Chapter 33: The Dream God Palace Young Sect Master’s Challenge
Thanks to Yi Xian’er’s interference, Ji Ya endured several extra rounds of “treatment” that night, her unrestrained moans witnessed by her closest confidantes, leaving her mortified.
Even Aunt Mu, who had initially maintained a dignified demeanor as an elder, was forced to abandon her restraint, cooperating with Jin Tong and Yu Nu to ensure Yan Zhen adequately “replenished” her Young Mistress.
Afterward, Ji Ya fell into a deep sleep, not waking until late the next morning.
By then, Yan Zhen was already in the crystal space, practicing the movement technique. She was alone in bed.
She summoned Jin Tong and Yu Nu to help her bathe and dress.
After freshening up, she changed into a more conservative red qipao, a fluffy shawl draped over her arm, and marched to the dining hall, finding Yi Xian’er still leisurely enjoying her tea and snacks.
Her relaxed demeanor infuriated Ji Ya.
“What did you do to Little Brother Yan Zhen yesterday, Xian’er?”
“I didn’t do anything.” Yi Xian’er feigned innocence. “What happened, Sister Ji Ya?”
“Don’t play dumb.”
“Oh, I see. Judging by your limp, you’re about to be… worn out, aren’t you?” She pretended to understand. “You’re so lucky, Sister Ji Ya, to have such a strong and vigorous boyfriend. I’m so envious~”
Ji Ya’s eyebrow twitched, a vein throbbing on her forehead.
“We agreed you wouldn’t interfere anymore, Xian’er. If you break our agreement, I’ll have Aunt Mu send you back to Green Water Town.”
Yi Xian’er dropped the innocent act, chuckling.
“We also agreed that I have him during the day, and you have him at night, Sister Ji Ya. I didn’t break our agreement, did I? Or are you going back on your word?”
They glared at each other, their gazes clashing, sparks flying.
— The clash of tea-brewing powers is truly terrifying!
…
Five days passed, filled with peaceful routines and occasional skirmishes. Ji Ya’s accumulated medicinal energy had been mostly refined. Even if her illness flared up, it wouldn’t be life-threatening anymore. She could finally relax.
However, the remaining ten percent was deeply rooted, making the treatment more difficult. The one-hour treatment sessions now stretched to an hour and a half.
It was a burden for both of them.
Although dual cultivation could replenish their energy, there was a limit. Beyond a certain point, they needed to rest and recuperate.
They decided to reduce the frequency from once a day to twice every three days, with normal treatment on the first and second days, followed by a day of rest. At this rate, they should be able to completely refine the medicinal energy within ten days, much faster than the “over a month” described in the script.
Because the efficiency of dual cultivation was higher than that of the medicinal bath method.
…
During this time, his movement technique training also progressed significantly. With his Shadowstep foundation, he had mastered the basics within three days. Afterwards, his training slowed down, shifting to sparring, gradually integrating the technique into his combat style.
Sparring couldn’t be skipped. He practiced with his Beautiful Sect Master, his goal to touch her.
Of course, she had suppressed her cultivation to his level.
After five days of sparring, he finally managed to grab the edge of her robe, only to be pulled into her embrace, her hand ruffling his hair in praise.
His face buried in her ample bosom, her unique fragrance filling his senses, he relaxed, his exhaustion overwhelming him, and he fell asleep.
…
That night was a rest day. He stayed in the Fire Refining Starry Sky until the next morning, claiming he had been meditating in the bathroom.
They didn’t suspect anything, enjoying their breakfast peacefully.
He ate the breakfast the new servant girl had brought, then claimed his reward for practicing the movement technique.
[Special Trump Card: Woohoo Takeoff! Upon activation, allows Host to take off vertically by shouting “Woohoo!” The higher Host flies, the greater the boost to aerial combat abilities, up to three times.]
[Note: Cannot fly to the Outer World.]
— Excellent!
Mystic Generals typically fought in the air, and those above the Mystic King realm were constantly flying. Those who couldn’t fly were at a significant disadvantage. With this Trump Card, he was more confident in his upcoming battles against the Demon Realm invaders.
But before that, he had to deal with Ji Ya’s first suitor.
If my calculations are correct, today is the day the Dream God Palace Young Sect Master, instigated by the Second and Third Shopkeepers, will come to challenge me.
