Vol. 1 - Ch. 40 - Saving the Beauty

Chapter 40: Saving the Beauty

Xiao Jin?

Ji Yaoge recognized her at first glance. She was Ling Jin, the beloved disciple of the chubby Uncle Sun Wanqian from the Wu Xiang Sword Sect. Like her master, Ling Jin loved eating and playing but disliked cultivating. When she first joined the Wu Xiang Sword Sect, she was only ten years old, and Ji Yaoge had even held her—a chubby, soft little girl, like melted sugar. Ji Yaoge's memory of her stayed at the day she left Wanren Mountain 198 years ago. Ling Jin was standing at the corner of the corridor, crying while licking a candied hawthorn, complaining about being mocked by her peers for her poor cultivation. Once she finished the candied hawthorn, she smiled.

198 years had passed, and Wanren Mountain felt like a distant memory from a past life. Yet, encountering her again brought back those memories, never forgotten.

Ling Jin had quietly covered her face with the mirror, only her almond-shaped eyes peeking out shyly at the woman in the fiery red cloak. The hood was half-worn, casting her face half in shadow and half in sunlight. The light sharpened her features, and the hair falling on her forehead lazily fluttered, giving her an indescribable sense of freedom. Her gender and appearance blurred, beauty and ugliness no longer mattered, only this stunning sight.

Ji Yaoge frowned at the person lying motionless in her arms, "Are you hurt?"

The arm around her waist moved, and Ling Jin snapped back to reality, exclaiming, "Ah!" She quickly lowered her head, speaking in a voice as small as an ant, "No, I'm not hurt."

Ji Yaoge withdrew her hand and looked around—good, the disciples from the three sects were indeed all here.

What a small world, Zhou Ling was here too. The market was filled with many disciples from the three sects, including familiar faces like Zhao Jing from the Lingxiu Sect. However, Zhao Jing was currently busy dealing with Zhou Ling, with Lin Canzhi trying to mediate between them. Their attention was naturally not on Ji Yaoge.

Only the stall owner rushed over, shouting, "My precious mirror, my precious mirror!"

Ling Jin finally remembered to check the mirror, and her lips pouted when she saw it: the mirror surface was cracked, covered in spider web-like fractures.

The stall owner, furious, grabbed her hand, "Pay for the mirror, give me the money!"

Ling Jin, on the verge of tears, explained, "It wasn't me, it wasn't." She didn't have 1,500 spirit stones.

The stall owner didn't care, holding onto her hand stubbornly, "The mirror was in your hand. Even if it wasn't you, it has something to do with you. I don't care, you broke it, you pay for it. Don't think you can get away with it just because you're from the Wu Xiang Sword Sect! 1,500 spirit stones, pay up!"

Ji Yaoge glanced at the mirror. The precious mirror was made of high-quality jade, not easily broken. The cracks were clearly caused by someone secretly striking it. Listening to Zhao Jing and Zhou Ling's argument nearby, one scolding, "If you hadn't schemed, the mirror wouldn't have fallen for no reason," and the other retorting, "You say I did it? Did you see it? Show me the evidence," she could guess the cause of the incident.

"Look, the stall owner is already after her. If you care about that girl, why don't you go help her and buy the mirror?"

The stall owner's voice attracted a crowd, naturally reaching their ears. Zhou Ling, hiding behind Lin Canzhi with her arms crossed, smiled smugly at Zhao Jing.

Zhao Jing had no choice but to temporarily let go of Zhou Ling and run to Ling Jin's side. Seeing the mirror, she was furious again. Looking at Ling Jin's expression, she wanted to help but 1,500 spirit stones were all her savings. Their relationship wasn't close enough for her to spend so much to help. But if she didn't help, Ling Jin's pleading eyes made it impossible for her to walk away. What would people think of her if she did?

Caught in a dilemma, Zhao Jing's face turned red and green, her previously ethereal demeanor falling into the mundane.

"1,500 spirit stones? Boss Hao, you're overcharging again, bullying newcomers. Look, you've blocked the way."

In the midst of the stalemate, Ji Yaoge spoke, her tone teasing.

The stall owner, seeing Ji Yaoge and the people behind her, immediately changed his expression, bowing and greeting, "Daoist Ji, Brother Bai Yan, my apologies." Then he grabbed Ling Jin's hand again, smiling awkwardly, "Please understand, I run a small business and can't afford to lose. They broke the precious mirror. If they run away, where will I find them? Look at the materials used in this mirror, all top quality..."

Ji Yaoge interrupted him, "Boss Hao, no need to say more in front of us. Give us a fair price."

Bai Yan stepped forward from behind her, smiling, "Old Hao, offending people from a major sect won't do you any good. You think you can sell this broken thing for 1,800 spirit stones? Do you think everyone is that easy to fool?"

Boss Hao gritted his teeth, stomping his foot, "1,000 spirit stones, no less! That's the price I paid, any less and I'll lose money."

"1,000..." Ling Jin bit her lip, still short on money.

