For this engagement ceremony, Hua Wei Sect had renovated all its palaces and halls anew, with red silk ribbons flying everywhere, creating a jubilant atmosphere.
Rosy brocade covered the Passing Water Bridge, beneath which five-colored carp, fed to unusual plumpness, leaped out of the cloud sea to meet the morning glow.
Over a hundred low tables were arranged on both sides of Qian Kun Hall, with a spacious area still left in the middle.
Xu Yun sat solemnly in the high seat, naturally imposing without anger, watching guests arrive from all directions with satisfaction.
Until Zi Ye Wen Shu and Song Qian Ji appeared simultaneously, causing Xu Yun and all the Hua Wei Sect elders to feel a jolt in their hearts.
The guiding acolyte faced a dilemma, unsure of where to lead them, instinctively looking to the Head Steward for guidance.
The Head Steward was also uncertain and hurriedly looked at Sect Leader Xu Yun’s expression.
Xu Yun thought, Zi Ye Wen Shu had been in seclusion at Qing Cliff this year, while Song Qian Ji had been in Qian Qu the whole time; the two couldn’t possibly have had a private friendship. Could this be the Calligraphy Saint’s intention?
He remained calm. Since they wanted Song Qian Ji to let down his guard, he must endure for now.
After a moment’s hesitation, Zi Ye Wen Shu continued walking without stopping, already crossing the threshold.
The acolyte hurriedly led him to the pre-arranged seat. Just as Zi Ye Wen Shu sat down, Song Qian Ji followed closely behind and naturally sat beside him.
The Qing Cliff and Qian Qu crowds stood behind the two.
The Head Steward came forward: “Official Song, this table was originally reserved for the Master of Zi Yun Pavilion. The officials can sit behind…”
Li Ying smiled: “My senior brother didn’t come! Official Song, please sit. I’ll sit beside you.”
With that, she took her seat.
Feng Zi Yi and the female cultivators behind her bid farewell to Song Qian Ji before returning to sit with their respective sects.
People who had heard Song Qian Ji’s name, and studied his calligraphy and chess games throughout the cultivation world, but not many had seen him in person.
At least among the representatives of various sects and families in the great hall, many were seeing Song Qian Ji for the first time.
Compared to the serious and composed Zi Ye Wen Shu, Song Qian Ji’s smile was like the spring breeze, as handsome and elegant as rumored.
He wore a meticulously crafted, subtly magnificent ceremonial robe, with Meng He Ze, Ji Chen, and many disciples standing behind him.
His impressive presence made him seem not like a regional official but like a sect leader or a regional overlord.
People in the hall couldn’t help but secretly discuss:
“Is that Song Qian Ji? Not only does he dare to come, but he also brings former outer disciples of the Hua Wei Sect. Isn’t this slapping the host’s face?”
“He’s even sitting right under Xu Yun’s nose. Xu Yun is tolerant.”
“Song Qian Ji has long harbored intentions to establish himself as a king. Naturally, he’s unwilling to sit with other officials and wants to show off by sitting in a prominent position.”
“Hey, the fairies from Xian Yin Gate have arrived!”
Suddenly, a fragrant breeze blew into Qian Kun Hall, bringing a floral scent.
With ornaments jingling, pendants tinkling, and skirts flowing like rolling waves, the beautiful Xian Yin Gate indeed arrived.
Miao Yan was preparing to play the zither in the side hall later, while the other female cultivators were led by He Qing Qing to attend the banquet.
She saw Song Qian Ji at first glance and wanted to go forward to greet him. But seeing Zi Ye Wen Shu on his left and Li Ying on his right, she thought for a moment and walked directly to a position opposite Song Qian Ji.
Although separated by half the great hall, at some distance, she could still see him at all times.
“How should we arrange the rest?” the guiding acolyte asked the Head Steward.
The Head Steward was vexed: “Since everything’s already in disarray, just let them sit wherever.”
Song Qian Ji saw He Qing Qing and nodded slightly.
She smiled, her radiance sharp as a knife.
The Qing Cliff scholars were momentarily dazzled, transmitting to each other:
“Is Fairy He smiling at us? Her smile is truly moving.”
“Of course, after all, she was rescued by our Academy Monitor and is a figure who emerged from our Qing Cliff.”
They returned proud smiles, but He Qing Qing was no longer smiling.
Unlike Miao Yan, who always maintained a faint smile, He Qing Qing’s face was usually cold as the moon, making her smile more precious.
Others looking at her felt that her beauty had a kind of aggressiveness, making one’s body feel cold, yet unable to resist looking.
Facing Zi Ye Wen Shu for a long time was a very tiring thing.
The Qing Cliff scholars were under his discipline; he was an idol to be worshipped, definitely not a friend to joke around with.
Personally trained disciples and prodigies from other sects who dealt with him would feel pressure even if their cultivation was similar to his.
But Song Qian Ji seemed to have lost his sensitivity to temperature, continuously smiling blatantly at Zi Ye Wen Shu, and even taking out a jade box from his storage bag:
“I brought some local specialties as a souvenir for you.”
