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Chapter 233 Cangwu Dojo
The following morning, a gentle breeze was blowing.

Countless cultivators emerged from the garden, heading towards the nine major arenas in the dim morning light, some to participate in the battle, others to watch.

After washing up, the students from Tianshu Academy left the academy and headed to Jingyang Dojo together.

He Lingxiu has a duel here today, and the old man named Lin Hong also has a duel at Jingyang Dojo today.

Many people already knew about his breakthrough to the Heavenly Realm on the spot, and his undisguised ambition had been the subject of much discussion.

Therefore, not only people from the Heavenly Academy, but also people from other immortal sects and aristocratic families flocked to the area, including many elderly figures with gray hair and beards.

Add to that the people who don't participate but love to join in the fun, and the entire Jingyang Dojo is overflowing with people, with no room left for even one more person.

Even so, people still rushed to the scene one after another. When they found that they could not enter, they took flight and landed on the eight stone walls of the hunting grounds.

Jingyang Dojo has become the most popular of the nine dojos.

Even Princess Zhao Yunyue of Chang Le arrived early and mingled among the crowd.

Liu Junchi also has a duel here today. She came to watch the battle and also thought of taking this opportunity to get closer to the disciples of Lingjian Mountain.

At the same time, she also wanted to see this cultivator named Lin Hong who had broken through to the next realm on the spot, as well as other incredibly profound battles in the Fusion Realm.

In stark contrast to the overcrowded Jingyang Dojo, the Cangwu Dojo was quiet and serene.

Because the first round of the Cangwu Dojo consisted of battles between minor families at the Tongxuan Realm, there were no particularly noteworthy individuals. Apart from the families of the two opposing sides sending representatives, there were no other onlookers.

The Miao clan of Yuzhou, the Han clan of Liangzhou, the Xiang clan of Yunzhou...

Most of them were newly established families with a history of over a hundred years, and their foundations were not deep. After several rounds, not to mention the passed-down techniques, even exquisite moves were rarely seen.

Even though some people came to the Cangwu Dojo to watch the battle, they all left almost entirely after the fight.

This atmosphere continued until the afternoon, when the Cangwu Dojo gradually began to fill up with more people after the five battles ended.

The first person to enter was a woman whose face was veiled by a light gauze. She was slender and exuded a cold and dignified aura that made people afraid to look directly at her.

Even if some people look up and stare straight ahead, they feel as if there is a hazy layer in front of them, making it difficult to see clearly.

Accompanying him were two women, who were not wearing fairy robes, but only ordinary dresses.

Instead of sitting in the usual audience seats, they walked around the arena and entered the viewing tower next to the Cangwu Dojo, where they took their seats on the second floor.

The small families gathered at the Cangwu Dojo had never even seen the highest-ranking rulers of the Qingyun World, let alone the heads of ancient families. But they knew very well that those who could go up to the viewing tower to watch the battle were no ordinary people.

"Master of Appraisal".

"You should still call for a lady when you're out, so as not to attract attention."

"Yes, Miss, does the young master know that we've come to watch his duel today?"

Yan Shuyi raised her eyes slightly after hearing this: "I was just a little bored in my room, so I came out for a stroll. I happened to pass by the Cangwu Dojo and decided to stop by to watch the duel between the second sons of the collateral branch of the Hua family in Lingzhou. What does it have to do with him?"

Upon hearing this, Zhuo Wanqiu couldn't help but cough, thinking to herself, "You probably don't even know the name of the second son of the fancy collateral branch."

Moreover, as far as she knew... although the second son of the Huashi branch did indeed fight at the Cangwu Dojo, that fight had already ended this morning.

The appraiser wasn't averse to the term "son-in-law" at all, but insisted on saying it was just a coincidence. It seems Young Master Ji was right; the appraiser really is a proud and stubborn person who wants to see her husband but still has to pretend otherwise.

Thinking of this, Zhuo Wanqiu couldn't help but recall last night.

At that time, her master returned to the small building with a cold expression, and then arrogantly entered the room. When she went in to bring her tea, she found that she was sitting on the bed staring at her feet, her toes twitching involuntarily, and she didn't even notice her coming in.

She thought to herself, and couldn't help but glance at Ding Yao beside her.

At this moment, Ding Yao was looking at the round platform opposite her, her expression slightly solemn.

The main reason is that Ji You has been too relaxed these past few days, which makes her feel a little uncertain.

Just like what she muttered last night, those who can participate in the Heavenly Dao Society are no ordinary people.

