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Chapter 228 The Appraiser Invites You
After watching Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu leave, Ji You glanced at Yan Hao standing under the crabapple tree, and then decided to stroll around Zuo Garden.

But before he could move, he suddenly noticed someone watching him from behind a round table.

Ji You stopped and looked at him.

That was also a man dressed in a white robe, neatly dressed, but the fabric of his clothes was not as luxurious as Yan Hao's, nor did he have many expensive accessories.

Judging from his appearance, Ji You felt that he should be a few years older than himself. He exuded a heroic aura and had already reached the upper realm of Dao. He was standing in front of the round table and smiling kindly at him.

Ji You did not recognize the man and thought he must have mistaken him for someone else.

Just now, an old man mistook him for the second son of the Zhao family, so he wasn't surprised. He was just a little astonished that there were people in the world who looked just like him, with such handsome features.

To Ji You's surprise, although he didn't know Kuang Cheng, who arrived later, was someone he knew well.

Kuang Shusheng had just finished his work and was coming from behind a rockery with Gongshu Chou. Ji You had also figured it out; his reception office basically did all sorts of odd jobs, making it more like a cattle and horse office.

He had initially come for Ji You, but upon approaching the man in white, he paused slightly, then cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.

Ji You looked at him with some surprise: "You know this person?"

Kuang Cheng turned to look at him: "Fang Ruoming, the eldest son of the Fang family."

Ji You was stunned for a long time before she realized: "Is it Fang Ruoyao's brother who left home to join the army many years ago?"

"Exactly."

Ji You looked at Fang Ruoming again and indeed saw some resemblance between him and Fang Ruoyao in his face and eyes: "No wonder Fang Ruoyao was able to get a spot in the Heavenly Academy. Her brother is already at the Fusion Realm?"

Kuang Cheng also looked at Fang Ruoming: "Brother Ruoming, you are here to compete on behalf of the Zhenbei Army and you are staying at Taiping Garden. We have met several times in the past two days."

"You seem to have a lot of respect for him?"

"Brother Ruoming is a good person and was once a student of Master Chen. It's just that Brother Ji is usually busy with petty theft and has little contact with him."

Ji Youxin said, "You've been planning your career for so long?"
Seemingly noticing Kuang Cheng approaching, Fang Ruoming, who had been merely smiling, suddenly put down his wine glass, said something to his companion, and strode over.

He first greeted Kuang Cheng, calling him "Buqi," and then looked at Ji You with a flicker in his eyes.

"Don't worry, it's been a long time."

Fang Ruoming smiled and said, "When I left home to join the army, you and my Ruoyao hadn't grown up yet, but now you're incredibly handsome. If we were walking on the street, I really wouldn't recognize you. You didn't recognize me either, did you? But given our relationship, we shouldn't be so distant."

Ji You clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying, "Brother Fang, you flatter me. However, the matter between me and your sister was already settled in Yuyang County."

“I know that. It’s just a pity that I haven’t been home for many years. Otherwise, I would never have let my father and sister do this. But now that things have come to this, I can only say that Ruoyao is not lucky.”

"It's just a matter of personality clashes, not a matter of good or bad fortune."

"Wu Lu is a magnanimous person, which makes me feel that Ruo Yao is not lucky enough."

Ji You looked him over and asked, "Brother Fang, your cultivation level...?"

Fang Ruoming glanced at himself: "We were all trained in the army, but we are not as good as Wulu. We have the skill but not the courage. We did not expect Wulu to liberate tens of thousands of people in Fengzhou and save our Zhenbei Army from a catastrophe."

Ji You knew he was referring to the mission to the snowy region: "This is something that we people from Fengzhou should do."

"That's right, that's why I joined the army back then, but I was still a step too late."

Fang Ruoming chuckled and slammed his wine glass down: "We're both from Yuyang County, so we should be closer than others. If you have some free time during the break, you can come over to my place with Kuang Cheng."

Ji You nodded, watching him turn and leave, then couldn't help but look at Kuang Cheng: "Isn't his attitude a little strange?"

Kuang Cheng turned to Ji You and said, "No, not really. Brother Ruoming has always been a reasonable person. He told me before that Fang Ruoyao went too far in forcibly breaking off the engagement with you. If he were here, he certainly wouldn't have done that."

"He is very physically strong."

"physique?"

Ji You put down the empty wine glass, recalling the heat he had felt earlier: "Does the Zhenbei Army also have body-refining techniques?"

Kuang Cheng turned to look at the group of Zhenbei Army soldiers: "That's not surprising. After all, they are fighting against barbarians with unparalleled physical strength. Body tempering is also for survival."

"How many slots does the Zhenbei Army have for the Heavenly Dao Assembly this time?"

"Fifteen, the same as the Immortal Sect."

"The usually stingy immortal sects have really given us face this time."