Zi Ye Wen Shu didn’t accept it: “What is it?”
Song Qian Ji earnestly said: “Wheat, I grew it myself. It grew very well.”
Zi Ye Wen Shu looked at him without speaking, seemingly speechless. Which cultivator would gift wheat?
Song Qian Ji extended his long arm and pushed the jade box to him.
Qing Zhai and Zi Mo tried to intercept, but seeing that Zi Ye Wen Shu had already grasped a corner of the box, they could only withdraw their hands.
Ji Chen nudged Meng He Ze: “Do you feel it’s a bit cold?”
“Impossible,” Meng He Ze’s expression remained unchanged: “Qian Kun Hall has a constant temperature formation, impervious to cold and heat.”
Ji Chen said softly: “That’s not what I meant.” He raised his eyebrows and blinked, looking at Xian Yin Gate and then at Qing Cliff. “It’s cold over there, and it’s also cold next to us.”
Meng He Ze pulled him to change positions, making Ji Chen further from Zi Ye Wen Shu: “Is it better now?”
Ji Chen: “…”
“Cousin!” Ji Chen suddenly heard a very familiar voice, startling him and making him shudder.
“Still cold?” Meng He Ze turned to ask Lin Fei Yuan, “Did you bring a cloak?”
Lin Fei Yuan was furious: “You think I’m a tailor or your mother?”
“Not cold, not cold, it’s very hot!” Ji Chen hurriedly stopped the two, then coldly addressed the young man approaching: “What do you want?”
The young man somewhat resembled Ji Chen in appearance, and his attire was also similar.
Although Meng He Ze didn’t recognize him, he could roughly guess the other’s identity. He held his sword horizontally in front of Ji Chen.
“Why didn’t Little Xing come? After the Deng Wen Conference, you left without a word to the unfamiliar Qian Qu County. Everyone at home has been worried.”
Ji Guang raised his voice, drawing attention.
Any outsider hearing this would think he genuinely cared about Ji Chen, while Ji Chen remained unmoved and coldly indifferent.
Another middle-aged man came over, smiling kindly: “Little Chen after the ceremony ends, come back with us to Bai Feng County. Being with your clan is always better than following strangers of unknown backgrounds.”
When he mentioned strangers, he deliberately glanced at Song Qian Ji.
The Ji family members gathered, men and women, old and young, speaking earnestly. Ji Chen’s uncle’s concubines even sobbed softly, reproaching Ji Chen for being unfilial:
“Even if you don’t come back, let Little Xing return. She’s been pampered since childhood. How can she endure the wind and sand of Qian Qu?”
Meng He Ze wasn’t afraid of confrontation, but hearing a group of women cry gave him a headache, forcing him to withdraw his sword hilt.
He thought to himself, Ji Xing had been fed by Wei Ping until she gained weight; how did she look like she couldn’t endure?
“Cousin, even if there were misunderstandings, between family members, sharing a meal would resolve everything. After playing outside for so long, you should come home,” Ji Guang persuaded a flash of smugness in his eyes.
The surrounding guests’ greetings quieted briefly, then gradually grew louder as they began to discuss the matter:
“Since the fall of Immortal Ji, the Ji family has been entirely supported by the collateral branches. Ji Chen leaving like this is too heartless.”
“Who knows if he’s been bewitched, not even recognizing his clan members.”
They deliberately didn’t use transmission, not to trouble Ji Chen, but to see how Song Qian Ji would respond.
As the saying goes, even a fair official finds it hard to settle family disputes. Once interests involve blood ties, many disputes arise.
If Song Qian Ji didn’t intervene, a renowned official unable to protect those close to him would be mocked.
If he interfered, he would be suspected and defamed for inciting discord and seeking gain.
A host of Hua Wei Sect peak masters and elders watched coldly, taking pleasure in their misfortune.
Ji Chen’s expression completely cooled.
He thought, you’re only bullying me because I’m young, thinking I’m easy to fool, that in public I’ll be concerned about face and won’t take extreme measures.
I’ll defy your expectations.
Before coming to the banquet, he had prepared for everything.
“Uncle, Cousin, when I left home, it was only because…”
“Ahem!” Song Qian Ji suddenly interrupted.
Ji Chen saw Song Qian Ji shake his head and had to swallow his anger and remain silent.
Song Qian Ji said: “Have you all come here to take him back?”
He remained seated, showing no intention to stand, his attitude casual.
People in the hall looked excited.
Ji Guang warned: “This is our Ji family matter. Official Song is not surnamed Ji, so it’s not appropriate for you to interfere.”
“Of course, thank you for coming to get him!” Song Qian Ji smiled: “Unfortunately, he has already spent all his money in Qian Qu. Otherwise, I would certainly let him return with you.”
Ji Guang’s expression changed.
The middle-aged man shook his head, seemingly disappointed and regretful:
“Official Song is such an elegant figure, why mention such mundane things? We’re here to bring Ji Chen back because blood is thicker than water, not for a few spirit stones!”
