After a brief moment of sentimentality, Chen Ji and Liu Jingyun headed down the mountain. Upon entering Tianyun City, they had a simple breakfast. During their casual chats, the local townspeople expressed their reluctance to see them leave for their training. A disciple’s journey usually lasted at least a year, and sometimes up to three, before they returned. Since Liu Jingyun and Chen Ji were stuck with an unpredictable master, there was no telling when they would be back unless they were summoned by Tian Jizi.
Once they had eaten their fill, they found a merchant ship about to leave the port. It was only after boarding that Chen Ji remembered they did not have a single copper on them because Hai Yangzi had plundered all their silver. Fortunately, Chen Ji was well acquainted with the ship’s owner and was allowed to work off the passage fee.
After three days at sea, Chen Ji and Liu Jingyun disembarked at a port. Since they were traveling for experience, they had no specific destination and chose instead to wander aimlessly wherever the path led them.
The port where they landed was in a city called Qingyun City. While Qingyun City did not fall under the direct protection of the Tianyun Sect, it was the first major port downstream from Tianyun City. Due to its heavy trade, the city was quite prosperous.
Having spent three days on the ship eating nothing but steamed buns and pickles due to their lack of funds, their first priority upon landing was to head to the river to catch some fish for a decent meal. Liu Jingyun offered to catch fish using immortal arts, but Chen Ji insisted there was no fun in that because a fish caught on a hook always tasted better.
The two made two simple fishing rods. Fish bit Chen Ji’s hook one after another, while Liu Jingyun failed to get a single bite. Eventually, Chen Ji chased him off to go boil the water and prepare the fire.
Being outdoors with nothing but the basics, they could only make simple grilled fish. Before long, the aroma filled the air, and Chen Ji lost interest in fishing. Even with only a sprinkle of salt, the grilled fish tasted wonderful, leading Chen Ji to praise Liu Jingyun’s culinary skills.
The afternoon sun felt warm against them. After filling his stomach, the warmth made Chen Ji drowsy. He lay comfortably on the grass and was just about to close his eyes for a nap when he suddenly heard the sound of an argument.
“You are completely obsessed! I told you that girl is no good. Why do you still go there every day?”
“Sijian, you do not know Miaoyin’s character. Do not be so biased against her. Miaoyin is truly a kind woman.”
“Why should I care about the character of a courtesan? All I know is that every man who meets her becomes obsessed, and they eventually end up bedridden and paralyzed at home.”
“That is slander! Those are just rumors started by the wives of those men.”
“I think it is the truth! Li Sukang, you used to read nothing but the classics of sages, but ever since you met that woman, your head is filled with nothing but lust! We agreed to take the imperial exams together to bring honor to our ancestors. Have you forgotten?”
“Taking the exams was always what my mother wanted, not me. Studying is too exhausting. I want to do what I actually enjoy.”
“You! Li Sukang!”
“Sijian, if you only came here to tell me this, I have nothing more to say. I am going home.”
“Li Sukang, leave if you dare! Without the silver my family gives you, let us see where you find the money to visit that vixen!”
Chen Ji lay on the ground and rested his chin in his hands as he watched the two young men arguing nearby. They looked to be about seventeen or eighteen years old, but the subject of their argument was quite scandalous.
Chen Ji clicked his tongue. He had never been to a brothel in his life, yet this young man was already a regular and was even willing to break off a friendship over a beautiful woman. Chen Ji finally understood why Hai Yangzi loved wandering the world because he also wanted to see beautiful ladies.
“What are you looking at?”
One of the men noticed Chen Ji and Liu Jingyun’s gaze and turned to ask angrily.
Chen Ji replied, “Little brother, I feel for you. You treat your friend with total sincerity, yet his heart is only set on a girl.”
Hearing this, Liang Sijian’s mouth trembled, and his eyes immediately filled with tears. “That bastard Li Sukang! We promised to achieve fame together, but now he wants nothing because of a courtesan. That woman must be some kind of fox demon enchanting people’s hearts. I am going to the Tianyun Sect to find someone to exorcise her!”
“Look no further!”
Chen Ji stood up excitedly and pointed to himself and Liu Jingyun. “The two of us are disciples of the Tianyun Sect.”
Liang Sijian looked at them doubtfully. “You are Tianyun Sect disciples?”
Chen Ji and Liu Jingyun were wearing their casual clothes. After being attacked by an unknown Ghost King, wearing the sect uniform would attract too much unwanted attention. They followed Hai Yangzi’s advice to wear ordinary clothes.
“My junior brother and I are traveling for experience. Our master said the sect uniform would bring us too much convenience, so he told us to wear ordinary clothes. If you do not believe us, Jingyun, show this young master a move.”
Chen Ji patted Liu Jingyun’s chest.
Liu Jingyun asked, “What should I show him?”
“Just knock down that willow tree.”
Liu Jingyun looked at the nearby tree. Without doing much, he simply swiped two fingers toward it. With a loud crack, the willow tree fell to the ground.
“That was just a small display. Our Jingyun has many more talents. Young master, if you hire us, we will definitely investigate whether the person who stole your friend’s soul is a fox demon,” Chen Ji said flatteringly.
Hearing Chen Ji say “Our Jingyun,” Liu Jingyun’s thin lips curled into a tiny, subtle smile.
Liang Sijian looked at the fallen tree in surprise and asked again, “Are you really Tianyun Sect disciples?”
Chen Ji replied, “One hundred percent real!”
“Fine! If you can deal with that fox demon, I will give you a hundred taels of silver!” Liang Sijian declared grandly.
A mission to deal with a fox demon usually paid twenty or thirty taels at most. A hundred taels would be enough for Chen Ji and Liu Jingyun to live comfortably for quite a while.
“The young master is generous! Where is this fox demon? Tell us, and we will deal with her right now!”
“Wait a moment. Their establishment only opens at night. Tonight after dark, meet me at the entrance of the Hundred Fragrance Pavilion. I will take you inside,” Liang Sijian said.
Chen Ji nodded repeatedly. “Of course, young master. No problem at all.”
Liang Sijian’s expression softened, and he asked, “What are your names?”
“I am Chen Ji, and this is my junior brother, Liu Jingyun.”
“Chen Ji? You are Chen Ji?”
Chen Ji was stunned. “Young master, you know me?”
“Yes. I heard from friends in Tianyun City that there is a disciple in the Tianyun Sect whose abilities are mediocre but who loves making friends with the locals. So it is you. That explains why you were bold enough to strike up a conversation with me.” Liang Sijian nodded as if he finally understood.
Chen Ji felt extremely embarrassed. He had not expected to be famous in Tianyun City, let alone have his name known in Qingyun City. He just wished his reputation was for something more impressive.
Liang Sijian had other things to attend to, so he left after agreeing on the meeting place. Once he was out of sight, Liu Jingyun lightly tapped Chen Ji’s shoulder.
“A-Ji.”
“What is it?”
“Have you considered something? If that woman is not a fox demon but simply beautiful and your young master’s friend is just overwhelmed by lust, what should we do?”