Chapter 52: My Sword!

Ji Residence, Study.

Ji Yun sat in his chair, gazing at the two sons standing before him. On the table lay a scroll of sheepskin, tied with a cord.

“This journey to Zhiyun Mountain must be taken with utmost caution. Here is the topographical map of Zhiyun Mountain. Ever since the strange phenomenon occurred there and the mountain became shrouded in dark clouds, no one knows if the situation inside has changed. This time, the two of you will lead a team to investigate the mountain’s interior. Above all, prioritize your own safety.”

“Yes!” Ji Shaochen and Ji Shaoqing nodded in response.

“Set out at dawn tomorrow,” Ji Yun handed the map to Ji Shaochen.

“Yes!” they nodded once more.

Ji Shaochen held the map, hesitant to speak.

“Is there something else?”

“I’m worried about Xiao Qi. Xuanyuan Ji is also in Tianyuan Sect, and I fear she’ll provoke him again. Last time, he made her stand in punishment for an hour.”

“No matter how harsh Xuanyuan Ji may be, he won’t go too far. Xiao Qi is far too mischievous. If someone could discipline her properly, I would welcome it with open arms!”

“If Mother finds out…”

“You mustn’t tell your mother!” Ji Yun immediately grew anxious.

“Third Brother, you needn’t worry so much. I think Father is right.”

Ji Shaochen had always cared for Ji Yin, fussing over her like a weary mother.

…

Ji Yin lounged idly in a rocking chair when suddenly, a rich aroma of roasted meat wafted in from the window. The Scarlet Flame Marten, napping soundly, instantly perked up.

The pair exchanged a glance.

Ji Yin rose and strode outside, leaping onto the wall, with the Scarlet Flame Marten scrambling up to sit beside her feet.

Wuyan was roasting a wild pheasant, when he suddenly noticed a person and a beast on the wall, both eyeing his chicken hungrily. He felt utterly flustered!

Ji Yin, seeing the half-cooked wild chicken, simply sat atop the wall to wait.

“This is for my young master! Watching won’t help you!” Wuyan felt a chill from their hungry stares.

Ji Yin smiled, “Wuyan, you’re quite skilled, aren’t you? Even roasting chicken.”

“I’ll have you know, I’m capable of much more! How else could I single-handedly manage my master’s clothing, food, and lodging?”

“Yes, yes! No need to boast, just turn the chicken.” Ji Yin gestured toward the roast.

Wuyan quickly turned it; the skin was already golden and crisp, and it would soon be ready to eat.

Ji Yin winked at the Scarlet Flame Marten, who immediately slunk down from the wall.

Suddenly, the fire before Wuyan blazed fiercely, flames leaping skyward!

Ji Yin sprang down, landing behind Wuyan, reaching for the roast chicken.

“You two—person and beast—have you no shame? To just snatch it outright!” Wuyan dodged their coordinated attack, stepped back to protect the chicken, and drew the blade at his waist.

“Why is your knife different from last time?” Ji Yin asked in surprise.

Suddenly, Wuyan felt a vibration in his palm. The knife snapped into several pieces and clattered to the ground!

Ji Yin: …

Wuyan: …“My knife!”

Wuyan stared, heartbroken, at his ruined blade—it had just been newly forged!

Ji Yin sympathized, mourning Wuyan’s loss for three seconds.

Xuanyuan Ji entered the courtyard, regarding Ji Yin, “Seventh Young Master, have you had supper?”

“Tianyuan Sect has strict rules about meal times. If you miss the allotted hour, there’s nothing to eat. Now the time is long past—I suppose I’ll go hungry tonight. Xuanyuan, you haven’t eaten yet, have you? Would you mind if I joined you?”