Kuang Cheng rolled up his sleeves: "The Immortal Sect does not concern itself with worldly affairs, but if one wants to devote oneself to cultivation, one needs a stable environment. The Zhenbei Army has been risking their lives in the northern border for many years, so fifteen slots are not too many at all."

Ji You nodded, thinking that this made sense.

If you want a horse to run, you have to feed it. This close relationship between the Zhenbei Army and cultivators is why the seven major immortal sects allow these ordinary people from non-aristocratic families to cultivate within the army.

Ji You then turned her gaze away and looked at Kuang Cheng: "I saw Wei Rui earlier, do you want me to take you to find her?"

“Miss Rui’er…”

When Kuang Cheng heard that he needed to find Wei Rui, his cheeks flushed slightly.

"?"

Ji You exclaimed that he was pathetic, thinking to himself that he was ashamed to even look for him, but he quickly picked up his big, fat nephew.

Unable to resist Ji Bochang's urging, or perhaps because Kuang Cheng already wanted to go, the two returned to the place where they had met Wei Rui earlier.

The four women were indeed still there, but with more people around them. One was the Emperor's uncle, Prince Chong, and there were also some officials from the Immortal Cultivation Sect, as well as some disciples from Spirit Sword Mountain.

Besides being the daughter of the Prince of Chong, Princess Chang Le was also a disciple of Lingjian Mountain, making her naturally closer to Lingjian Mountain.

Ji You was astonished to find that Ding Yao, who had just left, was also among them, as was the rough-around-the-edges Gongshu Chou, and another person he recognized was Yan Shujing, the peak master's personal disciple whom he had only met a few times.

Zhao Yunyue was standing in front of Yan Shujing at this moment, speaking to her in a very intimate manner.

She knew that this person was a direct disciple of the peak master of Xuanjian Peak, and also the cousin of the young appraiser. With such a noble status, she was naturally worth winning over.

After talking for a while, Zhao Yunyue realized that the disciple of Xuanjian Peak seemed extremely indifferent and did not say a word.

However, Liu Junchi had told him before that this peak master's personal disciple was a sword fanatic, and he saw everyone else as a block of wood except for his sword.

Zhao Yunyue temporarily gave up on Yan Shujing, and then turned to look at Ding Yao and Gongshu Chou.

Gongshu Chou is too aloof, exuding the air of a hermit, making him difficult to approach. Ding Yao, on the other hand, is much better.

Although her cultivation level was relatively low and she didn't have any real status, she was a maid who had served the master since childhood, and in his opinion, she was still worth befriending.

However, for some reason, Ding Yao's attitude towards him was not very good, and she deliberately maintained a certain distance, but she seemed very interested in Wei Rui, and kept looking at the bracelet on Wei Rui's wrist.

Just then, Princess Jiaren saw Ji You walking towards them through the bustling crowd, so she reached out and tugged at Zhao Yunyue's sleeve.

Zhao Yunyue looked over immediately and thought to herself, "Just as I thought."

Ji You wandered around for half an hour, but in the end, he only ended up with Kuang Cheng. These two country brothers from Yuyang County could only keep each other company.

Seeing this desolate scene, Zhao Yunyue couldn't help but turn and gaze at Wei Rui.

She had never really wanted Wei Rui to marry a country bumpkin, especially one who couldn't cultivate immortality, so she had just decided to introduce her to a Lingjian Mountain disciple who was at the Tongxuan Realm.

But when Wei Rui saw Kuang Cheng, her eyes began to flicker, which made her feel somewhat helpless.

"Young Master Kuang."

"Miss Rui'er."

The two illicit lovers stared at each other, their eyes locked in a tense, almost stammering gaze.

Zhao Yunyue then looked at Ji You: "Young Master Ji has returned again?"

"I have too many acquaintances over there, so I don't want to waste my breath talking and came back."

"I see. It seems that you are indeed not good at making friends. I wonder why you have come here today, given your personality?"

Ji You sensed the ambiguity in Zhao Yunyue's tone, as if she were saying that she wanted to make friends but couldn't find anyone, so she stubbornly said that she didn't like to waste her breath. Ji You was speechless.

However, Prince Chong kept staring at Ji You, scrutinizing him closely.

Prince Chong always regarded Ji You as a missed investment, but in reality, he and Ji You never actually met.

When he arrived here, he had already heard from his daughter that Ji You had also come, but because of his identity as a rural hermit, no one introduced him, so he wandered around alone for a long time, revealing the plight of a rural hermit.

However, his thoughts differed from his daughter's. Faced with an investment he had previously missed, Prince Chong actually wanted to bring it back from the bottom of his heart.

For him, Ji You's current predicament seems to be an opportunity.

Over the years, through his secret control of tax revenue and involvement in the Yunzhou spirit stone business, he has accumulated a considerable network of connections.