“Little Brother Yan Zhen, I’ve finished most of my work at the Chamber. I’m free today. Let’s go out for a walk.”
— Yep, she’s setting up the flag. It’s definitely today.
…
As expected, before they could leave, they were intercepted.
Unlike last time, the Second and Third Shopkeepers didn’t come themselves. It was three members of the Dream God Palace.
Leading the group was a young man in a dark samurai uniform, wearing light-colored wooden sandals.
He wasn’t much older than Yan Zhen, his face angular, his gaze sharp and piercing, making it difficult for those with weaker cultivation to meet his eyes.
A tachi hung from his waist, its blade sheathed, its tsuba (handguard) shaped like a six-petaled flower, its hilt wrapped in a diamond-patterned cord for grip.
This was the Young Sect Master of the Dream God Palace, a talented swordsman named Kenzaburo Ranzaki, a Six Star Mystic Scholar at the age of twenty, having already grasped a hint of “Sword Intent.”
Beside him stood a girl with twin tails, wearing a colorful kimono, her appearance flamboyant, reminding Yan Zhen of a delinquent girl from Earth.
She also carried a tachi. She was Kenzaburo’s half-sister, Sayoko Ranzaki, nineteen years old, a One Star Mystic Scholar.
She disliked Ji Ya, always trying to sabotage her brother’s pursuit of the “fox spirit” from the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce.
However, she adored her brother and wouldn’t get angry at him. Therefore, most of her hostility was directed at Ji Ya.
Ji Ya hadn’t disliked the serious and straightforward Kenzaburo, but Sayoko’s rude and arrogant behavior had made her dislike him as well.
Besides Sayoko, there was also an elderly man in a kimono, his hands tucked in his sleeves, standing beside Kenzaburo. He was Kenzaburo’s bodyguard, or rather, his protector, a Seven Star Mystic King.
Although his cultivation was lower than Aunt Mu’s, his Iaijutsu was masterful. In a direct confrontation, Aunt Mu might not be able to defeat him.
…
The two groups met at the entrance.
Kenzaburo bowed politely.
“Greetings, Miss Ji Ya. It’s been a while. I’ve been in seclusion recently and haven’t had the chance to visit you. I apologize. This is a small token of my apology.”
He offered her a gift box.
She didn’t accept it. “There’s no need for such formality, Young Sect Master Ranzaki. We’re merely acquaintances. Please keep your gift.”
He smiled wryly. He was straightforward and didn’t know how to court a woman, only resorting to showering her with gifts. But she refused everything, keeping a clear distance, not even giving him a chance to be a “simp.” He was quite pathetic, actually.
People said he and the Third Prince were the two “alpha simps” among Ji Ya’s suitors, the ones most likely to win her heart. In reality, they were no different from the others. They could only exchange a few polite words with her, and only because his status prevented her from ignoring him completely.
He was used to her rejections, but Sayoko, unable to tolerate her coldness towards her brother, snorted.
“My brother rushed to visit you as soon as he emerged from seclusion, painstakingly choosing a gift, yet you’re so heartless! Are you looking down on our Dream God Palace?!”
Before Ji Ya could respond, Kenzaburo snapped, “Sayoko, shut up! You have no right to speak here.”
She pouted, but she didn’t argue with him in public.
He apologized. “I apologize for my sister’s rudeness, Miss Ji Ya.”
“It’s fine. I won’t hold it against a child.” She said indifferently. “Is there anything else, Young Sect Master Ranzaki? If not, please excuse us. We’re about to leave and can’t entertain you.”
Sayoko was about to speak again, but the elderly protector stopped her.
“We do have a matter to discuss.” Kenzaburo’s expression turned serious. “I heard you’ve found a dual cultivation partner who can treat your illness, Miss Ji Ya. Is that true?”
She frowned slightly, about to politely reply that it was none of his business, but seeing his sincere expression, she nodded.
“Yes.”
His face paled. He turned to Yan Zhen, standing beside her.
“I’ve never seen a man stand so close to you, Miss Ji Ya… That… must be your dual cultivation partner, right?”
She didn’t answer, her silence a confirmation.
He turned to Yan Zhen, bowing.
“I am Kenzaburo Ranzaki, Young Sect Master of the Dream God Palace. May I ask your name?”
