it. Scattered among the dense woods were some very modern buildings, usually with large floor-to-ceiling windows framing the enchanting, verdant scenery.
It was a completely different vibe from a good night's sleep. Xia Zhu never expected Xuanyuanqiu to be like this. It was just like the trendy luxury style hotels or guesthouses that are popular now.
Of course, I heard the term "luxury in the wilderness" from Feng Feng.
After returning from the Nine Heavens Conference, she suddenly decided to adopt the "Sleep Well" business model and try to create similar industries within the Feng family's territory. After connecting the village to the internet and conducting thorough research, she ultimately positioned her brand as "wild luxury."
However, Feng Mian cruelly dismissed this idea as soon as it surfaced. He said that wasn't the case; it might be wild enough, but it wasn't necessarily luxurious.
"I've found a more accurate location for you. Do you want to know what it is?" Feng Mian said earnestly, patting Feng Feng on the shoulder.
What is it?
"Farmhouse tourism".
“…”
With that, Feng Feng waved his hands, facing the yellow earth and turning his back to the sky with even greater purity.
Xia Zhu appeared cold on the surface, but was actually full of nasty remarks. However, Ji Yinxiu somehow noticed this and chuckled softly.
"This is not Xuanyuan Hill, or rather, this is Xuanyuan Hill in disguise."
Xia Zhu wore a knowing expression, but in reality, she suddenly realized that it was very similar to the story of "sleeping well"—they had used hotels and inns as cover all along.
It's outrageous that they want to make money from both sides.
The two crossed a rustic wooden bridge and entered the hotel. The interior and exterior were consistent, with an exceptionally elegant yet rustic style. The large glass windows made it feel as if staying here was no different from living as a monkey in a tree. They passed the reception desk where guests were checking in, walked through a meticulously designed landscape garden, and entered a small hall.
The words "Gate of Hanging Robes" are written above the entrance to the hall.
Inside the gate was just a small scene, with sparse plum blossoms by the window and strange rocks on the plain wall.
At the end was an elevator. Ji Yinxiu took out a gold card with a coiled dragon pattern, swiped it at the elevator entrance, and the numbers on the screen began to scroll.
He thoughtfully explained, "Take the elevator down, and you'll reach Xuanyuan Hill."
Xia Zhu nodded seriously and followed them into the elevator. As they descended, she remembered that she was on the first floor before getting on the elevator. At this rate of descent, she felt that she would be at the gates of hell in no time.
"Ding—" The elevator doors slowly opened, and reality was more shocking than imagined.
Xuanyuan Hill appears as if a large pit was carved out of the entire mountain at an angle, and the sunlight seems to favor this place, pouring down generously from between the clouds, casting a golden glow on the green hills. Facing outwards is a vast natural lake, its surface as clear as a mirror, where giant birds with outstretched wings seem to soar. Various ancient and grand Chinese-style buildings adorn the mountainside, their eaves and brackets decorated with exotic flowers and plants. While seemingly arranged arbitrarily, they are actually strictly arranged according to the eight gates of "rest, life, injury, blockage, scenery, death, shock, and opening."
The central palace, Xuanyuan Terrace, is located in the square directly opposite the elevator doors and the lake.
A colossal golden altar, with dragons spiraling upwards. Eight main paths radiate from beneath the Xuanyuan Platform, each extending in a different direction and guiding to a different wooden gate.
Xia Zhu's eyes sparkled as she looked at it, and she couldn't help but swallow. This place was simply a retirement paradise. Living here, she might live to be two hundred years old.
"I've made the scabbard and left it at home. It's made of wood with lacquer. I don't know if you'll like it." Ji Yinxiu led Xia Zhu through the wooden gate at Xiumen and up the winding path that circled the mountain wall.
"I like it."
He explained that once you pass through the Xiu Gate, you'll find a residential area covering the entire mountain. Different gates lead to different functions, and the views vary greatly. The area is only so big, and it's all rationally planned and utilized. Qimen Dunjia geomancy and construction are the foundational principles of the Ji family.
At first glance, the mountain path resembles Xia Zhujia's rural home, but it's more refined, paved with blue bricks, and lined with unnamed flowers, plants, and trees. The houses are all rustic courtyards, each with its own small yard, and all offer lake views.
Along the way, they would encounter some dignified and spirited women who waved enthusiastically when they saw Ji Yinxiu with Xia Zhu.
"San San brought her friends back!"
"This is the first time San San has made friends outside. Who is this unknown official?" They saw the talisman on Xia Zhu's right ear from afar and realized that she was an unknown official.
Ji Yinxiu answered each question, saying they were from Taihaofeng's family. When she encountered someone older, she would stop and answer obediently; when she encountered someone younger, she would gently inquire about their studies and whether they had made any progress in their martial arts.
He was meticulous and mature beyond his years, his personality quite different from his face.
San San? This name doesn't suit Ji Yinxiu's temperament at all; it just sounds more down-to-earth.
They climbed to a high point, reaching the edge of the mountain wall, where a gray, somewhat solemn and lifeless courtyard stood before them.
"Wait a moment," Ji Yinxiu said softly to Xia Zhu, then turned around and unfastened the Xuanyuan Sword from her waist, hanging it on an iron nail beside the courtyard gate.
"Alright." He smiled faintly and gestured towards the courtyard gate. "This is my home. If you don't mind, you can stay here for the next few days in Xuanyuan Hill. I have many empty rooms, but if you mind, you can go to the front hall and I'll ask them to prepare a room for you, although it's a bit of a hassle to go back and forth." He led Xia Zhu across the threshold, their feet rustling over fallen leaves. Moss crawled along the eaves and corners of the walls. There was a familiar, strange smell in the courtyard, which she couldn't quite place for a moment.
They walked through a dimly lit corridor, where the sky inexplicably turned a grayish-blue, pressing heavily on the eaves. Ji Yinxiu suddenly stopped, his voice becoming much lower.
"By the way, it's just me and my mother at home. You don't need to be nervous or polite when you talk to her. Just do whatever makes you comfortable."
After saying that, he turned around and walked ahead again.
Xia Zhu nodded blankly, then, realizing that Ji Yinxiu couldn't see, softly replied.
At the end of the long corridor is a small courtyard.
In the courtyard stood a vigorous old pomegranate tree, its branches and leaves so thick that they blocked out most of the sunlight. A gentle evening breeze blew, causing the leaves to sway, and some leaves that had long wanted to detach from the branches took the opportunity to drift and sway in the wind. But the evening breeze was too weak, and they ultimately did not fly out from under the eaves, but instead fluttered and spread onto the blue bricks in the courtyard.
Under the tree was a wicker chair, where a woman with long hair tied up and a chestnut-colored blanket draped over her shoulders sat.
Xia Zhu remembered what the strange smell was in the yard. She had smelled it on her grandfather before.
That was the aura of impending death.
The woman raised her moonlit face, devoid of emotion yet even more aloof than the jade-faced Guanyin, whose form shone like the moon. Beside the slightly downturned corner of her mouth was a small black mole identical to that of Ji Yinxiu.
Her eyes were like a stagnant pool, only flashing with a chilling disgust when she looked at Ji Yinxiu.
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