Although the Director of the Imperial Academy gradually lost power after taking office, he still had some influence over him and could introduce him to Ji You.

Before he could speak, Kuang Cheng looked up at Gongshu Chou and said, "Brother Gongshu, how have you been?"

Gongshu Chou clasped his hands in greeting: "Brother Kuang." Zhao Yunyue and King Chong were both slightly taken aback, their expressions gradually turning to surprise.

The Immortal Cult and the Immortal Supervisory Bureau are opposing forces. King Chong had heard a lot about Kuang Cheng, but he never expected that this mortal would have such connections with immortal sects.

You should know that Gongshu Chou used to be very mysterious and aloof, and he was indifferent to everyone.

However, to their surprise, after exchanging greetings, Gongshu Chou and Kuang Cheng immediately looked at Ji You: "I've walked around this garden three times, going to both sides, and I'm only seeing Brother Ji now."

Ji You frowned slightly: "What do you want from me again? I haven't met a single client today, I have no material."

"It's the one you mentioned yesterday. I've almost forgotten it, so I came here specifically to ask you for help."

"We haven't eaten yet. How can you tell stories without eating?"

Ding Yao also bowed slightly to Ji You at this moment: "Ding Yao greets Young Master Ji."

Ji You turned around: "Fairy Ding, it's been a long time."

Ding Yao chuckled softly, then looked at Wei Rui and Kuang Cheng.

She and Zhuo Wanqiu had just left the Right Garden and were wandering around when Liu Junchi pulled them here.

She wasn't particularly interested at first, but upon arriving, she immediately recognized the bracelet on Wei Rui's wrist. As the appraiser's personal maid since childhood, she was certain that it was one of the bracelets the appraiser had worn since she was young, and vaguely guessed that she and the appraiser must have met before.

Seeing the tender glances between Miss Wei and Kuang Cheng, it became clear that they were sisters-in-law, destined to marry into Fengzhou together. No wonder they gave the appraiser their personal bracelet...

After Ji You and Ding Yao finished their pretentious conversation, Ji You turned to look at Yan Shujing.

Previously at Rusheng Garden, Ji You had received a bow from her and returned it. Now that they met again, he couldn't pretend not to know her, otherwise it would be a bit awkward. So he bowed slightly.

Yan Shujing then raised her hands and clasped them together, bowing slightly to him.

After witnessing this scene, Zhao Yunyue's expression shifted from surprise to confusion, and finally, she was somewhat stunned.

At this moment, King Chong also fixed his gaze on Ji You, his eyes becoming strange.

He wasn't surprised that Gongshu Chou knew him, because he was just an ordinary Dao Fusion Realm cultivator, nothing special in the eyes of this prince.

But he really didn't expect that even the personal maid of the young master of Lingjian Mountain and the disciple of the peak master of Xuanjian Peak would be so familiar with him.

Ding Yao suddenly looked at the Prince Chong and other officials, as well as Princess Chang Le: "Prince Chong just said he wanted to see my master, why don't you come with me?"

Zhao Yunyue was a little stunned. When she came to her senses, she looked at Ding Yao and said, "Didn't Senior Sister Ding just say that it might not work and that we shouldn't have too high expectations?"

"If you try, you still have a chance; if you don't try, you have no chance at all, right?"

King Chong bowed first, clasping his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your kindness, Fairy Ding Yao."

Since the establishment of the Imperial Immortal Administration in the Great Xia Dynasty, their power has been severely diminished due to their clear accounting and swift handling of affairs, and they need to find a new patron.

Knowing that his daughter was an outsider disciple of Lingjian Mountain, King Chong made all the necessary arrangements to get her to this point where she had the opportunity to meet the Master of Appraisal. Naturally, he was overjoyed.

Ding Yao then looked at Ji You: "Young Master Ji, Young Master Kuang, and Miss Wei, would you like to go and meet them together?"

Ji You raised her eyes: "Can I go too?"

"Since we've bumped into each other, there's no harm in going to see him. Does Young Master Ji have some free time this time?"

"Then go ahead."

Ji You looked at Ding Yao and thought to herself, "It's not just arrogant girls who like to seek thrills; you and Zhuo Wanqiu are the same."

When Wei Rui heard their conversation, her eyes lit up instantly, and she couldn't help but clench her little hands together.

She had known all along that the appraiser was her sister Yan, and now she finally had the chance to meet her.

As for Prince Chong, Princess Chang Le, the two princesses, and the surrounding officials, they were somewhat taken aback, never expecting that Ji You would also be invited.

They paid for all the bribes and favors to secure an audience, but the two of them didn't get to actually get a chance to see the emperor.

However, they did not dare to object, because the invitation was extended by the appraiser's personal maid.

The group then followed Ding Yao, heading from the right courtyard to the back garden.

The garden behind was even more unique, with guards at the entrance, but since Ding Yao was leading the way, no invitation was needed.