After them arrived at the Cangwu Dojo, Yu Shiliu, a disciple of the Heavenly Academy.

She arrived at the Cangwu Dojo, found a relatively quiet spot to sit down, and then began to sit quietly and wait.

The senior brothers and sisters either had competitions or had opponents they were interested in, while Wang Gaocen and Gu Zetao were more focused on the three Tongxuan who had broken through to the Dao realm.

But for some reason, she was more curious about Ji You's match, so she came all the way from Jingyang Dojo.

Actually, her thoughts were somewhat similar to Ding Yao's. She felt that Ji You didn't seem to care much about the Heavenly Dao Assembly's duel, which made her even more curious about his performance in this first battle.

Around the same time as Yu Shiliu, three other women also arrived.

They sat in seats closer to the entrance of the dojo, with servants setting up tea tables and serving tea and snacks around them.

The woman sitting on the left had her hair piled high, adorned with several purple hairpins, and wore a gold-embroidered blouse and skirt. Her eyes were indifferent, and she had the air of a wealthy noblewoman.

If Ji You were already there, he would recognize her as the woman who had been scrutinizing him at the Gathering of Immortals that day—Madam Lu, the mother of Lu Hanyan and Lu Qingqiu.

The other woman who came with her was dressed in equally magnificent attire; she was the lady of the Rong family in Yunzhou.

The Rong family is also a powerful family with considerable influence within the Ling Shi Chamber of Commerce. Their status is only slightly lower than that of the Lu and Ding families, making them the third most powerful family in the family.

The Spirit Stone Merchant Guild in Yunzhou is a community of shared interests. Regardless of any undercurrents of power struggles and conflicts within it, the relationship between the ladies is still excellent.

The Rong family came to the Heavenly Dao Assembly because their members wanted to watch the battle.

Madam Rong wasn't particularly interested in duels between cultivators. After all, she was a woman. Although she had cultivated in her early years, she gradually gave it up after having children and had remained at the Condensation Realm for many years.

The reason she came with her family was simply because she felt it was a rare opportunity to get out and about and be with her sisters.

Madam Rong had made an appointment with her sisters yesterday to go for a stroll today.

It is said that there was a highly skilled painter in Zhongxing County who could paint portraits so lifelike that he could capture the essence of a person with just a few strokes.

She had originally planned to invite the painter to paint some portraits of her sisters in this scenic Xianxian Garden, so that she could take them home and frame them, but before she could even leave the house, Madam Lu had pulled her here.

Sitting next to her was Madam Wang from the Wang family of Yunzhou. Her family background was basically the same as Madam Rong's, and their purposes for coming to the Heavenly Dao Society were also similar. They had also been suddenly pulled here by Madam Lu.

Looking at the sparsely populated and silent Cangwu Dojo, Madam Rong couldn't help but frown slightly: "The sun is perfect for an outing today. I wonder why Madam Lu suddenly changed her mind and dragged us sisters here?"

Madam Wang, who was standing nearby, had the same question in mind, and couldn't help but look at Madam Lu along with Madam Rong.

"I've come here today to have you accompany me to see someone."

"?"

Madam Rong and Madam Wang looked somewhat bewildered: "It seems that none of your Lu family members are participating in today's duel."

Madam Lu nodded after hearing this: "No, but there is Ji You, a disciple of the Heavenly Academy who came from a rural private school in Fengzhou."

"So it's him?"

Madam Wang and Madam Rong parted their lips slightly, and their brows furrowed slightly.

Although they have stayed at home to take care of their husbands and children and have not paid much attention to outside affairs in recent years, they have still heard of Ji You's name.

The reason is none other than the Snowfield Demon Stone.

After the demon race entered the Nine Provinces to trade, the Snowfield Demon Stones dealt a huge blow to Yunzhou's business.

The Spirit Stone Merchants Association of Yunzhou originally intended to restrict the transportation of Snowfield Demon Stones by the Sixian Bureau, but unexpectedly, the Sixian Bureau contacted Ji You and changed the route to Fengzhou.

These women may be indifferent to other things, but they are naturally aware of their own business.

Madam Rong frowned slightly: "What is the reason for Madam Lu's special trip to see him?"

"Naturally, daughters cannot stay at home once they grow up."

"?"

Madam Lu turned to look at them: "As you know, both of my daughters are at the Heavenly Academy. When I went to visit them this time, I found that my second daughter seems to have feelings for Ji You, and my husband seems to be very satisfied with him as well."

