Chapter 328: Skillful Calligraphy

The Dragon Daughter’s anger flared, causing everything, from the sea breeze to the ocean waves, to grow even more tumultuous.

A wisp of mist began to rise near the horizon, seemingly turbulent. At this moment, a wisp of the Old Dragon’s spiritual consciousness appeared like a mirage within this mist, but his emotional state was quite similar to his daughter’s.

No matter what their relationship was like now, she was still the Old Dragon’s wife. Moreover, she had conceived Ying Ruoli and Ying Feng even before he transformed into a True Dragon. The bonds they once shared were etched into his very bones; how could he possibly forget?

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General Giant Whale sensed the impact of the surrounding waves, his massive body bobbing up and down in the seawater, and likewise grumbled in agreement, his voice filled with hatred.

“Her Highness is absolutely right! That vile demonic dragon is simply courting death! How dare he provoke the Lady Mother! If only my cultivation weren’t so shallow, I would have killed him long ago! “

“Hmph, even if Mo Rong isn’t here, I am! What kind of tactics does that demonic dragon use? How many demonic creatures does he have under his command? Never mind, don’t tell me. Take me there immediately! I’ll never let him go, even if it costs me my life! “

Ying Ruoli was indeed furious, but even in her rage, her words weren’t thoughtless. She knew she might not be able to persuade her father, but Uncle Ji was right beside her, and if he heard her say this, there was a high likelihood that he would help.

From the Dragon Daughter’s perspective, between her father and Uncle Ji, as long as one of them was willing to act, there was absolutely no chance of failure. Although she didn’t want to drag Uncle Ji into the karma of her family’s domestic affairs, she believed it would be fine to borrow some strength from him.

As expected, hearing Ying Ruoli declare she would fight to the death, Ji Yuan grew worried, and couldn’t just stand idly by. To his knowledge, although the Dragon Son Ying Feng was rather impulsive, Ying Ruoli had always been graceful and composed, rarely losing her composure like this. One could easily make mistakes in such circumstances, so he couldn’t just ignore it.

“River Goddess, please do not be rash. Since the other party is an evil flood dragon from beyond the Desolate Sea, and dares to harass your respected mother so persistently, they certainly possess some skill. “

Ying Ruoli took a deep breath to calm herself down, then said to Ji Yuan.

“Uncle Ji, I naturally know there must be some deeper cause, but as her daughter, how can my heart be at ease hearing such a tale? I have a presumptuous request, and I hope Uncle Ji might grant it. Of course, I will not let Uncle Ji bloody his hands! “

Hearing the Dragon Daughter actually call this immortal cultivator “Uncle,” the giant whale in the sea below secretly gasped in amazement.

Ji Yuan’s brows furrowed. After glancing at the giant whale on the surface, he looked directly at Ying Ruoli.

“What is the request? “

Ying Ruoli’s gaze swept towards the immortal sword on Ji Yuan’s back and said.

“I presumptuously dare to ask if I could borrow Uncle Ji’s Green Vine Immortal Sword. My father said that immortal artifacts possess spirits, and the Green Vine Sword is an extremely powerful immortal sword. Its blade has been concealed and its spirit nurtured for many years. If its full brilliance were to be revealed, even my father would be wary of it. I imagine that vile demon wouldn’t be able to withstand more than a few strikes. I implore you, Uncle Ji, please help me! “

The Old Dragon’s spiritual projection bobbed up and down in the mist above the water surface, his heart filled with anxiety.

‘My foolish daughter, the Green Vine Sword can be wielded freely in Ji Yuan’s hands, but can it be in yours? Whether the opponent can withstand it is one matter, but can you truly wield it? ‘

Ji Yuan felt the Green Vine Sword’s faint humming and trembling, evidently not keen on Ying Ruoli’s suggestion.

“Very well, how about this: I will accompany you on this journey. When we encounter that demonic dragon, if you feel he must be eliminated swiftly, I will then lend you the Green Vine Sword. With me by your side, the concealed blade will be more obedient, enabling you to strike with greater ease.”

Immortal artifacts had their own pride, and even the Green Vine Sword, which was deeply attached to Ji Yuan, was no exception. Ji Yuan understood this all too well.

Although there was the opportunity for compromise—for example, Ji Yuan could directly order the Green Vine Sword to guard the Dragon Daughter and strike down anyone she attacked—ultimately, he wouldn’t have felt entirely assured.

The Dragon Daughter did not stand on ceremony, and directly bowed in gratitude.

“Uncle Ji’s willingness to accompany me is simply ideal, I am endlessly grateful! Then, shall we depart immediately? “

Ji Yuan pondered for a moment and looked back towards the land.

“Wait a moment. I will make a trip to the seaside fishing village, then we can set off together. “

With that, Ji Yuan flew towards the land.

The Dragon Daughter thought for a moment, then spoke to the giant whale.

“You wait here for now, and do not wander off. “

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Then Ying Ruoli also flew towards the coast, soon vanishing from sight.

In Pianwan Village, a coastal village in the country of Zuyue, and indeed in all the surrounding villages and townships, a joyous atmosphere filled the air. This wasn’t just because the New Year was approaching, but also because the evil spirits that had plagued the coast for a long time had been driven away, promising a good catch for next year.

This wasn’t just based on what the Taoist priest had said, but also what the fishermen themselves ad confirmed. Some people tried casting their nets and were already sporadically catching some fish. Although it wasn’t many, it was a tremendous improvement compared to how it was in the past.

However, the Zhang family and the Liang family in Qiangang Village remained somewhat somber these past few days.

This was because some time ago, on the night of the exorcism and torch formation, after everyone had retreated to their homes, everyone was accounted for except Mr. Ji.