Zhao Jing touched her storage bag, still reluctant to part with the spirit stones. Ji Yaoge had already taken out a small bag of spirit stones and tossed it over, "800." Her smile remained, with a hint of warning to "take it or leave it."

Boss Hao weighed the bag, immediately changing his tone, "For Daoist Ji and Brother Bai Yan's sake, I'll take a loss. Consider it a favor. Would you like to look at my other wares?"

Over the past century, Ji Yaoge and Bai Yan had frequented this market. Initially, Ji Yaoge was in charge of collecting, and Bai Yan was in charge of selling. They gradually built a reputation here, especially Ji Yaoge—everyone in the market knew her. The cultivators she repeatedly won high-level techniques from no longer dared to set up stalls here. They made their fortune from these techniques, doing business here. Bai Yan's silver tongue opened doors, and with Ji Yaoge's discerning eye, they always brought in good goods. Over time, they accumulated many regular customers and gained status in the market. With their wealth, they made quick purchases, earning them respect.

"No, Brother Bai and I have other matters to attend to," Ji Yaoge politely declined with a smile.

Boss Hao didn't insist, exchanging a few pleasantries before returning to his stall. Zhao Jing, relieved that the problem was solved, sighed. Ji Yaoge was about to leave but was stopped by Ling Jin. Ling Jin blushed, pushing the precious mirror towards her, "This... this..."

"Keep it," Ji Yaoge smiled slightly.

"That's not right." Ling Jin didn't want to take advantage, but the mirror was already damaged. Giving it back seemed insincere. She shook her head, "I'll repay you the spirit stones... 800, give me some time to gather it."

Seeing her bitter expression, Ji Yaoge, for some reason, reached out and pinched her chubby chin like she used to, "No need, it's just a small amount."

Ling Jin's face turned red, standing there dumbfounded. Zhao Jing had to pull her back to reality. Without the financial burden, Zhao Jing regained her ethereal demeanor, cupping her fists and saying, "Thank you for your help. I am Zhao Jing from the Lingxiu Sect. May I know your name, so I can repay you in the future..."

"No need, it was a small matter." Ji Yaoge interrupted her, her smile fading slightly, and walked away with Bai Yan and the others. At this point, she didn't want to get involved with the three sects. Who knew if they were connected to Bai Li Qing? If they recognized her, she would be in danger.

Zhao Jing, feeling embarrassed by the blunt rejection, stood awkwardly, watching Ji Yaoge walk away. The stall owners on both sides came out to greet her, and all along the way, there were greetings of "Brother Bai Yan" and "Daoist Ji," making Zhao Jing wonder about their background.

Zhou Ling, who had been silent for a while, also noticed Ji Yaoge and her group. Old grudges made her want to confront them, but Ji Yaoge's cold, murderous gaze stopped her.

She broke out in a cold sweat, shaking off Lin Canzhi's hand and quietly moving to Zhao Jing's side, whispering, "Senior Sister Zhao, I didn't expect you to be acquainted with that demoness from Chixiu Palace. Be careful not to be bewitched by her."

Zhao Jing was startled, looking at Ji Yaoge differently. Ling Jin, however, ran up to Ji Yaoge, following her closely, "Sister, my name is Ling Jin, Jin as in the hibiscus flower..."

Before she could finish, Zhao Jing forcefully pulled her back. Ji Yaoge heard Zhao Jing's low warning, "Xiao Jin, stay away from her. She's from Chixiu Palace."

Two hundred years, one word "enchantment," the same soul, she had done nothing, yet under the world's gaze, she became a sinner, despised by her former peers.

In that brief moment, Ji Yaoge felt a sudden urge to defy the world, but the impulse quickly subsided.

"But she helped me, she's a good person," Ling Jin argued.

"People are deceitful, don't be bought by small favors!" Zhou Ling's voice came.

Ling Jin turned sharply, angrily saying, "That's still better than your petty tricks! At least she really helped me." Ignoring Zhou Ling's changing face, she turned back, her voice soft and infatuated, "Besides, she's so..."

Another person finished her sentence, "So handsome, right?" (tln : Handsome girl is more like Ouji-type or prince type.)

The wooden girl, walking at the back, picked up her words, her face full of pride.

"Yes, yes!" Ling Jin nodded.

"Good taste!" The wooden girl winked, leading Ren Zhongping forward.

Ren Zhongping was also happy, "Fairy sister."

On this trip to Deer Valley, Yuan Huan didn't come. This market no longer satisfied his needs. He had no interest in the hustle and bustle, waiting outside Deer Valley for Ji Yaoge to finish her business. With such a large batch of goods, Ji Yaoge didn't plan to set up a stall. It would take too much time. She wanted to find someone who could buy the whole batch at once—though the price would be lower, it would be quick.

Qiu Ye was the person she had in mind, the biggest businessman in Deer Valley and the unofficial overseer of the place. He took a 20% cut from the stall owners and ensured the market, held every six months, ran smoothly. Ji Yaoge had met him a few times. He was a businessman, and while they had competition, there were no permanent friends or enemies in business.