Madam Rong and Madam Wang exchanged a glance, thinking that if that were the case, it would be a good thing.

The Spirit Stone Merchant Guild raised transportation taxes in an attempt to seize control of the Snowfield Demon Stones, but they were ultimately outmaneuvered by the Imperial Observatory. However, if Ji You later becomes the son-in-law of the Lu family, then they will naturally be on equal footing, and controlling the Spirit Stones will become a natural outcome.

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang couldn't help but chuckle: "No wonder Madam Lu has lost interest in sightseeing; it turns out she's here to see her son-in-law."

"Son-in-law?" Madam Lu sneered. "How could I possibly be so fortunate as to have Ji You as my son-in-law?"

Madam Wang was taken aback upon hearing this: "Madam Lu seems to have a hidden meaning in her words?"

Madam Lu clasped her hands together on her lap: "This Ji You is quite arrogant."

"?"

"Actually, I look down on this kind of rural private repairman, but my daughter likes it and my husband agrees. As a woman, I can't go against her wishes. So I thought I would take a good look at him and interrogate him. But who knew that he didn't even come in the end, and he only wrote a few words in his letter of refusal."

Although the Lu family is not of high overall status, they are a powerful family in Yunzhou. Madam Lu has never left Yunzhou in her life, so she naturally has a kind of pride and arrogance in her bones.

In her view, the Lu family had become a century-old family, and had made friends from all directions through the business of spirit stones. Moreover, the daughter in the family was exceptionally talented.

Ji You should have been secretly pleased to be able to marry him, but he never expected him to be so arrogant, so he was naturally unhappy.

Madam Wang and Madam Rong frowned upon hearing this: "That's what he shouldn't have done, but since he's so arrogant, why did Madam Lu come all this way specifically for him?"

Madam Lu's expression darkened slightly: "I saw him at the banquet earlier, but my husband was also there, so there were some things that were not convenient to say. I am here today to make it clear to him that whether or not we get married is up to the Lu family, not something he can do as he pleases."

After hearing this, Madam Wang nodded gently: "That is how it should be done."

Madam Rong nodded in agreement: "Then who fought him today?"

Madam Lu frowned slightly: "I have no interest in this kind of cultivation battle. I haven't asked clearly yet, but it seems to be someone from the Tang family in Zhongzhou."

"Tang Jingming?"

"Does Madam Rong know her?"

"The younger brother of the Tang family patriarch and my cousin were once fellow cultivators. I have also heard of Tang Jingming. I heard that he awakened his spiritual power relatively late and failed to enter the Immortal Sect, but his subsequent cultivation was steady and solid. It is said that after he reached the perfection of the lower three realms, his cultivation became faster and faster, as if all nine orifices were open."

Mrs. Wang was somewhat surprised after hearing this: "He doesn't seem to be a simple person either."

Madam Rong nodded after hearing this: "The kind of person whose strength is greater than their reputation. If Ji You underestimates his opponent, he may be in trouble."

"That'll be interesting to see..."

Just as the three ladies were whispering among themselves, the Tang family members appeared from the entrance and entered the room as the sun was setting.

Looking around, a group of more than ten people, all dressed in fine clothes and exuding an air of arrogance, walked along the opposite platform to the south side and took their seats.

Leading the way was a young man with a jeweled crown and jade belt, eight feet tall, holding a long sword. After taking his seat, he began to sit quietly and meditate.

He is Tang Jingming, the son of the Tang family.

Sitting to his left and right were the head of the Tang family, his younger brother, relatives, and friends.

However, following closely behind the Tang family was a beautiful young woman named Huang Rou.

She came from the Huang family of Zhongzhou and was a close friend of Qiu Hanyue.

The reason she came here was because she and Tang Jingming, the son of the Tang family, were childhood sweethearts, and she came specifically to watch his duel.

Actually, she didn't know at first that Tang Jingming's opponent was Ji You. She only found out this morning when she overheard the Tang family chatting, and she was quite surprised at the time.

In one's life, one will meet countless strangers, most of whom one will only meet once and will never have the chance to meet again.

For Huang Rou, the same applies to her close friend who doesn't want to get married.

To her surprise, she heard news about Ji You several times in just two days, which was quite astonishing.

Huang Rou's talent for cultivation was not high. She was rather demure and rarely went out, so she didn't know much about the affairs of the world and was naturally unfamiliar with a strange man far away in the Heavenly Academy.