Yan Zhen blinked his large, innocent eyes.
“I’m Yan Zhen. What can I do for you, Young Sect Master Ranzaki?”
“To be honest, I envy you for being chosen by Miss Ji Ya. Unfortunately, I’m neither a Pill Master nor a possessor of an Extreme Flame. I’m powerless to help her with her illness. I can only watch her suffer.” He sighed. “I can see that your treatment has been effective. Her aura is much stronger now. Her condition must have improved, right?”
Yan Zhen replied indifferently. “She’s almost fully recovered.”
“That’s good to hear.” His tone changed. “But… may I ask, are you simply treating her illness, or… do you intend to become her husband?”
Yan Zhen frowned. “That’s none of your business, Young Sect Master Ranzaki.”
“It is my business.” He said seriously. “If you’re simply treating her illness, then I will continue to pursue her, until I win her heart. But if you intend to become her husband, then I will step aside and wish you both happiness.”
— I don’t believe you!
Yan Zhen scoffed inwardly, allowing Ji Ya to take his arm. She spoke.
“To be honest, we’re planning to announce our engagement after the treatment is completed.”
Yi Xian’er glared at her. What nonsense are you spouting?
He knew she was trying to get rid of this persistent suitor, so he played along.
“That’s right. We’ve decided to get engaged. Please don’t bother my fiancée anymore, Young Sect Master Ranzaki.”
Yi Xian’er quickly realized they were acting, but she was still displeased.
Kenzaburo lowered his head, his expression forlorn.
Sayoko, glancing at them, muttered, “You adulterous couple!” Although her voice was low, everyone heard her.
Before they could react, Yi Xian’er’s face darkened, her eyes narrowing.
“Is everyone in the Dream God Palace this ill-mannered?”
Yan Zhen, about to speak, was taken aback. Xian’er, why are you stealing my lines?
Sayoko, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, pointed at Yi Xian’er.
“How dare you insult the Dream God Palace?!”
Remembering the unfortunate Han Feng, he quickly pulled Yi Xian’er behind him, his voice cold.
“She’s right. You were the one who was rude, damaging your sect’s reputation.”
“You–”
“Enough, Sayoko! Shut up!” Kenzaburo snapped. “If you continue like this, go back to the sect. Don’t follow me anymore.”
“Brother!”
She pouted, then glared at Yan Zhen, her eyes saying, I’ll remember you.
Kenzaburo turned to Yan Zhen.
“Since you intend to marry Miss Ji Ya, I can only withdraw. But before I do, may I see what makes you so special, the man she has chosen?”
— Finally revealing his true intentions.
Yan Zhen scoffed inwardly, but he replied calmly, “Speak your mind, Young Sect Master Ranzaki.”
Kenzaburo’s expression was serious.
“I challenge you to a duel. We’ll fight in the arena. If you win, I’ll willingly withdraw and never bother Miss Ji Ya again. Because the weak have no right to choose a partner.”
Wow, he was so eloquent before, saying things like “If you intend to become her husband, then I will step aside.” Now he’s adding conditions and changing his tune.
And the weak have no right to choose a partner? Wasn’t he simply trying to use his superior cultivation to force him away from Ji Ya?
No, wait, he remembered. In the script, Kenzaburo’s attacks had been lethal. He had clearly intended to eliminate his rival.
— I’m laughing inside. Stop pretending, you white lotus!(someone who is pure in appearance, but opposite inside)
He felt a surge of contempt, turning to Ji Ya. It was her turn to intervene.
— You’re younger than him, Little Brother Yan Zhen, and your cultivation is only at the Ninth Star Mystic Adept realm, while he’s four or five years older, a Six Star Mystic Scholar! How can you possibly have a fair duel?
…That was her line.
Strangely, he stared at her for a while, but she remained silent, her eyes meeting his.
“…”
— Say something! The plot’s reached this point! Why aren’t you speaking?
“Wait.” It was Yi Xian’er who spoke. “You’re older than him, and your cultivation is higher. How can this be a fair duel?”
Kenzaburo shook his head.
“Among men, there are only the strong and the weak, not the old and the young. I believe you understand this as well, don’t you?”
Damn! If he hadn’t read the script and knew what kind of person Kenzaburo was, he might have been swayed by those manly words.