"Master Qiu, how do you find the quality of this batch of goods?" Bai Yan, with a shrewd smile, asked the man lounging in the hall.

The man, sitting on a coral seat covered with snow owl fur, twirled the ring on his thumb, nodding slightly as he looked at the samples Ji Yaoge laid out. He was rugged, with a muscular body wrapped in a red-brown outfit, his hair cut short, revealing a face with sharp features. His eyebrows and eyes seemed to hold power, and his lips curved into a subtle smile.

"Not bad, how much do you have?" After examining all the samples, Qiu Ye finally spoke, his voice deep and restrained.

Ji Yaoge reported a number, and Qiu Ye's eyes lit up. Without wasting words, he asked, "With such a large quantity, what's your asking price?"

Discussing prices was Bai Yan's specialty. He pointed to the samples, quoting prices one by one. Qiu Ye didn't raise an eyebrow, only saying, "Too expensive." He was trying to lower the price. With such a large batch, no one else in Deer Valley could afford it. He knew they had no other options, giving him confidence. Bai Yan's prices were fair, but he was prepared for negotiation. As they haggled, Ji Yaoge looked around.

This cave mansion was Qiu Ye's treasure, called the Illusory Clear Void Mustard Seed. It could create a courtyard out of thin air and be packed away when leaving, a perfect treasure for traveling cultivators. Ji Yaoge admired the exquisite architecture, the small bridges and flowing water in the courtyard, though small, it was very comfortable. Just as she was feeling envious, a voice reached her ears.

"Miss Ji, do you like it here?"

It was Qiu Ye, who had finished negotiating with Bai Yan. Seeing her distracted, he asked.

"Master Qiu, this place is exquisite. Naturally, I like it. This treasure is rare. I'm very envious. May I ask where you got it?" Ji Yaoge spoke honestly.

Her straightforwardness pleased Qiu Ye. The Illusory Clear Void Mustard Seed was rare but not a secret. He replied, "I obtained this after much effort outside Cigu City in Mount Taichu. The price was secondary. The key was the peculiar temperament of the craftsman. He only makes one of each treasure, so this Illusory Clear Void Mustard Seed is unique. There won't be another."

His words carried a hint of pride. Ji Yaoge was curious, "Who crafted it?"

"Immortal Yuan Huan from the Taichu Sect."

"..." Ji Yaoge fell silent— the wooden girl wasn't exaggerating when she said Yuan Huan had many treasures. Should she try to get closer to him?

The conversation couldn't continue, so Ji Yaoge smiled and changed the subject, "Master Qiu, I've noticed many new faces in Tiyu State recently. Do you know what's happening?" She came to Qiu Ye not only to sell goods but also to gather information. No place had more mixed news than Deer Valley, and Qiu Ye was the most informed person here.

Qiu Ye smiled, "The three sects of Wanren have set their trial grounds in the mountains of Tiyu State. About a dozen people have been here for over half a month. I don't know what treasures they think are hidden in this remote place." His words carried a hint of mockery. Leaning closer, he asked in a low voice, "Miss Ji, I've heard you and the person on Shigong Ridge have offended them?"

"Master Qiu, your information is very accurate." Ji Yaoge admitted, "A few days ago, Lady Ying Shuang sent me to deliver medicine to the person on Shigong Ridge. Unexpectedly, disciples from the three sects came to investigate. You know how those sect disciples are, inexperienced but arrogant. They offended the person on Shigong Ridge and got a lesson. Since they didn't reveal their names, the blame fell on me."

She put on a bitter smile, continuing the act, "Are they looking for me?"

"Of course. Miss Ji, who is the person on Shigong Ridge that you took the blame for?" Qiu Ye probed.

"Someone even the Mountain Lord respects. How could I know his identity?" Ji Yaoge bit her lip, worriedly asking, "Master Qiu, what are they asking about me?"

Qiu Ye stared at her for a long time, trying to discern the truth from her face. But Ji Yaoge only showed a troubled expression, revealing nothing. After a while, he leaned back, his expression returning to its initial calm, "They're not just looking for you. They seem to be searching for something else. They've already visited the Mountain Lord's Guiyun Ruins and several high cultivators in Tiyu State. A few days ago, they left my place... They seem very interested in Shigong Ridge."

After speaking, he looked at Ji Yaoge with a meaningful smile.

He was deliberately giving her a favor. Ji Yaoge understood, thanked him, and asked, "Master Qiu, do you know which of the three sects is leading the trial?"

"I do." Qiu Ye nodded, "Gu Xingzhi from the Wu Xiang Sword Sect."

"..." Ji Yaoge was stunned, instinctively looking down the hall.

The wooden girl, who had been playing with Ren Zhongping at the end of the hall, suddenly turned her face, her gaze meeting Ji Yaoge's directly.

Gu Xingzhi... is here?

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