Chapter 460: Peril

“Master Zhang!”

Before long, Ji Fu and a group of Reincarnators emerged, a few fewer in number, their expressions varied, yet all bore traces of terror.

“How is the situation inside?”

Zhang Tianxiang asked immediately.

“Huang Gongzi showed us the idol. It radiated bloody light and malevolent aura, definitely an evil deity. As soon as we expressed our intent to destroy it, it immediately acted malevolently… Fortunately, we had talismans given by Master Zhang’s Daoist priest, which allowed us to eliminate the evil deity in one fell swoop!”

Ji Fu’s expression was quite grim. In the recent battle, his losses were the heaviest. Moreover, an unfortunate fellow was pounced upon by the evil deity and had his soul essence and blood completely drained.

“Is that so…”

Zhang Tianxiang mused, tightening his grip on the talisman hidden within his sleeve.

…

Time flows like water; years pass like a shuttle.

Before long, a month had passed. The scholars from Qingzhu Prefecture traveled together toward the imperial capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

This capital, known as Xijing, was a strategically important location, surrounded by passes and gorges, linking the east and west, with vast plains nearby, making it a land of abundance.

Xijing was a place of splendid treasures and expensive goods. Some scholars settled there for years, devoting themselves fully to preparing for the imperial examinations, yet remained as poor as ever.

Zhang Tianxiang’s group of scholars, however, had studied diligently in their hometowns but still needed to set out months, sometimes even half a year, in advance. A group of seven scholars, together with servants and attendants, formed a large caravan.

At the same time, Ji Fu and the other Reincarnators also received an escort mission and naturally disguised themselves as estate guards and servants, following within the caravan.

“Boss… we can’t miss this chance of the scholars heading to the capital!”

In a few corners, the Reincarnators were gathered together, beginning their secret discussion.

“Of course not!”

Ji Fu’s expression was solemn: “On this westward journey, there are three major dangers: bear monsters, female ghosts, and the notorious bandit swordsman, Chi Jing’er… these are the three major opportunities! Among them, Chi Jing’er should possess a sword manual, and the flying sword he wields is a human-tier magical artifact!”

“A human-tier magical artifact? Somehow, I find the cultivation of the Dao in this Great Zhou Dynasty quite strange…”

Another Reincarnator interjected.

Ji Fu felt the same way.

In the world of Great Zhou, the practice of Daoism placed the utmost importance on refining the mind. One had to adhere to strict daily precepts and discipline, cultivate physical strength, and nurture magical energy before advancing to the rank of ordained Daoist priests, gradually progressing to the levels of Fashi (法师) and Zhenren (真人).

But this world of *Journey to the West* was different. It followed the path of Qi cultivators, divided into stages such as Qi Condensing, Foundation Building, Gangsha Coalescence, and Danyuan Union—completely beyond his imagination.

“Perhaps… my soul injury, which cannot be healed in the main world, might find a solution here?”

“Although that sword manual is only at the lowest level of Qi Condensing, and the artifact is merely a human-tier, not a terrestrial or celestial-grade treasure, it’s still extremely valuable…”

Ji Fu’s eyes gleamed with ambition. Suddenly, he spoke loudly: “I will discuss with the leaders of the other two teams, offer some benefits, or even abandon the gains from the first two monsters, and concentrate our forces on Chi Jing’er!”

As for the sword manual, he could copy it himself. The only thing he truly coveted was that flying sword, which had reached the level of a human-tier magical artifact!

“Although this item is far from the treasures and rare artifacts that appear later, it’s still a ranked item. In the original story, someone obtained this sword and gained a great opportunity, becoming a significant character early on. This time, it will be mine…”

Ji Fu mused silently.

【Ding!】

At this moment, a prompt sound from the Temple of the Overlords suddenly rang in the ears of all the Reincarnators.

【Warning! Warning!】

【Your exploration level of the Great Zhou’s Xiyu Ji has increased. This world has now entered its second act, and restrictions on supernatural powers will be further lifted. Please proceed with caution!】

【You have triggered a side mission—Protection!】

【Mission Description: The caravan is about to pass through Heifeng Ridge and will be attacked by the Heifeng bear demon. You must protect any three scholars and ensure their survival.】

【Mission success grants 500 minor merits. No penalty for failure!】

…

Ji Fu’s face turned deathly pale in an instant: “Supernatural powers… being unlocked?”

He was also well-versed in the story of the Great Zhou’s Xiyu Ji. Immediately recalling the entire plot, he thought: “This storytelling starts with mundane affairs, where martial prowess alone allows one to dominate. But in the middle chapters, immortals and demons emerge together—cultivators of Qi, sword immortals, and various monsters appear… and by the end, even the Three Ancient Gods and Five Sect Patriarchs will show up…”

“Damn… why does the most complete version of this Xiyu Ji available on the market only reach the middle or late chapters, with no final chapters!”

At this point, the deep unease in his heart made him hate the author’s deliberate omissions to the extreme.

But before he could react and devise countermeasures, a startling bear roar came from Heifeng Ridge…

…

“Xijing… finally arrived…”

When this battered caravan saw the wide and majestic walls of Xijing, Ji Fu almost shed tears.

What a perilous journey!

Recalling the hardships along the way, even the experienced carriage driver found it unbelievable, thinking that the caravan’s safe arrival was truly due to divine protection.

