As Zhaoyuan's cultivation gradually recovered, his body suddenly became younger, and he felt an immense sense of joy. His gratitude toward Ji Xia was beyond words.
Ji Xia originally wanted to return to Yanxiang Mansion early to plan his next steps regarding his return to Taicang, but unexpectedly, Zhaoyuan insisted on keeping him. Zhaowu was sent to prepare numerous dishes and wines, which were brought back to the cottage, where Ji Xia and Zhaoyuan enjoyed a pleasant meal together.
Zhaowu stood by, watching his great-grandfather and Ji Xia converse as if they were old friends. Zhaoyuan's address of Ji Xia gradually shifted from "young friend" to "brother Qin Ji."
Ji Xia couldn't help but chuckle to himself, thinking, Grandfather calls Qin Ji brother, and now I call him brother too. The seniority is becoming more and more muddled.
After a few rounds of wine, Zhaoyuan casually wiped his mouth and asked Ji Xia, "Earlier, Brother Qin Ji mentioned that you'll be leaving Dafu soon?"
Ji Xia nodded. "I still need to travel to the next country, to avoid delaying my return to my clan."
Zhaoyuan pondered for a moment before speaking, "You and Zhaowu came to my Fuzhao Mansion earlier without hiding your tracks. Many people must have seen you. If you leave right now and I announce that my body has fully recovered, people might start to suspect you."
Ji Xia took a sip of spirit wine, silently admiring Zhaoyuan's meticulous thinking. Not only is he open-hearted, but his mind is also sharp. Truly a remarkable person.
"You're right," Ji Xia said. "I was thinking of asking you to cover up a bit."
Zhaoyuan nodded. "Naturally, I'll help you cover it up. After all, Brother Qin Ji, you saved my life and the lives of thousands of people from the Fuzhao clan. It would be unfair for you to face any suspicion."
His eyes glinted with coldness. "Besides, I'd like to stay in the shadows and find out who wants to harm me."
From their previous conversation, Ji Xia learned that three years ago, Zhaoyuan was about to advance to the Spiritual Mansion stage when he encountered a calamity. His body continuously weakened, and his spiritual fetus was affected, causing a drastic decline in cultivation. Anyone who obstructs another's ascension in the boundless wilderness would create an irreconcilable feud.
After receiving Zhaowu's promise, Ji Xia felt reassured. They continued drinking together for a while, finishing all the wine before standing up to take their leave.
Zhaoyuan didn't try to stop him. He stood up to send Ji Xia off and took out a gem from his belt, handing it to Ji Xia.
"Brother Qin Ji, take this gem. I personally engraved a rune on it. In the future, if you need help, just activate the rune and speak your request. Even if I face death, I will do everything in my power to assist you."
Zhaoyuan glanced at Zhaowu, then looked up at the roof. "You were right earlier. I am the pillar of the Fuzhao clan. If I were to die, the entire clan would collapse. You not only saved my life but also the lives of thousands of my kin!"
With that, he pointed a finger, releasing a stream of spiritual energy, sketching out the Lu Father's vow formation. Ignoring Ji Xia's attempt to stop him, he pricked his fingertip and swore the vow.
Ji Xia silently accepted the gem and carefully placed it in his mystic bag. After bowing respectfully to Zhaoyuan, he left.
Zhaowu escorted Ji Xia out of the mansion and was about to take him back to Yanxiang Mansion. Ji Xia politely declined, smiling as he said, "I'll be leaving soon. I'm not good at farewells, so I plan to leave quietly. Please don't take offense, Zhaowu. If fate allows, we will meet again in the future."
Zhaowu's eyes glistened with unshed tears. He took a step back and bowed deeply to Ji Xia, saying, "I won't say any more words of gratitude. If you face any misfortune in the future, I will stand by your side, even if it costs me my life."
The two parted ways, with Zhaowu standing at the entrance of the Fuzhao Mansion watching Ji Xia leave. Ji Xia walked quite a distance before he could no longer see the Fuzhao gates. Using his Great Sun Spirit Eye, he pierced through the distance and saw that Zhaowu was still standing at the door.
He sighed, I hope when we meet again, we won't be enemies.
The rise of Taicang was inevitable. Dafu might tolerate it for now, but if in the future Dafu feels threatened by Taicang's growth and tries to stop it, a great war between the two nations would be unavoidable.
No matter what, if the King of Fusheng declares war, we must fight to the death. If I win, I will spare Fuzhao's life to repay the debt of deception owed today.
Ji Xia returned to Yanxiang Mansion as night fell. The two children had already fallen asleep, and Su Yao was in the kitchen preparing ingredients for breakfast. Her figure flickered in the window as the lights swayed.
Su Yao is indeed diligent, Ji Xia thought. The tasks I gave her, she has devoted all her time and energy to completing, and she studies cooking every day to improve herself.
If she's willing to come to Taicang, I might ask her to cook for me, or else I'll have to keep eating these strange-tasting meals.
Ji Xia knew that it wasn't that the Taicang people couldn't cook, but rather they had never had the proper ingredients, and they lacked the time and energy to focus on culinary arts. If the lives of the people improved in the future, with the development of various skills and industries, cooking wouldn't be so difficult for the human race.
Ji Lin was nowhere to be found, likely in the rockery, but Master Yang was meditating in the pavilion by the pond.
When Ji Xia entered Yanxiang Mansion, he looked at Master Yang and suddenly felt a sense of confusion. Master Yang noticed his arrival, walked out of the pavilion, and bowed to Ji Xia.
Ji Xia sized up Master Yang and asked, "Spiritual realm?"
Master Yang smiled faintly, "I promised the master that I wouldn't disappoint him within a year. With my cultivation at the ninth level, I can't fully satisfy the master."
Ji Xia was confused, "When one ascends to the Spiritual Realm, there should be signs. Did I miss something?"
Master Yang replied, "This matter involves some very secret things. If I speak of it, it will alert some powerful entities."
Ji Xia remained silent, watching Master Yang. After a moment of thought, Master Yang said, "The master saved my life. I hold no ill will towards you. If you don't trust me, it's understandable. After all, your bloodline is noble, and I am a human with an unknown background."
He paused, then earnestly said, "I am willing to swear the Lu Father's vow with you, please allow me to do so."
Ji Xia listened to his words, studied him for a long while, and then smiled. He waved his hand, signaling Master Yang to rise, "What does it matter if you're a humble human? In my eyes, humans are no different from other noble races. There's no such thing as high or low nobility."
He thought to himself, Things are like this now, but in the future, the human race will surely be nobler than any other.
Master Yang, after hearing Ji Xia's words, thought for a moment and said, "I've sensed your extraordinariness for some time now. Every day when you cultivate in your room, I can feel the flow of powerful energy."
"Though it seems like I've fallen, my eyes are still capable. I've seen many extraordinary bloodlines, and I know what kind of aura signifies nobility."
Ji Xia nodded, "As long as you don't betray me, you may leave after a year."
Master Yang expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, master."
"Today, Qianqian and Shang Luo are already asleep. Tomorrow morning, I have something to tell you both. After breakfast, please wait for me in the reception hall," Ji Xia said.
"As you command."