“Well said,” Song Qian Ji sighed, “Ji Chen has been practicing array formation in Qian Qu. His spiritual energy output is unstable, often causing array foundations to explode, destroying houses and land. After his money was used up for compensation, food, clothing, and all his needs were provided by Qian Qu. He still enjoys the best, as before, and his expenses are quite large. Now he can only work to pay off his debt. If I let him go without clearing his debt, how can I answer to the people of Qian Qu…”
Several members of the Ji family were shocked into silence. The women forgot to cry, their handkerchiefs falling to the ground.
Meng He Ze suppressed his laughter. What a pitiful young master, sold to Qian Qu to work off his debt!
What a strict and impartial Song Skinflint.
Song Qian Ji: “‘Blood is thicker than water, a wanderer returns home’ conforms to human ethics, but a life for a life, pay your debts’ is even more natural justice. As long as you pay off his debt in advance, he can leave immediately. I’ll beat drums, set off firecrackers, and send him off in a flower sedan.”
Ji Guang exclaimed: “How is that possible? When Ji Chen left home, he took with him…”
Wealth should not be flaunted. His words were immediately interrupted by the Ji family head: “How much does Little Chen owe?”
Song Qian Ji replied without hesitation: “Not much, six million spirit stones.”
“That’s asking for the moon!” Ji Guang couldn’t hold back, his face already red. “Without proof, you, a dignified official, are you being reasonable? By what right do you detain someone?”
“I am most reasonable. The matter of Ji Chen practicing arrays is known throughout Qian Qu. Every loss is recorded in the account book, each with evidence. I’ve given an 80% friendly discount,” Song Qian Ji didn’t even raise his eyelids: “Family affection is priceless. Which of you will pay?”
The onlookers in the hall laughed.
Ji Chen wished he could applaud wildly.
Ji Guang said a few sarcastic words, mocking Song Qian Ji for being calculating and scheming.
“I work very hard in Qian Qu,” Ji Chen widened his eyes, appearing particularly pitiful. “Uncle, Cousin, will you pay my debt for me? Just six million. When my father was alive, he also left for the collateral branches…”
The middle-aged man coughed lightly, interrupting him: “Little Chen, you’ve grown up. When walking outside, you must be responsible for your actions. Such matters rely on yourself. I see that Official Song is merely training you, not making things difficult. Follow him, practice your techniques well, and learn many skills.”
After speaking, he turned and left. The Ji family women hurriedly picked up their handkerchiefs and followed.
Li Ying led the applause and laughter: “Editor Ji is truly pitiful, a whole living person not worth a pile of spirit stones.”
Ji Guang, hearing guests call them “greedy, selling their own,” remained standing unwillingly, wanting to say something.
Ji Chen spoke first: “I can’t return in person, but I think of you in my heart. I’ve brought some Qian Qu specialties. Cousin, these are for you.”
“What specialties…” Ji Guang looked down and almost couldn’t catch his breath. “‘360 Basic Common Sense for the Cultivation World – Advanced Version’?!”
How can the advanced version still be called common sense? Could this be the legendary death exercises that made Qing Cliff problem-solvers wail and howl, having nightmares every night?
Looking at the expressions of the nearby Qing Cliff students, they were already greener than the green and wine in the crystal cups on the jade table.
Ji Chen concernedly said: “When you finish this, come find me for more.”
Ji Guang was sweating profusely and hastily took his leave.
The Qing Cliff scholars stared at the test booklet, their faces ashen, indignantly transmitting to each other:
“Even if Song Qian Ji is in the right regarding someone else’s family matter, he shouldn’t be so tyrannical.”
“This time it’s not just spreading rumors behind his back; we’ve witnessed it ourselves,” Qing Zhai said. “Song Qian Ji is indeed not a proper person. We must be wary of his ill-intentioned approach to our Academy Monitor.”
Song Qian Ji, under various complex gazes, ate harmony cakes from a white jade plate and shared them with the disciples behind him.
“Why look at me?” he smiled at Zi Ye Wen Shu. “This is delicious. But in my Qian Qu County, there are even more delicious things.”
Wei Ping’s culinary skills were certainly better than the Hua Wei Sect’s cooks.
Zi Ye Wen Shu’s expression didn’t change, but his voice entered Song Qian Ji’s ears:
“Why sacrifice your reputation?”
The other didn’t need to wade into these muddy waters or could have handled it more elegantly, facing less criticism.
Yet he chose the simplest, most brutal approach.
Song Qian Ji didn’t transmit back but smiled and said: “What use is reputation to me?”
Zi Ye Wen Shu asked no more.
Song Qian Ji was completely different from the rumors.
Ji Chen put away the test booklet, feeling vindicated, and transmitted to Lin Fei Yuan: “Have you noticed? With Zi Ye Wen Shu sitting nearby, Senior Brother Song seems much more lively.”
He thought to himself, that saying such things to Brother Meng would only earn a scolding; fortunately, Brother Lin was here.
Lin Fei Yuan rolled his eyes at Song Qian Ji’s back, sneering: “Who knows what problem he has? He just likes to provoke those who are difficult to deal with.”