After all, not every traveler on a distant journey would encounter monsters on the road, let alone several waves of them!

Under such attacks, the original caravan had mostly scattered, with most members either dead or fled. Only about a dozen people remained who had followed all the way here, including one scholar who was severely injured, causing great trouble. Zhang Tianxiang and others were repeatedly questioned by the authorities and nearly missed the imperial examination registration period.

At this moment, Ji Fu finally understood a truth.

The opportunities and blessings described in the storytelling are not things one can simply pick up; they inevitably come at a heavy cost!

“You all go find a place to stay first!”

Zhang Tianxiang and others, covered in dust and looking disheveled, hurriedly headed for the Ministry of Rites. If they were even a day later, they might miss the registration deadline, and all their efforts would be in vain.

Of course, Ji Fu thought that apart from Zhang Tianxiang, the other scholars had been so frightened along the way that it was already a miracle they could still speak. Passing the imperial examination was nothing more than a dream.

“Follow Master’s instructions and go directly to the Sihai Guildhall!”

Ji Fu looked at his weary subordinates and immediately issued the order.

Xijing was the core of the Great Zhou Empire, where the government maintained strict control. He certainly did not want to cause any trouble.

Ji Fu’s eyes were deep and contemplative as he patted the item in his bosom.

Inside, a small red sword lay quietly, occasionally flashing a glimmer of spiritual light.

Staying in Xijing was not easy. Various regions had established guildhalls in Xijing specifically for fellow townspeople to reside. Upon hearing that they were family members of scholars coming to take the imperial examination, the guildhall manager hurriedly and enthusiastically cleared out several courtyards and helped them settle in their furniture.

Ji Fu indulged in a good hot bath, washing away the fatigue of the journey. Then, wearing cloth shoes with a thousand soles and a light robe, he wanted to fully appreciate the scenery of Xijing.

This mission was strange, the journey perilous, which gave him a bad premonition.

Only when facing death could one truly appreciate the value of life and survival!

“Brother up ahead!”

The scenery of Xijing was indeed different from Qingzhu Prefecture. Twelve main streets spiraled outward, the houses neatly arranged like a chessboard. The streets were lined with shops, displaying rare and exotic goods from all over.

Even golden-haired, blue-eyed foreign merchants could be seen, accompanied by passionate and alluring foreign dancing girls, making Ji Fu glance at them more than once.

Just as he arrived at a foreign merchant’s shop, thinking whether to enter and feast his eyes, someone suddenly patted his shoulder.

He immediately tensed, looked at the person, and his pupils constricted.

The man smiled and walked ahead first. Ji Fu hesitated for a moment, then followed.

The two quickly weaved through the alleys of Xijing and soon arrived at a secluded spot.

“Greetings, Big Brother. It’s been a few days. Has Big Brother been well lately?”

The man removed his wide-brimmed hat, revealing a young face with slightly frosty hair and a pale yellow complexion, appearing somewhat overburdened with thoughts.

“It’s really you… Xin Jue!”

Ji Fu inhaled deeply and called out the name he deeply respected and feared.

“Haha… I never expected you to remember me, big brother!”

Xin Jue laughed heartily, “It’s not just me—Third Aunt is here too! We first met in the Records of the Western Regions of the Great Zhou, and now we’ve crossed paths again on this mission in this world. It must be fate!”

“I’m afraid it’s mostly a doomed fate!”

Ji Fu’s eyes were deep and unfathomable: “Why don’t you go see Zhang Tianxiang? With the foundation you laid last time, you should be able to gain his trust quickly, right?”

“Brother, you should know that I have been here since the very beginning…”

Xin Jue spread his hands helplessly: “And we started much later than you, so we had no choice but to bury ourselves in completing missions in Xijing…”

Indeed, there is a difference!

Ji Fu’s pupils contracted sharply, his hand already slipping into his chest pocket.

Haha… Don’t worry, big brother!

Seeing this, Xin Jue laughed heartily and said, “I have a guess about your mission, brother—it must be something like escort duty. I can assure you, there’s no conflict between our groups…”

Oh? Really?

Ji Fu’s expression softened slightly, but the pressure from his palm showed no sign of easing.

I know you won’t believe me even if I say it now, big brother…

Xin Jue forced a bitter smile, then his expression turned solemn again as he spoke with grave emphasis, “Little brother, I came here today because there is something I must tell you. Some monks, along with a few foreign forces, seem to be paying close attention to your group—or rather… they seem particularly interested in Zhang Tianxiang!”

Have you arrived?

Ji Fu narrowed his eyes slightly.

You and I should know that those monks and Hu people come with ill intentions, right?

Xin Jue gave a faint smile. “If we join forces to reverse Zhang Tianxiang’s fate, the benefits would be self-evident! What do you think, Brother?”

“I refuse…”

Had it not been for this experience, Ji Fu might have been somewhat swayed by Xin Jue’s persuasion, but now he answered without the slightest hesitation.

He has been sticking to the main direction throughout this journey, yet even attempting to alter a few minor subplots resulted in such severe backlash. If he were to directly change Zhang Tianxiang’s fate—wouldn’t that be like asking for a quicker death?

“Oh? It seems big brother has suffered quite a bit of damage this time!”

With a faint smile, he gradually melted into the darkness. “I shall take my leave now, elder brother. If you ever change your mind, you can find me at the Golden Jade Trading Company…”