He only learned about it after hearing that the Qiu family wanted to arrange for Qiu Hanyue to marry him.

I heard that Ji You was admitted to the Heavenly Academy through special admission. Before that, she went to the Demon Clan with the human delegation and fought against both the barbarians and the demons. She was injured but survived.

Women are all like this; they have very little mind and don't care about the world's affairs.

Even if they knew that the human race was on a mission to the snowy region, they wouldn't be interested in figuring out what it was about, let alone the details.

Huang Rou is actually considered quite good; her vision and perspective are broader than that of ordinary women. Some of her close female friends are not as good as her, as they only focus on their own immediate surroundings.

After taking her seat, Huang Rou looked at the Tang family members sitting diagonally across from her and couldn't help but start to think carefully.

In her opinion, Ji You and Tang Jingming were at the same level, and the difference in their combat strength should not be significant.

Tang Jingming came from a prestigious family, which naturally gave him an edge over private cultivators in the countryside, as the resources of a powerful immortal family were far beyond what an individual could possess.

However, Ji You is a disciple of the Immortal Sect, which gives him an edge over Tang Jingming.

On the other hand, Tang Jingming's second uncle was once an inner disciple of the Xuan Yuan Immortal Mansion. After leaving the mansion, he personally taught Tang Jingming. In fact, he was not much different from a proper immortal disciple.

After careful consideration, Huang Rou felt that the gap between the two was not very large, but Tang Jingming should be slightly better and had a chance of winning, although a tough battle was probably inevitable.

I heard that the matches this morning were all like this, because the opponents were not very strong, and it took almost three full matches to determine a winner.

After thinking for a while, Huang Rou couldn't help but raise her head, thinking that she should have brought Han Yue over today.

However... she just escaped an unwanted marriage, so even if she knew, she probably wouldn't come.

At this time, the sun began to set, and the summer breeze picked up slightly.

Just as everyone was chatting idly, Ji You, holding an iron sword and bathed in the slanting sunlight, arrived and entered the Cangwu Dojo along the white marble path.

His hair was neatly styled and his clothes were clean. Although he did not have the air of a noble young master like Tang Jingming, he had a refined and scholarly air about him.

However, he didn't dress up elaborately specifically for this battle. He had been training his body since early morning and took a bath after sweating profusely.

He did not come alone; he was followed by Cao Jingsong, Ban Yangshu, Wen Zhengxin, Pei Ruyi, and Wen Siyuan, the disciple in charge of his affairs.

After crossing the stone steps leading to the entrance of the Cangwu Dojo, Ji You and the others began to look around as they walked.

In fact, the only difference between the nine major arenas is their names; their interiors are exactly the same, surrounded by eight stone walls, with the dueling arena in the center. The material is similar to the Ascension Jade Platform of the Heavenly Academy.

Looking around, Ji You saw the Tang family members and many other people she didn't recognize.

During this time, his gaze swept past Huang Rou, but he did not remember who she was.

Finally, he saw Yu Shiliu and reacted, but only nodded slightly to her.

Cao Jingsong and his three companions looked around, then exchanged a few words with Ji You before parting ways and heading to the audience seats.

Only Ji You and Wen Siyuan did not stop, and together they walked to the waiting area opposite the round platform.

"This Tang Jingming rarely goes out, but his strength is genuine. He is considered a talented person among the aristocratic families and is skilled with two long swords."

"In the Tang family lineage, the patriarch's younger brother has entered the Immortal Sect and has already reached the Yingtian Realm. Therefore, some people in Zhongzhou still have high hopes for Tang Jingming."

That's the basic information; nothing else.

"Furthermore, even if most of the scions of aristocratic families are not as good as those from immortal sects, otherwise they would have already entered the academy and could have participated in the Heavenly Dao Assembly. Those who are not just empty names would not be the ones who are famous in name only."

Wen Siyuan and Ji You headed to the waiting area, pointing at Tang Jingming across the street as they walked and talking.

He was extremely responsible; before Ji You's duel even began, he had been investigating his opponent's information and had revealed everything he knew.

After he finished speaking, he saw Ji You nod slightly, but he did not express any opinion or ask any further questions.

For example, he didn't ask what kind of long sword it was, or what kind of martial arts techniques the Tang family had passed down through generations. He simply stood in the waiting area for a while and stared at the round platform for a long time.

"The material used for this round platform in the training ground looks so familiar. Is it the same as the Jade Platform for Ascension to Immortality in my Heavenly Academy?"

"should be."

(End of this chapter)