Ji You followed them inside, looking around. He noticed that most of the people there were big shots with white hair and beards, exuding a powerful aura. In addition to these people, he also saw his high-ranking disciples in the several courtyards in the back garden.

First up was Chu Xian, dressed in a purple robe and crown, sitting quietly in the courtyard.

Aside from a vague glimpse of Chu Xian on the White Jade Road earlier, this was the first time Ji You had truly seen this non-clan holy son of the Xuan Yuan Immortal Mansion. He did indeed resemble Chu He somewhat and was already at the Ying Tian Upper Realm.

Then came Huo Xingzhong, a disciple of the Mountain and Sea Pavilion, who stood in the other courtyard. He was at the mid-stage of the Yingtian realm, with a habitual upward curve at the corners of his mouth and an unfathomable expression, sitting around the crowd.

Besides them, there were also the twin siblings Chen Luo and Chen Xi from the Chen Clan, both at the Upper Realm of Dao Fusion, who were having a meal in their courtyard without saying a word.

On the way, Ji You suddenly thought of a question and turned to look at Gongshu Chou: "I have been in Xianxian Garden for two days and have walked around quite a bit. I have seen the direct disciples of the Immortal Sect, but why haven't I seen any sect leaders or hall masters? Is it that they don't come, or that I am not worthy?"

Gongshu Chou crossed his arms: "Those big shots only appear in the finals, but even if they do, they'll be looking at you, not the other way around."

"They've made it sound quite mysterious."

"Actually, my master should be like that too, but for some reason he came as a personal disciple and even lived in the same courtyard as his disciple."

"You'll know later."

"?"

After Ji You finished speaking, he turned to look at the tall and rough human dojo under the high sky.

He had always been thinking about outliving the old man, but in reality, he had never even seen the old man's face, and always felt that this goal was too unrealistic.

The final of the Tiandao Tournament might be the closest I'll get to him. I wonder if I'll have the chance to check on his health in person.

Ji You came to his senses: "How could Brother Gongshu know so much?"

Gongshu Chou glanced at him: "I've been here once before, as a participant in the Tongxuan Upper Realm."

"five years ago?"

"Fifteen years ago, emmm... I was just a naive young boy back then..."

Ji You couldn't help but open her mouth: "What does the place where the sages proved their Dao look like?"

Gongshu Chou couldn't help but puff out his chest: "Inside is an ancient wasteland, carrying the aura of the Primordial Era. The spiritual energy is rich, and the immortal path is magnificent. One year here is equivalent to ten years of cultivation."

"What kind of miraculous power allows a cultivator to achieve in one year what would take ten?"

"I do not know."

"?"

"I lost before the finals, I was just listening to other people's nonsense."

Ji You's lips twitched slightly: "That makes sense. If you put the same effort into writing novels into cultivation, you would have entered the inner realm long ago."

Gongshu Chou glanced at him and thought to himself, "Why do you think I write novels? It's because I've hit a bottleneck and can't improve my skills, so I enhance my own reputation by defeating my former opponents."

Ji You nodded and continued to follow. When they entered the last courtyard, a slight smile crept onto her lips.

The most powerful and aloof beauty sat there, her eyes and brows carrying an air of disdain and indifference, as if she were detached from the world and had nothing in her heart. But no one knew that when she made a kiss, her plump toes liked to rub together.

Yan Shuyi had just met a group of family heads, and when they arrived, she glanced at them indifferently.

Prince Chong, Princess Chang Le, and the other two princesses were all somewhat surprised, because Ding Yao had clearly said "let's try" but had actually brought them in without announcing their arrival, as if Ding Yao knew that the appraiser would definitely see them.

The four men looked on with reverence and then stepped forward to pay their respects.

Only Wei Rui stood there, her eyes filled with timidity and confusion.

When Wei Rui first met Yan Shuyi, she was also arrogant, but not as aloof as she would later become. She would even act coquettishly sometimes, which was completely different from how she was now, giving Wei Rui a sense of unfamiliarity and uncertainty.

This is actually just like Ji You's evaluation of Yan Shuyi. The way she appears as the appraiser and the way she is in everyday life are like twin sisters with the same face but completely different personalities.

Now, Yan Shuyi made Wei Rui feel a sense of oppression.

However, at that moment, Yan Shuyi suddenly winked at her, which instantly put Wei Rui at ease.

That's wonderful! It's still my sister Yan, the sister-in-law who will be marrying someone from the same place in the future.

Yan Shuyi then raised her eyes and looked at everyone: "I just met some people and I happen to be a little hungry. Would you like to stay and have a meal together?"

King Chong slightly opened his eyes, somewhat flattered.

Ding Yao glanced at the appraiser and thought to herself, "Is this a special feast prepared just to have dinner with someone?"

(End of this chapter)