It seemed unlikely that a stranger from an unfamiliar land would simply disappear on such a night. The possibility of him leaving without a word was slim.

The next day, they mobilized people to search the coast again, but naturally found nothing. Therefore, the Zhang and Liang families, along with the villagers from the surrounding area, all believed Ji Yuan had likely drowned at sea.

In the eyes of both families, this truly counted as dying in a foreign land. They felt a mix of guilt and fear, and even bought joss paper to the coast twice to burn it for him.

However, it was almost New Year after all, and coupled with the widespread optimism for next year’s catches, both families’ worries lessened, and they began to prepare for the New Year.

It was early morning when Ji Yuan returned to Pianwan Village. Zhang Fu and his wife were carrying wooden buckets and holding rags, wiping down their windows and doors, while his father was tidying up the fishing nets in the open space beside the house. Because every household had fishing nets and racks for drying fish, there was a large distance between each house.

Ji Yuan slowly approached, with Ying Ruoli following a few steps behind. The surrounding villagers paid no attention to their arrival. The only exception was when they reached the Zhang family’s doorstep. Zhang Fu had just finished wiping the main door and happened to turn around, then saw Ji Yuan standing right at his doorstep.

“Aaaah!”

“Thump! “

Zhang Fu thought he had seen a ghost and was so frightened that he fell over, dropping his bucket and splashing a puddle of muddy water.

Hearing the sound, Old Zhang also turned around to look, and his heart lurched upon seeing Ji Yuan.

“Old Mr. Zhang, Brother Zhang, do not be afraid.

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I am not a ghost. The morning sun has already risen, I am standing in the sunlight, and there is a shadow beneath my feet. How could I be a ghost! “

The Zhang father and son’s minds were unsettled. They cautiously looked at the ground, and indeed, there was a shadow. Moreover, it was broad daylight, thus it seemed unlikely Ji Yuan was a ghost.

This method of reasoning was actually a popular saying originating from folk tales. It wasn’t entirely accurate, at least not for some powerful ghosts, but it was a shortcut to make them believe.

“Mr. . . Mr. Ji, are you really alright? “

“I’m fine, I’m fine, what could possibly happen to me? It’s just that I was a bit impolite that night; when I saw the monster, I had already run away first, then went straight out of the village, running far away without looking back…”

Ji Yuan spoke with an embarrassed, apologetic expression.

“Later, when I heard that the Taoist priest had exorcised the demon, I felt a little guilty, so I came back to see you all. Otherwise, my conscience would never be at peace. Oh right, is the Liang family also alright? “

“No… no worries…”

Zhang Fu replied instinctively.

Hearing this, Ji Yuan finally smiled and bowed with cupped hands towards the two of them.

“I am relieved that you are well. Thank you for your hospitality these past few days, and thank you for coming back to look for me afterwards!”

“Oh, Sir, you are too kind…?”

“Yes we are also relieved to see that you are alright, sir! “

Ji Yuan’s explanation was indeed quite reasonable and also fit with common human nature. The father and son were truly relieved, offered Ji Yuan a few words of comfort.

“Hmm, I still feel a little guilty. Since I’m about to leave, I wanted to give you all a gift in return…”

Ji Yuan said, carefully choosing his words, but Zhang Fu and Old Zhang hastily declined.

“No need, no need. Sir, you’ve come from afar and are our guest, it’s only right for us to host you. You even helped us set up the torch formation…”

At this moment, the women and children of the Zhang family came out. Zhang Fu then explained a few things to make sure everyone in the family knew that Ji Yuan was still alive.

At this moment, Ji Yuan pretended to have just thought of something, and feigned a sudden realization.

“Oh right! You’re cleaning your homes in preparation for the New Year, aren’t you? “

Ji Yuan glanced at the wooden bucket and rag in Zhang Fu’s hand, and the areas around the Zhang family’s lintel.

“I am not very well-off, and I don’t have anything to offer. Since you are celebrating the New Year, you will certainly need some decorations. How about this: I’ll write a couple of ‘fortune’ characters

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for you and the Liang family. My calligraphy is quite decent, it’s not too bad! “

“This… is this appropriate?”

“That sounds good…”

The Zhang family was somewhat tempted. If Ji Yuan could write, it would save them the trouble of buying them at the market later.

“Perfect, perfect! I have my brush and ink with me, you just need to find two square sheets of red paper! “

“Oh, oh, we have that, we have that! Wife, quickly, find that big red paper we prepared to cut into sections to make red envelopes!”

Zhang Fu quickly instructed his wife, who promptly went into the house to look for it.

Afterward, the Zhang family once again cordially invited Ji Yuan inside for tea.

About fifteen minutes later, two large sheets of red paper were laid out on the square table inside the Zhang family’s house. Beside them was an inkstone with freshly ground ink. Ji Yuan held a thick brush in his hand.

The brush in Ji Yuan’s hand was a genuine wolf-hair brush. In these past few years on the island, in of enlightenment as he cultivated, Ji Yuan personally crafted it using a part of his spiritual essence. This was also the first time he was using it.

He dipped the brush in ink and wrote a bold “fortune” character on the red paper. At this moment, the Dragon Daughter, observing from nearby, seemed to be able to see faint red flowers faintly blossoming from the tip of Ji Yuan’s brush.

‘What skillful calligraphy!’

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T/n: Aww, I like this. A principled, honorable breakup between individuals who can respect each other.

T/n: because that worked so well the first time

T/n: JY, miraculously coming back from the “dead” and scaring the living bejeezus out of his acquaintances: BE NOT AFRAID

It’s customary to hang up characters like “fortune” or various couplets on red paper for the New Year

妙笔生花 (miàobǐshēnghuā): gifted or skillful writing. Also the chapter title.